Sakho & Mangane

Sakho & Mangane is a riveting crime thriller and action drama TV series that premiered in 2019 on Topic, the streaming service from First Look Media.

Set in the bustling, colorful cityscape of Dakar, Senegal, the series injects vibrant African culture, history, mythology, and mysticism into the traditional detective genre, providing viewers with a unique blend of supernatural mysteries and human encounters. Sakho & Mangane combines the familiar genre tropes of modern law enforcement dramas with mystical elements, resulting in a show that is as much a cultural exploration as it is a crime thriller.

The series focuses on the pairing of two mismatched but charismatic detectives - Commander Souleymane Sakho and Lieutenant Basile Mangane. Sakho, an astute and disciplined investigator, and Mangane, a reckless and roguish detective who tends to bend the rules in his pursuit of justice, are thrown together by circumstances and tasked to solve a string of peculiar and chilling crimes that have the city gripped in fear.

Commander Sakho, a relentless, by-the-book policeman who believes in following the rules to the letter, is brought out of his rural station and assigned to the Dakar police force due to his impressive track record. However, he quickly finds himself teaming up with lieutenant Mangane, who believes in doing whatever it takes to get results. Mangane, with his instinct-driven approach, frequently frustrates Sakho, but as they work together, they gradually learn to complement each other—especially when they keep finding themselves plunged into increasingly supernatural situations.

Brilliantly portrayed by Issaka Sawadogo and Yann Gael, Sakho and Mangane form a compelling duo, their contrasting personalities adding another layer of conflict and intrigue to the narrative. Despite their differences, they prove to be an efficient team, navigating a layered and complex world where crime and mysticism intertwine.

The series is directed by the acclaimed Toumani Sangaré and produced by Keewu Productions. Not just limited to a crime-thriller narrative, Sangaré brilliantly uses the setting of Dakar to showcase the unique blend of modernity and tradition present in many parts of Africa. He doesn't shy away from incorporating elements of African mythology and supernatural into the serie's world, providing viewers with an intriguingly different kind of crime narrative that stands out distinctly in the crime television genre.

An element of Sakho & Mangane that deserves special praise is its visuals, which are beautifully vibrant, showcasing Dakar in all its cluttered, noisy, bustling beauty—from the crowded marketplaces selling colorful textiles, to the grandeur of its historical buildings and modern high-rises. The sound design, too, pulsates with the rhythms of the city, featuring a mix of Senegalese music, which adds to the series' overall authenticity and sense of place.

Yet, underneath these engaging exterior layers, Sakho & Mangane is very much about its character relationships. The tension-filled partnership between Sakho and Mangane and their often-confrontational interactions not only fuels the narrative but also humanizes their characters, giving their roles depth and emotional weight.

Furthermore, the series goes beyond the usual 'whodunit' tropes to explore larger social issues. Discussion of politics, race, societal reformation, and legacy find their way into the narrative, providing not just entertainment, but also food for thought. The series tactfully handles these topics without letting them overshadow the primary plot, maintaining a delicate balance.

In conclusion, Sakho & Mangane is a unique and enthralling watch for lovers of crime dramas and thrillers, seamlessly blending traditional detective narrative with a fresh, gripping exploration of Dakar's cultural landscape, its modernity and traditions, and its supernatural undercurrents. The series offers an exceptional new perspective on the genre, along with a distinctive balance of action, suspense, comedy, and mysticism, set against the backdrop of one of Africa's most vibrant cities.