Media24's new pan-African lifestyle channel HONEY to launch on DStv on 15 February with Anele Mdoda making a TV talk comeback as the host of female panel show The Buzz.

by Thinus Ferreira

The new pan-African lifestyle channel HONEY will launch on 15 February on channel 173 on DStv with a collection of new programming including Anele Mdoda making a TV talk show comeback in a The View-inspired show featuring a set of women from different African countries as the panellists in The Buzz.

HONEY, produced by Media24 that is also responsible for the 5-year old Afrikaans lifestyle show VIA, will be carried by MultiChoice on its DStv satellite pay-TV platform in South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, Zambia, Angola, Mozambique, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Cameroon.

HONEY will be available to DStv Premium, DStv Compact Plus and DStv Compact subscribers.

HONEY is described as a lifestyle TV channel for "curious and connected Africans" and will offer a blend of African lifestyle content, including unscripted reality fare produced by African producers with African on-screen talent.

The channel's thematic programming will span from general lifestyle as well as food and cooking, to relationships and weddings, along with reality shows from various territories across the continent.

HONEY says that its "key ingredient" will be the channel's focus on authentic African storytelling, made possible through a groundbreaking content creation model in which the channel is partnering with producers in different African countries to create hundreds of hours of new African shows.

"HONEY showcases Africans living their best lives and depicts an honest modern-day view of our diverse countries, cultures and peoples," says Yolisa Phahle, MultiChoice Group CEO of general entertainment and connected video.

"This is a lifestyle channel made in Africa for Africans by Africans," she says. 

"DStv is thrilled to launch HONEY. The channel is part of our commitment to keep bringing fresh, authentic and local content to our African subscribers. For many years we've seen lifestyle is a popular genre on the continent and now our subscribers will see their own talent, food, celebrations and their families as the well-deserved hero".

Aletta Alberts, MultiChoice's head of content, says "Africa's dynamism and way of life is the perfect ingredient for this exciting channel. HONEY is going to add sweet and sticky flavour to our subscriber offering".

"Lifestyle content is the ideal vehicle to reflect the continent's diversity and sameness. Everyone curious about food, style, and weddings is in for a treat." 

Izelle Venter, HONEY channel head, says "Media24 is delighted to collaborate with MultiChoice on this new adventure. The goal is to combine both companies' best qualities, experiences and knowledge to serve DStv subscribers with a new channel that is familiar, unique and entertaining".

Zinzi Velelo, HONEY's head of content, says "We are working with producers across the continent to ensure that the lifestyle stories we tell are real and relevant. Our goal is to showcase the characters, talent and dynamics of everyday African life as never before".

Here are some of the HONEY launch programmes and series descriptions:

The Buzz

South Africa's Anele Mdoda is the host of this talks show also featuring Pearl Umeh from Nigeria, Rachel Wakesho from Kenya, Zanna Katoka from the DRC, and Davina Mavuwa from Zimbabwe. Sparks fly as these five women, with different personalities and from different cultures, solve a viewer’s dilemma, whether concerning romance, health, side hustle or family and friends.

Pastor's Wives

Meet the women who keep things together in well-known religious households. This reality series, produced by Sonia Mbele who is also responsible for The Real Housewives of Joburg, features pastors' wives from across the continent as they do their best for their families and church communities. Expect opulence and plenty of behind-the-pulpit drama.

Love Swap

This Nigeria reality drama series presents a relationship challenge in which couples swap partners for a home-cooked meal. Each episode will culminate in a joint dinner featuring both couples, during which they share their impressions of each other and what they have learned about their relationships.

Making the menu

In each episode of this proudly Kenyan series, two food bloggers create a bespoke meal for a popular local eatery, with the restauranteur deciding which dish deserves a space on the menu. Viewers will also enjoy a journey through Nairobi's cultural attractions and the city's sights, sounds and traditions as the contestants look for inspiration outside the kitchen.

Yes! Ndio! Beeni!

Singer and actress Patricia Kihoro and the TV and radio host Foi Wambui team up for another Kenyan production. The two help lovers to ask someone if they will marry them and act as event planners to design a proposal that not only stays true to the couple’s love story but guarantees a "yes!".

Ehe, it’s a match

There is more matchmaking in this colourful dating show shot in Zambia, in which a cooking cupid invites two potential love birds to his or her home and cooks them a meal. After the meal, the two decide whether to meet up again at a local eatery. Will they or won’t they find love?

Shine Shine

Presented by Mbali Nkosi, this show focuses on personal transformation, with a makeover squad coming to the rescue of someone in need of a new look and a confidence boost to take the next big step in their life. Viewers can look forward to witnessing surprised and deserving contestants undergo dramatic transformations.

Hoot, cook, go

A vibrant food culture, particular palates and often curious cultures are put to the test as three teams compete for a prize on this show. Each team is given a chance to show off exactly who they are with a plate of food that they only have an hour to prepare. When they hear the hooter, it’s time to get in the car and move on to the next team’s house.

The next big trender

From 19 March 2021 the search is on for Africa’s hottest influencers. Six aspiring social stars from Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya and South Africa will all compete to win over the opinionistas.