The Oscar-nominated actress will host
‘AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange.’

(Photo: Black Public Media)

Gabourey Sidibe has a new gig: The Oscar-nominated actress will host a documentary series on public television starting next month.

The show is AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange, a series of independent films showcasing contemporary life, art and pop culture in the African diaspora, as the many communities of African-origin people around the world are known.

This season of the series will focus on human and women’s rights struggles. The first film, Eliaichi Kimaro’s A Lot Like You, follows the half-Korean, half-Tanzanian sexual-abuse survivor as she explores her African roots and learns about the sexual violence faced by women in her family and community.

Sidibe, a Brooklyn native whose father is from Senegal in West Africa, will introduce each episode by adding her personal views about the issues portrayed, according to her publicity team.

“This season of AfroPoP helps give voice to those who truly need to be heard,” says Sidibe in a statement. “I’m happy to help bring these stories to the American public and raise awareness of issues of vital concern to women and men in Africa as well as all who care about human rights.”

Sidibe won acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for her powerful portrayal of Precious in the 2009 Lee Daniels film Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire.She also appeared in Tower Heist opposite Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy, and has two films coming out, including the indie drama Yelling to the Sky and the dark comedy Seven Psychopaths opposite Woody Harrelson.

The fifth season of AfroPoP, produced by Black Public Media, will premiere Jan. 22 on public television’s World Channel and will continue weekly through Feb. 5