Yizo yizo (TV Series 1999– ) Poster

(1999– )

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9/10
A South African 90s lifestyle drama
siyavuyasydneymdolo13 April 2023
Netflix is all set to release the iconic South African series, Yizo Yizo, and for many of us, it is a moment of pride to see a part of our upbringing being shared with the world. However, while some may view this show as a reflection of the current state of South African townships, it is essential to mention that the younger generation may not be able to relate to a significant fraction of the content.

Growing up in the 90s, Yizo Yizo, with its violent and explicit nature, was a show strictly off-limits to children. However, despite the prohibitions, we, as children, found ways to watch it, and there was no avoiding it due to its permeation into our everyday lives. The show's soundtracks, which topped the charts, were particularly popular among township kids, something that remains true to this day.

While the story of the show is not the focus here, it is worth noting that many of South Africa's successful actors got their start from Yizo Yizo - a testament to the show's unstoppable influence. Many of these actors have matured and accomplished remarkable careers, although some have, unfortunately, passed on.

Yizo Yizo is a binge-worthy show encompassing both unfortunate events and triumphs. Watching it will make you laugh, cry, and feel helpless all at once. The first season, while fantastic, is just the tip of the iceberg, as the show's story evolves tremendously in the subsequent seasons. To put it simply, Yizo Yizo is South Africa's original township "Blood and Water," a show with unparalleled cultural significance.
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10/10
Yizo Yizo. Raw and uncut
mikeadriano2 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I loved watching this show during my formative years. It was raw and uncut. The show had a great cast of amateur and veteran actors that gave you a taste of what "ekasi" township life was about whilst dealing with some hard hitting topics such as rape, drugs and poverty.

It was a highly controversial show at the time of release and rightly so. A student being caned in the courtyard by the school's Principal for having dreadlocks, openly smoking of narcotics through broken beer bottles, teacher - student love affairs, vengeful and sadistic thugs preying on high school students? Yeah I guess this would qualify as controversial.

Apart from it's controversy, it was also a very uplifting show. You see smart, bright and creative youth who want more from life. Parents who are in their kid's lives and those who are not. You get to experience both realities. Sadly, it's day and night differences. Those with parents received guidance and show hope that they would break free from the chains of poverty through education and determination. The orphans, unfortunately choose a life of drugs and they are not as lucky.

Great music throughout the show and it's sad that music doesn't get promoted in this manner anymore. Mandoza, Skwattakamp, Boomshaka and Zola were just a few of the awesome artists that produced banging tracks to this series. The background music is spot-on! At time's even haunting.

A must see!!

***** out of *****
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