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Showing episodes and shows of
Ted Loukes
Shows
Ancient Egypt News - a Weekly Catch-Up
Ancient Egypt News 16 - 22 Sep 2025
The stories that made the Ancient Egypt headlines over the third week of September.Gold Bracelet Lost ForeverGEM Walkway CompletedRevivng the Historic Esna AwardAncient Mediterranean Port DiscoveredAmarna Police WhistlePtolemaic Coin Rewrites HistoryAncient Egypt News - a Weekly Catch-Up is #2 in the Top 5 Egypt History Podcasts according to FeedSpot.comhttps://podcast.feedspot.com/egypt_history_podcasts/These news stories are taken from various public internet sources including:http://english.ahram.org...
2025-09-22
12 min
Ancient Egypt News - a Weekly Catch-Up
Ancient Egypt News 09 - 15 Sep 2025
The stories that made the Ancient Egypt headlines over the second week of September.Full Canopus Decree DiscoveredNew Malqata Exhibition in TahrirTutankhamun Gallery to CloseCopper Smelting in SinaiP.M. Inspects GEM Area & Sphinx InternationalAncient Egypt News - a Weekly Catch-Up is #2 in the Top 15 Egypt History Podcasts according to FeedSpot.comhttps://podcast.feedspot.com/egypt_history_podcasts/These news stories are taken from various public internet sources including:http://english.ahram.org.eg...
2025-09-15
12 min
Ancient Egypt News - a Weekly Catch-Up
Ancient Egypt News 02 - 08 Sep 2025
The stories that made the Ancient Egypt headlines over the first days of September.Ptapshepes Tomb in Abu SirLegion of Honour for el-EnanyAir Purification for Khufu PyramidEgypt China Sign MoU on Maritime ArchaeologyPataikos Found in AnatoliaSun-Hat Turns Up in ManchesterAncient Egypt News - a Weekly Catch-Up is #2 in the Top 15 Egypt History Podcasts according to FeedSpot.comhttps://podcast.feedspot.com/egypt_history_podcasts/These news stories are taken from various public internet...
2025-09-08
10 min
Ancient Egypt News - a Weekly Catch-Up
Ancient Egypt News 26 Aug- 01 Sep 2025
The stories that made the Ancient Egypt headlines over the last days of August.GEM Training Programme for Saudi Arabian InternsNMEC Maintenance and Restoration Sciences CourseAntiquities Smuggler Sentenced in U.S.Ancient Egypt News - a Weekly Catch-Up is #2 in the Top 15 Egypt History Podcasts according to FeedSpot.comhttps://podcast.feedspot.com/egypt_history_podcasts/These news stories are taken from various public internet sources including:http://english.ahram.org.eg/Portal/9/Heritage.aspxhttps://egyptianstreets.com/tag/cairo/
2025-09-01
09 min
Ancient Egypt News - a Weekly Catch-Up
Ancient Egypt News 19 - 25 Aug 2025
The stories that made the Ancient Egypt headlines over the fourth week of August.Giza Development PlansUnderwater Cultural Heritage at Abu QirGEM Opening Live Stream on Tik TokAncient Egypt News - a Weekly Catch-Up is #2 in the Top 15 Egypt History Podcasts according to FeedSpot.comhttps://podcast.feedspot.com/egypt_history_podcasts/These news stories are taken from various public internet sources including:http://english.ahram.org.eg/Portal/9/Heritage.aspxhttps://egyptianstreets.com/tag/cairo/http://www...
