MultiChoice ups Busola Tejumola to executive head of general entertainment channels

by Thinus Ferreira

MultiChoice has promoted Busola Tejumola in Nigeria, until now MultiChoice's head of content and West Africa channels, to executive head of general entertainment channels.

Busola Tejumola reports into Nomsa Philiso, MultiChoice CEO for general entertainment.

Busola Tejumola joined MultiChoice in 2012 as consumer insights manager and was promoted to head of strategy and insights. 

She was again promoted to M-Net's general manager for its set of Africa Magic channels on DStv, and then became executive head of MultiChoice Nigeria content.

Africa Magic adds slate of 5 new Nigerian shows for early 2025 including fantasy warrior series and school hostage drama

by Thinus Ferreira

MultiChoice and M-Net have unveiled a new slate of Nigerian programming for its set of Africa Magic channels on DStv with 5 new shows that will premiere and fill the schedule between the start of 2025 and March including a school hostage drama and a fantasy warrior series.

Uriri which has already started on 30 December is billed by M-Net as a fantasy drama series. 

The 39-episode series chronicles the story of "a legendary warrior" Ogaga who must "confront his destiny and darkness while being haunted by the source of his strength" after his path crosses with a young woman named Serome.

Uriri on Africa Magic Showcase, from Mondays to Wednesdays, stars Seun Ajayi, Frank Konwea, Osarehia Oronsaye and Bobby Ekpe with Xavier Ighorodje as showrunner and executive producer.

The new series PTA follows the life of a teacher, Kennedy, and how a series of unfortunate events led him to take the drastic decision of holding those at his school's parent-teacher meeting hostage.

The 25-episode PTA on Africa Magic Showcase on Thursdays and Fridays is directed by Reuben Reng and stars Levi Chikere, Segun Arinze, Eric Obinna, Dorin Oyesanya and Jsmile Uhuru.

Something called Inu Jin is on Africa Magic Yoruba with episodes on Saturdays and Sundays. No information from MultiChoice.

A new series called Obi Di Omim is on Africa Magic Igbo. Also no information from MultiChoice about it.

Busola Tejumola, MultiChoice's head of content and channels for West Africa, in a press release, says "Every year, we're constantly shown our commitment to delivering the best of African storytelling to your screens, and this year's no different".

"With our latest offerings, we look forward to having you at the edge of your seat with these immersive stories."

MultiChoice Nigeria doing season 9 of Big Brother Naija from 28 July with housemates competing in pairs as M-Net cuts prize money to N100 million.

by Thinus Ferreira

MultiChoice Nigeria and M-Net are bringing back Big Brother Naija for a 9th season from 28 July in which contestants called housemates will enter in pairs but MultiChoice Nigeria is reducing the prize money which will go to one winner from N120 million to N100 million (R1.1 million).

Season 9 of Big Brother Naija will run on MultiChoice's DStv for 71 days from 28 July until 6 October and have its debut on all MultiChoice's Africa Magic channels on DStv, after Nigerians had to audition in pairs.

Although housemates will enter Big Brother Naija in pairs, only one person will eventually be the winner. Ebuka Obi-Uchendu will return as the Big Brother Naija host.

The N100 million is N20 million (R223 000) less than the N120 million (R1.3 million) prize money for Big Brother Naija's 8th season in 2023 and with the plunging foreign currency value and rampant inflation in Nigeria, the N100 million is also worth much less than what N100 million could buy just a year ago in the West African country. 

Busola Tejumola, MultiChoice's head of content and West Africa channels, on Tuesday spoke at a media conference in Lagos, Nigeria where she said "The challenging aspect of the show will be that the housemates will be going into the house in pairs and doing some of the house challenges in pairs".

"Everyone curious about the theme should watch out for the premiere on Sunday 28 July. The show holds lots of fun, vibes, emotion, drama, dynamics, and intriguing twists. This innovative format promises to deliver fresh dynamics and unforgettable entertainment."

"We will not be having the head of the house challenge as usual, there will be lots of twists from Big Brother. The pool party and the Saturday night party will be held and the show will air 24 hours."

"After 71 days of game playing, on 6 October a grand total of N100 million worth of cash and a brand new SUV will be won. Our grand prize this year is worth N100 million."

