Showbiz
Creating Shared Value and Culture Through Local Content
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://
For aspiring filmmakers, this could be their first step towards a career at the cutting edge of African entertainment.
Showbiz
Mena Sodje, Daniel Abua Frontline Africa Magic’s New Romantic Drama Employee of the Year
Africa Magic has announced the premiere of Employee of the Year, a compelling three-part romantic drama set to air from Thursday, February 12, to Saturday, February 14, 2026, on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151, GOtv Channel 8).
Led by Mena Sodje in a standout performance as Nana, the movie features a strong supporting cast, including Daniel Abua, Doris Okorie, Nnamdi Agbo, Yemi Solade, and other notable actors. Together, they bring depth and emotional nuance to a story rooted in the high-pressure world of real estate, where power, loyalty, and desire often collide.
Employee of the Year follows Nana, a junior realtor struggling to rise above obscurity, whose life takes a dramatic turn when she uncovers a dangerous plot to burn down her company. Her bravery earns her recognition as an unlikely hero, but the victory is short-lived when she discovers that the conspiracy runs far deeper than she imagined.
As the story intensifies, Nana learns the true mastermind behind the scheme, who then presents her with a chilling offer: her dream promotion in exchange for carrying out the very crime she once stopped. Caught between ambition and conscience, Nana must confront the cost of success and decide what kind of future she is willing to build.
With its mix of romance, suspense, and corporate drama, Employee of the Year explores the moral compromises often hidden behind professional success. The three-part movie will air exclusively on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 15, GOtv Channel 81) from February 12 –14, 2026.
Be sure to also take advantage of the ongoing We Got You offer, where you pay for your current package and DStv/GOtv upgrades you to the next higher package at no extra cost. The offer runs till February 28th, 2026.
Showbiz
The Little Moments That Matter: Movies Parents and Kids Can Watch Together
Let’s talk about something not often discussed enough between African parents and their kids.
Not love, we already know there’s love. “Bonding”.
In many African households, love is loud in sacrifice but quiet in expression. Parents provide, protect, and work tirelessly. But sitting down, relaxing, and simply being present together doesn’t always come naturally.
If you grew up in an African home, you already understand this.
When mum or dad comes back from work, the atmosphere shifts. The TV volume drops. Someone suddenly remembers plates in the sink. Another person starts sweeping a spot that’s been clean since morning. Everyone just… behaves.
Not because there isn’t love, but because closeness often comes with formality. There’s respect. There’s discipline. But that soft, easy familiarity between parents and kids can be rare.
So we grow up sharing the same house but living in different worlds. Parents tired from work. Kids busy with school, chores, or their phones.
And yet, years later, what we remember isn’t the rules or the lectures. It’s the small moments. The random laughter. The evenings when everyone relaxed and forgot to be strict for a while.
Sometimes, bonding doesn’t need a big conversation or a “family meeting.”
Sometimes, it’s as simple as watching a movie together.
Just, “Come and sit down, let’s watch this.”
That small invitation can change the mood of the whole house. Conversations start. Jokes fly. Someone explains the plot too much. Someone else steals the remote. And before you know it, everyone is actually together.
The right movie helps.
Something light and stress-free like Mr. Bean’s Holiday on Movie Room Africa (GOtv Channel 51), where Bean’s clumsy adventure across France delivers effortless laughter for both kids and parents.
Or The LEGO Movie on M-Net Movies 3 (GOtv Channel 43), following Emmet, an ordinary LEGO figure thrown into an extraordinary adventure. Fast, funny, and packed with clever humour adults enjoy just as much.
For louder nights filled with commentary and laughter, A Madea Funeral on M-Net Movies 3 (GOtv Channel 43) brings family drama, secrets, and Madea’s unforgettable honesty. And for the same chaotic fun with a spooky twist, A Madea Halloween on Movie Room Africa (GOtv Channel 51) keeps everyone half-laughing, half-shouting at the screen.
On quieter evenings, Dolphin Tale on M-Net Movies 3 (GOtv Channel 43) offers something softer. The true story of a rescued dolphin and a young boy’s bond with her leaves the room quiet at the end, but in the best way.
The beauty is that these stories are already there on GOtv. No planning. No pressure. Just press play and sit together.
They’re not “serious bonding activities.” They’re just movies. And sometimes, that’s enough.
Because one day, your kids won’t remember the chores or how strict the rules were.
They’ll remember moments like, “Remember when we watched that movie together and couldn’t stop laughing?”
And that’s what stays.
Right now, subscribers can enjoy all these and more with the We Got You offer, available until 28 February 2026. Pay for your current package and get upgraded to the next package at no extra cost, giving you access to more channels, more shows, more moments together.
To subscribe, upgrade, or reconnect, download the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. You can also stream anytime with the GOtv Stream App.
Showbiz
No One Is Safe: Six New Singles Storm the Love Pad In the Heartbeat Show
Episode 4 of Heartbeat kicked off with the drama still simmering from the last episode. Latifah held all the cards, literally, and shocked everyone by choosing Ken to spend the night in the Love Nest, going back to familiar ground instead of exploring someone new. a move that instantly set the tone for the night.
The Love Dip Game followed, flipping the house upside down once again. Matching numbers meant new overnight partners, leading to unexpected pairings: Igwe with Shekinah, Kena with Toria, Alvin with Chidera, and Hilda with Henri.
The biggest shock of the night was Kena and Chidera getting separated despite being emotionally“locked in”y. Kena assured everyone it wouldn’t affect their bond, but later that night, after tucking Chidera into bed, he was spotted hopping onto Hilda’s bed, leaving the house buzzing. Some singles quietly opted to sleep alone, choosing peace of mind over drama.
Morning brought no relief. Some woke up smiling, but others were drowning in emotions. Toria broke down, exhausted and overwhelmed, while Chidera offered comfort. Kena and Shekinah questioned how couples already “locked in” could even be split. Ken appeared unsure of what he wanted, Igwe was back to his charming ways with Shekinah, and Toria watched every move, convinced their connection wasn’t real. Meanwhile, Ken and Latifah kept the chemistry alive in the Love Nest, and Igwe eventually tried to make peace with Toria, only to sneak in some playful taunting afterwards.
Just when things felt tense enough, the energy in the Love Pad shifted, new singles arrived, and sparks immediately began to fly.
Meet the new singles.
Jane: She is an artist and businesswoman, confident and ambitious. She’s here to make her mark, stand out, and see which connections ignite the most chemistry.
Bosah: Describes himself as cool, calm, collected, and a man of many layers. He avoids manipulative women and hopes to impress through thoughtful conversation and genuine interactions. His type? Light-skinned women who can communicate.
Timi: Describeshimself as the cool guy, mysterious about his love life; he is here to find love while testing others. Tall, dark-skinned, slim women with pretty faces are his type, while insensitivity is a dealbreaker. He plans to vibe naturally and let connections flow.
Sharon Ray: The fashionista, fun, funny, and sarcastic one. Cheaters are a no-go for her, and she plans to make her impression by being unapologetically herself. Her ideal match? Tall, clean men.
Victory: He brings calm, mature energy. Petite, kind, gentle women who can hold constructive conversations catch his eye, while self-centred ladies are a no-go. He’s all about exploring chemistry quietly and naturally.
Ceeoni: Described herself as an icebreaker, witty, fun, and energetic. She loves intelligent, refined men, can’t stand “dirty” behaviour, and is ready to warm her way into someone’s heart while keeping things playful.
The new singles wasted no time in turning heads. Latifah joked that Victory feels like “Ken Pro Max”, and she has an eye for him. Victory admitted interest in Shekinah, Latifah, and Toria, and Toria already sensed Ceeoni might stir up trouble.
To keep things spicy, the singles played a daring card game where each picked a challenge and had to follow it, and things got wild fast. Latifah mimicked the person she finds most annoying (Henri), Toria called out Igwe and Shekinah’s “fake” connection, Shekinah kissed Igwe, Bosa kissed Latifah, Kena seductively fed Chidera, and Ceeoni boldly sat on Ken’s lap, whispering in his ear. Jealousy, tension, and unexpected sparks flew everywhere.
As the night wound down, Latifah and Ken tried to navigate the sudden surge of attention from both old and new singles. Meanwhile, one of the newcomers, Jane, openly declared that she wants Kena, no matter who he’s paired with or locked in with.
By the end of Episode 4, old bonds were shaky, new attractions were forming, and the Love Pad felt more crowded and complicated than ever. With fresh faces, high emotions, and hearts in motion, anything can happen next. Who will find real connection, who will flirt their way into trouble, and who will get left behind?
Tune in to Episode 5 to find out.
Catch Heartbeat every Sunday at 9 pm on Africa Magic Showcase, GOtv Channel 8.
Subscribers can also enjoy all these and even more value with the We Got You offer, available until 28th February 2026. When you pay for your current package, you’re automatically upgraded to the next package at no extra cost, giving you access to more channels, more shows, and even more ways to unwind.
To upgrade, subscribe, or reconnect, download the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. For catch-up and on-the-go viewing, stream anytime on the GOtv Stream App.
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