Showbiz
MultiChoice Talent Factory in West Africa: A Year of Empowering Creatives and Transforming the Industry
Since its launch in 2018, MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), a dynamic corporate shared value (CSV) initiative, has been at the forefront of imparting the technical skills needed for high-quality film production in Africa.
Yearly, the MTF West Africa Academy trains and graduates a new set of African storytellers, via a 12-month fully funded training programme that equips them to project the culture of African communities through their films and moves. Some of these young talents have gone on to produce movies and series, some of which aired on Africa Magic channels.
Like in any industry, partnerships are the strategic anchor of the programme, as they will provide the crucial and practical training ground for the chosen candidates to not only learn from but also use to conceptualize, plan and shoot their visual content, as part of the training curriculum. Partners such as the New York Film Academy of Visual and Performing Arts (NYFA), the Henley Business School and Dolby are among the strategic partners of the MTF Academy.
On December 14, MTF will graduate the class of 2023 at an elaborate ceremony in Lagos. This will cap another eventful year for MTF. Here is a review of MTF’s activity, impact and industry contribution in 2023:
Masterclass with Stakeholders in Ghana: High-quality films and TV shows are however not as prevalent as they should be, which points to the fact that the level of technical skills, as well as the access to high-quality production tools and facilities among many Nigerian film and TV makers, is still a work in progress. In March 2023, MTF organised an enlightening masterclass in Ghana, bringing together key stakeholders from the Ghanaian film industry. This event showcased the commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering collaboration across borders. It was a platform for Ghanaian and Nigerian filmmakers to exchange ideas, further strengthening the ties between the Director’s Guild of Ghana and the Director’s Guild of Nigeria.
Alumni Success and Commissioning Discussions: Several alumni from the MultiChoice Talent Factory’s class of 2022 have garnered attention, with both Akwaaba Magic and Africa Magic engaging in discussions for potential commissions. The collaboration with Akwaaba Magic has already been successfully finalized, while ongoing negotiations with Africa Magic are in progress. The noteworthy aspect lies in the fact that these alumni, now at the helm of their respective production companies alongside fellow graduates, exemplify the enduring sustainability and expansion of the MTF ecosystem. This development underscores the collective impact and success achieved by the alumni as a cohesive group. “West Africa has a rich history of incredible storytelling, and this is beautifully translated into its film and TV industry. MTF’s main aim is to take this a step further by providing seasoned and emerging creatives in this industry with a world-class opportunity to hone their skills with some of the best teachers and organizations in this sector so that they can elevate their already incredible storytelling skills to meet world-class standards,” said Atinuke Babatunde, MTF Academy Director for West Africa.
Roundtable Discussion on Economic Empowerment in Nigeria: The impact of MTF as an economic empowerment platform took centre stage during a roundtable discussion organised by Business Africa Online in April 2023. Industry experts gathered to discuss how MTF is not just creating filmmakers but also contributing to the economic growth of Nigeria. This conversation highlighted MTF’s role in elevating the industry and empowering individuals to become entrepreneurs in the creative sector.
Panel Roundtable Discussion on the Future of Creatives: In May 2023, OYA Media, founded by the renowned Nigerian journalist Funmi Iyanda, organised a panel roundtable discussion. The focus was on the future of creatives in Nigeria, and MTF played a pivotal role in this conversation. The impact of MTF in nurturing and empowering the next generation of creatives was a significant highlight.
Industry Masterclass at the AMVCA: As part of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) activities, MTF conducted an industry masterclass in May 2023. This provided a platform for emerging talent to learn from industry veterans and sharpen their skills. It also emphasised MTF’s commitment to promoting excellence in African filmmaking.
“Take Back The Night” Acquisition by Africa Magic: One remarkable success story involves Elvis Damptey, a current MTF student, who produced the short film “Take Back The Night” using his fellow students as the cast. This remarkable achievement led to discussions with Africa Magic for the acquisition of the film as filler content for their channels. This collaboration showcases MTF’s impact in providing real-world opportunities for emerging filmmakers.
Recognition in International Festivals: MTF students were a part of the production of three films that received nominations in different international festivals, highlighting the quality and potential of MTF talent. These achievements include films like “The Delectable Azeezah Sama,” “Dark Echoes,” and “Love from Bayelsa.” These accolades demonstrate MTF’s dedication to nurturing filmmakers who create content that resonates globally.
