Netflix's reality television series, Young, Famous & African, returned for its third season, offering viewers another glimpse into the lives of some of Africa’s leading socialites, entrepreneurs, and recording artists. The show, which premiered on Netflix, features friends from across the continent who descend on Johannesburg, South Africa, to enjoy the finer things in life.
First introduced in 2022, Young Famous & African features friends, who also happen to be some of Africa’s leading socialites, entrepreneurs, and recording artists. They descend on Johannesburg, South Africa from across the continent to enjoy the finer things in life-parties, high teas, lunch dates, basketball runs, and this season, a wedding.
The series highlights the vibrant and lush landscapes of South Africa, from the downtown streets of Johannesburg to a safari with elephants and giraffes, at the same time dispelling common misconceptions about Africa.
Young, Famous & African is aspirational; despite the drama, it’s the lavish lifestyle that viewers can only dream of.
Key Cast Members and Their Storylines
Season 3 of “Young, Famous & African” premiered on Netflix. Here’s a look at the cast:
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Returning Cast
- Annie Macaulay-Idibia: One of the original cast members, Annie returns for Season 3.
- Zari Hassan: Zari has moved on from her love triangle with Diamond Platnumz and Andile Ncube and is now preparing to marry Shakib Lutaaya.
- Swanky Jerry: The stylish Swanky Jerry returns, bringing his looks and drama, especially with his ongoing feud with Annie.
- Nadia Nakai: Coming off her “Gen Z South Africa” hosting gig, Nadia Nakai continues to work on her music.
- Quinton Masina and Kayleigh Schwark: Kayleigh is planning her wedding with Quinton, who remains neutral in the drama.
- Luis Munana: Luis returns for a second season, still navigating uneasy relationships with the cast.
- Diamond Platnumz: The playboy Diamond Platnumz is back for a third season, seemingly past his love triangle with Zari.
New Additions
- Kefilwe Mabote: A fashion and lifestyle social media influencer making her reality series debut.
- Ini Edo: A longtime Nigerian actress joining the cast.
- Shakib Lutaaya: A businessman and part-time amateur boxer, and Zari’s fiancé.
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Season Highlights
Aside from the wedding between Zari Hassan and Shakib Lutaaya, the main change in season two is the cast. While season one cast member, Khanyi Mbau, only makes two sporadic appearances due to personal reasons, including burn out and possibly relationship issues, added to the cast are business woman, Kefilwe Mabote, actress and producer, Ini Edo, and businessman, boxer, and Hassan’s previously mentioned husband, Shakib Lutaaya.
Among the standout cast members this season are Annie Macaulay-Idibia, who often finds herself at the centre of the drama, especially with her former bestie, Spanky, and her arch nemesis Nadia Nakai, who is mourning the loss of her real life recording artist boyfriend, Kiernan “AKA” Forbes. Recording artist and resident f*&% boy, Diamond Platnumz, is back to his womanizing ways, hitting on anything that walks. The king of style, Spanky, in all his extravagant, over-the-top, extraness, brings his fair share of drama, almost coming to blows with one of his fellow cast members.
This season features a wedding between the “Boss Lady” Zari Hassan and her much younger husband, Shakib Lutaaya.
Here is a table summarizing the main cast members and their roles in Season 3:
| Cast Member | Role | Key Storylines |
|---|---|---|
| Annie Macaulay-Idibia | Original Cast Member | Drama with Spanky and Nadia Nakai |
| Zari Hassan | Returning Cast Member | Wedding with Shakib Lutaaya |
| Diamond Platnumz | Returning Cast Member | Womanizing ways, moved past Zari |
| Swanky Jerry | Returning Cast Member | Feud with Annie |
| Nadia Nakai | Returning Cast Member | Working on music, mourning AKA |
| Kefilwe Mabote | New Cast Member | Fashion influencer debut |
| Ini Edo | New Cast Member | Nigerian actress |
| Shakib Lutaaya | New Cast Member | Zari’s fiancé, businessman, boxer |
| Kayleigh Schwark | Returning Cast Member | Wedding preparations |
| Luis Munana | Returning Cast Member | Navigating relationships with the cast |
Critical Reception
Some viewers found the season staged and overly produced, drawing comparisons to "Love and Hip Hop." Criticisms included inviting enemies to the wedding and spreading gossip behind each other's backs.
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Despite mixed reviews, overall, this was a highly entertaining season that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats and waiting for season four.
On 22 June 2021, Netflix partnered with Urban Brew Studios and A POP Media to produce its first African original reality television series, Young, Famous & African. This landmark project became a defining moment for the continent, showcasing Africa’s vibrant talent to the world through the global platform of Netflix.
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