Anyone with a Netflix subscription, or perhaps even a social media presence would have, over the past 3 weeks or so would’ve likely heard about, or watched the new Netflix show Young, Famous and African. Featuring in my opinion, the most eclectic mix of characters since Big Brother, the show stages a glimpse into the lives of some fairly (in) famous Africans, and has driven numerous conversations both on and off line. It’s stars include Swanky Jerry a Nigerian celebrity stylist, Annie Macaulay Idibia a popular Nigerian actress and film producer, Diamond Platinumz a Tanzanian musician, Zari, a self proclaimed “boss lady”, DJ Naked an apparently popular Dj, rapper Nadia, Andile an entrepreneur, and Khanyi Mbau a South African actress and unabashed “gold digger” Netflix. https://www.netflix.com/watch/81423503?trackId=254743534. Accessed 3 Apr. 2022.

While the title alludes to two things I will agree with, the young part, may be called into question as cast members don’t always physically fit that description. A reality tv style format, it shows these stars in their element of living the fancy life with fast cars, dolled up with their on glam teams, luxury vacations and beautiful houses, all living the “African dream.” While their celebrity glitz seems so bright it’s almost blinding, they struggle through difficult relationship issues that test their bonds, and sometimes seem so scandalous that only their larger than life personalities may be able to cope with these. However, any seasoned reality tv viewer, will no doubt question how scripted scandals such as baby mama drama, cheating allegations, and bro code/girl code violations are- and they’d be right to.

One of the truly standout stars of the show, is Annie Macaulay Idibia a well known Nigerian actress and with about 7.4million followers on Instagram currently. I grew up watching a number of movies she was in, and many will remember 2011’s legendary ‘Blackberry babes’ as being the one where she gained significant recognition in Nigeria’s film industry Nollywood. I say all this to say that she has made a name for herself, although that name is not quite independent of her husband 2Face (2Baba) Idibia, one of Nigeria’s biggest, and most beloved music superstars. While this is public knowledge, on ep 1 of Young, Famous and African, Annie shares how she met and began dating 2Face “when I was like around 16 years old”(Ep1). A quick google search shows 2Face was 26 at the time of this meeting, and while we can’t verify their ages, her first hand testimony brought up several discussions regarding consent and sexual grooming. She goes on to gleefully share with Andile how 2Face’s biggest hit ‘African Queen’ was written about her. The muse to her superstar husband, Annie further discloses how her first child with him, was his fifth child, him having “cheated” on her with other women. I use those quotation marks because she uses them herself as she describes the betrayal, still very obviously pained by it and the drama it brings- public fights among the baby mamas, herself and 2Face, and comedians’ insensitive jokes about the affairs are some the public are privy to.

Despite all this, Annie is not afraid to share how much she loves her first crush cum husband, and almost seems unable to help herself when she displays her love for him. Although 5 minutes into episode 1 she declares she’s more than just 2Face’s wife, and you (the viewer) will know about her, she shares so much of her relationship that the majority of her storyline in this show is about that, not “building her empire” as she claims (Ep1). While some viewers argue that’s productions fault for not including scenes where she’s making money moves, it is clear that being the only woman 2Face eventually married is such a big part of her identity and her happiness. She is unapologetic about this, and states in her wedding renewal vows on the season finale -“I want to die next to you, because I don’t think I can breathe and live without you.” Netflix. https://www.netflix.com/watch/81423509?trackId=200257859. Accessed 3 Apr. 2022.

A major plotline in the rest of the season is Annie’s fragile trust of 2Face and contention with any woman that happens to know him personally- in this case it’s Zari who is your classic mean girl. During a gathering, Annie receives a call from her husband and her childlike joy at this is best described by Khanyi “she was like a kid on Christmas morning” (Ep 2). This joy is only dampened when he asks to speak with Zari who he knows from a previous meeting. From there onwards, there’s several high-school-esque squabbles between Annie and Zari, who milks Annie’s fragile self confidence and trust in her partner for cheap thrills. Annie might perhaps be aware of how embarrassing this will be for her and the viewers, but if so, doesn’t seem to care. One cannot help but give a grudging respect to her for the willingness share so much of her flawed, but true self while being filmed.

As a whole, the cast and their drama make for good tv, and I’d give the show a 6.5 out of 10 rating. Annie Macaulay Idibia, while clearly having an unhealthy obsession with her African king, demonstrates a vulnerability that is both noble and relatable. Perhaps she met her goal of having us know her after all.

I hope you enjoyed this review, and if you watched the show please leave a comment or send me a message privately let’s chat about it! Till next time, have a great week reader!