2025-08-25
08 min
Ancient Egypt News - a Weekly Catch-Up
Ancient Egypt News 12 - 18 Aug 2025
The stories that made the Ancient Egypt headlines over the third week of August.GEM to Open Nov 1stFire in the Valley of the KingsGEM Closed from Oct 15thArtefacts Repatriated from The NetherlandsAncient Egypt News - a Weekly Catch-Up is #2 in the Top 15 Egypt History Podcasts according to FeedSpot.comhttps://podcast.feedspot.com/egypt_history_podcasts/These news stories are taken from various public internet sources including:http://english.ahram.org.eg/Portal/9/Heritage.aspx
2025-08-18
07 min
Ancient Egypt News - a Weekly Catch-Up
Ancient Egypt News 05 - 11 Aug 2025
The stories that made the Ancient Egypt headlines over the second week of August.August Museum HighlightsGEM to Open Nov 1stNew Hieroglyphic Training Course13 Artefacts RepatriatedJohn WardAncient Egypt News - a Weekly Catch-Up is #2 in the Top 15 Egypt History Podcasts according to FeedSpot.comhttps://podcast.feedspot.com/egypt_history_podcasts/These news stories are taken from various public internet sources including:http://english.ahram.org.eg/Portal/9/Heritage.aspxhttps://egyptianstreets.com...
2025-08-11
11 min
Ancient Egypt News - a Weekly Catch-Up
Ancient Egypt News 28 Jul - 04 Aug 2025
The stories that made the Ancient Egypt headlines over the first days of August.EGTAP.com Launched by MoTAUniquely Wrapped Mummy ScannedHandprint on Soul HouseUnderwater Photo Competition"Pharaohs' Treasures" Going to RomeAncient Egypt News - a Weekly Catch-Up is #2 in the Top 15 Egypt History Podcasts according to FeedSpot.comhttps://podcast.feedspot.com/egypt_history_podcasts/These news stories are taken from various public internet sources including:http://english.ahram.org.eg/Portal/9/Heritage...
2025-08-04
09 min
Ancient Egypt News - a Weekly Catch-Up
Ancient Egypt News 21 - 27 Jul 2025
The stories that made the Ancient Egypt headlines over the last week of July.Student Training in TahrirTutankhamun's Grasshopper SaleNew GEM Opening Date to be Announced SoonKharga Oasis DiscoveryAncient Egypt News - a Weekly Catch-Up is #2 in the Top 15 Egypt History Podcasts according to FeedSpot.comhttps://podcast.feedspot.com/egypt_history_podcasts/These news stories are taken from various public internet sources including:http://english.ahram.org.eg/Portal/9/Heritage.aspxhttps://egyptianstreets.com...
2025-07-28
14 min
Ancient Egypt News - a Weekly Catch-Up
Ancient Egypt News 14 - 20 Jul 2025
The stories that made the Ancient Egypt headlines over the third week of July.New Hatshepsut PlayMoTA Denies Giza Excavation VideoNew Giza Sound & Light ShowUS, UK Upgrade Travel AdvisoriesNew Lighting Systems for Giza PyramidsTomb Honey Still EdibleAncient Egypt News - a Weekly Catch-Up is #2 in the Top 15 Egypt History Podcasts according to FeedSpot.comhttps://podcast.feedspot.com/egypt_history_podcasts/These news stories are taken from various public internet sources including:
2025-07-21
08 min
Ancient Egypt News - a Weekly Catch-Up
Ancient Egypt News 07 - 13 Jul 2025
The stories that made the Ancient Egypt headlines over the second week of July.Tomb of the Two BrothersArtefacts Returned From BelgiumMixed-Reality with Ahmed Helmy at the GEMAncient Egypt News - a Weekly Catch-Up is #2 in the Top 15 Egypt History Podcasts according to FeedSpot.comhttps://podcast.feedspot.com/egypt_history_podcasts/These news stories are taken from various public internet sources including:http://english.ahram.org.eg/Portal/9/Heritage.aspxhttps://egyptianstreets.com/tag/cairo/http...
2025-07-14
08 min
Ancient Egypt News - a Weekly Catch-Up
Ancient Egypt News 30 Jun - 06 Jul 2025
The stories that made the Ancient Egypt headlines over the first days of July.Tomb Fungus Fights CancerPelusium RestorationAncient Egyptian Genome SequencedNew Discoveries in AswanAncient Egypt News - a Weekly Catch-Up is #2 in the Top 15 Egypt History Podcasts according to FeedSpot.comhttps://podcast.feedspot.com/egypt_history_podcasts/These news stories are taken from various public internet sources including:http://english.ahram.org.eg/Portal/9/Heritage.aspxhttps://egyptianstreets.com/tag/cairo/http://w...
