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.
A new kind of story is unfolding on Africa Magic Showcase, and it’s one that feels all too familiar.
Dividends, a gripping Nigerian dramedy, dives into the emotional and financial fallout of a failed Ponzi scheme, placing everyday realities at the centre of its storytelling.
Premiered on March 30, 2026, Dividends airs Mondays to Wednesdays at 8:30 PM WAT on Africa Magic Showcase (GOtv Channel 8), and is also available for streaming on DStv and GOtv Stream, making it easily accessible for viewers to follow every twist as it unfolds.
At the heart of the series is “The Golden Bars,” a too-good-to-be-true investment scheme that ultimately collapses, leaving devastation in its wake. What follows is a layered narrative that tracks the lives of three strangers brought together by shared loss of money, stability, and, in many ways, identity.
Through its characters, Dividends explores themes that resonate deeply within the Nigerian context: the lure of quick wealth, the pressure to succeed, and the quiet resilience required to rebuild when everything falls apart. It’s a story that doesn’t just entertain, it reflects.
Leading the story is Riyo David as Isa, alongside a dynamic cast including Ronnie Dikko, Omattuteejames, Cassiee_jae, Floydigbo, and Koko_ashley, each bringing depth to a narrative shaped by ambition, desperation, and consequence.
Blending drama, suspense, and social commentary, Dividends sparks conversation. As the series unfolds, viewers can expect to be drawn into a world where choices carry weight, and every decision has a ripple effect.
For audiences looking for something both engaging and thought-provoking, Dividends fast becoming one to watch.
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.
User-generated content (UGC) continues to shape how brands connect with audiences across TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. However, producing consistent and authentic content at scale often requires significant time, budget, and coordination with creators. This is where an AI UGC video generator becomes a practical solution.
These tools allow marketers and creators to generate UGC-style videos using AI avatars, prompts, or templates—reducing reliance on traditional production workflows. Below are five of the best AI UGC video generator platforms in 2026, with Pollo AI leading the list for its ad-focused capabilities.
1. Pollo AI
Pollo AI is a specialized AI UGC video generator built for creating high-volume, user-generated style ads with minimal effort. It allows users to generate videos by adding a product link, uploading images, or simply describing the ad. There is also an option to upload a reference ad, making it easier to recreate successful formats or adapt viral video styles for new campaigns.
The platform supports a wide range of formats, including UGC ads, explainer videos, story videos, news-style clips, and music videos. It also enables users to clone video ads or replicate viral content patterns, which is useful for rapid creative testing. This flexibility helps teams produce multiple variations quickly without rebuilding content from scratch.
A key strength of Pollo AI is its lifelike AI avatars with accurate lip-syncing. These avatars simulate real creators, offering diverse demographics and natural delivery styles that make videos feel more authentic. Combined with built-in voiceovers and background music, users can easily produce polished UGC-style ads without hiring actors or influencers.
The workflow is straightforward: upload a presenter image, input a script, adjust video settings, and generate the final output in minutes. Many teams adopt solutions like AI UGC video generator with Pollo AI tools to scale campaigns efficiently while maintaining control over messaging and creative direction.
Key Features of This AI UGC Video Generator
- Generate ads from product links, images, or prompts
- Clone viral videos and replicate ad formats
- Lifelike avatars with realistic lip-sync
- Multiple formats including UGC ads and story videos
- Built-in voiceovers and music customization
Best Use Cases
Pollo AI is well-suited for performance marketing, especially for brands running paid campaigns on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. It works well for rapid A/B testing, influencer-style ads, personalized campaign creatives, and even as a YouTube outro maker to create engaging endings for video content.
2. Pika AI
Pika AI is a creative-focused AI UGC video generator that emphasizes visual storytelling and stylization. It allows users to turn simple prompts into short, engaging video clips, often with dynamic motion and artistic effects that resemble user-generated edits seen on social platforms.
The platform is designed for speed and experimentation. Users can quickly generate multiple variations of a concept, making it easier to test different creative directions. While the output may lean more toward stylized visuals than hyper-realistic UGC, it can still capture attention effectively in crowded feeds.
Pika AI also offers intuitive controls for adjusting motion, transitions, and overall tone. This makes it accessible for beginners while still providing enough flexibility for creators who want to explore unique visual styles.
Key Features of This AI UGC Video Generator
- Prompt-based video creation
- Strong visual stylization and effects
- Fast rendering for short clips
- Simple and accessible interface
Best Use Cases
Pika AI is suitable for meme videos, creative experiments, and short-form content designed to stand out visually on TikTok and Instagram.
