The series started on June 26, and after four episodes, 016FM has made waves as the first show to focus on Vaal and its distinct culture.
On the one hand, many fans applauded the show for its realistic depiction of life in the Vaal region. They enjoy its gritty realism and its ability to shine light on the local community’s daily problems and accomplishments.
Starboi Masedi, a musician from Sebokeng, a township in Vaal, expressed his joy and thanks for getting cast in the series.
“A big shout out to the people who are pushing our names in high places, never in a million years did I think I would be on TV doing this acting thing,” Masedi told reporters.
The show’s portrayal of local culture, accents, and challenges has struck a chord with many fans, who are proud to see their neighborhood portrayed on TV.
However, some viewers believe that 016FM fosters stereotypes that do not reflect the reality of living in the Vaal. They say that it does not fully reflect the community’s diversity and richness, thus promoting outsider stereotypes about the area.
Some critics argue the characters are unrealistic, and they don’t think the dialect or real-life difficulties of people in the Vaal are accurately depicted, particularly the dialect, which they believe the show did not get right.
”We have enough actors in our region who can tell our tale properly, particularly our Vaal youngsters. They might have chosen our youth because no one knows our ‘Italian slang’ better than us,” writes Dingaan Dhlamini on Facebook.
Furthermore, attitudes to certain characters and themes differ significantly. Some people find it easy to relate to particular characters who are captivating, and they value their depth and development throughout the series.
Overall, 016FM has prompted significant discussions regarding representation, authenticity, and the power of storytelling.
While some viewers have praised it as a pioneering series that spotlights the often-overlooked town of Vaal, others are wary of its impact and the narratives it generates.
The 016FM cast includes the late Mpho Sebeng, SAFTA winner Nthati Moshesh, and Sophie Ndaba, to name a few. Every Wednesday, a new episode airs.
