Showbiz
5 Africa Magic Shows You Should Be Watching Right Now
Imagine trying to choose your future partner without meeting them first. Instead, you’re introduced to the people who know them best: their family, their home, their upbringing, their traditions. And from those visits alone, you’re expected to decide who deserves your heart.
It’s a bold idea, but that’s exactly what makes Date My Family Nigeria so addictive to watch. And it’s only one of the many reasons Africa Magic continues to deliver stories that spark conversations, stir emotions and keep viewers coming back for more. Whether you’re in the mood for romance, family drama, mystery or light-hearted entertainment, there’s always something worth watching.
Here are five Africa Magic shows you should be watching right now:
1. Date My Family Nigeria
Thursday | 1:00 PM | Africa Magic Family Ch 7
Finding love has never been this adventurous. Instead of going on dates with potential partners, one bachelor or bachelorette visits the families of three singles before meeting them. From first impressions and family dynamics to unexpected advice and hilarious moments, every visit reveals more than any traditional date ever could.
The big question is simple: Can you choose your future partner based on the people who raised them?
2. Jay Jay: The Chosen One
Friday | 4:30 PM | Africa Magic Family Ch 7
What if your greatest talent came from the most unexpected place?
In Jay Jay: The Chosen One, Austin dreams of becoming an exceptional footballer, but his journey takes an extraordinary turn when he begins training near the jungle. There, the animals teach him remarkable football skills and grant him special powers in exchange for one promise: to protect them whenever they’re in danger. Blending football, fantasy and adventure, it’s an inspiring story about courage, responsibility and chasing your dreams.
3. The River
Wednesday | 12:30 AM | Africa Magic Family Ch 7
The River follows two very different worlds that are bound together by family, ambition and long-buried secrets. On one side are powerful business families; on the other, a struggling township where lives are shaped by inequality and hardship.
As greed, betrayal and hidden truths begin to surface, every relationship is pushed to its breaking point. If you enjoy layered storytelling where every decision has consequences, The River is well worth your time.
4. Etiti
Friday | 8:30 PM | Africa Magic Showcase Ch 8
A wedding is supposed to mark the beginning of a new chapter. In Etiti, it becomes the beginning of a nightmare. On Jidenna and Chisom’s wedding day, a hidden betrayal and a chilling prophecy from an ageless priestess turn what should have been their happiest moment into their last. What follows is a gripping tale of mystery, tradition and the supernatural, where every revelation raises even more questions.
5. Husband Material
Saturday | 6:45 PM | Africa Magic Showcase Ch 8
Finding “the one” isn’t always as straightforward as it seems.
Husband Material follows young women as they meet and evaluate potential life partners, navigating personalities, expectations and unexpected chemistry along the way. It’s a refreshing take on modern relationships that proves choosing a husband can be just as entertaining as finding one. With heartfelt conversations, surprising moments and plenty of laughs, it’s the perfect weekend watch for anyone who enjoys relationship-focused reality shows.
Whether you’re rooting for someone to find love in Date My Family Nigeria, following Austin’s extraordinary journey in Jay Jay: The Chosen One, getting drawn into the power struggles of The River, uncovering the mysteries of Etiti, or watching sparks fly in Husband Material, there’s never a dull moment on Africa Magic.
Different stories, different characters, different reasons to keep watching. But they all have one thing in common, they know how to keep you coming back for the next episode.
Catch all these shows on Africa Magic, available on GOtv, and discover your next favourite.
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 Adedapo Adesanya
Popular Nigerian singer, Niniola Apata, professionally known as Niniola, has revealed that becoming a young widow has been one of the most difficult experiences of her life, reflecting on the demise of her heartthrob, Mr Michael Ndika.
In an emotional message on X on Sunday, marking two months since his sudden and unexpected death, the music star disclosed that she initially intended to record a video message but found herself unable to get through it because of the overwhelming emotions.
“Today makes it two months since my husband, business manager and best friend, Michael, was very suddenly and unexpectedly taken from me and truly, from us,” she wrote.
Niniola admitted that although she lost her father at a young age, nothing had prepared her for the reality of widowhood. She described the grieving process as “hard” and “exceedingly difficult,” saying some days are manageable while others are “painfully indescribable.”
The singer spoke candidly about the unanswered questions and unfinished conversations left behind, adding that she has struggled to find the words to express the depth of her emotions.
Despite her grief, Niniola said her faith has remained her anchor, noting that God continues to reassure her of His presence even during moments of doubt.
She also expressed profound appreciation to family, friends, fans, colleagues, media organisations and well-wishers for their prayers, messages and unwavering support since Michael’s passing.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to you all for your outpouring of love, your kind words, prayers, thoughtful messages and posts. I do not know how I will ever repay each and every one of you, but please know that I am truly and sincerely grateful,” she wrote.
Before his death, Mr Ndika was the chief executive of a multimedia platform focused on Afro-house and contemporary African music known as NaijaReview.
