Showbiz
How MultiChoice Empowers Nigerian Youth Through Creative Investment
As global populations age, Africa remains a bastion of youthful promise, with around 70% of the continent’s population below the age of 30. This youthful demographic can be an asset – but only if it is developed, by empowering young people through training, and by giving them a stake in the growth of their countries’ economies.
Helping to develop young people’s abilities and expanding the pool of skills is also in the interests of industry and big business. Over the years, the Federal government of Nigeria embarked on youth empowerment initiatives to harness the skills and energy of Nigerian youths for economic growth.
However, unlocking private-sector investment in youth development remains critical, especially in the creative sector. This is where pan-African broadcasting group, MultiChoice, has taken on the responsibility of developing its sector, through its MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) academies across the continent.
MTF academies offer year-long training programmes to students from 13 countries, combining practical and theory instruction in disciplines such as cinematography, editing, audio production and storytelling. They also offer African students the chance to hone their skills alongside industry greats.
MTF has had a profound impact across Africa, having already produced more than 300 alumni. The programme is revolutionising the industry by training young filmmakers; creating paths to professional careers in the film and TV sector; and empowering African professionals to create relevant content for African audiences.
An MTF survey has found that around 92% of MTF Academy graduates go on to work in the creative sector. As part of their training, many MTF students get to work on existing productions on MultiChoice channels such as Africa Magic, Maisha Africa or Mzansi Magic.
According to MTF Academy Director, West Africa, Atinuke Babatunde, the initiative has been worthwhile and very impactful. “We’ve had students graduate and start up their businesses. Many of our MTF alumni have found employment within MultiChoice, and 30 independent production houses have been registered by former MTF students, many becoming suppliers to the Group,” she said
MTF Academy West Africa’s best graduating student of the 2022 cohort, Adedamola Akapo, received an all-expense paid two-month scholarship to the New York Film Academy. Abisola Aboaba, who emerged top-performing graduate of the 2020 set, won the NYFA 8-week scholarship in the United States of America.
Also, the class of 2023’s top three graduates received internships in recognition of their exceptional work and achievements. Segun Elvis Damptey from Ghana was awarded a two-week internship at a local film and TV production in South Africa; Abdulazziz Attah from Nigeria was awarded a two-week Bollywood internship with Zee World; and Samuel Ogundeyi, also from Nigeria, was awarded an eight-week scholarship to the New York Film Academy (NYFA).
This industry integration has twin benefits of providing the creative sector with a healthy pipeline of talented young people, while also giving MTF graduates relevant experience. The creativity of MTF Alumni has seen them receive nominations and awards yearly at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards. The initiative has also nurtured talents such as Allen Onyige and Adeniyi Joseph-Omobulejo, who produced the popular Africa Magic original series, “Irora Iya”. Aside from the MTF Academies, which provide intensive, year-long training, the MTF Portal focuses on enhancing the capabilities of working industry professionals, through specialised training, workshops, collaborations, and networking opportunities.
Figures by MultiChoice Africa also showed that the company contributes significantly to the broader African economy through procurement and supplier development with emerging and youth-owned businesses. The company said it has invested over $632 million in preferential procurement spend; more than $137 million in direct spend on medium and micro-enterprises; about $106 million spent on suppliers with at least 30% women ownership; and over $406 million on black-empowerment accredited suppliers.
Such economic benefits form part of the MultiChoice continuum of youth empowerment – creating opportunities which lead to quality content for MultiChoice audiences and ultimately benefit local economies across the continent.
MultiChoice reaches 23.5 million households, and more than 100 million people, in 50 African countries. Quality African storytelling has been the key to its success. Developing well-trained, empowered young people through the MTF will be the key to that success in future.
Winner Achimugu, the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Best Graduating Student 2024, has embarked on a six-week scholarship at the prestigious New York Film Academy (NYFA). This achievement not only celebrates her exceptional talent and dedication but also reinforces MTF’s commitment to nurturing world-class African filmmakers ready to make their mark on the global stage.
Since its inception, MTF has been more than just a training ground; it’s a launchpad for African storytellers. Alumni from the academy have consistently demonstrated excellence, with films and projects winning awards, receiving grants, and gaining international recognition. Notable projects include 2070, which clinched Best Short Film at the African SDGs Film Festival, and Isekonu, a Zee World short film, officially selected for the Lagos Fringe Festival 2025 and nominated for Best Student Film at the Bayelsa International Film Festival.
These achievements reflect MTF’s ethos of equipping young filmmakers with both the technical skills and creative vision necessary to succeed, both locally and internationally.
The 2024 Best Graduating Student, Winner Achimugu, distinguished herself among her peers with a combination of talent, dedication, and storytelling finesse. Her selection for the NYFA scholarship is a testament to her hard work and to the quality of mentorship and training at MTF.
