Alex Okosi upped as managing director of Google Africa.

by Thinus Ferreira

Google has upped African regional YouTube boss Alex Okosi as new managing director of Google in Africa.

In his new position Alex Okosi will oversee Google's operations across Africa "helping businesses and economies on the continent grow, as well as expanding access and providing tools to help the next billion users get more from the web" Google says in a statement, announcing his promotion.

Alex Okosi exited Paramount Africa, then called Viacom International Media Networks Africa, to join Google's YouTube for Africa in January 2020 as managing director of YouTube for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.

"I am excited at the prospect of leading Google’s team in Africa and the opportunity to be an even closer part of this diverse and dynamic region, which is so close to my heart," says Alex Okosi in a supplied quote in the statement.

"I’m a firm believer in the potential for technology and, in particular, the internet to improve people’s lives and help individuals and businesses in Africa to thrive."

Meir Brand, vice president for the EMEA emerging markets region at Google, says in the press statement that "Alex has a deep understanding of African countries and a passion for using technology to empower people and businesses".

Google has offices in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana.

MultiChoice adds YouTube as a video streaming app to its DStv Explora Ultra decoder.

by Thinus Ferreira

MultiChoice has added YouTube as another video streaming app to its DStv Explora Ultra decoder alongside Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Showmax and DStv BoxOffice.

Some of the world's biggest new subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) services like Disney+ and HBO Max remain unavailable, very likely due to existing multi-year content output deals that MultiChoice and M-Net have with The Walt Disney Company and WarnerMedia that will first have to expire.

The YouTube app can be accessed by selecting the Apps button on the DStv remote control.

"DStv subscribers can now watch YouTube, where every day people watch over a billion hours of video, including music videos, short and documentary films, live streams and video blogs," says Nyiko Shiburi, MultiChoice South Africa CEO.

"The addition of YouTube to the DStv Explora Ultra builds on DStv’s ambition to be a one-stop video entertainment hub, giving our customers more convenience and choice to access local and international content on a single device," says Nyiko Shiburi.

With the DStv Explora Ultra's Discovery And Launch protocol, viewers can play YouTube videos from a second device, for instance a smartphone, directly on a TV screen connected to the decoder, without any pairing process that is required.

MultiChoice says that "This makes it easier to watch shared or archived content from a secondary device of choice".

Alex Okosi, managing director for YouTube for emerging markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), says that "Joining DStv Explora Ultra will enable subscribers in sub-Saharan Africa, one of our fastest growing markets, to watch the millions of hours of amazing content from Africa and around the world on YouTube".

ViacomCBS Africa boss Alex Okosi jumps to YouTube to lead Africa as VCN Africa ups Monde Twala and Craig Paterson to general managers for the African continent.

by Thinus Ferreira

The Africa boss of ViacomCBS Alex Okosi has jumped to YouTube forcing ViacomCBS Networks International Africa (VCN Africa) into a top executive shake-up that is filling the gap by upping Monde Twala and Craig Peterson as co-general managers for the continent.

Alex Okosi who is exiting VCN Africa at the end of February 2020 is becoming the managing director of emerging markets for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region from April 2020 at YouTube, while Monde Twala and Craig Peterson are becoming general managers at ViacomCBS Africa from March.

Before jumping to YouTube, Alex Okosi was a long-serving TV executive and held the fort as executive vice president and managing director of ViacomCBS Networks International Africa and BET International.

In his new job Alex Okosi will be responsible for running YouTube's business and partnership teams across emerging markets in the EMEA region, including Russia, the Middle East, as well as North and sub-Saharan Africa.

Alex Okosi will report to the head of YouTube for EMEA, Cécile Frot-Coutaz and he will relocate to London in the United Kingdom.

"YouTube is a game-changing platform that plays an increasingly important role in our lives today through the dynamic content and innovation that it delivers," says Alex Okosi in a statement. "I am very excited to be joining Cecile’s leadership team to continue empowering creators and elevating value for viewers and partners across the region."  

Cécile Frot-Coutaz says "I look forward to welcoming Alex to our YouTube EMEA leadership team. He brings a wealth of experience in the content industries and has a track record for building businesses and audiences in established and new markets".

"Alex will be leading our existing teams in Russia, sub-Saharan Africa, Turkey, the Middle East and North Africa to drive further expansion in these key markets."

Meanwhile ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI) announced that the departure of Alex Okosi will be filled by Craig Paterson and Monde Twala who are named as co-general managers of ViacomCBS Networks Africa.

"Alex has made an immeasurable impact on our business in Africa," says Raffaele Annecchino, President of ViacomCBS Networks Europe Middle East, Africa and Asia, in a statement.

"Since launching MTV Base in 2005, Alex has spearheaded the development of our business on the continent, which now delivers more channels to Africa than any other international network – reaching 100 million viewers in 48 territories across MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and BET."

VCNI says that Alex Okosi took over leadership of BET International in 2017 and has continued to advance the value of the brand internationally "delivering double-digit distribution growth and improving profitability and margins".

In a VCNI statement, Alex Okosi says "I am proud to have had the opportunity to build our Africa business from the ground up".

"This has played a pivotal role in transforming the music and content space and changing the narrative on Africa. Leading our Africa and BET International businesses to success is testament to the extraordinary teams, colleagues and partners that I have worked with throughout my tenure. ViacomCBS has been my home for more than 20 fantastic years, and I leave behind incredible creative and commercial talent that will continue to deliver growth."

David Lynn, president & CEO of ViacomCBS Networks International, says "I’m immensely grateful to Alex for his contribution to the success of VCNI, including his role in developing such a strong team of successors. Alex’s leadership has been essential to our success in Africa and to the continued growth of BET International".

From 1 March 2020 Monde Twala and Craig Paterson will take over as general managers of VCN Africa. 

Monde Twala, senior vice president & general manager, editorial VCN Africa (pictured left), will focus on content, creative, editorial and marketing across all VCNI brands.

Monde Twala is currently the vice president of ViacomCBS Networks Africa’s BET, youth & music brands.

Monde Twala who joined the company in 2016 is responsible for driving the development and growth of iconic music, youth and entertainment brands BET, MTV, MTV Base and MTV Music24, across the African continent. 

Craig Paterson, senior vice president & general manager, VCN Africa (pictured right), will be responsible for all corporate functions, including business development and strategy.

Craig Paterson is currently senior vice president, business operations for ViacomCBS Networks Africa and is responsible for driving strategic growth and business opportunities in Africa.

