🔅 🎥 "Things Fall Apart" Gets The Star Treatment
South Africa's Economic Revival & Senegal's President Stumbles Out of the Gate
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Chinua Achebe's classic novel "Things Fall Apart" to get the star treatment.
A24, the studio behind such indie gems as "Moonlight" and "Everything Everywhere All At Once," is developing a TV series adaptation of the groundbreaking book. And who's set to take on the lead role of Okonkwo, the fearless African warrior? None other than Idris Elba.
That's right, the man who's graced your screens as Stringer Bell in "The Wire," Heimdall in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and most recently, earned an Emmy nod for his role in "Hijack," is set to bring Okonkwo to life.
But Elba isn't just lending his acting chops to the project—he's also executive producing alongside Gina Carter under their newly-launched 22Summers production banner.
Joining them in the producer's chair are David Oyelowo and Amanda N'Duka of Yoruba Saxon, as well as Ben Forkner, Dayo Ogunyemi, and Achebe Masterworks.
For those unfamiliar with the novel (and if that's you, do yourself a favor and add it to your reading list ASAP), "Things Fall Apart" tells the story of Okonkwo, a warrior and leader who fights to preserve his people and culture as British colonizers disrupt his world.
The novel, which has been translated into over 60 languages and won numerous awards, is widely regarded as one of the greatest ever written. It's the first installment in Achebe's African Trilogy, followed by "No Longer at Ease" and "Arrow of God."
While no writer or streaming service/network is currently attached to the project, with A24 at the helm and Elba in the lead, it's safe to say this adaptation is in good hands.
South Africa's Coalition Government Triggers Wave of Investment amid Economic Revival Hopes
The formation of South Africa's business-friendly coalition government in July has sparked a wave of investment announcements and positive sentiment not seen in years, raising hopes that Africa's largest economy may be turning a corner after a lost decade-and-a-half. Key developments include:
ArcelorMittal SA reversed a decision to close two steel plants supporting 80,000 jobs
Qatar Airways bought a stake in South African airline SA Airlink
A $70 million auto-parts facility opened to supply Toyota, which had considered leaving the country
Anglo American announced a $625 million iron-ore investment
Factors driving the optimism include the sudden end to years of crippling power outages, plans to allow private participation in electricity, freight-rail, and ports, and improved relations between business and the government.
Markets have reacted positively, with the rand rallying, stocks hitting records, and bond premiums falling.
But huge challenges remain: The economy grew just 0.7% last year, a third of the workforce is unemployed, and government debt is seen as unsustainable at over 75% of GDP. Crime is rampant and prosecutions of corrupt politicians have been limited.
Business leaders expect the coalition government to outperform the previous ANC administration due to increased competition and the need for successes to bolster waning support. But the rosy relations and privatization pledges must translate into concrete action and results to sustain the positive momentum.
South Africa faces a competitive race with other nations to attract and retain the investment needed to drive job creation and economic growth. And this fear of failure may just spur politicians to accelerate reforms and get things done.
Fingers crossed! 🤞
Senegal's New President Stumbles Out of the Gate: Promises vs. Reality
When Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his mentor Ousmane Sonko swept into power in Senegal earlier this year, they rode a wave of youthful optimism and promises of radical change. But six months later, the reality of governing has hit them like a brick wall.
Faye and Sonko campaigned on a leftist, anti-establishment platform that resonated with young Senegalese fed up with widespread poverty and high unemployment.
Their victory was all the more remarkable because they had been released from prison just 10 days before the vote.
But then, the new administration faced pushback from parliament, where supporters of the previous president still hold a majority. Sonko consequently refused to present his policy agenda, citing parliamentary technicalities, leading some to accuse him of stalling until he gained full control.
And so, Faye had a choice: rule by decree or dissolve the legislature and call fresh parliamentary elections within 90 days. He chose the latter, and the new vote will be held on Nov. 17.
On the campaign trail, Faye vowed to achieve sovereignty, review Senegal's relationship with France, and abandon the West African CFA franc. But his first visit outside the continent was to French President Emmanuel Macron, raising eyebrows among those who had hoped for a more independent foreign policy.
The new administration has also been accused of cronyism, with almost half of Faye's cabinet appointments going to members of his own party. And despite promises of more gender equality, only 46 of the 300 appointments made so far are women.
Critics say Faye's diplomatic efforts, such as mediating between the Economic Community of West African States and three countries whose military rulers split from the bloc, are a distraction from the pressing domestic issues facing Senegal.
But supporters like Aminata Touré, a former prime minister who joined the opposition camp, argue that the new leaders need time to implement their vision.
"The point is, whoever we are partnering with, we're going to make sure that it's on a win-win situation."
Despite the challenges, many young Senegalese who supported Faye and Sonko remain optimistic about the future. They see the new administration as a chance to break with the past and build a more equitable society.
But as the saying goes, campaigning is easy, governing is hard. Faye and Sonko will need to deliver on their promises soon if they want to keep the faith of the young people who put them in power.
Watch this space…
Food for Thought
“Do not hurry the night; the sun will always rise for its own sake.”
— Kikuyu, Kenyan Proverb