Showbiz
SuperSport Wakes Up the Continent with ‘The Morning Cup’ – A FIFA World Cup Daily Breakfast Show Like No Other
Nigerian comedy heavyweight Basketmouth and South African broadcast royalty Phat Joe lead a pan-African cast in a new morning show blending football, culture, lifestyle and entertainment.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off across the globe, SuperSport will launch The Morning Cup, a live daily breakfast show designed to redefine how fans start their World Cup mornings.
Premiering on Wednesday, 10 June, the show brings together football, music, entertainment and conversation in a fast-paced, pan-African studio format.
Anchored by SuperSport presenters Lwazi Ziqubu and Fiso Mazibuko, the show features Basketmouth, Phat Joe, Sarah Hassan and Sirayah Shiraz as part of its rotating co-host lineup.
“I am excited because it is different,” Basketmouth says. “It is not just football, it is an experience. Music, culture, our vibe, everything coming together from a perspective you will not find anywhere else.”
“I will be hanging out with some really funny guys, too. Humour is everywhere, and my job is to find those moments and bring them into the conversation.”
On what to expect from him on the show, he adds:
“We are your recovery crew, replaying the best moments you might have missed and keeping it fun. I am bringing the Naija flavour into it. SuperSport did great with this one.
For Phat Joe, the show marks both a return and a new kind of stage.
“Look, anytime you get a call from SuperSport to do a show for a billion people, you answer,” he says.
“But when it’s for a brand-new show with a fresh format and a pan-African cast of hosts? That’s not just a gig, that’s an invitation to be part of something special. I’m hyped to be back in the building. I never left TV, I just took a strategic pause.”
Highlighting the tone of the show, he adds:
“The energy. Most shows talk at you. The Morning Cup feels like it’s waking up with you, family fun every morning with your favourite personalities during the World Cup. Morning TV means I actually get to sleep like a normal human being again. So, my wife is thrilled.”
Earlier today, the cast teased the launch through a cross-continental radio takeover, with Basketmouth on Brila FM in Nigeria and Phat Joe on 947 in South Africa, giving a preview of the show’s tone of banter and chemistry.
And that chemistry, according to Phat Joe, is already questionable.
“Chemistry? What chemistry? I think the producers messed up. I’m asking them to recast some of the positions as we speak,” he jokes.
“Sarah Hassan is a math nerd. You know she studied to be an actuarial scientist? Actress, my foot. She’s going to be busy trying to predict when all the cast members are going to die.”
“Basketmouth is probably going to try to re-kick-start his rap career again on the show for the umpteenth time. The only cast member I like is Sirayah. The producers needed someone to make me look taller, she’s 4’11”, you know.”
Kenyan actress Sarah Hassan brings a contrasting energy to the lineup.
“I am incredibly excited. It’s a true honour to work alongside Joe and the pan-African team. It’s great to be on a show that’s going to give perspectives from all over Africa with hosts from all parts of the continent. It’s a truly African morning show,” she says.
“I’m loving every moment of this journey and honestly don’t want it to end. This is an absolute dream come true. To be here at SuperSport hosting a show of this magnitude, at such an exciting time for football, is fantastic. I am truly at a loss for words.”
She adds: “Being in South Africa right now, it only feels right to throw my full support behind Bafana Bafana. My beloved Kenya would always be my first choice if they were here, but in their absence, I’m Bafana all the way.”
Set against a communal, vibrant backdrop, The Morning Cup captures the rituals and emotions that define the World Cup experience.
Viewers can expect international football legends, daily hot takes, round-table discussions, comedy inserts, fashion segments and on-the-ground content from across Africa and the United States.
Fans can tune in daily from Wednesday, 10 June at 6:00 am to 7:00 am on SuperSport’s FIFA World Cup Central (DStv Channel 202), with multiple replays and on-demand viewing available on DStv Stream and GOtv Stream.
Showbiz
Former BBNaija Housemates Reflect on Life, Growth, Success Beyond the Show at Season 11 Media Launch
Big Brother Naija’s evolution from a reality show into a platform for creativity, entrepreneurship and career growth took centre stage at the Media Launch for season 11 on Wednesday, 15 July 2026. Former housemates Uriel, Doyin, Kola and DJ Flo reflected on how the show helped shape their careers while sharing the lessons they have learnt navigating life after reality television.
During the conversation, the former housemates agreed that while Big Brother Naija gave them visibility and opened doors, building successful careers after the show has required intentionality, consistency and a willingness to evolve beyond their reality television personas.
Doyin David from Season 7 Level Up and Season 8 All Stars shared one of the day’s most personal reflections, revealing that her biggest lesson began while she was still in the house.
“One of my biggest lessons actually started in the House. Watching myself back made me realise I did not know myself as much as I thought I did.”
She explained that finding a balance between her personal life and her public brand was a gradual process.
“As for balancing my personal life and my brand, it did not happen immediately after the show. I had to learn along the way, make mistakes, grow from them and eventually find that balance.”
Uriel Oputa from Season 2 See Gobbe and Season 8 All Stars spoke about building a career around wellness, explaining that her passion for healthy living did not begin after the show but became more visible because of the platform Big Brother Naija provided.
“I did not have to find a balance because healthy living is already my lifestyle. It is what I do every day. It is not something I switch on or off because of the entertainment industry; it is simply who I am.”
Flora Chiedo, popularly known as DJ Flo from Season 9 No Loose Guard, emphasised that while Big Brother Naija creates opportunities, success ultimately depends on what housemates do after leaving the House.
