February 2024 On The Home Channel | New Series Alert: Escape To The Chateau: Make Do And Mend | Returning Shows Including Good Food Kitchen And Interior Design Masters | More

Show Title and Season: Escape to the Chateau: Make do and Mend Season 1 

Starting Date: Monday, 19 February 2024 at 12:00

End Date: Sunday, 17 March 2024 

Broadcast Times: PRIME: Thu 20:00 & Fri 19:00 Mon 12:00 | Tue 16:00 Fri 08:00 | Sat 12:30 Sun 16:30 & 23:30

Drawing from their own extensive experience, restoring and maintaining their home, Château de la Motte-Husson, Dick and Angel Strawbridge help families across the UK tackle design and DIY dilemmas.

From transforming a 1970s bathroom into a relaxing sanctuary, to digging out an old handmade smoker for the art of cheese smoking. They also design an eco-friendly bedroom for a teenager and create a safe sanctuary for an elderly mom. Dick and Angel are called to put on many different hats in Escape to the Chateau: Make do and Mend!

Show Title and Season: Afrimaxx Season 3 

Starting Date: Monday, 19 February 2024 at 11:30

End Date: Sunday, 13 October 2024

Broadcast Times: PRIME: Mon 19:00 & Thu 19:30 Mon 11:30 | Tue 15:30 & 22:00 | Wed 11:00 | Thu 15:00 | Fri 22:00 Sat 17:00 & 00:00 Sun 12:30 & 21:00

Afrimaxx is a lifestyle show which searches for inspiration and innovation in all areas of popular culture – from fashion and design through to architecture, art, food and travel.

The show aims to bring forth the modern African design philosophy by presenting the contemporary lifestyle for a young, emergent pan- African target group. This lifestyle is inspiring, motivating and future- oriented. It displays to the world what Africa has to offer in the next great design Renaissance.

Show Title and Season: Good Food Kitchen Season 2

Starting Date: Tuesday, 13 February 2024 at 18:00

End Date: Sunday, 7 April 2024 

Broadcast Times: PRIME: Tue 18:00 & Wed 23:00 | Thu 10:00 | Fri 14:00 Sat 07:30 Sun 14:00

Good Food Kitchen takes you behind the scenes of Australia’s most respected food media brand to witness top chefs, recipe writers and photographers pull together delicious and contemporary meals.

You will be inspired with simple and family-friendly dishes that anyone can make, as well as getting tips on food photography and styling. From amazing lamb cutlets and savoury pancakes, to levelling up your barbeque with wagyu skewers and irresistible chicken tenderloins, Good Food Kitchen has the answer to all your kitchen problems!

Show Title and Season: Jamie’s Quick & Easy Food Season 2 

Starting Date: Monday, 26 February 2024 at 10:00

End Date: Sunday, 21 April 2024 

Broadcast Times: PRIME: Wed 18:00 | Mon 11:00 & 14:00 | Tue 15:00 | Thu 19:00 & 23:00 | Fri 10:00 & 22:30 | Sat 08:00 & 15:30 | Sun 14:30

Jamie’s Quick & Easy Food brings you the ultimate set of go-to recipes that are quick to cook and easy to remember. He starts us off with a Pesto chicken, 'nduja vongole, sausage bake and watermelon granita. He also has the best recipes for chicken wings, sirloin, and a mushroom pasta. Seafood lovers are also included with his crispy sea bass and sweet chicken surprise.

Jamie also shows us how five ingredients can create an array of dishes like smoky chorizo salmon, potato and artichoke al forno and a delicious walnut whip affogato. Lastly Jamie shows us all his worldly culinary inspiration with Asian, Arab, and Indian inspired dishes and recipes.

Show Title and Season: Interior Design Masters Season 2

Starting Date: Monday, 26 February 2024 at 22:00

End Date: Sunday, 21 April 2024 

Broadcast Times: PRIME: Tue 20:00 | Mon 22:00 | Tue 11:00 | Wed 08:00 & 15:00 | Thu 12:00 | Fri 16:00 Sat 19:30 | Sun 11:30

Hosted by Alan Carr, Interior Design Masters sees ten talented new designers all looking for their big break in the fast-paced world of commercial interior design. They will be competing to win a career- defining contract with one of the UK’s top boutique hotels. Design expert and former editor of Elle Decoration, Michelle Ogundehin, returns as the series judge.

Each week, the designers will be set a new challenge, to take on the interiors of show homes, offices, hotels, shops, beach huts, salons, restaurants and luxury holiday villas. Their skill and expertise will hopefully create design magic to impress the discerning judges.

Get Ready For A Brand-New Story Of Passion, Power & Perseverance, And Ultimate Triumph: Champions Premieres On The 5th Of February 2024 On Mzansi Magic.

The upcoming Mzansi Magic telenovela Champions will feature A-list talent like Sello Maake ka-Ncube, Tumisho Masha, and Jo-anne Reyneke and introduce the breakout duo of Rethabile Mohapi and Minkie Malatji. Champions premieres on Mzansi Magic channel 161 from Monday 5 February at 7 pm (Mondays to Fridays).

 

In a world where the turf is tough and the stakes are high, Sne Modise (played by Reyneke) is a symbol of resilience and ambition in a male-dominated soccer empire. Battling the storm caused by sudden changes in her father, Washington’s life, Sne is thrown into a series of challenges, love, and betrayal. While battling the intense drama, as the underdog, Sne stands at the top, determined to challenge the gender norms and lead the Soshanguve Giants F.C. to success. But the question remains: Can she come out on top in an arena where the rules of the game are constantly changing?

 

Champions is skillfully crafted by Tshedza Pictures, the production house behind hit TV shows like The River, Outlaws, Adulting, and Gqeberha: The Empire. Viewers can expect passion, power, perseverance & ultimate triumph.

 

“Champions uniquely embodies the spirit of South Africa, aiming to inspire and excite our audience. It's a celebration of ambition, positivity, and the resilience of our people. Tshedza Pictures is thrilled to collaborate again with Mzansi Magic, and we eagerly anticipate the moment our viewers will join us on this incredible journey.” says Executive Producer, Phathutshedzo Makwarela.

 

Featured cast and characters on Champions:

Sello Maake ka-Ncube (The Queen) as Washington Modise

A former player-turned-entrepreneur, Washington breathed life into his own football team Soshanguve Giants FC, steering it with a mix of shrewd business sense and a deep love for the game. His story is a compelling mix of ambition, challenge, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Kgomotso Christopher (Legacy) as Lucinda Modise – wife to Washington, her story is one of quiet strength, enduring support, and the influential role of a partner in the whirlwind world of success and power.

Tumisho Masha (Saints and Sinners, Isibaya) as Philemon Modise- Long overshadowed by his brother Washington, he feels the world has yet to acknowledge his true worth. His narrative is one of greed, sibling rivalry, and the relentless pursuit of personal acclaim.

Kwenzo Ngcobo (The Wife) as Zipho - Stands as a titan in the space of talent management. Zipho's story is about navigating the intricate web of professional success and personal integrity in a world where both are constantly tested.

Thembinkosi Mthembu (Shaka iLembe, Adulting) as Ferrari - Once the crown jewel of South African football, Ferrari now stands at a crossroads where his illustrious career faces the threat of dimming.

Thato Dithebe (Kokota) as Lebo Serite – His aspirations to conquer the grand football stadiums and lift his family out of poverty are fuelled by a potent mix of talent, charisma, and determination.

Come witness the winning combination of “Making your own Rules” in Champions, only on Mzansi Magic, DStv channel 161 this February 2024.

February 2024 On Qwest TV | James Brown - Live In Georgia | Solomon Burke - Avo Session | Buddy Guy - Baloise Session | Kool And The Gang - Baloise Session

James Brown - Live in Georgia, 1985

James Brown, James Brown, James Brown." His name is repeated like a mantra at the Chastain Park

Amphitheatre, as if people were calling a Messiah who had swapped Christianity for funk. Although

this 1985 concert’s grainy images and editing are deliciously dated and incredibly vintage (it was the

pre-smartphone time when people got out lighters during ballads), the Godfather of Soul’s music

sounds downright timeless. Before his fellow citizens of Georgia, the man from Augusta doesn’t look his 52 years when he puts the pedal to the metal on "I Got You (I Feel Good)" and "Get on the Good Foot." Afterwards, when he throws himself into a split for "Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag," he comes

back up as if it’s nothing.

As usual, James Brown sees his concert as choreography. While pushing the limits of his vocal cords, the American waves his arms to lead his band (where we find his regulars, Martha High, Maceo

Parker, and St. Clair Pinckney) and get them to dance. He covers the whole length and breadth of the stage. Dressed in electric blue for the first half of the show, he changes into bright red after a

surprising version of the local anthem, "Georgia on My Mind." And when he mimes his departure at the

end of "Please, Please, Please" like a boxer in his robe, he returns all of a sudden to shake the

audience’s hands like a campaigning politician. Singer, dancer, composer, band leader, politician,

boxer, godfather, and messiah: James Brown was all of these thing at the same time. And even more.

Solomon Burke - Avo Session

The roses, throne, and sequined costume that adorn the 158 kilos of the king and pioneer of soul

during the golden age of Atlantic Records perfectly complement his gripping charisma and his voice

filled with rhythm'n' blues and gospel; he was James Brown's rival back in the day.

All his life, from the church pews to the Apollo Theater in Harlem, Solomon Burke was this preacher,

entrepreneur, and performer who, when he died in 2010, left behind 21 children, about 40 albums, and

classics such as "Cry to Me" and "Everybody Needs Somebody to Love." At the time of his last

performances, Solomon Burke offers his audience an electric, brass-filled celebration where the

standards of Ray Charles, Joe Tex, Little Richard and Nat King Cole are also invited. Hallelujah!

Buddy Guy - Baloise Session

Presented as the star he is, Buddy Guy was introduced to the Baloise Sessions stage at the age of eighty-two, a full sixty years after the recording of his first album (1958 - 2018). The acclaimed artist

introduced the session with "I Got the Blues." This sentiment couldn't be more true, as the blues has

accompanied him all his life, since he was 13 years old, when he played every night on a two-string

guitar on his porch before a neighbour finally offered him a new guitar. This act, without it being clear

at the time, sent him on the path to be one of the greatest blues figures. He would go on to emigrate

to Chicago where he found a little more freedom than in the segregationist south and took the most

important steps of his career: to be noticed by Muddy Waters, to play with BB King, Otis Rush, to open a club... Here he is again delivering a show in full control, like the legend he is, playing with his torso, guitar turned away, or with a drum stick and towel, surfing with style on the classic "(I'm Your) Hoochie Coochie Man"...What is there to say, if not that we would have loved to have been there!

Kool And The Gang - Baloise Session

A monument of Great Black Music, Kool & the Gang bring back to life the jazz-funk verve of their glory

years, the soundtrack of an entire era, with the on-stage groove and flamboyance that made them

successful from the 1970s onwards.

Although the group has replaced some of its members over the years—including the charismatic

James Taylor and his animal voice—its pillars, such as Robert "Kool" Bell, Michael Ray, and Curtis

Williams, supported by a new guard and a very strong brass section, still prove that they have not sold nearly 80 million records by chance. "Get Down on it, "Ladies Night," "Celebration," and "Hollywood

Swinging": Kool & the Gang gives these timeless hits a second life with just the right amount of glitter

and nostalgia. 

Judgement, The Game Of My Destiny And 10 Other Turkish Series Rumoured To Debut In South Africa Soon

To expand from the Everyday Novelas column of 2024, we list various content that have been reportedly been picked up by your favourite brands.

1. Kaderimin Oyunu (The Game Of My Destiny)

Tells the gripping story of Asiye, whose world is turned upside down when her daughter is attacked by a neighbor, leaving them to rebuild their shattered lives. When the stranger Mahir finds them refuge in the home of his powerful family, she is shocked to encounter her ex-husband Cemal who abandoned the family years earlier. 

2. Hercai (Inconstant Love)

Miran is a mysterious man who appears in the life of Reyyan, a young woman from a wealthy and very powerful family, and she falls in love. But things don't turn out as she expected, as there is a dark motive behind everything.

3. Yargi (Judgement)

A murder case brings together a defence attorney and a prosecutor, forcing them into an uneasy alliance as they search for the killer.

4. Kizim (My Little Girl)

Oyku, an eight-year-old girl with a rare genetic condition, sets out to find her father after she is abandoned by her aunt. However, when she meets him, he tries to get rid of her.

5. Sadakatsız (A Woman Scorned)

Asya is a successful doctor and she has a perfect life with her husband and her son. But after finding a blonde hair on her husband's scarf, everything changes and she discovers her husband's extramarital affair.

6. Gülcemal

Abandoned by his mother as a boy. A man years later vows to get revenge on the mom and her new family all while unknowingly falling in love with her adopted daughter.

7. Bir Küçük Gün Isigi (A Little Sunshine)

The series tracks the life of Elif, whose world is turned upside down when she realises her husband had a daughter with another wife who she never knew about.

8. Bay Yanlis (Mr. Wrong)

Wealthy restaurant owner Özgür prefers casual dating to serious relationships. Ezgi wants to get married, but she only ends up being used by men. Özgür agrees to give her dating tips so her next relationship with Serdar would work out.

9. Aldatmak (Deception)

Güzide Yenersoy is a distinguished, respected family court judge. She is an honest and principled woman who has saved many marriages from destruction, made sure that many children receive the affection and love they deserve, and has always been on the side of justice. 

