016FM made its Showmax debut on June 26. Picture: Supplied
The series has since been a hit to audiences with its blend of heart, humour, and the look at the struggles and triumphs of keeping a small-town radio station afloat.
Moshesh plays Mama Jane, DJ Tsietsi’s mother, who suffers from dementia and after six captivating episodes on 016FM, her beloved character comes to an end.
With her intense and impressive talent, Nthati Moshesh quickly became a fan favourite after being tasked with portraying a subject that is hardly seen portrayed on our screens.
“The Mama Jane character gave me the opportunity to do thorough research about dementia and it broadened my understanding of the condition, so I feel that Mama Jane’s storyline has the potential to open up conversations about the effects of dementia in black communities,’’ she told Zibuyile Dladla of Showmax.
She brought depth and authenticity to the role, which made her relatable to the audience of 016FM.
The latest episode, which aired this Wednesday, saw the passing of Mama Jane, who was the founder of 016FM before suffering from dementia. The passing of the Mama Jane character reminded her of how she approaches death differently, as she now views grief as a form of love after losing her loved ones.
“Think about it, you pour so much love into a person who has passed on. I’m falling in love with my parents all over again – the more they are not with me, the more I channel them even more through the many pictures I have of them at home and my memories of them,” she says.
The star-studded cast includes the late Mpho Sebeng. As someone who has worked with him, Moshesh shares how he has made such a lasting impact on the industry, serving as a powerful reminder for everyone to think about how they would like to be remembered.
016FM highlights stories of the youth of Vaal as it follows the lives of a group of friends navigating life while trying to save their local radio station from closing. It has drawn some attention to the community of Vaal who is proud to see their often overlooked hometown represented on screen.
As Moshesh departs, she urges people to watch the show for the young talent it features because a bright future awaits and 016FM serves as a testament to the immense potential of the young performers.
She adds that shows like 016FM highlight the vast contributions made by the youth and also that the youth are not driven by a desire for fame but by a need to share their stories.
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