Umkhokha: The Curse is a South African telenovela conceived as a spin-off prequel from the drama series Umkhokha, which takes us to the beginning of the original story to uncover how it all came to be.
After ending Umkhokha on a cliffhanger, the series about two families at war promises a new era.
Rather than picking up where the original series left off, Umkhokha: The Curse takes us to the beginning of the story: how – and when – did it all begin?
How did we get to a place where the fictional mega-church Ithempeli Lenkosi became a deadly battleground?
At the start of the new series, we're introduced to the key players as we unpack and get to know them.
We also witness the chain of events that results in the battle of leadership, and the dangerous rivalry between the Mthembu and Gumede/Mzobe families, a life and death battle... all in the name of God and power.
Premised on the idea that the love of power and greed are the root of evil, even in the holiest of places, Umkhokha: The Curse takes things to another level.
Returning cast members include Deli Malinga as MaMzobe, Sibonile Ngubane as Difa, Nay Maps as Sphamandla and Hope Mbhele as Mabusi.
New cast members include Gcinile Nkosi as MaNzimande (replacing Sthandiwe Kgoroge) and Daniel Hadebe as Reggie (replacing Mondli Makhoba).
The series stars Khanyisani Kheswa as Young Zibuse, Omega Mncube as Young Kwazi, Zodumo Shange as Young Thenjiwe, Zama Mchunu as Thabisile, Lindi Pretty Zungu as Young Zodwa, Martin Ziqubu as Bab Mzobe, Nay Maps as Siphamandla, Deli Malinga as MaMzobe, Sibonile Ngubane as Difa Gumede, Hope Mbhele as MaBusi, Gcinile Nkosi as MaNzimande, Langalakhe Zwane as Maphalala and Nokubonga Khuzwayo as Xolile.
Umkhokha is created by Mandla KaNozulu and produced by Rhythm World Productions by executive producer Duma Ndlovu.
The head writers are Siphosethu Tshapu and Kagiso Mogale, with a writing team including Ntando Mhlongo, Awelani Makhuvha, Zintle Bobi and Caroline Doherty.
The director is Luthando Mngomezulu.