‘From Cape to Cairo’: Netflix Showcases African Talent to the World

ADDIS ABABA – Netflix has begun showcasing African talent and stories to its subscribers around the world through a collection dubbed ‘From Cape to Cairo’ today.

With this rich cultural heritage, Netflix believes there’s a multitude of stories to be told from, and about, Africa – home to more than 1.2 billion people spread over 54 countries who speak more than 2,000 different languages.

That’s why in May, Netflix says it is celebrating these stories and storytellers in anticipation of Africa Day on 25 May through the ‘From Cape to Cairo’ collection.

The initiative has been welcomed by the African Union.

“We welcome the initiative by Netflix in response to our call to media to redefine and change the narratives about Africa by showcasing African stories conceived of and told by African content creators and talent,” said Leslie Richer, Director of Information and Communication for the AU.

It will “create visibility for those in front of and behind the camera doing their part to build the Africa We Want,” Richer added .

The stories featured in the collection will include recommendations such as ‘Our Music, Our Culture, Our History;’ ‘Award-Winners & Critics’ Favorites;’ ‘African Women Behind the Camera; ‘Love Across the Continent;’ and ‘Stories from The African Diaspora.

It will also feature major international films and series featuring talent of African descent from the African diaspora including Meet the Adebanjos, African Doctor, and Shine Your Eyes, more.

Ben Amadasun, Netflix’s Director of Content in Africa, said that the company has invested in promoting African talent through content creation and skills and capacity building initiatives.

It now “wants to enhance the narrative of Africa beyond the continent’s borders to our global audiences and that’s why in May 2022, we are celebrating these stories and storytellers through a new collection titled ‘From Cape to Cairo’,” he added.

Beyond the new collection on Netflix, the company will also launch a new podcast Never Late | African Time on May 4, 2022, featuring some of Africa’s biggest film and TV talent in conversation about various aspects of the creative industry that impact their craft.

The five-episode podcast is available on the AfricaOnNetflix official YouTube page, as well as Spotify and Apple iTunes.