Isibaya’s soapie still needs to find its feet

From the taxi industry strife that has driven much of the action to the tension between the city and rural family members and the bewitchment that has surfaced in recent months, the fact that Isibaya is telling an authentic, homegrown story is a powerful reason for viewers to keep tuning in.

The first episode of the soapie was intriguing but lacked the intensity of the telenovela’s finale, with only a handful of captivating moments shining through a generally ‘okay’ episode.

The aftermath of the traditional ceremony had Mpiyakhe running through the hills of eBhubesini in Kwa-Zulu Nataland thanking his ancestors for giving him another chance at life.

Iris threatened Mkabayi into not revealing to Mpiyakhe she had married another man and had sex with Jabu. Mkabayi was reluctant to do so but for the sake of the recovering Mpiyakhe she was convinced to hold back the truth.

It was weird, yet wonderful to have Mpiyakhe back in the show but small mannerisms showed that he still had the “mkhovu” mind set. Only time will tell if he is completely healed.

Nkabinde was arrested, breaking the agreement with Mkabayi.

Thandeka and Sbu’s happiness is disrupted when he has to leave the valley for his own safety after he’s accused of being a traitor. Funny how whenever there is a scene between Sbu and Thandeka that soft background music always plays.

While most of the original cast members are reprising their roles in the soapie, new characters also made an appearance.

Veteran actor Vusi Kunene has joined the cast of Isibaya as Bhekifa (Ntshangase) Ngubane, a powerful, self-made scrap metal mogul who also owns a share in a nightclub. Bhekifa’s charming, elegant, opera-loving surface masks a dangerous, cunning and disturbed man who takes pleasure in seeing the slow demise of those he believes have betrayed him.

Other new cast members include Jeffrey Sekele as Blade (Bhekifa’s right hand man) and Sibusisiwe Jili as 28-year-old Zanele (the manageress of Club Sheba), Zinhle Mabena as Sihle (a 22 year old who has revenge on her mind after her father’s death).

Catch Isibaya Monday to Friday at 20h30 on Maznsi Magic.

Here is what people had to say about last night’s episode:

#Isibaya best soapie shem! #Number1

— ☆26March☆ (@KholiweDube) March 18, 2014

What a way to kick start the new season of #ISIBAYA. Cc @PallanceD @SdumoMtshali @NomzamoMbatha @Bhelez @MamphoBrescia @VusiKunene and MORE

— #Yini ft NaakMusiQ (@iamJamesJR) March 18, 2014

This scene btwn Sengwayo and Fezile is EVERYTHING! The cinematography *sigh* #Isibaya

— MsLee Matsoso (@LeratoMatsoso) March 17, 2014

This scene yaSengwayo thanking his ancestors is priceless. So precious. Our language and culture is BEAUTIFUL! #Isibaya — Nomfundo Mkhize (@NomMkhize1) March 17, 2014

Their shots, visuals are always dark, then they speak deep zulu so slow with bass. Hai #isibaya. They never watched #tlharantlhope

— Success G (@Katlegopane) March 18, 2014

What did you think of Isibaya’s soapie premiere?