Publications
Finally, after much anticipation, Telemundo has launched in SA! The new channel, which is dedicated exclusively to telenovelas (which are different to soapies as they have a distinct ending – generally ending inside a year), is available to DStv viewers on channel 118. The tagline, “Feel the passion”, is indicative of the mainly Spanish actors who feature in the shows.
We spoke to Rafael Amaya and Angelica Celaya who both play characters in popular telenovela Aurora. “It’s our first time to South Africa and it feels like home. The people here are so welcoming and friendly,” Rafael told us.
The duo, who are dating in real life, have promised Telemundo will break barriers in the South African TV market. “This is something new and fresh that South Africans have never seen before. You will feel the passion and the energy when watching a show,” Angelica told us. “You will love it. I just know that South Africans will relate to the shows.”
The pair, along with fellow cast members, were jetted in from Spain to attend a swanky launch at entertainment venue Movida in Sandton at which the red carpet was rolled out and all the actors were surrounded by bodyguards.
TV execs have promised Telemundo will be completely localised for the African market, with full dubbing.
-Jessica Levitt
