Andy and Zweli
Andy Maqondwana and Zweli Mbhele
Writer: Rutendo Nyamuda, Founder & Editor
Photographers: Michael Mbaya
This year has proved to be one of the biggest for the African podcast scene. Across borders new podcasts, production companies, partnerships, and awards are launching quicker than the speed of sound. Internationally, the continent has caught the ear of some really big players. One of those just happens to be a $176.07 billion company called Netflix.
On 26 April 2022, the news of Netflix’s first African podcast, Never Late | African Time, made headlines, together with the announcement of the incredibly talented co-hosts Andy Maqondwana and Zweli Mbhele.
The pair sat down with The Podcast Sessions at Workshop 17 The Bank in Johannesburg for an exclusive interview on the rollercoaster ride.
“I'm not as anxious as I was on the day of the first shoot – we were a mess,” laughs Andy as she takes a seat, beautifully dressed in a lavender pantsuit.
Across from her in a crisp white shirt, Port Varsity cardigan and khaki pants, her co-host Zweli lights up as he recalls the rigorous audition process which led to their final online chemistry audition. Facing back at them were blank, camera-less screens behind which producers and decision makers sat, holding the power of their dreams in their hands. No matter the decision, with one look, Zweli and Andy decided to leave everything on the floor.
“My mentality was, this is Netflix, and you're going to give it your all or just don't do it at all. So my whole thing about it was, just close your eyes, think big and see yourself on the other side,” says Zweli as he smirks.
After two weeks of refreshing emails and waiting for the phone to ring, Andy and Zweli received the news that would change the course of their careers. A couple of meetings and a few signed NDAs later, the co-hosts of the historic Netflix Africa podcast hit the ground running on a production that would see them interview some of the biggest actors and influencers from countries including South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria.
The build-up to the first day of filming could’ve been a reality show in itself. It involved a long process of research, going over scripts, and many rounds of editing.
“We started off in the research phase. We got a research pack and everybody had to go out, go through this research pack, and read through every single guest profile, the interviews they've done and their productions. And then we get into the script phase, where we then go through the scripts and learn things like the pronunciation of words,” says Andy.
Zweli jumps in, adding that something he really appreciated about the process was that the producers wanted to make sure the hosts were themselves and that their unique voices were heard.
“We were really allowed to be ourselves throughout the process, which is something that is so cool. Because I mean, being in this industry for some time, there's a lot of times that you really can't be yourself. You’re told this is what you're going to do, this is how you're going to be, this is how you're going to dress, you are now our product. And that didn't exist [at Netflix], there was a lot of creative freedom within the process as well,” he says.
Up until then there were about five people that the pair were interacting with, but their first day on set was a very different game.
“You get to set and there are about 45 people and you're like, wait a minute. Wait a minute. Like it's quite a massive production, from camera people, make-up artists and runners. It’s such a great and well oiled machine,” says Andy.
When asked about their favourite episodes, both Andy and Zweli struggle to name just one – naming each episode until they listed all of them, laughing in-between. However, there were a few memorable moments that stood out for each of them. For Andy, it was the Legends episode featuring Nandi Nyembe, Connie Chiume, and Israel Matseke Zulu.
“That one was special because we get to hear iconic people's stories. For them I think they came in saying we're not going to give you PR answers, we're gonna tell our story. And I enjoyed that because to tell your story, as grim as it is, and to show your journey, that has not been easy. I think that was just such a powerful moment and the fact that they let us in in that way,” she says.
Zweli, on the other hand, recalls the Comedy episode featuring Kunle Remi and Celeste Ntuli.
“We were laughing even before we were on set and throughout that episode. Like there were times when you'd actually have to cut,” he laughs, recalling some of the things he couldn’t divulge in the interview.
When asked what this moment means for her career, Andy pauses, as if to keep a tear back. After a moment she answers, providing a rare, honest glimpse into the reality of the media and entertainment space that can often make you feel like you’re not enough.
“It was an affirming process,'' she says confidently.
“Dreams that I had for myself, and I wrote down and prayed over silently, just happened in the most inconspicuous ways. Because if I knew how big this would be, I think I would have been like, ‘I can give you suggestions of people who could do this. And I'll sit this one out.’ But this process showed me that I'm ready. I am the girl that I think I am. I'm enough as I am. And more than anything, me being here in this place, as I am as a plus-size black woman, it shows so many other plus-size black women that I don't have to change for nothing, you will make clothes that fit me and I will look good on set, and you will be fine,” says Andy.
Zweli, moved by Andy’s honesty, hypes up his co-host, displaying the awe, respect and appreciation he has for her. For him, this moment was a dream realised, too.
"Being on a project as monumental as this, I mean, sometimes I have to think to myself, like, this is literally the first Netflix podcast on the African continent, not just in South Africa or in the province, on the African continent. You know that really spurs you on...I'm going to carry on doing bigger and better. It's been an unbelievable ride,” he says.
No doubt this experience has been monumental, seating Andy and Zweli among some of Netflix’s other successful podcasts, including '10/10 (Would Recommend)'; 'You Can’t Make This Up'; 'Bridgerton: The Official Podcast'; and 'Why are people watching this?' to name a few.
Who knows where this journey will take them next. All we can say is that, as 'The Podcast Session's, we’ll be waiting in the wings for season 2 of Never Late | African Time. And hopefully the team will invite us to cover behind the scenes. Hint, hint Netflix.
“And more than anything, me being here in this place, as I am as a plus-size black woman, it shows so many other plus-size black women that I don’t have to change for nothing, you will make clothes that fit me and I will look good on set, and you will be fine”
