Johannesburg, 15 August 2023 – Get ready to be captivated by the inspiring and poignant tale of one of South Africa’s most iconic musicians in the debut episode of Nkalakatha: The Life of Mandoza. The much-anticipated series takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster, chronicling the life of the legendary Mduduzi Tshabalala, popularly known as Mandoza. Episode 1 offers an intimate glimpse into the formative years of this extraordinary artist’s life, where adversity and resilience shaped him into an unforgettable musical force.

Episode 1 of Nkalakatha sets the stage with a riveting portrayal of Mduduzi Tshabalala’s youth, revealing his relentless pursuit of self-discovery in the vibrant kasi (township) environment. Viewers will witness the young Mduduzi navigating the complexities of life, seeking his identity, and longing for purpose amidst the challenges of the township life.

Tune in to Episode 1 of Nkalakatha: The Life of Mandoza, premiering on Wednesdays at 21:00 CAT, starting 16 August 2023, exclusively on BET Africa (DStv Channel 129), viewers can catch the repeat on Sundays at 19:00 or watch the biopic on DStv Now and DStv Catch Up. Witness the early chapters of the legend’s life and be moved by the indomitable spirit that would go on to touch the lives of millions.

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CAST & CREW

• Commissioning Editor: Herbert Hadebe.
• Executive Producers: Mpho Tshabalala, Vaughn Eaton, Zuko Nodada, Ipuseng Kotsokoane, McMillan Masoka.
• Directed by: Zuko Nodada, Luthando Lungelo Ngcobo, Luthando Mngomezulu.

KEY CAST

• Wiseman Mncube as Mandoza
• Lorraine Moropa as Mpho Tshabalala
• Khotso Phosa As Thembi’nkosi (young Mandoza)
• Lindo Sothole as General
• Nkosinathi “Mzambiya” KHOZA as Lollipop
• Fanele Zulu as Nhlanhla
• Phineas Bullets as Fana
• Lillian Dube as Gogo
• Dawn Thandeka King as Mother

SYNOPSIS:
It’s the dawn of South Africa’s liberation; big-hearted, impulsive Mduduzi from Zola township dreams of having a home and wants to help his mother and family. Kwaito is his one-way ticket. This is a story of a young man with a dream, a personal dream that finds him unprepared and soon overwhelms him. The dream becomes a nightmare. This is a story of the “person” behind the superstar “Mandoza”. This 6-part biopic delves into his emotional and personal struggles in a way that gives the viewers a sense of his ‘human’ side. It is the rise of the star, the resilience of a young boy from Soweto and restoration.