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Netflix Spends $135bn on Films, TV Shows in 10 Years

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By Adedapo Adesanya

Data from Netflix reveals that more than $325 billion was contributed to the global economy over the past decade, creating more than 425,000 jobs in over 50 countries, including Nigeria.

A decade ago, Netflix expanded into almost every country in the world in a single day, and since then, it has been “a champion of local stories”, spotlighting them on a global stage.

Netflix signalled its Nigeria ambitions with the acquisition of Lionheart, a film produced in 2018 by industry veteran, Genevieve Nnaji, as its first original film in the country.

The streamer has since commissioned and co-produced multiple original series and films in the years since.

However, in late 2024, it was reported that Netflix was exiting the Nigerian market; it denied the reports, but has since cut back on original productions.

Viewing of non-English language titles represented less than a tenth of total viewing on Netflix ten years ago, while today it’s more than a third.

Netflix says the data underscores its continued commitment to supporting creative communities everywhere.

In Nigeria, some Netflix-affiliated films have amassed hit followings and series, such as Gingerrr, King of Boys, The Black Book, Anikulapo, Sugar Rush, Hijack ’93, among others.

Speaking on the development, Mr Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, commented: “[…] what really matters are the people behind those numbers — the writers, directors, carpenters and electricians, the small business owners and community members and of course, the fans who make everything possible.”

This data is revealed as Netflix launches The Netflix Effect, designed to bring together stories from around the world that explore the economic and cultural impact Netflix has had on the entertainment industry.

“Over the last decade, Netflix shows and movies have consistently shaped what people read, buy, listen to, eat, wear and play. We’ve pushed old songs back up the musical charts, helped niche sports go mainstream, and boosted sales of everything from chess sets to Halloween costumes, to home storage.” Mr Sarandos added.

“Now we have a responsibility to keep that flywheel going. That’s why, while other entertainment companies pull back, we’re leaning in — spending tens of billions of dollars on content every year, investing in production facilities from Spain to New Jersey, and growing the entertainment industry through training programmes that have reached over 90,000 people across more than 75 countries.”

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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5 Africa Magic Shows You Should Be Watching Right Now

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Imagine trying to choose your future partner without meeting them first. Instead, you’re introduced to the people who know them best: their family, their home, their upbringing, their traditions. And from those visits alone, you’re expected to decide who deserves your heart.

It’s a bold idea, but that’s exactly what makes Date My Family Nigeria so addictive to watch. And it’s only one of the many reasons Africa Magic continues to deliver stories that spark conversations, stir emotions and keep viewers coming back for more. Whether you’re in the mood for romance, family drama, mystery or light-hearted entertainment, there’s always something worth watching.

Here are five Africa Magic shows you should be watching right now:

1. Date My Family Nigeria

Thursday | 1:00 PM | Africa Magic Family Ch 7

Finding love has never been this adventurous. Instead of going on dates with potential partners, one bachelor or bachelorette visits the families of three singles before meeting them. From first impressions and family dynamics to unexpected advice and hilarious moments, every visit reveals more than any traditional date ever could.

The big question is simple: Can you choose your future partner based on the people who raised them?

2. Jay Jay: The Chosen One

Friday | 4:30 PM | Africa Magic Family Ch 7

What if your greatest talent came from the most unexpected place?

In Jay Jay: The Chosen One, Austin dreams of becoming an exceptional footballer, but his journey takes an extraordinary turn when he begins training near the jungle. There, the animals teach him remarkable football skills and grant him special powers in exchange for one promise: to protect them whenever they’re in danger. Blending football, fantasy and adventure, it’s an inspiring story about courage, responsibility and chasing your dreams.

3. The River

Wednesday | 12:30 AM | Africa Magic Family Ch 7

The River follows two very different worlds that are bound together by family, ambition and long-buried secrets. On one side are powerful business families; on the other, a struggling township where lives are shaped by inequality and hardship.

As greed, betrayal and hidden truths begin to surface, every relationship is pushed to its breaking point. If you enjoy layered storytelling where every decision has consequences, The River is well worth your time.

4. Etiti

Friday | 8:30 PM | Africa Magic Showcase Ch 8

A wedding is supposed to mark the beginning of a new chapter. In Etiti, it becomes the beginning of a nightmare. On Jidenna and Chisom’s wedding day, a hidden betrayal and a chilling prophecy from an ageless priestess turn what should have been their happiest moment into their last. What follows is a gripping tale of mystery, tradition and the supernatural, where every revelation raises even more questions.

5. Husband Material

Saturday | 6:45 PM | Africa Magic Showcase Ch 8

Finding “the one” isn’t always as straightforward as it seems.

Husband Material follows young women as they meet and evaluate potential life partners, navigating personalities, expectations and unexpected chemistry along the way. It’s a refreshing take on modern relationships that proves choosing a husband can be just as entertaining as finding one. With heartfelt conversations, surprising moments and plenty of laughs, it’s the perfect weekend watch for anyone who enjoys relationship-focused reality shows.

Whether you’re rooting for someone to find love in Date My Family Nigeria, following Austin’s extraordinary journey in Jay Jay: The Chosen One, getting drawn into the power struggles of The River, uncovering the mysteries of Etiti, or watching sparks fly in Husband Material, there’s never a dull moment on Africa Magic.

Different stories, different characters, different reasons to keep watching. But they all have one thing in common, they know how to keep you coming back for the next episode.

Catch all these shows on Africa Magic, available on GOtv, and discover your next favourite.

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.

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Zee World, Telemundo & Televista: The Telenovela Triangle on GOtv

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Every telenovela fan has a favourite; some live for the emotional rollercoaster of Zee World, where every episode feels like another test of love, loyalty and family. Others can’t resist Telemundo, where revenge is almost a love language and no secret stays buried for long. Then there are viewers who keep returning to Televista, drawn by stories that blend romance, culture and everyday realities in ways that feel surprisingly familiar.

