Paul Modjadji’s 10 country African tour is chronicled in an enthralling new fourteen-part travelogue on SABC 1.
Covering countries including Zambia, Namibia, Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria and Senegal, the documentary follows Modjadji as he explores Africa’s rich youth and dance culture. Each episode serves up a kaleidoscope of experiences showcasing Africa’s leading landmarks and heritage sites through the eyes of youth activists and artists on home soil.
Modjadji travels with close friends and family — sister Nthabiseng Modjadji, the tour coordinator, Sibusiso Mahlangu a filmmaker and photographer, and dancer Ginger Wensky. The 14-part series culminates with a two-part reunion hosted by Minnie Dlamini.
The Breaking Down Borders Africa TV series is a fresh take on Africa by Africans. Exploring dance and youth culture, the documentary takes viewers inside the lives of some of Africa’s most inspiring change makers.
Among them are BBC Top 100 Inspirational Women award winner Naomi Mwaura, African Union official Lorato Modongo, and founder of Zimbabwe’s preeminent Jibilika arts festival Plot Makho.
The team encounters firsthand a strikingly developed, breathtakingly scenic and generously welcoming continent. They taste exquisite cuisine, visit iconic sites including the River Nile, Victoria Falls, and Gorée . They meet some of Africa’s towering cultural figures including Kenyan photojournalist Dr Nike Davies-Okundaye and Kenyan socio-political activist Boniface Mwangi.
“Africa is an endlessly resourceful place and is poised to come into its own. The journey revealed an unmatched generosity of spirit. Our interactions brought into sharp focus just how creative us Africans can be,” said Paul Modjadji.
The series is produced by award-winning producer Wandile Molebatsi and directed by Paul Modjadji with Sibusiso Mahlangu as director of photography. An established dancer choreographer, theatre maker and newly minted film director, Modjadji directed the award-winning short film “The Deal”.
“The viewer is taken on a journey that depicts the challenges, and excitement, of traveling our continent,” said the show’s producer Wandile Molebatsi.
“Each country offers a window into a people, a country and diverse experiences, landscapes, and cultures.”
The Breaking Down Borders Africa Series premieres on SABC 1 on the August 7, 2024 at 6 p.m.