KwaMabuza, Ermelo – If you felt the air shift last Friday evening, don’t worry – it wasn’t the weather, it was the powerful spiritual drama The Chosen Soul – Umphefumulo Okhethiwe making its grand debut on the big screen at KwaShashe. With over 80 curious souls packed into the venue, there was laughter, shock, suspense – and maybe a few goosebumps – as three jaw-dropping episodes brought local talent to life in a way the township had never seen before. Joined by The Echoes, a local group that sings the theme song for the Series, Helele Mama, the house was turned into a multiple entertainment venue when they took the stage to perform three of their favourite tracks, amongst them Helele Mama! The house roared with excitement at the live performance. Read more about Thee Echoes here.
The Echoes: Thembalethu Shongwe, Lorraine Nyirenda, Petrus Jabulane Masina (Producer), and Terence Zwane
Gracing the launch was the Ward 5 Councillor, Vuyiswa Madidini, who, after watching the intense drama unfold, shared a gentle warning with attendees: “Trust is selective – even those close to you can harm you.” Note to self: side-eye everyone who brings you tea from now on!
Cllr. Vuyiswa Madini (Center) with The Chosen Soul cast.
All the actors in the Spiritual Drama series are former drama learners from school, but it is their first time appearing on screen. The series relies on YouTube adverts, so do not touch that “Skip” button as a way of supporting these kids.
The Chosen Soul Actors together with The Echoes: Thembalethu Shongwe, Thandeka Nhlapo, Lorraine Nyirenda, Simphiwe Simelane, Nomsa Maphalala, Terence Zwane, Ntokozo Vilakazi, Constance Mkhonza, Thulani Dube, Lungile Dlamini, (Seated – Thabiso Nhlapo and Sfiso Nkosi.
The creative mastermind behind the series, Austin Menzi Moyo Snr, is an actor himself who featured in Generations as Bro. Solly, in 2010 | Isibaya as delile from 2013 to 2017 | Outlaws in 2023 as Dlamini – I hope you did not miss that lobola negotiations scene!
Austin Menzi Moyo Snr – Script Writer, Director and Producer – Khanyisa Media
Mr Moyo described The Chosen Soul – Umphefumulo Okhethiwe as a mirror reflecting the spiritual battles everyone faces daily – only this time, with a little cinematic flair. “We are all spiritually Chosen. We have to discover the purpose of our Soul on this planet. Daily we face bad and good spirits. We have to navigate our way towards our purpose. We simplified spiritual warfare by making the invisible visible,” said Moyo. “The demons in real life may be unseen, but they’re just as real. Some wear familiar faces. And others? They’re your last line of defense.” Mr. Moyo also said the same when interviewed by Ikwekwezi FM on their Sivukule Breakfast Show, Ezisematheni.
The lead character Eunice learns that she’s spiritually protected, but that protection comes with a mission – and an army of enemies. With her trusty ally Marry, her mother, by her side, she learns to fight back, focus, and awaken the divine power within. (Move over, superheroes, Ermelo has its own chosen soul.)
And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for… yes, the series is finally online! Two spine-tingling episodes were uploaded exclusively for members of @KhanyisaMedia on YouTube on April 5th – because, let’s face it, everyone loves VIP treatment. But don’t worry, the rest of Mzansi didn’t have to wait too long. The episodes became available to the public on Wednesday, April 9 at 18:00, and going forward, two new episodes will be uploaded every Wednesday at 18:00, leading to Episode 20.
The drama doesn’t end there – The Chosen Soul will return with Season 2, diving even deeper into African spirituality and faith, with a fresh storyline and more unpredictable twists than your aunt’s Sunday soapies.
Watch the uploaded episodes now on YouTube HERE.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share – because somebody on your contact list definitely needs spiritual cleansing after what they did last December.
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