Broadcasting
Netflix Ramps up Investment in African Stories with Exciting Titles from the Continent for 2022, 2023
Netflix yesterday presented a preview of what will be its programming for the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023. Bringing together talent, filmmakers and press from South Africa and Nigeria, Netflix hosted See What’s Next Africa content showcase to spotlight its increased investment in Africa’s rich heritage of storytelling through exciting new projects that span a diverse range of genres and formats that will be available in 190 countries.
During the first half of 2022, Netflix in Africa released an exceptional slate of content from the sub-Saharan Africa region across multiple genres including the pan-African reality show Young, Famous & African, the South African action film Silverton Siege, the South African soapy drama series Savage Beauty, Netflix’s first Kenyan licensed branded series Country Queen, the first Netflix-owned Nigerian series Blood Sisters, a riveting south African crime documentary Senzo: Murder Of A Soccer Star and most recently, Justice Served. The response has been astounding with several of these titles landing on the Netflix weekly Global Top 10 lists which rank global and country lists for the most popular titles on our service, in addition to the Top 10 daily product rows on Netflix.
“We believe that Africa is one of the major creative centres for great storytelling that resonates around the world so it only makes sense for us to increase our investment with our slate with an even more exciting slate. We’re proud to continue creating global opportunities for the talented creatives of this great continent and sharing their authentic stories with our members in Africa and around the world.” said Dorothy Ghettuba, Netflix Director of Series in Africa.
As part of the company’s ongoing commitment to creating sustainable relationships with African storytellers, Netflix announced a multi-project partnership with acclaimed South African filmmaker Mandlakayise Walter Dube. Under the partnership, Mandla – who directed Netflix’s first commissioned African film Silverton Siege (and Kalushi) – will direct a variety of Netflix-owned projects which will be shared in due course. This partnership joins other multi-title agreements between the company and African creatives including Mo Abudu (and Ebonylife StudioS) and Kunle Afolayan (and KAP).
At the event, Netflix also gave a glimpse into the progress of the various projects being created by emerging filmmakers from the various initiatives the company introduced in the past year which include, the UNESCO & Netflix ‘African folktales, Reimagined’ Competition; the Netflix & NFVF Film Fund and the Realness Institute Episodic Lab.
Tendeka Matatu, Director of Local Language Films in Africa said, “We are working with top talent and filmmakers as well as exciting emerging voices from the continent. We are thrilled to expand our partnerships with Africa’s talented storytellers. With an ever-growing slate of series, movies and licensed content across a rich variety of best-in-class content across genres, we want to give our members more moments to share the joy that comes from being immersed in great stories made in Africa, to be watched by the world.”
At the event, Netflix previewed a diverse range of best-in-class exciting African content through exclusive promo reels and images. These include:
- Ludik (ZA) – Netflix’s first Afrikaans title series Ludik is set to burst onto screens globally on 26 August 2022. The racy, skop-skiet-en-donder six-part series features South African-born Hollywood actor Arnold Vosloo (Silvertone Siege) in the titular role of Daan Ludik alongside local heavyweight talents Rob Van Vuuren (Swys De Villiers), Diaan Lawrenson (Anet Ludik) and Zane Meas (Brigadier Davies).
- The Brave Ones (ZA) -From the one and only Akin Omotoso, this supernatural drama series is set in modern-day South Africa and is inspired by African folklore. The Brave Ones launches on the 16th September 2022 – more details about this exciting series will be released in the next coming days. The series was created by renowned film director, writer and actorAkin Omotoso, features Sthandile Nkosi, Sthandiwe Kgoroge, Bonko Khoza and Tony Kgoroge. More details about the series to follow shortly.
- Kings of Queenstown (ZA) – Kings of Queenstown tells the tale of a young soccer prodigy who must deal with his washed-up pro-footballer father while navigating some difficult choices. The series launches on the 4th of November and stars Zolisa Xaluva and directed by prolific South African director Jahmil XT Quebeka whose films, Knuckle City, Sew the Winter to My Skin and Of Good Report will also be available on Netflix later this year
- Earlier this year at the 4th South African Investment Conference, Netflix pledged an investment commitment of over ZAR920 Million across 4 productions in South Africa for 2022-2023. The four productions included One Piece – a global live action series currently being filmed at the Cape Town Film Studios, as well as two series which Netflix shared the launch dates at the content showcase: the highly anticipated series Blood & Water (ZA) making a season 3 return in November while How to Ruin Christmas: The Baby Shower (ZA) will premiere on 16 December. The fourth title in this investment revealed at the showcase event is the sequel of a much-loved South African film iNumber Number. iNumber Number: Fool’s Gold (ZA) is directed by Donovan Marsh (Hunter Killer, I am All Girls) and will see S’Dumo Mtshali and Presley Chweneyagae reprise their roles as buddy cops – this time, they’re tasked with cracking the biggest gold heist in African history. More details on this high-octane film will be shared closer to the launch date in 2023.
