Acclaimed poet Botlhale Boikanyo is the new face of travel show “Breaking Down Borders Africa”.
Boikanyo made history as the only poet to win “South Africa’s Got Talent”. Since her win, she has established herself as a national treasure with leading roles on shows including e.tv’s “Scandal” and award-winning films “The Deal” and “What About the Boys” in a role she will reprise in a sequel premiering this month.
“Being announced as the new face of ‘Breaking Down Borders’ is a dream come true. Taking the reins from Paul Modjadji, who successfully launched the platform 10 years ago and carved it into a platform that has global reach and impact, is a wonderful challenge and testament to the big shoes I have to fill.
“It is an honour to embark on my first Africa poetry tour with this incredible initiative in this 50th year of the youth uprising and the 70th year of the 1956 Women’s March,” she said.
On the show, audiences are immersed in the countries toured, discovering history, heritage sites, and tourism landmarks while learning how young creatives are shaped by their countries.
Season two will kick off in September when the team tours Morocco, Egypt, DRC, Cape Verde, and others.
“It is an honour to follow Paul at the helm of this pioneering show and I look forward to learning from these landmark historic movements while making them relevant to today’s youth.”
Season two of the tour will see the pan-African format focus on Boikhanyo’s storytelling and poetry.
“Dance will remain a pivotal part of the tour as I believe that storytelling and movement are intertwined in Africa,” Botlhale said.
Season one of “Breaking Down Borders” toured Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Senegal and five other SADC countries.
“The announcement of the new tour is being made during this year’s Africa month, and the team is beyond excited to announce Botlhale as the new host.
“Botlhale Boikanyo brings with her a youthful zest and an undeniable connection to young people. Her community development and advocacy work complements her mass appeal,” said Paul Modjadji, who will stay on as the tour’s co-producer and director with co-producer Wandile Molebatsi.
“Botlhale Boikanyo’s appointment recognizes the importance of the oral tradition in African storytelling and culture,” said Molebatsi.
“Breaking Down Borders Africa” TV series recently won the Silver Telly Award in the Television – Travel & Tourism category.
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