Starz has confirmed the production of a new drama project in collaboration with 50 Cent’s G-Unit films and Television and Mo Abudu’s EbonyLife Studio.
The project titled ‘Queen Nzinga’ will be set in 17th century Angola and follows the coming of age story of fearless warrior queen Nzinga.
According to history, Nzinga who became the first female ruler waged a 40-year guerrilla war against the kingdom’s formidable enemies and the cruel subjugation of her people by Portuguese slavers.
In the lead role as Nzinga is star actress Yetide Badaki (‘America gods’) who doubles as the show’ co-executive producer alongside 50 Cent, Abudu and Steven A. DeKnight.
“If you liked the movie 300 your gonna love this,” said 50 Cent on the series.
Confirming the production, Abudu shared: “The continent of Africa has a treasure trove of stories that are yet to be told. Queen Nzinga is a story that I have wanted to tell for a long time, so when EbonyLife Studios finally found a home for this project at Starz and Lionsgate, it was a dream come true.
“We are happy to be at the forefront of forging these new partnerships with such an incredible team of creatives, because it is truly about sharing our local stories with a global audience — stories that are historical, authentic and progressive.”
“It has been a long held dream of mine to bring the story of Nzinga to the screen. Her courage, determination and passion resonated from the moment I laid eyes on historical depictions of the legendary queen,” Badaki revealed.
“I am thrilled by Starz’s continued commitment to much needed stories about and by historically excluded voices and the deeply talented team being built to share this epic narrative with the world”
Abudu’s latest international deal comes in the wake of multiple signed this year including the recently announced BBC and EbonyLife partnership.
