Publications
Partners
- DStv recently launched a channel airing Zulu-dubbed Bollywood content.
- The Zee Zonke platform, on channel 169, hit the screens of South Africans on 28 August 2023.
- Shows to be expected on the platform include Imfihlo, Umakhwapheni, Onesipho, and We Mamazala.
- For more stories, visit the Tech and Trends homepage.
DStv recently launched a new channel where all Bollywood shows are dubbed into isiZulu.
Zee Zonke, or channel 169 on DStv, is a 24-hour general entertainment television channel with Bollywood content dubbed entirely into isiZulu, with English subtitles.
According to both stakeholders involved, launching the channel was to foster diversity in television, given that South Africans have proven to enjoy Bollywood shows dubbed in English.
“Our vision at Zee Entertainment has always been to push the boundaries of innovation and deliver exceptional entertainment experiences.
“The launch of Zee Zonke marks an exciting milestone for us as we aim to bridge linguistic barriers and provide a unique viewing experience that resonates with diverse audiences, and we feel we have done that with this channel offering in isiZulu,” said CEO of ZEE Africa, Somnath Malakar.
Dubbing has been done for years on local channels in South Africa. This time, the content is tailored specifically to a Zulu-speaking audience.
“As Africa’s most loved storyteller, we are always looking to offer diverse entertainment to our DStv customers and the Zee [Zonke] offering aims to do just that,” said executive head of general entertainment channels at MultiChoice Group, Georginah Machiridza.
The channel can be found on all DStv packages, including DStv Premium, Compact+, Compact, Family and Access. The shows, which are mostly series, will air throughout the week.
Some of the titles on the channel include a love story called We Mamazala, where a character called Shubhra plays the role of Cupid, uniting two lovers.
Other shows include Imfihlo, Umakhwapheni, and Onesipho among others.
