Jiva!
Kids say
Based on 1 review
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Jiva!
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Jiva! is a South African drama about a street dancing competition; it features multiple dance sequences in each episode. Characters speak both English and Zulu (with subtitles), switching frequently between the two. Some violence, including suicide by gun, is spoken about but not shown. Sexual content is limited to basic romantic relationships and occasional suggestive dance moves. The series takes place in and around a night club, and alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking are frequently shown. The series is essential a young adult drama and a platform for its South African dance crews.
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What's the Story?
JIVA! takes place in Durban, South Africa, where one community is buzzing about the upcoming Jiva Luxion dance competition. Reality TV star and former winner Nathi (Ntuthuzelo Grootboom) returns home for the competition and to reconnect with his high school girlfriend, Ntombi (Noxolo Dlamini). Ntombi has been stuck in Durban since her promising dance career was derailed by a family tragedy. She resents Nathi for becoming a star, but seeing him again motivates her to put together her own dance crew to compete in the Jiva Luxion.
Is It Any Good?
As a straightforward, young-adult melodrama, this probably wouldn't stand out, but as a vehicle for South African dance crews, the show is a lot of fun. Jiva! takes place in Durban, a real-life cultural epicenter for music and dance that will appeal to U.S. viewers to see the influence of trends in hip-hop, pop, and house music. And, while the dance competition premise itself is a cliche, the show features a strong ensemble of distinctive characters. What it might lack in plot originality, Jiva! more than makes up for with joyful performances, on and off the dance floor.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about dance. How does dancing fit into life in Durban? What is the dancing like? What is the music like? What are the similarities and differences between dance in your area and South Africa?
Why was Ntombi's career derailed? How does she cope with her disappointments? How does this change over the course of the series? What steps does she take to change her life for the better?
How does reality TV fit into the story? How does being on television affect the characters' actions? What complications does reality TV add to the characters' lives?
TV Details
- Premiere date: June 24, 2021
- Cast: Noxolo Dlamini, Stella Dlangalala, Tony Kgoroge
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Arts and Dance, Friendship, History
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: February 28, 2022
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