MultiChoice Namibia grows local content slate with further series, film and documentary commissions as Ombura-project enters second phase

by Thinus Ferreira

MultiChoice Namibia is growing its local content slate under the project's "Ombura-named umbrella with further new series, film and documentary commissions.

So far, 19 films, a lifestyle series and a documentary have been produced for DStv, GOtv and MultiChoice's streamer Showmax. 

In September 2024, MultiChoice Namibia also started and held its first MultiChoice Film Festival in Namibia to showcase new local content and to provide local filmmakers a place to meet, interact and have conversations.

The Ombura-project which is entering its second phase, is part of MultiChoice Namibia's effort to expand its slate of local content and Namibian stories.

The lifestyle coming series Op Pad Met My Potjie which was seen recently on kykNET (DStv 144) with presenter Joalette de Villiers travelling throughout Namibia, has been renewed for a second season.

Bora Box which will premiere on Channel O, is a new music request show showcasing Namibian music and artists.

Crossover Hearts is a new romantic film directed by MultiChoice Talent Factory alum Lucia Kim Hamunghete which follows a young couple from different cultures battling prejudices and family expectations.

Desert Film's The Long Road details the life of a struggling factory worker who has been abandoned by his pregnant wife and attempts to redeem himself, while Oppiplaas is a romantic drama about a city girl launching a social media business and who then reluctantly takes on a struggling farmer as a client.

The Afrikaans environmental magazine show Groen Namibië has been renewed for another season on kykNET.

Then there is also the feature film My F*k, Marelize, also produced by kykNET Films and inspired by a viral video from Namibia, which will be shown on kykNET.

Another documentary will also be produced.

"This year, we continue our commitment to hyperlocal storytelling with productions that reflect the culture, language, and realities of our audiences," says Rogert Gertze, MultiChoice Namibia managing director.

"Beyond storytelling, we are actively investing in the future of African film and television by training, funding, and supporting the next generation of local talent because when Africa tells its own stories, the world listens."

Esther Beukes, Namibian Film Commission chairperson, says "On behalf of the Namibia Film Commission, a huge thank you to MultiChoice Namibia, and this phenomenal team. Your investment in our industry isn't just about making TV, it's about making history."

ALSO READ: Inside MultiChoice's push to expand Namibia's kykNET content

ALSO READ: MultiChoice Namibia to host inaugural MultiChoice Film Festival 2024 with panel sessions and content screenings

South African rapper Kiernan 'AKA' Forbes (35) murdered in Durban drive-by double killing; 'we're awaiting further details from police,' parents say.

by Thinus Ferreira

The South African rapper and songwriter Kiernan "AKA" Forbes was murdered in a Friday night Durban drive-by double killing along with friend Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane (34), while a bodyguard was wounded. 

Kiernan Forbes was 35. 

Kiernan Forbes leaves behind an 8-year-old daughter Kairo Owethu Forbes he had with musician DJ Zinhle in 2015 and was in a romantic relationship with rapper Nadia Nakai at the time of his murder. His former fiance Anele Tembe fell to her death from a hotel room in April 2021 in Cape Town and he dated Bonang Matheba Matheba between 2015 and 2017.

Colonel Robert Netshiunda, KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, says Kiernan "AKA" Forbes was shot and murdered along with another man in a drive-by shooting in Morningside along the coastal city's Florida Road on Friday night.

Robert "AKA" Forbes was killed while he was shot at by two drive-by vehicles at 22:00 sitting at a table at the Wish restaurant with friends who were all drinking before he was set to perform later that night at the YūGō nightclub. Their bodies were covered by table umbrellas and were removed at 02:00 on Saturday morning.

In a statement, his Kiernan Forbes' parents, Tony and Lynn Forbes, say "It is with extreme sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our beloved son on the evening of 10 February 2023. We are awaiting further details from the Durban police". 

"To us, Kiernan Forbes was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, most importantly father to his beloved daughter Kairo."

"To many he was AKA, Supamega, Bhova and the many other names of affection his legion of fans called him by. Our son was loved and he gave love in return. In time of grief we appeal for your compassion, space and time to congregate as a family to decide on the upcoming days."

"We thank you for the love and support we have received thus far, and ask you continue to keep us in your prayers and uplifting in the Lord."

Amanda Bani-Mapena, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for arts and culture, in a statement says the province has "learnt with shock and sadness of the fatal shooting of rapper Kiernan Forbes known as AKA late on Friday evening in Durban's bustling Florida Road precinct".

"We hope the law enforcement agencies will do their work in bringing the perpetrators to justice."

