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If seeing Viola Davis as General Nanisca in The Woman King piqued your curiosity about the fierce women who protected the Motherland, then African Queens: Njinga is the perfect next step. The docudrama is produced by Jada Pinkett Smith and narrated by her as well. There are four episodes, and each one interlaces drama and talking heads to tell the story of an unknown hero.
African Queens: Njinga was written by NneNne Iwuji and Peres Owino. Iwuji is a diplomat in Latin America and Africa. She’s also a studied filmmaker and novelist, working now on her debut work, Anika’s Daughter. Owino is an award-winning writer and director. She’s worked with the best in the business in bringing Black stories to life.
The talking heads include anthropologist Luke Pepera, University of Chicago assistant professor Mary Hicks, and more academics who support the on-screen narrative. Njinga’s story is full of twists and turns and is told in beautifully filmed vignettes that make the history lesson engaging and entertaining.
We open in 17th century Western Africa where we meet Njinga, who is a princess of Ndongo. She was a woman of language — speaking her native tongue and Portuguese — and quickly became a diplomat and trusted counsel to her father. While her father is battling nearby tribes and local enemies, the Portuguese are closing in. One of the first major expanding empires, the Portuguese are pilfering slaves to take to Brazil to work their overtaken valuable sugar plantations.
Njinga realizes the threat of the Portuguese and advocates that her father unite with other tribes to drive them out. There are nearby mercenaries that are starting to work with the Portuguese, and these distractions, along with turmoil within Njinga’s own community cause her complaints to fall on deaf ears. After tragedy strikes, she’s forced to put aside her feelings and use her cunning and political prowess to protect her people and save her nation.
Jada Pinkett Smith narrates all four parts and does so with a learned gravitas and soulful voice. She’s able to set the scene with warmth when it’s needed and with cool hardness in necessary moments. The project is her baby, and by creating a docudrama rather than a narrative feature, she eliminates the need for embellishment. When certain scenes are unclear, the episode shows you a version and then an academic speaks to the legitimacy of that possibility.
In order for a concept like this to work, you need to have a cast that is up to the challenge. Playing Njinga is Adesuwa Oni. She’s relatively new to acting, with small roles in The Witcher and 400 Bullets. Though she may not be as seasoned, she brings passion and energy to the role of Njinga. She showcases not just her strength, but her vulnerabilities as well. Njinga soars off the page and becomes a true queen right before your eyes due to Oni’s thoughtful performance.
Another thing African Queens: Njinga does well is talk about the behaviors of the men of the tribe using the focus of today’s mental wellness studies. The king may have seemed indecisive and Njinga’s brother may seem psychopathic, but when framed in the very real depression that both appeared to suffer from, it adds context. To go through something like that is one thing, but to do so without having the language to understand why there was such a drastic change in mood and/or personality is different, especially when the backdrop of fighting slavery is added.
The episodes are shot beautifully and help tell the story almost as much as the words. The colors are bright, and the tribes are represented in ways that are distinct and each are given their own character. The only mild misgiving is the “when in doubt make them British” approach to accents, but it’s forgivable and only a small thing when put with the series as a whole.
African Queens: Njinga has the power to spark conversations and cause a thirst in those seeking more knowledge outside of what is taught in schools. There’s been a newly awakened focus on African royalty, and the kingdoms and tribes that existed where lies of poverty and destitution once lay. Along with this knowledge comes the fleshing out and humanization of these complex characters. We learn that before there was “Black” and before “African” there were Ndongoans, Matambans, and Kabasians. They were learned and educated people who were adept in trade and business. They also had faults and blindspots just like any historical dynasty or kingdom.
There’s a phrase that says, “If you want to be it, you need to see it.” Having something like this for a new generation to see is key important to guaranteeing the next form of African ancestral royalty is just around the corner. The series is both education and inspiration and well worth the watch. It’s something the whole family can watch and only contains some mildly suggestive themes. But it’s a series that will spark conversation and a hunger for more knowledge.
African Queens: Njinga premieres February 15, 2023, on Netflix.
If seeing Viola Davis as General Nanisca in The Woman King piqued your curiosity about the fierce women who protected the Motherland, then African Queens: Njinga is the perfect next step. The docudrama is produced by Jada Pinkett Smith and narrated by her as well. There are four episodes, and each one interlaces drama and talking heads to tell the story of an unknown hero.
