On Wednesday night, the cast of BET Africa's new daily drama "Redemption" got together for the launch of the channel's original production.
Guests were dressed in gangster drip and their Sunday best in line with the themes of the drama series and strutted their looks on the red carpet.
Actress Tina Jaxa, who portrays the character of Evelyn Zikode, came dressed looking like a real “guluva” with her tilted white bucket hat and red tie.
The beautiful Kwanele Mthethwa dazzled in a pink number, which had fur on the arms and hemline, looking like her “Pastor Kid” character Faith Zikode.
The male cast members, Yonda Thomas, Luthando Mthembu and Sparky Xulu, also made sure to bring the heat to the red carpet.
At the media launch, guests were treated to a performance by rapper K.O, who performed his hip hop classics, "Skhanda Love", "Umhlobo Wam" and his new smash hit “Sete”, featuring Blxckie and Young Stunna.
Proceedings of the night were handled by BET Africa presenters Nomalanga Shozi and Naledi "Leddi G" Radebe.
Guests were also treated to an exclusive screening of the first episode of "Redemption" ahead of its debut on Monday. The episode certainly got the audience amped up for the drama that lies ahead.
After the screening, a panel discussion chaired by Shozi was held, where cast members Jaka, Thomas, Themba Ndaba, Sthandiwe Kgoroge and Mthethwa unpacked the show's motto "God for us all, Guluva for himself".
The synopsis of "Redemption" is centred around the mysterious disappearance Simon (Ndaba), the Zikode family head.
Ndaba has gained popularity among South African audiences for his portrayal of Brutus in the telenovela "The Queen", which is coming to an end next year.
In "Redemption" viewers are going to see the actor portray a character completely different to the alcohol-loving, gun-wielding Brutus. Simon Zikode is a pastor of a mega-church and he speaks fluent English.
This is not the first time the actor has appeared in another production while on "The Queen".
Ndaba briefly appeared in "Gomora" but was killed in the first episode, with hints of death aimed at his character in the daily drama, one wouldn't be wrong for assuming a trend.
"How sure are you that he's going to die?" asked Ndaba.
Xulu shared that an event like death sets off a chain of events, and this is why storytelling sometimes binds itself to it, as it allows for characters to express what they need in a short space of time.
Ndaba expanded on this analysis and said: "What is being done here is to use death to spin a story in a way that says, 'what is going on?' between the episodes. You're gonna stay because you want to know what's going on."
The actor shared that his co-star Kgoroge is a key element to the answer of "what's going on" that viewers will have. He assured that the audience will make assumptions about the outcome but will be surprised when things unravel.
"They're gonna be like, what?? We didn't even see it coming," added Jaxa.
While the cast were tight-lipped not to give away any juicy details, Modiadie shared that what surprised her about her character Yvonne is the lengths she is willing to go to.
"She's a devoted wife to Zwelakhe, who is a pastor’s kid, a great couple, love each other, but what I think is surprising about Yvonne is the lengths that she would go through to ensure that her husband becomes the best that he can be, for her own benefit. So what she does in the storyline as it unfolds is surprising."
Modiadie is taking her form as an actress. This is her second role of the year. She previously starred in "Entangled". Being away from radio has given her the time to further her acting career, allowing for her to be in a longer format.
She shared that she is well aware that the public may only view her as an MC and radio presenter, so she had a point to prove as she is more than that and can act.
Everyone on the set got on well, like one "happy family" said rising star, Mthethwa. The cast comprises experienced actors such as Ndaba, Jaxa and Seputla Sebogodi and new emerging talents such as Mthethwa, Modiadie and newcomers Toka Mtabane and N'kone Mametja.
Mametja, still in awe of the fact that she bagged the role of Refilwe in "Redemption", shared that she was very excited and grateful to be a part of the drama series.
Cast members were able to feed off each other and also learnt things from each other. Ndaba even remarked about picking up a thing or two from Mthethwa from their first scene together, which is set in a nightclub.
When the cameras got rolling, everyone executed the job at hand. Jaxa shared that she channelled her character spiritually in order for it to guide and allow her to take ownership of Evelyn.
Ndaba shared that at the first script read, everyone was like little kids in school who were learning to read as they all tried to figure out who their characters really were.
Jaxa shared that through the learnings of her character Evelyn, there are even traits of her that are now adding to her own personal life. The legendary actress has been in the industry for years and shows no signs of slowing down.
Proverbs 31 is the Bible verse that kept things alive on the set of "Redemption". The world of pastors and the church is certainly one that is not without controversy.
"Redemption" will lift the lid on greed, corrupt deeds and evil sins and how they never go unpunished.
"Redemption" is a collaborative project between Burnt Onion and Seriti Films, and is directed by Thabang Moleya, Nozipho Nkelemba and Athi Petela.
The BET Africa original production will make its debut on the small screen on September 26 on BET Africa (DStv channel 129 ) Monday to Thursday at 6pm. It will also air on the free-to-air channel, etv.