Share

Take Me Out Mzansi is like Black Twitter on TV


Johannesburg - Hosted by the charming Phat Joe, Take Me Out Mzansi is exciting, provocative and just funny. Many dating shows are all of that, but this one is especially great thanks to the group of potential mates who have zero filter. It’s like watching black Twitter live on TV. Same antics.

This is how it works: a single player is introduced to a panel of 30 women or men, and tries to persuade them to keep their lights on so that he or she can choose one for a potential date. For the duration of the show, while Phat Joe moves between the player and the panel, there is comedy, jeopardy and plenty of surprises, all of which could lead to a romantic match and a date. If none of the panellists is impressed and it’s a total black out, the player goes home dateless. Soz.

Take Me Out Mzansi used to be on SABC1 in 2014 and was a hit from the first episode. Then it went on a break ... well, until it was announced that Vuzu would take over the licensing for the international hit show, same host and all.

Two weeks after the show premiered on a Monday, it was moved to a Friday slot, just after reality show Being Bonang. According to the channel, the move was just a simple schedule change. Maybe it could be to attract more viewers to the channel on a Friday night, which isn’t a particularly great TV night across the board.

The show is far more entertaining when the panellists are women because it’s so damn rad to see how they know exactly what they want and aren’t afraid to tell the player that his pants are too tight, so it’s a “no”. And then you get a player like Sipho, who seems to think the only thing he needs to give a woman is attention because, according to him, that’s all women want … attention … tonnes of it. Nevertheless, he got himself a match.

And the downside? It’s the obtuse and ignorant comments about guys and girls – mostly from the guys – that might be the show’s only flaw. That said, it’s a clear reflection of how South African men and women see each other.

It requires skill, charm and maybe a hidden talent for a player to stay on and win a date.

And, just for drama, Take Me Out Mzansi’s producers might also decide to throw in an overbearing mum or jealous ex.

Phat Joe’s sense of humour and ability to read the people in front of him are impressive and he makes sure that, whether they impress, stumble
or say something ridiculous, it all comes across in the most entertaining way possible.

I’ll be tuning in every week. You should, too. 

Catch Take Me Out Mzansi Vuzu Amp (DStv 103) Fridays at 20:00.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE