Showbiz
20 years of Magic: Welcome to Our Re-Branded Africa Magic
By Africa Magic
20 years, 7 channels and about N622.5 billion in investment in local content development. In 2003 we began our journey of telling authentic Nigerian stories with the launch of Africa Magic.
We were intent on creating a platform where the everyday Nigerian could see themselves represented in relatable stories reflecting our cultures and life in Nigeria, told ‘by us, for us’ – the Naija way. Now, we celebrate an iconic milestone – celebrating 20 years of creating and telling original Nigerian stories, producing and licensing over 25,000 hours of authentic Nigerian content.
Africa Magic launched as a single channel in Nigeria and has now expanded into a cluster of 7 channels, telling our stories in English and indigenous languages – Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba and broadcasting to over 42 African countries reaching millions of households, across income groups.
This milestone would have not been possible without the support of our loyal viewers who have grown with us through the evolution of different genres from the days of Doctor’s Quarters and Tinsel to religiously following every season of BB Naija and Nigerian Idol.
Our success has also been underpinned by our partnership and support from Nollywood in developing critical skillsets to help us deliver iconic productions, launching careers and uncovering global talent.
This is a story of a collective victory. The support of viewers and the industry has enabled Africa Magic to celebrate 20 years of non-stop groundbreaking Nigerian content.
In celebration of this milestone, Africa Magic has undergone a re-brand to signify a new era of pushing even more boundaries and finding new frontiers in local storytelling and to reflect even more closely an Africa Magic that is the mirror image of our viewers and in response to their tastes; while keeping at the core, the celebration of African diversity, our rich culture, and the people in the many creative expressions of who we are.
The refresh of the Mother brand logo and Channel Imaging is to reflect the Africa Magic that is rejuvenated, vibrant, ageless and in tune with our evolving viewers. Creating consistency between our channels, our audiences, and our content. This was the principle that guided most of our design thinking. Creating a brand look and 7 channel identities that felt like an extension of our content. A seamless integration of our “who, what, where, and why”. We wanted to see our Nigeria, our people, and our stories reflected, amplified, and celebrated. Our way.
Africa Magic Showcase
A showcase is a situation or event that makes it possible for the best features of something to be seen. A spectacle is an occasion, or medium for exhibiting something or someone, especially in an attractive or favourable aspect.
AMShowcase has always been the channel where the best of our best is exhibited for the viewing pleasure of our audience. In its refreshed dynamic state, its teal colours remind us of the civility and clarity, open communication, and practical thinking that goes into all that the channel exhibits.
Not too evocative, AMShowcase lends itself as a means for stress relief with the plethora of programming that makes it the darling for appointment viewing after a hard day of work.
Africa Magic Urban
Urban – a word borrowed from the French meaning “belonging to a city, courteous, of manners or style, cultivated, polished, refined, sophisticated. Contemporary. The ruby red base colour represents the intense feelings and passionate nature of the channel.
AMUrban’s single-minded goal is to stimulate the senses and invoke ambition for what can be. AMUrban’s drapery is dynamic depicting the fluidity of the myriad of ideas of the people. What keeps all this motion and change thrilling is that, if you blink, you could miss some of the more intriguing content on the channel.
Being a “colour of action,” Ruby Red invigorates courage, strength, and power, just like AM Urban.
Africa Magic Family
Family is a rollercoaster of emotions, core memories and events – moments of optimism bursting with energy, times of joy, happiness and friendship, and even in the sad times. Times when intellect and achievements are celebrated or even when jealousy, betrayal, illness and danger are on the horizon. These are the ties that bind us as families – whether by blood, bond or choice.
These are the themes that drive the choice of our shows on AM Family and these are evoked in the colours of the AM Family. The circles remind us of those we relate to, of family, the friends – you – who we’ve gathered around us, of our communities.
The yellow of our AM Family is a reminder of the happiness and optimism, harmony, communication, and loyalty that fosters positive relationships and encourages open and honest communication within a family unit.
Africa Magic Epic
Inspired by Africa’s traditional roots with movies and series depicting cultural aspects of who we are as a collective and the millennia of stories and histories that tie us together.