- Netflix also reaffirmed its commitment to reality by confirming the return of Young Famous and African (pan-Africa) which will start production soon to showcase some of Africa’s biggest stars as they go about their everyday fabulous lives. Look out for more details about the cast at a later date.
- Elesin Oba, The King’s Horseman (NG) – Based on the lauded play by Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka –Death and The King’s Horseman – this film, produced by Mo Abudu and her EbonyLife production company explores the collision between Yoruba traditions and British colonialism through the experience of a king’s horseman on the most important day of his life. The film, which will make its world premiere at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 10 – will launch on the service on November 4, 2022. The screen adaptation was written and directed by Biyi Bandele and stars Odunlade Adekola, Shaffy Bello and acclaimed musician Olawale ‘Brymo’ Olofooro as the Praise Singer.Entertainment fans can also look forward to Deyemi Okanlawon, Omowunmi Dada, and veteran actors, Jide Kosoko and Kevin Ushi, Jenny Stead, Mark Elderkin, Langley Kirkwood and a special appearance by acting legend Taiwo Ajai-Lycett and Ajoke Silva.
- Anikulapo (NG): Anikulapo – which formed part of the netflix multi-title agreement with Kunle Afolayan – is a one of a kind mystical folklore drama revolving around the life of Saro, a young zealous man seeking for greener pasture in the great Oyo Kingdom. However, unfolding events and his illicit affair with the king’s wife, Arolake leads to his untimely death and encounter with Akala, a mystical bird believed to give and take life. The film is directed by Kunle Afolayan and features Kunle Remi, Sola Sobowale, Aisha Lawal, Bimbo Ademoye, Debo Adedayo (Mr Macaroni) and Dele Odule. The film will launch on 30 September.
Netflix has also invested in a wide variety of licensed films and series that will make their debuts on Netflix this year. These include:
- Office Invasion (ZA, 10 August): Three friends believe their lives can’t get any worse after the mining company they work for is taken over by the owner’s degenerate son. That is, until the mine is targeted by a monstrous band of aliens looking to plunder the mine and exterminate all of its staff. A Sci-fi comedy feature directed by Gareth Crocker and Fred Wolmarans
- Lockdown (NG, 5 August): A couple attempt a high-risk, high-stakes jewellery heist at a department store.
- The Razz Guy (NG, 12 August): While preparing for an important business deal, an arrogant executive loses control of his voice after being cursed by an office cleaner.
- Wild is The Wind (ZA, 28 October): In a small racially segregated town, a corrupt cop struggles to take responsibility for his part in the wrongful arrest of a black teenager charged for the brutal murder of a young Afrikaans girl. Crime drama directed by Fabian Medea and stars Mothusi Magano.
- Disconnect 2 (KE, December): The sequel of a well-loved story about a self-centred Otis who falls victim to a wedding scam, months after volunteering to organise a destination wedding for his Nigerian investor buddy, who will arrive with the wedding party in two days, so he desperately enlists the help of a reluctant TK and friends. Produced and directed by David ‘Tosh’ Gitonga who will also have two more stories, a film Nairobi Half Life and a series Volume launching on the service in due course (dates to be confirmed at a later date).
To further delight fans of Nigerian stories, Netflix is bringing back 31 fan-favourite films from Nigeria which will be launched every day throughout the month of August. The films making their return to the service include The Ghost and the Tout, Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons, Elevator Baby, The Set Up, Love Is War, Sugar Rush, Up North, Nimbe, Merry Men 2: Another Mission, Coming from Insanity, The Vendor, The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai, Lara and the Beat, Living in Bondage: Breaking Free, 4th Republic, Lagos Real Fake Life, Anchor Baby, Light in the Dark, It’s Her Day, Hire a Woman, Alakada Reloaded, Nigerian Prince, Black Rose, Moms at War, The Delivery Boy, New Money, Seven and a half dates, The Millions, Last Flight to Abuja, Couple of Days and Payday.