Prior to this role, Craig Paterson was responsible for operations and finance for multimedia brands MTV, MTV Music24, Nickelodeon, Nick Toons, Nick Junior, MTV Base, BET and Comedy Central on the African continent. 

He spent nearly five years at Viacom beginning in 2011 as vice president of operations and finance in Africa and returned to the company in 2018 as senior vice president of business operations in Africa. 

"I am delighted that Craig Paterson and Monde Twala will take over leadership in this important market," says Raffaele Annecchino.

"Both have worked with Alex for years, which coupled with their expertise will ensure a seamless transition. Craig and Monde are experts in their respective areas and in addition to incredible business acumen, have demonstrated leadership and collaborative excellence throughout each of their careers and tenures with the company."                    

MultiChoice and Viacom renews channels carriage agreement.

by Thinus Ferreira

MultiChoice and Viacom have renewed its channel carriage agreement for its set of TV channels carried on Africa's largest pay-TV service.

The new contract extension means that the BET, Comedy Central, MTV, MTV Base, MTV Music 24, Nickelodeon, NickToons and Nick Jr. TV channels will remain on DStv in South Africa and across sub-Saharan Africa.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Fathima Beckmann, Viacom Africa spokesperson, didn't respond to a media enquiry asking about the duration of the new contract period.

MultiChoice recently made news channel carriage news when brinkmanship in carriage renewal negotiations between MultiChoice and A+E Networks International led to MultiChoice announcing that it would end its partnership with A+E Networks and its 3 channels, followed by urgent renegotiations and a new deal that saved the History and Lifetime channels but with Crime+Investigation Network getting axed.

After the new A+E Networks deal, followed by the latest Viacom extension, BBC Studios is the next big contract up for renewal by March 2020 for the set of channels from BBC Studios Africa that are made available on DStv.

Talking about the Viacom carriage deal, Yolisa Phahle, MultiChoice CEO for general entertainment, says the Randburg-based pay-TV operator is "pleased to share this market announcement of Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa)".

Alex Okosi, executive vice president and managing director for VIMN Africa and BET International, in a statement about the new carriage agreement says "This continued partnership demonstrates the shared commitment between VIMN Africa and MultiChoice to invest in local and international content that resonates with our audiences across the continent".

"We truly value our collaboration with MultiChoice as it also enables us to consistently deliver great African productions".

The 2019 BET Awards ceremony to be shown live in South Africa and across Africa for the first time on 24 June at 2am.

For the first time, this year's 2019 BET Awards will be shown live on South African television and across sub-Saharan Africa on BET (DStv 129), with the ceremony that will see its red carpet pre-show broadcast on Monday 24 June from midnight, and the awards show airing from 02:00 on the channel.

The 2019 BET Awards will again be broadcast on the same day of 24 June at 20:00 during prime time on BET.

For the 2019 BET Awards the South African hip hop rapper AKA was nominated in the category for Best International Act, alongside Nigeria's Burna Boy and Mr. Eazi, as well as Dave and Giggs from the United Kingdom, and Aya Nakamura and Dosseh from France.

In the Best New International Act category at the 2019 BET Awards, South Africa's Sho Madjozi received a nomination, alongside Nigeria's Teniola Apata, Headie One and Octavian from the United Kingdom and France's Jokair and Nesly.

Last year in 2018, for the first time, Nigeria's Davido emotionally received his BET Best International Act award live on stage during the global broadcast of the 2018 BET Awards with South Africa's Siya, in traditional Zulu regalia, who received his Best New International Act award during the live red carpet pre-show.

This year Connie Orlando, the executive vice president and head of programming at BET will serve as executive producer for the 2019 BET Awards, along with Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment.

"The BET Awards is a powerful platform for celebrating and elevating black excellence from around the world," says Alex Okosi, executive vice president and managing director of Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) and BET International.

"We look forward to honouring this year's Best International Act and Best New International Act during the 2019 BET Awards main and surround programming that will broadcast to a global audience."

Connie Orlando says "18 years ago, we launched the BET Awards and since then we have celebrated cool in ways that can't be duplicated elsewhere".

"From Michael Jackson and James Brown busting dance moves together to Monique paying homage to Beyoncé in an unforgettable dance number, to BET reuniting the Fugees, we have set the tone for what cool looks like."

"This year we are even more so committed to continuing to create the unforgettable moments that have made the BET Awards the preeminent celebration of black culture. From the entire BET family, we congratulate each nominee and look forward to celebrating their talent and contributions at the 2019 BET Awards."


ALSO READ: IN IMAGES. 20 photos of the South African media event for the 2019 BET Awards nominees announcement in the Best International Act category.

MultiChoice Angola adds Viacom's Nickelodeon kids channel in Portuguese to DStv.

MultiChoice Angola has added Viacom's Nickelodeon kids channel in Portuguese to DStv, further extending Nickelodeon's presence across the African continent.

Nickelodeon in Portuguese will be available on the DStv Bué and DStv Mega packages in Angola.

MultiChoice Angola as a satellite pay-TV operator, is run as a franchise division in that country by Jembas Assistência Tecnica.

Nickelodeon in Portuguese was added on 4 March in Angola on DStv channel 573, with Viacom Africa making the announcement of the channel addition on 8 March.

"Extending our brand offering in a more engaging and accessible way across Africa is key to our growth strategy," says Alex Okosi, the executive vice president and managing director of Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) & BET International.

"Our much-loved Nickelodeon brand in Portuguese will enable a deeper connection for kids and families in Angola."

Eduardo Continentino, MultiChoice Angola general manager, says "this channel is a direct representation of how DStv is committed to investing in content".

"By customising an offer to better resonate and align with the needs of Angolan children and youth audiences, DStv shows that customers are indeed at the heart of all decisions made. We believe that this channel will add value to our existing channels grid."

INTERVIEW. 'Our job is to create really hot stuff.' Alex Okosi, Viacom Africa boss, on how VIMN Africa is a catalyst for quality local content on all platforms, and continues to grow as Africa's pay-TV consumer base expands.

What is exciting about the African TV industry is that it's still growing.

So says Alex Okosi, Viacom Africa's boss, saying it with a smile radiating confidence.

In a sit-down interview with me just before the recording of Comedy Central Africa's (DStv 122) latest Comedy Central Roast of AKA, the executive vice president and managing director of Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) and BET International - that's his full title - is not just optimistic about the future of television in Africa, he's positively excited.

