With millions of people and hundreds of languages, African stories are diverse, remarkable
and unique. Every May, the world celebrates Africa and its rich cultures detailing thousands
of years of experiences and memories.
There is an increasing global focus on unearthing the various beautiful African stories
available, and African storytellers are making sure these stories are told authentically by
them. A strong believer that great stories can come from anywhere and be loved
everywhere, Netflix continually supports and celebrates these African stories to celebrate
Africa, especially in recognition of Africa Month every year.
This May, Netflix is bringing a variety of new and iconic African titles that showcase and
celebrate the diversity of African storytelling to its platform. Netflix entertainment fans are in
for an exciting celebration of African creativity with talent from across the continent and
upcoming releases from Nigeria to South Africa to Egypt, the new additions include
comedies from Nigeria, classics from South Africa, and other titles.
Young, Famous and African S2
They’re back! Young, Famous & African is back for a second season, and this time around,
there are three new additions to the group to excite viewers with lots and lots of drama!
Catch the returning star-studded pan-African cast featuring Khanyi Mbau; Diamond
Platnumz; Nadia Nakai; Swanky Jerry; Annie Macaulay-Idibia and 2Baba; Andile Ncube;
Naked DJ and Kayleigh Schwark and The boss lady herself, Zari Hassan who will now be
joined by South African media personality, Bonang Matheba; Ghanaian star Fantana,
Namibia ‘golden boy’ Luis Munana and featuring Rosette Ncwana and Sebabatso Mothibi,
who are both mothers of Andile Ncube’s children. Young, Famous & African season 2
starts streaming on 19 May 2023.
Keep the laughs coming this month with an exciting line-up of laughter-inducing shows,
including standups and a film from Nigeria: AY: Spotting the Difference – Popular
comedian AY’s first comedy special is coming to Netflix on the 5th of May and Teetotaler –
SLKomedy’s comedy special will be on the platform from the 12th of May.
In the mood for something a little more dramatic? Check out Ile Owo (Nigeria) – a story
about a young nurse who is luckless in love but finally meets the perfect man — a handsome
billionaire — only to learn that his family harbours some deep, dark secrets. Ile Owo will
start streaming from 19 May.
Take a walk down nostalgia lane with some beloved and iconic South African stories
including:
Shaka Zulu S1 (1986) – This miniseries recounts the early 19th-century conflict
between the expanding British Empire in Africa and Shaka, the leader of the vast
Zulu Nation will be streaming on Netflix from the 26th of May.
Ingqumbo Yeminyanya (1991) – This classic, coming to Netflix on 28 May, is an
adaptation of A.C. Jordan’s novel of the same title. The chief of a clan sent his four-
year-old son away to be protected until he is of age to ascend the throne. The boy
learns the Western culture and becomes hesitant to assume his birthright.
Ityala Lamawele (1989) – The movie adaptation of the book by S. E. K. Mqhayi will
be streaming from 31 May. The story follows the tale of sibling rivalry between the
twin sons of a King over their deceased father’s estate.
It’s said that variety is the spice of life so how about rounding off your Africa Month viewing
with the following stories available on the ‘From Cape To Cairo’ collection (launched last year
to celebrate Africa month) which includes the recently-launched pan-African short films,
African Folktales, Reimagined featuring stories from Uganda, Tanzania, Mauritania,
Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya along with critically-acclaimed films and series like I Am All
Girls, Amandla, King of Boys; Lionheart; Mokalik; Oscar-award winning film Tsotsi and
documentary My Octopus Teacher; plus The Wedding Party; Castle and Castle; The
Boy Who Harnessed the Wind; Azali; Potato Potahto; Joy, Blood Sisters, Savage
Beauty, Unseen and more. Members will also see major international films and series that
were either predominantly or completely filmed on the continent, such as Holiday in the
Wild (South Africa and Zambia); The Red Sea Diving Resort (Namibia and South Africa);
Troy: Fall of a City (South Africa), Beasts of No Nation (Ghana), Blood Diamond
(Morocco, Sierra Leone and South Africa), and documentaries, including Leonardo
DiCaprio’s The Ivory Game and the Oscar-nominated Virunga.
As we celebrate Africa Month, we also celebrate African storytellers -both in front and behind
the camera – and their nominations at the 9th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers Choice
Awards (AMVCA). Netflix’s original film Aníkúlápó and Netflix’s production Shanty Town
received the highest nominations with 16 and 11 nominations respectively. Kunle Afolayan’s
Aníkúlápó which has been nominated for ‘Best Movie West Africa’ and ‘Best Overall Movie’,
among others.
Check out the collection celebrating the rich variety of African stories from Africa’s talented
storytellers and stars at netflix.com/africamonth.
Published on Brandfit.
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