Shebeens, South African townships’ famous joints, will be in the spotlight as a new reality show takes viewers into the lives of these historical drinking holes. Three Soweto shebeens will be under the spotlight in the reality show Shebeen Queens.
The show, which is about the indomitable women behind popular shebeens, will feature Alina’s Place, Big Mama’s Tavern, and Rams Tavern.
The Showmax Original follows the shebeen queens as they try to balance parenting with keeping their businesses afloat. This takes place in a cut-throat, all-hours industry filled with liquor and laughter. It has also been historically male-dominated.
The reality show stars entrepreneurs Alina Sishange, Emily Thabang Leeuw, AKA Big Mama, and Xoliswa Shwayimba.
Alina Sishange’s balancing act
Sishange’s world is an unconventional mix of faith and temptation. She is a shebeen owner, traditional healer, and pastor. This means her life is a constant balancing act.
She is faced with challenges and criticism from multiple sides.
But she is fearless in her pursuit of claiming what is rightfully hers. This despite the fact that many people may not understand her unconventional lifestyle.
No-nonsense Emily Thabang Leeuw
Big Mama does not shy away from confrontation. She will take on anyone who stands between her and the success of her shebeen.
This entrepreneur has a tumultuous relationship with her older children. They resent the shebeen and the environment it created for them to grow up in.
Big Mama and her daughters are in court. They are defending themselves against a client who opened a case of physical violence against them.
The family stands to lose their trading licence if they are found guilty.
Fun-loving party animal Xoliswa Shwayimba
Xoliswa is the life of the party. She loves dancing and having fun, so if you spot her, she’ll likely be on her feet grooving to amapiano.
Xoliswa started off as a domestic worker, but now she runs Rams Tavern and provides for her four siblings.
Although Xoliswa and her fiancé, Joshua Mtshali, do not have children together, they have five children between them.
She wants Mtshali to divorce his first two wives, set a date for their white wedding and give her a big gold ring. This is so that none of them interferes in her inheriting the shebeen.
The producer of the reality show, Mpho Lengane, said the show dispels the myths about shebeens. It unpacks what people grew up being told and believe about women who run shebeens.
Unpack old myths about female shebeen owners
“The audience is going to be entertained. Barkers Media and Showmax have created something magical.
“Never has there been on screen such raw, relatable stories. Stories that will speak to the women’s spirit of wanting to nurture their family, having to forego their soft feminine nature. This in order to take on masculine energy to run businesses and households. And once in a while drop their guard, to allow the men in their lives to love them the way a woman should,” said Lengane.
