BET Africa on Monday announced it is premiering the highly anticipated original daily drama series, Isono following months of suspense.
Speaking on the drama premiere, Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and General Manager at ViacomCBS Networks Africa, said: “2020 has been a big year for BET Africa. We kicked off the year with Black Tax, a locally co-produced comedy series, and a first for the channel.”
“This was followed by BOITY: Own Your Throne, another first celebrity reality show for BET Africa. This is indicative of our co-production and industry collaboration strategy for continued investment in local content.
“And now in another global first for the channel, we are launching a gripping and sensational vernacular daily drama called ISONO. The co-production with Clive Morris Productions will really transform 21:30 viewing and we are excited for our viewers to enjoy this ground-breaking TV experience,” he added.
Also speaking on the drama series, Lala Tuku, the Managing Director and Executive Producer at Clive Morris Productions, said: “The ISONO cast and Clive Morris Productions is back on set this month following a production break.
“We are excited to continue production on the upcoming daily drama, and despite the challenges presented by the new normal we have definitely found our rhythm. We have an incredible team that is focused on delivering our highest standard of work to bring the continent a truly intriguing series.”
The daily drama will inspire, vividly entertain, intrigue, and also educate audiences with surprising twists and unexpected cliff hangers, BET Africa noted.
Veteran actress, Nthati Moshesh, who forms part of the main cast alongside Rami Chuene, Bohang Moeko, Senzo Radebe, Didintle Khunou, Tokollo ‘TK’ Sebothoma, and Anga Makubalo, will be joined by legendary Charmaine Mtinta – the naïve Mother Mary loyalist, Mam Lillian, who helps Mary run the day-to-day business of the House of Grace church.
Natasha Thahane plays Millicent, a brazen social climber, and Mam Lillian’s daughter. Fezile Makhanya brings romance into Mary’s story and reminds us just how much an ambitious politician is willing to do on the way to the top.
Khulu Skenjana will offer us a view into a different level of the criminal underworld as he plays Gazati, a drug syndicate overlord. Ayanda Nhlapo plays a budding business owner who is loved by many.
The other regular location for ISONO is the church, run by Pastor Duma played by seasoned actor, Bongani Gumede, and SAFTA Award-winning actress Jo-Anne Reyneke who plays the Pastor’s wife.
Also joining the cast is the award-winning film and stage actor Hamilton Dhlamini, young and talented actors Kgosi Mongake, Tshepo Ledwaba, Mpho Sibeko, and Mpule Matlhola, seasoned stage and tv thespian Dumisani Mbebe and TV personality Lalla Hirayama.
The daily drama will be aired to audiences across the African continent as a BET global first, as the premiere episode of this suspenseful new addition would screen on BET Africa (DStv Channel 129) on weekdays from Monday, 28 September at 21:30 CAT/ 20:30 WAT.
BET Africa continues to do what it’s celebrated for as a black entertainment platform; amplifying and educating global audiences about the richness and nuances of black culture, it added in a statement.
The BET Africa daily drama format, ISONO is a global first and tells a gripping tale about the secrets we hide and the many faces we wear.
