Connect with us

Showbiz

How MultiChoice Empowers Nigerian Youth Through Creative Investment

Published

on

multichoice 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.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Showbiz

Masterchef Nigeria Top 5 Pressure Sends Derry Home

Published

on

Masterchef Nigeria Derry

The heat was high, the flavours were bold, and the pressure was sizzling as the Top 5 home cooks on MasterChef Nigeria were tasked with re-imagining beloved Buka classics in a challenge that demanded they cook with serious “street in their step.”

Joining the judges in the MasterChef kitchen was the well-known and much-loved Chef Bukie Akinmade, who brought her expertise, warmth, and deep love for Nigerian food culture to the judging table.

For this challenge, the contestants had to prepare two dishes inspired by the vibrant energy, flavours, and soul of Nigerian street food and Buka-style cooking. But this was not just about recreating familiar favourites. The home cooks had to turn humble food into fine dining elevating everyday classics while still keeping the heart, spirit, and authenticity of the street alive.

For Derry, the mission was personal. She was determined to let tradition and tribe shine through her food, but unfortunately, her dishes did not land the way she had hoped. The judges felt that her execution did not meet the standard required at this stage of the competition, and after a tough cook, Derry became the next contestant to leave the MasterChef Nigeria kitchen.

Joining Derry in the bottom three were Favy and Fads.

Favy, who still had the immunity pin, was confident in the dish she presented and chose not to use it. However, her undercooked Dubai Pistachio Puff Puff came back to bite, landing her in the danger zone.

Fads also found herself under pressure after serving two starter-style dishes. Time got the better of her in the kitchen, leading to a shocking moment when she accidentally put her hands into hot oil. The incident startled the judges and Fads herself, but she pushed through with determination and made sure her food reached the plate. In the end, the judges were impressed with how well her chicken was cooked, and she was declared safe.

While some contestants struggled to find their rhythm, David and Isabella rose to the occasion and served the strongest dishes of the day.

Although Isabella’s dish was simple, the judges felt that she truly understood the brief and successfully took her food to the streets while giving it the elevation the challenge required. Her flavours, concept, and execution impressed the panel and earned her a place among the top cooks of the challenge.

David, however, brought both flavour and fighting spirit to the plate. The judges were particularly impressed with the look of his dishes, as well as the balance and depth of flavour in his street food classics. His ability to elevate familiar favourites while staying true to the heart of the challenge made him one of the standout performers of the day. David’s fighting spirit paid off as he walked away with Dish of the Day.

MasterChef Nigeria continues next week as the Top 4 battle for a place closer to the ultimate title.

The remaining contestants will be challenged to create two Afro-Italian dishes, with a major prize on the line for the winning dish. As the finale draws closer, every plate matters, every second counts, and only the strongest cooks will survive the heat.

The show airs weekly on Sundays at 7 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family with rebroadcast on Wednesdays at 6 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and Thursdays at 12 pm on Africa Magic Family.

Produced by Primedia Group, MasterChef Nigeria is supported by a strong coalition of leading Nigerian brands, including headline sponsor Power Oil, alongside Indomie, Dano Milk, Malta Guinness, Sonia Tomato, Kiara Rice, Golden Penny Flour, Golden Penny Sugar, Golden Penny Garri, Golden Penny Semolina, Golden Penny Chocolate Spread, and Golden Penny Wheat.

Continue Reading

Showbiz

Entertainment Non-Stop: Movies and Shows to Watch on GOtv This Week

Published

on

My Period Stories DStv

A renowned professor races across Europe in a desperate bid to stop a deadly virus that could wipe out half of humanity.

In another gripping story, a teenage girl already battling anxiety suddenly finds herself fighting for her life when a ruthless serial killer begins hunting her through the woods.

Elsewhere, two operatives who should be on the same side realise they’ve both been deceived, forcing them into an uneasy alliance in a dangerous world of crime and betrayal.

That’s the kind of tension GOtv is serving up this week.

It’s a lineup that moves from fast-paced thrillers to intense drama and even stories rooted in everyday realities, giving you something different depending on your mood. If you’re looking for what to watch next, here are the movies and shows airing on GOtv this week.

Inferno
Thursday | 22:05pm | Movie Room Africa

Robert Langdon finds himself pulled into a deadly race across Europe after waking up with no memory and a virus-threatening conspiracy unfolding around him. With the help of Dr. Sienna Brooks, he follows a trail of cryptic clues tied to Dante’s Inferno, all while a global catastrophe looms if they fail to act in time. It’s a high-stakes thriller where every second counts and nothing is what it seems.

You Can’t Run Forever
Saturday | 20:00 pm | M-Net Movies 3

A young girl battling anxiety becomes an unexpected target when a ruthless serial killer begins hunting her through the wilderness. What starts as fear quickly turns into a raw fight for survival as she’s forced to rely on instinct, courage, and sheer will to stay alive. With J.K. Simmons leading the tension, it’s a gripping survival thriller that doesn’t let up.

2 Guns
Friday | 23:55 pm | Studio Universal

Two operatives who’ve been unknowingly working against each other suddenly find themselves on the wrong side of a dangerous double-cross. With both the law and criminals closing in, they’re forced into an uneasy partnership to survive the chaos they’ve been dragged into. Packed with action, betrayal, and sharp chemistry between Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg, it’s explosive from start to finish.

She Was Never Here
Wednesday | 11:25 am | Africa Magic Showcase

Ralph thinks he’s securing a better future when he gets his fiancée Bianca a chef job at his boss’s home. But behind the opportunity lies a secret deal Bianca makes to earn more money, one that slowly begins to unravel trust, love, and everything they’ve built together. It’s a tense domestic drama where ambition and loyalty collide.

My Period Stories
Saturday | 09:00 am | Africa Magic Family

A podcast-style series that opens up conversations around menstrual health and reproductive rights through interviews, personal testimonies, and real discussions. By blending storytelling with lived experiences, it breaks silence around topics often left unspoken and encourages honest dialogue in a relatable, accessible way.

From Hollywood blockbusters to meaningful conversations that reflect real-life issues, GOtv continues to deliver a diverse mix of entertainment that speaks to every kind of viewer. Whether you’re watching alone or with family, this week’s lineup guarantees something worth your time.

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.

Continue Reading

Showbiz

What Gen Z Wants From Entertainment Today

Published

on

What Gen Z Wants

For Gen Z, entertainment has become social, interactive, and deeply tied to culture. A good show doesn’t end when the credits roll; it lives on through memes, group chats, reaction videos, and trending conversations online. The same goes for music, reality TV, and increasingly, live events that bring people together in real time.

This generation doesn’t simply consume content. They participate in it. They want moments worth sharing, stories worth discussing, and experiences that make them feel part of something bigger.

This is what entertainment looks like for Gen Z, it’s no longer just about watching, it’s about participating. And nowhere is this more obvious than during the FIFA World Cup.

For previous generations, football was largely a one-screen experience. You sat in front of the television, watched the match, and discussed it later. Gen Z does things differently. They’re watching the game while texting friends, checking player stats, posting reactions on X, and scrolling through TikTok for instant highlights all at the same time. The match itself is only part of the experience.

The real entertainment lies in the shared moments: predicting scores in group chats, celebrating last-minute winners, debating refereeing decisions, and creating memes before the post-match analysis even begins.

That is why live sports continue to hold such power in today’s entertainment landscape. In an era where almost everything can be watched on demand, live football remains one of the few experiences people still want to consume in real time. Nobody wants to be the last person to know a goal has been scored.

The World Cup, in particular, has evolved into more than a sporting event; it is now a global cultural moment. Fans aren’t simply supporting teams, they’re joining conversations, participating in trends, and sharing experiences with millions of people around the world.

Convenience matters too. Gen Z expects entertainment to fit seamlessly into their lifestyle. Whether they’re watching from home, catching a match on the go, or switching between devices, flexibility is now part of the viewing experience. This is why platforms like DStv and GOtv continue to remain relevant during major tournaments, with SuperSport’s live coverage making it easier for fans to stay connected to the action wherever they are.

But beyond convenience, Gen Z wants one thing above all else: moments. The unexpected upset. The breakout star. The last-minute winner. The scenes that dominate timelines and become part of internet culture. Because for Gen Z, entertainment isn’t measured by what they watch, it’s measured by what they experience and few experiences deliver that quite like the World Cup.

To make football’s biggest moment even more accessible, MultiChoice has introduced special World Cup bundle offers across DStv and GOtv ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada. From June 1, 2026, new customers can get a full decoder kit plus a one-month subscription for ₦15,000 on either platform.

The offer is aimed at helping more Nigerians stay connected to the tournament, which will feature 48 teams and 104 matches. Through SuperSport, viewers will enjoy full live coverage of all games, dedicated 24-hour World Cup channels, expert analysis, highlights, multilingual commentary including pidgin, and flexible viewing options on TV and streaming so fans don’t miss any moment of the action.

Continue Reading

Trending