Busola Tejumola failed to explain why MultiChoice Africa reduced the Big Brother Naija prize money amount which is also worth less in buying power this year.

While Big Brother Naija will be broadcast and again be seen on DStv across Africa with an audience wider than just Nigeria, MultiChoice Nigeria didn't bother to alert media elsewhere in Africa and failed to send out any press release or communication on Tuesday to the press in other countries besides Nigeria.

MultiChoice's video streaming service Showmax will once again do The Buzz as an additional content add-on with Toke Makinwa who is set to return as the host of this recap show that will talk about highlights from the reality show.

MultiChoice Nigeria announced a reunion episode for the 8th season of Big Brother Naija that was set for 24 June but MultiChoice Nigeria and M-Net unexpectedly cancelled it and refused to provide any reason.

M-Net's Africa Magic adds slate of 6 new titles to DStv for 2024.

by Thinus Ferreira

M-Net Africa has added a slate of 6 new series to its linear Africa Magic channels on MultiChoice's DStv for early 2024 including shows sets inside a superstore,

"The new shows will take viewers on an emotional rollercoaster as they get immersed in the lives of the characters, their relationships and their different journeys," says Busola Tejumola, MultiChoice Nigeria's executive head of content and West Africa channels, in a statement.

"We are excited to be premiering Hook, Line and Sinkah, Theory of Breakfast, Manfriend, Unscripted, Siblings Game Show, and Checkout across our Africa Magic channels at the start of a new year, cementing our position as Africa's most loved storytellers."

"We can't wait for our dedicated customers to see the new shows because they will be entertained by the stellar cast and excellent storytelling."

The Theory of Breakfast started on 1 January with new episodes on Mondays and Tuesdays on Africa Magic Showcase as a romantic drama with several interwoven love stories. The show follows two friends who have secretly been in love with each other. Unusual events preceding one of their weddings cause stowed-away love to bloom between them amidst a heart-wrenching series of heartbreaks. 

Checkout that also started on 1 January with new episodes on weekdays on Africa Magic Urban is a comedy drama series set inside a large superstore, Treatz. 

The store owner's divorced sister, Margaret, handles the day-to-day operations. Every episode brings humorous scenarios and conflict between the staff and customers where staff must handle everything from shoppers who don't have enough money at the counter to shoplifters who get caught stealing ridiculous things.

Hook, Line and Sinkah started on 3 January on Wednesdays on Africa Magic Showcase and follows three young half-brothers – Ugo, Sodiq and Kenny Jacobson. 

Despite their father's legendary philandering activities, he doesn't hold any of them in high regard. To help them become more "manly", he orders them to live together in one of his properties and work in his company.

Manfriend that started on 5 January on Fridays on Africa Magic Showcase is a chaotic family drama set in the heart of a bustling city where the King family navigates a whirlwind of emotions, secrets, and aspirations amidst planning their mother's grand 50th birthday bash. 

Doosuur King, the dependable middle daughter, takes the lead in organising the event. She employs her sisters' help, but they are too absorbed in their conflicts to contribute to the party arrangements. 

Unscripted takes on the form of a popular reality TV show's reunion and started on 3 January on Africa Magic Showcase, with viewers who have to choose sides since only one person can be the ultimate reality star. The show stars Bobby Ekpe, Wumi Tuase, Obehi Aburime, Ajayi Akorede (aka The Korexx), Debby Felix, Eby Eno, Nonso Bassey, Austine Onuoha, Martha Ehinome, Shalewa Ashafa, and others.

The Siblings Challenge show on Africa Magic Family since 6 January has new episodes on Saturdays and Sundays.

The Real Housewives of Abuja to debut on 17 February on Showmax will bring a second set of Nigerian woman to NBCUniversal reality franchise.

by Thinus Ferreira

With the format proliferating like TV hamsters, MultiChoice's next African edition of The Real Housewives franchise will be The Real Housewives of Abuja which will be released on Showmax on 17 February across Africa, showcasing the lives of six women living in Nigeria's capital and eighth largest city.

The Real Housewives of Abuja, set in another Nigeria city similar to The Real Housewives of Lagos, will release a new episode on Showmax every Friday and will include the Abuja women Arafa, Comfort Booth, OJ Posharella, Princess Jecoco, Samantha Homossany and Tutupie, as "they navigate their opulent lives, relationships, family and businesses within the powerful city of Abuja and beyond".

