Important Notice Dated 21 May

As some of you may have already noticed we've made various changes on Insidus to see how our reader's interact with our content. This included the abrupt cancellation of our lightweight alternative Insidus Lite and recent posts section as various content is under related posts and labels.

One of the recent changes were with Content Banners which we want to let readers know those will serve more as a pop-up. We've taken the liberty of reinstating Regular Nick: Games as it continues to be trailblazer in foreign markets with Insidus Plus put up on a trial basis as we navigate the next steps.

Thank you for your continued support. 

ID Africa Announces New Docuseries Fallen Idols: Nick and Aaron Carter

.Investigation Discovery, the leading true crime network, announced Fallen Idols: Nick and Aaron Carter, a four-part docuseries that delves into the lives of Nick and Aaron Carter. From their outsized fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s to their headline-making struggles in recent years, the docuseries pulls back the curtain on the fraught dynamic of the Carter family and the dark side of such an abrupt rise to fame.

 

At its core, Fallen Idols explores the accusations of sexual assault against Nick Carter by three women while also diving into his brother, Aaron Carter’s, struggles with mental health and substance abuse – and the rift that occurred after Aaron decided to support his brother’s accusers. Fallen Idols: Nick and Aaron Carter premieres across two nights on Sunday, 2 June and Sunday, 9 June, from 21:00 – 23:00 CAT on ID Africa. 

 

In 2017, Nick Carter was accused of sexual assault by singer and actress Melissa Schuman, a former member of the popular girl group DREAM, while Nick Carter and the Backstreet Boys were at the height of their fame. In the years following Schuman’s decision to come forward, additional accusers, Ashley Repp and Shay Ruth spoke out with similar accusations. During this period, Aaron Carter decided to support Nick’s accusers while battling addiction and struggling with his own mental health, stoking a very public feud between the two brothers in the lead-up to Aaron’s tragic death in 2022. Fallen Idols: Nick and Aaron Carter delves into the accusations against Nick and how those intertwined with the volatile relationship between the two brothers.  

 

Featuring exclusive interviews with Melissa Schuman, Ashley Repp, and Shay Ruth, who offer emotional, powerful insights and perspectives into their allegations against Nick, Fallen Idols: Nick and Aaron Carter not only offers a deeper understanding of the allegations but also chronicles the intense backlash Nick’s accusers have faced since their decision to speak publicly and the lasting impact that has had on their lives. The docuseries also features first-hand accounts from a member of the Carter family and close family friends, including Nick’s ex-girlfriend Kaya Jones and Aaron’s former fiancé Melanie Martin, to offer an intimate perspective on how intense fame and the spotlight caused a rift between the two brothers.

 

Over four parts, on Sunday, 2 June and Sunday, 9 June, from 21:00 to 23:00, CAT Fallen Idols explores the dark side of fame and fraught family dynamics, but also the intense challenges faced by accusers who come forward against celebrities and pop culture icons in today’s modern world. 

Disney Channel Serves Up Another Round Of Fun and Adventure With Brand-New Seasons Of Klik Klub And Wandi & Kabz

Get ready for double the fun this winter as Disney Channel (DStv Channel 303) welcomes the return of two popular short-form series Klik Klub and Wandi & Kabz, both for a second season. Klik Klub premieres on Friday, 24 May at 16:50 CAT while Wandi & Kabz joins the party on Friday, 21 June at 16:55 CAT.

 

The Klik Klub is a cool after-school club where a group of kids of different ages hang out and send invitation letters to their favourite influencers. They wait in anticipation to see which surprise celebrity guest will knock on their door, carrying a mystery box filled with ingredients representing their childhood food memory. Thereafter, the group splits into two teams to cook up a storm with the mystery box contents and compete in a taste challenge.

 

The season one cast Bokamoso Khalushi (15); Diante Lee-Kye Bastew (10); Kimberley Orielle Strange (11) and Cebelihle Khanyisa Mbambo (14) are joined by two new members this season - Asha Grace Palesa Vorster (12) and Caiden Hunter Distiller (12).

 

The crew is ready to take on a new season of culinary challenges as they welcome new surprise celebrity guests: Dancer and TikTok sensation Justin De Nobrega, Miss Universe South Africa 2023 and Miss Supranational South Africa 2024 Bryoni Govender, dancer and content creator Summer Heynes, actress and host Candice Modiselle and Mi Casa trumpeter Mo-T. With laughter, friendly competition, and a healthy dose of laughs, Klik Klub is the perfect after-school hangout session. 

