A decade after captivating audiences with its bold celebration of African identity, culture and storytelling, the Breaking Down Borders Africa Tour is officially back — bigger, broader and driven by one of South Africa’s most compelling young voices.
Season two of the acclaimed pan-African tour has announced award-winning poet, actress and storyteller Botlhale Boikanyo as the new face of the production, ushering in a fresh era of African storytelling that promises to connect a new generation to the continent’s rich cultural heartbeat.
The relaunch arrives during Africa Month and coincides with two landmark commemorations in South African history: the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Youth Uprising and the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March — themes that naturally align with the tour’s mission of amplifying African voices, histories and creative expression.
For Botlhale, the appointment represents more than just a career milestone. It is a deeply personal and symbolic journey into the heart of Africa’s oral traditions.
“Being announced as the new face of Breaking Down Borders is a dream come true,” said Botlhale Boikanyo. “Taking the reins from Paul Modjadji who successfully launched the platform 10 years ago and carved it into a platform that has global reach and impact is a wonderful challenge and testament to the big shoes I have to fill.”
She added: “It is an honour to embark on my first Africa poetry tour with this incredible initiative in this 50th year of the youth uprising and the 70th year of the 1956 Women’s March.”
Botlhale’s rise to national prominence remains one of South Africa’s most inspiring creative success stories. She made history as the only poet to win South Africa’s Got Talent, instantly becoming a household name through the emotional power and maturity of her performances at a remarkably young age.
Since then, she has evolved into a multifaceted creative force, starring in productions including Scandal, The Deal, and What About the Boys, where she will reprise her role in the upcoming sequel premiering this month.
Now, she steps into a role designed to bridge cultures, generations and borders.
Unlike the first season, which heavily incorporated dance and travel exploration, season two places a stronger focus on poetry, spoken word and storytelling — art forms deeply rooted in African history and identity.
Still, movement and rhythm remain central to the experience.
“Dance will remain a pivotal part of the tour as I believe that storytelling and movement are intertwined in Africa,” Botlhale explained.
The first season of Breaking Down Borders toured multiple African nations including Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Senegal and several SADC countries, introducing audiences to local creatives, cultural landmarks, heritage spaces and untold stories shaping the continent’s youth.
The series became known for its immersive approach, allowing viewers to experience Africa beyond headlines and stereotypes — through music, poetry, dance, tourism and human connection.
Season two is set to expand that vision even further.
The new tour launches in September 2026 and will travel through ten African countries, including Morocco, Egypt, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cape Verde and more.
At its core, the production remains dedicated to showcasing how creativity shapes communities across Africa while encouraging cultural exchange between young Africans.
Co-producer and director Paul Modjadji says Botlhale’s appointment reflects the evolution of the platform and the importance of youth-driven storytelling.
“Botlhale Boikanyo brings with her a youthful zest and an undeniable connection to young people,” he said. “Her community development and advocacy work complements her mass appeal.”
Co-producer Wandile Molebatsi added that the decision also honours the importance of oral traditions within African culture.
“Botlhale Boikanyo’s appointment recognizes the importance of the oral tradition in African storytelling and culture,” he said.
The return of Breaking Down Borders comes at a significant moment for African storytelling globally. Across film, television, music and literature, African narratives are increasingly commanding international attention — not as niche stories, but as essential cultural voices shaping global conversations.
The tour’s success already reflects that momentum.
Season one aired in a primetime slot on SABC 1 and concluded with a finale hosted by Minnie Dlamini. More recently, the Breaking Down Borders Africa TV series earned international recognition after winning the Silver Telly Award in the Television – Travel & Tourism category.
As season two prepares to cross borders once again, the message behind the project feels more relevant than ever: Africa’s stories deserve to be told by Africans, through African voices, in African languages, rhythms and truths.
And now, with Botlhale Boikanyo leading the next chapter, those stories are preparing to travel even further.