“Vision without execution is just hallucination. The show gives you an opportunity, but it does not do the work for you. You have to come out here and put in extra work every day.”
Kola Omotosho, Season 10 10/10 housemate, echoed the sentiment, describing Big Brother Naija as a valuable platform that gave him visibility while stressing that passion, drive and consistency are essential for staying relevant.
“Big Brother Naija gave me visibility, and I am grateful for that. But staying relevant requires passion, drive and consistency.”
The discussion reinforced one of the defining impacts of Big Brother Naija over the years. Beyond entertainment, the show has continued to serve as a launching pad for creatives, entrepreneurs and entertainers, providing contestants with the visibility to pursue careers across different industries. As the former housemates’ experiences have shown, the platform opens the door, but sustained success depends on what each individual chooses to build from the opportunity.
Big Brother Naija Season 11 premieres on Sunday, 26 July 2026, with the live launch show airing from 7:00 p.m. on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family. The season marks betPawa’s debut as the Headline Sponsor, while House of Guinness joins as the Gold Sponsor and Minimie returns as the Associate Sponsor. Hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, the 24-hour live show will air on DStv Channel 198 and GOtv Channel 49. Fans can also watch the show live via DStv and GOtv Stream.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Popular Nigerian singer, Niniola Apata, professionally known as Niniola, has revealed that becoming a young widow has been one of the most difficult experiences of her life, reflecting on the demise of her heartthrob, Mr Michael Ndika.
In an emotional message on X on Sunday, marking two months since his sudden and unexpected death, the music star disclosed that she initially intended to record a video message but found herself unable to get through it because of the overwhelming emotions.
“Today makes it two months since my husband, business manager and best friend, Michael, was very suddenly and unexpectedly taken from me and truly, from us,” she wrote.
Niniola admitted that although she lost her father at a young age, nothing had prepared her for the reality of widowhood. She described the grieving process as “hard” and “exceedingly difficult,” saying some days are manageable while others are “painfully indescribable.”
The singer spoke candidly about the unanswered questions and unfinished conversations left behind, adding that she has struggled to find the words to express the depth of her emotions.
Despite her grief, Niniola said her faith has remained her anchor, noting that God continues to reassure her of His presence even during moments of doubt.
She also expressed profound appreciation to family, friends, fans, colleagues, media organisations and well-wishers for their prayers, messages and unwavering support since Michael’s passing.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to you all for your outpouring of love, your kind words, prayers, thoughtful messages and posts. I do not know how I will ever repay each and every one of you, but please know that I am truly and sincerely grateful,” she wrote.
Before his death, Mr Ndika was the chief executive of a multimedia platform focused on Afro-house and contemporary African music known as NaijaReview.
Niniola is the older sibling of another famous entertainer, Teni.
Africa’s biggest reality television show, Big Brother Naija, returns for its highly anticipated Season 11 on Sunday, 26 July 2026 on DStv and GOtv.
The launch show will air from 7 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family channels, with the 24-hour show on DStv channel 198 and GOtv channel 49. BBNaija fans can also watch the show live via DStv and GOtv Stream.
This season’s winner will walk away with a record ₦160 million grand prize, which includes a cash sum of N100 million and a brand-new SUV. The prize is the highest in the show’s history, raising the stakes for what is expected to be another landmark season.
Speaking on the new season, Atinuke Babatunde, Executive Head, Content and Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice, said:
“Big Brother Naija has consistently redefined entertainment in Africa by bringing together authentic storytelling, compelling personalities and moments that resonate with millions of viewers. Season 11 builds on that legacy with even bigger stakes, fresh twists and an exciting mix of housemates that will keep audiences engaged from premiere night through to the finale”.
The new season also ushers in an exciting lineup of brand partners, with betPawa, the home of Africa’s biggest winners, joining the Big Brother Naija family as the Headline Sponsor.
Commenting on the partnership, Borah Omary Ndanyungu, Head of Local Marketing & CSR, betPawa, said: “At betPawa, we believe in creating unforgettable experiences that bring people together through the things they are passionate about. Big Brother Naija is one of Africa’s most celebrated entertainment properties, and we are proud to come on board as Headline Sponsor for Season 11. We look forward to rewarding fans, deepening engagement throughout the season and delivering exciting experiences that complement the energy and excitement of the show.”
Guinness returns as the Gold Sponsor, while Minimie comes on board as an Associate Sponsor, reinforcing continued confidence from leading brands in one of Africa’s most influential entertainment platforms.
On the season’s partnerships, Babatunde commented: “We are delighted to welcome betPawa as our Headline Sponsor alongside Guinness and Minimie, whose partnership reflects the enduring value and impact of the Big Brother Naija platform.”
Since its return in 2017, Big Brother Naija has evolved beyond a reality TV show into a cultural phenomenon, creating household names, creating jobs across the creative economy, and shaping popular culture.
With Ebuka Obi-Uchendu returning as the show’s host, viewers can expect a season filled with unexpected twists, dynamic tasks, strategic gameplay, entertaining challenges and the authentic interactions that have made Big Brother Naija one of Africa’s most-watched reality TV show franchises.
Season 11 premieres on Sunday, 26 July 2026, with viewers able to follow every moment of the action throughout the season on DStv, GOtv, DStv Stream and GOtv Stream. Eligible subscribers can vote through the MyDStv and MyGOtv self-service apps, upgrade their packages for additional voting benefits, and enjoy uninterrupted access throughout the season by subscribing or renewing for multiple months.
