Maputsoe-based film academy, Tycoonseries, has launched a captivating soap opera titled ‘Lekunuitu’ that celebrates Basotho traditions, and features some of the production house’s old actors.
This engaging series consists of 13 episodes designed to entertain audiences while honouring the rich cultural heritage of Basotho.
The company has also announced plans to bring to life a wealth of scripts that have been in the vault for nearly a decade.
Tycoon series founder and producer, Makalo Khutlisi, revealed that their ambition is to capture all the stories they have crafted since the company’s inception, making a significant milestone in their journey.
Khutlisi says for many years, the company faced challenges that hindered their ability to shoot films, primarily due to financial constraints.
However, a stroke of luck last year saw them regain financial stability, enabling them to move forward with their long-awaited project.
With renewed vigour, they have begun shooting scripts that have been patiently waiting in the wings, alongside reshooting previously filmed projects that suffered from low quality and budget constraints.
“The ambitious plan includes the production of an impressive collection of 500 Sesotho films by December next year. This initiative is expected to not only entertain audiences but also promote the rich cultural narrative inherent in Sesotho cinema. One of the standout projects is ‘Lekunutu’,” he notes.
This gripping story revolves around a woman who is unable to bear children and resorts to stealing another woman’s baby.
In a twist of fate, the victim disguises herself as a house maid with the motive of taking the child back home with her.
“This soapie features several well-known Basotho actors who have been absent from the industry for quite a while. Additionally, there were plans to include the late ‘Kau la Poho’ (Motjoka Ramonono) in the cast, but unfortunately, he passed away before this could happen. This development has added a layer of poignancy to the production, as we had hoped to honour this legacy by incorporating his talent into the show,” Khutlisi states.
The film is currently available for streaming on the Tycoonseries’ YouTube channel and has been filmed in Maseru.
Khutlisi disclosed that they have plans to produce additional Sesotho soapies and folktales in the near future.
The initiative aims to preserve and promote Basotho heritage and culture, which is already showing positive results, as evidenced by our growing community of 20,000 followers.
“We are committed to continuing this journey, ensuring that our rich traditions and stories are shared and celebrated,” he indicated.
Tycoonseries was established in November 2015 with the primary objective of serving as a comprehensive repository for Sesotho content. The initiative is particularly significant given that the Sesotho language is currently facing the threat of extinction.
By curating and promoting a diverse range of materials in Sesotho, Tycoonseries aims to preserve and revitalise this rich heritage, ensuring that future generations have access to the culture and historical narratives embedded within the language.
Through its efforts, the series seek to foster a greater appreciation for Sesotho and to encourage its continued use in various forms of media and communication.
