Here the kind of "afroptimistic" TV show that I like
By Cédric Pierre-Louis on Sunday 17 January 2010, 18:13 - Entertainment - Permalink

It's been a while since I was surprised by a TV show. Saturday afternoon, my cousin introduced to me a brand-new (at least for me) comedy-drama series produced by the BBC and the american television network, HBO. In a TV landscape where it is quite difficult to fall on something really amazing, I felt in love with "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency", a program inspired by a series of ten novels by British author Alexander McCall Smith.
The main character, Mma. Ramotswe, is performed by Jill Scott, a very famous
and respected american soul singer. The detective agency is located in
Gaborone, capital of Botswana, and the 7 episodes were all filmed on location
in this beautiful country which welcomed for the first time a major film
production.
My very positive impressions about this TV show can be summarize by three adjectives : fresh, (smartly) hilarious and optimistic. Fresh, because the atmosphere of this series is very light and delightful. You can not help yourself keep smiling while watching Mma Ramotswe and her assistant handle with the mysteries (often out of the ordinary) they have to solve. The african way of life described in this series, so peaceful and enthusiastic, is far from the vision of Africa currently broadcasted on TV.
Smartly hilarious because it is a comedy-drama which tries to fight against some prejudices related to man / woman relationships, xenophobia, homophobia, women rights, adultery, disability, etc. without any pathos but with a very bright - and british - sense of humour. All these issues are quite universal in fact, and are not only related to traditional societies. Our «western, post-modern societies» are also very concerned.
Finally, the series look at Africa from an optimistic and positive perspective. This «afroptimism» is so rare on TV, therefore for someone like me who see a great future for Africa, it is very pleasant to watch a tv show like this one. I advise you to take a look at this addictive TV show, and you will discover an endearing and counter-current vision of Africa.
Comments
This article really great
Hi Hermoses, thank you for your kind words!