Happy birthday to us, Happy birthday to us, Happy birthday African Couch Potato - the Mash-Up, Happy birthday to us. A year of lessons and laughing. A look back on the year that was and a look forward to the future. We also celebrate our very first nomination, and it's from across the continent. Our first nomination - we are finalists in the Africa…

This week's episode finds Gino sitting down with an actress who has gone through more roles than Connie Ferguson. Born of a Zulu mother and an Italian father in 1993, she was raised by her mother, who instilled in her a strong sense of self-worth and resilience. Angela Sithole has certainly made her mark on the South African film and TV landscape. …

Welcome to African Couch Potato season 2. In this episode Gino goes full fanboy as he gets the chance to chat to Dr Micki Pistorius, advisor for the TV adaptation of her autobiographical Catch Me a Killer. This hit true crime TV series is based on cases worked on by Micki in the 1990s in her role as forensic psychologist and South Africa's first po…

In 2021 the MultiChoice Talent Factory South Africa Scriptwriting Incubator hosted 12 interns who would be mentored by Tshedza Pictures in association with the Wits University Film & Television Department and included practical workplace experience over the course of 12 months, with a mixture of virtual and physical sessions. One of those interns w…

In this episode Gino takes on the role of job interviewer with AFDA graduate Ofentse Mojapelo in the hot seat. Ofentse studied Motion Picture Medium (Television Production) at AFDA from 2016, majoring in TV Directing, Writing & Producing, graduating in 2019. Taking a break from television production, she completed her Bachelor of Laws degree before…

Dave Levinsohn's on-the-spot skills often make it look like he’s making it up as he goes... that’s because he is! This week Gino has a front row seat with one of SA's top comedians. Find out how far Dave will go, why he likes it when people don't laugh and how not to introduce him at your braai. This popular and original comedian has been honing hi…

Award winning broadcaster and creative momtrepreneur Lebang Kgosana joins us this week for some insight into her 15 years of experience in the media and entertainment industries. With a degree in Marketing and Communications, followed by her training at the YFM Academy, Lebang’s expertise includes advertising, broadcasting, and events management. L…

We take a break from in-studio guests to have a look at Showmax. This is what to check out on Africa’s biggest streamer. Chasing the Sun 2 The Springbok journey to the Rugby World Cup final 2023. Empini Set against the backdrop of the dangerous private security industry, Empini is a high-stakes drama that follows Ndoni Themba, a deeply troubled pri…

In today's episode we reach new heights when Gino gets the opportunity for a one on one with the legendary Mandlankayise Walter Dube. Director, producer, co-screenwriter, Mandla (to his friends) is a writer and award-winning South African cinematographer. His diverse work includes documentaries, shorts, theatre and feature films. Mandla’s work in f…

Ever wondered who takes the leap off a building or crashes cars in movies while the stars take the credit? That’s the work of a stuntman. Special effects teams, directors, and cameramen all rely on the expertise of stuntmen to realize their creative ambitions.This collaboration creates the pulse-pounding moments that keep audiences on the edge of t…

When you are watching stuff on the screen, big or small, there is one thing that tells you where you should be emotionally; tells you whether you should be sad, or happy, or terrrified. That is the score, the music that takes you on the emotional journey that you are watching. Today Gino finds out more about what goes into scoring music for televis…

We recently received a VIP invite to a preview screening of local movie Just Now Jeffrey. On the back of that, Gino now has the chance to chat to Brett Morris, co-director and co-writer of this coming of age South African comedy. Brett has had a long career as a creative in the advertising world, ranked in the top 5 by his peers. He is a published …

On Spring Day, 1 September 2023 SABC TV Licences launched the Win A Holiday Experience competition campaign in an effort to encourage South African customers to pay (or renew) their TV Licences. For their efforts, customers would be rewarded with weekly prizes such as smart TVs, Bluetooth speakers, wireless headphones and laptops. This was done by …

Former minister of Arts and Culture, Pallo Jordan, once called today's guest "a South African writer to look out for". Palesa Mazamisa is a published playwright, author and producer. Before entering the world of theatre and film, she worked in the publishing industry and has touched on journalism while remaining a human rights and gender activist. …

"This time around Gino hooks up with the producer of Netflix's Inkabi - who also happens to be an old school colleague, in the person of Princess Zinzi Mhlongo; both of them hailing from eMalahleni, Witbank in Mpumalanga. Her professional theatre directing debut was a production of And the Girls in Their Sunday Dresses presented at festivals in the…

Three lucky kids from Thokoza will soon be winging their way to Portugal to represent South Africa as part of the CinemaTAKE filmmaking project. This week's episode finds Gino chatting to Emilie Demon and Mpumi Mcata (BLK JKS) from Cinema TAKE, an association born out of the friendship of film lover Emilie Demon and Muriel Huet, a presenter at the …

This week Gino dives into the world of Post-Production, where all the component parts of a film or television programme are pulled together and given that extra polish that makes then stand out on our screens. To get more insight, Gino is chatting with Johnny Nkgapele. Having graduated at the University of Witwatersrand, Johnny wasted no time getti…

