The Nation Newspaper

Tag: MultiChoice

  • Multichoice offers free course in filmmaking

    Multichoice is out with a laudable initiative, designed to give young filmmakers in Nigeria world class training, absolutely free-of-charge.

    Called Multichoice Talent Factory, the programme is expected to increase the numbers of trained filmmakers working in Nollywood, and impact on job creation through creative entrepreneurs who will in turn employ others.

    Launched on May 30, 2018, entry had since been opened to applicants in West Africa, with Nigeria as the center. They exercise is expected to produce 20 successful applicants from West Africa for the first year of the programme billed to commence in October.

    The initiative is being replicated in East and Southern Africa, making a total of 20, the number of young filmmakers to be trained in the first season.

    Multichoice is partnering the Pan Atlantic University for this project in the area of curriculum development.

    The Pan-African initiative for film and television industry, according to Multichoice, is aimed at igniting and growing Africa’s creative industries into vibrant, economic centers.

    “The African development story has long been defined by investment in the vast mineral wealth on the continent, leaving our creative industries to fend for themselves on the fringes of economic development for far too long. As a result, the film and television industries have not developed at the same rate as other industries on the continent, and not for a lack of talent, passion or imagination,” says John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria. “We are abundantly blessed in these areas, however, the space given for this expression has at best been limited and at worst, been relegated to the fringes of the mainstream economy, leaving in its wake, unfulfilled dreams, unexplored talent and unwritten stories. As an African business, MultiChoice, together with our valued partners and stakeholders across the continent, have collaborated to make a positive socio-economic impact in the communities in which we live and work through the MultiChoice Talent Factory initiative.”

    Ugbe further stated that the MTF initiative will deliver three touchpoints that launch throughout the year – the MTF academies, Masterclasses and the MTF Portal. The first to launch is the MTF Academy, a 12-month educational programme aimed at furnishing 60 deserving, young, talented people who want to work and innovate in film and television production.

    He said the programme will take place at three regional MTF Academies based in Nigeria for West Africa, Kenya for East Africa and Zambia for Southern African countries and will be overseen by acclaimed local film and TV industry experts. “In West Africa, Mr. Femi Odugbemi, has been appointed as the Academy Director for the hub,” he revealed.

  • WC: MultiChoice slashes decoder prices in bumper coverage promotion

    MultiChoice Nigeria has pledged the best offerings to football fans on SuperSport, exclusively on DStv and GOtv. The company also announced that all 64 games of the FIFA World Cup in Russia, would be available live on HD, to DStv and GOtv viewers, with viewers getting the best of expert commentary and analyses. It equally announced decoder price slashes, with the DStv HD decoder, which includes a dish kit plus one-month subscription on the Compact bouquet available at N8, 500, a 14% reduction from the previous price of N9, 900.

    Also, the GOtv decoder, which comes with the antenna and one-month subscription on GOtv Max will be available for only N5, 900.

    The announcement was made in Lagos yesterday at the launch of “Connect with Greatness”, the company’s World Cup campaign.

    Speaking at the event, Martin Mabutho, General Manager, Marketing and Sales for MultiChoice Nigeria, said:

    “The FIFA World Cup is football’s most significant event, featuring the best players and national teams all fighting for one ultimate prize. We are proud to say that we have been broadcasting the football tournaments since 2006 and this edition won’t be any different as we will be showing all 64 matches of the World Cup LIVE and in HD on DStv and GOtv.

    “Nigerians can enjoy all the games from the comfort of their homes and on the go with up to five mobile devices via the DStv Now app. We will also be providing exclusive live coverage from Russia with expert analyses from the biggest football professionals among other benefits. All you have to do to get in on the excitement is purchase a DStv HD decoder for as low as N8, 500 and a GOtv decoder for N5, 900.”

    Subscribers will have access to the World Cup on six dedicated SuperSport channels broadcasting all 64 games on all DStv packages. GOtv subscribers will also enjoy all 64 World Cup games on GOtv Max and GOtv Plus packages, while GOtv Value customers can view a total of 56 World Cup games.