The blue colour of our AM Epic is the colour of the ocean and the sky; it symbolizes the serenity, stability, inspiration, and wisdom of our forebears which they have passed down to us and is the calming colour that reminds us of the reliability and truth of this shared heritage.
It reminds us of the constancy of time and acts as the reassurance of a future for generations yet to come.
Africa Magic Hausa
The ‘Dagin Arewa’ emblem is an older and traditionally established emblem of Hausa identity – also known as the ‘Northern knot’ – in a star shape, used in historic and traditional architecture, design and hand-embroidery.
This features as a celebration of the rich culture of the Hausa-speaking peoples of Nigeria and across Africa. A people who are graceful and elegant in carriage and this comes through in our use of the Arewa symbol.
In Hausa culture, green is a colour that represents the growth, harmony and rejuvenation that comes after a time of dryness. A revival of hope.
AM Hausa celebrates the rich history, lives and culture of this proud people.
Africa Magic Yoruba
The colour “osan/topala” orange represents warmth, enthusiasm, and creativity in Yoruba culture – traits that are synonymous with the Yoruba-speaking people of southwestern Nigeria. The indefatigable sense of optimism of the Yoruba people conveys a message of positivity. Their warm and welcoming way of being is also encapsulated in this.
AM Yoruba presents a slate of the rich culture and history of the Yoruba people in times past, present and future to your viewing pleasure in high definition.
The Adire – “tie and dye” – is a centuries-old art form made famous by women in southwestern Nigeria. As well as being an art form, adire is a means of telling stories and preserving histories.
AM Yoruba is in the same way as the patchwork and imagery on adire textiles, extracting the stories of the life and the endurance of the Yoruba people and preserving them for posterity – we share the passion for storytelling.
Africa Magic Igbo
Purple symbolizes magic – Africa Magic. It depicts the mystery, spirituality, the subconscious, creativity, dignity, and royalty of a people – just like the Igbo people of South Eastern Nigeria.
Variations of purple convey different meanings: Light purples are light-hearted, floral, and romantic – typical of a people with many facets.
Represented also by the “ofo” a staff held by those who have been entrusted with the power to govern or lead a people and the Nigerian Nsibidi symbols – the oldest form of writing in Africa.
AM Igbo continues to put on display this rich culture with a stamp of authority from the “ofo” to keep you where the show is happening! This is our AM Igbo.
The enthusiasm around this anniversary and rebrand has been incredibly humbling and invigorating. The feedback and comments from across the industry have kept the momentum going. Maybe it’s because Africa Magic is rewriting the rules and redefining what the brand means in a more authentic way, but something shifted for the entire team. Africa Magic is a brand the audience sees themselves, their families, and communities in – which is an extremely exciting place to be. After 20 years, Africa Magic is more than ready to show the world our own brand of magic – Africa Magic.
Happy 20th Anniversary Africa Magic!
Let’s make Magic, Looking Back, Moving Forward!
The first episode of Africa Magic’s newest dating reality show, Heartbeat, premiered on Sunday night, January 11, 2026, and it is clear that Sunday nights are about to get a lot more fun. The singles came in and wasted no time in giving a show.
With Seyitan Atigarin at the helm and ten eclectic singles searching for a “Promise Lock,” the stage is set for a 12-week journey that promises to be more than just your average dating show.
Following an impressive first episode, here are five things we expect to see as the season unfolds.
1) Strong Personalities:
These singles came in with all confidence in who they are and what they represent. They have an idea of what they are looking for and seem like they will be going for it. Will there be a personality clash at some point or even ego bruises over partners? Time will definitely tell, and we’ll all be watching.
2) The Inevitable (and Messy) Love Triangle
If the First Glance reveal told us anything, it’s that tastes in the house are overlapping fast. We’ve already seen Henri and Ken eyeing the same ladies, while more than one woman seems intrigued by Igwe’s “cool and collected” energy. We expect a classic love triangle to form by the end of week two. There is nothing like a little competition to turn a “Love Pad” into a pressure cooker, and we are here for every bit of the “who-chose-who” drama.
