Showbiz
Universal Music Group Buys Majority Stake in Mavin Records
By Adedapo Adesanya
Universal Music Group (UMG) has acquired a majority stake in top Nigerian record label, Mavin Records, founded by artist, producer, music executive and entrepreneur, Mr Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy.
The acquisition comes four months after a potential sale of the label founded in 2012 was first reported.
The top label, which houses music stars like Rema, Johnny Drille, Ayra Starr, Crayon, and LadiPoe, among others, saw bids come from the Universal Music Group, HYBE as well as from music asset investors in the financial sector.
UMG is buying into the record following sales made by Kupanda Holdings, a joint venture between pan-Africa investment company Kupanda Capital and TPG Growth, which invested millions of Dollars in the label in 2019.
TPG has fully exited the business while Kupanda Capital will a remain minority investor and strategic adviser.
According to UMG, Mavin will “maintain autonomy” over its strategy and future talent development while the founder and CEO, Don Jazzy and COO, Mr Tega Oghenejobo, will continue to lead the company.
The deal remains subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close by the end of the third quarter (Q3) of 2024.
Through this deal, Mavin’s operations in Nigeria will be amplified through UMG’s global network of labels and business by the investment.
Currently distributed internationally [ex-Africa] through Virgin Music Group with Rema, UMG noted that Mavin and its roster are already “well integrated” into UMG’s network, with multiple signings across US labels, including Republic partnering for Ayra Starr, and Interscope for Lifesize Teddy.
UMG also said on Monday that the partnership will accelerate Mavin’s strategic advancement and create more opportunities to break more talent globally, expand the reach of its existing roster and continue building its business into “a super-serving, pan-African entertainment company”.
This mission, according to UMG, is anchored in two initiatives — Mavin’s Artist Academy, which trains new talent in music and performance skills and builds connections within the roaster, and their executive leadership program, which seeks to develop the next generation of music industry talent in Africa.
Speaking on the deal, Mr Ajereh aka Don Jazzy said, “ I’m proud of the artists, careers and brand we’ve built that have made Mavin the force it is today. In this historic partnership with UMG, we will continue that mission in Africa and across the globe.”
Mr Oghenejobo added that, “With our proven history of collaborations within the UMG family, we have a strong belief that they are the ideal partner for the next phase of our growth, given the diversity and potential of our business.
“UMG is home to some of the world’s foremost music entrepreneurs and artists, making them a perfect match for our aspirations. By collaborating with UMG, we are dedicated to cultivating a vibrant creative environment that propels African music to new heights on the global stage.”
Adding his input, Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Group, said, “Our criteria for identifying partners is straightforward: great artists, great entrepreneurs, great people. With Don Jazzy, Tega, the Mavin Global team and their artist roster, we’ve found ideal partners with whom to grow together.
“Mavin’s brilliant artists have been catalysts in the transformation of Afrobeats into a global phenomenon and we’re thrilled to welcome them into the Universal Music Group family.”
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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