With the advancement of broadband on the continent, we are now witnessing a cultural explosion when it comes to online video. On my list to watch (if dumsor will not take my Internet and computer battery away) are the following:
1. The Samaritans (Aid for Aid)
I am excited about this series as it targets an important sector in Africa that potentially is also a very funny sector – the ingenious non-governmental sector full of strategy plans and targets that confuse all of us… Their website promises:
“The Samaritans is a new comedy TV series from Kenya, about an NGO (Non-Governmental organization), that does nothing.”
See the trailer here:
Out of Ghana, I am proud to say, the series An African City has caused ripple effects online with its 15 minute episodes, but I am still outside of the hype (16 000 people have watched the first episode) as I have sadly not had the time to watch it yet. It seems to be Sex And The City like with a short blurb from the FB page of the series suggesting it is about:
“Five beautiful, successful African females return to their home continent and confide in one another about love and life in ‘An African City’!
On a website called Reel African one can also see on demand already popular TV-series like Adam’s Apples and many more. Where the first series discussed above has chased a pay-to-view system, An African City is pre-financed and free for the viewer and available on YouTube. Maybe when I have watched the first few episodes, I can find out from the creators how the two cost-recovery models are working. I am however sure, the online medium will create new opportunities for the creative economy.
These are in conclusion very interesting times for online creativity on the continent. I wonder what is next for African Online TV!
If you know of more African online shows, please send your tips my way!
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