This unscripted Neflix original seeks to debunk African stereotypes

In a groundbreaking move to redefine the portrayal of Africa, Netflix has launched its highly anticipated unscripted original series, 'Young, Famous and African'. The project seeks to shed light on a different side of the continent, moving away from the traditional narratives of culture and heritage. CNBC Africa recently caught up with Peace Hyde, the Executive Producer of the show, and Swanky Jerry, a celebrity stylist, to discuss the show's mission to dispel stereotypes and showcase the modern, cosmopolitan Africa. 'Young, Famous and African' has been in the making for four years, born out of Hyde's desire to tell positive African stories that celebrate the continent in a new light. Hyde, who relocated from London to West Africa, observed a gap in the representation of Africa, particularly the absence of stories depicting the upwardly mobile, modern-day Africa. This realization inspired her to bring together a diverse cast of influential Africans to showcase a different perspective to the world. The show features an A-list cast, comprising prominent figures from the African entertainment, media, and business sectors. Unlike typical reality shows that feature lesser-known individuals, 'Young, Famous and African' brings together top talents who share authentic relationships. By capturing their real lives, careers, and relationships, the show provides viewers with a glimpse into the journey of successful Africans who pursued their dreams relentlessly. Swanky Jerry, one of the cast members and a renowned celebrity stylist, emphasized the authenticity of the interactions on set, noting that the connections and relationships formed were genuine. The unscripted nature of the show allowed for a natural flow of events, showcasing the real personalities of the cast members. The choice to partner with Netflix as the platform for 'Young, Famous and African' stemmed from Hyde's vision to reach a global audience. With Netflix's extensive reach of 215 million users and reputation as a leading streaming platform, Hyde believed it was the ideal platform to showcase the authentic African narrative. The partnership with Netflix enabled the production team to create a masterpiece that celebrates African excellence and challenges existing stereotypes. During the interview, Hyde touched on the importance of highlighting the new wave of African talent that is making waves on the global stage. Through 'Young, Famous and African', she aimed to showcase the vibrant and dynamic nature of Africa's emerging generation, portraying them as intelligent, ambitious, and inspiring individuals. The show serves as a platform for these young Africans to share their stories authentically and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the continent. Swanky Jerry shared his excitement about revealing a more personal side of himself through the show, offering fans a glimpse into his private life for the first time. He expressed his belief that the authenticity and rawness of the show would resonate with audiences and showcase a different side of African personalities. In essence, 'Young, Famous and African' seeks to create a new narrative for African content, moving beyond traditional portrayals to showcase the diverse, modern Africa. By presenting a lineup of accomplished individuals living out their lives authentically, the show aims to inspire viewers and challenge preconceived notions about the continent. With its unscripted approach and focus on genuine storytelling, 'Young, Famous and African' is set to make a significant impact in reshaping perceptions of Africa on a global scale.