Showbiz
GOtv: Bridge Between Entertainment and Culture Preservation
In the age of globalisation, there is an inherent risk of cultural dilution, misrepresentation, and possibly extinction. But in this era, the Nigerian entertainment and culture projection is on an upward trajectory. Afrobeats is now a global phenomenon. Nollywood and the Nigerian fashion industry are attracting global attention and investment like never before, and our talents gaining global recognition.
This new evolution is not from the blue. It is a result of years of deliberate focus on promoting indigenous content: movies, shows, and programmes that project traditions and narratives that might otherwise be overshadowed by the global mainstream.
The broadcast media, especially the Digital Terrestrial Television platforms, have been major contributors to this development. Key in this regard is GOtv, which is the market leader. With an array of dedicated local content channels, GOtv broadcasts shows, events, movies and other content that project the diverse culture and heritage of Nigerian communities directly into millions of homes.
“I think it is important for us to know that even the Nigerian audience has been revolutionised. A platform like Africa Magic has reconnected us to who we are. It permitted us to be all that we can be as Africans, embracing our stories, history and heritage, and it is on these legs that we can go to the world and stand tall. In an era of globalisation, unless you know and express who you are uniquely in this world, you are very likely to be irrelevant,” said ace movie producer, Femi Odugnemi.
Africa Magic currently has seven channels (AM Showcase, Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, AM Epic, Family and AM Urban). The channels are dedicated to indigenous stories that tell unique African stories that reflect the everyday lives of African communities. Six of these channels are available on GOtv, which makes the platform a catalyst for preserving and evolving the rich cultural heritage of communities.
In celebration of Africa Magic’s 20th anniversary, MultiChoice announced that the platform had produced over 35,000 hours of indigenous content. The rich collection of Africa Magic originals such as Battleground, Ajoche, Riona, Irora Iya, Enakhe, and Hotel Majestic, among others, have graced GOtv channels over the years.
According to Caroline Oghuma, Executive Head, Corporate Affairs, MultiChoice (West Africa), GOtv celebrates and promotes the rich culture, customs and traditions of Nigeria and Africa with its reach and affordability. “GOtv is a digital fusion of high-quality entertainment and affordability. At MultiChoice, we invest heavily in local content, by commissioning and licensing stories that project the culture and heritage of Africa, in line with global production standards. These stories convey our rich values, beliefs and traditions while providing top-notch entertainment to the audience. And we make the rich array of content available to lower-income customers in rural and urban communities, via the GOtv platform,” Oghuma said.
Beyond the realms of fiction, reality TV shows and music programmes air constantly across GOtv channels. Nigeria’s music industry has become a global force, and GOtv ensures that this phenomenon is not confined to exclusive spaces. Through music channels that spotlight both established and emerging artists, GOtv celebrates the richness that emanates from every corner of the country. From Afrobeat to highlife, viewers experience the heartbeat of Nigeria through their screens.
Speaking further, Oghuma said the company is taking customer experience on GOtv a notch higher with the newly launched live stream app. “GOtv Stream reshapes the content consumption pattern of GOtv customers by offering real-time access to their favourite content. The introduction of GOtv Stream underscores our commitment to delivering top-quality service, powered by innovation and technology to our customers.
“GOtv Stream also enables a personal viewing experience and connection, as it grants users the flexibility to create up to four profile accounts, download preferred content for offline viewing, create a watchlist and control content suggestions on the app,” she added.
GOtv’s impact is not confined to urban centres. It extends to the farthest corners of Nigeria. In rural communities, GOtv is a window to the broader world of Nigerian culture, which affords families to gather around their screens, and share moments that resonate with their personal experiences.
GOtv services are currently accessible in 46 cities across 25 states of the country. By matching reach, top-quality indigenous content with affordability for customers, GOtv continues to be a vehicle of culture transmission and preservation in Nigeria and by extension, Africa.
Africa’s biggest reality television show, Big Brother Naija, returns for its highly anticipated Season 11 on Sunday, 26 July 2026 on DStv and GOtv.
The launch show will air from 7 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family channels, with the 24-hour show on DStv channel 198 and GOtv channel 49. BBNaija fans can also watch the show live via DStv and GOtv Stream.
This season’s winner will walk away with a record ₦160 million grand prize, which includes a cash sum of N100 million and a brand-new SUV. The prize is the highest in the show’s history, raising the stakes for what is expected to be another landmark season.
Speaking on the new season, Atinuke Babatunde, Executive Head, Content and Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice, said:
“Big Brother Naija has consistently redefined entertainment in Africa by bringing together authentic storytelling, compelling personalities and moments that resonate with millions of viewers. Season 11 builds on that legacy with even bigger stakes, fresh twists and an exciting mix of housemates that will keep audiences engaged from premiere night through to the finale”.
The new season also ushers in an exciting lineup of brand partners, with betPawa, the home of Africa’s biggest winners, joining the Big Brother Naija family as the Headline Sponsor.
