Matriarch Madlamini Ndlovu (Connie Chiume) and Spear Industry siblings Mandla Ndlovu (Buyile Mdladla), Siya Ndlovu (Mike Ndlangamandla) and Khanyi Adesina (Xolile Tshabalala) in 'Blood Legacy'. Picture: Netflix.
Fans of legendary South African actress Connie Chiume, who died earlier this month, can enjoy her final performance in “Blood Legacy”, a gripping drama series which will premiere on Netflix on September 20.
The “Gomora” and “Black Panther” actor died at the age of 72 at Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg. Her family said that her passing came after a “medical procedure” and “a period of illness”. The exact cause of her death was not disclosed.
In addition to Chiume, the series boasts a star-studded cast of Sello Maake KaNcube, Xolile Tshabalala, Pallance Dladla, Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa and Tarina Patel.
Buyile Mdladla, Treasure Nkosi, Mike Ndlangamandla, Dineo Rasedile, Unathi Mkhize, Wiseman Zitha and Dawn Thandeka King, round off the cast.
According to the streaming giant, the show revolves around the case of Spear Industries CEO, who is found dead in the sugarcane fields of KwaZulu-Natal.
His death sparks a fierce battle among his children for the control of the multi-billion-rand corporation.
“Siblings Khanyi Adesina (Tshabalala), Mandla Ndlovu (Mdladla) and Siya Ndlovu (Mike) are locked in a war that extends far beyond the boardroom where legacies are on the line and betrayal lurks at every turn,” a statement from Netflix read.
“This high-stakes 20-episode drama plunges into a world where corruption, greed, and power collide, pushing the siblings to confront the limits of loyalty.”
The show is produced by the award-winning Gambit Films, which brought viewers “Blood & Water”, “Unseen”, “Suidooster” and many others.
It is directed by Nozipho Nkelemba, Marvin-Lee Beukes, Nthabiseng Mokoena and Bonnie Sithebe and was written by Caroline Doherty, Bradley Katzen, Kurt Ellis, Sandulela Asanda and Bonnie Sithebe.
On the late actress featuring on “Blood Legacy”, Netflix added: "In one of her final acting appearances, the incomparable Connie Chiume delivers a powerful performance as the family matriarch.”
“She shares the screen with industry royalty Treasure Nkosi and Sello Maake Ka-Ncube, alongside talented actors Pallance Dladla, Wiseman Zitha and Unathi Mkhize.”
Chiume left an indelible mark on the industry as her contribution to the entertainment sector continues to be lauded.
Her other notable acting roles include starring in Beyoncé’s “Black is King” as well as local productions such as “Rhythm City”, “Zone 14”, “Soul City” and “Mazinyo Dot Q”.
In addition to earning multiple South African film and television awards, Chiume received the Living Legend Award at the inaugural Cultural and Creative Industry Awards in March from the South African Sport, Arts and Culture Department.
“Her performances brought joy, inspiration and a sense of pride to countless South Africans. She was more than an actress; she was a beacon of strength, resilience and grace,” Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture of South Africa Gayton McKenzie said in a statement after her death.
∎ “Blood Legacy” will premiere on Netflix on September 20.
Watch the trailer below: