IOL Entertainment Magazine - ISSUE 1

IOL

ENTERTAINMENT

ISSUE 1 | APRIL-JUNE

Fame &Addiction

Inside...

Fame isn’t all it is cracked up to be...

4-5

Depression in the entertainment industry...

6-7

Gone but not forgotten

8-9

Local stars unite to end the stigma around mental illness

10-11

DJ Sumbody chats about all things amapiano 12-13

IN MEMORY OF TSAKANI “TK” MHINGA (23 November 1978 – 27 February 2006)

The multi award-winning SAMA R&B and kwaito artist was riding the crest of success when she was found dead in a hotel room in Bryanston, Joburg, in 2006.

A force to be reckoned with on the R&B scene, her death was linked to a suspected drug overdose or druginduced suicide.

The mother of one from Limpopo was the niece of living legend, Yvonne Chaka Chaka.

After her debut album, TKO, dropped in 2000, she went on to share the stage with international acts like Foxy Brown, Keith Sweat and Deborah Cox. Her hits included Eject yo’ ass, Black Butterfly and Over the Rainbow.

She was 27 at the time of her passing.

Trouble in paradise for Somizi & Mohale

14-15

Five celebs who checked themselves into rehab

16-17

Five shows topping the trends list

18-19

Where to get your reality fix now that ‘KUWTK’ is ending

20-21

Exciting movie sequels on its way in SA

22

Reviews

23

CONTACT US PUBLISHER | Vasantha Angamuthu vasantha@africannewsagency.com EDITOR | Debashine Thangevelo debashine.thangevelo@inl.co.za EXECUTIVE LIFESTYLE EDITOR | Nelandri Narianan nelandri.narianan@inl.co.za PRODUCTION | Renata Ford renata.ford@inl.co.za DESIGN | Mallory Munien mallory.munien@inl.co.za

FROM THE EDITOR I’M truly excited to introduce you to the first quarterly issue of our IOL Entertainment magazine.

With the recent death of hip hop icon DMX, we explore the vicious cycle of fame and addiction.

We look at the stars we lost as well as those who checked into rehab to avoid a similar fate.

There are many factors that contribute to this troubled path to stardom.

We have a local expert offering insight into the pressures of fame and the downward spiral of stars.

With the tragic passing of rapper AKA’s fiancée, Anele “Nellie” Tembe, many celebrities have been pushing the“mental wellness” narrative with more robustness.

We also have a sit down with DJ Sumbody who chats about all things amapiano and confirms a new album in the pipeline.

I don’t know about you, but I’m dying to know if Somizi Mhlongo-Motaung and Mohale MotaungMhlongo are headed for a conscious uncoupling.

No, I’m not wishing the couple ill-will, but I’m just tired of all these divorce rumours. And I’m annoyed by them skirting around the issue.

They had no qualms about celebrating their love, marriage and honeymoon on social media, so they really should have no issue giving fans a straight answer. Couples break up. It happens in the industry.

Just come clean already.

If you want to know what’s popping on the local movie scene, we got you covered. And if you have been worrying about where to get your next reality fix now that Keeping up with the Kardashians is ending, there a few options on the cards.

I hope that you enjoy this edition, and don’t feel shy to drop us an email sharing your thoughts or suggestions. Stay safe!

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT | Keshni Odayan keshni.odayan@inl.co.za SALES Charl Reineke | charl@africannewsagency.com GENERAL ENQUIRIES | info@anapublishing.com

Debashine

DEBASHINE THANGEVELO

He even got a mention in The Source magazine. In 1992, DMX was signed to Ruffhouse Records an American record label founded in 1989 by Chris Schwartz and Joe Nicolo as a joint venture with Columbia Records. And that was the start of his meteoric rise in the hip hop industry.

That said, his entire career was dogged by substance abuse and run-ins with the law. Given his childhood, though, some scars clearly ran deep. His talent was his salvation but sadly not from his vice.

