AfricaMagic: 10 years of Celebrating Africa’s Passion and Culture

The past decade has seen great change, innovation and progress in Africa. To understand it, one simply needs to look at a few historic, dramatic or fun milestones…

Kenyan Wangari Maathai was the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize (2004), Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf became Africa’s first elected female Head of State (2006), several African countries celebrated 50 years of Independence, South Africa hosted the first ever African FIFA Soccer World Cup (2010) and economic powerhouse Lagos became the first African city with its own edition of famous board game Monopoly (2012).

And in December this year, AfricaMagic, the first dedicated TV channel made in Africa by Africans for Africans, hits its first double-digit anniversary when it turns 10!

The popular TV entertainment brand, available on DStv, will mark a full decade on air.

During this time, what began in 2003 as a single channel, has transformed into a catalogue of eight unique channels, each with its own distinct identity.

That line-up is as follows – AfricaMagic, AfricaMagic Entertainment, AfricaMagic Movies,AfricaMagic Movies 1 and AfricaMagic World alongside the dedicated language channels AfricaMagic Hausa, AfricaMagic Swahili and AfricaMagic Yoruba.

A passion project for African television giant M-Net, AfricaMagic has been relentlessly pioneering, and in the past year alone has marked two stellar achievements.

In March, the inaugural and glamourous AfricaMagic Viewers’ Choice Awards, became the first film and television awards of its kind to be screened live across sub-Saharan Africa. Drawing the top talent from across the continent, season two of the awards is already well underway.

Then, in September this year, AfricaMagic revealed its exciting Original Film initiative to create a whopping 80 movies in West Africa and 56 in East Africa in a single year, all of which will be available first to AfricaMagic audiences.

Other highlights over its history includes the recent production of a massive 250 episodes of the sensational boxing drama Kona in Kenya; the screening of the 1000th episode of the highly rated soap opera Tinsel; the launch of the first Nollywood themed weekly magazine show Jara; the creation of the Great Africans documentary series; 2010’s Face of Africa Finale live from Lagos and even production in high definition!

In addition, fulfilling its commitment to create must-watch African content, AfricaMagic has invested extensively and its slate of recent original programming includes Big Brother The Chase, 53 Extra, Mashariki Mix, The Johnsons, Big Brother Hot Room, Jacob’s Crossand the celeb-focussed Star Gist.

But let’s not forget other hit shows that debuted first on the flagship AfricaMagic Entertainment channel. These include Omotola The Real Me, The Jim Iyke Show, The Tenant, @Home With Michelle Attoh/Joselyn Dumas, Making of a Mogul, Noose of Gold and Lies that Bind.

Plus, the channel currently screens The Wild, Isidingo and Generations. And in a wonderful twist of fate, the channel is also screening Africa’s Next Top Model, in which the first ever Face of Africa winner Oluchi goes looking for a new African catwalk superstar!

Meanwhile, from offices in Lagos and Nairobi, AfricaMagic has worked tirelessly to improve skills sharing with ongoing workshops and master classes in key markets, ensuring that African crews are trained on the latest equipment; African producers and distributors are clearly and consistently informed of acquisition processes and fresh African on air talent is identified and nurtured.

Speaking on the 10th birthday, M-Net Africa Managing Director Biola Alabi said that the brand’s proudly African focus and passionately African attitude were central to its success.

“AfricaMagic is African in every way. From its programming to its people to its pioneering spirit, the undisputed power of this brand is its unapologetic belief that this continent and its audiences deserve home-grown entertainment that speaks directly to their own lives, their own experiences; their own aspirations.”

She continues: “We’ve had challenges, but our audiences recognise and appreciate our tenacity. We’ve explored new show ideas and our production partners have supported and implemented our vision. We’ve discovered new ways of scheduling, promoting and packaging which our sponsors have embraced and encouraged. We’ve developed a model of African content delivery which our suppliers have bought into and engaged with. We could not have made a 10 year contribution to the African film and TV landscape without them all. So birthday greetings go out from our team to the entire AfricaMagic family.”

