The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Africa Magic

  • 10th Africa Magic Viewers’Choice Awards kicks off today

    10th Africa Magic Viewers’Choice Awards kicks off today

    •The AMVCA will kick off with Cultural Day this evening

    The lineup of activities for the 10th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) begins today with the Cultural Day event.

    The Cultural Day event will formally kick off the series of activities preceding the Award Night on Saturday, May 11.

    Dr. Busola Tejumola, Executive Head, Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice West Africa, expressed her excitement about the upcoming event, stating that the award ceremony has enjoyed immense growth and recognition since its inception in 2013.

    Read Also: AMVCAs: UcZhe Ikejimba secures sixth nomination

    “The 10th edition of the AMVCA represents a significant milestone in our journey to celebrate African talent and creativity. This year’s edition celebrates a decade of excellence in African cinema and television. As we prepare to mark this momentous occasion, we look forward to honouring the incredible contributions of filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals who continue to inspire and entertain audiences across the continent and beyond.”

    The 10th AMVCA will see winners emerge from 25 categories comprising 16 non-voting, 9 audience voting categories, and recipients of 2 recognition awards – Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer Awards.

    The Cultural Day event will feature musical performances and special cultural presentations.

  • MultiChoice Talent Factory set to premiere two feature films on Africa Magic

    MultiChoice Talent Factory set to premiere two feature films on Africa Magic

    The MultiChoice Talent Factory, MTF, is set to premiere two feature films – ‘Grown’ and ‘Her Dark Past’ – on Africa Magic this weekend.

    The two films, which are the final projects of the MTF Class of 2023 students, will premiere on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Urban between March 2 and March 10, 2024.

    Dr. Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content & West Africa Channels at MultiChoice, expressed her excitement about the premiere of the two feature films.

    “We are excited to showcase the works of these truly talented individuals. These films, ‘Her Dark Past’ and ‘Grown,’ are not just cinematic experiences, they are the culmination of hard work, dedication, and creativity from the MTF Class of 2023. I am immensely proud of the talent and storytelling prowess demonstrated by these young filmmakers and thrilled that Africa Magic will have the opportunity to bring these authentic African stories to our audience across Africa. I urge our customers to catch the premiere of these authentic stories this weekend.”

    While ‘Grown’ is a fantasy drama that tells the story of an over-pampered teenager who resents her mother, wishes she was an adult and wakes up to a rude shock one morning as a grown woman with kids, ‘In Her Dark Past,’ explores the life of an uber-successful social media influencer and life coach which starts to crumble when the child she left for dead resurfaces years later, giving way to a complex spiral of drama that imperils her seemingly perfect life and unearths the trauma she fights daily to bury.

    ‘Grown’ is written by Nosa Isibor and Boakye D. Alpha, directed by Ola Jegede and Empress Allen and produced by Desmond Ebuwa Ekunwe and Nosa Isibor, while ‘In Her Dark Past’ is directed by Oluwatobi Deborah Ahmed and Samuel Oluwasegun Ogundeyi and produced by Elvis Damptey and Adeniran Wuraola.

    Read Also: Tinubu commends outgoing Immigration CG

    ‘Grown’ features Efe Irele, Yemi Cregx, Bobby Ekpe, Najite Dede and Sarah Obiekwe while ‘In Her Dark Past,’ features Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Daniel Etim Effiong, Iremide Adeoye, Ego Ihenacho and Fadekemi Olumide-Aluko among others.

    “Her Dark Past and Grown are two films that beautifully capture the pressures of young people living in this social media age, teaching them to relish their youth, be true to themselves and rely on the unwavering support of those who love them beyond the façade of social media” says MTF West Africa Academy Director, Atinuke Ngozi Babatunde. “They are authentic African stories, told by Africans for Africa and we are proud to bring them to audiences across Africa this March.”

  • Piracy threatens Africa Magic’s $85m investment in local content

    Piracy threatens Africa Magic’s $85m investment in local content

    After injecting over $85 million in production of local content through Africa Magic, piracy is threatening to cripple MultiChoice’s investment in the creative industry.

     According to Dr. Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels at MultiChoice West Africa, Africa Magic has successfully commissioned, produced, and acquired more than $85 million worth of local content over the last few years to create opportunities for young creators to earn a living from their work and for Africa to tell its authentic stories.

