The
open castings happened back in March already and now the starring roles of Dream: The Lebo Mathosa Story have eventually been confirmed by BET, along with a new premiere date after the production turned into a soapie-stirred-with-tabloid.
Singer and actress KB Motsilanyane (Rhythm City, 7de Laan) will be playing the adult Lebo and Somizi Mhlongo and Palesa Madisakwane’s daughter Bahumi (TLC Presenter Search, Keeping Score) will play her as her younger self.
News about Bahumi's been a done deal for some time after an
article in City Press towards the end of September but KB's a more recent development following a fiasco involving Kelly Khumalo, BET and all involved parties going as silent as they do when they don't want to tell the truth.
Kelly was pipped to play the role of Lebo but now it's turned out she's off the show, with only whispers as to why.
According to
City Press, KB was brought in as a last minute replacement for Kelly who allegedly, supposedly, apparently, reportedly, reputedly wasn't happy with her salary cheque for the role, while another source claims the production gave her the boot because of her diva "demands".
This has set the production back, taking it from an October premiere (should have started next week) to Wednesday, 6 November at 21h30.
Photoshoots have wrapped and this is the result... a first look at KB and Bahumi in their roles:
KB on Lebo: “It’s not an easy journey to play this character because it’s beyond imagination, larger than life and every single thing is a new experience. Walking in Lebo’s shoes is definitely one of the greatest things I have ever done."
Bahumi on Lebo: "The fondest memory I have of Lebo Mathosa was from when I was five or six and we went to the Rand Easter Show, a show where her and my father were performing.
I remember she was this amazing powerhouse on stage… and was always so maternal and protective over me and I think that is why I really want to tell her sincere, humble and emotional side.”
A snapshot of a scene. This description of the series from BET: The series begins in the 90s during the kwaito evolution when Lebo rose to fame and became a celebrated South African household name ad role model for the youth with her unapologetic demeanor, provocative dance moves, edgy fashion sense, trendy hairstyles and infectious tunes.
