Shona Ferguson’s legacy shines as a formidable foe sparks a supernatural showdown in ‘Kings of Jo’burg’ 3

A few months before Shona Ferguson’s passing on July 30, 2021, I had a 10-minute virtual chat with him about Ferguson Films, in partnership with Samad Davis, venturing into new territory with “Kings of Jo’burg”. He also played the lead role of Simon “Varder” Masire.

Confined to remote working, South Africa, like the rest of the world, was, at the time, navigating life with the coronavirus.

As always, he was generous with his time and thoughts. He was truly a gem, both as a person and a creative.

Several years later, the show is now in its third season on Netflix. And, if the ending is anything to go by, there’s a possibility of it returning. 

I hope he’s looking down, proud of the seeds he planted and the legacy that continues to thrive.

Meanwhile, season three has been trending since it recently dropped on the streaming platform. The star clout of Connie Ferguson and Zolisa Xaluva, who are joined by Clint Brink, Maurice Paige, Keenan Arrison and US actor Malik Yoba, is enough to make fans giddy with excitement. 

The compelling storyline is the cherry on top. 

Of course, the new season picks up with the aftermath of season two. Mogomotsi “Mo” Masire (Xaluva) is serving time behind bars with Lester (Abdul Khoza).

A heavily pregnant Veronica Masire (Ferguson), who carries the Mermaid spirit, decides it’s time to return to South Africa despite the protests of her partner Isador (Yoba).

After two miscarriages, he’s concerned about her well-being. 

With the Masire family a threat to many criminal enterprises, her arrival on homesoil is greeted by a nasty surprise from rival Aliko Bajo (Enyinna Nwigwe). 

While her trusted bodyguards Leon (Llewelyn Cordier) and Sting (Nnekwa Tsajwa) get her out safely, the danger is far from over. 

And if Veronica wants to have a safe birth, she has to kill Gavin Salat (Brink) for the Mermaid. A life for a life sort of thing. 

There’s just one small problem: he’s also protected by Oom, a supernatural spirit.

As much as Gavin is celebrated as a community leader, mentoring young boys to help them have a better future, the truth is far more menacing. 

He’s a criminal mastermind recruiting impressionable youngsters to do his bidding. And he’s on the cusp of striking the deal of a lifetime with the Mexican cartel. 

Gavin is also aware of how big a threat the Masire family is, and when one of his own is killed in prison, he takes revenge on them all, starting with Mo’s son. 

With his late brother Simon coming in visions to him, Mo hatches a plan with Lester to break out of prison to protect his family. 

So begins a cat-and-mouse chase as Mo, accompanied by Phumzi (Cindy Mahlangu), dodges law enforcement while trying to protect Veronica from imminent danger.

The seven-part third season is an action-packed one, pitting the Masire family against its most formidable rival to date. It is also a supernatural war that comes full circle.

Even with limited screen time, Thembi Seete’s portrayal of Keneilwe Masire is impactful. Should the series continue, her role will expand significantly.

As a passionate storyteller, Shona would have appreciated the poetic ending.

I devoured the third instalment in one sitting, a testament to the filmmakers’ and writers’ exceptional work. It was a fast-paced, beautifully shot, and well-executed production.

In “Kings of Jo’burg”, power struggles, betrayal, danger, deception, and romance are central themes.

Rating: 4/5 **** a standout series with exceptional qualities.

Below is a must-see offering of a similar vein:

“Unseen”

On the run after a daring prison escape, Zenzi Mwale navigates a treacherous world of old foes and unexpected allies, fighting to bring down the shadowy syndicate responsible for Max and Esulu’s deaths.

Uncovering the harsh truth that justice is not the same for everyone, the lines between right and wrong blur, and Zenzi must decide whether she will trust the system or take matters into her own hands.