In the industry, many exceptionally talented celebrities have battled with addiction. The reasons for them turning to drugs vary. It could be they were child stars and ill-equipped to deal with fame. Perhaps they came from an abusive home. Or they were in a tumultuous relationship.

Some also battled with depression, which they hide from the world and even the people closest to them.

Our very own Pabi Moloi won her battle against alcoholism.

Other South African A-listers like Kelly Khumalo, Nina Hastie and Trevor Gumbi have been down this dark road at one point in their life.

While some celebrities are able to get help and bounce back with a clean track record of sobriety, others, like DMX, have not been so lucky.

Hopefully, this will be a cautionary tale for current and future generations to steer clear of the calamitous trappings of fame.

Trevor Gumb

Nina Hastie

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I’VE lost track of the number of celebrities we have lost to substance abuse. But we never forget. How could we, when it claims the lives of so many icons every year. The recent passing of Grammy award-winning artist DMX (real name Earl Simmons) is another painful reminder of the dark side of fame.

He was 50 when he passed from a “catastrophic cardiac arrest” linked to a drug overdose several days earlier. As heartbreaking as it was to bid farewell to an incredibly talented artist, it’s also great cause for concern.

The world of showbiz is saturated with stars, they flash those million-dollar smiles at the drop of a hat. But don’t be fooled by those picture-perfect looks on the red carpet. While they may blow your mind with their accomplishments, there’s a lot going on in their world.

When you’ve achieved the holy grail of fame, it doesn’t only signify that you’ve arrived. It means everyone wants to have a piece of you. Your life is no longer your own and though you are surrounded by people, you are still very much alone. This is, compounded by, personal triggers.

Looking at DMX’s life and his rise in the industry, which is masterfully documented in BET’s Ruff Ryders Chronicle, he had a troubled childhood. He suffered abuse at the hands of his mother and her various boyfriends. He turned to crime to escape the clutches of poverty. Fortunately for him, he had talent. A stint behind bars for theft in 1988 saw him focus more on his songwriting and rapping skills. He hustled his way into the hearts of passersby on the streets of New York, where he sold his mixtapes.

Pabi Moloi

DMX – Hip Hop Legend

FAME ISN’T ALL IT IS CRACKED UP TO BE...

DEPRESSION IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY...

Over the years we have seen more and more celebrities battling with mental health issues. Sadly, the truth often only emerges after they pass away under tragic circumstances VIWE NDONGENI-NTLEBI

IT might be lights, camera and action for celebrities who often appear to have it all - but this makes it even more difficult for many famous faces to speak openly about the pressure of fame and their mental health issues.

For many celebrities, dealing with depression becomes that much harder in the public eye.

Over the years we have seen an increase in the number of celebrities silently battling with mental health.

Some stars have released documentaries that shed light on their battles with childhood fame, terrifyingly intense media scrutiny and prejudice within the music industry.

Yizo Yizo actor Jabu Christopher Hubheka, who was known as Gunmen, made headlines after it was reported that the actor hung himself in his home.

Mental Health Speaker and The SA Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) spokesperson Nkini Phasha previously told IOL that there was a link between depression and the entertainment industry: “The general perception is that the entertainment industry is the glitz and glamour industry that comes with fame and fortune. However, when the lights go off, it can be very lonely and sad for many entertainers.”

He added that the pressures and expectations to not only entertain but to also inspire the nation while continuing to evolve and become a more famous and richer star/ celebrity does take its toll on many entertainers.

“This coupled with the fear to fail can be very stressful with severe and far reaching consequences. Research conducted around the world, has shown that people in the entertainment industry are twice as likely to suffer from depression.”

TV personality Lalla Hirayama is one of the few local celebrities that continues to speak on social media about the mental struggle, suicidal thoughts and anxiety that challenges her.

“Depression has been a big part of my life. But that’s ok. Before I was diagnosed, I thought I was being possessed. Suicide was a serious thought.

