Blood Psalms
| Company type | Television production |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television |
| Founded | July 30, 2020 |
| Founder | Layla Swart Najaar, Jahmil X.T. Qubeka |
| Headquarters | South Africa |
| Products | Television series |
| Parent | Showmax, Canal+ International, Yellowbone Entertainment |
Blood Psalms is a South African epic fantasy television production initially released on Showmax, co-created and co-produced by Showmax alongside Canal+ International. The series was developed by Layla Swart Najaar and Jahmil X.T. Qubeka under Yellowbone Entertainment, with direction handled by Qubeka. Its ensemble cast includes Bongile Mantsai, Hamilton Dhlamini, Hlubi Mboya, Mothusi Magano, Warren Masemola, Zolisa Xaluva, Sello Maake Ka Ncube, Thando Thabethe, and Faith Baloyi.
Premise
Set approximately 11,000 years ago in Ancient Africa during a period of turmoil, Blood Psalms follows five tribes—the Akachi, Uchawi, Ku’ua, Chini, and Great Nziwemabwe—descended from ancestors who escaped Atlantis aboard a colossal dragon. A prophecy foretelling the apocalypse casts a shadow as these tribes convene for the wedding of King Letsha of the Akachi, arranged by Queen Assili to consolidate her influence. Simultaneously, Princess Zazi’s impending motherhood signals the potential downfall of both King Letsha’s rule and the Akachi empire.
The Five Tribes
Originating from Kemet and Kush (present-day Sudan), the Akachi, Uchawi, Ku’ua, Chini, and Great Nziwemabwe tribes migrated southward following a cataclysmic event that occurred a millennium before the series' timeline.
The Akachi
Drawing partial inspiration from the 15th-16th century Benin Bronzes, the Akachi empire emphasizes noble heritage and incorporates armor and traditions reminiscent of ancient Kemet. Their devotion to Kemet’s deities is evident in the design of their fortress. Makeup artist Theola Booyens explains that their polished appearance reflects lessons learned from previous plagues.
The Uchawi
Governed by a female druidic council and queen mother, the Uchawi are esteemed as rainmakers and scholars with expertise in astronomy. They exchange wisdom and tributes to secure protection from rival tribes. Producer Layla Swart characterizes them as "magical scientists," with their territory filmed in Gwadana, a region renowned for its witchcraft legacy.
The Ku’ua
This tribe is patriarchal and nomadic, composed mainly of warriors and mercenaries recruited from various parts of Africa. According to producer Layla Swart Najaar, they are ancestors of Southern Africa’s Nguni peoples. Costume designer Pierre Vienings notes their use of leather garments and prominent scarification marks that denote their warrior identity.
The Chini
As described by creator Jahmil X.T. Qubeka, the Chini were outcasts rejected during the exodus from Atlantis. They reject Kemetian customs in favor of embracing Mother Earth and primal animalistic traits. Their deep cave dwellings connect symbolically to Sobek’s realm. Cultural advisor Albert Ibokwe Khoza devised distinctive physical movements for them inspired by hyena behavior.
The Great Nziwemabwe
An autonomous kingdom historically at war with the Akachi but now maintaining peace; nonetheless, they exploit any vulnerabilities within Akachi leadership. Actor Richard Lukunku likens Great Nziwemabwe to Ancient Rome—assertive and imperialistic.
Main
- Bokang Phelane portrays Princess Zazi, next in line for the Akachi throne and daughter to King Letsha and Ndiya Zazi. She is chosen as the vessel for Heka, deity of magic. Approaching adulthood and pregnant by General Toka, her unborn child is prophesied to trigger the gods’ return.
- Mothusi Magano plays King Letsha, a paranoid ruler who sacrificed Ndiya Zazi to Heka 18 years prior to protect his people from prophecy. Fearing that magic’s resurgence through Zazi will end his reign, he seeks to eliminate her before her birthday.
- Sello Maake Ka Ncube appears as Nkamanzu, King Letsha’s manipulative uncle striving to unify Akachi through democratic council but reverts to tradition as the King descends into instability.
