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Design Indaba, Google Unveil Colours of Africa to Showcase African Creatives

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Colours of Africa

An online initiative known as Colours of Africa has been launched by Design Indaba in partnership with Google Arts & Culture.

The project brings online and showcases 60 specially-curated artworks produced by over 60 unique African creatives chosen by Design Indaba – each invited to contribute a work that captures the ‘colour’ and character of their home country.

Selected by Design Indaba’s founder Ravi Naidoo, the creatives will showcase the best of African craft, product, industrial design, fashion, film, animation, graphic, food, music, jewellery and architecture.

“Africa is known for its bold, unapologetic use of colour. Each country, city and community is identifiable by its unique palette. As Africans, we can tell powerful stories through colour. This project tells a story of a continent through the universally accessible lens,” says Naidoo.

The first artistic undertaking of this scale, the project will allow viewers to discover stories of Africa as told by the African creative community. The artworks will be showcased online where users are invited to spin the kaleidoscope to explore the works in an effort to take users on a journey through Africa,  inviting them to view each country through the eyes of a local artist.

“Google has always been acutely aware and in full support of the immense creative melting pot that exists on the continent. Collaborating with Design Indaba on this project allows us to bring this support to fruition. By empowering and amplifying African voices to tell the unique stories of their cultures through their work and creativity, we hope to provide much-needed exposure, cultivate a newfound curiosity, and provide a window into the vast beauty that exists on the continent,” says Nitin Gajria, Managing Director at Google.

The project involves creatives from almost every discipline imaginable, from architecture, illustration, painting and ceramics through to writing, engineering, the performing arts and visual communications. Their creations have been converted into images, videos, texts and illustrations. The multidisciplinary mix of 60 artists includes Algerian photographer Ramzy Bensaadi, fashion designer Bisrat Negassi from Eritrea, filmmaker Archange Kiyindou “Yamakasi” from the Republic of Congo and visual artist Ngadi Smart from Sierra Leone.

To bring the project to life, Design Indaba collaborated with former Design Indaba conference speaker Noel Pretorius and his creative partner, Elin Sjöberg, who collaborated with Google Arts & Culture Lab to create the design concept and interface for the digital exhibition. The exhibition features a kaleidoscopic navigation tool that can be used to explore the art in a randomised way, giving the visitor a unique experience while allowing the art itself to shine.

“Nothing like this exists to date, so we’re very excited to break new ground. This is an important artistic catalogue, the first of its kind to plot the expanse of African artistry on Google Arts & Culture. We salute Google for taking this important step to provide the world with a resource like this – not everyone can afford to travel here or access physical art fairs and museums to view this kind of work,” continues Naidoo.

In addition to the Colours of Africa platform, the initiative will also see the launch of over 4 000 images, videos and 20 carefully curated exhibits from Design Indaba’s extensive archive. Award-winning initiatives like Sheltersuit, Arch for Arch and Emerging Creatives will be profiled extensively for the first time online.

New works by some of the most important creatives working on the continent and abroad will also be displayed. These include Fozia Ismail (featured creative on Serpentine Gallery’s Creative Exchange programme), Mayada Adil El Sayed (represented Sudanese women at the Generation Equality Forum) and Lady Skollie (winner of the 10th FNB art prize).

Design Indaba, which celebrated its 25th year in 2020, draws top thinkers and guests from across the globe. Acknowledged as the world’s best design conference, it continues to be a leader in foregrounding African creativity, making it the logical ‘home’ for this project.

“We look forward to giving viewers a ticket to experiencing a whole new world, one that is outside of their everyday surroundings and creative knowledge. This project answers the vital call for all to notice and embraces African art in all its wonder,” concludes Nitin Gajria at Google.

As part of the project launch, Design Indaba commissioned Nigerian multi-talented creative and accomplished professional artist, Chief Nike Monica Okundaye, to capture the unique spirit of her country in a colour which represents home to her. She created an original painting titled ‘The Female Drummer/Àyánbìnrin’.

