Showmax has just dropped the trailer for Red Ink, based on Angela Makholwa-Moabelo’s bestselling debut novel. Streaming from 12 February 2024, with new episodes on Tuesdays.
The eight-part thriller tells the story of journalist turned publicist Lucy Khambule, who is approached by an imprisoned serial killer to tell his story. SAFTA nominee Nqobile Nunu Khumalo (Nqobile, The Herd) plays Lucy, with SAFTA winner Bonko Khoza (Mqhele in The Wife) as Napoleon Dingiswayo nicknamed the Butcher by the media.
Red Ink is a partnership between Makholwa-Moabelo’s Britespark Films and Bomb Productions. This marks the first Showmax Original from Bomb, who made DStv’s most-watched drama ever, Shaka ILembe, as well as classics like Venice winner Yizo Yizo, Oscar nominee Mandela: Son of Africa, Father of a Nation, Sundance winner Amandla: A Revolution In Four-Part Harmony and multi-award winner Isibaya. SAFTA winners Zeno Petersen and Adze Ugah direct Red Ink, having been part of the directing team on Shaka Ilembe.
The cast
Red Ink reunites Khoza on screen with two of the other Zulu brothers from The Wife: DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice winners Kwenzo Ngcobo (Qhawe) and Abdul Khoza (Nqoba). The all-star cast also includes Nirvana Nokwe-Mseleku, the breakout star of Showmax’s latest hit, Outlaws, as well as SAFTA winners Bongile Mantsai (Inxeba: The Wound), Jo-Anne Reyneke (Black Tax) and Lorcia Cooper Kumalo (Lockdown), not to mention Tsholofelo Maseko (Intersexions) and Yonda Thomas (Mrs Right Guy, Mina Nawe)
Watch Red Ink trailer
Adapting your book to another medium can be daunting for any author. “The fear from an author normally stems from having to let go of something that you have birthed and nurtured. Any book is a labour of love for a writer, so Handing it over to somebody else to translate into a different medium will always be nerve-wracking,” says Makholwa-Moabelo, who executive produces and co-writes the Showmax Original.
“But I’m excited; there’s less trepidation on my side than you’d expect. It’s been a great pleasure because I’ve been in the writer’s room. I’m an executive producer on the show so I’m involved in the decision-making, anything from casting to wardrobe. It’s not always done this way but it’s an extremely empowering feeling; I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”
The Reed Dance Stalker, Makholwa-Moabelo’s long-awaited sequel to Red Ink, is now available in all good bookstores.
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About Showmax
Showmax, launched in 2015 and available in more than 40 markets across the continent, is a leading African streaming service. It offers a unique combination of original African content, first and exclusive international series, popular movies, premium documentaries and the best kids’ shows, and will soon offer a mobile-only product to watch the Premier League (PL). Showmax is jointly owned by MultiChoice (JSE: MCG), the leading video entertainment platform and biggest producer of content in Africa, and Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA), one of the world’s biggest media companies.