2025-07-07
17 min
Ancient Egypt News - a Weekly Catch-Up
Ancient Egypt News 23 - 29 Jun 2025
The stories that made the Ancient Egypt headlines over the last week of June."Discover" Museum Summer SchoolsHatshepsut DeactivatedThe Giza Cable Car ProjectHong Kong ExhibitionAswan Old Kingdom DiscoveriesAncient Egypt News - a Weekly Catch-Up has been selected as one of the Top 15 Egypt History Podcasts according to FeedSpot.comhttps://podcast.feedspot.com/egypt_history_podcasts/These news stories are taken from various public internet sources including:http://english.ahram.org.eg...
2025-06-30
12 min
African Couch Potato
S2 35 Kanyi Nokwe on “Soft Life”
Sex 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 the National School of The Arts, specialising in Classical...
2025-03-03
33 min
African Couch Potato
S2 34 Netflix and Chill
"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 - The life of wellness guru Belle Gibson, who had...
2025-02-24
13 min
African Couch Potato
S2 33 Kendrick Lamar, Diddy, Ernest Cole, StudioCanal, Pick n Pay and Superman
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.From bad to good, apartheid era photographer Ernest Cole i...
2025-02-17
10 min
African Couch Potato
S2 32 Multichoice Agency Day & a Presentation on Podcasting
In 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.One of the fascinating speakers of the d...
2025-02-10
10 min
African Couch Potato
S2 31 Adulting S3, 1st Saffa Stunt Awards, an Oscar Nomination and Mufasa: The Lion King
What'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 episodes landing every Saturday. To kick things off Showmax...
2025-02-03
13 min
African Couch Potato
S2 30 Ntokozo Mlaba on “The Passage”
Our 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—particularly young men navigating the treacherous terrain of loyalty...
2025-01-27
28 min
African Couch Potato
S2 29 The Longest Month of the Year
As 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 by Showmax's newbies. We next look at Prime Video's "r...
2025-01-20
14 min
African Couch Potato
S2 28 January Binges
It’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 down his Top Ten of what's hot on the bo...
2025-01-13
18 min
African Couch Potato
S2 27 New Movies and Series Coming Out in 2025.
Welcome 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 GoodSupermanJurassic Park: RebirthStar Trek: Section 31How To Train Your D...
2025-01-06
13 min
African Couch Potato
S2 26 New Year’s 2024: Looking Back and Throwing Forward
As 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 LegacyLobola ManA Soweto Love StoryHow To Ruin LoveSavage Beauty...
2024-12-30
08 min
African Couch Potato
S2 25 A Very Curious Christmas
Hosting 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 Had Happened Was…The Garfield MovieThe Later DatersTarotNo Good Dee...
2024-12-23
17 min
African Couch Potato
S2 24 Nthabiseng Mokoena on Becoming A Director and “Soft Life” (Showmax)
In 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 bottom of the ladder as a production assistant on...
2024-12-16
26 min
African Couch Potato
S2 23 Spooksoeker with Joshwin Dyson
From 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 Oscar entry in October 2024. At the start of November, he...
2024-12-09
17 min
African Couch Potato
S2 22 International Emmy for SA Animation Directors with Jac Hamman
For 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 winning one of these awards but it seems so...
2024-12-02
20 min
African Couch Potato
S2 21 A Masterclass with Nambitha Ben-Mazwi
Nambitha 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 industry.In 2017, she gained significant recognition for he...
2024-11-25
21 min
African Couch Potato
S2 20 - How To Market A Mzansi Magic Reality Show
Many 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, you'll have some idea just what went into getting th...
2024-11-11
18 min
African Couch Potato
S2 19 Promax, Tyler Perry and Martha Stewart
We 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.And some thoughts about scoring reviews.Keep...
2024-11-11
13 min
African Couch Potato
S2 18 Marié Botha on “Magpie” (The Penguin)
"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, currently on Showmax.Aided by her father...
