TV PRODUCER, Mandla N is confident he will bring much anticipated change to e.tv's primetime slot.
The 6.30pm timeslot has been struggling to get good viewership and Mandla is coming to the rescue.
Shows like Durban Gen and Nikiwe failed to bring good numbers and were canned by the channel in January 2023 and January 2024, respectively.
Through his production company, Black Brain Pictures, Mandla is working on a new show that will fill the spot from April, and it's called Isiphetho – Destiny.
“We’ve done this on Mzansi Magic and the SABC. We’re currently doing it on e.tv at 9.30pm for Isitha: The Enemy. We come to rescue timeslots and do that well.
"The challenge is always great, we accept it. We’re excited because we did it with Isitha. We're confident that with the support of the viewers, the media and everyone around us, we'll bring in the numbers that the channel wants. I think this will be a game-changer for e.tv,” he said.
According to Mandla, the story is set in Mzimhlophe, Soweto.
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“This project is big, we built a Mzimhlophe in our studio. Our studios look like Tyler Perry's studios. They're big, and we've built a lot there. The show is about a group of friends who have deep dark secrets from the past. The past comes back to haunt them years later.
“They must face their destiny. In an attempt to do that, they bring families together. We’ve got interesting characters. When it comes to Soweto, I know it. I grew up here. I understand the culture and everything, hence it was easy for us to build it,” he said.
Mandla also went around Mzansi looking for actors to cast.
“It’s my responsibility to bring new talent. If you look at other shows, they look up to me to bring new talent. We went to KZN, the Eastern Cape and Polokwane in our quest to find new talent. There are, of course, some legends in the game such as Linda Sokhulu and Peter Mashigo. You have to combine the old and the new to bring out a new culture," he said.
Black Brain Pictures has produced shows such as Lockdown, DiepCity, Thandeka's Diary, Ses' Top La and many others which were hits.
When e.tv canned Nikiwe, they said it wasn’t bringing in numbers.
“The local primetime drama on e.tv will come to an end this year. Unfortunately, the show has not continued to deliver the anticipated ratings. The channel continually reviews programmes and storylines to ensure we give viewers the best local entertainment. Further information regarding the replacement show will be shared soon,” read the statement at the time.
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