By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Popular telenovela Empini will take over Eastern Cape-based telenovela Gqeberha: The Empire’s 9pm timeslot from 13 January 2025.
The show was canned due to low channel ratings due to an alleged mismanagement of funds.
The drama series was filmed in the Eastern Cape and produced by production company, Tshedza Pictures.
Season one of Empini stars Nambitha Ben-Mazwi, Siyabonga Thwala, Nqobile Sipamla, Owen Sejake and Charmaine Mtinta.
Ben-Mazwi Known for putting her best foot forward as seen in her performances on The Queen and more local productions, She is taking her craft to the next level as Ndoni Themba, a troubled, sharp-witted private security bodyguard navigating the dangerous world of VIP protection.
But she’s not riding solo. Thwala joins as Khaya Bhodoza, a savvy businessman and political insider who becomes Ndoni’s unlikely mentor. Together, they’ll face betrayal, power struggles and explosive secrets in this 52-episode adrenaline-fueled saga.
She has put in the work for this one —mentally, physically and emotionally—her first big leading role, proving why she is one of Mzansi’s brightest stars.
Catch Empini on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161), kicking off Mondays to Thursdays from 13 January 2025 at 9 PM.