Yemisi Bamgbose, executive secretary of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), has faulted the decision of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to review DStv and GOtv subscriptions.
In a statement on Monday, Bamgbose said the commission had remained silent following the increase in prices of goods and services by big firms and companies — but intends to review prices of the pay-tv.
“I would have given FCCPC a thumb up if they had been intervening on price matters, most especially those that have direct bearing on the livelihood of the masses,” Bamgbose said.
“If the mandate of FCCPC includes price control of goods and services in a free and deregulated economy, where was the organisation when Bakers Association in the country increased the cost of a loaf of bread more than 200% in the last one year.
“I doubt if FCCPC was aware that a sachet of pure water has been increased from five naira to twenty naira the last one year. Is the organisation on vacation?
“Perhaps the organisation is on leave when bottling companies in the country astronomically increased the cost of malt and other soft drinks. I was surprised that FCCPC didn’t call stakeholders meeting to review the new prices.
“Perhaps the cost of a bag of cement has not been increased from four thousand Naira in the last one year. That must be the reason why FCCPC did not deem it fit to invite Dangote, Bua and Lafarge cement manufacturers with relevant stakeholders to discuss the more than 100% increase on a bag of cement.
“Aviation sector, on a daily basis, increases the cost of domestic flights. This also has not attracted the attention of FCCPC.
“In the education sector, I was wondering why FCCPC could not call for the review of the cost being charged by private educational institutions especially those charging in dollars in a country where Naira is the legal tender.”
According to Bamgbose, if other services are allowed to increase their prices, MultiChoice should also have the freedom to determine the price of its products to maintain high-quality service.
She added that the choice of whether or not to subscribe to the service should be up to the consumer.
The secretary said subscription television is not an essential commodity and those who cannot afford the services of MultiChoice or any pay TV can decide not to subscribe.
“Anyway, on the part of broadcasting, I want to assume that FCCPC does not know what goes into the business of broadcasting, perhaps, that could inform the decision of the agency to plan the proposed review of the increase in the price of DSTV and GOTv pay TV channels respectively,” she said.
“There are free to air stations such as NTA, RADIO NIGERIA, AIT, SILVERBIRD CHANNELS, STATE OWNED RADIO AND TV STATIONS, PRIVATE RADIO STATIONS etc where consumers don’t pay to listen to radio or watch television.
“There are subscription channels such as MULTICHOICE, GOtv, TNtv, STARTIMES etc where viewers pay to watch and listen. There are choices.
“During Covid-19 pandemic, stations burnt diesel without adverts or other sources of revenue for more than twelve months in national interest.
“The cost of diesel rose from two hundred naira per litre in 2021 to one thousand seven hundred per litre in 2023/24, and broadcast stations have to transmit for twenty four hours changing from one generator to the other.
“None of the national stations such as Channels TV, Arise, TVC, AIT, Silverbird, and NTA, amongst others, commits less than one hundred million Naira on diesel on monthly basis to keep their mandate of information, education and entertainment.
“It may interest the public to know that many, if not all, of the national radio and television stations in Nigeria have not been able to break-even since 2020 when the nation’s economy was shut down as a result to Covid-19 pandemic.
“Why? Each network station that transmits 24 hours consumes not less than twelve thousand litres of diesel per week. In Nigeria, we want everything free.
“For MultiChoice to provide coverage to the nooks and cranies of the country, it maintains over three hundred sites powered with diesel generating sets in each of the sites.
“The public should also know that these PAYTV companies purchase all these contents that subscribers watch at the comfort of their homes and offices.
“Those who can not afford the services of MultiChoice and indeed any pay TV can decide not to subscribe, afterwards, there are many free to air television channels and content on satellites OVER THE TABLE (OTT) that can be accessed through free to air decoders and wifi.”
Recall that on April 24, Multichoice Nigeria announced an increase in the cost of subscriptions for its DStv and GOtv packages.
The pay-tv firm cited the rise in cost of operations as the rationale behind the price increase.
Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) sitting in Abuja has restrained Multichoice Nigeria, a -TV operator, from implementing the DStv and GOtv subscription prices hike it announced last week
The interim order was sequel to an ex-parte motion filed before the court by Ejiro Awaritoma, counsel to the applicant, Festus Onifade.
The three-member panel of the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal, presided over by Saratu Shafii, issued the order on Monday.
Recall that THE management of Multichoice Nigeria Limited last week announced a fresh hike in the prices of subscriptions for its DStv and GOtv packages.
