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.
After days of anticipation, Flora and Aikou have been confirmed as this season’s Gambits after receiving the highest number of votes from viewers. This was revealed during Sunday’s live show, where host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announced the pair as the viewers’ choices.
Introduced as a brand-new twist for Season 11, The Gambit guarantees two selected housemates a place in the House until the final day. Although they will participate in tasks and House activities throughout the season, they will not be eligible to compete for the grand prize.
Sunday’s live show also marked the end of the Ladies-versus-Gentlemen format that defined the opening weeks of the competition. With the teams officially dissolved, the housemates will now compete as individuals.
Biggie also unveiled this week’s wager task, Game On, challenging the housemates to define the identity of Season 11. Through a creative presentation incorporating elements such as a logo, slogan, song, artwork and props, the housemates have been tasked with capturing what they believe this edition of Big Brother Naija should stand for and how they want it to be remembered.
The excitement continues today with the second Head of House Challenge at 2:00 p.m., where housemates will once again battle for power in the House. This will be followed by this week’s nomination show at 7:00 p.m., when viewers will find out who will become the first set of housemates to face possible eviction.
With Flora and Aikou’s fate in the House secured till the last day and the housemates now playing as individuals, the stakes have never been higher as the battle for the grand prize gathers momentum.
Viewers can enjoy the 24/7 BBNaija Season 11 experience on DStv and GOtv, or stream every episode live on DStv Stream and GOtv Stream.
For more updates, visit Africa Magic’s Big Brother Naija page and follow #BBNaija on X (@bbnaija), Instagram (@bigbronaija) and Facebook (Big Brother Naija).
By Adedapo Adesanya
Former P-Square manager, Mr Jude Okoye, has dismissed fresh allegations by his younger brother, Peter Okoye, professionally known as Mr P, insisting he never diverted the group’s earnings.
His response comes after Mr P claimed that the proposed sale of the defunct group’s multi-billion Naira music catalogue collapsed due to financial irregularities, including disputes over royalty payments, backend records and access to the group’s digital assets.
The music executive described the allegations as “blatant lies” and “manipulative tactics,” arguing that the issues raised by Mr P had already been investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and are currently before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
“So, what is he doing, coming out again now, if not to spill emotional blackmail, manipulate, and make me look like a bad person by dragging Paul into this?” he said.
Responding to allegations that he diverted royalty payments, Mr Okoye said the disputed funds were distributed based on instructions contained in a June 1, 2016, email from Arrow Kings and IROKO.
According to him, the correspondence directed that Mr P receive $12,891, while $25,782 meant for Jude and Paul be paid into the Nosa Entertainment account.
He argued that Mr P presented only part of the transaction publicly, creating the impression that he and Paul had appropriated funds belonging to the entire group.
Jude also rejected claims that his younger brother was excluded from the group’s bank accounts.
Displaying what he said were account mandate documents from FCMB, he maintained that Peter, Paul and himself were all authorised signatories to P-Square’s accounts, disputing claims made by Peter.
He further claimed the matter was addressed during court proceedings, where Peter allegedly acknowledged being a signatory after documentary evidence was presented.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the proposed catalogue sale, Jude denied withholding backend records or streaming data from potential investors.
He said Peter requested royalty statements and catalogue documents on October 16, 2022, after which he immediately contacted Lex Records.
According to him, the financial statements were forwarded the same day, while the backend logs were received six days later and sent to Peter without delay.
He therefore dismissed claims that it took more than three months to provide the documents, describing the allegation as false.
Jude maintained that the disputed royalty payments, email correspondence and supporting documents had already been reviewed during the EFCC investigation.
He claimed Peter and his legal representatives were shown the records during the probe and raised no objections at the time.
Accusing his younger brother of attempting to retry the matter on social media while the case remains before the court, Jude said the videos were intended to manipulate public opinion and drag Paul Okoye into the dispute.
Jude said he would leave the issues to be determined by the court, adding that Peter had failed to attend some recent court sittings, resulting in the matter being adjourned until September. He also claimed his bank accounts, passport and travel documents remain restricted because of the ongoing proceedings.
“If I’m found guilty, if they prove I took even one Kobo that wasn’t mine, let them send me to jail. I’m ready for that,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, Peter had not publicly responded to Jude’s latest claims. The criminal proceedings remain pending before the Federal High Court in Lagos, where Jude has pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.
There aren’t many TV shows that can make you remember characters more than a decade after you first met them.
Mention Sheila Gardia or Freddy Ade-Williams and anyone who has followed Tinsel instantly remembers the boardroom battles, unexpected betrayals, complicated romances and family feuds that made it impossible to stop at just one episode. Through every season, viewers have watched alliances shift, businesses rise and fall, and relationships survive or crumble under pressure.
Now, the story continues.
Season 19 of Tinsel premieres on Monday, August 3, taking viewers back into the world of the Ade-Williams family, where the drama is far from over. This season, the Reel Group is looking to grow bigger than ever, but that growth comes with new enemies determined to bring the company down. As business rivalries heat up and people begin plotting against each other, familiar faces will also have to deal with personal challenges and unexpected investigations that could change everything. If there’s one thing Tinsel has always proven, it’s that just when you think things are finally settling down, another twist is around the corner.
The new season welcomes back familiar faces including Ireti Doyle as Sheila Gardia, Dozie Onyiriuka as Freddy Ade-Williams, Linda Ejiofor as Bimpe, Ibrahim Suleiman as Damini, Iyke Okechukwu as Chuks and Florence Uwaleke Okechukwu as Ene, alongside the gripping storytelling that has kept audiences invested for nearly two decades.
Catch new episodes of Tinsel every weekday from Monday, August 3, at 7:30 pm WAT on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151 and GOtv Channel 8).
And just when you think the drama is over…
Africa Magic is also introducing a brand-new story that asks one simple question: What happens when the truth you’ve been protected from is finally revealed? Premiering on the same day is Secret Lives, a brand-new drama that explores what happens when hidden truths finally come to light.
The series follows Zee, whose life takes an unexpected turn after a shocking discovery puts her relationship and future in doubt. As she begins to uncover secrets that have been hidden from her for years, she is forced to deal with heartbreak, betrayal and difficult choices while trying to protect the people she loves.
Blending romance, family drama and suspense, Secret Lives stars Oluchi Amajuoyi, Keppy Ekpeyong, Nonso Odogwu, Eyiyemi Olivia Rogbinyin, Ejiro Badare, Floyd Igbo and Favour Etim in a story where every episode promises fresh twists and emotional turns.
The series, produced by FEEMO and helmed by AMVCA-nominated showrunner James Omokwe, explores themes of love, identity and generational secrets, making it the perfect follow-up for viewers who enjoy emotionally layered dramas.
Secret Lives premieres on Monday, August 3, with new episodes airing weekdays at 8:30 pm WAT on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151 and GOtv Channel 8), with episodes also available on DStv Stream.
Whether you’re returning to the familiar world of Tinsel or diving into the mysteries of Secret Lives, one thing is certain: August is bringing the kind of stories that will keep you counting down to the next episode.
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