Is blood thicker than water?

Set your reminders as the latest BET Africa’s (DStv Channel 129) original production is coming to screens across the continent on 26 September. The telenovela will air Mondays to Thursdays at 18:00, and repeats at 21:30. This is BET Africa’s biggest and best local production of the year, and the proof is in the distinguished cast.

Set in a mega church, the dramatic story revolves around the close-knit and highly respected Zikode family. After the mysterious disappearance of celebrated pastor Simon Zikode (played by Themba Ndaba), his daughter Faith (Kwanele Mthethwa) – who is on the cusp of an international music career – drops everything to come to her family’s rescue.

As Faith immerses herself in the church and the family’s affairs, she’ll uncover devastating secrets about those closest to her and she’ll also be confronted with her own skeletons.

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Act of Faith

Faith’s digging will lead to dark truths coming to light and the Zikode family will face many baffling decisions as they scramble to salvage their legacy. Will Faith’s discovery about her family’s unscrupulous past and present lead her to walk away from her own blood for good or will she stick around?

“Redemption will bring much anticipated drama, it will ignite fervent conversations around day-to-day experiences of the ordinary South African and shine a light on value-systems within African communities,” explains Themba. “I’ll be playing Pastor Simon Zikode, a charismatic and powerful man who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. The energy on set is electrifying and we can’t wait to see that translate on screen.”

“Our mission at BET Africa is to engage the black community and truly drive black excellence in our industry and through the stories we tell. The team behind this BET Africa Original is exceptional. Redemption is a co-production by two of the most notable production companies in South Africa: Seriti Films (Gomora) who are known for their masterful storytelling, and Burnt Onion Productions (Entangled). This, together with the stellar cast of Redemption, guarantees an enthralling viewing experience for our audiences across the continent,” says Monde Twala, Senior Vice President of Editorial and General Manager Paramount Africa and Peer Lead, BET International.

The cast includes renowned and beloved South African stars, including Africa Movie Academy Award winner, Tina Jaxa, who plays the pastor’s wife, Evelyn Zikode. She is a classic matriarch, who guards her nest like a hawk. Of course, no drama would be complete without the resident bad guys… Enter cherished South African favourite Sthandiwe Kgoroge.

SAFTA winner Seputla Sebogodi, Yonda Thomas, Pearl Modiadie and Sparky Xulu will also appear on the tempestuous daily drama. New-comers Nkone Mamejta and Toka Mtabane will be launching their careers on Redemption as part of BET Africa’s aspiration to expand the industry and give local creatives a platform to shine.

“We are very excited about our collaboration with Burnt Onion, and strongly believe the co-production has elevated the project. Together the two companies have been able to really add something dynamic to the industry.” says Leanne Kumalo, Managing Director and Executive Producer of Seriti Films.

Watch Redemption Season 1 from Monday, 26 September at 18:00 on BET (DStv Channel 129)