3) Romance and Some “Heated” Tension:
If there is one thing that was obvious in the first episode, it is that the singles may have some physical attractions already. All thanks to the love pad, we got a first kiss from Ken and Queen Latifa, and one can only wonder what is to come in the following weeks.
4) High-Stakes “Compatibility” Challenges
Heartbeat isn’t just about sitting around and looking pretty. We expect to see weekly games and challenges specifically designed to test more than just physical attraction. From teamwork exercises that reveal who has a short fuse to “compatibility quizzes” that expose how well the pairs actually know each other, these tasks will likely be the catalyst for the season’s biggest arguments and its most romantic breakthroughs.
5) Intellectual Fireworks (The “Slumflower” Effect)
With Chidera Eggerue (The Slumflower) in the house, we aren’t just getting romance; we’re getting a masterclass in boundaries and emotional intelligence. Chidera has already made it clear she isn’t here for “bare minimum” energy. We expect her presence to challenge the men to step up their game, not just with flashy gifts, but with deep, intentional conversation. Expect some heated debates on feminism, dating standards, and “the patriarchy” over breakfast.
6) The “Promise Lock” Pressure Cooker
The show’s ultimate prize isn’t just a partner; it’s the Promise Lock. As the 12-week deadline approaches, the pressure to “lock it in” is going to turn friends into foes. We expect the final episodes to be a high-stakes showdown where couples have to decide if their “house romance” can survive a Lagos traffic jam or a Ghanaian family meeting. Who will commit, and who will leave their partner hanging at the gate?
Heartbeat Episode 1 successfully set the stage for a season of “romance, tension, and side-eyes.” If what we saw on the first episode is any indication, we’re in for a very messy, very entertaining three months. Catch the next episode on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151 | GOtv Channel 8) at 9 pm on Sunday. You can also watch all the drama on the go via the DStv and GOtv Stream apps, available on the iOS and Play stores.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Love Nwantiti crooner, Chukwuka Chukwuma Ekweani, professionally known as Ckay, recently told CNN International on African Voices, which aired on January 10, 2026, the legacy he intends to leave behind.
Speaking in his home studio with the show anchor, Larry Madowo, the singer said, “I want my legacy to be that I innovated the sound, I advanced the culture, and I made the world a better place than I met it.”
Ckay, who also doubles as a songwriter and producer, further said, “I would say it’s definitely made its mark in the history books of Afrobeats, definitely, and I’m really proud to, you know, be a part of this whole culture.”
While explaining the rationale behind his biggest hit, Love Nwantiti, with over a billion streams on Spotify, said, “I was in between relationships at the time I wrote that song […]. I was making a beat, and I freestyled on the beats. I was just vibing my feelings straight from the heart. Like most times I don’t always take a pen and write songs. Sometimes I like to just pour it straight from the heart.”
With other popular releases such as Emiliana and Felony, Ckay spoke to his growth as an artist, saying, “As a person I’ve grown in love with each time I make a song. If you listen to the lyrics and what I’m saying, you can tell that I’ve grown in love […]. I’m a lot more mature now and my music has grown with it as well.”
Ckay broke out by going viral on TikTok and reflects on the phenomenon of social media trends and he said, “There was a time when in the early stages of this people would laugh that I was making TikToks for songs. People didn’t think it was cool to make TikToks. Fast forward now because people have seen the impact, everybody is making TikToks.”
He is carving his own path in the world of Afrobeats. His music comes under the subgenre of Emo Afrobeats. He tells Madowo how this sound came about, “Being a cancer, cancers are known to be emotional people. We’re known to be very like in touch with our feelings. As a creative, my essence, which is my feelings, just naturally comes through my music even without me really trying. Afrobeats being my cultural heritage, I just felt like for me to come into this space, it was very important that I brought a different perspective to the sound.”
