Showbiz
Voices of the Future: How MultiChoice Talent Factory Filmmakers are Redefining African Storytelling
Africa’s creative landscape is transforming, driven by the dynamic voices of Generation Z. This tech-savvy, socially conscious, and unapologetically authentic generation are not just consuming content; they are shaping it. Through film, television, and digital media, they are challenging norms, driving culture, and defining the future of African entertainment.
With one of the youngest populations in the world, Gen Z’s influence on Africa’s cultural landscape is undeniable. From activism movements like #EndSARS in Nigeria to the Finance Bill protests in Kenya, young Africans are making their voices heard across various sectors, including entertainment. Their stories are not only relevant; they are becoming the cornerstone of the modern African narrative.
Gen Z’s evolving media consumption habits reflect their desire for authenticity and representation. According to the PwC Africa Entertainment and Media Outlook 2024–2028, Nigeria’s over-the-top (OTT) streaming is set to grow at a 10.5% compound annual growth rate, while linear TV is expected to increase by 8.1%. Similarly, in Kenya, OTT streaming is projected to grow by 10.9%, with linear TV seeing a smaller 3.2% rise. These statistics highlight the shift towards digital platforms, where Gen Z seeks content that aligns with their realities.
An Ernst & Young (EY) survey reinforces this trend, revealing that authenticity is the most valued trait in content among Gen Z. They crave stories that mirror their experiences, struggles, and aspirations, unfiltered and true to life. This is where young African filmmakers are stepping in, bringing fresh perspectives and narratives that resonate deeply with their audience.
Recognising the importance of nurturing this new wave of filmmakers, MultiChoice Africa’s leading entertainment powerhouse has invested in the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) academies in Lagos, Lusaka, and Nairobi. These academies equip aspiring creatives with the skills to excel in storytelling, production, and cinematography. Each year, 60 filmmakers graduate from the MTF programme, stepping into the industry with innovative ideas and techniques. Many of these filmmakers go on to produce critically acclaimed films that captivate audiences across the continent.
The significance of the MTF initiative is reflected in the continued success of its alumni. Films such as Gone (West Africa), Everything Light Touches (West Africa), The Immersive Alarm (East Africa), Deadbeat (East Africa), Mwananga (Southern Africa), and Rivals in Time (Southern Africa) were nominated for the AMVCAs, showcasing the impact of MTF-trained filmmakers. Past standout productions like Irora Iya, Obi Di Omimi, and Inu Jin have also earned critical acclaim, further cementing the diversity and depth of storytelling coming from MTF alumni.
These achievements highlight a fundamental shift in the media landscape: Viewers are now creators. By empowering young filmmakers to tell their stories, MultiChoice has played a pivotal role in this transformation. The work of MTF alumni proves that authentic African stories, told by Africans, have the power to lead the way in global entertainment.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Mr Peter Okoye, professionally known as Mr P, has alleged that a proposed multi-billion Naira sale of the defunct P-Square’s music catalogue collapsed after prospective buyers uncovered irregularities during the due diligence process.
This revelation offers a fresh financial dimension to the long-running dispute that has divided Nigeria’s most successful music duos.
The singer made the allegation in a video series posted on his social media pages, where he shared his account of the events surrounding the group’s 2021 reunion and the disagreements that followed with his twin brother, Mr Paul “Rudeboy” Okoye, and their elder brother and former manager, Mr Jude “Engees” Okoye.
According to Mr P, the failed catalogue transaction occurred after the brothers publicly reunited in 2021.
He alleged that interested buyers had made offers worth billions of Naira for the rights to P-Square’s music catalogue, but the proposed deal did not proceed after issues were allegedly discovered in backend records submitted as part of the due diligence process.
As of press time, neither Rudeboy nor Mr Jude Okoye has publicly responded to the latest allegation.
Mr P’s claims add another layer to the financial disagreements that have repeatedly overshadowed the affairs of the award-winning music duo, whose catalogue includes hit songs such as Bizzy Body, Do Me, Personally, No One Like You and Chop My Money.
Beyond the alleged failed sale, the singer claimed that shortly after the brothers reconciled in 2021, he was asked by his two other brothers to sign documents aimed at reviving P-Square under a new bank account.
The music maker said he declined because he wanted to preserve the renewed family relationship rather than return to a business arrangement he believed could recreate the conflicts that had led to the group’s earlier split.
Mr P also alleged that before the reunion, both Rudeboy and Jude had disagreed over a N90 million loan. According to him, Rudeboy assured him that he would be kept informed about discussions taking place behind his back.
The singer insisted that the widely celebrated reunion in November 2021 was never intended to revive P-Square as a commercial entity. Instead, he said the brothers had only agreed to reconcile as family members while continuing their respective solo music careers and supporting each other’s work.
P-Square, formed in 1999 by Peter and Paul Okoye with Jude serving as manager, became one of Africa’s biggest music acts before publicly splitting in 2017 following years of disagreements over management, finances and creative control. Although the brothers reunited in 2021 and returned to the stage, their relationship deteriorated again, with Rudeboy later confirming that P-Square no longer existed.
The latest revelations also come against the backdrop of an ongoing criminal case involving Mr Jude Okoye.
Last year, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned the former manager before the Federal High Court in Lagos on allegations involving approximately N1.38 billion, $1 million and £34,537.59 in alleged money laundering. He has since pleaded not guilty and was granted bail.
Mr P, who testified for the prosecution during the trial, said his video series is far from over and promised to continue sharing what he described as the true story behind the collapse of P-Square and the business decisions that ultimately strained the family’s relationship.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Popular musician, Mrs Iyun Janet Oluwatoyosi Ajilore, otherwise known as Saint Janet, has died.
The singer, known for her explicit lyrics, was said to have died in the early hours of Sunday, August 2, 2026, after a brief illness.
Her demise has thrown some of her admirers into shock. Some of her fans and colleagues have started to send their condolences.
The Highlife musician, who is also fondly called Mama Yabis, rose to fame after her controversial Faaji Plus featured lewd lyrics and was banned multiple times by regulatory bodies like PMAN and the Lagos State House of Assembly.
However, this did not stop her from performing at private events, as she was loved by some who were moved by her guts and electrifying live performances, energetic stage presence, and unique style of engaging audiences through satire, humour, and socially unfiltered commentaries.
The battle of the sexes continued in Big Brother Naija Season 11 as the gentlemen claimed victory in this week’s wager task presentation, while the ladies fell short in a debate centred on the age-old question: Nature or Nurture?
From the start of the season, Biggie split the House into two teams, with the ladies and gentlemen to compete against each other in key challenges, including wager task presentations and arena games. For this week’s wager, the teams were assigned opposing sides in a Nature versus Nurture debate, with the gentlemen arguing that inherited traits have the greatest influence on who people become, while the ladies defended the idea that people are largely shaped by their upbringing, environment and life experiences.
After both teams presented their arguments, Biggie declared the gentlemen the winners of the wager. While announcing the result, he admitted that neither team delivered an outstanding performance, noting that the House is still in its “honeymoon phase” and that he was selecting a winner based on the stronger overall presentation.
Despite his reservations, Biggie singled out Nomy, Neche, Chimsom Chuka, Cassi and Gerard for their standout contributions, praising their confidence, delivery and commitment during the task.
With one team victory secured, the rivalry between the ladies and the gentlemen continues to heat up, and the competition is only getting tougher.
But that’s not the only thing viewers have to look forward to this weekend. All eyes are now on the Saturday night party and Sunday’s live show, where the mystery surrounding The Gambit will finally be revealed. Tune in from 7:00 p.m on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151 and GOtv channel 8) and Africa Magic Family (DStv Channel 154 and GOtv channel 7) to find out who The Gambit is and what it could mean for the game as the twists in Big Brother Naija Season 11 continue to unfold.
Keep up with all the drama, twists and surprises on DStv and GOtv, or stream the show live on DStv Stream and GOtv Stream.
