She's always longed to have a child, so she appreciates why moms will do anything to protect their kids. Actress Xolile Tshabalala plays a mother desperately trying to shield her daughter from a secret that could upend their lives in the Netflix show Blood & Water, which has been making major waves around the world.
The teen mystery-drama debuted on the streaming service on 20 May and three days later was number one in several countries, including South Africa, France, Jamaica and Kenya.
It also nailed the big one: the USA, making it the first SA show to reach the top slot in the States.
A dose of controversy has helped Blood & Water stay in the news: it became a hot trending topic after viewers remarked on the similarities of the storyline to the real-life drama involving Zephany Nurse and her family.
In Blood & Water, 16-year-old Puleng Khumalo (played by Amamkele Qamata) goes on the hunt to find out what happened to her older sister, Fikile (Khosi Ngema), who was abducted from hospital soon after birth – just as Zephany was.
Zephany – or Miché Solomon, the name given to her by the woman who abducted her – and her biological father, Morné, say they weren’t consulted by the producers and weren’t aware of the show until it hit the small screen.
But Gambit, the makers of the show, issued a statement denying it was based on the Zephany story. Blood & Water is “a dramatised and heightened fictional story that revolves around Puleng’s quest to discover the truth” against the backdrop of Cape Town, the statement says.
As far as Xolile is concerned, however, the controversy is just a sideshow. Blood & Water is clearly giving viewers what they want: gripping television drama.
Denne historien er fra 18 June 2020-utgaven av Drum English.
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Denne historien er fra 18 June 2020-utgaven av Drum English.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Homegrown Heroes
Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa
The Big Clean Up
Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets
I'm Back & Better!
Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon
Not An Easy Ride
Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent
‘They Lived For Each Other'
This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too
Stranger Than Fiction
For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold
I Was Raped By A Pastor
His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out
My Fight With Life And Death
More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience
I AM ENOUGH
Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest
