Now, Expresso has been given reason to feel great with a win in the “Best Variety Show” category at the 2017 South African Film and Television Awards.
This was Expresso’s second nomination and first win at the SAFTAs. Over the years, the show has remained on top of fresh trends in television and celebrated the best of South Africa with inspirational stories, fantastic food and amazing performances and conversations. Expresso’s ability to make people smile first thing in the morning and simultaneously bring their attention to current affairs and topical issues is why it has amassed such a loyal following.
The show also makes viewers feel connected and part of the family, which is built on the foundation of beloved personalities in the presenting team of Katlego Maboe, Ewan Strydom, Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp, Graeme Richards, Leigh-Anne Williams, Zoe Brown and resident foodie, Zola Nene. The on-screen talent happily shares the honour of the awards with a hard working, tight-knit production staff lead by producer, Paul van Deventer.
“Expresso’sSAFTA win is reflective of how the show engages South Africans of all walks of life, as well as being testament to the production team’s dedication and hard work, not to mention countless early mornings!” said van Deventer.
Expresso has also partnered with leading brands, most notably Woolworths. It also has great success on digital platforms and the show’s social media offering is ranked second on Africa Brand Index by Ornico. It has the highest sentiment score, meaning a strong connection with its audience on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Expresso team also has strong support from the women who have helped guide the show to great success; executive producer, Patience Stevens, and SABC3 commissioning editor, Maritha Greenland.
Greenland has a good relationship with the senior production staff and knows just how much goes into a daily episode of Expresso. She, of course, shares the joy of the win as a great boon for SABC3.
“As the commissioning editor of Expresso I am extremely proud and thrilled to see that all the hard work and dedication that the whole team put into the making of this show are being recognized by the industry. The Expresso team is a unique group of people that never allows the pressure of producing and broadcasting three hours of an early morning live television show put a damper on their spirit of spreading positive messages to our viewers.”
Patience Stevens is one of the doyennes of local television production and Expresso is another shining example of her forward thinking in the broadcasting space. However, she credits her production team with the show’s achievement.
“I am so pleased, proud and excited for Expresso’sSAFTA win!” said Stevens. “When you interact with the team who work on Expresso, the positive energy and enthusiasm is palpable and it is so great to see the highly talented and committed team recognized for their achievement.”
Expresso is built on the tenet that the show and its viewers are family, and thank their loyal audience for their unwavering support. There’s no doubt that this highest honour of the local broadcast industry will only serve to motivate Expresso to keep creating innovate, insightful and, most importantly, feel good entertainment to help South Africa truly rise and shine.
