The Book of Negroes is a series that explores the journey of Aminata Diallo, a young girl abducted from her village in West Africa and sold into slavery.
The Book of Negroes premieres on Monday, 2 May at 8:30PM.
The series is based on a novel of the same name by Canadian novelist Lawrence Hill. It gets its name from a historical document, TheBook of Negroes, which recorded the names of all slaves in order for them to qualify for freedom.
In 1750, 11-year old Aminata Diallo (played by Aunjanue Ellis) is abducted from her West-African village, placed in shackles and sent across the ocean to be sold into slavery. She survives the extreme hardship of her situation by using midwifery skills learned at her mother’s side and by drawing on the strength of character she inherited from her parents.
The series focuses on key issues that affected black people in the 18th century, such as slavery, identity and literacy. The heartbeat of the series is Aminata’s tireless and fearless quest to be free.
Filmed in South Africa and Canada, The Book of Negroes features a brilliant local and international cast, including Academy Award winner Cuba Gooding Jr. and some of South Africa’s most remarkable actors, like Thishiwe Ziqubu, Atandwa Kani, Jerry Mofokeng, Nondumiso Tembe, Andile Gumbi, Aubrey Poo and Fana Mokoena.
Watch the premiere of The Book of Negroes on Monday, 2 May at 8:30PM.