The reality series's launch will follow after the debut of The Real Housewives of Gqeberha which will have its TV debut on M-Net's 1Magic (DStv 103) on 3 February following women in the Eastern Cape's Nelson Mandela Bay metropole.

The Real Housewives of Abuja and The Real Housewives of Gqeberha are the latest two African franchise editions, joining existing series like The Real Housewives of Johannesburg, The Real Housewives of Pretoria, The Real Housewives of Lagos, The Real Housewives of Cape Town, as well as The Real Housewives of Durban which will have its third season starting on 1 February on Showmax.

The Real Housewives of Abuja is produced by Delmedia Productions.

Busola Tejumola, MultiChoice head of content and West Africa channels, says "Telling our local story is at the core of what we do, and we are glad to continue this partnership with NBCUniversal Formats, to bring the franchise to a second city in Nigeria".

"The new series will follow the luxurious lives of six influential and successful women in Abuja."

Arafa, creative director and founder of Selaralifestyle is a married mom of twins and an art entrepreneur. 

Comfort Booth is a partner at Asia Ahmed & Co and is a lawyer, social commentator, travel blogger and talk show host.

Ojoma Sule, known as "OJ Posharella", is an entrepreneur and CEO of the Posharella Group of Companies.

The hotelier Princess Jecoco is a married mom or two as the managing director of the Sefcon hotel group and is a lawyer, brand ambassador, influencer and content creator.

Samantha Homossany is the creative director of Zohi Taglit and is a wellness entrepreneur. She is married to an Israeli millionaire and the mother of four kids. 

Tutupie is the creative director of Urban Day Party and is an event curator who is a certified chef.

MultiChoice Africa and M-Net also lost its top West Africa content boss Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu who jumped to Amazon Prime Video as head of Nigerian Originals.

by Thinus Ferreira

MultiChoice and M-Net have also lost Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, one of its top content bosses in West Africa to Amazon Prime Video, as part of the ongoing exodus of top executive talent at the pan-African pay-TV operator.

Not widely reported, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu who was the regional director of M-Net West Africa, jumped ship to Amazon Prime Video a few months ago as head of content acquisition for Amazon Prime Video in Africa, after which she was appointed in the role of head of Nigerian Originals, a position that Amazon advertised 

Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu joined MultiChoice and M-Net in 2012 as M-Net West Africa regional manager.

Neither MultiChoice nor M-Net said anything when Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu left to Amazon and didn't announce her exit, with her jump to greener pastures which is similar to the flurry of other MultiChoice and M-Net executives and staffers who have continued to leave in a steady stream for jobs at video streaming companies like Netflix Africa, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video over the past few years and which are beefing up their staff and content roll-out plans for Africa.

MultiChoice of course upped Busola Tejumola as head of content and West Africa to replace Wangi Mba-Uzoukwa but never explained her "disappearance".

Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu got the job as head of Nigerian originals that Amazon advertised in April 2022. At the time, Amazon Studios said that it was looking for execs and someone in the position as head of Nigerian originals who has "a deep knowledge of the Nigerian production landscape, including talent". 

Another MultiChoice top exec, Gideon Khobane just left MultiChoice in South Africa as well after several years, and is also joining Amazon.

ALSO READ: Gideon Khobane exits MultiChoice for Amazon as next high-profile exec to leave the pay-TV operator

Bonang Matheba and IK Osakioduwa to co-host 2022's 8th Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards on 14 May in Lagos.

by Thinus Ferreira

South Africa's Bonang Matheba and Nigeria's IK Osakioduwa will co-host 2022's 8th Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCAs) on Saturday 14 May in Lagos, Nigeria which will be done as a live broadcast across M-Net's various Africa Magic channels on DStv.

MultiChoice and M-Net West Africa's AMVCAs, marked year after year by shockingly bad production values, problems and amateurish on-air gaffes, return after a year's absence due to the global Covid-19 pandemic.

MultiChoice and M-Net West Africa last held its Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards, the 7th edition on 14 March 2020 with a packed hotel auditorium audience, after which MultiChoice had to warn its thousands of MultiChoice and M-Net guests who physically attended in Lagos, Nigeria that they were likely exposed to Covid-19.

