Meet the cast of ‘Dream – The Lebo Mathosa Story’

Rumours that musician and actress Kelly Khumalo was booted off BET Africa’s upcoming Lebo Mathosa biopic are rumours no more after it was confirmed that seasoned actress and musician KB Motsilanyane will be taking over the role of playing Mathosa in her adult years.

Motsilanyane will share the lead role with reality star Bahumi Madisakwane, who will portray Mathosa in her younger years.

KB Motsilanyane and Bahumi Madisakwane | Image: Supplied

Titled Dream: The Lebo Mathosa Story, the biopic has already been given a premiere date. The first instalment of the six-part series will air on Wednesday, November 6 at 9.30pm (CAT).

Thereafter, it will be made available for streaming on Showmax every Thursday after it broadcasts on BET Africa.

The channel said in a statement: “The six-part BET Africa series Dream: The Lebo Mathosa Story will illustrate the life and times of one of South Africa’s most celebrated musicians, Lebo Mathosa. The story begins in the heart of the 90s during the kwaito evolution when Mathosa rose to iconic fame and became a celebrated South African household name and role model for the youth. She was renowned for her unapologetic demeanour, provocative dance moves, edgy fashion sense, trendy hairstyles, and infectious tunes.”

Motsilanyane will portray the adult Lebo as she experiences the highs and lows of the music industry, which placed her as a music icon on a global stage while Madisakwane will depict the youthful Mathosa as she traverses the journey of finding her feet and realising her dream.

“It’s not an easy journey to play this character because it’s beyond imagination, larger than life and every single thing is a new experience. Walking in Lebo’s shoes is definitely one of the greatest things I have ever done,” said Motsilanyane.

“The fondest memory I have of Lebo Mathosa was from when I was five or six and we went to the Rand Easter Show, a show where [she] and my father [Somizi Mhlongo] were performing. I remember she was this amazing powerhouse on stage… and was always so maternal and protective over me and I think that is why I really want to tell her sincere, humble and emotional side,” added Madisakwane.

This biopic will be the first of its kind for BET Africa and the third of its kind for the global BET brand who produced a Bobby Brown biopic and a New Edition biopic in recent years.

“The Lebo Mathosa biopic is unique to the continent for BET Africa and follows the success of internationally produced biopics The Bobby Brown Story and New Edition Story,” commented Monde Twala, vice president for youth, music and BET at Viacom International Media Networks Africa.

“This biopic is a celebration of black excellence and depicts intimate moments in Lebo’s journey. She was a pivotal force in the entertainment industry and we are honoured to have partnered with local producers and department of trade and industry in telling this authentic African story while opening up the industry for fresh young talent,” added Twala.

KB Motsilanyane as Lebo Mathosa | Image: Supplied

The series is a co-production between BET Africa and Ochre Moving Pictures. The project is co-funded by the department of trade and industry, Gauteng Film Commission and Showmax, and has the support of The Lebo Mathosa Foundation.

Dream: The Lebo Mathosa Story will premiere on Wednesday, November 6 on BET Africa (DStv channel 129) at 9.30pm CAT and can be streamed on Showmax the following day.

READ NEXT: Somizi defends Bahumi following backlash on Lebo Mathosa role

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.