  • Digital technology transforming African media – Multichoice chief

    Rapid advances in digital technology in Africa have created new opportunities to innovate on content delivery, according to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of General Entertainment at MultiChoice, Yolisa Phahle.

    She said “digital disruption” has and will change how people consume media products.

    “As people who are invested and committed to the future of Africa, it is our collective responsibility to play an active role in making sure our continent benefits from this opportunity,” she said.

    Phahle spoke on the first day of the fifth edition of the Digital Dialogue, a thought-leadership platform established in 2012 and facilitated by MultiChoice.

    It is designed to address various issues facing the video entertainment industry on the continent, share industry best-practice and create a better understanding of Digital Migration and its impact on Africa’s digital landscape.

    Addressing a delegation comprising of several international industry thought-leaders and key media stakeholders from across Africa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Phahle said: “As a company, we are looking forward to investing even more in telling local stories, documenting our history and providing a platform for Africans to share African stories.

    “But today in the midst of the ongoing digital revolution – we collectively have the opportunity to not only tell stories that educate and inform African audiences, the digital age means we are in a position to take African stories to the world, and create a global market for what we do.

    “By using the internet and leveraging technology, we have the ability to reach audiences at a global level and the success of companies like Iroko TV, artists like Davido, actresses like Lupita Nyong’o and the movie Black Panther are confirmation that the world is ready to consume African stories, celebrate African culture and embrace African languages.

    “This will take incredible focus and increasingly, as we look to the future of news and media organisations, the conversation is focused on three words: content, technology and customer which we believe will continue to be essential for any news or media organization that wants to survive and grow in the future.”

    Phahle is of the view that to survive and grow, operators must find new ways of engaging more effectively with viewers when there are more choices than ever.

    “Nowadays, no-one can say with absolutely certainty what the future holds for any business in the news or media industry. What we do know, however, is that people today consume more news and entertainment than ever and I believe this trend will continue.

    “The delivery mechanisms will change, and in many ways digital is just another route to market, but the producers of the most relevant and resonant content will survive,” Phahle said.

    MultiChoice’s vision, she said, is to be the best African story teller in the world, with a promise to bring customers the best international stories.

    “Being able to tell the right story, at the right time to the right person is our absolute focus and if we are able to leverage the technology, and become obsessed with pleasing our customers we will nullify the headwinds and use the tail winds to drive exponential growth for our collective future,” the Multichoice CEO said.

    Phahle added that this year, MultiChoice is planning to start production on a number of epic African stories and use new digital platforms to create a stage for Africa to shine on while continuing to work with the best African talent to tell Africa’s stories.

    The aim, she said, is “to deliver the incredible economic benefits to Africa’s creative industries”.

    “Let’s undertake to bring this kind of prosperity to our continent and aim to use digital technology to entertain and inform the world,” Phahle added.

  • GOtv Boxing Night: We’ll do more for success of boxing — Mabutho

    Martin Mabutho, General Manager, Sales and Marketing of Multichoice Nigeria Ltd., has credited the success of the Gotv Boxing Night to the company’s determination to support boxing.

    No fewer than seven fights took the centre stage at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos, to a sellout capacity crowd for the 14th edition of the competition.

    The edition saw three title fights as Rilwan “Babyface’’ Babatunde beat-up Djossou Agoy Basile from Republic of Benin by way of technical knockout in the fourth round of 10 rounds fight.

    Babyface eventually won for himself N1million and the Mojisola Ogunsanya Best Boxer of the night. He emerged the new West African Boxing Union (WABU) Welterweight Champion.

    The fight night saw other four outstanding challenge battle one another as the fans in the sports hall continued to savour every moment of how the boxers gave their best to out do their opponents.

    Mabutho, who was also charmed by the performances of the night said the event had reached its peak and boxing fans should expect more.

    “We are happy to deliver the goods to boxing fans; before we came on board, boxing was nowhere and we are proud after three years we can boast of 14 editions already.

    “We have seen many of our boxers work their gloves off to become Kings of Africa and we can back more boxers to come up and showcase their stuff.

