Shows
African Couch PotatoS2 52 Bella Alexandras on HollywoodWhat do you think? let us knowBella Alexandras, a 15 -year-old South African actress, singer, and model, is rapidly carving out an undeniable presence across the global entertainment landscape. Gino managed to get a quick half hour out of her busy schedule to chat to her via a somewhat wobbly link to Paris, France.With a CV that most performers would die for, Bella recently made waves at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, further nailing her status as a talent to keep an eye on.ACP chatted to this young superstar-in-the-making about how it...2025-06-3016 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 50 Roye Okupe on “Iyanu”What do you think? let us knowThere's a new superhero coming to Showmax! Iyanu. Iyanu is a teenage orphan girl who discovers she has divine powers and a destiny far greater than she ever imagined, one that involves saving the ancient kingdom of Yorubaland. The animated series is adapted from Nigerian creator Roye Okupe’s popular graphic novel series, Iyanu: Child of Wonder, published by Dark Horse Comics, the powerhouse behind The Umbrella Academy and Hellboy comics. After its US launch Iyanu ranked as the #1 series on Cartoon Network . With the superhero genr...2025-06-1625 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 48 News, Views and ReviewsWhat do you think? let us knowA mixed bag, this episode, as we mourn the passing of a local star, take a look at what is happening with cinemas, drop a couple of reviews and celebrate the arrival of an award.ACP was saddened to hear of the passing of actor Presley Chweneyagae, who shot to fame with the Oscar winning movie Tsotsi. Gino took his kids to the cinema and asks the question, "What is the future of cinemas?" Rising costs and only a handful of family titles due for release ov...2025-06-0210 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 46 Brandon Auret on Funding The Local Film IndustryWhat do you think? let us knowA lot of us came across Brandon Auret's LinkedIN video where he spoke about foreign films, the importance of co-productions and how Donald Trump is throwing his toys when it comes to the American film industry. Award-winning actor and filmmaker, Brandon, is best known for his roles on Elysium, District 9, Chappie and popular soapie, Isidingo. He has called on Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, to use Trump’s proposed 100% tariffs on films made outside the US as an opportunity to invest in the local film ind...2025-05-1929 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 45 News, Views and ReviewsWhat do you think? let us knowDonald Trump’s policy of slapping tariffs on anything that he thinks is threatening the American job market is possibly about to hit our industry as his latest rant threatens a 100% tariff on all foreign (to America) films. In this weeks look at what's happening, Gino explains just what that would mean for the South African film industry.Do you remember those great TV ads that used to grab the nations attention when they dropped? The ones that became part of everyday conversation. ACP looks at how social me...2025-05-1213 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 44 The Roast of Helen ZilleWhat do you think? let us knowIt's always good to see that our politicians are up for a laugh and none more so than one-time DA leader Helen Zille. Showmax and Laugh Africa lined up a host of celebrities for the Roast of Helen Zille who arrived in a glittering dress worthy of any red carpet. Of the Roast, the politician said, "They call it the Roast of Helen Zille, but I’m about to cook!" Gino was lucky enough to get the invite to this historic and hysterical event.We also give you th...2025-05-0511 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 43 Jordy Sank and Gabriella Blumberg on “Die Kwiksilwers”What do you think? let us knowIn this week's ACP, we were lucky enough to get both the director and the producer of the acclaimed road trip movie Die Kwiksilvers. Gino sits down with director Jordy Sank and producer Gabriella Blumberg from Sanktuary Films to find out how two "rooineks" ended up creating this delightful Afrikaans mix of comedy, grief and road trip antics.Jordy is a two-time South African Film and TV Award-winning Director, Screenwriter and Producer known for his feature documentary I Am Here, which won the Best South African Documentary Award...2025-04-2826 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 42 Darrell McLean on Stunt Direction and “One Piece” (Netflix)What do you think? let us knowWhat's it like to win an Emmy?In this ep Gino gets to find out, as he chats to Stunt Coordinator Darrell McLean. In March this year, Netflix's One Piece Live Action grabbed two major awards at the Children and Family Emmy Awards for “Outstanding Original Song for a Children’s or Young Teen Program” and “Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Live Program”. One Piece was actually nominated in 11 categories and was up against Percy Jackson, Spiderwick and Sesame Street. Not bad going!One Piece is an...2025-04-2136 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 41 Podcasters on TV, Kwa-Tsholo, A Kind of Madness, 2 Emmys for SA, Million Dollar Secret, New NFVF CEO & SABC Head of MarketingWhat do you think? let us knowA mixed bag this week, as Gino looks at what's been happening in SA and abroad as well as local streaming highlights. Local podcasts got a boost as DStv put 8 of the top local shows on the DStv bouquets.Kwa-Tsholo launched on Mzanzi Magic, drama and comedy weaved together in the world of hairdressing.Local production A Kind of Madness hits the silver screen at Nu MetroOne Piece, a live manga shot in Cape Town bagged not one but two Emmys. Hats off to them!Million Dollar Secret, a n...2025-04-1410 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 39 Richard Finn Gregory on SteinheistWhat do you think? let us knowMillions of South Africans who had direct or indirect investments in the company Steinhof, suddenly saw their savings disappear overnight. Steinhoff CEO Markus Jooste got caught pulling the scam of the century. Steinheist, currently streaming on Showmax, sheds light on Jooste’s scandalous business actions and on how corruption in the private sector all too regularly goes unnoticed. Gino gets to chat, via Zoom, with series director Richard Finn Gregory. This was the last man to film Nelson Mandela in a private setting before he passed away…...2025-03-3121 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 38 Yalezo Njuguna (Festival Director) of BAI HeatseekersWhat do you think? let us knowSome people seem to be able to do it all. This episode finds Gino chatting to one such person. Yalezo Njuguna, film-maker, podcaster, content creator and curator, and the festival director of BAI Heatseekers.Yalezo is an acclaimed director and producer, known for his ability to capture the essence of contemporary African culture. His expertise covers many genres, including comedy, documentary, and social commentary, with standout projects like Afriquan Film Conversations and the Bubbling Culture documentary series. Through his production company, Enraptured Odyssey, he has developed a range...2025-03-2430 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 37 Deborah Brown Magaya (Kulea Childcare Villages) PODCASTHONWhat do you think? let us knowThis week's episode is something different as this year we are taking part in Podcasthon - a global movement where podcasters from across the world come together and dedicate an episode of their podcast to a charity that they would like to support. Our chosen charity is Kulea Childcare Villages. In Kenya and Tanzania, families living in extreme or absolute poverty have high rates of malnutrition and maternal death and usually cannot afford school fees for all their children or medical care. When a