Social media thrives on the “fake it until you make it” mantra. It’s what also dominates the just-out Netflix show Bad Influencer, which stars South African actor Jo-Anne Reyneke.

“I’m honestly beyond thrilled for the world to finally experience South African talent,” says the star best-known for her roles in the local soap operas (as Pearl in Muvhango and Prudence Oliphant in Rhythm City). In an interview with FORBES AFRICA, she adds: “For so long, we’ve been the ones consuming international content, and it’s about time that narrative flips. The world deserves to see what’s brewing in our waters: the incredible dancers, musicians, actors, and storytellers that make South Africa so rich in creativity and artistry.”

The seven-part Bad Influencer series follows the life of a small-time con artist and single mom, BK, played by Reyneke, who must provide for her son with special needs. She teams up with wannabe influencer Pinky (played by Cindy Mahlangu) to sell fake luxury handbags online. Their scheme draws the attention of Bra Alex (played by Vincent Mahlape), a notorious criminal in a counterfeiting syndicate, as well as law enforcement.

A recent PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) report shows that South Africa is the most established entertainment and media market in Africa, with growth projected at 3.5% CAGR. So, it’s ironical Reyneke says that when it comes to work and roles in the entertainment industry, South African actors are not spoilt for choice.

“South African actors can’t actually afford to be [choosy], so, we don’t ever get the opportunity to pick characters or refuse characters. We need to eat. So, whatever character comes in front of you, you need to do the job, to fall in love with whoever that is, and find their why,” says Reyneke.

She was attracted to her current character for more reasons than one: “I’ve never seen a ‘tomboy’ be the lead… Secondly, it’s the lengths that BK will go to for her child. And as a mother, I can absolutely relate and agree that there’s very little mothers wouldn’t do to get their children to where they think they should be.” The show, she says, also offers an opportunity to showcase “how South Africans are hustlers”, but also the country’s high standards in filmmaking.

“It is, honestly, our responsibility to show South Africa on screen… And South Africans are just different the world over… I love showing our storylines,” says Reyneke.

Bad Influencer became the number one show on Netflix South Africa and trended globally in November.