by Thinus Ferreira
Amazon Studios has commissioned another original African series, Ebuka Turns Up Africa, from Nigeria, as a travelogue reality show which will debut on the video streaming service in 2024.
In Ebuka Turns Up Africa, an Amazon Prime Video Original, the Nigerian Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, together with Timini Egbuson, Zubby Michael, Jimmie Akinsola, Onoja Adole, and Alistair Englebert Preston travel through Africa "uncovering hidden treasures and testing loyalties and friendships".
Ebuka Turns Up Africa is part of Amazon Studios growing slate of content put in production and acquired from the African continent and is produced by South Africa's Rapid Blue Productions Nigeria, an offshoot of Rapid Blue in South Africa, with Ziyanda Ngcaba and Erika Klopper as the co-executive producers.
The new Nigerian series follows after the disappointing and little-publicised Gangs of Lagos which finally made its debut earlier this year with very little fanfare or media traction as the first Amazon Original film from Africa.
Amazon Studios is also doing a format version of LOL: Last One Laughing Naija, along with a South African version of LOL with Trevor Noah as host.
In a press release, Amazon Studios says "Ebuka Turns Up Africa is a captivating showcase of camaraderie and adventure, as Ebuka undertakes the journey of a lifetime with his
guys", describing the upcoming show as "a compelling series that not only transcends borders but
reveals the men behind their celebrity personas".
"As our all-star cast ignites
their spirit of exploration, personalities clash and tempers flare in a journey
across the continent that isn't always smooth sailing."
"The adventure will take the team
of intrepid travellers through a variety of experiences, from exploring
Africa's most desirable destinations to delving into daring, high-adrenaline activities. Friendships will be tested, as the guys
discover the magic of unity."
The press release about Ebuka Turns Up Africa was shared with Africa's media after it was specifically asked for, and only after the show's existence was announced at a panel at 2023's MIPCOM in Cannes yesterday by Ned Mitchell, the head of originals for Amazon Prime Video for the Africa and Middle East region.
Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, head of Nigerian originals at Amazon Studios, was part of the MIPCOM panel with Ned Mitchell where the Ebuka Turns Up Africa announcement was made.
"This is Ebuka and Africa like you've never seen before!"exclaims Ned Mitchell in the press release.
"It's an invitation for
audiences to immerse themselves in the heart and soul of Africa. Ebuka Turns Up Africa is
a unique celebration of Africa, brought to life by Ebuka and his top squad."
In a prepared quote, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu states "This journey was not only an exciting exploration of Africa, it was an opportunity
for audiences to see a different side of me and the guys. Whilst we had a huge amount of fun and plenty of laughs, there
were also some pretty intense conflicts - it was one wild adventure!"
