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.

New Series Alert: OUTtv Launches First Ever South African Programme, The G-List

LGBTQ+ television and streaming service OUTtv has commissioned its first South African original series, reality format The G-List.

Produced by The Red Pill Productions, the unscripted series follows three of the city’s gay influencers, Kyle Clarke, DJ Lula Odiba and Mthaux, as they explore topics such as identity, love, friendship and fame.

The G-list will be released on OUTtv’s broadcast and streaming services worldwide and on Openview’s Ultraview service by the end of October..

Philip Webb, chief operating officer of OUTtv, said: “South Africa is an emerging market for us and also home to an incredibly rich, dynamic and culturally vibrant queer community which we are excited to be showcasing through The G-List.”

Dale Jacobs, production lead for The Red Pill Productions, added: “We will challenge preconceived notions, celebrate diversity and uplift the power of self-expression, creating a global platform for amplifying LGBTQ+ voices in South Africa.”

Drafted: What To Expect On Warner Bros. Discovery Across Africa In November 2023?

Discovery Channel:

Gold Divers

Castaways

Wheeler Dealers

TLC:

90 Day Fiance

Say Yes To The Dress With Tan France

Megan Thee Stallion Vs. Tory Lanez: Five Shots

TNT:

Pulp Fiction

Alien Menace

Unusual Suspicion

Real Time:

Forbidden: Dying For Love

Investigation Discovery:

Special Report: The Long Island Serial Killer

How To Create A Sex Scandal

Murder Tapes

A Body In The Basement

Food Network:

Holiday Wars

Zoe Bakes

Holiday Baking Championship

Christmas Cookie Challenge

Beat Bobby Flay

Holiday Baking Championship: Gingerbread Showdown

Magnolia Table With Joanna Gaines

HGTV:

Ugliest House In America: Summer Road Trip

Building Roots

Travel Channel:

The Visitors

The Curse Of Lizzie Borden

Scream: The True Story

Ghost Hunters Taps Return

Expedition Bigfoot

Michigan Hell House

Cartoon Network:

Summer Camp Island

Pokemon The Movie: I Choose You!

Mr. Magoo

Cartoonito:

Batwheels

Bugs Bunny Builders

Singalong with Masha And The Bear, Lu And The Bally Bunch and CoComelon

Disney Africa And LIFT Unveil Plane Livery This Holiday Season

The Walt Disney Company Africa and LIFT today unveiled a co-branded celebratory aircraft livery to kick-off Disney’s biggest festive campaign to date in South Africa, “May Your Wishes Come True”.

The livery features some of the most iconic and memorable characters from Disney, MARVEL and Star WarsTM, including: Disney’s Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Moana, Black Panther, GroguTM, Elsa, Spidey. A brand new character also makes an appearance, Asha, from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ upcoming “Wish", which releases in cinemas nationwide from 22 November. The Disney inspired plane (tail number ZS-GAS) will appear in South African skies and at airports from 20 October and service routes between Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

On board, customers can expect special Disney and LIFT surprises, as well as kiddies activity packs to make flying with little ones a breeze during the busy holiday season, with giveaways and more treats. The excitement won't stop there, because LIFT has additional surprises between 1 and 12 December for lucky travelers on select flights, as South Africans get ready for the festive season.

Fans and travellers who spot or travel on the Disney-inspired Plane can share their pics on social media, using the hashtag #DisneyandLIFT and tagging @DisneyAfrica and @LIFT__SA.

Says Christine Service, Senior Vice President and General Manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa: "To mark our 100th year anniversary (16 October 2023), The Walt Disney Company is celebrating the fans and storytellers who have sparked the joy and magic that embodies Disney over the last century. We hope that this exciting and unique collaboration with LIFT will bring delight to travellers of all ages this holiday season as we mark this milestone anniversary.”

Says Luke Roberts, General Manager, Consumer Products, Games and Publishing, The Walt Disney Company Africa; “Rolling out in stores nationwide from November, “May Your Wishes Come True” is Disney’s biggest retail campaign to date. With the holiday season approaching and “Wish” releasing in cinemas nationwide from 24 November, we are inspired by the universal truth of wishing to be together at this special time. This collaboration with LIFT truly celebrates this togetherness with families and fans.”

Says Jonathan Ayache, CEO of LIFT.: “As a beloved family brand, Disney is a perfect fit for LIFT. With our new livery, together we celebrate the love, magic and family togetherness that signals the festive season. We’re proud to link arms with Disney, through this collaboration, our hope is to ignite a sense of fun, wonder and excitement for the whole family during the upcoming season of school holidays and family celebrations.”

Customers can visit www.lift.co.za to book flights and stand a chance of flying on the #DisneyandLIFT aircraft. Travellers aboard the airline will continue to enjoy all the perks LIFT has to offer including complimentary snacks, coffee from vida e caffè and extra-friendly service from the stylish cabin crew. LIFT has flexible flight changes with unlimited penalty-free changes and no cancellation fees up to 24 hours before departure.

From November, Disney’s “May Your Wishes Come True” will offer the perfect opportunity to stock up on those gifts for every member of the family – from stocking fillers, toys, apparel, books and so much more – featuring the very latest and greatest from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars. With much more to share, this festive season is set to be an unforgettable one as we wish together for the holidays.

The Adventures Of Spider-Man (2002, PDF)

Your favorite web-spinning hero is here to save the world!

When a genetically enhanced spider escapes from a laboratory cage and bites Peter Parker, his normal teenaged life is transformed. Suddenly, Manhattan has its own superhero - one that can climb walls, soar through the air, and shoot spider-webbing from his wrists! But danger lurks in the streets -- the Green Goblin wants to take over the world. Can Spider-Man keep the world safe? Or will the Green Goblin squash him like a bug?

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The Amazing Spider-Man (1963, PDF)

The FIRST issue of Amazing Spider-Man! The amazing Spider-Man swings into his very first starring series, fresh off of his debut in the pages of Amazing Fantasy #15. In one of his earliest adventures following Uncle Ben's death, Spider-Man must save a crew of astronauts aboard a malfunctioning space ship! Then, Spider-Man tries to join the Fantastic Four and then runs afoul of the Chameleon!

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Meet The Star-Studded Cast Of Mzansi Magic’s New Telenovela – My Brother’s Keeper

Mzansi Magic, the home of entertainment, is ready to wow audiences once again with its latest telenovela, My Brother’s Keeper. Premiering on Monday 23 October at 19:30, the 130-episode drama promises suspense, intrigue, and top-tier performances.

Produced by the renowned Rhythm World team, My Brother’s Keeper promises a compelling story of family politics, ambition, exploring how far individuals will reach in their quest for power and acceptance, and the corrupting nature of greed. 

Against the opulent backdrop of the Shabalala family empire, at the heart of this drama stands Nqubeko, Mshengu's ambitious love child, trapped in the shadows and yearning for his rightful place in the family. 

Nqubeko, driven by both ambition and the need for validation, sees an opportunity to become more powerful, setting his sights on his sister-in-law Fakazile, the key to the Shabalala legacy. But as he navigates this dangerous path, he finds himself at odds with his siblings, especially Donga, the rightful heir. As alliances shift and secrets come to light, the Shabalala family finds itself on the verge of collapse, with each member forced to reckon with their desires, loyalties, and the true cost of power.

Meet the Shabalala Family:

·         Mshengu (Lindani Nkosi): A dominant figure, Mshengu establishes authority with a mix of savvy and confidence. His traditionalist values often clash with the changing world around him.

·         Khwezi (Mnqobi Kunene): Mshengu's firstborn with MaMchunu. An astute businessman. Khwezi's unexpected absence sets in motion the drama to unfold.

·         Fakazile (Zola Nombona): An independent woman and wife of Khwezi. As the key to the Shabalala empire, she becomes the focal point of the power struggle.

·         Nqubeko (Wiseman Mncube): The ambitious love child, constantly seeking his father's approval. His decisions stir the pot within the Shabalala family.

·         Donga (Sdumo Mtshali): Mshengu's firstborn with his first wife, representing the rightful heir to the Shabalala legacy.

Other notable characters include Nomusa (Vuyiseka Cawe), the supportive wife of Nqubeko; Thuthuka (Sparky Xulu), the charming yet irresponsible youngest Shabalala; and Ndumiso (Nkanyiso Mchunu), a man easily swayed by temptation.

Don't miss the premiere of My Brother’s Keeper on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) on Monday 23 October at 19:30. Episodes will also be available on DStv Stream.

ENDS

Play Room: MultiChoice's Attempt At An "eToonz For Africa" Is Ramping Up It's Local Offering

Play Room (stylised as Playroom) is a children's channel operated by Ngwato Nkosi Group which offers fun and learning with popular animated shows dubbed in Zulu alongside live-action shows. The channel is set to go live on all packages from November 6 on channel 300.

During the week, we were able to piece out a part of the channel's schedule as tests are still underway particularly for the schedule. So it's likely that some content already confirmed for Play Room won't form part of the initial offering.

We have shows like Game Shakers and Paw Patrol those were very much confirmed beforehand. But a majority of content such as Akili And Me, Jabu's Jungle and Bino And Fino are all based from Africa leading us to believe that Play Room may be looking to ramp its local offering.

They already offer a local tween show Play Room Live with a selection of animated shows set to be dubbed in local languages. The idea of them sourcing out as much locally produced animated series and possible live-action wouldn't seem far fetched.

During the year, Showmax rolled out its first original animated series Jay Jay The Chosen One as somewhat of an experiment. Following its success, the streamer unveiled its second program in the year Twende so we presume these shows will likely surface on Play Room.

African Animation Network To Get First Ever Competitor With A Dedicated Channel

In 2019, Nick Wilson the cofounder to African Animation Network unveiled plans to launch a 24 hour linear channel strictly for African produced animation with plans to get original content. From what is understood, some funding would be needed to get this off the ground.

Prior to its rollout, they were plans to launch a dedicated programming block on numerous local broadcasters in the African market likely even DStv as sources sited these broadcasters as "major outlets". Following that instance, there's technically been no update.

Nick Wilson and the rest of his team at African Animation Network have since then been producing Garbage Boy And Trash Can for Cartoon Network. They aren't looking to compete with their potential linear offering but as seen already strive with partnerships.

In the coming months, MultiChoice and Ngwato Nkosi Group are set to unveil a new children's channel to their platforms, Play Room. Described as a fun and educational platform featuring animated series in local languages alongside live-action shows.

From what's seen on the schedule, Play Room appears to not only be taking on the likes of eMedia's eToonz but also Nick Wilson's African Animation Network. Alongside a channel there's various local shows such as Akili And Me, Jabu's Jungle and Bino And Fino.

African Animation Network had operated a digital channel years prior for short films and series. The linear counterpart would most likely continue this format and possible feature the above-mentioned shows as they were looking to get educational and kid friendly content.