The MTF’s impact is multiplying, as seen through the success of its alumni and its strategic partnerships. It is creating a ripple effect that will lead to a flourishing film and television industry in Africa. MultiChoice, through the MTF, is not just investing in local talent; it is investing in Africa’s future, one story at a time.
Showbiz
Netflix Walks Away from Warner Bros Deal After Paramount’s Huge Offer
By Adedapo Adesanya
Streaming giant, Netflix, has backed away from its proposal to buy Warner Bros Discovery, clearing the way for Paramount Skydance to win the long battle for one of Hollywood’s most storied studios in a deal worth over $100 billion.
Warner Bros, which announced it was up for sale last year, said Paramount’s latest bid was “superior” to the one from Netflix, which in turn refused to raise its offer.
Paramount, which has been insistent regarding the deal, would also need approval from the US Department of Justice as well as European regulators.
Netflix executives say they have declined to match Paramount’s bid as “the deal is no longer financially attractive” at that price.
The buyer would gain control of the iconic studio along with its films and media networks.
The takeover has been touted to significantly reshape the global media landscape, which includes the streaming market.
Last December, Warner Bros agreed to a takeover offer from Netflix for some of its assets, in a deal worth roughly $82 billion, including debt.
Paramount then made a rival proposal, which was refused by Warner Bros, but an increased offer was made earlier this week, boosted by $1 per share.
“The transaction we negotiated would have created shareholder value with a clear path to regulatory approval,” Netflix co-chief executives Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters said in a statement. “However, we’ve always been disciplined.”
“This transaction was always a ‘nice to have’ at the right price, not a ‘must have’ at any price,” the Netflix executives added.
The announcement came just hours after Mr Sarandos had visited the White House on Thursday.
The development marks the possible end of the saga that saw offers and refusals and could possibly change the global streaming market as Paramount is backed by some of the biggest names in the industry, including Oracle owner, Mr Larry Ellison.
Showbiz
Why Wildlife Shows Hook Us: The Allure of NatGeo Wild
There is something undeniably captivating about wildlife documentaries. The moment a predator locks eyes with its prey, the awe of seeing animals in their natural habitat, the thrill of nature’s drama playing out in real time. These are experiences that rein us in and refuse to let go. NatGeo Wild doesn’t just show the wild; it invites us to feel it, understand it, and marvel at it.
What is it about the wild that keeps pulling us back, no matter how many times we watch?
The Explorer in All of Us
At our core, we are wired much like the animals we watch. Curiosity drives us the way it drives a leopard to investigate a sound in the distance. Wildlife shows activate that instinct. We scan scenes like hawks from above, reading body language, anticipating danger, noticing subtle shifts in behaviour. In these moments, we’re more than viewers; we’re explorers, investigators, and sometimes even adventurers.
It’s a way to witness danger safely. A way to test our instincts and a way to connect with the power and beauty of the natural world, all from the comfort of home.
The Comfort of Nature’s Stories
Nature may be ruthless, but it is rarely random. Like a herd moving in rhythm or a pack operating with purpose, wildlife shows follow a structure we instinctively understand: predator and prey, threat and escape, loss and resilience.
Within a single episode, chaos settles into balance. Even in harsh environments, there is order just as there is in the wild. That predictability offers comfort, reminding us that survival follows rules, patterns, and rhythms older than humanity itself.
NatGeo Wild Shows That Keep Us Glued to the Screen
Over the years, NatGeo Wild has mastered the art of storytelling that moves like nature itself, quiet when it needs to be, explosive when it matters most. These are not just documentaries; they are immersive experiences that sharpen the senses and stir instinct.
Africa’s Deadliest
Step into the African wilderness, where survival is a daily contest of speed, strength, and strategy. Africa’s Deadliest introduces us to predators that hunt with the patience of chess players and the precision of seasoned warriors. From crocodiles lying in wait beneath murky waters to lions coordinating attacks across the savannah, each episode breaks down how instinct, timing, and dominance decide who eats and who doesn’t.
Wild, Smart and Deadly
Wild, Smart and Deadly is where brains meet brawn in the animal kingdom. This series delves into the intelligence behind nature’s deadliest hunters, showcasing creatures that use strategy, cunning, and sheer wit to survive. From octopuses escaping predators with mind-blowing tricks, to predators setting up elaborate ambushes, every episode reveals how survival in the wild is a high-stakes chess game. Watching it feels like witnessing nature’s most elite tacticians at work, where one smart move can mean the difference between life and death.
