Netflix Africa content team has reshuffled with ex-Amazon exec Kaye-Ann Williams brought in to oversee TV and movies as Tendeka Matatu exits.
According to Deadline, Williams will takes on the newly-created Director of Scripted Content role and will focus on local productions, overseeing a team that develops and creates African original films and series. She joins after a short stint as content boss at The Traitors South Africa producer Primedia Studios and is a former Head of Scripted Series and Movies at Prime Video/Amazon Studios, where she focused on South Africa.
Williams will join shortly after the exit of Matatu, who was Director of Local Language Films, Africa, for the past three years. No word on Matatu’s next move but we are told he is pursuing other opportunities. His credits included Heart of the Hunter and Kandasamys: The Baby.
Kaye-Ann Williams will be reporting into Ben Amadasun, Netflix vice president of Middle East & Africa content. Speaking on Williams’ appointment, Amadasun commended her contributions to African television: “Kaye-Ann is a true champion of world-class storytelling and has worked with the best creative talent in South Africa, helping them to create some of the most ambitious projects on African television. I’m delighted to welcome Kaye-Ann to the team as we strengthen our long-term commitment to African storytelling.”
Since kickstarting local African commissioning with 2020’s Queen Sono, Netflix cited significant deals struck with the likes of Silverton Siege’s Mandla Dube and Jayan Moodley, creator of the Kandasamys franchise. Netflix’s focus on African storytelling aligns with its goal to deliver culturally diverse content to its global audience.
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