Don’t suffer in silence because of other people’s ignorance‚” she said.

She also added: “Speaking about mental issues is important. Spreading awareness and destroying the stigma it carries could help save lives.”

It is important to get professional help as soon as possible – depression is a real medical illness that needs real treatment.

CALL FOR HELP: LifeLine Helpline (24hrs) 0861 322 322 The South African Depression and Anxiety Group 011 234 4837 or 0800 20 50 26 Substance AbuseLine 0800 12 13 14 Suicide Crisis Line 0800 567 567

Gone But Not Forgotten

Over the decades, substance abuse has claimed the lives of many entertainers.

Here are four icons whose candle burned out long before the legend ever did, writes LIAM KARABO JOYCE BRENDA FASSIE

The news of Brenda Fassie’s death rocked South Africa. In April, 2004, Fassie collapsed at her home in Buccleuch, Gauteng. She was admitted to a hospital in Sunninghill with initial reports saying she had suffered cardiac arrest. However, it was later reported she had slipped into a coma brought on by an asthma attack. The post-mortem report revealed that she had taken an overdose of cocaine on the night of her collapse, and this was the cause of her coma. She stopped breathing and suffered brain damage due to a lack of oxygen. She was 39.

WHITNEY HOUSTON

The award-winning singer’s battle with substance abuse became a major part of her adult life. Houston admitted to using cocaine after years of rumours around her erratic behaviour.

On February 11, 2012, Houston was found unconscious in Suite 434 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel,

submerged in the bathtub. Beverly Hills paramedics arrived at 3.30pm, found Houston unresponsive, and performed CPR. She was pronounced dead at 3.55pm.

The cause of death was not immediately known.

By late March, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office reported that Houston’s death was caused by drowning and the “effects of atherosclerotic heart disease and cocaine use”. She was 48.

PRINCE

Prince Rogers Nelson was known for what could only be described as a squeaky clean reputation. He lived a clean life, no alcohol or marijuana, he was vegan and even those around him could not indulge. However, the star had a problem with pain pills.

On April 21, at 9.43am, the Carver County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call requesting an ambulance be sent to Prince’s home at Paisley Park. Emergency responders found Prince unresponsive in a lift.

A paramedic said he had been dead for at least six hours. A press release from the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office in Anoka County on June 2 stated that the musician had died of an accidental overdose of fentanyl. He was 57.

AMY WINEHOUSE

One of Amy Winehouse’s most famous songs is titled Rehab, which is a fitting song in relation to her battles with substance abuse which were the subject of much media attention. On July 23, 2011 two ambulances were called to Winehouse’s home in Camden, London and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

A coroner’s inquest reached a verdict of misadventure. The report released on 26 October 2011 explained that Winehouse’s blood alcohol content was 416 mg per 100 ml (0.416%) at the time of her death, more than five times the legal drink-drive limit.

In a June 2013 interview, Alex Winehouse said he believed his sister’s eating disorder, and the consequent physical weakness, was the primary cause of her death: “She suffered from bulimia very badly.

That’s not, like, a revelation – you knew just by looking at her... She would have died eventually, the way she was going, but what really killed her was the bulimia...”

iwe Dana Simph

LOCAL STARS UNITE TO END THE STIGMA AROUND MENTAL ILLNESS

Following the tragic passing of Anele ’Nellie’ Tembe, local celebs took social media to reveal their struggle with mental health issues, writes KEDIBONE MODISE

si loi

Aaron Mo

Melan ie

Lalla H iray am a

Mashean o p e Na

la Ba

SOUTH Africa is still reeling after the tragic death of Anele “Nelli” Tembe, 22, who fell from the 10th floor of the Pepper Club Hotel in Cape Town, on April 11.

Tembe burst into the spotlight shortly after she started dating hip hop artist and businessman Kiernan “AKA” Forbes.

The couple announced their engagement a few weeks ago, with AKA hinting on social media he had paid lobola for the love of his life.