Through this program, she will engage in intensive workshops, hands-on training, and industry exposure that promise to elevate her craft. The scholarship is not just an award, it is a bridge connecting African storytelling to global cinematic opportunities, embodying MTF’s brand promise of fostering talent that transcends borders.
This scholarship opens new avenues for growth, offering exposure to international techniques, networks, and collaborative experiences that could define the trajectory of her career. For MTF, it’s a validation of its mission: cultivating a generation of filmmakers whose creativity, vision, and impact will resonate far beyond Africa.
As this journey unfolds, it reinforces the message that African cinema is on the rise, powered by storytellers who are ready to take their place on the world stage. With MTF alumni leading the way, the future of African filmmaking looks brighter than ever.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A 12-hour non-stop entertainment event offering various performances and activities all night long will take place in Lagos from the evening of December 21 into the early hours of December 22, 2025.
This programme known as InsomniaQ, is being put together by one of Africa’s leading digital payments platforms, Quickteller.
Quickteller is a brand powered by the Interswitch Group, and InsomniaQ was created to celebrate African creativity.
The all-night music and entertainment experience will hold at the Ballroom of the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.
It is designed to capture the vibrancy and cultural energy that define Lagos in December. InsomniaQ is positioned to become Africa’s newest must-attend December destination.
The concert blends diverse African soundscapes, creative expression, and immersive lifestyle experiences, offering a night curated for music lovers, diaspora returnees, cultural enthusiasts, and everyone drawn to the city’s festive season.
More than a concert, InsomniaQ represents a new cultural moment, one that celebrates the richness, depth, and diversity of African talent. With a lineup cutting across contemporary and alternative genres, the festival aims to introduce a bold, fresh, and unforgettable experience within Lagos’ already vibrant entertainment landscape.
“InsomniaQ is an invitation to celebrate African creativity in a way that feels bold, fresh, and true to who we are.
“Quickteller has always been an essential part of the experiences people value, and this festival brings that connection to life in an entirely new dimension.
“As Lagos welcomes friends, family, and visitors from around the world each December, we are proud to introduce a platform that showcases our music, our culture, and the vibrant energy that defines this season,” the Divisional Head of Growth Marketing for Quickteller Ecosystem at Interswitch, Mr Olawale Akanbi, noted.
Through Quickteller, Interswitch continues to champion initiatives that go beyond digital transactions to enrich the everyday life of millions of Nigerians.
InsomniaQ extends this mission by empowering cultural expression, unlocking creative opportunities, and supporting the continent’s growing entertainment ecosystem.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The quartet of Oyindamola Timothy (Fashion), Steve Adeyemo (Tech), Uche Kalu (Dance), and Emmanuel Elijah (Music) emerged the category winners of the Stanbic IBTC FUZE Talent Show 4.0.
They received N10 million each for their efforts, along with mentorship opportunities, industry exposure, and support to advance their creative journeys.
The four were chosen from the 12 finalists at an event aired on Sunday, December 14, 2025, on AIT (DStv Channel 253) at 7:00 pm, Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151) at 5:00 pm, and streamed live on the official Stanbic IBTC YouTube channel, connecting millions of viewers to the excitement and energy of the show.
The 2025 edition drew over 6,000 entries nationwide and continued to inspire a new wave of innovation among young Nigerians in fashion, technology, dance, and music. The participants fought for a share of the N90 million in prizes put up by the organisers.
This year, the FUZE Talent Show also introduced an exciting new twist: The Fan Favourite Feature, which allowed viewers across the country to vote for the contestant who most inspired them. This addition deepened audience participation and further strengthened FUZE’s mission to connect creativity with community support.
“FUZE 4.0 truly lived up to its promise as The Ultimate Show, a platform that celebrates courage, creativity, and innovation.
“Every contestant who graced that stage reminded us of the extraordinary potential of Nigerian youths.
“At Stanbic IBTC, we are proud to continue creating opportunities that help young people dream bigger, think bolder, and achieve more. It is all about home-grown talent for us as we power the made-in-Nigeria initiative,” the chief executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mr Chuma Nwokocha, said.
As excitement builds for FUZE Festival coming up on Saturday, December 20, 2025, attendees can anticipate experiencing this year’s edition theme The Ultimate Show in full, with circus-style attractions, from magicians and parade performers to flash mobs and art displays.
An expanded marketplace, freebies from participating partners and on-site Stanbic IBTC services will enhance convenience, while performances by Wande Coal, Pheelz, Chike, and Ms DSF will add a nostalgic, high-energy finish. Interested attendees can register to attend via the Stanbic IBTC Events App or visit www.events.stanbicibtc.com to secure their spot.
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