The fresh prices hike came barely four months after the previous fee adjustment.
According to an email sent to customers, the new prices on its DSTV and GOtv packages would take effect on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.
But Onifade. in a suit marked: CCPT/OP/2/2024, had dragged MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) before the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal
Onifade in the suit filed on April 29 sought “An order of interim injunction of this honourable tribunal restraining the 1st defendant, whether by themselves, her privies, assigns by whatsoever name called from going ahead with impending price increase schedule to take effect from 1st May, 2024, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice
“An order restraining the 1st defendant from taking any step(s) that may negatively affect the rights of the claimant and other consumers in respect of the suit pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.”
In its ruling, the court restrained MultiChoice from implementing the announced prices increment, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed before it.
The court ruled that “The 1st defendant is hereby restrained from taking any step(s) that may negatively affect the rights of the claimant and other consumers in respect of the suit pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”
The court directed all parties in the suit to appear before it on May 7 at 10am for the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
The three-member tribunal chaired by Saratu Shafii, delivered the ruling on Monday on an ex-parte motion marked CCPT/OP/2/2024 and filed by Festus Onifade through his lawyer, Ejiro Awaritoma.
Onifade had sued Multi-Choice Nigeria Ltd, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), accusing the former of unjustly increasing subscription fees.
LG Electronics, a global leader in technology and innovation, is delighted to announce the launch of the highly anticipated K-POP Fiesta contest in Nigeria.
This exciting event offers fans a unique platform to showcase their passion for Korean pop music and dance, while providing an opportunity to engage with fellow enthusiasts from all corners of the country.
The contest will be to four major cities in Nigeria, including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan. The K-POP Fiesta contest aims to bring the electric energy and vibrant culture of K-POP to Nigeria, a country known for its love of music and dance.
The K-POP Contest invites talented individuals and groups to contest in various categories, including singing, dancing, and performance. As part of its commitment to fostering cultural exchange and embracing diversity
“We are excited to bring the K-POP Contest to Nigeria and provide a platform for talented individuals to shine,” said Mr. Hyoungsub Ji, Managing Director at LG Electronics West Africa.
“By taking the contest to multiple cities, we aim to reach a diverse range of participants and celebrate the rich cultural exchange between Korea and Nigeria. Contestant will have the opportunity to win exciting prizes and recognition for their talent”.
“We are thrilled to bring the K-POP Fiesta contest to Nigeria, a country with a rich musical heritage. This event is a testament to LG’s dedication to providing unique and exciting experiences for our customers. We believe that K-POP has the power to unite people from different backgrounds and create a sense of joy and unity.” Mr. Hyoungsub added
The K-POP Contest tour will kick off in Ibadan on the 2nd and 3rd of May, where fans can experience the electrifying energy of K-POP through dance and singing competitions, and also interactive experiences. From there, the tour will travel to Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja, giving aspiring performers in each location the chance to showcase their talent on a grand stage at the finale which will take place in Lagos sometime in June.
The K-POP Fiesta contest will provide participants with a platform to showcase their talent, creativity, and love for K-POP. Participants will have the opportunity to compete in various categories, including singing, dancing, and even creating their own K-POP-inspired music videos. The contest will be judged by a panel of industry experts, ensuring a fair and unbiased evaluation.
Three winners in music and dance will emerge at the regional contest in these four cities with five hundred thousand naira up for grabs while the winner at the grand finale gets two million naira plus other exciting prizes.
In addition to the contest, attendees will also have the opportunity to experience LG’s latest innovations in entertainment technology. From high-quality sound systems to immersive displays, LG continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in entertainment and lifestyle.
LG Electronics is committed to supporting and nurturing talent in Nigeria, and the K-POP Fiesta contest is just one of the many initiatives undertaken by the company to empower individuals and encourage artistic expression. By bringing the K-POP phenomenon to Nigeria, LG aims to create a memorable experience for both participants and fans alike.
To participate in the K-POP Fiesta contest, fans can register online at https://www.lg.com/africa/LG-Kpop-Fiesta or Join the conversation on social media (Instagram) using the hashtag #LGKPOPNigeria.
The contest is open to all K-POP enthusiasts in Nigeria, regardless of age or background.
The event had in attendance Management of LG Electronics, Nigeria Video Jockey & TV Presenter, V.J Adams, Akunna Okechukwu, 2021 Nigerian Idol finalist, among others.
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