Nigeria is intensifying its efforts to combat content piracy through strengthened partnerships and the adoption of advanced technologies. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, law enforcement professionals, cybersecurity experts, and civil society organisations are crucial in dismantling the networks responsible for the illegal distribution of creative content across the continent.

Piracy continues to pose a serious threat to the livelihoods of African creators and rights-holders. From financial losses to cultural erosion, its impact is far-reaching. However, the landscape is beginning to shift. In Nigeria and across neighbouring countries, raids and arrests are becoming increasingly common, as illegal streaming platforms are shut down and major piracy syndicates are disrupted.

Technology is proving to be both a challenge and a solution. While it enables the rapid spread of pirated content, it also offers powerful tools for enforcement. Innovations such as forensic watermarking and AI-powered content monitoring are being deployed to trace pirated materials back to their sources and end users. These tools are making it possible to issue swift takedown notices and initiate enforcement actions with greater precision.

“Technology may make it easy to pirate content, but it also makes it easier to track down and prosecute those involved,” says Frikkie Jonker, Director of Anti-Piracy Cybersecurity Services at MultiChoice Group. “Forensic watermarking, proactive monitoring, and strong partnerships allow us to issue immediate takedown notices and initiate enforcement operations when necessary.”

In Nigeria, MultiChoice has signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with key government bodies to bolster support for the creative industry and protect intellectual property rights. Its collaboration with the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and law enforcement agencies underscores a firm commitment to upholding the rights of content creators and holding illegal operators accountable.

Recent efforts have yielded significant results. In Nigeria, the arrest of the operator behind a well-known sports piracy website using a local domain marked a major step forward in disrupting digital piracy networks. Elsewhere, shops selling illegal decoders have been raided and members of piracy syndicates prosecuted, reflecting coordinated regional action similar to that spearheaded by the NCC and the Nigerian Police Force.

Artificial intelligence is being adopted in several African countries to detect and remove pirated content from digital platforms, a model Nigeria is also actively exploring. Alongside enforcement, education plays a key role. Awareness campaigns and training workshops are being carried out in collaboration with copyright boards to inform the public and stakeholders, echoing the NCC’s own sensitisation initiatives on the home front.

The impact of coordinated action is becoming evident. Over the past year alone, the Partners Against Piracy (PAP) initiative has facilitated more than 155 successful raids across Africa, resulting in the shutdown of over 4,300 pirate networks and the arrest of more than 100 individuals involved in illegal operations.

As Nigeria’s creative economy continues to rise on the global stage, fuelled by its vibrant music, film, and digital industries, protecting intellectual property has never been more critical. By strengthening enforcement, increasing public awareness, and embracing innovative technologies, Nigeria is laying the groundwork for a more secure, equitable, and sustainable content ecosystem for Africa’s storytellers and cultural creators.

There’s something about the Top 10 reveal episode of Nigerian Idol that always hits differently, and Season 10 delivered all the feels. From nerves to tears and surprises to pure joy, this week’s episode was a mix of hope, heartbreak, and everything.

The show kicked off with a look back at the contestants in action, rehearsals, performances, and those iconic judge reactions we’ve come to love. But it wasn’t just a trip down memory lane. With 25 contestants left and only 10 golden spots available, it was time to make some life-changing decisions.

One by one, the contestants walked into the judges’ room to find out if they’d made the cut. If it was a yes, their photo went up on the Top 10 wall. If it was a no, they took it down and faced the end of their Idol journey.

Mikki was the first to be called in, and what a way to start. His performance left Ric Hassani visibly moved, and it wasn’t long before we found out why: he was through to the Top 10. Raymu came next, and though a few nerves tried to get in the way, his talent couldn’t be ignored. The judges called them in together, teased them a little (as usual), and then gave them the good news that they both made it.

Ellacentric followed with a stunning performance and earned her place with grace and emotion. The same couldn’t be said for everyone, though. Talented contestants like Sapphire Whinnas, Rosella, David Daffe, Ander, Richie Jay, and Tessy had to say their goodbyes. Their journeys might have ended on the Idol stage, but their passion and performances won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

As the day unfolded, we saw more dreams come true. Jkenova, Lawrence, and Purp joined the growing list of finalists. By the end of the episode, the Top 10 was locked in.

Here they are:

Mikki, Raymu, Ellacentric, Kristopher, Sally, Boss Lady, Brammy, Jkenova, Lawrence, and Purp.

With the live shows just around the corner, the competition officially enters its most thrilling phase. These ten have proven they have the voice, the presence, and the passion, but now they’ll need to bring their A-game to every single performance.

The countdown to live shows begins, and if this episode taught us anything, it’s that anything can happen.

Catch Nigerian Idol Season 10 every Sunday at 7 p.m. on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Ch. 151, GOtv Ch. 12) and Africa Magic Family (DStv Ch. 154, GOtv Ch. 2). For behind-the-scenes moments and round-the-clock Idol content, tune in to the 24/7 Idol Extra channel (DStv Ch. 198, GOtv Ch. 49).

on May 15 Balogun Adewale Akanji, popularly known as Barry Showkey, is set to make a grand return to the music scene with his much-anticipated single “ROBOROBO,” scheduled for release on May 15, 2025.Barry Showkey is the son of the legendary Fuji music pioneer, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, also known as Alhaji Agba Barusati, who is widely credited with the invention of Fuji music. Like his father, Barry Showkey is a multi-talented artist, blending traditional roots with modern sounds to create a unique musical experience.Speaking ahead of the release, Barry Showkey revealed that “ROBOROBO” marks his first major release in years, signaling his renewed commitment to pushing the boundaries of Fuji music. He also spoke about the influence and guidance of his father, saying:“My father always told me, ‘focus on your own path, build your legacy, don’t depend on mine.’ That’s the energy behind ROBOROBO. It’s about authenticity, resilience, and rhythm.”The single will be distributed globally by Digital Music Commerce and Exchange (DMCE) across over 30 digital music platforms, including:Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, YouTube Music, Audiomack, Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SoundCloud, TikTok, Amazon Music, and many more.In addition to being a musician, Barry Showkey is part of a musical family, with his younger brother Barry Jhay also making waves in the Nigerian music industry. However, Barry Showkey has carved out his own path, choosing to explore a sound that pays homage to his roots while embracing a fresh, contemporary direction.“ROBOROBO” is expected to be a major comeback hit, and fans of Fuji, Afrobeats, and Nigerian music culture are eagerly awaiting its debut.Release Date: May 15, 2025Distributed by: Digital Music Commerce and Exchange (DMCE)Platforms: All major global digital streaming platforms