Zuma daughter called to produce new soapie to replace Generations
Zuma, fresh from an internship with US superstar actor and producer Tyler Perry, is said to be hard at production in KwaZulu-Natal creating a show titled Uzalo, which some in the industry believe will replace the ill-fated Generations.
The show, which is commissioned for over 300 episodes, is expected to have a drama and soapie appeal with a Zulu language slant as it is aimed to take on the hugely popular Isibaya on Mzansi Magic. Isibaya plays at 8.30pm and not the coveted 8pm slot that Generations has dominated for years.
People close to Uzalo this week refused to comment about the show, which is expected to feature some familiar faces from Generations with a generous helping of new stars. It was originally planned to go on air in January 2015, but with the drama at Generations, the source says the show may be on local screens sooner.
Duma Ndlovu is one of the three executive producers working with Zuma, the third is Pepsi Pokane. He said it was no secret that they were working on Uzalo but would not comment on whether it is a replacement for Generations.
She pointed out that plans were under way to have Generations refreshed with new story lines and faces.
“It’s back to the drawing board. The crew is hard at work finding new ways with brainstorming sessions.”
According to the source, there has been some reported meetings behind the scenes with some of the axed Generations stars initiated by the production house to woo them back on for the show in what has been described as a “divide and conquer,” strategy.
Plans are afoot to present the new look soapie to the SABC board for approval before a publicity blitz begins, to gain back the trust and confidence of the viewers and advertisers.