As African culture, music, food, and fashion begin to gain traction in mainstream television, influenced by social media and globalization, curiosity about Africans and our vibrant culture is on the rise.
Despite notable exceptions like the South African Netflix drama ‘Blood & Water’ and the reality show ‘Young Famous and African’, there has been little to no representation showcasing the lives of Africans who have immigrated to the US or the experiences of first-generation children of African immigrants.
Last week, Hulu shared a trailer of a new reality TV series ‘Royal Rules of Ohio’ that is set to premiere on today, May 15, 2024, at 10:30/9:30c. As outlined in the synopsis, “the Agyekum sisters live a lavish life as the daughters of royal descendants of two of the most wealthy and powerful Ghanaian kingdoms. However, with that privilege comes great responsibility. Behind closed doors, viewers are given a glimpse into the double lives the sisters are living that could tarnish their family’s noble reputation.”
With the excitement building for this new show, there are two perspectives to consider. On the one hand, it presents an amazing opportunity to showcase Ghanaian culture and traditions to a wider audience, promoting positive cultural exchange and awareness.
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However, there’s also the concern that the portrayal might lead to stereotypes or exaggerations and dramatizations for entertainment purposes, potentially distorting the cultural realities of Ghanaian life and values.
The series claims to delve into the ‘double lives’ of the sisters presenting a narrative that could either offer a thoughtful reflection on personal identity and societal expectations or descend into sensationalized drama.
The responsibility lies in how these themes are handled – whether they are sensitively portrayed to provide meaningful insights or exploited for entertainment ratings.
Reality TV is mostly about entertainment, however, viewers can learn a thing or two from some of these shows, especially when most of the plota depict real cultural practices, family life, and personal struggles. It’s important to think about how the show portrays some aspects of Ghanaian culture compared to how much is altered for dramatic appeal.
There’s also the big question of how the family’s privacy and real-life problems are revealed in real-time. We don’t want them to be judged or shown in a way that isn’t true to who they are.
Overall, while the show is a great chance to share Ghanaian culture with the world, it’s important to treat the people in it with respect and honesty, and not just use them for entertainment. How well the show balances being true to life and being entertaining will decide how much people like it, both in Ghana and around the world.
If you don’t have access to Hulu, don’t worry! We’ll keep you updated with episode reviews and impartial commentary.”