Despite using the term ‘Afrobeats’, Ckay addresses the overgeneralisation of the style of music, saying, “Africa has over 50 countries, more than 50 cultures. Nigeria alone has over 36 ethnic groups with different languages, food, music, rhythm. With the music they also have their own instruments also not all of them play guitar and piano, there’s African instruments too. Coming to a whole continent and just calling everything Afrobeats, it’s not the most apt, but it’s a start, right? I think for the Western world, it’s a start to help them understand African music.”
If you’re wondering what to stream this week on DStv as the new year settles in and the first full workweek wraps up, we’ve got you. From a brand-new reality dating show that’s about to break the internet to crime drama that will have you at the edge of your seat, here’s your ultimate guide to what to watch.
- Heartbeat – Africa Magic Showcase (DStv 151)
Starting with the star of the week, Heartbeat. It’s Africa Magic’s new dating reality show premiering on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
The show brings together 10 singles, five men and five women, all looking for love in a specially designed love pad. Over 12 weeks, the cameras will capture every flirt, fight, and awkward silence, plus the games and challenges that push them to get to know each other intimately.
And yes, some of these contestants are here for the love and drama. We’ve got Chidera ‘The Slumflower’ Eggrue, Alvin Leonard, Queen Latifah, Igwe Cruise, and more. If you love romance and reality TV chaos, this is your Sunday night fix.
- Paris & Nicole: The Encore – M-Net (DStv 101)
Airing on Sat, January 10 at 10pm, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie are set to take over your screen. This time, the BFFs are writing, producing, and starring in a one-word opera inspired by their childhood song “Sanasa.”
Episode 3, titled ‘The Sanasapera!’, is pure chaos. They work at Sonic, hijack a Hollywood celebrity tour to find an audience, and then get on stage to perform. If you love ridiculous, unfiltered celebrity energy that makes you question what “high art” even is, this one’s for you.
- There’s a Zulu On My Stoep – M-Net Movies 4 (DStv 108)
Perfect for the weekend is this South African classic airing on Saturday, January 10, at 6:25pm. The film follows two boys who meet in South Africa and form a lifelong friendship, then reunite as adults for a wild adventure.
Directed by Gray Hofmeyr and starring Leon Schuster, John Matshikiza, and Wilson Dunster, it’s a mix of heartfelt bonding and fun. Basically, it’s the perfect palate cleanse before veering into reality TV drama.
- Dating: No Filter South Africa – Bravo (DStv 124)
If you can’t get enough of dating drama, this South African reality series is a must-watch. On the show, singles go on blind dates, and their every move is accompanied by hilarious commentary from SA’s funniest celebrities.
Episodes 5 & 6 of Season 2 promise awkward encounters, accidental sparks, and laugh-out-loud commentary. Perfect if you’re into late-night TV chaos and love seeing people make all the wrong moves in the name of love. It’s airing on Sunday, January 11, at 11:45pm.
- The Split – Africa Magic Showcase (DStv 151)
Taking you into the world of Nollywood, The Split is a high-stakes financial crime drama that will have you holding your breath. The 26-episode series follows three bankers who pocket money that isn’t theirs. When the deceased account owner’s son resurfaces with proof, their pact unravels, sending the trio spiralling into guilt, fear, and betrayal.
With stars like Anee Icha, Baaj Adebule, Esosa Benard, and David Jones David, this one is your Thursday and Friday night adrenaline fix. It airs at 8:30pm.
- Daughters of Water – Africa Magic Showcase (DStv 151)
Still on must-watch Nollywood shows, Daughters of Water is one to look out for. The drama follows the journey of destiny and spiritual heritage through Anie, a disgraced investigative journalist who returns to her hometown, Ikot Ndem, seeking a comeback. Her arrival coincides with the sacred Ukang Festival, where seven “Daughters of Water” from special families take part in a river-dipping ceremony to honour river spirits.
Starring Imoh Eboh as Anie, alongside Ade Laoye, Teniola Aladese, and Bobby Ogbolu, new episodes are released every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 8:30 PM on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151), and you can catch up on previous episodes on Showmax.
All these shows and more are available on DStv, with subscribers still enjoying the opportunity to receive an instant upgrade when they stay connected on their current package or renew on any eligible package, unlocking more movies, sports, kids’ content and local shows from January to February 2026.
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