All posts by Gary

Talkshow Doyin’s Corner set for S4

Doyinsola David

The fourth season of talkshow Doyin’s Corner, fronted by former Big Brother Naija contestant Doyinsola David, is set to premiere on DStv channel 189 and PopCentral TV.

The show sees Doyin delve into the world of music, offering fun, entertainment and the latest industry buzz. The new season will debut on August 24.

The show has previously featured a personalities including Adekunle Ololade, Daniel Regha, Adepitan Yusuf and Okeke Alexander, who have tackled topics such as premarital sex, gender roles, the experience of being a trans woman in Nigeria and stories of feuds and reconciliation.

Sky Girls’ Journey to Bloom debuts

Teen drama series Journey to Bloom from Sky Girls Nigeria, a community of teenagers dedicated to self-expression and authenticity, is set to premiere on Africa Magic Family channel this month.

Journey to Bloom

This eight-part series, backed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, highlights the dreams and friendships of two teenage girls as they navigate the challenges of life at Blooming Heights College.

The show, which premiered this week in Lagos, aims to empower young girls in Nigeria to embrace their individuality and live their best lives.

The cast includes Ayomide Boluwatife, Judith Ushi, Isoken Aruede, Wonuola Lanre Akinremi, Nadia Dutch and Samson Imanah.

The series will air on Saturdays at 6.30pm and will also be available on the Sky Girls Nigeria YouTube page.

Sky Girls Nigeria is supported by Goodbusiness and Perfect Day, as well as the Gates Foundation.

Showmax casts light on Dark Side of Glory

Death in the Heartlands

African streamer Showmax has revealed details of the first documentary series to emerge from its partnership with London-based factual prodco Collective Media Group (CMG).

Dark Side of Glory (previously working titled Death Before Glory) is a true crime docuseries telling the stories behind shocking cases of murder in the world of sport.

Directed by Arianna Perretta and produced by CMG Productions, the first episode of the series is The Durban Axe Murderer: The Rugby Killer, which will premiere on Showmax next Wednesday. The 76-minute doc follows former South African rugby player Joseph Ntshongwana, who killed four men with an axe and wounded two others in 2011.

The second episode, Death in the Heartlands, premieres on Showmax the following Wednesday. The 86-minute film investigates the murder of three female runners in Kenya in 2021: Edith Muthoni, a day later Agnes Tirop and six months later Damaris Muthee Mutua. All were allegedly killed by the men closest to them, their partners or coaches.

Perretta said: “Dark Side of Glory puts the spotlight on the real voices behind these cases, from the relentless Durban police team that brought Joseph Ntshongwana to justice, to the courageous friends and families of Agnes Tirop, Edith Muthoni and Damaris Muthee, who exposed the exploitation of female athletes. These are raw, powerful and shocking stories.”

CMG Productions is distributing Dark Side of Glory internationally.

Tioleja Films adapts Souleyka novels

New York-based Tioleja Films, founded in 2023 by entrepreneur Yasmina F Edwards (Bigger Than Africa) and author and screenwriter Gabriel Souleyka, is to adapt four of Souleyka’s novels for the big screen.

The books are Solitude (2023), Akoni: Yoruba (2023), My Soul is a Witness (2024) and the upcoming Toya (2024).

Solitude follows a girl with a rebellious, determined spirit growing up in colonial Guadeloupe, the daughter of a slave woman who was raped by a sailor.

My Soul is a Witness is set in 1939 Dakar, following a young couple whose happiness is shattered when the Second World War breaks out and they get caught up in the French Resistance and eventually the Final Solution. Ten Ten Global Media is attached to coproduce.

Akoni: Yoruba tells the story of a 12-year-old who is captured by slavers in Dahomey in 1770. After a cruel ordeal in Saint-Domingue, he fights for his freedom to be reunited with his family.