In 2021 MultiChoice and M-Net didn't organise any Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards due to Covid-19 and never officially announced that it's cancelled for this year.

MultiChoice didn't have the AMVCAs in 2019 and revived it for 2020 after a year's absence,  meaning that the pan-African awards show for the continent's film and TV industry has been an on-off, on-off event for 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Although the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards is supposed to include and represent the entire film and TV industry of sub-Saharan Africa, the MultiChoice and M-Net awards remains an overwhelmingly West African and specifically Nigerian-centred exercise with the 2022 nominees across categories once again stacked with talent favouring predominantly Nigerian television and film.

The Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards continues to get little exposure and publicity effort in East and Southern Africa with many producers in the pan-African industry outside of Nigeria not aware when entries open or that they can enter work.

Although called the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards, viewers get to decide only a third of the category winners since MultiChoice doesn't think viewers make the best decisions.

2022's 8th Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards now has a total of 33 categories, with a whopping 21 categories decided by the AMVCA panel of judges. Only 12 categories are voted for by the public - 36%.

Although still shockingly low, this is an improvement on the 25% of 2018 in which Africa's viewers only got to decide the winners in 7 out of the 27 categories at the AMVCAs.

Saturday's 8th Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCAs) will be the first time that Bonang Matheba is co-hosting this awards ceremony, with returning AMVCA presenter IK Osakioduwa. 

The 2022 awards will honour work done between 1 December 2019 and 30 November 2021 - a two-year period that is bigger than usual due to the shutdowns and interruptions which were caused by the Covid-pandemic. 

Busola Tejumola, MultiChoice's head of content and West African channels, says in a statement "We are excited to have Bonang join IK as co-host for the 8th edition of the AMVCAs".

"They are both extremely talented and have attained continental acclaim having both hosted some of Africa's biggest shows. Together they will keep the crowd entertained on the biggest night to celebrate African film and TV stars."

Bonang Matheba in a prepared statement says "It's always such an honour to host live productions and I think after Covid we haven't had the opportunity to be outside to have these big, big productions with live studio audiences".

"So it's lovely to have all of that back. It's also an honour. Any single stage I get to step on is an honour. I've always wanted to work with IK. I am a huge fan of his. So, I'm looking forward to that too."

IK Osakioduwa says "I feel really honoured to be hosting the AMVCAs again. I'm also really excited about the decision to honour the social media content creators with a category of their own. Trust me when I say, without a doubt this year is going to be another amazing outing for the African film industry."

ALSO READ: TV CRITIC'S NOTEBOOK. With M-Net and MultiChoice's 6th Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards for 2018 coming up, cue the fawning, superficial - and mostly non-existent - coverage by Africa's so-called entertainment journalists, quick to take selfies, but slow to actually report anything.

With $1 million investment the past year MultiChoice Ghana and M-Net West Africa mark first anniversary of Akwaaba Magic channel on DStv that created 5 000 jobs in Ghana's TV and film biz.

by Thinus Ferreira

MultiChoice's regionalised DStv Ghana and M-Net West Africa celebrated the first year anniversary of their Akwaaba Magic channel on DStv on 1 May with MultiChoice and M-Net working on boosting the development of Ghana's local film and TV industry.

Over the past year, MultiChoice and M-Net invested in ramping up specific Ghanaian local productions, using Ghanaian crews, ranging from Inside Out and Ghana's first telenovela Dede currently in its second season, to the crime drama series Inspector Bediako, Ghana's first medical drama series Accra Medic and reality shows like Sankofa and Date My Family Ghana. 

MultiChoice's video streaming service, Showmax, recently commissioned the first Ghanaian Showmax Original, ENO.

Filming in places like Ada, Asosombo, Takoradi, Kumasi and Aburi, the creation of Akwaaba Magic has created over 5 000 direct and indirect jobs in Ghana's film and TV industry over the past year since the channel launched in March 2021.

The one year anniversary media event of Akwaaba Magic that took place on Sunday comes as MultiChoice and M-Net West Africa added Akwaaba Magic Abusua as a new TV channel on DStv as a lower-tiered rerun channel to make the content produced for the channel available to DStv subscribers on lower DStv and GOtv packages after a premium-tier run.

