New rags-to-riches drama ‘House of Zwide’ set to replace ‘Rhythm City’

e.tv’s long-running daily soapie Rhythm City will soon be replaced by House of Zwide in the 19:00 prime-time slot. The show’s last episode will air on July 16 at 7pm, marking the end of an era for the much-loved daily show.

Baby Cele, Lindani Nkosi confirmed for ‘House of Zwide‘

The new show, which is a rags-to-riches fashion drama, will star former Uzalo actress Baby Cele and former Isidingo actor Lindani Nkosi. The pair will play husband and wife according to Cele’s Instagram post.

‘House of Zwide’: High fashion and high drama

House of Zwide will premiere on 19 July, introducing viewers to a fashionable Johannesburg family who bring high drama and ruthless ambition as they rise in the cut-throat fashion industry.

According to TVSA,“the rag-to-riches aspirational tale embodies the tagline: Your Dreams Are Valid, No Matter Your Age.”

House of Zwide will be produced by Bomb Productions and VideoVision Entertainment. Bomb Productions are responsible for some of Mzansi’s most controversial and talked-about shows to date, such as Yizo-Yizo, Isithembiso and Gazlam.

The production company’s longest running telenovela, Isibaya — which used to air on Mzansi Magic, got canned recently.

Helga Palmer, who is e.tv’s channel head of local productions, briefly spoke to Daily Sun about the new series:

“The channel brigs you a show of hopes and dreams to uplift and inspire viewers to believe they can achieve anything they put their minds to in a world filled with uncertainty and despair. As Bomb Productions and VideoVision Entertainment are well-known for their authentic storytelling, it will come as no surprise when the show takes South Africa by storm.”

‘Rhythm City’ was ‘purely a business decision’

The free-to-air channel shocked Mzansi last year when it announced that Rhythm City will be cancelled after more than a decade on South African television screens.

The soapie is still one of the most watched shows in Mzansi and brings in more than three million views a month.  The channel stated that their decision to end the show is purely a business decision.  

It is unclear at this stage who the other cast members are who will join Baby Cele and Lindani Nkosi on House of Zwide.