Admit it: when I say documentary, you assume you’re in for a world of misery, murder and general despair. Not so, though, with the BBC’s new series, which aims to shine a bright and shining light on Africa, home to the youngest and most culturally diverse population on the planet.

Under the careful guidance of Afua Hirsch, we join the journalist and broadcaster on a journey across the continent as she sets out to meet some of the young creatives responsible for its boom.

“This is an Africa we don’t usually see,” she promises. “An Africa on its own terms – and in full voice.”

The resulting series is that rare thing: a documentary that is somehow simultaneously joyful and compelling.

Watch the trailer for Africa Rising With Afua Hirsch below:

Over the course of three glorious episodes, Hirsch meets with internationally renowned photographer Hassan Hajjaj (known as the Andy Warhol of Africa), rap artist Sigou Marouane, gnawa master Rabii Harnoune and Amal Ahamri, queen of tbourida – a horse display where teams compete in a centuries-old, male-dominated tradition – in which Ahamri leads the first ever female team

Elsewhere, Hirsch spends time with some brilliant artists spearheading the debate around sex and gender, including:

• Majida Khattari, who plays with stereotypes of Moroccan women
• Graphic artist Zainab Fasiki , who questions the structures underlying Moroccan society through art
• Photographer Yasmine Hatimi, who finds a vulnerable side to Moroccan men in her shoots

As if that weren’t more than enough inspiring names to tempt you in, Hirsch also meets with fashion designer Adeju Thompson, chef Obehi Ekhomu-El Herfi, rising afrobeat legend Mádé Kuti, celebrated artist and sculptor Yinka Shonibare, award-winning rapper Falz the Bahd Guy, and an all-female Nollywood production team. Phew.

Through these encounters, Hirsch discovers how the young people of Africa are “updating old traditions in often surprising ways, creating exciting and daring new art, music, weaving and photography, with women creatives spearheading the change”.

Sold? We figured as much: join us in watching the hell out of the series when the first series drops at 9pm on 13 June via BBC Two.

Images: BBC