Wara

Wara, a TV series aired on TV5 Monde in 2020, explores the captivating world of high finance and power struggles within business and political realms in the African continent. The title 'Wara', which signifies 'Warrior' in the Peul language, brilliantly portrays the battle of wills, machinations, and conflicts that unravel in the series.

Set in the beating heart of West Africa, the bustling capital city of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso, Wara delves into the lives of influential business magnates, youthful aspirants, and political bigwigs, all entwined in the cut-throat corporate world. The storyline masterfully encapsulates the high stakes game where ambition, corruption, conspiracies, and resilience thrive amidst the opulence and the underbelly of African society.

A prominent narrative thread in the show highlights Amélie Dacosta, an audacious young woman who, after studies in business school in Paris, decides to return home to her roots in Africa. Amélie is the heartbeat of the series, and her journey of forging her identity, carrying the mantle of the family business, standing up to gender discrimination, and achieving her dream in the wolves' den of finance is both inspiring and riveting.

Just as critical is the role of the charismatic Assitan Traoré, a seasoned and astute bank CEO, who guides and mentors Amélie's journey, providing her with valuable insights while manoeuvring the turbulent world of finance herself. Their unique bond, a blend of mentorship, friendship and rivalry, serves as the series' emotional core, radiating a multifaceted female representation in a man's world.

Wara is not merely a corporate drama or a tale of personal growth and power struggles; it is a refreshing take on African women in leadership roles, of their courage, and their ability to navigate and dictate terms in a traditionally male-dominated sphere. Through its strong and relatable characters, Wara breaks many stereotypes and presents a more nuanced reflection of the African woman – confident, brave, smart, and influential.

In addition to its well-rounded characters and intricate plot, Wara brings to life the vibrant landscapes, cultural diversity, and socio-economic dynamics of West Africa. Being one of the few series that showcase this region, it provides a unique introduction to the rich traditions, modern aspirations, and paradoxes of this under-represented part of the world.

Moreover, the original soundtrack, which blends traditional African music with contemporary sounds, adds another layer to the series, intensifying key moments and immersing the audience further into the narrative. The background score, peppered with local languages, adds authenticity to the scenes and renders a rhythmic flow to the storytelling.

The series, produced by Lagardère Studios and Burkina Faso's Clarens Films, surpasses conventional boundaries by creating a program that is authentic to the continent it represents, while maintaining a global appeal through its universal themes. Wara offers the audience intriguing insights into the modern African film industry's potential, which is often overlooked in the global entertainment industry. Besides, with a majority of the cast and crew being African women, the production significantly contributes to female representation behind the scenes as well, manifesting the series' feminist roots not just in its narrative but its execution too.

Wara depicts far more than traditional power games; it celebrates an Africa on the move, aspiring, evolving, and breaking stereotypes, through characters that are representative of its hope and potential. It brings intrigue and local flavours wrapped in a unifying global appeal, rendering it a must-watch for anyone interested in diversified stories and cinematic narratives. As an engaging drama, Wara invites viewers around the world to witness a fresh perspective on Africa's corporate panorama, its vibrant culture, relentless spirit, and its indomitable women who stand their ground in a world that often undermines them.

Through Wara, TV5 Monde bridges cultural gaps and presents a slice of African life interwoven with universally appealing themes. It illustrates the power of television in encouraging meaningful dialogue between cultures, fostering understanding, and providing representation to diverse voices. The series unveils that despite our differences, our dreams, ambitions, struggles, and resilience are entirely universal, making Wara a captivating watch that transcends beyond its geographical boundaries.