Draft:Umkhokha

Umkhokha is a South African television drama series based on an original concept by Mandla kaNozulu. It is an M-Net original series produced by Rhythm World Productions for subscription television channel Mzansi Magic, and stars Deli Malinga, Sthandiwe Kgoroge, Nay Maps, Linda Sokhulu, Hope Mbhele, Sibonile Ngubane and Kwezi Ndlovu.

Umkhokha
Based on	An original concept by Mandla kaNozulu
Written by	Chris Q. Radebe Sasa Nqabeni Sayitsheni Mdakhi Zoleka Monare Awelani Makhuvha
Directed by	Menga Nhlabathi
Starring	Deli Malinga Sthandiwe Kgoroge Nay Maps Linda Sokhulu Hope Mbhele Sibonile Ngubane Kwezi Ndlovu
Music by	Zithulele Kwela Lamontville Cultural Ensemble
Opening theme	Mkhululi Wezoni
Production
Executive producers	Mandla KaNozulu Nathi Ngwane
Producer	Nkonzo Mdluli
Production company	Rhythm World Productions
Original release
Network	Mzansi Magic
Release	03 October 2021

Synopsis

Ithempeli Lenkosi, the largest church in KwaZulu-Natal, is at the center of the series. The church's significant size and influence lead many to view it as a business. The series begins with the announcement of a lucrative contract between the church and a beverage company. The contract involves the company bottling and selling holy water, which the church leader, Kwazi Mthembu, prays over. The church shares in the profits generated by the company. The first scene of the series depicts the murder of Kwazi Mthembu, the leader of Ithempeli Lenkosi. This event sets off a power struggle for control of the church between the Mthembu and Gumede families, as various factions vie for dominance.

Cast

Main

• Deli Malinga as MaMzobe
• Sthandiwe Kgoroge as MaNdzimande
• Nay Maps as Sphamandla Mthembu
• Linda Sokhulu as Zodwa
• Sibonile Ngubane as Difa
• Kwezi Ndlovu as Nobuntu

Recurring

• Mbuso Khoza as Maphalala

• Msizi Njapha as Khulekani

• Sithembiso Khumalo as Zisebenzile

• Nokwanda Khuzwayo as Xolile

• Mondli Makhoba as Reggie

• Angel Zuma as Nomkhosi

• Nhlanhla Mofokeng as Ntuthuko

• Sibusiso Gcaba as Kwazi

• Zandile Zungu as Aunt Phelelephi

• Sandile Mthembu as Stebhisi

• Nkanyiso Kunene as Ntshumenthu

Broadcast

The series premiered on 03 October 2021, airing weekly episodes on Mzansi Magic. It was rerun on lower-tiered channel Mzansi Wethu on 15 October 2022. Later on, the series was added to streaming service Showmax.

Reception

According to the Broadcast Research Council's TAMS reviews, the series performed well in October 2021, drawing a viewership of 789,218 with an audience rating of 2.04, achieving a 14.8% share among viewers.

Spin-off series

In February 2023, Multichoice and M-Net announced a spin-off prequel series, titled Umkhokha: The Curse. Rather than continuing from the events of the original series which ended in a cliffhanger, the story takes viewers back to the beginning of the Ithempeli Lenkosi megachurch. Deli Malinga, Sibonile Ngubane, Nay Maps, and Hope Mbhele reprised their roles, while Gcinile Nkosi and Daniel Hadebe replaced Sthandiwe Kgoroge and Mondli Makhoba respectively. The series premiered on 6 March 2023, in the format of a telenovela.