Showmax has announced the return of its exclusive BBNaija talk show, The Buzz, which will be hosted by media personality Toke Makinwa.

The Buzz is scheduled to premiere on Thursday, 1 August 2024, and will feature new episodes every Thursday, in addition to the live, 24/7 BBNaija Season 9 show, exclusively available to Showmax customers in Africa.

On The Buzz, Toke Makinwa, along with celebrity guests and top BBNaija show commentators, will analyze all the moments of the current season of the reality show, offering their candid opinions and predictions in a talk session that leaves nothing unsaid. The show will also include never-before-seen footage from the House and various engaging segments.

Expressing her excitement about returning as the host for a new season, the award-winning media personality stated, “Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of juicy gossip, sizzling drama, and unfiltered fun! We will delve deep into the BBNaija house, reveal secrets, and serve up all the tea you desire. This season is expected to be twice as wild, and I eagerly anticipate everyone joining the party!”

Big Brother Naija Season 9 and The Buzz aim to offer unparalleled entertainment experiences for audiences throughout Africa on Showmax. With the live 24/7 streaming on Showmax, fans will stay updated on every moment of the action.

According to Dr. Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa at MultiChoice, “Showmax is the hub of top-tier reality shows in Africa, so it’s fitting that we are bringing back The Buzz with the fantastic host, Toke Makinwa.”

She added, “We are elevating the excitement of this BBNaija season for fans, ensuring they have a front-row view of all the show’s renowned drama from the convenience of their mobile devices.”

The Buzz will premiere on Thursday, 1 August 2024, with new episodes every Thursday, exclusively on Showmax.

For more information about The Buzz, visit Showmax.

The organisers of Africa’s biggest reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, have confirmed that the show will make its return for the 9th season on Sunday, July 28, 2024. This season will bring a new twist as contestants will enter the game in pairs for the first time ever, creating the stage for unprecedented alliances and thrilling competition. The theme for the season will be revealed during the premiere.

The upcoming season aims to breathe new life into the show, offering audiences a fresh perspective on the competition. With each pair of housemates bringing unique dynamics to the table, viewers can anticipate intense rivalries and unexpected friendships to develop.

A diverse lineup of contestant pairs has been selected to take part in the 71-day season, with a total of N100 million in cash and prizes up for grabs.

Dr. Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content & Channels, West Africa at MultiChoice, conveyed excitement for the forthcoming season, highlighting the show’s dedication to providing unparalleled entertainment.

Dr. Tejumola shared some insights about Big Brother Naija Season 9 during a media briefing, stating, “We are thrilled to present a fresh season of Big Brother Naija. The buzz on social media and the anticipation for this ninth season have been overwhelming. The theme for this season will be unveiled at the premiere as the pairs of housemates enter the house. This innovative format promises to bring new dynamics and unforgettable entertainment.”

She added, “We are delighted to have Guinness as our gold sponsor for this season. Our other sponsors include Pepsi, Indomie, Airtel, Tecno, Zandas, Arla, Golden Penny, Gracias Planta, Amatem Softgel, Nexus, Travel Beta, and Innoson Motors. Get ready for an exciting journey with Big Brother Naija Season 9!”

The season premiere is scheduled for Sunday, July 28, 2024, and viewers can catch all the drama and excitement on DStv Channel 198 and GOtv Channel 29. The audience is encouraged to join the conversation by using the hashtag #BBNaijaS9 on social media.

For more information about Big Brother Naija season 9, visit https://www.dstv.com/africamagic/en-ng/show/big-brother-naija.

Public relations practitioners across the world are gearing up for the fourth edition of World Public Relations Day (WPRD)’, themed ‘The future of public relations in a changing world’. The annual celebration scheduled for July 16, 2024, celebrates public relations practitioners, students, and industry thought leaders in the sphere.

Founder and Convener of World PR Day, Ayeni Adekunle emphasised the importance for practitioners to take this opportunity to address pertinent PR issues while providing solutions to these issues plaguing the PR and communications industry.

