WeeklySA_AdminFLICK: No end to intrigue, entertainment by much-adored storyline of kingdom of lions
By Priscilla Malinga
Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King South African Premiere took place on Thursday at the Ster-Kinekor IMAX Eastgate in Johannesburg – and is a great symbol of the true Mufasa identity.
To add glory and light to it all, the deco and the face-painting from the hosts were welcoming, warming the hearts of the guests as they took their seats. Top-shelve celebrities graced the premiere.
Inimitable John Kani (“Rafiki”) and Kagiso Lediga (“Young Rafiki”), DJ Sbu, and Mafikizolo’s Theo Kgosinkwe and his wife, Vourne, showed up in style and grace.
Some parents brought children along to experience the new The Lion King which ended the evening with a popcorns and movie watching.
Over 1000 guests were treated to a host of special moments, including a rousing rendition of I Always Wanted A Brother (featured on the original motion picture soundtrack) performed by the student choir from Northcliff Primary School – winners of a public vote through radio 947 – immersive activations that kept guest entertained and a special screening of the film to end the night on a high note.
The event had MTN and Nedbank linking up. Tickets are on sale now for Mufasa: The Lion King, which calls on Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature shtick.
Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline.
The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny—their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.
The film features an all-star roster of talent, including Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr, John Kani, Tiffany Boone, Kagiso Lediga, Preston Nyman, Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Lennie James, Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Donald Glover, Blue Ivy Carter, Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis, Dominique Jennings, and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.
Blending live-action film-making techniques with photoreal computer-generated imagery, the all-new feature film is directed by Barry Jenkins and produced by Adele Romanski & Mark Ceryak, and executive produced by Peter Tobyansen. Featuring original songs by award-winning songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda, original score by Dave Metzger and additional music and vocal performances by Lebo M.
Mufasa: The Lion King opens only in cinemas on December 20.
MZANSI MAGIC ADDS COBRIZI AS SPINOFF FROM THE RIVER
SEQUEL: The new series will be ‘gritty, heart-wrenching and ultimately hopeful tale of survival, love and redemption…
By Thinus Ferreira
M-Net is adding Cobrizi with Presley Chweneyagae in the role of Cobra as a 13-episode spinoff drama series from The River from March 2025.
Cobrizi, like The River, is produced by Tshedza Pictures and added several of The River cast, including Thapelo Sebogodi as Kabzela as Cobra’s best friend, and Winnie Ntshaba.
Also part of the cast is Thembsie Matu as Ous Sheila, Sivenathi Mabuya as Bongiwe, Paul Maila as Rajah, Ishmauel Songo as Peanut, Chrispen Nyathi as Raisin, Thobani Mbhele as Bangkok, and Moliehi Didie Makobane as Teresia.
New talent include Siphiwe Radebe as Simphiwe, Kadia Banyini as Nkanyiso, Xolani Mfeka as Bab’ Dladla, and Charmaine Mncwabe as Ama.
Mzansi Magic says Cobrizi will be a “gritty, heart-wrenching and ultimately hopeful tale of survival, love and redemption”. In Cobrizi, Cobra “tries to do right by his youngest child and prove he is not a loser. He unexpectedly finds love after moving to inner-city Johannesburg”.
Cobra’s story will start off with the character as “the same troubled, angry man viewers knew from The River – a survivor whose only way out has been through theft and hustling”.
“His anger burns at the failed social system that’s left him trapped in poverty, fueling his belief in radical change. He is still drawn to his beer, women and taverns but even a man like Cobra can evolve… if life gives him a fighting chance.”
Shirley Adonisi, M-Net director of local entertainment channels, in a statement says “Cobra’s story really resonated with our Mzansi Magic viewers because of the way it presented the glamorous lives of the Dlamini-Dikana’s compared to the struggling Mokoena’s. It’s a story of hope, resilience, and community”.
“Presley really brought tremendous depth and humour to the character and this is a way to explore this tortured man’s world and see if his anger could be focused into tenacity to help him try to create a better life for himself.” – Fullview