2024-11-04
21 min
African Couch Potato
S2 17 Kelsey Egan on “The Fix” (Showmax)
Kelsey 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 the theatre arts. She subsequently tumbled onto various short f...
2024-10-28
38 min
African Couch Potato
S2 16 What To Study When You Want A Career In Media
Social 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.Tanya is a passionate Journalist, creator, and A...
2024-10-21
28 min
African Couch Potato
S2 15 New On Netflix
Finally, 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.Tim Dillon: This is Your Country - Co...
2024-10-14
13 min
African Couch Potato
S2 14 - Anelisa Phewa on Law, Love and Betrayal (LLB) on Showmax
Shakespeare 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 Makaula. This character is a tribute to his own fa...
2024-10-07
30 min
African Couch Potato
S2 13 - What's Good On Disney?
In 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 the responsibility of saving the world.The Secrets...
2024-09-30
15 min
African Couch Potato
S2 - 12 SAFTAs Edition: 2024 Nominees
In 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 TV Documentary or Documentary Series Best Chi...
2024-09-23
16 min
African Couch Potato
S2 11 - Nothing On Netflix? Some Hits and Misses From The World’s Biggest Streamer
Nothing 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 right time to thank Jesus and the wrong time t...
2024-09-16
18 min
African Couch Potato
S2 10 - Wanda Mkhize on Freevision and Afroland
A 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. Currently, she is associated with Sentech, the state-owned company...
2024-09-09
24 min
African Couch Potato
S2 09 Vuyo Dabula on The Butcher's Soul (Showmax)
Back 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 spy turned rebel as well as a love interest...
2024-09-02
36 min
African Couch Potato
S2 08 Beáta Bena Green on Wyfie (Showmax) & Her Booming Career
It 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 limelight In 2013, when she was crowned Miss Teenager South Afr...
2024-08-26
22 min
African Couch Potato
S2 07 What's New On Showmax?
In 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. The warmth of the celebration is shattered when Lesedi...
2024-08-19
09 min
African Couch Potato
S2 06 - True Crime SA Podcast with Nicole Engelbrecht
Staying 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 offerings, and in 2021, Business Insider ranked the podcast as th...
2024-08-12
24 min
African Couch Potato
S2 05 - Warren Gray on Production Design
In 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), amongst others. Warren has recently returned from LA, where...
2024-08-05
29 min
African Couch Potato
S2 04 - Drama Therapy with Minenhle Msane
Many 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 a safe space to use people's creative problem-solving skills...
2024-07-29
16 min
African Couch Potato
S2 03 - The Birthday Episode! A Year of Podcasting & Our First Nomination
Happy 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.africa/voting/ Choose the podcast category
2024-07-22
08 min
African Couch Potato
S2 02 - Angela Sithole on Empini (Showmax), Savage Beauty (Netflix) and Everything Else
This 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. Angela's career kicked off in 2015 when, after...
2024-07-15
27 min
African Couch Potato
S2 01 - The Real Killer Catcher: Micki Pistorius
Welcome 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 Afrikaans, English, Maths, History, Bible Studies and German as...
2024-07-08
22 min
African Couch Potato
52 - Scriptwriting with Khanyani Luhlongwane
In 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.Yes? No? Send us a textLet us know what you think, what movie or series you would like to see featured, or just to t...
2024-07-01
31 min
African Couch Potato
51 - Job Seeker: Ofentse Mojapelo
In 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 own clothing company, The Naked Line. Ofentse say...
2024-06-24
27 min
African Couch Potato
50 - Comedy With Dave Levinsohn
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 Vodacom International festival and the Smirnoff comedy festival...
2024-06-17
33 min
African Couch Potato
49 - Broadcasting with Lebang Kgosana
Award 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 and Channel O before starting her creative agency, BBB...
2024-06-10
31 min
African Couch Potato
48 - Showmax - Chasing the Sun 2, Empini, The Ultimate Girls Trip
We 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 from across South Africa get together on a luxurious Ja...
