Showbiz
Taking Aspiring Filmmakers From the Classroom to Prime-Time
For many aspiring filmmakers, the ultimate culmination of their cinematic dreams is to be able to live through the art form they love.
Filmmakers don’t just want to make a film. They want to build a career doing it. To achieve that, they need training that equips them with industry-relevant skills of the highest standard.
For the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), this understanding is integral to all of its programmes. Academy graduates are equipped with the precise skills required by their industry, empowering them to become prime-time TV professionals.
Since MTF is a MultiChoice initiative, its three academies – in Lusaka, Nairobi and Lagos – provide training in the specific, high-demand technical skills needed by the industry-leading content producer.
MultiChoice, a Canal+ company, is the largest producer of authentic, original content on the African continent. “Africa’s most-loved storyteller” produced 5 340 hours of world-class local content in 2025.
MTF students are trained to these exacting MultiChoice standards. This leaves them well placed to excel in the industry once they graduate.
And excel, they do. MTF graduates speak with pride of the success they have found since leaving the highly respected hub of African film and television training.
Technical skills
Actor, producer, writer and storyteller Myde Glover went on from MTF West Africa Academy to host film festivals and win Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs).
He credits much of his success to the storytelling skills he learned at MTF, as well as the technical standards the MTF Academy sets.
“The storytelling skills I gained at MTF helped me become a better actor, producer and director. It helps me put the story first,” he says. “However, I was also taught the technical and delivery requirements for submitting projects to platforms like DStv, GOtv, and Showmax. I approach every project with those standards in mind, understanding that quality matters in every aspect.”
Glover says the three most important things for aspiring filmmakers to remember are teamwork, being open to constructive criticism, and staying focused on their goal.
“Strong collaboration improves the quality of any production, feedback helps you grow creatively, and focus ensures you see projects through without losing sight of why you started,” he says.
Lifetime network
Graduating from MTF provides filmmakers with a network that can last a lifetime. Alumni often hire each other as they evolve through their working lives, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem of skilled professionals.
Bahati Kajigi Benjamin from DRC found that MTF gave him the network he needed to tell stories close to his heart.
“My experience with MTF was incredible,” says Benjamin. “I formed a family with my fellow students, and we bonded deeply. We collaborated on numerous films and wrote one that is particularly meaningful to me, illustrating the struggles of my people.”
That film was titled The Canvas, a Zee World project.
Benjamin currently works as a camera operator and editor at Sauti Media Hub in Uganda, producing Kampala Creme, one of the top East African reality shows. He says he secured the position through a recommendation from a fellow MTF alumnus.
Benjamin says his time at MTF was invaluable in honing his skills in cinematography and colour grading.
“I gained extensive knowledge about camera techniques, lighting, and colour harmony in film, which I am currently applying in my role at Kampala Creme.
Benjamin appreciates the importance of paying opportunities forward. He recently shared his cinematography expertise on a three-month online platform called Film Chat, aimed at empowering up-and-coming African creatives.
His advice to young creatives is to never overlook the importance of marketing themselves, and to remember that filmmaking is a business.
“Funders want to understand more than just the script or story,” he says. “You should spend time discussing the financial aspects and the impact the film will create. This is what appeals to investors. Ultimately, it’s an investment for a return.”
Career transformation
MTF West Africa graduate Allen Onyige pursued his passion for human behaviour and storytelling at MTF after leaving university and working in live broadcasting. He describes his time at MTF West Africa as “transformative”.
“MTF refined my creative vision, strengthened my technical skills, and played a pivotal role in shaping my journey as a filmmaker,” he says. “The experience changed my life and set me on the path toward meaningful visual storytelling.”
He says understanding the business side of broadcasting was just as important as the creative skills he gained.
After he left MTF, his production company was commissioned by Africa Magic to produce several series and feature films, including Ikenna’s Trial, Sikiru, Elenini, Kadara, and Dear Future Me.
