Global streaming platform Netflix is set to unveil new shows on its platform next month. South African drama Blood Legacy and epic film Lisabi: The Uprising will premiere on September 20 and 27 respectively.

Blood Legacy is a 20-episode series that delves deep into a dark world where corruption, greed, and power collide, forcing siblings, Khanyi Adesina (Xolile Tshabalala), Mandla Ndlovu (Buyile Mdladla), and Siya Ndlovu (Mike Ndlangamandla) to test the boundaries of their loyalty.

The series produced by Gambit Productions features casts including Tshabalala, Mdladla, veteran actors Sello Maake Ka-Ncube and Dawn Thandeka King, Pallance Dladla, Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa, Wiseman Zitha, and Treasure Nkosi among others.

Lisabi: The Uprising is produced by Lateef Adedimeji and directed by Niyi Akinmolayan. It spotlights the life and legacy of the fabled Yoruba hero, Lisabi, whose life made a lasting impression in Nigerian history. The film stars Femi Adebayo, Odunlade Adekola, Ibrahim Itele Yekini, Ibrahim Chattah, and Mo Bimpe.

Adedimeji said; “Lisabi is here. My long-awaited biopic chronicling the escapades of the Ultimate Egba Warrior farmer Lisabi. I knew I had to do this to further glorify my Egba heritage. Egba people, this is for you! The entire Yoruba, Africa and Blacks worldwide, this is for you!”

BBC Studios Africa has announced plans to dub some of its kids’ content on the CBeebies channel into various South African languages, namely isiZulu, Sesotho, Tsonga and Afrikaans.

The dubbed versions of the kids’ shows such as Three Little Pigs, The Ugly Duckling, The Elves & the Shoemaker, The Fox & the Hen, Goldilocks & the Three Bears, Bluey and The Enormous Radish will air on CBeebies starting September 2, from 19:00 to 21:00. These shows will also be available on the BBC Studios Africa YouTube channel.

Pierre Cloete, BBC Studios Africa commercial director, said: “To mark heritage month and celebrate the diversity of our nation, we wanted to shine a spotlight on some of our African languages with the help of our pre-school channel, CBeebies. As CBeebies is for little learners, translating a selection of the Sleepy Time Stories into 4 languages will allow our little viewers and parents to learn or develop their language skills while enjoying the shows throughout September.”

Mediawan Africa-owned distributor Côte Ouest has renewed its partnership with Brazil’s Globo, through which the former will continue to distribute the latter’s telenovelas in Africa.

The agreement covers more than 50 English- and French-speaking African countries. Côte Ouest will also distribute Globo’s content in France, Belgium and Switzerland. Both Côte Ouest and Globo will be presenting their slate at MipAfrica next month.

The renewal includes releases such as Land of Desire and Rebirth, and drama classics such as The Favorite, The Clone, Terra Nostra and India – A Love Story.

“We’re very happy with this early renewal. It shows the commitment of Globo and Côte Ouest, which is one of our longest-standing partners, to bringing the best content to African countries,” said Fábio Mauro, content distribution and partnerships at Globo.

“These are strategic territories for us, with a demand for classic titles, which is one of Globo’s differentials. [Côte Ouest] will have a catalogue of more than 2,500 hours [from Globo] that can be distributed to OTT platforms.”

“Globo telenovelas bring so much freshness and diversity to our catalogue,” said Awoua Keita, head of acquisitions at Cote Ouest. “It’s thanks to their expertise that the concept of Afro-novelas has arisen.”

Nigerian Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, also known as Kiekie, has announced the debut of her new game and talent show titled Kiekie Unscripted Experience.

The 12-week show is designed to celebrate the most talented individuals across various categories including music, dance, comedy, cookery and lots more.

“Are you super talented, or just born creative? Do you love games?! Great news! You stand a chance to be discovered on the Kiekie Unscripted Experience. This is your chance to shine. Let’s play!” she said.

Participants will have the opportunity to win ₦30m in cash and prizes, a brand new 2023 Mikano Changan car and two all-expense-paid trip to any country of their choice.

Interested persons can register here before September 2.

Kiekie Unscripted Experience is set to premiere on October 1, with new episodes airing every Thursday on the Kiekie TV Channel on YouTube.

The show is sponsored by MTN, Mikano Motors, Maltina, First Bank Nigeria, and Golden Penny Foods.

Filmhouse Group has partnered with the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) of Nigeria to transform the African entertainment industry.

This collaboration will be a key focus at the upcoming MipAfrica event, part of FAME Week Africa, taking place from September 1 to 7 in Cape Town, South Africa.

Nigeria, being the country of honor, will be at the forefront of this initiative, which aims to bring together creative talents from across film, television, animation, music, and entertainment technology. The partnership will provide a platform for emerging African talents to shine, allowing them to tell diverse stories that celebrate the continent’s rich cultural heritage.