On Sunday 1 May DStv Ghana and M-Net West Africa marked the one year anniversary of Akwaaba Magic with a media event that was held in the country.

With up to 20 productions running concurrently and over 300 jobs created for writers, camera operators, lighting technicians, directors, production managers and editors, Akwaaba Magic channel head Kennedy Dankyi-Appah, said that M-Net created the channel to help support Ghana's film and TV industry both in funding and content distribution.

"Our fulfilment lies in the awareness the channel has brought to Ghanaian content in general - we love our own especially when it's produced well."

Alex Okyere, MultiChoice Ghana managing director, said at the event that a year later the Akwaaba Magic channel has re-ignited the interest in authentic Ghanaian storytelling, with MultiChoice and M-Net that have made an investment in the sector of over $1 million in the past year.

He said that the availability of the Akwaaba Magic channel on the MultiChoice's Showmax streaming service extends the audience for Ghanaian content to a much wider audience.

Busola Tejumola, MultiChoice's head of content and channels for West Africa, at the event noted that MultiChoice had set a high target for Akwaaba Magic content.

Richard Darko, MultiChoice Ghana chairperson, said Akwaaba Magic is part of MultiChoice's strategy of launching local channels in various African countries that are relevant to the developmental needs in these specific countries.

He said that MultiChoice will continue to support Ghana's film and TV industry with the Akwaaba Magic and Akwaaba Magic Abusua channels as well as on Showmax, to "project the rich, authentic and diverse stories from Ghana to the world".

ALSO READ: MultiChoice and M-Net West Africa to launch lower-tiered Akwaaba Magic Abusua TV channel on 2 May on DStv and GOtv in Ghana, shows will include South Africa's Gomora dubbed with Ghanaian voices.

Meet the cast: The Real Housewives of Lagos starts 8 April on Showmax with a Lagos lawyer, social media influencers, a stylist and creative director.

by Thinus Ferreira

A Lagos lawyer, a social media influencer, a TikTok star, a celebrity stylist, a creative director dabbling as a YouTuber and a real estate CEO are the 6 women starring in The Real Housewives of Lagos that will debut as the latest African franchise of the Housewives reality format on 8 April on MultiChoice's video streaming service Showmax.

New episodes of The Real Housewives of Lagos will be released every Friday from 8 April on Showmax, starring Carolyna Hutchings, Laura Ikeji, Chioma Ikokwu, Toyin Lawani-Adebayo, Iyabo Ojo and Mariam Timmer opening their glamorous, drama and conflict-filled lives in Lagos, Nigeria.

The first season of The Real Housewives of Lagos will consist of 12 episodes - 10 episodes and 2 reunion episodes.

Dubbed "RHOLagos", the West African reality offshoot produced by Livespot 360 as the 16th international version of The Real Housewives format, will be available on Showmax in 40 African countries and is distributed internationally by NBCUniversal Formats which is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group.

RHOLagos is the third African adaptation, following after The Real Housewives of Johannesburg and The Real Housewives of Durban on Showmax. 

The Real Housewives of Lagos stars Carolyna Hutchings, the CEO of Hutchings Limited, a real estate, oil and gas, and agriculture company. She is also the founder of Hopeville Foundation, an NGO that caters to women and children and is the mother of three.

Laura Ikeji, a mother of two, is a social media influencer, author, and entrepreneur and is married to the former Super Eagles star Christopher Kanu.

 

Chioma Ikokwu is a lawyer as well as co-founder and CEO of luxury hair brand Good Hair Ltd, and Brass and Copper Restaurant & Lounge, and also runs a women- and children-focused charity called the Goodway Foundation. Chioma has never been married.

 

Toyin Lawani-Adebayo is a renowned celebrity stylist, fashion designer, business mogul and CEO of Tiannah’s Place Empire. She is a mother of three super-talented kids and is married to musician and creative photographer Segun Wealth.

 

Iyabo Ojo is a Nollywood actress, producer, TikTok sensation, brand influencer, entrepreneur and CEO of Fepris Limited. She is a divorced mother of two.