     However, this substantial investment is under threat from piracy.

     Speaking about the detrimental impact of content theft, Dr. Tejumola described piracy as an unchecked theft that endangers the existence of jobs and the well-being of communities across Africa.

     “We recently launched a continent-wide television campaign to emphasise how piracy erases African stories and jeopardises jobs in the production and creative industries. If piracy remains unchecked, it will result in fewer African stories being told, fewer local productions commissioned, and fewer opportunities for content producers.

    Read Also: Africa Magic’s Come Play Naija returns with Season Two

     “I appeal to our nation and our continent to unite against piracy and empower Africa’s creatives to earn a living from their talent, “she said.

     As content distribution has evolved to encompass various devices and platforms, content piracy has evolved in tandem. Producers, studios, and rights-holders now find themselves in a technology arms race against pirates, striving to develop content-security strategies to protect their brand reputation, revenue, and the livelihoods of thousands who depend on the industry.

     In addition to its impact on the entertainment industry, Africa Magic’s contributions have also injected significant financial support into adjacent industries, such as travel, hospitality, construction, and manufacturing sectors, all of which are jeopardised by the scourge of piracy.

  • Africa Magic at 20: GOtv Supa customers to enjoy Supa+ content from today

    Africa Magic at 20: GOtv Supa customers to enjoy Supa+ content from today

    MultiChoice has said customers on the GOtv Supa package will access content on GOtv Supa+ for one month, starting today.

    The open window, according to the company, is part of customer reward initiatives for Africa Magic’s 20th anniversary celebrations. 

    Executive Head of Marketing at MultiChoice West Africa, Tope Oshunkeye, explained that in the spirit of the celebrations, GOtv Supa customers will have uninterrupted Supa+ experience throughout this month.

    “As part of our Africa Magic 20th anniversary celebration, we’re thrilled to involve our GOtv customers in this memorable occasion. GOtv Supa+ represents our premium package, offering customers exclusive access to top-notch content, including live Premier League matches, La Liga matches, Serie A matches, and other exciting sports events on SuperSport Select 3.

    “Also, the premium Africa Magic Showcase channel is now available on the Supa+ package, allowing GOtv Supa customers to enjoy the best of Africa Magic’s original series, like Slum King, Love and Light, Chronicles, Refuge, and Masquerades of Aniedo throughout November,” Oshunkeye said.

    Read Also: Afenifere leader Fasoranti congratulates Tinubu

    Customers will also be able to access movies on Universal Studio (GOtv Channel 38) and kids’ content on Disney channel (GOtv Channel 92).

    MultiChoice had announced the opening of Africa Magic Showcase channel to DStv Compact and GOtv Supa+ subscribers for two months, which started on October 1.

    Africa Magic Showcase is exclusive to customers on the DStv Compact Plus, DStv Premium, and DStv Prestige.

    MultiChoice added that GOtv customers on Max and Jolli can enjoy the Supa+ bonanza by upgrading to GOtv Supa.

    It urged customers to download the MyGOtv app or dial *288# to renew or upgrade their subscription.

  • Africa Magic takes new look for 20th anniversary celebrations

    Africa Magic takes new look for 20th anniversary celebrations

    In  preparation for its 20th anniversary celebrations, Africa Magic has taken a new look.

    Africa Magic has unveiled a new brand logo and identity colours for each of its seven channels.

    The new look was unveiled on October 1.

    Commenting on the initiative, Executive Head, Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice West Africa, Dr. Busola Tejumola, said changes to Africa Magic channels represented the beauty, spirit, peculiarity, and diversity of cultures on the African Continent.

     “As part of Africa Magic’s 20th anniversary celebrations, we are unveiling a new Africa Magic logo with unique colours for each of the seven Africa Magic channels available on DStv and GOtv. The new look and feel takes effect from October 1, which marks the 63rd Independence Day celebration of Nigeria.

    Read Also: My second wife asked me to choose between her, MohBad – Father

     “We have had two decades of impactful storytelling and growth with our audience at the heart of this journey. The new logo and colours of Africa Magic channels represent the tenacity, creativity, enthusiasm, warmth, harmony, happiness, inspiration, and hope among the diverse cultures on the African Continent. As we celebrate this milestone, Africa Magic looks forward to more decades of providing quality entertaining content for our esteemed audiences with a commitment to telling unique and authentic African stories that depict the everyday realities of Africans, for the African and global audiences,” Tejumola said.

    Africa Magic, which started with one channel in 2003, has grown to a chain of seven channels: Africa Magic Showcase, Africa Magic Urban, Africa Magic Family, Africa Magic Yoruba, Africa Magic Igbo, Africa Magic Hausa, and Africa Magic Epic within the last two decades.

     With over 30,000 content hours, and an estimated one million viewers daily, Africa Magic has established itself as the reliable home of high-quality family entertainment in Africa.

  • Africa Magic celebrates 15 years

    Africa Magic, a Digital Satellite Television (DSTV) entertainment content provider, is celebrating its 15th anniversary dedicated to quality programming and development of the local African television entertainment industry.

    According to the Channel Director, Africa Magic Channels, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu: “For 15 years the Africa Magic channels have entertained viewers and audiences with the best content coming from some of the most amazing talents behind and in front of the cameras. In doing this, we have also undoubtedly led the development of the current African television entertainment scene, a role we continue to play.”

    Beginning with just two channels in 2003, the Africa Magic channel roster now includes six channels with three local language channels: Africa Magic Yoruba, Africa Magic Igbo and Africa Magic Hausa.

    “The celebration of Africa Magic is also the celebration of Africa’s film and television industry,” the CEO of MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr. John Ugbe, said.

    “The growth witnessed in the industry can be linked to the impact of the Africa Magic channels in operation across 53 countries on the continent. The Africa Magic channels have also consistently proven to be a platform for the unearthing, promotion and celebration of existing and up and coming film and TV talent, and the channels’ various means and models of industry partnerships ensure a steady line of critical investment in the industry.”

    Over the years, Africa Magic has developed original content, from the flagship TV drama, Tinsel, which already holds the record for the longest running series in Sub Saharan Africa; to the Pan African drama series, Jacob’s Cross, magazine shows 53 Extra and Jara; and comedy series The Johnsons and Hustle. The channels are also known the telenovelas which have become television staples over the years including Hotel Majestic, Hush, Battleground, Ajoche, Forbidden and Eve.

  • Africa Magic celebrates 15 years of entertainment

    Africa Magic, the leading provider of entertainment content for Africa by Africans, is celebrating 15 years of magic, quality content and the continuous development of the local African television entertainment industry.

    The Channel Director, Africa Magic Channels, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu said:  “For 15 years the Africa Magic channels have entertained viewers and audiences with the best content coming from some of the most amazing talent behind and in front of the cameras. In doing this, we have also undoubtedly led the development of the current African television entertainment scene, a role we continue to play.”

    Beginning with just two channels in 2003, the Africa Magic channel roster now includes six channels with three local language channels: Africa Magic Yoruba, Africa Magic Igbo and Africa Magic Hausa.

    Speaking on the milestone, the CEO of MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr. John Ugbe said: “The celebration of Africa Magic is also the celebration of Africa’s film and television industry. The growth witnessed in the industry can be linked to the impact of the Africa Magic channels in operation across 53 countries on the continent. The Africa Magic channels have also consistently proven to be a platform for the unearthing, promotion and celebration of existing and up and coming film and TV talent, and the channels’ various means and models of industry partnerships ensure a steady line of critical investment in the industry.”

    Over the years, Africa Magic has developed original content that continues to entertain Africa: from the flagship TV drama, Tinsel, which already holds the record for the longest running series in Sub Saharan Africa; to the Pan African drama series, Jacob’s Cross, magazine shows 53 Extra and Jara; and comedy series The Johnsons and Hustle. The channels are also known the telenovelas which have become television staples over the years including Hotel Majestic, Hush, Battleground, Ajoche, Forbidden and Eve.

  • Africa Magic celebrates 15 years

    Africa Magic is celebrating 15 years in African television entertainment industry with conviction that films done in Nigerian languages are quality continent for entertainment beyond the continent.
    Beginning with just two channels in 2003, the Africa Magic channel roster now includes six channels with three local language channels: Africa Magic Yoruba, Africa Magic Igbo and Africa Magic Hausa.

    Speaking on the milestone, the CEO of MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr. John Ugbe said: “The celebration of Africa Magic is also the celebration of Africa’s film and television industry.

    The growth witnessed in the industry can be linked to the impact of the Africa Magic channels in operation across 53 countries on the continent.

