South African travel documentary series Breaking Down Borders Africa has earned international acclaim after winning a Silver Telly Award in the Best Travel and Tourism Television Series category.
Botlhale Boikanyo/Supplied
The accolade was announced during the 47th annual Telly Awards, one of the world’s most respected honours recognising excellence in television and video content across multiple platforms.
Hosted and produced by Paul Modjadji, the series explores Africa through the lens of travel, culture and youth expression. Season one focused on the continent’s vibrant dance scene and the stories of young people shaping contemporary African culture.
Paul Modjadji/Supplied
Speaking from New York, Modjadji described the award as a significant milestone for the production team.
“It is a tremendous honour for the team to receive this recognition,” he said. “The fact that a modest production shot on a shoestring budget could earn international acclaim is a testament to the power of African stories and the capabilities of our continent.”
The award marks another achievement for the series, which continues to gain recognition both locally and abroad. In 2025, Breaking Down Borders Africa received a nomination in the Best TV Documentary Series category at the National Arts and Culture Awards. The production was also selected among the Top Six international travel shows in the BET and Black Travel Summit pitch competition held in Brazil.
Season one is currently airing on SABC 1, while production on the second season is expected to begin in spring 2026. Acclaimed poet, author and performer Botlhale Boikanyo will take over hosting duties for the upcoming season.
Established in 1979, the Telly Awards celebrate excellence in video and television production. The 2026 edition attracted nearly 14,000 entries from 55 countries, highlighting the growing global competition in the industry.
Amanda Needham, Managing Director of the Telly Awards, said the current era of content creation is more dynamic than ever.
“Video has never been more contested, more creative, or more consequential than it is right now,” she said. “Today’s entertainment is happening in multiple formats, across every screen, and at every budget level.”
For Modjadji, the award reflects a broader shift in how African stories are being received around the world.
“Africa’s time is now,” he said. “From film and television to music, fashion, dance and art, the world is captivated by the talent emerging from the continent. It is wonderful to contribute to the rewriting of Africa’s narrative and potential.”
As global audiences increasingly seek authentic travel experiences and cultural storytelling, Breaking Down Borders Africa is proving that African-led narratives can resonate far beyond the continent’s borders.
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