Trompoppie is an eight-episode mini-series created by 2023 Best Director SAFTA winner, Etienne Fourie and produced by Homebrew Films.

It revolves around a talented gymnast, Luna, who is rewarded a bursary to a prestigious private school, she could never afford.

She is thrown into the cut-throat world of drum majorettes also known as “trompoppies”. After a hazing ritual goes badly wrong, cheerleaders start turning up dead and the seemingly perfect façade of the community begins to crumble.

We checked in with our actress, Maite Rakabe, who plays the role of Tracy and asked her a few questions about her character and her experience on Trompoppie :

• When you were first given the script for “Trompoppie” did you have any experience with drum majorettes in your school career?

When I was first given the script about Trompoppie, I had had no experience with drum majorettes and what that entailed. 

• How would you describe the sisterhood, competitive nature, camaraderie, and hierarchy within the world of drum majorettes?

It’s a great way to learn about team building, as they would say ‘There’s no I in team’. It teaches you to trust, to do your best and lean onto your team knowing that they are also doing their best. The sisterhood in Trompoppie had a very interesting dynamic as trust was broken, so it entailed a ‘sisterhood’ that was crumbling under pressure. 

• What was some highlights for you, being part of a Showmax production, but specifically in the genre of mystery.

My highlight was definitely my first day on set. I think it only hit me then that I was living in an answered prayer.

• Describe any challenges you experienced or had to overcome within Tracy’s character development?

Tracy would be described as a mean girl who could be ruthless at times. The challenge as an actor was seeing her from a different perspective as the ‘audience’ would. Finding the vulnerability in her ‘meanness’ and connecting with that.

• Describe your character, Tracy, in 1 sentence.

Tracy is a rough diamond.

• How have you felt the show has been received by the South African audience?

I have had great feedback from people. It was also warming seeing non-Afrikaans people watching and enjoying the series. 

Watch the entire season of Trompoppie on Showmax now!