Since her passing, there’s been speculation that Tembe was suffering from mental health-related illness, which may have led her to her death.

The family had been quiet about the cause until the memorial service on April 16.

Her father cleared the suicide claims, but alluded to the possibility of substance abuse.

“As Anele’s father, I hereby state categorically that Anele was neither suicidal nor did she commit suicide.

“We need to understand the forces that put us in a situation that we find ourselves. Of course we must as a matter of extreme priority deal with the scourge that bedevils our youth, alcohol and drugs.”

While there are other speculation of depression, which the family had not yet confirmed, meanwhile Tembe’s passing has brought up the need for conversation around mental illness.

As such, many South Africans, including local celebs, opened up about their struggles with anxiety and depression, in an effort to destigmatise mental health issues.

Napo Masheane, Lalla Hirayama, Simphiwe Dana, Aaron Moloisi and Melanie Bala spoke up about their own mental health challenges, also raising awareness to the many South Africans who may be suffering in silence.

“My name is Napo Masheane … I come from a family with a long history of suicides … including my dad. Grew up willing myself through therapy to deal with my own deep dark depression/s and thoughts. Writing and my Craft are my constant saviour. Destigmatise!,” revealed theatre practitioner wrote.

“My name is Lalla Hirayama. I struggle with panic & anxiety disorder, depression and have gone through 3suicidal phases in my life. I have worked with my psychologist for 8 years & a psychiatrist. I’m currently on medication to help.

Let’s destigmatise,” Hirayama posted.

“I am Simphiwe Dana and I suffer from depression and anxiety. I don’t take meds for depression as I fear it will affect my creativity. I do take stressam for the anxiety,” the award-winning singer wrote.

“I am Melanie Bala and I've suffered from depression and post-natal depression. I take medication for my anxiety when it flares up. Let's destigmatise,” the radio and television presenter encouraged.

“I’m Aaron Moloisi and I suffered mild depression. Thanks to my spiritual mentor for helping me realise that over thinking things can lead to severe depression.

“Depression affects men too,” the actor and television host added.

Other celebs who have previously opened up about their struggle with mental health-related issues include Trevor Noah, Unathi Nkayi, Bonnie Mbuli, Penny Lebyane and K Naomi.

Reigning Miss South Africa Shudufhadzo Musida, recently announced her partnership with Discovery Health to raise R20 000 for SA Depression and Anxiety Group (SADG).

“This is to promote mental wellness and further the cause of mental health,” said Musida.

She added: “Covid-19 has taught us to take mental health seriously. A lot of people are suffering, people have lost loved ones, job and as of late we’ve been seeing a lot of RIPs...we are mourning as a nation and I think it’stime for us to be cognisant of our mental health.”

Musida announced that she would be focusing on raising awareness around mental health when she has crowned the Miss SA in October last year.

Musida recently launched an online mental health initiative, #MindfulMondays, where she engages with speak to various experts about matters related to mental health.

DJ SUMBODY CHATS ABOUT ALL THINGS AMAPIANO JAMAL GROOTBOOM

THE summer season in 2018 when Monate Mpolaye dropped was one many groovists won’t forget.

Gqom was still at its height and this mid-tempo song came as a breath of fresh air compared to the high octane nature of the music genre that originated in Durban.

In many ways, Monate Mpolaye was the precursor to the domination of amapiano which is the new dominating genre, with a plethora of new songs dropping every week at this stage.

DJ Sumbody has been one of the amapiano pioneers popularising the genre and we spoke to him about amapiano, the struggles entertainers are facing with Covid-19 and why amapiano is going global.

Shedding light on why the genre has become such a phenomenon in Mzansi, he says: “It’s simply because it’s our sound and it’s quite unique. It’s got dance moves, it’s quite catchy and

the hooks speak to the community of South Africa.”

