Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have made a meaningful donation to a Ugandan children’s dance group featured in their upcoming Netflix documentary. On November 12, their Archewell Foundation donated $50,000 to Masaka Kids Africana through GoFundMe. Archewell, founded in 2020, represents Meghan and Harry’s mission to “show up, do good.” The donation came just before the documentary’s release.
That same day, Netflix shared the trailer for Masaka Kids: A Rhythm Within, which will premiere on December 9. The film is produced by Archewell Productions, with Harry and Meghan listed as producers. Meghan also gave fans a small preview on her Instagram Stories.
The film’s description explains that in Uganda’s Masaka region, where the effects of the HIV/AIDS crisis are still felt, a small orphanage becomes a place of hope. The documentary takes viewers beyond the viral dance videos to show a joyful, supportive community where orphaned children use dance to rise above hardship and look forward to a brighter future.
When the documentary was first announced, it was revealed that Harry and Meghan discovered Masaka Kids Africana during the COVID pandemic while watching their viral videos with their son, Prince Archie. Many of the dancers are orphans, and their videos gained worldwide attention, including from the Sussex family. A spokesperson said the couple watched the videos regularly with Archie at home and already admired the group before the film idea came up in 2023.
News of the documentary came alongside Harry and Meghan’s announcement that they are extending their partnership with Netflix through a new multi-year first-look deal for films and TV projects. Meghan’s lifestyle show With Love, Meghan was confirmed for a second season, which premiered in September, and a holiday special will be released on December 3.
These updates followed reports that their original $100 million Netflix deal would not be renewed. A Hollywood insider told PEOPLE that Netflix is moving away from large multi-project contracts and is doing similar first-look deals with other partners, including the Obamas’ production company. Meghan said she and Harry feel inspired by their creative partners and want to continue making meaningful content.
Masaka Kids: A Rhythm Within premieres on Netflix on December 9. The documentary is directed by David Vieira Lopez and Academy Award nominee Moses Bwayo and is produced by Campfire Studios in association with Wontanara Productions and Archewell Productions.