Colour: Royal Blue

Country: Nigeria

Artwork Rationale:

The colour blue in Nigerian indigenous cultures is the colour of love. Before a king ascends the throne, he often has to wear royal indigo blue. In Yorùbá, this is called ẹtù. In northern Nigeria, the colour is also used for the chief or the king. Same in eastern Nigeria. In the north, they sometimes even pound the blue into the turban when they marry a new wife. The whole face is sometimes blue to show love to the new bride. During their Durba, they sometimes wear the shining blue colour in the turbans to show love to the people at the festival.

“I used blue for this painting titled ‘The Female Drummer/Àyánbìnrin’ to illustrate both the love you see here between the drummer and her lover and the love desperately needed in the time of the coronavirus lockdown. In Yorùbá societies, the talking drummer is usually at the front of the palace, sending messages to the king through the medium of the drum — messages that the visitor themselves might not understand. The unique thing about this painting, done during the lockdown, is the use of a female drummer instead of the typical male ones seen in traditional Yorùbá art. My work involves female empowerment — I have trained disadvantaged women, widows, and young women for many years on fabric art — so I am always happy to put women at the forefront of my artistic philosophy”, says Nike Okundaye, Founder and Managing Director of Nike Center for Art and Culture.

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Spotify Users Experience Technical Glitch Globally

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Spotify music streaming service

By Adedapo Adesanya

Spotify users in Nigeria and around the world are currently experiencing challenges with the music streaming app.

Checks by Downdetector, which tracks platforms, showed more than 20,000 people reported Spotify was not properly functioning on Wednesday afternoon.

Users are still able to play music they had downloaded onto their device, and were also unable to view artists or use the search function on the app.

Business Post can also independently verify this issue as efforts to search for songs returned no outcome.

After trying to search for music, the app appears to time out and displays a message reading “something went wrong” with a refresh button.

This is not exclusive to Nigeria as thousands more reported issues in the US and parts of Europe, according to reports.

Spotify in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter said, “We are aware of the outage and working to resolve it as soon as possible. The reports of this being a security hack are false.”

Earlier it had said, “the issue with Search has been addressed” as it was rolling out the update to its users.

As of now, it is unclear how long it will be before the app begins working properly again.

Spotify has more than 675 million users worldwide.

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So Much More to Watch on GOtv Discover More Shows You’ll Love on GOtv

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What if the problem isn’t that there’s nothing to watch but that you’ve just not found it yet?

Tunde has a ritual. Every evening after work, he slumps into his couch, picks up the remote, and begins the great scroll. One channel after the other, eyes glazed, fingers moving. No destination in mind. He always ends up on the same two or three shows, sighing that there is “nothing else” to watch on GOtv.

Then one chill Sunday, his niece snatches the remote from him. “Uncle Tunde, you didn’t check anything, you were just scrolling and scrolling,” she laughs. Within minutes, she hops from a show on Discovery channel to a wedding documentary on Wedding channel, then ends the night with a cooking show that leaves everyone glued to the screen. Tunde is shocked, he goes from side-eyeing the screen to sitting up straight completely hooked.

 Same GOtv, new experience.

So what changed? Discovery!

Truth is, there’s a lot to see on GOtv. But many of us never stop to explore what lies beyond the usual. There are shows sitting pretty on your decoder right now, just waiting for you to click play. And today, we’re showing you five shows you probably didn’t know existed but are worth discovering:

1. My 3000-lb Family – Discovery TLC

It’s one thing to go on a personal weight loss journey. But imagine deciding as a family that enough is enough. That the sugary drinks, fast food, and endless excuses must go.

My 3000-lb Family is a deeply emotional and honest look into the lives of families whose combined weight reaches over 3,000 pounds. Every step is a battle. Every meal is a test of discipline. And every visit to the doctor comes with the fear of bad news.

You’ll watch them cry, argue, fall short, and try again. From strong-willed parents to teens determined to break the cycle, it’s a powerful reminder that change is hard, but possible with love and accountability.

Catch My 3000-lb Family on Discovery TLC, GOtv channel 52, Thursdays at 8:00 PM.

2. Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins – M Net Movies 3

Success can make you feel like you have it all figured out, until you go back home and realize you are just another member of the family.

Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins tells the story of a famous talk show host who leaves behind the lights and glamour of Los Angeles to return to his family in the deep South. Roscoe thinks he is going home to relax and maybe show off a little, but what he finds is far from what he expected.

The moment he steps into the house, it is clear that no one is interested in his fame. Old rivalries come back to life. Childhood memories return with full force. And in the middle of it all, there are moments that will have you laughing out loud and others that just hit home.

This is not just a comedy. It is a good reminder that family may embarrass you, drag up your past, and make you question everything, but they are also the ones who truly know you.

Catch Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins on M Net Movies 3, GOtv channel 43, this Friday at 4:10 PM.

3. World’s Deadliest Animals – Nat Geo Wild

Nature is beautiful but it is also brutal and sometimes, the most dangerous killers are not the ones you expect.

World’s Deadliest Animals takes you deep into the wild to meet creatures that are silent, swift, and shockingly deadly. From venomous snakes hiding in plain sight to tiny insects capable of ending a life in minutes, this show is not just about fear. It is about understanding the instincts and survival tactics of animals that rule their territories with quiet precision.

Each episode shows just how quickly things can turn in the animal kingdom. One wrong move in the wild, and it becomes a matter of life or death not just for the prey, but sometimes even for the predator.

It is fast paced, eye opening, and a powerful reminder that nature always balances beauty with danger.

Catch World’s Deadliest Animals every day on Nat Geo Wild, GOtv channel 100.

4. Border Security – CBS Reality

There is tension in the air. A long line of passengers wait to be cleared at the airport. Officers are at alert, watching every move like hawks. Then comes a man with a suitcase and a strange smile. His answers do not match what is in his bag, and just like that, the red flag is raised.

Border Security lets you see what really happens at airports and border checkpoints. It follows trained officers as they ask tough questions, check luggage, and stop people who are not telling the truth. Some travellers say they are visiting friends, but they are carrying strange items. Others try to hide things in ways that will leave you speechless.

Every episode brings real people, real drama, and real consequences. It is not just about catching someone. It is about protecting countries, keeping people safe, and making sure the law is followed.

Catch Border Security every day on CBS Reality, GOtv channel 39.

5. Love, Aso Ebi, and Plenty Drama — Wedding Channel

There is something about weddings that pulls everyone in. Maybe it is the love story, the colours, or just the drama that always finds its way to the reception. Whether it is a groom running late or a guest wearing a dress that should be roasted by the fashion police, there is always something to talk about.

The Wedding Channel celebrates it all. From real weddings with beautiful decor to behind-the-scenes planning and the challenges couples face before saying “I do,” this channel brings you a front row seat to love in its loudest, proudest form. You will see brides chasing perfection, event planners racing against time, and families doing everything to make the big day unforgettable.

It is a channel that reminds you of why weddings remain one of the biggest deals in our culture. And who knows, you might just get ideas for your own day.

Catch The Wedding Channel on GOtv channel 105.

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Stream the Best Shows on Showmax This April: The Hottest New Releases

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April is here, and with it comes a new wave of series that are sure to spark conversations in your WhatsApp groups and office gists. From laugh-out-loud comedies to gripping drama series and action-packed films that keep you on the edge of your seat, this April is full of shows that will have everyone buzzing.

Nigerian Idol | Available April 20th

It’s back and bigger! Nigerian Idol returns with more golden voices, dramatic auditions, and all the hilarious, unexpected moments that keep us talking week after week. Whether you’re here for the music or the drama, this season is shaping up to be one of the most entertaining yet.