Monate Mpolaye was a true cultural reset at the time and, in talking about the impact of the song, he says: “Monate Mpolaye is one of the songs that opened the (ama)piano genre. Especially because it features legends like Thebe from a kwaito background.

And also featuring a hip hop artist on a (ama)piano track, Cassper Nyovest. It really opened doors for that sound...”

Collaboration is a huge part of the genre with artists even outside of the genre jumping on songs in hopes of landing a hit track.

The entertainment industry has suffered a big knock due to the coronavirus pandemic. Talking about this, Sumobody mentions that the pandemic impacted artists a lot since they depend on the clubs, restaurants and nightlife to get income. And they had to change gears since during the early stages of lockdown people

were relying on streaming to get their groove fix.

Due to the hardships of those times, artists needed to find other forms of income.

The rise of amapiano, has sparked an ongoing debate on which genre is better between it and gqom.

The 4 The Kulture hitmaker says, “It’s because of the kwaito elements and hooks. The other one (gqom) has a more upbeat tempo and this one is more relaxed. It’s the same language.”

He says amapiano is more soulful and allows people to sing along.

DJ Sumbody recently released Lerato featuring Rorisang and is currently working on his new album.

On what fans can expect, he says, “I’ve got songs on the album featuring good vocalists and if you listen to the album you can see I’m trying to reach out to other countries.”

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Trouble in paradise for Somizi & Mohale DEBASHINE THANGEVELO

DIVORCES and breakups are nothing new where celebrities are concerned.

First, they are happily in love and eager to let the world know, in different ways. Some celebs, like Tom Cruise, share the good news in the most goofy albeit memorable way. In his case, it was by jumping up and down on Oprah Winfrey’s couch.

Of course, the trendy thing to do these days is make it “Instagram official”. Once given the stamp of approval on the social media platform, the bombardment of affectionate pictures follow.

It’s either a cute photo at home, something playful or they are somewhere idyllic serving up couple goals that make us green with envy.

This can go on for weeks, months or even years, until they decide to either tie the knot, go the mature route of consciously uncoupling – à la Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin – or allow things to get real nasty, like Rihanna and Chris Brown, or Black Coffee and Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa. The point is, if you share your happy moments at the drop of a hat, why hide the truth when the relationship goes south?

Several weeks back, news of Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez broke. Shortly after, it was denied, only for it to be confirmed officially a few days ago.

Don’t even think of lecturing me on celebrities being entitled to their privacy. It’s only applicable to those who make painstaking efforts to ensure a lowkey private life.

This brings me to Somizi Mhlongo-Motaung and Mohale Motaung-Mhlongo. Why are they torturing Mzansi by keeping mum on the divorce rumours?

Fans celebrated the couple since they started dating in late 2017. Yes, there were and still are detractors. In fact, many felt Mohale was a golddigger. Given the 22-year age gap between the couple, the reservations were understandable.

But Somizi was quick to rubbish the allegations and pushed the true love narrative.

When the couple walked down the aisle in a lavish ceremony in 2019, the hate appeared to subside.

More so after Showmax, in bagging the exclusive rights to Somizi and Mohale: The Union, screened the series.

Fans went gaga.

Then came the honeymoon phase, which included tons of travel pictures. Somizi also loved cooking up a storm and having his taster close by. Heck, they even shared the screen on 1Magic’s Dinner at Somizi’s.

Up until that new cheating scandal in August, they have been lovey-dovey. Was it the straw that broke the camel’s back? It could very well have been.

These days, Somizi is living it up with his bestie, Vusi Nova. Meanwhile, Mohale, who has removed his hubby’s surname on his social media accounts, is keeping his hustle alive while also busying himself with several social causes.

Both have responded seperately to the rumours.

However, they appear to be doing a clever PR dance around it.

With Somizi unfollowing his spouse shortly after Easter, the writing does seem to be on the wall – there’s trouble in paradise.

Hopefully, we won’t be left in limbo much longer.

started early in her life. By the age of 21, Lohan started to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. She described herself as an “addict”, stating alcohol was a gateway drug to other things for her. She also admitted to using cocaine “10 to 15 times”, explaining it “allowed [her] to drink more”. Her January 2007 admittance into a rehab center marked the first of six courtordered rehab stints in a span of six years.

ROBERT DOWNEY JR

Due to his drinking and drug abuse and the many times his addictions landed him in prison, no one wanted to work with him. Now he is one of the most bankable and highly paid actors.

According to several reports, Downey claims to have used drugs since childhood. He had been able to drink alcohol and used cocaine and heroin without interfering with his acting life.

However that changed and as his life changed, Downey checked into rehab.

FIVE CELEBS WHO CHECKED THEMSELVES INTO REHAB These celebrities have been open about their troubles with substance abuse and got the help they needed before it was too late, writes LIAM KARABO JOYCE DEMI LOVATO

Former Disney-child-star-turned multi-award-winning-musician Demi Lovato has been open about her battles with drugs, alcohol and mental illnesses.

In 2018, Lovato released the

single titled Sober in which she revealed she had relapsed after six years of sobriety. That year she was rushed to the CedarsSinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after emergency services were called to her home due to

an opioid overdose. She was hospitalised for two weeks and subsequently entered an inpatient rehab facility.

LINDSAY LOHAN

Her battle with substance abuse

ADELE

When British superstar Adele was making a name for herself in the music industry, she would take various substances to help calm her nerves prior to performing on stage. Over time, this habit got worse, to the point where she forgot her lyrics. It was at this point she realised she had an issue. This saw here enter a rehab facility in 2020.

BEN AFFLECK

In 2018, the actor’s problems with alcohol got so bad that he had to go to rehab for the first time. Forty days later, he came clean about his battle. That was until earlier this year when he had to check into a rehabilitation centre again.

FIVE SHOWS TOPPING THE TRENDS LIST

Ginny and Georgia

Invincible

ALYSSIA BIRJALAL VINCENZO (NETFLIX)

If you are looking for a comedic, thrilling, creative, and oddly-satisfying drama to brighten your day, then Vincenzo is it. Actor Song Joong-ki stars in this Netflix mafia-tinged Korean drama.

The story centres on Vincenzo Cassano, a lawyer and mafia consigliere, who flees from Italy where he was adopted at a young age after a gang betrayal.

Back in Korea he teams up with fellow feisty lawyer and her intern to get back at his enemies.

There are moments of fun and quirkiness, but it is also very serious in its themes of crime, corruption, revenge, and justice. Vincenzo will have you dying of laughter one minute and on the edge of your seat the next.

THE BACHELORETTE SA (M-NET)

South Africa’s first bachelorette, Qiniso Van Damme, has won over the hearts of viewers with her quirky

personality, infectious laugh, big heart and stunning looks. The star of the show is looking for her person, but the task is not easy when you have a posse of good looking men at your beck and call.

Although the show didn’t get off to a promising start as viewers felt her suitors were not up to scratch, they warmed up to the hunks on the show.

The show has just the right amount of giggles, drama, romance, cliffhangers and fun that one has come to expect from the franchise.

GINNY AND GEORGIA (NETFLIX)

The popular Netflix show is a realistic and gritty drama about a family not used to staying in one place for long. Now the family of four are trying to put down their roots in New England, but the road to new beginnings is bumpy.

Ginny is a biracial teenager who has trouble adjusting to a predominantly white high school.

While Georgia, her mother is a free-spirited young and single who had a dark past that she spent her whole life running from.

The show navigates through storylines like peer pressure, sexual encounters, biracial identity, bullying, first relationships that mutate into love triangles, self-harm, internet haters, prejudiced teachers and so much more.

INVINCIBLE (AMAZON PRIME)

If you enjoy adult animated superhero shows then Invincible is a must watch. Created by Robert Kirkman and Cory Walker the show revolves around 17-year-old Mark Grayson, who’s just like every other guy his age – except his father, Omni-Man, is the most powerful superhero on the planet.

