Showbiz
Monsooq Streaming Service Makes Entry into Nigerian Market
By Adedapo Adesanya
Mondia, a leading mobile technology company specialising in the marketing and distribution of digital content, has announced the launch of the ground-breaking time-based entertainment platform, Monsooq, in Nigeria.
According to a statement, the launch, which took place on Wednesday, is the second one on the African continent following the initial launch in South Africa.
Monsooq is the first-of-its-kind model which utilises time as the currency. Users pay only for the time they spend consuming content and are not required to take out any contracts or subscriptions.
Monsooq’s unique time-based model allows consumers to buy entertainment time just as they would mobile airtime and use that time to consume any content they choose, including movies, sports, educational content, books, series, games and music – all on a single, convenient, end-to-end entertainment platform.
New users to the platform will receive 60 minutes complimentary access and a 50 per cent discount on content during the launch, after which pricing is N20 per hour.
Whether a consumer wishes to play a game for 30 minutes while commuting or binge a new series for six hours, they are able to load that amount of time to their profile securely using a debit or credit card. And when their time ends, they simply top up with more.
Speaking on this, Mr Amadeo Rahmann, Mondia Group CEO, said: “Africa is the next frontier in regard to digitalisation. Our extensive footprint, increasing customer base and significant experience in the region make Africa a natural choice of focus for us.”
“African markets, especially Nigeria with its large population and growth of digital streaming services, are primed for the democratisation of the content.
“Mondia is firmly focused on changing the way people consume entertainment. We have incredible reach and deep understanding of the geographies in which we operate, with over 1.4 billion potential users in these countries.
“COVID-19 has had such a dramatic impact on economies globally, deeply affecting consumers’ disposable income. We believe that the Monsooq model is reflective of the changed financial situation of consumers while bringing much-needed entertainment during these difficult times,” Mr Rahmann added.
Mondia believes that Nigeria is a great local content hub for Africa with its media and entertainment industry, Nollywood, providing world-class content. Nigeria is also currently the second-largest film producer in the world in terms of the number of movies.
The local industry employs about one million people and generates over $7 billion for the economy and Mondia is excited to help provide another platform for this content noting that it sees exceptional potential in the continent.
According to research conducted by PwC South Africa in 2019, entertainment and media (E&M) spend in Nigeria saw a 25.5 per cent rise in E&M revenue in 2017 to $3.8 billion.
In December 2019 more Africans (526 million) accessed the internet than North Americans and with a total internet penetration level of just under 40 per cent, as compared to penetration in the rest of the world of 63.2 per cent. While streaming services have proliferated across Africa, there is an increasing need to deliver enhanced value, choice, and innovation in terms of pricing and content.
Monsooq also represents a new frontier of content monetisation for entertainment providers, giving them direct access to customers who are not interested in a traditional subscription model.
It features a world-class recommendation engine to ensure consumers find the content they love. Content will be localised and customised, with a mix of local, regional and international content. Mondia aims to build the content economy and bring value across Africa as Monsooq expands.
The platform has partnered with leading regional content providers such as Viva Nation and Wi-flix, as well as well-known international TV channels, sports and games providers, and offers over 20 000 hours of entertainment including, Esport and EPIC ON. In addition, Mondia will also feature their own entertainment services which boast leading games and music titles.
Monsooq launched in South Africa in November, which incorporates a deal with LaLiga as a premium content partner, and now launches in Nigeria, it noted that other markets will follow from 2021.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Social, short-form video content platform, TikTok has announced the launch of the second phase of its #SaferTogether digital safety and awareness programme in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Data Science Nigeria (DSN).
The initiative, which began in 2022, aims to enhance digital safety across Nigeria by educating parents, teachers, and guardians on how to help young people navigate TikTok and the broader digital landscape safely.
The first phase of the #SaferTogether campaign successfully educated 537 teachers and 1,037 parents in cities like Abuja, Lagos, and Kano about TikTok’s safety features and promoting positive mental health online.
Now, building on this success, the second phase will include NITDA as a strategic partner, aligning with its mission to foster digital literacy and enhance technology infrastructure.
The company said Phase 2 will extend the programme’s reach to additional regions, including Edo and Kaduna, and will cover critical topics such as misinformation, cyberbullying, sexting, digital citizenship, fake news, child sexual violence, and data protection.
Workshops will engage a wide range of stakeholders, including civil society organizations, government representatives, community leaders, parents, teachers, and guardians.
Speaking on this development, Mr Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, TikTok’s Government Relations and Public Policy Director for Africa, emphasized the importance of digital literacy.
“Empowering parents, teachers, and guardians with digital literacy skills is crucial for creating a safer digital environment. Our commitment to community safety is unwavering, and through local partnerships, we are extending these educational resources beyond our platform,” he said.
Adding his input, Mr Olubayo Adekanmbi, Founder and CEO of Data Science Nigeria, highlighted the shared responsibility in making the digital world safer, adding that the organisation will continue to advance this goal.
“We are excited to continue with the Safer Together campaign, providing essential insights on digital wellness to parents, teachers, and guardians.”