mother passes in childbirth, h...2025-03-1723 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 36 Beauty In Black Part 2, Starlink, SABC Streaming Levy, Ebenhaezar Dibakwane, Nigeria Sues MultichoiceWhat do you think? let us knowWhat's been happening? What's hot and what's not? This week Gino looks at current events in the African broadcasting industry, plus Tyler Perry is back, with part 2 of Beauty in Black.We kick off with a plan to cover the cost of the national broadcaster, the SABC, by bringing in a levy on streaming services. Unless you have a TV licence, of course!Part 2 of Tyler Perry's Beauty in Black has dropped, so Netflix and... whatever you get up to.Elon Musk is sulking...2025-03-1009 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 35 Kanyi Nokwe on “Soft Life”What do you think? let us knowSex sells! so they say, but Kanyi Nokwe sells sex. As Lady T, she oversees the daily operations of NubiaBlaq, an establishment that serves as a front for an escort agency in Showmax's hit show Soft LIfe. In this weeks episode Gino talks to Kanyi, a classically trained musician, thespian, public speaker & creative entrepreneur about her career and what drives her.This Naledi Theatre Award Nominee began her training as a Triple Threat at the tender age of six and has never looked back. She finished Matric at...2025-03-0333 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 34 Netflix and ChillWhat do you think? let us know"I bless the rains down in Africa, I bless the rains down in Africa (gonna take the time). . ." sung Toto way back when, and the rains sure have been happening here in Jozi, so we thought it best to also take our time. This week's episode finds Gino on his couch catching up with what Netflix has on offer.Umjolo: There Is No Cure - After former pageant queen works on a memoir after losing her title for exposing a scandal.Apple Cider Vinegar...2025-02-2413 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 33 Kendrick Lamar, Diddy, Ernest Cole, StudioCanal, Pick n Pay and SupermanWhat do you think? let us know Every now and again we need to look beyond the borders of our country or even the continent, and this is one of those episodes where our love for excellence takes us abroad. We kick off (see what we did there) with Kendrick Lamar's Superbowl Halftime show which drew 133.7 million viewers, more than MJ (133.1m) and certainly more than watched the actual game.Moving downfield, Gino is underwhelmed by the Showmax release of the Sean Combs documentary Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy.F...2025-02-1710 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 32 Multichoice Agency Day & a Presentation on PodcastingWhat do you think? let us knowIn this episode Gino gets back to us on what happened at the Multichoice Agency Day, where he was invited to give a talk in which he broke down the era of self-broadcasting and the need for synergy between traditional media such as television and the fastest growing digital format, podcasts, i.e. ACP. The day kicked off at 9 with various speakers from the Multichoice (MC) group sharing insights about their markets, their marketing efforts and the deal with Canal Plus and how it will affect MC's employees.2025-02-1010 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 31 Adulting S3, 1st Saffa Stunt Awards, an Oscar Nomination and Mufasa: The Lion KingWhat do you think? let us knowWhat's going down in our own backyard? In this episode Gino chats about what's new and what's news in our local film and television industry, kicking off with a fun day Adulting.In the third and final season of Adulting, the stakes are higher and the nights are wilder than ever. Bonga is newly married, Mpho is freshly divorced, Vuyani is about to open his dream nightclub, and Eric is trying to embrace a 9 to 5 car service centre job, with a boss. S3 is now streaming, with new...2025-02-0313 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 30 Ntokozo Mlaba on “The Passage”What do you think? let us knowOur first in-studio guest for 2025. In this week's offering, after chasing him for months, Gino finally gets a one on one with Ntokozo Mlaba, acclaimed film director, social activist and cultural curator of multiple artistic disciplines, and gets the lowdown on the short film The Passage. “The Passage is not just a film. It’s a mirror, a reckoning, and a call to action,” says Ntokozo. “I wanted to confront the layered struggles of the hood, not from a voyeuristic perspective, but through the eyes of those who live it—...2025-01-2728 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 29 The Longest Month of the YearWhat do you think? let us knowAs January drags through its 11½ months with the speed of a government oversight committee, the best way to get to your next payday is with some good old binging.In today's episode Gino gives us a quick throw forward to what's coming up between now and Valentine's Day. (For the guys, there goes the salary again as the prices of roses and chocolates suddenly become more expensive than platinum. For the girls, sit back and enjoy it all.)We kick off with what's coming out on Netflix, followed b...2025-01-2014 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 28 January BingesWhat do you think? let us knowIt’s already the middle of January and we are all broke. Whatever salary we got in December was finished in December. The only thing that remains is shrivelled up carrots and half an onion in the fridge plus a packet of noodles that you and the kids will have to fight over. A lot of us are back at work, depressingly so. Our lack of cash, however, does mean that we have a lot of time on our hands to watch things. In today’s episode, Gino lays d...2025-01-1318 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 27 New Movies and Series Coming Out in 2025.What do you think? let us knowWelcome to 2025!As we move into the New Year, many people are heading back to work, holidays done and time to get back to the grindstone, but fear not, for there is plenty of entertainment comimg your way in 2025.Today's episode highlights the best to look out for, broken down month by month, followed by what else is going to pop up on your screens this year.Here is the full list of 100 (bold denotes an SA release) 28 Years LaterThe GorgeSnow WhiteWicked: For G...2025-01-0613 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 26 New Year’s 2024: Looking Back and Throwing ForwardWhat do you think? let us knowAs 2024 rolls to a close, Gino takes a look back over the year at what we have achieved. 78 episodes down and we have grown considerably, establishing African Couch Potato as a podcast recognised on the global stage.Before we turn the lights out on the past year, we also take a look at some of the outstanding titles that came out in 2024 on our streaming servicesSpooksoekerSoft LifeWyfieShaka iLembeThe FixThe Station StranglerBrasse Vannie KaapDie Bloedhonde with Tobie CronjeBeulahAdulting (S2)Umjolo: Gone GirlUmjolo: Day OnesDisaster HolidayBlood...2024-12-3008 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 25 A Very Curious ChristmasWhat do you think? let us knowHosting the Christmas LunchThis year Gino is bravely hosting his family for the first time, with all that that entails. The preparation, the food, the drink, the decorations, the music. All potential areas of disaster. In this episode Gino tells us how he navigates that difficult path.We take a break with a "what to watch" on Netflix and Showmax, before heading back to Gino's for lunch and his ultimate Christmas playlist. NetfliXmasMaryBiggest Heist EverAnthony Jeselnik: Bones and AllOur Little SecretJamie Foxx: What H...2024-12-2317 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 24 Nthabiseng Mokoena on Becoming A Director and “Soft Life” (Showmax)What do you think? let us knowIn today's episode Gino chats to Nthabiseng Mokoena via Zoom