Ashes to Ashes is a South African telenovela developed by Genna Lewis and set against the backdrop of a family-owned funeral business in Tembisa which - despite being established and seemingly solid - faces forces that threaten to derail it from outside and within.
In Mzansi, funerals homes mean big business. From designer caskets, limos and fancy cars, to the over-catering, slaughtering of cows and high fashion.
Namane Funerals in Tembisa is a highly prosperous funeral home owned by a husband and wife, who inherited the business and created a funeral empire that the father runs with his two sons.
The head of the family, Selo Namane, is charismatic, charming, street smart and a family man, but has incredibly challenging addictions that may ruin the future that the family has worked so hard for.
In addition, there are destructive personalities in the family that threaten to derail the legacy that has been meticulously penned for the family.
So far, death has been good to the Namane family. But their luck is about to run out with the arrival of an estranged family member and a dark secret.
Season 2 returns with new characters and more grim secrets that will further shatter the family unit. After the Season 1 finale it remains to be seen who survived the terrible shootout rampage by the deranged Tsietsi Namane.
Meanwhile love, support, and unity are put to the test when Selo makes a life changing decision which results in regret and despise.
New to the cast in Season 2 are Tina Jaxa as Nokulunga Radebe, Mandlakazi's estranged and feisty cousin; Atandwa Kani as Buzwe Sihlahla, Tsietsi's no nonsense lawyer; and Nandi Nyembe as Detective Nkonzo's mother, Ma Nkonzo, who has a score to settle with the Namanes.
Returning cast this season include Patrick Shai as Selo, Nambitha Mpumlwana as Mandlakazi, Zenande Mfenyana as Reba, Menzi Ngubane as Detective Nkonzo, Nyaniso Dzedze as Tsietsi, Chumani Pan as Monwabisi, Nyalleng Thibedi as Mpho, Craig Urbani as Mickey, Maggie Benedict as Violet, Mandla Gaduka as Damian and Richard Lukunku as Stitch.
The series was developed by Genna Lewis. The pilot was directed by Gert van Niekerk.
For Season 1, the head writer was Rosa Keet, with storyliners Ruth Mo Moatlhodi, Chisanga Kabinga and Lerato Khanye. The creative producer was Genna Lewis, the series producer was Frank Perold and the executive producers were Clive Morris, Sipho Gogotya and Ntokozo Mbuli for Clive Morris Productions. The executive producer for e.tv was Tshegofatso Monaisa.
For Season 2, the creative producer is Genna Lewis and the head writer is Linda Bere. The series producer is Helen Smit and the executive producers are Clive Morris, Sipho Gogotya, Genna Lewis and Ntokozo Mbuli for Clive Morris Productions. The executive producer for e.tv is Bobo Mokgoro. Original music is by Alan Lazar.
Broadcast Notes
The series began by airing Mondays to Thursdays at 20h00. From 11 May, 2015 it became weekdays at 20h00 with the addition of Friday episodes.