The Africa Channel (TAC) will mark the network’s 20th anniversary celebration with new original programming, including a documentary special recounting pivotal turning points in its history.
TAC 20: The Africa Channel Story traces the unforgettable two-decade-long journey of how the independent, Black-owned channel has contributed to evolving the narrative of Africa and its place in the world by using its platforms to become a cultural bridge between Africa and the global Black diaspora, particularly Black Americans.
Through rare archival footage and candid interviews, the special sheds a spotlight on TAC’s defining legacy—its groundbreaking productions, early recognition of today’s icons and the lives of people, places and events providing a gateway to contemporary African culture.
Narendra Reddy, COO of TAC, says, “Our anniversary programming airing throughout the remainder of the year highlights our 20-year journey of presenting contemporary narratives of Africa to Western audiences—defined by stories that debunk stereotypes, recognize the powerful influence of African culture globally and provide a megaphone for the authentic voices of Africans, as well as the Black diaspora worldwide – all while showcasing Africa in all its glory through a 21st-century lens.”
Adds Paula Williams Madison, a principal owner of TAC and a consultant, “Each and every day The Africa Channel reinforces our family’s continued belief in the power of the African narrative shaping and influencing Black America.”
Some notable milestones in TAC’s 20- year history include: -:
· 2005: The Africa Channel’s official launch. Established by James Makawa, a notable media expert and entrepreneur from Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), with distinguished investors that included humanitarian and NBA Global Ambassador Dikembe Mutombo along with support from various dignitaries including former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Andrew Young,
● Among the titles has been the first Black-produced and fully Black cast soap opera Generations, the continent’s first pan-African top model search and reality series The Face of Africa and Studio 53, a lifestyle & entertainment magazine series.
● 2009: TAC wins the NAMIC Vision Award for outstanding contributions to diversity in television programming.
● 2013: TAC offers its first live broadcast with Nelson Mandela’s official memorial service held at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, setting a precedent for the network providing future live events.
● 2016: TAC Studios launches.
● 2017: TAC launches Demand Africa, the company’s subscription video on demand (SVOD) service
● 2020: Demand Africa launches first free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channel.
● 2021: TAC expands reach into Latin America.
● 2024: TAC chairs International Emmys gala following several years of support, including as a semi-final round judging host.
● 2025: TAC launches TAC Labs, a tech-driven content facilities arm offering a suite of low-cost, AI-powered post-production and content management tools to help content creators expand into new markets.
The anniversary celebration will include a lineup of four thematic legacy programming blocks honoring diverse content and storytelling produced by the channel over the past two decades.
The Rhythms That Moved Us focuses on the iconic music and comedy stories told throughout the years. Journeys That Changed Us highlights the travel and exploration series, while Flavors That Brought Us Home showcases the different culinary specials and programming. Finally, Stories That Defined Us features documentaries that were central to TAC’s mission and growth.
This special programming will give viewers the opportunity to revisit and celebrate how TAC has helped redefine Africa on the global scene – leaving stereotypes of the past, and making way to create a vision of a vibrant and colorful continent that is diverse in culture, voices and stories.