“Desperate Housewives of Africa” is a localized adaptation of the popular ABC series, bringing the familiar drama and intrigue to an African setting. The show aims to resonate with local viewers by incorporating local talent, fashion, and interior design.
Production and Setting
The show was shot in Lekki, Nigeria, adding an authentic African backdrop to the storyline.
Storyline and Characters
It begins with the shocking suicide of Rume Bello (Mary Alice Young), a beautiful housewife known for her warmth and generosity. In death, Rume delves into the lives of the friends she left behind - commenting from her now elevated perspective. We are also introduced to the neighbours on the Lane including Rhetta Moore (Edie Britt) a twice-divorced real estate broker with a voracious sexual appetite, who aggressively competes with Tari for the affections of handsome newcomer, Larry Izama (Mike Delfino) who we later discover came to Hibiscus Lane with a hidden agenda.
The names of the characters in the original show were changed to African names, further grounding the series in its new setting.
Cast and Crew
Auditions for various roles were announced in December 2013. Mo Abudu, the CEO and executive producer, led the production. Directed by Quinty Pillay, the cast members were mainly from Nigeria.
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African Flavor
Mo Abudu, CEO and executive chairman, stated almost 2 years ago: “We are going to make it relevant, number one, by using local talent - talent that our viewers will know and love; two, we are going to work with local stylists, local fashion designers, local interior designers."
“We are going to give the stories an African flavor. We will localize it, because there’s nothing that the West has that Africa doesn’t have: we love, we fight, we kiss, we make up. We like all the good things in life. There’s good and there’s evil globally.
Broadcast
“Desperate Housewives Africa” was set to debut in 44 countries.
Production Break
On July 30, 2015, the show went for a production break in order to replenish the remaining nine episode.
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The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa
The latest installment follows the success of “The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: South Africa,” which ranked as one of Showmax’s most-watched series in 2024.
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Johannesburg’s representatives are Madam Evodia Mogase and Christall Kay, two original cast members who became the franchise’s first breakout stars in Africa. East African representation comes from Nairobi with Dr. Catherine Masitsa (Dr. C) and Zena Nyambu.
Dr. “‘The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa’ is more than just a reality show, it’s a celebration of African womanhood in all its power, diversity and glamour,” says executive producer Graeme Swanepoel. “For the first time, we’re bringing together iconic housewives from across the continent to share their worlds, their stories and their sisterhood.
Barrie Kelly, VP of international format production and development at NBCUniversal Formats, added: “Every African version of ‘The Real Housewives’ has captured the vibrant diversity of its country while resonating with audiences both locally and globally. With ‘The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa,’ we are taking that energy to the next level. Partnering once again with GOAT Productions and Showmax, this series brings together some of the most formidable Housewives for an unforgettable journey.
“The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa” premieres on Showmax on Nov.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Nigeria |
| Original Language | English |
| Number of Series | 1 |
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