Paramount Skydance ends Paramount Africa and 4 TV channels on DStv including BET Africa, MTV Base, CBS Justice and CBS Reality end of 2025

by Thinus Ferreira

Paramount Africa is shutting down 31 December 2025 as part of dramatic Paramount Skydance corporate downsizing, ending its localised Africa operations after more than two decades, with linear TV channels BET Africa, MTV Base as well as CBS Justice and CBS Reality run by CBS AMC Networks International also shutting down at the end of the year.

All four TV channels will go dark on 31 December on DStv run by Canal+'s MultiChoice in South Africa as well as across the Rest of Africa (RoA) territory and its Bryanston head office in Johannesburg is closing down.

In July, Craig Paterson, Paramount Africa senior vice president and general manager, as well as Monde Twala, senior vice-president and general manager of Paramount Africa and lead of BET International, told Paramount Africa staff that Paramount is considering shutting down local operations in Africa as the company "evaluates its pay-TV strategy and local channel footprint here in Africa".

Paramount Africa (then Viacom International Media Networks Africa or VIMN Africa) launched BET Africa (DStv 129) a decade ago in April 2015 to bring African audiences a localised version of "Black Entertainment Television". 

As previously reported, it will burn off episodes later this month of its last original, the South African telenovela Black Gold from Black Brain Pictures, to amortise what's left of its final local production before BET Africa is gone for good.

MTV Base was launched 20 years ago in South Africa in February 2005 and grew to split into three distinct channel feeds for West Africa and East Africa.

MultiChoice in response to a media query told TVwithThinus "MultiChoice can confirm that BET Africa and MTV Base will be discontinued on the DStv and GOtv platforms from 1 January 2026 at 9:00 CAT, following updates from our channel partner, Paramount. Our customers can continue to enjoy other international channels from Paramount, including Nickelodeon, NickToons, Nick Jr., Comedy Central, and MTV."

"We thank Paramount for their continued partnership and look forward to working with them on the remaining channel offering."

The CBS Reality (DStv 132) and CBS Justice (DStv 170) channels on DStv are also getting axed.

CBS Reality (previously Zone Reality) was added to DStv in November 2001. CBS Justice was added to DStv in November 2019.

"In response to a media query, MultiChoice says "MultiChoice confirms that CBS Reality and CBS Justice will be leaving the DStv platform on 31 December 2025 at 23:59 SAST."

"Following a strategic review, CBS AMC Networks EMEA Channels Partnership – the owner of CBS Reality and CBS Justice – has decided to close both channels."

"We thank CBS for their continued partnership and look forward to working with them in future. Customers can continue to enjoy a wide range of local and international reality and investigative content across our bouquet of channels."

Paramount Africa, in response to a media query, told TVwithThinus "Paramount is adjusting its international pay-TV strategy in response to industry-wide changes and evolving audience habits".

It said that "Paramount is proud of the legacy these channels have built and thanks their viewers and partners for their support over the years."

ALSO READ: Paramount Africa burns off Black Gold in double episodes further raising fears about future of BET Africa

ALSO READ: Paramount Skydance to get rid of 2 000 workers in the United States and globally, also affecting Africa 

Love Island Nigeria to be shown from October on MTV Base on DStv for 7 weeks as the 4th version of the ITV Studios reality format to be filmed in Africa.

by Thinus Ferreira

A second iteration of the reality series Love Island done in Africa is coming to the continent with Love Island Nigeria that will be broadcast on MTV Base from October for 7 weeks with an all-black cast and that will mark the 4th version of the show filmed on the continent.

Love Island Nigeria follows months after Love Island South Africa, produced by Rapid Blue, was broadcast earlier in 2021 on M-Net (DStv 101), with the South African adaptation of the ITV Studios reality format that was highly criticised for its lack of a diverse cast, a myriad of ongoing errors and mistakes, and with the show that was plagued by unexplained bad production values.

Love Island Nigeria - the first version that will have an all-black cast of 20 individuals all looking to couple up and to stay coupled up in a Love Island villa to win the prize money or otherwise getting dumped - follows after the recent Love Island SA, and seasons of Love Island UK on ITV and Love Island France on Amazon Prime Video that were all filmed in South Africa's Western Cape province.

It's not yet clear whether Love Island Nigeria will also be filmed in South Africa and in the province - similar to a growing number of Nigerian music videos over the past five years - or where exactly the Nigerian version's "villa" will be located.

Love Island Nigeria will be broadcast from October on a mobile streaming app in Nigeria, including on Nigeria's Free TV digital terrestrial television (DTT), as well as on ViacomCBS Networks Africa's MTV Base channel that is available across sub-Saharan Africa on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform.

ViacomCBS Networks Africa didn't respond with answers about Love Island Nigeria's MTV Base simulcast made on Friday, seeking confirmation about where specifically in terms of geographic area the show will be carried on MTV Base, whether it includes the MTV Base footprint in Southern Africa, and whether there will be an improvement in Love Island production values. 

Despite the ongoing global Covid-19 pandemic and the rise in cases and deaths from the contagious Delta-variant across the African continent, the producers of Love Island Nigeria held a no-socially-distanced and largely mask-less media event on Thursday last week in Lagos.

The event to officially announce Love Island Nigeria, largely ignored Covid-19 safety protocols and was attended by Nigerian journalists, representatives of the United Kingdom's department of international trade, a British multinational TV production and distribution company, as well as Digital Play Africa that is owned by Toyin Subair as executive chairman who is also an executive producer on the show.

Toyin Subeir said that Love Island Nigeria "will air in Nigeria, and would also air, the same way, in different parts of the world".

"Because of how strong the product value is, and because it's going to be the first of its kind as an all-black Love Island in the whole world, it is also going to be available digitally and on Free to air TVs across the world. It shows that we are about to exhibit everything including our production, relationships, and lifestyle to the rest of the world. That is what we plan to do with Love Island."

"Love Island Nigeria, the first format to have an all-black cast, will give 20 singles an opportunity to come together and share the true essence of love, romance, friendship and relationships with all the twists and intrigues in 7 exhilarating weeks in the Love Island villa".

Odiri Iwuji of the United Kingdom-based Chudor House Productions is also an executive producer on Love Island Nigeria, while Neil Oyenekan is the series producer.

Huub Van Ballegooy, head of global content and productions at ITV Studios Global Entertainment, said "As we have already seen in different parts of the world, Love Island works equally well across linear, digital and catch-up platforms".

ViacomCBS Networks Africa calls off its revived 2021 MTV Africa Music Awards in Uganda after growing criticism of the country's alleged human rights abuses.

by Thinus Ferreira

ViacomCBS Networks Africa has called off its revived MTV Africa Music Awards that would have taken place in Kampala, Uganda on 20 February, following ongoing and growing criticism across the African continent against MTV over forging ahead with the awards despite Uganda's allegations of human rights abuses and cutting off its citizens from the internet.

Late on Thursday ViacomCBS Networks Africa announced that the 2021 MTV Africa Music Awards, planned in coordination with Uganda's tourism ministry and that would have been broadcast on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV service, has been postponed without citing any reasons. 

ViacomCBS Networks Africa has not yet issued any statement or given any reason for the abrupt cancellation but over the past few weeks the struggle of forging ahead with the awards in Uganda has become even more difficult for ViacomCBS Networks Africa and its MTV Base brand given the complexities of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the political turmoil and instability in the country.

On social media simply announcing that the planned virtual awards show will no longer be taking place on 20 February in Uganda as scheduled, MTV Base Africa said it is "postponing the 2021 Africa Music Awards".

ViacomCBS Networks Africa in late-2020 announced that it is reviving the so-called "MAMAs" after a 4-year absence.

Bobi Wine (real name Robert Kyagulanyi), the Ugandan presidential candidate who himself has won a MTV award before he became a member of Uganda's parliament in 2017, held a news conference on Thursday and said "It was painful to see how MTV was being used to sanitise the oppressive regime here in Uganda".

"I am glad MTV is also seeing it and acting in respect of all the rights of artists. It would be such a shame for the MTV Music Awards to be held in Uganda under gunpoint."

Last month Uganda's government abruptly ordered an internet blackout and shut off the country's entire population from the web and social media. Bobi Wine and family members were also placed under house arrest.

Bobi Wine's legal representatives have released a 50-page report detailing allegations of human rights violations by Uganda's government and alleged irregularities in regards with the country's violence-filled election that took place on 14 January.

Uganda's decades-long leader, Yoweri Museveni, was once again announced as president for a record 6th term.

Dr Vincent Magombe is a Ugandan journalist, broadcaster and university lecturer, wrote that ViacomCBS Networks Africa's "executives cannot claim ignorance" and argued that the media group should cancel the MAMAs in the country.

"How can they now contemplate, albeit virtually, bringing the best of Africa's musical talent to participate in a global awards ceremony taking place in Uganda at this time?"

"By doing so MTV would not only be lending itself to whitewashing the regime's crimes, but also implicate all nominated artists. How can MTV and Viacom executives, who claim to be supportive of Black Lives Matter, now look the other way when those lives are African?"

Now discontinued, but during its run, WarnerMedia's CNN and MultiChoice that alternated its annual CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards between South Africa and a different African country every other year, were careful to specifically select an African nation where actions against human rights violations and support for media freedom have been shown.

Coronavirus: Multiple TV channels, platforms to show the global Covid-19 concert – One World: Together at Home – on Sunday in South Africa and across Africa.

by Thinus Ferreira

South African viewers will be able to watch One World: Together At Home, a star-studded global concert as a live broadcast very early on Sunday morning, 19 April on BET,  MTV, MTV Base and MSNBC and through online streaming on various platforms, with a primetime rebroadcast on E! on Sunday evening.

The One World: Together at Home broadcast, curated by Lady Gaga will feature appearances by Alanis Morissette, Andrea Bocelli, Billie Eilish, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day, Burna Boy, Chris Martin, David Beckham, Eddie Vedder, Elton John, FINNEAS, Idris and Sabrina Elba, J Balvin, John Legend, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Kerry Washington, Lang Lang, Lizzo, Maluma, Paul McCartney, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Shah Rukh Khan and Stevie Wonder. 

Others who will appear include Taylor Swift, Celine Dion, Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello, Jennifer Lopez, Alicia Keys, Sam Smith, Usher and Pharrell Williams.

Also appearing are Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, Awkwafina, Amy Poehler, LL Cool J, Lupita Nyong’o, Matthew McConaughey and Victoria Beckham.

The aim of the broadcast is to raise awareness and to generate funds to fight the global spread of the Covid-19 novel coronavirus pandemic, with Global Citizen and the World Health Organisation (WHO) who are partnering together to present the show. 

 One World: Together at Home will be shown as a live broadcast on BET (DStv 129), MTV (DStv 120), MTV Base (DStv 322) and MSNBC (StarSat 263) in South Africa and across sub-Saharan Africa at 02:00 in the morning on Sunday, 19 April at the same time as it is shown in the United States, with E! (DStv 124) that will show a rebroadcast on Sunday evening at 18:00 in South Africa and across Africa. 

Disney's National Geographic (DStv 181 / StarSat 220) is also set to broadcast One World: Together at Home although it's not yet clear whether it will be a live broadcast or a rebroadcast with no announcement from National Geographic in Africa yet.

As a multi-hour digital broadcast streaming online, One World: Together at Home will be accessible on Amazon Prime Video, Facebook, Instagram, Tencent, Tencent Music Entertainment Group, Twitter, Yahoo and YouTube. This digital special will include additional artists and performances. 

The American late-night TV hosts Jimmy Fallon of The Tonight Show and Stephen Colbert of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert seen on e.tv, are set to be the hosts of the One World: Together at Home broadcast and will be filled with musical performances and comedic sketches, with the core purpose to help raise funds and to educate and inform viewers globally about Covid-19 risks, prevention and response. 

The special will also include interviews with experts from the WHO, as well as stories of frontline healthcare workers from around the world and their courage and sacrifice fighting the virus. 

"As we honour and support the heroic efforts of community health workers, One World: Together at Home aims to serve as a source of unity and encouragement in the global fight to end Covid-19," says Hugh Evans, co-founder and CEO of Global Citizen. 

"Through music, entertainment and impact, the global live-cast will celebrate those who risk their own health to safeguard everyone else's. Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, says "We may have to be apart physically for a little while, but we can still come together virtually to enjoy great music. The One World: Together at Home concert represents a powerful show of solidarity against a common threat."

Accused of 'corporate thuggery and theft' Viacom Africa abruptly pulls new Amapiano docu-series from MTV Base just before broadcast after producer alleges MTV stole his concept and cut him out of the production.

Viacom Africa, after being accused of "corporate thuggery and theft" of a young producer's show concept, has abruptly pulled its new Amapiano documentary series that was supposed to start on Tuesday night from MTV Base (DStv 322) just before broadcast.

It follows after a lawyer's letter alleging that Viacom and MTV stole the producer's idea, concept and creation, and then proceeded to cut him out of the production, demanding that MTV Networks Africa not go ahead with broadcasting the documentary series.

Behind the Amapiano Movement was supposed to start on Tuesday night, 24 September at 21:00 but Viacom yanked it from the schedule without notification or providing a new planned broadcasting date.

The alleged content theft bombshell comes just a day after Viacom Africa did a screening party of the first episode of the documentary for some Johannesburg media on Monday, and just hours before it was set to air on the MTV Base channel on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV service.

The Behind the Amapiano Movement documentary series takes a look at this new and fast-growing music genre, following the popular KwaZulu-Natal originated Gqom of a few years ago.

The new documentary series about the music genre that has jazzy keys and a strong kwaito influence, features commentary and insights from artists like De Mthuda and Njelic, the Amapiano DJ and producer Kabza De Small, the DJ duo Major League, singer Lady Zamar, DJ Zinhle and DJ Viny Da Vinci.

Galananzhele Sebela Attorneys, representing the New Slate Media production company that is a small, upcoming black-youth owned production company and funded by the Gauteng Film Commission (GFC), has sent a letter demanding that Viacom Africa don't go ahead with the broadcast of Behind the Amapiano Movement.

It cites the alleged "unlawful and grossly unethical acts of MTV and Don't Look Down (DLD)" which is another production company responsible for the docu-series.

New Slate Media alleges that "through its funder, the Gauteng Film Commission, it approached MTV Networks Africa for the production of a documentary on the township music culture "amapiano" and made a presentation and pitch in August 2018, followed by several other meetings "during the course of 2019" where the little production company "provided MTV with the concept and full details for the production and execution of the documentary".

"MTV was very excited about our client's concept for the production of the amapiano documentary and agreed that the production of the documentary based on our client's concept was to commence."

"Furthermore MTV suggested that our client partner with another production company, called Don't Look Down (DLD) which was a production company that MTV has previously worked with, to co-produce the documentary."

Galananzhele Sebela Attorneys in the letter to VIMN Africa alleges that "since the introduction of Don't Look Down, our client has been sidelined from the production of the documentary and that MTV and DLD have proceeded to produce the documentary without our client, even though our client was the creator and brain behind the documentary".

"These unlawful and grossly unethical acts of MTV and DLD amounts to corporate thuggery and theft of our client's concept and creation."

"Our client tried in vain many times through emails and telephone calls to Monde Twala, Solly Moeng of MTV and Desmond Mthembu of the Gauteng Film Commission to register his concerns relating to the production of the documentary but no feedback has been forthcoming whilst MTV and DLD were busy producing our client's concept behind his back."

Viacom, in response to a media enquiry from TVwithThinus on Tuesday asking about the abrupt removal of the scheduled Behind the Amapiano Movement documentary from MTV Base, confirmed on Tuesday night that the show was pulled because of the producer's alleged intellectual property theft complaint.

"We confirm that MTV Base has received a complaint in relation to its upcoming Amapiano docu-series format," said Monde Twala, vice president for youth, music and BET at VIMN Africa.

"Our legal team are currently responding to the parties concerned. The broadcasting date of the docu-series will be communicated in due course."


ALSO READ: TV CRITIC's NOTEBOOK. With a screening event of MTV Base's new docu-series Behind the Amapiano Movement for only certain people, Viacom Africa and MTV that can't bother to tell or include the press, but ironically wants to 'stimulate conversation'.

TV CRITIC's NOTEBOOK. With a screening event of MTV Base's new docu-series Behind the Amapiano Movement for only certain people, Viacom Africa and MTV that can't bother to tell or include the press, ironically wants to 'stimulate conversation'.

On Monday a new documentary series, Behind the Amapiano Movement, that will start broadcasting in South Africa at some point was screened at an event - but only for some people in Johannesburg.

Neither MTV Base's publicist or PR agency (getting paid to communicate with the press) nor Viacom Africa and whoever handles the PR about it, bothered to reach out to tell the rest of the press in South Africa about or cared to screen it or get it in front of their eyes as well.

The Behind the Amapiano Movement documentary series takes a look at this new and fast-growing music genre following the popular KwaZulu-Natal originated Gqom of a few years ago.

The new documentary series about the genre that has jazzy keys and a strong kwaito influence, features commentary and insights from artists like De Mthuda and Njelic, the Amapiano DJ and producer Kabza De Small, the DJ duo Major League, singer Lady Zamar, DJ Zinhle and DJ Viny Da Vinci.

Sadly, Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) again commissioned and scheduled new and original local content that it doesn't bother to actually show to the local press beforehand properly.

On Monday afternoon MTV Base held a screening event of presumably the first episode of Behind the Amapiano Movement in Johannesburg - but for some people only, leaving stakeholders who would have been interested out of the loop.

Publicity people from neither Viacom Africa nor DNA Brand Architects that reps MTV and tasked to promote local content like this, bothered or managed to tell TV critics and media in the rest of South Africa that there'd be a screening.

For TV critics, journalists and publications not physically in Johannesburg or unable to attend, nothing was done to make a digital screener or equivalent available to those members of the press who were not told or invited to the screening event, and who are not in that city.

In a press release about Behind the Amapiano Movement, Monde Twala, the vice president for youth, music and BET at VIMN Africa, said that MTV is "all about culture, music and the streets. We offer content that is relevant, fun, bold and contributes to stimulating conversation".

Ironically, where VIMN Africa and MTV Base fails is that it makes content but actually neglects this "stimulating conversation" part - particularly in (public) relation with the press. The media who helps to communicate the message about Viacom Africa and its programming to viewers isn't being told what is going on and happening - nor included when it comes to showcasing the actual content.

It's fine to talk about "stimulating conversation" but if media are not kept in the loop or shown content like Behind the Amapiano Movement equally, how is this "conversation" stimulated exactly?

Viewers and DStv subscribers have to watch a show, and the media will help to alert, talk about and drive viewers to a show. However, when media isn't told or shown content when it is previewed, it's left to viewers to somehow discover and find content on their own.

It would have been good for the press covering television at large in South Africa to have known that VIMN Africa and MTV Base is doing a screening of Behind the Amapiano Movement before the docu-series starts to broadcast on MultiChoice's DStv, but whoever communicates or communicated this failed to communicate this.

Previewing Behind the Amapiano Movement beforehand at either the or a screening event, or getting an electronic screener either as an in-browser played link, a digital download or an unlisted YouTube video, would have resulted in hopefully a review or two of the new docu-series.

Usually one or two of the journalists watching TV content actually do something as opposed to the beer drinkers who basically show up for a party and essentially end up doing nothing.

Instead of reading here about how Viacom Africa couldn't bother to get Behind the Amapiano Movement to be seen by TV critics before its debut, of course it would have been more functional, informative, helpful and pleasurable to report about the actual programme.

Unfortunately, no reviewer, critic, journalist or publication can make something out of nothing.

"Will Amapiano fizzle out when the next hungry and pragmatic generation come up with a next creative sound?" asks MTV Base about the Behind the Amapiano Movement docu-series.

After Monday's selective access screening, it's a question and Behind the Amapiano Movement a new show that the press that would have cared - similar to MTV Base and Viacom Africa's disinterest to include them - probably no longer cares about.

At least you were invited, told there'd be a screening and shown it, which is more than what can be said for the rest of South Africa's press and TV critics who haven't been shown anything by @MTVBaseSouth or even told about it by @ViacomAfrica or whoever did the PR for this. https://t.co/UajpPOjcbo

— TVwithThinus (@TVwithThinus) September 23, 2019

7th season of MTV Shuga has started on MTV Base, with the second turn for MTV Shuga Down South exploring the lives of additional characters in the township of Zenzele.

The 7th season of MTV Shuga - the second season of MTV Shuga Down South - has started on MTV Base (DStv 322).

Previous seasons of Viacom International Media Networks Africa's (VIMN Africa) MTV Shuga have been filmed in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria with the second season of the entitled "MTV Shuga Down South " that was filmed in South Africa between September and November 2018.

The second season of the edutainment drama series is once gain set in Braamfontein in Johannesburg and the fictional township of Zenzele where the plot revolves around various sex and youth challenge dilemmas as part of a Unitaid, MTV Staying Alive Foundation, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, initiative.

Several of the previous season's characters like Ipeleng (Thuso Mbedu), Q, Zamo and Reggie (Given Stuurman) are back, with the addition of the gay actor Mohale Motaung in the role of Odirile as the second openly-gay character after Reggie.

Also back are Ayanda Makayi (Sol) and Samke Makhoba (Khensani), with the rest of the MTV Shuga Down South cast who includes Jezriel Skei, Lerato Walaza, Jemima Osunde, Jet Novuka, Nqobile Sipamla, Gcina Grace Olifant, Sthandiwe Kgoroge, and Winnie Ntshaba.

New characters include Kwanele (Malibongwe Mdwaba who won a role after the public auditions), Dineo (Mamarumo Marokane), Arabeng (Mamodibe Ramodibe) and Thuli (Dee Rasedile).

This season of MTV Base's Shuga Down South will use Mohale Motaung's character to explore innovations in the HIV-prevention space ranging from percautionary medication like PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), self-testing, abusive relationships, so-called "toxic masculinity" and transactional sex.

Episodes were directed by Thishiwe Ziqubu, Vivek Mehta and Mlu Godola.

"Part of the MTV Shuga vision is to empower and open up the industry for young African talent, as it did for Lupita Nyong'o who got her start on MTV Shuga Kenya. We're excited to have Mohale join the MTV Shuga Down South family," says Monde Twala, vice president for youth, music and BET for VIMN Africa, in a statement.

MultiChoice reveals it will only broadcast 25 minutes on DStv of Beyoncé and Jay-Z at the Mandela 100 Global Citizen Festival 2018 on Sunday and not their whole performance.

MultiChoice has revealed that it will only be broadcasting 25 minutes on its DStv satellite pay-TV service of the on-stage appearance of Beyoncé and Jay-Z today that will form part of the Mandela 100 Global Citizen Festival 2018 from the FNB Stadium and not their whole performance.

The event is set to be broadcast by MultiChoice's DStv, YouTube, Twitter, the SABC's SABC1 and Viacom International Media Networks Africa's (VIMN Africa) TV channels, MTV (DStv 130) and MTV Base (DStv 323).

MultiChoice has the responsibility to film and produce the event and to provide the live broadcast to the South African public broadcaster, as well as other international broadcast partners.

The South African comedian Trevor Noah will co-host the Mandela 100 Global Citizen Festival with a string of international bold type names ranging from Naomi Campbell, Dave Chappelle, Sir Bob Geldof, Gayle King, Tyler Perry and Forest Whitaker, set to appear, and with Oprah Winfrey who will do a keynote address about Nelson Mandela and his legacy.

South African stars like Bonang Matheba, Nomzamo Mbatha are also part of the appearance list.

Stars like Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Cassper Nyovest, D'banj, Ed Sheeran, Eddie Vedder, Femi Kuti, Kasey Musgraves, Pharrell Williams, Chris Martin, Sho Madjozi, Tiwa Savage, Usher and Wizkid are set to perform, but MultiChoice revealed that it will only broadcast 25 minutes of Beyoncé and Jay-Z, not not their whole performance.

On Twitter MultiChoice warned DStv subscribers, saying "we will be airing the entire concert but only 25 minutes of the Beyonce and Jay-Z performance" because "the full performance of Beyoncé and Jay-Z is exclusive to those who have earned their tickets to be inside the stadium on the day".

Hi, we will be airing the entire concert but only 25 minutes of the Beyonce and Jay-Z performance. ~TC

— DStv (@DStv) November 30, 2018

the full performance of Beyoncé and Jay-Z is exclusive to those who have earned their tickets to be inside the stadium on the day. ~TC

— DStv (@DStv) November 30, 2018

A production staffer involved with the Mandela 100 Global Citizen Festival died on Saturday after the rigger plunged to his death, although the concert will go ahead despite the tragedy and loss of life.

The as yet unidentified man die on Saturday at the FNB Stadium doing rigging work for one of the production partners involved.

CASTING CALL. MTV Base Shuga doing open auditions in Johannesburg and Durban for young actors who want to be in the 7th season of the sex edutainment drama series once again filming in South Africa.

Viacom Africa's MTV Shuga sex edutainment drama series that continues with further seasons filmed in sub-Saharan Africa, and getting two spinoffs filmed in Egypt and India, are once again doing a casting call for a "Down South" season that will be filmed in South Africa.

Previous seasons of Viacom International Media Networks Africa's (VIMN Africa) MTV Shuga have been filmed in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria and have been broadcast on MTV Base (DStv 322), e.tv and SABC1.

The 6th season of MTV Shuga, entitled MTV Shuga Naija and set in Lagos, Nigeria, made its debut on MTV Base earlier this year, and started in July on SABC1.

Besides two new seasons that will be filmed in Cote d'Ivoire for the first time, a new season of MTV Shuga, again entitled MTV Shuga Down South will be filmed in South Africa between September and November for broadcast on MTV Base and BET (DStv 129) in 2019.

The production company is now looking for young adult actors and doing open auditions in Johannesburg and Durban.

The Johannesburg open auditions will take place on 25 August from 08:30 until 18:30 (cut-off time for entry is 15:30) at Zone 6 the Venue in Soweto.

The Durban open auditions will take place on 26 August from 08:30 until 18:30 (cut-off time for entry is 15:30) at the Olive Convention Centre.

Only South African citizens speaking fluent English between the ages of 18 and 25 can audition, must be eligible to work in South Africa without requiring a work permit and must be available for filming on-location between September and November 2018.

Audition scripts have been posted online.

Viacom Africa again running a MTV Base VJ Search 2018 visiting 4 South African cities; winner will get a year long contract to present MTV Base shows.

Viacom Africa decided to once again run a MTV Base VJ Search for its MTV Base (DStv 322) channel, with someone who could get as year long contract with the channel.

The MTV Base VJ Search 2018 will visit Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and East London this year, will the venues and entry dates, as well as the panel of judges that is yet to be announced.

The winner will get a 12-month contract as a MTV Base presenter, get the opportunity to present MTV Base shows and interview music stars. Viacom Africa says the next MTV Base VJ is expected to have "a passion for global and African youth culture and music, be authentic and live life in colour".

Tshego Koke won the MTV Base VJ Search in 2017 that was broadcast as a talent search series last year and became the presenter of the MTV Base Top 30.

"This is an opportunity for young talent to showcase what they are capable of doing," says Monde Twala, vice president for BET, youth and music at Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa).

Tshego Koke says "I have definitely learned immensely from this journey, the experience at MTV Base has proved to me that it's worth following your dreams. Everything I thought of and had faith in came about and I learned that when you get here, you'll always need to get to the next stratosphere of life".

A low-key start for the 6th season of MTV's sex edutainment drama series, Shuga Naija, on MTV Base that is set in Nigeria.

The new 6th season of MTV Africa's sex edutainment show Shuga, entitled MTV Shuga Naija has quietly started on 7 March on MTV Base (DStv 322) at 21:30.

Besides a Nigerian media launch, and with no media statements or quotables from either Viacom Africa or the producers to the press, there's been little fanfare about the new season filmed and taking place in Lagos, Nigeria, along with the Northern Kano and Kaduna regions.

In the new season, 4 characters return, including Tobi (Timini Egbuson), Leila (Jemima Osunde), Princess (Sharon Ezeamaka) and Weki (Olumide Oworu), alongside new characters played by Nigerians, including Rahama Sadau and Sharon Jatto.

The decidedly low-key debut of Shuga Naija is odd given the attention that Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) gave the show ahead of, and during, previous seasons of the show.

Unlike in the past there's literally nothing from the production company touting its season of this show, nothing and no quotes to the press from the stakeholder organisations funding it like the MTV Staying Alive Foundation or the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, or even Viacom Africa executives, like Alex Okosi, who previously chimed in with comments for other seasons.

There's been no episodic teasers or really any kind of overview summary about the themes and what this season will explore or try to do in terms of this youth drama.

The 6th season of MTV Shuga Naija was produced by Chris Ihidero who was responsible for the 4th season, together with Emma Uduma and the Nigerian directors, Tolulope Ajayi, Ishaya Bako and Tope Oshin.

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."

After battling depression, Tshego Mosupye wins MTV Base VJ Search; gets 12-month Viacom Africa presenter contract on MTV Base.

After having battled depression, Viacom Africa announced Tshego Mosupye (26) as the winner of the MTV Base VJ Search on Sunday evening who will now join MTV Base as a new presenter with an initial 12-month contract.

Tshego Mosupye from Pretoria who also won other prizes, beat out Kuhle Adams and Gontse Makgoba as well as 8 000 other hopefuls in Viacom International Media Networks Africa's (VIMN Africa) nationwide search for a new MTV Base presenter.

He will now make appearances at international award shows and report for MTV Base (DStv 322).

"Youth culture is the heartbeat that drives our business," says Monde Twala, vice president for BET, youth and music for VIMN Africa in a statement announcing Tshego Mosupye as the new MTV Base VJ.

"MTV Base remains on trend and continues to nurture fledgling talent into on-screen superstars and we see Tshego as another incredible local success story."

"Winning the MTV Base VJ Search has already transformed his life and we look forward to his journey the next year. Our VIMN Africa vision for the continent is to work towards unlocking the potential of our homegrown talent."

