Netflix podcast relays inspiring stories and topics
Never Late/African Time features some of Africa’s finest actors
Award-winning radio presenter Andy Maqondwana says Netflix’s first African podcast Never Late/AfricanTime will examine issues in the creative space in the continent.
Speaking to Sowetan, Maqondwana said the podcast would also be a great vehicle to get to know one’s favourite personalities, will relay stories and topics that are inspiring.
Maqondwana, together with Zweli Mbhele, will be steering the podcast wheel, which is set to debut today.
It will feature Africa’s finest as guests, like award-winning Kenyan actress Catherine Kamau Karanja who is popularly known as Kate Actress, Nigerian actress and media personality Nancy Isime, and SA’s iconic thespian Israel MatsekeZulu.
Maqondwana said this was a career highlight for her. “We live in such a beautiful continent – that has always been the heartbeat for entertainment, resources, culture, spirituality and so many more. I love that we are in a place where we are now seeing ourselves for the power we have and we are not seeking any validation for it.
“This podcast really is an insight into so many actors and creators’ experiences in the African film and the TV industry as entertainers, as well as humans. I really believe it will be the bridge between the film and TV communities on the continent,” she said.
With only five episodes to start, Maqondwana said the podcast becomes an extension to the legacy – of making people feel something, be seen and be heard, and being transformed just from the three hours a day that she spends on air – that she is building.
With this new gig, she affirms that she is living her wildest dreams. “I enjoyed that it (podcast) really allowed us to use our radio expertise while diving into a whole new medium that is on-screen. Working with someone like Zweli made the process so much sweeter. We have been colleagues in the past but never got to work together on a project. It may seem cliché, but every aspect of it was amazing.
“From working with the production team who are beyond brilliant and precise, to the guests who were so open and vulnerable. We had many hilarious moments and really gut-wrenching moments with our guests and I can’t wait for you to see it all.”
And although she says she enjoyed all the conversations she shared with Africa’s crème de la crème, the conversation that stood out was with some industry legends during which they tackled topics such as how they feel about being called a legend, also sharing their journeys in the entertainment industry, which she deems eyeopening and gut-wrenching.
“I think anyone who watches that episode will be so moved by the gems shared there.”
Her love for radio developed from a very young age when she would listen to it via a wireless radio that her father bought her and her sister.
“The radio had a big PP9 battery and we would listen to that all day as our form of entertainment. It was when I went to university that I discovered the campus radio station while on tour, and then signed up... and the rest has been history.
“The science behind radio is very intriguing and one where you never stop learning and evolving, and I enjoy that kind of thrill, and connecting with people on an intimate level.”