Skills development is one of the fundamental engines of growth for any industry. Training allows aspiring young people to enter the economy, passionate about building careers and contributing to the growth of the business. Their energy is infectious and vital, but it must be shaped through training.

In creative industries, however, training has a wider effect. It not only equips emerging young professionals with skills, but it also drives shared value and enriches culture through the work and the content that those young creators go on to produce.

Africa-wide training

A case in point is the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), an Africa-wide network of training institutions headquartered in Nairobi, Lagos and Lusaka, and founded by MultiChoice, a Canal+ company.

The effectiveness of MTF courses, grounded in three decades enriching lives as Africa’s most-loved storyteller, are widely recognised. But the close relationship with the MultiChoice network also means that graduates of the academies soon go on to rewarding careers creating content for the pan-African network.

This is local content; homegrown, relevant and resonating with the tastes and the cultural needs of African audiences – allowing viewers to see themselves reflected in the shows they love. These might be iconic reality shows like Big Brother Naija,  Heartbeat, Real Housewives of Lagos, or popular drama such as Tinsel.

The films they produce are broadcast to audience acclaim on MultiChoice channels across the continent. These culturally impactful films include West African fantasy drama Grown.

Applications are currently open for this year’s intake of students at the MTF Academies in Lagos, Nairobi and Lusaka. African graduates who aspire to become directors, filmmakers, scriptwriters, producers and storytellers can now apply for fully funded courses at the industry-leading network of academies.

As part of the CANAL+ family, MultiChoice has rededicated itself to empowering young people with filmmaking, production and storytelling skills.

Enriching lives through content

This homegrown content is cultural output, entertaining and inspiring audiences from Maputo to Accra, strengthening African and national identity, while creating further jobs, boosting entrepreneurship and business opportunities and building a trove of African intellectual property.

MultiChoice functions as an ecosystem catalyst, building partnerships with broadcasters, guilds, financiers, and educators that scale opportunity beyond a single platform. MTF graduates then enter this ecosystem upon graduation, and enrich it with their passion, ideas and awareness.

In an economic sense, training academies like MTF are engines of growth. Feeding the creative economy with up to 60 graduates every year gives it energy and impetus that leads to new productions, and fresh approaches to existing ones. Those productions build audiences and revenue, which in turn funds more creative projects, jobs and skills across the value chain.

Homegrown Culture Engine

MultiChoice stands out as a homegrown culture engine, shaping modern African culture through decades of local content. It drives social-media trends, memes, gossip, and watch parties. Shows like Big Brother Naija attract millions online, sparking conversations and creating culture.

Big Brother Naija has launched stars across West Africa, like Mercy Eke, whose fame has brought multi million endorsements and business like MNM Luxury and Lambo homes. Sparking conversations, inspiring comments, and creating culture.

Creating this culture demands more than technical skill, it requires the instincts of Africa’s digital generation, people who understand how modern Africans live, engage, and consume content. For audiences, this approach ensures entertainment that reflects their tastes, lifestyles, and values.

Those who are interested in joining the next generation of storytellers can apply to the MTF 2026 cohort. Applications close on 27 February 2026. Prospective students can visit https://multichoicetalentfactory.com/mtf-applications/index.php to learn more about the MTF programme requirements.

For aspiring filmmakers, this could be their first step towards a career at the cutting edge of African entertainment.

Episode one introduced the faces and the first attraction, while the second episode is where the real questions start to come up.

Now that the housemates have settled into the Love Pad, it’s no longer just about who picked whom from a picture. Conversations are starting, personalities are showing, and intentions are slowly coming to the surface. Everyone walked into the house with a reason, but not everyone is looking for the same thing.

So before emotions get deeper and connections start to shift, it’s only right to properly meet the singles inside the Heartbeat coven. What do they do outside the cameras? How do they describe themselves? Why did they decide to take this love journey? And at the end of it all, what are they really hoping to gain?

Here’s a closer look at the Heartbeat contestants:

The Women of Heartbeat:

 Chidera Eggerue — Age 30

Chidera is a writer, podcaster and bestselling author known as The Slumflower. She rose to fame with the viral #SAGGYBOOBSMATTER movement and now uses her voice to empower women and spark important conversations. She describes herself as confident and unapologetically real, and on Heartbeat, she’s here for one clear reason: to meet a man who can genuinely handle a strong, independent woman, someone equal to her depth and boldness.

Queen Latifa (Lateefa Shittu) —Age 26

Queen Latifa is an entrepreneur from Ogun State with a personality to match. She calls herself “loud, lovely and unapologetic” and brings bold confidence and fun energy into the house. Refusing to settle in love, Queen Latifa is determined to find someone who matches her spirit, intensity and standards, not just someone she likes at first glance.