    The Africa Magic channels have also consistently proven to be a platform for the unearthing, promotion and celebration of existing and up and coming film and TV talent, and the channels’ various means and models of industry partnerships ensure a steady line of critical investment in the industry.”

    Channel Director, Africa Magic Channels, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu reckoned that for 15 years the Africa Magic channels have entertained viewers and audiences with the best content coming from some of the most amazing talent behind and in front of the cameras.

    “In doing this, we have also undoubtedly led the development of the current African television entertainment scene, a role we continue to play,” he said.

    Over the years, Africa Magic has developed original content that continues to entertain Africa: from the flagship TV drama, Tinsel, which already holds the record for the longest running series in Sub Saharan Africa; to the Pan African drama series, Jacob’s Cross, magazine shows 53 Extra and Jara; and comedy series The Johnsons and Hustle.

    The channels are also known the telenovelas which have become television staples over the years including Hotel Majestic, Hush, Battleground, Ajoche, Forbidden and Eve.

  • The other sides of Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards

    The curtains may have closed on this year’s Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, but one impressive effect of the showpiece is its often overlooked, yet immensely important effect on Nigeria’s economy.

    The scale and scope of the showpiece means that on a yearly basis, over 600 people are employed to work on the awards, while another 1000 businesses directly and indirectly contribute their services to the success of the show.

    The showpiece has also become a major event for tourists, and this is partly due to the continental feel of the awards. Actors, actresses, script writers, and directors from all over the continent are nominated for the awards and these nominees often troop into town weeks before the event day to enjoy the Lagos experience.

    From weeks leading to the Nominees and Sponsors Cocktail Party, to the days after the event has ended, AMVCA tourists are known to stick around to enjoy the culture of the country. This means hotels, Ubers and AirBnBs are the major beneficiaries of this tourism experience.

    Availability of transportation is a major essential for the continental awards’ show with the proliferation of ride sharing apps, it has become a lot easier not only for drivers to provide their services but also for consumers to access them. However, even for the burgeoning transportation industry, there are few times in the year that these drivers are so much in demand, as during the AMVCAs.

    Makeup artists, photographers and stylists are at the very top of the AMVCA money makers’ list. The exciting thing about the award show is that the event is an A-list affair for creatives from all over Africa. What do actresses from South Africa, set designers from Kenya, camera men from Libya and directors from Egypt all have in common? They all want to look good on the big night and there’s perhaps no better place to that than at Lagos. Some of the nominees and tourists go the extra mile of ordering outfits in Nigerian fabric and made by Nigerian designers.

    Then of course we have the caterers, whose services are especially important because while people from different countries may want to experience Nigerian meals, they would definitely not mind tasting a meal or two that they are familiar with. It would seem that every aspect of the Nigerian business cycle is activated and empowered in a brand new way, all thanks to the organizers of the AMVCA.

  • Africa Magic to air #BAAD 2017 exclusive videos

    Africa Magic to air #BAAD 2017 exclusive videos

    Pay TV channel, Africa Magic, is set to exclusively beambehind-the-scene moments leading up to the wedding between RnB singer, Banky W and actress, Adesua Etomi to its viewers.

    Captioned ‘The Wellingtons”, the footage according to the channel’s management, will premiere on Africa Magic Urban and Showcase at 8:30 pm on Saturday January, 6, with a repeat broadcast on Sunday, January, 7 at 2 pm on Africa Magic Urban and 3:30 pm on Africa Magic Showcase.

    From their on-screen chemistry in the record-breaking movie, ‘The Wedding Party’, #BAAD2017 was undoubtedly the wedding of the year, shutting down Lagos and Cape Town, South Africa and buzzing the internet with clicks on the picture of Ebuka’s outfit just as thousands ogled Adesua’s gorgeous wedding dresses.

    Also, in 2017, the Wellingtons gave us romantic goals – from the big reveal of their engagement, to the wedding build-up and finally the romantic destination wedding as well as #BAAD2017 being a trending hashtag on the Nigerian Internet. Adesua also became the third most searched individual on Google Nigeria.

    Africa Magic’s management also says that ‘The Wellingtons’ promises to serve up an amazing time filled with an abundance of renewed hope, the hope of better things to come and a fulfillment in life as viewers relish one of the most inspiring love stories of our time.