Calls for Isibaya to be back

Calls for Isibaya to be back! It’s been over a year since the last episode of Isibaya aired, but avid viewers still want it back. Isibaya told an epic tale of feuds between two feuding families, Zungu and Ndlovu in the cut-throat taxi industry

The first season of the show featured a star-studded cast including the Zungu patriarch Mpiyakhe Zungu played by Siyabonga Thwala, and the Ndlovu family, led by Samson Ndlovu Bheki Mkhwane, Nomzamo Mbatha, Sdumo Mtshali, Thembi Nyandeni, Ayanda Borotho, Mampho Brescia, Pallance Dladla and Celeste Ntuli to name a few.

The very first episode of the show introduced Thandeka played by Nomzamo Mbatha) and Sbu played by Sdumo Mtshali. Their chemistry won the hearts of many people to a point where we wish their relationship could carry over to real life.

Despite their family’s rivalries, the couple was inseparable and they taught many what true love is. Thandeka even died in Sbu’s hands. A Twitter user reckons that they looked so genuine and they had the best scenes ever.

Samkelo_ryt tweeted “Nomzamo Mbatha & Sdumo Mtshali carried Isibaya on their backs for me, their love story looked so real it was so beautiful to watch every single day they had the best of unforgettable scenes happy and not so happy moments.”

The best thing that has ever happened to SA television ???? pic.twitter.com/LvU4S8a1Ew

— Baba ka Buhle (@pmashapa) July 20, 2022

Nomzamo Mbatha & Sdumo Mtshali carried Isibaya on their backs for me, their love story looked so real it was so beautiful to watch every single day they had the best of unforgettable scenes happy and not so happy moments.

— Samkelo (@Samkelo_ryt) July 16, 2022

Some viewers have claimed they have not found any interesting shows since the show got cancelled, marking the end of a groundbreaking era in local content. Loyal fans of the show have taken to Twitter.

I stopped watching TV shows after IsiBaya was cancelled

— Moskovich Nkosi (@MoskovichN) July 21, 2022

Multi-choice shouldn’t have allowed Isibaya to end. I stopped subscribing after. Even when Isibaya had a rubbish storyline it was still watchable. https://t.co/pu5Yc7lmYe

— Zakhele Mtolo (@Zakhele) July 13, 2022

Isibaya was canned in 2021 due to a dramatic decline in viewership. Nomsa Pholiso, the channel director for local entertainment channels at M-Net, confirmed its cancellation via a statement leaving loyal fans of the show saddened by the decision.

“It’s always sad when a show that was popular and loved ends, as is the case with Isibaya. However, times change and television is about adopting and adapting. As Mzansi Magic, we’re thrilled about the new partnership with Black Brain Productions. The other exciting element is that this is their first telenovela. It’s a great opportunity for Black Brain to broaden their base and creativity,”

Sdumo Mtshali shared a heartwarming tribute to the cast and crew of Isisbaya “What a beautiful 8 years on Isibaya with you. Thank you for so many beautiful scenes and memories, for sharing your talent and being so joyful. You have been such a delight to watch on screen, to talk to and work with. You are a gentleman, a professional and an amazing talent.

I have loved Sbu deeply, who this character is in his essence. He has been so important for SA TV, too much negative representation of young back men in the world, Sbu represented a young man making his own journey, staying true to his own values and integrity, trying to break free from the shackles of past, but still respecting his roots and culture, hardworking, fueled by ambition, wanting to build a decent life and family. He has remained a man of integrity no matter what. And I have loved and admired how you took the character off the page and sculpted him to be such a strong person that everyone loved,” he wrote.

SAD: Isibaya actor loses everything to fire

Popular Isibaya and Z’bondiwe actor Khumbulani Khuzwayo lost all his belongings and his meat business during the recent tragic fire at Kwa Mai Mai informal settlement in Joburg.

Khumbulani, who’s appeared in Ingozi, Saints and Sinners, The Alliance and more is begging for any donations to bring his life and business back after the fire on Saturday night.

He became one of over 800 homeless people after the fire destroyed about 400 shacks, as well as his meat business, his source of income, as he was still trying to get acting jobs.

