Sony Pictures Television has set a deal with the African broadcaster and studio, EbonyLife, which is set in Nigeria.

The deal includes three scripted television series, one of which will be based on the Dahomey Warriors, the real-life warriors who served for over 200 years in what is the present-day country of Benin. The Dahomey Warriors are considered to be the inspiration for Black Panther‘s all-female bodyguards, the Dora Milaje.

The development of this series will begin immediately and the other scripted projects will be set soon, with Sony Picturese Television distributing the shows internationally.

“Ever since our launch in June 2013, our vision has always been to change the narrative about Africa and to tell our stories from our perspective. We have invested in the creation of quality programming and the development of our people and their ideas. It is this ethos that has given us the opportunity to partner with a world-class organisation like Sony Pictures Television. Now we have the opportunity to bring the fascinating story of The Dahomey Warriors, and many others like it, to audiences around the world. It has been hard work getting here, but that’s what we are known for at Ebony Life. As I always say, ‘If you can think it, you can do it,’ said Ebony Life CEO Mo Abudu.

“Mo Abudu is one of the most formidable and creative figures in Nigerian television, and with Ebony Life her and the team are creating something that is truly ground-breaking and extraordinary. Our aim is to help Ebony Life create a portfolio of African content that will fulfil their aim of being one of Africa’s prime creator of premium content,” Wayne Garvie, President, International Production, Sony Pictures Television added,

This is the third known project on the Dahomey Amazons. Viola Davis and Lupita Nyong’o are starring in The Woman King, set at TriStar Pictures. Another scripted, live-action series is in development from NCIS producer Charles F. Johnson, along with French producer/director/writer Joy Fleury, and producer Karen Gordy, with no network set.

Dahomey Amazons

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