Entertainment

The Value of Entertainment

Published

6 months ago

November 8, 2024

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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.

Entertainment

From Lagos to Atlanta: Reality Shows You Just Can’t Miss on GOtv

Published

1 day ago

April 25, 2025

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From surprise breakups to heated dinner table confrontations, reality TV has a way of giving us moments we can’t stop talking about, and GOtv is serving them hot.Just recently on the Real Housewives of Lagos reunion, the Adeyemi sisters, Mariam and Diiadem, melted hearts when they hugged it out and admitted their fights were unnecessary. But it wasn’t all love and light when Dabota called out Sophia for allegedly claiming ownership of a boat that wasn’t hers, and Carolyn stirred the pot again with her ex-husband saga. “Have I ever slept with your husband?” she asked. Dabota, without flinching, replied, “Yes.” Goosebumps! Over on Date My Family Nigeria, a bachelor got grilled by three opinionated sisters, and let’s just say he’ll think twice before showing up unprepared again. And on 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After, what started as a heart-to-heart quickly exploded into a heated argument that left everyone wondering if the couple could ever get back on the same page.These are the raw, unfiltered moments that keep us glued to the screen. If you’re craving entertainment with real emotions, messy drama, and just the right amount of chaos, GOtv’s got you. Here are the top reality shows to binge-watch right now:Keeping Up with the Kardashians (E! Entertainment, Channel 36, Daily) If you haven’t been keeping up, it’s time to start! This iconic show that redefined reality TV gives you an exclusive look into the extravagant and often dramatic lives of the Kardashian-Jenner family. From Kim’s business ventures to Khloé’s fitness journey and Kourtney’s love life, there’s never a dull moment. Tune in daily to witness the highs and lows of one of the world’s most famous families.Date My Family Nigeria (Africa Magic Family, Channel 2, Sunday 5:00AM.)A classic Nigerian twist on matchmaking. Singles don’t pick their dates, their families do! Watch as these families get involved in the search for true love, and as the singles meet their potential partners, they must face the family’s judgment, spicy questions, and laugh-out-loud dynamics. The Real Housewives of Lagos (Africa Magic Showcase, Channel 8, Sundays at 8:30 PM)The drama isn’t over yet! The reunion episodes are bringing the heat. From confrontations to emotional truths, the Lagos housewives are not holding back. It’s elegance, drama, and tension wrapped in high fashion and real emotions. Don’t miss out on the final showdown with Lagos’ most glamorous and controversial women!90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After (TLC Entertainment, Channel 42, Mon-Fri at 4:20 PM)Love isn’t always enough. Follow couples from the 90 Day universe as they try to build real lives after the visa rush. From cultural clashes to in-law tension, it’s a rollercoaster of romance and reality. Tune in every weekday to see which couples stay strong and which ones fall apart under the pressure.Darcey & Stacey (TLC Entertainment, Channel 42, Thursdays at 9:40 PM)The Silva twins are back, and their lives are filled with even more twists and turns! If you love 90 Day Fiancé, this spinoff is your next obsession. More fashion, more family drama, and even more relationship turbulence. The Real Housewives of Atlanta (E! Entertainment, Channel 36, Daily.)What happens when you bring together a group of powerful, glamorous women in Atlanta? Drama, laughter, and heartache, that’s what! The Real Housewives of Atlanta delivers all the messy, fabulous, and emotional moments that you can handle every day. From high-end fashion to heated arguments, this series never lacks intensity, and it’s the perfect way to escape into the world of luxury, fame, and fierce women.Ready to binge? Renew your GOtv subscription or upgrade your package via the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. And for reality on the go, stream anywhere, anytime with the GOtv Stream App.

