Trace Ngoma, Trace Gospel And WWE Channel Now On DStv Access???

MultiChoice had been running an Upsize promotion on the DStv platform since November 2025 as part of a 30 year celebration. This meant lower packages would get access to premium content at no additional charge.

Unbeknownst to some viewers was the sudden inclusion of Trace Ngoma, Trace Gospel and the 24 hour WWE channel on DStv Access.

WWE Channel (Channel 128) is a dedicated 24-hour channel for all things World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It offers flagship shows like Raw, SmackDown, and NXT, as well as pay-per-views documentaries, and archival content.

Trace Gospel (Channel 332) is a 24-hour music channel dedicated to showcasing the diversity and richness of local and international gospel music.

Trace Ngoma (Channel 326) is the new home for South African music and culture, with a strong focus on local genres and artists. "Ngoma" reflects themes of drumbeat, celebration, and heritage.

Last year, Paramount had shuttered MTV Base, BET, CBS Reality and CBS Justice due to a restructuring following it's buyout by Skydance. It was stated by MultiChoice that consumers could browse similar content on Mzansi Magic and Channel O.

This was their way of saying no plans are underway to retain Judge Judy much less rollout replacements. Consumers would be starting the new year with 4 less channels.

Since late 2025, Trace Africa, Trace Gospel and WWE brands which had been exclusive to DStv Premium, Compact+, Compact and Family are now listed on Access.

In an enquiry to MultiChoice, they were only able to confirm the inclusion of Trace Urban's other TV channels. We can only assume that maybe MultiChoice wants to make Access the premier destination for Gqom and Amapiano.

As for WWE, MultiChoice had been very mim about whether it's a permanent addition but if you do browse the company's services in other parts of Africa. WWE does serve as a permanent fixture to these consumers and oddly it wasn't the case in SA.

TRACE Urban Announces The Return Of TRACE Fest As They Also Expand To DStv Access Customers

TRACE Urban, the leading destination for urban and contemporary music entertainment, is thrilled to announce a significant milestone for its viewers. From Wednesday, 1 November 2023, TRACE Urban will be available to DStv subscribers across the spectrum, from the Premium package all the way through to the Access package.

This move reflects TRACE Urban’s commitment to providing its audience with uninterrupted access to the best urban and contemporary music content, making it easier for fans to stay connected with their favorite music, artists, and cultural trends.

“MultiChoice is thrilled to bring TRACE Urban to our DStv Access customers,” says Georginah Machiridza, Executive Head of General Entertainment Channels at Multichoice Group. “We are constantly tuned-in to our viewers’ interests and keep abreast of their evolving taste as a means to enhance their experience. The addition of TRACE Urban strikes the right note to an already exciting lineup of entertainment on DStv Access,” Machiridza adds.

In addition to this exciting expansion, TRACE Urban is thrilled to announce the return of the highly anticipated TRACE Fest last held in 2019!

Music enthusiasts and entertainment aficionados, mark your calendars for Saturday, 2 December 2023, as TRACE Fest, Unlocked by Vodacom, is set to take the stage once again in Soweto, South of Joburg.

TRACE Fest has become an annual celebration of music, culture, and entertainment, featuring some of the biggest names in the industry, electrifying performances, and memorable moments. This year’s event promises to be even more spectacular, with a lineup that will leave fans eagerly counting down the days.

       

“We are delighted to make TRACE Urban more accessible to our viewers through DStv’s Access packages. Now, everyone can enjoy the channel’s exceptional content throughout the year”  said Valentine Gaudin-Muteba, TRACE Southern and Lusophone Africa Managing Director. She added “Additionally, in line with the channel’s ongoing commitment to support local talent, we can formally confirm the return of TRACE Fest, taking place on Saturday, 2nd December 2023. It’s going to be an unforgettable experience, Unlocked by Vodacom!”

Prior to its expansion to DStv Access, HONEY would be going dark across the region by the end of October. In the following month, MultiChoice would have unveiled another kids channel on their platform, Play Room.

Qwest TV Vs. DStv Music: Another Example Of Trash TV

Qwest TV is jazz infused channel owned by multi award winning artist Quincy Jones that launched on the DStv platform earlier in the year presenting live concerts, specials and documentaries on top of the already existing music offering from DStv.

For several years, MultiChoice has been feeding DStv consumers with the same content on Channel O, MTV Base and Trace Urban. Compared to the three, Trace Urban has more of an identity and variety as it isn't heavily reliant on Gqom or Amapiano.

MTV Base hit rock bottom at launch it was more of a censored version to the current Trace Urban now I find it hard to seperate from Channel O as they borrow each other's lineup and do what's common amongst DStv's portfolio - repeat.

Repeats are one aspect I'm not expecting to go away but this 320 section in particular needs some looking into I for one would target Channel O and MTV Base as there's not much variation going between the two.

As for the rest it's mostly garbage but I can see why they should get a stay of execution, Mzansi Music serves as the elderly counterpart to Channel O it's barely youth tiered and Trace Africa promotes hits from across the African continent.

As for the exemptions being Trace Urban, Trace Gospel, Qwest TV, One Gospel, Dumisa and DMX. I feel that is the only thing still kicking on the platform or worth exploring at this point. Not much duplication lurk around those areas as opposed to redundancy.

But honestly the whole music portfolio seems like an absolute mess perhaps the reason most channels are skewing towards local has to do promoting the market and finding ways to resonate with their viewers which doesn't seem like a bad thing.

If you're like me looking for something different there's always Apple Music, Spotify or JOOX. You don't have to let DStv control how you view content there's various reliable news outlets like Billboard, Pop Crave or Rap-Up providing updates on the things you love.

Airtel Trace Music Star Makes A Comeback In 2016 With International Superstar Keri Hilson

Season 2 of Airtel TRACE Music Star, the biggest pan-African talent search competition, is back and will see Keri Hilson on the hunt for Africa’s next music talent from February 1, 2016! The 2015 edition of Airtel Trace Music Star With 2.3 million calls made in its previous season, the Airtel TRACE Music Star (ATMS) talent search is the biggest music competition to ever take place in Africa. The number of contestants surpassed European and American talent shows such as “The Voice” and “Idols”. The mobile phone based ATMS talent search contest also won the “Best Pan-African Initiative” accolade at the prestigious AfricaCom Awards held in Capetown, South Africa. Crowned Airtel TRACE Music star winner by megastar Akon, Mayunga won a record deal as well as promotion for a total value exceeding $500,000 and a mentorship programme with Akon. His first track “Nice Couple” reached number 1 on all major radio and TV charts in his home country of Tanzania. A few months ago, he was in Los Angeles with Akon to record his second single “Please Don’t Go Away” and shoot the music video. The grand prize comprises a mentorship program with multi-award.winning American singer-songwriter Keri Hilson in Atlanta. The winner will not only star in their own music video alongside Keri Hilson; he/she will get an opportunity to record a duet with the “Knock You Down” songstress, as well as receive a signed contract with a major music label and worldwide media exposure through various TRACE’s platforms.