Netflix has released its first original African reality show, Young, Famous & African, a series that follows the lives of some of the biggest celebrities in the continent. Although its stars come from all over Africa, the show is based in Johannesburg.
Peace Hyde, one its co-creators, says it is an opportunity to show the rest of the world “a different side of Africa.”
“When you see a lot of the Western depictions of Africa, in a positive light, it’s usually tapping into our rich culture, our heritage, our traditions, our clothes, our food,” she tells Quartz. “But I really would love to see a cosmopolitan Africa.”
The cast of Young, Famous & African
The show’s young stars navigate lives filled with drama and scandal in Johannesburg. But viewers also get to see their real-life stories, and what they have had to overcome.
- Khanyi Mbau, a South African actress, television host, and recording artist.
- Diamond Platnumz, a Tanzanian recording artist.
- Naked DJ, a South African DJ, radio host, and record producer.
- Zari the Boss Lady, a Ugandan businesswoman.
- Swanky Jerry, Nigerian celebrity fashion stylist.
- Andile Ncube, a South African radio and TV presenter.
- Nadia Nakai, a South African rapper and songwriter.
- Annie Macaulay-Idibia, a Nigerian model, presenter, and actress.
- Kudzai Mushonga, a Zimbabwean businessman.
- Innocent ‘2Baba’ Idibia, a Nigerian musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer.
- Kayleigh Schwark, a South African footballer and fitness enthusiast.