Genesis (South African TV series)
| Genesis | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Music drama |
| Created by | Singavision Production |
| Written by |
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| Directed by |
|
| Starring |
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| Country of origin | South Africa |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 117 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
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| Producer | Singavision Production |
| Camera setup | Multi-camera |
| Running time | 22–24 minutes |
| Original release | |
| Network | Mzansi Magic |
| Release | 21 April 2025 – present |
Genesis is a South African television drama series that is premiered on Mzansi Magic on 21 April 2025 and produced by Singavision Productions. It is set in the high stakes world of the gospel music industry and follows the lives of the Thabethe family, founders of the successful record label "Genesis Records".
Premise
Genesis centers on Felicia Thabethe played by Baby Cele, a former gospel queen who built a successful music empire "Genesis Records" with her husband, Gabriel Gigaba played by Biyela Mdladla.[1][2] The show delves into the high stakes world of gospel music where this seemingly perfect legacy is threatened when shocking secrets and betrayals surface, throwing everything into chaos.[3][4]
Cast
| Actor/Actress | Character | Seasons |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | ||
| Baby Cele | Felicia Thabethe-Gigaba | Main |
| Biyela Mdladla | Gabriel Gigaba | Main |
| Nay Maps Mapholoba | Bonko Thabethe | Main |
| Gaosi Raditholo | Mmarona Sedibeng | Main |
| KB Motsilanyane | Wendy Sedibeng | Main |
| Kealeboga Masango | Buhle Gigaba | Main |
| Karabelo Ramabodu | Mpumi | Main |
| Craig Nobela | Ishmael Longwe | Main |
| Sibongile Nojila | Ausi Moliehi | Main |
| Lerato Nxumalo | Owethu Hlope | Main |
| Josias Moleele | Bishop Hlope | Main |
| Louie Vega Ngcayiya | Fistos Shabangu | Main |
| Kaabo Ya One Mokhine | Noah Thabethe | Recurring |
| Sibongile Phakathi | Zanele Hlope | Recurring |
| Makgofe Moagi | Thandi Radebe | Recurring |
Production
Genesis is produced by the South African company Singavision Productions for Mzansi Magic, under the executive production of Kagiso Mogale and Gersh Kgamedi.[5][6] The series was commissioned by M-Net as a high budget telenovela exploring the gospel music industry.[7] It is filmed using a Multi-camera setup and directed by Luthando Mngomezulu, Adze Ugah, Nthabi Mokoena and Menga Nhlabathi.[8] The writing team is led by Kagiso Mogale with writers Bongani Masongo, Karabo Mogali, Sinomvuyo Nqwili, Lesedi Phaahla, Lunga John Radebe, Nthabiseng Tau and Puseletso Thibedi contributing to the scripts.[9] Filming takes place primarily in Johannesburg, South Africa.[10] The production aims to showcase a rarely depicted aspect of local storytelling the business and personal rivalries within the gospel music scene.[11][12]
Release
The series premiered on Mzansi Magic on 21 April 2025, airing Mondays to Fridays at 19:30.[13][14]
References
- ^ Khulu, Ntombi. "Drama on the small screen – 5 new local shows to add to your watchlist". News24. Retrieved 2025-11-05.
- ^ Birjalal, Alyssia (2025-02-14). "Baby Cele exposes the dark side of gospel music in new telenovela 'Genesis'". IOL. Retrieved 2025-11-05.
- ^ "Telenovela "Genesis" Reveals The Gospel World Of Secrets And Family Ties". LFRNQ. 2025-04-20. Retrieved 2025-11-05.
- ^ "Mzansi Magic's New Telenovela Genesis Coming in April | DStv Zambia". www.dstv.com. Retrieved 2025-11-05.
- ^ Magagula, Nompumelelo. "WATCH | Genesis cast members let the media and fans into their set world". News24. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
- ^ "Mzansi Magic's new telenovela Genesis coming in April". Mzansi Magic’s new telenovela Genesis coming in April. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
- ^ Hlalane, Reabetswe (2025-02-17). ""Genesis" – Mzansi Magic's New Telenovela Set to Redefine the Gospel Music Industry". OkMzansi. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
- ^ Gaanakgomo, Constance. "'It's all about feeling': KB Motsilanyane on 'beautifully chaotic' role in new gospel drama Genesis". News24. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
- ^ Eyaaz (2025-07-08). "Scoring faith: Musa Mhlongo on composing for Genesis". The Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
- ^ Nkosi, Simphiwe. "iThonga, Genesis and Inimba redefine South African storytelling". EWN. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
- ^ DStv, MultiChoice (2025-03-14). "Mzansi Magic's new telenovela 'Genesis' coming in April". The Citizen. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
- ^ Birjalal, Alyssia (2025-02-14). "Baby Cele exposes the dark side of gospel music in new telenovela 'Genesis'". IOL. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
- ^ "Telenovela "Genesis" Reveals The Gospel World Of Secrets And Family Ties". LFRNQ. 2025-04-20. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
- ^ "New on TV today: Monday 21 April 2025 | New Shows and Seasons | TVSA". www.tvsa.co.za. Retrieved 2025-11-12.