Sony Music in a statement, says "It is with profound sadness that Sony Music Entertainment Africa acknowledges the news of the untimely passing of the South African music icon and culture figure Kiernan "AKA" Forbes".

Sean Watson, Sony Music Entertainment Africa managing director, says "Our hearts are broken. We've lost not only an icon but someone who was dear to us as a member of the Sony family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones today."

"All of us at Sony Music convey our deepest sympathies and condolences to his family, friends, the Megacy and South Africa."

SABC1 in a statement says the TV channel and South African public broadcaster "is saddened by the untimely passing of award-winning musician Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, known professionally as AKA, who passed away on Friday".

M-Net said on Saturday that its Channel O (DStv 320) music channel on MultiChoice's DStv service would be playing musical song tributes of Kiernan Forbes' music throughout the day. 

Kiernan Forbes was the first season host of The Braai Show on SABC1. "SABC1 sends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues". 

Kiernan Jarryd Forbes was born and grew up in Cape Town. With two of his friends they formed a hip hop group Entity in 2002. 

He rose to fame in 2010 after his single "Victory Lap" from his debut album Altar Ego. He went on to release albums like Levels in 2014, Touch My Blood (2018), Be Careful What You Wish For in 2017 with Anatii, and Bhovamania (2020). His upcoming album, Mass Country, is set to be released later in February 2023.

In 2019 AKA was the roastee for Paramount's Comedy Central Roast TV special on Comedy Central (DStv 122) and he was nominated for Best International Act twice at the BET Awards.

M-Net's Channel O celebrates its 20th birthday on DStv with a spectacular black-and-white Channel O 20th Anniversary music festival.

The M-Net packaged music channel, Channel O (DStv 320) celebrates its 20th anniversary on Saturday night with a special Channel O 20th Anniversary Music Festival that took place, and was filmed for a TV special, at Newton Park in Johannesburg.

People could buy tickets for the festival that featured a large array of artists, while M-Net also created a beautiful Channel O VIP section.

This VIP section was filled on Saturday night with "by invitation only" guests, music biz bigwigs and media from across South Africa who all came together to celebrate the TV channel's big milestone.

The Channel O 20th anniversary featured a line-up of legends who have been part of the channel's line-up since its inception on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform in 1997.

VIP guests in the black-and-white with a touch of gold side stage area sipped on champagne and snacked on chicken drumsticks, hamburgers, hot dogs and Chinese stir fry, while artists performed at the Channel O 20th Anniversary festival ranging from legendary DJs like Ready D, DJ Shimza, PH and DJ Sandiso to stars like Skwatta Kamp, Riky Rick and HHP.

Also on stage were Busiswa, the kwaito stars Trompies, TKZee and Tbebe, as well as Frank Casino, Nasty C and Benny Maverick.

A special "tribute segment" paid homage to music industry heroes who have passed away like Brenda Fassie, Flabba, Mandoza and Lebo Manthosa with artists doing cover versions of their most popular songs.

Okmalumkoolkat, Kwesta and Cassper Nyovest headlined the closing act at the Channel O 20th anniversary birthday special.

"In true Channel O style, we've pulled out all the stops for our 20th birthday," says Reneilwe Sema, M-Net's director for local entertainment.

"Two decades at the forefront of music entertainment is a remarkable feat, and we're dedicating this milestone to the artists, presenters, record labels and industry leaders who've enjoyed this journey of success with us; but most of all it's for the fans - music lovers past and present, without whom Channel I would not be the mega brand it's become today".

Channel O commissions its own Carpool Karaoke 'stars in cars' show, Top 5 Drive, with Denise Zimba and Tino Chinyani.

As part of rebuilding the channel's content basket, M-Net continues to restock its music-themed pay-TV channel on DStv, Channel O (DStv 320) with new original shows and is now adding Top 5 Drive as Channel O's own version of Carpool Karaoke.

In a renewed effort to revitalise the moribund and neglected Channel O, the 20 year old channel's line-up is slowly being filled by new local programming.

Top 5 Drive with presenters Denise Zimba and Tino Chinyani and produced by The Bar Leader TV, will start on Channel O on Saturday, 16 September at 9:30 in the morning and is the latest new local production seeking to capture and lure viewers to the channel.

Styled along the broader themes that makes America's Carpool Karaoke with James Corden so successful, Top 5 Drive is filmed inside a moving vehicle with the presenters talking to celebrities, talking about music - in short "stars in cars".

Channel O calls Top 5 Drive "an exciting taxi pick up of sorts" with Denise Zimba and Tino Chinyani who will give celebrities a "complimentary Channel O ride", discussing the person's favourite music tracks, career highlights and industry news.

