Showbiz
Why Investing in Local Content is a Catalyst for Growth
Today, more and more people want to see their heritage come to life. They want their stories told and their experiences reflected on screen. With a growing appetite for African content, businesses have a great opportunity to invest in local productions – and consequently local people.
The desire for local content and the drive to consume content allows broadcasters to improve the skills of local production crews, invest in better equipment and facilities, and highlight local talent on- and off-screen, and also adjacent industries.
In Nigeria, for instance, MultiChoice plays a pivotal role in empowering talent and driving economic development. It invests directly and indirectly in the African entertainment industry, providing critical skills support and training.
Its flagship channel, Africa Magic, is a springboard for aspiring and established talents to showcase their skills. This commitment paves the way for new and seasoned entertainment professionals to flourish, elevating the industry and the country as a whole.
Today, it employs more than 1,000 dedicated staff members, and that’s just the beginning. Indirectly, it supports more than 20,000 jobs across various sectors, from production crews to small businesses that thrive in the entertainment industry.
Another example is Kwenda Magic in Angola, a testament to MultiChoice Africa’s commitment to celebrating local culture and fostering growth through top-quality content. Its productions are shifting the dial, with DStv Angola now seen as the main investor in local content in the country.
This channel, meticulously curated for the Angolan audience, has not only exceeded its targets but has also created more than 3,000 jobs. These jobs span the entire spectrum of content creation, from actors to writers, producers, and technicians.
Kwenda Magic showcases the diverse narratives that make the country unique. Investing in local content empowers communities and amplifies their voices, strengthening their collective identity.
Zambezi Magic provides direct and indirect employment opportunities across Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini, Malawi, Lesotho and Namibia, producing local content not only to entertain but also to empower communities and stimulate economic development across the region.
In Uganda, Pearl Magic Prime is a respected DStv and GOtv channel. Its success and credibility are underpinned by its broad viewership but also by its significant economic impact.
Since 2021, more than 25 licensed and commissioned shows have graced the platform, employing approximately 1,000 people directly and indirectly. Even more impressively, these productions garnered a remarkable 15 local and international awards in 2022 alone.
Finally, in Namibia, MultiChoice has partnered with the Namibia Film Commission to support female filmmakers, also sponsoring two Namibian female filmmakers to establish a Sisters Working in Film and Television (SWIFT) chapter.
This initiative is part of the broadcaster’s commitment to diversity and gender equality in the film and television industry. By empowering women in film, the company contributes not only to personal growth but also to the broader development of the Namibian film sector.
Beyond the investment in the film industry, MultiChoice has also launched Network TV. This local channel offers current affairs, sports, youth entertainment, as well as travel shows – exclusively for Namibians, by Namibians.
Through this channel, the company has employed 4 people and supported a further 10 through indirect investment. It’s a step towards greater, hyper-localised content that supports a brighter future for Namibia’s creative industry and beyond.
MultiChoice’s dedication to tailoring content to each market is evident through the increasing number of local channels and productions in each region.
At MultiChoice, we believe in improving the quality of people’s lives through what we do. One of our most significant contributions to this mission is our investment in local content – content that speaks to people, tells their stories, and helps build a united, Pan-African identity.
Local content isn’t just a source of entertainment; it’s a powerful force for economic progress and the preservation of our rich cultural heritage. We remain steadfast in our commitment to nurturing talent, catalysing economic prosperity and telling African stories for African people.
Winner Achimugu, the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Best Graduating Student 2024, has embarked on a six-week scholarship at the prestigious New York Film Academy (NYFA). This achievement not only celebrates her exceptional talent and dedication but also reinforces MTF’s commitment to nurturing world-class African filmmakers ready to make their mark on the global stage.
Since its inception, MTF has been more than just a training ground; it’s a launchpad for African storytellers. Alumni from the academy have consistently demonstrated excellence, with films and projects winning awards, receiving grants, and gaining international recognition. Notable projects include 2070, which clinched Best Short Film at the African SDGs Film Festival, and Isekonu, a Zee World short film, officially selected for the Lagos Fringe Festival 2025 and nominated for Best Student Film at the Bayelsa International Film Festival.
These achievements reflect MTF’s ethos of equipping young filmmakers with both the technical skills and creative vision necessary to succeed, both locally and internationally.
The 2024 Best Graduating Student, Winner Achimugu, distinguished herself among her peers with a combination of talent, dedication, and storytelling finesse. Her selection for the NYFA scholarship is a testament to her hard work and to the quality of mentorship and training at MTF.