from her home after a long day on set. Her love for story telling has increased her ability to be able to interchange her role between director and producer. She is currently busy directing Soft Life on Showmax.Nthabiseng is a Wits University graduate with a BA in Drama and Film. She has huge experience in television - both as director and producer. And with her, there are no shortcuts. She started her career in television at the...2024-12-1626 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 23 Spooksoeker with Joshwin DysonWhat do you think? let us knowFrom the Emmy-winning animation of the last episode, this time Gino ventures into the world of the supernatural as he catches up with multi award-winning actor Joshwin Dyson via a Zoom call to Cape Town (voices in the ether, anyone?).22 year-old Joshwin has been cleaning up on the awards front: in 2019 he won the KyKnet National Acting Competition, in 2022, Most Promising Actor in the Zabalaze Theatre Festival, and last year he won Best Supporting Actor at Silwerskerm as Elvin in Old Righteous Blues, selected as South Africa’s Os...2024-12-0917 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 22 International Emmy for SA Animation Directors with Jac HammanWhat do you think? let us knowFor a second year in a row, South Africans took home the prize at the International Emmys held recently in New York. Cape Town based directors Jac Hamman and Sarah Scrimgeour won in the Kids:Animation category for their work on the BBC animated Christmas special, Tabby McTat.In 2023, the award was won by The Smeds and The Smoos, directed by Daniel Snaddon and Samantha Cutler. In this episode Gino ventures into the world of animation with Jac via Zoom“Growing up you always dream of...2024-12-0220 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 21 A Masterclass with Nambitha Ben-MazwiWhat do you think? let us knowNambitha Ben-Mazwi is the first South African to notch up 6 international Netflix credits; a testament to her star quality. Nambitha has been working as an actress and broadcaster since 2007. In this episode we get some insight into just what makes her such a successful performer as we join Lady Nam for her Showmax Masterclass.Nambitha’s acting career began with a notable role as Unathi Mweli in the Mzansi Magic mystery drama Doubt. This role set the stage for her future successes in the South African entertainment in...2024-11-2521 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 20 - How To Market A Mzansi Magic Reality ShowWhat do you think? let us knowMany of you out there are under the not unreasonable impression that Gino does nothing but sit and watch TV all day. This is not true, he also does actually do some work and in fact has just got back from a production shoot at the coast for an upcoming reality show. From pitch to production, concept to completion, Gino takes you through the whirlwind that is marketing reality shows for a major broadcaster. So next time you pass a billboard advertising an exciting new show, yo...2024-11-1118 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 19 Promax, Tyler Perry and Martha StewartWhat do you think? let us knowWe all know Gino's stand on Tyler Perry, so you're maybe asking yourself WTF is going on with Beauty in Black? In this episode Gino gets into just what is happening with his latest TV offering. Oh the allure of the strip club!Are awards worth it, what do they actually mean? And what about the award ceremonies? The local Promax Awards get's its own special review with a swipe at the SA Podcast Awards thrown in.Gino also discovers that old jailbird Martha Stewart....2024-11-1113 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 18 Marié Botha on “Magpie” (The Penguin)What do you think? let us know"Hi I'm Magpie, like the bird..." says a distorted voice through a small hole in a wall. A wall in Arkham, the Batman world's infamous mental hospital. Why do you care? Because this voice is not your average American actress but that of our very own Marié Botha. In a link up to New York, Gino gets to chat to Pretoria born actress Marié Botha who plays “Magpie” in The Penguin. A spin-off of The Batman franchise that focuses on ‘Oswald Cobb’ (The Penguin) and his rise as a villain, c...2024-11-0421 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 17 Kelsey Egan on “The Fix” (Showmax)What do you think? let us knowKelsey Egan is a multi-SAFTA nominated, American-South African writer, director and performer. She joins us all the way from London via Zoom and Gino got to talk about her latest work, the action sci-fi horror The Fix, which premieres on Showmax this Halloween. Kelsey grew up in Wisconsin, USA, where she learned to ride horses and value good weather. She graduated from college in 2005 with General Honours and BA degrees in Neuroscience & Behaviour and Drama. Her directing thesis received the Molly Thacher Kazan Memorial Prize for distinction in t...2024-10-2838 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 16 What To Study When You Want A Career In MediaWhat do you think? let us knowSocial Media - for some a way of life, while for others, an uphill struggle to keep up with the constantly changing digital platforms. What to post, when to post it. What is SEO? Do I need it? How do I keep up? That's when you need a social media manager. This week finds Gino chatting to Tanya Maswaure, assistant lecturer at Gino's old alma mater, Rhodes University, about studying Multimedia, Social Media Management and all that that entails, as well as what has changed since he was there.2024-10-2128 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 15 New On NetflixWhat do you think? let us knowFinally, there is something to watch on the world’s biggest streamer!In this episode Gino tells it like it is about 5 surefire watch or don't watch titles on Netflix, plus a number of others that he has only started watching (so, a bit early to rate).The Menedez Brothers - In 1996, the Menendez brothers faced trial for killing their parents, a case that captivated America. Years later, they share their side through interviews with those involved, offering a fresh take on the events....2024-10-1413 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 14 - Anelisa Phewa on Law, Love and Betrayal (LLB) on ShowmaxWhat do you think? let us knowShakespeare wrote "All the world’s a stage,And all the men and women merely players", and we were lucky enough to get one of them for this episode. Gino spends time with actor, musician and dancer Anelisa Phewa, talking Shakespeare, philosophy and of course the gripping legal drama Law, Love & Betrayal, now streaming on Showmax. In Law, Love & Betrayal, Anelisa, known for his performances in iThemba, Unmarried, and Soon Comes the Night, as well as Sifiso in 7de Laan, portrays the sharp and cunning lawyer, James Ma...2024-10-0730 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 13 - What's Good On Disney?What do you think? let us knowIn S2 Episode 7, we reviewed what was new on Africa’s biggest streamer, Showmax.In S2 Episode 11, we checked out what NOT to watch on the world’s biggest streamer, Netflix.And, in this episode, Gino gives you the lowdown on what's on the world’s most ignored streaming platform, Disney. Free Guy - When Guy, a bank teller, learns that he is a non-player character in a bloodthirsty, open-world video game, he goes on to become the hero of the story and takes t...2024-09-3015 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 - 12 SAFTAs Edition: 2024 NomineesWhat do you think? let us knowIn this episode Gino (a past SAFTA Winner) takes a look at some of this year's nominees from the local film and television industry’s most prestigious event: the South African Film and Television Awards. Here are the categories covered, you have to listen to find out who the nominees are.1. Best Achievement in Sound - Documentary Best Achievement in Editing - Documentary Best Achievement in Cinematography - Documentary Best Achievement in Directing - Documentary Best Documentary Short Best Made for...2024-09-2316 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 11 - Nothing On Netflix? Some Hits and Misses From The World’s Biggest StreamerWhat do you think? let us knowNothing on Netflix? - No, actually there's lots, but is it always worth it. In this episode Gino takes a trawl through what's good and what really isn't. Madame Web - Cassandra Webb is a New York metropolis paramedic who begins to demonstrate signs of clairvoyance.Wang In There, Baby! - Phil Wang riffs on reheated rice, octopus intelligence and the importance of fact-checking in this special filmed at Shakespeare's Globe in London.Deon Cole - Cole Hearted - Deon Cole explains the r...2024-09-1618 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 10 - Wanda Mkhize on Freevision and AfrolandWhat do you think? let us knowA new platform is in town and we want to know all about it. freevision provides an all-in-one streaming experience of current affairs, entertainment, sports, info-and-edutainment, live! and on demand. Keep up with your favourite tv channels and tune in to your loved radio stations from any internet enabled device at no subscription cost, no decoder and with no hassle.In this episode, Gino chats to Wanda Mkhize about freevision and freevision play. Wanda is a notable figure in the broadcasting and telecommunications industry in South Africa...2024-09-0924 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 09 Vuyo Dabula on The Butcher's Soul (Showmax)What do you think? let us knowBack on your screens in a big way is Vuyo Dabula, as Saul in The Butcher's Soul now on Showmax and Gino had the chance to catch up with the model-turned-actor. Vuyo had been off the scene for a while after being shot in 2022, but now he is back.He is most famous for his role of Kumkani Phakade in the SA soapie, Generations. Vuyo also appeared in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) and he played the lead in the 2017 film Five Fingers for Marseille. Vuyo starred as Shandu, a...2024-09-0236 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 08 Beáta Bena Green on Wyfie (Showmax) & Her Booming CareerWhat do you think? let us knowIt being Women's month here in SA, Gino has been chatting to various ladies; this week it is the turn of Beáta Bena Green. Beáta is a South African actress, model, and entrepreneur. She was crowned Miss Teen South African 2013 but she is best known for playing Shady in the award winning South African Soapie, 7de Laan, Sienna in the international production, Deep State, and Kim Claasen in Kyknet & Kie's Telenovela Arendsvlei. She joins us online from Cape Town.Beáta began her career in the lim...2024-08-2622 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 07 What's New On Showmax?What do you think? let us knowIn this week's episode, Gino's bad knee forces him onto the couch where he gives you a run down of what shows and movies have just landed on Africa's biggest streamer.016FMTo save their community radio station from closing, two polar opposite DJs prepare to compete in a radical, live on-air program battle - unaware that a syndicate has infiltrated the station.The Butcher's SoulMthunzi, a 36-year-old butcher, and his loving wife Lesedi have organised a birthday celebration for their daughter, Boitumelo...2024-08-1909 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 06 - True Crime SA Podcast with Nicole EngelbrechtWhat do you think? let us knowStaying with True Crime, this episode finds Gino chatting via Zoom to True Crime South Africa's creator and host Nicole Engelbrecht. Nicole's podcast delves into South African true crime cases, both solved and unsolved. She meticulously researches each case using media coverage, trial footage, social media sources, and often interviews individuals involved. Her work aims to bring awareness to these cases and restore humanity to the victims of these crimes.True Crime South Africa consistently charts as South Africa’s most popular true crime podcast even among international of...2024-08-1224 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 05 - Warren Gray on Production DesignWhat do you think? let us knowIn this episode Gino continues with our link to Showmax's Catch Me A Killer, as he chats to the hit show's Production Designer, Warren Gray. Born in Cape Town, Warren earned a bursary while studying industrial design and qualified in 2000 at Cape Peninsula University of Technology. He has since won multiple awards and was accepted into the British Film Designers Guild in 2023. He has achieved international recognition through his work on Diamond Status (2023), Catch Me a Killer (2023), Pirates of Somalia (2017), The Forgiven (2017) and Noem my Skollie (2016...2024-08-0529 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 04 - Drama Therapy with Minenhle MsaneWhat do you think? let us knowMany of us have heard of Art Therapy; using art to work through problems and issues, but how many of you know about Drama Therapy?In this episode Gino talks to Minenhle Msane who is busy studying for her Honours in Drama Therapy. The use of theatrical techniques to promote healing, foster change, and develop personal growth has been around since the 60s but has only recently been acknowledged. It is often incorrectly assumed to be limited to children or actors when in fact it can serve as...2024-07-2916 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 03 - The Birthday Episode! A Year of Podcasting & Our First NominationWhat do you think? let us knowHappy birthday to us,Happy birthday to us,Happy birthday African Couch Potato - the Mash-Up,Happy birthday to us.A year of lessons and laughing. A look back on the year that was and a look forward to the future. We also celebrate our very first nomination, and it's from across the continent. Our first nomination - we are finalists in the African Podcast and Voice Awards so please vote for us. It's really easy. Go to:https://awards.apva...2024-07-2208 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 02 - Angela Sithole on Empini (Showmax), Savage Beauty (Netflix) and Everything ElseWhat do you think? let us knowThis week's episode finds Gino sitting down with an actress who has gone through more roles than Connie Ferguson. Born of a Zulu mother and an Italian father in 1993, she was raised by her mother, who instilled in her a strong sense of self-worth and resilience. Angela Sithole has certainly made her mark on the South African film and TV landscape. She currently stars as Winnie Bhodoza in the Showmax Original Empini. Many of you may also recognise her as Thando in the Netflix African Original Savage Beauty.2024-07-1527 minAfrican Couch PotatoS2 01 - The Real Killer Catcher: Micki PistoriusWhat do you think? let us knowWelcome to African Couch Potato season 2. In this episode Gino goes full fanboy as he gets the chance to chat to Dr Micki Pistorius, advisor for the TV adaptation of her autobiographical Catch Me a Killer. This hit true crime TV series is based on cases worked on by Micki in the 1990s in her role as forensic psychologist and South Africa's first police profiler. It stars British actress Charlotte Hope as Micki.As a child Micki always wanted to be a writer. She matriculated in Pretoria, with...2024-07-0822 minAfrican Couch Potato52 - Scriptwriting with Khanyani LuhlongwaneWhat do you think? let us knowIn 2021 the MultiChoice Talent Factory South Africa Scriptwriting Incubator hosted 12 interns who would be mentored by Tshedza Pictures in association with the Wits University Film & Television Department and included practical workplace experience over the course of 12 months, with a mixture of virtual and physical sessions. One of those interns was Khanyani Luhlongwane, and this week Gino sits down with this talented writer to talk all things storylining and scriptwriting.Let us know what you think, what movie or series you would like to see featured, or just t...2024-07-0131 minAfrican Couch Potato51 - Job Seeker: Ofentse MojapeloWhat do you think? let us knowIn this episode Gino takes on the role of job interviewer with AFDA graduate Ofentse Mojapelo in the hot seat. Ofentse studied Motion Picture Medium (Television Production) at AFDA from 2016, majoring in TV Directing, Writing & Producing, graduating in 2019. Taking a break from television production, she completed her Bachelor of Laws degree before taking up a position at Red Pepper as a technical director for Big Brother Mzansi Season 3. In 2022 she won a Netflix Scholarship.As well as her television talents, Ofenste also runs her ow...2024-06-2427 minAfrican Couch Potato50 - Comedy With Dave LevinsohnWhat do you think? let us know Dave Levinsohn's on-the-spot skills often make it look like he’s making it up as he goes... that’s because he is! This week Gino has a front row seat with one of SA's top comedians. Find out how far Dave will go, why he likes it when people don't laugh and how not to introduce him at your braai. This popular and original comedian has been honing his skills as the host at the Coffee Lounge comedy club since 1997, and is a regular face at the V...2024-06-1733 minAfrican Couch Potato49 - Broadcasting with Lebang KgosanaWhat do you think? let us knowAward winning broadcaster and creative momtrepreneur Lebang Kgosana joins us this week for some insight into her 15 years of experience in the media and entertainment industries. With a degree in Marketing and Communications, followed by her training at the YFM Academy, Lebang’s expertise includes advertising, broadcasting, and events management.Lebang began her career at the Creative Counsel where she was an account manager, branched into broadcasting at YFM where she was a presenter and producer, and went on to content produce an array of TV shows on eTV...2024-06-1031 minAfrican Couch Potato48 - Showmax - Chasing the Sun 2, Empini, The Ultimate Girls TripWhat do you think? let us knowWe take a break from in-studio guests to have a look at Showmax. This is what to check out on Africa’s biggest streamer.Chasing the Sun 2The Springbok journey to the Rugby World Cup final 2023.EmpiniSet against the backdrop of the dangerous private security industry, Empini is a high-stakes drama that follows Ndoni Themba, a deeply troubled private security bodyguard on a quest for answers.The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip SAVarious members of the "Real Housewives" franchise fr...2024-06-0319 minAfrican Couch Potato47 - Directing Films With Mandla DubeWhat do you think? let us knowIn today's episode we reach new heights when Gino gets the opportunity for a one on one with the legendary Mandlankayise Walter Dube. Director, producer, co-screenwriter, Mandla (to his friends) is a writer and award-winning South African cinematographer. His diverse work includes documentaries, shorts, theatre and feature films. Mandla’s work in feature films includes Tsotsi, The Italian Job, Strike Back, Silverton Siege, Angel Heart, and Heart of the Hunter. His 2017 feature film, Kalushi won Best Film of South Africa and Best Original Song at the RapidLion Film Festival, and al...2024-05-2727 minAfrican Couch Potato46 - SAFFA South Africa Stunts (Katja Hopkins and Craig Macrae)What do you think? let us know Ever wondered who takes the leap off a building or crashes cars in movies while the stars take the credit? That’s the work of a stuntman. Special effects teams, directors, and cameramen all rely on the expertise of stuntmen to realize their creative ambitions.This collaboration creates the pulse-pounding moments that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. In this episode Gino gets an insight into the world of these unsung heroes. We chat via Zoom to Katja Hopkins and Craig MacRae of Cape Town's Titan Stunt...2024-05-2025 minAfrican Couch Potato45 - Composing Music For Film and TV with Modia SholeWhat do you think? let us knowWhen you are watching stuff on the screen, big or small, there is one thing that tells you where you should be emotionally; tells you whether you should be sad, or happy, or terrrified. That is the score, the music that takes you on the emotional journey that you are watching.Today Gino finds out more about what goes into scoring music for television and film as he chats to Modiakgotla Keatile Shole, better known as Modia.Modia, who holds a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering, began hi...2024-05-1334 minAfrican Couch Potato44 - Brett Morris and Just Now JeffreyWhat do you think? let us knowWe recently received a VIP invite to a preview screening of local movie Just Now Jeffrey. On the back of that, Gino now has the chance to chat to Brett Morris, co-director and co-writer of this coming of age South African comedy.Brett has had a long career as a creative in the advertising world, ranked in the top 5 by his peers. He is a published fiction, non-fiction and feature film script writer and shares his insights about cinema and just what it took to bring Just Now...2024-05-0624 minAfrican Couch Potato43 - SABC TV Licences Competition WinnerWhat do you think? let us knowOn Spring Day, 1 September 2023 SABC TV Licences launched the Win A Holiday Experience competition campaign in an effort to encourage South African customers to pay (or renew) their TV Licences.For their efforts, customers would be rewarded with weekly prizes such as smart TVs, Bluetooth speakers, wireless headphones and laptops. This was done by a random selection automated by a dedicated microsite that was set up to monitor the competition entries.In order to qualify for the prizes, the customers needed to pay their TV Licence...2024-04-2931 minAfrican Couch Potato42 - Writing Plays with Palesa MazamisaWhat do you think? let us knowFormer minister of Arts and Culture, Pallo Jordan, once called today's guest "aSouth African writer to look out for".Palesa Mazamisa is a published playwright, author and producer.Before entering the world of theatre and film, she worked in the publishing industry and has touched on journalism while remaining a human rights and gender activist.Palesa spent her childhood in The Netherlands before continuing her education in the US. From there she was "head hunted" back to South Africa. Following her passion for...2024-04-2232 minAfrican Couch Potato41 - Princess Mhlongo on Inkabi (Netflix)What do you think? let us know"This time around Gino hooks up with the producer of Netflix's Inkabi - who also happens to be an old school colleague, in the person of Princess Zinzi Mhlongo; both of them hailing from eMalahleni, Witbank in Mpumalanga. Her professional theatre directing debut was a production of And the Girls in Their Sunday Dresses presented at festivals in the UK. In 2010 she was selected to be one of 12 theatre producers from across the world to participate in the Theatre Foreman Festival in Germany. In 2012 she w...2024-04-1525 minAfrican Couch Potato40 - Thokoza Film-makers with CinemaTAKEWhat do you think? let us knowThree lucky kids from Thokoza will soon be winging their way to Portugal to represent South Africa as part of the CinemaTAKE filmmaking project.This week's episode finds Gino chatting to Emilie Demon and Mpumi Mcata (BLK JKS) from Cinema TAKE, an association born out of the friendship of film lover Emilie Demon and Muriel Huet, a presenter at the BFI (British Film Institute), among many other jobs, along with film director Mpumelelo Mcata. The association’s main objective is to bring cinema to the people of inn...2024-04-0825 minAfrican Couch Potato39 - Post Production with Johnny Nkgapele (Gist Media)What do you think? let us knowThis week Gino dives into the world of Post-Production, where all the component parts of a film or television programme are