    “We intend to go into other states up north, south-south and in the eastern parts where boxing fans all over can feel the impact of what Lagos fans are enjoying,’’ Mabutho said.

    Similarly, Rafiu Ladipo, the President Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) thanked the organisers for their efforts in promoting boxing at its best in Nigeria.

    He said the promoters and sponsors that had come on stage to support boxing had made the sport to gradually pick up and could be counted as the number one sport.

    “I am so proud of the organsiers of GOtv Boxing.

    “I also want to say a big thank you to Flykite Promotions which has continually worked tirelessly to change the face of boxing in Nigeria.

    “Soon we will see more boxing events springing up because of the challenge GOtv has thrown to other promoters out there, indeed it’s a thing of joy for me,’’ Ladipo said.

    NAN reports that following some gruelling hard punching fights Sulaimon “Olags’’ crushed Majesty “Majesty 1’’ in a unanimous decision of their National Light Heavyweight challenge.

    Chukwuebuka “Wiseking’’ Ezewudo dismissed Semiu “Jagaban’’ Olapade 58-55, 55-53, 58-58 to claim the National Welterweight challenge fight.

    Abiodun “Afinity Afinito’’ crushed Ramon “Hyena’’ Razak 59-54, 57-55, 59-54 in their six rounds National Cruiserweight challenge.

    Rilwan “Real One’’ Oladosu pummeled Kehinde “Ijoba’’ Badmus into submission in the sixth round of their 12 rounds fight for the National Lightweight title.

    Waheed “Skoro’’ Usman did not disappoint his fans as he powered an 11th round technical knockout of his Kenyan opponent, Micheal “Shaka Micheal’’ Nyadwade in a thrilling encounter of their 12 rounds fight.

    Usman, who had lost once on the same stage has now cleared all doubts as a boxer with a great come back, and has been crowned the Africa Boxing Union Champion.

    Oto “Joeboy’ Joseph was adjudged victorious over Prince ‘Lion’ Nwoye the Police man, 96-94, 97-93, 97-95 in an epic national lightweight challenge that could go down as the fight of the night.

    A disappointed Nwoye told our correspondent that he was confident he did everything to prove to the judges and the fans he was better than Joeboy.

    “I won the fight, this was clear robbery, I am not happy about the decision of the judges, but I have to move forward maybe I will get a rematch,’’ Nwoye said.

  • Heritage Bank partners MultiChoice on BBNaija

    Heritage Bank Plc has partnered MultiChoice Nigeria Limited, owners of the DSTV and GOTV brands to bring the third season of the Big Brother Naija entertainment to viewers across Africa and beyond.

    The Big Brother Naija 2018 was launched with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu as the host. The programme has 20 house mates battling for the winning prize of N45 million which include a cash gift of N25 million and SUV Jeep among others. The theme of this year’s edition is “Double Wahala.”

    The host said one of the innovations in this season was that viewers could give housemates secret tasks to do and some lucky viewers could win cash prizes of N1 million during the duration of the show.

    The house mates will stay at the Big Brother House for the next 85 days to entertain viewers and the show promises to show case a lot of drama intrigues and romance.

    Speaking at the live streaming of the opening session in Lagos at the weekend, Group Head, Corporate Communications of Heritage Bank, Fela Ibidapo,  said, “When the last season of the reality show was about to start, some of us did know what we were getting into. We are back here again because last year was successful.’’

    He said Heritage Bank believed in creativity and innovation and expressed appreciation to MultiChoice for the opportunity to be part of this edition of the show.

    About 20 house mates were invited to the house in the third season of the show which began last Sunday night, with four of them debuting in a reality show for the first time in their lives.

  • Royalty: Court awards N5.4b against Multichoice

    Royalty: Court awards N5.4b against Multichoice

    Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court in Lagos has awarded N5.4billion against Multichoice Nigeria Limited for alleged copyright infringement.

    The judgment came after eight years of copyright legal tussle between Multichoice and the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN) Ltd./GTE.

    Multichoice had sued MCSN in 2011, claiming some damages, but MCSN counter-claimed.

