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Mail & Guardian
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
Power, blood and spirits: Inside season 3 of Kings of Jo'Burg
Kingpin: Mo Masire, played by Zolisa Xaluva, in a scene from Kings of Jo'Burg season 3, which is on Netflix. Photo: Courtesy of Netflix There is no doubt that the team at Ferguson Films know how to create action in a gripping crime drama. Mzansi Magic's The Queen and Rockville are thrilling examples. In Netflix's Kings of Jo'Burg franchise they add an element of the supernatural. In the first season, which premiered in 2020, viewers were taken into the underworld of a Johannesburg criminal family, the Masires. Created by the late Shona Ferguson, who played kingpin Simon Masire in season 1, the series follows the Masires as they navigate power struggles, betrayals and supernatural forces. Led by Veronica Masire (Connie Ferguson) and Mo Masire (Zolisa Xaluva), in season 3, we see the family's continued rule over the criminal underworld, while dealing with a supernatural family curse and a new contender threatening to bring their empire to its knees. The rival gang, headed by Gavin Salat (Clint Brink), has declared war on the Masires in a bid to establish dominance in Johannesburg. To defend their turf, the Masires make a deal with their former enemy Aliko Bajo, played by Nigerian actor Enyinna Nwigwe. Executive producer Connie Ferguson and US co-executive producer Samad Davis continue their aim to create a show with a global reach. Thus, the casting for the franchise seems strategic with the inclusion of actors from South Africa, Nigeria and the US. Similar to previous seasons, which included American actors Terri J Vaughn and Michael Anthony, in this season we see new characters, such as Isador played by New York-born Malik Yoba. At first, I was sceptical about this all-star cast fulfilling my expectations, especially in the first season. But, rest assured, this is a serious series with a serious cast. With the exception of Lester's (Abdul Khoza) trivial jokes, there is no comic relief here. The overall tone from the characters, the soundtrack, and even the locations, is riveting, ominous and tense. There is no darker character than the menacing Gavin Salat who elevates the danger and supernatural factor. Complex and cold, with a robot-like wife on his side, Salat is Cape Town's saint by day and devil by night, leading a wide drug distribution network that includes prisons. Similar to Masire's Mermaid, Salat's supernatural entity is called Oom. Drawing from South African cultural heritage, Salat's gang members are tattooed with an eland — the spirit animal of the Khoisan. It is these spiritual symbols and mythical figures that set this franchise apart from what South African audiences have seen before. Unlike the Nigerian and Asian film industry, supernatural mythology is not broadly explored in South Africa. Growing up, my cousins and I were scared to death by drama series like Lesilo Rula (1987) and Ubizo (2007). Watching my grandparents' black-and-white TV, even the scenes with witches and dark spirits in Henry Cele's Shaka Zulu (1986) shook me as a boy. In recent times there have been a few films that drew inspiration from local folklore and beliefs. Norman Maake's recent award-winning Sebata: The Beast, 8: A South African Horror Story and Vuyani Bila's Deep Face, for instance, explore ghosts, spirits and other supernatural entities. A common denominator in the horror-supernatural genre is that the monsters are representative of unresolved traumas. When triggered by life events, we experience life as 'horror' as those past 'monsters' have been awakened. Kings of Jo'Burg challenges us to think about the monsters that lurk in our past and present, be it unresolved childhood traumas, envy, corrupt thoughts or fear. These negative emotions and energies, when undealt with, can turn people — alive or in the afterlife — into disruptive entities, hungry for blood and souls. The series made me wonder if family inheritances of spiritual gifts is a curse or blessing. Through The Mermaid and Oom, the series explores the idea of family legacies and spiritual warfare in protecting and enriching the family. In my village days as a child, we heard stories of shop owners burying human skulls and hands, with bony fingers creepily calling customers to purchase. Stories of people sleeping with snakes in their homes to gain success. Stories of businessmen and politicians bathing and drinking all sorts of concoctions in the shadows to amass more power and wealth. Kings of Jo'Burg prompts us to check our personal spiritual blind spots and our lineage. As hard as it might be to ask our elders about our family