Latest news with #MzansiMagic
IOL News
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Mzansi Magic celebrates 15 years of storytelling excellence
For 15 years Mzansi Magic has delivered award-winning shows and films Image: Supplied On July 12, 2010, a bold new voice emerged on South African television - one that spoke our language, reflected our lives and told Mzansi-born and bred stories in a refreshing way. That voice was Mzansi Magic. What began as a modest programming block of local series and international films has grown into a powerhouse producer and showcase of homegrown content. Over the years, Mzansi Magic has delivered award-winning shows and films, created unprecedented opportunities for local talent and played a pivotal role in shaping the South African production industry. At its inception, the channel set out to 'engage producers and explore possibilities beyond traditional commissioning models'. That vision has been realised - and gone beyond what MultiChoice expected at its inception. Mzansi Magic's stories, stars and shows have influenced language, fashion and culture, while setting new benchmarks for local storytelling. From the beloved Lokshin Bioskop films to genre-defining dramas and reality shows, the channel has become a cultural cornerstone for Southern Africa. Mzansi Magic has brought us unforgettable moments: the gripping drama of iNkaba (2012), the iconic Isibaya (2013), the boundary-pushing Rockville (2013), the reality sensation Date My Family (2017), and the groundbreaking Lockdown (2017). These titles didn't just entertain - they sparked conversations, launched careers and redefined what local television could be. The channel has also nurtured new talent through initiatives like the MultiChoice Talent Factory, where graduates have gone on to contribute to some of Mzansi Magic's most beloved productions. 'For 15 years, Mzansi Magic has stood at the heart of South African entertainment — a platform where authenticity meets ambition, and where themes of family, resilience and identity are brought to life through bold storytelling and unforgettable characters,' says Nomsa Philiso, CEO of General Entertainment. 'What sets Mzansi Magic apart is not just the stories we tell, but the scale at which we tell them and the diversity they celebrate.' As part of the celebration, viewers can look forward to a curated showcase of iconic moments, unforgettable characters and fan-favourite genres - a journey through the stories that shaped a generation. A special commemorative documentary will also spotlight the channel's legacy, the talent it has nurtured and the cultural impact it continues to make. This celebration comes to life through the Mzansi Magic Pop-Up Channel - a special, limited-time experience on DStv Channel 196 - created to honour 15 years of storytelling excellence and the audiences who made it all possible. 'Mzansi Magic has always been about stories that reflect who we are… real, raw and proudly South African,' says Shirley Adonisi, Channel Director for Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net. 'This celebration is our way of saying 'Siyabonga Mzansi' for 15 unforgettable years. Our channel was raised by the audience and we're grateful for their commitment.' And the journey continues... With fresh content like the upcoming original crime drama Levels, starring Lunathi Mampofu and Bonko Khoza, premiering on September 7, Mzansi Magic is just getting started. So whether you've been there since the very first 'Yoh!' or joined along the way - this is your moment to relive the magic, remember the icons and look forward to the next chapter.
TimesLIVE
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Mzansi Magic celebrates 15 years by inviting you to relive magic moments
Fifteen years ago, on July 12 2010, a bold new voice emerged on South African television — one that spoke our language, reflected our lives and told Mzansi-born and -bred stories in a refreshing way. That voice was MultiChoice's Mzansi Magic. What began as a modest programming block of local series and international films has grown into a powerhouse producer and showcase of home-grown content. Over the years, Mzansi Magic has delivered award-winning shows and films, created unprecedented opportunities for local talent and played a pivotal role in shaping the South African production industry. At its inception, the channel set out to 'engage producers and explore possibilities beyond traditional commissioning models'. That vision has been realised — and gone beyond what MultiChoice expected at its inception. Mzansi Magic's stories, stars and shows have influenced language, fashion and culture, while setting new benchmarks for local storytelling. From the beloved Lokshin Bioskop films to genre-defining dramas and reality shows, the channel has become a cultural cornerstone for Southern Africa. For 15 years, Mzansi Magic has stood at the heart of South African entertainment — a platform where authenticity meets ambition, and where themes of family, resilience and identity are brought to life through bold storytelling and unforgettable characters Nomsa Philiso, CEO of General Entertainment at MultiChoice Mzansi Magic has brought us unforgettable moments: the gripping drama of iNkaba (2012), the iconic Isibaya (2013), the boundary-pushing Rockville (2013), the reality sensation Date My Family (2017), and the groundbreaking Lockdown (2017). These titles didn't just entertain — they sparked conversations, launched careers and redefined what local television could be. The channel has also nurtured new talent through initiatives like the MultiChoice Talent Factory, where graduates have gone on to contribute to some of Mzansi Magic's most beloved productions. 'For 15 years, Mzansi Magic has stood at the heart of South African entertainment — a platform where authenticity meets ambition, and where themes of family, resilience and identity are brought to life through bold storytelling and unforgettable characters,' says Nomsa Philiso, MultiChoice's General Entertainment CEO. 'What sets Mzansi Magic apart is not just the stories we tell, but the scale at which we tell them and the diversity they celebrate.' As part of Mzansi Magic's 15th birthday celebration, viewers can look forward to a curated showcase of iconic moments, unforgettable characters and fan-favourite genres — a journey through the stories that shaped a generation. A special commemorative documentary will also spotlight the channel's legacy, the talent it has nurtured and the cultural impact it continues to make. Mzansi Magic has always been about stories that reflect who we are ... real, raw and proudly South African Shirley Adonisi, director of Local Entertainment Channels at Multichoice This celebration comes to life through the Mzansi Magic Pop-Up Channel — a special, limited-time experience on DStv Channel 196 — created to honour 15 years of storytelling excellence and the audiences who made it all possible. 'Mzansi Magic has always been about stories that reflect who we are ... real, raw and proudly South African,' says Shirley Adonisi, director of Local Entertainment Channels at Multichoice. 'This celebration is our way of saying 'Siyabonga Mzansi ' for 15 unforgettable years. Our channel was raised by the audience and we're grateful for their commitment.' And the journey continues. With fresh content like the upcoming original crime drama Levels, starring Lunathi Mampofu and Bonko Khoza, premiering on September 7, Mzansi Magic is just getting started. So whether you've been there since the very first 'Yoh!' or joined along the way — this is your moment to relive the magic, remember the icons and look forward to the next chapter.
