Showbiz
Seven Nollywood Talents Who Rose to Stardom on Africa Magic
Nollywood has numerous actors and actresses who wear different characters to entertain us in movies. The steady rise of Nollywood talents in recent years is remarkable, and this is down to the investment of platforms like Africa Magic in talent discovery and commissioning/licensing of movies and series that cast budding talents. In celebration of Africa Magic at 20, here is a list of renowned Nollywood telnets who rose to stardom on the Africa Magic platform:
Tobi Bakre: He’s no doubt one of the hottest talents around at the moment. Tobi rose to stardom on one of Africa Magic’s reality TV shows, Big Brother Nigeria. He won the AMVCA’s Best Actor in 2023 for his role in the blockbuster movie, Brotherhood. His first-ever movie role was in the Africa Magic original drama, Hustle. Tobi is also the lead character in the ongoing Africa Magic series, Slum King.
Tope Olowoniyan: She’s an actress with a fast-rising stock in the movie industry since she made her acting debut in 2015. Africa Magic audiences will remember Olowoniyan’s role in popular series such as Hush, Battleground, Tinsel, Riona, and Enakhe. These roles have earned her scripts on other projects in Nollywood. “My growth in Nollywood fundamentally was because of Africa Magic. I cannot talk about my career without mentioning Africa Magic,” she said while speaking about her acting career.
Femi Odugbemi: This popular producer is a perfect example of how Africa Magic elevated the art of indigenous storytelling in Africa. Odugbemi’s career success is hugely down to his works with Africa Magic which has seen him produce series such as Battleground and Tinsel. As a rookie producer in 2004, Odugbemi pitched his project, ‘Mama Put’ to Africa Magic, and secured $100,000 investment. That, according to him, was the turning point in his career. He then pitched Tinsel with co-producers, and the result is what we see today. Tinsel is currently the longest-running series on Africa Magic, with over 3000 episodes.
Gideon Okeke: He is one of the first beneficiaries of the Africa Magic investment in movie production and talent development. The actor got his first acting role in Tinsel, in 2007. His Tinsel performances earned him a nomination by Africa Magic for a role in the popular South Africa series, Jacob’s Cross. “Tinsel was the first film school I attended. My work on Tinsel inspired me to become the artist I am today,” Okeke said about his acting career.
Ireti Doyle: This movie star also owes her popularity to the Africa Magic platform. In a recent interview, the actress narrated how she almost didn’t go for the Tinsel audition, the show that shot her to stardom. Ireti Doyle is one of the longest-running cast members on the series with her lead role as ‘Shella’.
Nomzo Bassey: Battleground remains one of the most popular Africa Magic series of the last 20 years. One of the stars who hugged the limelight from the series is Nomzo. His role as Doctor Emeka earned him popularity. According to him, he became a popular face in markets and malls across the country. “Africa Magic made me a star,” Bassey said.
Chisom Agoawuike: This fashion model and ex-beauty queen rose to prominence for her role as ‘Halita’ in the widely followed Africa Magic series, The Rishantes. Chisom landed the role after an audition in Abuja, and the rest, as they say, is history.
The Big Brother Naija Season 11 House has recorded its first evictions on Sunday night, with Martins and Mercedes leaving the competition after polling the fewest votes from viewers.
Speaking with host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu after his eviction, Martins remained positive about what comes next, saying he plans to surprise the world with his next steps outside the House.
For Mercedes, the eviction was not something she considered a loss. She said she gave the experience everything she had and was proud of how she spent her time in the House. On what comes next, she revealed plans to perform globally while continuing to build her massage and concierge businesses. She also shared that one of her priorities is paying for her father’s surgery.
Chimsom Chuka Takes the First Most Influential Player of the Week (MIPOW) Title
While two housemates said goodbye to Biggie’s House, the evening also brought a new advantage for Chimsom Chuka, who emerged as the first Most Influential Player of the Week (MIPOW). The title earned him the betPawa Elite Award and immunity from next week’s eviction.
This adds another layer to the competition as the remaining housemates settle into the reality of the game, with strategies, alliances, and individual influence already beginning to take shape.