 

Mariam Timmer is a PR expert and chief executive director at Six Sixteen Agency. She's the creative director at Lure Fashion Limited, an online retail fashion line; an online content creator; YouTuber; and entrepreneur. Mariam has a daughter and is married to John Timmer.

Candice Fangueiro, Showmax Africa head of content, says "As an African brand, showcasing and telling African stories is at the core of our content production, so we are excited to be partnering with NBCUniversal Formats to bring The Real Housewives of Lagos to our subscribers".

"The Real Housewives of Durban, now in its second season, has smashed viewing records and delighted fans. Our Nigerian subscribers are in for a treat with the local edition."

Busola Tejumola, MultiChoice Nigeria executive head of content and West Africa channels, says "The Real Housewives of Lagos has long been anticipated by fans of the franchise across Africa, and we're excited to finally bring it to your screens".

"The show will explore the rich culture and lifestyle of Africa’s largest megacity, Lagos, through the eyes of six of the city's most glamorous women. Each of these women is unique, fabulous and watch-worthy. We are certain that our viewers will enjoy the ride."

Season 7 of Nigerian Idol adds D'banj and Simi as judges, Obi Asika returning as a judge with IK Osakioduwa back as host.

by Thinus Ferreira

The award-winning entertainer, D'banj and singer-songwriter Simi have been added as judges for the 7th season of Nigerian Idol that will start on 6 February, with IK Osakioduwa back as the host and with Obi Asika returning as a judge.

"We could not think of a better trio to be the season’s judges than Obi Asika, D’banj and Simi," says Dr Busola Tejumola, MultiChoice Nigeria executive head of content for West Africa channels.

"The three of them combined bring decades worth of experience in the music and entertainment business, as well as individual mastery of their crafts. We have no doubt that they will keep the viewers entertained in what will be a spectacular season."

D'banj says "I was out of the country when I found out that I was going to be a judge for this season of Nigerian Idol and I couldn't contain my excitement. I'm coming in with my own strategy so viewers should expect a bang."

Simi says "I've always loved the idea of being a judge and I think it's a fun thing to do. I plan to be very honest and have fun and hopefully gain inspiration from those that come on the show".

Obi Asika says "I will be looking for special talents and new faces this year. I'm also excited to work with the rest of the judges this season, and I will be very fair and real to every contestant just like I was last year."

Kingdom Kroseide won the 6th season of Nigerian Idol, with online and physical auditions that took place in November 2021 for the upcoming 7th season.

MultiChoice and M-Net revives the 8th Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards for 2022 as entries open for TV and film productions done across Africa over the past 2 years.

by Thinus Ferreira

MultiChoice and M-Net West Africa are reviving its Nigeria-centric Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards after a year's absence due to the global Covid-19 pandemic with the 8th Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards that will take place in 2022.

The 8th African Magic Viewers' Choice Awards will once again be staged in Lagos, Nigeria with the awards introducing "Best Online Social Content Creator" as a new category.

In October MultiChoice revealed that it would bring back the AMVCAs in 2022 after a year's absence, with the 7th edition that took place on 14 March 2020 with a packed hotel auditorium audience, after which MultiChoice had to warn its thousands of MultiChoice and M-Net guests who physically attended in Lagos, Nigeria that they were likely exposed to Covid-19.

MultiChoice's Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards is usually panned for its bad production values year after year, shoddy presenters, and multiple awkward mistakes during the broadcast on M-Net's Africa Magic channels on DStv that neither MultiChoice nor the production company seems able to improve and fix. 

In 2021 MultiChoice and M-Net didn't organise any Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards due to Covid-19 and never officially announced that it was cancelled for this year. 

MultiChoice didn't have the AMVCAs in 2019 and revived it for 2020 after a year's absence,  meaning that the pan-African awards show for the continent's film and TV industry has been an on-off, on-off event for 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Likewise, MultiChoice South Africa and M-Net also didn't have any DStv Mzansi Viewers' Choice Awards in South Africa in 2021 and failed to communicate that it was cancelled for the year, with kykNET that didn't want to say that there won't be any Silwerskermfees in 2021 either. 

Submissions can now be made for the 8th Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards in 2022, with the entry period that will close on Friday 14 January 2022.