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Celebrate 15 years of Mzansi Magic
Honouring the stories that raised Mzansi On 12 July 2010, a bold new voice emerged on South African television – one that spoke our language, reflected our lives and told Mzansi-born and bred stories in a refreshing way. That voice was Mzansi Magic. What began as a modest programming block of local series and international films has grown into a powerhouse producer and showcase of homegrown content. Over the years, Mzansi Magic has delivered award-winning shows and films, created unprecedented opportunities for local talent and played a pivotal role in shaping the South African production industry. At its inception, the channel set out to 'engage producers and explore possibilities beyond traditional commissioning models'. That vision has been realised – and gone beyond what MultiChoice expected at its inception. Mzansi Magic's stories, stars and shows have influenced language, fashion and culture, while setting new benchmarks for local storytelling. From the beloved Lokshin Bioskop films to genre-defining dramas and reality shows, the channel has become a cultural cornerstone for Southern Africa. Mzansi Magic has brought us unforgettable moments: the gripping drama of iNkaba (2012), the iconic Isibaya (2013), the boundary-pushing Rockville (2013), the reality sensation Date My Family (2017) and the groundbreaking Lockdown (2017). These titles didn't just entertain – they sparked conversations, launched careers and redefined what local television could be. The channel has also nurtured new talent through initiatives like the MultiChoice Talent Factory, where graduates have gone on to contribute to some of Mzansi Magic's most beloved productions. 'For 15 years, Mzansi Magic has stood at the heart of South African entertainment — a platform where authenticity meets ambition, and where themes of family, resilience and identity are brought to life through bold storytelling and unforgettable characters,' says Nomsa Philiso, CEO of General Entertainment. 'What sets Mzansi Magic apart is not just the stories we tell, but the scale at which we tell them and the diversity they celebrate.' As part of the celebration, viewers can look forward to a curated showcase of iconic moments, unforgettable characters and fan-favourite genres – a journey through the stories that shaped a generation. A special commemorative documentary will also spotlight the channel's legacy, the talent it has nurtured and the cultural impact it continues to make. This celebration comes to life through the Mzansi Magic Pop-Up Channel – a special, limited-time experience on DStv Channel 196 – created to honour 15 years of storytelling excellence and the audiences who made it all possible. 'Mzansi Magic has always been about stories that reflect who we are… real, raw and proudly South African,' says Shirley Adonisi, Channel Director for Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net. 'This celebration is our way of saying 'Siyabonga Mzansi' for 15 unforgettable years. Our channel was raised by the audience and we're grateful for their commitment.' And the journey continues… With fresh content like the upcoming original crime drama Levels, starring Lunathi Mampofu and Bonko Khoza, premiering on 7 September, Mzansi Magic is just getting started. So whether you've been there since the very first 'Yoh!' or joined along the way – this is your moment to relive the magic, remember the icons and look forward to the next chapter. NOW READ: How the last episode of 'Shaka iLembe' made Nomzamo Mbatha feel like a 'new person'
The South African
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Mzansi Magic marks 15 years with pop-up channel on DSTV
Mzansi Magic, South Africa's storytelling powerhouse, is turning 15, and they're inviting fans to relive the magic with a special celebration. A brand-new Pop-Up Channel on DStv (channel 196) will spotlight legendary shows and unforgettable characters that defined Mzansi's TV history. A CHANNEL DEEPLY ROOTED IN LOCAL STORYTELLING This nostalgic trip down memory lane promises iconic throwbacks, epic drama, and heartfelt moments that have resonated with millions nationwide. For those who remember their first 'Yoh!', this is your chance to reconnect with the moments that shaped local pop culture. Mzansi Magic is honouring the past and reminding us how proudly South African stories are worth celebrating every day. From the start, Mzansi Magic focused on content that boldly authentically reflected our lives, language, and cultural complexities. 'Mzansi Magic has always been about stories that reflect who we are… real, raw and proudly South African,' says Shirley Adonisi, Channel Director for Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net. 'This pop-up channel is our way of saying 'Siyabonga Mzansi' for 15 unforgettable years. Our channel was raised by the audience, we are grateful for their commitment, and we want to celebrate with them. We're throwing it back, remembering the icons and moments that shaped us, yet still looking forward to the next chapter.' The channel will showcase themed days celebrating boss queens, iconic rivalries, heartfelt drama, and unforgettable moments of pure entertainment. This exciting tribute isn't just about nostalgia; it powerfully honours local television's remarkable journey. 