Get Ready For A Brand-New Story Of Passion, Power & Perseverance, And Ultimate Triumph: Champions Premieres On The 5th Of February 2024 On Mzansi Magic.

The upcoming Mzansi Magic telenovela Champions will feature A-list talent like Sello Maake ka-Ncube, Tumisho Masha, and Jo-anne Reyneke and introduce the breakout duo of Rethabile Mohapi and Minkie Malatji. Champions premieres on Mzansi Magic channel 161 from Monday 5 February at 7 pm (Mondays to Fridays).

 

In a world where the turf is tough and the stakes are high, Sne Modise (played by Reyneke) is a symbol of resilience and ambition in a male-dominated soccer empire. Battling the storm caused by sudden changes in her father, Washington’s life, Sne is thrown into a series of challenges, love, and betrayal. While battling the intense drama, as the underdog, Sne stands at the top, determined to challenge the gender norms and lead the Soshanguve Giants F.C. to success. But the question remains: Can she come out on top in an arena where the rules of the game are constantly changing?

 

Champions is skillfully crafted by Tshedza Pictures, the production house behind hit TV shows like The River, Outlaws, Adulting, and Gqeberha: The Empire. Viewers can expect passion, power, perseverance & ultimate triumph.

 

“Champions uniquely embodies the spirit of South Africa, aiming to inspire and excite our audience. It's a celebration of ambition, positivity, and the resilience of our people. Tshedza Pictures is thrilled to collaborate again with Mzansi Magic, and we eagerly anticipate the moment our viewers will join us on this incredible journey.” says Executive Producer, Phathutshedzo Makwarela.

 

Featured cast and characters on Champions:

Sello Maake ka-Ncube (The Queen) as Washington Modise

A former player-turned-entrepreneur, Washington breathed life into his own football team Soshanguve Giants FC, steering it with a mix of shrewd business sense and a deep love for the game. His story is a compelling mix of ambition, challenge, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Kgomotso Christopher (Legacy) as Lucinda Modise – wife to Washington, her story is one of quiet strength, enduring support, and the influential role of a partner in the whirlwind world of success and power.

Tumisho Masha (Saints and Sinners, Isibaya) as Philemon Modise- Long overshadowed by his brother Washington, he feels the world has yet to acknowledge his true worth. His narrative is one of greed, sibling rivalry, and the relentless pursuit of personal acclaim.

Kwenzo Ngcobo (The Wife) as Zipho - Stands as a titan in the space of talent management. Zipho's story is about navigating the intricate web of professional success and personal integrity in a world where both are constantly tested.

Thembinkosi Mthembu (Shaka iLembe, Adulting) as Ferrari - Once the crown jewel of South African football, Ferrari now stands at a crossroads where his illustrious career faces the threat of dimming.

Thato Dithebe (Kokota) as Lebo Serite – His aspirations to conquer the grand football stadiums and lift his family out of poverty are fuelled by a potent mix of talent, charisma, and determination.

Come witness the winning combination of “Making your own Rules” in Champions, only on Mzansi Magic, DStv channel 161 this February 2024.

February 2024 On Qwest TV | James Brown - Live In Georgia | Solomon Burke - Avo Session | Buddy Guy - Baloise Session | Kool And The Gang - Baloise Session

James Brown - Live in Georgia, 1985

James Brown, James Brown, James Brown." His name is repeated like a mantra at the Chastain Park

Amphitheatre, as if people were calling a Messiah who had swapped Christianity for funk. Although

this 1985 concert’s grainy images and editing are deliciously dated and incredibly vintage (it was the

pre-smartphone time when people got out lighters during ballads), the Godfather of Soul’s music

sounds downright timeless. Before his fellow citizens of Georgia, the man from Augusta doesn’t look his 52 years when he puts the pedal to the metal on "I Got You (I Feel Good)" and "Get on the Good Foot." Afterwards, when he throws himself into a split for "Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag," he comes

back up as if it’s nothing.

