Showbiz
Q4 2021: Spotify Sustains Momentum in Subscriber Growth
By Dipo Olowookere
In the fourth quarter of 2021, one of the audio streaming platforms, Spotify, posted strong numbers, sustaining its momentum in subscriber growth and others.
According to the financial statements analysed by Business Post, the firm improved its monthly active users (MAUs) by 18 per cent year-on-year to 406 million from 381 million in the last quarter.
This was buoyed by gains from the 7th annual year-end Spotify Wrapped campaign launched on December 1, 2021, to users in 103 markets.
Collectively, 120 million MAUs engaged with Wrapped content in Q4 (up 29% Y/Y) as the campaign trended worldwide with nearly 60 million shares of Wrapped stories and cards, triggering significant levels of consumption across our two personalized playlists (Your Top Songs and Your Artists Revealed) which were responsible for almost 8 per cent of total on-platform consumption hours within 48 hours of launch.
It was observed that premium subscribers grew in the period under consideration by 16 per cent to 180 million in the quarter as a result of the strong promotional campaign performance.
This supported the 24 per cent growth in the revenue generated in the quarter to €2,689 million and was above the top end of its guidance range due to significant strength in advertising and favourable FX movements.
Within premium, the average revenue per user (ARPU) of €4.40 in Q4 was up 3 per cent and excluding the impact of FX, the company saw a benefit to ARPU primarily from its price increases.
As for the gross margin, it finished at 26.5 per cent in Q4, above the top end of its guidance range and flat versus the prior-year period. The gross margin trend reflected a favourable revenue mix shift towards podcasts, marketplace activity, and Other Cost of Revenue efficiencies (e.g. payment fees, streaming delivery costs), which were offset by higher non-music and other content costs and publishing rate increases.
According to the results, Spotify witnessed a 12 per cent increase in operating expenses at €719 million in Q4, though better than forecast and contributed to positive operating income in the quarter.
However, the firm posted a net loss of €39 million in the period under review compared with the net profit of €2 million in the preceding quarter.
Showbiz
Heartbeat, The Split and Other Shows To Watch This Weekend on DStv
If you’re wondering what to stream this week on DStv as the new year settles in and the first full workweek wraps up, we’ve got you. From a brand-new reality dating show that’s about to break the internet to crime drama that will have you at the edge of your seat, here’s your ultimate guide to what to watch.
- Heartbeat – Africa Magic Showcase (DStv 151)
Starting with the star of the week, Heartbeat. It’s Africa Magic’s new dating reality show premiering on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
The show brings together 10 singles, five men and five women, all looking for love in a specially designed love pad. Over 12 weeks, the cameras will capture every flirt, fight, and awkward silence, plus the games and challenges that push them to get to know each other intimately.
And yes, some of these contestants are here for the love and drama. We’ve got Chidera ‘The Slumflower’ Eggrue, Alvin Leonard, Queen Latifah, Igwe Cruise, and more. If you love romance and reality TV chaos, this is your Sunday night fix.
- Paris & Nicole: The Encore – M-Net (DStv 101)
Airing on Sat, January 10 at 10pm, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie are set to take over your screen. This time, the BFFs are writing, producing, and starring in a one-word opera inspired by their childhood song “Sanasa.”
Episode 3, titled ‘The Sanasapera!’, is pure chaos. They work at Sonic, hijack a Hollywood celebrity tour to find an audience, and then get on stage to perform. If you love ridiculous, unfiltered celebrity energy that makes you question what “high art” even is, this one’s for you.
- There’s a Zulu On My Stoep – M-Net Movies 4 (DStv 108)
Perfect for the weekend is this South African classic airing on Saturday, January 10, at 6:25pm. The film follows two boys who meet in South Africa and form a lifelong friendship, then reunite as adults for a wild adventure.
Directed by Gray Hofmeyr and starring Leon Schuster, John Matshikiza, and Wilson Dunster, it’s a mix of heartfelt bonding and fun. Basically, it’s the perfect palate cleanse before veering into reality TV drama.
- Dating: No Filter South Africa – Bravo (DStv 124)
If you can’t get enough of dating drama, this South African reality series is a must-watch. On the show, singles go on blind dates, and their every move is accompanied by hilarious commentary from SA’s funniest celebrities.
Episodes 5 & 6 of Season 2 promise awkward encounters, accidental sparks, and laugh-out-loud commentary. Perfect if you’re into late-night TV chaos and love seeing people make all the wrong moves in the name of love. It’s airing on Sunday, January 11, at 11:45pm.
- The Split – Africa Magic Showcase (DStv 151)
Taking you into the world of Nollywood, The Split is a high-stakes financial crime drama that will have you holding your breath. The 26-episode series follows three bankers who pocket money that isn’t theirs. When the deceased account owner’s son resurfaces with proof, their pact unravels, sending the trio spiralling into guilt, fear, and betrayal.
With stars like Anee Icha, Baaj Adebule, Esosa Benard, and David Jones David, this one is your Thursday and Friday night adrenaline fix. It airs at 8:30pm.
- Daughters of Water – Africa Magic Showcase (DStv 151)
Still on must-watch Nollywood shows, Daughters of Water is one to look out for. The drama follows the journey of destiny and spiritual heritage through Anie, a disgraced investigative journalist who returns to her hometown, Ikot Ndem, seeking a comeback. Her arrival coincides with the sacred Ukang Festival, where seven “Daughters of Water” from special families take part in a river-dipping ceremony to honour river spirits.
Starring Imoh Eboh as Anie, alongside Ade Laoye, Teniola Aladese, and Bobby Ogbolu, new episodes are released every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 8:30 PM on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151), and you can catch up on previous episodes on Showmax.
All these shows and more are available on DStv, with subscribers still enjoying the opportunity to receive an instant upgrade when they stay connected on their current package or renew on any eligible package, unlocking more movies, sports, kids’ content and local shows from January to February 2026.
Showbiz
Excitement as 9th AFRIMA Kicks Off in Lagos
By Adedapo Adesanya
Lagos State is officially welcoming Africa and the global music community for the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), which kicked off in the Nigerian commercial capital.
The Africa’s global music celebration commenced on Wednesday, January 7 and will wrap up on Sunday, January 11, 2026. Yesterday was the Welcome Soiree for nominees and guests, hosted by the British High Commission in Nigeria.
Other highlights of the five-day event include the Africa Music Business Summit on Thursday, January 8; the AFRIMA Music Village, featuring performances by over 25 A-list artistes and DJs from across the continent on Friday, January 9 at Ikeja City Mall; and the Main Awards Ceremony on Sunday, January 11 at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos. The awards will be broadcast live to audiences in more than 84 countries worldwide.
Speaking on Wednesday at a press conference held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, to herald the commencement of the global event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, who spoke on behalf of the state government as the official host city, described AFRIMA as “a truly remarkable celebration of creativity, excellence and the unifying power of music across Africa and the world.”
“This gathering is a powerful convergence of cultures, ideas and possibilities. It is a moment where Africa speaks to the world through rhythm, melody and storytelling, and Lagos is deeply honoured to host this gathering of exceptional talents, industry leaders, policymakers and creative visionaries,” she said.
She noted that music and culture have become powerful tools for economic growth and global connection, adding that Lagos is proud to host an event that continues to shape narratives and connect continents.
On his part, AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mr Mike Dada, explained that AFRIMA, in partnership with the African Union Commission, is “the longest and biggest-running African music platform that promotes and showcases African talent to the rest of the world.”
He said the last edition was held in Dakar, Senegal, and after extensive deliberations, the African Union awarded the hosting rights of the 9th edition to Lagos.
“The goal of AFRIMA goes beyond entertainment. The idea is to showcase African music talent, demonstrate the capacity of the continent and tell the world that Africa is full of excellence. We also use this platform to promote peace and integration, and to show that music can take young people away from the streets,” he noted.
Mr Dada added that AFRIMA also promotes African cities and tourism.
“Many of us know London and Paris more than we know African cities. Through AFRIMA, we promote African destinations to the world, which is why the event is broadcast to over 30 countries,” he said.
He further disclosed that AFRIMA has provided about 6,000 tickets to the Lagos State Government through the Ministry for distribution across all local governments and LCDAs, to enable young people who may not otherwise afford it to attend the AFRIMA Music Village free of charge.
Also speaking, AFRIMA Associate Producer, Mr Olisa Adibua, said awards platforms are critical to the growth of the music industry.
“In other parts of the world, industries thrive because they have infrastructure and systems that reward excellence. For music to grow in Africa, awards like AFRIMA are necessary. We are the backbone and part of the future of the industry,” he stated.
Showbiz
Again, Warner Bros Rejects Paramount’s Aggressive Takeover Deal
By Adedapo Adesanya
The board of Warner Bros. Discover (WBD) on Wednesday once again rejected a hostile takeover offer from Paramount Skydance, affirming its sale to Netflix.
The board said it continued to believe the Paramount bid is inferior to a previously announced deal with Netflix to buy WBD’s studio and streaming business for $72 billion.
“We have a signed merger agreement with Netflix, it’s a compelling value, a clear path to closing and protections for our shareholders if something stops the close, whatever that might be,” said Mr Samuel Di Piazza, who chairs the WBD board said, as per CNBC on Wednesday.
Business Post reported last year that WBD entered into an agreement to sell its streaming and studio business to Netflix. However, Paramount has been vying to acquire the entirety of WBD, including its pay TV networks.
In the days following the announcement of that deal, Paramount launched its hostile bid, taking directly to shareholders an offer of $30 per share, all cash for the entirety of Warner Bros. Discovery, including its TV networks.
WBD’s board made an initial recommendation to reject the offer, and Paramount subsequently made another push for the coveted assets. In late December Paramount guaranteed the backing of billionaire Larry Ellison, the father of Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison, as a clear response to questions raised by WBD’s board.
Paramount first showed interest in acquiring all of Warner Bros. Discovery’s assets in September.
The company made three takeover offers before Warner Bros. Discovery kicked off a formal sale process, inviting other bidders into the fold. It would eventually settle for Netflix.
Netflix issued its own statement welcoming the WBD board’s recommendation and noting it has been engaging with the US Department of Justice and European Commission on antitrust concerns surrounding the merger.
“The WBD Board remains fully supportive of and continues to recommend Netflix’s merger agreement, recognizing it as the superior proposal that will deliver the greatest value to its stockholders, as well as consumers, creators and the broader entertainment industry,” Netflix co-CEOs Mr Ted Sarandos and Mr Greg Peters said in the statement.
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