In the prepared statement Tshego Mosupye says "As a VJ, one must be fully aware of what's happening in the streets and current affairs in relation to the music. I am thrilled and humbled to share the stage with an iconic brand as MTV Base, a channel that is always ahead of our time and always shifting youth culture."

Tshego Mosupye says "people might think I have it all figured out. They don't realise that I'm the guy who is inspired by people and this motivates me".

"I look forward to revealing the real me - not the dude that looks like he has it all together, because I don't really, not always."

He says he "loves fitness - one of the methods I reached out to to break free from my bout of depression. I read and I love creating and designing clothes.Whatever I do, I always give it my all and do the best I can. I am inspired to become my greatest self."

Kuhle Adams, Gontse Makgoba and Tshego Mosupye the top 3 contestants in the MTV Base VJ Search competition.

Kuhle Adams, Gontse Makgoba and Tshego Mosupye have been chosen as the top three remaining contestants in Viacom Africa's new MTV Base VJ Search for the MTV Base (DStv 322) TV channel.

Kuhle Adams from Port Elizabeth, Gontse Makgoba from Johannesburg and Tshego Mosupye from Pretoria are the last 3 remaining contestants after 8 000 people across South Africa entered the competition.

The winner will get a 12-month contract with Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) to host some shows the MTV Base channel.

The winner will also get to interview some of the music stars at the Video Music Awards (VMAs), European Music Awards (EMAs) and The MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA).

The MTV Base VJ Search winner will be announced at the competition show's finale party in Soweto on 27 August where artists like Da Les and DJs PH, Ayanda MVP, Vigilante, Milkshake, Mo Flava, Shimza and DBN GoGo are set to perform.

The final episode of MTV Base VJ Search will be broadcast on MTV Base on Sunday 27 August at 19:00.

"The MTV Base VJ Search format provides an opportunity to open up the industry for young hopefuls," says Monde Twala, vice pesident for BET, Youth and Music for VIMN Africa.

"MTV’s ability to discover and elevate talent on the continent remains a primary brand focus. We have incredible success stories such as actress, Nomzamo Mbatha, who recently flew to Los Angeles in June to co-host our annual BET Awards, and Lip Sync Battle Africa host Pearl Thusi, who has gone on to star in the US hit series Quantico."

Fifth season of MTV Africa's Shuga sex drama filmed in South Africa will be set in a fictionalised Soweto called Zenzele; adds Nigerian artists.

The 5th season of MTV Africa's Shuga, filmed for the first time in South Africa, is bringing a South African flavour to the mix but is toning down its overt "South Africanness", adding Nigerian artists and setting it in a fictional township doubling as Soweto.

While MTV's Shuga is being filmed in South Africa for the first time, MTV Africa wants the pan-African edutainment sex drama to remain relatable to a broad African youth audience base that will be broadcast in several African nations.

Quizzical Pictures, producing the fifth season of Shuga entitled Shuga: Down South, for Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa), decided to create and set the new season in the clubs and schools of "Zenzele" - a fictionalised version of the sprawling South African township of Soweto, bordering Johannesburg's mining belt in the south.

Nigerian artists are part of the latest season to keep a pan-African feel to the gritty series that in its new 8-episodes will continue to tell cautionary tales around HIV/Aids and youth sex, drug use, teen motherhood and unplanned pregnancy, and other relational issues young African people are confronted with.

South African actors Given Stuurman (soccer player Reggie struggling with his sexual identity), Stephanie Sandows (mercenary teenager Tsholo), Ayandai Makayi (possessive boyfriend Sol) and Winnie Ntshaba (religious mother Neliswe) have been added to Shuga: Down South.

They join Vanessa Mdee (Storm), Clint Brink (Rakeem), Thuso Mbedu (pictured) (Ipeleng), Mohau Mokoatle Cele (Bongi), Jezriel Skei (Quinton), Lerato Walaza (teen mom Zamo) and Phila Mazibuko (DJ Coalstove).

Nigerian actors Emmaniel Ifeanyi Ikubese (Femi) and Adesua Etomi (Sheila), as well as Kenya's Nick Mutuma (Leo) will also appear. The Nigerian artist Seyi Shay and South African rapper Kwesta will make guest appearances in Shuga: Down South as themselves.

After open auditions, six more people were added to the cast: Samkelisiwe Makhoba as troubled teenager Kensai, Cebo Zikhali (Kitso), Sphelele Mzimela (Sis No'xolo), Herbert Sibanda (Fentse), Eve Rasimeni (nurse) and Thabiso Seboka (soccer player).

Production on Shuga: Down South started in December 2016 and will be broadcast  from 8 March on MTV Base (DStv 322). Shuga will also be shown BET (DStv 129) and on SABC1 later in 2017.

e.tv and OpenView HD to broadcast the MTV Africa Music Awards 2016 in HD as a delayed-live broadcast an hour after MTV Base and MTV on DStv.

 
e.tv and OpenView HD will broadcast the MTV Africa Music Awards 2016 in high definition (HD) as a delayed live broadcast on Saturday night at 22:00 as a delayed live broadcast, starting one hour after the live broadcast in Johannesburg from the Ticketpro Dome at 21:00 that will be shown on MTV Base (DStv 322) and MTV (DStv 130).

Trevor Noah has dropped out out as host citing illness and is replaced by Bonang Matheba as the pan-African music awards show from Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) moved to Johannesburg for the first time, since it was started in 2008.

It is the 3rd time this year that e.tv is partnering with VIMN Africa and MTV Base to bring viewers the MAMAs that celebrates musicians and achievers who have made the biggest impact on African culture and the continent's music scene over the past 12 months.

"We are once again excited to be partnering with MTV Base to bring millions of our diverse free-to-air viewers the MAMAs," says Marlon Davids, managing director at e.tv channels division.

"The event offers a fantastic, rare glimpse into both the vibrant continental and global entertainment trends."

Monde Twala, the vice president for BET, youth and music at VIMN Africa says "we are thrilled to partner with e.tv to bring this amazing awards ceremony to e.tv viewers - packed with stars, music, spectacle and world class performances and collaborations".

The MTV Africa Music Awards 2016 will celebrate 18 award categories, which includes categories, which includes categories such as Best Male, Best Female, Listener's Choice and Best Group. Additional categories include the Africa Re-Imagined Award and Personality of the Year.

Viewers can look forward to African and international musicians. 

Award-winning American rapper, Future is set to join some of Africa's best entertainers such as Alikiba, Babes Wodumo, Cassper Nyovest, Nasty C, Ycee, Yemi Alade, Diamond, Emtee, Kwesta and Patoranking.

AKA and Black Coffee are nominated in the Best Male category alongside Patoranking, Wizkid and Diamond. Gold medallist Caster Semenya and Pearl Thusi will compete against the likes of Linda Ikeji, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Wizkid in the Personality of the Year category. 

The South African rap sensation, Emtee  is nominated in the Best Hip Hop category.

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."

Upcoming 5th season of MTV Base's sex edutainment drama series, Shuga, will be shot in Johannesburg, South Africa; Quizzical Pictures producing.

The fifth season of Viacom International Media Networks Africa's (VIMN Africa) sex edutainment drama series Shuga will be filmed in South Africa for the first time later this year, following seasons in Kenya and Nigeria.

The South African production company Quizzical Pictures - also producing e.tv's Rhythm City and Umlilo, Intersexions for the SABC, MasterChef SA for M-Net and several others shows - will be filming the 8-part 5th season of Shuga for MTV Staying Alive Foundation and MTV Base (DStv 322).

Like what SABC1's Skeem Saam did for South Africa, Shuga, which started in 2009, is doing in a more broader pan-African version, in a series targeting young people that focuses strongly on spreading public health messages around sex through telling stories linked to subjects like drug use, HIV status, sexual assault and unplanned teen pregnancy.

Besides being shown on MTV Base on DStv across sub-Sahara Africa, seasons of Shuga have been broadcast on SABC1, e.tv, MTV and M-Net in South Africa.

The 5th season of Shuga will be filmed in Johannesburg in a few months with pre-production that has already started.

Several roles must still be cast, but the new season will include Mohau Mokoatle as the schoolgirl singer Bongi who gets pulled into a world she's unequipped and unprepared to handle in storylines that will focus on adolescent girls and their vulnerability to HIV infection and unplanned pregnancy.

"Shuga is a trailblazing edutainment property that has had real world impact and changed lives by making viewers reflect on their life choices," says Monde Twala, the vice president for the BET channel and youth and music at VIMN Africa.

"We look forward to working together with Quizzical Pictures to evolve the franchise in a South African context for the first time."

"We have always admired the Shuga project so we are excited to be part of its South African season," says Harriet Gavshon, Quizzical Pictures managing director.

MTV Base going 'glocal' in 2016: The Viacom Africa channel plans a new local Daily News show; local versions of Lip Sync Battle and Ridiculousness.

MTV Base (DStv 322) is planning on going "glocal" in 2016 - the channel will launch a brand new daily news show, localise the clip show Ridiculousness, and do a local version of Lip Sync Battle.

MTV Base channel director Tim Horwood who is also the creative director for Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) made the announcements last week at VIMN Africa's Media Day held on Wednesday.

The VIMN Africa Media Day was held in Johannesburg for press and TV critics, with OgilvyPR who invited journalists to it less than 24 hours before it took place.

MTV Base's new daily news show with a working title of MTV Base Daily News, will discuss actuality and popular culture news stories from mostly South Africa and Nigeria has no definite starting date in 2016 yet.

The show will be panel-based like The Real on SABC3, and will integrate live social media input in the show to give it a sense of immediacy and daily relevance.

According to MTV Base 2016 will also see a second season of the local prank show #YouGotGot from April which is also going international.

VIMN Africa will attempt to do a local version of the clip show Ridiculousness, there will be a new round of the MTV Base VJ Search and programming Behind the Story and Between the Video.

Lip Sync Battle that's been showing on MTV, MTV Base and e.tv will see a localised version in 2016 on MTV Base in which well-known personalities compete by dancing and lip-singing to well-known hits.

Meanwhile BET (DStv 129) - now only available on MultiChoice's DStv and only as a single channel from December after it was killed off on StarTimes Media SA's StarSat and the two BET channels on DStv were reduced to one - will in 2016 broadcast a Hurricane Katrina special as well as a OJ Simpson documentary.