Free-to-air channel etv has introduced their first telenovela called Ashes to Ashes in the 8pm slot. The show has been punted as direct competition for floundering Generations Legacy on rival channel SABC 1.
The drama airs Monday to Thursday and focuses on the Namane family who run a family-owned funeral business in Tembisa. Namane Funerals is a highly prosperous funeral home owned by a husband and wife, who inherited the business. These two have created a funeral empire that the father runs with his two sons.
The head of the family has incredibly challenging addictions that may ruin the future that they have collectively worked hard for. To add to this demise, the family still faces the threat of an estranged family member and a dark secret.
Veteran actor Patrick Shai plays lead character Selogilwe “Selo”Namane, the patriarch of the family, a charismatic, charming, street smart family man. The matriarch of the family is played by Nambitha Mpumlwana (Mandlakazi Namane) who is a perfectionist, connected to her faith and culture. Maggie Benedict, Craig Urbani, Mandla Gaduka, Zenande Mfenyana, Chumani Pan and Nyaniso DzeDze complete the cast.
Reactions from TV viewers on social media were mostly positive after the show’s debut.
“By the looks of the first episode, I would say Generations- Legacy might have some tough competition #AshestoAshes” – Thanduxolo Buti (@Thandz_Buti)
“Impressed by the first episode of #AshestoAshes!! Lovely seeing @Zenande_Mcfen back on our screens..round of applause!![Symbol]”- Ms. Fusion22 (@Jfusion22)
Mfundi Vundla sent out a tweet that’s said:
“I have nothing against Ashes to Ashes. I love their actors too. But let them do it for people, not to adverse Generations. God bless!”- Mfundi (@MfundiVundla)