Showbiz
FG Okays Barcode To Fight Piracy

The Federal Government has approved the use of barcode in Nigerian movies and music as a measure to protect intellectual properties from undue exploitation.
Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, gave this endorsement on Friday in Abuja when he received the Caretaker Committee of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) led by its president, Pretty Okafor.
The Minister, who was responding to a request to that effect by PMAN, advised the association to also liaise with the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and other regulatory bodies to ensure the success of the new measure.
He said the government was worried at the damage pirates do to the entertainment industry and that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration was doing everything possible to tackle the issue.
“You asked that we make a declaration making it illegal for NTA, FRCN and other radio and television stations from using any music or movie, which is not barcoded…I think what we should do is to work through the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), NCC and other regulatory bodies,” the Minister said.
Alhaji Mohammed decried how trillions of Naira is being lost through copyrights infringement and stressed the need to re-invigorate institutional structures to block areas of leakages in order to rake in more revenue for the government and also allow artistes to enjoy the fruits of their labour.
He also enjoined players in the creative industry to buy into the innovative ways the government is employing to fight piracy through the Digital Switch Over in broadcasting.
“I think you also have to buy into the new digitization programme of the Federal Government because that will be a more effective way to fighting piracy than what we have today…… When you release your work online then there are no CDs to pirate. If I want to buy I (must) pay and it comes straight to me,” he remarked.
The Minister said another advantage of the digital regime is the multiplicity of channels to broadcast content, thereby creating more demand for content.
He said the government is working to turn the creative industry into a viable economy and appealed for private sector investment in production and post-production studios as a deliberate effort to curb capital flight to countries with hi-tech production infrastructure.
“If you can convince the private sector on the viability of the creative industry, you are going to see change. What the private sector needs are figures, data and balance-sheet,” said Alhaji Mohammed.
The Minister also sought the support of PMAN towards the National Re-orientation Campaign of the Federal Government, tagged “Change Begins with Me,” which is to be launched soon, saying creative artistes are influential members of the society who can take the message of change in attitude to the various strata of society.
He agreed to partner with PMAN to organise a Creative Economy Conference with a view to bringing on board all stakeholders to brainstorm on the development of the industry.
In his remarks, Mr Okafor said the music industry is the biggest employer of labour in Nigeria with over 12 million people gainfully engaged.
He said according to a recent study, the nation’s creativity industry is worth N15 trillion, but that over N10 trillion is lost through national and global piracy.
He said government stands to earn N3 trillion annually in both Value Added Tax and taxable income through the introduction of systematic ways to track revenue accruing to the sector and curbing piracy.
Barcode is a machine-readable representation of data, which provides information about the objects that carry such codes.
In the movie and music industry, it can be used to separate original works from fake ones, thus preventing buyers as well as radio and television stations from patronizing pirated works.
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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