Crowning the queen of local TV

Connie Ferguson is emerging as the undisputed queen of South African television, not just because of her incredible career in front of the camera, but also her deft hand behind the scenes. It’s only fitting that Ferguson will kick off Women’s Month in August with her latest show, The Queen, on Mzansi Magic.

The Queen is a fast-paced telenovela about a dedicated wife, mother and successful businesswoman, Harriet Khoza (Connie Ferguson), who is forced to do the unthinkable when her husband’s (Treasure Tshabalala) secret comes to light.

Ferguson Films, the company Ferguson started with her husband, Shona, has delivered consistent hits for Mzanzi Magic this year. The first season of iGazi, which finished its run a few weeks ago, has become one of the latest darlings of TV in South Africa. The scandalous show has made Vatiswa Ndara who plays NomaRussia a household name – but above all the show managed to make supernatural shows the latest trend on TV.

The fourth season of Ferguson Films’ Rockville kicked off just as the first season of iGazi winded down two weeks ago. Again, it proved that there is no stopping the Ferguson brand. The Queen will be the third consecutive show for the TV matriarch this year – and it’s set to be another exciting ride.

In The Queen Harriet Khoza (played by Ferguson) has lived her whole life as a spoiled trophy wife, but tragedy strikes her family and she is forced to take over a family empire and bring unity to a family at war with itself, while hiding a deadly secret that can tear the whole family apart. It is this concealed lie that sets into motion a series of events that will see Harriet battling forces that are out to destroy the life she has grown accustomed to.

Ferguson Films productions have been able to showcase great duality in the South African landscape. Rockville makes astute observations about people living in Soweto and those who call the northern suburbs of Johannesburg home, while iGazi observes the differences between traditionalism vs modernism. In the latest show viewers will explore the contrasting worlds of the rich in Waterfall and the middle-class of Tembisa.

The Queen strips bare the insatiable lust for power amongst the wealthy and the victims that find themselves at their mercy. It also uncovers the power struggles women are faced with in business and at home, due to cultural practices and beliefs.

“Women are powerful beings. They can build empires, make homes and with the same passion that they can build, they can also tear everything apart. This new telenovela will not only expose the flaws and weaknesses of the powerful, but will also hold a mirror up to society by posing the question: How far are humans willing to go to protect their livelihood and what they believe to be rightfully theirs?” remarks Reneilwe Sema, head of drama at M-Net Local Entertainment Channels.

Other notable actors joining this impressive ensemble cast are Sello Maake Ka-Ncube, Sthembiso “SK” Khoza, Natasha Thahane, Mara Louw, Themba Ndaba, Shona Ferguson, Mbali Nkosi, Dineo Moeketsi, Loyiso MacDonald, Zenzo Ngqobe, Zandile Msutwana and Slindile Nodangala.

Battle lines will be drawn when The Queen premieres on Monday, August 1 on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) at 9pm.