Munya Vomo
A new local TV series adapted from a movie is now on the horizon. It is said to be a first for South African TV, but the feat is hardly a unique one. Around the world, we have seen successful movie titles like Tarzan and The Little Mermaid turned into TV series.
Now that trend takes root in South Africa with the show uSkroef noSexy, which was released on DVD internationally last year.
The film was the product of celebrated producer Zanenkosi Mahlangu, who is with Ants Multimedia.
Now adapted into a 26-episode season, uSkroef noSexy is an intriguing story about two best pals named Skroef and Sexy who have dreams of making it big.
They do whatever it takes to secure what they believe to be the South African dream and this show has us follow them as they hunt down a better life.
Skroef Manyoba is a realist whose general appearance strikes fear in people. He is the kind of child that your mother warned you never to play with.
Yet if you take into account the context of this storyline, Skroef is an admirable character who is never short of solutions.
He is very calcu-lating and he will stop at nothing to make a quick buck, becoming an integral part of the partnership he has with his friend Sexy.
Sexy Mashishi is a 20-something old ghetto boy who is a big dreamer. He has a suspicious look that has security guards at various establishments pay closer attention every time he pays a visit.
Sexy always wears a hat to disguise the fact that he took a serious knock to the head in a car accident. The incident made him appreciate life and now he lives each day as if it were his last.
The two’s qualities make for very entertaining comedy, while also shedding light on the realities of South African youths who are trying to make ends meet.
“Not only has e.tv secured the rights to do the TV series, we have also secured the rights to air the feature film once it has been released early next year. The concept of a dramedy is a new and fresh approach never seen before on SA television,” enthused Monde Twala, Managing Director: e.tv Channels Division.
“We remain committed to exploring new genres and models to enhance local content.
“South African audiences are hungry for cutting edge drama with a comedic slant.
“This show will resonate with our core audience and will be a comedic twist that mirrors today’s young and ambitious South African.”
The 26 episode season premieres on Thursday, November 6 at 9pm on eKasi+ (channel 105 on OpenView HD) and Monday, November 10 at 9PM on e.tv.