ICYMI: Netflix premieres ‘Queen Sono’ — its first original African series

Netflix, US media-services firm, has premiered ‘Queen Sono’, its first-ever original TV series from Africa.

The streaming giant’s six-episode TV thriller, staring Pearl Thusi, South African actress and model, was premiered on Friday.

The movie was launched on its platform at about the same time Netflix had announced that it looks to increase investment in Africa’s showbiz.

Directed by Kagiso Lediga, an award-winning comedian, ‘Queen Sono’ is filmed in several locations across Africa.

This is a moment. This is history. This is Netflix’s first African Original. #QueenSono pic.twitter.com/1NEIwNGHju

— Netflix South Africa (@NetflixSA) February 27, 2020

It follows a female spy who works for a force known as Special Operations Group (SOG) while trying to work out her complicated personal life.

Among those featured in the series are Vuyo Dabula, Kate Liquorish, Chiedza Mhende, Connie Chiume, and Abigail Kubeka.

Thusi, who is best known for her roles in ‘Quantico’, U.S. television series, and Netflix’s ‘Catching Feelings’, starred as the main character, taking up the role of ‘Queen Sono’.

“I want other women to see themselves in this. Women are the heroes of this show,” she said while speaking of the project.

“We’re still heroes of this continent. We still nurture, we still look after, we still fight. We don’t have lots of freedom.

“But women still choose to be here and they still choose to be heroes in an environment that doesn’t allow it.”

‘Queen Sono’ attempts to highlight the realities of today’s politics, gender imbalance, and other matters of social importance.

“In the story, we build on South African history. I feel like it’s a cool way to give the viewer a firsthand account of what might have happened.” Lediga added.

TheCable Lifestyle had earlier reported that the streaming platform debuted its official Nigerian account, in what appeared to be its move to strengthen its presence in the country’s movie industry.

Netflix had shown interest in Nollywood after it acquired global rights to ‘Lionheart’, Genevieve Nnaji’s directorial debut and critically acclaimed movie, for $3.8 million in 2018.

It became Nigeria’s first-ever Oscar submission for best international feature film, but was disqualified as it was largely in English.