New Channel Alert: MultiChoice To Rollout Maningue Kool On The DStv And GOtv Platform

In 2022, MultiChoice added two Portuguese-language TV channels: Maningue Magic in Mozambique and Kwenda Magic in Angola - for DStv and GOtv subscribers. It features dramas, telenovelas, reality shows, comedies, music and original content.

After a year or few months, MultiChoice is looking to expand the number of Portuguese/local channels within the market with the launch of Maningue Kool.

Maningue Kool serves as a spin-off to the current Maningue Magic and is also the sister channel to various regional brands by M-Net which too have gotten spun off including Pearl Magic, Maisha Magic, KykNET, Mzansi Magic and Africa Magic.

Not much details is known about the content but considering MultiChoice's recent batch of local channels, Magic Showcase and CineMagic. It wouldn't be shocking if this served as somewhat of a repeat channel to the current Kwenda and Maningue Magic if not original.

Amidst the launch of Maningue Magic and Kwenda Magic, MultiChoice's head for these channels had expressed interest in giving consumers in these regions a platform for their talent and Maningue Kool could as well be part of those endeavours.

Maningue Kool is expected to launch on DStv channel 505 and GOtv channel 3.

Join Prince Ivandoe On Cartoon Network Africa As He Embarks On An Epically Silly Quest To Claim The Legendary ‘Golden Feather’ - Huzzah!

From the studio which produced Cartoon Network’s EMEA-produced hit series, The Amazing World of Gumball, comes the brand-new Cartoon Network original show The Heroic Quest of the Valiant Prince Ivandoe. Set in a world of swashbuckling heroes, royal rivalries, and magical fairy-tale creatures, Prince Ivandoe’s quest will take him far away from home and place him in the path of unimaginable dangers…and some rather spectacular nincompoops!

The Heroic Quest of the Valiant Prince Ivandoe shorts first premiered on Cartoon Network Africa in February 2018. It went on to rank as the #1 show across all kids’ channels in Africa during its time slot*. Following the success of the short-form series, the brand-new five-chapter show introduces new colourful kingdoms and characters and returns to some familiar characters such as Prince Ivandoe’s nemesis, the awful Prince Svan, Jezebel, the tricky Robber Princess, and who could forget the staggeringly odd Sassy Gnomes. In Chapter One, Prince Ivandoe bids farewell to ‘The Kingdom of the Mighty Stag’ and sets off on his quest through The Five Kingdoms, in five distinct chapters that will lead him ultimately to the mysterious Eagle Mountain and the legendary ‘Golden Feather’ - said to grant one’s true heart’s desire.

Created by Danish animators Christian Bøving-Andersen and Eva Lee Wallberg and produced by Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe in London, the new series will see the original’s three-minute shorts robustly expanded into 20 episodes that are each 11 minutes long, introducing viewers to even more intriguing characters, slapstick comedy and exciting adventures. True to Cartoon Network's humour and wackiness, fans of all ages will find plenty of funny moments to make them laugh out loud.

Kids can also take up their own quest at Fourways Mall in Sandton, Johannesburg, from Wednesday, 31 May, to Sunday, 4 June. Fun challenges will await them in the giant maze in the mall's centre court – with prizes up for grabs for the valiant princes and princesses who complete their quest!

Join Prince Ivandoe on his journey through Svanland and The Forest of Outlaws in the first two chapters of The Heroic Quest of the Valiant Prince Ivandoe on Cartoon Network Africa from Monday, 15 May, at 16:50 CAT and every weekday. QUEST ON!!!

Resident Evil: Grim Beginnings (GBC)

Welcome to Resident Evil: Grim Beginnings - an unfinished, yet fully playable, solo developed, Game Boy demake of the original Resident Evil.

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New Series Alert: Grizzy And The Lemmings And The Weasy Family Coming Soon To CBeebies And BBC Kids

The BBC has just picked up a pair of CG-animated series from French studio HARI— Grizzy and The Lemmings and The Weasy Family (pictured above and below, respectively).

Seasons three and four of Grizzy and the Lemmings World Tour (156 x seven minutes) will join the pubcaster’s schedule soon, targeting kids ages six and up and families. Production is still underway on a fourth season that should deliver in 2024. This slapstick comedy series centers around a grizzly bear who is perpetually perturbed by a group of mischievous lemmings.

Since launching in 2016, Grizzy has built up a strong viewership on both streaming platforms and linear channels. Last year alone, it landed among Netflix’s top-10 shows in more than 60 territories, and was the most-aired French animated series worldwide, according to a release. HARI also estimates that the show generates roughly a billion views on YouTube each year.

The new deal with BBC includes a presale for HARI’s upcoming series, The Weasy Family (78 x seven minutes), as well. Set in a Wisconsin barn, this family-centric toon follows an irresponsible weasel who must raise twin ducklings after accidentally incubating their egg. Broadcast partners already on board include France Télévisions, Germany’s Super RTL and Télé-Québec in Canada.

Both series will launch on linear nets CBBC and CBeebies, as well as on BBC iPlayer, in 2023 and 2024.

HARI is executing what it calls a “benevolent slapstick cartoon” strategy with The Weasy Family —while the series doesn’t have any dialogue, it stands apart from Grizzy and typical slapstick shows by not featuring its characters getting hurt.

The genre has a lot of potential in the UK market, according to HARI head of sales Sophie Prigent, who noted in a release that slapstick humor “really resonates with British families.”

“Moonbug Kids” Linear Channel Rebrands And Changes Name To “Moonbug” As It Aims To Expand Global Access To Popular Kids’ Content

Moonbug Entertainment, a subsidiary of Candle Media, today announced a new refreshed look of the company's 24/7 linear channel, “Moonbug KIDS”, and a new name, “Moonbug”, in line with its wider corporate rebrand. The new “Moonbug” channel identity aims to convey the same energy and fun as its colourful shows and characters.

While streaming and content on demand continue to gain popularity, linear channels are still relevant and, in 2022, Moonbug saw a big expansion of its linear channel, reaching 75+ countries across the globe. Moonbug has provided dedicated feeds to leading partners across EMEA and APAC including O2, Multichoice/DStv, OSN, Turktelekom/Tivibu, Cignal, Astro, Turkcell/TV+, Telekom Malaysia/Unify TV, Telekom Indonesia/Indihome and more.

“We want to give every family the opportunity to enjoy our shows on their preferred and go-to platforms, whether it is on the go or at home on an ad-free linear channel,” said Moonbug’s Managing Director EMEA and APAC, Nicolas Eglau. “Especially with a preschool audience, linear channels can be a huge help for young families trying to establish healthy routines. Whether it is bedtime, mealtimes or brush your teeth moments, our programming finds the suitable content to mirror families' daily life.”

“Linear TV remains extremely relevant across many territories, where viewers favour ad-free content and a curated experience. It is also particularly relevant in markets where streaming penetration is not as extended and there is a big demand for linear services,” adds Dilek Doyran, Moonbug Director, Distribution & Content Partnerships in EMEA.

Moonbug is known for being a trusted brand for families around the world, and for delivering great entertainment for young kids. By listening to its audience and incorporating feedback from parents, Moonbug’s linear channels are designed to support families and their routines.

This rebrand further contributes towards moving everything under a cohesive Moonbug umbrella, elevating its brand positioning and encouraging industry and consumer recognition as the company behind some of the most beloved shows in kids’ entertainment.