Tales as old as time from across the African continent, reimagined and retold by a new generation of six storytellers come together, the African Folktales, Reimagined short films in partnership with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), will launch on Netflix on 29 March 2023 .

The anthology of six short films was launched as part of Netflix’s partnership with UNESCO to support the next generation of storytellers who were provided with resources including a $90 000 budget and creative guidance by established filmmakers as mentors to bring their stories to life. The emerging filmmakers were selected in 2021 following a call for submission that resulted in over 2000 applications from 13 countries in the sub-Saharan Africa region. The 6 emerging storytellers from Nigeria, South Africa, Mauritania, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will see their respective short films, make their debut on Netflix, globally.

The African Folktales, Reimagined short film collection features a variety of African on-screen talent in stories by emerging African storytellers such as Mohamed Echkouna from Mauritania with Enmity Djinn; Walt Mzengi Corey from Tanzania with Katope; Korede Azeez from Nigeria with Zabin Halima (Halima’s Choice); Voline Ogutu from Kenya with Anyango and the Ogre; Loukman Ali from Uganda with Katera of the Punishment Island and Gcobisa Yako from South Africa with MaMlambo.

Synopsis / Key Cast & Crew

• Zabin Halima (Halima’s Choice) – by Korede Azeez – Nigeria

With 99% of the world population uploaded into virtual worlds, a young girl from a secluded Fulani village inadvertently elopes with an AI to escape an arranged marriage. Genre: Sci-fi, Fantasy; Language: Hausa; Director: Korede Azeez; Producer: Kenneth Gyang; Cast: Habiba Ummi Mohammed; Adam Garba, Produced by Cinema Kpatakpata.

• Anyango and the Ogre – by Voline Ogutu – Kenya

With the backdrop of a childhood folktale, 13-year-old Otis struggles to protect his younger siblings from a monster that lives inside their home.  Genre: Fantasy, Drama; Language: KiSwahili and English; Director: Voline Ogutu; Producer: Sarah Hassan; Cast: Trevor Jones Kamau; Sarah Hassan, Produced by Alfajiri Productions.

• Katera of the Punishment Island – by Loukman Ali – Uganda

Abandoned on an island, a woman grieving the loss of her baby exacts revenge on the powerful man who put her there. Genre: Thriller; Language: Runyankole and English; Director & Producer: Loukman Ali; Cast: Karababiito Tracy; Michael Wawuyo JR; Production company: Loukout Films.

• Katope – by Walt Mzengi Corey – Tanzania

A young child with magical origins sets out on a journey to help end the drought that is devastating the community – even if it means risking their own life. Genre: Fantasy, Drama; Language: KiSwahili and ciGogo; Director: Walt Mzengi Corey; Producer: Petrus Van Staden; Rebecca Mzengi Corey Cast: Jene Mahenyela Mwalimu; Rahele Matete;  Production company:  Solela Art and Film

• Enmity Djinn – by Mohamed Echkouna – Mauritania

Three generations after he was last summoned, an ancient Enmity Djinn finds himself in an unfamiliar city confronted by a familiar foe. Genre: Fantasy/Drama; Language: Hassaniya Arabic and French; Director & Producer: Mohamed Echkouna; Cast: Zainabou Ahmed Mohamed; Mamadou Mokhtar N’diaye Gueye.

• MaMlambo – by Gcobisa Yako – South Africa

The mystical river being, MaMlambo, watches over the sacred waters of discarded bodies. Genre: Drama; Language: isiXhosa; Director: Gcobisa Yako; Producer: Pakiso Albertus; Cast: Simphiwe Dana; Zikhona Bali

Each storyteller was partnered with a local production company and under the guidance of Netflix-appointed supervising producer, Steven Markovitz from Big World Cinema and industry mentors: Bongiwe Selane (mentor to Gcobisa); Jenna Bass (mentor to Korede); Pape Boye (mentor to Loukman); Femi Odugbemi (mentor to Mohamed); Leila Afua Djansi (mentor to Voline) and Tosh Gitonga (mentor to Walt) who provided guidance and nurtured the filmmakers on their journey to bring their stories to life.

