The Rise of ‘The Polygamist’ on Netflix

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa—Netflix’s new telenovela, The Polygamist, is making waves not only in South Africa but across the globe. The Zulu-language series has captured audiences from Romania to Hong Kong and the U.S., all captivated by its drama-filled narrative. This tale of a husband’s double life has garnered over 23 million views in its first month, reaching the top ten in 62 countries, with number one rankings in nearly two dozen of them.

The Storyline

Set in Johannesburg, the show follows the affluent Gomora family. Joyce, the matriarch, navigates her husband Jonasi’s affair with another woman. Across 22 episodes, viewers are treated to intense drama, including family feuds, and unexpected twists. Such dynamics are making this series a social media sensation, with celebrities like Sherri Shepard expressing their fascination online.

“I’m hooked,” Shepard commented, echoing the sentiment of many viewers. She compared it to Crazy Rich Asians, highlighting the intriguing depiction of wealthy Africans.

International Appeal

The Polygamist is based on a book by Zimbabwean writer Sue Nyathi. Nyathi believes the series captivates because it portrays a wealthier side of African life often overlooked by media. It breaks stereotypes by showcasing affluent lifestyles set in grand Johannesburg homes, surrounded by luxury cars and designer clothes.

It’s a mirror to society, resonating deeply with viewers who see reflections of themselves and universal themes of infidelity, a common thread in many lives.—Sue Nyathi

From Book to Screen Success

Nyathi’s book initially struggled, but the Netflix adaptation gave it the spotlight, boosting sales dramatically. Various people, including non-readers, now seek her book after watching the series.

Her inspiration stemmed from observing African men’s trend of having secret second families, impacting women negatively. Nyathi wanted to focus on women’s perspectives, highlighting their voices in a male-dominated narrative.

The Impact of Polygamy

Polygamy is legal under traditional South African law but not civil. Traditional polygamy involves mutual awareness among wives, as practiced by Zulu monarchs. The series’s creators, Gugu Zuma-Ncube and Thuli Zuma, daughters of former South African President Jacob Zuma, draw from personal experiences of polygamy.

Zuma-Ncube reflects on growing up in a polygamous family and hopes the series encourages global recognition of African storytelling talent.

Language and Cultural Richness

The show features the Zulu language, weaving through English and other languages, reflecting South Africa’s multilingual landscape. A dubbed version retains some local vernacular, introducing viewers to terms like “haibo” and cultural practices like “braaiing.”

Interestingly, some foreign viewers use the show to learn Zulu, enriching their cultural understanding through the series.

Driving Social Dialogue

The Polygamist sparks conversations about polygamy, women’s rights, and HIV awareness. UNAIDS uses the series in campaigns promoting safe sex, while South African departments use it to combat gender-based violence.

The shows secretive, scandalous narrative is igniting important real-world discussions, showcasing fiction’s power to inspire societal reflection and conversation.