Channel Closure: Africa Magic Urban Will Stop Airing On DStv (And GOtv) By 30 April

Last month, it was reported WildEarth would be the 10th TV  exiting DStv by the end of April. This comes after the channel had been going through financial constraints and all of a sudden demanded carriage fees from MultiChoice.

This is also part of a bigger conspiracy seen within DStv as 9 channels had already exited their platforms in under 4 months. This includes 1Magic, Me, People's Weather, B4U Movies, Ginx TV, Emmanuel TV, DW, One Freestate Televisual and NWTV. 

With Africa Magic Urban that is set to be the 11th TV channel to exit DStv platforms across Africa. According to MultiChoice, they're consolidating their efforts as part of a strategic shift in order to deliver the highest quality entertainment that resonates with viewers. 

Similar to 1Magic and Me, MultiChoice is likely looking to cutback on content commissions for these channels in order to boost their streaming endeavors with Showmax. It was revamped in February to include a lineup of archived material from NBCUniversal.

Africa Magic Urban launched as Africa Magic Movies 1 in 2012 was a premium version to Africa Magic Epic and Family. Initially catered to local films expanded to include series most of which are now set to fold under Africa Magic Showcase and Family. 

If we had to be honest, there was not much variation with the content same with seasons. It was like how you'd view Moja Love and Moja 9.9. were instead of them gaining some independence same content launched elsewhere with variation being the package. 

Statement from MultiChoice about the closure of Africa Magic Urban:

Please note that this strategic shift allows us to focus on delivering the highest quality content that resonates most with our diverse audience. By consolidating our efforts, we can better invest in new and exciting programming that aligns with your interests. 

ROK's Future In Doubt As Canal+ Seeks To Buy Parent Company Of Africa Magic

During the month, it was reported that Canal+ had increased its offer to takeover DStv by 19% with a sum of R35,9 billion. This comes after their initial offering of R32 billion was rejected with the Takeover Regulation Panel (TRP) ordering them to propose a new deal.

As some readers are aware, Canal+ owns various properties in parts of Europe and Africa. Some of which clash with MultiChoice's current offering and should Canal+ succeed in their takeover of the pay-tv company various changes could await the content. 

In this instance, Canal+ owns Nigerian film company ROK Studios who manage the ROK channels currently viewed on DStv. The company was founded by Mary Remmy Njoku in 2013 before folding under the Canal+ company by 2019.

For several decades, MultiChoice has operated Africa Magic which serves as a rival offering to ROK Studios with its own lineup of original content. Should the acquisition move forward these two could merge into one entity since they'll be managed by one entity. 

Another would be a potential sale of ROK Studios as a means to keep Africa Magic intact for the foreseeable future. These brands have a lot of history and consumers aren't open to the reality of their assets being merged. 

One thing that comes to mind as a means to keep both brands intact is a restructuring to their demographic. ROK Studios could transition into a youth oriented brand as seen with the likes of 1Magic while Africa Magic caters to millennials and other audiences. 

Africa Magic Unveils New Logo For 20th Anniversary Celebrations

As part of initiatives for its 20th-anniversary celebrations, Africa Magic has unveiled a new brand logo and identity colours for each of the seven Africa Magic channels. The new look was unveiled at 12:00 am, October 1, 2023. 

 

Commenting on the initiative, Executive Head, Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice West Africa, Dr. Busola Tejumola, said changes to Africa Magic channels represent 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. 

 

“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 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 original 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 has elevated the business of movie production and licensing on the continent while also discovering and nurturing talents for the entertainment industry. 

 

Recap To Last Year: Africa Magic Epic Replaced Novela Magic On DStv Compact

Africa Magic Epic (DStv 152) is a West African movie channel operated by M-Net which broadcast films from Nigeria and Ghana and since last year supply a 1 hour segment to the first season of Ajoche and Riona currently on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv 150).

Novela Magic was Africa's first attempt at a dedicated channel for local telenovelas or in this case a rip-off to the likes of Mzansi Wethu, kykNET Lekker and OneZed featuring a lot of rehashed programming such as Zuba, Suidooster, Isibaya and Battleground.

As of May 2023, the channel no longer exists and from last year this was only applicable to South Africa and likely Lesotho with the last fragments of the brand confined to Magic Showcase (DStv 143).

Of course, Riona and Ajoche formed part of Novela Magic's offering before being swapped away alongside the rest of the channel. It's kind of weird that M-Net would make this available on a brand more accustomed to movies as opposed to Africa Magic Family.

Maybe this is their way of making up for the loss of Novela Magic considering the timing of these series entry to the channel and another could be that M-Net similar to 1Magic and Mzansi Magic is looking to create division amongst their consumers.

More Entertainment For DStv Customers??? As MultiChoice Adds ESPN 2 To DStv Compact With Ignition And Possible Africa Magic Epic On DStv Access

In February 2023, MultiChoice announced a price increase that came to affect by the end of March. It is a yearly tradition and honestly not a lot of people are shocked by this just disappointed. Unlike most years, the pay-tv company bears gifts for selected DStv customers.

