Capturing the glam of counterfeit

Kudi Maradzika's seven-part series turns influencer culture into a lens on morality, motherhood and the battle to survive in a city which was built on ambition

- Rolland Simpi Motaung

When Senyaka and Kamazu of Hunger Boyz released Fong Kong in 1998, it reflected a moment when counterfeit goods — mostly from China — were flooding South African cities and townships.

Since then, local underground syndicates have mastered the art of reengineering and replicating everything from fashion to food, including high-end brands.

Inside these cramped, sweatshop-like spaces, the influencer industry finds itself an accomplice. Online personas peddle fake glamour, scamming followers in pursuit of a quick payday - and survival.

This multibillion phenomenon is elegantly explored in the Netflix series Bad Influencer, premiering on 31 October.

Blending gripping crime drama with sharp, witty social commentary, the seven-part series balances high-stakes survival with the glossy illusions of influencer culture.

It follows small-time con artist and street-smart single mom BK, who must provide for her special-needs son. She teams up with wannabe influencer Pinky to sell fake luxury handbags online.

Their scheme draws the attention of notorious criminals in a counterfeiting syndicate, as well as law enforcement. Caught between criminals and cops, BK and Pinky must outfox both to stay out of jail, survive and thrive.

The series's creator, writer and executive producer Kudi Maradzika says Bad Influencer is as real as it gets. Her background in journalism and media production has sharpened her eye to see potential narratives and story inspiration everywhere. This skills set has played a vital role in dishing out a realistic treat for local and global audiences.

"The inspiration came from my brief experience as an influencer a few years ago.

"The development process took about 18 months and filming spanned roughly two to three months. From writing to production, the goal was to make something fresh," Maradzika tells the Mail & Guardian.