Ya Lla is a South Sotho word which means ‘a far cry’, an echo or a distinctive musical sound made by an instrument.

Set in the dusty mining town of Welkom, Ya Lla is a story of how an extraordinary young man takes control of what’s left of the once legendary Marashea gang and tries to restore it to its former glory. It explores how a man can rise from the bottom of the food chain, to a position of power and how that power can become detrimental to everything he stands for.

Ya Lla is produced for Mzansi Magic by Quizzical Pictures, featuring a prominent cast of Zenzo Ngqobe (Palamang), Nkopane Mohola (Lenka) , Nozipho Nkelembo (Nala), Charmaine Mtinta (Captain Zwane), Sam Philips (Kobo), Slindile Nodangala (Matron) Realeboga Segoati (Puleng) to name a few.

The series opens with Lenka Moshoeshoe, arriving from Lesotho to take up employment at the Harhoff Mine after his father’s death. He expects to find his father’s job waiting for him, as promised by his ‘uncle’ Kobo, a veteran member of the Marashea. Unfortunately for Lenka, the move is not what he expected it to be. In the past, membership in the Marashea gang ensured a man a place of honour in the mining community and access to the best jobs. Lenka however discovers that the status of the gang is now so low that no job can be secured for him at the mine. What will be his next move?

In the mist of his struggle to get himself out of a destitute situation, Lenka finds himself with more enemies; sells his soul for power and love becomes his weakness.

“Ya Lla is a continuation of our tradition of producing great drama. We aim to offer viewers something that will delight them, be it through the exploration of the Sotho language or telling the infamous tale of the Marashea Gang. This is the kind of drama that celebrates a cultural legacy and we hope that the audience will be captivated by the genuine storytelling,” says, Nkateko Mabaso, director of Local Interest Channels at M-Net.

Tune in to witness the reluctant however ruthless journey to power told on the background of Marashea gang tale in Ya Lla from Sunday, 11 October on Mzansi Magic, channel 161 on DStv. 

For more information, visit www.mzansimagic.tv, Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter using the #YallaMzansi hashtag.