‘’Amidst the anticipation surrounding the fourth edition of World Public Relations Day, it is imperative for our global community to seize this moment as a catalyst for addressing critical PR challenges and fostering innovative solutions. Together, let us propel the PR and communications industry towards greater resilience and impact,’’ he said.

He further disclosed that the WPRD is part of a unified global agenda to share knowledge and help brands, companies, and governments understand the crucial role the industry plays in shaping businesses. It further builds on the platform’s aim to shape and build strategic communications.

In three years, WPRD has recorded significant growth with over 40 events (20 physical and 25 virtual events) as 36 million people have been reached in 63 countries across 6 continents. Ayeni Adekunle disclosed that this was only possible due to the significant growth across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, India, the USA, the United Kingdom and many other countries in different continents over the years.

He said; “This remarkable growth underscores the collective commitment of the global PR community to advancing our industry’s impact and influence on a worldwide scale. As we continue to expand our reach across continents and engage diverse stakeholders, World Public Relations Day remains steadfast in its mission to cultivate strategic communications excellence and foster a deeper understanding of the indispensable role PR plays in driving business success.”

The 2024 celebration will incorporate activities to be organised by agencies, associations, and professionals across the world. As of 2021, WPRD recorded a myriad of participation across 5 continents, participation across 6 continents in 2022, and 36 million people reached across 6 continents in 63 countries.

The just concluded Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards was filled with lots of excitement and surprises. The foremost awards recognised and honoured some of Africa’s finest filmmakers and storytellers with various activities such as the Special Night with Icons, Young Filmmakers Day, Cultural Day Celebration and the Awards Night.

As a consistent supporter of entertainment, arts, and culture, MTN Nigeria  sponsored the award category for Best Short Film /Online Video of the AMVCA for the third consecutive year. This aligns with the brand’s commitment to digital and cultural innovation, and African excellence.

The award-winning short film titled “Broken Mass” was written, directed, and produced by Kaghor Idhebor. The film was lauded for its compelling narrative and exceptional performances, capturing the attention of both the audience and the jury with its powerful storytelling and impressive visual execution. The film portrays the psychological impact of child molestation from a father’s perspective, drawing inspiration from Nigerian painter and sculptor Ben Enwonwu for the main character played by Richard. This award is a significant achievement for Idhebor and his team as it signals their creative excellence in the film industry.

Kgho Idhebor expressed his gratitude for the win, stating, “Winning this award is a tremendous honour. ‘Broken Mask’ is a project close to my heart, and I am thrilled that it has resonated with so many people. I thank my team, AMVCA organizers, and MTN for their support and for providing a platform that celebrates and uplifts African storytellers.”

MTN Nigeria awarded Kaghor N1 Million, MTN broadband router, and lots of other goodies.

Commenting on MTN’s commitment to Nigerian entertainment, Emamoke Ogoro,  General Manager, Brand & Communication, MTN Nigeria said “We are incredibly proud to continue to sponsor a category that shines light on the bright and vibrant talent in our film industry. ‘Broken Mask’ is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity that defines African cinema, and we congratulate Kgho Idhebor on this well-deserved win.”

MTN Nigeria’s sponsorship of the Best Short Film category for the third consecutive time spotlights its commitment to amplifying the voices of emerging filmmakers and providing a platform for their storytelling abilities. This partnership with the AMVCA demonstrates a shared commitment to celebrating creativity and advancing the Nigerian and African entertainment industry. MTN Nigeria remains dedicated to promoting and supporting the Nigerian entertainment industry and collaborating with strategic partners to create value across the entertainment industry value chain.

Multichoice, a leading provider of entertainment content, marked a significant milestone in African filmmaking and television at the recently concluded 10th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). The two-day event took place at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos State and showcased the very best of African storytelling and talent.

The event featured a series of engaging activities, including the Young Filmmakers Day, Cultural Day Celebration, and the highly anticipated Awards Night, which served as the pinnacle of the celebratory event. The AMVCA has become a beacon of excellence in recognizing exceptional achievements and creativity within the African film and television industry.