People like A-Reece, Amanda Black, Da Les and Dr Malinga will appear in the first season of Top 5 Drive.

The half hour Top 5 Drive will feature five music video selections and cater to all genres.

"Our fans love hot new music, and they love getting into their favourite celebrities' headspaces," says Reneilwe Sema, M-Net director for local entertainment channels.

"The show combines the best of both worlds. Also, look out for some cameo appearances from the stars of our popular dramas in season one."

M-Net's Channel O hosting a massive open-air after-party this year at the Cape Town Carnival 2017's Green Point Fan Walk.

M-Net's Channel O (DStv 320) as a sponsor of the Cape Town Carnival 2017 this year will be doing an open-air after-party on Saturday 18 March on the Green Point Fan Walk.

The theme of Cape Town Carnival 2017 held annually during March, is "AMAZA - Ocean Odyssey" with up to 50 000 people expected to pour into the Mother City to watch the parade that's a project from the national department of arts and culture.

DJ Fresh and Euphonik will be taking the stage at the end of the Fan Walk and bring visitors of the Cape Town Carnival 2017 live music from a gigantic sea-urchin float. This float with an impressive array of lights and colour, will be surrounded by massive speakers.

"M-Net and Channel O are proud to be a part of this outstanding event," says Nkateko Mabaso, M-Net general manager for South Africa. "We pride ourselves on our local content offering and Channel O is the perfect brand to host the after-party which showcases the various local music genres we have in South Africa".

"We're very excited to be working with M-Net's Channel O this year, making the carnival a brilliant, all-round experience," says Jay Douwes, Cape Town Carnival CEO.

More than 50 community groups will bring the Green Point Fan Walk alive with spectacular floats, giant puppets and extravagant costumes with spectactors from across the world coverging along the 1.2 km parade route.

58th Annual Grammy Awards broadcast live on Channel O on DStv Tuesday at 03:00; E! doing red carpet coverage, After Party, Fashion Police episode.

The 58th Annual Grammy Awards taking place on Monday night in the Staples Center in Los Angeles will be broadcast live on Channel O on Tuesday morning at 03:00 for South African viewers with red carpet coverage on E! Entertainment.

The 58th Annual Grammy Awards will again be shown in prime time on Tuesday evening at 19:00 on Channel O (DStv 320), with high definition (HD) repeats on Vuzu Amp (DStv 114) on Saturday, 20 February at 15:00 and on Sunday, 21 February at 21:00.

This year Kendrick Lamar leads the Grammy nominations with 11, followed by Taylor Swift and The Weeknd, each with 7.

"The Grammys are without a doubt music's biggest night of the year and Channel O is known for consistently being at the forefront of music entertainment, so it's a perfect match - one which our viewers will relish and certainly stay up late to tune in for," says Tracy-Ann van Rooyen, Channel O's head of planning and scheduling.

E! Entertainment will start its live 58th Grammy Awards red carpet coverage Monday night at 23:00 until 03:00, repeated on Tuesday from 18:00 until 22:00.

An E! After Party: The Grammy Awards will be shown on Tuesday at 22:00 with highlights from the night's events.

On Thursday night at 20:00, E! Entertainment will have a new Fashion Police episode specifically covering the Grammy Awards.

Channel O on its controversial Youth Day ad: 'We welcome the dialogues that the ad has invoked.'

Channel O (DStv 320) says it "welcomes the dialogues" around its Youth Day ad which is raising eyebrows for its pop culture take on an iconic and harrowing struggle era photo from 1976.

The M-Net supplied music channel on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform tells TV with Thinus that the ad from the Black River FC ad agency – which has been described as "incredibly insensitive" and "disgusting" – was to focus on the recognition of the young people who championed democracy in South Africa almost four decades ago.

Black River FC took the iconic and searing image taken by Sam Mzima of the still missing Mbuyisa Makhubo running through the streets of Soweto holding the body of the 13-year old Hector Pieterson alongside a traumatised 17-year old sister Antoinette Pieterson, and gave it a glossy black-and-white update.

Soweto Uprising photo by Sam Mzima

Hector Pieterson has now been replaced with a graduation gown and smiles in Nganga Dlanga new sanitised photo – a drastic departure from the haunting image which was seen around the world and came to represent the Soweto Uprising of 1976.

"Channel O has noted the diverse commentary regarding its recent Yotuh Day ad," says Nkateko Mabaso, the director of local interest channels at M-Net.

"The channel wishes to confirm that the ad was created to honour the unfailing courage and enormous sacrifice of the youth of 1976. Their actions have had a profound impact on our world today," says Nkateko Mabaso.