2024-06-03
19 min
African Couch Potato
47 - Directing Films With Mandla Dube
In 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 also won the Chairman’s Award at the Zanzibar Inte...
2024-05-27
27 min
African Couch Potato
46 - SAFFA South Africa Stunts (Katja Hopkins and Craig Macrae)
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 Stunts about their stunt careers and their launching of the v...
2024-05-20
25 min
African Couch Potato
45 - Composing Music For Film and TV with Modia Shole
When 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 his music career producing ringtone's for his friends
2024-05-13
34 min
African Couch Potato
44 - Brett Morris and Just Now Jeffrey
We 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 Jeffrey to the screen.Without wishing to...
2024-05-06
24 min
African Couch Potato
43 - SABC TV Licences Competition Winner
On 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 between 1 September 2023 and 15 December 2023. A random winner would be...
2024-04-29
31 min
African Couch Potato
42 - Writing Plays with Palesa Mazamisa
Former 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 writing she turned to theatre and stories. Her short...
2024-04-22
32 min
African Couch Potato
41 - Princess Mhlongo on Inkabi (Netflix)
"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 was awarded the Standard Bank Young Artist of the Y...
2024-04-15
25 min
African Couch Potato
40 - Thokoza Film-makers with CinemaTAKE
Three 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 inner-city Johannesburg and to experience it differently: not just as...
2024-04-08
25 min
African Couch Potato
39 - Post Production with Johnny Nkgapele (Gist Media)
This 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 We Were Black. He continued to exploit his talent a...
2024-04-01
21 min
African Couch Potato
38 - Reality Shows with Portia Hlubi
Love 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 individuals you love or hate from the outrageous Real Hou...
2024-03-25
26 min
African Couch Potato
37 - Peeling Potatoes: Revealing What Our Guests Have Been Up To
37 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/episodes/13562280Shalate Sekhabi - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2220442/epi...
2024-03-18
18 min
African Couch Potato
36 - Local Is Lekker
With 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 Mzansi - with Lawrence Maleka - DStv StreamWidows Unveiled...
2024-03-11
14 min
African Couch Potato
35 - Set Design with Karabo Legoabe
As 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 than 9 years. She has designed sets and costumes for...
2024-03-04
26 min
African Couch Potato
34 - Chatting Wardrobe and Styling with Kari Sekati
Today, 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. They have a profound array of experience in the...
2024-02-26
27 min
African Couch Potato
33 - Everything You Need To Know About Dubai and What To Watch While Traveling
In 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 in the world , as well as the tallest building, t...
2024-02-19
18 min
African Couch Potato
32 - How Much Do Media People Make?
It'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. The salary figures Gino talks about come from the d...
2024-02-12
19 min
African Couch Potato
31 - Christian Speed Dating vs Fantasy
We 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 dates.Here's the MCU chronology if you...
2024-02-05
34 min
African Couch Potato
30 - How I Lost The Love Of My Life and 10 Heartbreaking Movies
Gino 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 Heartbreakers:The Pursuit of Hap...
2024-01-29
22 min
African Couch Potato
29 - Do You Believe In Ghosts? Story Time With A Twist
Are 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 of 10 movies that left him with the jitters.
2024-01-22
15 min
African Couch Potato
28 - New Movies in 2024
Ok, 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. In March:4. Dune: Part Two5. K...
2024-01-15
05 min
African Couch Potato
27 - Best Black Comedies of All Time
There'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. Life (1999) - Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence6. Cool R...
2024-01-08
10 min
African Couch Potato
26 - New Year's Special
Welcome 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 available on over 15 different streaming/podcast platforms and so fa...
2024-01-01
07 min
African Couch Potato
25 - Best Christmas Movies
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. Christmas. Ever. 3. How To Ruin Christmas (3 seasons) 4. Christm...
2023-12-25
09 min
African Couch Potato
24 - A Crazy TV Life with Zola Hashatsi
Zola 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 2015, he hosted the tour show My Mzansi Adventure and...
