Exclusive: Netflix's African content team has reshuffled its ranks with former Amazon executive Kay-Anne Williams to oversee TV and films with Tendika Matatu exiting.
Williams takes on the newly created role of Director of Scripted Content and will focus on local productions, overseeing a team developing and creating original African films and series. She joined shortly after as head of content at Traitors The South African producer of Primedia Studios is a former head of scripted series and films at Prime Video/Amazon Studios, where she focused on South Africa.
Williams will begin her role next month, and will report to Ben Amadason, Netflix's vice president of content for the Middle East and Africa.
Williams, who has been a director of local language films in Africa for the past three years, will join shortly after Matatu's exit. There's no word on Matatu's next move but we're told he's pursuing other opportunities. His credits included Hunter's heart and Kandasamis: Child.
Amadason credited Williams with helping creative talent “create some of the most ambitious projects on African television.”
“I am thrilled to welcome Kay-Anne to the team as we strengthen our long-term commitment to telling African stories,” he added. “I look forward to working with her to continue building on the great work the team has done so far to deliver compelling stories from Africa and strengthen our many local creative partnerships.”
Amazon cut funding in Africa and laid off workers last year, and local sector sources recently wondered if Netflix was heading in the same direction, with rumors of shows being withdrawn.
But Netflix declined, stating that it was “reinforcing its investment in African storytelling” and citing Williams’ excellent credentials.
Since the start of local African operation in 2020 queen Sono, Netflix cited significant deals it has struck with the likes of Silverton Siege Mandla Dubey and Gyan Moodley, creator of the Kandasamy film series.
At the recent MIP Africa in Cape Town, Amadasun unveiled three new films as well as a featurette Blood legacy Series of Blood and water Producer of Gambit Films and reality shows Love Never Lies: South Africa.
This news comes after a strong week for Netflix. The streaming company shattered estimates by adding nearly 19 million subscribers in the fourth quarter — the last quarter in which it will announce those numbers.