pulled together and given that extra polish that makes then stand out on our screens. To get more insight, Gino is chatting with Johnny Nkgapele.Having graduated at the University of Witwatersrand, Johnny wasted no time getting into the South African Film Industry. He started by editing LoveLife commercials and went on to editing reality shows and music videos, having worked on the SAFTA Award winning drama, When W...2024-04-0121 minAfrican Couch Potato38 - Reality Shows with Portia HlubiWhat do you think? let us knowLove it or hate it, there is no denying that reality TV has changed the face of popular viewing. In this week's episode, Gino chats to Portia Hlubi, the founder of @Milk and Honey TV - a Black - Female Creative Agency that has crafted a spectacular reputation for itself on Africa’s TV landscape. Portia began her career as a commissioning editor but has really established her career with her involvement in reality TV. Gino gets a first hand understanding of just how you go about finding the ind...2024-03-2526 minAfrican Couch Potato37 - Peeling Potatoes: Revealing What Our Guests Have Been Up ToWhat do you think? let us know37 episodes down the line and it is now a good time to catch up with the latest news about the raft of guests we have featured over the last 8 months. We have also included the link for each guest's episode, so you can easily refresh your memory as to what was going down back then.Guests:Sparky Xulu - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2220442/episodes/13356214Jefferson Tshabalala - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2220442/episodes/13476229 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2220442/episodes/13510659Shonisani Masutha - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2220442/epi...2024-03-1818 minAfrican Couch Potato36 - Local Is LekkerWhat do you think? let us knowWith 2024 well and truly established, it is time for a quick look at what's been happening on our own proudly South African doorstep.Gino casts his eye over 15 local productions from this year that have hit our screens.We've also added a Noteworthy section of an additional 5 titles (not all local) that are worth a look.Youngins - ShowmaxRed Ink - ShowmaxA Soweto Love Story - NetflixTrading Places - NetflixReyka 2 - NetflixEkhaya Backpackers - ShowmaxThe Mommy Club 2 - ShowmaxThe Real Housewives of Durban, S4 - ShowmaxBig Brother...2024-03-1114 minAfrican Couch Potato35 - Set Design with Karabo LegoabeWhat do you think? let us knowAs part of our ongoing journey through all aspects of Film, TV, Theatre and many other forms of media, Gino sits down with multi-award-winning production designer Karabo Legoabe. Karabo has a Naledi Award, an Independent Theatre Award and was listed as one of the Top 200 Young South Africans by Mail & Guardian in 2021.She studied drama at the National School of Arts then received her Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Arts Honours at Wits University majoring in Production Design and Arts Management.Her career as a designer spans more...2024-03-0426 minAfrican Couch Potato34 - Chatting Wardrobe and Styling with Kari SekatiWhat do you think? let us knowToday, Gino chats to Kari Sekati, co-founder of Stage Fabrics, supplying wardrobe and styling to both individuals and the TV and Film industries. From single day shoots for an ad to months spent on the set of a feature film, it all seems a far cry from Kari's background of business management and property investment.Kicking off in 2017, Stage Fabrics was built on a friendship through school at LISOF. The two young women have business, marketing and more importantly fashion qualifications which became the foundation of the business...2024-02-2627 minAfrican Couch Potato33 - Everything You Need To Know About Dubai and What To Watch While TravelingWhat do you think? let us knowIn this episode Gino relates the ups and downs of having a few days off in Dubai. With useful tips on where to shop, how to save money and the best way to get about, this episode is your one-stop advice shop. Established in the 18th century as a small fishing village, Dubai grew into a regional trading hub in the early 20th century and grew rapidly in the late 20th and early 21st centuries with a focus on tourism and luxury. It has the second-most five-star hotels i...2024-02-1918 minAfrican Couch Potato32 - How Much Do Media People Make?What do you think? let us knowIt's almost Valentine's Day and you still haven't got anything for your beloved. Better get a move on. But can you afford it? In this episode Gino looks at what you could or should be earning in the Media industry. The episode is divided into three categories: Creative, Marketing and Social Media. Within these categories, Gino talks about the remuneration for various job titles. These are further broken down into beginner's, medium experience and heavyweight salaries, as well as the difference between Cape Town and Johannesburg. T...2024-02-1219 minAfrican Couch Potato31 - Christian Speed Dating vs FantasyWhat do you think? let us knowWe have all heard of speed dating, but did you know that Christian speed dating was a thing? This week we are joined by Chantel Andile who tells us all about an upcoming event; Christian Speed Dating brought to you by Kingdom Matters. Chantel takes us through what's involved, how to get tickets, what's expected and why it's happening.Chantel is also into movie fantasy, her favourite at the moment being the Marvel Cinematic Universe which she is busy revisiting, following the MCU's timeline as opposed to release...2024-02-0534 minAfrican Couch Potato30 - How I Lost The Love Of My Life and 10 Heartbreaking MoviesWhat do you think? let us knowGino opens up about his biggest heartbreak and how he has since turned to soppy love movies when he faces tough times.Our story takes us back to 17 years ago with a boy who was cool in his school marimba band. At the same time there was a girl who was hot in her school marimba band. Like Romeo and Juliet they came together, although not in Verona, Italy, but at the National Marimba Competition held annually in Boksburg. A classic love story in the making. . . Gino's Hot...2024-01-2922 minAfrican Couch Potato29 - Do You Believe In Ghosts? Story Time With A TwistWhat do you think? let us knowAre you sitting comfortably?Because this episode is really three seperate sections all joined together by the supernatural.The first part tells the strange story of a young Emalahleni (Witbank) girl who kept appearing to strangers on the anniversary of her tragic passing. The second part is the story behind a documentary Gino discovered on Apple TV, about a poltergeist in north London, UK.And last but not least, just when you thought it was safe, Gino unleashes his Hot Horrors, a list o...2024-01-2215 minAfrican Couch Potato28 - New Movies in 2024What do you think? let us knowOk, enough of 2023, time to look ahead, but ask yourself, has Hollywood run out of fresh ideas? 2024 looks like a year of many familiar titles. . . This week Gino singles out some of the hot new releases coming at you in 2024. 