Showmax has just released the trailer for Red Ink, based on the bestselling debut novel by South African author Angela Makholwa-Moabelo. The eight-part thriller which premieres on 12 February tells the story of journalist turned publicist Lucy Khambule, who is approached by an imprisoned serial killer to tell his story.
SAFTA nominee Nqobile Nunu Khumalo (Nqobile, The Herd) plays Lucy, with SAFTA winner Bonko Khoza (The Wife) as notorious serial killer Napoleon Dingiswayo, nicknamed the Butcher by the media.
Stay ahead of Kenya & East Africa’s film and TV.
Get our stories in your inbox — Subscribe to our newsletter now.
Red Ink is a partnership between Makholwa-Moabelo’s Britespark Films and Bomb Productions. This marks the first Showmax Original from Bomb, who made DStv’s most-watched drama ever, Shaka iLembe, as well as classics like Venice winner Yizo Yizo, Oscar nominee Mandela: Son of Africa, Father of a Nation, Sundance winner Amandla: A Revolution In Four-Part Harmony and multi-award winner Isibaya. SAFTA winning directors Zeno Petersen and Adze Ugah helm Red Ink, having been part of the directing team on Shaka iLembe.
Red Ink reunites Khoza on screen with his co-stars from The Wife, Kwenzo Ngcobo and Abdul Khoza. The all-star cast also includes Nirvana Nokwe-Mseleku (Outlaws), SAFTA winners Bongile Mantsai (Inxeba: The Wound), Jo-Anne Reyneke (Black Tax) and Lorcia Cooper Kumalo (Lockdown), as well as Tsholofelo Maseko (Intersexions) and Yonda Thomas (Mrs Right Guy, Mina Nawe).
Adapting your book to another medium can be daunting for any author. “The fear from an author normally stems from having to let go of something that you have birthed and nurtured. Any book is a labour of love for a writer, so Handing it over to somebody else to translate into a different medium will always be nerve-wracking,” says Makholwa-Moabelo, who executive produces and co-writes the Showmax Original. “But I’m excited; there’s less trepidation on my side than you’d expect. It’s been a great pleasure because I’ve been in the writer’s room. I’m an executive producer on the show so I’m involved in the decision-making, anything from casting to wardrobe. It’s not always done this way but it’s an extremely empowering feeling; I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”
Watch the teaser trailer below.
EDITOR’S NOTE:
All reporting, interviews, and reviews on Sinema Focus are protected under international copyright law and the Kenya Copyright Act, 2001. No part of this publication may be reproduced, rewritten, republished, or redistributed in any form by media outlets without prior written consent. For reprint or syndication inquiries, contact editorial@sinemafocus.com.
©️ 2026 Sinema Focus / African Film Press. All rights reserved.
Never miss a moment.
Get the latest stories from Sinema Focus delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe to our newsletter now.
