JJ Tabane's eNCA talk show done after false bribery claims column

by Thinus Ferreira

The controversial commentator Prof Onkgopotse JJ Tabane's show Power to Truth on eNCA (DStv 403) is finished and ended a week after TimesLIVE was forced to retract a spurious column by Tabane it published on 21 January.

eMedia that runs eNCA as a TV news channel on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform says the abrupt end of Power to Truth a month into the new year was "mutually agreed upon" by eNCA and Tabane, that Tabane didn't resign and that its cancellation "aligns with the show's planned ending".

The SABC previously abruptly cancelled the Tabane-hosted Frankly Speaking on SABC News (DStv 404) in September 2018 after just seven months.

He was also fired from Power FM days later where he was suspended for having "committed serious material breaches of the provisions of our independent contractor agreement rendering it impossible to continue a contractual relationship with him," the radio station said at the time.

JJ Tabane, editor of Leadership Magazine and a professor of media studies at the University of Botswana, was then hired by Newzroom Afrika when the TV news channel launched in mid-2019, after which he jumped to eNCA.

In May last year in the week before South Africa's general election, JJ Tabane did a sit-down interview with former president Jacob Zuma and UmKhonto weSizwe party president, but it didn't air. 

eNCA on 27 May said all current affairs programming was cancelled for the week since it was too close before the elections.

Power to Truth only returned on 5 August, with eNCA that noted Power to Truth "has recently been on a production break with JJ on his annual leave".

At the time JJ Tabane said "I am happy to be back on screen after some much-needed time out for pure rest. I' look forward to bringing more thought-provoking conversations that help shape the future of our country.".

Back on air, the show only lasted for another five more months.

On 21 January 2025 TimesLIVE published one of JJ Tabane's opinion pieces titled "The stink in public works smacks of Nkandla".

On 27 January TimesLIVE had to retract and issue an apology for JJ Tabane's column and admitted there was "insufficient evidence" to support the serious allegations made by JJ Tabane that included unfounded claims that Dean Macpherson, minister of public works and infrastructure bribed a journalist to write so-called "negative" stories about the Independent Development Trust (IDT) and interfered in the operations of the IDT. 

Macpherson said he was "seeking legal advice on how to hold Tabane accountable for the false accusations".

In response to a media query on Tuesday this week, eMedia confirmed that last week Wednesday's episode of Power to Truth was Tabane's last and that show is done.

"In response to your enquiry, we would like to clarify recent developments regarding Prof JJ Tabane and his association with eNCA. After five years of hosting Power to Truth from Monday to Wednesday nights, the programme concluded with its final episode airing on Wednesday, 5 February 2025," eMedia said.

"This conclusion was mutually agreed upon and marks the end of the show's successful tenure on our platform."

"Throughout its run, Power to Truth provided a platform for robust debate on South Africa's pressing issues, featuring engaging discussions and interviews that informed and entertained our viewers."

"We are grateful for Prof JJ Tabane's significant contributions over the years and wish him continued success in his future endeavours."

"Please note that any social media posts suggesting that Prof JJ Tabane resigned from eNCA are inaccurate. The conclusion of Power to Truth aligns with the show's planned ending and does not reflect a resignation on his part."

Showmax Original series Kabiyesi starting 14 February is inspired by true events of Nigeria's Princess Aderiyife who ruled Oyo in 16th century

by Thinus Ferreira

Showmax's latest Nigerian series, Kabiyesi, will make its debut on MultiChoice's video streaming service on Friday 14 February, with a new episode which will be released every Friday thereafter.

Kabiyesi is inspired by true events and the reign of Nigeria's Orompoto, the only female Alaafin of Oyo who ruled in the 16th century.

With a mix of political intrigue, tradition and unbridled ambition, Kabiyesi follows the story of Princess Aderiyife of Oyo-Ile, played by Annetta Adebusuyi, as the only daughter of King Adegoke, who is set to marry Prince Obabamiji of Igboho.

However, a series of tragic events and a big betrayal forces Princess Aderiyife into a battle for power and in the process challenges deep-seated traditions as she fights to secure her kingdom's future.

Kabiyesi has Seyi Babatope as showrunner with the cast that includes Akin Lewis as Oba Adegoke, Amokun Ibrahim as Prince Obabamiji and Patrick Diabuah as Bashorun.

Oluwakemi Oladeojo portrays Queen Adelewa, with Olajide Ibitoye as Adetoro, and the series also starring Olanrewaju Ayanwale, Jibola Dabo and Huawa Angela Issa.

"Creating Kabiyesi has been a deeply rewarding journey," says Seyi Babatope.

"This story isn’t just about royalty – it's about human ambition, love, and the personal cost of leadership. We're bringing a unique and powerful narrative that celebrates the richness of African storytelling, and I can't wait for audiences to experience it."

M-Net orders Genesis as a 260-episode telenovela set in the gospel music biz for Mzansi Magic from Singavision Productions

by Thinus Ferreira

M-Net has commissioned a new 260-episode telenovela for Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) entitled Genesis from Singavision Productions, set in South Africa's vibrant gospel music industry and starting in in April.