In 2024, Onyige won the Best Indigenous Language Series award at the AMVCAs for Irora Iya. He also served as director of photography on Grind, now on Amazon Prime. His documentary Sunset in Makoko was nominated for Best Documentary at the AMVCAs. He also worked as a cinematographer on the Emmy Award–winning documentary Mothers of Chibok.
Onyige says young people looking to build a career in film and TV should first look to learn the craft and business of filmmaking, but to master one specific skill. Secondly, he recommends being a team player who sets high standards.
“Be a man or a woman of excellence,” he says. “Integrity will get you jobs that talent alone may not be able to give you.”
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To learn more about the MultiChoice Talent Factory and how to launch a career in African film and television, visit https://
multichoicetalentfactory.com -
Applications for the 2027 intake are still open, and the closing date is 27 May 2026.
After days of anticipation, Flora and Aikou have been confirmed as this season’s Gambits after receiving the highest number of votes from viewers. This was revealed during Sunday’s live show, where host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announced the pair as the viewers’ choices.
Introduced as a brand-new twist for Season 11, The Gambit guarantees two selected housemates a place in the House until the final day. Although they will participate in tasks and House activities throughout the season, they will not be eligible to compete for the grand prize.
Sunday’s live show also marked the end of the Ladies-versus-Gentlemen format that defined the opening weeks of the competition. With the teams officially dissolved, the housemates will now compete as individuals.
Biggie also unveiled this week’s wager task, Game On, challenging the housemates to define the identity of Season 11. Through a creative presentation incorporating elements such as a logo, slogan, song, artwork and props, the housemates have been tasked with capturing what they believe this edition of Big Brother Naija should stand for and how they want it to be remembered.
The excitement continues today with the second Head of House Challenge at 2:00 p.m., where housemates will once again battle for power in the House. This will be followed by this week’s nomination show at 7:00 p.m., when viewers will find out who will become the first set of housemates to face possible eviction.
With Flora and Aikou’s fate in the House secured till the last day and the housemates now playing as individuals, the stakes have never been higher as the battle for the grand prize gathers momentum.
Viewers can enjoy the 24/7 BBNaija Season 11 experience on DStv and GOtv, or stream every episode live on DStv Stream and GOtv Stream.
For more updates, visit Africa Magic’s Big Brother Naija page and follow #BBNaija on X (@bbnaija), Instagram (@bigbronaija) and Facebook (Big Brother Naija).
By Adedapo Adesanya
Former P-Square manager, Mr Jude Okoye, has dismissed fresh allegations by his younger brother, Peter Okoye, professionally known as Mr P, insisting he never diverted the group’s earnings.
His response comes after Mr P claimed that the proposed sale of the defunct group’s multi-billion Naira music catalogue collapsed due to financial irregularities, including disputes over royalty payments, backend records and access to the group’s digital assets.
The music executive described the allegations as “blatant lies” and “manipulative tactics,” arguing that the issues raised by Mr P had already been investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and are currently before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
“So, what is he doing, coming out again now, if not to spill emotional blackmail, manipulate, and make me look like a bad person by dragging Paul into this?” he said.
Responding to allegations that he diverted royalty payments, Mr Okoye said the disputed funds were distributed based on instructions contained in a June 1, 2016, email from Arrow Kings and IROKO.
According to him, the correspondence directed that Mr P receive $12,891, while $25,782 meant for Jude and Paul be paid into the Nosa Entertainment account.
He argued that Mr P presented only part of the transaction publicly, creating the impression that he and Paul had appropriated funds belonging to the entire group.
Jude also rejected claims that his younger brother was excluded from the group’s bank accounts.
Displaying what he said were account mandate documents from FCMB, he maintained that Peter, Paul and himself were all authorised signatories to P-Square’s accounts, disputing claims made by Peter.
He further claimed the matter was addressed during court proceedings, where Peter allegedly acknowledged being a signatory after documentary evidence was presented.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the proposed catalogue sale, Jude denied withholding backend records or streaming data from potential investors.
