See What’s Next in Africa as Netflix presents an exclusive preview of upcoming African content spanning diverse genres and formats.
In the first half of 2022, Netflix released an interesting slate of content across different genres, most notably the pan-African reality show Young, Famous and African, the South African action film Silverton Siege, the soapy drama Savage Beauty, the first Nigerian-owned series Blood Sisters, a riveting crime documentary Senzo: Murder Of A Soccer Star amongst a couple of others. Some of these titles have landed on the Netflix weekly Global Top 10 lists, which rank global and country lists as the most popular titles on Netflix, along with the Top 10 daily product rows.
"We believe Africa is a major creative hub for great storytelling that resonates around the world, so it only makes sense for us to increase our investment with an even more exciting slate," said Dorothy Ghettuba, Netflix Director of Series in Africa. “Our mission is to create global opportunities for the talented creatives of Africa and around the world to share their authentic stories."
As part of the company’s ongoing commitment to creating sustainable relationships with African storytellers, Netflix announced a multi-project partnership with acclaimed South African filmmaker Mandlakayise Walter Dube. Under the partnership, Mandla - who directed Netflix’s first commissioned African film Silverton Siege (and Kalushi) - will direct a variety of Netflix-owned projects which will be shared in due course. This partnership joins other multi-title agreements between the company and African creatives including Mo Abudu (and Ebonylife StudioS) and Kunle Afolayan (and KAP).
Netflix gave a glimpse into its upcoming projects at the ‘See What’s Next Africa’ event in South Africa and Lagos on the 2nd of August, which included the Netflix & NFVF Film Fund, the UNESCO & Netflix ‘African folktales, reimagined’ Competition, and the Realness Institute Episodic Lab.
With a rich variety of best-in-class content from across genres and a growing list of series, movies, and licensed content, the popular streamer is also building capacity by partnering with emerging new voices from Africa. Netflix said in a comment made by Tendeka Matatu, Director of Local Language Films in Africa, that they are thrilled to expand its partnerships with Africa's talented storytellers. Netflix also reaffirmed its commitment to reality shows by confirming the return of Young, Famous and African which will start production soon to showcase some of Africa’s biggest stars as they go about their daily fabulous lives.
An original co-production called Elesin Oba; The King's Horseman ー inspired by Wole Soyinka’s acclaimed Death and The King's Horseman ー will make its world premiere at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 10 and will launch on the service on November 4, 2022. The screen adaptation was written and directed by Biyi Bandele and it features Odunlade Adekola, Shaffy Bello, and acclaimed musician Olawale ‘Brymo’ Olofooro as the Praise Singer. Fans can also look forward to Deyemi Okanlawon, Omowunmi Dada, veterans like Jide Kosoko and Kevin Ushi, Jenny Stead, Mark Elderkin, Langley Kirkwood, and a special appearance by acting legend Taiwo Ajai-Lycett and Ajoke Silva.
The streamer also announced that the feature film Anikulapo ー which formed part of the Netflix multi-title agreement with Kunle Afolayan ー is a one-of-a-kind mythical folklore drama revolving around the life of Saro, a young zealous man seeking greener pasture in the great Oyo Kingdom. Unfolding events and his illicit affair with the king's wife, Arolake lead to his untimely death and encounter with Akala, a mystical bird believed to give and take life. The film is directed by Kunle Afolayan and features Kunle Remi, Sola Sobowale, Aisha Lawal, Bimbo Ademoye, Debo Adedayo (Mr. Macaroni), and Dele Odule. The film will launch on 30 September.
To further delight fans of Nigerian stories, Netflix is bringing back 31 fan-favorite films
from Nigeria will be launched every day throughout August. The films making their return to the service include The Ghost and the Tout, Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons, Elevator Baby, The Set-Up, Love Is War, Sugar Rush, Up North, Nimbe, Merry Men 2: Another Mission, Coming from Insanity, The Vendor, The Wedding Party 2:Destination Dubai, Lara, and the Beat Living in Bondage: Breaking Free, 4th Republic, Lagos Real Fake Life, Anchor Baby, Light in the Dark, Its Her Day, Hire a Woman, Alakada Reloaded, Nigerian Prince, Black Rose, Moms at War, The Delivery Boy, New Money, Seven and a half dates, The Millions, Last Flight to Abuja, Couple of Days, and Payday.