1. Mean Girls, a remake of the 2004 comedy, came out just recently.2. Argylle with John Cena, Dua Lipa and Samuel L. Jackson comes out in February.3. Madame Web is from the Spiderverse and stars Dakota Johnson as the female hero who can see into the future. ...2024-01-1505 minAfrican Couch Potato27 - Best Black Comedies of All TimeWhat do you think? let us knowThere's nothing better thank kicking back and settling down with a great comedy, and so this week Gino runs through 20 of the greatest Black Comedies of All Time. And if that doesnt tickle your funny bone, there's two extras to get you laughing into 2024.Here we go! 1. Friday (1995) - Ice Cube, Chris Tucker and Nia Long2. Coming to America (1988)3. Barbershop (2002) - Ice Cube, Cedric the Entertainer and Eve4. A Thin Line Between Love and Hate (1996) - Martin Lawrence, Lynn Whitfield and Bobby Brown5. L...2024-01-0810 minAfrican Couch Potato26 - New Year's SpecialWhat do you think? let us knowWelcome to the first podcast of the year, on the first day of the year. 1 January 2024. Happy New Year to all of you, wherever you are. Let’s take a look at 2023.Episode 01 of African Couch Potato - the Mash-up entered the digital arena on the 18th of July, Nelson Mandela's birthday. It is now listened to from Johannesburg to San Francisco, from Toronto to Tokyo, Across Africa, the United States, through Europe and into Asia - not bad for six months.We are av...2024-01-0107 minAfrican Couch Potato25 - Best Christmas MoviesWhat do you think? let us know Welcome to the Christmas Edition of African Couch Potato: TheMash-up. Today is our 25th episode… on the 25th day of December!When Christmas lunch is done, and all the presents have been given or received, what better way than a movie to round off the day. So, to celebrate this time of year, Gino has selected a list of 25 feel good Christmas movies to snuggle up to with your loved ones.Chapter 1On Netflix: 1. Yoh! Christmas (local, new) 2. Best. Chris...2023-12-2509 minAfrican Couch Potato24 - A Crazy TV Life with Zola HashatsiWhat do you think? let us knowZola Hashatsi is no stranger to controversy and the tabloids and he has made headlines for all the wrong reasons. This household name was recently accused of impersonating a medical practitioner at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital but the case was later withdrawn. Coincidently, In 2022, Zola revealed that he had decided to answer and accept the call to serve as a healer.Zola's performing career took off in 2006 when he started presenting on Craz-E. Soon after, he moved to Frenz-E before blooming into an actor on Rhythm City. In...2023-12-1831 minAfrican Couch Potato23 - Masterclass with Pearl Shozi: PromosWhat do you think? let us knowAnother episode, another Masterclass. This time we turn our attention to the frantic world of television promos, those mini promotional videos that get squashed in between the adverts. This episode finds Gino talking to Pearl Shozi, Executive Creative Director at Birthmark Agency, where he gets the lowdown on what it takes to produce those short trailers for all those TV shows. Originally from Durban, Pearl moved to the City of Gold in 2016 to expand on her video production career, starting out as a promo producer and wo...2023-12-1121 minAfrican Couch Potato22 - Rising Star: Mfanelo Njoko (Film to Kasi)What do you think? let us knowGino first met Mfanelo Njoko in 2013 at Tulip High School where he was one of the participants in Gino's community journalism programme.Fast forward 10 years and Mfanelo is the proud founder of Film To Kasi - an initiative that screens films in townships across South Africa. In this episode Mfanelo speaks about the determination it took to get this project off the ground as well as the people that helped him along the way - including the Gauteng Film Commission. Let us know wh...2023-12-0421 minAfrican Couch Potato21 - Masterclass with Chad Pop: EditingWhat do you think? let us knowIn this episode, Gino chats to multi award nominee Chad Pop about editing, from his early days at AFDA to a six year stay at one of South Africa's top advertising agencies to finally stepping out into the big wide world with his own company.Chad was privileged to be nominated for Best Editor at the AFDA graduation awards as well as for the Rocket award at the 2017 Promax Africa Awards.In 2018 he was ranked number 11 in the Best Editor category by the Loeries Africa/Middle E...2023-11-2728 minAfrican Couch Potato20 - Reviews From Every PlatformWhat do you think? let us knowGino takes a quick look at South Africa's streaming platforms and gives us a review on one production from each platform. 1. Spinners (Showmax)Ethan is a 17-year-old driver working for a local gang. Disgusted with gang life, Ethan discovers a possible way out via spinning, an extreme motorsport. But the looming gang war jeopardises that hope.2. The Burial (Prime Video)Inspired by true events, a lawyer helps a funeral home owner save his family business from a corporate behemoth, exposing a complex w...2023-11-2008 minAfrican Couch Potato19 - Masterclass with Banele P. Mtebele - FilmmakingWhat do you think? let us knowBringing a list of even more films that Gino has not yet seen, Banele P. Mtebele runs several film clubs and a post-production suite called The Village Post Office. Banele talks of the importance of screening films to the community through his film club in Alex, as well as weekly film classes to inspired young would-be filmmakers.He also takes us through some of the films that have shaped his life growing up: Amores Perros (Life's a Bitch) by Alejandro Gonzalez InnarituA...2023-11-1331 minAfrican Couch Potato18 - A Sit Down with Siphiwe HlabanganeWhat do you think? let us knowGino first met Siphiwe Hlabangane in 2017, so now is a good time for a catch up. Join us as Siphiwe unpacks his career. A seasoned film and series producer, Siphiwe is best known for iNumber Number (series); Single Guyz (sitcom); Diamond City (drama); Lithapo (telenovela) and Shaina (film).More recently, he produced the critically acclaimed Savage Beauty on Netflix and is currently working on a romantic comedy for the same streaming platform that will come out next Valentine's Day.Siphiwe, fondly remembered as "Kolo Modise" on M...2023-11-0638 minAfrican Couch Potato17 - What To Watch, EVERYWHEREWhat do you think? let us knowToday's episode counts down GIno's top 5 shows for the week on all video streaming platforms.Netflix:Nowhere - A young pregnant woman named Mia escapes from a country at war by hiding in a maritime container aboard a cargo ship. After a violent storm, Mia gives birth to the child while lost at sea, where she must fight to survive. Beckham - With never-before-seen footage, this docuseries follows David Beckham's meteoric rise from humble beginnings to global football stardom. Fair Play - An unexpected promotion at a cutth...2023-10-3009 minAfrican Couch Potato16 - Masterclass with Nolwazi Shange - Casting DirectorWhat do you think? let us knowNolwazi Shange is an actress who is equally comfortable both in front ofthe camera as talent, as well as behind it as a casting director. Gino chats toher about the fulfilment of both roles.She played the role of “Nandi” on Outlaws which is currentlystreaming on Showmax. You may have also seen her inScandal! on eTV, in Mzali Wami on Showmax as well as inIntersexions: A Place Called Home, and in one of Gino's favourite films,Otelo Burnin...2023-10-2334 minAfrican Couch Potato15 - Industry Insights with Jack DevnarainWhat do you think? let us knowGino gets to chat to one of his childhood heros in the shape of Jack Devnarain.Jack studied Drama while completing his Law degree at the University of KZN, Durban. He joined the Police Force after completing his studies and spent 10 years as a cop, while continuing to accept acting commissions, as and when his schedule allowed. In 2002 his second career, as an actor, took off and he had to make a tough choice. Happily for his thousands of fans, Jack left the police force and joined t...2023-10-1638 minAfrican Couch Potato14 - Top 50 South African Films You Have Never Heard OfWhat do you think? let us knowToday's episode lists Gino's top 50 South African films you have probably never heard of. Time to explore the incredible variety of home grown productions that are well worth watching. Here they are in no particular order:1. Mia and the White Lion (2018)2. Tremors 5: Bloodlines (2015)3. The Color of Friendship (2000)4. Poena is Koning (2007)5. Storm Riders: The Story of Racheltjie De Beer (2019)6. Flatland (2019)7. 204: Getting Away With Murder (2014)8. Max and Mona (2004)9. Stander (2003)10. 