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!
Showbiz
Shows Serving Iconic Fashion Moments on Showmax
If you’re a fan of on-screen glamour and show-stopping fashion moments, Showmax has a trunk full of movies and series featuring cast that served unforgettable looks. From daring couture to timeless elegance, these shows are bound to help you improve your fashion sense.
Ready to immerse yourself in a world of glamour? Here are our top fashionable and diva-worthy picks
THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF LAGOS SEASON 1-2
This reality TV show delves into the luxurious lives of Lagos socialites, spotlighting their shopping sprees, glamorous parties, jet-setting adventures, and the unspoken competition within their elite circles.
Iyabo Ojo, Toyin Lawani, Laura Ikeji, and Chioma Ikokwu steal the spotlight, consistently delivering impeccable fashion moments. From haute couture to luxury streetwear, these ladies showcase high fashion and elegance, proving they’re as much trendsetters as they are power players.
The first Nigerian installment of this award-winning franchise, distributed internationally by NBCUniversal Formats, a division of Universal Studio Group, returned for a highly anticipated second season in September 2023, bringing even more drama, style, and opulence to the screen.
Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/nBnnf3UKJpo
THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ABUJA
The new series takes viewers into the extravagant lives of six influential and accomplished women in Abuja.
The cast includes Arafa, Comfort Booth, OJ Posharella, Princess Jecoco, Samantha Homossany, and Tutupie as they navigate their luxurious lifestyles, relationships, families, and businesses in the heart of Nigeria’s capital and beyond. These women bring ultimate diva vibes with every appearance, serving bold, glamorous, and trend-setting fashion moments that redefine fabulousness.
All episodes of The Real Housewives of Abuja are now available for your binge-watching pleasure!
Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/xZBaxGEBnUw
STYLE MAGNATE
In Style Magnate, 20 talented designers embark on a month-long journey that will push their creativity, skill, and endurance to the limit. At the end of it all, only one designer will be crowned the winner and awarded a life-changing opportunity to launch their career as a designer for the stars.
Nigerian fashion designer and icon Mai Atafo, celebrated for his award-winning designs and expertise is on hand as the show’s Maestro. Hosting duties are expertly handled by Joseph Benjamin while Yolanda Okereke, a renowned stylist and costume designer for film and television, is the show’s Fashion Principal
Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKNVu6UUYFk
SADAU SISTERS S1
Sadau Sisters follows the lives of actress Rahama Sadau and her three sisters – Aisha, Fatima, and Zaina – as they navigate the complexities of sisterhood while uncovering deep family secrets and dealing with past traumas.
Set against a backdrop of strong religious and cultural values, the show beautifully highlights the sisters’ impeccable fashion sense that blends both tradition and modernity. In the debut season, the sisters reunite in a new home and city, uncovering many revelations about their family. Stream Sadau Sisters now, with new episodes dropping every week.
Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/0iDlm4Xmz5s
FLAWSOME S1-2
Flawsome follows four friends—Ifeyinwa, Ramat, Ivie, and Dolapo—as they navigate personal and professional challenges.
In Season 2, their lives evolve through reconciliations, career struggles, and personal growth, all while looking absolutely fabulous and chic.
With Dami Elebe (Skinny Girl in Transit) as the head writer and Tola Odunsi directing, the new season promises even deeper drama and compelling storytelling.
Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/m4oAWBYVLaA
Head over to Showmax now and stream these stylish masterpieces. Sign up for Showmax.
Showbiz
Zyler Unveils AI-Powered Virtual Christmas Jumper
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A UK-based fashion technology company, Zyler, on Thursday, December 12, 2024, released a digital Christmas Jumper which can be worn for free for free using its fun AI-powered virtual try-on tool.
The alternative sweater was digitally designed by Zenaida Ossana, a talented 3D Artist and Fashion Designer with a rapidly growing following on Instagram.
Zenaida created the magical design using the new AI platform Neural Fashion and was inspired by seascapes and mermaids in her creative process.
“It was fun to work on this design knowing that many people might be able to see it and experience the potential of digital fashion for themselves,” the designer said.
“We think this is a fun use of AI tech, combining VTO and digital fashion to offer consumers an alternative way to participate in this phenomenon.
“We do also acknowledge that these technologies have an environmental footprint, however, we believe that responsible use of AI and digital design considerably outweighs the negative impact of overproduction and discarding of physical clothing,” Zyler’s innovation consultant and digital fashion expert, Karinna Grant, who led this project, explained.
