Paramount Africa ramps up and expands its Nickelodeon 'Nick in your language' South African dubbing plan with more shows in isiZulu and Afrikaans

by Thinus Ferreira

Paramount Africa that has found success and has been able to bring new DStv subscribers and viewers into its fold, is ramping up and expanding its dubbing initiative of Nickelodeon shows in other South African languages and will roll out even more programming given Afrikaans and isiZulu soundtracks.

Paramount Africa's growing offering of language-localised Nickelodeon content follows after its tremendous success - now duplicated by BBC Studios Africa with CBeebies - of PAW Patrol and SpongeBob SquarePants in Afrikaans and isiZulu.

Nickelodeon is now expanding its "Nick in Your Language" initiative and will roll out further fan-favourite titles in local South African languages.

Since September some of Nickelodeon's most popular series are now available in both Afrikaans and isiZulu on NickToons (DStv 308), which Paramount Africa says allows "younger viewers to connect with their favourite heroes in their home language".

The upcoming line-up includes Dora the Explorer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Rubble and Crew, SpongeBob SquarePants, and others.

Dora the Explorer's first season is now in Afrikaans and isiZulu on NickToons at 08:00 since 16 September, while the first season of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will be in Afrikaans and isiZulu on NickToons from 29 September at 17:00.

The first season of Rubble and Crew will premiere in Afrikaans and isiZulu on NickToons from 4 November at 08:30, while season 13 of SpongeBob SquarePants will premiere in Afrikaans and isiZulu on 4 November on NickToons at 8:30.

The second season of PAW Patrol will premiere in Afrikaans and isiZulu on NickToons on 25 November at 08:00.

Dillon Khan, vice president of Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Studios & Creative Services for Africa), says "We're incredibly proud to bring some of Nickelodeon's biggest shows to South Africa in Afrikaans and isiZulu, furthering our commitment to making kids' entertainment more accessible and inclusive".

"This project is all about celebrating the diverse languages and cultures of our audience while giving kids the chance to engage with their favourite shows in a way that resonates with them."

Nickelodeon says as it continues to broaden its "Nick in Your Language" initiative, viewers can look forward to more titles and content "that reflects South Africa's rich cultural landscape and serves as a testament to our beloved rainbow nation".