Showbiz
MultiChoice Has Created Long-Term Jobs, Supported Talent Development—James Omokwe
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The African film industry has remained untapped because of low investment but this is gradually changing due to the significant interest from MultiChoice, which is engaging local filmmakers like Mr James Omokwe to tell authentic African stories.
In this interview, Mr Omokwe delved into the impact of MultiChoice on African filmmaking as well as how the company empowered him to succeed in the sector, which is projected to be the next crude oil.
You’ve been in the industry for over a decade now. What moment would you say marked the true turning point in your career as a filmmaker?
Absolutely. The biggest turning point for me was in 2014. I had started working in the industry around 2011, and my first film came out in 2013 as a director. But things weren’t quite working out the way I hoped. Like many filmmakers, especially in Nigeria, I was struggling. I remember watching one of my films on an iPad, just reminiscing, and honestly, I was on the verge of giving up and returning to a more “stable” job.
Then sometime around October or November 2014, a friend who was starting a TV show asked if I’d be open to coming on as a consulting producer. That was my first real producing gig, and even though I had some experience before, this was different. That experience opened the door to television for me. From there, I started executive producing other shows and that opportunity completely changed my career. It was a massive turning point.
You’re known for crafting stories that feel deeply local but widely relatable. What draws you to the kinds of stories you choose to tell?
From the start, our company had one key mission — to tell authentically African stories. That’s always been our driving force. When you come into an industry dominated by certain genres like romance or comedy, you want to stand out. I’ve always had a deep connection to our history, culture, and oral traditions. I feel like storytelling is in our DNA as Africans.
We’re not just making films for entertainment; we’re trying to preserve something. To pass on knowledge, memory, and identity. Every project I’ve worked on carries some form of cultural nuance that reflects where we come from. It’s always intentional.
One of your major early projects, ‘Ajoche’, sparked a big reaction for its bold narrative and authentic tone. What did that project mean to you, and how did it shift how you were seen in the industry?
Ajoche was a real blessing. It was the first major project we did that felt deeply authentic. It wasn’t just epic in scope, but in how true it was to our culture. I honestly didn’t expect people to embrace it the way they did. At one point, I heard it did really good numbers. I’m not sure how accurate, but the feedback was incredible.
Even now, people still talk about it online. I saw someone mention it on Twitter just yesterday and the show aired in 2018! It really cemented my place as someone committed to telling authentically African stories. To this day, it’s still one of the projects I’m most proud of.
What role would you say MultiChoice and Africa Magic played in helping you take on projects like that, from production to distribution and beyond?
Africa Magic gave me an environment to create and that’s huge. They gave me my first real opportunity and the creative freedom to bring my vision to life. That doesn’t just mean writing the story, but visualising it, building the world with my team, and really owning the work. They didn’t just fund it, they empowered us.
Without their support, I don’t think Ajoche, Riona or other shows would have happened the way they did. They gave us room to grow and prove ourselves, and I’m truly grateful for that.
Would you say that working with Africa Magic opened up new creative or commercial opportunities for you?
Absolutely. Working with MultiChoice helped me build a structure that I now apply to every project. It gave me an edge in how I produce, how I manage teams, and how I build shows from scratch. That expertise has been invaluable.
Even now, the film we’re currently working on, ‘The Yard’, is being praised for its technical quality and storytelling. We’re in talks for international distribution. And all of that comes from the experience and growth I’ve had producing for Africa Magic over the past eight years. That experience can’t be bought. It shaped me, and I carry it into everything I do.
Beyond your own success, how have your projects contributed to job creation or the growth of the local production economy?
I wish I had the data in front of me but I can say confidently that over the past eight years, our projects have probably employed more than 5,000 people. ‘Ajoche’ alone had 700 people. “The Yard,” currently has a crew strength of about 90 people, working for several months straight.
These are jobs for actors, crew, stylists, set designers — across the board. We’re now working on our seventh or eighth show. These productions feed into the local economy, they keep people employed, and they build careers. The impact is real.
There’s often talk about preserving cultural integrity. Has MultiChoice given you the space to create without compromising cultural nuance?
Definitely. From the beginning, Africa Magic has been intentional about projecting authentic African stories. I remember early meetings where they made it clear that our culture must shine through and they supported that.
They don’t force it, but the expectation is clear. And most producers understand the responsibility. We’re not just making content for entertainment, we’re showcasing who we are to the entire continent. So yes, they’ve allowed us to preserve our identity, and they’ve helped us do it in a way that’s powerful and widely seen.
Finally, based on your experience, what would you say to people who question whether MultiChoice is truly investing in the Nigerian creative economy?
I’d say that question is like asking if the sky is red. The answer is obvious. Since 2014, I’ve worked on numerous productions with MultiChoice, and I’ve seen the direct impact.
They’ve created real, long-term jobs. They’ve supported talent development. They’ve invested in stories that matter. The success I’ve had and that many others have had is tied to their commitment to this industry. You can’t fake that kind of impact. It’s clear, it’s measurable, and it’s ongoing.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A 12-hour non-stop entertainment event offering various performances and activities all night long will take place in Lagos from the evening of December 21 into the early hours of December 22, 2025.
This programme known as InsomniaQ, is being put together by one of Africa’s leading digital payments platforms, Quickteller.