African Queens: Njinga was written by NneNne Iwuji and Peres Owino. Iwuji is a diplomat in Latin America and Africa. She’s also a studied filmmaker and novelist, working now on her debut work, Anika’s Daughter. Owino is an award-winning writer and director. She’s worked with the best in the business in bringing Black stories to life.
The talking heads include anthropologist Luke Pepera, University of Chicago assistant professor Mary Hicks, and more academics who support the on-screen narrative. Njinga’s story is full of twists and turns and is told in beautifully filmed vignettes that make the history lesson engaging and entertaining.
We open in 17th century Western Africa where we meet Njinga, who is a princess of Ndongo. She was a woman of language — speaking her native tongue and Portuguese — and quickly became a diplomat and trusted counsel to her father. While her father is battling nearby tribes and local enemies, the Portuguese are closing in. One of the first major expanding empires, the Portuguese are pilfering slaves to take to Brazil to work their overtaken valuable sugar plantations.
Njinga realizes the threat of the Portuguese and advocates that her father unite with other tribes to drive them out. There are nearby mercenaries that are starting to work with the Portuguese, and these distractions, along with turmoil within Njinga’s own community cause her complaints to fall on deaf ears. After tragedy strikes, she’s forced to put aside her feelings and use her cunning and political prowess to protect her people and save her nation.
Jada Pinkett Smith narrates all four parts and does so with a learned gravitas and soulful voice. She’s able to set the scene with warmth when it’s needed and with cool hardness in necessary moments. The project is her baby, and by creating a docudrama rather than a narrative feature, she eliminates the need for embellishment. When certain scenes are unclear, the episode shows you a version and then an academic speaks to the legitimacy of that possibility.
In order for a concept like this to work, you need to have a cast that is up to the challenge. Playing Njinga is Adesuwa Oni. She’s relatively new to acting, with small roles in The Witcher and 400 Bullets. Though she may not be as seasoned, she brings passion and energy to the role of Njinga. She showcases not just her strength, but her vulnerabilities as well. Njinga soars off the page and becomes a true queen right before your eyes due to Oni’s thoughtful performance.
Another thing African Queens: Njinga does well is talk about the behaviors of the men of the tribe using the focus of today’s mental wellness studies. The king may have seemed indecisive and Njinga’s brother may seem psychopathic, but when framed in the very real depression that both appeared to suffer from, it adds context. To go through something like that is one thing, but to do so without having the language to understand why there was such a drastic change in mood and/or personality is different, especially when the backdrop of fighting slavery is added.
The episodes are shot beautifully and help tell the story almost as much as the words. The colors are bright, and the tribes are represented in ways that are distinct and each are given their own character. The only mild misgiving is the “when in doubt make them British” approach to accents, but it’s forgivable and only a small thing when put with the series as a whole.
African Queens: Njinga has the power to spark conversations and cause a thirst in those seeking more knowledge outside of what is taught in schools. There’s been a newly awakened focus on African royalty, and the kingdoms and tribes that existed where lies of poverty and destitution once lay. Along with this knowledge comes the fleshing out and humanization of these complex characters. We learn that before there was “Black” and before “African” there were Ndongoans, Matambans, and Kabasians. They were learned and educated people who were adept in trade and business. They also had faults and blindspots just like any historical dynasty or kingdom.
There’s a phrase that says, “If you want to be it, you need to see it.” Having something like this for a new generation to see is key important to guaranteeing the next form of African ancestral royalty is just around the corner. The series is both education and inspiration and well worth the watch. It’s something the whole family can watch and only contains some mildly suggestive themes. But it’s a series that will spark conversation and a hunger for more knowledge.
African Queens: Njinga premieres February 15, 2023, on Netflix.
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s the perfect excuse for our love of TV and movies to collide with our favorite forms of self-care. After all, what’s better than a binge-watch fest combined with an at-home DIY spa treatment? We certainly can’t think of anything. From creating the ideal ambience to using the most fab products to primp with while watching the latest show, this guide has you covered.
Here are the best products to pair with some of our February picks, and best believe they’ve been chosen with love.