While several TV executives across Africa are wondering with differing degrees of trepidation what the future holds for a fast-changing industry in a conflux where digital, millennials and video streaming are all pushing up against traditional pay-TV and creating massive challenges, change and uncertainty, Alex Okosi is very positive about the outlook for Viacom across the continent.

In a new wide-ranging interview, he revealed his latest thinking about Viacom Africa and how it fits inside Africa'a TV industry, its expanding local content slate plans, and the fit and focus of its diverse bouquet of TV channels.

Alex Okosi shares his insights about where the African content consumer is at, the future of the MTV Africa Music Awards, and how Viacom Africa is purposefully expanding into creating great content that can travel with viewers across whatever the platform is.


What in terms of challenges in South Africa and Nigeria as the two biggest TV markets in Africa, is making the situation that Viacom Africa is experiencing as part of the fast-changing TV industry, unique for Viacom compared to where Viacom is in America? As they move online with video content, is South Africa and Nigeria "half-online/half not-online"?
Alex Okosi: This is me being candid, I don't think we have any challenges. Quite frankly,  we're in an exciting place."

We now have created an amazing background and backdrop for great content that can go throughout the world. We're obviously here tonight and we're doing a Comedy Central Roast of AKA and it's a global format that we have, this is our 4th time doing it, it's been highly successful every single time that we've done it.

So for me, I don't think that we're a step behind. I think the reality is that the African content is developing and evolving on a day-to-day basis. I think more and more people are coming online. I think that the cheaper data gets the more people there will be who is going to access even more content across the board.

We partnered with Showmax to do this Comedy Central Roast of AKA which I think is tremendous, because, again, they're pushing to create a subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) platform with locally-relevant content, right? And I think that's powerful.

We now want to see ourselves more than ever before. Africans want to see African formats, with Africans in it, and African shows and African storylines and I think that that's what is really happening.

I think with platforms like Showmax and MultiChoice's DStv and everyone else, it doesn't just create more opportunities for our content but also to give to the rest to the world. You now see people picking up African series, you see people picking up African movies now that go beyond the continent, so for me, I think, truthfully, we are in an exciting time, where our content is working.


And where is the African consumer at the moment in terms of consuming digital content and being able to access and interact with it?
Alex Okosi: I think the African consumer - especially young people - are incredibly adept at digital content. You have to consider that the mobile phone is no longer even considered to be mobile anymore, right?

It's actually a device. An entertainment device that enables the consumer to connect to a whole bunch of other people. I think that with platforms like Whatsapp, Apple, Facebook and Instagram you see millions and millions of young Africans on there and being able to consume and share content. That's where we are.

We are really a part of this technological revolution that's happening and we are playing within it. There is, of course, going to be the challenges that we have that a lot of the continent is still poor, right?

The disposable income to spend a whole bunch of money on these platforms are not there, but young people will find a way to communicate, share content and enjoy content through mobile more than ever before and that's powerful about platforms like Showmax that's also trying to make sure that they capture value in that space.


What is the thought-process behind maybe making more back-catalogue of Viacom content available online or SVOD in the way that FOX does FOX+?
Alex Okosi: At this stage in the game we don't, as you will see globally, we're focused on being able to super-serve our audiences with great content, across whatever platform that it is.

We have our content on Showmax, we're trying to get our content everywhere without cannibalising our linear TV channels.

We understand that consumers are trying to enjoy content across many different spaces. Our job is to create really hot stuff. If it's hot, it enables us to monetise it in different spaces. So that's really been our focus.

We haven't been a platform player in going out to launch our own direct-to-consumer application in this market but again the idea is we focus on content, and we've been able to leverage our content to connect to consumers through our partnerships.

I want to ask, can you talk a little bit about each of your "children".
How happy are you with the alignment, position, channel propositions of Viacom's TV channels available in Africa. How is MTV changing or not changing and what's that focus? What's the focus for BET and Nickelodeon and Comedy Central?
[Interview was conducted before the announcement of the introduction of MTV Music 24.]

Alex Okosi: We're very excited about where we are. You look at MTV Base for instance, our focus - whether it's the rest of Africa feeds or the South African feed - it's to create great local content.

If you look at us with what we're doing in West Africa in Nigeria, we're the top channel right now in the market place based on the fact that we're creating local content. If you're looking in South Africa, we're obviously, again, pushing the brand and doing exciting stuff, especially in the music space.

We have an amazing, amazing format that we just did out of Durban that's very focused on a style of music called gqom, so obviously Gqom Nation is a show that was launched as a well-rated show.

On the Nickelodeon (DStv 305) front again, Nickelodeon remains the most popular brand under kids, we just did a NickFest in Nigeria including a character activation with a lot of kids.

Comedy Central Africa - what can I say - a big brand, even though it's just on DStv Premium the reality is that we've been able to make it a big brand.

For BET the focus really is how do we create more local content, frankly? Our focus is going to be on how do we create more local content for BET.

We have an amazing new show that is going to come back for a second season, The Big Secret, that we're going to launch. We're planning on rolling out more local content every quarter on the BET brand which I think will enable us to create more traction.

Everything for us is leveraging our international library but becoming even more hyper-focused on producing local content that will connect with consumers.


Is there a kind of a move for MTV (DStv 130) - I don't know, I'm just asking - to move back towards more music, or does reality television remain the driver?
Alex Okosi: We have a music channel in terms of MTV Base with mostly music. I think that MTV has evolved into a lifestyle channel. So the reality aspect of it will also be there.

MTV Base is more urban music, more local music, so we're trying to also make sure that we serve audiences who may want more international music as well [with MTV Music 24].


Paramount Network as a premium TV channel. Would that be an option or viability for Africa or South Africa, or not for the foreseeable future?

Alex Okosi: Look, we're always exploring ways in which to be able to bring our brands to market.

I think the Paramount Network is a strong one because it's a great brand. For us at this stage, just looking at how do we make it happen and what the options are.

Our focus really is on the portfolio we have that is quite diverse.

I don't know if there's a need for another movie channel but we do know that it's a very powerful brand with a lot of great shows that have been launching that are not just movies that have shows that we also want to see how we can bring them.


The MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs) that stopped, is there a possibility of reviving that or something like that to replace it?

Alex Okosi: We're definitely working on it. The reality is that the MTV Africa Music Awards is such a powerful property, it really requires a lot of partnerships to make it work.

We are working on those. What we don't want to do is bring a MAMAs to market that's same-old, same-old and is going to be watered down. We're really pushing to see how we can get the best MAMAs to happen again.


