Season 1
uZulu noMhlaba is a South African television drama series partially set and filmed in Ulundi township in KwaZulu-Natal which tells the story of two maskandi artists who engage in a brutal feud over music – only to discover they are more closely linked than they could have imagined.
The series explores two generations of maskandi musicians: fathers and their sons, and each generation's musical (and deeply personal) rivalry.
Having come from very different backgrounds but with a shared passion for maskandi music, Zulu and Mhlaba turn into bitter rivals when they inherit a feud held by their respective fathers.
They learn a secret long hidden from them when an unspeakable tragedy occurs.
What impact will this have on the world around them, their loved ones and each other?
It is a story of music and rivalry, and what human beings will do when faced with life-changing moments that need them to confront their deepest fears to overcome them.
The series stars Ntokozo Vilakazi, Aphiwe Bhengu, Ayanda Borotho, Ernest Ndlovu, Nhlanhla Mdlalose, Bheki Ngcobo, Phumzile Mlangeni, Nothando Ngcobo and Sibusiso Black Madondo.
uZulu noMhlaba is a Sonrise Picture, created and executive produced by King Shaft Moropane and Nhlanhla Mdlalose.
Sinini Manyathi-Mati is the series producer and King Shaft Moropane is the series director.
The head writers are Sayitsheni Mdaki and Paul Grootboom, with storyliners Tshepo Ratona, Pule Hlatshwayo, Collin Mfayela, Vanishia Kisten and Charlie Samson.
All Maskandi music is produced by Ibhlokolo Entertainment.
Season 1 Cast
(scroll to bottom for available actor bios)
Starring
Ntokozo Vilakazi ... Mhlaba Ntuli
Aphiwe Bhengu ... Zulu Buthelezi
Ayanda Ngubane ... Vakashile Buthelezi (as Ayanda MaNgubane Borotho)
Ernest Ndlovu ... Mfecane Buthelezi
Nhlanhla Mdlalose ... Nyembezi Ndimande
Bheki Ngcobo ... Bhekani Buthelezi (as Ihhashi Elimhlophe)
Phumzile Mlangeni ... Ziningi Ntuli
Nothando Ngcobo ... Hlengiwe Mkhize
and Sibusiso Black Madondo. Mfijoli (as Sbusiso Black Madondo)
Recurring / Guests
Samkelisiwe Hlophe ... Hlonipha (as Samukelisiwe Hlophe)
Senzo Vilakazi ... Zakhele
Amanda Seome ... Buhle
Pastor Mjosty ... Mzayiduma Mkhize (as Mjosty Mbhele)
Sthulile Zulu ... Sukoluhle Ntuli
Thandanani Qwabe ... Majuba
Nokwanda Mthembu ... Didile
Sanele Masondo ... Gondo
Gugulethu Shabangu ... Sibongiseni
Nokwazi Manqele ... Phumelele
Linda Mhlongo ... Jabu
Njabulo Magubane ... Mfecane's Assistant (as Njabulo Magubani)
Celumusa Zungu ... Mfecane's Assistant
Zethembiso Khumalo ... Mfecane's Assistant
Nkanyiso Kunene ... Young Mfecane
Owami Ntombela ... Young Mhlaba
Nkosinathi Ngcobo ... Young Bhekani
Sibongimpilo Ngobe ... Young Vakashile (as Sbongimpilo Ngobe)
Zama Mnisi ... Young Ziningi
Sambulo Buthelezi ... Young Hlonipha
Wiseman Mzimela ... Khetha
Phindile Gwala ... MaNdlovu
Vala Mthembu ... Duncan Ncube
Fakazile Langa ... Bhekani's Mother
Sihle Mbatha ... Radio Presenter
Nandi Nyembe ... MaMthembu
Sthembiso Mhlanga ... Biyela
Sipho Vilakazi ... Bafana
Reeves Gumede ... Chief Sigweje
Lungelo Xulu ... Lunga
Msizeni Gama ... Khumbulani
Malizo Mdekazi ... Mphephethwa (Sound Engineer)
Luyanda Zuma ... Zama
Lwazi Mdlalose ... Msila
Jabulani Mthembu ... Magqubu