It’s the weekend. Time to kick back, relax, and catch up on favourite shows, right? Wrong! As a mum with toddlers and a sports-fanatic husband, weekends at my house can also mean the “Battle of the Remote,” with everyone fighting to watch their favourite show, movie, or football game.
When my toddlers are awake, it’s a marathon of kids’ content all day long. If this sounds familiar, don’t worry! I’ve found an affordable way to enjoy my favourite drama series and movies in peace while my husband watches every Premier League match without interruption. Here’s my secret to avoiding living room conflict and enjoying a peaceful weekend where everyone gets their fair share of screen time.
First, make sure you have an internet device. You can check here for a list of devices that are compatible.
Next, sign up for Showmax and subscribe to Showmax Premier League Mobile and Showmax Entertainment All devices plan for just 5,400 naira monthly. This plan allows us to watch Premier League matches live and stream Showmax’s entertainment content on multiple mobile devices. For those with smaller budgets, Showmax has plans as low as ₦1,600 for Entertainment mobile-only. Click here for more details.
To sign up for Showmax, visit the Showmax website, select “Sign up,” choose your plan, and create an account using your email address, mobile number, and password. After verifying your mobile number and entering your payment details, you’re all set to enjoy amazing content without any living room conflict.
Speaking of shows, here are my favourite shows streaming on Showmax this November.
FIGHT NIGHT: THE MILLION DOLLAR HEIST | New Episodes Every Wednesday
Emmy nominee Kevin Hart leads an all-star cast as “Chicken Man,” a smooth-talking hustler who hosts Atlanta’s most exclusive event—until it spirals into chaos. When millions vanish, Chicken Man becomes suspect number one for Detective JD Hudson, one of the city’s first Black detectives.
This series stars the Peacock Original’s stellar cast and also includes Oscar nominees Samuel L Jackson, Taraji P Henson, and Terrence Howard.
With a 96% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes and holding the #21 spot on their list of the best Watch the trailer here.
THE GOOD DOCTOR S7 | Binge All Episodes Now on Showmax
Dr. Shaun Murphy, a surgeon with autism and Savant syndrome, as he navigates personal and professional challenges. In its farewell season, Shaun and Lea (Paige Spara) adjust to parenthood while Shaun faces a crucial case involving two babies needing the same heart.
Created by Emmy-winning David Shore (House MD), the series has earned an 8/10 IMDb rating and multiple award nominations for Freddie Highmore, including Golden Globe and Critics Choice nods.
The series ends on a high note, with its final episode achieving a 9.4/10 rating on IMDb
Watch the trailer here
LAW & ORDER: ORGANISED CRIME S4 | Binge from Monday, 18 November
In Season 4 of Law & Order: Organized Crime, Emmy nominee Christopher Meloni returns as Elliot Stabler, reprising his iconic role from Special Victims Unit. Now back at the NYPD after a personal loss, Stabler tackles a complex criminal underworld.
This season features guest stars such as Oscar winners Ellen Burstyn and Keith Carradine, BAFTA winner Jennifer Ehle, and Dean Norris from Breaking Bad as Stabler’s brother, Randall. Special SVU cast members Tamara Tunie, Peter Scanavino, and Dann Florek appear in several crossover episodes.
Organized Crime has already been renewed for a fifth season. Watch the trailer here
Showmax has unveiled a list of top international series available to customers on the platform this November.
Top on the list is the much anticipated HBO series Dune: Prophecy. Inspired by the 2012 novel Sisterhood of Dune, the series stars Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, and Travis Fimmels. This series is set for global premiere on 18 November and Showmax customers can stream the first episode the same day.
Also scheduled for Showmax this November is season two of the intriguing series, Found, available for streaming from Tuesday, 26 November. Peacock Original’s stellar cast series, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist is now available for streaming on Showmax and customers can catch new episodes on Wednesdays. The cast includes Oscar nominees Samuel L Jackson, Taraji P Henson, and Terrence Howard.
The November lineup includes an array of foreign series perfect for binge-watching. Devil’s Peak season 1, and The Good Doctor season 7 both available for streaming; Taktiek season 1, and Chicago PD season 11 are also available for streaming; Law and Order: Organised Crime season 4, available from November 18; and Billy the Kid season 2, available from November 25.
For lovers of top-quality international movies, Showmax collection for the month includes The Fall Guy coming to Showmax on November 18; Civil War by Oscar-nominated writer, Alex Garland set for Showmax on November 25; Kung Fu Panda 4 available for streaming from November 29; Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom streaming now; The End We Start From, featuring Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Strong, and Gina McKee, available from November 21.
Other international movies to look out for on Showmax in the month are Pet Sematary: Bloodlines available for streaming now; Heist 88 featuring Emmy’s award winner, Courtney B Vance, available from November 25; Justice League: Crisis On Infinite Earths part one, and all seven blockbusters of Mission Impossible to be available for binge-watch from November 25.
Customers can access all series and movies on Showmax by subscribing to the Showmax Entertainment mobile plan for N1,600. Visit www.showmax.com to sign up
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