Netflix’s next African original series JIVA! to premiere on June 24

African original series JIVA! is ready to make its Netflix premiere on June 24. The teaser for this drama series was released on May 24 and dancers are thrilled to see the diversity of actors and dance forms that the show promises.

The series follows Ntombi (Noxolo Dlamini) who is a young dancer from Umlazi. She’s passionate about her art but is frustrated and wants to quit her job, make it big and live comfortably as a recognised dancer. To achieve her dreams, she forms a dance group called the Trollies who are made up women who come from different walks of life. The group includes  Candice Modiselle (Vuyiswa), Sne Mbatha (Zinhle), Stella Dlangalala (Lady E) and Zazi Kunene (Nolwazi). With her group, Ntombi must overcome her fears and fight parental pressure in order to succeed.

The series, choreographed by Bontle Modiselle and Tom London, features a variety of dance styles from Mzansi which are combined to create an ode to the traditional South African dance culture. The series is a form of appreciation of South African fashion, dance and ways of living. Through JIVA! the vibrant energy of the South African youth gets highlighted.

Showrunners Scottnes L Smith, Mandla Dube and Busisiwe Ntintili have paid homage to the culture that has shaped them by including BIPOC artists from across the world. The show also includes cast members wearing the fashion of MaXhosa, Hamethop, Imprint, Siko Republik and Africa Your Time is Now.