The month of April sees the premiere of SABC 2 new groundbreaking Xitsonga drama – Giyani – Land of Blood. The drama will start on Monday, 01 April 2019 at 21h30 and will flight Mondays – Wednesdays.
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The telenovela, which is set in the heart of South Africa’s own Eden, Giyani in Limpopo Province, brings to life the conflict of two families locked in a bitter, decades-long squabble over a contested piece of fertile land and the banana plantation built on it.
The first episode opens with a jubilant celebration of the land being returned to the community as a result of a successful land restitution claim. Under the apartheid regime, the land had been assigned to the Van Reenen family who had built their considerable wealth through the banana plantation, which supplied every major supermarket in South Africa. The farm, reclaimed by the community, is renamed Tiakeni – a Xitsonga phrase meaning “Build Yourselves”, in tribute to the community’s perseverance and success in taking back their land.
Giyani – Land of Blood brings to life the ageless themes of love rivalries, forbidden passion, stolen land, and corruption. The story is centered around the conflict between the Mudau and Baloyi families. Set in the fictional village of Risinga, Giyani has harnessed the considerable skills of well-known industry veterans as well as undiscovered talent to deliver the gripping storylines that are sure to keep audiences transfixed. Amongst the leads are acclaimed performers – Linah Ebony Ngcobo, Obed Baloyi, Charles Baloyi, Candy “Tsa Mandebele” Mokwena, Ndivhuho Mutsila and Yvonne Chaka Chaka. Adding to the roll-call of exemplary talent associated with the show, the theme song is composed and performed by the legendary Dr. Thomas Chauke and the Shinyori Sisters, renowned pioneers of Tsonga music, and produced by award-winning Tshedza Pictures.
“In our effort to deliver on the public service and language mandate as well as introduce fresh and landmark content, SABC2 is delighted to bring to the South African public, Giyani-Land of Blood; the first ever Xitsonga drama and telenovela. Produced by Tshedza Pictures and boasting a star-studded cast of Xitsonga actors, who for the better part of their careers, have had to act and perform in roles and languages other than their own in order to make a living; Giyani-Land of Blood has now given them this rightful opportunity. Equally, Xitsonga viewers who have had to watch dramas in other languages will now have their own drama series for the first time; celebrating and affirming their rich culture, tradition, identity, stories, music and heritage.” says Jacqui Hlongwane, Programme Manager for SABC2.
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