Dance, Rivalry and Colours in the New Teaser for Netflix’s Third African Original Series, ‘JIVA!’

The second teaser trailer for Netflix’s third African original series (a South African dance drama), JIVA!, has just been released. The teaser opens with a series of dance steps and a titillating background score that’s synonymous to the SA scene. Then, a young lady who seems intimidated by a presumed competitor in a dance competition—giving a facial expression that wears off immediately and is replaced by intestinal fortitude. The series of events that follows is used to introduce the characters in the series accompanied by  energy-filled dance routines and music.

JIVA! is a fun and energy-packed drama series that follows the life of the talented street dancer Ntombi, who while juggling the demands of a dead end job, family responsibility and a rocky love life realises that her dance moves could be her ticket out of her working class neighbourhood in Durban. But first, she must overcome her fears, beat her rivals and sort out the chaos that is her family. What does JIVA mean? It is a South African slang which means ‘dance’. 

The award-winning writer, director and producer, Busisiwe Ntintili (Happiness is a Four Letter Word) of The Ntintili Factory, is in charge of this upcoming South African set drama series. Joining the directing team is Scottnes L. Smith (Hear Me Move), award winning directors, Mandla Dube (Kalushi) and Mmambatho Montsho (Emoyeni). Starring alongside break out star Noxolo Dlamini, who will be playing the role of Ntombi, is Candice Modiselle (Generations), Sne Mbatha (So You Think You Can Dance), veteran actor Tony Kgoroge (Invictus) among others.

In this new drama series that comes after previous South African series, namely, Queen Sono and Blood & Water, we will see a young girl break all boundaries in order to make something of herself and it will be a celebration of South African dance culture. 

The South African drama series is set to hit the streaming service on June 24, 2021. Before then, we should get a full trailer from the streamer.