New Channel Alert (Rumour): Zambezi Magic To Rollout A Second TV Channel On The DStv And Possible GOtv Platform

Zambezi Magic is a general entertainment channel based in Southern Africa which is operated by M-Net and MultiChoice. It caters for audiences in Botswana, Malawi, Lesotho, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe (excluding South Africa) with shows like Mpali and Zuba.

During the week, the pay-tv operator had begun work on a duplicate channel to Zambezi Magic what caught our eyes was how they opted to add the drama Kopala to the lineup considering it dates back to a few months while a show like Mpali can go as far as 6 years. 

If we had to guess, this new channel similar to Mzansi Wethu, Maisha Magic POA, Magic Showcase and kykNET Lekker will cater toward consumers who haven't been able to view the above-mentioned shows seen Zambezi Magic's inception to these markets in 2015.

While Zambezi Magic is sitting on channel 162, it wouldn't come as a surprise if this duplicate occupied channel 165 seeing as it is the secondary channel and also the fact that other channel numbers have been filled.

The only question at this point would be whether M-Net and MultiChoice would look into possibly adding Zambezi Magic+ to South Africa. Seeing as they ripped Zuba away from Access customers on Novela Magic and also the fact that they blocked Zambezi Magic from the region.

Development Alert (Rumour): MultiChoice Might Be Switching Nickelodeon In Southern Africa And Possible The Rest Of Africa To High Definition (HD)

Last month, it was reported that MultiChoice and Disney might be looking to switch Disney Channel to high definition therefore alienating Disney Junior from the bulk of HD channels by Disney including National Geographic, National Geographic Wild, ESPN 1 & 2.

Now it looks like the pay-tv company will enhancing the graphic quality on more kids channels likely for consumers in Southern Africa if not ROA with Nickelodeon. The channel was already upgraded to high definition in South Africa back in 2019 but surprised it took this long.

During the year, Nickelodeon rolled out a new on air look which brought one of their iconic logos The Splat back to our screens. It was launched on numerous Nickelodeon feeds internationally by August 2023 with Nicktoons likely to follow before the year ends.

In other developments, MultiChoice is set to add a new kids channel in the coming months, Play Room. If you guessed right, it will be getting the HD treatment while distributing a mixture of fun and educational programming with animation dubbed in local languages.

Recap To Last Month: StarSat Turns To Poor Viewership And Consumer Feedback For The Cancellation Of All Elite Wrestling Across Their Platforms

Last month, it was reported that TNT went dark on StarSat and StarTimes platforms across Africa due to ongoing negotiations. Prior to that, the pay-tv platform blamed rivals such as MultiChoice for retaining the channel on an exclusive basis through DStv.

TNT doesn't have much "premium" value as most content can be transmitted or replicated on other brands like M-Net Movies and Studio Universal which led several consumers to seek answers from Warner Bros. Discovery regarding the sudden disappearance of the channel.

It was through them that it was learnt that StarTimes fabricated details regarding the removal of TNT. But this isn't the first time StarTimes lied particularly with Warner Bros. Discovery as other channels to have exited their platform include Real Time and Investigation Discovery.

As mentioned from last month, StarSat blamed the likes of MultiChoice's DStv for the removal of TNT as it was believed to be part of a exclusive deal. But through a StarSat subscriber, we've recieved a completely different statement which directs it's attention at viewers.

After blaming MultiChoice for TNT, StarSat ought to take it's frustration out on viewers saying that repeats and consumers complaints was what led to its sudden removal. They also take note of viewership which hasn't been performing to their expectation.

They promise to improve the offering on St Movies Plus as a replacement for TNT is currently under evaluation.

If repeats were to truly have been the reason, StarSat would need to have to sought out a channel very opposite to TNT and their current movie offering. FilmBox Family was spotted on the StarTimes app and if this is the supposed replacement it too would further boost the repeats.

And also prove that StarTimes is just spouting more nonsense.

Press Release: Catch 'Em All In Alola! Pokémon Sun & Moon Lands On Cartoon Network Across Africa On Monday, 9 October 2023

Get ready for an electrifying adventure as Pokémon takes over your screens this October! Cartoon Network Africa is excited to announce the launch of Pokémon Sun & Moon (Season 20), premiering on Monday, 9 October! Tune in Monday to Friday at 17:30 CAT for a sun-soaked adventure with Ash Ketchum and his trusty Pikachu.

 

In this tropical escapade, Ash's summer vacation in the vibrant Alola region quickly transforms into a thrilling chapter in his pursuit to become a Pokémon Master. The Alola region boasts exciting new Pokémon, captivating locales, and fascinating people for Ash and Pikachu to discover. Along the way, they'll meet the affable Professor Kukui and the adventurous Samson Oak, each offering unique insights into the Pokémon world.

 

Guided by a group of skilled Trainers—Kiawe, Lana, Mallow, and Sophocles—and assisted by the enigmatic research assistant, Lillie, Ash's Alolan adventure promises exciting encounters and gripping challenges. But the journey is far from tranquil, as the infamous Team Rocket and the mischievous Team Skull set their sights on capturing powerful new Pokémon, adding a layer of excitement and danger to the adventure.

 

Stay tuned, as the Pokémon excitement doesn't end there! This December, gear up for Pokémon Sun & Moon: Ultra Adventures (Season 21), premiering on Monday, 11 December 2023, with a double dose of episodes airing Monday to Friday at 17:30 CAT. And the adventure continues into the next year with the highly anticipated Pokémon Sun & Moon: Ultra Legends (Season 22), details of which will be revealed soon.

 

Get ready to embark on an epic Pokémon adventure in Alola and beyond! Catch all the action, drama, and excitement of Pokémon Sun & Moon starting Monday, 9 October at 17:30 CAT, only on Cartoon Network Africa!

Development Alert: Surrender In Love And Twist Of Fate Return For A Season 2 On eExtra + An Update On Chrysalis Season 2

For most of the year, eExtra's Bollywood offering has been a snoozefest rehashing content already viewed on the channel including Blue Venom Girl, The Heir and Till The End Of Time. Now, the channel is set to resume primetime with new seasons of Twist Of Fate and Surrender In Love.

Twist Of Fate follows the lives of Pragya and Abhi who find themselves entwined in a cruel twist of fate. However, despite their initial aversion towards one another, they fall in love and fight to be together against all odds.

It starred Sriti Jha as Pragya Abhishek Mehra, Shabir Ahluwalia as Abhishek Prem Mehra, Shikha Singh as Aliya Mehra and Leena Jumani as Tanushree.

Surrender In Love takes place 7 years later with Neel and Chahat's children. Shlok (Neel's son) is religious and kind-hearted but naive, Dua (Chahat's daughter) is mischievous, bold and caring. When the parents arrive with their respective children they begin to form a strong bond.

It starred Rajveer Singh as Neelkanth "Neel" Bhatt Dhyani, Pratibha Ranta as Chahat Neelkanth Baig Dhyani, Vidhaan Sharma as Shlok Bhatt Dhyani and Kisha Arora as Dua Bhatt Dhyani.

Twist Of Fate will make its return weekdays at 14:35 on eExtra from 19 October followed by Surrender In Love weekdays at 13:45 from 20 October replacing the double bill of The Heir.

Update on Chrysalis

During the week, eExtra unveiled a new romcom Wie Laaste in place of Chrysalis as consumers await an update regarding the drama's status. Currently streaming on eVOD for a season 2, Chrysalis is set to return immediately after Wie Laaste Lag by early 2024.

* Kamdaki Kiz (Chrysalis), Kumkum Bhagya (Twist Of Fate) and Qurbaan Hua (Surrender In Love)