Toya, lastly, follows a formidable Mino warrior from Dahomey who is sold into slavery in Saint-Domingue. She raises a son, who becomes the first emperor of Haiti and takes an active part in the fight for Haitian independence.

Edwards said: “Tioleja Media just marked its first anniversary. We have six epic historical novels under our publishing division, with four being adapted to screen.

“Our focus will be fiction and non-fiction work that showcase diverse African narratives spanning thousands of years. Telling inspiring stories that elevate everyday heroes to their rightful places in history remains one of our core missions.”

Tioleja aims to develop content that promotes Africa, African-American life and culture and Afro-descendants while highlighting universal humanism.

Showmax to stream superhero toon Iyanu

Iyanu

African streamer Showmax has picked up the forthcoming Nigerian superhero animated series Iyanu and will launch it in 44 African countries next year.

Commissioned by Warner Bros Discovery-owned Cartoon Network and its streamer Max in the US, the series has been created by Nigerian producer Roye Okupe, founder of YouNeek Studios.

Adapted from Okupe’s graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder by Dark Horse Comics, it features an all-Nigerian voice cast including Serah Johnson, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Stella Damasus, Shaffy Bello and Blossom Chukwujekwu.

Set in a magical kingdom, the animated series follows an orphan who must uncover the mystery behind her newfound power to save her people from an ancient curse.

It is produced by Lion Forge Entertainment, the US prodco behind the Oscar-winning short Hair Love. The story editor is Brandon Easton, who headed the Iyanu writers’ room, which also featured Emmy winner Kerri Grant.

The show’s executive producers are 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 of Superprod.

Okupe’s said: “One of the reasons I started YouNeek Studios was because I literally grew up watching superhero stories on DStv in Lagos, Nigeria. So it would be an understatement to say that I’m delighted that Showmax will be introducing Nigerian children to Iyanu, a superhero who looks and sounds like them.”

Lion Forge Entertainment Founder and CEO David Steward II said: “Iyanu is a series that plays to young audiences everywhere in the world, but its heart and roots are in Africa, where it was conceptualised and created by Roye.

“This is why we’re so proud to announce a deal with Showmax to stream Iyanu in 44 countries throughout Africa. We envision African children being inspired by Iyanu, and a superhero world shaped around their own.”

Nomsa Philiso, CEO of General Entertainment at South Africa-based MultiChoice, which owns Showmax with Comcast’s NBCUniversal, said: “It’s an exciting time for African animation, which is winning many of the world’s biggest prizes.

“As the largest producer of African content globally, MultiChoice is delighted that African stories are finally being told largely by Africans, but it’s also time for African audiences to be among the first to see African stories, as a common courtesy.

“Even today, an Oscar winning film like Nowhere in Africa is available, well, nowhere in Africa. There are numerous examples like that but stories about Africa should be told not just with Africans, but to Africans too.”

Busisiwe Ntintili boards thriller Shadowland

Johannesburg-based showrunner Busisiwe Ntintili has been tapped as showrunner of South Africa-set wildlife crime thriller Shadowland.

Busisiwe Ntintili

The project, which comes from Athena Pictures, Starlings Television, Advantage Entertainment and Ntintili’s production banner Ntintili Factory, follows a fierce and reclusive female wildlife activist who teams up with a special operations veteran to uncover a plot to ambush a rhino translocation caravan.

Ntintili’s credits include Netflix African original Jiva!, Showmax’s The Wife and South African Broadcasting Corporation’s Intersexions. She is represented by Alta Global Media.

She joins a creative team that includes director Darnell Martin, producer Vlokkie Gordon, co-executive producer Rohan Dickson, executive producer Peter Elkoff and creator, writer and exec producer Jacqui Barcos.

Other exec producers on the project include Karine Martin and Chris Philip for Starlings Entertainment and Andra Gordon and Sarena Khan for Athena Pictures, in addition to Ben Silverman, Jomon Thomas and Natalya Pavchinskya.

BBC unveils Apartheid Killer doc, podcast

The Apartheid Killer

BBC World Service has produced a documentary and podcast series about a spate of killings that took place in South Africa in the 1980s.

To be broadcast as part of the BBC’s Africa Eye factual strand on TV and the World of Secrets podcast strand, The Apartheid Killer delves into a series of brutal shootings in which private security guard Louis van Schoor killed at least 39 black people.

Although he was arrested in 1991, most of his killings were written off by Apartheid-era police as justifiable homicides and, as a result, he served only 12 years in jail.

The Apartheid Killer, recorded more than four years ago, focuses on the lives impacted by the atrocities. It features interviews with the relatives of victims, anti-apartheid activists, South African journalist Isa Jacobson, who pursued the truth for 20 years, and the killer himself.

The participants speak about what happened and the lasting impact of the killings on their lives. The series also examines the legacy and unresolved trauma of racial injustice and the pursuit of accountability.

The BBC podcast, presented by Ayanda Charlie and Charlie Northcott, delves into the broader socio-political context surrounding the murders and features extensive interviews with those affected, offering a deeper exploration of the events.

Jacobson, co-director of the doc, said: “The documentary speaks to the pain and suffering so many South Africans have experienced. The pain doesn’t go away, it just moves to the next generation. If we don’t tell these stories, as painful as they are to hear, we won’t be able to heal as a country. And we need to go further in order to move on – we must investigate the crimes of the past thoroughly.”

Podcast co-presenter Charlie added: “We are extremely proud to launch this important new season of World of Secrets. Podcasts offer a powerful platform to explore complex stories in-depth, which is key when exploring such a critical chapter in history such as this. The making of this podcast has been an incredible journey. This story gives light to the human lives and families that will forever be changed by the brutality that was Apartheid. It’s a story all of us should know.”

The BBC Africa Eye documentary will debut on the BBC News Africa YouTube channel and on TV channels that carry BBC Africa Eye from July 22. It will also be accessible to UK audiences on BBC Two and on BBC iPlayer from the same date.

The first two episodes of The Apartheid Killer podcast will be available on BBC Sounds from July 22, with the first episode released on other podcast platforms on that date. New episodes will be released weekly on Mondays. The series will also air weekly on BBC World Service radio from August 24.

Matheba unveil new show B’dazzled

Bonang Matheba

South African television presenter Bonang Matheba (InterSEXions, Public Figure) is launching her new reality show B’dazzled by Bonang this month.

Coproduced by the presenter’s own company, Bonang Matheba Entertainment, and Cake Media (The Braai Show), B’dazzled by Bonang is a revamped version of her 2011 YouTube reality show. It will premiere on the S3 channel (formerly SABC 3) on July 29 at 18.00.

The 6×46’ series will offer an intimate look at Matheba’s life, revealing aspects she has not shared before. The show will provide valuable insights into her career and lifestyle business, showcasing her success as an entrepreneur.

“B’dazzled by Bonang premieres July 29 at 6pm on SABC 3. Give the people what they want! See you there! Can’t wait,” said Matheba on social media.

“After so many years in the industry, I’m excited to share a side of me that is not often seen – the business behind my various brands and how they are working to better society. B’dazzled by Bonang is an exhilarating combination of the daily trials and tribulations that come with running my businesses, with a dose of the dazzle and glamour that my audiences have come to know and love.”

Big Brother Naija returns for S9

Nigerian reality show Big Brother Naija is set to return to television screens for another season, MultiChoice-owned pay TV channel Africa Magic has confirmed.

Big Brother Naija

“Season nine is here. This is a must-follow season. Get ready for double the drama, ships and huge competition. Cameras 24/7 for 71 days,” producers said on social media.

“Get ready to have your world consumed and chest pain from all the wahala and gbas gbos that come with strangers spending 71 days in Biggie’s house. Who will outsmart, outplay and outlast to become the ultimate Big Brother champion?”

Big Brother Naija, based on the globe-trotting Big Brother format owned by Banijay, features contestants living in an isolated house and competing for a large cash prize and other rewards. The goal is to avoid eviction, with viewers voting for their favourite housemates to remain in the show.

Big Brother Naija S9 is sponsored by drinks brand Guinness Nigeria and will premiere on July 28 on MultiChoice-owned pay TV platforms DStv 198 and GOtv 49. The show debuted on Africa Magic’s sister network M-Net in 2006.

Kaufman to head 5X Media Euro outpost

US producer Scott Einbinder’s LA- and South Africa-based studio 5X Media has appointed veteran producer and manager Michael Kaufman to head the launch of a new European outpost.

Michael Kaufman

Kaufman, who is based in Madrid, will be charged with working with international talent to build a slate of projects across the region.

With the appointment, Kaufman will bring several clients into the 5X fold, including Spain-based Argentinian writer and showrunner Juan Carballo (Netflix’s El Amor Después Del Amor, Hulu’s El Grito de las Mariposas), producer and showrunner Anne Clements (The Kill Room), the Lehrer brothers (Tubi’s The Freak Brothers) and Paul Kampf and 2Team Productions (Come Closer).

As a manager, Kaufman recently helped to close a first-look writing and producing deal between Carballo and Madrid’s Secoya Studios.

As a producer, he was previously under his own first-look deal with Moonrise Pictures on a variety of US TV and film projects.

Kaufman’s previous executive positions include serving as VP of development for Vision Independent Productions and VP of programming at Al Roker Entertainment, in addition to doing stints at Disney-owned ABC and Fuse Media.

As well as scripted projects, Kaufman has also produced extensively across news, true crime, lifestyle, political, food and adventure programming.

5X Media, launched last year by Einbinder, is focused on production, talent management and distribution. Alongside founder and executive chairman Einbinder, the company is led by co-CEOs Alon Shtruzman and Gil Goldschein.

“Michael will play a key role as we continue our rapid global expansion to become a truly borderless production studio, sales and management company,” said Shtruzman and Goldschein.

“With his long, impressive track record of success as a producer and manager of top-tier creative talent across the continent, Michael brings us extraordinary creatives and is a natural to lead our efforts there.”

Kaufman added: “The boom in international platforms has created strong demand for the high calibre of creative talent we represent, all of which have established proven track records in these critical markets.”

African talent selected for ACTV residency

A group of African professionals in the film and television industries has been chosen to participate in the African Creative TV (ACTV) initiative held from July 8 to August 8 in Los Angeles, California.

Fatimah Gimsay

The ACTV initiative brings TV professionals from across the African continent to Los Angeles for a four-week residence at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, where they will be mentored by American television writers, producers and industry experts.

The selected head writers include Chinaka Iwunze (Nigeria/South Africa), Mona Ombogo (Kenya), Jennifer Gatero (Kenya), Temidayo Makanjuola (Nigeria), Gwydion Beynon (South Africa), Lwazi Mvusi (South Africa), Nandisa Mkize (South Africa) and Fatimah Gimsay (Nigeria).

The producers selected for ACTV are Becky Muikia (Kenya), Phathu Makwarela (South Africa), Meren Reddy (South Africa), Isioma Osaje (Nigeria), Tosh Gitonga (Kenya), Toni Kamau (Kenya) and Stephanie Dadet (Nigeria).

Gimsay, who has previously worked at African streamer Showmax and Nigeria’s Hello July Films, said she was excited about her inclusion in ACTV. “Storytelling takes me to LA, spending my summer in residency as a head writer in Los Angeles, California,” she said.

The ACTV initiative is a collaboration between the US State Department and the USC School of Cinematic Arts and is produced by American Film Showcase. It aims to connect African creatives with the US entertainment industry, support African creative economies, build a regional network of African TV creatives and elevate the role of creative producers in African TV production.

