Isitha: The Enemy is a South African television drama series created by Mandla N and Mpumelelo Nhlapo. It is an e.tv original series produced by BlackBrain Pictures.[1] The series is a spinoff from the adult-themed drama series The Black Door, and stars Dawn Thandeka King, alongside Thobani Nzuza, Senzo Radebe, Sibulele Nthlebi,Sibonginkosi Tenza, Kwanda Manyathi, Nonkululeko Mbatha, Laki Khoza, Bheki Sibiya and Linda Sebezo reprising their roles.[2]
| Isitha: The Enemy | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Telenovela |
| Created by | Mandla N, and Mpumelelo Nhlapo |
| Written by | Eddie Thaba Bakang Sebatjane Donald Ndlovu Sweety Ntshangase, Wilson Shaddai Elelwani Netshifhire Makanaka Mavengere Veronica Nkosana, Kgomotso Aphane Mashadi Florence Rapeu Tsale Makam Mpo Osei-Tutu Nokuphiwa Magubane Oratile Mogoje |
| Starring |
|
| Theme music composer | Bongo Riot |
| Opening theme | Dlozilam Refix |
| Composers | Black Brain Pictures Jamele J Ross Senzo Afrika Kurt Slabbert Henwood Bongo Riot Mlindo the Vocalist |
| Country of origin | South Africa |
| Original languages | English Zulu |
| No. of seasons | 2 |
| No. of episodes | 346 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Producers |
|
| Camera setup | Multi-camera |
| Running time | 22-24 minutes |
| Production company |
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| Original release | |
| Network | e.tv |
| Release | 22 May 2023 – present |
| Related | |
| The Black Door | |
Premise
editInitially assumed to be dead, Chuma Sokhulu (Thobani Nzuza) is living in eSwatini under the pseudonym "Lazarus", and has turned to a life of heists. He works under the chiefdom of Chief Ngwenya (Lindani Nkosi), who is in a polygamous relationship. Chief Ngwenya generally favours Ayanda, leaving royal chieftess Nomcebo (Dawn Thandeka King) cast aside. She finds affection in the hands of "Lazarus". Both are soon caught by the prince Mbuso (Khanyisani Kheswa). Chuma is also caught stealing from the chief.
To avoid the chief's wrath, Chuma, with the help of Nomcebo, flee from the country and return to Chuma's home, where (continuing from the events of The Black Door) he finds his brother Khaya (Zamani Mbatha) in bed with his wife Nolitha (Sibulele Ntlebi). Chuma's return also attracts the eye of a long time enemy Rebecca Mabuza (Linda Sebezo) [3][4]
Cast
edit| Actor/Actress | Character | Seasons | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| As of ""The Black Door"" | Season 1 | Season 2 | ||
| Thobani Nzuza-Dlomo | Chuma Sokhulu | Recurring | Main | |
| Zamani Mbatha | Khaya Sokhulu | Main | ||
| Senzokuhle Radebe | Solomzi
Gumede |
Recurring | Main | |
| Velephi Mnisi | Nomsa Sokhulu | Main | ||
| Linda Sebezo | Rebecca Mabuza | Main | ||
| Sibongokuhle Tenza | Nandi Mkhize-Sokhulu | Main | ||
| Dawn Thandeka King | Nomcebo Ngwenya | Main | ||
| Khanyisani Kheswa | Chief Mbuso Ngwenya | Main | ||
| Nonhlanhla Ngubeni | Matshidiso Mkhabela | Main | ||
| Dikeledi Modupu | Nelly | Main | ||
| Ontiretse Radipabe | Martha | Main | ||
| Sibulele Ntlebi | Nolitha Sokhulu | Recurring | Main | |
| Nonkululeko Mbatha | Thenjiwe Sokhulu | Main | ||
| Kwanda Manyathi | Velaphi Sokhulu | Main | ||
Production
editIt was reported initially in August 2022 that the adult-themed telenovela The Black Door had been cancelled and would not be renewed for a second season. Both Mandla N and e.tv refuted those claims, with Mandla N labelling it as fake news.[5] He said that the series was here to stay,[6] and e.tv said that all was well with The Black Door, and they were unaware of any speculation that the show had been cancelled.[7] However, it was announced that the series would be replaced by its spinoff.[8] The Black Door, which was originally commissioned for 260 episodes, received a 15-episode extension.
In a press release by BlackBrain Pictures, co-creator Mpumelelo Nhlapo mentioned that it was strategically intended for The Black Door to run for one year. The "goal was to break new ground and to push the boundaries of South African television. The greater vision has always been to tell the story of the Sokhulu family as a multi-chapter series that allows us to explore different themes in dynamic and interesting ways."[9]
In May 2023, BlackBrain Pictures hosted an exclusive private screening event at Constitution Hill Women's Prison, in Braamfontein.[10]
Broadcast
editThe series premiered on 22 May 2023 on e.tv and plays Monday to Friday at 21:30 CAT. The series was also added to streaming service eVOD and has omnibus on Saturdays from 9:00 to 12:00 am
References
edit- ^ "Isitha The Enemy | e.tv". www.etv.co.za. 12 May 2023. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
- ^ "Spin-off series to continue story of the Sokhulus". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
- ^ Gitonga, Ruth (7 June 2023). "eTV's Isitha: The Enemy: Cast, plot summary, full story, episodes". Briefly. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
- ^ Maako, Compiled by Keitumetse. "Back from presumed death and looking for answers: Chuma Sokhulu returns to Isitha – The Enemy". Life. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
- ^ Katlego (5 September 2022). "Mandla N on reports that The Black Door has been canceled". KAYA 959. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
- ^ "'That was just fake news' — Mandla N says 'The Black Door' is here to stay". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
- ^ Keteyi, Oluthando (1 September 2022). "e.tv dismisses reports that its raunchy drama 'The Black Door' has been axed". Independent Online. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
- ^ Keteyi, Oluthando (5 May 2023). "'The Black Door' chapter closes with a new spin-off series taking over". Independent Online. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
- ^ Partner, T. M. O. (11 May 2023). "New prime time telenovela Isitha The Enemy set to launch in May". The Media Online. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
- ^ Mlotshwa, Yolanda. "e.tv's thrilling show Isitha - The Enemy premiers with a bang". City Press. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
External links
edit- Isitha: The Enemy at TVSA