What happens when a global TV hit meets Botswana’s untapped potential? The result is a show as bold as it is entertaining, turning heads and proving that Botswana has been waiting with bated breath for a seat at the global media table.
Family Feud Botswana, brought to life by Botswana Ignite, takes the format of the well-loved American TV show and adds a refreshing local twist that echoes the heart of Botswana. Ranked among the top three most popular syndicated TV shows in the United States, Family Feud has produced multiple regional adaptations in over 50 international markets.
While producing a show of this caliber and global popularity might seem daunting, Botswana Ignite’s production team approached it with confidence and expertise, drawing on years of experience producing international award-winning series such as Come Dine With Me, Dancing with the Stars, Got Talent, Idols, X-Factor, and many more.
Kee-Leen Irvine, Managing Director and Executive Producer at Botswana Ignite, says the challenge was in seamlessly blending global appeal with a local touch to create a show that feels authentic to both Botswana’s rich cultural landscape and the global audience. “Every great international format makes space for cultural localization so that it is both highly relevant and special to the local audience and also accessible to the worldwide audience,” she said.
Irvine highlighted that consultations and input from local cultural advisors were instrumental in ensuring that Botswana’s distinct humor and cultural identity are embedded in the casting and content. “How this is achieved starts with the design of the questions, followed by the fact that all the questions have been asked of 100 Batswana per question, so the answers you see on the board in the show are 100 percent Batswana,” she shared.
The host, Steve Harvey, also brings an added appreciation for local customs and culture through his exploration and enjoyment of Botswana’s uniqueness.
Securing the rights to produce a show of this magnitude is no small feat. However, Botswana Ignite’s impressive track record, coupled with funding from the Botswana government, helped cement them as the perfect partner for bringing the iconic show to Botswana.
The first five episodes of Family Feud Botswana have already made waves, collectively surpassing 1.2 million views on YouTube. The impressive viewership highlights the show’s broad appeal, not just for Botswana but for the global audience.
Beyond the entertainment value, Family Feud Botswana sets a new standard for TV production in the country, demonstrating that Batswana creators can produce premiere television content worthy of global broadcast.
However, the impact doesn’t stop there. The success of Family Feud Botswana is part of a larger vision for Botswana Ignite to transform the media landscape in Botswana. The team is dedicated to upskilling local talent, opening up job opportunities, and attracting international investment into the country’s growing entertainment sector.
In Irvine’s words, “We believe that we can contribute significantly to the work and support that the government is already providing by upskilling individuals, opening up international-quality production learning and job opportunities, facilitating and assisting with co-productions to provide jobs, training, and direct foreign investment into production to exponentially grow the local and international production industry of Botswana.”
Looking ahead, Botswana Ignite is not coasting on past glory. Instead, they are pushing forward with innovative projects to increase their brand’s influence and establish a strong presence in the global film industry.
The team is already preparing for future projects, including a drama series called Liar, which is set to air later this year. Additionally, they are working on a thrilling reality series titled Hunted, slated for release in the near future. These upcoming productions further solidify Botswana Ignite’s position as a leading player in the African entertainment space.