Khumbulani, who played Sgeiks on Isibaya season 8 told the publication he’d appreciate any kind of help from anyone after the fire.

“Since I’m still looking for an acting job, I decided to start a meat business at Kwa Mai Mai where I have been selling meat and living since December.

“Unfortunately, all my business and belongings were eaten by the horrible fire and I was literally only left with the one I was wearing. Anyone who can help me about anything, I will appreciate,” he said.

Khumbulani, who also starred as Myekeni in e.tv drama series Z’bondiwe, said he moved from Folweni, KZN to greener pastures in Joburg.

“I started my acting career in 2016 and everything was going well until Covid-19 pandemic regulations ruined my life.

“I told myself I should not fold my hands while searching for an acting job but have to do something that will help me to put the bread on my table and not be shy of my meat business in Kwa Mai Mai,” he said.

The 34-year-old said it was like he was dying when he saw the fire eating all his belongings and his business when he had no power to stop it.

“If I say I lost everything, I lost everything including my identity document and many things. I appeal to anyone who can donate, it can be clothes or money donations.

“I’m hustling in my life and the fire is taking me a step back when I’m trying to make a living while waiting to get an opportunity in acting and feed my family with the job I like.”

Isibaya’s last date on TV revealed – This is when the last episode will air

The D-day for Isibaya’s finale date has finally been revealed! Though the multi-award-winning show wrapped shooting this week, viewers still have 38 more episodes left to watch their favourite characters in Bhubeseni.

The final episode for the much-loved novella will air on the 2nd of April 2021 which is a Good Friday.

Though the show shocked its fans and Bomb Productions last week for bagging 2million viewers for the month of January, it has wrapped up shooting and will be replaced by a new show on Mzansi Magic. The channel is apparently teaming up with Black Brains Productions to bring in this new show rumoured to be titled Diepsloot. It was also rumoured that Uzalo‘s Dawn Thandeka King is joining this upcoming show.

This is what Mzansi Magic said about the upcoming show:

“They will be bringing in fresh content that is innovative and captivating. Furthermore, the other exciting element is the fact that this is their first telenovela production. It is a great opportunity for Black Brains to broaden their base and creativity. Our platforms are fundamentally created to help producers to grow and reach new frontiers.”

This is the second show by Bomb Productions that’s been canned by Mzansi Magic, as a few years ago Isithembiso was also cancelled for poor storylines and low ratings.

Channel director for local entertainment, Nomsa Phliso stated: “It’s always sad when a show that was popular and loved ends, as it is the case with Isibaya. However, times change and television is about adapting.”

Here are some reactions from social media regarding Isibaya’s cancellation:

“The end of a journey. I can still remember the first few episodes back in March 2013 after Inkaba ended. 2 000 eposodes of mayhem, mystery and magic. All the best to the cast and crew. Thanks for eight entertaining seasons!”

“Bro I know hate is a strong word but I hate Mzansi magic how can they do this to me ngiyayivala I account ye my heart is bleeding @DStv”

“Am not that sad isibaya is ending the moment thandeka died and they let jabu go back to such a dark place of drug addiction that was very hard for him to get out of in the first place I was like no thanks jabu has suffered a lot I will not watch him suffer again. It’s been good.”

Isibaya currently plays on Mzansi Magic before The Queen (at 20:30) on (channel 161) Mzansi Magic.

Isibaya finally comes to an end

Huge blow for the viewers of one of Mzansi’s most-watched television soapies Isibaya as it comes to an end! Seven years ago, Mzansi was introduced to Mzansi Magic’s Isibaya, which is set in the backdrop of the taxi industry.

But the curtain is now closing on the popular telenovela and it will be replaced by a new production called Diepsloot.

The publication previously reported that the show was canned due to low ratings after it failed to make the top 10 repeatedly. In a few short weeks, Isibaya will be a thing of the past.

A source told the SunTeam: “The show is definitely going off-air soon as it’s the last season. The cast and crew were informed last year that the show is being scrapped over poor ratings.”

A second source said: “The new show will take over the slot. Black Brain Productions is taking over that slot from Bomb Productions, which produces Isibaya.”

According to a third source, the new show was commissioned straight after the decision was made to can Isibaya.

