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African Historical Figures Come to Life in This Quirky, Locally-Produced Short Form Series
Led by Young Actors Ogadinma Ngobili and Marang Kasonkola, joined by South African Screen Stars
Historical Figures Include African Icons Nelson Mandela, Queen Modjadji and IBN Battuta
The Walt Disney Company Africa today announced the premiere of a brand-new, local live-action series of shorts “Wandi & Kabz,” on Disney Channel (DStv channel 303) from Monday, 11 September at 16:30 (CAT). “Wandi & Kabz” is led by Ogadinma Ngobili (13) as Wandi and Marang Kasonkola (9) as Kabz.
Wandi and Kabz are best friends who have all sorts of “funventures” together. Wandi has a very special antique pocket watch that, at unexpected moments, takes on a life of its own and magically transports famous historical figures to the present. After a quick and playful interaction, the historical figures whisk Wandi and Kabz off to the past for a light-hearted glimpse into significant scenes from their lives. History is brought to life as they meet key and impactful African icons such as Mansa Musa, Cleopatra, Nelson Mandela, Charlotte Maxeke, Herman Charles Bosman, IBN Battuta and Queen Nandi, mother to Shaka.
Consisting of 15 five-minute episodes, “Wandi & Kabz” viewers will be entertained and informed as they delve into dynamic African historical figures and times. The episodes combine live action with an animated segment to further impart interesting information about the individual.
Comments Christine Service, Senior Vice President and General Manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa: “We are proud to share this locally-produced series with audiences and fans across the continent. With its fun and whimsical approach to showcasing beloved icons, we are excited to be adding this unique storytelling to Disney Channel’s programming offering.”
Each of the historical figures (including some who have lived as far back as the 14th Century) hails from a different country in Africa, is larger-than-life and is portrayed a contemporary spin on their traditional representation.
The roles of the historical figures are played by South African actors and actresses – the guest cast include:
- Jacques Blignaut (‘7de Laan) as IBN Battuta and Mansa Musa.
- Tiffany Barbuzano (‘Still Breathing”) as Ruth Khama and Cleopatra
- Musa Ngema (“Generations”) as Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu
- Tshepi Mashego (“Rhythm City”) as Amina and Charlotte Maxeke
- Josias Moleele (‘Still Breathing”) as Sol Plaatje and Gerard Sekoto
- Matthew Ribnick (“Chilli Boy”) as Chris Barnard and Herman Charles Bosman
- Naleli Seseli (“Lithapo”) as Queen Nandi, Nzinga Mbande and Queen Modjadji
“Wandi & Kabz” was produced by Storyline Productions and premieres on Disney Channel (DStv channel 303) from Monday, 11 September, Monday to Friday at 16:30 (CAT).