Nearly ten years after it first captured audiences across the continent, the Breaking Down Borders Africa tour is making a comeback and this time, award-winning poet and actress Botlhale Boikanyo is leading the journey.
Known to many South Africans as the young poet who won South Africa’s Got Talent, Botlhale has grown into one of the country’s most recognisable young creatives. From acting roles on Scandal! to starring in films like The Deal and What About the Boys, her career has continued to evolve far beyond poetry.
Now, she is preparing for a new adventure, travelling across Africa as the face of season two of Breaking Down Borders Africa.
The tour, which blends travel, storytelling, dance and culture, aims to show viewers the beauty, history and creativity found across the continent. Instead of simply focusing on tourist attractions, the show also shines a spotlight on young African creatives and how their countries shape who they are.
Season one visited countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Senegal. The new season plans to explore even more destinations, including Morocco, Egypt, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Cape Verde.
For Botlhale, the opportunity is deeply personal. She described becoming the new face of the show as a “dream come true”, especially as the tour returns during significant moments in South African history, including the 50th anniversary of the 1976 youth uprising and the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March.
While dance will still play a big role in the show, Botlhale says season two will lean more into poetry and storytelling, two things she believes are deeply connected to African culture. “Storytelling and movement are intertwined in Africa,” she explained.
The show’s co-producer and director Paul Modjadji, who fronted the first season, says Botlhale brings fresh energy and a strong connection to young people. Co-producer Wandile Molebatsi added that her appointment highlights the importance of oral storytelling traditions in Africa.
The first season of Breaking Down Borders aired on SABC 1 and ended with a finale hosted by media personality Minnie Dlamini. Since then, the show has also gained international recognition, recently winning a Silver Telly Award in the Travel and Tourism category.
As the new season prepares to launch in September, audiences can expect more than just beautiful scenery. They can expect stories, voices and experiences that celebrate Africa through the eyes of its own people.