With a least one AfricaMagic channel included on every DStv package in over 50 African countries, the AfricaMagic channels are widely accessible so make sure you tune in.

The channel also recently ran a birthday competition on its website where one lucky fan could win a chance to appear in a movie with Nollywood leading man Michel Majid. The announcement of the winner will be made after the competition closes on November 29.

So stay tuned…it’s 10 years and counting for AfricaMagic…here’s to the next 10!

What to watch on AfricaMagic in December:

To celebrate its birthday, in December the AfricaMagic channels will be packed with great program highlights!

On AfricaMagic Entertainment, make a date to see:

•    In the Cupboard (Dec 1 at 21:30 CAT/21:00 SA): Siblings return to the family home in Nigeria from different parts of the world to support their mother after their father’s death. Explosive secrets are revealed at the reading of the will and some family members have a lot of explaining to do. Starring Uti Nwachukwu, Ini Edo and Alex Ekubo.
•    Keeping My Man (Dec 8 at 21:30 CAT/21:00 SA): A seemly perfect marriage, envied by those close to the couple, suddenly starts to unravel revealing many things that are usually hidden behind closed doors. Starring Ini Edo, Ramsey Nouah and Monalisa Chinda.
•    Stolen Tomorrow (Dec 15 at 21:30 CAT): A gorgeous lady, married to a wealthy but sick chief, is having an affair with a young, handsome gigolo. Their plan is to get rid of her husband but things become complicated when the chief hires a retired police detective to keep tabs on his young wife. Starring Ini Edo, Kofi Adjorlolo and I.K Ogbonna.
•    Lonely Heart (Dec 22 at 21:30 CAT/21:00 SA): A bright young journalist battles homelessness after her drug addicted sister throws her out of the house. She also fights to keep her job when her demanding boss instructs her to deliver a story that her conscience will not allow. Starring Uche Jumbo, Ini Edo and Belinda Effah.
•    Weekend Getaway (Dec 29 at 21:30 CAT/21:00 SA): A bored bachelor meeting his online love; a married couple looking to revive the spark in their relationship and a wealthy cougar descend upon the tropical paradise that is Le Meridian Hotel in Akwa Ibom for a weekend getaway. Starring Ramsey Nouah, Genevieve Nnaji and Monalisa Chinda.

On AfricaMagic, look out for:

•    2 hour movie specials: Crying Angel (Dec 23 at 13:00 CAT), End of Crying Angel (Dec 24 at 13:00 CAT), Two Sons of Eli/Injury Time (Dec 25 at 13:00 CAT), Fatal Exchange (Dec 25 at 16:00 CAT), Wangai Cross (Dec 26 at 13:00 CAT) and Secret of the Night (Dec 27 at 13:00 CAT).

•     ONE TO ONE specials: Jayess (Dec 24 at 21:00 CAT), Canton Jones (Dec 25 at 20:00 CAT), Micah Strampley (Dec 26 at 17:30 CAT) and Kirk Franklin (Dec26 at 20:00 CAT).

•    Other movie highlights on AfricaMagic in December include:

o    This World Na Paw (December 5 at 21:30 CAT): A new bride reluctantly allows her husband to travel abroad with the aim of seeking green pastures.  Years later, she gets the shock of her life when her husband returns. Directed by Mac Collins Chidebe, the movie stars Victor Osuagwu, Oby Kechere, Remy Ohiajianja.

o    Super Woman – Nga (December 14 at 21:00 CAT): Dr. Regina, an acclaimed and brilliant surgeon, battles to balance professional and personal demands. When tragedy strikes, she revisits what is important in life. But her husband Richard refuses to forgive her for being away from home when their only child died. Directed by Kabat Esosa Egbon, the movie stars Patience Ozokwor, Pete Edochie, Sharon Ezeamaka, Ejike Asiegbu and Uche Jombo.

o    Jehu (Dec 15 at 21:00 CAT): Jehu declares his love for Chief Johnson’s daughter Monalisa, but as their gateman his hopes for romance may remain a dream. Directed by Ugoo Stephens, the movie stars Francis Odega, Christy Okonkwo, Prince Murphy, Kelechi Udeh, Favour Omah, Ugoom Ihedinbu and Micah Moore.

o    Broken Pitcher (Dec 24 at 21:30 CAT): Gabriel and Loreen’s life abroad is successful but soon the spirituality they had in Nigeria starts to fade. This leads Loreen’s father, a pastor, to tell them the story of “a broken pitcher”. Directed and starring Mike Bamiloye, the movie also features Magaret Anenih, Olugbenga Awotoye, Wunmi Awotoye, Morayo Orekoya and Oluwadara Ropo-Tusin.

