30 January 2019
5 must-watch African series to stream
From Nicole Amarteiffo’s audacious An African City to Leila Djansi’s progressive 40 & Single (coming soon to Showmax), African TV shows have mastered the art of storytelling and show us a side of Africa we didn’t even know existed.
When was the last time you watched an African show? If you paused before answering this or if your mind went totally blank trying to remember that show you watched back in 2016, then this post is for you. Yep, we are going down the rabbit hole in search of great African shows; here are our top 5 must-watch shows on Showmax right now.
1. Selina
Pascal Tokodi and Celestine Gachuhi are a match made in heaven in Selina, a Swahili telenovela that puts a local spin on the Cinderella story. Directed by award-winning director Reuben Odanga, Selina follows the life of a humble girl from the village, Selina (Gachuhu), who’s sold off to work as a maid to a wealthy family by her jealous step-mother but fate leads her right to the arms of her prince charming, Nelson (Tokodi). But star-crossed romance isn’t an easy battle to win, and Nelson and Selina prove that they have what it takes to fight for their love despite all the challenges thrown at them. Watch now »
2. The River
Gripping plotline, check. Suspense, check. On-the-edge-of-your-seat drama, check. Brilliant acting, check. The River tells the story of two families – the wealthy Dlaminis and the poor Mokoenas – whose different lives collide when power and greed come into play. The River has all the recipes that great shows are made of, including a villain – Lindiwe Dlamini – who will make your heart stop every time she appears on screen, concocting her evil plans with no more than a stare. If not for the storyline, at least watch The River for this woman – she will not disappoint. Watch now »
3. Is’Thunzi
Two-time Emmy nominee Thuso Mbedu is the feisty and defiant teen who will do anything to get the life she wants in the South African drama Is’Thunzi. It’s a powerful role that not only earned her two Emmy nominations, it also earned her a spot in the coveted Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 most promising young change-makers alongside fellow actress Nomzamo Mbatha (Isibaya) and Cassper Nyovest (Behind the Story: Cassper Nyovest). Watch now »
You can also catch Thuso as the strong-willed Ipeleng in MTV Shuga Down South.
4. Tinsel
An Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice winner and the most successful soapie to ever come out of Nigeria, Tinsel is set in the glamorous and cut-throat world of filmmaking and follows the rivalry between two families who dominate the industry. Tinsel, which has been on air since 2008, has featured some of the best actors from Nigeria and Ghana, including Kenya’s very own Lizz Njagah (How to Find a Husband, Jane and Abel) in earlier seasons. Watch now »
5. This Is It
Nigerian filmmaker Lowladee gives us the best of both worlds when she pairs Kenyan heartthroab Nick Mutuma (Shuga, Disconnect) and Nigeria’s Chy Nwakanma in this fairytale romance about a young newlywed couple navigating their first year of marriage. Unlike many shows out there, This Is It is aspirational about marriage – it gives us a perfect couple and a perfect love story – the challenges they face in their day-to-day lives don’t stand a chance. Watch now »
More African shows to stream on Showmax:
Check out the Showmax series catalogue for more African and international binge-worthy shows.
What will be the cost of vengeance? Empini S1, coming soon
The Roast Of Minnie Dlamini, now streaming
More Mzansi gold
Kristen Raath on her funniest, and most humiliating moment, on the set of Wyfie
Kristen Raath talks about her funniest and most humiliating moment on the university drama Wyfie, now streaming on Showmax.
9 most shocking moments in The Illuminated
Are you strong enough to binge Showmax Original documentary series The Illuminated? Here’s what you’ll need to prepare yourself.
Youngins Season 1 Episode 37-39 recap: Expelled!
While the five’s video goes viral, they’re swiftly expelled and forced to return home following a disciplinary hearing in Episodes 37-39 of Showmax Original Youngins.
What to watch on Showmax in May 2024
Stream Barbie and Oppenheimer in South Africa now, only on Showmax. Plus a ton more great stuff coming in May.