10. Aziz

This is about a young man who becomes a powerful man fighting against cruelty and unfairness after losing everything in life.

11. Ada Masalı (Be My Sunshine)

Unassuming physics teacher Akif's homeroom is even more unruly than usual when he suddenly announces, "from now on you are my hostages." With Akif’s touch of a button, a violent explosion separates their classroom from the rest of the school. 

12. Kalp Yarasi (Wounded Heart)

The series story is about Ferit and Ayse who find themselves in a difficult marriage game for 6 months. Will Ferit forgive Hande? Will Ferit and Ayse persuade everybody that they are really in love with each other?

Recap To Last Year: "There Are Currently No Plans Of Rebranding Cartoon Network Africa"

Cartoon Network is an international brand operated by Warner Bros. Discovery that was constructed to distribute various TV based films and series. It garnered popularity globally with a dedicated TV channels and also contributed to brands like Adult Swim and Cartoonito.

In recent years, Warner Bros. Discovery had further distanced themselves from the trademark with Adult Swim taking front row seat with Unicorn Warriors Eternal and My Adventures With Superman. Other feeds continue to cater for a younger demographic outside their studios.

The linear counterparts had also seen a change in management before you'd have one feed calling the shots with others following procedures. Overtime, more feeds begun to operate more independently if it was not through content then it would be the technical specifics.

Through an enquiry on whether Cartoon Network in Africa and likely the rest of EMEA could look into adopt to their international counterpart this is what I got from a representative:

Cartoon Network USA and Cartoon Network Africa operate as distinct channels with their own unique designs, programming, and branding strategies. While there are similarities in design elements, these choices are made independently to cater to the specific preferences and tastes of their respective audiences.

As of now, there are no plans for a rebranding of Cartoon Network Africa. Both channels will continue to deliver content tailored to their specific markets, ensuring a diverse and engaging viewing experience for fans across different regions.

Although, no plans are set in stone for them to follow their international counterparts. Various channels had opted for a regionalized revamping and this included Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Cartoonito so it wouldn't seem far fetched if Cartoon Network joined the trio.

Sony Plans To Scrap Merger With Zee TV Parent Company

Japan's Sony (6758.T) is planning to scrap the merger of its Indian unit with Zee Entertainment (ZEE.NS), more than two years after the deal was announced, over a disagreement on who will lead the $10 billion entity, Bloomberg News reported on Monday.

Sony plans to file a termination notice before the extended Jan. 20 deadline to close the merger, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter. It added that discussions between Sony and Zee were still ongoing.

Zee and Sony did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The deal to merge Zee and Sony's TV channels, streaming platforms and film assets has been delayed after India's markets regulator, in August, barred Punit Goenka, Zee CEO and a candidate to lead the merged entity, from directorships of any listed company.

An Indian tribunal, however, lifted the ban on Goenka in October but said he would have to cooperate with any investigation by the country's markets regulator.

In November, Sony pushed for N.P. Singh, the managing director of its Indian operations, to head the merged company, instead of Goenka, local business daily Mint had reported.

Channel Termination: 1Magic And M-Net Essentials (ME) Will Stop Airing On DStv Platforms By 2 February

Update: the channels will close 31 March 2024 and for an updated statement: click here 

During the week, we recieved word from various DStv consumers that MultiChoice will be axing both M-Net Essentials (ME) and 1Magic by February 2nd, 2024. In an enquiry, we were able to retrieve confirmation of the terminations which comes weeks before the demise of Emmanuel TV.

1Magic was launched back in 2018 as a replacement to VUZU AMP combining the Mzansi Magic formula would feature curated local productions like The River, Unmarried And The Real Housewives Of Johannesburg alongside international content like Moesha and Grownish.

Me (also known as M-Net Essentials) followed three years later in 2021 as a replacement to both VUZU and M-Net City. The channel was catered for Family and Compact consumers while being made available to Premium and Compact+ featuring content from M-Net and 1Magic.

Both channels had their turnoff for 1Magic, there was Moesha, Hits and The Talk which had been bombarding the channel's line-up. The River was the one of the few reasons anyone would continue tuning into 1Magic but after launching on Mzansi Magic things went south.

Me suffered from the rippling effects of M-Net City, a brand which M-Net and several viewers held high on a pedestal serving as the more edgier and robust version to both M-Net and 1Magic with shows like Gotham, Black Lightning, Marvel's Runaways, Magnum Pi and Power. 

Although Me retained this offering, the channel didn't meet viewer's expectations that MultiChoice opted to not substitute it with another channel. It means consumers will have to watch Universal TV for Magnum Pi and Chicago PD while losing out on shows like The Voice and American Idol.

MultiChoice in this drastic turn of events has left their Compact+ and Compact customers without a premium tiered channel as M-Net remains exclusive to Premium customers. The only other means Universal TV resides on Family meaning consumers could just downgrade.

All of this has kind of lead consumers to speculate the possible demise of the Compact+ bouquet. As most channels like Comedy Central, ESPN 2, WildEarth, CBeebies and E! Entertainment had all migrated to other low tiered bouquets.

With the destruction of 1Magic, it leads one to wonder how long till channels like Channel O have till it drowns in its own pool of blood. Funny thing about its closure is that it occurs around the same time The River ends meaning the channel couldn't sustain itself without Lindiwe.

MultiChoice had shuttered HONEY last year and diverted content to Showmax meaning the latter (including 1Magic) would transmit on Mzansi Magic. They'll also be launching a revamped Showmax streaming service with a slate of content that might resurface on Universal TV.

Theoretically, it is believed that MultiChoice could be prioritising Universal TV as it garnered popularity following the closure of M-Net City. Although they're currently no plans to substitute the affected, MultiChoice will more likely find other means to keep viewers entertained.

Battle Of The Kaan'ers: kykNET & Kie's Newest Addition Moederhart Clashes With e.tv's Annekan Die Swa Kry While Repeat Telecasts Of e.tv's Ouma Sarie Airs In The Timeslot As SABC 2's Vetkoekpaleis

During the week, kykNET & Kie revived the 17:30 timeslot with Moederhart after quietly ripping away primetime from the channel when In Die Ysterhand Se Greep ended. There was a lot of commotion of a follow-up and surprisingly it had garnered popularity with our readers.

Moederhart tells the story of three sisters and their brother - Zeynep, Emre, Cemre and Aysun - who, together with their mother, Nefise, are left in poverty after the sudden death of their father. As a single mother, Nefise often feels powerless, but with the help of a family member, she starts working for a rich family in a mansion. 

The series airs Mondays to Thursdays at 17:30 on kykNET & Kie prior to that will be Annekan Die Swa Kry at 17:00 on e.tv. Similar to Skeem Saam on SABC 1 which is set to air in the same timeslot as Scandal consumers will have to juggle two shows.

Prior to that, eMedia Investments made a small adjustment to their line-up by slotting an extra 30 minutes to Ouma Sarie which will air weekdays at 18:00 to accompany Annekan Die Swa Kry in a segment known as 90 minutes of Afrikaans.

After 7de Laan was axed on SABC 2, the public broadcaster opted to air a telecast of the comedy Vetkoekpaleis in its timeslot in which eMedia acquired for eExtra. There was a lot of media debacle as to whether e.tv would look to ramp up a rival offering.

From January 15, Ouma Sarie will air in the same timeslot as Vetkoekpaleis on SABC 2 at 18:00. Considering that eExtra will be offering the drama Vetkoekpaleis it wouldn't surprise me if it were to resurface on e.tv once Ouma Sarie ends as both were exclusive to eExtra.

Could E! Entertainment Also Be Shutting Down On DStv And The Rest Of Africa??? Here's Why

NBCUniversal International has been slowly phasing out the E! brand across European countries. After Comcast had made some budget cuts to the programming, E! Entertainment had to sought out shows like Vanderpump Rules and Below Deck Mediterranean from Bravo.

During the week, both M-Net Movies and E! Entertainment were set to broadcast The Golden Globes but to consumer's dismay E! Entertainment had opted to not broadcast the red carpet. It was viewed as one of the signature looks for the channel alongside The Kardashians.

As mentioned above, E! Entertainment had shuttered in parts of Europe with the UK that closed by 31 December 2023 after 20 years with Germany a year prior on the same date. It lead to growing fear from several DStv consumers that the same fate could await the whole of Africa.

Similar to the likes of 1Magic and Lifetime, most channels to have exited the platform would often distance themselves from their primetime lineup and E! has been falling inline with these former DStv channels.

Besides that, E! Entertainment in the UK had also lost out on the red carpet and various other programs before closing down. Now consumers in Africa are witnessing the same outcome seen in Africa so it's only a matter of time till the channel closes down.

In other developments, MultiChoice is set to lose 3 more channels later in the month: 1Magic, Me and Emmanuel TV. This comes amidst their annual price adjustment and most consumers will wonder why they're paying more if they can't minimise the bloodbath of channels.