10 Days in Sun City (2017)11. Fiela se Kind (1988)12. Y...2023-10-0915 minAfrican Couch Potato13 Masterclass with Sanele Zulu: Directing A TV SoapieWhat do you think? let us knowIn this episode Gino is in conversation with award-winning director Sanele Zulu, talking about work behind the camera and just what it means to be a director. Sanele started his directing career on hit SA soap lsidingo "The Need", where he worked his way up from director’s assistant to director. Later Gino and Sanele chat about home life and how work and home are two separate things, as well as why Sanele didn't become a firefighter. Sanele's television credits include long-running South African favourites Scandal and Isidingo, as wel...2023-10-0229 minAfrican Couch Potato12 A Sitdown with Shalate SekhabiWhat do you think? let us knowKgabang Sekhabi, popularly known as Shalate Sekhabi, is a South African actress and singer. She is best known for the roles in the television soap operas, The River, and House of Zwide.Shalate has had a passion for music, drama, and modelling from a tender age. When she was only eight, she joined her school’s choir and was active in the drama club. At 11 years old, she got into children’s modelling and launched her modelling career. Shalate made her acting debut in 2014 in short films...2023-09-2527 minAfrican Couch Potato11 Masterclass with Shonisani Masutha pt 2 - TheatreWhat do you think? let us knowIn today's episode of African Couch Potato - The Mash-up, Gino continues chatting to Shonisani Masutha focussing on her 26 years in theatre, among all her other commitments. Shonisani first hit the boards aged only 6 years old. Theatre, unlike TV or Film doesn't give you a second or third take, you have to hit it first time around as your audience is only a few meteres away. No pressure! Shoni also talks about her early experiences, touching on how to deal with corpsing (this is where actors on...2023-09-1614 minAfrican Couch Potato10 Masterclass with Shonisani Masutha - Auditions & StudyingWhat do you think? let us knowToday's episode of African Couch Potato - The Mash-up is the first of two parts with Gino chatting to Shonisani Masutha. Shonisani is the first African actress to star in a Bollywood series, where she played Norah in Mehek. Her first casting was for a children's game show called Small Talk, followed by a Mzansi Magic movie, titled On The Ropes, as the character Nandi. In her Masterclass, Shonisani opens up about her roles in Ring of Lies, KwaMamazala, Omen, Isithembiso as well as a feature in Royal P...2023-09-1022 minAfrican Couch Potato09 Masterclass with Jefferson Tshabalala - Writing and Performance pt 2What do you think? let us knowIn this episode of African Couch Potato: The Mash-up, Gino continues chatting to Jefferson Tshabalala: renowned writer, director, theatre and screen performer as well as the 2020 Standard Bank Young Artist for Theatre winner. In this second Masterclass, Jefferson discusses performance and how to truly get the best version of a script, a play or a character - both on stage and on-screen. The first part kicks off with sex scenes and how to handle them, then, completely separately, a look at how improv and workshopping can ti...2023-09-0326 minAfrican Couch Potato08 Masterclass with Jefferson Tshabalala - Writing and Performance pt 1What do you think? let us knowThis episode of African Couch Potato: The Mash-up puts Jefferson Tshabalala in the frame. Jefferson 'J Bobs' Tshabalala is a renowned writer, director, theatre and screen performer as well as the 2020 Standard Bank Young Artist for Theatre winner. In this Masterclass, Jefferson talks about the process of writing and provides personal insights into the world of performance - both on stage and on-screen. The first part focuses on workshopping and collaboration when it comes to writing performance pieces for theatre. Later, Jefferson highlights the impo...2023-08-2718 minAfrican Couch Potato07 Absolutely Everything Film and TV with Amo Helang pt 2What do you think? let us knowToday’s show continues the conversation between Gino and Podcast Producer + Host of Art As Culture Podcast, Creative Entrepreneur, Facilitator, Thought Leader and Content Creator, Amo Helang. Throwing the format out of the window, the episode rolls like this:Picking up from the last episode. If you missed last week's chat, go back and listen to episode 06 of African Couch Potato: The Mash-upAvatar, Acting, Analysis and AliensA quick recap of Amo's Top 5Amo's Golden OldieThe award-winning Sex and...2023-08-2121 min
African Couch Potato06 Absolutely Everything Film and TV with Amo Helang pt 1What do you think? let us know Today’s guest is Podcast Producer + Host of Art As Culture Podcast. Creative Entrepreneur, Facilitator, Thought Leader and Content Creator, Amo Helang. Top 5Amo's Top 5, in no particular order.Succession: The Roy family is known for controlling the biggest media and entertainment company in the world. However, their world changes when their father steps down from the company.Avatar 1 & 2:Those blue people. She's Got To Have It: The story of one woman and her...2023-08-1322 minAfrican Couch Potato05 Masterclass with Sparky Xulu - Theatre vs TelevisionWhat do you think? let us knowOur guest, Sparky Xulu, is an award-winning screen actor who attributes much of his success to his background in theatre.Having won a Royalty Soapie Award for the character of "Siya Phakathwayo" in The Estate (SABC Plus), other productions he has been involved in include:Redemption (BET)The Herd (Showmax)Supa Team 4 (Netflix)iNumber Number Jozi Gold (Netflix)Good Men (SABC Plus)Isono (BET)Isipho (eVOD) Top 5This episode's Top 5 are films or TV series that S...2023-08-0611 minAfrican Couch Potato04 SABC Plus Top 5, Nope, A United KingdomWhat do you think? let us knowThe weirdest movie you have ever seen. And, what in the streaming services is SABC Plus? Top 5 Our Top 5 for this episode is from SABC Plus, South Africa’s newest video and audio streaming service, and they are. . . Yizo Yizo, all three seasonsThe original Shaka Zulu series with Henry Cele.The Estate, now in its third season, having launched in 2020.Mbau Reloaded: Always RiseSide Dish with Thuso Mbedu, Refilwe Madumo, Matshepo Maleme and Joan...2023-07-3114 minAfrican Couch Potato03 Prime Video Top 5, Fatal Seduction, SpudWhat do you think? let us know Sex, sex, sex, and… Spud. Top 5 Our Top 5 for this episode is from Prime Video and they are, in no particular order… Proof of Payment with my favourite actor Thabo Malema and Mandla Gaduka who used to play “Chopper” on Generations. Yep, that’s how old I am.The Underground Railroad with Thuso Mbedu. The episodes are extremely long but I suggest watching it as a marathon otherwise you won’t get back to it. Make sure you watch with your...2023-07-2316 minAfrican Couch Potato02 - Showmax Top 5, Survival of the Thickest, KalushiWhat do you think? let us knowFrom Rosemary’s murder cases to a comedy drama that celebrates plus-sized women, we’ve got you covered. Top 5 Our Top 5 for this episode is from Showmax. These are suggestions of what to watch and in each episode your host, Gino, will feature titles from various platforms such as Showmax, DStv, Prime Video, Disney Plus and SABC Plus. Rosemary’s Hitlist tells the story of how Rosemary killed 6 family members, including her child and partner, to get payouts from life ins...2023-07-1912 minAfrican Couch Potato01 - African Couch Potato: The Mash-upWhat do you think? let us knowWelcome to African Couch Potato: The Mash-up… Top 5 Our Top 5 for this episode are all from Netflix. These are suggestions of what to watch and in each episode your host, Gino, will feature titles from various platforms such as Showmax, DStv, Prime Video, Disney Plus and SABC Plus.Survival of the Thickest, created by comedian and actress Michelle Buteau.Unseen with Gail Mabalane.iNumber Number: Jozi Gold.Country Queen - set in Kenya.Trees of Pea...2023-07-1811 min