Nkalakatha!
As we spilt in the
TVSA News Shorts, SABC1 premieres a new docco series this Wednesday 12 August at 18h00 titled Ezase Zola.
It tells the story of eZola township - the birthplace of some of South Africa's Kwaito pioneers - and a place where abafana found it difficult to get dates.
A quote from the trailer that tickles our funny bones:
You wouldn't even get a date...
if you told a woman that you from eZola, Jabulani or Deep Soweto.
And another grab from the trailer featuring... TVSA - yay!
It's at the end and refers to a story we did about Zola losing his Cell C deal after various women accused him of abuse in 2009/10 when Zola 7 was on TV.
You'll find the article here:
Cell C Ditches Zola
It highlights one of the things that piques our interest about this new series: it focuses on TV and how influential it was in the Kwaito invasion.
It puts an exclamation mark on the power of analogue TV and how it united communities and family.
May the essence of this communion live on,
please.
This is the trailer, followed by the teasers.
Wednesday 12 August 2026
Episode 1
The Birth of eZola - Foundations of a Movement
The series begins in eZola, Soweto, the township that became one of the birthplaces of Kwaito.
Through archival material and personal accounts, the episode explores how a generation of young creatives transformed everyday township life into a cultural movement that would redefine South African music.
It traces the rise of early pioneers including Mdu Masilela, Chiskop and Pam, whose influence helped shape the sound, identity and spirit of Kwaito.
Wednesday 19 August 2026
Episode 2
The Rise of Chiskop & Mandoza
This episode follows the rise of Chiskop, one of Kwaito's most influential groups, and the emergence of Mandoza as one of South Africa's biggest music stars.
It explores the group's journey, the challenges they faced and the events that propelled Mandoza from township performer to national icon.
The episode also examines how television helped introduce Kwaito artists to mainstream audiences.
Wednesday 26 August 2026
Episode 3
From Television to Stardom - The Yizo Yizo Effect
Yizo Yizo changed South African television and transformed the careers of many young performers.
This episode explores how the groundbreaking drama became closely linked to Kwaito, creating opportunities for artists who successfully crossed between music and acting while bringing township culture into homes across the country.
Wednesday 2 September 2026
Episode 4
The Making of Mzambiya & Mshoza
This episode tells the remarkable story of Mzambiya, South Africa's first child Kwaito star, and revisits the untold story behind the artist who was originally considered for that role.
It also celebrates the rise of Mshoza, one of eZola's most influential female artists, examining her success, entrepreneurial journey and lasting contribution to Kwaito.
Wednesday 9 September 2026
Episode 5
The Rise of New Icons
As Kwaito continued to evolve, a new generation of stars emerged from eZola.
This episode explores the rise of Zola 7, Mapaputsi, Brown Dash, Brickz and General, highlighting the music, television exposure and defining moments that established them as household names while examining how success reshaped the Kwaito landscape.
?Wednesday 16 September 2026
Episode 6
The Unsung Voices of eZola
Beyond the household names lies a generation of artists whose contributions helped shape the culture.
This episode shines a spotlight on overlooked talents including Bravo, Drencko, GP Gangster, Sashman, Intimate and Sanza Makhafula, celebrating their music, influence and enduring place in eZola's musical history.
Wednesday 23 September 2026
Episode 7
Rise of New Icons
As kwaito continues to evolve, a new generation of artists emerges to carry the movement forward.
This episode explores the rise of Sashaman of Izinyoka, GP Gangsters, and Sanza Makhafula, tracing their journeys into the music industry and the challenges they faced while establishing their identities.
Through personal accounts and rare insights, the episode reveals how these artists built on the legacy of kwaito while creating their own distinctive sound and place within South African popular culture.
Wednesday 30 September 2026
Episode 8
The Demise of New Icons
Success in the music industry often came with unexpected challenges. This episode examines how several of kwaito's emerging stars struggled to sustain their careers after achieving recognition.
Artists reflect on disputes with record companies, allegations of industry sabotage, and the rivalries that shaped the era.
Through their experiences, the episode explores the realities of fame, business and the factors that contributed to the decline of many promising careers.
Wednesday 7 October 2026
Episode 9
Behind the Fame
Behind the success stories were deeply personal struggles.
This episode explores the pressures of fame, including substance abuse, crime, financial hardship, mental health and life after stardom.
It also reflects on the efforts made by artists such as Zola 7 to support and uplift members of the Kwaito community.
Wednesday 14 October 2026
Episode 10
The Sound of eZola
Every hit begins with an idea. This episode goes behind the music to explore the producers, DJs, studios and creative minds responsible for crafting the sound of eZola.
It also celebrates the dance culture, fashion, language and street culture that gave Kwaito its unmistakable identity.
Wednesday 21 October 2026
Episode 11
Kwaito's Influence
Although its commercial dominance faded, Kwaito's influence continues to shape South African popular culture.
This episode examines its lasting impact on Hip Hop, Amapiano, Kasi Rap, dance, fashion, television and youth culture, revealing how eZola continues to inspire a new generation of artists.
Wednesday 28 October 2026
Episode 12
The Legacy of eZola
Industry leaders, journalists, historians and artists reflect on the cultural significance of eZola and its contribution to South African music history.
The episode asks why eZola continues to matter and how its creative legacy remains relevant decades after the birth of Kwaito.
Wednesday 4 November 2026
Episode 13
Where Are They Now?
The series concludes by revisiting the artists whose stories shaped eZola.
Audiences discover where they are today, exploring their personal journeys, careers, businesses, families and reflections on the legacy they leave behind, while considering the future of Kwaito and its place in South African culture.
Premiere episodes of Ezase Zola air on SABC1 on Wednesdays at 18h00 and stream on SABC Plus.