The biggest let-down about Netflix’s latest African original series Jiva! is that it ends in the blink of an eye.
Give me season two already!
The final episode of the five-part series created by Happiness is a Four Letter Word screenwriter Busisiwe Ntintili and directed by the unmatched Mandla Dube (Kalushi) left me with tears of joy. Jiva! is the ray of sunshine so badly needed in the mist of the Covid-19 third wave.
Starring Noxolo Dlamini – renowned for her portrayal of Sarafina in the 2017 stage musical – the show will set the rate and rhythm of your heartbeat and undoubtedly reignite your dreams.
Finally, Netflix captures our vibrant rainbow nation in the most honest, nuanced and authentic way – and it took our kaleidoscopic street dance culture for the global streaming service to get it close.
Sure, strong cases have been made with predecessors Queen Sono, Blood & Water as well as How To Ruin Christmas.
But what was missing was the allure and spellbinding magic that roars through in Jiva!
The series effortlessly oozes that unique fervour of “yeses”, “bathong”, “haibo” and “tjovitjo” that you can only find in Mzansi.
From the young ebony talent to the psychedelic fashion, delightful dance moves and high-voltage sound, Jiva! is unapologetic about the youth vibes and “black girl/boy joy”.
The series depicts the triumphant story of young woman Ntombi (Dlamini) from poverty-stricken Umlazi township in Durban, phased with relatable human struggles like childhood traumas and black tax. Ntombi uses dance as her therapy and a ticket to free herself.
The script by Ntintili and Bakang Sebatjane keeps you hooked with captivating plot twists such as family drama, friendship squabbles and romantic tensions. The subtext for the film also explores themes of female empowerment and doesn’t shy away from the many sacrifices women make in a patriarchal society to accommodate and satisfy men.
The show is at its best during the dance battle scenes. Imagine the euphoria of the dance floor battles between House of Abundance and House of Evangelista in Pose.
But make no mistake, Jiva! is not merely a glossy feel-good picture that is a display of Mzansi pride. It’s visually thrilling and cinematic. The ingenuity of the script partnered with pulsating editing, delectable score and outstanding acting further proves that SA is world class.
At times it feels like you are watching an elongated music video. As a result, the audience is taken on a ride along in that world.
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