OUR HUSBAND  | New Episodes Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays

What happens when grief, betrayal, and scandal collide? Our Husband follows Zara Nnamani, a woman who thought she had it all until her husband died suddenly after she discovered his cheating ways. Now, she has to deal with his mistress, a nosy family, and secrets that refuse to stay buried. Packed with gbas gbos, unexpected twists, and characters that’ll leave you torn between shouting at your screen and secretly rooting for them, this is the kind of series you gist about over cold zobo. A messy, juicy drama you don’t want to miss. Stream it on Showmax

THE YARD | New Episodes Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays

At the heart of Lagos’s gritty transport hustle lies a brewing war for control. Tega, a hardworking bus driver just trying to stay afloat, finds his world upended after his father’s sudden death leaves him deep in debt. On the flip side is Odafe Junior, the privileged son of a powerful bus park kingpin, who wants nothing to do with the ruthless empire his father built.

But when fate forces these two unlikely allies together, they discover a common enemy—and a shared hunger for justice. As their plan unfolds, power begins to taste sweet, and the lines between right and wrong start to blur.

With betrayal, ambition, and raw street tension at every turn, The Yard delivers the kind of drama that keeps you asking, “Who’s really in charge?”

The Mommy Club Tanzania | Now Streaming

You’ve seen the Jozi moms. Now, meet their Tanzanian sisters. Glamorous, bossed-up, and never without their trusted nannies, these five elite moms give us an all-access pass to the highs and lows of motherhood in style. From luxe living to real-life mom drama, The Mommy Club Tanzania brings heart, sass, and serious glam to the screen.

Wings | New Episodes Thursdays

When a determined investigative journalist loses someone close, she throws herself into work—and uncovers a web of secrets in Nigeria’s aviation industry. Ambition, scandal, and new love come crashing into her life as she fights to uncover the truth and confront her past. Wings is an emotional, sharp-edged drama that blends grief, grit, and romance in the sky and on the ground.

TEACUP S1 | First on Showmax | Now Streaming

Horror fans, this one’s for you Teacup is the latest spine-chilling series from horror mastermind James Wan (The Conjuring, Saw). Trapped on a remote farm in rural Georgia, a group of neighbors must put aside their differences to survive a terrifying and mysterious threat.

With an all-star cast including Emmy nominee Yvonne Strahovski (The Handmaid’s Tale), Teen Choice nominee Scott Speedman (Animal Kingdom), and BAFTA nominee Chaske Spencer (The English), Teacup is already making waves. Named the fourth-best horror series of 2024 by Rotten Tomatoes and a nominee for Best Horror Series at the Saturn Awards, this eight-part thriller is the perfect binge for anyone who loves stylish scares.

Watch the trailer

THE LAST OF US S2 | Mondays from 14 April

After an award-winning first season, The Last of Us returns with even more heartbreak, tension, and jaw-dropping storytelling. Set five years after the first season, Joel and Ellie face new dangers and their biggest challenge yet—each other.

With Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey reprising their iconic roles, plus new cast members like Oscar nominee Jeffrey Wright and Emmy winner Catherine O’Hara, this season is already one of the most talked-about TV events of the year. Expect intense discussions, emotional reactions, and plenty of memes once it drops.

Watch the trailer

Tulsa King S2 | Now Streaming

Tulsa King returns for a highly anticipated second season. After being released from prison after 25 years, mafia capo Dwight “The General” Manfredi (Sylvester Stallone) is exiled to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Realizing his Mob family might not have his best interests at heart, Dwight sets out to build a new criminal empire in a place that might as well be another planet.

Stallone shines in his first TV lead role, earning a Critics Choice Super Awards nomination for Best Actor in an Action Series. Created by Taylor Sheridan (Yellowstone), the first season was nominated for an Emmy for stunt coordination and for Best Action Series at the Critics Choice Super Awards. With a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Tulsa King is definitely one to watch. Joining Stallone in Season 2 are Frank Grillo (Boss Level), Neal McDonough (Marvel’s Dum Dum Dugan), and Emmy winner Dana Delany (Desperate Housewives).

Watch the trailer, which has over five million views

Get Ready to Binge

With these incredible titles coming to Showmax this April, your watchlist is about to get even more exciting. Whether you’re craving horror, drama, satire, or post-apocalyptic thrills, there’s something waiting for you. So grab your popcorn, clear your schedule, and get ready to dive into the best entertainment this month. Visit www.showmax.com to get started.

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