But as Mark develops powers of his own, he discovers his father’s legacy may not be as heroic as it seems.

The Bachelorette SA

With bold animation, bloody action, and an all-star cast, Invincible smartly adapts its storyline without sacrificing its nuanced perspective on the price of superpowers.

THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF DURBAN (SHOWMAX)

Building on from the Johannesburg franchise, The Real Housewives of Durban has been nothing short of dramatic.

The explosive first season stars leading ladies of Durban, Sorisha Naidoo, Kgomotso Ndungane, Ayanda Ncwane, Nonkanyiso “Laconco” Chonco, Anne-Tonni Lodick-Mthembu and Nonku Williams.

The 11-episode show is so popular it has already broken Showmax records and trends every Friday because viewers can’t get enough of it.

Watch as the ladies bring with them back stories along with a whole lot of shade, spice, lavishness and luxury.

The Real Housewives of Durban

Spotlight

The family drama in several other reality offerings will keep those withdrawal symptoms at bay DEBASHINE THANGEVELO WITH Keeping Up with the Kardashians ending after 20 rollercoaster seasons, the hype around the final chapter has intensified.

WHERE TO GET YOUR REALITY FIX NOW THAT ‘KUWTK’ IS ENDING

After being a major part of the lives of die-fans across the globe since 2007, this is as bittersweet for viewers, as it is for the cast.

One of the most influential reality TV families, they’ve kept us suitably entertained with their rocky relationships, divorces, scandals, exciting new romances, babies galore, meltdowns as well as extravagant holidays and celebrations.

For viewers trying to figure out how they are going to wile away their time on the couch, below are four shows that will help fill the void.

THE REAL HOUSEWIVES FRANCHISE (NETFLIX)

With so many spin offs on the go, this reality franchise has become a runaway hit. Where money is no object and days consist of pamper sessions and arranging soirees that will be the talk of the town, this franchise is an addictive case study into the lives of the rich and famous.

Behind the botox fillers, plastic surgery and fake smiles, there’s always plenty of histrionics among the close circle of friends (and foes).

Classiness sometimes goes out the door. But, boy oh boy, is it worth every delicious nibble of popcorn.

THE RANAKAS (SHOWMAX)

Fans of Dineo’s Diary, which offered an intimate look at the radio and television presenter as she found her feet in the businessworld, can now experience the craziness, laughs and drama of the entire Ranakas clan.

Any decision made becomes a family affair. And everyone weighs in on situations that arise. As much as it’s sincere, funny and warm, it’s also in-your-face as there are no-holds-barred with the bombshells dropped.

LOVE & MARRIAGE: HUNTSVILLE (SHOWMAX)

As the title suggests, this series looks at loved-up couples.

But it’s not as straightforward - the real estate industry in the flourishing city of Huntsville, Ala, is a crucial part of it along with the family routines and social get-togethers.

It’s a slick offering underpinned by tantrums, cattiness and drama.

The cast don’t hold back when it comes to speaking their mind. With so many strong personalities in one show, clashes are par for the course. Brace yourself.

LEBO M - COMING HOME (SHOWMAX)

The producer, composer, arranger and performer was surprised to find himself agreeing to a reality show.

In a way, it showcases him coming full circle. It also gave him an opportunity to dispel his “womaniser” reputation that has shadowed him throughout his career and introduces him as a family man.

DISTURBING YET BRILLIANTLY EXECUTED CRIME DRAMA

EXCITING MOVIE SEQUELS ON ITS WAY IN SA

DEBASHINE THANGEVELO

ALYSSIA BIRJALAL

MATERIAL 2 starring Riaad Moosa. | Instagram

IT’S not easy getting the formula right, and sometimes directors, scriptwriters as well as the cast can either fly high or fall flat on their faces. Nevertheless, fans, brimming with hope, root for their success.

