A Ghana-based hit webseries, dubbed the African equivalent of “Sex and the City,” has found a large following while challenging stereotypes of women across the continent.
The YouTube series “An African City” was created in 2014 by Nicole Amarteifio, and tackles bold topics such as sex, love, politics, skin bleaching and “natural hair” on an otherwise conservative continent.
“We take on real issues real women in our country deal with,” actress MaameYaa Boafo said. “I am a character actor so thankfully I’ve never missed out on roles over things like my natural hair. However, these are big issues in Africa where processed hair is preferred.”
Set in Accra, Ghana, the show delves into the lives of NanaYaa, played by Boafo, and four other successful African businesswomen who return to the continent after growing up in places like New York.
“I was born in Pakistan, I live in New York, and I never permanently lived in Ghana, despite being Ghanaian, so I understand how tough it is to return home after being considered ,” Boafo said.
Despite some criticism of the show’s open portrayal of taboo topics such as premarital sex, it has also explored issues such as the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act, real estate, the IRS, energy conservation and even forcible rape.
“I know these women we play on TV. These characters represent real women who have real conversations in private about real things that take place in their lives,” Boafo said.
Offering appeal beyond sexually liberated businesswomen in saucy heels and chic garments, the show invites open conversation in a conservative culture on shared experiences.
“I think as a continent it’s important to be more open with our conversations, because being a woman is complex and beautiful lined with struggle, but rooted in strength,” Boafo said.
The series is available for purchase at: anafricancity.vhx.tv/.