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The Value of Entertainment

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1 year ago

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Streaming and TV platforms improve lives through the power of entertaining content. But the true value of an established African TV network comes through the industries it drives, the jobs it creates and the rich culture it supports.In these challenging economic times, consumers find themselves looking at every aspect of their lives, assessing every expense, and deciding whether they are getting real value. The area of content creation is no different. It is important that we look at the broadcast and streaming platforms we subscribe to and decide whether they are providing real returns on our investment.It’s indeed useful to think of an expense as an investment – and not just a transaction where we swop a cash payment for a product or a service. That is especially relevant in the area of entertainment. The value we derive from entertainment is not just about the service we receive. Ideally, it’s about investing in an ecosystem that provides value for audiences, for a wider industry of working professionals, as well as a rich cultural community.The power of local contentA powerful impact that a TV platform can have is in creating local content. Producing homegrown African content – as opposed to licensing ready-made international shows – means that an entire industry of workers must be engaged to work on that body of work. From producers and directors, all the way through to actors, hair and make-up artists, catering crews, hospitality workers, and transport drivers, all of these livelihoods are supported when a TV network commissions a local show.In Nigeria, Africa Magic commission shows in Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and English, creating hundreds of thousands of hours of original local content, pumping billions of Naira into the creative industry, and providing around 10,000 jobs in adjacent industries.Reality TV shows like Big Brother Naija in West Africa and Nigerian Idol, popular telenovela, Mpali in Zambia, and a true-crime documentary like The Last Door in East Africa have similar economic impacts. The shows directly employ creatives and service providers, and the content attracts viewers, which supports vast numbers of downstream industries.By way of example, in Zambia, within seven years of the launch of the Zambezi Magic channel, more than 20 local production houses have formed business partnerships with the platform, helping to produce more than 1,600 hours of local content.In Kenya, more than 150 production companies supply content to Maisha Magic platforms, employing writers, directors, editors, actors, and technicians. These professionals and the industry investment have helped to build the local film industry – now known as “Riverwood”, for its base along River Road in Nairobi.Across Africa, MultiChoice – parent company of dozens of these local channels – has created a local content library of around 84,000 hours. This resource grows by around 12% a year, which makes the group the largest producer of original content on the African continent.A pipeline of cultureTo ensure there is a healthy pipeline of new, homegrown productions, every MultiChoice subscription also helps to fund MultiChoice Talent Factory academies in Lagos, Nairobi, and Lusaka, where future African film professionals are trained through fully funded one-year film and TV courses.This is the true value that comes from subscriber investment. Every monthly subscription goes towards creating film-sector jobs, supporting extended families through this income, creating content that reflects African culture, growing African pride and self-respect, and taking our deep storytelling tradition to new levels, with the power of new technology.World-class MultiChoice sports coverage also reflects the culture and passions of the continent – whether it be for watching Champions League football, the Rugby World Cup, or the Olympic Games. All are shown at a fraction of the price paid in other parts of the world.Enriching communitiesBut adding true value must also involve giving back to the communities that sustain a business. Being part of a community means meeting social responsibilities in the environmental, social and governance (ESG) sphere.In Botswana, MultiChoice was able to play a key role in the opening of Studio 4 at the Mass Media Complex in Gaborone, helping to train and empower local talent and promote economic growth in the region.In Ghana, the Group has donated television and decoder equipment to a Correctional Centre in Accra and partnered with the Tariq Lamptey Foundation to donate sports equipment to local schools.In Tanzania, MultiChoice has partnered with Kids Finance to organise a youth financial literacy and digital skills bootcamp. In Kenya, it sponsored the first first-ever Presidential Charity Golf Tournament, and in Namibia, donations of TV and decoder equipment were made to two local schools.In Maputo, MultiChoice Mozambique employees celebrated World Food Day by joining forces with the Makobo Kaya Project, volunteering their time and effort to support less privileged groups.In Uganda, MultiChoice Uganda helped to refurbish the Bless A Child Foundation and participated in the Uganda-South Africa Trade and Investment Summit, while in Zambia, the group donated sanitary towels worth $2 000 to incarcerated women, for the International Day of Prayers and Action for Prisoners.This wide range of financial, community and social investments are all made possible by the investments of subscribers in the MultiChoice project.Subscription packages may change, technology may evolve, and prices may be adjusted, but the goal and outcomes remain unchanged – to improve lives across the African continent through the power of entertainment.

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Entertainment

In Celebration of International Women’s Month, CANAL+ and MultiChoice celebrate African women

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March 6, 2026

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March 6, 2026 – Nigeria

Across Africa and beyond, women continue to shape and elevate the stories that define our societies. In celebration of International Women’s Month, CANAL+ pays tribute to the storytellers, athletes, mothers, creators, leaders and icons whose voices inspire millions of households across the continent.

The African entertainment industry is driven by women, actresses, directors, screenwriters and producers who bring depth and authenticity to every production. From captivating telenovelas and popular comedies to powerful drama series, female talent remains at the heart of the stories most loved by viewers on CANAL+ Group of channels. In sport, women redefine competition and excellence – on the field, behind the mic or in leadership. From football to tennis and athletics, women in sport don’t just participate, they elevate the game and inspire the next generation. 