Genesis will start on Monday 21 April at 19:30 and is set inside the high-stakes world of South Africa's gospel music industry where people might sing like but don't behave like angels.

The title Genesis refers to Genesis Records, the gospel music record label where the lives of the various characters intertwine.

The Genesis cast includes Baby Cele, Buyile Mdladla, Nay Maps, Gaosi Raditholo, Kealeboga Masango and KB Motsilanyane.

According to the official Genesis logline, "Felicia Thabethe, once the queen of gospel, thought she had built an unshakable legacy with her husband Gabriel. But when shocking secrets surface, everything she has worked for is thrown into chaos".

"Now, with Genesis Records at risk, Felicia must fight to protect her family's name before it all crumbles. Will she rise from the ashes of betrayal, or will the fallout cost her everything she holds dear?"

Shirley Adonisi, M-Net director for local entertainment channels, says viewers "must gear up for an emotional rollercoaster of a ride because that's what's in store when Genesis premieres".

"It's all about family, power struggles, love, faith – all set in the powerful and highly contested Gospel music industry which is very relatable to Mzansi."

M-Net's Pearl Magic Prime turns 4 with 17 original programmes showcasing Uganda's film industry

by Thinus Ferreira

M-Net's Pearl Magic Prime (PMP) channel marks its 4th anniversary on MultiChoice's DStv platform with 17 commissioned shows like Crossroads and 15 licensed shows which are all showcasing Uganda's growing film and TV industry. 

"Pearl Magic Prime's 4-year journey has been one of creativity and community, providing a platform for Ugandan stories to shine," says Rinaldi Jamugisa, MultiChoice Uganda's communications manager. 

"This anniversary is a tribute to our dedicated viewers and the creative minds behind every show."

Margaret Mathore, M-Net East Africa head of channels, says "Since October last year, we have introduced compelling new content that continues to captivate Ugandan audiences". 

 "Our commitment to premium local programming remains steady, and we are excited about nurturing and showcasing Ugandan talent."

Two years after M-Net launched the Pearl Magic channel, it started Pearl Magic Prime as a spin-off from Pearl Magic, launched on 8 February 2021.

Apple brings Apple TV+ to Android phones in bid to boost subscribers

 

by Mark Gurman, Bloomberg News

Apple Inc. expanded the TV+ video service to Android phones for the first time, a move aimed at boosting its streaming subscribers.

On Wednesday, the Apple TV+ app became available via the Google Play Store as a free download.

The service, which launched in 2019, had previously been reserved for the company's own operating system and third-party TV platforms like Roku. Bloomberg News reported earlier that the app's launch was imminent.

The move marks the rare occasion when Apple is offering services on Google's Android, its biggest competitor in smartphone software.

Though Apple provides its Music service as an Android app, it typically tries to keep customers within the bounds of its own product ecosystem. Taking this step suggests that Apple is trying to boost the appeal of Apple TV+ and challenge streaming services like Netflix and Disney+. 

Though the iPhone maker has had hits on the platform, such as Severance and Ted Lasso, it lags well behind the biggest platforms in viewers, according to industry estimates. Apple has never disclosed subscriber or revenue figures for TV+.

Launched at $4.99 per month, Apple TV+ now costs $9.99 monthly. Bloomberg News first reported last year that Apple was working on an Android app for TV+. 

A spokesperson for the Cupertino, California-based company declined to comment.

Amazon Prime Video's The Rings of Power renewed for season 3 with big time jump planned to midst of the War of the Elves

by Thinus Ferreira

Amazon MGM Studios has officially renewed The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power for a third season with a major time jump that will occur placing the story at the height of the War of the Elves.

Filming of the third season of the Tolkien show will start in a few months at Shepperton Studios in the United Kingdom.

"The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power continues to captivate audiences worldwide, and we're thrilled that a third season is underway," says Vernon Sanders, head of television at Amazon MGM Studios.

"The creative team has an extraordinary vision of what's to come with stories that have left us enchanted and enthralled. We look forward to continuing this epic journey, for our global customers, delving even deeper into the legendary tales that shaped Middle-earth."

"Jumping forward several years from the events of season 2, season 3 takes place at the height of the War of the Elves and Sauron, as the Dark Lord seeks to craft the One Ring that will give him the edge he needs to win the war and conquer all Middle-earth at last," Amazon MGM Studios says.

The third season is currently in pre-production.

In the sprawling The Lord of the Rings saga, the War of the Elves took place during J.R.R. Tolkien's Second Age which marked the first big battle against Sauron.

In its press release, Amazon Prime Video says the third season will have three directors, two returning and one new: Charlotte Brändström, Sanaa Hamri, and Stefan Schwartz.

Charlotte Brändström, who served as co-executive producer and directed multiple episodes in the first two seasons returns as executive producer and director for the third season.

She is joined by returning director Sanaa Hamri, who helmed several episodes in season two, and veteran director Stefan Schwartz, marking his first involvement with the series. Each director will oversee multiple episodes in the upcoming season.

