The Kings of Joburg review explores why this 2020 South African crime drama captivates audiences with its gritty portrayal of family loyalty and urban survival. Shona Ferguson’s ambitious series delivers compelling performances in Johannesburg’s underworld.
What happens when you blend family loyalty with the dangerous world of organized crime? You get television excellence. Kings of Joburg, created and directed by Shona Ferguson, stands as one of South Africa’s most ambitious crime drama series. This intense drama follows the Zulu crime family as they navigate the treacherous waters of Johannesburg’s criminal underworld. While the series operates in familiar crime drama territory, it succeeds because it grounds every dramatic moment in authentic emotional stakes and genuine cultural context.
Synopsis
The series centers on the Zulu family, led by Simon Masire (Shona Ferguson), a former bank robber trying to go legitimate while his past continuously threatens to destroy everything he’s built. When Simon’s criminal history collides with his attempts at respectability, he must protect his family from both law enforcement and rival criminal organizations.
Set against the backdrop of modern Johannesburg, the story explores how the Masire family’s criminal empire affects each member differently. Simon’s wife Angela (Connie Ferguson) struggles to maintain normalcy while her husband’s dangerous past resurfaces. The series follows the classic crime family structure while examining the unique challenges of post-apartheid South Africa.
Plot & Themes
Kings of Joburg operates on the premise that family loyalty can be both salvation and destruction. The criminal activities serve as a framework for exploring deeper themes about identity, survival, and the cost of ambition in contemporary South Africa.
The series’ strength lies in its authentic portrayal of Johannesburg’s social dynamics. When Simon attempts to expand his legitimate business interests, he encounters systemic obstacles that force him back toward criminal solutions. These moments work because Ferguson and his cast play them with genuine emotional weight, never romanticizing the criminal lifestyle.
Thematically, the show examines how historical injustices create cycles of crime and violence. Simon’s character represents a generation caught between survival and respectability, unable to fully escape either world.
Cinematography & Visuals
Director of photography captures Johannesburg’s urban landscape with striking visual contrast. The cinematography shifts between intimate family moments and sprawling city vistas, creating a sense of characters trapped within larger social forces.
The series excels in atmospheric storytelling. Night scenes in particular demonstrate excellent use of lighting and shadow to create tension. The camera work during action sequences maintains clarity while building genuine suspense.
Location shooting throughout Johannesburg provides authentic backdrops that ground the story in recognizable reality. The visual representation of different economic neighborhoods reinforces the series’ themes about social inequality.
Acting & Characters
Shona Ferguson delivers a powerhouse performance as Simon Masire. His portrayal balances vulnerability with menace, creating a character who remains sympathetic despite questionable moral choices. Ferguson’s experience as both actor and director serves the series well—he never oversells emotional moments.
Connie Ferguson brings depth to Angela Masire, avoiding typical crime boss wife stereotypes. Her performance explores the psychological toll of loving someone whose past endangers the entire family.
Zolisa Xaluva provides excellent support as Detective Stan, representing law enforcement’s complex relationship with organized crime. His character development throughout the series demonstrates the moral ambiguity that makes the show compelling.
TK Sebothoma and Cindy Mahlangu round out the ensemble with performances that feel lived-in rather than performed.
Direction & Screenplay
Shona Ferguson’s direction maintains consistent tone throughout the series’ episodes. His experience in South African television allows him to balance local cultural specificity with universal crime drama elements.
The screenplay layers conflicts at multiple levels:
- Personal family dynamics that feel authentic
- Criminal enterprise politics with genuine stakes
- Social commentary that emerges naturally from character actions
- Cultural elements that provide unique perspective on familiar genre conventions
The series’ structure follows crime family traditions while incorporating distinctly South African storytelling approaches.
Sound & Music
The musical score blends traditional South African sounds with contemporary urban influences. The music supports dramatic moments without overwhelming the performances, creating atmosphere that feels organic to the setting.
Sound design effectively captures Johannesburg’s urban environment. Street sounds, ambient noise, and carefully chosen musical cues build immersive world-building that supports the narrative.
The series’ use of multiple South African languages adds authenticity while maintaining accessibility for broader audiences.
Conclusion & Verdict
Kings of Joburg succeeds because it respects both its genre conventions and its cultural setting. Every element—from performances to production design—works in service of creating believable characters facing genuine consequences.
Strengths:
- Shona Ferguson’s commanding central performance
- Authentic South African cultural context
- Strong ensemble acting throughout
- Excellent cinematography capturing Johannesburg atmosphere
- Compelling family dynamics driving criminal plot
Minor Weaknesses:
- Some pacing issues in middle episodes
- Occasional reliance on genre clichés over character development
This series remains essential viewing for crime drama fans and anyone interested in contemporary African television. Kings of Joburg works for audiences who enjoy The Sopranos, Narcos, or Power.
Rating: 8.5/10
MPAA Rating: TV-MA
Starring: Shona Ferguson, Connie Ferguson, Zolisa Xaluva, TK Sebothoma, Cindy Mahlangu
For more South African television reviews, check out our analysis of other local crime dramas. You can also explore the series’ impact at streaming platforms and entertainment databases.
