We kickstart this inaugural series of streaming picks from Southern Africa with news from South Africa, where Multichoice’s Showmax relaunch in February brought with it the promise of an offering that encompasses originals from the continent, as well as a bouquet of international blockbusters. The news follows a partnership with Comcast’s NBCUniversal and Sky, and guarantees access to platforms like Peacock, Dreamworks Animation, Paramount and more. There’s also a Premier League plan thrown into the mix, which should come as great news for the soccer heads in all of the 40 countries that can access Showmax.

This month brings with it crime thrillers, which always strike a chord with viewers irrespective of the platform; spirituality in the form of The Illuminated; a hip-hop goodie that explores the movement’s history in Zambia; and more. If you’re in Southern Africa, dig in to find out exactly how March plans to whet your visual appetite.

'The Illuminated'

Pointed views | The Illuminated | Showmax Originalyoutu.be

This spiritually-themed Showmax original explores different South African beliefs, and features interviews with adherents to left-of-center movements such as the Church of Scientology, Mancoba Seven Angels Ministries, and KwaSizabantu. New-age spirituality hangs side-by-side with network marketing businesses and corporate transformational coaching, resulting in a docu-series whose finale explores the story of Hardus and Nicolette Lotter, who were convicted of murdering their parents at the encouragement of Nicolette’s boyfriend, Matthew Naidoo. Belief is the thread that ties it all together, and the trailer primes viewers for what seems to be an interesting watch. Premiering March 6, The Illuminated is produced by POP24, the production company behind true-crime series like Imibuzo and Huisgenoot Ware Lewensdramas.

'Tracking Thabo Bester'

Tracking Thabo Bester | Documentary tease trailer | Showmax Originalyoutu.be

Convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester hasn’t fallen off of the public radar ever since news of his disappearance from a Mangaung, Free State prison in May 2022 broke. People were kept up-to-date with every detail, including his romantic partnership with Nandipha Magudumana, the medical doctor and social media personality who allegedly helped with the prison break, and with whom Bester was caught on the run in Tanzania after an almost year-long search. There are a total of sixteen charges between them, and the latest news is that their pre-trial has been postponed to June 5. The Showmax original is a story about love, murder, and deception told in four parts, and produced by multi-award-winners IdeaCandy (Rosemary’s Hitlist, Devilsdorp, Steinheist) and directed by Nikki Comninos (Convict Conman).

'Blood and Water'

Blood & Water: Season 4 | Official Trailer | Netflixyoutu.be

The Nosipho Dumisa-directed South African teen drama has fared well at home and internationally since its 2020 debut. Season 4 delves deeper into the lives of Puleng (played by Ama Qamata) and friends, and has already had its debut on March 1st. Set in Cape Town, Blood and Water is a Gambit Films production that also stars Khosi Ngema (Fikile Bhele, née Phumelele Khumalo) and Gail Mabalane (Thandeka Khumalo), and is now streaming on Netflix.

Hip Hop 50 Zambia

Hip Hop 50 Zambia (Official Documentary)youtu.be

The history of hip-hop movements throughout the African continent remains poorly documented. This Zambian production aims to add to what little exists by exploring the early days of the movement in the country, through to what it became over the years. Pivotal figures such as Chilu Lemba, Tivo, Shimasta, K.R.Y.T.I.K, Chanda Mbao, Macky 2, Sampa the Great, and many more offer substantive viewpoints that are educational and entertaining in equal measure.

The film, by the Swedish Embassy in Zambia, is produced by KuAtenga Media, Magnus "Mag44" Mando, Duncan "Holstar" Sodala, and directed by Geo Musiwa.