Mzansi Magic announces new drama ‘Inyosi’

Mzansi Magic has announced a brand-new drama, Inyosi, a family drama that offers a layered portrait of power, and belonging, rooted in cultural specificity and emotional truth. Inyosi is set to premiere on Mzansi Magic Channel 161 on Monday, 2 November at 8pm. Key cast members includes Dawn Thandeka King leading the ensemble alongside Kethukuthula Jele, a talented newcomer making her television debut, Thembsie Matu, and Kwenzo Ngcobo. 

This 13-part drama follows Mabongi Mageza-Ngcobo, a widow, successful businesswoman, and CEO of Ekhaya Events and Catering, played by Dawn Thandeka King (Shaka iLembe). She is a devoted mother to her three children: Nsika, played by Kwanele Mkhize (Shaka iLembe); Kwanele, played by Toka Mtabane (Youngins); and Samukelo, played by Nandipa Khubone (Gomora). As questions about the future leadership of the family business begin to emerge, her children see an opportunity and start competing to prove themselves worthy of succeeding her as CEO of Ekhaya Events and Catering. 

Thirty years ago, a young Mabongi, accompanied by her family, went to inform the family of the man she loved, Bheki that she was pregnant. Instead of acknowledging the child as his, Bheki told her that he was going to marry another woman, someone he considered pure and untainted. The rejection devastated Mabongi, especially because she had worked hard to preserve her purity and had participated in Umhlanga a rite of passage where young women are taught to preserve their virtue through traditional song, dance, and mentorship before marriage. To make matters worse, the young maidens she had attended umhlanga with turned their backs on her. 

Hurt, humiliated and desperate, Mabongi turns to Sunday Nkabinde played by Zakhele Msibi (Isibaya), a powerful spiritual healer, in search of umuthi wenhlanhla to win back her lover. Instead, he offers her an isthwalo that promises to change her fortunes. She accepts, unaware that the choice will have consequences that echo for generations. As the consequences of Mabongi’s decision ripple through generations, Buhle, played by Mzansi Magic newcomer Kethukuthula Jele, begins to uncover the mystery behind a distinctive honeycomb-shaped mark on her back, a mark linked to a decades-old secret that is only now coming to light. 

What are the terms of this agreement, and what sacrifices will Mabongi be forced to make in her quest to escape poverty, humiliation, and a life of insignificance? 

Inyosi Season 1 premieres on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) on 2 November.