history, rituals and beliefs, the assignment to this generation is to ask those difficult questions, regardless. If we want to break generational curses, and embrace the beauty of family spiritual gifts, lifting the lids becomes of utmost importance. The supernatural aside, the action in series 3 is enthralling. In last year's Heart of the Hunter, a Netflix production also starring Ferguson, viewers saw how big-budget production can push the boundaries of action when it comes to fight scenes, car chases, weapons and explosions. The South African film and TV industry is indeed improving on that front. I was, however, not moved by the hyperbolic scoring in convincing audiences of the danger and thrill. Sure, it's a crime-action series, with plenty of bullets, blood, demons and drugs, but did the soundtrack have to be ominous in every scene? The overall sound design was off-putting, especially in the calmer and more emotive scenes. In one scene, when Veronica and Keneilwe (Thembi Seete) are talking about the glow of pregnancy, the music is imposingly eerie and mismatched. What am I as the viewer supposed to feel, exactly? The scene between Outjie (Maurice Paige) and Mo in the prison cafeteria also could have been made without music to allow the actors' prowess to naturally shine. The visual effects supplied by Pau Meyer from Luma Animation Studio, also the principal VFX supplier for M-Net's Shaka iLembe, immensely elevated the supernatural features in this season. The franchise has come a long way from the questionable camerawork, ambitious storyline and poor character development in the first season. Season 3 is bolder and more menacing — glowing eyes and all. Kings of Jo'Burg season 3 is streaming on Netflix.
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Chat with 'Kings of Joburg' cast members about new season
We caught up with Kings of Joburg cast members Thembi Seete, Zolisa Xaluva, and Sindi Mahlangu to hear what excites them most about the new season. The stakes are higher, and family bonds are tested like never before in the explosive third season of Kings of Joburg, which premiered on Friday, 13 June. The new season sees the Masire family maintain their grip on Johannesburg's criminal underworld, but a deadly curse and rising betrayals threaten their empire. With new characters, expanded settings, and elevated stakes, the cast says audiences are in for the most thrilling ride yet. We caught up with cast members Thembi Seete (Keneilwe Masire), Zolisa Xaluva (Mo Masire), and Sindi Mahlangu (Phumzi) to hear what excites them most about the new season – and how their characters have evolved. 'I'm really excited to see both worlds come together — Joburg and Cape Town — as well as the collaboration of incredible actors from different parts of the world. 'When I first read the script, I thought, 'Oh, we have a good story,' and with the other characters' worlds and how the story played out, I was really excited for them,' Seete told The Citizen. Season three takes viewers deeper into the supernatural and criminal elements that define the Masire family saga, with new characters and expanded locations bringing fresh energy to the storyline. For Xaluva, who plays family patriarch Mo Masire, the thrill lies in the complexity and visual scale of this season. 'It's a strong, clear story — dynamic, constantly evolving. From a visual point of view, we would say it's a heightened, cinematic offering — far superior to anything we have done so far. We had two directors of photography, one shooting in Joburg and the other in Cape Town. It's an exhibition of South African technical brilliance.' Mahlangu, who returns as Pumzi, said she was excited to see talent from different parts of the world come together and create magic. 'We've got a lot of actors coming together from different countries to tell one story, and that's also very exciting. We don't get a lot of those here, so I feel like for me, it was good to see everyone unite to tell this beautiful story.' ALSO READ: 'My intimate scenes have never been this intimate' – Thembi Seete on her 'Adulting' role Character development in the 'Kings of Joburg' new season Season three also highlights deeper character growth. Seete said her character, once known for her fiery temper, now serves as the family's voice of reason. 'This season, you see her heart and her commitment to saving her family. She's a mother, a voice of reason — someone who'll do anything to protect her family. In the first and second seasons, it was more about fighting, but now we see her saying, 'Please, let's not do this. Let's solve this. Let's rather go about it this way.'' Xaluva said Mo's character remains consistent in his moral compass, but the challenges he faces become far more intense this season. 