LIFTING THE LID

In a riveting new reality TV show the famous Bala family open up about the sibling rivalry, anger and conflict they struggle with – and how therapy is helping them

- NOKUTHULA ZWANE-EJIKE

THEY once seemed so close, three talented brothers who belted out rich harmonies on stages across the world.

The wholesome trio had a shared history and culture: they were born into a musical family, became part of the famous Drakensberg Boys Choir and then formed the fabulously successful The Bala Brothers musical group.

Life seemed great - but as so often happens, murkiness can lurk beneath a glossy surface. And now, a new reality show is painting a different picture of SA's most famous singing family, lifting the lid on the boiling pot of friction between Zwai, Loyiso and Phelo.

Sibling rivalry, different belief systems, strained family dynamics - all are exposed in The Bala Family on Mzansi Magic.

The gripping series also reveals how the brothers' mom, Veronica, married her late husband's friend, "Tata Jaftha", in a secret ceremony five years ago. The brothers and their sister, Pinky - who viewers are introduced to in the show - don't approve of the marriage and it remains a source of much conflict.

There's also been bad blood between Zwai and Phelo ever since Phelo quit the family singing group amid reports they weren't seeing eye to eye.

Loyiso, whose wife, Jennifer, is also part of the series, says he was reluctant about airing their dirty laundry but agreed to film the series to show their family has flaws, just like anyone else.

"One of my fears was that people are going to judge us because we've always been perfect in the eyes of the South African audience. But what I want them to take away is the solace that the challenges they're facing are the same in families everywhere," he tells YOU.