As usual, James Brown sees his concert as choreography. While pushing the limits of his vocal cords, the American waves his arms to lead his band (where we find his regulars, Martha High, Maceo

Parker, and St. Clair Pinckney) and get them to dance. He covers the whole length and breadth of the stage. Dressed in electric blue for the first half of the show, he changes into bright red after a

surprising version of the local anthem, "Georgia on My Mind." And when he mimes his departure at the

end of "Please, Please, Please" like a boxer in his robe, he returns all of a sudden to shake the

audience’s hands like a campaigning politician. Singer, dancer, composer, band leader, politician,

boxer, godfather, and messiah: James Brown was all of these thing at the same time. And even more.

Solomon Burke - Avo Session

The roses, throne, and sequined costume that adorn the 158 kilos of the king and pioneer of soul

during the golden age of Atlantic Records perfectly complement his gripping charisma and his voice

filled with rhythm'n' blues and gospel; he was James Brown's rival back in the day.

All his life, from the church pews to the Apollo Theater in Harlem, Solomon Burke was this preacher,

entrepreneur, and performer who, when he died in 2010, left behind 21 children, about 40 albums, and

classics such as "Cry to Me" and "Everybody Needs Somebody to Love." At the time of his last

performances, Solomon Burke offers his audience an electric, brass-filled celebration where the

standards of Ray Charles, Joe Tex, Little Richard and Nat King Cole are also invited. Hallelujah!

Buddy Guy - Baloise Session

Presented as the star he is, Buddy Guy was introduced to the Baloise Sessions stage at the age of eighty-two, a full sixty years after the recording of his first album (1958 - 2018). The acclaimed artist

introduced the session with "I Got the Blues." This sentiment couldn't be more true, as the blues has

accompanied him all his life, since he was 13 years old, when he played every night on a two-string

guitar on his porch before a neighbour finally offered him a new guitar. This act, without it being clear

at the time, sent him on the path to be one of the greatest blues figures. He would go on to emigrate

to Chicago where he found a little more freedom than in the segregationist south and took the most

important steps of his career: to be noticed by Muddy Waters, to play with BB King, Otis Rush, to open a club... Here he is again delivering a show in full control, like the legend he is, playing with his torso, guitar turned away, or with a drum stick and towel, surfing with style on the classic "(I'm Your) Hoochie Coochie Man"...What is there to say, if not that we would have loved to have been there!

Kool And The Gang - Baloise Session

A monument of Great Black Music, Kool & the Gang bring back to life the jazz-funk verve of their glory

years, the soundtrack of an entire era, with the on-stage groove and flamboyance that made them

successful from the 1970s onwards.

Although the group has replaced some of its members over the years—including the charismatic

James Taylor and his animal voice—its pillars, such as Robert "Kool" Bell, Michael Ray, and Curtis

Williams, supported by a new guard and a very strong brass section, still prove that they have not sold nearly 80 million records by chance. "Get Down on it, "Ladies Night," "Celebration," and "Hollywood

Swinging": Kool & the Gang gives these timeless hits a second life with just the right amount of glitter

and nostalgia. 

Judgement, The Game Of My Destiny And 10 Other Turkish Series Rumoured To Debut In South Africa Soon

To expand from the Everyday Novelas column of 2024, we list various content that have been reportedly been picked up by your favourite brands.

1. Kaderimin Oyunu (The Game Of My Destiny)

Tells the gripping story of Asiye, whose world is turned upside down when her daughter is attacked by a neighbor, leaving them to rebuild their shattered lives. When the stranger Mahir finds them refuge in the home of his powerful family, she is shocked to encounter her ex-husband Cemal who abandoned the family years earlier. 

2. Hercai (Inconstant Love)

Miran is a mysterious man who appears in the life of Reyyan, a young woman from a wealthy and very powerful family, and she falls in love. But things don't turn out as she expected, as there is a dark motive behind everything.

3. Yargi (Judgement)

A murder case brings together a defence attorney and a prosecutor, forcing them into an uneasy alliance as they search for the killer.

4. Kizim (My Little Girl)

Oyku, an eight-year-old girl with a rare genetic condition, sets out to find her father after she is abandoned by her aunt. However, when she meets him, he tries to get rid of her.

