“Pastport: Panama” follows actress/singer Tatyana Ali, best known for her role as “Ashley Banks” on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, as she makes an emotional journey to her mother’s homeland of Panama, to see the side of her family she has never met.
Tatyana grew up in a household that spoke Spanish and fully embraced Panamanian culture, often indulging in the food, music, and dance. However, Tatyana knew little of the family life her mom left behind. All she knew was that her grandmother had fled Panama to escape an abusive marriage and relocated to America.
Tatyana, 32, seemed to have it all. After landing the “Fresh Prince…” role, starting a successful R&B career, and graduating from Harvard, she felt she was still missing something. Since childhood, she harbored a desire to re-connect with her family’s heritage, history and culture. “It’s much easier to know exactly where you’re going when you know where you come from,” shared Ali about her experiences on her life-changing trip to Panama.
In “Pastport: Panama”, Tatyana not only fills this long-held void in her life, but manages to fulfill a life long dream to sing in Spanish before a live audience. With their mother serving as their personal tour guide, Tatyana and her younger sister, Anastasia, explore Panama and bring their heritage to life.
“Pastport: Panama” premieres Tuesday, November 8th at 10 p.m. ET.
Watch a sneak preview here:
