‘Bromance’ take viewers inside the lives of South African millennial men
“Bromance”, Mzansi Magic’s latest reality television show seeks to provide an unparalleled glimpse into the lives of millennial South African men and male friendships.
It features four South African Joburgers as they navigate life, their careers, their love lives and the challenges of adulthood.
They are 34-year-old DJ Kaygo, real name Kgotso Tsagae, Molemo Lehoko, also known as Lemii, who is also 34, Hloni Mahlangu, 35 and Thato Chuene, 37.
Some of the themes that the show explores are brotherhood and friendship, the struggles of adulthood, and their quest for success in the heart of Jozi.
It also chronicles the group’s wild weekend escapades and a thirst for the good life while also reflecting upon how they take the leap from carefree bachelors to future husbands.
Tsagae explained in a recent interview that he and the rest of the guys open their lives up to the nation as they take viewers on a journey through their different lives as well as the time they spent together.
He explained that they all have different personalities and that people from different walks of life will be able to resonate with each of them.
“I am the more outgoing and adventurous one and some of the guys are a bit reserved in what they explore and experience.”
He added that as a DJ by profession, he is the one that encourages his friends to hit the streets.
“I am the one who says: ‘Come, let's go to Durban or Cape Town.”
“I also party more than those guys and you get to see the activities that we get up to in the streets or for me as a DJ.”
Tsagae added that it was the strength of his friendship group which encouraged him to be part of the show.
“For me, it was something quite different, with the concept being that of a bunch of guys who have known each other for a while and it was better to be a part of that as opposed to another version of something that has already been done.”
“It was with my friends that made it a bit more comforting in a sense because I wasn't doing it alone which made it a much less pressurised situation.”
He also believes that the group’s bromance will continue to keep viewers engaged.
“I think what sets this show apart from other reality shows is that we have known each other for a while, we understand each other and we get along.”
“We do get mad with each other but I know that we are going to apologise and later on, we will talk about it.”
Meanwhile, “Bromance” aims to add to the success of other local productions which puts the lives of men in the spotlight.
This includes Mzansi Magic’s other new reality show “Ama Grootman”, which dives deep into the lives of Port Shepstone’s most-talked-about men as they plunge themselves in KwaZulu-Natal’s vibrant culture and navigate the challenges of success and personal growth.
In addition, Showmax’s “Adulting”, which features award-winning actor Thembinkosi Mthembu alongside Nhlanhla Kunene, Luthando BU Mthembu and Thabo Rammusi, has also been a hit.
The local drama show explores various male-related issues, such as fatherhood and the pressures men experience as they strive to succeed in today's society.
Tsagae believes that interest in the lives of men and their friendship group gives viewers authentic content that they have not watched before.
“I think it's becoming more appealing (chronicling male friendships) because it's not something that has been done before, especially within our age groups and it's also more authentically South African in the sense that you know these guys from the township who are working their way through life.”
“It’s real genuine stuff as opposed to the glitz and the glam and it is relatable to the average viewer.”
“For us, some of the guys still stay in Soweto, my mom is still in Soweto so I think it's more relatable to the greater masses.”
He added: “The millennials don't really get to see real life millennial stuff and it's definitely a representation of what goes on in the average South African’s life which makes it more relatable.”
“‘Bromance’ gives people an insight into what guys talk about and what happens within guy friendship groups, which is not something that is publicised.”
“We are not as public as the females, we spill the tea but we do it together and then it ends there.”
Tsagae concluded that viewers are in for a treat for the remainder of “Bromance’s” debut season.
“There are a lot of twists and turns in the show and plots that they won't see coming and some situations that you didn't think would happen but it does.”
“It is great for television but a bit stressful for the guys and some conversations that needed to happen that haven't happened in real life, took place on the show.”
∎ Watch “Bromance” on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) Tuesdays at 8pm.
Celebrity bromances:
As “Bromance” puts male friendships in the spotlight, here are some of the most high profile male besties.
Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth
The Springbok players have created a vibrant relationship over the years. They have become known for their banter and public embraces.
They are often seen hanging out and joking around with each other on social media.
In October, a hilarious moment between the pair on the pitch made its way online, where Kolisi can be seen jokingly scolding Etzebeth.
George Clooney and Brad Pitt
The Hollywood heavyweights have been close friends for decades.They are also often seen joking around at events, on the red carpet and on social media.
The superstars met back in the 1990s when they both auditioned for “Thelma and Louise.” Since then, they have also worked together on several projects together, most notably, the “Ocean” film franchise.
DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small
The amapiano stars are musical powerhouses in their own rights but together, they have created some of the best music that the genre has ever produced.
This is a testament to their strong bromance, as they often perform at venues in South Africa and throughout the world as the collective called Scorpion Kings.