 

Klik Klub is produced by That Food Guy Group for The Walt Disney Company Africa and premieres on Disney Channel (DStv channel 303) from Friday, 24 May at 16:50 (CAT). 

 

Wandi & Kabz, a live-action meets animation comedy series, is anchored by Ogadinma Ngobili (14) as Wandi and Marang Neo (10) as Kabz. These besties go on grand adventures together, meeting popular African historical figures, thanks to Wandi’s special antique, time-travelling pocket watch. After a quick and playful interaction, the historical figures whisk Wandi and Kabz off to the past for a light-hearted glimpse into significant scenes from their lives.

 

From the bustling streets of gold rush-era Johannesburg to the epic battles of the Zulu Kingdom, Season 2 of Wandi & Kabz brings history to life with trademark humour and wit. Viewers can expect to learn fascinating facts while laughing along with the show's infectious energy from figures that include Queen of Sheba, King Moshoeshoe and Albertina Sisulu.

 

The roles of the historical figures are played by South African actors and actresses – the guest cast include:

• Yaa Asantewaa - Ashanti warrior queen who defended the Golden Stool played by Nokuthula Ledwaba

• Nana Asma’u - Scholarly princess who founded women’s schools played by Moliehi Didie Makobane

• Imhotep - Ancient Egyptian architect who built the first pyramid played by Jacques Blignaut

• David Livingstone - Scottish explorer who named Victoria Falls played by Charlie Bouguenon

• Job Maseko - South African WWII hero who outsmarted the enemy played by Ben Tjibe

• King Moshoeshoe - Founder of Lesotho and first King who favoured peace over war played by Michael Mabizela

• Olive Schreiner - South African feminist writer who challenged stereotypes played by Deoudoné van der Merwe

• Shaka Zulu - Founder of the Zulu Empire who revolutionized warfare played by Nicholas Nkuna

• Queen of Sheba - Renowned ruler known for her beauty and intellect and met with King Solomon played by Bianca Le Grange

• Albertina Sisulu - South African anti-apartheid activist who led the Women’s March played by Faith Baloyi

 

Wandi & Kabz is produced by Storyline Productions and premieres on Disney Channel (DStv channel 303) from Friday, 21 June at 16:55 (CAT).

Recap To Last Month: Ginx TV Launches New Streaming Platform In South Africa Following Its Exit On MultiChoice's DStv

A few months ago, it was announced that MultiChoice would be axing Ginx TV from the DStv platform. It joins one of the 11 TV channels to have exited their platforms in under 5 months alongside People's Weather, WildEarth and Africa Magic Urban.

With viewers having no means to view the content, the folks of Ginx TV took it upon themselves to rollout a new streaming hub, Ginx TV+. The downside for existing DStv consumers is that this will require you to add R56 to your monthly expenses.

Below is an official statement 

We’re very excited to announce GINX+ a new one-stop way to watch the entire crew through our brand-new online platform - supported through Patreon.

You'll get access to the same TV feed you had before, a catch-up service of our old content, and exclusive new shows (more on that further down).

That won't be all, as we'll also be running exclusive competitions, and ways to interact with our shows and presenters; Plus. So. Much. MORE!

We also know times are tough, with even Multichoice increasing their prices. So we're keeping GINX+ affordable, with our TV feed starting at the low price of $3 (roughly R56).

Our South African writers reliably inform us that's less than dunked chicken wings, or a trip to the movies. For a 24/7 TV channel, we think that's pretty fair.

Oh, and we forgot to mention that your Patreon sub will also remove a lot (if not all) of the adverts on the ginx.tv website. So whether you're watching our channel, reading our guides, or catching up on old shows, you're getting a great deal with GINX+.

Development Alert: The Last Word With Shanan Ramkissoon Moves Up Almost Two Hours Early On e.tv With More Shows, A Rebroadcast Of Nikiwe Replaces Redemption

During the month, it was reported that e.tv would be offering a rebroadcast of Isipho: The Gift after Redemption ends. But as seen through an updated programme guide, e.tv will instead give their current affairs shows like Checkpoint and Devi the 20:30 timeslot. 

Crimewatch and The Last Word With Shanan Ramkissoon will also be slated in the timeslots with their weekend timeslots intact.

We presume it has something to do with existing competition from SABC 1 with Uzalo which airs in the same timeslot. Current affairs would serve as a complimentary offering to the current e.tv News at 20:00 and also give consumers time to watch Uzalo - less competition.

From our estimated guess, Nikiwe didn't come back to e.tv to relive nostalgia but is likely a replacement to Redemption on a much later timeslot - 22:00. Some may think this is risky but former show uMbali did peak in the top 20 watched shows.

Ever since Days exited e.tv, the channel has become a bottom feeder for eExtra's programs despite the existence of ePleiser. To make matters worse, e.tv continues its repetitive streak with Wifey Material and Inhlawulo - Damages from eReality at 22:30.

eReality offers a 2 hour weekly block known as eKasi which consisted of locally programs commissioned by M-Net or eMedia Investments. Now e.tv will be giving each show a 30 minute duration with Um'ShiyaNini? and Mjolo: The Pandemic added to the lineup. 

Notes

• Redemption which aired at 20:30 had ended on 20 May with Nikiwe replacing it on the same day at 22:00.

• The Last Word With Shanan Ramkissoon airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 20:30 with Devi on Wednesdays, Checkpoint on Thursdays and CrimeWatch on Fridays. 

• Um'ShiyaNini airs on Mondays at 22:00 with Mjolo: The Pandemic on Tuesdays, Wifey Material on Wednesdays and Inhlawulo - Damages on Thursdays. 

‘Iyanu’: Voice Cast Revealed For Cartoon Network And Max Animated Superhero Series

Cartoon Network and Max announced  the all-Nigerian cast for Cartoon Network and Max production, Iyanu. The series  is slated for release in the US on Cartoon Network and Max in 2025.

As a Lion Forge Entertainment production, Iyanu is an adaptation of Dark Horse Comics/YouNeek Studios’  graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder by award-winning Nigerian creator and producer Roye Okupe.

Iyanu’s voice cast includes Serah Johnson (Moji) Okey Jude (Hotel Labamba, The Governor’s Daughter), Samuel Kugbiyi, Adesua Etomi-Wellington (King of Boys, Gangs of Lagos), Blossom Chukwujekwu (Falling, Stolen Lives), Stella Damasus (Gone), and Shaffy Bello (The Score, Battleground).

Iyanu is a superhero tale set in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland, which draws from Nigerian culture, music and mythology. Drawing deeply from the Yoruba people, the animated series follows a teenage orphan girl, Iyanu, who spends her days studying history and ancient arts but yearns for a normal life. One day, responding to danger, she unknowingly triggers her divine powers, the likes of which have not been seen since the Age of Wonders. With newly discovered superpowers, Iyanu joins forces with two other teenagers, Biyi and Toye, as they embark on a remarkable journey to discover the truth about the evil lurking in her homeland. Throughout her adventure, she’ll uncover the truth about her past, her parents, and her ultimate destiny to save the world.

Roye Okupe serves as the executive producer, writer, and director on multiple episodes. Other executive producers include David Steward II and Matt Heath from Lion Forge Entertainment, Erica Dupuis of Impact X Capital, Ryan Haidarian of Forefront Media Group and Doug Schwalbe.

Recap To The Year: StarTimes Acquires Exclusive Rights To TNA (Formerly Impact Wrestling) For Consumers In Africa, Exits eMedia Investments' Openview Platform

TNA Wrestling (formerly IMPACT Wrestling) — a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment and a division of Anthem Sports Group— announced a partnership with global entertainment platform StarTimes, bringing exclusive TNA content to more than 30 countries throughout Africa by January 2024.

The agreement further extends TNA’s reach, making the world-class wrestling organization’s flagship weekly series TNA IMPACT! widely available to over 45 million users in locations such as Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, South Africa and the Ivory Coast, among many others. As part of the deal, StarTimes viewers will also be able to enjoy exclusive TNA+ specials and hard-hitting Pay-Per-View events, including landmark spectacles such as Bound For Glory.

Since its inception in 2002, TNA has established itself as one of the largest professional wrestling organizations in the world, and the premier destination for wrestling fans. Fueled by blockbuster stories, marquee matchups and larger-than-life personas, TNA’s roster puts the spotlight on some of the industry’s brightest stars, boasting international talent that includes Alex Shelley, Chris Sabin, Eric Young, Eddie Edwards, Moose, Josh Alexander, Jordynne Grace, Gisele Shaw, Frankie Kazarian and more.

