Zamani Mbatha Speaks On Rhythm City Dismissal

News of eTV’s flagship soapie Rhythm City getting canned has sent showcase across all social media platforms.

Read More: Cast Reacts To Rhythm City Being Canned

The multi-award-winning show became a household name with its intriguing storyline and a stellar cast and after 13 years of entertaining millions of viewers, the show will air its last episode on 16 July 2021.

It seems its cancelation has not only shocked fans, but the cast and crew did not see it coming. According to a Sasani Studio insider who spoke to City Press, they were blindsided by the show’s canning.

“The speech was cold and clinical. Everyone just had a look on their faces like. What am I going to do?” said the source.

The cast was apparently called for a meeting which was treated like a meet and greet session, but they dropped the bombshell. The cast initially thought they were going to celebrate the lockdown ratings for rising but, they apparently were axed on the spot.

Another actor who was shocked is Zamani Mbatha who had just scored a gig on the show earlier this month.  

Zamani shared with Drum Magazine.

They were left shocked as to how can they can a successful show. “It was a surprise as the show has been doing well. You do not can a successful show” said a source. According to the channel, decommissioning the soapie is purely a business decision and part of a greater business strategy.

 

Managing Director at e.tv, Marlon Davids said in a statement: “e.tv continues to look forward to fulfilling its mandate of producing exceptional and relevant local content, and the production has successfully achieved its part of the obligation throughout the past 13 years. Rhythm City has secured its place in e.tv’s history books, and a legacy mark has been made. We want to extend our gratitude to the entire production staff, crew, and cast for their incomparable craft.”

Although the channel has remained mum on what its next move will be, it has been confirmed that Rhythm City will be replaced by another local daily drama in 2021.

The show trended a few weeks back when Somizi‘s husband Mohale Motaung, bagged a role in the show, but he was attacked on social media

This follows after entertainment commentator, Phil Mphela broke the news of his casting on Twitter, which ruffled the feathers of tweeps. Social media users dragged him from hell to back and accusing him of landing the role due to being married to his famous husband, Somizi Mhlongo.

Majority of TV lovers were outraged by the industry’s nepotism. The actor and influencer made his debut on the show and many said he nailed his stint.

Image Cred: Instagram