Nonhle Thema gets gold-digging on Zabalaza
Zabalaza is broadcast Mondays to Thursdays 21:00 on Mzansi Magic (Channel 161) and also on M-Net’s brand new, local, general entertainment offering, Mzansi Wethu (Channel 163) in the same timeslot.
JOHANNESBURG – Nonhle Thema will make her debut in Mzansi Magic’s (Channel 161) groundbreaking Lokshin soapie, Zabalaza, on Monday December 2.
The South African entertainment all-rounder takes on the role of Kgomotso, the pregnant, unwanted, nagging girlfriend of Moss Cele (Matli Mohapeloa).
Thema replaces Nolwazi Shange, who introduced Kgomotso as a shy, sweet girl when Zabalaza debuted on Mzansi Magic in May this year. Thema will continue Kgomotso’s journey to marry into the Celes, the family at the centre of Zabalaza’s action.
“I’m thrilled at the opportunity to join the cast of Zalabalaza. Not only is the show first of its kind in the genre of Lokshin soapies but the cast have done a great job of bringing a township story right into the homes of viewers all over the country. It is going to be wonderful to be part of that.” says Thema.
Already a household name and, recently, a first-time mother, Thema brings a wealth of experience to her new role.
Thema first surfaced on the Mzansi entertainment scene a decade ago when she joined Channel O in 2003, eventually became a fixture at the original African music channel, appearing on shows like Soul Asylum, Hola, Love Jams, Divas Divine, Oboma, O News, and Street Bangers.
It was on Channel O’s O Access that Thema proved her global clout when she travelled the world to interview international celebrities for this landmark show. Her hosting of a number of editions of the Channel O Music Video Awards also earned her kudos.
While still at Channel O, Thema was approached by Vuzu TV to host V – Entertainment, a live entertainment show. In 2010 her entrepreneurial streak saw her create Nonhle Thema Productions, with a focus on television productions. These have included, in conjunction with Don’t Look Down Productions, the production of the video for Liquideep’s hit track “Fairytale” as well as the reality show Nonhle Goes To Hollywood (with Bounce Back Media and Vuzu TV). The latter became Vuzu’s second highest rated show and has received significant attention from media and fan, both in South Africa and USA. Since 2007, Thema has also impacted the lives of young people with her social outreach initiative, Nonhle’s Angels.
Zabalaza’s ability to integrate township settings and its culture into the fabric of its narrative has turned the soapie into a bonafide success. The show recently celebrated its 100th episode.