Hilda Braso Agyekum — Age 28

Hilda is a Ghanaian actress, producer and scriptwriter. She describes herself as a natural flirt who values deep emotional intimacy and authenticity. On Heartbeat, she’s honest about wanting someone who loves her deeply and matches her emotional depth,  but she won’t compromise on honesty, intelligence or respect.

Shekinah Esosa — Age 24

Shekinah is a musical artist from Edo State who brings spontaneity, energy and boldness to the show. She describes herself as expressive and unstoppable when she’s into someone. On Heartbeat, she’s after love with intention, someone emotionally intelligent, confident and ready for a real connection.

Toria Kim — Age 26

Toria is a hairstylist and freelance model with a free spirit and authentic vibe. She’s real, bold and confident, and says loyalty, honesty and effort are non‑negotiable for her. On the show, she’s not just out to flirt, she’s here to find a genuine romantic connection with someone who respects what it takes to build something real.

The Men of Heartbeat:

Alvin Leonard — Age 25

Alvin is a computer scientist, licensed cabin crew member and shoemaker all in one. He describes himself as a dominant man who values quality time and mutual interest. After some tough experiences with love in the past, Alvin says he’s on Heartbeat to find his better half, someone who complements him emotionally and stands with him through life’s ups and downs.

Igwe Cruise — Age 29

Igwe is an oil and gas professional with a calm, intentional personality. He describes himself as someone who doesn’t play games and knows exactly what he likes. He’s here for both love and adventure, looking for a connection that’s real, steady and exciting all at once. Someone who’s prepared for a deeper connection beyond just surface attraction.

Henri Chibueze — Age 27

Henri is a business person, and he calls himself both a playboy and a loverboy, believing these qualities can coexist when you’re with the right person. He mentioned that his spec in a woman is an athlete, someone who has empathy and values loyalty. He says he is on the show to explore emotional chemistry with someone special,  someone who appreciates fun but also genuine connection and commitment.

Ken Nwaomucha — Age 26

Ken is a realtor from Warri with his own fashion brand. He describes himself as a playful lover boy with confidence and charm. Although he brings a fun, flirtatious energy, Ken says he’s serious about finding his dream woman,  someone who brings out both his romantic and loyal sides without drama.

Ikenna Damian Maduba — Age 31

Ikenna also known as Kena is an entrepreneur and the founder of Nevada Nightclub in Abuja. Once shy, he now carries a confident, jovial energy and says he’s attracted to women who are natural, courteous and genuine. Loyalty means a lot to him, and while he admits he can be fiery, he says he’s ready to make a real emotional connection when he meets the right woman.

These are the singles on the Heartbeat show, each one with their own story.

With distinct personalities and clear intentions, the cast is ready to create emotional sparks, unexpected bonds and unforgettable reality TV moments that will keep you watching right through to the final Promise Lock.

Don’t miss Heartbeat every Sunday at 9 pm on Africa Magic Showcase, GOtv Channel 8, and Showmax.

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.

Heartbeat wasted no time turning up the heat in its premiere episode, kicking off with instant attraction, bold choices and dynamics that immediately set the tone for the season.

Ten singles, five men and five women, stepped into the Love Pad, but instead of long introductions, they were thrown into their first test. Each person had to make an initial choice based solely on photos, no conversations, no context, just instinct.  Chidera, a 30-year-old who revealed she had been single for ten years, was the first to choose, picking Alvin, a 25-year-old actor. Alvin, however, followed his own instinct and selected Queen Latifa, a 26-year-old entrepreneur whose calm confidence stood out instantly.

As the house filled up, it became clear that some singles were already emerging as early favourites. Igwe, a 26-year-old oil and gas professional, quickly became one of the most sought-after men, attracting interest from more than one woman. On the other side, Hilda, a 28-year-old actress from Ghana, found herself drawing repeated attention, setting the stage for potential rivalry and connection.

The dynamics shifted again with the introduction of the Love Nest, a private room designed for two singles to spend the night away from the rest of the house. A hidden key added suspense, and when Kenna found it, he made a bold move by choosing Queen Latifa. The decision made them the first pair to share the Love Nest and instantly altered the energy in the house.

Next came the Love Dip game, where housemates picked numbers from a ballot box. Matching numbers meant becoming partners for the night, creating unexpected pairings and opening the door to fresh conversations. New combinations like Igwe and Hilda, Shekina and Alvin, Toria and Henry, and Chidera and Kenna sparked curiosity, chemistry, and a few raised eyebrows.

By the end of the episode, the singles had settled into the Love Pad, but emotionally, nothing was settled. The men openly discussed attraction and possibilities, while the women made it clear they were watching closely and not ready for half-hearted intentions or games.

Episode One didn’t give all the answers, but it asked the right questions. With overlapping interests, early connections, and choices already creating tension, Heartbeat is clearly gearing up for deeper emotions, surprises and evolving relationships.

Catch Heartbeat every Sunday at 9 pm on Africa Magic Showcase, GOtv Channel 8, and Showmax.

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.