“Africa has long-boasted a passionate wrestling audience, who have warmly embraced our programming and our athletes,” said TNA Wrestling President Scott D’Amore. “We are proud to partner with StarTimes to bring exclusive TNA content to subscribers throughout the continent, and we hope they will enjoy the exciting plans we have in store for what promises to be one of our biggest years yet!”

“We very much look forward to working with TNA Wrestling in 2024 and bringing our audiences exciting wrestling programmes. It’s also our honor to have so many thrilling events and star wrestlers on our platform. By cooperating closely with TNA Wrestling, we aim to expand the influence and fans base of wrestling in Africa continent through this partnership,” said Ben Li, StarTimes Sports Broadcasting & Production Center Director.

New Series Alert: Play Room Reportedly Acquires Broadcasting Rights To Supa Strikas With eExtra Set To Rollout Weekly Rugby Talk Show BÔll And Ôll

Play Room teases new series 

During the week, Play Room shared a cryptic post of an upcoming show to viewers on their social platforms. It didn't take long for viewers to quickly guess Supa Strikas as the logo is visible within the background of the character's sock.

There's also the matter of the font color for "COMING SOON" which matches that of Supa Strikas. Taking to account, Play Room also licensed shows from Moonbug including Oddbods and Cocomelon. 

From our initial guess, the series will likely rollout in June most presumably at 17:00 replacing Sanjay And Craig.

eExtra greenlits new series with weird title

BÔll & Ôll is a new weekly rugby talk show focusing on the pulse of South-African rugby, namely, the community. The show will put the emphasis on the Club, the Player, the Game, and the Community.

Hosted by radio and TV presenter JP Keyter and rugby legend Ashwin Willemse, who will unpack, discuss, and analyse all things rugby in South Africa – bringing to the fore nostalgic SA Rugby events and happenings.

 

BÔll & Ôll premieres on Openview eExtra Sunday 26 May at 18:30. The show will repeat on e.tv every Saturday at 18:00.

. 

News Shorts: Disney Junior Looking To Rebrand Simply To Disney Jr. Along With Series Premiere, WildEarth's Live Safaris Relaunch On People's Weather And StarTimes Debuts New Swahili Dubbed Telenovela Channel ST Swahili Plus

DJR is no more

Earlier in the year, Disney filed a new trademark for Disney Junior known simply as DJR. This had garnered poor reception from long time fans of the channel with some questioning Disney's loyalty for the brand as the trademark seemed dull and unimaginative.

During the month, Disney unveiled a trailer for the upcoming animated series The Little Mermaid based on the live-action of the same name. This was accompanied from what looks to be revised logo of DJR now Disney Jr. following Nick Jr. with ending their last name as initials.

If one has to guess Disney was probably taking to account consumer's feedback and altered the trademark to something more simple and familiar, Disney Jr. The new logo is anticipated to coincide and form part of a marketing campaign to promote The Little Mermaid. 

WildEarth on Openview 

Last month, MultiChoice at the request of WildEarth yanked the channel from DStv consumers in Africa. This formed part of a bigger conspiracy within MultiChoice as 10 other channels had exited including Me, Ginx TV, B4U Movies and NWTV. 

Since December, WildEarth had been supplying People's Weather their live safaris extending their reach to Openview. This was quietly yanked off from the lineup sometime ago with WildEarth reporting its reinstatement on People's Weather from 1st June. 

As some readers are aware, WildEarth had been undergoing a restructure and trying to build its content slate so that and possible distribution fees contributed to its disappearances from the channel with WildEarth now on 3 to 5 days a week.

Sunrise airs Wednesdays to Sundays at 06:30, On Safari and Sunset airs Fridays to Sundays from 14:30.

More telenovelas on StarTimes 

After eMedia Investments and MultiChoice had invested in locally dubbed programming which had spawned their own TV channels, ePleiser and Zee Zonke. StarTimes is hopping on the bandwagon with a Swahili dubbed telenovela channel, ST Swahili Plus. 

ST Swahili Plus is set to go live in East Africa on channel 162 and 432 on the Classic and Super packages. Programs set to join the lineup include Chandra Nandani, The First Nanny and The Iron Heart.