First Look: Netflix Original “African Queens” with Jada Pinkett Smith

First Look: Season 1, African Queens. Credit: Netflix

Netflix has given the green light to two seasons of a documentary series about African Queens, whose legacies have been lost to Western history. The series will come from Westbrook Studios and Nutopia, with Jada Pinkett Smith onboard to Executive Produce, as well as narrate the series.

Season One, which comes to Netflix on February 15th, will follow Njinga. A fearless and captivating 17th century warrior queen of Matamba and Ndongo, in modern day Angola, Njinga was the nations first female ruler. Njinga earned a reputation for her blend of political and diplomatic skill with military prowess and became an icon of resistance.

Season Two will cover the life of Cleopatra, the world’s most famous, powerful, and misunderstood woman - a daring queen whose beauty and romances came to overshadow her real asset: her intellect. Cleopatra’s heritage has been the subject of much academic debate, which has often been ignored by Hollywood. This series re-assesses this fascinating part of her story.

The series will blend together premium docudrama, with expert interviews and insight, to bring the stories of these African Queens back into public consciousness. Speaking on why this project, Jada Pinkett Smith said

As the mother of a young Black woman, it is immensely important to me that she learns the lessons of the African Queens who paved the way for our success and the success of generations of Black women. I am very passionate and excited about bringing the stories and lessons of these powerful women to light in order to showcase their strength, leadership, and undeniable influence on history.

Scroll down for a preview of what’s to come when Season One drops on February 15th.