    Justice Idris, in the verdict delivered last Friday, struck out Multichoice’s suit and ordered it to pay MCSN the money.

    He held: “The court having delivered judgment this 19th day of January, 2018, striking out the plaintiff’s claims, it is hereby ordered as follows: that judgment is entered in favour of the defendant/counter-claimant in the following terms: N5,490,652,125.00 only as damages.”

    The amount includes N200million and N309million awarded to MCSN as general and aggravated damages against Multichoice, and N197million as Value Added Tax (VAT) payable to the Federal Government.

    MCSN, in its counter-claim, accused Multichoice of infringing on its copyright by using 18 songs without permission, including ‘Konko Below’ and ‘Never Far Away’ by Bisade Ologunde, alias Lagbaja; “ No Ordinary Love”, “Love Is Stronger Than Pride”, and “Is it A crime”  composed and authored by Shade  Adu and  Mathewman  Stuart Collin; “Three Little Birds”, “One love” and “Turn Your Lights down Low” by  Robert Nesta Marley, aka  Bob Marley  among others.

    MCSN argued in its counter-claim: “The defendant to the counter-claim did each of these acts in the course of and to promote their businesses and to make profit without the authority or license of the counter-claimant and the counter-claimant has suffered loss and damage.”

    Multichoice, in a  statement, last night said it has filed an appeal as well as a stay of execution against the ruling of the Federal Court.

    “MultiChoice has filed an appeal as well as a stay of execution against the Federal Court’s judgement. However as the case remains Sub Judice, we are prevented from providing further details at this point.”

     

  • Multichoice: Easy to install decoder app unveiled

    Multichoice: Easy to install decoder app unveiled

    Nigeria’s foremost Pay TV provider, Multichoice, on Wednesday unveiled an application to ease the problem of installing its devices.

    Speaking on the sidelines of the launch on Wednesday in Lagos, the Manager, Project and Field Service, Multichoice, Mr Ekong Esong, said that the application was also for troubleshooting when the decoder might be experiencing any fault.

    Esong said that the application was designed to complement other help service application.

    According to him, the application will handle the installation of DStv decoder from the process of the point of sale to when the customer can watch it.

    “The customer can now buy the decoder and the application takes over the process, the customer can now sit back and the next thing is for him to watch the decoder with ease.

    “It sounds simple, but what the application does between those times is to assign an installer, notifies the customer who that installer is and agrees on the time to set his TV up.

    “The application can also relay signal feedback to the installer all the delay pictures. It shoulders the responsibilities,” he said.

    Esong said that the application could be used by both new and existing customers of the Pay TV.

    “The application takes the stress off the customers. They can easily call in for the fault and within a short time have it rectified.

    ”It is a user friendly application with little steps to follow, just like a phone application,” he said.