'Mo has always been an open book. What you see is what you get. But this time, he just goes through a more intensified journey. He's in prison, breaks out to save his family, and travels from Johannesburg to Cape Town by car to hide out and try to eliminate this big enemy from Cape Town.' Meanwhile, Mahlangu's Phumzi undergoes a transformation of her own, shaped by motherhood. 'Phumzi this season is a mother. And once you become a mother, there's a lot that shifts. Your child's well-being becomes the centre of it all. So she's changed — she's basically trying to figure out a life that best suits her child and is doing everything she can to make sure that her child is protected.' NOW READ: 'A new chapter': Siphokazi celebrates independence after 16 years with former label
News24
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Kings of Joburg season 3 drops — Connie Ferguson and Malik Yoba bring the fire
Kings of Joburg, which premiered in December 2020, is now set to release its third season. The series features Connie Ferguson, who is also the executive producer, Zolisa Xaluva and Thembi Seete, among others. Ferguson says they invested in the show because they believed it was not a one-hit wonder. Season 3 of one of SA's most loved series, the star-studded Kings of Joburg, hits Netflix screens in just a few hours. Executive producer, Connie Ferguson, led a tight ship and kept this going even after her husband Shona's passing in 2021. The iconic actress, who plays Veronica Masire in the series, said that, although viewers thought they knew what to look forward to, based on the first two seasons, they were in for a surprise. Supplied Season 3 will see the Masire family facing new challenges and an enemy who wants to take down their empire. When asked whether they had expected Kings of Joburg to gain momentum the way it had, the former Generations and Generations: The Legacy actress laughed and said: 'Definitely!' She said they believed in the show and were willing to invest in it and the partnerships went a long way. We hoped for it. We had high expectations, but you never know how the public will receive it. It was a risk, what we did with Kings of Joburg [season] 1, but how it was received was such a pleasant surprise because it said to us, we were on the right track. Connie Ferguson She added that, when they developed the first season, they had other seasons in the pipeline. She said season 1 had been a test and they had passed it with flying colours. Ferguson, who recently celebrated her 55th birthday, shared that Netflix was a supportive partner and her US co-executive producer, Samad Davis, brought knowledge about the international film and television space. 'Our approach of bridging the gap between SA, the rest of Africa and America paid off. We didn't know how that would be received, but it was received very well. As much as Kings of Joburg is a South African show, we believe it is a world show.' Ferguson said season 3 would showcase how her character had developed and would do anything to protect her family. Supplied Part of Veronica's development includes revealing her sensitive and loving side. This will introduce US actor Malik Yoba, who plays Isador, Veronica's love interest. Yoba, who was in SA for the season 3 press junket, the launch and Ferguson's birthday party, said he was honoured to be part of the show. He said filming on the continent as an African American was also an honour. 'I don't think I have done this before in a character, where a woman holds the power and the man is in support of that power, which is a nice dynamic.' The actor said his first visit to Johannesburg had been in 1996, adding that this was his sixth. Supplied Veteran actor Abdul Khoza shocked many in May when he announced that he had quit acting after 14 years of bringing different characters to life. At the time, he also shared his last self-tape audition, saying it was for aspiring actors to see what it took to get a role. Talking about his character Lester in Kings of Joburg, Khoza said he experienced physical strain and endurance. In this season, Lester had had to run and fight a lot, but he did his best. 'It was exciting to play Lester. I enjoyed that there was a story for me to finally play as Lester and discover more of Lester myself. With the first season, I only had a glimpse of what my character was really about, the story I had,' he said. Thembi Seete, Busisiwe 'Cici' Thwala, Clint Brink, Enyinna Nwigwe, Maurice Paige and Zolisa Xaluva round up the cast. Season 3 was launched in Sandton last week, with Ferguson assuring viewers that this would be the most thrilling and amazing project. The new series starts streaming on Netflix on Friday.
