Showbiz
MultiChoice Africa x African Storytelling: How Local Content Shapes Local Culture
As Africa marks Africa Month in May, attention turns to telling our story from our perspective, rooted in African culture. But how does culture evolve?
Many things we now call “cultural” started as new ideas, songs, customs, and stories that resonated with people and became timeless expressions of identity.
From Content to Culture
A recent example of how local content shapes culture is Afrobeat musician Davido’s recent acknowledgement of veteran highlife singer Bright Chimezie as the inspiration behind his song “With You,” featuring Omah Lay. He credited Chimezie’s track “Because of English” as the creative source. Davido not only honours the past but also bridges generations, showing how contemporary music continues to evolve from deep cultural roots.
Or consider Tinsel, which redefined Nigerian television with over 4,000 episodes since 2008, introducing high production standards that inspired an entire generation of Nollywood creators. Similarly, The Johnsons has become a household name for its humorous, relatable portrayal of everyday Nigerian family life.
Dance group Westsyde Lifestyle rose from Lagos streets to global stages, performing in viral music videos for stars like Davido and Burna Boy, helping spotlight Nigerian dance culture worldwide.
Across fashion and music, Nigerian talent like Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Tems, Lisa Folawiyo, and Kenneth Ize are shaping global trends, proving that local creativity resonates far beyond our borders.
This creative wave isn’t accidental; it’s a reflection of a continent leaning into its own identity.
Local Pride, Lasting Impact
From Lagos to Lusaka, Nairobi to Kigali, audiences are embracing content that mirrors their world. And as demand grows, so does investment in quality, storytelling, and industry infrastructure.
At the heart of this movement is MultiChoice, whose platforms, including Africa Magic, Showmax, and the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), continue to nurture the next generation of African storytellers, elevate production standards, and ensure African stories are told with authenticity and pride.
That commitment was powerfully reaffirmed at the recently concluded Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), where Africa’s leading creatives were celebrated not just for entertainment but for their role in shaping Africa’s cultural narrative. The night was a reflection of how far African storytelling has come and how far it can go.
The recent AMVCA win for Everything Light Touches, produced by MTF alumni Olamide Oshodi-Glover and Morenikeji Uka, stands as a powerful testament to the rising influence of African cinema and the impact of the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF). Their achievement not only celebrates storytelling rooted in cultural heritage but also underscores how MTF continues to shape a new generation of filmmakers making waves on the continent and beyond.
That same legacy of nurturing talent was on full display at the recent MTF graduation ceremony in Lagos, where a new class of West African filmmakers showcased original short films. Among them was Winner Achimugu, whose exceptional work earned her the Best Student award, and with it, a coveted place at the New York Film Academy. Her journey alongside past winners reflects the very heart of MTF’s mission: empowering young storytellers to bring African narratives to global screens.
From my Flatesmates and their comedic chaos to the gripping suspense of Ajoche and the layered family drama in Battleground, African content is doing more than entertaining. They are preserving culture, connecting generations, and inspiring a deep sense of pride. Sparking conversations and connecting generations.
A Future Written by Us
Television has become a driver of culture. It preserves our history, projects our dreams, and shows us to the world as we truly are.
As Africa Month unfolds, one thing is clear: African stories, told by Africans, are not just capturing attention; they’re commanding respect. Nigeria’s growing cultural confidence is empowering the next generation of storytellers, and the world is watching.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A fatal auto crash has claimed the life of a Nigerian actor, Mr Adesina Okiki, otherwise known as Janmole.
The death of the thespian was confirmed on Tuesday by the president of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Mr Abolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin.
In a post on his Facebook page today, the comic actor said, “May the soul of our departed colleague, Adesina Okiki Janmole, who tragically lost his life in an accident, rest in perfect peace.
“May God grant his family, friends, and colleagues the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss. He will be greatly missed. Amen.”
The demise of this comedian and filmmaker comes a few weeks after the Nigerian film industry lost Alexx Ekubo to cancer.
During his lifetime, Janmole, who died in a road accident on Monday, acted in several movies. He was known for his humour, screen presence and contributions to the Yoruba movie industry.
About four years ago, he survived a fire incident along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, an experience many believed he had narrowly escaped.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Lovers of the popular Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality television show will have the opportunity to watch the BBNaija Season 10 Reunion Show.
The programme, to be hosted by media personality, Mr Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, will premiere on Monday, 8 June 2026, at 10 pm WAT on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151 | GOtv Channel 8) and Africa Magic Family (DStv Channel 154 | GOtv Channel 7), with each episode available on the DStv Stream and GOtv Stream apps the following day.
The reunion show will feature all 29 housemates. Fans can follow all reunion updates using the hashtag #BBNaijaReunion across social media platforms and Africa Magic for exclusive clips and behind-the-scenes content.
On October 5, 2025, the BBNaija Season 10 came to an end, with Opeyemi Ayanwale, popularly known as Imisi, emerging champion with 42.84 per cent of the public votes.
The 23-year-old fashion designer and actress from Oyo State walked away with a grand prize of N150 million, including N80 million in cash and a brand-new Innoson SUV.
The reunion is expected to address several unresolved storylines from the season, including the disqualification of housemate Faith in the final week following a physical altercation with Sultana. The season also produced some of its most viral moments in years, including a spoon-related standoff that dominated X for days and a series of romantic entanglements that split fan bases across the continent.
Season 10 was considered one of the most exciting editions of the show to date, introducing the Bag of Big Twists, a red telephone delivering random instructions from Biggie, a restructured Head of House challenge and an Influential Player of the Week feature.
With plans for a new season already in motion, the BBNaija 10 over 10 reunion show is set to officially close conflicts, encourage clarifications and allow the housemates to lay it all bare to the viewers and themselves one last time.
The heat in the MasterChef Nigeria kitchen never lets up, and this week the remaining home cooks were served a double helping of pressure with a Blind Taste Test followed by their very first Mystery Box Challenge.
Following Demilade’s dramatic exit the previous week, seven hopefuls returned to the kitchen knowing that any mistake could leave their MasterChef dreams overcooked.
The first challenge on the menu was a Blind Taste Test, where the contestants had to identify a variety of fruits and vegetables using only their palates. It was a particularly nerve-racking challenge for David, who admitted he doesn’t always trust his taste buds. However, he rose to the occasion, joining Loye and Favy in correctly identifying the ingredients and securing a coveted spot on the gantry.
That left Preye, Derry, Fads and Isabella fighting to keep their aprons in the competition.
The home cooks then had to face their first-ever Mystery Box Challenge, where creativity, execution and composure were all put to the test. When the judges tasted their way through the dishes, Isabella and Preye found themselves at the bottom of the pack.
Ultimately, it was Preye’s Roasted Sirloin with Butternut Squash that failed to hit the mark, bringing his MasterChef Nigeria journey to an end.
Derry proved once again why she has earned the nickname “Daring Derry.” Unfazed by the Mystery Box Challenge, she served up a dish that impressed the judges from presentation to palate. Her thoughtful plating, technical execution and well-balanced flavours earned her the coveted Dish of the Day title.
Meanwhile, Fads – affectionately known as the “Cat Woman” for her remarkable ability to land on her feet – continued her fight in the competition. Her Plantain Tacos showcased ingenuity and secured her safety from the bottom two. While the judges appreciated the effort, Chef Eros reminded her that the competition is entering a critical stage, saying: “This is the MasterChef kitchen and I expect MasterChef results.”
At first glance, Preye appeared to have delivered a winning plate. The judges praised the presentation, with the dish drawing comparisons to something one might find in a charming French bistro.
However, in the MasterChef Nigeria kitchen, appearances only get you so far.
The mood quickly shifted when Chef Eros cut into the sirloin steak. Sensing trouble, he quietly removed his glasses before revealing the verdict: the steak was undercooked.
It proved to be a costly mistake. In the MasterChef kitchen, there are few offences more serious than serving food that is raw or burnt. Despite the promise shown in the dish, the undercooked steak ultimately sealed Preye’s fate and brought his MasterChef Nigeria journey to an end.
With the stakes rising and the margins between success and elimination becoming ever smaller, the remaining home cooks know that every plate must now be worthy of the MasterChef title.
The show airs weekly on Sundays at 7 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family, with rebroadcasts on Wednesdays at 6 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and Thursdays at 12 pm on Africa Magic Family.
Next week, the MasterChef Nigeria kitchen welcomes special guest judge Chef Tosan for a challenge that is guaranteed to test the home cooks in a whole new way.
With baking on the menu, confidence quickly gives way to nerves as the remaining contestants face one of the most feared disciplines in the culinary world. Unlike cooking, where intuition can often save the day, baking demands precision, patience and flawless execution.
As temperatures rise and tensions simmer, the home cooks must prove they can handle the pressure and deliver bakes worthy of the MasterChef title. Who will rise to the occasion, and whose hopes will crumble under the weight of the challenge?
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