CANAL+ and its subsidiary MultiChoice have chosen to celebrate them through a dedicated campaign: “We are… because she is.” A 90-second spot, produced in both French and English versions, will be broadcast on the Group’s channels and social media platforms in more than 35 countries across Africa.

Watch the promo here

Throughout International Women’s Month, DStv and GOtv will spotlight female‑led films, series, reality shows and global cultural moments that reflect the brilliance and complexity of modern womanhood.

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Entertainment

Love, Culture, and the New Era of Televised Weddings

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1 day ago

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March 6, 2026

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Weddings have always held a special place in African culture. They are more than ceremonies,  they are declarations of love, family, identity, and tradition. From the vibrant colours of aso-ebi to the rhythmic sounds of live bands and the emotional exchange of vows, weddings represent a moment of cultural heritage.

In recent years, weddings have gone beyond physical venues. What was once an exclusive gathering for family and friends has transformed into a shared experience for wider audiences. Social media first opened the door, allowing guests and admirers to witness love stories in real time through Instagram posts, TikTok highlights, and YouTube recaps.

And now, television platforms are taking this even further, giving weddings a new kind of permanence and reach.

High-profile weddings, like the widely celebrated union of Adeyemi Idowu popularly known as Yhemolee (Olowo Eko) and his wife Oyindamola, fondly known as ThayourB, captured massive public attention. Moments from their wedding became a live shared experience on television (GOtv & DStv).

From the high fashion statements to the emotional highlights, viewers were able to feel part of something bigger, a reminder that weddings inspire not just both families but entire communities.

This shift reflects a broader reality: weddings today are content. They inspire conversations about fashion, relationships, lifestyle, and aspiration. They preserve memories in ways previous generations could only imagine. For Gen Z couples, their wedding is no longer just a day, it becomes a story that can be revisited, celebrated, and even inspire others planning their own journey to forever.

Broadcast platforms like GOtv are playing a meaningful role in this transformation. By bringing wedding-related content directly into homes, GOtv is helping audiences experience these moments not just through social media snippets but in real time. 

One of the most notable offerings is Channel 105, The Wedding Channel Africa’s first 24-hour wedding channel, available on GOtv. The channel is fully dedicated to African weddings, lifestyle, and bridal fashion, showcasing everything from dream ceremonies to the realities of married life. Programs like Wedding Police and Wedding on a Budget and shows like 5 Years Later, offer a deeper look into marriage itself, reminding viewers that weddings are just the beginning of a lifelong journey.

GOtv is preserving culture, celebrating love, and inspiring future couples with this channel. It allows viewers to witness traditions from different regions, discover new ideas, and feel connected to moments that might otherwise remain private.

With platforms like GOtv, stories continue to live on screens across Africa, where love, culture, and celebration can be experienced by all.

To upgrade, subscribe, or reconnect, download the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. For catch-up and on-the-go viewing, download the GOtv Stream App and enjoy your favourite shows anytime, anywhere. 

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Entertainment

WWE Friday Night SmackDown: High Stakes, Bitter Rivalries, and How to Catch it All on GOtv!

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2 weeks ago

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February 20, 2026

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It’s Friday night, and the energy is electric because the blue brand is taking over the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida! If you aren’t glued to your screen yet, here is why tonight’s WWE SmackDown is a certified “can’t-miss” event on the Road to WrestleMania 42

The air is thick with tension as we head toward the Elimination Chamber. Tonight isn’t just about winning; it’s about survival and securing a seat at the table for the most brutal structure in sports entertainment.

Triple Threat Men’s Qualifier

It’s a collision of generations and styles! The “HIM” of SmackDown, Carmelo Hayes, faces off against his former best friend, Trick Williams and the powerhouse Damian Priest. With a spot in the Men’s Elimination Chamber on the line, expect high-flying manoeuvres and heavy-hitting drama.

The Queen’s Return to the Ring

Charlotte Flair is back in the mix, but she has a massive mountain to climb. She enters a Triple Threat qualifier against the “Irresistible Force” Nia Jax and the rising star Kiana James. Will the Queen reclaim her throne, or will Nia’s raw power crush those dreams?

The Dominant Powerhouse

Since his main roster debut, Oba Femi has been an absolute force of nature. Tonight, “The Ruler” is set to unleash more chaos in a high-impact clash against Kit Wilson.

While Femi is expected to dominate the ring, the biggest mystery isn’t the match itself—it’s his future. All eyes are on the Nigerian powerhouse tonight to see if he finally reveals which brand he’ll be calling home. Will he officially sign with the blue brand, or is he just passing through to leave a trail of destruction?

You can also expect appearances from the “American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, who is still navigating the chaotic fallout with Drew McIntyre, and the always-iconic Randy Orton. Plus, with Jade Cargill and Tiffany Stratton looming large in the women’s division, the “Tiffy Time” clock is definitely ticking!

Catch all the drama Live on the WWE Channel (GOtv Channel 128) by 2 am and runs a prime-time repeat on Saturdays at 7 PM so you can enjoy the carnage at a more sociable hour.

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