Showbiz
MTF Class of 2023 to Premiere Her Dark Past, Grown
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Two feature films will be premiered this weekend exclusively on the Africa Magic Showcase channel 151 and Africa Magic Urban channel 153 by the students of the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF).
The two pieces of art titled Grown and Her Dark Past are the final projects of the MTF Class of 2023 students, a statement from the organisation said.
The MTF is a leading film school in West Africa for young, talented and passionate filmmakers. It was established by the media platform to grow the region’s creative industry.
Grown premieres on Africa Magic Showcase at 8.30 pm on Saturday, March 2, and Africa Magic Urban at 8 pm on Saturday, March 9, while Her Dark Past premieres on Africa Magic Showcase at 8.30 pm on Sunday, March 3 and on Africa Magic Urban at 8 pm on Sunday, March 10.
“We are excited to showcase the works of these truly talented individuals. These films, Her Dark Past and Grown, are not just cinematic experiences; they are the culmination of hard work, dedication, and creativity from the MTF Class of 2023.
“I am immensely proud of the talent and storytelling prowess demonstrated by these young filmmakers and thrilled that Africa Magic will have the opportunity to bring these authentic African stories to our audience across Africa.
“I urge our customers to catch the premiere of these authentic stories this weekend,” the Executive Head of Content & West Africa Channels at MultiChoice, Ms Busola Tejumola, said.
Also commenting, MTF West Africa Academy Director, Ms Atinuke Ngozi Babatunde, said, “Her Dark Past and Grown are two films that beautifully capture the pressures of young people living in this social media age, teaching them to relish their youth, be true to themselves and rely on the unwavering support of those who love them beyond the façade of social media.
“They are authentic African stories, told by Africans for Africa and we are proud to bring them to audiences across Africa this March.
“Telling well-crafted stories and creating films of good quality, are the hallmarks of the one year these talented young filmmakers spend at the MultiChoice Talent Factory.
“The whole curriculum is designed to ensure that every student who goes through the programme graduates as a solid filmmaker who understands the art and business of filmmaking.
“For the class of 2023, these films were their opportunity to put all their learning into practice and I am super proud of what they have created and can’t wait for the rest of Africa to enjoy the magic as well.”
Set in the 1990’s, Grown is a fantasy drama that explores the themes of adulthood, motherhood, love, fear and magic.
It tells the story of an over-pampered teenager who resents her mother, wishes she was an adult and wakes up to a rude shock one morning as a grown woman with kids.
She experiences the realities of growing up and asks herself “Is adulthood a scam?” and begins a fight to become young again.
The film was written by Nosa Isibor and Boakye D. Alpha and was directed by Ola Jegede and Empress Allen, with Desmond Ebuwa Ekunwe and Nosa Isibor as the producers and Efe Irele, Yemi Cregx, Bobby Ekpe, Najite Dede and Sarah Obiekwe, among others as the casts.
In Her Dark Past, the life of an uber-successful social media influencer and life coach starts to crumble when the child she left for dead resurfaces years later, giving way to a complex spiral of drama that imperils her seemingly perfect life and unearths the trauma she fights daily to bury.
This was directed by Oluwatobi Deborah Ahmed and Samuel Oluwasegun Ogundeyi and produced by Elvis Damptey and Adeniran Wuraola, starring Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Daniel Etim Effiong, Iremide Adeoye, Ego Ihenacho and Fadekemi Olumide-Aluko, among others.
Every great movie starts with a decision; sometimes it’s the decision to do the right thing. Sometimes it’s the decision to fight back. Other times, it’s a split-second choice that turns an ordinary day into complete chaos.
This August, GOtv’s movie lineup is built around characters whose lives change because of one decision. Some are chasing redemption. Some are fighting for survival. Others are simply trying to make it through the madness they’ve found themselves in. Whatever your movie preference, these are stories that will keep you invested from beginning to end.
When bad decisions become great comedy
Let’s be honest, some of the funniest movies are built around people making one terrible decision after another. That’s exactly the kind of fun Bad Behaviour (Stunt) brings. Airing every Friday on TNT, the comedy is packed with chaotic moments, outrageous situations and plenty of laughs, making it the perfect way to leave the stress of the week behind and ease into the weekend.
Catch Bad Behaviour (Stunt) every Friday from 7 August at 2:55 pm on TNT, available on GOtv Max and higher packages.
One act of courage changes everything
There are action movies, and then there are movies that leave you wondering how the characters survived at all.