News24
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
From Kings of Joburg to what's next: Abdul Khoza reveals upcoming ventures
Abdul Khoza stars as Lester in the upcoming third season of Kings of Joburg. He is looking to do more behind-the-scenes work with producing, writing and directing. Abdul reaffirms that his passion will always lie with the arts. ________________________________________________________________________ We've still got a whole lot more to see from this captivating thespian. Abdul Khoza stole the country's hearts with his memorable performances in hit shows like Isibaya and The Wife. Now we can look forward to another deep and complex act in the upcoming third season of Kings of Joburg. Starring alongside acting greats like Connie Ferguson and Zolisa Xaluva, Abdul gives us a teaser into his role as the criminal Lester. 'It happens to be a time where my character is more or less trying to get himself back on top because he is at the bottom you find him in season three because you find him in prison. This is where he also meets up with Mo's character (played by Zolisa Xaluva) and both of them have formed an alliance together to get themselves out of the prison,' Abdul says. 'It's very complex, I won't lie. It's a complex and complicated story right now. But a beautiful, beautiful journey between the two characters of Mo's character and Lester's character. We get a bit of more of a brotherhood that happens between them, which is interesting. Something that I think could also enhances their relationship.' Many are still crossing their fingers to see Abdul's star power continue to shine, especially with the 37-year-old creative and father of two announcing his departure from acting to pursue his love for behind-the-scenes work, sharing some insightful words reflecting on the entertainment industry and his last audition take. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brotha Abdul Rahman Khoza (@abdul_khoza) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brotha Abdul Rahman Khoza (@abdul_khoza) Although Abdul tells us that he's still getting all his ducks in row before sharing his reasons for leaving acting, his creative prowess expands more than just in front of the camera. He counts himself as a writer as well who is looking to produce and direct his own work. He shares, 'I want to produce, I want to direct some of my things as well because I'm also a writer myself. So, I'm trying to elevate myself as an individual. Trying to just walk on another path that promises a lot of growth and that's just my journey right now.' Abdul goes on to say, 'I'm always passionate in everything I do, so I do believe that there will be success in this journey as well and I'm just throwing myself in there because I feel like we need more Black producers and more Black directors and so forth in the industry ... I don't want to try to do this when I'm too old. Yeah, I don't wanna be the old director or old producer,' he laughs. 'So I wanna still do it while I know that I'm also able to be relevant to the youth. So, that's also a market that I feel like - if we don't enhance our stories or make them more impactful for them, we might lose them as an audience.' Off the cuff What's an acting tip that you always stand by? It's really just presence, being present 100 percent. Always has been the key of any actor to take, of just making sure that you live in the moment as honestly as you can. What's your favourite way to unwind by yourself? It's usually when I choose to sort of get myself in a workout. A good workout always does it for me and then after is more or less just listening to music or making music. What do you love to do with your family with Father's Day coming up? If I have my kids with me, I am the happiest father ever because they are everything. So, definitely spending the day with my kids and just having those cuddles. Abdul's career journey has taken more detours than many realise, with the actor starting off his working career in the army and the fire brigade before pursuing his dream working in the arts. On how he plans to grow and evolve in his new ventures with all of his experience, Abdul says, 'Well, my passion really would be the arts because I put myself in the space of acting but not only did I focus on acting solely, I was just able to also be a little bit behind the scenes, see what directors do on set, see how things are brought together for a production to function and all of that. 'So I've learned a lot from my experience as an actor because I've had the privilege of being able to also have personal conversations with directors and with producers that I've worked with. I've had a lot of knowledge and information that I myself would've never had if I never stepped on a set before.' He is currently busy working on his theatre debut, starring in the critically acclaimed production The Zulu by Mbongeni Ngema from 8 to 22 June 2025 at the Joburg Theatre. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joburg Theatre (@joburgtheatre)
