Showbiz
Demi Lee Moore is Spotify EQUAL Artist for March
South African pop artist Demi Lee Moore has been announced as Spotify EQUAL Africa’s Artist for March 2025, highlighting her powerful voice and significant contribution to the Afrikaans music scene.
Demi Lee emerges as the first South African artist to join this year’s Spotify EQUAL Africa programme – a global initiative that supports women’s music through education, inspiration and networking opportunities, showing the platform’s support for female artists all year round.
Her album, “Mis Eet Slaap Herhaal”, quickly achieved Gold status, selling over 15,000 copies in 14 days. 2018 marked a pivotal year in Demi Lee’s destiny when she entered “Die Kontrak” – a competition that began with 2 000 participants – and emerged victorious.
Demi Lee Moore’s impact on Spotify is undeniable; in 2023 she was recognised as one of the top artists in the Afrikaans music category. “Being a part of the EQUAL campaign means the world to me,” says Moore. “To be in a position to inspire women in the industry and little girls growing up with big dreams is such a blessing!”
“Spotify’s EQUAL Africa programme is dedicated to empowering female voices in Africa, spotlighting artists who continue to push boundaries with their artistry,” says Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu. “Demi Lee exemplifies the calibre of talent the programme aims to support. Spotify is proud to be associated with her and will continue to use the EQUAL Africa programme to provide support for women in music, amplifying their voices and helping showcase their incredible talents to a global audience.”
We sat down with Demi Lee to learn more about her and her music:
What is that one surprising thing your fans might not know about you?
I absolutely LOVE cooking, I love my dogs more than anything and I love to wakeboard. I also worked as an air hostess straight after school and later became a nail technician as a side job from home, all while I was working my way up in the music industry.
When did you realise that making music was in your destiny and what is your WHY for pursuing this craft?
I had a connection to music from a very young age. I was always part of the theatre and performing in school. I loved the feeling that music and being on stage gave me. Being able to be creative and share it with people is so fulfilling. After school, I just decided that I’m gonna go for it. My why has always been ‘WHY NOT’. I do not believe in losing, I believe in learning and growing. How could I not use the talent God has given me? If I can make someone experience emotion through my music, uplift them and make them forget in dark moments, I am truly fulfilling my calling. Music is the soundtrack to our lives, every heartbreak, wedding, birthday – every memory is connected to music and it is the greatest gift to be part of just a moment in someone’s life.
Which African songs or artists did you grow up listening to?
My biggest influence from Africa has been Mango Groove, I always wanted to play with a band and I remember the first time I had the opportunity, we sang a Mango Groove Medley. Naturally, as an Afrikaans artist, the artists I listen to most growing up in Africa have been from the Afrikaans music scene.
To someone who has never heard your music, how would you describe the sound, tone and style?
My sound has definitely changed over the years and I always try something new with every album, but one aspect that has remained is my ‘country’ influence. I have a very organic approach while still keeping it pop with a country feel to it. With the new album we coloured outside the lines, bringing in some saxophone elements with a jazzy sound on the one song but still remaining true to Demi.
Any advice for someone dreading following their dreams?
I believe the biggest part of being successful is believing in yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself, how will you convince other people to?
How do you navigate the music space as a female artist and how does your unique perspective shape your artistry?
Being a woman in a male-dominated industry is extremely challenging but having confidence in your purpose is key. I think being female is my super power. I can tap into my emotions and really connect with females listening to my music and inspire young women to not stray away from who they are. I only put out music that portrays a message that I want to share and is true to who I am. I want to inspire the next generation of female artists to follow their dreams and believe that they, too, can dominate a male-dominated industry.
A quote from you about your experience navigating the male-dominated world of music and what being a part of the EQUAL programme means to you”
I believe in always having perspective in every situation. There is a Jane Fonda quote from an old movie –
“There are watchers in this world and there are doers. The watchers sit around watching the doers, do”
We need to be both. Watchers first, to learn, observe and then apply what we have seen. Then we need to become doers. And the only way you can be a doer is to do and try everything you possibly can to get your name heard, to never allow your own ego or opinions of others to ever stand in your way.
If you’re not putting in the work, it’s never going to happen for you. Even if you are better, you will need to work harder. Purpose should be the centre of your focus.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Showmax has announced that it would shut down its streaming services on April 30, 2026, bringing an end to its current operations.
The company disclosed this in an email sent to its subscribers, outlining key dates and what users should expect in the coming weeks.
According to the notice, the streamer set March 31, 2026, as the deadline for users to renew subscriptions or redeem vouchers, adding that from April 1, 2026, new subscriptions and renewals will no longer be available.
Recall that Canal+, which now owns MultiChoice, a pay-TV firm, earlier this month announced its decision to discontinue the streaming service due to its unsustainable operations.
