The River fans are in for a treat as Presley Chweneyagae aka Thuso ‘Cobra’ Mokoena, the unforgettable star of the multi-award winning The River, returns to captivate audiences in a spin-off series, Cobrizi, named after the character.
Premiering on Mzansi Magic in March 2025, this drama promises a gritty, heart-wrenching and ultimately hopeful tale of survival, love and redemption. The 13-episode drama sees Cobra attempting to do right by his youngest child and prove he is not a loser. He unexpectedly finds love and after moving to inner-city Johannesburg.
But don’t be fooled, Cobra’s journey is anything but smooth. He starts off as the same troubled, angry man viewers knew from The River – a survivor whose only way out has been through theft and hustling. His anger burns at the failed social system that’s left him trapped in poverty, fueling his belief in radical change. He is still drawn to his beer, women and taverns but even a man like Cobra can evolve… if life gives him a fighting chance.
“Cobra’s story really resonated with our Mzansi Magic viewers because of the way it presented the glamorous lives of the Dlamini-Dikanas compared to the struggling Mokoenas. It’s a story of hope, resilience, and community,” says Shirley Adonisi, Director of Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net.
“Presley really brought tremendous depth and humor to the character and this is a way to explore this tortured man’s world and see if his anger could be focused into tenacity to help him try to create a better life for himself,” says Adonisi.
The series will boast a cast of some familiar faces from The River like Thapelo Sebogodi (as Kabzela) who was Cobra’s ‘bra’(bestie), the vivacious Winnie Ntshaba and they will be joined by award-winning actress Thembsie Matu (as Ous Sheila), Sivenathi Mabuya (Bongiwe), Paul Maila (Rajah), Ishmauel Songo (Peanut), Chrispen Nyathi (Raisin), Thobani Mbhele (Bangkok), Moliehi Didie Makobane (Teresia) – along with an array of new talent Siphiwe Radebe (Simphiwe), Kadia Banyini (Nkanyiso), Xolani Mfeka (Bab’ Dladla) and Charmaine Mncwabe (Ama) in dynamic roles that will keep audiences coming back for more.
Cobrizi is produced by Tshedza Pictures.
Don’t miss the electrifying premiere of Cobrizi, coming to Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) in March 2025.
See First Look images of Cobrizi below