Prime Video debuts Okpue horror flick

A Song From the Dark

Ogo Okpue, the British-Nigerian filmmaker and founder of London-based Adverto Studios, has announced the debut of his supernatural horror film A Song From the Dark.

Set to be released on Amazon Prime Video today (July 12) in the UK, North America, Canada, Australia and Africa, the film follows a Nigerian spirit hunter hired by her former guardian to investigate and expel a malevolent spirit that has been tormenting her family since the mysterious death of her husband.

Emphasising the importance of black talent both on-screen and behind the scenes, A Song From the Dark pays tribute to US director Jordan Peele’s hit movies Get Out, Nope and Us, mirroring their supernatural and horror themes.

The Afro-British cast includes Vanessa Vanderpuye (BulletProof S2), Nse Ikpe Etim (Shanty Town, King of Boys), Wale Ojo (Breath of Life, Black Earth Rising), Garcia Brown (Hollyoaks), Lola Wayne (The Worst Witch), Sharon Oji (Doctors, Roommates), Paul Coster (Luther: The Fallen Sun, The Underdog) and Peace Oseyenum (Silverback, Navy).

Okpue said: “A Song From the Dark is part of a personal journey to push original storytelling and filmmaking from the African diaspora to wide global audiences. The cast and crew are second to none and collectively we have made something very special that audiences will love. The film is a homage to my heritage, to the global black community and to my British Nigerian families.

“It is also a strong genre film, something that not many global majority filmmakers have the deserved reputation for, from horror to fantasy to the supernatural, and my filmmaking aims to change that. Sometimes African cinema doesn’t get the recognition it deserves, and this is an effort to help move the dial and show the world the calibre of our stories and talent.”

A Song From the Dark, marking Okpue’s feature film debut, has already received critical acclaim and nominations at prestigious festivals such as the American Black Film Festival and the Pan African Film Festival.

Kipkemboi selected for Kanazawa festival

Kipkemboi

Kipkemboi, a new film celebrating Kenyan and Canadian talent, has been selected for the Kanazawa Film Festival in Japan.

The movie, directed by Charles Uwagbai, features strong female characters and aims to offer a positive portrayal of African youth and highlight the beauty of Kenya.

It follows a Kenyan teenage math genius who develops a technique to play the stock market and brings the world’s financial markets to their knees.

The film is produced by Toronto-based New Real Films, IndieCan Entertainment and Nairobi’s Zamaradi Productions, with the support of CBC Films, Telefilm Canada and Ontario Creates. It was written by Joel Richardson and produced by Jennifer Jonas and Leonard Farlinger.

The cast includes Thamela Mpumlwana, Elsie Abang, David Cubitt, Abel Mutua, Chichi Seii, Kevin Hanchard and Vinessa Antoine. Uwagbai is a Nigerian-Canadian whose credits include Nollywood movie The Ghost & the Tout and drama series Blood of Enogie.

Kipkemboi won the 2024 Audience Choice Award for Best Feature at the 11th Annual Oakville Film Festival in Canada last month and was also named the runner-up for Best Canadian Feature Film at the same event.

The Kanazawa Film Festival, scheduled to take place in Kanazawa City from September 4 to 8, focuses on showcasing emerging filmmakers and their works, with a particular emphasis on Japanese cinema.

Warren Masemola wins The Masked Singer

Warren Masemola in The Masked Singer

South African actor Warren Masemola, star of SABC soap opera Scandal! and E.TV drama House of Zwide, has been revealed as the winner of the second season of reality singing show The Masked Singer.

In the SABC-1 series, celebrities walk on stage in head-to-toe costumes to hide their identities while they perform songs for the audience. Masemola performed under the tall mask of Giraffe.

He said: “I had a blast, fun, time of my life on season two of Masked Singer SA. Thanks to the detectives, studio audience and viewers at home for making Giraffe a winner. It’s everything I imagined when I signed up for the show, it feels good to win with every other thing I put my interests in, whether it’s a competition or not. And even if I’m doing it for myself, by myself I always enjoy coming out as a winner.”