“We knew in October that the show was coming to an end. It’s the end of an era because at one point the show was big,” said the source.

“It’s always sad when a show that was popular and loved ends, as is the case with Isibaya.

“However, times change and television is about adopting and adapting. As Mzansi Magic, we’re thrilled about the new partnership with Black Brain Productions.

“The other exciting element is that this is their first telenovela. It’s a great opportunity for Black Brain to broaden their base and creativity,” said Nomsa Pholiso, channel director for local entertainment channels at M-Net.

Isibaya actress Mampho Brescia (Iris) with her Husband of 15 years and their beautiful family

Iris from Isibaya is a character fans love to hate, one day they’re stanning Iris, the next they can’t stand Iris. It means the actress who plays her character, Mampho Brescia is doing a damn good job.

Mampho Brescia has been in the film industry for a while now, aside from being an actress, she is a television presenter, voice-over artist, and brand ambassador.

Before she took on the role of Iris she was on Jacob’s Cross on M-NET, where she played the role of Zanele.

Mampho Brescia is now more associated with the role of Iris by the fans and the actress admitted that fans sometimes call her Iris.

She said she loves playing the role in an interview with True Love Magazine

I love what I’m doing right now and I love Iris. I’m so happy Isibaya producers chose me to play her. I feel like I’m thriving in her skin. Iris is lots of fun and I have a lot of creative leverage in creating who she is. Many people call me Iris, even off-screen, and can’t differentiate between the character and the real me.

The actress is also winning at life with her beautiful family.

Mampho Brescia is married to Nicola Brescia.

Mampho and Nicola have been together for 15 years now since 2005.

She revealed that she met Nicola Brescia in a gym. He walked up to her and they started chatting. Mampho said she thought he was a potential stalker when he approached her but speaking to him, there was something about his spirit that made her connect to him immediately.

The actress gave him her number and he called, they went for a date and it just struck her that he was going to be her husband.

Mampho Brescia revealed to True Love Magazine that she’s head over heels in love with her husband saying he’s perfect for her.

My husband is damn close to being perfect. He loves me with a love that is ethereal. He is the one person that esteems me more than he does himself. His love for me is unmatched. He really is an incredible soul. Our love is alien-like. I call him my amore (meaning love in Italian). I have a tattoo written more on my arm, which I got while I was living in the US. I was missing him so much and decided to get it in honour of him.

They have are blessed with a daughter, Rain whom they adopted in 2016.

Mampho and Nicola Brescia recently took their daughter out for a picnic and hung out with friends.

Isibaya on the brink of being cancelled

Things are seemingly shaking again, at the Mzansi Magic’s headquarters as one of the channel’s long-standing hit soapies Isibaya‘s future, apparently hangs in the balance.
If the latest report is anything to go by, Isibaya might be the next show on Mzansi Magic’s chopping block. According to entertainment commentator Phil Mphela, sources informed him that if the soapie’s numbers do not improve, the channel might consider pulling the plug on it.

In a tweet Phil reported, “Word is, the Mzansi Magic show’s fate is in limbo. Sources tell me that the show is on the brink and barring any change in fortunes it will be cancelled. The show’s cancellation has been the murmur since early this year.”

NEWS: #Isibaya getting cancelled?

Word is, the @Mzansimagic show’s fate is in limbo. Sources tell me that the show is on the brink and barring any change in fortunes it will be cancelled.

The show’s cancellation has been the murmur since early this year. #KgopoloReports pic.twitter.com/H42OSYT0QZ

— Kgopolo Mphela (@PhilMphela) October 7, 2020

Isibaya started airing in 2013 and it has become a household name in Mzansi. The show won the hearts of many with it’s intriguing witchcraft storyline, involving one of it’s most loved, but controversial characters Nkabinde played by Zakhele Msibi.

The show is centered around the Zungu and Ndlovu families who are rivalries in the notorious taxi industry. The families are forced to mend their relationship as their children Thandeka played by Nomzamo Mbatha and Sbu played by Sdumo Mtshali were in a realtionship.

The show showcased new faces in the industry including Zakhele Mabasa, Mdu Gumede, Nomzamo Mbatha who is now based in the US and Jessica Nkosi, who recently left the show after landing a role on The Queen Mzansi.