Niniola is the older sibling of another famous entertainer, Teni.
Africa’s biggest reality television show, Big Brother Naija, returns for its highly anticipated Season 11 on Sunday, 26 July 2026 on DStv and GOtv.
The launch show will air from 7 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family channels, with the 24-hour show on DStv channel 198 and GOtv channel 49. BBNaija fans can also watch the show live via DStv and GOtv Stream.
This season’s winner will walk away with a record ₦160 million grand prize, which includes a cash sum of N100 million and a brand-new SUV. The prize is the highest in the show’s history, raising the stakes for what is expected to be another landmark season.
Speaking on the new season, Atinuke Babatunde, Executive Head, Content and Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice, said:
“Big Brother Naija has consistently redefined entertainment in Africa by bringing together authentic storytelling, compelling personalities and moments that resonate with millions of viewers. Season 11 builds on that legacy with even bigger stakes, fresh twists and an exciting mix of housemates that will keep audiences engaged from premiere night through to the finale”.
The new season also ushers in an exciting lineup of brand partners, with betPawa, the home of Africa’s biggest winners, joining the Big Brother Naija family as the Headline Sponsor.
Commenting on the partnership, Borah Omary Ndanyungu, Head of Local Marketing & CSR, betPawa, said: “At betPawa, we believe in creating unforgettable experiences that bring people together through the things they are passionate about. Big Brother Naija is one of Africa’s most celebrated entertainment properties, and we are proud to come on board as Headline Sponsor for Season 11. We look forward to rewarding fans, deepening engagement throughout the season and delivering exciting experiences that complement the energy and excitement of the show.”
Guinness returns as the Gold Sponsor, while Minimie comes on board as an Associate Sponsor, reinforcing continued confidence from leading brands in one of Africa’s most influential entertainment platforms.
On the season’s partnerships, Babatunde commented: “We are delighted to welcome betPawa as our Headline Sponsor alongside Guinness and Minimie, whose partnership reflects the enduring value and impact of the Big Brother Naija platform.”
Since its return in 2017, Big Brother Naija has evolved beyond a reality TV show into a cultural phenomenon, creating household names, creating jobs across the creative economy, and shaping popular culture.
With Ebuka Obi-Uchendu returning as the show’s host, viewers can expect a season filled with unexpected twists, dynamic tasks, strategic gameplay, entertaining challenges and the authentic interactions that have made Big Brother Naija one of Africa’s most-watched reality TV show franchises.
Season 11 premieres on Sunday, 26 July 2026, with viewers able to follow every moment of the action throughout the season on DStv, GOtv, DStv Stream and GOtv Stream. Eligible subscribers can vote through the MyDStv and MyGOtv self-service apps, upgrade their packages for additional voting benefits, and enjoy uninterrupted access throughout the season by subscribing or renewing for multiple months.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The first dedicated talent management training institution in Nigeria, TGM Academy, is set to commence operations in September 2026.
This institution is the brainchild of one of Nigeria’s leading public relations and strategic communications agencies, That Good Media (TGM).
The firm has expertise in talent management, influencer sourcing, personal branding, media relations and reputation management.
According to a statement from the company, TGM Academy will equip aspiring and practising talent managers with the knowledge, skills and industry exposure required to support the growth of Nigeria’s rapidly expanding creative economy.
The academy was established to professionalise talent management as a viable career path while developing a new generation of globally competitive managers capable of strengthening Nigeria’s creative ecosystem.
While talent management has become increasingly important in helping creatives access international opportunities, build sustainable careers and create long-term
commercial value, the profession has lacked structured education, recognised standards and dedicated capacity-building platforms.
Ahead of the launch in about two months, TGM is organising a Talent Management Leadership Roundtable on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Abora Suites of Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the French Consulate, and Megowa, a digital platform connecting Nollywood talent with industry opportunities, training and resources across the African creative landscape.
Expected at the event are senior talent managers, entertainment executives, brand leaders, diplomats, cultural institutions, media executives, creatives and key decision makers whose work is shaping the future of Nigeria’s creative economy.
The roundtable themed Talent Management as Critical Infrastructure for Cultural Exchange and the Creative Economy will examine the evolving role of
talent management as a strategic enabler of commercial growth, international collaboration and cultural exchange.
It will create a platform for honest conversations around the future of talent management and its role in driving the creative economy, as participants will explore how professional management contributes to the long-term success of creatives, what brands expect before entering partnerships, how managers can build trusted relationships with corporate organisations, and how diplomatic missions and international cultural institutions engage with the creative sector through cultural exchange programmes, festivals and international collaborations.
The discussions will also examine the structures, competencies and ethical standards required for Nigerian talent managers to compete successfully within global markets, with insights generated during the roundtable to directly inform the curriculum, partnerships and learning framework of TGM Academy ahead of its official launch.
