The internationally-acclaimed drama Roots, starring Forest Whitaker, Laurence Fishburne, Anna Paquin and Malachi Kirby, makes its free to air television debut on e.tv this Monday, 6th November at 8:30PM. The film features local stars Nokuthula Ledwaba, Mbulelo Grootboom and Nandi Nyembe.
I was invited to have breakfast with Mam’ Nandi Yembe to watch the 1st episode of the series. The harrowing miniseries chronicles the story of an African man sold into slavery in America and his descendants. In the 1770s Kunta Kinte (Kirby) is kidnapped from West Africa and sold to a British slave trader. His journey intensifies as it unfolds, introducing viewers to the lives of the enslaved and showing the brutality, abuse and sexual violence they endure over generations.
A remake of the 1977 miniseries based on Alex Haley’s classic novel of the same name, Roots’ worldwide appeal can be credited to its awe-inspiring international locations and award-winning cast. South African viewers will recognise a number of these locations, with spectacular scenes filmed at Mtunzini’s Umlalazi River and in the Dlinza Forest, near Eshowe, in KwaZulu-Natal.
The star-studded American cast is supported by well-known South African actors Nokuthula Ledwaba, Mbulelo Grootboom and Nandi Nyembe.
Nokuthula Ledwaba is not a new kid on the block, she is a SAFTA nominee, and has also acted on Backstage, Rhythm City and Umlilo. Mbulelo Grootboom recently starred as Ntlonipho ‘Killer’ Nxasana in the e.tv drama series Z’bondiwe and played, he also stared as Tony in the 2009 feature film White Wedding.
Nandi Nyembe is a legend in the acting field both TV and Theatre. Among other television series and movies, she has appeared on Jacob’s Cross, Soul City, Yizo Yizo, Gaz’ Lami, Izoso Connexion, Soul Buddyz and 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls. I had a chat with Mam’ Nandi which I will share with you this weekend.
Going back to Roots, I got very emotional and teary while watching it. It is a very touchy film especially for us black people. I can’t wait to watch it at the comfort of my home so that I can cry freely. Yeah, I am an emotional wreck and very very sensitive. I will also force my daughter to watch it just for her to grow up knowing how far we have come and be thankful for the freedom she has today.
The miniseries will air over a period of four weeks, with weekly two-hour episodes. So let’s all catch Roots, from Monday 6 November 2017 at 8:30PM – 10:30 PM on e.tv and eHD on OpenView HD (Channel 104) and DStv (Channel 194).
PROMO LINK : https://youtu.be/LAh9LI_IQow
@KikiMarli
kiki@ossifymedia.com
