AFRICAN-AMERICAN actress, producer and bestselling author Gabrielle Union and American black TV network BET+ have captured the Hollywood star’s journey across Africa with her new two-part series My Journey To 50.
Premiering on June 15, the show follows Union and her family and friends as they travel across multiple African countries to celebrate her 50th birthday.
The actress offered insight into her travel experience.
‘I’ve always had a lifelong thirst for knowledge, [and] connecting with the birthplace of civilisation and my own ancestry helped me inch closer to my true self,’ Union told Travel+Noire magazine. ‘There was no other place I wanted to spend my 50th birthday. It was an experience I’ll never forget and I’m excited for audiences to join me on the journey.’
On the series, you’ll see Gabrielle and her family travel from Tanzania to South Africa. The show will take viewers through some of the most diverse and beautiful regions of Africa. It will focus on an introspective look at who she once was and honour the woman she is now. She also will learn about her heritage and welcome those who are traveling with her to rediscover their roots.
Gabrielle Union visits Tanzania
Tanzania is in East Africa and is known for its diverse wildlife, rich cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes. It is also home to Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. Mount Kilimanjaro attracts thousands of mountain climbers from all over the world each year. Another highlight of Tanzania is the tiny islands off the coast called Zanzibar. The archipelago has beautiful beaches, the historic Stone Town and a diverse culture.
There are over 120 different ethnic groups in Tanzania, each with its unique customs and traditions. The country is also home to several ancient civilizations, such as the Maasai and the Swahili. The people are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming nature.
Gabrielle Union visits South Africa
Located in the southernmost tip of Africa, South Africa has a lot to offer to travellers who seek culture and diversity. Home to one of the largest game reserves in Africa, Kruger National Park is home to animals such as the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros. Another highlight of South Africa is the coastal city of Cape Town. The city has stunning beaches, breathtaking views and vibrant nightlife. South Africa is also world-renowned for its wine. The country’s vineyards stretch across some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
Viewers can expect to see breathtaking visuals from Gabrielle and her family as this journey will include some of Africa’s most beautiful and diverse landscapes we’ve ever seen. The beaches, the wildlife and all the nature involved will make for one of the most visually appealing and culturally diverse reality series on any platform.
The show is executive produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment alongside Union’s, I’ll Have Another Productions, and is the first project out of her deal with BET+. The BET+ service features a mix of new and classic programming from BET and other ViacomCBS networks. My Journey to 50 can be accessed on the network on various devices including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs and streaming devices. It is available in the United States and several other countries.