The good thing is, on GOtv, you don’t have to pick anyone.

With Zee World, Telemundo and Televista all on one platform, there’s always another story waiting to pull you in. Whether you’re in the mood for impossible love stories, unexpected betrayals or family drama that hits close to home, the next binge-worthy episode is only a channel away.

Zee World: Where every emotion comes with a plot twist

Zee World has mastered the art of making viewers emotionally invested. One minute you’re celebrating a wedding, the next you’re questioning everyone’s motives. It’s a world where family bonds are constantly tested, love survives impossible odds, and every decision carries consequences that echo for generations.

Series like This is Fate, Twist of Fate, Radha Mohan and Sister Wives (airing everyday on Zee World)  have become household favourites because they know exactly how to keep audiences guessing. Just when it seems peace has finally arrived, another secret, misunderstanding or family conflict changes everything. It’s the kind of storytelling that makes viewers say, “Just one more episode,” until it’s well past bedtime.

Telemundo: Where calm never lasts for long

If suspense had a home, it would probably be Telemundo. Its stories move fast, emotions run high, and almost every episode ends with a revelation that sends the plot in an entirely new direction. Weddings are interrupted, alliances collapse overnight, enemies become lovers, and trusted friends suddenly become the biggest threat.

Shows like On the other side of the wall, Behind closed doors, All roads lead to love and Queen of hearts have built loyal audiences because they refuse to follow predictable storylines. Every episode leaves viewers with another mystery to solve and another cliffhanger they simply can’t ignore. It’s television that keeps your remote close, but your attention even closer.

Televista: Romance with a familiar heartbeat

Televista tells stories that feel a little closer to home. The romance is still there, but so are the everyday struggles, family expectations, friendships, ambition, heartbreak and the difficult choices that shape people’s lives. Its characters often feel less like larger-than-life heroes and more like people you could easily know.

Whether it’s navigating complicated relationships or overcoming life’s unexpected turns, Televista reminds viewers that the most memorable stories don’t always need extravagant twists. Sometimes they’re found in ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. That’s what makes its dramas so easy to connect with.

Three channels with different storytelling but one destination

The beauty of GOtv’s telenovela lineup is that every mood has a channel to match. Some evenings call for the emotional intensity of Zee World. Other nights demand the suspense and unpredictability of Telemundo. And when you’re looking for stories rooted in love, family and culture, Televista is ready with another unforgettable episode. Different countries, different cultures, different storytelling traditions. Yet they all share one thing in common: they know exactly how to keep viewers coming back for more.

So whether you’ve already chosen a favourite or happily switch between all three, one thing is certain: on GOtv, the next unforgettable plot twist is always just one episode away.

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.

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MasterChef Nigeria: The Spice Runs Out for Isabella

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The heat was turned all the way up in the MasterChef Nigeria kitchen as four home cooks battled for just three coveted places in the semi-final, and one contestant’s dream was finally taken off the boil.

In a quarter-final packed with spice, pressure and a late immunity-pin bombshell, Isabella became the latest contestant to leave the competition.

The theme for the week was spices, the soul of Nigerian cooking.

The contestants were tasked with selecting their own spices and making them the true hero of a MasterChef-worthy dish. With a place in the Top 3 on the line, there was no room for bland ideas, safe cooking or half-measures.

But one major question hung over the kitchen. Favy still had the immunity pin — and this was her final chance to use it. Would she play it or risk everything and cook?

Favy chose to step up to the fire.

Halfway through the challenge, the judges stopped the clock and served the contestants a twist they never saw coming. They would now have to make an extra dish.

Sweet or savoury — but spices once again had to take centre stage. The contestants were given an additional 30 minutes, and suddenly the race to the semi-final became even more intense.

Favy felt the pressure immediately. The twist unsettled Fads. No smiles. No distractions. Game face only.

For Fads, who has found herself at the bottom several times during the competition, the quarter-final had become a do-or-die. With time once again her biggest enemy, every second counted.

Then, with just five minutes left on the clock, Favy made the biggest move of the night.

She played her immunity pin. Just like that, Favy was safe. And for David, Isabella and Fads, the fight for the remaining two semi-final places became even tougher.

At the tasting table, the truth was served hot.

Isabella’s rice pudding failed to impress, with the judges saying it was not a rice pudding “in any way, shape or form”. Then came the moment every contestant fears. Chef Eros removed his glasses. A clear sign that he was not impressed. His verdict was brutal: the dish was not semi-final worthy.

David had a much better tasting. Chef Eros kept his glasses firmly on, and the judges agreed that both of David’s dishes were delicious.

For Fads, the stakes could not have been higher. The judges felt that her dishes were presentable, but at this stage of the competition, presentable was no longer enough. They questioned whether she had truly pushed the envelope.

In the end, David delivered when it mattered most and claimed Dish of the Day.

That left Isabella and Fads in the bottom two.

After a tense final decision, Isabella’s MasterChef Nigeria journey came to an end.

Although emotional about leaving, Isabella said she had learnt a lot during her time in the competition and would be taking those lessons with her. The apron may be coming off, but the experience will stay with her.

With Isabella eliminated, the MasterChef Nigeria Top 3 is now complete.

COMING UP NEXT WEEK: THE SEMI-FINAL

The final three home cooks are just one challenge away from the grand finale, but first, they face one of the toughest tests of the season.

They must replicate signature dishes created by Chef Eros and Chef Stone. The pressure is high. The margin for error is razor-thin.

One mistake could send a contestant home. One perfect plate could secure a place in the MasterChef Nigeria finale.

The finish line is in sight, and the kitchen gets hotter than ever.

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