2023-12-18
31 min
African Couch Potato
23 - Masterclass with Pearl Shozi: Promos
Another 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 working her way up to her current position of ex...
2023-12-11
21 min
African Couch Potato
22 - Rising Star: Mfanelo Njoko (Film to Kasi)
Gino 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. Yes? No? Send us a textLet us know what yo...
2023-12-04
21 min
African Couch Potato
21 - Masterclass with Chad Pop: Editing
In 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 East Awards.Chad discusses the joys of b...
2023-11-27
28 min
African Couch Potato
20 - Reviews From Every Platform
Gino 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 web of race, power, and injustice.3. Eurovision S...
2023-11-20
08 min
African Couch Potato
19 - Masterclass with Banele P. Mtebele - Filmmaking
Bringing 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 Reasonable Man by Gavin HoodOne Fl...
2023-11-13
31 min
African Couch Potato
18 - A Sit Down with Siphiwe Hlabangane
Gino 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 Muvhango (SABC 2), is also a skilled actor and workshop f...
2023-11-06
38 min
African Couch Potato
17 - What To Watch, EVERYWHERE
Today'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 cutthroat hedge fund pushes a young couple's relationship to the b...
2023-10-30
09 min
African Couch Potato
16 - Masterclass with Nolwazi Shange - Casting Director
Nolwazi 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 Burning which came out in 2011.Nolwazi also talks...
2023-10-23
34 min
African Couch Potato
15 - Industry Insights with Jack Devnarain
Gino 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 the cast of South Africa’s much loved daily soa...
2023-10-16
38 min
African Couch Potato
14 - Top 50 South African Films You Have Never Heard Of
Today'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. Yankee Zulu (1993)13. Forever Young, Forever Free (1975)14. Van d...
2023-10-09
15 min
African Couch Potato
13 Masterclass with Sanele Zulu: Directing A TV Soapie
In 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 well as Single Guys (2013), Jamillah and Aladdin (2015) and Losing...
2023-10-02
29 min
African Couch Potato
12 A Sitdown with Shalate Sekhabi
Kgabang 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, Making a Kill (directed by Justin Head) and A Cup...
2023-09-25
27 min
African Couch Potato
11 Masterclass with Shonisani Masutha pt 2 - Theatre
In 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-stage start laughing and have to get out of it...
2023-09-16
14 min
African Couch Potato
10 Masterclass with Shonisani Masutha - Auditions & Studying
Today'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 Pains USA. Crucial to any acting gig ar...
2023-09-10
22 min
African Couch Potato
09 Masterclass with Jefferson Tshabalala - Writing and Performance pt 2
In 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 tighten a performance. Later, Jefferson opens up on h...
2023-09-03
26 min
African Couch Potato
08 Masterclass with Jefferson Tshabalala - Writing and Performance pt 1
This 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 importance of improvisation and chemistry between cast members as he w...
2023-08-27
18 min
African Couch Potato
07 Absolutely Everything Film and TV with Amo Helang pt 2
Today’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 the City follows four female New Yorkers gossiping abo...
2023-08-21
21 min
African Couch Potato
06 Absolutely Everything Film and TV with Amo Helang pt 1
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 three lovers. TV series based on the film by S...
2023-08-13
22 min
African Couch Potato
05 Masterclass with Sparky Xulu - Theatre vs Television
Our 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 Sparky Xulu has been a part of .S...
2023-08-06
11 min
African Couch Potato
04 SABC Plus Top 5, Nope, A United Kingdom
The 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 Joanne Reyneke Main Review In Jordan...
2023-07-31
14 min
African Couch Potato
03 Prime Video Top 5, Fatal Seduction, Spud
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 significant other. This one needs team effort.Kleva...
2023-07-23
16 min
African Couch Potato
02 - Showmax Top 5, Survival of the Thickest, Kalushi
From 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 insurance houses.Steinhest provides insight on the bigg...
2023-07-19
12 min
African Couch Potato
01 - African Couch Potato: The Mash-up
Welcome 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 Peace explores the lives of four women trapped in...
2023-07-18
11 min