The origin of the Christmas Jumper tradition can be traced back to 19th century Scandinavia where thick warm and brightly coloured jumpers were worn to escape from the cold.
More recently, Statista reported that on average 47 per cent of consumers worldwide enjoy ugly Christmas jumpers. However, that is not what motivated this project.
Zyler collaborated with Zenaida after being made aware of the shocking stats on the overconsumption of Christmas jumpers. True Origin reports that 12 million jumpers are purchased each year in the UK alone and 25 per cent of those are only worn once.
Research by environmental charity Hubbub found that 95 per cent of jumpers are made completely or considerably from synthetic materials. Generally, they are acrylic, and this means that they take over 200 years to decompose.
Consumers can try the jumper experience by visiting Zyler’s flagship Digital Dressing Room and in less than 90 seconds, they can see themselves wearing the distinct design.
Showbiz
Movie Classics You’ll Love to Watch This Holiday Season on GOtv
The holidays have a way of bringing out our inner child, don’t they? The twinkling lights, the aroma of jollof rice, and the irresistible pull of family traditions—all wrapped up in a comforting cocoon of nostalgia. GOtv is turning back the clock this festive season with a lineup of timeless classics that will take you down memory lane while providing bellyfuls of laughter, adventure, and joy. Here’s your guide to the throwback magic airing on GOtv Channel 3, M-Net Movies 4.
The Road to El Dorado
“Gold, glory, and endless laughs!”
Embark on an animated adventure that’s as gold-filled as it is hilarious. The Road to El Dorado follows two loveable rogues, Tulio and Miguel, as they stumble upon the legendary city of gold. With its vibrant visuals, catchy tunes, and laugh-out-loud moments, this film is a treasure trove of holiday fun. Perfect for anyone who wants a mix of humour, mischief, and heart. Don’t miss it on Monday, December 23rd, at 10:15 am.
Yogi Bear
“Who stole the picnic basket this time?”
Grab your picnic baskets and prepare for some “beary” funny antics with everyone’s favourite bear and his sidekick, Boo-Boo. Yogi Bear is the embodiment of cosy, family-friendly entertainment. Watch as the duo tries to save their beloved Jellystone Park in a story filled with clever schemes, laugh-out-loud moments, and warm holiday vibes. Tune in on Wednesday, December 25th, at 10:25 am.
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me
“Groovy, baby!”
Yeah, baby, yeah! Kick up the festive fun with Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. This groovy comedy brings the laughs with its over-the-top characters, outrageous one-liners, and a dash of 60s flair. It’s not your traditional holiday movie, but it’s a wild ride that’s sure to inject some unexpected spice into your festive viewing schedule. Catch it on Monday, December 23rd, at 4:15 pm.
Shark Tale
“Underwater fun with a splash of laughs!”
What happens when you mix a talking fish, underwater mobsters, and Will Smith’s undeniable charm? You get Shark Tale—an underwater comedy adventure like no other. This late-night delight is packed with vibrant animation, catchy tunes, and an unforgettable message about staying true to yourself. Watch it on Monday, December 23rd, at 11:55 pm.
Daddy Day Care & Daddy Day Camp
“When dads take the reins, chaos follows!”
Who says dads can’t do it all? Eddie Murphy takes on the hilarious challenge of running a daycare in Daddy Day Care, while Daddy Day Camp sees the chaos ramp up in the great outdoors. These back-to-back comedies are brimming with laughable parenting mishaps, heartwarming moments, and plenty of holiday cheer. Back-to-back fun airs on Wednesday, December 11th, at 3:15 pm and 4:50 pm.
Relive the Joy Only on GOtv
Whether you’re looking to laugh, reminisce, or simply escape into a world of fun, GOtv’s festive lineup of throwbacks is your ticket to holiday bliss. Don’t miss the chance to make new memories with these classic gems.
Subscribe now to unlock a world of exciting entertainment! Take advantage of the GOtv Supa Plus Golden Window and pay just N13,900 instead of N15,700. Upgrade, subscribe, or reconnect via the MyGOtv app or dial *288#. For on-the-go viewing, don’t forget to download the GOtv Stream App and enjoy your favourite classics anytime, anywhere.
Let the nostalgia flow and the laughter echo this festive season—it’s all happening on GOtv!
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