Season 1
Emzini is a South African telenovela set in Alexandra township which centres around Emzini lounge, a popular and profitable lifestyle venue owned by the influential Nkosi family.
While the establishment represents success and status within the community, it also serves as the centre of a dangerous family battle as hidden betrayals and unresolved conflicts begin to surface.
As the fight for control intensifies, the business becomes both a symbol of legacy and a prize worth fighting for.
Leading the cast is Wiseman Mncube as Shaka Nkosi, the respected and feared eldest son who finds himself caught between protecting his family's legacy and confronting the emotional burden of his past.
Determined to secure his rightful place at the helm of Emzini, Shaka must also come to terms with the truth about his biological father and the secrets that have defined his life.
Khabonina Qubeka stars as Dudu Nkosi, the iron-fisted matriarch who built Emzini through resilience, sacrifice and ruthless survival instincts.
Fiercely protective of her empire and her son Shaka, Dudu's determination to protect her past decisions threatens to alienate her other children and place her carefully constructed world at risk.
Muzi Mthabela stars as Zakhele Nkosi, the retired police captain whose influence and power have shaped both his family and the Alexandra community.
Ruthless and strategic, Zakhele's world is shaken when he discovers the truth about Shaka's paternity, triggering a bitter power struggle that threatens to tear the Nkosi family apart.
Dumisani Mbebe plays Panyaza Fakude, a man seeking redemption after spending 25 years in prison for a crime tied to the Nkosi family's past.
His return introduces emotional complexity and unfinished business, as he attempts to reconnect with his son and reclaim a place in the life he lost.
The next generation of the Nkosi family adds further tension to the story.
Tyson Mathonsi plays Bandile Nkosi, the ambitious and calculating middle son determined to prove himself worthy of leading the family empire, while Manqoba Khumalo portrays Junior Nkosi, the carefree youngest brother whose dreams of becoming a DJ place him on a different path from the family's power struggles, until circumstances force him to confront reality.
On the other side of the story are the Modise sisters, whose lives were changed forever by tragedy.
Rorisang Modise (played by Bokang Phelane) emerges as a principled and resilient young woman determined to restore her family's dignity, while Thuso Mokoena plays Oratilwe Modise, a talented young musician chasing fame as her escape from hardship, unaware of how deeply her story is connected to the Nkosi family.
Rorisang is a resilient and principled young woman determined to rebuild her life after her father's murder left her family in poverty.
Now working as a waitress at Emzini after losing her job for standing up for justice, she is driven by a desire to reclaim her family's legacy while protecting her younger sister, despite the emotional scars of her past.
Nthlokomeleng Modise (Motshabi Tyelele) is a soft-spoken and deeply wounded widow struggling to rebuild her life after the murder of her husband left her family in poverty.
Burdened by guilt after losing the family land, she leans on her faith while trying to hold her daughters together, hoping for redemption and the strength to reclaim her dignity.
The series is further strengthened by a colourful group of supporting characters who bring warmth, humour and authenticity to the world of Emzini.
Nomsa Buthelezi plays Gogo Ongabizw'ngegama, a respected traditional healer whose spiritual wisdom and guidance help shape the Nkosi family's journey.
Buhle Moletsane appears as Lerato, a witty and ambitious waitress determined to secure a better future, while Nozi Langa plays Mmaserame, a hard working young woman with dreams of building her own business.
Furthermore, Tumi "Stopnonsons" Matila is Marinade, a flamboyant waiter with big fashion dreams and an even bigger personality.
With ambitions of becoming a style icon, Marinade brings humour and heart to the series while representing the aspirations of young people determined to rise above their circumstances.
At its core, Emzini is a story about survival, redemption and the consequences of our choices.
As the past begins to catch up with the present, viewers can expect emotional twists, unexpected alliances and powerful character journeys that explore what it truly means to fight for family and legacy.
Emzini was created by Loyiso Maqoma and is executive produced by Maqoma and Zuko Nodada, with series producer Thandeka Nodadam for Wangoni Media House.
The head writer is Loyiso Maqoma and the resident writer is Mimmy Mtshali Ntaka with a writing team including Sibongile Nkosana, Florence Rapeu, Mpho Malepa, Daniel Webster, Sarah Smith, Fidel Namisi, Lynn Kekana, Pamela Power and Tony Miyambo.
The directors are Zuko Nodada, Wandile Magadla, Lungelo Ngcobo, Phumelele Majola and Mavuso Magabane.