Mzansi Magic is redefining the pursuit of love with its arranged marriage show, Ngikhethele. Premiering on Sunday 16 July at 18:00, this show presents a fresh and innovative approach to finding your happily ever after.
Ngikhethele follows the whirlwind journey of eight singles who, disillusioned by modern dating, turn to their families in search of their ideal life partners. The twist? Families must solely rely on meeting and vetting potential spouses' families, without direct interaction with the potential suitors themselves.
Shirley Adonisi, director of local entertainment channels, expresses the channel's dedication to providing viewers with diverse and high-quality content: "Mzansi Magic is committed to offering its viewers the best in local entertainment that stretches across various genres. Ngikhethele adds a fresh and unique perspective to romance and embracing traditional values in a modern context."
"Ngikhethele is a timely reminder of the value of family input in life decisions. We hope this show will demonstrate how families play a role in the choices we make and the difference that their support makes," says Adonisi.
So, what's the deal? The process starts with families visiting the Ngikhethele lounge to establish their preferences and criteria for a match for their son. Next, two families are picked for initial dates. After the dates, the families move on to the home date phase, with the groom's family visiting the top two homes and vice versa.
The true essence of Ngikhethele lies in the final decision-making process where families select their preferred match for the singles. Once decided, a letter is sent to the bride's family for ukucela ubuhlobo, and the bride's family has the option to accept or decline.
The show culminates in the highly anticipated lobola day, where both families gather to celebrate the engagement. The couple is brought together for the first time, and they spend three weeks in a trial home to assess their compatibility. On the eve of lobola day, preparations begin as the families come together to negotiate and finalise the marriage arrangements. The ultimate decision to marry rests with the couple, allowing them to determine their future together.
Ngikhethele is a fun and heart-warming show, inviting viewers to explore an unconventional approach to finding love. Expect to be moved by heartfelt moments and the impact of family connections.
Don't miss the premiere of Ngikhethele on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161), every Sunday at 18:00, starting 16 July. Join the conversation on Mzansi Magic's social media, Twitter, instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok