by Thinus Ferreira
e.tv is replacing its cancelled primetime soap Rhythm City with a type of South African The Bold and the Beautiful, with House of Zwide that will start on Monday 19 July and revolve around a "fashionable" Johannesburg family and the high-drama and ruthless ambition that marks the cut-throat fashion industry.
Just like the Forresters of Forrester Fashions in Los Angeles, the Zwide family in Johannesburg and their rivals are in constant competition and would rather be caught dead than being out of fashion.
Produced by Bomb Productions and VideoVision Entertainment, House of Zwide replaces Rhythm City that recently filmed its final scenes. e.tv has not yet announced any new casting for House of Zwide.
"The show could not have come at a better time," says Helga Palmer, e.tv's head of local productions.
"e.tv brings you a show of hopes and
dreams to uplift and inspire viewers to believe they can achieve anything they
put their minds to, in a world filled with uncertainty and despair. As Bomb
Productions and VideoVision Entertainment are well-known for authentic
storytelling, it will come as no surprise when the show takes South Africa by
storm," Helga Palmer says.
Anant Singh, VideoVision
Entertainment CEO, says "House of Zwide tells a thrilling
rags-to-riches story set in the glamorous world of fashion".
"It is a timely, aspirational tale with many twists and turns that we believe will
keep viewers glued to their television screens. We are excited to be partnering
with Bomb Productions on this production which also marks our second series
with e.tv."
Desiree Markgraaff, Bomb Productions executive producer, says "We acknowledge and are humbled to be following in the footsteps of
Rhythm City which has blazed a trail in this time slot".
"We are very excited to
be creating a new show for e.tv and hope viewers will welcome House Of Zwide.
Covid-19 has been hard on everyone and we wanted to tell a story that reminds
us that no matter the obstacles, we must never
give up on our dreams."