“UNESCO is proud to present the tales of Africa, reimagined by its emerging, homegrown talents. At the crossroads of tradition, innovation, heritage and creativity, African expressions in the 21^st century are as diverse and dynamic as its people. The UNESCO-Netflix partnership represents our shared commitment to the audiovisual industries of Africa, which have the potential to generate US$20 billion in revenues annually. African creativity is a force for sustainable development, and we cannot wait for the audiences around the world to feel its unstoppable energy,” says Ernesto Ottone R., the UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture.

“We are excited to finally bring this anthology of short films created by the next generation of African storytellers to Netflix members around the world,” says Tendeka Matatu, Netflix’s Director of Film in Africa. “This initiative is a testament to our ongoing efforts to strengthen the pipeline of African storytelling and to include voices from underrepresented communities. We’re grateful to our partners at UNESCO who walked this journey with us to provide an opportunity for the six emerging African filmmakers to create and showcase their reimagined folktales to the world, in their own languages, so that more people can see their lives reflected on screen.”

Bliss Kingg and Jacquline Acquaye commemorated 1000 television episodes together as an on-screen duo, making a strong case as Ghana’s longest running television couple of this generation. Their on-screen chemistry is unmatched and their dedication and consistency to their craft has commanded respect from the Ghanaian media fraternity and the massive audience they have won over for the 1000 mornings they came together on TV.

The TV couple began their television journey on September 17, 2018 when they pioneered a lifestyle morning show which gradually gained popularity and unveiled a niche TV market in Ghana.

The debate will continue on first half of Oscar wilde’s infamous quote; ‘Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery’. If there is any truth to this, then Bliss Kingg and Jacquline Acquaye must be flattered by the proliferation of tv shows that have adopted this format and the many new school presenters who have clearly taken a page from their book; a proof of their dominance and consistency in Ghana’s television viewing culture.

Bliss and Jackie who were nicknamed ‘The rich kids’ by renowned media personality Dr. Randy Abbey during their first stint, gained recognition as the hosts of GMG+, the lifestyle morning program that was built to support ‘Good Morning Ghana’ and to boost MetroTV’s rebuilding process.

GMG+ became a sensation, delivering a new audience to the station, but after 23 months and 425 episodes, the duo shocked the public with their double resignation and said goodbye to their first ever home.

In what was considered by many as a blockbuster transfer, the power TV couple announced a big move and the first live episode of their current morning program ‘Xpressive’ aired on GHONEtv. Produced by Platinum Life Media, ‘Xpressive ‘ hit the ground running on September 7, 2020, going on to deliver some of the most viewed shows and interviews in recent times.

Continuing to deal with the rumors of their romantic connection, Bliss kingg and Jacquline Acquaye mostly look unperturbed and have truly demonstrated focus, consistency and team work.

Celebrating the milestone on their TV show last Friday; surprise guest Dr. Lawrence Tetteh acknowledged the duo for their persistence and commitment to excellence.

It was very happy moments as the champagne was flowing and they had a morning full of surprises as Imexco Ghana, Chezzy pizza, Turf and others came to the show to share a moment with them.

Wrapping up on their 1000th run, the television duo thanked Bola Ray and Nana Aba Anamoah for their support and promised their audience to get a 1000 shows more together.

Congratulations to Ghana’s longest running television couple, Bliss Kingg and Jacquline Acquaye.

Known for its coral reefs and beautiful beaches, Seychelles, a tropical paradise located off the coast of east Africa, is visited by thousands of tourists. Yet, beyond the country’s multi-million dollar tourist industry, BBC Africa Eye shines a light on its heroin epidemic.

In a new investigation by BBC Africa Eye, Seychelles, Heroin and Me pieces together a complex picture of how political and socio-economic factors including poverty and a lack of rehabilitation centres, are contributing to what is now a drug epidemic.

According to Seychelles’ Government, based on population, Seychelles – which is made up of 115 islands – has the biggest heroin problem in the world, with around 10% of Seychellois dependent on the drug.

Presented by Joseph Fady Banane, the Seychellois support worker was one of the 10%. Now free of heroin, he uses his experience and role as a support worker to show viewers the true extent of the drug epidemic, whilst confronting his own painful past and reconnecting with the people he loves.