Born in Africa
In the wild, birth is only the beginning. Born in Africa follows young animals from their first breath into a world that offers no mercy. Every stumble, chase, and lesson learned is part of a race against time. From a giraffe learning to stand within minutes to lion cubs discovering the rules of dominance, the series captures vulnerability, growth, and resilience in its purest form.
Wild Mediterranean
The Mediterranean may look serene, but beneath its surface lies a battlefield of survival. Wild Mediterranean uncovers a world where predators hunt in crystal waters and creatures adapt to shifting coastlines and hidden dangers. From dramatic underwater pursuits to life along rugged shores, the series reveals a region shaped by adaptation, resilience, and quiet ferocity.
Hostile Planet
Here, nature shows no mercy. Hostile Planet explores environments so extreme they feel uninhabitable, yet life persists. Animals endure freezing tundras, scorching deserts, and violent storms, adapting in ways that defy belief. Every episode is a testament to resilience, revealing how instinct, evolution, and sheer willpower allow life to survive against impossible odds.
These shows captivate because they do more than entertain; they educate, inspire, and transport us into worlds we’d rarely get to see otherwise. Every episode is an invitation to explore, learn, and marvel at the wonders of nature.
Catch all these incredible wildlife stories on NatGeo Wild, GOtv Channel 100.
Subscribers can also enjoy more value with the We Got You offer, available until 28th February 2026. Pay for your current package and automatically get upgraded to the next one at no extra cost, giving access to more channels, more shows, and more moments like these.
To subscribe, upgrade, or reconnect, download the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. You can also stream anytime with the GOtv Stream App.
Showbiz
TikTok’s 2026 The Discover List Features Five African Creators
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Five creators from Sub-Saharan Africa have been featured in TikTok’s annual global The Discover List 2026, marking a standout moment for the region’s growing influence in the global creator economy.
They were among the 50 most influential creators shaping culture worldwide across five categories: Icons, Innovators, Foodies, Educators, and Originators.
From medical education in Lagos to culinary innovation in Nairobi and Cape Town, and from dynamic design studios in Johannesburg, African creators are not just being seen on the world stage — they are commanding it.
The Discover List 2026 reaffirms that TikTok is not only where trends begin, but where real opportunities take shape and creators turn influence into lasting impact.
The five TikTok creators from Africa featured were Tamia Nontsikelelo from South Africa, Cherie Kihato of Savannah Space from Kenya, Wayne Chang from South Africa, Olawale Ogunlana of HealthKraft Africa from Nigeria, and Trevor Were from Kenya.
Ogunlana breaks down complex medical conditions into clear, engaging videos, turning digital platforms into powerful tools for better health across the continent. He is also one of TikTok’s Sub-Saharan Wellbeing Ambassadors.
As for Chang, he is celebrated for his vibrant culinary content that blends diverse Asian cuisines with locally sourced South African ingredients, while self-taught chef Were transforms simple, everyday meals into exciting and accessible creations. He shares approachable recipes and cooking inspiration from his home kitchen.
Also, Kihato, a creative entrepreneur, showcases heritage through furniture, art and interiors. Through content creation, she has expanded her business beyond Kenya, inspiring a global audience of design lovers and aspiring creatives, while Nontsikelelo fuses storytelling and marketing on TikTok to build powerful, engaged communities around her modest fashion brand.
Commenting on the latest development, the Global Head of Content Operations for TikTok, Mr James Stafford, said, “At TikTok, we are committed to celebrating our inspiring creator community. Today, we are thrilled to unveil The Discover List 2026 — a highlight of 50 creators to watch from around the world.
“From the Educators who are inspiring their communities to learn something new, to the Originators who share their businesses with global audiences on TikTok, we are proud to be a space where new talent can be discovered, and authenticity and creativity can thrive.”
Business Post recalls that in 2025, Sub-Saharan African creators featured on the Discover List for the very first time, a milestone that unlocked unprecedented global visibility.
Those creators were spotlighted in international publications, including TIME Magazine and participated in major global moments such as Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
At Cannes Lions, Chef Abby (Abena Amoakoaa Sintim-Aboagye) from Ghana engaged directly with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew and the Mayor of London, further amplifying her global presence. Building on this momentum, she was also nominated at the 2025 TikTok Awards in Sub-Saharan Africa, where she emerged as First Runner-Up in the Food Creator of the Year category.
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