Global streaming platform Netflix will debut South African crime drama Kings of Joburg on December 4.
Kings of Joburg is an action-drama series with a layer of dark fantasy and elements of the African occult. The six-part series delves into legacy building, fragmented family structures, treacherous brotherhoods and the effects of crime on families and society at large.
The show is produced by South African TV production duo Connie Ferguson (Generations, Rockville) and Shona Ferguson (Generations, The Gift) of Ferguson Films in partnership with Samad Davis of US-based Visionary Media.
It stars Shona Ferguson as a charming, prolific businessman who leads the family business. However, under the lavish suits and ties is a man hiding a deep dark secret. It also stars Zolisa Xaluva as an ex-convict who finds himself having to choose between the life that got him in jail and honouring his responsibilities to the legacy of a crime family.
Other cast members include TK Sebothoma, Buhle Samuels, Angela Masire, Tsholofelo Matshaba, SK Khoza, Abdul Khoza, Nnekwa Tsajwa and Cindy Mahlangu.
On adding Kings of Joburg to Netflix’s slate of licensed series, the streamer’s director of licensing and coproductions in Africa, Ben Amadasun, said: “At Netflix, we continuously look for opportunities to create long-term partnerships with the best production partners in South Africa and beyond, as part of our ongoing efforts to bring a diversity of best-in-class African stories, across every genre.”
Shona Ferguson said: “When I created Kings of Joburg, I wanted to root the show in elements of love, family, conflict and power. The premise of the series is centred on the question, ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’ and this narrative is explored in all six episodes.
Connie Ferguson added: “We’re living in exciting times where the world is becoming smaller and smaller. What used to be out of reach is now a stone’s throw away. With Kings of Joburg, we are taking South Africa and Africa to the world and bringing the world to South Africa. It’s a ‘United States of the World’ show, bringing together talent from America and the continent. It was an honour to work with Netflix to bring to life this passion project.”
Davis said: “Working between Hollywood and across Africa over the decades, I’ve been able to see firsthand the enormous influence and impact Hollywood has had on the hearts and minds of people across Africa. I am honoured to be part of Kings of Joburg because through it and through our partnership with Netflix, we are providing African talent, both in front of the camera and behind it, the opportunity to be a part of their own Hollywood production.”
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