Reflecting on the growth of African cinema and television, Dr. Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa at MultiChoice, expressed her excitement about the industry’s progress. Dr. Tejumola stated, “The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards was created to honor exceptional achievements in television and film across the continent, and we are thrilled to have sustained this celebration through 10 editions. With each passing year, we witness a remarkable improvement in the quality of submissions, showcasing the incredible growth of the industry in Africa.”

She continued, “The 10th edition is a significant milestone, underscoring the industry’s evolution. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and nominees who have displayed exceptional dedication and talent. We are immensely proud of everyone in the African film industry and express our gratitude for their invaluable contributions.”

The 2024 AMVCA recognized outstanding accomplishments across 28 categories, including Best Movie, Best Lead Actor, Best Lead Actress, Best Director, and Best Indigenous Language Film, among others. Winners were selected by a jury chaired by renowned filmmaker Femi Odugbemi.

Notable highlights of the awards included the film “Breath of Life” clinching five awards, with Wale Ojo named Best Lead Actor, Demola Adedoyin and Genoveva Umeh securing Best Supporting Actor and Actress, and BB Sasore honored as Best Director. Kehinde Bankole’s win as Best Lead Actress marked her second win after previously winning in 2015.

Viewers were also treated to a memorable performance by Awilo Longomba, adding a touch of nostalgia to the celebratory event.

Industry veterans Iya Rainbow and Richard Mofe Damijo were honoured with the Industry Merit Award for their contributions to the growth and development of the African film industry. Chimezie Imo received the Trailblazer Award for his innovative work in the industry.

The event was attended by top African film and television personalities, including Joke Silva, Sola Sobowale, Chidi Mokeme, Genevieve Nnaji, Ramsey Noah, Kunle Afolayan, Mo Abudu, Odunlade Adekola, Kanayo O. Kanayo, and many others.The event was broadcast live on Africa Magic channels and streamed on the MultiChoice streaming platform, Showmax, allowing audiences across the continent and beyond to join in the celebration of African film and TV excellence.

Award-winning producer, Uche Ikejimba, has secured her sixth consecutive Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award nod. The organizers made the nomination announcements on Sunday, March 24, 2024, across all Africa Magic channels. It saw Ikejimba clinch a nom in the ‘Best Unscripted M-Net Original’ category for What Will People Say.

In 2022, Ikejimba received two nominations for ‘Best Africa Magic Original Drama Series’ for Unmarried and Dilemma. She secured two other nominations in 2023 in ‘Best Unscripted Original’ for Come Play Naija and ‘Best Original Drama Series’ category for Unmarried.

Speaking about her latest nomination, Ikejimba said, “I’m very humbled and beyond grateful to be receiving my sixth consecutive AMVCA nomination. Anyone who knows me will acknowledge that I often put my blood, sweat and tears into the shows I produce. After Truth won its nomination in 2020, I’ve been holding on patiently for a second win and I hope this is the year. So, here’s my hearty congratulations to my fellow nominees and a huge thank you to the AMVCAs organisers for honoring me.”

Ikejimba is one of Africa’s most-sought after serial producers, and has earned herself the title, ‘Reality TV Series Savant’, with work on 100% Naija, Vodafone Icons, Naija Sings, Calabar Festival Diaries, Big Brother Reunion, Shoot Your Shot, What Will People Say, Come Play Naija, and the more recently airing Husband Material and Overall Best.

She came into the world of Television production as an associate producer on Moments with Mo, the first and only syndicated daily talk show in Africa at the time. However, she has also proven that her talents go beyond producing reality shows or unscripted serials, and she can run with the best in producing original drama series.

In 2016, she landed her first commissioned project with Africa Magic titled Hustle. The series about a young man’s first time in Lagos became an instant hit and ran for three seasons, with 360 episodes. She created, wrote and produced Blink’s original 26-episode drama series titled Truth. The show won an AMVCA for ‘Best TV Series’ in 2020. That same year, she produced and wrote the hit series, Unmarried. The show ran for four seasons and ended on a high.