Work created and screened by Africans in Africa between 1 December 2019 and 30 November 2021 can be entered, with films, made-for-TV movies and TV series previously entered or nominated for an award, or awarded a prize in another film and television competition that are eligible to be entered for the AMVCAs.

This is a much broader eligibility window for work that had been produced to make up for the absence of the AMVCAs in 2021.

"Following the 7th edition in 2020, plans for the next instalment were put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the attendant concerns on the health and safety of all stakeholders. The AMVCAs will now take place in Lagos, Nigeria in 2022," MultiChoice Africa says in a statement.

John Ugbe, MultiChoice Nigeria CEO, says "The 8th edition of the AMVCAs once again demonstrates our commitment to spotlight the immense talent we have in the African film and TV industry and promises to leave a much bigger impact than previous editions".

Dr. Busola Tejumola, MultiChoice Nigeria's head of content and West Africa channels, says "We are very excited about the Best Online Social Content Creator category as we believe this will further underscore our commitment to represent all content creators and inspire new talent".

"There is no better time than now to recognize and celebrate this growing digital community as we stage the eight edition of the awards."

The 8th AMVCAs will also see the return of Best Africa Magic Original Drama Series, Best Africa Magic Original Comedy Series as well as the Best Dressed Male and Female, which will be voted for on the night of the event.

The 8th Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards will now have a total of 33 categories. 

Although the competition has "Viewers' Choice" in its name, a whopping 21 categories are decided by the AMVCA panel of judges, with only 12 categories that are voted for by the public - 36%.

Although still shockingly low, it is an improvement on the 25% of 2018 in which Africa's viewers only got to decide the winners in 7 out of the 27 categories at the AMVCAs.

People and production companies that want to enter the 8th AMVCAs must prepare a 5-minute long showreel under 300 MB and log on to the Africa Magic website at www.africamagic.dstv.com, click on the AMVCA 8th edition banner and go to the submissions page where the submission form must be filled, and the clip uploaded.

A participant can submit multiple entries in different categories.

A reference number will be allocated for every completed online submission. A hard drive of the submitted project must then be sent to the head office of the relevant African region (Nigeria in West Africa, South Africa in Southern Africa, Kenya in East Africa).

Nigeria

Busola Komolafe, Africa Magic, 4 Industrial Street, Ilupeju

South Africa

Sibongile Mabel Nkosi, Magic Center, 137 Bram Fischer Drive, Randburg, 2123

Kenya

Margaret Mathore, 2nd floor, M-Net offices, Local Production Studio, Jamhuri Grounds off Ngong road

MultiChoice and M-Net will hold the 8th Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards in Nigeria in 2022, will add DStv channel showing live festivals and events from across West Africa.

by Thinus Ferreira

MultiChoice and M-Net West Africa have announced that that it plans to hold its 8th Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards in 2022 with the Nigerian-centric awards show that will return after another year's absence in 2021 due to the ongoing global Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, with MultiChoice that will also add a DStv channel showing live festivals and events from across West Africa.

MultiChoice and M-Net West Africa last held its Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards, the 7th edition on 14 March 2020 with a packed hotel auditorium audience, after which MultiChoice had to warn its thousands of MultiChoice and M-Net guests who physically attended in Lagos, Nigeria that they were likely exposed to Covid-19.

In 2021 MultiChoice and M-Net didn't organise any Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards due to Covid-19 and never officially announced that it's cancelled for this year.

MultiChoice didn't have the AMVCAs in 2019 and revived it for 2020 after a year's absence,  meaning that the pan-African awards show for the continent's film and TV industry has been an on-off, on-off event for 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

At MultiChoice Nigeria's MultiChoice Content Showcase event that was held on Thursday in Lagos, Nigeria, the pay-TV operator announced that the 8th Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards will be taking place in 2022 again.

Busola Tejumola, MultiChoice Nigeria executive head for West Africa content and channels, also announced that MultiChoice will be adding a new DStv channel in 2022 showcasing live festivals and events from across West Africa.

CORONAVIRUS. M-Net West Africa and MultiChoice Nigeria show callous disregard to enforce mask wearing or social distancing safety protocols at its media event for new Africa Magic series.

by Thinus Ferreira

While the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic rages in the country M-Net West Africa and MultiChoice Nigeria showed a callous disregard to enforce anything like the mandatory requirement for people to wear masks in public or at events in Nigeria, or practising any form of social distancing protocols at its Africa Magic media event.