What makes you happy, personally, about the TV industry in South Africa specifically and Viacom Africa's place in it, and then also across Africa more broadly?
Alex Okosi: What makes me happy is that we're building a phenomenal network. In terms of an international network in the market we're the largest.

We have a very diverse portfolio. We now have a very powerful sales house that helps to monetise our brands, we're creating local content.

We now also started to represent some other channels, we represent Discovery for instance on the ad sales side. We also represent AMC on the ad sales side. So for us, we now have a strong portfolio of brands.

And for me, what is exciting about the African TV industry is that it's still growing. There's still a lot of people who are starting to subscribe to pay-TV, and who start to get DStv Compact in terms of a bouquet, and it's all growing from that standpoint. So that's exciting.

And what's also exciting is that our content - local content - is now important.

Our role in coming into the market as an international player and being a catalyst for quality local content has also been great. With everyone else in the market place also being invested in it, that's what's exciting to me - that we can now not only showcase more of our African content but there's also an ecosystem that can support it - both on TV but also off-television.

MTV Africa Music Awards a no-show for a second consecutive year, Viacom Africa says it still believes in the awards show and is working to bring it back in a changed format.

Despite a promise last year that it would return in 2018 after an absence in 2017, the MTV Africa Music Awards will be a second consecutive no-show this year, with Viacom Africa telling TVwithThinus there won't be a MAMAs although it still believes in the local awards show and is still working on bringing it back in a changed format.

Last year two of Africa's biggest awards shows - CNN International and MultiChoice's prestigious one for African journalists and MTV Africa's one for musicians and achievers - both got scrapped for 2017.

Both CNN International and Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) promised that the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards and the MTV Africa Music Awards, that both usually took place during October, would be back in 2018.

In June this year CNN International and MultiChoice confirmed to TVwithThinus that the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards won't actually be back and has been dumped, claiming it had become too big and expensive.

Last year Viacom Africa said that "at Viacom International Media Networks Africa we have been working to reinvent the MAMAs to create a deeper music experience that will be more immersive for our fans and partners in 2018".

Now Viacom Africa says the MTV Africa Music Awards won't be taking place this year either but that unlike the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards, its award show for Africa isn't completely dead.

Viacom didn't respond to a question asking why the 2018 MTV Africa Music Awards isn't taking place and when this decision was taken, but said in response to a media enquiry that it continues to believe in the MTV Africa Music Awards and is working on bringing it back in a new format.

"The MAMAs continues to be a key differentiator for the brand and we still believe the show to be the epitome of all awards shows," says Alex Okosi, the executive vice president and managing director at VIMN Africa and BET International.

"We are currently working on various opportunities to bring the next MAMAs to market imminently in an evolved format."

"While the MAMAs will not feature in 2018, our focus continues to elevate great African talent on the continent with the recent nominees of Davido, Shekhinah, Nyashinski, Tiwa Savage, Distruction Boyz and Fally Ipupa at the upcoming 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards in November."

"Additionally we have just announced our broadcast partnership at the upcoming Global Citizen: Madiba 100 concert featuring the world’s most talented artists in Johannesburg in December," says Alex Okosi.

TV CRITIC'S NOTEBOOK. When the TV execs go and sit in the back of the house when they actually run the house: A shout-out to the exemplary zookeepers of South African television who keep showing up - and showing up.

The majority of the people who filed into and took their seats inside the Silverline Studios set of Survivor South Africa: Phillipines to be part of the live studio audience for the season finale on M-Net (DStv 101) this week would have had no idea who, quite unassumingly, sat right next to them.

On Thursday evening, both Nkateko Mabaso, acting M-Net CEO, and Kay Ann Williams, head of local content and independent films for the M-Net channels, unpretentiously slipped inside on the rain-soaked night.

Even though they could have chosen or have demanded better seats - in fact they completely deserved front row seats - both of them literally went and sat in two of the worst seats in the house: right behind the back-end of the techno-crane to its immediate right, basically obstructing their view of the centre stage and blocking probably about 70% of what you can see in the front.

They seemed unperturbed.

Both stayed seated here for the full 2 hours of the Survivor SA: Phillipines finale, produced by Afrokaans - and for the first time from Cape Town - until they, together with M-Net commissioning editor Terja Beney exited stage left.

They then all mingled at the music, drinks and food-filled adjacent stage on the Silverlines Studios lot with media, guests, contestants, sponsors and ordinary fans.

Remarkable? At first glance, possibly not. But in reality, within the context of South Africa's TV industry, it's hugely significant and exceptional.

As they and their predecessors have done for years, and quite remarkably continue doing, M-Net's top level executives - similar to America's HBO, CBS, FX and a few others - keep showing up at things where they don't, at first glance, appear needed or having to be.

These executives literally show up on set and at events and they personally visit their channel's TV productions even though they strictly don't have to.

This continued, personal and hands-on approach, is quite different from how execs at the SABC, e.tv, and several of the other pay-TV channels carried on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform for instance, behave.

Although this hands-on behaviour is exhibited by several high-ranking American TV channel executives who remain intimately involved in, and in touch with shows even though they don't have to physically be there in person, it's not something that's really seen or experienced in the South African biz outside of M-Net.

The majority simply just don't do it.

It's also why a production like Uselwa on SABC1 "suddenly" implodes with SABC execs only then starting  to scurry to set for the first time after months, get held "hostage" and don't know what to do or how to resolve a production crisis or gridlock. It's because they've never been there.

In almost two decades of covering South Africa's TV industry, this TV critic has never attended the final episode of a local SABC1, SABC2 or e.tv reality competition show where at least one or more of that channel's execs were also in attendance. Ditto for an episode recording.

For the end of SABC3's The Apprentice SA back in September 2005 I spotted some SABC executives who bothered to show up for this. SABC1's channel head was at the launch and filming of Uzalo.

It's not that they're bad. They're busy.

Beyond M-Net's executives, a precious few other high-ranking executives however perpetually show up and show up although they're very busy too.

They're there for their local shows during filming, for media events, for finales, at channels' upfront presentations and at things where their participation and presence are not strictly required, but that they personally deem to be important because it clearly really matters to them.

Count under them BBC Africa boss Joel Churcher. MultiChoice's head of content, Aletta Alberts. Director of M-Net channels, Jan du Plessis. Or someone like MultiChoice content bouquet manager Alet Bench.