Off the success of these drama series, she produced Africa Magic’s Dilemma, a 260-episode telenovela. She produced Shallow and the recent Africa Magic fanfavourite original, Manfriend. The show follows the women of the King family and their dysfunctional relationship with the men in their lives. She also produced Showmax’s first original law limited series, AGU in 2023. Her first feature length film, Phantom is a co-production and is also nominated for several awards such as the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF).

Uche Ikejimba has beaten many odds to become a producer and remained steadfast in her commitment to producing the best shows Africa has ever seen. As the continent prepares for the milestone 10th AMVCA, the Reality TV Series Savant and producer extraordinaire is content to celebrate her sixth consecutive nomination. Find out if she clinches her second AMVCA win when the awards air live across all Africa Magic channels on May 11, 2024.

MultiChoice Nigeria has announced the dates for the 9th season of Africa’s most prestigious music talent show – Nigerian Idol. The brand has also proudly unveiled a new distinguished panel of judges for its highly anticipated Season 9. Renowned for discovering exceptional musical talent Nigerian Idol is thrilled to welcome three luminaries from Nigeria’s music industry: the incomparable songstress Omawunmi, the soulful R&B crooner Ric Hassani, and the legendary lyricist 9ice.

Omawunmi, celebrated for her powerful vocals and captivating stage presence, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the judging panel. Omawunmi, having been a guest judge on the Nigerian Idol panel in season 7 of the show, brings the value of her illustrious career; spanning over a decade to bear in navigating the complexities of the music industry with grace and excellence. As a judge, Omawunmi aims to leverage her journey to inspire contestants, guiding them as they embark on their own paths to success, thus enabling their dreams to take flight.

Joining Omawunmi is Ric Hassani, whose velvety voice and heartfelt lyrics have garnered him widespread acclaim both locally and internationally. With his innate understanding of melody and emotion, Ric’s music resonates deeply with audiences, reflecting his commitment to authenticity and artistic integrity. As he steps into the role of a Nigerian Idol judge for the first time, Rick intends to share his invaluable insights and experiences with contestants, empowering them to embrace their individuality and pursue their dreams fearlessly.

Completing the esteemed trio is none other than 9ice, a trailblazing artist renowned for his masterful storytelling and timeless hits in Yoruba language. With a career spanning over two decades, 9ice has established himself as one of Nigeria’s most influential musicians, earning accolades for his innovation and creativity. As he takes on the role of a Nigerian Idol judge, 9ice brings a wealth of knowledge and perspective to the table, offering contestants a glimpse into the intricacies of the music industry.

Through his mentorship and guidance, 9ice endeavours to equip contestants with the tools they need to navigate the challenges ahead, empowering them to soar to new heights and realize their dreams in this ninth season of Nigerian Idol.

Dr. Busola Tejumola, Executive Head Content and Channels: West Africa, MultiChoice, also shared her thoughts on the upcoming season: “Nigerian Idol has continuously set the standard for music talent shows in Africa, and Season 9 promises to be no exception. With Omawunmi, Ric Hassani, and 9ice on board, viewers can expect unparalleled talent, excitement, and entertainment. We are proud to showcase the immense musical prowess that Nigeria has to offer and look forward to another unforgettable season.”

Commenting on the exciting lineup, as a co-headline sponsor, Milen Oyinlola PR & Media manager TECNO Mobile expressed her enthusiasm to work with the judges to help in making the dreams of talented Nigerians come to life: “TECNO envisions unlocking new possibilities for contestants and viewers alike. Through this collaboration, TECNO aims to leverage its innovative products and digital platforms to enhance the overall experience for Nigerian Idol enthusiasts. From engaging digital campaigns to exclusive behind-the-scenes content, TECNO is set to weave a tapestry of excitement around the show, amplifying each participant’s journey.”

