Gqeberha: The Empire is a new Mzansi Magic telenovela. With a bunch of A-list cast, it comes to the small screen in January 2023. It replaces the South African telenovela The Queen after its seventh season.

The multi-award-winning Tshedza Pictures produced the Gqeberha: The Empire. The filming took place in the Eastern Cape, making it the first Mzansi Magic telenovela entirely filmed in the province.

Excitedly, Mzansi Magic premieres a new telenovela. Viewers know the entertainment channel for the genre. It expands into Gqeberha and the Eastern Cape.

Story

Gqeberha The Empire Cast
The story follows a man who seemingly has family, love, money, power, glory and respect.

The new telenovela Gqeberha: The Empire follows a man with money, power, love, glory, and respect. 

Luzuko Mxenge, played by Mbulelo Grootboom, is a prominent businessperson. He has three strong wives; Bulelwa, played by Sodlaka, Zimkhita, played by Msutwana and Nozuko, played by Bikitsha.

Even with all he had, he wanted more and planned to expand the family. His decision became a threat and made his wives explode in bitterness which they had held back for a long time.

The decision further endangers his relationship with his heir-apparent amidst other unpredictable complications. The telenovela follows themes of the dynasty, family, love, betrayal, polygamy, and jealousy.

Crew

Creator and Executive producer

  • Gwydion Beynon
  • Phathushedzo Makwarela

Producer

  • Tshedza Pictures

Series producer 

  • Khobi Ledwaba

Directors

  • Krijay Govender
  • Andre Odendaal
  • Zimkhitha Maseko

Head writers

  • Gwydion Beynon
  • Phathushedzo Makwarela

Storyliners

  • Sthembile Mnisi
  • Thulani Cekiso
  • Fezekile Cokile

Original music

  • Brendan Jury

Theme song

  • Bonga Percy Vilakazi
  • Sabelo W Zwane

Gqeberha: The Empire Full Cast (Season 1)

Zikhona Sodlaka as Bulelwa “Bullet” Mxenge
Kay Bikitsha as Nozuko Mxenge
Anele Matoti as Msimelelo Makwetu
Unati Guma as Funeka
Zandile Msutwana as Zimkhita Mxenge
Mbulelo Grootboom as Luzuko Mxenge
Phila Madlingozi as Nthando Mxenge
Ayanda Makayi as Stokkie

The new telenovela, Gqeberha: The Empire, premieres on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) on Monday, January 16, 2023, at 9 pm. Expect an A-list cast, gripping storylines, and mouth-watering plot twists.