'For 15 years, Mzansi Magic has stood at the heart of South African entertainment — a platform where authenticity meets ambition, and where themes of family, resilience, and identity are brought to life through bold storytelling and unforgettable characters,' says Nomsa Philiso, CEO of General Entertainment. 'What sets Mzansi Magic apart is not just the stories we tell, but the scale and diversity with which we tell them. From intimate, niche productions that quietly become cult favourites, to large-scale, high-impact narratives that capture the national imagination — our storytelling continues to evolve and resonate.' The Mzansi Magic Pop-Up Channel launches Saturday, 12 July on DStv, celebrating 15 years of iconic, proudly South African television. Viewers can look forward to shows like iNkaba (2012), Isibaya (2013), Rockville (2013), Date My Family (2017), and Lockdown (2017). Themed viewing days will revisit the key moments and storylines that defined Mzansi Magic's unforgettable legacy. These special broadcasts will celebrate characters and shows that helped make Mzansi Magic a true powerhouse in local entertainment. WHICH SHOWS ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO WATCH FIRST? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
News24
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Isibaya, Lockdown and Rockville make a comeback on DStv for nostalgia
Mzansi Magic is launching a pop-up channel to celebrate its 15-year milestone. The pop-up channel will premiere on Saturday, 12 July and will feature themed viewing days. The celebration will feature shows such as Isibaya, Rockville, Inkaba and Date My Family. When Mzansi Magic launched back in July 2010, it debuted with three original shows to boost local productions. At the time, the channel was headed by film veteran Lebone Maema, who ensured that the spotlight was firmly placed on the SA entertainment industry. The first three shows to air were: My Top 10@10, hosted by Thabo Mokwele in association with Kaya 959; Headline, hosted by the late media personality Kuli Roberts; and Redi on Mzansi, hosted by journalist Redi Tlhabi. Since then, Mzansi Magic has grown to become a firm favourite among viewers, offering more local content with relatable stories and local languages. Popular among them are Gomora, Isibaya, The Queen, Uthando Nes'thembu, I Blew It and Umkhokha: The Curse. To celebrate the channel's growth and its 15-year milestone, MultiChoice is bringing back some of its iconic shows for nostalgia. This is set to be a heartfelt tribute to the shows, the personalities and the stories they told. Supplied DStv viewers can get ready to indulge in a trip down memory lane on a pop-up channel (channel 196), launching on Saturday, 12 July. The channel will feature Mzansi Magic's first drama, Inkaba, which premiered in 2012 and starred Dumisani Mbebe, Baby Cele, John Kani and Magic Hlatshwayo. Another fan favourite that viewers have long been begging for is Isibaya, which first aired in 2013. The beloved series will bring back the world of the Zungus and the Ndlovus, filled with taxi wars, witchcraft, wealth and power. Leading the cast were remarkable actors such as the late Menzi Ngubane, Siyabonga Thwala, Sdumo Mtshali, Abdul Khoza, Nomzamo Mbatha, Ayanda Borotho and Jessica Nkosi. Ferguson Films, owned by celebrated actress, producer and businessperson Connie Ferguson and her late husband Shona, aired its first drama series, Rockville, on Mzansi Magic in 2013. The couple also co-starred in the show, which launched and boosted the acting careers of talents such as Minnie Dlamini, Tango Ncetezo, Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa and Boity Thulo. Industry veterans Nandi Nyembe, Brenda Ngxoli, Sello Maake kaNcube and Hlomla Dandala were also part of the drama, which ran for five successful seasons. The show will also make a return on channel 196. Shows like Lockdown and Date My Family will also be making a brief return for viewers to relive the magic. Shirley Adonisi, the channel's director for local entertainment channels at M-Net, said Mzansi Magic was always about telling real and raw South African stories. 'This pop-up channel is our way of saying 'siyabonga Mzansi' for 15 unforgettable years. Our channel was raised by the audience and we are grateful for their commitment and we want to celebrate with them,' Adonisi said. We're throwing it back, remembering the icons and moments that shaped us, yet still looking forward to the next chapter. Shirley Adonisi CEO of general entertainment Nomsa Philiso said Mzansi Magic stories evolved and resonated with people, and the channel was a platform where authenticity met ambition. 'For 15 years, Mzansi Magic has stood at the heart of South African entertainment, where themes of family, resilience and identity are brought to life through bold storytelling and unforgettable characters. From intimate, niche productions that quietly become cult favourites to large-scale, high-impact narratives that capture the national imagination, our storytelling continues to evolve and resonate,' said Philiso.