3. Runway
Runway is a more advanced AI UGC video generator that combines AI-powered generation with professional editing tools. It supports text-to-video and image-to-video workflows, along with features like background removal and motion tracking.
The platform is particularly useful for users who want greater control over the final output. Instead of relying solely on automation, creators can refine details and adjust elements throughout the editing process. This balance between AI assistance and manual control makes Runway versatile across different skill levels.
While it may have a steeper learning curve compared to simpler tools, Runway delivers high-quality results suitable for more polished UGC-style content.
Key Features of This AI UGC Video Generator
- Text-to-video and image-to-video generation
- Advanced editing tools and controls
- High-quality output
- Flexible workflow for creators
Best Use Cases
Runway is ideal for branded campaigns, product videos, and UGC-style content that requires additional editing and refinement.
4. HeyGen
HeyGen is an avatar-driven AI UGC video generator focused on creating talking-head style videos. It allows users to input scripts and generate videos featuring realistic AI presenters with natural lip-sync and expressions.
The platform supports multiple languages and voice options, making it suitable for global marketing campaigns. Its structured workflow ensures consistent results, which is useful for businesses that need uniform messaging across multiple videos.
Although it is less flexible in terms of creative formats compared to other tools, HeyGen excels in producing clear, human-like communication in video form.
Key Features of This AI UGC Video Generator
- Realistic AI avatars with lip-sync
- Script-based video generation
- Multi-language support
- Consistent output quality
Best Use Cases
HeyGen works well for explainer videos, product introductions, and localized marketing content that requires a human presence.
5. CapCut AI
CapCut AI is a widely used AI UGC video generator that combines AI features with traditional video editing tools. It offers capabilities such as auto-captioning, background removal, and template-based editing tailored for social media content.
The platform is especially accessible, making it a popular choice for beginners and casual creators. Its templates are often aligned with trending formats, helping users quickly produce videos that match current content styles.
CapCut AI also integrates smoothly with social media workflows, allowing users to edit and publish content efficiently without switching tools.
Key Features of This AI UGC Video Generator
- Easy-to-use interface
- AI-powered editing tools
- Pre-built templates for trends
- Social media integration
Best Use Cases
CapCut AI is best for quick content creation, including TikTok videos, Instagram Reels, and short-form clips that follow trending formats.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right AI UGC video generator depends on the user’s goals. Pollo AI is particularly strong for scalable ad production and campaign testing, while Pika AI focuses on creativity and visual experimentation. Runway offers advanced control, HeyGen specializes in avatar-based communication, and CapCut AI provides accessibility for everyday content creation.
As demand for UGC-style videos continues to grow, these tools offer practical ways to produce engaging content efficiently while adapting to different creative and marketing needs.
The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards 12 is here, and beyond the glitz and glamour, fans across Africa have a powerful role to play, deciding who takes home some of the biggest awards of the night.
With 11 out of 32 categories open to public voting, this is your chance to support your favourite actors, filmmakers, and content creators.
Voting officially opened on March 29, 2026, and runs until April 26, 2026, ahead of the awards ceremony on May 9, 2026.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you cast your votes.
Step 1: Visit the Official Voting Platforms
Go to the official Africa Magic voting platform via: The Africa Magic website: www.africamagic.tv/amvca and the MyDStv or MyGOtv mobile app.
Once there, click on the “Vote” section to begin.
Step 2: Register an Account
If you’re a first-time user, create an account by providing:
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Full name
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Year of birth
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Gender
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Country/location
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Mobile number (in international format)
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Password
You’ll receive a verification code (OTP) via SMS or WhatsApp. Enter it to activate your account.
And if you’re already registered? Simply log in.
Step 3: Log In
Use your:
Registered mobile number
Password
Step 4: Choose Your Favourite Nominees
Browse through the voting categories and select your preferred nominees.
Public voting categories include:
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Best Digital Content Creator
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Best Short Film
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Best Scripted M-Net Original
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Best Unscripted M-Net Original
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Best Indigenous M-Net Original
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Best Indigenous Language Film (West, East, South, North & Central Africa)
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Best Movie
Step 5: Allocate Your Votes
You can cast up to 100 votes per platform.
Distribute your votes across multiple nominees or go all-in on your top favourites, it’s your call.
Step 6: Submit Your Vote
Click “Vote” to submit, and your votes will be counted immediately.
Important Things to Remember
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Voting is free (data charges may apply)
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Only selected categories are open to public voting
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Voting closes on April 26, 2026
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Late votes will not be counted
The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards is more than just an awards show; it’s a celebration of African storytelling shaped by both industry experts and fans like you.
So don’t just watch, vote, support your favourites, and be part of the moment.
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