Black Beach - 491 Days in one of the world and Africa's worst prisons.

Loading player...
What was supposed to be a short business trip to Equatorial Guinea turned into a journey to the depths of hell. 

Black Beach, located on Bioko island off the mainland of Equatorial Guinea, is one of the world’s most feared prisons, notorious for its brutality and inhumane conditions. 

In 2013, South African businessman Daniel Janse van Rensburg set off to the West African country to finalise a legitimate airline contract with a local politician. Within days, Daniel was arrested by the local Rapid Intervention Force and detained without trial in the island’s infamous ‘Guantanamo’ cells, and was later taken to Black Beach. This is his remarkable story of survival over nearly two years, made possible by his unwavering faith and the humanity of a few fellow inmates. 

Black Beach is a harrowing account of Daniel's nightmare ordeal behind bars at the notorious Black Beach prison in Equatorial Guinea, West Africa.

An explosive expose on corruption and abuse of power at the highest levels of government in the oil rich nation of Equatorial Guinea and Daniel's ultimate journey into hell trapped behind the walls of one of the Africa's most brutal prisons. 
21 Nov 2022 2AM English South Africa Music Commentary · Society & Culture

Other recent episodes

The Importance of Friendship in Relationships

The happiest couples aren't just in love... They're friends. They're the first person each other wants to call with good news. They laugh together. Support each other. Celebrate each other's wins. And face life's challenges as a team. Romance may bring two people together. But friendship is often what helps…
29 Jun 4AM 4 min

Adam Tas en Die Hoekoms

Karlien gesels met Adam Tas, die boeredigter uit die bosveld oor sy splinternuwe enkelsnit “Die Hoekoms”. Dit is sy nuuste vrystelling geskryf deur Sunette Bridges. Hierdie liedjie kom uit die hart en vertel van die paaie wat ons stap, die vrae wat ons vra, en die hoop wat ons dra…
25 Jun 4AM 7 min

Kindness is Sexy

Kindness is sexy. Not because it's dramatic. Because it makes people feel safe, valued, and appreciated. Anyone can be charming when they're trying to impress you. Kindness is how someone treats you after the butterflies settle.
24 Jun 2AM 3 min

23 June 2026 Update

Damian Schreiber from Ocean Conservation Namibia updates us each week on the amazing conservation work that they do at the coast of Namibia. Ocean Conservation Namibia (OCN) is a private initiative to rescue seals from entanglements.
23 Jun 4AM 2 min

Why Laughing Together Matters More Than You Think

Couples who laugh together often feel more connected. Not because laughter solves every problem. But because it creates moments of joy, lightness, and teamwork. Sometimes the healthiest thing you can do for your relationship isn't another serious conversation. It's sharing a laugh.
22 Jun 2AM 2 min