Love it or hate it, there is no denying that reality TV has changed the face of popular viewing. In this week's episode, Gino chats to Portia Hlubi, the founder of @Milk and Honey TV - a Black - Female Creative Agency that has crafted a spectacular reputation for itself on Africa’s TV landscape. Portia began her career as a commissioning editor but…

37 episodes down the line and it is now a good time to catch up with the latest news about the raft of guests we have featured over the last 8 months. We have also included the link for each guest's episode, so you can easily refresh your memory as to what was going down back then. Guests: Sparky Xulu - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2220442/episodes/1…

With 2024 well and truly established, it is time for a quick look at what's been happening on our own proudly South African doorstep. Gino casts his eye over 15 local productions from this year that have hit our screens. We've also added a Noteworthy section of an additional 5 titles (not all local) that are worth a look. Youngins - Showmax Red Ink…

As part of our ongoing journey through all aspects of Film, TV, Theatre and many other forms of media, Gino sits down with multi-award-winning production designer Karabo Legoabe. Karabo has a Naledi Award, an Independent Theatre Award and was listed as one of the Top 200 Young South Africans by Mail & Guardian in 2021. She studied drama at the Nati…

Today, Gino chats to Kari Sekati, co-founder of Stage Fabrics, supplying wardrobe and styling to both individuals and the TV and Film industries. From single day shoots for an ad to months spent on the set of a feature film, it all seems a far cry from Kari's background of business management and property investment. Kicking off in 2017, Stage Fabr…

In this episode Gino relates the ups and downs of having a few days off in Dubai. With useful tips on where to shop, how to save money and the best way to get about, this episode is your one-stop advice shop. Established in the 18th century as a small fishing village, Dubai grew into a regional trading hub in the early 20th century and grew rapidly…

It's almost Valentine's Day and you still haven't got anything for your beloved. Better get a move on. But can you afford it? In this episode Gino looks at what you could or should be earning in the Media industry. The episode is divided into three categories: Creative, Marketing and Social Media. Within these categories, Gino talks about the remun…

We have all heard of speed dating, but did you know that Christian speed dating was a thing? This week we are joined by Chantel Andile who tells us all about an upcoming event; Christian Speed Dating brought to you by Kingdom Matters. Chantel takes us through what's involved, how to get tickets, what's expected and why it's happening. Chantel is al…

Gino opens up about his biggest heartbreak and how he has since turned to soppy love movies when he faces tough times. Our story takes us back to 17 years ago with a boy who was cool in his school marimba band. At the same time there was a girl who was hot in her school marimba band. Like Romeo and Juliet they came together, although not in Verona,…

Are you sitting comfortably? Because this episode is really three seperate sections all joined together by the supernatural. The first part tells the strange story of a young Emalahleni (Witbank) girl who kept appearing to strangers on the anniversary of her tragic passing. The second part is the story behind a documentary Gino discovered on Apple …

Ok, enough of 2023, time to look ahead, but ask yourself, has Hollywood run out of fresh ideas? 2024 looks like a year of many familiar titles. . . This week Gino singles out some of the hot new releases coming at you in 2024. 1. Mean Girls, a remake of the 2004 comedy, came out just recently. 2. Argylle with John Cena, Dua Lipa and Samuel L. Jacks…

There's nothing better thank kicking back and settling down with a great comedy, and so this week Gino runs through 20 of the greatest Black Comedies of All Time. And if that doesnt tickle your funny bone, there's two extras to get you laughing into 2024. Here we go! 1. Friday (1995) - Ice Cube, Chris Tucker and Nia Long 2. Coming to America (1988)…

Welcome to the first podcast of the year, on the first day of the year. 1 January 2024. Happy New Year to all of you, wherever you are. Let’s take a look at 2023. Episode 01 of African Couch Potato - the Mash-up entered the digital arena on the 18th of July, Nelson Mandela's birthday. It is now listened to from Johannesburg to San Francisco, from T…

Welcome to the Christmas Edition of African Couch Potato: The Mash-up. Today is our 25th episode… on the 25th day of December! When Christmas lunch is done, and all the presents have been given or received, what better way than a movie to round off the day. So, to celebrate this time of year, Gino has selected a list of 25 feel good Christmas movie…

Zola Hashatsi is no stranger to controversy and the tabloids and he has made headlines for all the wrong reasons. This household name was recently accused of impersonating a medical practitioner at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital but the case was later withdrawn. Coincidently, In 2022, Zola revealed that he had decided to answer and accept the call…

Another episode, another Masterclass. This time we turn our attention to the frantic world of television promos, those mini promotional videos that get squashed in between the adverts. This episode finds Gino talking to Pearl Shozi, Executive Creative Director at Birthmark Agency, where he gets the lowdown on what it takes to produce those short tr…

Gino first met Mfanelo Njoko in 2013 at Tulip High School where he was one of the participants in Gino's community journalism programme. Fast forward 10 years and Mfanelo is the proud founder of Film To Kasi - an initiative that screens films in townships across South Africa. In this episode Mfanelo speaks about the determination it took to get thi…

