Early in December, Netflix announced the decision to feature more original African films on its platform to increase diversity and satisfy its huge audience. The world’s leading internet entertainment service picked up productions such as Lionheart by Nigerian director Genevieve Nnaji and the global rights to Chiwetel Ejiofor’s film The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind.
Barely a week after the move, Netflix is in the news again, this time, announcing its first African original series titled Queen Sono. The venture was first made public by popular South African actress, Pearl Thusi, who took to her twitter to announce her role in the new series.
#QueenSono – Africa’s first @netflix original ! A thrilling story about a kickass female spy. Can’t wait for you guys to see what we have in store for you ! @NetflixSA pic.twitter.com/z0LtRTbspv
— Pearl Thusi (@PearlThusi) December 10, 2018
Queen Sono promises to be an exciting and action-packed thriller starring Pearl Thusi alongside veteran South African actor, comedian and director, Kagusi Lediga. This is not the first time Pearl and Kagusi will be working together on a film project. The two co-starred in Catching Feelings, a movie written and directed by Kagusi Lediga.
Pearl and Kagosi in Catching Feelings.
Created by Kagusi Lediga, Queen Sono follows the life of a very determined and confident female spy working in a South African agency. In Queen Sono, viewers will be treated to the thriller and drama in the life of a modern-day African woman working hard to solve crime while balancing her own personal life.
In an article by Essence, vice president of international originals, Erik Barmack Spoke on their latest announcement and Pearl’s role, said: “Taking talent like this and telling stories to the rest of the world puts Pearl in the same category as other strong female characters like Claire Underwood in House of Cards and Jessica Jones.”
Even though privileged to know more about the production than many, Pear Thusi is very excited about the new series and her fans have since caught up with the excitement as well.
Congratulations Pearl ❤️ I can’t wait for the rest of Mzansi to see what we have planned ?
— Netflix South Africa (@NetflixSA) December 10, 2018
This is the content I signed up for . I am so happy for you
— Sipho Wushe Guga??? (@GugaAsisipho) December 11, 2018
Well done Pearl. You’ve put faith forward and lept for the highest heights. Well done Netflix for bringing the experience to the African continent.
— Desmond Mapfumo (@desmondmapfumo) December 10, 2018
