Film

MBABANE — Eswatini TV ushered in a wave of excitement for local drama enthusiasts with the premiere of the second season of its most loved series Ekhaya, on Tuesday, November 5, at 8pm.

The return of the locally-produced drama series is a significant moment for the Eswatini film and television industry, underscoring Eswatini TV’s continued commitment to broadcasting high-quality, homegrown content.

‘Ekhaya’ meaning at ‘Home’ has garnered a dedicated following since its debut, captivating audiences with its compelling narrative that delves into the intricacies of Eswatini life, culture, and contemporary social challenges.

The show’s success has highlighted the growing demand for authentic local storytelling that reflects the realities and aspirations of the Eswatini people. The series first aired on Eswatini TV on June 4, 2020, making waves on social media as the public  was excited about the new drama series produced in Eswatini.

While the first season set a high bar for production quality and engaging plotlines, season 2 promises to deliver even more dramatic twists and deeper character development, building on the unresolved tension from the previous season’s finale.

This premiere not only entertains but also acts as a vital platform for local actors, writers and production crew, furthering the professionalisation and growth of the creative economy in Eswatini. The return of Ekhaya  Season 2 is a strong affirmation of the talent and potential within the kingdom’s borders.

Characters in the series include Thembinkosi Mthethwa playing the role of Mandla Manyatsi, the young Chief of Mashobeni with a bold vision to empower women and transform his community.

Mandla’s journey is one of ambition, sacrifice, and unexpected supernatural challenges. Setsabile Masina as Mary, Samukeliso Dlamini as Mannqoba and Floriana Dos Santos as Mthimkhulu. A prime example of a similar incident in neighbouring South Africa is the critically acclaimed South African drama ‘Shaka iLembe’. After a successful debut season which premiered on June.

Produced for Mzansi Magic ‘Shaka iLembe’ has been a huge success breaking viewership records and winning multiple South African Film and Television Awards. The series, which tells  the epic story about King  Shaka Zulu’s rise has been praised for its cinematic brilliance and historical authenticity. The production of  a second season was seen as a natural continuation of its success with the narrative picking up where the first season left off.

The cover of the ‘Ekhaya’ Season 2. (Courtesy pic)