"In light of this Channel O welcomes the dialogues that the ad has invoked because these conversations speak fundamentally to the principles of democracy that so many gave their lives for."

"Whilst the creative treatment of the advert many be subject to varying interpretations, resulting in criticism or compliments, its focus remains firmly on the recognition and respect of those young people who tirelessly, and at great personal cost, steadfastly championed our democracy," says Nkateko Mabaso.

M-Net's Channel O Youth Day mock-up interpretation of iconic Hector Pietersen struggle photograph slammed as insensitive and appalling.

Channel O's (DStv 320) Youth Day's mock-up interpretation of an iconic South African struggle era photo has been slammed as incredibly insensitive and disgusting.

The Channel O music channel provided by M-Net to MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform, took the iconic "Soweto Uprising" photograph taken by Sam Mzima of Mbuyisa Makhubo running through the streets of Soweto holding the body of the 13-year old Hector Pieterson alongside a traumatised 17-year old sister Antoinette Pieterson.

The photo was reimagined it as if apartheid never happened.

Soweto Uprising photo by Sam Mzima

It's the Cape Town agency Black River FC which came up with the jaw-droppingly bad idea to redo the iconic struggle image for the TV channel on MultiChoice - now with happy youth laughing and smiling as opposed to the haunting black-and-white image.

Photographer Nganga Dlanga took the new photo for Black River FC's advert in which the lifeless body of Hector Pietersen has been replaced by a graduation gown.

The embarrassing advert has been described as "appalling" over how its commercialising and diminishing a painful memory of South Africa's past. Now, now without any of the blood or visceral trauma on the faces of the original image's subjects, it comes complete with a schmaltzy tag-line: "Live the dream the youth of '76 died for".

Cape Town essayist T.O. Molefe wrote that the gratuitous and superficial Channel O marketing campaign perverts "history to sell young people false dreams and avert their eyes from the real" issues.

"Four decades later we still don't know where Mbuyisa is. Papering over a person whose whereabouts are still unknown, whose family is still clinging to the hope that he might still be alive, is an appalling way to remember the past and live the present ethically."

"I wonder Mbuyisa's family will say to yet another abuse of his image?" writes T.O. Molefe.

"Shameful and disgusting mockery of history," said Nobesuthu Cele on Twitter over Channel O's ad, a sentiment echoed by many on the social media network.

"We gloss over our history so much and turn crucial details and events into mere campaigns too often. To some it's like some scripted story," said Flo Masebe.

Today's interesting TV stories to read from TV with Thinus - 14 April 2015.

A furious open letter to the SABC and VVM.
SABC and legal firm VVM trashed for sending a SMS to someone who doesn't even have a TV, saying the person is in contravention of the Broadcasting Act and that the person must call them.  "Firstly, if you think I owe you money, you can call me, don't send me a 'please call me'. Especially if I have no clue who you are".


SABC's famously matricless Hlaudi Motsoeneng personally undo changes at Lesedi FM.
It's your non-TV story of the day: Hlaudi Motsoeneng brought his "wrecking ball approach" to the SABC's Sesotho radio station Lesedi FM last week; when he was done he had reversed half of the decisions made by Lesedi FM station manager Puleng Thulo who has immediately been removed.


Britain's Sunday Times TV magazine furious at Sky Atlantic over Game of Thrones.
Sky's Sky Atlantic channel didn't invite Sunday Times TV to the media launch event of Game of Thrones and Sunday Times TV is trashing Sky Atlantic.

The SABC is hunting down its own staff who leaks to the media.
Minister of communications Faith Muthambi tells parliament that the SABC staff investigation over leaks is "currently under way".

Spoilers are coming.
HBO is investigating the leak which saw the first 4 episodes of the new 5th season of Game of Thrones end up online and downloaded thousands of times already on torrent sites.
Vanity Fair looks at why the ending of the first episode of the new season is different than in the books. Esquire tells how it was filming that final fiery scene.
Creator George R.R. Martin talks about that flashback scene right at the beginning of the new season.
Some people held their phones in front of their TV's and streamed Game of Thrones as its shown on their TV sets over social media through their cellphones.
And a cool story: A bit of an explanation for what the opening sequence of Game of Thrones really is and illustrates.


BCCSA receives official complaint over SABC News' Eben Jansen.
An official complaint has been received by the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) after last week's shocking outburst and rude on-air behaviour of the SABC News (DStv 404) anchor Eben Jansen who has been taken off the SABC air indefinitely.


Musicians out in the cold after M-Net and MultiChoice shut down Channel O.
Artists - especially in East African - now wonder what's next?

China's StarTimes is starting to wrestle away exclusive sport content from MultiChoice's DStv.
The broadcasting of some motorsport, boxing and Germany's Bundesliga soccer is going to StarTimes' satellite pay-TV platform.

No double-barrel dismounts in the unisex toilets. Bygones.
The cast of Ally McBeal (including the Biscuit) reunite at The TV Land Awards to receive the Groundbreaking Award.

The Walking Dead spin-off, Fear The Walking Dead, is going to start on AMC (DStv 140 / StarSat 115) 24-hours after America.
South African viewers will see episodes later this year very quickly after America on "AMC Global" as AMC actually refers to the AMC channel seen in DStv and StarSat in South Africa.

BREAKING. M-Net and MultiChoice end Channel O on DStv for the rest of Africa; brings an abrupt end of the Channel O Africa Music Video Awards.

 M-Net and MultiChoice is abruptly ending the popular Channel O as a TV channel in the rest of Africa outside of South Africa within two weeks, with that also bringing an abrupt end to the Channel O Africa Music Video Awards. which it used to call "the leading music awards event on the continent".

The dramatic Channel O closure is part of the ongoing major channel reorganisation inside M-Net, which includes the shutting down of Maisha Magic, yet another name-change at the end of the month for AfricaMagic Urban Movies (DStv 153) on DStv, and the launch of an AfricaMagic Igbo TV channel from M-Net.

In a brief statement from M-Net, not given to the press in South Africa, the pay-TV broadcaster says that "from 1 April subsribers can tune into AfricaMagic World to keep abreast of the best in West African music talent".

"The channel will get viewers into party-mode with an hour-long daily music show which will showcase the latest music videos made in Africa".

M-Net is cutting Channel O in an attempt to try and provide more "regionalised" music content for Southern, East and West Africa.

M-Net says it wants to "create customized music content according to regional preferences on its existing Africa Magic brands where the rest of Africa's music talent will get ample space to shine".

Leslie 'Lee' Kasumba must have known Channel O is getting cut when she suddenly left in January this year and who worked for three years as Channel O's African channel head outside of South Africa.

"The decision to review the Africa feed of Channel O has certainly not been an easy one, however, the termination of the channel in the rest of Africa will also enable M-Net to refocus investment efforts in local dramas and series productions where the market is growing," says M-Net.

"M-Net would like to assure our subscribers that we'll continue to deliver compelling local content by means of distinct, complementary brands."

Cassper Nyovest wins best video at Channel O Music Video Awards 2014; Boom Shaka receives Special Recognition Award as 'our 'first award ever'.

The Channel O Africa Music Video Awards 2014 on Channel O (DStv 320) broadcast live on Saturday night on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform across several countries across the African continent saw South Africa's Cassper Nyovest scoop 3 awards, including best music video of the year, while 90s South African kwaito group, Boom Shaka was honoured with their "first award ever".

Held at the Expo Centre for the 11th time, it has become evident how the Channel O Africa Music Video Awards has helped to elevate and improve the quality of music videos produced across the African continent - already much better and slicker produced than when the award ceremony was first held.

The Channel O Africa Music Video Awards 2014 itself has vastly improved, again executive produced as a made-for-TV special by Glenn van Loggerenberg and Don't Look Down TV, and a far cry from the amateur-looking, bungled and mistake-riddled telecasts of previous years.

Still in short supply after more than a decade however at the Channel O Africa Music Video Awards are female performers - both as nominees, winners and on-stage performers, with exclusively men who performed during the awards closer, although the ceremony has done away with the sexist, humiliating and excessive grinding and over-sexualised dance contortions of female back-up dancers which permeated the awards show in previous years.  

The theme for 2014 was a car and racing infused spectacle, with artists and performers driven on stage with a range of vehicles, and the stage created in the form of the Channel O logo and Siyabonga Ngwekazi and Eku Edewot as hosts.

Cassper Nyovest tied with Tanzania's Diamond who each scooped three awards. Cassper Nyovest won as most gifted male, most gifted Southern Africa music video and best music video, while Diamond won most gifted newcomer, most gifted Afro pop music video as well as most gifted East African music video.

"A thank you to everybody who let me squat at their houses when I started out with this dream," Cassper Nyovest said in his acceptance speech for best music video as the final award of the night.

"I used to stay at my friends' houses all the time. A shout-out to my parents for supporting me in my dream. My parents are teachers, and they allowed me to drop put of school to rap."

"A big shout-out to Jesus Christ. I really pray. I hope all the kids at home can see what prayer does. A shout-out to all the haters. And a shout-out to Channel O," said Cassper Nyovest.

The special recognition award went to Boom Shaka, the pioneering group that helped to shape the kwaito genre in the 90's.

In a quivering emotional voice Bucie and Busiswa took to the stage and joined the remaining group members Junior Sokhela, Theo Nhlengethwa and Thembi Seete to pay tribute to Lebo Mathosa, saying "thank you. Thank you. This is our first award ever".

"As Africans we have come a long way and I would like to thank those individuals who make a valuable contribution towards making the African music industry a masterpiece that we can all be proud of," says Nkateko Mabaso, Channel O director.

The 2014 Billboard Music Awards broadcast live on Channel O on Monday 19 May at 02:00.

The 2014 Billboard Music Awards will be broadcast live on Channel O (DStv 320) on Monday 19 May at 02:00.

Hip hop star Ludacris is the host and performances will include a performance from Michael Jackson's well-received posthumous album "Xscape" and a special performance from Pitbull and Jennifer Lopez who will be debuting the official Brazil 2014 World Cup Anthem  "We Are One (Ole Ola)". 

Jenifer Lopez is also set to be the first female to receive the prestigious Icon Award for her remarkable contributions to popular music on the evening.

Shakira and Robin Thicke have recently been added to the line-up of performing artists, as well as Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, John Legend, Ariana Grande and Iggy Azalea.

Channel O will repeat the 2014 Billboard Music Awards on Monday 19 May at 19:00 and again on Saturday, 24 May at 16:30.

The 56th Annual Grammy Awards seen in South Africa live on Channel O, as well as on M-Net and E! Entertainment.

The 56th Annual Grammy Awards will be shown live on South Africa on Channel O (DStv 320) on Monday 27 January from 03:00 until 06:30.

The 56th Annual Grammy Awards is taking place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles with LL Cool J as the host.

Pre red carpet coverage from the Grammys starts and will be shown live on E! Entertainment (DStv 124) with Live from the Red Carpet: The 2014 Grammy Awards from 01:00 to 03:00 on Monday morning, 27 January.

The recorded 56th Annual Grammy Awards will be shown on Channel O on Monday 27 January at 20:30, as well as on Saturday 1 February on M-Net (DStv 101) at 16:00.

A decade on, the sexist Channel O Africa Music Video Awards 2013 demeans women, showing a terrible view of females to the continent.

As Channel O (DStv 320) broadcast its 10th Africa Music Video Awards 2013 on MultiChoice's DStv platform across the African continent on Saturday night, Channel O's apparent ongoing sexist and gender demeaning view of females was again on display.

Viewers tuning in across the African continent to the music channel, run by M-Net, and this year's ceremony taking place in Soweto on Saturday night, would have seen Channel O showing women on stage shaking their asses and demeaning themselves - apparently in the name of performance art.

Since Channel O has no qualms about "showcasing" women in such a way, one has to assume that Channel O is okay with, and endorses, this chauvinistic, terrible view of women. Women who are almost not even their faces, but mere sex objects and body parts employed to "enhance" a musical performance.

Trash like this belongs in a seedy Nigerian strip club. Not on a TV channel which is supposed to show the best of Africa.

As a TV critic I believe that M-Net, Channel O and MultiChoice with it's continent-wide DStv service have a corporate and a social responsibility to uplift women - not to show them with their faces down to the ground and their asses in the air.

There is no respect and dignity in showing women in the way they were shown by Channel O on Saturday night.

At the Channel O 2013 Africa Music Video Awards Dineo Mokoetsi's words sounded ironic and hollow when she said that the entire point behind these music awards is to "showcase the best of our continent on one night, for everybody to see".

If these visuals of women everybody got to see are the "best" of Africa, then I have a major problem with Channel O.

During Zimbabwe's Buffalo Souljah performance for instance at the 2013 Africa Music Video Awards, viewers saw women bent over and shaking their asses.

Viewers saw women then go down on all fours shaking their asses in the air and pumping their behinds right into the camera. Then Channel O "treated" Africa's viewers to the women laying down on the floor with their legs open and in the air, and then even showing them upside down on their backs, their bottoms once again in the air.

So why is Channel O sexist? Strangely, ironically, the 2013 Africa Music Video Awards on Channel O on Saturday night featured no men bending over and shaking their asses, no men going down on all fours shaking their asses in the air, no men laying down on the floor with their legs open, and no men on their backs on the stage with their asses jutted into the air.

Only African women were sexualised and demeaned in what any sociologist will tell you is subservient, sexually submissive trash on television.

It's unbecoming and frankly a disgusting "reflection" back to the majority of the African continent's women of who television wants to show them that they are.

Africa's women on average have to walk 13km per day just to get access to clear drinking water for their families. They work for their children, they work for the homes and they try to build better lives. In my view Channel O's depiction does nothing but tear women down.

Did people like Yolisa Phahle, M-Net's director of local interest channels who oversees Channel O, Leslie Kasumba, Channel O Africa manager, and other executives at M-Net and Channel O watch the cringe-inducing sexism and demeaning female objectification included in the 2013 Africa Music Video Awards before stuff like this gets broadcast?

If they saw it during rehearsals or are informed about the content beforehand, are they okay with this?

If it were TV executives' own daughters who were gyrating on, and dry-hump a man's loins on a stage as happened at Channel O, would they be fine with that? I would guess not. Why then must viewers be subjected to this trash? 

Television as a powerful medium - and Channel O - has a responsibility to help promote women and to promote them by not showing them in this way on, and to, a continent still suffering and struggling hugely with equality for women and with sexism.

It's sad and terrible that Channel O continues to aid and abet such terrible stereotypes about women. And if it has to happen, why only to one gender? 

Why does Channel O feel that its okay for a women to be on her back with her behind and her legs in the air? An African man certainly won't ever be "allowed" to be shown like this. But for Channel O and the Africa Music Video Awards 2013 it's clearly "okay" to have women be portrayed in this way for the sake of superficial entertainment. 

African television, Channel O and award shows like the Africa Music Video Awards, show that it still has a lot of growing up to do. They need to start taking responsibility for every minute, and for every act, and for every event during which they reflect Africa's women and young females back to the continent itself. It's 2013.

Besides the bad stuff there were the other usual bad stuff at the Channel O Africa Music Video Awards 2013.

Viewers had sound problems throughout - a production and broadcasting problem which is especially painful when it happens during a music show.

As usual the show ran long over. DStv viewers who've set their PVR will discover they're missing the most important awards which will be cut off - the show which was supposed to be 2 hours long according to the EPG and was supposed to end at 22:00 only ended at 22:22.

The 2013 Billboard Music Awards shown live on Channel O on Monday 20 May at 02:00, with a rebroadcast at 20:30.

The 2013 Billboard Music Awards will be broadcast live from America on Channel O (DStv 320) on Monday 20 May at 02:00 (South African time) in the morning from Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena.

The 2013 Billboard Music Awards will be shown between 02:00 and 05:00 and will be repeated on Monday 20 May at 20:30 in primetime on Channel O.

The 2013 Billboard Music Awards is hosted by Tracy Morgan this year and will also see an appearance by Prince, as well as Madonna who will be honoured with the Top Touring Artist Award for the success of her sold-out MDNA Tour.

Channel O Music Video Awards 2012 takes a trash turn; not airing LIVE as promised, overbooked (leaving celebs stranded) and sad Bonang's makeup.

The 9th Channel O Music Video Awards 2012 which took place on Saturday once again made Channel O and M-Net executives in Randburg  the laughing stock of the industry when the continental awards show supposed to honour African artists seemed like an amateur and unorganised mess yet again.

Host Bonang Matheba looked like death (fire you're makeup entourage, girl. When viewers remark that you look like a "widow" you've got a problem) but that was the least of this year's broadcast's behind-the-scenes problems.

Where Channel (DStv 320) for weeks promised that the awards show would be broadcast LIVE in big capital letters in effusive press releases (with no answers ever I might add to questions I've put to the M-Net run channel and production weeks in advance regarding aspects of the upcoming show), Saturday's somewhat haphazard Channel O Music Video Awards 2012 showed how unorganised it was when it was shown ... NOT LIVE.

The show done this year from a dome at the Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown, Soweto with DStv and DStv Mobile as the sponsors (which seemed odd) and Bonang Matheba and Ice Prince as hosts was not quite as bad as the worst ever Channel O Music Video Awards.

The highly embarrassing, shambolic and utterly horrific 2007 Channel O Music Video Awards which left VIP's unable to get in, the event totally overbooked and with no-show celebs ignited a firestorm after the cringefest..

It was the terrible disaster of the 2007 ceremony in the Johannesburg City Hall which prompted M-Net executives to immediately take action and to pour real resources and effort and professionalism into the awards show after saying "never again". Ever since then it was stellar, with the Channel O Music Video Awards being the best organised and executed televised awards show done on South Africa soil.

After Saturday's new fiasco, people are however now wondering whether Channel O and M-Net have once again became complacent and have let their eye off the ball. Why is it not organised better and on standard? If you say you're going to show it live, keep the promise and work to put in place what is needed to do so, for why do you damage your brand and reputation with viewers by overpromising and underdelivering?

Again this year the event suddenly ran late. Again the 2012 Channel O Music Video Awards was suddenly overbooked leaving VIPs without seats and stranded upon arrival. Besides the actual event which dragged, viewers who tuned in on time and got an unprofessional late show, were less than impressed with a delayed broadcast and aspects of it.

South Africa's national TV critics, those who have consistently been invited and attended this awardfest in previous years, remarked two weeks ago to me how odd it was that there were no invitations for several of them this year.

In hindsight it was possibly the first indication that the 2012 Channel O Music Video Awards was not going to be how it used to be in years past. They're now all probably glad they missed the almost-rehash of the infamous 2007 implosion.

FIRST LOOK. Channel O Music Video Awards 2012 will channel some eighties flourescent blue 'Tron' on 17 November in Soweto.

Channel O's annual Channel O Music Video Awards remains the singularly best organized and executed televised awards show on television on the entire African continent - hopefully the 9th Annual Channel O Music Video Awards 2012 ceremony will once again be a well-produced show.

The new logo for the Channel O Music Video Awards 2012 gives a clear hint that the theme this year will flourescent blue and black - reminiscent of the 80's "Tron" years. The ceremony's creative team gets top marks from me - they consistently year after year come up with playful, extremely well-executed themes out of popular culture to celebrate poplar culture.

The Channel O Music Video Awards 2012 will have 14 categories with nominees from across Africa vying to win for their original African music entries. This year's Channel O Music Video Awards 2012 will take place on 17 November at the Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown, bring the awards show to Soweto for the first time.

"The quality of this year's nominees is testament to the way music videos are playing an increasingly important role in the promotion of African music," says Solly Moeng, Channel O's head of programming. "The impressive videos among the nominees have also contributed to cementing Channel O's reputation as the current leader in music television on the continent and we look forward to taking African music to the future."

Voting has opened and fans can vote until midnight on Thursday 8 November.

Programming note: Channel O showing the Billboard Awards again this year.

Channel O (DStv 320) will again be showing the Billboard Music Awards this year, and this year the the channel will show the 2012 Billboard Music Awards live with a repeat on Vuzu (DStv 123) later.

The 2012 Billboard Music Awards - a smaller industry type awards ceremony - will be shown at 03:00 on Monday 21 May with a repeat at 20:30 later the same day on Vuzu (DStv 123).

BREAKING. Channel O decides to cancel O Access after 6 seasons; was once the new music channel's biggest profile production.

You're reading it here first.

Channel O (DStv 320) has cancelled the music channel's interview and profile show O Access after six seasons.

For television the math remains simple: you keep getting viewers,you keep getting renewed. But now O Access which started in 2006 as the music channel's highest profile and most slickest produced show will wrap up with presenter Dineo Moeketsi when the 6th season starts on Channel O on 6 March at 21:00.

Dineo Moeketsi who took over from Nonhle Thema when she dumped the show, will be seen interviewing Mary J Blige, Robin Thicke and Estelle as well as some new artists before the show bows out.

''This is our final season of O Access,'' says Solly Moeng, the acting head of youth channels. ''It has been an exciting journey bringing someof the biggest names in the international entertainment scene to our pan African viewers. We have more projects lined-up that we are sure will set trends the way O Access did when it started in 2006.''

BREAKING. Vuzu's V Entertainment magazine show to broadcast live from the 2011 Channel O Music Video Awards on 11 November at 19:00.

For all the so-called talk about ''synergy'' and ''leveraging brands'' in the corporate world, sometimes it's television that practically shows how it can really be done, and done best: Channel O (DStv 320) just announced that the fellow M-Net sister channel Vuzu (DStv 123) will be covering the 2011 Channel O Music Video Awards live on 11 November with the entertainment news magazine show V Entertainment.

In an apt and clever TV cross-promotion, the local and daily V Entertainment will be doing red carpet duty at the 2011 Channel O Music Video Awards - with the actual ceremony of course being broadcast live on Channel O just after that. DStv subscribers will therefore be able to watch red carpet coverage on Vuzu, and would then be able to switch to Channel O to watch the ceremony.

In a just-issued press release Channel O says the red carpet duty of the hour long V Entertainment broadcast on Vuzu will be done by Siyabonga ''Scoop''Ngwekazi and Lalla ''Miss LA'' Hirayama from 19:00. The special V Entertainment coverage will include a number of pre-packaged segments that will look back at the best moments of Africa's longest running continent wide music awards event.

The 2011 Channel O Video Music Awards will follow on Channel O at 21:00 with hosts Dineo Moeketsi and Banky W.