Zolisa Xaluva
Mogomotsi "Mo" Masire
Overview
The Masire brothers rule Johannesburg's criminal underworld, but a supernatural family curse and a tangled web of betrayal threaten to destroy them.
Seasons
- Status
- Ended
- Seasons
- 3 seasons
- Episodes
- 21 episodes
- First aired
- Dec 4, 2020
Cast
9 people
Reviews
5 min readThe City That Eats Its Kings
I keep thinking about the way Johannesburg looks in Kings of Jo’Burg—not as a backdrop, but as a character that’s always hungry. The camera lingers on the skyline at dusk, all neon and smog, the kind of light that doesn’t so much illuminate as it does swallow. It’s the kind of city that doesn’t care if you rise or fall, only that you keep moving.
And the Masire brothers? They’re moving, all right. Straight toward something that feels less like a destiny and more like a trap they’ve already sprung.
There’s something almost biblical about the premise: two brothers at the top of Johannesburg’s criminal underworld, undone not by rivals or the law, but by a family curse. It’s the kind of setup that could easily tip into melodrama—all blood oaths and whispered prophecies—but the series (three seasons, the episode count, and counting) seems more interested in the weight of power than the spectacle of its collapse.
The curse isn’t just a plot device; it’s a metaphor for the inescapable rot of generational violence, the way trauma doesn’t just haunt families but becomes their foundation. I’ve seen this trick before—The Godfather did it with the Corleones, Succession with the Roys—but there’s something raw and specific about the way Kings of Jo’Burg grounds it in the streets of Johannesburg.
This isn’t a story about abstract power; it’s about the cost of holding onto it when the city itself is designed to grind you down.
The performances, at least in the early episodes, are where the series stakes its claim. Zolisa Xaluva and Abdul Khoza play the Masire brothers with a weary intensity, the kind of exhaustion that comes from knowing you’re both the predator and the prey. Xaluva, in particular, has this way of letting his face go slack in moments of quiet, like he’s conserving energy for the next betrayal.
It’s the kind of acting that doesn’t announce itself—no grand speeches, no Oscar-bait monologues—just the slow unraveling of a man who’s realized too late that he’s been running in place. (I’m reminded of Idris Elba in Luther, another actor who understands that stillness can be more terrifying than rage.) The women in the series—Buhle Samuels, Cindy Mahlangu, Connie Ferguson—don’t get as much to do early on, but when they do, they cut through the male posturing with a precision that feels earned.
Audience Opinions
Audience 6.8/10
"A gripping but uneven crime drama with standout performances and intense moments, though hampered by predictable plotting and pacing issues."
Viewers appreciate the strong performances, particularly from the lead cast, and the show’s gritty portrayal of Johannesburg’s underworld, which adds authenticity and tension. latestnetflix.com's read is that however, the story often relies on familiar crime drama tropes, and some episodes suffer from slow pacing, making the narrative feel drawn out at times.
What viewers praise
- Strong lead performances Zolisa Xaluva and Connie Ferguson deliver compelling performances that anchor the series and bring depth to their characters.
- Gritty and authentic setting The portrayal of Johannesburg’s crime underworld is praised for its realism and intensity, adding weight to the story.
- Intense and engaging moments Key scenes, particularly in Season 2, are highlighted for their suspense and emotional impact, keeping viewers hooked.
- Emotional depth in storytelling The series explores complex family dynamics and loyalty, which resonate with audiences despite its flaws.
Common complaints
- Predictable plotlines The story often follows well-worn crime drama tropes, making some twists and turns feel formulaic and unoriginal.
- Pacing issues Some episodes drag, particularly in Season 1, with slow development that tests viewer patience.
- Underdeveloped side characters Supporting characters often lack depth, making it hard for audiences to connect with them beyond their surface roles.
- Inconsistent tone The series struggles to balance its gritty crime elements with moments of melodrama, leading to tonal whiplash.
Recommended for
Crime drama enthusiasts Fans of gritty urban stories Viewers who enjoy family sagas with tension Connie Ferguson admirers South African series lovers
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsThe Power Struggles and Personal Losses Behind Kings of Jo’Burg
Netflix’s Kings of Jo’Burg (2020) has carved out a niche as a gritty, high-stakes drama set in Johannesburg’s underworld, but its production journey has been just as dramatic as its on-screen storylines. latestnetflix.com's read is that From heartbreaking cast losses to behind-the-scenes shifts, the series has weathered real-life turbulence that’s left fans and insiders buzzing.
A Cast Shaken by Tragedy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uoQVRalv4E
The most devastating blow to Kings of Jo’Burg came with the death of Shona Ferguson, a co-creator and central figure in the show’s universe. Ferguson, who played the ruthless Simon "Vader" Masire, passed away in July 2021 after battling COVID-19 complications . His absence left a gaping hole—not just in the cast, but in the show’s creative direction. Tributes poured in, with Netflix releasing a heartfelt video honoring his legacy, featuring clips of his iconic performance as the power-hungry crime lord . The emotional weight of his loss was palpable, with fans and co-stars alike mourning the man who helped shape the series’ tone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dusdWxALzA
Ferguson’s character, Vader, was a fan favorite, known for his chilling one-liners and unapologetic ambition. A Netflix compilation of his best moments—titled The Best of Simon ‘Vader’ Masire—served as both a celebration of his work and a bittersweet farewell . His death raised questions about how the show would move forward, especially since Vader was a linchpin in the Kings of Jo’Burg narrative.
Recasting and the Future of the Show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_f1TO0JUJ8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiOQxJwYA5g
With Ferguson’s passing, the show faced a major challenge: how to fill the void left by Vader. Rumors swirled about who might step into the role, with speculation centering on whether the character would be recast or written out entirely. A trailer for Season 2 hinted at a shift in power dynamics, but it was unclear how Vader’s absence would be addressed . Later reports confirmed that the show would continue without Ferguson, though details about his character’s fate remained under wraps .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxg-JOUJSrA
The uncertainty didn’t stop Netflix from pushing forward. A Season 3 trailer dropped in late 2023, teasing new conflicts and alliances, though it offered no explicit mention of Vader’s storyline . Fans were left to wonder whether the show would pay homage to Ferguson’s legacy or pivot entirely, leaving his character’s arc unresolved.
Behind-the-Scenes Drama and Fan Reactions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j-6L6eajgk
Beyond the tragedy, Kings of Jo’Burg has sparked debate among viewers. Early reviews were mixed, with some praising its bold storytelling and others criticizing its pacing. A Netflix Review video dissected the first episode, calling it a "slow burn" that struggled to balance its ensemble cast . The show’s ambition was clear—it aimed to be South Africa’s answer to Power or Gomorra—but not everyone was convinced it hit the mark.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOyVSZWWY3c
Still, the series has cultivated a loyal following, thanks in part to its unflinching portrayal of Johannesburg’s criminal underbelly. A General Knowledge Quiz released by Netflix tested fans on trivia from the show, proving its cultural footprint . Whether it’s the high-stakes power struggles or the personal dramas of its characters, Kings of Jo’Burg continues to draw viewers in—even as it grapples with real-life setbacks.
For now, the show’s future remains a mix of promise and uncertainty. With Ferguson’s absence looming large, fans are watching closely to see how the Kings of Jo’Burg saga will evolve—both on and off screen.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
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