“There are so many stories to be told in regard to the Black experience globally. I think that it’s important to tell the stories now because we can and haven’t always been able to. Even though there’s a lot more work to do, we’re at a place now where we have the ability and the opportunity to tell stories that have been forgotten as well as the stories that are part of our everyday lives, and what a gift that is. It’s a testament to standing on the shoulders of all of those that came before us that didn’t have the opportunities that we have but were part of carving out the path for all of us to get to where we are today. African Queens is in honor of that.” – Jada Pinkett Smith

Series Premiere: February 15, 2023

Format: Documentary Series, 4 x 45-min episodes

Synopsis: From Executive Producer Jada Pinkett Smith comes a new documentary series exploring the lives of prominent and iconic African Queens. The first season will cover the life of Njinga, the complex, captivating, and fearless 17th century warrior queen of Ndongo and Matamba, in modern day Angola. The nation’s first female ruler, Njinga earned a reputation for her blend of political and diplomatic skill with military prowess and became an icon of resistance.

Narrated by Jada Pinkett Smith

Executive Producers: Jada Pinkett Smith, Miguel Melendez, Terence Carter and Sahara Bushue for Westbrook Studios; Jane Root, Maxine Watson and Ben Goold for Nutopia.

Writers: Peres Owino and NneNne Iwuji

Production Companies: Westbrook Studios, Nutopia