This year, directors of awardwinning South African movies like Riaad Moosa’s 2012 comedy Material, Jayan Moodley’s smash-hit, Keeping Up With The Kandasamys 1 and 2 and Thabang Moleya’s romantic drama Happiness Is A Four Letter Word have set the wheels in motion for their not-to-be-missed sequels.

Material 2 has already been filmed and is awaiting its big cinema debut. The movie was set to release last year.

With Riaad Moosa in the lead role, the story picks up in Fordsburg with his character, Cassim Kaif, still trying to crack it in the comedy industry.

Another movie in the waiting line is Keeping Up With The Kandasamys. The film wrapped up last October.

Bringing family matters, community envy and a colourful Indian experience to the forefront are returning cast including fan favourites, Jailoshini Naidoo, Maeshni Naicker, Mariam Bassa and the gorgeous Mishqah Parthiephal and dashing Madhushan Singh among others.

Happiness Ever After, the sequel to Happiness is a Four Letter Word, will be available for streaming on Netflix later this year. The sequel joins the friends for another journey of self-discovery and reevaluation. “The first film was big. It was major, and when you need to come back from that and try and double it or make it work, that’s where the pressure is. And I think that is what everyone is feeling,” said Khanyi Mbau, who plays Zaza in the film.

Reviews INVINCIBLE is a new animated show based on a comic by Robert Kirkman of the same name, and it’s one of the best new entries in the superhero genre. In the show, we follow Mark Grayson/Invincible (Steven Yeun) who is a normal teenager except for the fact that his father Omni-man/Nolan Grayson (JK Simmons) is an alien from planet Viltrum who is the strongest hero on planet earth.

While Mark goes through most of his early life powerless, shortly after his 17th birthday, his powers start kicking in.

However, his father is keeping the truth about the Viltrumites from Mark. The superhero boom seems to only be getting bigger and bigger. Marvel’s new MCU streaming shows are the talk of the town on social media and it looks as if more and more studios are looking at how they can get a piece of the

pie. Amazon Prime Video has already struck gold with their live-action adaptation of The Boys and Invincible is another home run.

This show and The Boys shared some similarities since they both don’t shy away from violence, swearing and sex -this show is not for kids by the way. Invincible sports an A-list voice cast including the likes of Sandra Oh, Zachary Quinto, JK Simmons and Steven Yeun.

This show can go where very few in the superhero genre can. Not only because it’s an animated show, but also with the fact that it tackles several issues superheroes would face dealing with both the weight of the world on their shoulders while still trying to balance their personal lives.

Invincible is streaming on Amazon Prime Video, with a episode dropping weekly on Friday. | Jamal Grootboom

IF YOU decided to forgo watching The Serpent on Netflix, do yourself a favour and reconsider that decision.

This eight-part series, which is inspired by true-life events, is such a compelling albeit unsettling watch.

Aside from the adroit direction, the taut and compelling script, the casting is sheer genius.

Set in the mid-1970, this series follows the crime spree of con artist Charles Sobhraj (Tahar Rahim) and his Canadian girlfriend, Marie-Andrée Leclerc (Jenna Coleman). They are aided by Ajay Chowdhury (Amesh Edireweera).

As someone who enjoys travelling, this series definitely gave me the chills. It’s the kind of fear where you hope that you have a Liam Neeson (“Taken”) in your corner.

This couple, operating under the ruse of dealing in gems, find young and trusting backpackers on their hippie trail through Bangkok, Thailand and other parts of Asia.

After befriending them, they drug them and steal their passports and travellers’ cheques.

Their marks are often people who are a bit lost. Many of their victims don’t make it back home.

It is only when Dutch diplomat, Herman Knippenberg (Billy Howle), begins looking a closer at the murder of a Dutch couple that he realises that he has kicked a hornet’s nest.

But getting justice for the victims is a costly battle.

The Serpent is currently streaming on Netflix.

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