Hit Or Miss: ‘Isono’, BET Africa's First Telenovela
BET Africa is unveiling Isono as the new original daily drama series. Isono means sin in Zulu. The story, like many classic telenovela, is based on a dysfunctional family, within which the new generation of protagonist is standing up to protest and overturn the elder, a selfish matriarch who has done many good to disguise her evil doings. This series, in its form, will be the first telenovela for BET Africa, which will broadcast across the continent and planned to deliver African stories to the international audience.
In addition to making African TV history, the series will also feature a star-studded cast including Nthati Moshesh (Africa Movie Academy Award nominee) and Rami Chuene (The Queen). Moshesh, elated to be included on an international platform, said during an interview, “I cannot express what a milestone this is for the South African entertainment industry. To take such an admired art form, celebrated by millions of South Africans and put it on a global platform is an accomplishment we can all be proud of. I am humbled by the opportunity and look forward to sharing this powerful story with audiences across the world.”
“Developing young black talent is one of my passions and this project has enabled that in a big way,” said Clive Morris, founder and CEO of Clive Morris Productions, the co-producer of Isono, “I watch with pride as new voices are breaking free and taking their gifts of storytelling to the world.” From the trailer, it is undeniable that the African actors will be bringing some of the most complex characters in soap opera to life. BET Africa, as a Black entertainment platform, continues to support and explore ways to amplify Black voices and Black cultures on a global level.
"Africans are amongst the most passionate and dedicated viewers of daily dramas. We are proud to be able to contribute to this rich culture of authentic local storytelling. ISONO features an award-winning cast who deliver an edgy storyline that is set to resonate with local viewers,” said Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Editorial for ViacomCBS Networks Africa, “The daily BET original production will inspire, vividly entertain, intrigue and also educate audiences with surprising twists and unexpected cliff hangers.”
However, as a soap opera, whether Isono will be the milestone for African television’s international popularity remains questionable. In 1969, 18 daytime soap operas were dominating the US television industry; In 2020, there are only 4 left. The genre, first established in 1930s for radio drama, was sponsored by detergent companies, hence the name soap. They are known to delve into social issues, family relationships, romance, and many more unexamined aspects of life. As a form of TV storytelling, daily soap is rapidly replaced by primetime and, in recent years, streaming series. The demographics of soap operas reveal that they are no longer attracting new audiences, and their viewers are getting older. Isono has the opportunity to earn a steady stream of daily audience due to the global pandemic has viewers sheltered at home, but it’s unlikely that BET Africa’s new daily soap will cultivate enough momentum to distract the international audience from streaming series.
Isono made it’s debut on BET Africa July 27, 2020.