People keep getting infected and keep dying in Nigeria from Covid-19 as in other African countries.

With the Delta-variant that is now the dominant strain in the West African country, wearing a mask in public or at events is compulsory in Nigeria, where people are also implored by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to adhere to social and physical distance protocols in public and at events.

While MultiChoice and M-Net do lip-service in public statements to supposedly supporting and adhering to Covid-19 safe protocols, in reality it's very clear that what MultiChoice and M-Net say they do isn't practised or enforced at the pay-TV operator's public and media events with a shocking flouting of Covid-19 safe regulations from Ethiopia to Nigeria, and from Zambia to South Africa.

On Thursday MultiChoice Nigeria and M-Net West Africa in Nigeria held a media event to tell the media more about its 4 upcoming new TV shows like Dilemma and Venge that will start from October on its various Africa Magic channels on DStv.

Tosin Igho (Venge executive producer), Atinuke Babatunde (M-Net channel head for Africa Magic Showcase, Urban & Epic), Busola Tejumola (MultiChoice Nigeria executive head for West Africa content and channels), Uche Ikejimba (Dilemma executive producer) and Mike-Steve Adeleye (head of content for West Africa ) had absolutely no problem to shockingly pose maskless side-by-side at the Africa Magic media event on Thursday.

Meanwhile the media, cast, producers and other guests leisurely packed the inside venue at the Africa Magic event held in Lagos, Nigeria, and crammed close together without masks or any social distancing observed with VJ Adams as the event's host.

Neither the Nigerian media, Africa Magic executives, MultiChoice Nigeria executives, show producers or the actors who attended the event apparently think that they have Covid-19, can get Covid-19, or can infect other people with Covid-19, or that it's necessary to make absolutely sure that people are wearing masks as prescribed and keep their social distance at physical gatherings.

Besides Dilemma and Venge another new show that will start is Music Buzz from Wednesday 6 October on Africa Magic Urban (DStv 153).

Mercy, what's next?, a spin-off of the Mercy & Ike Show, will start on Sunday 10 October on the Africa Magic Showcase (DStv 151) channel. 

The shows Turn Up Friday and Owambe Saturdays also return for new seasons on Friday 29 October and Saturday 30 October to Africa Magic Family (DStv 154).

ALSO READ: CORONAVIRUS. China's StarTimes behaves as if Covid-19 doesn't exist, throws Nigerian launch party in Lagos for new comedy series Okirika. 

ALSO READ: TV CRITIC's NOTEBOOK. Just another white wedding: MultiChoice and M-Net do hollow lip-service and PSAs about Covid-safety - but show DStv subscribers a whole other reality where a coronavirus pandemic apparently doesn't exist.

ALSO READ: SHOCKER. MultiChoice Africa and M-Net claim it's practising and adhering to Covid-19 TV and film production regulations - but shocking photos show a lack of mask wearing and flouting of social distancing on set.

M-Net West Africa adds Dilemma and Venge as two new telenovelas to DStv's Africa Magic Showcase channel and Showmax from 4 October.

by Thinus Ferreira

M-Net West Africa is adding two new series from October - Dilemma and Venge - to its Africa Magic Showcase (DStv 151) channel on MultiChoice's DStv.

The telenovelas Riona and Enakhe are ending with the two new half-hour dramas replacing them from Monday 4 October.

Dilemma will broadcast at 20:00 on weeknights on Africa Magic Showcase and follows the lives of two estranged lovers as they find their way back to each other and deal with a history they would rather forget. 

The Dilemma cast includes Nigerian actors like Shan George, Bob-Manuel Udokwu and some new faces.

Venge will be shown on weekdays on Africa Magic Showcase at 20:30 as a "scandalous story of lies, secrets, betrayals, conspiracies, and a quest for justice and revenge". The Venge cast includes Michelle Dede, Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Obehi Aburime, Uche Mac-Auley, and Ian Wordi.

Busola Tejumola, MultiChoice Nigeria's executive head of content and West Africa channels, says that besides being on the Africa Magic Showcase channel, Dilemma and Venge will also be available on MultiChoice's video streaming service, Showmax.