Africa’s greatest documentaries are back across TV screens in sub-Saharan Africa this month. it’s Music & Dance, the weekly documentary broadcast stream, can now be found on BET, DSTV channel 129, every Sunday evening at 20h00 CAT from the 5th of February 2017.
AfriDocs is for film buffs, lovers of African stories and culture, activists and ANYONE with a passion for powerful and REAL stories.
AfriDocs on BET kicks off 2017 with films that celebrate some of the best in African talent – from its legendary musicians to a young generation of dancers making waves in Africa and beyond.
Mama Africa, the biopic that tells the life story of the iconic “Mother of the Continent” Miriam Makeba starts off a month of films that also includes Under African Skies, the story-behind-the-story of Paul Simon’s album Graceland that was recorded in South Africa at the heart of the cultural boycott.
Young African dancers and their impact are showcased in Martha & Niki whilst Shake the Dust is a powerful film from executive producer and rapper Nasir “Nas” Jones that chronicles the influence of breakdancing, exploring how it strikes a resonant chord in the slums, favelas and ghettos of the world and far beyond.
Below is the February schedule that kicks off this Sunday FEB 5th 2017
5 February
Mama Africa | Mika Kaurismäki | South Africa, Germany, Finland | 2011 | 90 min
An unforgettable portrait of Miriam Makeba (1932-2008), the world-famous South African artist and civil rights activist who devoted her life to promoting peace and justice and fighting racism around the planet. Her music and her life incarnated the hopes and fears of Africa through the convulsive 20th century. She was considered the voice and was affectionately known as the “Mother of the Continent.
* Audience Award – Berlin International Film Festival 2011
12 February
Shake the Dust | Adam Sjoberg | Global | 2014 | 83 min
From executive producer and rapper Nasir “Nas” Jones and journalist-turned-filmmaker Adam Sjöberg, Shake the Dust chronicles the influence of breakdancing, exploring how it strikes a resonant chord in the slums, favelas and ghettos of the world and far beyond.
Showcasing some of the most jaw-dropping breakdancing moves ever committed to film, Shake the Dust is an inspiring tribute to the uplifting power of music and movement.
*Seattle International Film Festival 2014
19 February
Under African Skies | Joe Berlinger | South Africa | 2012 | 89 min
Paul Simon returns to South Africa to explore the journey of his Graceland album, including the political backlash he received for allegedly breaking the UN cultural boycott of South Africa designed to end the Apartheid regime.
*Primetime Emmy Awards 2012
26 February
Martha & Niki | Tora Mkandawire Mårtens | Sweden | 2015 | 92 min
In 2010, Martha Nabwire and Niki Tsappos participated in the biggest international Street Dance Competition – Juste Debout in Paris – and won, becoming the first two women to become World Champions of Hip Hop.
This film depicts their love of dance, their dedication to each other, and their trials and tribulations as their friendship is put to the test.
*Tempo Documentary Award, Sweden 2016
