“Blood Legacy” has been trending online and for good reason.
The Netflix series provides a captivating glimpse into the world of the elite, their corrupt business practices and scandalous family secrets.
With its star-studded cast and reflections of South African culture, there is nothing quite like it on television.
The drama was also legendary South African actress Connie Chiume’s final performance before she died at the age of 72 in August.
She exudes a quiet confidence as she portrays the regal and nuanced Madlamini Ndlovu.
Her powerful performance is a testament to why she was sought after in the industry and was selected to star in Beyoncé’s “Black is King” and “Black Panther”.
Wielding significant influence in her family’s highly profitable sugar cane and hospitality enterprise, her key character leads the Ndlovu family from one crisis to the next and attempts to keep them united.
Chiume is joined by an illustrious cast who all did a stellar job in bringing their multifaceted characters to life.
They include Xolile Tshabalala, who stars as the family’s only daughter Khanyi Adesina, as well as Buyile Mdladla and Mike Ndlangamandla, who feature as her brothers, Mandla and Siya Ndlovu, respectively.
Treasure Nkosi plays the patriarch and the CEO of Spear Industries, Bhekisizwe Ndlovu and is joined by the likes of Sello Maake KaNcube, Pallance Dladla, Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa and Tarina Patel.
“Blood Legacy” sees Khanyi, who, after years of estrangement, returns to KwaZulu-Natal after her father asks for her help to rid their empire from corruption.
But before she can get to work, he dies in her arms after being shot in their sugar cane fields.
Meanwhile, Madlamini, upon the orders of her late husband, becomes the kingmaker as she is tasked to choose one of her children to helm the company.
A succession battle ensues as the siblings go to extraordinary lengths to secure the top position.
Khanyi, who left her family to live and work as an investigative journalist in the Mother City with her husband and daughter after witnessing her father engaging in a deadly act of corruption, believes that she is the only one that can save the company.
Highly educated and ethical, she is determined to rid Spear Industries of wrongdoing as a way to honour her father’s legacy.
Meanwhile, Mandla, who is convinced he was groomed by his father for this role, believes that the CEO position is rightfully his.
While he possesses a business acumen, he is driven by greed, lust and power.
Then there is Mandla, who also wants to lead the organisation but he is distracted by the many skeletons in his closet.
The siblings are also struggling with life without their father while dealing with several family challenges such as their sexuality, a sexual abuse scandal and steamy affairs.
On the business side, they also have to deal with sabotage, criminal gangs and the dangers of doing business in South Africa.
But as the corporate infighting escalates and loyalties are tested, they are forced to come together to find their father’s killer.
If you are a fan of the award-winning series “Succession” and if you enjoy a murder mystery, “Blood Legacy” is worth a watch as its captivating storyline will keep you enthralled.
While zooming into business practices and family dynamics, it is also a tale of redemption which touches on several topics which will resonate with viewers.
The drama also does well to reflect the Ndlovu’s Zulu culture as it also showcases the wealth and natural beauty of the nation as well as the country’s incredible creative talents.
But Chiume’s captivating performance sees the late veteran steal the show. Just like the actress, Madlamini’s stature commands respect and the matriarch proves that she is not someone to be messed with.
Something I also enjoyed about the show was the formidable female cast, with Tshabalala, Mlotshwa and Patel making worthy contributions with their respective roles.
Blood Legacy is a multifaceted story underpinned with plenty of life lessons.
Source: IOL
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