SOUTH AFRICA'S TV WEBSITE
SIGN IN SEARCH MENU
SOUTH AFRICA'S TV WEBSITE


The power of Kunta Kinte lives on after Roots

Written by TVSA Team from the blog History on 07 Jul 2016
Favourite this post



History channel's phenomenal, shocking, heart-breaking and unforgettable Roots ended on Wednesday night (6 July) and what remains is the spirit of Kunta Kinte.


Kunta's had such a dramatic impact on so many people that there are those who celebrate him annually at a Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival. It's been happening for 27 years in Annapolis, Maryland and it's a celebration of African culture inspired by Kunta and Roots.

It happens in Maryland because Maryland was America's first national capital and it attracts thousands of visitors who gather to celebrate the cultural heritage of people of African descent.


The official website describes the festival as a blast and from the sounds of it, it is. The festival grounds are transformed into an African market with arts and crafts and performers entertain with live music, spoken poetry etc. People can stay over so you can lose yourself and forget about everything else.


Kunta's also had an intense impact on actor and producer LeVar Burton, who played him in the original mini-series in 1977.

LeVar went on to play Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge on Star Trek so Kunta catapulted his rise to stardom and ultimately inspired the Roots remake. LeVar co-produced the new series and has this to say about the effect that Kunta's had on him...

LeVar: Roots was my first job. In fact, it was my first professional audition. I was 19, and it changed my life. It gave me the life that I enjoy now. Coming back to this project again, 40 years later, is really extraordinary.

I used to think that life was very much a linear journey, but this experience has really shown me that it’s really circular in nature.  I’ve come back to this same place, with this same project, but with a whole new cast of characters, both in front of and behind the camera.

Profound and oh-so-cool. What impact has Kunta had on you?
 

Actors in this post: LeVar Burton

Shows in this post: Roots

Channels in this post: History Africa



Comments


Only TVSA members can reply to this thread. Click here to login or register.






LATEST ARTICLES

New on TV today: Monday 1 September 2025

Rock musical drama The Runarounds debuts on Prime Video as Discovery finds Treasure Hunters Down Under.


New on TV today: Sunday 31 August 2025

Survivor: Australia v The World starts on M-Net and Unfollowed returns to Mzansi Magic.


New on TV today: Saturday 30 August 2025

HISTORY stalks The Sumatran Monster and Kom ons Braai: Celebs returns to VIA.


On Carte Blanche: Counterfeit alcohol in mainstream shops

What's in our glasses? Authentic brands or knock-offs? An investigation into fake alcohol.


Skemergrond character portrait: Keeno-Lee Hector as Ivan “Ice” Matroos

Keeno's based his interpretation of the character on someone he knows.


The River 6 on Mzansi Magic Teasers - September 2025

Series finale! Refilwe bids farewell to one of its longstanding citizens, with an unexpected twist.


New on TV today: Friday 29 August 2025

Slim Vang sy Baas: Musiek is new on VIA and Spring Baking Championship returns to Food Network.


Koel Kop, Warm Hart 2 Teasers - September 2025

An apprentice is found dead inside a giant organ, followed by a second body nearby. Could the music itself be the killer?


The Evil Eye Returns Teasers - September 2025

Arjun uncovers proof as a video shows the Daayan, disguised as Gauri, putting out the sacred flames.


016 FM Teasers - September 2025

MISSING. Keith. He's locked up in a supply room as everyone prepares for the Kwaal of The Vaal.

LATEST SITE ACTIVITY


More activity at TVSA Central



,

LATEST SOAPIE TEASERS



,

LATEST SOAPIE TEASERS





×
×

You browser doesn't have Flash, Silverlight, Gears, BrowserPlus or HTML5 support.