ESPN 2, the non-football channel operated in a joint venture with The Walt Disney Company and Hearst Corporation is home to motor-racing, rugby league, ice hockey, basketball, baseball as well as action sports such as live boxing and a range of magazine shows.

Available to DStv Premium and Compact+ on channel 219 was made available to Compact.

Ignition, owned by Arena Holdings is SA’s only TV channel dedicated to motoring. It has a strong local flavour featuring car reviews, spinning, tuning, bikes and kasi car culture, blended with the best international supercar and adrenalin-pumping content.

Available to DStv Premium, Compact+, Compact and Family was made available to Access.

Awaiting confirmation would be Africa Magic Epic, owned by M-Net a movie channel showcasing the best of West African particularly Nigeria and Ghana. It is currently seen on DStv Premium, Compact+ and Compact with sites listing it under Family and Access.

In other developments, SuperSport Motorsport was currently running an open window to Compact+ customers with Access customers in the rest of Africa getting access to WWE Channel for the duration of WrestleMania.

Roundups #16: Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Launches On Africa Magic, Teen Wolf Cast Has Been Announced Alongside New Season Of Halo On Paramount+ And Housemates Liberia Coming Soon To DStv

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Nigeria is back on Africa Magic

The Old favourite TV Show, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire is back on air and it’s taking off in March 2022 according to BLKMedia, the brain behind the show. It will be on air every Sunday night on African Magic Family on DSTV, STV and NTA.

According to  the Managing Director of UP, Agada Apochi, explained the group’s decision to sponsor Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? Series 2-The Rebirth’ was borne out of the desire to educate, excite and entertain Nigerians by bringing back the game show that keeps families at the edge of their seats.

Apochi further stated that the investment in the game show was not only aimed at promoting the brands in the company’s portfolio but geared towards building a better future for Nigeria by informing, educating, and entertaining them.

Paramount+ greenlit more content

Paramount+ announced more of its hit series from Taylor Sheridan, 1883 , is planned for the service following a record-breaking performance that shattered the service’s record as the most-watched title ever globally. Additionally, the service has.ordered 1932 , the next chapter of the “Yellowstone” origin story. Produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios, 1932 will follow a new generation of Duttons during the time of western expansion, Prohibition and the Great Depression.

Paramount+ also announced that its highly anticipated upcoming series HALO, based on the iconic Xbox franchise, has been renewed for a second season prior to the series’ upcoming launch on Thursday, March 24, exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S. and in all international markets where the streaming service is available.

Also read:
- Coroner and Tell Me Your Secrets coming soon to Universal TV
- Kidz Club is back for the March holidays and more on Studio Universal
- In March, E! will also be hosting the Oscars live from the red carpet and launch the cover bands
- Could G4 launch on DStv perhaps to replace a channel like Ginx Esports TV?
- February on The Home Channel
- Why VH1 Classic was terminated on DStv?
- Paramount+ greenlit Knuckle TV series and Seal Team movie
- AEW: Battle Of The Belts launches on TNT
- February on CBS Reality
- NCIS: Los Angeles might be cancelled after 13 seasons

Cast set to reprise their roles in upcoming Teen Wolf Movie include:
Tyler Posey as Scott McCall
Holland Roden as Lydia Martin
Shelley Hennig as Malia Tate
Crystal Reed as Allison Argent
Orny Adams as Coach Bobby Finstock
Linden Ashby as Sheriff Noah Stilinski
JR Bourne as Chris Argent
Seth Gilliam as Dr. Alan Deaton
Colton Haynes as Jackson Whittemore
Ryan Kelley as Deputy Jordan Parrish
Melissa Ponzio as Melissa McCall
Dylan Sprayberry as Liam Dunbar

Housemates launching: Keynote Speech by Amb. Anthony Navo, CEO AYV Media Empire

I was inspired to establish Africa Young Voices Media Empire (AYV) because of the many raw and great talents I saw in Sierra Leone in journalism and entertainment who needed a platform to showcase their talents to the World.

This Housemates Salone Reality Show is also a result of that same vision. I'm happy that today we are celebrating Season 3, with the show set to be shown live on DSTV Channel 399. This is the first Sierra Leone reality t v Show that will be shown to millions across the World through our new partnership with DSTV. It now means a bigger platform for our entertainers to attract bigger opportunities.

Finally, I want to thank the entire team AYV, Africell, our partners, and all Sierra Leoneans who have been with me on this journey since we began. I'm proud that every year, the show continues to get more bigger, interesting, and appreciated by the public. Let us all continue to do our best to rebrand Sierra Leone through entertainment. I thank you all. And good luck to all intending participants.

