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The Value of Entertainment

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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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Tiffany Stratton Set For First WWE Title Defense, Live On GOtv

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The WWE Universe is in for an electrifying night this Friday as SmackDown returns to California. With high-stakes matches, dramatic returns, and the inaugural defense of the new WWE Women’s Champion, fans can expect a blockbuster evening of action. Catch all the drama live from San Diego, California, on WWE Network, GOtv Channel 68 at 1 am on Saturday. Here’s a preview of what’s in store:Motor City Machine Guns vs. Los Garzas: The Motor City Machine Guns, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, will clash with Angel and Humberto of Los Garzas in a high-octane tag team match.Last week, Los Garzas triumphed over Pretty Deadly, while the Motor City Machine Guns took down A-Town Down Under. The stakes are high as these two powerhouse teams battle for the chance to become the next contenders for the Tag Team Championship, currently held by DIY’s Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano.WWE Women’s Championship Match: Tiffany Stratton vs. Bayley: Bayley, the self-proclaimed “Role Model,” earned her shot at the WWE Women’s Championship last week in a grueling Fatal Four-Way match. Now, she faces her toughest challenge yet against the newly crowned champion, Tiffany Stratton.Stratton seized her opportunity two weeks ago, cashing in her Money in the Bank contract to become the WWE Women’s Champion. Determined to keep “Tiffy Time” alive, she’s ready to prove she belongs at the top.But Bayley, a Grand Slam Champion, brings over a decade of experience to this matchup. Will Stratton defend her title successfully, or will Bayley reclaim the championship she once held?The Return of Solo Sikoa: Solo Sikoa returns to SmackDown after falling short in his quest to dethrone Roman Reigns as the Tribal Chief. Despite giving everything in their brutal showdown, Sikoa was left without the coveted Ula Fala.With Reigns now focused on the Undisputed WWE Championship and an entry into the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble Match, the question remains: what’s next for Sikoa? Fans won’t have to wait long for answers, as the self-proclaimed former Tribal Chief will address the WWE Universe live this Friday.Other WWE Superstars confirmed for this Episode of SmackDown: “Undisputed WWE Champion” Cody Rhodes, Nia Jax, United States Champion” Shinsuke Nakamura, La Knight, Women’s Tag Team Champions” – Bianca Belair & Naomi Prizefighter” Kevin Owens, The Enforcer” Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, Apollo Crews, among others are expected to make an appearance on the night. Stay connected to your GOtv to enjoy Smackdown and other WWE action live by downloading the MyGOtv app or dial *288# to reconnect/upgrade your package.

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The Real Housewives of Lagos S3, Cheta M S2, Under the Influence and more local shows on Showmax this January

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January often feels like the longest month of the year. A time when the excitement of the new year fades, giving way to tighter budgets and slower days. But for Showmax customers, the month doesn’t have to feel endless. With a premium lineup of local hits, international blockbusters, and Showmax Originals, there’s always something exciting to watch, making every day in January a little brighter. Here are some must-watch series to add to your January watchlist.THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF LAGOS S3 | NEW EPISODES MONDAYS Episode 1 of The Real Housewives of Lagos Season 3 is now streaming on Showmax.Fan favorites Laura Ikeji Kanu, Mariam Timmer, and Carolyna Hutchings are back, joined by newcomers Dabota Lawson, a celebrated beauty entrepreneur; Adeola “Diadem” Adeyemi, a beauty mogul and influencer; and Sophia Momodu, a media personality and humanitarian.This season promises even more excitement as these dynamic women light up the screen with their unique flair and captivating stories. New episodes are available every Monday as fast follow release on ShowmaxSeasons 1 and 2 are available to stream hereCHETA M S2 | NEW EPISODES MONDAY, TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAYThe series continues the love story of Adanna (Oluchi Amajuoyi) and Nnanna (Kingsley Nwachukwu), whose bond is challenged by the conflict between the kingdoms of Mgberi, ruled by the tyrannical King Jideofor (Kalu Ikeagwu), and Ajaani, led by the cunning Nze Ezeugo (Nonso Odogwu).Their love faces opposition from the spiritual shaman Ojigijaga (Jsmile Uhuru) and a web of envy, desire, and political intrigue.Watch the trailer here https://youtu.be/wm_we1pYuY4UNDER THE INFLUENCE | FROM 24 JANUARYWritten and directed by Wande Thomas, alongside a talented team of writers, this Gen Z-focused series explores the chaotic, viral life of Dami, a young graduate navigating Lagos as a newcomer.Dami, a third-class university graduate, accidentally becomes a social media sensation after posting a rant about his overbearing millennial brother. Overnight, he is thrust into the celebrity lifestyle, exposing him to its glamorous yet deceptive underbelly. Forced to navigate a world of lights, cameras, and deception, Dami’s journey is as unpredictable as it is compelling.Watch the trailer here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZFBXDsUq_IThe award-winning drama Wura continues in January with new episodes, promising riveting plotlines. Viewers will be plunged into the gripping world of Wura, where power, betrayal, and dark secrets collide in the most exciting series finale. Also in January, all episodes of the compelling drama series, Princess on the Hill are now available to binge-watch.You can also stream the hottest trending Africa Magic original drama series on Showmax. Catch the suspense-filled Buri, a gripping Hausa drama, and Uriri, an epic drama series set in 14th-century Urhobo land, where love, honor, and fate collide.Sign up for Showmax today at www.showmax.com/ng

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Arsenal Battle Spurs, As Liverpool Visits Forest Live On GOtv

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The Premier League title race intensifies this midweek as league leaders Liverpool face third-place Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Tuesday night. Liverpool will have an eye on revenge having suffered their only league defeat of the season to Forest —a narrow 1-0 loss at Anfield back in September. The match will be broadcast live on GOtv channel 65 at 9 pm. Forest, managed by Nuno Espirito Santo, are punching above their weight this season. After finishing 17th last season with just 32 points, they’ve already amassed an impressive 40 points from 20 matches this season.In his press conference on Monday, Liverpool manager, Arne Slot, said Forest will be a difficult game. “They’ve shown how good they are in retrospect. That loss was hard for me to take. Looking at where they are now, that result is not as shocking as it was. They have a playing style that suits their players. They are a very hardworking team. They have players who can hold the ball and fast-paced players that can hurt on the counterattack. It will be a difficult game for us,” he said. In the other matches on Tuesday, Chelsea will host Bournemouth, defending champions, Manchester City travel to Brentford, and Graham Porter will be in charge of his first Premier League match as West Ham United manager in a London derby against Fulham at the London Stadium. The 197th North London Derby will take centre stage on Wednesday when under pressure Arsenal welcome their fiercest rivals, Tottenham Hotspur to the Emirates Stadium. After an embarrassing Carabao Cup semifinal loss to Newcastle and an FA Cup exit at the hands of Manchester United on penalties, Mikel Arteta’s side faces mounting challenges, including injuries to key players and poor form. The Gunners must secure a win to keep alive their slim hopes of catching Liverpool. Arsenal edged the reverse fixture 1-0 in September and have won four of their last five meetings against Spurs. Watch this thrilling derby live on GOtv Channel 65 at 9 pm.The other matches on Wednesday will see Newcastle host Wolverhampton Wanderers; Aston Villa will be away at Everton while Leicester City tackle Crystal Palace. Manchester United will round up week 21 fixtures when they welcome Southampton to Old Trafford on Thursday, live on GOtv ch 65 at 9 pm. Football fans can enjoy all Carabao Cup matches and festive football fixtures by reconnecting or upgrading to the GOtv Super Plus package. Simply dial *288# to renew or upgrade your subscription.

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