Netflix Readies Fifth African Original, Street Dance Drama ‘JIVA!’

By Manori Ravindran

LOS ANGELES (Variety.com) – Netflix is in production on its fifth original out of Africa, South African dance drama “JIVA!”

Produced by Cape Town-based Blue Ice Africa, “JIVA!” follows talented street dancer Ntombi who slowly realizes dancing may be a ticket out of her dead-end job, family drama and turbulent love life.

Busisiwe Ntintili, of The Ntintili Factory, is creator and showrunner of “JIVA!” The award-winning writer, director and producer is responsible for one of South Africa’s highest rated television shows, the Peabody Award-winning drama “Intersexions” and hit movie “Happiness is a Four Letter Word.”

The series is directed by Scottnes L. Smith (“Hear Me Move”), Mandla Dube (“Kalushi”) and Mmambatho Montsho (“Emoyeni”).

Meanwhile, the cast includes break-out star Noxolo Dlamini playing the lead, Candice Modiselle (“Generations”), Sne Mbatha (“So You Think You Can Dance”), Stella Dlangalala (“Funny People Africa”) and veteran actor Tony Kgoroge (“Invictus,” “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”).

Executive producers on the drama include Busisiwe Ntintili, Adam Friedlander and Tebogo Maila.

The new drama follows a second season greenlight for Netflix’s first African original, “Queen Sono.” The South African teen drama “Blood & Water” will debut on the service in May.