Entertainment

No School, Still Learning: How GOtv is Helping Parents Win the Holiday Season

Published

1 day ago

April 25, 2025

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Let’s be real: holidays are a vibe for kids. No early mornings. No homework. Just endless episodes of their favorite shows, and somehow, they still find the same joke funny after the tenth replay.But for parents, it’s a different game. You’re trying to let the kids have their fun, and secretly wondering if they’ll forget everything they were taught in school before back to school season rolls in.GOtv gets it. And that’s why they’ve created the perfect win-win: a holiday lineup packed with shows that are just as educational as they are entertaining. Now kids can enjoy screen time that actually teaches without feeling like they are stuck in a classroom.Here are some shows on GOtv that are bringing the right blend of fun and learning this holiday season:

1. Cowbellpedia (Africa Magic Family, GOtv Channel 2)

Cowbellpedia is a quiz competition that tests students in subjects like mathematics and general knowledge. Beyond boosting academic skills, it helps kids improve their confidence, think critically, and build resilience. It is competitive, exciting, and a great way to show that learning can actually be fun.

2. The Loud House (Nickelodeon, GOtv Channel 60)

Living in a house with ten sisters is no joke, and Lincoln Loud is proof. The Loud House takes kids through the ups and downs of growing up in a big family. With every episode, children learn how to handle disagreements, share space, communicate better, and build stronger relationships with siblings and friends. It is like a crash course in real life, but with more laughs.

3. PAW Patrol (Nick Jr., GOtv Channel 61)

PAW Patrol is perfect for younger kids who love action and adventure. Ryder and his team of rescue pups go around saving the day in Adventure Bay. Each pup has a unique skill, and together, they teach kids the value of teamwork, helping others, solving problems, and staying calm during emergencies. It is a fun way to teach big lessons through little heroes.

4. Coop and Cami Ask the World (Disney Channel, GOtv Channel 57)

Coop and Cami are the kind of siblings who turn everything into an online poll. Instead of guessing, they ask their fans what to do next and make decisions based on the responses. Kids watching get to laugh along while learning about making smart choices, thinking through decisions, being responsible, and understanding how their actions affect others. It is all fun and games, but with meaningful takeaways.

5. Craig of the Creek (Cartoon Network, GOtv Channel 67)

Craig and his friends are always off on new adventures in their neighborhood creek. But behind all the exploring and creativity, kids are picking up serious life skills. The show encourages problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and how to be resourceful. It celebrates imagination and reminds kids that learning does not only happen in classrooms.With GOtv, the holiday season is looking brighter for kids and less stressful for parents. Renew your GOtv subscription or upgrade your package today via the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. And if you are always on the move, download the GOtv Stream App so your kids can keep learning and having fun no matter where they are.

Entertainment

Lights, Camera, Talent! Nigerian Idol Season 10 Starts with a Bang

Published

2 days ago

April 25, 2025

admin

The wait is over – Nigerian Idol Season 10 is finally here, and the premiere delivered all the excitement and talent fans of the show hoped for.Back on the judges’ panel are Omawumi and Ric Hassani. Last season, we saw them strike a balance between fun and honest feedback, and this year, they’re stepping it up. Ric shared that he’s watching out for contestants with soul, skill, and voices that are just genuinely enjoyable to hear. Omawumi is looking for something more instinctive, a spark of originality, showmanship, and a voice that immediately makes people sit up. And then there is Iyanya, the newest judge at the table. As a product of a reality music show himself, he knows the pressure these contestants are under. For him, it’s all about raw talent, star quality, and people who are ready to command the stage.From the first auditions, you could tell the competition this season is going to be tough. There were strong voices, bold performances, and yes, a few funny and unexpected moments that reminded everyone why the audition stage is a fan favourite.One standout moment was the return of Mikky, the very first contestant to ever receive a Platinum Ticket in the history of Nigerian Idol. He came back this season stronger and more confident and delivered a performance that had the judges impressed again. It earned him another Platinum Ticket, proving that when talent meets growth, it’s a winning combo.So far, the scorecard reads: 17 yeses, 9 no’s, and 1 Platinum Ticket gone, with two still up for grabs.Season 10 is shaping up to be one worth watching. If this first episode is anything to go by, we’re in for a season full of standout moments and new stars in the making.Catch all-new episodes 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 non-stop Idol content from auditions to backstage moments, tune in to the 24/7 Idol Extra channel on DStv channel. 198 and GOtv channel. 49.