The Book of Negroes is based on a book of the same name written by Lawrence Hill.
It’s the story of 19th century slave, Aminata Diallo (played by Aunjanue Ellis), who bravely navigates the perils of the slave trade in an attempt to secure her freedom and to return to her home village in Sierra Leone.
The first episode of the six-part mini series will air on BET tonight at 20:10 CAT and stars Cuba Gooding Jr and Louis Gosset Jr.
The television series was filmed in Canada and South Africa.
South African audiences can look forward to seeing Fana Mokoena, Siya Xaba, Nondumiso Tembe (The Avengers: Age of Ultron, True Blood, Generations), Thishiwe Ziqubu, Zethu Dlomo, Anele Matoti and Andile Gumbi (Isibaya).
Gumbi will be playing the part of Mamadu, eleven year old Aminata’s father. Gumbi was alerted by his agent to audition for the series.
He says he originally auditioned for a different character but the show’s producers asked him to read for the part of Mamadu. They loved him and he got the job.
Sowetan LIVE wanted to know if there is anything else Gumbi is working on and he said no.
“I’m currently just busy with Isibiya for now. Keeping my head low,” he said.