5. Sadakatsız (A Woman Scorned)

Asya is a successful doctor and she has a perfect life with her husband and her son. But after finding a blonde hair on her husband's scarf, everything changes and she discovers her husband's extramarital affair.

6. Gülcemal

Abandoned by his mother as a boy. A man years later vows to get revenge on the mom and her new family all while unknowingly falling in love with her adopted daughter.

7. Bir Küçük Gün Isigi (A Little Sunshine)

The series tracks the life of Elif, whose world is turned upside down when she realises her husband had a daughter with another wife who she never knew about.

8. Bay Yanlis (Mr. Wrong)

Wealthy restaurant owner Özgür prefers casual dating to serious relationships. Ezgi wants to get married, but she only ends up being used by men. Özgür agrees to give her dating tips so her next relationship with Serdar would work out.

9. Aldatmak (Deception)

Güzide Yenersoy is a distinguished, respected family court judge. She is an honest and principled woman who has saved many marriages from destruction, made sure that many children receive the affection and love they deserve, and has always been on the side of justice. 

10. Aziz

This is about a young man who becomes a powerful man fighting against cruelty and unfairness after losing everything in life.

11. Ada Masalı (Be My Sunshine)

Unassuming physics teacher Akif's homeroom is even more unruly than usual when he suddenly announces, "from now on you are my hostages." With Akif’s touch of a button, a violent explosion separates their classroom from the rest of the school. 

12. Kalp Yarasi (Wounded Heart)

The series story is about Ferit and Ayse who find themselves in a difficult marriage game for 6 months. Will Ferit forgive Hande? Will Ferit and Ayse persuade everybody that they are really in love with each other?

Recap To Last Year: "There Are Currently No Plans Of Rebranding Cartoon Network Africa"

Cartoon Network is an international brand operated by Warner Bros. Discovery that was constructed to distribute various TV based films and series. It garnered popularity globally with a dedicated TV channels and also contributed to brands like Adult Swim and Cartoonito.

In recent years, Warner Bros. Discovery had further distanced themselves from the trademark with Adult Swim taking front row seat with Unicorn Warriors Eternal and My Adventures With Superman. Other feeds continue to cater for a younger demographic outside their studios.

The linear counterparts had also seen a change in management before you'd have one feed calling the shots with others following procedures. Overtime, more feeds begun to operate more independently if it was not through content then it would be the technical specifics.

Through an enquiry on whether Cartoon Network in Africa and likely the rest of EMEA could look into adopt to their international counterpart this is what I got from a representative:

Cartoon Network USA and Cartoon Network Africa operate as distinct channels with their own unique designs, programming, and branding strategies. While there are similarities in design elements, these choices are made independently to cater to the specific preferences and tastes of their respective audiences.

As of now, there are no plans for a rebranding of Cartoon Network Africa. Both channels will continue to deliver content tailored to their specific markets, ensuring a diverse and engaging viewing experience for fans across different regions.

Although, no plans are set in stone for them to follow their international counterparts. Various channels had opted for a regionalized revamping and this included Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Cartoonito so it wouldn't seem far fetched if Cartoon Network joined the trio.

Sony Plans To Scrap Merger With Zee TV Parent Company

Japan's Sony (6758.T) is planning to scrap the merger of its Indian unit with Zee Entertainment (ZEE.NS), more than two years after the deal was announced, over a disagreement on who will lead the $10 billion entity, Bloomberg News reported on Monday.

Sony plans to file a termination notice before the extended Jan. 20 deadline to close the merger, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter. It added that discussions between Sony and Zee were still ongoing.

Zee and Sony did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The deal to merge Zee and Sony's TV channels, streaming platforms and film assets has been delayed after India's markets regulator, in August, barred Punit Goenka, Zee CEO and a candidate to lead the merged entity, from directorships of any listed company.

An Indian tribunal, however, lifted the ban on Goenka in October but said he would have to cooperate with any investigation by the country's markets regulator.

In November, Sony pushed for N.P. Singh, the managing director of its Indian operations, to head the merged company, instead of Goenka, local business daily Mint had reported.