The reality show Perfect Match arrives on Netflix on Valentine’s Day, and we have some delish non-alcoholic wine and rosé from Joyus that you’ll want to try as you watch celebrity singles search for love at a tropical paradise. Setting the luxurious vibe, Joyus is 100% woman-and-sober-owned and 100% bubbly deliciousness without the hangover.
To set the tone for the drama that will inevitably ensue, light up a Main Character or Rom Com candle from Mise en Scent. Hand poured in Brooklyn, these genre themed candles are inspired by films.
After that, it’s time to sit back, relax, and watch the matching and un-matching relationships begin.
Jane the Virgin star Gina Rodriguez stars in the ABC show Not Dead Yet, which premiered on February 8, 2023, about a woman in her thirties returning to her hometown after a relationship doesn’t pan out. This is one for those who need the total self-care pampering package.
The first thing to do is make an order at the Black woman-owned brand Postal Petals, as founder Talia Boone knows all about the healing magic of flower arranging. These vivid flowers could help bring the colors back into anyone’s life.
We also recommend Plants by Post, which offers an array of plants right from the nursery. They even offer workshops, like Valentine’s Day candle-making, Valentine’s Day floral centerpiece making, and more. There’s nothing like flowers to heal a wounded heart and make any space beautiful.
Then, comes the pampering. Your skin will thank you for Clean Beauty by Ana K and Aminnah. Clean Beauty by Ana K was founded by a medical aesthetician, AKA Ana K, with a passion for ethical skincare that helps with all body and face problems, including those pesky zits that cram our style. Aminnah is both playful and smooth, especially with the colorful vegan-friendly body butters, whipped soaps, moisturizing shaving soap, body oils, and more.
We have a strong suspicion that these products are going to help get over any ex, and in the case of Not Dead Yet, stop things from feeling too grim.
Now, this isn’t exactly the romantic vibe that most people dream of having, but Netflix’s You Season 4, which drops on February 9, is certainly keeping people on their toes. Joe Goldberg is going from killer to detective, so we have some products for those trying to wipe their hands clean of a romance gone wrong.
Fomin is unlike anything we’ve seen before with on-the-go soap sheets and tablets designed to travel with us anywhere. Each pack saves us from any and all dirty situations with dreamy scents like bergamot rose, lavender aloe, and more.
However, we know some bad romances still leave us feeling extra worn down, so we recommend the Curel line for sensitive skin. Let’s face it, the stress of Mr. Joe Goldberg after all these years could cause a wrinkle or two.
The Curel Makeup Cleansing Gel ($20) removes makeup with ease without getting rid of the skin’s moisture.
Mella will help with a good night’s sleep, and gorgeous skin, after the unpleasantness of a roller coaster relationship. Steady as You Glow ($24) is a melatonin-infused facial moisturizer that helps skin not to look tired or dull.
We’re hoping this is a winning formula for a fresh start. But just in case it’s a fitting time to get out of town, the Black-owned brand Cincha has travel needs covered with its Travel Belt Bag ($75), which is great for both short and long trips.
You’re never too old to fangirl, and the film 80 for Brady, now available in theaters, reminds us of the magic of both Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day.
80 for Brady is about four best-friend senior ladies who travel on a wild trip to see their hero, Tom Brady, during the 2017 Super Bowl.
We know exactly how you, and your friends, can look your best when you go to see your hero. Start things off by trying the Essentials Skin Care Collection developed by aesthetician Beth Pestotnik. Her products know how to take on aging, acne and more.
The Pure Deep Cleansing Gel for blemish prone skin does wonders with the power of oil control, salicylic acid, and other delectable ingredients.
While the dream team made up of Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, and Sally Field aren’t exactly in their twenties anymore, the movie trailer makes it clear that they’ll probably never get old, especially when it comes to a hilarious adventure.
Perhaps the Replenix Limited Edition Anti Aging Kit ($49) is their secret. Either way, it sure is ours. Each product has powerhouse ingredients, including medical-grade retinol, green tea polyphenols technology and more.
After our skin is simply glowing, it’s time for the final touches. Undone Beauty has the stunning Light on Lip lipstick that comes in vivid colors, including royal red, honey rose and others. After all, whether it’s Tom Brady or someone else, you want to dress to impress when it comes to your heroes.