Showbiz
Why Investing in Local Content is a Catalyst for Growth
Today, more and more people want to see their heritage come to life. They want their stories told and their experiences reflected on screen. With a growing appetite for African content, businesses have a great opportunity to invest in local productions – and consequently local people.
The desire for local content and the drive to consume content allows broadcasters to improve the skills of local production crews, invest in better equipment and facilities, and highlight local talent on- and off-screen, and also adjacent industries.
In Nigeria, for instance, MultiChoice plays a pivotal role in empowering talent and driving economic development. It invests directly and indirectly in the African entertainment industry, providing critical skills support and training.
Its flagship channel, Africa Magic, is a springboard for aspiring and established talents to showcase their skills. This commitment paves the way for new and seasoned entertainment professionals to flourish, elevating the industry and the country as a whole.
Today, it employs more than 1,000 dedicated staff members, and that’s just the beginning. Indirectly, it supports more than 20,000 jobs across various sectors, from production crews to small businesses that thrive in the entertainment industry.
Another example is Kwenda Magic in Angola, a testament to MultiChoice Africa’s commitment to celebrating local culture and fostering growth through top-quality content. Its productions are shifting the dial, with DStv Angola now seen as the main investor in local content in the country.
This channel, meticulously curated for the Angolan audience, has not only exceeded its targets but has also created more than 3,000 jobs. These jobs span the entire spectrum of content creation, from actors to writers, producers, and technicians.
Kwenda Magic showcases the diverse narratives that make the country unique. Investing in local content empowers communities and amplifies their voices, strengthening their collective identity.
Zambezi Magic provides direct and indirect employment opportunities across Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini, Malawi, Lesotho and Namibia, producing local content not only to entertain but also to empower communities and stimulate economic development across the region.
In Uganda, Pearl Magic Prime is a respected DStv and GOtv channel. Its success and credibility are underpinned by its broad viewership but also by its significant economic impact.
Since 2021, more than 25 licensed and commissioned shows have graced the platform, employing approximately 1,000 people directly and indirectly. Even more impressively, these productions garnered a remarkable 15 local and international awards in 2022 alone.
Finally, in Namibia, MultiChoice has partnered with the Namibia Film Commission to support female filmmakers, also sponsoring two Namibian female filmmakers to establish a Sisters Working in Film and Television (SWIFT) chapter.
This initiative is part of the broadcaster’s commitment to diversity and gender equality in the film and television industry. By empowering women in film, the company contributes not only to personal growth but also to the broader development of the Namibian film sector.
Beyond the investment in the film industry, MultiChoice has also launched Network TV. This local channel offers current affairs, sports, youth entertainment, as well as travel shows – exclusively for Namibians, by Namibians.
Through this channel, the company has employed 4 people and supported a further 10 through indirect investment. It’s a step towards greater, hyper-localised content that supports a brighter future for Namibia’s creative industry and beyond.
MultiChoice’s dedication to tailoring content to each market is evident through the increasing number of local channels and productions in each region.
At MultiChoice, we believe in improving the quality of people’s lives through what we do. One of our most significant contributions to this mission is our investment in local content – content that speaks to people, tells their stories, and helps build a united, Pan-African identity.
Local content isn’t just a source of entertainment; it’s a powerful force for economic progress and the preservation of our rich cultural heritage. We remain steadfast in our commitment to nurturing talent, catalysing economic prosperity and telling African stories for African people.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Auditions for the season 10 of the biggest and most-watched reality television show in Africa, Big Brother Naija, will begin from Friday, May 16, 2025.
A statement from the organisers disclosed that intending contestants of the programme would be screened for three days across audition venues in Lagos, Abuja, and Enugu.
The screening exercise will take place on Friday, May 16, Saturday, May 17, and Sunday, May 18, 2025.
It would be the first time in recent years that hopeful contestants will audition in person, allowing aspiring housemates to showcase their charisma and charm at the audition venues.
This in-person audition format aims to recapture the energy and excitement that defined earlier seasons and deepen the connection with fans and talent across the country. As anticipation builds, the show’s producers promise even more surprises leading up to the launch of what is poised to be Big Brother Naija’s most electrifying season yet.
The audition process kicks off with online registration beginning Saturday, May 3, and closing Wednesday, May 7, via the official portal: www.africamagic.tv/bbaudition.
Applicants must be Nigerian citizens aged 21 or older and possess a valid government-issued ID.
To audition, participants must complete the registration form online, choose a preferred audition date and city, check their email for a confirmation message, and appear in person at the selected venue on the scheduled date, ready to impress.
Auditions are completely free, but only pre-registered and confirmed applicants will be admitted. With limited slots available per location and a first-come, first-served policy in place, early registration is crucial.
The Nigerian Idol Season 10 premiere set the tone for an exciting season, and Episode 2 kept the momentum alive. Building on the success of the first show, this week’s episode gave us even more reasons to stay glued to our screens.
Judges Iyanya, Ric Hassani, and Omawumi showed exactly why they earned their seats at the table, teaming up with host IK in a hilarious game of “Guess the Song.” Their impromptu serenades not only entertained but also set a relaxed, lively vibe for the night.
This round of auditions brought a colourful mix of talent, from chefs and content creators to songwriters and athletes, all chasing their musical dreams.
But it wasn’t just their voices cooking up a storm. Dominique, Udeme, Unimke, and Leez didn’t just sing; they whipped up mouthwatering noodle dishes for the judges, proving they had both vocal and culinary skills.
Of course, the episode also delivered plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, because what’s a talent show without a little comedy?
Just when it seemed like no Platinum Tickets would be awarded, Raymu stepped up with a performance that wowed the judges and snagged one, leaving only one coveted Platinum Ticket still up for grabs as the auditions continue.
By the end of the night, the judges handed out 18 “yeses” and 7 “nos,” narrowing down the talent pool as the competition heats up.
Catch brand-new episodes of Nigerian Idol Season 10 every Sunday at 7 p.m. on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Ch. 151, GOtv Ch. 12) and Africa Magic Family (DStv Ch. 154, GOtv Ch. 2). For non-stop Idol content from auditions to backstage moments, tune in to the 24/7 Idol Extra channel on DStv Ch. 198 and GOtv Ch. 49.
By Dipo Olowookere
Mr Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of the late popular gospel musician, Osinachi Nwachukwu, has been sentenced to death by hanging.
Recall that in April 2022, the singer was said to have died from a domestic violence in the hands of her husband.
Mr Nwachukwu was taken to court on a 23-count charge bordering on culpable homicide punishable with death, criminal intimidation, cruelty to children, criminal intimidation of children, and spousal battery, among others.
It was reported that while in alive, their spiritual father intervened in the marital crisis between the couple, but the late singer was advised to endure, especially because of her status.
However, things degenerated and she died in the marriage, leaving their children devastated.
At an FCT High Court in Abuja on Monday, April 28, 2025, Justice Nwosu-Iheme found Mr Nwachukwu culpable of killing his wife.
According to the judge, the prosecuting team proved beyond reasonable doubt that Mr Nwachukwu was responsible for the death of the late musician.
The case could still head to the Appeal and Supreme Courts.
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