Showmax’s epic African fantasy series Blood Psalms has absolutely captured the imagination of viewers, setting a new record for the most first-day views for any drama series on the streaming platform.
This means that the series got more views on its first day than blockbuster international titles such as Game of Thrones.
‘Blood Psalms’ actors
Set in Ancient Africa, Blood Psalms follows Princess Zazi (Bokang Phelane) as she battles a world-ending prophecy to navigate her people through ancient curses, long-standing tribal vendettas and the wrath of the gods.
Actors in the action-packed series include nine SAFTA winners – Bongile Mantsai, Hamilton Dlamini, Hlubi Mboya, Mothusi Magano, S’dumo Mtshali, Siv Ngesi, Thishiwe Ziqubu, Warren Masemola and Zolisa Xaluva.
Other actors are equally talented faves, from Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa to Lemogang Tsipa, Faith Baloyi to Faniswa Yisa, Mandisa Nduna to Niza Jay, Richard Lukunku to Sello Maake KaNcube, Thabo Rametsi to Thando Thabethe, Thembekile Komani to Zikhona Sodlaka, and many more.
More records on Showmax
‘Steinheist’
Steinheist has also set a new record on Showmax for the most first-day views of any documentary series, ahead of the SAFTA-winning true crime phenomenon Devilsdorp.
The documentary gives viewers an insider glimpse into the biggest corporate scam in South African history. It centres on Steinhoff, a company that employed over 130,000 people in four continents, and its then-CEO Markus Jooste.
On 5 December 2017, Jooste resigned amid an investigation into accounting irregularities, and Steinhoff’s share price plunged by 90 percent in a week. This wiped over R200 billion off Johannesburg’s stock exchange – and off ordinary South Africans’ pensions and investments.
‘County 49’
Another record breaker is the political thriller series County 49, which garnered the most first-day views on Showmax in Kenya ahead of The Real Housewives of Lagos.
Set in the fictional Bwatele County, County 49 follows Nerimah Mkung (Wakio Mzenge), whose role as the new governor is put to the test when she’s taken hostage by a mysterious group who’ve had enough of the county government’s corruption and are now demanding what’s rightfully theirs – their money, in billions and in cash.
Whether she lives or dies lies in the hands of the very capable, disgraced officer Malik Maka (Peter Kawa), whose estranged wife has also been kidnapped, alongside the governor.
County 49 is directed by Likarion Wainaina, known for Kenya’s first superhero film Supa Modo, which is also Kenya’s most-awarded film with over 50 international awards including Best European Film for Children from the European Children’s Film Association.