The Masked Singer South Africa was produced by Rose & Oaks Media for Primedia Studios and SABC, and was sponsored by Andolex. It is based on the South Korean format King of Masted Singer, owned and licensed by Seoul-based MBC Studios.

Revo+ calls for film submissions

African VoD service Revo+ has announced an open call for creative and original film submissions from writers, independent filmmakers, story developers, media organisations and content creators.

The submissions can be in any genre, including dramas, romantic comedies, comedies, action thrillers, fantasy, musicals, crime, biography and historical. They should capture the essence of Nigerian cinema and TV, presenting “compelling movie/TV series concepts that entertain, inspire and provoke thought,” said the company.

Story pitches in English outlining the project concept, synopsis, genre, target audience, production budget and short biographies of the key creative team members should be sent to [email protected] by July 30.

The initiative is aimed at discovering the next generation of Nigerian and African talent both at home and in the diaspora. Revo+ is owned and operated by Nigerian company Aforevo, which bills itself as “the heartbeat of African entertainment media” and is affiliated to telco MBI Networks.

Raz Adoti creates thriller Son of the Soil

British-Nigerian actor Raz Adoti has penned and is taking the lead role in action thriller film Son of the Soil, which is currently being produced by his prodco Area Boyz.

Raz Adoti

Son of the Soil, shot in the Nigerian capital Lagos, is directed and produced by British-Chinese writer, director and producer Chee Keong Cheung, MD of UK production company Action Xtreme, with Nigerian film director, scriptwriter, producer Wingonia Ikpi (Bank Alert, Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper) serving as the line producer and casting director.

The film follows the journey of a former Nigerian soldier haunted by his past who returns to Nigeria after his sister’s tragic death. Driven by a quest for justice, he embarks on a vengeance-fueled mission, ultimately seeking redemption for his past actions.

Other cast members include Iretiola Doyle, Sunshine Rosman, Philip Asaya, Damilola Ogunsi, Taye Arimoro and Emeka Golden.

Adoti has appeared in television and film projects including Steven Spielberg’s Amistad, NCIS: Los Angeles, The Librarians, Gangster No. 1 and Black Hawk Down.

Akili Kids seeks educational content

Akili Kids, the children’s channel from Akili Network in Kenya, is in the market for educational content from local and international producers, according to the company’s CEO.

Jeff Schon

Launched in 2020 in Nairobi, Akili Kids is a 24/7 free-to-air channel targeting children of all ages and families, with programme blocks throughout the day aimed at different age groups.

Akili Network broadcasts Akili Kids! via free-to-air terrestrial TV; satellite platforms StarTimes, DStv, GOtv and Zuku; mobile platforms Baze and K24 Plus; and YouTube.

Founder and CEO Jeff Schon was at the recent at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival where he has shared Akili Kids’ strategy and content requirements.

According to the exec, around 50% of Akili Kids’ programming is produced in Africa, with the other half coming from international producers. The channel airs both animated and live-action series.

“We are looking for content where there’s a learning outcome, broadly defined,” Schon said, citing US pubcaster PBS Kids’ series SciGirls as an example of a suitable show that Akili Kids already has on its channel.

“SciGirls features eight- to 12-year-old girls doing science experiments. Experiments are fun but mainly it’s a programme that encourages girls to go into science,” he added, noting that “we do want the shows to be entertaining; we’re not a curriculum.”

Importantly, all content that Akili Kids picks up must work for Kenyan audiences and is evaluated for suitability by the local programming team.

“That’s not where I weigh in,” said Schon, who is originally from the US, “but it was a surprise when we were looking at acquiring content to launch the channel and Bob the Builder was hugely popular. It was the Kenyan programming team who said people are going to love Bob. And they were right; Bob the Builder was a very successful show on the channel.”

