Netflix South Africa is gearing up to premiere its second Afrikaans drama series, Tuiskoms, on February 28, 2025. Produced by Infinity Films, this series is particularly notable as it marks the final on-screen appearance of actress Michelle Botes, who sadly passed away in December 2024. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Wilderness, the show stars Amalia Uys as Fleur, a widowed chef embarking on a new chapter of her life.
The romantic drama series consists of seven episodes and follows the success of Ludik, the crime series released back in 2022. Botes portrays Abigail, Fleur’s mother, bringing warmth and depth to the family dynamic central to the story. The series is directed by Nina Swart, who served alongside Louis Pretorius, the head writer, and Albert Snyman, who are both co-producers.
Fleur’s tale takes her back to her mother Abigail’s home, where she not only seeks solace but also discovers the beauty of new love, all within the confines of her mother's flower shop. The cast features notable names such as Armand Aucamp as Werner and Pierre van Pletzen as well as talented actors like Rika Sennett and David Minnaar, making this series one to watch for South African drama aficionados.
Meanwhile, the Afro-pop vocal group Just 6 excitedly showcased their rendition of the beloved Afrikaans song Baby Tjoklits on the popular show Breakfast with Martin Bester. This multi-talented group, which hails from Pretoria and was nominated for Grammy awards, has gained recognition since their formation in 2011. Their performance was smartly timed to celebrate Valentine’s Day 2025, highlighting the themes of love and nostalgia embedded within the song.
Just 6's approach to music is distinctive, employing their innovative Afro-Vocal Play style, creating instrumental effects using only their voices, which results in mesmerizing performances. The group's cover of Baby Tjoklits transforms the classic tune, breathing new life and energy, making the familiar feel fresh for both long-time fans and new listeners alike. Listeners can catch Just 6's enchanting performance on Breakfast with Martin Bester, available for streaming.
Another highlight of the South African music scene is the award-winning vocalist Kerry Hiles, known for her work with the trio Misery Loves Company. After touring extensively across South Africa, she has settled down in Gqeberha. This move has enabled her to strengthen her connection with the local audience, and she plans to mark this significant change with dynamic performances at the upcoming Mandela Bay Arts Festival.
Hiles aims to showcase her unique blend of blues-come-pop-rock, promising diverse performances for festival-goers. Her ability to connect with audiences through heartfelt music has made her a celebrated figure. Hiles’ endeavor to grow her band's presence close to their core audience is set against the vibrant backdrop of the arts festival.
The proliferation of innovative content, as seen with Netflix's Tuiskoms, performances from groups like Just 6, and the artistic pursuits of Kerry Hiles, demonstrates the thriving music and entertainment scene within South Africa. With various forms of artistic expression being showcased, these developments signal promising times for both local talent and enthusiasts of the genre alike.