- Faith Baloyi features as Queen Assili, sorceress queen of Uchawi stripped of her powers after killing Ndiya Zazi. Facing drought and diminishing sway over King Letsha, she offers her daughter Thozama as a political bride.
- Zikhona Sodlaka portrays Sithenjwa, a consort harboring a lethal secret. After fleeing following an attempted assassination and abandoning her infant daughter Burutti, she returns allied with Great Nziwemabwe’s Senator to locate her child and assassinate the king.
- Mandisa Nduna plays Burutti, an orphan adopted by the Chini tribe. Linked through enigmatic dreams to Princess Zazi, she is Sithenjwa’s daughter and General Toka’s offspring but raised unaware of her lineage.
- Zolisa Xaluva acts as General Toka, commander of the Akachi military. Born Ku’ua, he overcame suspicion but conceals secrets including exiling his wife, abandoning Burutti, and impregnating Princess Zazi. A prophecy foretells his grim destiny.
- Sdumo Mtshali portrays Lekoya, Toka’s deputy loyal to Akachi hierarchy yet viewed by palace factions as a potential successor being manipulated into betraying Toka.
- Albert Ibokwe Khoza features as Madlamini, palace nurse and governess who raised both Zazi and King Letsha. A secret member of the Order of the Golden Dawn, she is fiercely protective of Princess Zazi wielding considerable palace influence.
- Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa appears as Umna, Madlamini’s daughter and circus performer disguised for wedding ceremonies. Also part of the Order of the Golden Dawn, she seeks to rescue Princess Zazi.
- Bongile Mantsai plays Hlengu, ambitious Ku’ua warrior and second son of Chief Xemantso. Resentful of his father’s treaty with Akachi, he aims for Ku’ua supremacy coveting his brother Qotha’s rank and wife.
- Richard Lukunku portrays Abun Ra Jabari, Senator from Great Nziwemabwe attending King Letsha’s wedding demanding Northern Territories or threatening war with his Golden Army. As a survivor of an Akachi attack, he harbors deep animosity toward southern tribes.
Supporting
- Siv Ngesi portrays Onyo, the Netherworld's enigmatic lord. A figure shrouded in mystery and immense strength, Onyo prioritizes his powers over adversaries and ultimately finds himself in the Akachi sacrificial chamber.
- Warren Masemola plays Mfengetho, the high priest. Serving as Nkamanzu’s royal confidant, Mfengetho is a cunning cleric who commands an extensive intelligence network within the kingdom.
- Hamilton Dhlamini appears as Qotha, heir to the Ku’ua. A strategic thinker who prefers logic to warfare, Qotha battles for recognition in a tribe that favors his sibling Hlengu.
- Vusi Thanda embodies Chief Xemantso, the steadfast leader of the Ku’ua clan and an ally to King Letsha. He upholds a delicate peace among tribes while enjoying a life of luxury.
- Soso Rungqu plays Lala, spouse of Qotha. Intelligent and tactful, Lala maneuvers through clan politics by manipulating both her husband and lover, scheming to depose Chief Xemantso.
- Thishiwe Ziqubu acts as Kuthala, a seasoned Ku’ua warrior and Lala’s sister. Battle-hardened, she consents to assassinate Chief Xemantso.
- Faniswa Yisa portrays Mother Superior, matriarch of the Chini. As guardian of Chini lore and protector of Underworld gateways, she risks tribal discord to shield Zazi, the Chosen One, along with her unborn child.
- Thembekile Komani is cast as Overseer Mzinzi, Mother Superior’s son and leader of the Chini tribe. A strict enforcer of discipline and safety, he frequently clashes with his mother over Burutti’s conduct.
- Awethu Hleli plays Ilitye, a member of the Chini. As Burutti’s devoted companion and expert on the Chini cave system, Ilitye often finds himself torn between loyalties to Mzinzi and Burutti.
- Niza Jay portrays Teborah, offspring of Queen Assili and Ntuka. The rebellious prince accepts a perilous mission from the Serpentine Elementals during his sister Thozama’s wedding to King Letsha.