Meeting drug users, dealers, government officials and the communities caught in the middle, the film captures Fady’s journey as he gains first-hand access to their stories.

He told BBC Africa Eye how he was introduced to drugs: “I was 27 when I first took heroin. Business was not picking up, sitting outside Idecided to try my first couple of smokes, and that was it for five years. I still don’t know why I started smoking heroin, but part of it was just because I could – drugs were everywhere.” He added: “I became a stranger to my own mum, and my son was taken away.”

Throughout the film, individuals share details on the gruelling ripple effect of drugs in their communities and families.

Ravinia Jean, a mother, shares the impact of her son’s death Tony, who was heroin-dependent and a friend of Fady’s. “It is hard…it’s very painful.” She revealed her second son, Jude, is also using heroin and has been in and out of prison, where he is still able to buy the drug on credit. She said: “Parents have to pay for it because they will send people to collect the money…Of course you’re scared, they threaten you, they said they will kill him.”

However, there is still hope for drug-users like Jude. The documentary follows Jude’s journey towards recovery as he finally visits a councillor with hopes to recover from heroin-dependency.

The documentary also captures the common reality of drug-dependency passed from parents to children. Two brothers, Stefan and Roy (not their real names) are heroin-dependent – so was their mother. Stefan’s drug usage started from around the age of 12. He said: “I was looking after the drugs for somebody else… we said we were going to try it just for one day. We continued taking it until we ran out of drugs and that’s when I started getting sick. It was the drug withdrawal making me sick.”

Many people told the programme that drugs are used to escape the trauma of poverty. 25% of residents live below the poverty line, and in the last few years, use of crack cocaine in Seychelles has also increased. Latest figures show police seizures of cocaine have increased by almost 3,000% since 2018.¹

Despite the scale of the problem, there is lack of support for heroin users due to the closures of all of the country’s residential rehabilitation centres which is contributing to the problem.

Revisiting the rehabilitation centre in Les Canelé that saved his life, which is no longer open to heroin users, Fady reflects on the consequences of the closures. “Back then, these rehab centres were helping hundreds of people. Rehab saved me from heroin, but with these programmes now closed – there’s not much help for anyone else, and many users have to fight their dependency alone.”

The only consistent support left for many users is a free methadone programme, a heroin substitute which can be used to detox.

The BBC Africa Eye investigation also revealed many women are resorting to sex work to aid their heroin-dependency. One woman told BBC Africa Eye: “No one will give you anything for free, so you have to do something.”

It is estimated two tonnes of heroin comes into Seychelles every year, which are mainly smuggled from Afghanistan via Iran through the Indian Ocean.² In response, the government has resorted to a “war on drugs” approach, and the documentary explores whether this approach risks further alienating the drug-using community.

BBC Africa Eye obtained an exclusive interview with Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalalwan to understand the “war on drugs” approach. He said:  “Communities, villages cannot be controlled by the drug lords, by drug addicts. This is why we have we have taken the approach that we need to disrupt those activities. It’s an all-out war on drugs in order for me to save our people.”

On what was being done to address the lack of rehabilitation centres, he revealed: “We have received a grant from the UAE to build a proper rehabilitation centre. And, and so we are going in that direction.”

BBC Africa: Seychelles, Heroin and Me is available on the BBC Africa YouTube channel on Monday 6 March 2023, here.

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Apple Music today announced the latest featured artist in its Africa Rising artist development program as 21-year-old Nigerian-born singer-songwriter, FAVE (real name Chidozie Godsfavour).

“Being on Apple Music’s Africa Rising takes me one step closer to the dream: a gateway to the world stage. I’m proud to represent Africa with my voice and in my lyrics,” FAVE told Apple Music.

Having shown a penchant for singing from the early age of 6, it was only at the age of 19 that FAVE decided to embark on a career in music. Right off the bat her debut single “M.O.M.M.S.” (2019) showcased her impressive range and powerful tone, featuring in two of Nollywood’s most prominent TV series.

FAVE immediately followed this up with the reggae-infused single “DAL” (2020) and the Afrobeats-rooted “N.B.U (Nobody But You)” (2020), the latter of which was based off a freestyle that went viral on social media, before featuring on two tracks off superstar rapper Olamide’s 9th studio album, UY Scuti (2021).