Commenting on the partnership, Borah Omary Ndanyungu, Head of Local Marketing & CSR, betPawa, said: “At betPawa, we believe in creating unforgettable experiences that bring people together through the things they are passionate about. Big Brother Naija is one of Africa’s most celebrated entertainment properties, and we are proud to come on board as Headline Sponsor for Season 11. We look forward to rewarding fans, deepening engagement throughout the season and delivering exciting experiences that complement the energy and excitement of the show.”
Guinness returns as the Gold Sponsor, while Minimie comes on board as an Associate Sponsor, reinforcing continued confidence from leading brands in one of Africa’s most influential entertainment platforms.
On the season’s partnerships, Babatunde commented: “We are delighted to welcome betPawa as our Headline Sponsor alongside Guinness and Minimie, whose partnership reflects the enduring value and impact of the Big Brother Naija platform.”
Since its return in 2017, Big Brother Naija has evolved beyond a reality TV show into a cultural phenomenon, creating household names, creating jobs across the creative economy, and shaping popular culture.
With Ebuka Obi-Uchendu returning as the show’s host, viewers can expect a season filled with unexpected twists, dynamic tasks, strategic gameplay, entertaining challenges and the authentic interactions that have made Big Brother Naija one of Africa’s most-watched reality TV show franchises.
Season 11 premieres on Sunday, 26 July 2026, with viewers able to follow every moment of the action throughout the season on DStv, GOtv, DStv Stream and GOtv Stream. Eligible subscribers can vote through the MyDStv and MyGOtv self-service apps, upgrade their packages for additional voting benefits, and enjoy uninterrupted access throughout the season by subscribing or renewing for multiple months.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The first dedicated talent management training institution in Nigeria, TGM Academy, is set to commence operations in September 2026.
This institution is the brainchild of one of Nigeria’s leading public relations and strategic communications agencies, That Good Media (TGM).
The firm has expertise in talent management, influencer sourcing, personal branding, media relations and reputation management.
According to a statement from the company, TGM Academy will equip aspiring and practising talent managers with the knowledge, skills and industry exposure required to support the growth of Nigeria’s rapidly expanding creative economy.
The academy was established to professionalise talent management as a viable career path while developing a new generation of globally competitive managers capable of strengthening Nigeria’s creative ecosystem.
While talent management has become increasingly important in helping creatives access international opportunities, build sustainable careers and create long-term
commercial value, the profession has lacked structured education, recognised standards and dedicated capacity-building platforms.
Ahead of the launch in about two months, TGM is organising a Talent Management Leadership Roundtable on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Abora Suites of Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the French Consulate, and Megowa, a digital platform connecting Nollywood talent with industry opportunities, training and resources across the African creative landscape.
Expected at the event are senior talent managers, entertainment executives, brand leaders, diplomats, cultural institutions, media executives, creatives and key decision makers whose work is shaping the future of Nigeria’s creative economy.
The roundtable themed Talent Management as Critical Infrastructure for Cultural Exchange and the Creative Economy will examine the evolving role of
talent management as a strategic enabler of commercial growth, international collaboration and cultural exchange.
It will create a platform for honest conversations around the future of talent management and its role in driving the creative economy, as participants will explore how professional management contributes to the long-term success of creatives, what brands expect before entering partnerships, how managers can build trusted relationships with corporate organisations, and how diplomatic missions and international cultural institutions engage with the creative sector through cultural exchange programmes, festivals and international collaborations.
The discussions will also examine the structures, competencies and ethical standards required for Nigerian talent managers to compete successfully within global markets, with insights generated during the roundtable to directly inform the curriculum, partnerships and learning framework of TGM Academy ahead of its official launch.
The wait is almost over. On July 26, Big Brother Naija returns for its eleventh season, bringing with it a brand-new theme, fresh housemates and another chapter of the reality show that continues to dominate conversations across Africa.
While fans are still guessing who will make it into Biggie’s House, one thing is already clear: this season is raising the stakes.
Everything Is For The Taking
This year’s theme, Everything Is For The Taking, sets the tone for what promises to be one of the most competitive seasons yet. It suggests a game where every task, every alliance and every decision could make the difference between staying in the House and walking away with the grand prize.
For the new housemates, nothing will come easy. They’ll have to earn every opportunity, win over viewers and navigate the twists that have become a hallmark of the BBNaija experience.
A New Set of Housemates, Endless Possibilities
As always, the identities of the new housemates remain under wraps, but that has only added to the excitement.
Every BBNaija season introduces a unique mix of personalities. Some become fan favourites almost overnight, others surprise everyone with their strategy, while a few create unforgettable moments that keep social media buzzing throughout the season.
Who will become this year’s breakout star? Fans will soon find out.
Big Brands Return for Season 11
Season 11 will once again feature some of Nigeria’s biggest brands, with betPawa as the headline sponsor, House of Guinness as the gold sponsor and Minimie as the associate sponsor.
Their continued partnership reflects the cultural impact and wide audience the show continues to attract year after year.
The Countdown Begins
With the premiere just around the corner, anticipation is building for another season of drama, competition, unexpected twists and unforgettable moments.
Whether you’re tuning in for the games, the relationships, the strategy or the entertainment, BBNaija Season 11 promises another exciting ride.
The countdown has officially begun, and if the theme is anything to go by, this season will remind everyone that in Biggie’s House, everything truly is for the taking.
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.