The Walt Disney Company Africa boss Christine Service is equally at home doing a set visit at ABC's Cape Town filmed TV series Of Kings and Prophets as she is attending a film biz investment seminar or doing a presentation to journalists about the gains and reach of the Disney Junior (DStv 309) channel herself.

Viacom Africa boss Alex Okosi actually goes to things - to things where he's not talking and where he, if he didn't show face, wouldn't be missed. And yet he goes.

Earlier this year Yolisa Phahle, CEO of general entertainment at MultiChoice set-visited HBO's Warrior being filmed in Cape Town. Don't mistakenly think that she had to.

And when she sits in the audience for Dancing with the Stars SA in Johannesburg on a Sunday night, after hours it's not because of a lack of  work or better things to do.

The interesting thing about South Africa's bold type execs who go far above and beyond the call of the job description and who continue to step away from their ever-full inboxes more than they have to, are that they maintain a much better grasp on what's really going on, who's doing what, and what the current industry challenges and movements are.

Instead of only peering through the gauze of middle-men PR, they also know the media directly and very often directly interact with members of the press when they spot them.

Although they run the zoo, they've learnt and know the times the hippo takes a snooze and when it's safe to peek inside. They know personally where the master key to the lion's cage is kept and has no problem to go and get the key themselves when something needs doing.

Seen in isolation, South Africa's 42-year old TV industry is big and continues to expand - the most sophisticated on the African continent by far - but compared across a wider perspective it's much smaller and younger compared to the United States or the United Kingdom where also more of an institutional history within companies and broadcasters reside.

As the country's local TV biz continues to mature, grow and add capacity, it's encouraging that there are TV executives - mostly within the fold of pay-TV - who really take their work seriously, and who really set an example of continuously going beyond the basics and bare minimum of what they need to do.

They're the people who not only show up at work every day because they have to but are TV execs who constantly journey ever further - showing up where they don't have to be because they really want to, inherently recognising the long-term dividends it unlock.

They're the indefatigable handful of TV executives who not only truly live their brands, but their work - and who, incrementally, all in their own unique ways, help to make the television you're getting to watch, better.

TV CRITIC'S NOTEBOOK: Viacom Africa couldn't be bothered to communicate about its BET Global Good Dinner. Whatever.

On Wednesday evening Viacom Africa's BET (DStv 129) held some type of a "BET Global Good Dinner" in Johannesburg.

Sadly the BET get-together as part of a "BET Legend's night" was something that neither Alex Okosi's Viacom International Media Networks Africa nor its PR company could be bothered to tell the media about beforehand, or afterwards issue any information on.

How the press covering television and South Africa's TV biz is supposed to cover this is anyone's guess. 

Viacom Africa and BET apparently doesn't care, so neither will the media.

You'd think a pay-TV channel carried on something like MultiChoice's DStv satellite platform would be better at communicating with, involving, reaching out to, and helping media partners. Unfortunately not.

Nomzamo Mbatha was the MC for the BET Global Good Dinner where Bismack Biyombo, the Congolese basketball player for the NBA currently in South Africa, spoke.

Nothing is available and BET shared nothing, with no rush transcript or speech issued to the press, nor statements from whatever Viacom Africa or BET Africa execs or reps who addressed guests, actually said, or any publicity photos.

Here's the question: Where was - or is - the actual public relations with BET's BET Global Good Dinner?

What the invited so-called "press" who did attend, do - other than feed, drink or take selfies - is also unclear. 

By Thursday noon there's wasn't a single article or report about the BET Global Good Dinner to be found. Bye, Felicia.

Viacom's new flagship channel, Paramount Network, to launch in the United Kingdom as well, again raising questions as to when Paramount Network will be making its debut for South African and African pay-TV subscribers.

After making its debut in January in America, Viacom announced on Friday that its new premium entertainment flagship channel, Paramount Network will be launching in the United Kingdom on 4 July.

The announcement about the UK expansion is once again raising questions as to when Viacom and Viacom Africa is going to be making the Paramount Network available to pay-TV subscribers in South Africa and, or across the rest of Africa.

Viacom clearly has a plan to roll out the Paramount Network - its rebranded and reprogrammed Spike channel - internationally, and TVwithThinus already asked the question back in January 2018: Will - or when will - South Africa's pay-TV viewers get to see Viacom's new Paramount Network channel, and should it replace something like MTV Europe on DStv?

Also in January Viacom Africa told TVwithThinus that it will explore opportunities to build the brand in the African market.

Now, 7 months after the launch of the Paramount Network in the United States, Viacom UK is rolling out the Paramount Network in Britain from 4 July, saying that it is "set to deliver high-end Hollywood entertainment with blockbuster movies, scripted drama and critically acclaimed comedy featuring some of the biggest names on the planet".

Paramount Network's international launch is being overseen by Jill Offman, the executive vice president for Comedy Central and Paramount Network International.

There is however still no indication of how long Africa's viewers and pay-TV subscribers in South Africa are still going to have to wait to get to see the Paramount Network, following its roll-out for American and British viewers.

"Launching on TV screens in the United Kingdom is another critical milestone for the Paramount Network brand, which we're convinced will resonate strongly with British viewers given Paramount's distinguished and successful history of epic, cinematic storytelling for global audiences," said Jill Offman in a statement.

Jill Offman referring specifically to "Paramount's distinguished and successful history of epic, cinematic storytelling for global audiences", makes it clear that the Paramount Network has global ambitions as a channel and would just as seamlessly be a fit for viewers in South Africa and Africa where the Paramount logo is well known as a brand.

So far there's been silence as to whether the Paramount Network could make its appearance in Africa on direct-to-home (DTH) pay-TV satellite services like MultiChoice's DStv, StarTimes Media's StarSat or Kwesé TV - or even on over-the-top (OTT) streaming services like Cell C black or DEOD that carry linear TV channels.

TVwithThinus asked Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) again on Friday - after the announcement of the Paramount Network's debut in the UK - whether Viacom and Viacom Africa have any plans, or are working on bringing the Paramount Network to South Africa and the rest of Africa, and also roughly when that would be and on what platform if there are any plans.

"We are excited about the upcoming Paramount Network launch in the United Kingdom," Alex Okosi, the executive vice president and managing director for Viacom International Media Networks Africa and BET International, told me in response.

"At Viacom International Media Networks Africa we are always exploring opportunities to grow our portfolio on the continent to appeal to local audiences."

Viacom Africa on the new Paramount Network pay-TV channel launched in America: 'We will explore opportunities to build the brand in the African market'.