On AfricaMagic World, see the following great titles:

o    Click Africa (Daily @ 16:00 CAT): A magazine show that captures and explores Africa’s beauty to Africa and the world.
o    Beyond the Beat (Daily @ 09:30 CAT): A behind-the-scenes look at the rising Kenyan musicians, their life stories and journey to fame.
o    Two Sides of a Coin (Daily at 19:30 CAT): A soap that centers around two families, living in the same building with different social-status, beliefs and approach to life. However they also have a lot in common!
o    Tears of the Ghetto (Dec 2 at 21:00 CAT): Aladdin, Drogba, Tina, Marley and Barbara tried to make life bearable for the youths in the respective areas they controlled in the ghettos. But hope becomes fragile when the first “ghetto” varsity student Effiong is killed. Directed by and starring Femi Ogedegbe, look out for Richard Nwosu, Eve Musah, Sylvester Madu and Ene Miltex Ogiri, among others.
o    Her Majesty (Dec 8 at 21:00 CAT): Madam Bimbo runs a powerful cartel and disguises her illegal and lucrative drug trafficking trade as “distribution of baby food”. Customs official Francis attempts to shut down the operation but is murdered. Now his fiancée Julia tries to uncover evidence that may assist the police to arrest those responsible for his death. Directed by Obi Callys Obinali, the cast includes Clarion Chukwura, Emeka Okoro, Oge Okoye and Moses Armstrong.
o    Final Game (Dec 15 at 21:00 CAT): Nike finds the courage to walk out of a life and love that was suffocating her. Directed by Henry Ejeta, the cast includes Dakore Egbuson, Hank Anaku, Larry Koldsweat, Onyeka Eze, Chidinma Maduag and Juchit Johnson.
o    Dreamland (Dec 23 at 21:00 CAT): Prince Will’s blackmailing methods pay off handsomely, but when he uncovers that his own child has been given away, he is livid and tries to take revenge on those responsible.  Directed by Henry Ejeta, the cast includes Leonard Slaboh, Bunmi Nelson, Omar Iyasara, Clem Okino, Toyin Adams, Rita Idiereh, Mercy Salami and Helene Udoma.

•    On AfricaMagic Swahili, check out: Sunshine (Dec 25 at 19:30 CAT), Mdundiko (Dec 26 at 19:30 CAT), PayBack (Dec 27 at 19:30 CAT), Mpishi (Dec 29 at 19:30 CAT), Royal Family(Dec 29 at 19:30 CAT) and Dadedipa (Dec 31 at 19:30 CAT). Also check out the series Sumu La Penzi, on Mondays and Tuesdays at 19:00 CAT.

•    On AfricaMagic Yoruba, watch: Temi Nikan (Dec 1 at 21:30 CAT), Eni Jogun (Dec 6 at 21:30 CAT), Omo Gucci (Dec 7 at 21:35 CAT), Mulika (Dec 9 at 21:00 CAT), Oleyo (Dec 16 at 21:00 CAT), Alakada (Dec18 at 21:00 CAT), Baba Gomina (Dec 23 at 21:00 CAT), Makofune(Dec 24 at 21:05 CAT),  Jonathan (Dec 25 at 13:35 CAT), Ramoni (Dec 25 at 21:00 CAT), Dewumni Iberu (Dec 26 at 21:00 CAT), Itusile (Dec 28 at 21:30 CAT), Ha Bashorun (Dec 29 at 21:30 CAT), Opakan (Dec 30 at 21:00 CAT) and Ewon Laa Fin (Dec 31 at 21:00 CAT).