Quickteller is a brand powered by the Interswitch Group, and InsomniaQ was created to celebrate African creativity.
The all-night music and entertainment experience will hold at the Ballroom of the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.
It is designed to capture the vibrancy and cultural energy that define Lagos in December. InsomniaQ is positioned to become Africa’s newest must-attend December destination.
The concert blends diverse African soundscapes, creative expression, and immersive lifestyle experiences, offering a night curated for music lovers, diaspora returnees, cultural enthusiasts, and everyone drawn to the city’s festive season.
More than a concert, InsomniaQ represents a new cultural moment, one that celebrates the richness, depth, and diversity of African talent. With a lineup cutting across contemporary and alternative genres, the festival aims to introduce a bold, fresh, and unforgettable experience within Lagos’ already vibrant entertainment landscape.
“InsomniaQ is an invitation to celebrate African creativity in a way that feels bold, fresh, and true to who we are.
“Quickteller has always been an essential part of the experiences people value, and this festival brings that connection to life in an entirely new dimension.
“As Lagos welcomes friends, family, and visitors from around the world each December, we are proud to introduce a platform that showcases our music, our culture, and the vibrant energy that defines this season,” the Divisional Head of Growth Marketing for Quickteller Ecosystem at Interswitch, Mr Olawale Akanbi, noted.
Through Quickteller, Interswitch continues to champion initiatives that go beyond digital transactions to enrich the everyday life of millions of Nigerians.
InsomniaQ extends this mission by empowering cultural expression, unlocking creative opportunities, and supporting the continent’s growing entertainment ecosystem.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The quartet of Oyindamola Timothy (Fashion), Steve Adeyemo (Tech), Uche Kalu (Dance), and Emmanuel Elijah (Music) emerged the category winners of the Stanbic IBTC FUZE Talent Show 4.0.
They received N10 million each for their efforts, along with mentorship opportunities, industry exposure, and support to advance their creative journeys.
The four were chosen from the 12 finalists at an event aired on Sunday, December 14, 2025, on AIT (DStv Channel 253) at 7:00 pm, Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151) at 5:00 pm, and streamed live on the official Stanbic IBTC YouTube channel, connecting millions of viewers to the excitement and energy of the show.
The 2025 edition drew over 6,000 entries nationwide and continued to inspire a new wave of innovation among young Nigerians in fashion, technology, dance, and music. The participants fought for a share of the N90 million in prizes put up by the organisers.
This year, the FUZE Talent Show also introduced an exciting new twist: The Fan Favourite Feature, which allowed viewers across the country to vote for the contestant who most inspired them. This addition deepened audience participation and further strengthened FUZE’s mission to connect creativity with community support.
“FUZE 4.0 truly lived up to its promise as The Ultimate Show, a platform that celebrates courage, creativity, and innovation.
“Every contestant who graced that stage reminded us of the extraordinary potential of Nigerian youths.
“At Stanbic IBTC, we are proud to continue creating opportunities that help young people dream bigger, think bolder, and achieve more. It is all about home-grown talent for us as we power the made-in-Nigeria initiative,” the chief executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mr Chuma Nwokocha, said.
As excitement builds for FUZE Festival coming up on Saturday, December 20, 2025, attendees can anticipate experiencing this year’s edition theme The Ultimate Show in full, with circus-style attractions, from magicians and parade performers to flash mobs and art displays.
An expanded marketplace, freebies from participating partners and on-site Stanbic IBTC services will enhance convenience, while performances by Wande Coal, Pheelz, Chike, and Ms DSF will add a nostalgic, high-energy finish. Interested attendees can register to attend via the Stanbic IBTC Events App or visit www.events.stanbicibtc.com to secure their spot.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The 2019 single released by Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer, CKay, Love Nwantiti, has officially surpassed one billion streams on Spotify.
This feat has made him one of the few African artists to reach this milestone and the first Nigerian solo act to achieve this.
The song has sustained a global appeal, with listeners from the United States, India, Indonesia, Brazil, and the United Kingdom playing it in the last 28 days alone, a proof of the track’s staying power well beyond its viral peak.
This achievement places CKay in an elite group of African artists with billion-stream records on Spotify, which includes hits driven by collaborations with Nigerian artists, such as Drake’s One Dance (featuring Wizkid and Kyla), Future’s Wait For U (featuring Drake and Tems), and Rema’s Calm Down (featuring Selena Gomez), and solo song Water, by Tyla.
Love Nwantiti was released on CKay’s EP titled CKay the First. It began as a slow-burn masterpiece that captured a global audience. It then broke out by blending the grooving rhythm of Afrobeats with an emotional feeling and an entrancing melody, a sound CKay himself pioneered and coined as Emo-Afrobeats, fusing African rhythms with raw, heartfelt emotion.
The song, which translates to sweet gentle love in the Igbo language, communicates an intense desire for a love interest. Its journey from a homegrown Nigerian track to a cultural sensation fuelled by countless dance challenges, social virality, and international remixes is proof of the widespread power of its sound.
It remains a fixture on playlists globally, with over 3.9 million playlist adds and sustained streaming momentum across continents.
CKay achieved this historic mark with a solo, non-collaborative lead release by a Nigerian artist. This distinction highlights his unique vision and singular impact as both a writer and performer, making him a true torchbearer for the new generation of African music talent.
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