Quarantine and Chill: Aunty's African Netflix Watchlist
Hey guys welcome back to the page. I hope all is well and as we are all slowly going back to work we are staying safe. While we have been in quarantine Netflix has really stepped its game up with its African Watchlist. Many of you may have watched the movies on the list, many of you may have seen them but scrolled right on by. Here is my list of favorite African movies and shows currently on Netflix
Blood &Water
Blood & Water is a Netflix Original series. It is drama set in South Africa, focusing around Puleng (Ama Qamata), a high school girl whose sister was kidnapped 17 years ago. Her parents have not given up hope and she feels like she has grown up in her shadow. After some changes days after what would have been her sister's 17th birthday she gets a lead. After some investigating she realizes that the kidnap was part of a human trafficking network.
This show is attention grabbing and Netflix won't even ask you if you are still watching. Every twist and turn will keep you on your feet and ready to see what happens next. Now there are only Six episodes and thanks to corona we may not see season 2 until sometime next year. I know I know because I have lots of questions.
Living in Bondage: Breaking Free
Living in Bondage; Breaking Free is the 2019 sequel to the original 1992 Original. The original follows Andy Okeke and his journey to his riches. This is where we first are introduced to the cult and its ways. To wash the original click here (I suggest watching this prior to the sequel so you know all the characters, it is in Igbo but don't worry there are subtitles)
This sequel tells the story of Nnamdi Okeke, Andy Okeke’s son whose quest for riches and success unfortunately lead him down the same questionable path his father took. This movie has action, romance, comedy and drama. Now don't come here talking about juju because the film isn't all about that.
Queen Sono
Queen Sono is a South African version of the blacklist in my opinion, The series was created by Kagiso Lediga that premiered on Netflix in February of this year. The story follows the life of South African secret agent who also happens to be the daughter of a murdered Freedom Fighter. We see her tackle criminal operations all while dealing with crises in her personal life.
This show is action packed and gets you right in, then it slows down because hey they need to read you in to the characters. The plot line is crazy but I fell in love with all the good guys. It does make you think though, who are we really protecting sometimes.
Shadow
Shadow is the story of an ex-cop in Johannesburg suffering from congenital analgesia, which an extremely rare conditions in which a person cannot feel (and has never felt) physical pain. He has gone from a cop to basically a private investigator/ paid vigilante.
Now I won't lie the show starts of dryyy as in church's chicken biscuits dry but it later picks up. If you are really into dram and a guy saving the day then this show is for you. I didn't really get into it until the second episode but its a really good watch.
Light in the Dark
Light in the Dark takes place in Lagos, Nigeria. It is about a couple who have mixed ethnic backgrounds but fall in love despite the odds against them. Then a terrifying home invasion rocks the stability of this family. The film stars some Nollywood originals; Rita Dominic and Joke Silva, and Ngozi Nwosu
When it started I honestly thought the movie would be all about how they are from different tribes and how their mothers caused trouble. Yes that was in the movie but it was defiantly not what it was about. Now the movie is slow but it all for a reason. You have to learn each and every character (The mothers are a bit pointless but hey lol) in order to understand the ending of the movie. Its a good watch and also teaches you some lessons. I say go ahead and get ready for this film.
Now the following movies have been on Netflix for a while but I think are honestly worth watching while you still have the chance to binge on TV
The African Doctor
The African Doctor is a French based film about a Congolese (Democratic Republic of Congo) indigene who earns his Medical Degree in France. In a desire to not be part of the Mobutu Regime in the DRC or Zaire or Congo Kinshasa, he strikes a deal with a Mayor of a small French village to be their village doctor. He moves his wife and two children to France and this is where we begin our journey. We watch how they as the only black family in the village (The only black people many of them have ever met) make it work. This movie is based on a real life story.
This movie was all around hilarious and tugs at your heart strings. As the child of immigrants I connected with many of the struggles of the kids. The many changes they had to deal with and even the racism and discrimination. it all came back but it is a great watch for the whole family.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
The Boy Who Harvested The Wind is based on a true story of a young boy in Malawi. Against all the odds, a thirteen year old boy in Malawi invents an unconventional way to save his family and village from famine. This all from a science book from a teacher who supported him despite his family not being able to pay school fees,
Again as the child of immigrants from an African nation I connected with the characters. The movie honestly some what starts of like Sarafina (if you haven't watched it then me and you need to chat fam). It draws you in and you build a connection with all the characters. This is a watch for the whole family.
New Money
New Money is about an aspiring designer whose life drastically changes when she discovers that her estranged late father left her his multimillion dollar company. We watch her as she comes into her new money, her new challenges and how she navigates through it all.
This movie brings us one of Nollywood royalty Kate Henshaw- Nuttal and a new comer Jemima Osunde ooh and it also has Falz the bad guy. The movie is honestly hilarious, and it teaches you a lesson. What I really enjoyed were all the Ankara Fashions that they were showing. Had me having all kinds of ideas for styles to have my tailor sew.
UP NORTH
Up North is we see a pampered heir (Banky Wellington) must complete his a year of service (Nigerian Youth Service Corps). In an attempt to punish him his father sends him to work in the Northern Region of Nigeria in order to prove that he has the right to inherit his dad's assets. While there he discovers that he is so much more than just a rich kid and unearths new goals for. himself.
The movie is a typical Nigerian movie its dramatic but it is cute. I really enjoy the love story that blooms between our two main characters nd even the two other co stars. It has comedy and romance and is a really family movie.
All of these are some good watches ooh and coming soon is merry men 2 so get ready to laugh. As always if you watch something recommended tag me or come back and share your review with me. Stay safe, wash your hands and love on your family.