Viacom Africa says its thrilled about the launch of Viacom's flagship new premium, general entertainment pay-TV channel - the Paramount Network going live today in the United States - with Viacom Africa's boss telling TVwithThinus that it will look at opportunities to build the brand in the African market.

While not saying it in specific words, these opportunities could include launching the Paramount Network as a linear TV channel in South Africa and Africa on direct-to-home (DTH) pay-TV satellite services like MultiChoice's DStv, StarSat or Kwesé TV, or on over-the-top (OTT) streaming services like Cell C black or DEOD that carry linear TV channels.

A year ago, in February 2017, Viacom announced that it will be creating the Paramount Network in 2018 through scrapping its one channel, Spike TV, and that it will remake, rebrand and relaunch Spike TV in early 2018 as The Paramount Network - it's most important new channel.

The Paramount channel as a premium, general entertainment channel will carry "bold original scripted and non-scripted series" with Viacom that's moving its best shows to this channel and rolling out several brand-new scripted series and drama series on this channel.

Programming on the Paramount Network will include brand-new programming and series like Waco, Heathers (pictured), American Woman, Yellowstone, First Wives Club, Velvet and Accused along with shows like Lip Sync Battle, Ink Master, Bar Rescue, Bellator MMA and more.

Viacom International Media Networks already operates a Paramount Channel (a film channel) in some parts of the world - but not in South Africa and Africa - and will likely just morph and change these placeholder channels (Paramount Channel and Spike TV) in other territories into The Paramount Network over time to align it with the premium American brand that is now being created.

How exactly does VIMN Africa see the Paramount Network's importance and relevance for South Africa and Africa?

"We are thrilled for the launch of Paramount Network in the United States and will explore opportunities to build the brand in the African market," says Alex Okosi, VIMN Africa and BET International executive vice-president and managing director.

"VIMN Africa is always looking at ways to optimize our business and brands to appeal to the broad, diverse audience on the continent."

"Inspired by over a century of cinema, Paramount is a powerful brand that resonates with audiences globally. With 12 locally scheduled versions around the world, the Paramount Channel is Viacom International Media Network’s fastest growing brand."

"We are thrilled for the launch of Paramount Network in the United States and will explore opportunities to build the brand in the African market.”

Kevin Kay, Paramount Network president, said that the new channel wants "to be the definitive new home for premium storytelling", and that "our goal is to change the game of how viewers experience high-end scripted" TV content.

Paramount Network president of development Keith Cox said that Paramount Network is going to be famous for big bold originals. We want to make linear TV urgent again."

Will - or when will - South Africa's pay-TV viewers get Viacom's new the Paramount Network channel, and should it replace something like MTV Europe?

A question of paramount importance: Will - or when will - South African pay-TV viewers get to see Viacom's new flagship TV channel, the Paramount Network, that is launching on 18 January in the United States?

Will Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) possibly roll out the Paramount Network in 2018 on one of the existing direct-to-home (DTH) satellite pay-TV services like MultiChoice's DStv, StarSat from China's StarTimes Media SA and On Digital Media (ODM), or Kwesé TV?

Or perhaps the Paramount Network could possibly be added to the channel line-ups of one of the new over-the-top (OTT) services like Cell C's black, or DEOD?

A year ago, in February 2017, Viacom announced that it will be creating the Paramount Network in 2018 through scrapping its one channel, Spike TV, and that it will remake, rebrand and relaunch Spike TV in early 2018 as The Paramount Network - it's most important new channel.

The Paramount channel as a premium, general entertainment channel will carry "bold original scripted and non-scripted series" with Viacom that's moving its best shows to this channel and rolling out several brand-new scripted series and drama series on this channel.

Programming on the Paramount Network will include brand-new programming and series like Waco, Heathers (pictured), American Woman, Yellowstone, First Wives Club, Velvet and Accused along with shows like Lip Sync Battle, Ink Master, Bar Rescue, Bellator MMA and more.

Since the Paramount Network will be Viacom's flagship TV channel from next week, it's inconceivable that South African and African viewers won't get to see it ... eventually.

As TVwithThinus reported last year, the Paramount Network, together with BET (DStv 129), Comedy Central (DStv 122), MTV (DStv 130), Nickelodeon (DStv 305) and Nick Jr. (DStv 307) will now be Viacom's flagship channel brands with all of Viacom's effort, focus and content spending that will now be going to these channels.

The Paramount Network will do and have the premium shows in Viacom's content collection, while MTV is getting "refocus" around reality shows.

Viacom International Media Networks already operates a Paramount Channel (a film channel) in some parts of the world - but not in South Africa and Africa - and will likely just morph and change these placeholder channels (Paramount Channel and Spike TV) in other territories into The Paramount Network over time.

But what about countries where these placeholder channels don't already exist and have an existing footprint?

Last week TVwithThinus asked Viacom International Media Networks Africa if VIMN Africa will be adding, or is looking at adding, the Paramount Network as a TV channel in South Africa and Africa, and also whether getting the Paramount Network to viewers in South Africa and across Africa is important or seen as a priority.

How exactly does VIMN Africa see the Paramount Network's importance and relevance for South Africa and Africa?

"We are thrilled for the launch of Paramount Network in the United States and will explore opportunities to build the brand in the African market," says Alex Okosi, VIMN Africa and BET International executive vice-president and managing director.

"VIMN Africa is always looking at ways to optimize our business and brands to appeal to the broad, diverse audience on the continent."

"Inspired by over a century of cinema, Paramount is a powerful brand that resonates with audiences globally. With 12 locally scheduled versions around the world, the Paramount Channel is Viacom International Media Network’s fastest growing brand."

"We are thrilled for the launch of Paramount Network in the United States and will explore opportunities to build the brand in the African market.”

TVwithThinus will keep tracking the ongoing developments around the Paramount Network since Kevin Kay, now the Paramount Network president, himself has said that Viacom's new channel is positioning itself as the crown jewel in Viacom's collection of TV channels going forward.

"The Paramount Network will take Spike's already strong programming mix and amplify it with the Paramount brand. Its focus will be on building distinctive, high-quality scripted and non-scripted original programming – with dramas, comedies, documentaries, movies, sports and tentpole events."

One possibility - if the Paramount Network were to be made available in South Africa - would or could be to replace MTV Europe (DStv 130) on MultiChoice's DStv for instance.

MultiChoice already carries MTV Europe and the Afro-tainment MTV Base as separate channels.