MultiChoice launched Showmax across Africa 10 years ago in August 2015 to compete with the advent of streamers like Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon’s Prime Video, Disney+ and others, but it faced some challenges and couldn’t hit its target.
Even after it relaunched in partnership with Comcast’s NBCUniversal in 2024, it kept haemorrhaging cash without a viable return. Canal+ is looking to cut a combined €400 million by 2030, which will affect content.
NBCUniversal has a 30 per cent stake in Showmax as a joint venture. In its last annual results before the Canal+ takeover, MultiChoice revealed that Showmax’s trading losses had worsened by 88 per cent while revenue significantly declined.
With the winding-down plan now in full flow, Showmax informed subscribers that existing users can continue watching content until their subscriptions expire or until the end of April 2026.
“31 March 2026: Last day to renew your Showmax subscription or redeem vouchers,” the email stated.
It further reassured subscribers that there would be no immediate disruption for active users, noting that they can keep streaming content as usual within the transition period.
“No stress, you can keep watching as usual until your subscription ends, or until the end of April 2026, whichever comes first,” the company said.
The platform also hinted at a transition plan, stating that more details would be shared on how users can continue enjoying its content through other channels, particularly via DStv Stream.
“We’ll soon share how you can keep enjoying Showmax Originals and more on DStv Stream… So, ‘be on the lookout,” the email added.
MultiChoice has already started rebranding Showmax Originals as Africa Magic, M-Net, kykNET and Mzansi Magic Originals, with original series that will transition to these various DStv linear TV channels on the MultiChoice pay-TV platform.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The popular Nigerian telenovela, Wura, is making a return to the screens on Monday, March 31, 2026, for the fourth season.
The programme will be aired exclusively on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151, GOtv Channel 8) and Africa Magic Family (DStv Channel 154, GOtv Channel 7), Business Post gathered.
It will air every weeknight at 8 pm on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151, GOtv Channel 8) and at 8:30 pm on Africa Magic Family (DStv Channel 154, GOtv Channel 7).
Directed by Mr Rogers Ofime, Season 4 raises the stakes as Wura’s carefully built empire begins to crack under the weight of secrets, betrayal, and relentless pressure from every side. As alliances shift and loyalties are tested, the Adeleke dynasty stands on the brink of collapse.
A statement disclosed that the new season continues to follow the story of Wura Amoo Adeleke, the ruthless matriarch played by Scarlet Gomez, as she fights to survive the fallout from Season 3’s explosive ending.
Haunted by guilt and surrounded by enemies, Wura must protect her empire while her own family turns against her.
Wura Season 4 features an ensemble cast, including Ray Adeka, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Ego Iheanacho, Modesinuola Ogundiwin and many more.
“Season 4 is about consequences. Everything Wura has done, every choice she’s made, is coming home to roost. This season, we’re not holding back,” Mr Ofime said.
Also commenting, the Executive Head of Content and Channels at MultiChoice, Ms Atinuke Babatunde, said, “Wura represents the calibre of bold, compelling storytelling that Africa Magic was built to showcase.
“Bringing this powerhouse series to our platform is a statement about our commitment to premium African content. We’re proud to bring Wura to millions of viewers across the continent.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
The 98th edition of the celebrated Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Awards, known as the Oscars, was held on Sunday, March 15.
The ceremony was hosted by actor and comedian, Conan O’Brien.
Here is the compiled list of winners at the showpiece.
Best Picture
Bugonia
F1: The Movie
Frankenstein
Hamnet
Marty Supreme
One Battle After Another – WINNER
The Secret Agent
Sentimental Value
Sinners
Train Dreams
Best Actor
Timothée Chalamet, Marty Supreme
Leonardo DiCaprio, One Battle After Another
Ethan Hawke, Blue Moon
Michael B. Jordan, Sinners – WINNER
Wagner Moura, The Secret Agent
Best Actress
Jessie Buckley, Hamnet – WINNER
Rose Byrne, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
Kate Hudson, Song Sung Blue
Renate Reinsve, Sentimental Value
Emma Stone, Bugonia
Best Supporting Actor
Benicio del Toro, One Battle After Another
Jacob Elordi, Frankenstein
Delroy Lindo, Sinners
Sean Penn, One Battle After Another – WINNER
Stellan Skarsgård, Sentimental Value
Best Supporting Actress
Elle Fanning, Sentimental Value
Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Sentimental Value
Amy Madigan, Weapons – WINNER
Wunmi Mosaku, Sinners
Teyana Taylor, One Battle After Another
Best Director
Chloé Zhao, Hamnet
Josh Safdie, Marty Supreme
Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another – WINNER
Joachim Trier, Sentimental Value
Ryan Coogler, Sinners
Original Screenplay
Robert Kaplow, Blue Moon
Jafar Panahi, It Was Just an Accident
Ronald Bronstein & Josh Safdie, Marty Supreme
Eskil Vogt & Joachim Trier, Sentimental Value
Ryan Coogler, Sinners – WINNER
Adapted Screenplay
Will Tracy, Bugonia
Guillermo del Toro, Frankenstein
Chloé Zhao & Maggie O’Farrell, Hamnet
Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another – WINNER
Clint Bentley & Greg Kwedar, Train Dreams
Animated Feature
Arco
Elio
Kpop Demon Hunters – WINNER
Little Amélie or the Character of Rain
Zootopia 2
Documentary Feature
The Alabama Solution
Come See Me in the Good Light
Cutting Through Rocks
Mr Nobody Against Putin – WINNER
The Perfect Neighbor
International Feature
The Secret Agent, Brazil
It Was Just an Accident, France
Sentimental Value, Norway – WINNER
Sirāt, Spain
The Voice of Hind Rajab, Tunisia
Best Editing
Stephen Mirrione, F1: The Movie
Ronald Bronstein & Josh Safdie, Marty Supreme
Andy Jurgensen, One Battle After Another – WINNER
Olivier Bugge Coutté, Sentimental Value
Michael P. Shawver, Sinners
Cinematography
Dan Laustsen, Frankenstein
Darius Khondji, Marty Supreme
Michael Bauman, One Battle After Another
Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Sinners – WINNER
Adolpho Veloso, Train Dreams
Original Score
Jerskin Fendrix, Bugonia
Alexandre Desplat, Frankenstein
Max Richter, Hamnet
Jonny Greenwood, One Battle After Another
Ludwig Göransson, Sinners – WINNER
Best Casting
Nina Gold, Hamnet
Jennifer Venditti, Marty Supreme
Cassandra Kulukundis, One Battle After Another – WINNER
Gabriel Domingues, The Secret Agent
Francine Maisler, Sinners
Best Production Design
Frankenstein – WINNER
Production Design: Tamara Deverell; Set Decoration: Shane Vieau
Hamnet
Production Design: Fiona Crombie; Set Decoration: Alice Felton
Marty Supreme
Production Design: Jack Fisk; Set Decoration: Adam Willis
One Battle After Another
Production Design: Florencia Martin; Set Decoration: Anthony Carlino
Sinners
Production Design: Hannah Beachler; Set Decoration: Monique Champagne
Best Costume Design
Deborah L. Scott, Avatar: Fire and Ash
Kate Hawley, Frankenstein – WINNER
Malgosia Turzanska, Hamnet
Miyako Bellizzi, Marty Supreme
Ruth E. Carter, Sinners
Best Visual Effects
Avatar: Fire and Ash – WINNER
F1: The Movie
Jurassic World Rebirth
The Lost Bus
Sinners
Best Sound
F1: The Movie – WINNER
Gareth John, Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary A. Rizzo, & Juan Peralta
Frankenstein
Greg Chapman, Nathan Robitaille, Nelson Ferreira, Christian Cooke, & Brad Zoern.
One Battle After Another
José Antonio García, Christopher Scarabosio, & Tony Villaflor.
Sinners
Chris Welcker, Benjamin A. Burtt, Felipe Pacheco, Brandon Proctor, & Steve Boeddeker.
Sirât
Amanda Villavieja, Laia Casanovas, & Yasmina Praderas.
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Frankenstein – WINNER
Mike Hill, Jordan Samuel, & Cliona Furey
Kokuho
Kyoko Toyokawa, Naomi Hibino, & Tadashi Nishimatsu
Sinners
Ken Diaz, Mike Fontaine, & Shunika Terry
The Smashing Machine
Kazu Hiro, Glen Griffin, & Bjoern Rehbein
The Ugly Stepsister
Thomas Foldberg & Anne Cathrine Sauerberg
Best Original Song
Dear Me
from Diane Warren: Relentless; Music and Lyric by Diane Warren
Golden – WINNER
from KPop Demon Hunters; Music and Lyric by EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seon, and Teddy Park
I Lied to You
from Sinners; Music and Lyric by Raphael Saadiq and Ludwig Goransson
Sweet Dreams of Joy
from Viva Verdi!; Music and Lyric by Nicholas Pike
Train Dreams
from Train Dreams; Music by Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner; Lyric by Nick Cave
Best Live-Action Short
Butcher’s Stain
A Friend of Dorothy
Jane Austen’s Period Drama
The Singers – WINNER (TIE)
Two People Exchanging Saliva – WINNER (TIE)
Best Documentary Short
All the Empty Rooms – WINNER
Armed Only With a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud
Children No More: “Were and Are Gone”
The Devil Is Busy
Perfectly A Strangeness
Best Animated Short
Butterfly
Forevergreen
The Girl Who Cried Pearls – WINNER
Retirement Plan
The Three Sisters.
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