With Season 3 cancelled, Zwai Bala reveals what the family had planned for the next chapter and why the Bala story continues beyond reality TV.
By Bulelwa Hoala
The Bala Family captured the hearts of South African viewers over two seasons, from the moment the show launched on Mzansi Magic on 20 April 2023.
The family, comprised of music stars, put most of the glamour aside and brought new meaning to reality television by showcasing the complicated dynamics that come with being part of a well-known family.
They invited audiences into their world. There was music, laughter, disagreement, and strained relationships.
But according to Zwai Bala, the reality show was only one part of the Bala family story.
Zwai recently revealed that the family spent two years working towards making Season 3 happen, hoping for its return to television. However, the broadcaster and relevant production decision-makers decided not to proceed with Season 3 in the near future.
For Zwai, the disappointment is real.
But he says the family’s story will continue, whether the cameras are rolling or not.
A different chapter was waiting
In an exclusive interview with Kaya 959, Zwai says the family had given great thought to how they were going to take the story forward in Season 3 and wanted to showcase more of their creative side.
“There was a lot happening in the family, in our family businesses, our music, in our individual careers and in the next generation,” he says.
“There were definitely musical collaborations and family moments we were excited about,” he added.
Season 3 was a chance for the family to show viewers how they had evolved since the first two seasons.
“The family has continued to evolve,” Zwai says, adding that the developments in their lives would have made for a “very different” season.
Why audiences connected with the Balas
According to Zwai, the show’s success was because its audiences recognised something familiar in the family and how they navigated their personal relationships.
That familiarity helped make the show relatable.
“We’re a family with love, history, disagreements, different personalities and complicated relationships,” he says.
But there was another ingredient that made the Bala family story distinctly theirs: music.
Zwai believes that the family’s history is one of the most powerful reasons for their connection with audiences.
“When the Balas come together musically, that’s something very special,” he says.
“I think people feel that.”
‘The family isn’t going anywhere’
Zwai describes Season 3 as being on hold, rather than permanently over.
For now, he says there is no third season happening in the near future. But if the right opportunity comes along, the family would consider returning.
“We never stopped wanting to tell the story,” he says.
In the meantime, the Balas have plenty to keep them busy.
They remain involved in music, performance, entrepreneurship and creative projects, while the next generation continues to grow and develop.
“The show is only one part of the Bala family story,” Zwai says.
“We’re musicians, performers, entrepreneurs, parents and creatives, and there is a lot happening.”
“So the family isn’t going anywhere just because the cameras aren’t rolling,” Zwai says.
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