- Andile Nebulane appears as Regent King Ntuka, consort to Queen Assili. An intellectual striving to maintain equilibrium amid political tensions through science and diplomacy.
- Tumie Ngumla takes on the role of Thozama, King Letsha’s teenage fiancée. Devoted yet apprehensive, she contends with palace intrigues while safeguarding Princess Zazi’s secrets.
- Thabo Rametsi portrays Captain Ahadi, a doomed Akachi warrior dispatched to examine a meteorite-induced vortex; he returns two decades older after surviving alone in another realm.
- Hlubi Mboya acts as Ndiya Zazi, former handmaiden turned queen and true Magi of Uchawi, now watching over her daughter Zazi from the Netherworld.
- Sello Motloung embodies Letsha’s father, the Ancient Monarch. A disapproving spirit unaware that he perished in battle.
- Thando Thabethe plays the Emissary of god Heka, serving as Heka’s earthly voice summoned by Serpentine Elementals during sacrificial rites.
- Khanya Mkangisa appears as the Nymph, delivering messages from the Serpentine Elementals interpreting Heka’s will.
- Khayakazi Kula portrays Ncedisa, handmaiden at Akachi palace; wife of Captain Ahadi and mother.
- Lemogang Tsipa plays Xhosa, a pragmatic Ku’ua warrior critical of Chief Xemantso’s rule.
- Ayanda Daweti acts as Pee-Erot, a member of Umna’s circus and Order of the Golden Dawn; doubtful about rescuing royalty.
- Ayanda Makayi features as Kike, the Chini werehyena and Burutti’s companion, captured by Akachi and held in prison pits awaiting sacrifice.
Production
On 30 July 2020, MultiChoice, the parent company of Showmax, revealed the development of this project. Blood Psalms is a Showmax Original produced in partnership with Yellowbone Entertainment, Canal+ International, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), the National Film and Video Foundation, the Eastern Cape Economic Development Corporation (ECDC), and the MultiChoice Innovation Fund. The production encountered financial setbacks due to delays in funding from DTIC, which affected the timeline for completion and resulted in legal proceedings concerning unpaid film rebates.
Development
The team at Yellowbone Entertainment included several acclaimed professionals such as director of photography Willie Nel (known for Knuckle City and The Story of Racheltjie de Beer), who earned the 2023 SAFTA award for Best Achievement in Cinematography for his work on Blood Psalms. Other key contributors comprised production designer Chantel Carter (Kalushi, Fiela Se Kind), costume designer Pierre Vienings (Tsotsi, Five Fingers For Marseilles), prosthetics and makeup expert Nicola Roodt (Sink, Semi-Soet), art director Addie Vigario, special effects supervisor Gerhard van der Heever (District 9, Queen Sono), and stunt coordinator Wayne Smith (iNumber Number). Cultural authenticity and design were enhanced through the involvement of cultural advisor Albert Ibokwe Khoza and sculptor Musa Xokelelo.
Filming
Throughout 2020, filming took place across multiple South African provinces including the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, and North West, with over 1,000 local crew members employed during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.
Various sites were utilized to depict the Akachi Citadel, notably Hole In The Wall near Coffee Bay and Nqweba Dam situated within Graaff-Reinet’s Valley of Desolation, which stood in for the Citadel dam.
Sequences set in Chini were filmed inside the Sterkfontein caves complex located in Gauteng’s Cradle of Humankind. To preserve ecological integrity, these scenes were shot within a “dead” cave approximately 20 metres underground. Additional cave footage was captured at Wonder Cave and Weltevreden Caves.
Scenes portraying Uchawi druids and stargazers were filmed on Gwadana hill in the Eastern Cape, a location recognized for its cultural importance tied to Xhosa traditions and witchcraft.
Release
The series debuted at the Dubai Expo in October 2021. Its first trailer was released on 17 August 2022. The world premiere took place in Cape Town on 24 August as the opening screening at MIP Africa, followed by a subsequent premiere event held in Sandton on 17 September 2022. The initial two episodes became available on Showmax starting 28 September 2022.