Africa Magic Introduces A New Slate of Seven Shows

Media professionals and film enthusiasts were gathered last week at Filmhouse Cinemas Landmark MX4D, Victoria Island, Lagos, as Africa Magic premiered a fresh slate of shows that will begin airing across her different channels.

The event began with a red carpet session that was followed by film screenings and a panel session. Celebrities such as actors Kalu Ikeagwu, Gloria Young, Norbert Young, Elma Mbadiwe, comedian Basket Mouth, and a couple of former Big Brother Naija housemates, including Hermes and Boma Akpofure, were present at the grand occasion.

Shortly before the screenings began, Atinuke Babalola, Executive Head of Content and Channels, MultiChoice West Africa, gave a brief address, tracking back at previous Africa Magic shows and announcing the new titles as an extension of the outfit’s mission. “These new titles cut across cultures and genres, but they are united by a focus on authentic storytelling that reflects our people, our values, and our creativity,” she noted. The seven shows are The Low Priest, Étítì, Mother of the Brides, Rise Again, Kukoyi, Mgbuka and Sabon Tauraron Arewa.

Insightful clips from each of the first four series screened for ten to fifteen minutes, while trailers of the last three were shown on the big screen. Sandwiched between the two sides was a panel session where selected filmmakers talked about their shows.

Debuting on September 29th is The Low Priest, a 130-episode supernatural thriller that tells the story of two rivals Chibuzor and Callistus who break into a sacred shrine for survival, with the gods favouring one and cursing the other—but then, they learn to forge a new bond tested by power, sacrifice and the price of salvation. The telenovela navigates themes of rivalry and brotherhood, ambition, fate, sacrifice and redemption. It stars Paul Nnadiekwe, Emma Umesh, Eric Emeka, Omattutee James, Akim Ayobamidele among others.

Étítì follows a fearless warrior hunter who wakes up to the discovery that he is trapped in the world between worlds, with guidance from NwaAla, a formidable goddess and guardian of the afterlife. While trying to protect his newly weeded wife from a forbidden ritual, he must join forces with an unlikely ally to expose his murderer or risk losing his soul forever. The 26-episode drama show is written by Victoria Eze, produced by Solomon Adekunle and directed by Daniel Oriahi, with comedian Basket Mouth as its executive producer. It will be available on Africa Magic from October 2nd.

Also premiering on the same day is Mother of the Brides, which is about a dying Lagos matriarch racing against time to marry off one of her daughters or else she risks losing her legacy to in-laws and tradition. The series stars Gloria Young, Fadekemi Olumide, Linda Ejiofor-Suleimaj, Ibrahim Suleiman and Kalu Ikeagwu, among others. Rise Again, which will be available from October 19th, presents a redemption short of a dancer who fights to reclaim his dream after betrayal and injury.

Africa Magic’s indigenous channels, welcomes three new titles that are set to debut on October 11th. Kukoyi, on Africa Magic Yoruba, is about a man who, in his quest for wealth, assumes the position of Abobaku, aware of his fate tied to that of the king. Mgbuka, on Africa Magic Igbo, explores the loves of two friends who become rivals, underscoring themes of betrayal, loyalty and revenge. Africa Magic Hausa will present Sabon Tauraron Arewa, a music reality competition through which emerging local music talents of Northern Nigerian extraction will be spotlighted as they compete for an ultimate prize.

With the latest rollout from Africa Magic, the outfit demonstrates her continuous commitment to pushing the boundaries of African storytelling and curating optimal contents that resonate with audiences on the continent and in diaspora.