| (CNN) -- The new Web series "An African City" is fun, trendy and over the top. It's also breaking taboos, dismantling stereotypes and creating major buzz in the continent. Set in Ghana, the series focuses on five glamorous young women who've returned to Accra after living abroad for years. They navigate the chaotic world of love, adventure and careers -- all while trying to reconnect with their bustling capital in spiky heels and fabulous clothes. Fans describe it as the African version of "Sex and the City," a comparison that show creator Nicole Amarteifio readily welcomes. CNN caught up with Amarteifio to find out more about the series and what inspired the former expatriate to do it. And the story closely mirrors hers. Born in Ghana, her family fled to London in the 1980s because of a coup. They later relocated to the United States, where she grew up before packing up her bags recently and returning home. "I always dreamed of Ghana; Ghana was where I wanted to be," she says. "Ghana had color, it had potential, it had opportunity." CNN: How did this show come about? Nicole Amarteifio: I wanted something for African women, something for us and by us. I was tired of the sole narrative of the African woman being about poverty and disease. I wanted to see another narrative -- one of beauty, glamor and intelligence. I knew I had to do something about it -- I couldn't keep complaining about the problem. Why this particular theme? After returning to Ghana from the United States, I was sitting in my living room watching re-runs of "Sex and the City," and that sparked a solution to the problem: "An African City." I was first inspired by its model -- a Carrie, a Samantha, a Charlotte and, well, two Mirandas. Leading ladies being completely vulnerable and open in the discovery of themselves -- whether sensually or professionally. Women are raving about the show's fashion ... I wanted this show to be a platform for all creatives -- fashion designers, musicians, interior designers, painters, etc. Ghanaian designers graciously loaned us clothes to use during production. African culture tends to be conservative, and sex conversations can be a taboo. Are times changing? Yes, African culture can be conservative. But you get enough African women in a room, and conservatism can easily give way to what is real, to what is intimate, to what is vulnerable. And I think as a continent we are ready to bring down the facade and just be real. For the sake of the next generation, there are too many societal issues that need to be addressed in a real and authentic way. Critics say few African women can relate to the show. Thoughts? Do we all have to be burned-out chemistry teachers with cancer to relate to "Breaking Bad"? Do we all have to be Italian-American mobsters living in New Jersey to relate to "The Sopranos"? In Ghana, my choices for film entertainment are limited. "An African City" is trying to be the answer to what is lacking in our film industry; it's trying to be of high production value while incorporating the stories of Ghanaians and others throughout Africa. The show focuses on a narrative rarely seen, even in Africa. Was that your goal? I wanted a TV show about modern, beautiful, educated African women -- sometimes doing unintelligent things or going through absurd situations -- but for comedic purposes. When it comes to the African woman, there is room for many stories. Stories that we --as Africans -- can take control of and share with the world. What about this show unifies all women, regardless of background? As women, we've all been in love. We are all looking for love. If you're a female CEO or a woman pounding yams, you are trying to take stake of your love life. The love life you assumed you would have (because of societal/cultural ideals) versus the love life that realistically exists. But, for me, a key unifying factor ... is nearly every African woman wants the narrative on the African woman changed ... this show is one of the many ways to do so. Why did you decide to go the YouTube way, instead of TV? I loved that I would not lose any creative control to a TV network. I wanted to push some boundaries and I didn't want any TV network telling me otherwise. Which brings me to the next question. Are you generating revenue from the show? You know, for me, it's not about the revenue. Season one was really about just doing something in regards to the narrative, even if I had to use my own savings to get that done. What's the best compliment you're received so far? |
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