  • Big Brother Nigeria returns

    Big Brother Nigeria returns

    Organisers have began preparations for the third edition of Big Brother Nigeria, BBN, with auditions to hold in six cities across Nigeria.
    MultiChoice Nigeria, the leading Pay TV operator in the country, announced the return of the reality television show, to be sponsored by Nigeria’s online store, Payporte.
    The return of Big Brother Nigeria, organisers say, follows the critical success of the second edition which saw aspiring hip-hop artiste Efe Ejeba winning the coveted N25 million prize money and SUV after almost three months of drama, intrigue, betrayal and entertainment in the Big Brother house.
    Speaking on Big Brother Nigeria’s return, the Regional Director, M-Net West Africa, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu said: “Around the globe, the Big Brother format remains one of the most popular genres of entertainment and this is also the case in Nigeria. The  edition of Big Brother Nigeria was one of the most successful reality shows not just in Nigeria, but around the continent with a record number of votes and many of the housemates going on to pursue careers in entertainment. We are delighted to have the show return for a third edition and cannot wait for our audiences to once again tune in to experience all of the exciting entertainment that the show is sure to provide.”
    The third edition promises to be even bigger as auditions are scheduled to hold in six locations across Nigeria, an increase from the three audition locations from last year.
    The six audition venues include
    Lagos – West Town Hotel; 1, Ayeni Street, behind Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja;
    Port Harcourt – 5141, Aba Road, Port Harcourt; Abuja – MultiChoice Office,  Plot 1548, Ademola Adetokunbo Street, beside NEMA, adjacent Transcorp Hilton, Maitama;
    Enugu – Oakland Hotel and Park, Tunnel Crossing, Ogui Link Road, beside Etim Plaza, Enugu;
    Delta State – Deluxe Garden Suites, Bauchi Close, Shell Edjeba, Warri;
    Ibadan – Mauve 21 Events Centre, MKO Abiola Way, Ring Road, by Adeoyo Junction, Ibadan.
    Speaking further on the show’s return, the Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr. John Ugbe said: “At MultiChoice we take pride in providing the best entertainment available to viewers not just in Nigeria, but across Africa. The last Big Brother Nigeria was a tremendous success and prompted multiple queries about the show’s return. We are delighted to announce that the show is indeed returning for a third edition, on a bigger scale than ever before. The number of audition locations has increased and we expect that the third edition will deliver even more excitement, intrigue and round the clock entertainment that the Big Brother platform is globally renowned for.”
    For more information on Big Brother Nigeria, fans are urged to  visit www.dstv.com
  • MultiChoice gives special GOtv offer at Lagos trade fair

    MultiChoice gives special GOtv offer at Lagos trade fair

    Leading video entertainment company, MultiChoice Nigeria will give special offer on its GOtv platform at the ongoing 37th Lagos International Trade Fair.

    Customers will enjoy a price slash on GOtv decoder bundled with a one-month GOtv Plus subscription for only N5,500. This offer is only available at the Trade Fair. It will run till Sunday.

    In addition to the price slash, GOtv subscribers can get a chance of winning exciting prizes such as LED television sets and generators via lucky dips at the fair. Subscribers will enjoy the company of GOtv brand ambassadors, Daddy Showkey and Mr. Ibu with special appearances by Big Brother Naija reality stars, Efe and Bisola at the GOtv stand during fair.

    General Manager, Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr. Martin Mabutho said the price slash is to aimed at making GOtv services more accessible to customers.

    “The Lagos Trade Fair is an exciting time for us as it offers the opportunity for shoppers to interact with our brands and enjoy special discounted offers. Subscribers who visit our stand will have exciting packages awaiting them”, he said.

  • MultiChoice makes top 50 brands list in Nigeria

    Reading video entertainment company, MultiChoice Nigeria, has been listed among the top 50 brands in the 2017 edition of the Top 50 Brands Nigeria Awards.

    According to a report unveiled during the awards in Lagos, the listed firms are among the most resilient in the country and achieved growth during the 2016 economic recession.  MultiChoice placed first in Nigeria’s pay-TV industry. “They were those who defied the odds, with many of them declaring good profits. Cutting across various sectors, they are the engine that power and drive our economy; they are the employers of labour; they create wealth and provide vital goods and services for the people,” the report said in part.

    Speaking at the presentation of the awards, Mr. Taiwo Oluboyede, Chief Executive Officer, Top 50 Brands Nigeria,  said the awards initiative tagged #IAM Brand Nigeria, appeals to Nigerians to openly endorse and associate with the Nigeria brand, thereby enhancing the value towards becoming a top nation brand globally.

    Oluboyede added that given the economic situation in the country, there is no better time than the present for Nigerians to express pride in the country, stating that the same branding campaign was embarked upon by nations of the world that sought to create a positive image for their countries. He explained that the Nigerian brand is a common heritage and Nigerians needed to promote it” he explained.

    Upon receiving the award, the Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe commended Nigerians for supporting DStv and GOtv. According to him, the success of the brands (DStv and GOtv) is reliant on the huge support of customers. “MultiChoice’s success in Nigeria is based entirely on the support and loyalty of our customers and in turn, we put our customers at the centre of everything we do. We remain committed to providing wholesome entertainment and quality content in a bid to satisfy our customers,” he said.