FAVE’s debut EP, Riddim 5, is a fiery five-track release that fuses catchy Afro-pop melodies and groove-inducing Caribbean influences with a neo-R&B feel, anchored by the viral hit “Baby Riddim” which to date has racked up over 45 million streams across all platforms. With unique storytelling abilities, FAVE explores universal themes of love and heartbreak whilst making music that resonates deeply with her global audience.

The latest music from FAVE along with that of Africa’s hottest new artists, is available now on the Apple Music Africa Rising Playlist.

Apple Music’s Africa Rising, is an exclusive artist development programme and companion playlist geared towards identifying, showcasing and elevating rising talent and introducing the next generation of African superstars. Africa Rising alumni to date include: Omah Lay, Manu Worldstar, Tems, Amaarae, Ayra Starr, Yaw Tog, Blxckie, Nikita Kering and Buju. Africa Rising sees Apple Music select six artists every year who each receive a minimum of two months of editorial support across the Apple Music platform including a launch interview with Nadeska on Apple Music 1. Nadeska has also launched a new weekly Africa Rising feature on her show highlighting the hottest new artists on the continent.

Africa Rising is the latest of many Apple Music initiatives aimed at taking African talent to the world. Now available in 33 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, Apple Music 1 is home to Africa Now Radio with host LootLove which has featured interviews with some of the continent’s hottest artists such as Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Cassper Nyovest, Mr Eazi, Patoranking, Rayvanny, Kiddominant, Mayorkun, Fireboy DML, Adekunle Gold, Master KG, Yaw Tog, Blxckie, Nikita Kering and Buju.

Apple Music also selected Nigerian Afrobeats singer-songwriter Tems as its Up Next artist in 2021, Nigerian Afropop star Rema in 2020, Grammy Award-winning Afrofusion superstar Burna Boy in 2019, and Nigerian singer and entrepreneur Mr Eazi in 2017. Up Next is Apple Music’s global emerging artist program.

The Ghanaian Showmax Original drama series The Billionaire’s Wife is now streaming on Showmax with new episodes releasing every Thursday.

Watch the official launch trailer here:

The first episode, titled “Elopement”, introduces us to the world of our protagonist, 19-year-old Adepa (Andriana Akua Amegbor), who is just getting ready to marry the man of her dreams, the 55-year-old billionaire Bill Gyimah (Kingsley Yamoah).

But it’s not easy being a billionaire’s wife. It’s even harder when the man in question already has a family that is hell-bent on destroying you.

Adepa has had to fight her way from the streets of Ashaiman to become Bill’s new bride. On the other hand, Bill is a man so wealthy and so complicated that he’s almost too hard to please, but it’s a price Adepa is willing to pay to get the fairytale life she’s always wanted.

She doesn’t question him when they’re the only two people at their lavish wedding, or when he plans on shipping her to live abroad a day after their wedding. But one thing that Adepa wasn’t ready for is the dark secrets and scheming of the family she’s married into.

Then there are those from her past life who want to cash in on her newfound fortune, like Cool D (played by comedian Foster Romanus), Adepa’s ex-boyfriend, a proper area boy who’s well known in the streets, and who sees Adepa’s new marriage as his ticket to a good life.

Over the course of the 10 episodes, The Billionaire’s Wife will follow Adepa as she finds herself locked in an endless battle for survival, where backstabbers, schemers and faceless enemies will stop at nothing to prove she is a fraud and a gold digger.

Produced by Collins Amlalo and directed by Danny Adotey, The Billionaire’s Wife also stars Roselyn Ngissah (Fix Us), Ken Fiati (The Storm), Pascaline Edwards (The Case Study), Selassie Ibrahim (Baby Palaver), Helen Lois (Terminus), Lankai Quarcoopome (The Lankai Show), Ophelia Walker (Dirty Laundry), Godwin Kwesi Blay Ekra Jnr (Case Study), and newcomer Florence Nana Ama Agyei.

The Billionaire’s Wife is the third Showmax Original in Ghana, building on the success of the Shirley Frimpong-Manso drama ENO and the docu-reality series My Perfect Funeral, about Ghana’s unique funeral practices. Both titles were among the top 10 most-watched shows on Showmax in Ghana in 2022.