A+E Networks has confirmed that the internationally anticipated remake of Roots will air on History on DStv.
Based on the best-selling novel by Alex Haley, the original 1970s mini-series was highly influential in highlighting issues of race and discrimination at the time. It went on to become a TV classic and the novel is widely regarded as one of the most important American works of the 20th century.
The story gives an account of 18th century American slavery and centres round a family and their will to survive despite the extreme hardship and inhumanity they face. It follows the story of Kunta Kinte, a teenager who is captured in his homeland in Gambia and transported to colonial America where he’s sold into slavery.
It's a fictionalised account of Alex Haley's family so it follows Kunta's life and his descendants down to Alex Haley who features in the story.
The original series received 37 Emmy nominations, won nine and the series finale achieved record ratings. for ABC when it first aired.
The new remake features an all-star Who's Who. The cast includes Forest Whitaker as Fiddler, Anna Paquin (True Blood) as Nancy Holt, Anika Noni Rose (Dream Girls, The Good Wife, The Princess and the Frog) as Kizzy, Jonathan Rhys Meyers (The Tudors) as Tom Lea, Chad L. Coleman (The Walking Dead, The Wire) as Mingo, Erica Tazel (Justified) as Matilda and Derek Luke (Captain America: The First Avenger, Antwone Fisher) as Silla Ba Dibba.
Laurence Fishburne plays Alex Haley and British actor Malachi Kirby stars as Kunta Kinte.
The series premieres in the US on 30 May and starts on History on DStv on Sunday, 12 June.
A trailer: