Urban Brew Studios adds Kids in Faith as One Gospel channel's first kids edutainment series

by Thinus Ferreira

Urban Brew Studios which runs the One Gospel (DStv 331) channel on MultiChoice's DStv is adding the channel's first kids edutainment series, Friends in Faith, from Wednesday 3 July at 15:00.

Urban Brew Studios says Kids in Faith "marks a historic milestone for the channel as it deepens its commitment to nurturing young hearts and minds through faith-inspired storytelling".

Friends in Faith is described as "a joyful, energetic series that blends education, entertainment, and Christian values in a way that’s engaging and meaningful for kids and families alike".

"Each episode is anchored in Biblical principles - love, friendship, forgiveness, obedience, and faith - all presented through fun studio games, music, storytelling, and real-life moments with kids both in-studio and at home."

Yandiswa Nkonde, One Gospel channel head, says "Friends in Faith is more than a show - it's a ministry to our youngest viewers".

"We've had tremendous success with our licensed kids' content over the past three years, and now we are overjoyed to introduce something truly our own - content that speaks directly to the spiritual and emotional growth of children within a familiar and entertaining format."

South African personalities like Candice Modiselle, Dr Katlego Lekalakala and Thando Makhaphela will appear as guests in some episodes.

Calvin Sefala, Urban Brew Studios CEO, says "Partnering with One Gospel to bring this vision to life has been a blessing. This is a show that will plant seeds of faith, kindness, and courage in young viewers."

1Gospel channel announces April 2025 Easter programming

by Thinus Ferreira

The 1Gospel (DStv 331) channel from Urban Brew Studios has announced its April 2025 Easter programming line-up that will include several gospel artists, a 2-part concert experience, as well as the channel's annual Easter special.

"At One Gospel, our Easter programming is thoughtfully curated to honour the depth of this sacred season and invite viewers into a journey of faith, hope, and restoration," says Yandiswa Nkonde, 1Gospel channel head.

"We encourage our audience to embrace the message of redemption and triumph that Easter represents."

This year's 1Gospel Easter line-up includes:

Worship throne: Easter edition

14 to 18 April 2025, 12pm

This special edition brings together celebrated gospel artists in a dynamic worship experience. Tune in for soul-stirring music that captures the themes of renewal, hope and resurrection, all wrapped in authentic and heartfelt praise.

Annual Easter special

18 April 2025, 11:00

A 2-hour Easter showcase hosted by Candice Modiselle and Khaya Mthethwa, featuring special guests from Spirit of Praise. Through powerful music and engaging conversations, this special reflects on the suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and how his work continues to impact our lives today.

Fearless Lovers of Worship (FLOW): Live concert by The Jesus Collective

Part 1: 13 April | 21:30

Part 2: 20 April | 21:30

Join The Jesus Collective for an unforgettable two-part concert experience. Get to know the group behind the worship movement, hear their stories, and immerse yourself in four hours of passionate, live worship. These specials offer a deeply intimate encounter with music that celebrates faith, love, and purpose.

Yandiswa Nkonde now Urban Brew Studios' permanent head of channels.

by Thinus Ferreira

Urban Brew Studios in Johannesburg has solidified Yandiswa Nkonde's role as head of channels with the exec now permanently in the position from 1 March 2023.

Yandiswa Nkonde took over as Urban Brew Studios' acting head of channels in August 2022.ad of channels in August 2022.

Yandiswa Nkonde previously worked for the SABC and pay-TV operators like M-Net, TopTV and Kwese in roles ranging from scheduler, planner, assistant brand manager, movie manager, programme buyer and channel manager.

Urban Brew Studios packages channels like 1G and Dumisa carried on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV service.

"Her passion, experience and leadership complement our strong performance-oriented culture, and we believe her impressive ability for execution and achieving results makes her the right choice to lead UBS Channels, One Gospel and Dumisa TV as we prepare the business for the next phase of profitable viewership growth," says Calvin Sefala, Urban Brew Studios CEO.

Yandiswa Nkonde appointed as Urban Brew Studios acting head of channels.

by Thinus Ferreira

Yandiswa Nkonde has been appointed as acting head of channels at Urban Brew Studios.

Yandiswa Nkonde previously worked for the SABC and pay-TV operators like M-Net, TopTV and Kwese in roles ranging from scheduler, planner, assistant brand manager, movie manager, programme buyer and channel manager.

Urban Brew Studios packages channels like 1G and Dumisa carried on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV service.

"We are very excited about the new appointment as we continue to grow as a company. Our focus will always be our viewers, and this is one of many ways in which we aim to expand while providing great entertainment on our channels, 1G and Dumisa," says Calvin Sefala, Urban Brew Studios CEO, in a statement.