Orange lines up Y’Africa S2

Telecommunications company Orange is set to launch a second season of its TV show dedicated to African culture titled Y’Africa.

Y’Africa, a contraction of Africa Ya lelo or Africa Today in the Bantu language Lingala, puts emerging artists such as painters, photographers, sculptors, choreographers, stylists and musicians in the spotlight. It also showcases African culture in all its forms, and presents an opportunity to shine and to strengthen the local presence of the Orange brand in Africa.

The second season will debut from fall 2021 and will be broadcast on 15 African national TV channels, on YouTube and also adapted as a podcast.

The 8×26’ show will be executive produced by France-based Fame Productions and directed by Dan Assayag. It presents 24 artists from eight countries – namely Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Morocco, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Tunisia – who will tell their story through their work, while acting as a guide to the cities where they live.

Orange’s executive director of communications, engagement and brand Béatrice Mandine said: “I am delighted with the success of the first season of Y’Africa, which drew a wide audience to these artist portraits and generated plenty of attention on social networks.

“This original concept proved its value through the quality of its content, a wide choice of artists and the emotions it inspired in viewers. Building on the very positive feedback we received, we are pressing ahead and are starting shooting for season two.”

Alioune Ndiaye, CEO of Orange Africa and the Middle East, added: “The first season of Y’Africa was a great success. This audiovisual programme showcases the richness of cultures and the creativity of African youth. Season two will enable us to discover new talented artists, I am looking forward to listening to their testimonies.”

The first season of Y’Africa aired in February last year. The show is distributed internationally by France’s ZED.