by Thinus Ferreira
M-Net is adding Cobrizi with Presley Chweneyagae in the role of Cobra as a 13-episode spinoff drama series from The River from March 2025 to the Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) schedule from March 2025.
Cobrizi, like The River, is produced by Tshedza Pictures and added several of The River cast, including Thapelo Sebogodi as Kabzela as Cobra's best friend, and Winnie Ntshaba.
Also part of the cast is Thembsie Matu as Ous Sheila, Sivenathi Mabuya as Bongiwe, Paul Maila as Rajah, Ishmauel Songo as Peanut, Chrispen Nyathi as Raisin, Thobani Mbhele as Bangkok, and Moliehi Didie Makobane as Teresia.
New talent include Siphiwe Radebe as Simphiwe, Kadia Banyini as Nkanyiso, Xolani Mfeka as Bab' Dladla, and Charmaine Mncwabe as Ama.
Mzansi Magic says Cobrizi will be a "gritty, heart-wrenching and ultimately hopeful tale of survival, love and redemption". In Cobrizi, Cobra "tries to do right by his youngest child and prove he is not a loser. He unexpectedly finds love after moving to inner-city Johannesburg".
Cobra's story will start off with the character as "the same troubled, angry man viewers knew from The River - a survivor whose only way out has been through theft and hustling".
"His anger burns at the failed social system that's left him trapped in poverty, fueling his belief in radical change. He is still drawn to his beer, women and taverns but even a man like Cobra can evolve... if life gives him a fighting chance."
Shirley Adonisi, M-Net director of local entertainment channels, in a statement says "Cobra's story really resonated with our Mzansi Magic viewers because of the way it presented the glamorous lives of the Dlamini-Dikanas compared to the struggling Mokoenas. It's a story of hope, resilience, and community".
"Presley really brought tremendous depth and humour to the character and this is a way to explore this tortured man's world and see if his anger could be focused into tenacity to help him try to create a better life for himself."