Bigi Drinks, the beloved carbonated beverage brand known for her caregiving nature, shared her excitement for the new season stating, “We are passionate about nurturing talent and creativity. Witnessing the journeys of these young artists as they chase their dreams fills us with immense joy. We believe in the power of dreams, and Nigerian Idol provides a platform for these aspiring singers to showcase their talent and be inspired by some of Nigeria’s brightest musical stars. We can’t wait to see the incredible talent that will take the stage this season. We are confident that Omawunmi, Ric Hassani, and 9ice as the judges will elevate the show to greater heights. We cannot wait to see the amazing talent that will grace the stage.”

Nigerian Idol Season 9, with its theme “Let Your Dreams Take Flight”, is set to premiere on Sunday 21st April at 7 pm on all Africa Magic Channels – Showcase (DStv ch. 151, GOtv ch. 12), and Family (DStv ch. 154, GOtv ch. 2) and will undoubtedly captivate audiences with its electrifying live performances from Sunday 26th May 2024. Audiences should expect heartfelt moments, and the unparalleled expertise of its esteemed judging panel and the contestants who they have carefully chosen to entertain them.

MTN Nigeria has partnered with the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) in celebration of its 10th anniversary. The AMVCA is one of the most anticipated award ceremonies in Nigeria and this year’s event is scheduled to take place on May 10th and 11th, 2024, and the leading ICT company will be sponsoring the Best Short Movie Award category.

MTN Nigeria is deeply invested in the Nigerian entertainment industry and recognises the immense talent, creativity, and resourcefulness of Nigerian filmmakers especially those nominated in the short movie category. By sponsoring the Best Short Movie Award, MTN Nigeria aims to amplify the voices of emerging filmmakers and provide a platform for their remarkable storytelling abilities to shine on a continental stage.

The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) is a prestigious event that serves as a beacon of excellence within the African film and television industry. It honours outstanding achievements in various categories and is committed to recognizing and promoting diversity and innovation in filmmaking across the continent. The addition of the Best Short Movie Award category emphasizes this commitment, and it attests to AMVCA’s resoluteness to nurturing the growth and development of the film industry in Africa.

The tenth edition of the AMVCA awards will showcase 27 categories, including 16 non-voting and 9 audience-voting categories. A panel of industry experts, once again led by the seasoned director and producer, Femi Odugbemi, will assess the submissions. The judging process will be audited by Deloitte, a reputable auditing firm to ensure transparency and credibility.

Speaking on the impact of the AMVCA, the Executive Head of Content & Channels, West Africa at MultiChoice noted that, “since inception in 2013, the AMVCAs have injected over N623 billion into the film and television economy, N9 billion in awards events, training, and logistics, creating over 27000 long & short-term jobs through the development of critical skills and honouring the industry stars.”

The partnership between MTN Nigeria and the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards underscores a shared commitment to nurturing talent, celebrating creativity, and advancing the Nigerian and African entertainment industry to greater heights. MTN Nigeria remains committed to promoting and supporting the Nigerian entertainment industry and collaborating with strategic partners to co-create value across the entertainment industry value chain.

The Macallan has unveiled The Reach, an incomparable single malt whisky that reflects an extraordinary moment in time and exemplifies the enduring spirit that has been at the heart of the brand for 200 years in Nigeria. The event was held in Lagos on Friday, February 23, 2024.

Crafted in 1940 and notably the oldest expression of The Macallan brand, The Reach embodies ingenuity and unmistakable strength of character. Its very existence is a testament to the care and commitment to uncompromised excellence that has driven The Macallan since it was founded in 1824. It also pays tribute to those who strived amid great adversity to resume distilling The Macallan’s spirit, as well as the craftspeople today who continue to uphold the brand’s values.

A rare single malt at 81 Years Old, The Reach is the oldest whisky ever released by The Macallan; crafted from a single, sherry seasoned oak cask. The dark, precious whisky is encased in an exquisite mouth-blown glass decanter, cradled on a bronze sculpture of three hands.

Each hand represents characters in The Macallan’s history and their unique story. One commemorates the Distillery workers of 1940 who crafted the spirit into existence, in challenging times, over eight decades ago. Another is the hand of one-time chairman, Allan Shiach, whose grandfather headed the company when this remarkable spirit was first consigned to its cask. The third is that of today’s Master Whisky Maker, Kirsteen Campbell, who carefully selected the 1940 cask used to create The Reach, deciding that now was the time to share this precious whisky with the world.