Nomy Receives Strike and Final Warning
Moments before the live eviction show, Big Brother summoned the housemates for a meeting following repeated violations of his instructions by Nomy. After addressing the importance of following the House rules, Big Brother issued Nomy a strike and final warning, making it clear that housemates cannot choose which of his instructions to follow.
With two housemates already out of the competition and Chimsom Chuka holding immunity for the coming week, the race for the N160 million grand prize is fast heating up.
Keep up with all the drama, suspense and gameplay in Big Brother Naija Season 11 on DStv channel 198 and GOtv channel 49, or watch it live on DStv Stream. Download the DStv Stream app and sign up – no dish, no decoder needed.
Every great movie starts with a decision; sometimes it’s the decision to do the right thing. Sometimes it’s the decision to fight back. Other times, it’s a split-second choice that turns an ordinary day into complete chaos.
This August, GOtv’s movie lineup is built around characters whose lives change because of one decision. Some are chasing redemption. Some are fighting for survival. Others are simply trying to make it through the madness they’ve found themselves in. Whatever your movie preference, these are stories that will keep you invested from beginning to end.
When bad decisions become great comedy
Let’s be honest, some of the funniest movies are built around people making one terrible decision after another. That’s exactly the kind of fun Bad Behaviour (Stunt) brings. Airing every Friday on TNT, the comedy is packed with chaotic moments, outrageous situations and plenty of laughs, making it the perfect way to leave the stress of the week behind and ease into the weekend.
Catch Bad Behaviour (Stunt) every Friday from 7 August at 2:55 pm on TNT, available on GOtv Max and higher packages.
One act of courage changes everything
There are action movies, and then there are movies that leave you wondering how the characters survived at all.
In Mad Max: Fury Road, Imperator Furiosa risks everything when she decides to help a group of women escape from the ruthless Immortan Joe. Along the way, she crosses paths with Max Rockatansky, and together they embark on a relentless fight for freedom across a brutal wasteland. With breathtaking action, unforgettable chase scenes and Charlize Theron’s commanding performance, it’s easy to see why the film remains one of the most celebrated action movies of its generation.
Watch Mad Max: Fury Road on Saturday, 8 August at 8:00 pm on Studio Universal, available on GOtv Supa+.
Starting over isn’t always simple
Everyone deserves a second chance. Unfortunately for Tom Dolan, getting one isn’t as easy as confessing the truth.
In Honest Thief, Tom decides to come clean about the money he stole years earlier so he can build an honest future with the woman he loves. But instead of finding justice, he discovers that two FBI agents have plans of their own. What follows is a gripping game of cat and mouse where trust is scarce, danger is everywhere, and survival becomes the only option.
Catch Honest Thief on Friday, 14 August at 8:00 pm on MovieRoom, available on GOtv Max and higher packages.
When giving up isn’t an option
Losing his sight could have marked the end of his story. Instead, it becomes the reason he writes a new one.
Blind War follows a former SWAT officer whose quiet life is shattered when the enemy from his past resurfaces and threatens his daughter. Forced back into action, he must rely on his instincts, determination and years of training to protect the person who matters most. It’s an emotional action thriller that proves courage isn’t measured by what you can see, but by what you’re willing to fight for.
Catch Blind War on Saturday, 29 August at 7:00 pm on KIX, available on GOtv Supa and higher packages.
Four movies. Four unforgettable stories.
Whether you’re looking for something to make you laugh after a busy week, an action film that keeps your heart racing or a thriller packed with twists you won’t see coming, GOtv’s August movie lineup has something for every mood.
So the next time you’re wondering what to watch, you won’t have to spend half the evening searching. Just pick a movie, settle in and let the story take over.
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.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A Nigerian actress, Temitope Osoba, fondly called Tope Osoba by her fans, has reportedly passed away.
She died barely a year after she survived a battle with breast cancer, reports say.
The 41-year-old entertainer left the acting world to cater to her health, but returned shortly after she had a successful treatment in 2025.
The movie producer, however, has not been very active in the past months, ostensibly due to her health.
Her demise has come as a shock to some of her colleagues and admirers, as she was very lively during her lifetime.
Details about the unfortunate incident, which became known to her fans on Wednesday morning, have not been given by her family.
