Showbiz
Interswitch Backs 2026 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards
At the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs), Interswitch, through its flagship brands Quickteller and Verve, once again reinforced its steadfast commitment to driving the growth of Africa’s creative ecosystem.
As a key sponsor of this year’s awards, Interswitch championed three major categories, each reflecting the depth, richness, and diversity of African storytelling. Quickteller featured as sponsor of the Best Music Score category, recognising the composers and sound designers who bring emotion and depth to visual storytelling, while Verve sponsored both the Best Writing in a Movie category and Best Writing in a TV Series category, spotlighting the writers whose narratives continue to shape culture, influence audiences, and elevate African content on the global stage.
Following a vibrant Cultural Day celebration at Federal Palace Hotel, the 12th AMVCAs held at Eko Hotel, bringing together leading actors, filmmakers, producers, and industry stakeholders from across the continent. Beyond the glamour and recognition, the event underscored a broader shift in the increasing global relevance of African stories and the growing economic potential of the creative sector.
For Interswitch, participation in the AMVCAs reflects a deliberate commitment to supporting platforms that not only celebrate talent but also empower it to thrive. Through its innovative technology and payment solutions, the company continues to enable the seamless flow of value, creativity, and opportunity across the entertainment landscape.
Senior executives from Interswitch were actively involved in the awards presentation, underscoring the company’s sustained support. Dr Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Communications, presented the Best Writing in a Movie category award to Wale Davies for his work in the movie, “My Father’s Shadow” while Franklin Ali, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, presented the Best Music Score category award to Duval Timothy and CJ Mirra for their work in the same movie , “My Father’s Shadow”. The Best Writing in a TV Series Category award also sponsored by Verve was presented to Annette Shadeya, Natasha Likimani, Mkamzee Mwatela, Arnold Mwanjila, and Makgano Mamabolo for their work in the TV Series, “MTV Shuga Mashariki”.

Reflecting on the significance of the partnership, Eromosele highlighted the importance of storytelling both as a cultural force and an economic driver for the continent. She said:
“Platforms like the AMVCAs not only celebrate the creativity and resilience of African storytellers but also amplify the voices shaping how the continent is seen and understood globally. Our continued support at Interswitch reflects a deep commitment to enabling this ecosystem to thrive, by connecting creativity with the platforms, visibility, and opportunities it needs to grow.”
Beyond category sponsorships, Interswitch delivered engaging on-site activations across key moments of the AMVCAs, including the Cultural Day celebration and the main awards ceremony. These activations created immersive touchpoints that connected attendees with the seamless capabilities of Quickteller and Verve, demonstrating how technology continues to enhance lifestyle and entertainment experiences for modern consumers.
As Africa’s creative industry continues to expand in influence and economic value, partnerships between technology providers and creative platforms are becoming increasingly critical. In this context, Interswitch’s involvement in the AMVCAs signals more than brand presence; it reflects a broader commitment to supporting the people, platforms, and systems that sustain the continent’s creative momentum. As the curtains close on the 12th AMVCAs, one message remains clear; African storytelling is not only capturing global attention but also shaping a vibrant and fast-growing creative economy.
Showbiz
Masterchef Nigeria Top 5 Pressure Sends Derry Home
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.
Showbiz
Entertainment Non-Stop: Movies and Shows to Watch on GOtv This Week
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.
Showbiz
What Gen Z Wants From Entertainment Today
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.
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