Describing the notes of this expression, Kirsteen Campbell, Master Whisky Maker at The Macallan, said, “Its deep auburn hue is the first hint of this remarkable whisky’s astonishing depth. Offering notes of dark chocolate, sweet cinnamon, and aromatic peat, leading on to treacle toffee, crystalised ginger and charred pineapple, before giving way to an intensely rich, sweet and smoky finish.”

Sculptor Saskia Robinson created the timeless sculpture featuring three hands, producing countless drawings from every perspective before working in the physical medium. The veins, nails and skin detail are recorded in extraordinary accuracy, modelled on an artist’s impression of a hand of one of those original distillery workers. The sculpture is cast in bronze and the glimmer of the metal contrasts beautifully with the dark amber whisky.

The surface of the glass decanter features subtle indentations that match the fingerprints of the bronze hands which support it, while a beautiful cabinet crafted using wood from a fallen elm tree, which is thought to have been on The Macallan Estate in 1940, houses the decanter.

Speaking about the inspiration behind The Reach, Saskia Robinson, noted, “A key concept of The Reach single malt is ‘legacy’ and it is a theme at the heart of what I hoped to evoke sculpturally, expressing this both visually and thematically. I wanted to bring to life the rich heritage of the whisky, and the sense of the passing of time and the intergenerational passing of knowledge, from the beginning of the process of creating it in 1940, to its maturation, to today and on a human level.”

Hammed Adebiyi, Brand Manager at Edrington Portfolio Nigeria, expressed his excitement for the upcoming launch stating, “The introduction of The Reach represents a monumental highlight for whisky aficionados in Nigeria. This expression of The Macallan embodies the pinnacle of craftsmanship.”

With its legacy of masterful craftsmanship, and exquisite flavour profile, The Macallan has pushed the boundaries of excellence, through the exclusive release, showcasing its commitment to delivering exquisite whisky experiences.

Join The Macallan Society for a richer experience with The Macallan.

Executive producer and Nollywood actress, Eniola Ajao, in partnership with Anthill Studios, is set to bring another epic blockbuster, Beast of Two Worlds (AJAKAJU) to be released in cinemas this Easter.

Beast of Two Worlds looks at the life of a desperate king facing banishment due to his three wives’ inability to produce a son, he takes a new wife from another world who promises him an heir but her arrival brings unforeseen chaos to the kingdom forcing the king to confront his fears and fight to secure his dynasty future.

The cast for the movie includes Odunlade Adekola, Eniola Ajao, Sola Sobowale,  Femi Adebayo, Lateef Adedimeji, Mercy Aigbe, Bimbo Akintola, Fathia Balogun, Ibrahim Chatta, amongst others.

“Beast of Two Worlds is a twist on the Epic narrative and it has a strong moral value and lesson to take home, it’s a movie that was made with so much love and passion and I’m sure the Nigerian audience would love it.”

“Anthill Studios is a company that knows their stuff, I fell in love with their commitment to the love of films, their contagious energy always to want to tell stories their way and when I made Beast of Two Worlds there was no one better suited to partner with than Anthill Studios, I mean its evident in their past works,” says Eniola Ajao, who is the executive producer of the movie.

Anthill Studios has been praised by the public to be the industry JUGGERNAUT of Epic movies after their Cinema blockbuster “KING OF THIEVES” which took the Nigerian audience by storm and later on went on to hold the no 1 spot on Prime Video for 3 consecutive months. They later crossed the pond to Netflix with “JAGUN JAGUN” which is sitting in the top 10 non-English speaking movies of all time on the platform with the likes of Squid Game.

Set to be an Easter blockbuster, Beast of Two Worlds by Anthill Studios and Eniola Ajao of LightHouse Pictures is slated for a nationwide release in cinemas on March 29, 2024.

Watch the trailer here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17aQ8ibDXVg

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