Recent new titles for the channel include The Mysteries of Jabali & Sauti, created by three leading Kenyan creative houses, StudioAng, The LAM Sisterhood and Kikapu.Studio.

Former Sprout and Nickelodeon exec Dea Connick Perez is Akili’s head of programming acquisition and scheduling, while Eddie Olang is head of partnerships. At present, Akili Kids is only available in Kenya, but Schon hopes to expand throughout sub-Saharan Africa, potentially beginning in Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda.

Amazon’s Ukonwa Ojo partners Taeps

Former Amazon Prime Video executive Ukonwa Ojo has entered into a collaboration with Nigeria’s Taeps Animation Studios.

Ukonwa Ojo

Using her extensive experience in marketing and brand strategy, she will help the company to present global audiences with the best of African culture.

Ojo is founder and CEO of Zaia Ventures and previously global chief marketing officer at Prime Video.

Taeps Animation said in a statement: “For us, this deal marks a great partnership with Ukonwa, bringing her wealth of experience from Amazon, Mac, Unilever, RB to Taeps and our team at large.”

During her time at Prime Video, Ojo promoted eight of the 10 biggest shows in the platform’s history. She led the marketing campaigns for blockbuster movies like Coming 2 America and Being the Ricardos as well as acclaimed series such as The Boys, Wheel of Time and The Underground Railroad.

“I am thrilled to join forces with Taeps Animation Studios to amplify African voices and narratives in the world of animation. Their commitment to authenticity and excellence in storytelling aligns perfectly with our vision at Zaia Ventures. Together, we will showcase the beauty, complexity and diversity of African culture to a global audience,” she said.

Romcom Lobola Man bound for Netflix

Lobola Man

Romantic comedy Lobola Man, from production company Burnt Onion, will make its debut on global streaming platform Netflix next month.

Lobola Man follows the journey of Ace Ngubeni as he navigates the complexities of love and offers professional services to grooms and their families in negotiating Lobola, a customary dowry in South African culture.

When a potential client, Duke Maseko, offers Ace a lucrative payout to negotiate an impossible deal regarding his future wife, Ace accepts the challenge. However, upon meeting Duke’s fiancée, Ace realises the task is more daunting than he anticipated.

The cast includes Sandile Mahlangu, Thembsie Matu, Nimrod Nkosi, Lawrence Maleka, Letuka Dlamini, and Nimrod Nkosi. The show will debut on July 12.

Ishaya Bako goes back Beyond the Veil

Beyond the Veil

Nigerian filmmaker Ishaya Bako has announced the debut of the second season of his television series Beyond the Veil.

Beyond the Veil is created by Nadine Ibrahim and Sifa Asani Gowon, produced by Folawewo Aiyegbusi and executive produced by Bilal Ibrahim, Nabil Zeitoun, Fareed Zeitoun and Ishaya Bako.

Returning cast members include Jemima Osunde, Maryam Booth, Norah Ego, Ame Aiyejina, Habiba Tanko Zock-Sock and Yakubu Mohammad, while newcomers include Tope Olowoniyan, Andrew Yaw Bunting and Ijapari Ben-Hirki.

S2 will premiere this weekend on Amazon streaming platform Prime Video.

Beyond the Veil follows five women living in Abuja as they navigate work, love, family and friendship.

Showcasing the richness and diversity of the Northern Nigerian culture, the series displays the beauty of Arewa fashion, lifestyle and tradition while also highlighting social issues such as polygamy, drug abuse, gender-based violence, forbidden relationships and unstable family dynamics.

“Yes, it’s official: Beyond the Veil will be coming for a second season. From the start, our incredible fan base has been the driving force behind our success, and we are excited to unveil the next chapter in this empowering series,” said production company Naila Media.

“The second season raises the stakes the characters go through, just as it raises the bar in production value. Join us as we journey with our characters through their darkest moments, inspiring strength and resilience in every frame.”