IT HAS been confirmed that Umkhokha returning as a telenovela.
The news was announced by writer and executive producer Mandla KaNozulu.
Previously, the show has been aired on Sunday nights on Mzansi Magic. It tells the story of two families fighting for a church called Ithempeli Lenkosi after the leader dies.
Mandla said the writers were already busy with the scripts for the telenovela and the cast would be announced within a few weeks.
“I am happy to announce that Umkhokha is coming back and this time, it’s coming back as a telenovela. This means it’s going to be longer and not 13 episodes like in the first season,” he said.
“I am aware that viewers were left hanging and wanting more but this time around, they will be in for a treat. I can also assure them the majority of the actors will be coming back. However, we will be announcing the full case before the end of September.”
Mandla said fans could expect more drama, twists and turns.
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“Our writers are capable and experiences. I have no doubt viewers will enjoy it even more. I also want to add that we are coming back with a whole new list of songs,” he said.
“This is because Umkhokha is a unique production, therefore, we cannot play generic music. We have to compose new songs.”
Mandla said he was not sure when exactly the telenovela would start airing and on which channel.
“For now, I am not sure of the dates but it’s probably going to start in early 2023. I am also aware that two telenovelas are ending in the next few months and I suspect we might be taking one of those slots,” he said.
The SunTeam has been tipped off that Umkhokha will be replacing Diep City, which is coming to an end in March.
When Umkhokha first premiered in 2021, it stirred a lot of drama in the Shembe Church. Many members believed the show was about their church but the issue was cleared up and Mduduzi Shembe apologised to the producers.
Shirley Adonisi, director of local entertainment channels at MNet, confirmed that Diep City would be replaced with a new telenovela but would not say more.
