The Polygamist Netflix Series Endorses Zimbabwean Storytelling

By Monalisa Ntibane

Zimbabwean-born author Sue Nyathi says the adaptation of her book The Polygamist into a Netflix series is a major endorsement of Zimbabwean storytelling on the global stage.

Speaking to SkyzMetro Fm, Nyathi said, although the story was adapted into a South African context, its themes are universal and could easily fit into any African setting, highlighting the strength and relatability of African narratives.

“Although the story was adapted into a South African context, its themes are universal and could easily fit into any African setting,” she said.

Fourteen years after writing the book, Nyathi said the success of the series proves that Zimbabwean stories can resonate across Africa and beyond.

She described herself as a Bulawayo girl whose story has now gone global, adding that the success of the Netflix series gives visibility and recognition to Zimbabwean storytellers.

“I see myself as a Bulawayo girl whose story has gone global,” she said.

Nyathi added that watching the story come to life on screen was an emotional experience, as it transformed something that once existed only in her imagination into a visual production watched by audiences worldwide.

“Watching the story come to life on screen was an emotional experience as it transformed something that only existed mu imagination,” she said.

She also praised the production team for bringing the story to life, saying it was only after watching the completed series that she fully realised the quality of the production.

“Everyone involved in the production did a good job and it was only after watching the completed series that I fully realised the quality of the production,” she said.