Roundup: ‘Blood Legacy’

The latest release from Gambit Productions ‘Blood Legacy’ has just rightfully earned its spot on the list of the productions that have set the bar amongst this year’s releases with its stellar cast and quality production aesthetic that has had South Africa buzzing with excitement.

You know those goosebumps you feel after watching a trailer for an upcoming Netflix or Showmax release, that is what I felt after I watched the trailer for Blood Legacy for the first time. The show which is set in Durban lived up to the standards that were set by the trailer.

A great cast is the key ingredient

The first aspect of the show that grabs your attention when you watch the first episode is the amazing casting. The combination of the legendary, veteran and the up-and-coming actors that we are lucky to have here in South Africa can be found on the show.

 The legendary would be the late Connie Chiume and Sello Maake Ka-Ncube, the veterans would be Xolile Tshabalala, Pallance Dladla, Enhle Mbali- Mlotshwa, Dawn Thandeka King and Buyile Mdladla. The up and coming would include The River actors Unathi Mkhize, Thabiso Ramotshela and fresh from her lead role in Law.love and Betrayal Dineo Rasedile.

The late Connie Chiume as the matriach of the Ndlovu family.
Image Source: X(Njabs_Madlala24)

The performance as the matriarch of the Ndlovu family was Connie Chiume’s last role. This performance according to news website Briefly was one that was applauded by many.

The impact of the narrative of the show

The narrative of the show might not be quite new as it is a remake of another Netflix series Monarca but the South African delivery and touch was  quite splendid where each thirty minute episode left you either speechless or dying to move on to the final episode just to see how it ended.

The other noteworthy point of the show is that even though it explores the popular theme of sibling rivalry with a combination of an epic power struggle, the series also places the spotlight on sensitive social issues such as rape and victim shaming.

Thabiso Ramotshela as Nido Ndlovu
Image Source X (@Lindo_G)

The portrayal of a polyamorous relationship where two of the parties are male is something that might be new to South African viewers but the portrayal of this relationship between the three parties is impressive because of the performances from the actors which express the emotions that exist in such relationships.

The series is a must watch and I will be keeping my fingers crossed for a second season as the finale of the show  left us wanting more of the Ndlovu and Adesina family.