Just like MultiChoice had done with Viacom's BET channels that was cut down from two to one, MTV could be snackwitched down to one channel without any loss to make space for the Paramount Network in MTV Europe's place.

The original content on MTV Europe like the Siesta Key-type shows could easily be transplanted onto MTV Base's schedule to make the programming line-up of MTV Base stronger, combining the best of MTV's Brit-American reality series with MTV Base's original African productions like the MTV Shuga series.

It would also make it easier for viewers to know where to find all the MTV-ey reality and music type content, with then the Paramount Network as the more higher grade channel where the drama, sitcom, documentary series and scripted fare content and shows like the new Yellowstone drama with Kevin Costner can reside.

On Monday in America at the Annual winter tour of the Television Critics Association (TCA) in Pasadena, California, Kevin Kay told TV critics that the Paramount Network wants "to be the definitive new home for premium storytelling", and that "our goal is to change the game of how viewers experience high-end scripted" TV content.

Paramount Network president of development Keith Cox told TV critics that Paramount Network is going to be famous for big bold originals. We want to make linear TV urgent again."

South African comedian Loyiso Madinga joins The Daily Show with Trevor Noah to do replacement segments for the Africa broadcast of episodes of The Daily Show.

The South African comedian Loyiso Madinga is joining The Daily Show with Trevor Noah to do replacement segments for the Africa broadcast of episodes on Comedy Central (DStv 122).

Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) says the replacement inserts instead of the full American episode of The Daily Show will be broadcast intermittently on Comedy Central.

The first replacement piece, a field report from the African National Congress's (ANC) recent elective conference will be broadcast in The Daily Show episode of Thursday night on Comedy Central at 21:30.

The locally produced Africa segment done by Diprente was directed by Kagiso Lediga with Tamsin Andersson as producer.

The writers are Kagiso Lediga, Karabo Lediga, Christopher Steenkamp, Muzi Dlamini, Mpheng Morobe, Camilo Saloojee, Lazola Gola and Simi Mngomeni.

The relatively unknown stand-up comedian Loyiso Madinga has shared the comedy stage with Tom Segura and David Kau and has appeared in satirical TV shows like eNCA's cancelled Late Night News with Loyiso Gola and The Bantu Hour on SABC2.

Trevor Noah says "as wild as Donald Trump is for America, many countries around the world have Trumps of their own and since The Daily Show is in many countries, we thought 'why not give each country a chance to show off their stable geniuses?"

Loyiso Madinga says he's "excited to create a voice for local satire. What is really great is this places an authentic spotlight on local comedy and presents a reality that combats the stereotypical perception of Africa".

Dillon Khan, vice president for Comedy Central and creative services for VIMN Africa says "Loyiso's comic timing and fast-thinking humour make him the ideal choice as a Daily Show correspondent. He is indicative of the diverse and deep pool of talent that shines on our continent and beyond its shores."

Alex Okosi, executive vice president and managing director for VIMN Africa says "one of our key objectives as VIMN Africa is to provide a platform through our brands for great African talent and content".

"We are excited that through this localised segment on Comedy Central's The Daily Show, Loyiso has an opportunity to continue showcasing his great comedic talent to audiences across Africa and around the world."

Trevor Noah and M-Net (DStv 101) will soon start production on his new Trevor Noah Presents... show for M-Net, a local stand-up comedy talent series in 13 episodes that will give rising South African comedians a platform to showcase their skills.

Babes Wodumo lies, fails to fly to the 2017 MTV Europe Music Awards; will be a no-show despite earlier promise; wanted Viacom Africa to pay for her flights and hotel.

 

The so-called Qqom Queen, Babes Wodumo has lied again, with the singer whose real name is Bongekile Simelane, who won't be at tomorrow's MTV Europe Music Awards 2017 despite her public promise last month that she would.

TVwithThinus can confirm that Babes Wodumo will be a MTV Europe Music Awards 2017 no-show as well where the 23-year old Durbanite with serious credibility issues has been nominated in the Best Africa act category at this year's awards show.

It comes after Babes Wodumo in mid-October promised that "I will definitely be attending the MTV awards. I have sorted out the visa. I am going".

It is the latest lie in a string of "fake news" from the upcoming singer that has marred her career trajectory and seriously damaged her industry reputation with a series of bizarre mistakes and destructive management and publicity decisions.

Last month Babes Wodumo revealed that she will have a reality show on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) starting in November, something that M-Net's Mzansi Magic channel immediately categorically denied.

Babes Wodumo was supposed to apply for an American visa in person to attend the BET Awards in America in June, but did interviews and attended parties like the sendoff party from the eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede using taxpayers’ money. Babes ended up unable to go.

Recently Babes Wodumo implored the South African public to help her search for her missing USB that according to her carried the link to a new song of hers.

The 24^th edition of the MTV Europe Music Awards 2017 will take place in London on Sunday and will be broadcast on MTV (DStv 130). 

While at least one publicist from Viacom Africa and other African representatives jetted off this week from the continent sipping champagne in British Airways seats as they made their way to the UK capital and Heathrow International Airport, it was without Babes – despite her earlier promise that she will be there on Sunday too.

Besides Babes, artists like Nyashinski (Kenya), Nasty C (South Africa), Wizkid (Nigeria), Davido (Nigeria) and C4 Pedro (Angola) have been nominated for the 2017 MTV EMAs in the Best Africa category.

Babes Wodumo wanted Viacom Africa to foot the bill and to pay for her flights to London and her hotel stay – an expense that Viacom Africa says is the responsibility of individual artists.

In response to a media enquiry, Alex Okosi, executive vice president and managing director of Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) says Viacom Africa received written confirmation from Babes Wodumo's team that they "elected to not attend the MTV EMAs".

Viacom Africa was asked if it helped Babes Wodumo after she missed the BET Awards in June because of her visa issues.

"Our communication to all artists has always been equal and clear that VIMN Africa does not fly nominees to the MTV EMAs. We have confirmed this with all the nominees. As it relates to talent, we only fly performers to the MTV EMAs awards show," says Alex Okosi.

VIMN Africa says it supports local talent at the 2017 MTV Europe Music Awards and that tentpole events like these are indicative of VIMN Africa's commitment to elevating and unlocking Africa's artistic talent.

Viacom Africa says The Come Up host Luthando “Lootlove” Shosha will document the EMA journey for MTV Base along with uMswenko host Nomalanga Shozi.

Presenter Bontle Modiselle has also joined the MTV EMA "social squad" that includes 7 global social media influencers.

