Clive Myrie's African Adventure: A Vibrant Exploration of Culture and Hope
After decades as one of the BBC's most respected news presenters, Clive Myrie has embarked on a remarkable pivot into travel documentary-making with Clive Myrie's African Adventure. This ten-part series represents a delightful departure from his usual serious news bulletins, offering viewers a wonderfully engaging journey through South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana and Morocco.
From News Desk to Cultural Exploration
The transition might seem surprising to those who associate Myrie primarily with political reporting and breaking news coverage. Indeed, seeing him promote the series on The One Show just hours before presenting a major news bulletin created an intriguing contrast. Yet this shift builds upon his previous travelogues including Clive Myrie's Italian Road Trip and the Bafta-winning Clive Myrie's Caribbean Adventure, establishing him as a compelling chronicler of global cultures.
South African Beginnings with Depth and Joy
The series opens powerfully in South Africa, a country Myrie knows intimately from his time as a BBC foreign correspondent posted there. Reuniting with former colleague Milton Nkosi, they reflect on how media coverage often presents a one-sided narrative about the nation. Their exploration of Soweto serves as both celebration and corrective, acknowledging complex histories while showcasing vibrant contemporary culture.
One particularly moving moment finds Myrie sharing lunch with Ndileka Mandela, Nelson Mandela's eldest granddaughter. Their conversation about Mandela Sr's humanity becomes especially poignant when they discover they're eating his favourite dish of braised oxtail by pure coincidence. Myrie's personal connection to South African stories runs deep, having been inspired to enter journalism by news reports about apartheid he watched growing up in Bolton.
Immersive Cultural Participation
Throughout the series, Myrie demonstrates remarkable enthusiasm for hands-on participation. In South Africa, he enthusiastically joins street artist Senzo Nhlapo, declaring "Banksy who?" as he takes up a spray can. He tackles cooking traditional bunny chow, humorously comparing the stirring process to "rowing a boat in the Oxford and Cambridge boat race."
His visit to a Durban craft centre supporting women with HIV/Aids proves particularly touching as he attempts beadwork, joking that creating a complete South African flag might take him six months. Whether learning trapeze, trying jazz drumming, or dancing to amapiano music, Myrie's genuine engagement shines through every moment.
Addressing Complex Issues with Sensitivity
While filled with joy, the series doesn't shy away from Africa's challenges. The Ghana episodes prove especially powerful as Myrie, the child of Jamaican Windrush-era parents, explores his West African ancestry through the painful history of transatlantic slavery. Visiting the fortresses where enslaved people were held, he reflects: "I've spent my whole life reporting on the inhumanity of human beings to fellow human beings, but this is personal."
Yet Ghana also brings celebration as the Fante people welcome him with a naming ceremony, bestowing the name Papa Kojo Abaka. The series addresses contemporary issues too, examining textile waste pollution from Western countries and visiting the Or Foundation in Accra, where recycled sportswear becomes fashionable new outfits.
Innovation and Healthcare Solutions
Myrie meets inspiring innovators tackling Africa's pressing problems, including a startup developing an AI-powered chatbot to provide health advice to Nigerians amid a critical doctor shortage. The programme reveals staggering statistics, noting that approximately one-third of global maternal deaths occur in Nigeria, highlighting the urgent need for such healthcare innovations.
Moroccan Adventures and Series Impact
The Morocco episodes offer more traditional travelogue elements while maintaining the series' characteristic energy, even when Myrie finds himself milking goats in a segment that humorously channels Alan Partridge-esque television. Throughout, the series demonstrates that celebrity travel shows can be genuinely educational, informative and emotionally resonant while showcasing destinations beyond the usual European favourites.
Clive Myrie's African Adventure represents television at its most engaging and thoughtful. By blending cultural celebration with social awareness, personal connection with broader narratives, and pure enjoyment with meaningful commentary, Myrie has created something truly special. With so much of Africa remaining unexplored in the series, viewers will undoubtedly hope for further adventures from this accomplished presenter turned cultural guide.