According to Amazon Prime Video the first season remains the biggest TV premiere in the history of Amazon Prime Video with the second season the most-watched returning season by hours watched.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is produced by showrunners and executive producers J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay. 

They are joined by executive producers Lindsey Weber, Justin Doble, Kate Hazell, and executive producer-director Charlotte Brändström. 

Matthew Penry-Davey is producer and Ally O'Leary, Tim Keene, and Andrew Lee are co-producers.

South African runner drama series GO! from Ten30 Films to debut on Netflix on 21 March with Dawn Thandeka King, Vusi Kunene and Ntobeko Sishi

by Thinus Ferreira

A new South African drama series, GO! will debut on Netflix South Africa next month telling the story of a poor but gifted inner-city runner named Siya who goes to a private school where his dreams get derailed by secrets. 

GO!, starring Thandolwethu Zondi, Wonder Ndlovu, Dawn Thandeka King and Vusi Kunene will debut on Netflix on 21 March and was produced by Ten30 Films.

GO!, written by Thuli Zuma and directed by Tristan Holmes was produced by Kutlwano Ditsele and Thuli Zuma, with both who are also co-executive producers alongside Adam Thal.

GO! also stars Shalate Sekhabi, Wiseman Ncube, Brendon Daniels, Ntobeko Sishi and Katlego Danke.

A logline for GO! reads: "When Siya 'Bolt' Gumede, a gifted runner from the rough inner city of Johannesburg, receives a life-changing scholarship to an elite private school, his dreams and ambitions are shadowed by a dark secret of death and betrayal that could destroy everything he has worked for".

"Given a life-changing scholarship to a prestigious school in Johannesburg and while racing towards his dreams of athletic success, he must also outrun the trauma and painful memories that haunt him, learning that the real race is not only on the track but also within himself."

Netflix announced GO! as well as its other new upcoming South African content at the end of last month as part of a preview of its global content offering for 2025.

Bongumusa Makhathini appointed Primedia Studios CEO as it enters 'industrial phase'

by Thinus Ferreira

Primedia Studios has appointed Bongumusa Makhathini as CEO.

Jan du Plessis remains as Primedia Studios president. Both Jan du Plessis and Bongumusa Makhathini will report directly to Jonathan Procter, Primedia Group CEO.

Besides serving as Primedia Studios CEO Bongumusa Makhathini, who is a former SABC board chairperson, will retain his oversight of Primedia OOH. He was appointed as Primedia Outdoor CEO in January 2023.

As Primedia Studios CEO  Bongumusa Makhathini will oversee studio operations, distribution agreements, and sponsorship initiatives and position content for both the local and international markets.

"I am eager to work alongside Bongumusa, whose leadership and vision will be instrumental in bringing these stories to life. Together, we have a unique opportunity to share the creative richness of Africa with the world, and I am committed to ensuring that our content pipeline reflects that depth," says Jan du Plessis.

Bongumusa Makhathini says "The world is ready for stories from Africa, and it is our responsibility to tell them authentically and powerfully".

"This is a pivotal moment for Primedia Studios, and I am excited to lead our team in creating impactful content pathways that resonate across cultures." 

Jonathan Procter says "We are entering an industrial phase for Primedia Studios".

"The creative potential of Africa is vast, and with Jan and Bongumusa steering our efforts, we are well-equipped to enjoy the energy of the creative industry and we will present compelling stories to a global digital audience that is underserved with content from our continent".

"Their combined expertise will be instrumental in advancing our content offering in a fast-evolving digital world." 

"As Primedia Studios embarks on this iterative journey, our collaborators, creators, and audiences are invited to celebrate the rich tapestry of African narratives ready to be shared with the world. Together, we can elevate the voices of the continent and showcase the extraordinary talent that defines the creative industries of Africa."

BBC Lifestyle adds Big Zuu's 12 Dishes in 12 Hours travelogue series from 18 February

by Thinus Ferreira

BBC Studios Africa's BBC Lifestyle (DStv 174) will debut the 6-episode travelogue series Big Zuu's 12 Dishes in 12 Hours from Tuesday, 18 February at 20:00, co-produced by Twofour and Zuhair Hassan's production company Big Productions.

South Africa's Oti Mabusi, as well as some others, appear and tour through Europe with Zuhair Hassan, known as Big Zuu, to experience each of the cities.

In the show Big Zuu travels with his companions on a flavourful journey as they find out more about each city through 12 dishes. They travel through each city by foot, boat, tuk-tuk, and scooter.

"From savouring local street food to discovering the latest gastronomic trends, Zuu will be the ultimate guide – leading both viewers and his celebrity guests through bustling food markets, hidden gems, local eateries, and fine dining restaurants," BBC Studios says.

"Together, they'll unveil a fresh and unseen side of some of Europe's most vibrant destinations."

When Big Zuu's 12 Dishes in 12 Hours was announced in August 2023, Big Zuu in a press statement at the time said "It's always been a dream of mine to have my own food travelogue, so I'm gassed to finally be able to announce this new show".

"I feel like travelling the world and eating food was the natural next step for me and the audience who have followed me since the beginning of my TV career".