Showbiz
MultiChoice Has Created Long-Term Jobs, Supported Talent Development—James Omokwe
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The African film industry has remained untapped because of low investment but this is gradually changing due to the significant interest from MultiChoice, which is engaging local filmmakers like Mr James Omokwe to tell authentic African stories.
In this interview, Mr Omokwe delved into the impact of MultiChoice on African filmmaking as well as how the company empowered him to succeed in the sector, which is projected to be the next crude oil.
You’ve been in the industry for over a decade now. What moment would you say marked the true turning point in your career as a filmmaker?
Absolutely. The biggest turning point for me was in 2014. I had started working in the industry around 2011, and my first film came out in 2013 as a director. But things weren’t quite working out the way I hoped. Like many filmmakers, especially in Nigeria, I was struggling. I remember watching one of my films on an iPad, just reminiscing, and honestly, I was on the verge of giving up and returning to a more “stable” job.
Then sometime around October or November 2014, a friend who was starting a TV show asked if I’d be open to coming on as a consulting producer. That was my first real producing gig, and even though I had some experience before, this was different. That experience opened the door to television for me. From there, I started executive producing other shows and that opportunity completely changed my career. It was a massive turning point.
You’re known for crafting stories that feel deeply local but widely relatable. What draws you to the kinds of stories you choose to tell?
From the start, our company had one key mission — to tell authentically African stories. That’s always been our driving force. When you come into an industry dominated by certain genres like romance or comedy, you want to stand out. I’ve always had a deep connection to our history, culture, and oral traditions. I feel like storytelling is in our DNA as Africans.
We’re not just making films for entertainment; we’re trying to preserve something. To pass on knowledge, memory, and identity. Every project I’ve worked on carries some form of cultural nuance that reflects where we come from. It’s always intentional.
One of your major early projects, ‘Ajoche’, sparked a big reaction for its bold narrative and authentic tone. What did that project mean to you, and how did it shift how you were seen in the industry?
Ajoche was a real blessing. It was the first major project we did that felt deeply authentic. It wasn’t just epic in scope, but in how true it was to our culture. I honestly didn’t expect people to embrace it the way they did. At one point, I heard it did really good numbers. I’m not sure how accurate, but the feedback was incredible.
Even now, people still talk about it online. I saw someone mention it on Twitter just yesterday and the show aired in 2018! It really cemented my place as someone committed to telling authentically African stories. To this day, it’s still one of the projects I’m most proud of.
What role would you say MultiChoice and Africa Magic played in helping you take on projects like that, from production to distribution and beyond?
Africa Magic gave me an environment to create and that’s huge. They gave me my first real opportunity and the creative freedom to bring my vision to life. That doesn’t just mean writing the story, but visualising it, building the world with my team, and really owning the work. They didn’t just fund it, they empowered us.
Without their support, I don’t think Ajoche, Riona or other shows would have happened the way they did. They gave us room to grow and prove ourselves, and I’m truly grateful for that.
Would you say that working with Africa Magic opened up new creative or commercial opportunities for you?
Absolutely. Working with MultiChoice helped me build a structure that I now apply to every project. It gave me an edge in how I produce, how I manage teams, and how I build shows from scratch. That expertise has been invaluable.
Even now, the film we’re currently working on, ‘The Yard’, is being praised for its technical quality and storytelling. We’re in talks for international distribution. And all of that comes from the experience and growth I’ve had producing for Africa Magic over the past eight years. That experience can’t be bought. It shaped me, and I carry it into everything I do.
Beyond your own success, how have your projects contributed to job creation or the growth of the local production economy?
I wish I had the data in front of me but I can say confidently that over the past eight years, our projects have probably employed more than 5,000 people. ‘Ajoche’ alone had 700 people. “The Yard,” currently has a crew strength of about 90 people, working for several months straight.
These are jobs for actors, crew, stylists, set designers — across the board. We’re now working on our seventh or eighth show. These productions feed into the local economy, they keep people employed, and they build careers. The impact is real.
There’s often talk about preserving cultural integrity. Has MultiChoice given you the space to create without compromising cultural nuance?
Definitely. From the beginning, Africa Magic has been intentional about projecting authentic African stories. I remember early meetings where they made it clear that our culture must shine through and they supported that.
They don’t force it, but the expectation is clear. And most producers understand the responsibility. We’re not just making content for entertainment, we’re showcasing who we are to the entire continent. So yes, they’ve allowed us to preserve our identity, and they’ve helped us do it in a way that’s powerful and widely seen.
Finally, based on your experience, what would you say to people who question whether MultiChoice is truly investing in the Nigerian creative economy?
I’d say that question is like asking if the sky is red. The answer is obvious. Since 2014, I’ve worked on numerous productions with MultiChoice, and I’ve seen the direct impact.
They’ve created real, long-term jobs. They’ve supported talent development. They’ve invested in stories that matter. The success I’ve had and that many others have had is tied to their commitment to this industry. You can’t fake that kind of impact. It’s clear, it’s measurable, and it’s ongoing.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A fatal auto crash has claimed the life of a Nigerian actor, Mr Adesina Okiki, otherwise known as Janmole.
The death of the thespian was confirmed on Tuesday by the president of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Mr Abolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin.
In a post on his Facebook page today, the comic actor said, “May the soul of our departed colleague, Adesina Okiki Janmole, who tragically lost his life in an accident, rest in perfect peace.