Through this program, she will engage in intensive workshops, hands-on training, and industry exposure that promise to elevate her craft. The scholarship is not just an award, it is a bridge connecting African storytelling to global cinematic opportunities, embodying MTF’s brand promise of fostering talent that transcends borders.
This scholarship opens new avenues for growth, offering exposure to international techniques, networks, and collaborative experiences that could define the trajectory of her career. For MTF, it’s a validation of its mission: cultivating a generation of filmmakers whose creativity, vision, and impact will resonate far beyond Africa.
As this journey unfolds, it reinforces the message that African cinema is on the rise, powered by storytellers who are ready to take their place on the world stage. With MTF alumni leading the way, the future of African filmmaking looks brighter than ever.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A 12-hour non-stop entertainment event offering various performances and activities all night long will take place in Lagos from the evening of December 21 into the early hours of December 22, 2025.
This programme known as InsomniaQ, is being put together by one of Africa’s leading digital payments platforms, Quickteller.
Quickteller is a brand powered by the Interswitch Group, and InsomniaQ was created to celebrate African creativity.
The all-night music and entertainment experience will hold at the Ballroom of the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.
It is designed to capture the vibrancy and cultural energy that define Lagos in December. InsomniaQ is positioned to become Africa’s newest must-attend December destination.
The concert blends diverse African soundscapes, creative expression, and immersive lifestyle experiences, offering a night curated for music lovers, diaspora returnees, cultural enthusiasts, and everyone drawn to the city’s festive season.
More than a concert, InsomniaQ represents a new cultural moment, one that celebrates the richness, depth, and diversity of African talent. With a lineup cutting across contemporary and alternative genres, the festival aims to introduce a bold, fresh, and unforgettable experience within Lagos’ already vibrant entertainment landscape.
“InsomniaQ is an invitation to celebrate African creativity in a way that feels bold, fresh, and true to who we are.
“Quickteller has always been an essential part of the experiences people value, and this festival brings that connection to life in an entirely new dimension.
“As Lagos welcomes friends, family, and visitors from around the world each December, we are proud to introduce a platform that showcases our music, our culture, and the vibrant energy that defines this season,” the Divisional Head of Growth Marketing for Quickteller Ecosystem at Interswitch, Mr Olawale Akanbi, noted.
Through Quickteller, Interswitch continues to champion initiatives that go beyond digital transactions to enrich the everyday life of millions of Nigerians.
InsomniaQ extends this mission by empowering cultural expression, unlocking creative opportunities, and supporting the continent’s growing entertainment ecosystem.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The quartet of Oyindamola Timothy (Fashion), Steve Adeyemo (Tech), Uche Kalu (Dance), and Emmanuel Elijah (Music) emerged the category winners of the Stanbic IBTC FUZE Talent Show 4.0.
They received N10 million each for their efforts, along with mentorship opportunities, industry exposure, and support to advance their creative journeys.
The four were chosen from the 12 finalists at an event aired on Sunday, December 14, 2025, on AIT (DStv Channel 253) at 7:00 pm, Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151) at 5:00 pm, and streamed live on the official Stanbic IBTC YouTube channel, connecting millions of viewers to the excitement and energy of the show.
The 2025 edition drew over 6,000 entries nationwide and continued to inspire a new wave of innovation among young Nigerians in fashion, technology, dance, and music. The participants fought for a share of the N90 million in prizes put up by the organisers.
This year, the FUZE Talent Show also introduced an exciting new twist: The Fan Favourite Feature, which allowed viewers across the country to vote for the contestant who most inspired them. This addition deepened audience participation and further strengthened FUZE’s mission to connect creativity with community support.
“FUZE 4.0 truly lived up to its promise as The Ultimate Show, a platform that celebrates courage, creativity, and innovation.
“Every contestant who graced that stage reminded us of the extraordinary potential of Nigerian youths.
“At Stanbic IBTC, we are proud to continue creating opportunities that help young people dream bigger, think bolder, and achieve more. It is all about home-grown talent for us as we power the made-in-Nigeria initiative,” the chief executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mr Chuma Nwokocha, said.
As excitement builds for FUZE Festival coming up on Saturday, December 20, 2025, attendees can anticipate experiencing this year’s edition theme The Ultimate Show in full, with circus-style attractions, from magicians and parade performers to flash mobs and art displays.
An expanded marketplace, freebies from participating partners and on-site Stanbic IBTC services will enhance convenience, while performances by Wande Coal, Pheelz, Chike, and Ms DSF will add a nostalgic, high-energy finish. Interested attendees can register to attend via the Stanbic IBTC Events App or visit www.events.stanbicibtc.com to secure their spot.
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