She will be streaming content from the weekend, alongside Brazil’s MTV Ridículos star Hugo Ross, Geordie Shore's Sophie Kaseai, Just Tattoo Of Us presenter Charlotte Crosby and two influencers from Germany, the vlogger Marcel better known as KsFreak and the YouTube sensation Manuel "Krappi" Krappinger.

Babes Wodumo's management couldn't be reached for comment on Friday.

Viacom Africa boss Alex Okosi promoted and also put in charge of BET International overall; will continue to manage Viacom's African channels bouquet.

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has promoted Alex Okosi, the executive vice president and managing director of VIMN Africa to lead BET International as well and will now be in charge of VIMN Africa and BET in all markets outside of the United States.

In his expanded role, Alex Okosi, who remain based in Johannesburg in South Africa, will manage the development and overall strategy for BET International.

As the driving force behind VIMN Africa since mid-2003, Alex Okosi will continue to oversee the TV channels like MTV Base, MTV, Comedy Central Africa, Nickelodeon, NickJr., NickToons, VH1 Classic and BET Africa on the African continent that reaches 48 territories and more than 100 million viewers.

Meanwhile Jill Offman has been promoted to executive vice president and will now be the boss of the newly built out The Paramount Channel that is being positioned as Viacom's new premium channel.

The Paramount Channel is not yet available in South Africa on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform but now has 12 channel feeds and is available in 115 countries worldwide.

Jill Offman, besides being in charge of The Paramount Channel, will retain her current role as the head of Comedy Central International and managing director of MTV UK and Comedy Central UK.

Both Alex Okosi and Jill Offman will report to David Lynn, president and CEO of VIMN.

Additionally Jill Offman will continue to report to James Currell, the president and managing director of VIMN UKNEE, while Alex Okosi will continue to report to Raffaele Annecchino, the president and managing director of VIMN SWEMEA in regard to their existing cluster specific jobs.

"Alex Okosi expertly spearheaded the growth and expansion of Viacom in Africa and has overseen the creation of an incredible variety of content and experiences that spotlight the best of African-American and African culture and creativity," says David Lynn, president and CEO of VIMN.

"I look forward to seeing him bring that same passion and strategic approach to the BET brand in markets around the world."

Comedian Trevor Noah pulls out as host of the MTV Africa Music Awards 2016 over illness, replaced by Bonang Matheba; says 'I'm disappointed'.

A video posted by Trevor Noah (@trevornoah) on Oct 21, 2016 at 5:18am PDT

The South African comedian and host of Comedy Central's The Daily Show Trevor Noah has pulled out as host of the MTV Africa Music Awards 2016 set for Saturday night in Johannesburg as a live broadcast on MTV Base (DStv 322) and MTV (DStv 130) from the Ticketpro Dome at 21:00.

Not travelling to South Africa from New York over illness, Trevor Noah has been replaced by the South African presenter Bonang Matheba as the fill-on host for the pan-African awards show that will also be shown as a delayed-live broadcast on e.tv on Saturday night from 22:00.

It means that Bonang Matheba, a SABC presenter, will be seen on e.tv.

In a video message on social media, Trevor Noah says "Thank you to everyone that supports me, I know that a lot of you are going to be disappointed, I'm disappointed."

Before the video message, in a social media posting, Trevor Noah wrote that he's dropping out of his MAMAs 206 hosting duties "due to a severe upper respiratory and ear infection".

"Due to the infection and strain on my vocal chords the doctor has ordered me to rest my voice and recover my health. I desperately wish I could dismiss the doctor but the added risk of flying means that decision would be highly irresponsible and may cause further damage," wrote Trevor Noah.

"I love the MAMAs and more importantly I love performing in my country. Myself and MTV Africa have been trying to make the MAMAs a reality for a few years and I was so excited because this was finally the year where the pieces fell into place and the date was one I could do."

"I push myself as hard as I can all the time because I appreciate every opportunity I am afforded in life. Unfortunately there comes a day like today when it all catches up and my body cannot do what my mind wishes I could."

"I'm so sorry if I've disappointed you but please know that I love performing more than anything in life and so having to cancel any show, breaks my heart. Sorry isn't enough of a word to convey how I feel and again to all my fans I will do my utmost to make it up to you."

MTV Africa Music Awards 2016 organisers called Bonang Matheba on Thursday night at 20:30 and asked her is she could fill in as replacement host for Trevor Noah with 24 hours to prepare.

"We are thrilled that Bonang Matheba, one of Africa's most inspiring and luminous media personalities, will be hosting the MTV Africa Music Awards on 22 October," says Alex Okosi, the senior vice president and managing director at Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) in a statement.

"With her extensive presenting experience, personal charm and beauty, Bonang Matheba is going to make a fabulous host for the MAMAs 2016 and we look forward to an amazing show on 22 October with her at the helm."

"We are naturally disappointed that Trevor NOah will be unable to join us on Saturday, but his health is of paramount importance and we wish him a speedy recovery," says Alex Okosi.

BREAKING. South African comedian Trevor Noah to host the first MTV Africa Music Awards 2016 in Johannesburg on 22 October.

After scheduling conflicts and too little time last year ahead of his debut as the new host of The Daily Show in 2015, Trevor Noah is now ready and his diary open enough to host the upcoming MTV Africa Music Awards 2016 taking place on Johannesburg on Saturday 22 October.

After criticism about the American comedians hosting an African awards show like Marlon Wayans and Anthony Anderson, Viacom Africa executives who considered and tried for Trevor Noah last year, have now managed to snag the South African stand-up comedian for the award show that is moving from Durban to Johannesburg's Ticketpro Drome.

The MTV Africa Music Awards 2016 will be broadcast live on 22 October on MTV Base (DStv 322) and MTV (DStv 130) at 21:00 with the 2-hour broadcast in front of an expected crowd of 15 000 people that will include performances by Cassper Nyovest, Nasty C, Ycee, Yemi Alade, Babes Woduma and Alikiba.

"I'm a huge fan of African music and entertainment and it's going to be a massive pleasure celebrating them both at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2016 in my own home town of Johannesburg," says Trevor Noah in a statement.

Alex Okosi, the senior vice president and managing director of Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN Africa) says "Trevor Noah is an outstanding entertainer, and testament to the amazing talent that Africa has to offer the world".

"To have him host the MAMAs, our annual celebration of Africa music, creativity and achievement is a powerful and inspiring message. We are delighted that out first ever show in Johannesburg will be presented by one of the city's most loved and admired personalities."