“May God grant his family, friends, and colleagues the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss. He will be greatly missed. Amen.”
The demise of this comedian and filmmaker comes a few weeks after the Nigerian film industry lost Alexx Ekubo to cancer.
During his lifetime, Janmole, who died in a road accident on Monday, acted in several movies. He was known for his humour, screen presence and contributions to the Yoruba movie industry.
About four years ago, he survived a fire incident along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, an experience many believed he had narrowly escaped.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Lovers of the popular Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality television show will have the opportunity to watch the BBNaija Season 10 Reunion Show.
The programme, to be hosted by media personality, Mr Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, will premiere on Monday, 8 June 2026, at 10 pm WAT on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151 | GOtv Channel 8) and Africa Magic Family (DStv Channel 154 | GOtv Channel 7), with each episode available on the DStv Stream and GOtv Stream apps the following day.
The reunion show will feature all 29 housemates. Fans can follow all reunion updates using the hashtag #BBNaijaReunion across social media platforms and Africa Magic for exclusive clips and behind-the-scenes content.
On October 5, 2025, the BBNaija Season 10 came to an end, with Opeyemi Ayanwale, popularly known as Imisi, emerging champion with 42.84 per cent of the public votes.
The 23-year-old fashion designer and actress from Oyo State walked away with a grand prize of N150 million, including N80 million in cash and a brand-new Innoson SUV.
The reunion is expected to address several unresolved storylines from the season, including the disqualification of housemate Faith in the final week following a physical altercation with Sultana. The season also produced some of its most viral moments in years, including a spoon-related standoff that dominated X for days and a series of romantic entanglements that split fan bases across the continent.
Season 10 was considered one of the most exciting editions of the show to date, introducing the Bag of Big Twists, a red telephone delivering random instructions from Biggie, a restructured Head of House challenge and an Influential Player of the Week feature.
With plans for a new season already in motion, the BBNaija 10 over 10 reunion show is set to officially close conflicts, encourage clarifications and allow the housemates to lay it all bare to the viewers and themselves one last time.
The heat in the MasterChef Nigeria kitchen never lets up, and this week the remaining home cooks were served a double helping of pressure with a Blind Taste Test followed by their very first Mystery Box Challenge.
Following Demilade’s dramatic exit the previous week, seven hopefuls returned to the kitchen knowing that any mistake could leave their MasterChef dreams overcooked.
The first challenge on the menu was a Blind Taste Test, where the contestants had to identify a variety of fruits and vegetables using only their palates. It was a particularly nerve-racking challenge for David, who admitted he doesn’t always trust his taste buds. However, he rose to the occasion, joining Loye and Favy in correctly identifying the ingredients and securing a coveted spot on the gantry.
That left Preye, Derry, Fads and Isabella fighting to keep their aprons in the competition.
The home cooks then had to face their first-ever Mystery Box Challenge, where creativity, execution and composure were all put to the test. When the judges tasted their way through the dishes, Isabella and Preye found themselves at the bottom of the pack.
Ultimately, it was Preye’s Roasted Sirloin with Butternut Squash that failed to hit the mark, bringing his MasterChef Nigeria journey to an end.
Derry proved once again why she has earned the nickname “Daring Derry.” Unfazed by the Mystery Box Challenge, she served up a dish that impressed the judges from presentation to palate. Her thoughtful plating, technical execution and well-balanced flavours earned her the coveted Dish of the Day title.
Meanwhile, Fads – affectionately known as the “Cat Woman” for her remarkable ability to land on her feet – continued her fight in the competition. Her Plantain Tacos showcased ingenuity and secured her safety from the bottom two. While the judges appreciated the effort, Chef Eros reminded her that the competition is entering a critical stage, saying: “This is the MasterChef kitchen and I expect MasterChef results.”
At first glance, Preye appeared to have delivered a winning plate. The judges praised the presentation, with the dish drawing comparisons to something one might find in a charming French bistro.
However, in the MasterChef Nigeria kitchen, appearances only get you so far.
The mood quickly shifted when Chef Eros cut into the sirloin steak. Sensing trouble, he quietly removed his glasses before revealing the verdict: the steak was undercooked.
It proved to be a costly mistake. In the MasterChef kitchen, there are few offences more serious than serving food that is raw or burnt. Despite the promise shown in the dish, the undercooked steak ultimately sealed Preye’s fate and brought his MasterChef Nigeria journey to an end.
With the stakes rising and the margins between success and elimination becoming ever smaller, the remaining home cooks know that every plate must now be worthy of the MasterChef title.
The show airs weekly on Sundays at 7 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family, with rebroadcasts on Wednesdays at 6 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and Thursdays at 12 pm on Africa Magic Family.
Next week, the MasterChef Nigeria kitchen welcomes special guest judge Chef Tosan for a challenge that is guaranteed to test the home cooks in a whole new way.
With baking on the menu, confidence quickly gives way to nerves as the remaining contestants face one of the most feared disciplines in the culinary world. Unlike cooking, where intuition can often save the day, baking demands precision, patience and flawless execution.
As temperatures rise and tensions simmer, the home cooks must prove they can handle the pressure and deliver bakes worthy of the MasterChef title. Who will rise to the occasion, and whose hopes will crumble under the weight of the challenge?
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