Review: Binge or Cringe? 'Young, Famous, and African' Money Can't Buy Happiness
Hoping off a private jet on and onto the red carpet, are the Season 2 cast members from Young, Famous, and African docusoap. The cast members are returning to South Africa after not seeing each other for a year and are not holding anything back this season when it comes to discussing different issues whether it be scandalous affairs like cheating or being someone’s side piece, health issues, family issues, relationship issues, and more; think Kardashians – with the zeal of South African banter, a cast like The Real Housewives of Atlanta, induced with braggadocios charm, swag, and culture.
The Plot:
Season Two starts off with nine episodes featuring even more drama and fights stemming from Season One. The cast reunites after a cliff-hanging finale that threatened to break the crew apart. The tension is thick as Diamond returns from his tour and is planning a party inviting all his friends where all the energy and vibes are bound to spill over due to problems unresolved. Introduced this season are new cast members Bonang Matheba, an on-air personality, Fantana, a Ghanaian dancehall musician, and Luis Munana, an internet personality. Khanyi, the series’ de facto lead, as always, plays mediator, drama queen, and investigator all-in-one to figure out what the beef is between Annie and Swanky, Andile and Diamond, and other featured cast members.
Each episode is drama packed filled with new drama with some of the women fighting over the men namely, Zari vs. Fantana over Diamond is one example and even the women fighting the men Bonang vs. Luis, Annie vs. Swanky, and Diamond vs. Zari. Regardless of how many problems are tried to be avoided every cast member has no choice but to face every issue head-on regardless of what the outcome may be. One instance brought to light is a certain cast member bringing in not one, but two of his ex-wives to his current love interest’s birthday party. You can guess how that ended, in a MESS.
The main dark cloud over the whole series is the elephant in the room which both contenders Annie and Swanky refuse to address. The explosive feud unraveled from episode one, causing the other cast members to feel uncomfortable and uneasy. The “best friends” had awkward exchanges and petty jabs thrown at each other throughout the series leaving others to wonder what the cause of their estrangement was. Newest member Bonang wasted no time leaving her mark this season. Bonang presence in the group left cast members with a bitter taste in their mouths causing Bonang initial discomfort. Eventually, she finds her place amongst the group of friends, but not without sparking drama between her and fellow castmate Luis. Tension grows to a breaking point causing Bonang to make some hasty decisions that resulted in an explosive fallout.
What’s The Difference?
Season Two in comparison to Season One is shorter in terms of episode times pushing a little over thirty minutes for each episode excluding the season finale. The new season is even more dramatic and flashy compared to Season 1 because we are seeing styles change to a more majestic and regal flare that viewers will immediately sense in the opening episode. The drama is carried over from Season 1 into Season 2 in the sense that the cast members are more openly communicative with each other throughout their interviews and in-person sit-downs with one another. The dynamics have changed as the cast tries to figure out how to maneuver in the midst of dwindling friendships, tension with exes, and the constant back and forth between romantic interests. Will these friendships and relationships stand the test of time, or will the superstars continue to act like commoners? Find out on Netflix!
Was It a Binge or Cringe?
It took some time to get used to the cast throwing parties, frivolous shopping sprees, expensive wear, and private jetting from country to country as if it were a part of daily chores that took me aback. Many of the cast members’ problems are cringe-worthy circling around gossip and lacking respect for otherworldly problems that are happening right in their neighborhood avoiding a sense of humility. Albeit an extremely lavish and self-centered group, the show stands to shed light on crushing the stereotype that Africans are poor by overcompensating in the luxurious car makes, mansions, formal attire, and status. These grandiose acts of wealth show the world that Africans can live the same lifestyles as the ones you see on television in America (i.e., Vanderpump Rules, Bling Empire, Dubai Bling, etc.), but larger! This series aims to change the narrative and educate viewers that South Africa offers more than what is portrayed on TV, especially with a cast made of gold.
Who Will Like It:
Previous fans will love the second season of the series. They will be able to see highlights like Khanyi getting challenged by other Alpha women and self-proclaimed Queens B’s like herself, arguments between the male cast, and more. Viewers who are new to the series will love the show if they are into shows like Love & Hip-Hop (without the physical fights), the Bravo Housewives franchise, and Bling Empire. Both Season One and Two are streaming on Netflix and hold an IMDb rating of 4.9/10. Regardless, do not let the ratings fool you this show is a certified laugh filled with shade, love, and tea all in the same cup.