Showbiz
Meet the MultiChoice Talent Factory West Africa Class of 2024
MultiChoice is proud to welcome the latest cohort of 20 young and passionate filmmakers to its MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) West Africa Academy in Lagos, as the MTF Class of 2024 starts its fully funded, year-long course of training in film and television. The students consisting of a diverse group of males and females from Nigeria and Ghana, were chosen after a rigorous six-week selection process of interviews and adjudication by film and television experts, as well as regional academy directors.
The MTF West Africa Academy is one of three on the continent, where students spend 12 months in workshops, lectures and masterclasses, gaining skills in screenwriting, editing, various elements of production, directing and the business of film, amongst others. These are done through rich theoretical training and immersive experience working on TV and film productions, all geared to broadening their skill sets and empowering them to work in various creative disciplines – not only the film industry.
Speaking at the welcome session held for the 2024 cohort, the CEO of West Africa, MultiChoice; John Ugbe, encouraged the new intakes to take a firm hold of the opportunities open to them. According to Ugbe, “Start this journey with an open mind ready to unlearn old ways and learn the value that the structure of the MTF provides. The MTF Academy presents you with priceless opportunities for access and resources with which you can grow and expand the horizons of your careers”.
Also speaking at the session, MTF West Africa Academy Director, Atinuke Ngozi Babatunde said, “Every year, a new set of MTF graduates are released into the West African film and television industry, and they inject fresh ideas, energy, and enthusiasm into the local creative sector,”. Last year, our students achieved great success, with some already entering negotiations with Africa Magic to show their films on the channel. We are proud to be shaping Africa’s creative industries and excitedly look forward to working with this year’s cohort”
Since its establishment in 2018, the MTF Academies across Africa have produced over 200 qualified young filmmakers, who are now taking African stories to the world. An MTF survey found that around 92% of MTF Academy graduates go on to work in the creative sector. “As Africa’s most loved storyteller, MultiChoice sees the MTF Academy as an investment in our business and the future of our industry,” says Babatunde. “Many MTF graduates later join MultiChoice productions, while others start their businesses and become our partners and suppliers in the industry.”
The rich experience at the MTF is made possible through partnerships. In West Africa, the MTF Academy curriculum is designed in partnership with one of Nigeria’s most prestigious universities – the Pan Atlantic University (PAU) in Lagos, which confers qualifications to students upon completion of the programme. On the international scene, partnerships with the world-renowned New York Film Academy (NYFA) and Zee World, one of Nigeria’s most loved Bollywood channels, contribute to significantly enriching the learning experience of MTF students. The final stage of the course sees students developing feature films for broadcast on MultiChoice’s local channels and Showmax.
This year’s MTF Academy intake follows in the footsteps of several highly successful cohorts of students who have won awards, had their work shown on major platforms and gone on to great career success. Three productions from the MTF Class of 2023 students – The Delectable Azeezah Sama, Dark Echoes, and With Love from Bayelsa – received nominations at international film festivals. Many alumni have commissioning discussions with Akwaaba Magic and Africa Magic while several others work on Africa Magic productions.
“We welcome this year’s MTF students to the MultiChoice family,” says Babatunde, “and look forward to thoroughly equipping them to take African stories to the world, and produce relevant, hyperlocal content for markets across the continent.”
Showbiz
Former BBNaija Housemates Reflect on Life, Growth, Success Beyond the Show at Season 11 Media Launch
Big Brother Naija’s evolution from a reality show into a platform for creativity, entrepreneurship and career growth took centre stage at the Media Launch for season 11 on Wednesday, 15 July 2026. Former housemates Uriel, Doyin, Kola and DJ Flo reflected on how the show helped shape their careers while sharing the lessons they have learnt navigating life after reality television.
During the conversation, the former housemates agreed that while Big Brother Naija gave them visibility and opened doors, building successful careers after the show has required intentionality, consistency and a willingness to evolve beyond their reality television personas.
Doyin David from Season 7 Level Up and Season 8 All Stars shared one of the day’s most personal reflections, revealing that her biggest lesson began while she was still in the house.
“One of my biggest lessons actually started in the House. Watching myself back made me realise I did not know myself as much as I thought I did.”
She explained that finding a balance between her personal life and her public brand was a gradual process.
“As for balancing my personal life and my brand, it did not happen immediately after the show. I had to learn along the way, make mistakes, grow from them and eventually find that balance.”
Uriel Oputa from Season 2 See Gobbe and Season 8 All Stars spoke about building a career around wellness, explaining that her passion for healthy living did not begin after the show but became more visible because of the platform Big Brother Naija provided.
“I did not have to find a balance because healthy living is already my lifestyle. It is what I do every day. It is not something I switch on or off because of the entertainment industry; it is simply who I am.”
Flora Chiedo, popularly known as DJ Flo from Season 9 No Loose Guard, emphasised that while Big Brother Naija creates opportunities, success ultimately depends on what housemates do after leaving the House.
“Vision without execution is just hallucination. The show gives you an opportunity, but it does not do the work for you. You have to come out here and put in extra work every day.”
Kola Omotosho, Season 10 10/10 housemate, echoed the sentiment, describing Big Brother Naija as a valuable platform that gave him visibility while stressing that passion, drive and consistency are essential for staying relevant.
“Big Brother Naija gave me visibility, and I am grateful for that. But staying relevant requires passion, drive and consistency.”
The discussion reinforced one of the defining impacts of Big Brother Naija over the years. Beyond entertainment, the show has continued to serve as a launching pad for creatives, entrepreneurs and entertainers, providing contestants with the visibility to pursue careers across different industries. As the former housemates’ experiences have shown, the platform opens the door, but sustained success depends on what each individual chooses to build from the opportunity.
Big Brother Naija Season 11 premieres on Sunday, 26 July 2026, with the live launch show airing from 7:00 p.m. on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family. The season marks betPawa’s debut as the Headline Sponsor, while House of Guinness joins as the Gold Sponsor and Minimie returns as the Associate Sponsor. Hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, the 24-hour live show will air on DStv Channel 198 and GOtv Channel 49. Fans can also watch the show live via DStv and GOtv Stream.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Popular Nigerian singer, Niniola Apata, professionally known as Niniola, has revealed that becoming a young widow has been one of the most difficult experiences of her life, reflecting on the demise of her heartthrob, Mr Michael Ndika.
In an emotional message on X on Sunday, marking two months since his sudden and unexpected death, the music star disclosed that she initially intended to record a video message but found herself unable to get through it because of the overwhelming emotions.
“Today makes it two months since my husband, business manager and best friend, Michael, was very suddenly and unexpectedly taken from me and truly, from us,” she wrote.
Niniola admitted that although she lost her father at a young age, nothing had prepared her for the reality of widowhood. She described the grieving process as “hard” and “exceedingly difficult,” saying some days are manageable while others are “painfully indescribable.”
The singer spoke candidly about the unanswered questions and unfinished conversations left behind, adding that she has struggled to find the words to express the depth of her emotions.
Despite her grief, Niniola said her faith has remained her anchor, noting that God continues to reassure her of His presence even during moments of doubt.
She also expressed profound appreciation to family, friends, fans, colleagues, media organisations and well-wishers for their prayers, messages and unwavering support since Michael’s passing.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to you all for your outpouring of love, your kind words, prayers, thoughtful messages and posts. I do not know how I will ever repay each and every one of you, but please know that I am truly and sincerely grateful,” she wrote.
Before his death, Mr Ndika was the chief executive of a multimedia platform focused on Afro-house and contemporary African music known as NaijaReview.
Niniola is the older sibling of another famous entertainer, Teni.
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.