In Mad Max: Fury Road, Imperator Furiosa risks everything when she decides to help a group of women escape from the ruthless Immortan Joe. Along the way, she crosses paths with Max Rockatansky, and together they embark on a relentless fight for freedom across a brutal wasteland. With breathtaking action, unforgettable chase scenes and Charlize Theron’s commanding performance, it’s easy to see why the film remains one of the most celebrated action movies of its generation.
Watch Mad Max: Fury Road on Saturday, 8 August at 8:00 pm on Studio Universal, available on GOtv Supa+.
Starting over isn’t always simple
Everyone deserves a second chance. Unfortunately for Tom Dolan, getting one isn’t as easy as confessing the truth.
In Honest Thief, Tom decides to come clean about the money he stole years earlier so he can build an honest future with the woman he loves. But instead of finding justice, he discovers that two FBI agents have plans of their own. What follows is a gripping game of cat and mouse where trust is scarce, danger is everywhere, and survival becomes the only option.
Catch Honest Thief on Friday, 14 August at 8:00 pm on MovieRoom, available on GOtv Max and higher packages.
When giving up isn’t an option
Losing his sight could have marked the end of his story. Instead, it becomes the reason he writes a new one.
Blind War follows a former SWAT officer whose quiet life is shattered when the enemy from his past resurfaces and threatens his daughter. Forced back into action, he must rely on his instincts, determination and years of training to protect the person who matters most. It’s an emotional action thriller that proves courage isn’t measured by what you can see, but by what you’re willing to fight for.
Catch Blind War on Saturday, 29 August at 7:00 pm on KIX, available on GOtv Supa and higher packages.
Four movies. Four unforgettable stories.
Whether you’re looking for something to make you laugh after a busy week, an action film that keeps your heart racing or a thriller packed with twists you won’t see coming, GOtv’s August movie lineup has something for every mood.
So the next time you’re wondering what to watch, you won’t have to spend half the evening searching. Just pick a movie, settle in and let the story take over.
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.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A Nigerian actress, Temitope Osoba, fondly called Tope Osoba by her fans, has reportedly passed away.
She died barely a year after she survived a battle with breast cancer, reports say.
The 41-year-old entertainer left the acting world to cater to her health, but returned shortly after she had a successful treatment in 2025.
The movie producer, however, has not been very active in the past months, ostensibly due to her health.
Her demise has come as a shock to some of her colleagues and admirers, as she was very lively during her lifetime.
Details about the unfortunate incident, which became known to her fans on Wednesday morning, have not been given by her family.
The first official voting of Big Brother Naija Season 11 is here, and fans have the power to decide who stays in the House and who leaves the competition.
After a week of getting to know the housemates, watching alliances form and seeing personalities emerge, this is where fans move from watching the game to influencing it. If you’ve been thinking about voting, here are five reasons why now is the time.
1. This Is the Season’s First Real Eviction
First evictions are always significant. They set the tone for the weeks ahead, reshape the House and often change the direction of the game. Viewers hold the power to change the trajectory of the game as they influence who continues their BBN journey and who the first set of housemates to leave are.
2. It’s Too Early to Lose Someone You Enjoy Watching
You may not have settled on a favourite housemate yet, and that’s perfectly normal. It’s only the first eviction. But if there’s someone you’ve enjoyed watching over the past week, this is your chance to help keep them in the House. Waiting until you’ve picked a favourite could mean losing a housemate you wish had stayed a little longer.
3. Every Vote Shapes the Competition
Who stays and who leaves affects everything from alliances and rivalries to tasks and strategies. The decisions viewers make this week will have an impact on how the game unfolds in the coming weeks.
4. Online Buzz Doesn’t Keep Housemates in the House
A housemate may trend all week, but that doesn’t automatically translate into safety. At the end of the day, it’s the votes that determine who survives eviction.
5. Don’t Leave It to Someone Else
It’s easy to assume other fans will do the voting, but every vote contributes to the final result. If there’s a housemate you’d like to see remain in the competition, this is your opportunity to back them.
Here’s How to Vote
Voting is available through the MyDStv app and MyGOtv app, as well as the Africa Magic voting website.
To vote:
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Register or log in using your mobile number and password.
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Select your favourite housemate.
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Choose the number of votes you’d like to cast.
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Submit your votes before the voting window closes.
Looking to boost your voting power? You can also earn bonus votes by playing games and completing quizzes on the MyDStv app and MyGOtv app.
The voting window for the first eviction is now open and closes on Thursday at 10:00 p.m. If there’s a housemate you’d like to see in the House for another week, be sure to cast your votes before the deadline.
Catch all the drama live and 24/7 on DStv channel 198 and GOtv channel 49. BBNaija season 11 is also available to watch on DStv Stream and GOtv Stream. For updates and exclusive news, visit www.africamagic.dstv.com/
