Netflix’s First-Ever African Reality Show ‘Young, Famous & African’ Is Coming Soon

There is an alternate version of African-American history stitched together by music. From the harmonic melodies that followed them off slavers ships to the home-harkening cottonfield tunes that provided succor during the horrors of slavery, African-Americans have always used music to remember and call one another to action. The stakes are seemingly as important in Ryan Coogler’s new movie, SINNERS, where the music of Sammie (played by newcomer Miles Caton), a prodigious blues singer, turns a night of revelry on its head as a horde of vampires attack a juke joint set up by the identical Moore brothers (played by Michael B. Jordan).

Set in the Mississippi Delta in the 1920s, SINNERS is faithful to its timeline in tone and tenor but confronts issues like racism, colourism, and Black ownership that continue to have modern resonance while deftly sidestepping stringent categorisation. It is Ryan Coogler’s first original conception and it bears the defining personal insights and quirks that have made franchises like Black Panther and Creed hugely successful, while sealing Coogler’s reputation as one of the most respected filmmakers of his eras. 

Ahead of the release of SINNERS, we had a brief chat with Ryan Coogler about his latest film. 

Where did the inspiration for ‘SINNERS’ come from?

It came from my relationship with my uncle. He came from Mississippi and he loved Blues music. I would listen to the music with him and that happened for most of my life. He passed away 10 years ago and, since he passed away, I got more interested in the music and that’s where the seed of the idea came from. 

Do you think the movie was made to honour your uncle’s memory?

Yes, for sure. 

‘SINNERS’ is set in the 1920s American South. Why did you settle on that time period? 

I settled on that time period through studying what year would make the most sense for Blues history. What I think this time period represents for African-Americans is that it was the Great Depression and, while studying, I found out that it didn’t affect Black people as much as it affected white people because there was nowhere for Black people to go socio-economically, they were already as down as they could be. Interestingly, it was a time when white people and Black people were in contact with each other due to what happened with the economy. 

You collaborated with Michael B. Jordan again, what made him the right fit for the role?

I think Mike has a unique combination of range and charisma. Charisma is something that can’t be learnt, you have to be born with it and, a lot of the characters in this movie, are extensions of their charisma. You have to believe that these guys can come back into town after seven years and throw a party and get people to show up. For me, that was the biggest part of it. I wanted an actor that was flexible and charismatic in two different kinds of ways. Smoke has his own charisma but he’s an introvert whereas Stack’s charisma has to be more of a projection, and that’s very difficult because you have to be born with that charisma. Also, you have to know how to manipulate through acting techniques, and Mike is uniquely capable of that.

The historic Fanti Carnival is set to make its grand return on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, bringing the streets of Lagos Island alive with colour, music, and culture. With roots dating back to 1890, the Lagos Fanti Carnival is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most vibrant cultural traditions, celebrating the deep ties between Nigeria and Brazil through a dynamic fusion of Afro-Brazilian heritage and modern creativity.

This year’s edition is supported by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, in partnership with Robert Taylor Media and the Brazilian Descendants Association of Lagos. Together, they aim to honour the legacy of the Afro-Brazilian community in Lagos — descendants of formerly enslaved returnees who shaped the city’s culture, religion, and architecture.

The carnival procession will kick off at 12:00 PM, starting from Old Defence Road and will end at the JK Randle Centre, with accreditation beginning at 10:00 AM. Attendees can expect a stunning showcase of traditional costumes, Afro-Brazilian drumming, dance, and performances from local creatives reinterpreting heritage for a new generation.

Whether you’re drawn to the dazzling pageantry, the live performances, or the chance to connect with a rich cultural history, the Fanti Carnival is an unmissable event this Easter. 

Tickets are now available, and more information can be found via the official Fanti Carnival website or their social platforms.

Dutch textile brand Vlisco recently unveiled its latest campaign ‘The Garden Of Sisterhood,’ as part of its women’s month celebration. The campaign, which looks to extend Vlisco’s rich legacy in African fashion and its ongoing celebration of creativity and cultural storytelling, takes inspiration from Congolese musical icon Fally Ipupa’s latest single, “Mayanga.” The song’s accompanying music video was shot in the Ivory Coast, and seamlessly balances Ipupa’s signature soulful Rumba music with intricate floral motifs and soft, elegant colour palettes that celebrate the strength and individuality that blossoms through community.

In addition to Fally Ipupa, Vlisco also tapped up Ivorian fashion designer Loza Maléombho and Nigerian director Daniel Obasi to contribute to ‘The Garden Of Sisterhood’ campaign. Maléombho’s unique designs and Obasi’s striking storytelling helped contribute to actualising Vlisco’s distinct aesthetic and vision of merging heritage, creativity and fashion. 

In a statement discussing the collaboration with Vlisco, the Congolese superstar described it as a beautiful experience. “They understood my vision of working with talented artists and honouring the beautiful women who wear Vlisco fabrics. By creating exclusive designs for me and the remarkable women in the cast, Vlisco really brought our artistic vision to life, harmoniously fusing music and fashion,” he said. 

Similarly, Marlou van Engelen, the creative director of Vlisco, expressed that it was an honour working with Fally Ipupa. “His song ‘MAYANGA’ perfectly reflects our admiration for the women who shaped us, inspire us, and mean so much to us. For us, it’s not just about fashion; it’s about the stories told through our beautiful prints. And I believe the best stories are always told together,” she said in a statement.

 

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