Also read:
- Paramount+ and Nickelodeon expand kids slate
- Possible channel closures from Warner Bros. Discovery
- ViacomCBS rebrands into Paramount
- Beauty And The Beast and Luck In My Fate coming soon to Zee World
- The first batch of drama series coming to M-Net, 1Magic and Showmax
- Could Nicktoons be discontinued in Africa and likely the rest of the world?
- February on WildEarth
- Unforseen Love, Bold And Beautiful and Destined Love coming soon to Star Life
- Could ESPN close alongside National Geographic and Disney Channel?
- February on Comedy Central, MTV and BET

You can also find me through the other platforms by pressing this link in brackets and if you're struggling to share the article through certain platforms use this link (Lnk.Bio).

Future Channel Alert (Rumor): Africa Magic Ijaw Coming Soon To DStv In West Africa

West Africa has been providing content to MultiChoice for the past 18 years through Africa Magic catering English, Igbos, Hausa and Yoruba audiences with their 7 TV stations.

Several noticed there wasn't a channel catering to the forest regions of Nigeria being Ijaws so they've been pitching the idea of an Africa Magic Ijaw to MultiChoice for a while now.

With MultiChoice more focused in the African market this concept seems probable if it were to have content to call its own perhaps Africa Magic wouldn't be an appropriate branding as it creates competition to AM Showcase.

kykNET and kykNET NOU! have been dishing their own content without fighting tooth and nail.

Read Also:
- Will Zee One launch on DStv alongside Zee Cinema and WION?
- Female wrestling promotion launching in 2022, could SuperSport pick it up?
- DStv ratings for October
- Universal Kids will make a suitable candidate to take Disney Channel's spot

- Star India exits the English market, could it have implications on Star Life?
- African Animation Network launching an experimental animation block
- Toei Animaton teaming up with tvN parent company on anime
- e.tv new Turkish drama Erkenci Kus might air on eVOD
- Magnolia Network launching in 2022 in the United States, could it perhaps replace a channel like Travel Channel and Fine Living?
- Will M-Net's new addition Me have any ripple effects on Mzansi Magic and Mzansi Wethu? 
- Big Brother Africa has been greenlit in 3 markets
- Warner TV might be replacing TNT
- Could DStv Flex become DStv Premium's successor?
- tvN working on becoming permanent in Africa 

Could M-Net And MultiChoice Eventually Revive Big Brother Africa As A Permanent Channel?

Big Brother is famous reality show that features contestants who live together in a specially constructed house that is isolated from the outside world. The first show which is based in Dutch began in September 1999 and since then became a major franchise with 54 adaptations around the world.

In Africa, we got to see a Pan-African version of the game show from M-Net between 2003 - 2014 before becoming a Naija exclusive by Africa Magic from 2017 and onwards through DStv.

It was recently reported that Liberia would be making its own version of the game show which will launch on DStv channel 399 not sure what's wrong with 198 which begs the question on whether M-Net plans to revive Big Brother Africa with regional adaptations if so how would they able to cram all those shows in 1 year.

My guess would be that MultiChoice and M-Net will eventually operate Big Brother as a full-time brand not just in Nigeria but the rest of Africa as well. I can see some having a joint game show of course.

From what I've gathered, this franchise is all about welcoming talent and unlike Idols SA pop-up channel. This one is not reserved for only auditions.

Last year, MultiChoice's content boss (who died of COVID-19 complications may she R.I.P.) mentioned how popular the show has become and how the viewership has grown exponentially during the pandemic.

With that in mind, a permanent feed doesn't seem far off and I know it's a lot to process but my idea for this channel is to give at least 6 month coverage perhaps reduce the duration to get more markets onto that space and to air repeats for the rest of the year and often run a second channel when the content gets bigger.

While the pop-up ran across all packages or at the ones paying more than R100 this permanent one will be available to the family package (my opinion). Not saying Access customers will lose anything but they'll have open windows when it's live or repeats could work to better save up on costs.

There's other channels on DStv airing new episodes throughout the year which would actually affect the viewership that's why mentioned repeats. It wouldn't also be the best time to deploy such antics during the December holidays since some viewers won't be invested to their TV screens.

Big Brother Africa would join fliekNET which served as a yearly pop-up before becoming a full-time channel. MultiChoice has been Afrocentric and more focused on what they have as opposed to what's still available which is the reason for Honey, Wild Earth, Moja 9.9., Novela Magic, Maisha Magic Movies, kykNET Lekker, Abol TV and Pearl Magic Prime.

Read Also:
- Could SABC Entertainment launch on DStv?
- BVN stops airing on DStv from November
- StarPlus, Star Life and Star Gold likely rebranding to Utsav Plus, Utsav Life (presumably) and Utsav Gold
- Disney+ Hotstar's content (Indian) coming soon to Disney+ globally
- Peacock TV rolling out internationally likely through Paramount+
- TNT Africa might rebrand into Warner TV Africa
- Discovery and WarnerMedia could launch a joint streaming service
- Is a new kids brand on the way through Warner Bros. Discovery?
- tvN working to become a permanent brand in Africa
- Boomerang might be discontinued

Africa Magic Showcase Termination

From 1 March 2016, Africa Magic Showcase (DStv channel 150) will no longer be available on the DStv
Premium package. DStv Premium customers can still get the best of local content on our other Africa Magic channels, as well as on Mzansi and VUZU.