by Thinus Ferreira
MultiChoice is revealing more about its recently announced new local drama Blood Psalms, inspired by a Xhosa legend, that will be a co-production between its Showmax video streaming service and Canal+ and that will tell the story of a fierce African queen, Zazi, who battles a world-ending prophecy to navigate her people through complexities, politics and endless wars.
The 10-episode Blood Psalms that will be shown on Showmax in 2021 features a sprawling cast of more than 50 black actors and actresses and is filmed in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng and North West provinces in South Africa.
The sprawling cast includes names ranging from Albert Ibokwe Khoza, Sello Maake Ka Ncube, Thando Thabethe, Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa and Faith Baloyi to Siv Ngesi, Hlubi Mboya, Warren Masemola and many more.
The creative producers duo Layla Swart and Jahmil X.T Qubeka who are the co-owners of Yellowbone Entertainment are the brains behind the series.
Layla Swart says "Every one of the actors selected brings their own unique ability to authentically translate this magical epic onto screen".
"The goal, for us, is to ensure that the golden thread of Africa’s stunning history really shines. The story of Blood Psalms not only entertains but also contributes to the preservation of African culture and languages as authentically told by Africans, to be enjoyed by the world."
Yolisa Phahle, MultiChoice Group CEO for general entertainment and connected video, says "This massive co-production highlights Showmax’s commitment to its subscribers. This is epic, authentic, original African storytelling like never before".
"As Africa’s most-loved storyteller, the partnership with Canal+ also means more people will see this series, and we are thrilled to be working with Canal+ on this groundbreaking show."
Fabrice Fabrice Faux, chief content officer of Canal+ International, says "We are very pleased to partner with Showmax for the coproduction of Blood Psalms".
"This African story, inspired by a Xhosa legend, will carry our viewers into mythological and epic adventures. With an outstanding directing and production team and a talented cast, Blood Psalms promises to be a big phenomenon that will resonate in all of Africa and internationally."
Here is the Blood Psalms cast list:
- Albert Ibokwe Khoza - Madlamini, Zazi’s Governess
- Andile Nebulane - King Ntuka
- Awethu Hleli - Ilitye
- Ayanda Daweti - Pee-Erot
- Ayanda Makayi - Kike
- Bokang Phelane - Princess Zazi
- Bongile Mantsai - Hlengu
- Chuma Sopotela - the Crazed Uchawi Witchdoctor
- Daniel Hadebe - Pangool
- Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa – Umna
- Faith Baloyi - Queen Assilli
- Faniswa Yisa - Mother Superior, Keeper of Ancient Secrets
- Hamilton Dlamini - Qotha
- Harry Imoru - Akachi Soldier
- Hlubi Mboya - Ndiya Zazi
- Hybre Taljaard – Serpentine Elemental 2
- Khanya Mkangisa - Heka Nymph
- Khayakazi Kula - Ncedisa
- Khulu Skhenjana - Mahlathini, The Main Guard
- Lemogang Tsipa - Xhosa, a young warrior
- Lukhanyo Sikwebu - Akachi Soldier
- Luyolo Mngonyama - Serpentine Elemental
- Mandisa Nduna - Burruti
- Mocheko J Nkoana - the Blind Clown
- Mothusi Makgano plays King Letsha
- Niza Jay - Teborah an Uchawi Prince
- Richard Lukunku - the mysterious Senator Jabari
- Sdumo Mtshali - Commander Lekoya
- Sello Maake Ka Ncube – King Letsha’s uncle, Nkamanzu
- Sello Motloung - the Ancient Monarch
- Sibusiso Kotelo - Akachi Soldier
- Simbarashe Gozo - Black Horus
- Siv Ngesi - Onyo, Lord of the Netherworld
- Soso Rungqu – Lala, the wife of Qotha
- Stevel Marc - Akachi Soldier
- Thabo Rametsi - Ahadi
- Thando Thabethe - God Heka
- Thandy Matlaila - Nonceba
- Thembekile Komani plays Mzinzi the Overseer, son of Mother Superior
- Thishiwe Ziqubu - Kuthala
- Tumie Ngumla - Thozama
- Unathi Platyi - Nyadenga
- Vangile Zwakala - Chini Child
- Vusi Thanda - Chief Xemantsu
- Warren Masemola - Mfengetho, Royal Aide
- Zikhona Sodlaka - Sithenjwa, Mistress to the Great Senator of Nziwemabe
- Zolisa Xaluva - General Toka