He said Peter requested royalty statements and catalogue documents on October 16, 2022, after which he immediately contacted Lex Records.
According to him, the financial statements were forwarded the same day, while the backend logs were received six days later and sent to Peter without delay.
He therefore dismissed claims that it took more than three months to provide the documents, describing the allegation as false.
Jude maintained that the disputed royalty payments, email correspondence and supporting documents had already been reviewed during the EFCC investigation.
He claimed Peter and his legal representatives were shown the records during the probe and raised no objections at the time.
Accusing his younger brother of attempting to retry the matter on social media while the case remains before the court, Jude said the videos were intended to manipulate public opinion and drag Paul Okoye into the dispute.
Jude said he would leave the issues to be determined by the court, adding that Peter had failed to attend some recent court sittings, resulting in the matter being adjourned until September. He also claimed his bank accounts, passport and travel documents remain restricted because of the ongoing proceedings.
“If I’m found guilty, if they prove I took even one Kobo that wasn’t mine, let them send me to jail. I’m ready for that,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, Peter had not publicly responded to Jude’s latest claims. The criminal proceedings remain pending before the Federal High Court in Lagos, where Jude has pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.
There aren’t many TV shows that can make you remember characters more than a decade after you first met them.
Mention Sheila Gardia or Freddy Ade-Williams and anyone who has followed Tinsel instantly remembers the boardroom battles, unexpected betrayals, complicated romances and family feuds that made it impossible to stop at just one episode. Through every season, viewers have watched alliances shift, businesses rise and fall, and relationships survive or crumble under pressure.
Now, the story continues.
Season 19 of Tinsel premieres on Monday, August 3, taking viewers back into the world of the Ade-Williams family, where the drama is far from over. This season, the Reel Group is looking to grow bigger than ever, but that growth comes with new enemies determined to bring the company down. As business rivalries heat up and people begin plotting against each other, familiar faces will also have to deal with personal challenges and unexpected investigations that could change everything. If there’s one thing Tinsel has always proven, it’s that just when you think things are finally settling down, another twist is around the corner.
The new season welcomes back familiar faces including Ireti Doyle as Sheila Gardia, Dozie Onyiriuka as Freddy Ade-Williams, Linda Ejiofor as Bimpe, Ibrahim Suleiman as Damini, Iyke Okechukwu as Chuks and Florence Uwaleke Okechukwu as Ene, alongside the gripping storytelling that has kept audiences invested for nearly two decades.
Catch new episodes of Tinsel every weekday from Monday, August 3, at 7:30 pm WAT on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151 and GOtv Channel 8).
And just when you think the drama is over…
Africa Magic is also introducing a brand-new story that asks one simple question: What happens when the truth you’ve been protected from is finally revealed? Premiering on the same day is Secret Lives, a brand-new drama that explores what happens when hidden truths finally come to light.
The series follows Zee, whose life takes an unexpected turn after a shocking discovery puts her relationship and future in doubt. As she begins to uncover secrets that have been hidden from her for years, she is forced to deal with heartbreak, betrayal and difficult choices while trying to protect the people she loves.
Blending romance, family drama and suspense, Secret Lives stars Oluchi Amajuoyi, Keppy Ekpeyong, Nonso Odogwu, Eyiyemi Olivia Rogbinyin, Ejiro Badare, Floyd Igbo and Favour Etim in a story where every episode promises fresh twists and emotional turns.
The series, produced by FEEMO and helmed by AMVCA-nominated showrunner James Omokwe, explores themes of love, identity and generational secrets, making it the perfect follow-up for viewers who enjoy emotionally layered dramas.
Secret Lives premieres on Monday, August 3, with new episodes airing weekdays at 8:30 pm WAT on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151 and GOtv Channel 8), with episodes also available on DStv Stream.
Whether you’re returning to the familiar world of Tinsel or diving into the mysteries of Secret Lives, one thing is certain: August is bringing the kind of stories that will keep you counting down to the next episode.
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