The indomitable women behind some of Soweto’s most popular shebeens are set to take centre stage in a new documentary series this Women’s Month.
“Shebeen Queens”, which will premiere on Showmax on August 22, will feature the larger-than-life entrepreneurs from the Johannesburg township’s drinking establishments, also known as shebeens, such as Alina’s Place, Big Mama’s Tavern, and Rams Tavern
Produced by Barkers Media, who brought viewers “How To Manifest A Man”, the Showmax Original follows these women as they try to balance parenting with keeping their businesses afloat in a cut-throat, all-hours industry that is filled with liquor and laughter - and has historically been male-dominated.
“‘Shebeen Queens’ unpacks the myths we grew up being told and were made to believe about women who run shebeens,” producer Mpho Lengane explained in a statement.
He added: “Never has there been on screen such raw, relatable stories that will speak to the women's spirit of wanting to nurture their family, having to forego their soft feminine nature in order to take on masculine energy so that they can run businesses and households and once in a while drop their guard so that they can allow the men in their lives to love them the way a woman should.”
Meet the shebeen queens:
Alina Sishange
This formidable woman’s world is an unconventional mix of faith and temptation. She is the owner of Alina’s Place as well as a traditional healer and pastor. This means her life is a constant balancing act, faced with challenges and criticism from multiple sides. While her unorthodox lifestyle may not be understood by many, she is fearless in her quest to claim what’s rightfully hers.
Emily Thabang Leeuw aka “Big Mama”
Thabang does not shy away from confrontation. She will take on anyone that stands between her and the success of her establishment, Big Mama’s Tavern. She also has a tumultuous relationship with her older children, who resent the shebeen and the environment it created for them to grow up in.
Big Mama and her daughters are in court, defending themselves against a client who opened a case of physical violence against them. They stand to lose their trading licence if they are found guilty.
Xoliswa Shwayimba
This lady 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. Shwayimba started off as a domestic worker but now runs Rama Tavern and provides for her four siblings.
Although she and her fiancé Joshua Mtshali don't have children together, they have five children between them. Shwayimba wants Mtshali to set a date for their white wedding, give her a big gold ring and divorce his first two wives so they do not interfere by inheriting the shebeen.
∎ “Shebeen Queens” premieres on Showmax on August 22, with new episodes dropping every Thursday.