In this episode, Gino chats to multi award nominee Chad Pop about editing, from his early days at AFDA to a six year stay at one of South Africa's top advertising agencies to finally stepping out into the big wide world with his own company. Chad was privileged to be nominated for Best Editor at the AFDA graduation awards as well as for the Rocket …

Gino takes a quick look at South Africa's streaming platforms and gives us a review on one production from each platform. 1. Spinners (Showmax) Ethan is a 17-year-old driver working for a local gang. Disgusted with gang life, Ethan discovers a possible way out via spinning, an extreme motorsport. But the looming gang war jeopardises that hope. 2. T…

Bringing a list of even more films that Gino has not yet seen, Banele P. Mtebele runs several film clubs and a post-production suite called The Village Post Office. Banele talks of the importance of screening films to the community through his film club in Alex, as well as weekly film classes to inspired young would-be filmmakers. He also takes us …

Gino first met Siphiwe Hlabangane in 2017, so now is a good time for a catch up. Join us as Siphiwe unpacks his career. A seasoned film and series producer, Siphiwe is best known for iNumber Number (series); Single Guyz (sitcom); Diamond City (drama); Lithapo (telenovela) and Shaina (film). More recently, he produced the critically acclaimed Savage…

Today's episode counts down GIno's top 5 shows for the week on all video streaming platforms. Netflix: Nowhere - A young pregnant woman named Mia escapes from a country at war by hiding in a maritime container aboard a cargo ship. After a violent storm, Mia gives birth to the child while lost at sea, where she must fight to survive. Beckham - With …

Nolwazi Shange is an actress who is equally comfortable both in front of the camera as talent, as well as behind it as a casting director. Gino chats to her about the fulfilment of both roles. She played the role of “Nandi” on Outlaws which is currently streaming on Showmax. You may have also seen her in Scandal! on eTV, in Mzali Wami on Showmax as…

Gino gets to chat to one of his childhood heros in the shape of Jack Devnarain. Jack studied Drama while completing his Law degree at the University of KZN, Durban. He joined the Police Force after completing his studies and spent 10 years as a cop, while continuing to accept acting commissions, as and when his schedule allowed. In 2002 his second …

Today's episode lists Gino's top 50 South African films you have probably never heard of. Time to explore the incredible variety of home grown productions that are well worth watching. Here they are in no particular order: 1. Mia and the White Lion (2018) 2. Tremors 5: Bloodlines (2015) 3. The Color of Friendship (2000) 4. Poena is Koning (2007) 5.…

In this episode Gino is in conversation with award-winning director Sanele Zulu, talking about work behind the camera and just what it means to be a director. Sanele started his directing career on hit SA soap lsidingo "The Need", where he worked his way up from director’s assistant to director. Later Gino and Sanele chat about home life and how wo…

Kgabang Sekhabi, popularly known as Shalate Sekhabi, is a South African actress and singer. She is best known for the roles in the television soap operas, The River, and House of Zwide. Shalate has had a passion for music, drama, and modelling from a tender age. When she was only eight, she joined her school’s choir and was active in the drama club…

In today's episode of African Couch Potato - The Mash-up, Gino continues chatting to Shonisani Masutha focussing on her 26 years in theatre, among all her other commitments. Shonisani first hit the boards aged only 6 years old. Theatre, unlike TV or Film doesn't give you a second or third take, you have to hit it first time around as your audience …

Today's episode of African Couch Potato - The Mash-up is the first of two parts with Gino chatting to Shonisani Masutha. Shonisani is the first African actress to star in a Bollywood series, where she played Norah in Mehek. Her first casting was for a children's game show called Small Talk, followed by a Mzansi Magic movie, titled On The Ropes, as …

In this episode of African Couch Potato: The Mash-up, Gino continues chatting to Jefferson Tshabalala: renowned writer, director, theatre and screen performer as well as the 2020 Standard Bank Young Artist for Theatre winner. In this second Masterclass, Jefferson discusses performance and how to truly get the best version of a script, a play or a c…

This episode of African Couch Potato: The Mash-up puts Jefferson Tshabalala in the frame. Jefferson 'J Bobs' Tshabalala is a renowned writer, director, theatre and screen performer as well as the 2020 Standard Bank Young Artist for Theatre winner. In this Masterclass, Jefferson talks about the process of writing and provides personal insights into …

Today’s show continues the conversation between Gino and Podcast Producer + Host of Art As Culture Podcast, Creative Entrepreneur, Facilitator, Thought Leader and Content Creator, Amo Helang. Throwing the format out of the window, the episode rolls like this: Picking up from the last episode. If you missed last week's chat, go back and listen to ep…

Today’s guest is Podcast Producer + Host of Art As Culture Podcast. Creative Entrepreneur, Facilitator, Thought Leader and Content Creator, Amo Helang. Top 5 Amo's Top 5, in no particular order. Succession: The Roy family is known for controlling the biggest media and entertainment company in the world. However, their world changes when their fathe…