JOHANNESBURG – In a first for the free to air broadcaster, e.tv introduces a brand new and riveting Telenovela to take over the 8PM slot. The first episode airs on Monday, 2 March 2015. Ashes to Ashes, an aptly titled serial drama, will delve into fast-paced storylines, as well as those that carry socio-cultural messages.
The storyline is set against the backdrop of a family-owned funeral business in Tembisa. Namane Funerals is a highly prosperous funeral home owned by a husband and wife, who inherited the business. These two have created a funeral empire that the father runs with his two sons. Almost as if encrypted in family structures; there are personalities that tend to derail from the legacy penned for the family. The head of the family has incredibly challenging addictions that may ruin the future that they have collectively worked hard for. To add to this demise, the family still faces the threat of an estranged family member and a dark secret.
“We are pleased to be able to offer viewers an alternative in this time slot. Our ongoing investment in local content continues to mirror authentic story telling that showcases South African culture and day to day life. A lot of work has gone into ensuring that our new Telenovela resonates and adds value to the overall growth of our industry. We have ambitious hopes for this project, the relationships and intrigue will captivate, and entertain viewers across the country. Secrets, love and lust form the spine to this story,” said Monde Twala, Managing Director for e.tv Channels Division.
Playing the patriarch and matriarch of the Namane family are seasoned actors Nambitha Mpumlwana and Patrick Shai, who had this to say, “We are both excited to be part of this production. The story is new and fresh, the characters are well written and working in a highly professional environment makes it all worthwhile. This is our debut on e.tv screens and we hope that our fans and supporters will enjoy our latest offering.”
MEET THE CAST
- Selogilwe “Selo” Namane (50) played Patrick Shai
The Patriarch of the family, he is charismatic, charming, street smart and a family man. Coming from very poor beginnings, he is a township guy with a signature look, but his vice in life is his addictions.
About Shai – Arguably one of the most gifted and celebrated actors in South African history. It is not hard to believe that Shai started his career in theatre as a dancer in African drama and ballet. He is that versatile, and has been the heart of most of the country’s best productions including the world-acclaimed Cry, the Beloved Country.
- Mandlakazi Namane (48) played Nambitha Mpumlwana
The matriarch of the family, a perfectionist who is connected to her faith and culture. She puts family above everything and would do almost anything to protect them. Mandlakazi has done some very dark deeds in the name of family, but is not immune to guilt – she carries her sins with her.
About Mpumlwana – Eastern Cape born lead actress Nambitha Mpumlwana’s last screen role was on the now defunct soapie Generations. She has played numerous lead roles on award winning dramas, theatre productions and soapies. She took the accolade for Best Actress in a drama series at the second annual SAFTAs (2007). She is currently in the movie Safe House alongside Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds. She has acted alongside celebrated international actors such as Morgan Freeman in Invictus (2009). When Tsotsi (2005) won an Oscar, Nambitha was counted amongst the crème de la crème of South African artists that added depth.
- Tsietsi Namane (28) played by Nyaniso DzeDze
The eldest son of the Namane’s and happens to be their favourite son. He holds a clumsily obtained B.com degree, he is good-looking, charming and is pegged as the heir and head of the family (and the family business) when his parents pass. However, he hides a potentially disturbing side to himself.
About Dzedze – Dancer and theatre actor, Nyaniso Dzedze is a definite face to watch on the small screen. Fresh from a very successful theatre and film career where he worked with the likes of Nthati Moshesh, Dzedze makes his small screen debut on Ashes to Ashes.
- Monwabisi Namane (26) played by Chumani Pan
Plays second fiddle to his brother Tsietsi, is also the romantic lead with a Masters in Psychology turned grief counsellor for the funeral home. He has largely rejected his cultural heritage in favour of Western psychological and philosophical beliefs. This makes him slightly condescending and patronising towards the devout clientele.
About Pan – Pan is a thoroughly trained actor with experience in local and international films, television, theatre and commercials. A very competent actor who feels that his greatest strength is commitment, hard work and creativity. He got his first major break on e.tv’s widely popular soccer drama Shooting Stars and has gone to star in numerous dramas across all channels.
- Reba (28) played by Zenande Mfenyana
The main female protagonist. A pretty woman with incredible inner strength and independent spirit. She is intuitive and often says what she is thinking before thinking.
About Mfenyana – Childstar Mfenyana took the industry by storm with a meteoric rise to fame following her days of commercials as a youngster. She took on a role on a soapie and immediately became a household name. This telenovela will surely be yet another upward step in the ladder for this talented lass.
- Violet (25) played by Maggie Benedict
The striking funeral planner for Namane Funeral home holds a BA in marketing. She is a perfectionist, an over-achiever and a lover with overzealous plans.
About Benedict – The winner of the two SAFTAs, for most harrowing and humanitarian performance and Best Actress, Maggie has carved a pretty wide path for herself in the industry. With a diploma in musical theatre, one always knew that we are yet to see the best of this talent.
- Mickey (50) played Craig Urbani
Mickey is not the sort of a man you’d like to meet in a dark alley. He is an ex-cop and gun for hire with good connection and the ability to manipulate. He works as the head of security for Namane funerals; and other things.
About Urbani – Craig spent many years overseas performing on London’s West End, as well as in Australia, Denmark, Singapore, New Zealand, France and Spain. Since returning home in 2005 he featured in television soapies both English and Afrikaans. He has also hosted the 2007 Miss South Africa. Needless to say that, if the role is challenging, Craig is your man.
- Damian (22) played by Mandla Gaduka
He mans the front desk and ensures the daily running of the office. He flirts with the female and boosts the males’ egos, all for self-gain. He is also an aspiring actor who never gets a call back.
About Gaduka – One of the feistiest talents of the past few years, Mandla exudes fun and entertainment. He is an honest actor who has an emotional pull. He currently stars in local sitcoms, has District 9 in his CV. The perfect man to complete this All Star cast.
In Mzansi, funerals Homes mean BIG BUSINESS. From designer caskets, Limos and fancy cars, to the over catering, slaughtering of cows and high fashion. So far, death has been good to the Namane family. But their luck is about to run out with the arrival of an estranged family member and a dark secret. Dig up the dirt on the family and their business in… ASHES TO ASHES, Mondays to Thursdays at 20:00 from March 2. Only on e.tv.
