The e.tv press preview hosted at Urban Tree, Sandton, last Thursday was a real family affair. And by family I speak of the e.tv family, judging by how they relate to one another - just like a real family.
The festivities were staged in a lounge-type room, with beautiful black-and-red lighting that brought about an ambience of calm. Seats were placed all around the auditorium.
Spotted in the crowd were actress Nolo Phiri, dressed all in black, with fellow cast member and stage brother Sphiwe Mtshali, who looked quite decent in a waistcoat and trouser ensemble. The show was hosted by actress Thembi Seete, in an all-white dress paired with silver-studded shoes, alongside Lehase Moloi in a blue suit, white sneakers and white T-shirt.
The chemistry between the two hosts was questionable. Maybe it’s just me being cynical but there was just something about the pair that did not gel.
Anyway, for the formal proceedings, we were moved into another section of the room, where chiavari chairs were placed in rows facing the stage.
Nambitha Ben-Mazwi was radiant in orange.
Picture: Babalwa Dhlamini
Opening the event was SA’s Got Talent 2016 winners, Kryptonite Dance Academy, leading up to the announcement of the premièring shows making their way to the channel.
Also announced was their new series, Broken Vows, which features new talent and TV veterans like Thapelo Mokoena, who looked dashing in a black suit and a crisp white shirt, white sneakers and a brown newsboy hat.
Nambitha Ben-Mazwi, who also joined the e.tv family and came to be known when she starred in Mzansi Magic’s crime drama Doubt, will be gracing the screens in the new series. She wore a flowing orange cocktail dress and flashed her captivating smile.
Other cast members of the show present were Thembi Mtshali, Jo-anne Reyneke, Mandla Gaduka, Sello Sebotsane and a face we have not seen in decades after her famous Zama Zama game show, Nomsa Nene. She wore a black long dress with a black coat and looked ecstatic.
Thapelo Mokoena Picture: Babalwa Dhlamini
All the new acts were warmly welcomed when they were called to the stage, with a few of the oldies standing up in their honour. Mduduzi Mabaso was among the people who stood up to applaud and was dressed rather interestingly - in white pants and brown jacket over a pink top.
Also looking impressed was Muzi Mthabela, dressed in a gorgeous grey waistcoat and trousers, white shirt and formal brown shoes.
Jo-anne Reyneke Picture: Babalwa Dhlamini
A standout had to be Jamie Bartlett, who is as energetic off camera as he is in front of it. The entertainer wore a horrendous hanging red shirt with a yellow collar, ill-fitting jacket , blue jeans and red socks in dark red shoes. Oh, and don’t forget the red shades. We can forgive Barlett’s fashion blunder because he is an amazing soul and so much fun to be around.
Other famous faces gracing the event were Mapaseka Koetle, comedian-turned-actor Siyabonga Radebe, actress Natasha Thahane along with former Skeem Saam workmate Pretty Ncayiyana, also dressed in strictly black.Once the formalities were done, the night was filled with mingling and a wonderful performance was rendered by singer Mbali Zuke.
It was a wonderful celebration of e.tv's new direction.