The event will highlight the best of African talent and content, showcasing the innovation and creativity that define the region.

Obi Asika, director general, the National Council For Arts & Culture,  said: “The National Council For Arts & Culture is delighted to present Nigeria as the Country of Honour at the prestigious Fame Week in Capetown, South Africa. We are partnering with the private sector and thank Filmhouse Group for their leadership in this regard. They and others are working with us to present the best of Nigeria and we look forward to a positive outing which promises new opportunities for Nigerian creativity and talent.”

Nollywood film director Jide Oyegbile has announced his new fantasy film named Brukaci.

Brukaci, which means bracket, is set in the mystical land of Banzima. It explores the power of touch and connection in a land where inhabitants speak a unique language called Bazio.

Oyegbile said: “Going to be making one of my wildest projects so far! Wrote this with some wild imaginations and glad to say, I am doing it afraid. I have dragged in the most wonderful people that are willing to believe in my absolute madness. There is more where this is coming from.”

The cast includes Charles Born, Martha Ehinome, and Folu Storm.

Comcast- and MultiChoice-owned African streaming service Showmax has announced a line-up of new shows and series set to premiere on its platform this month.

Among the highlights is the three-part documentary series Fake Glory, debuting on August 19. Produced by CMG, it tells the story of four Ivorian boys and their coach, whose dream of footballing success in Italy quickly turned into a nightmare.

On August 22, Showmax will premiere Shebeen Queens, a reality show produced by Barkers Media that takes a deep dive into the lives of the formidable women behind some of Soweto’s most notorious shebeens — Alina’s Place, Big Mama’s Tavern and Rama Tavern.

The show explores how these shebeen queens navigate the challenges of parenting while keeping their businesses thriving in a tough, male-dominated industry filled with liquor and laughter.

Also coming to Showmax is Law, Love & Betrayal, a 13-episode legal drama that follows a determined township lawyer who forces her way into a prestigious, family-owned firm in Sandton, only to discover that everyone there harbors secrets just like her.

The series stars Dineo Rasedile, Nimrod Nkosi and Pearl Modiadie and is created by executive producer Thandi Ramathesele. It is produced by Izwi Multimedia and directed by Nthabiseng Tau and SAFTA winners Nthabiseng Mokoena and Christo Davids.

Nollywood movie veteran Moses Babatope, co-founder of West African cinema chain FilmHouse Group and MD of distributor FilmOne Entertainment, has launched a new production and distribution studio called Nile Media Entertainment Group.

With a mission to transform African cinema, Nile Media Entertainment Group is focused on cultural representation, industry excellence and sustainable practices.

The company is structured into five subsidiaries: Nile Entertainment, the distribution arm covering local and international markets; Nile Cinemas, offering luxury cinema experiences; Nile Motion Pictures, a production company for Nollywood movies; Nile Studio Lab, a film production village in Nigeria; and Nile Foundation, the CSR arm focused on community development through film.

The new company features a female-led executive team, with Biola Sokenu serving as the executive director and group COO; Lolu Desalu joining as executive director; Abimbola Roli Craig as VP of production; Bukky George Taylor as VP of luxury cinema arm Nile X, and Nowekere Alexis C.I Segun-Ojo as general manager of distribution and marketing.

Babatope said: “Our vision for Nile Media Entertainment Group is to be the beacon of African storytelling, illuminating hearts and minds across the globe with captivating films that celebrate diversity, inspire empathy, normalise industry excellence and foster cultural exchange. We are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of storytelling, both in front of and behind the camera.”

Nigerian singer, songwriter and Grammy winner Yemi Alade will lend her voice to the theme song of the upcoming animated superhero series Iyanu.

The main title theme is a collaborative between Alade, the creative teams at US-based prodco Lion Forge Entertainment, record label Alcon Sleeping Giant and Femi Agunbiade, who serves as the lead composer for the Iyanu series.

Also known as Mama Africa, Alade has captivated audiences across Africa, Europe and the US. She is celebrated as Africa’s leading female Afropop artist, with four albums, an EP and numerous hit singles including Johnny, Shekere, Africa, Oh My Gosh, Ferrari, Na Gode and Bum Bum.

Alade won a Grammy in 2022 for her collaboration with Beninese music icon Angelique Kidjo on the album Mother Nature, which won Best Global Music Album.

In July 2019, Alade was featured on Don’t Jealous Me, a track from Beyoncé’s compilation album The Lion King: The Gift, alongside Mr Eazi and Tekno. Rolling Stone magazine noted that Alade also recorded a verse for an earlier version of My Power, another track on Beyoncé’s album.

In September 2020, Alade was appointed as a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, and her latest album, Rebel Queen, was released on July 26.

Iyanu is the brainchild of Nigerian filmmaker Roye Okupe and is produced by Lion Forge Entertainment. The series is an adaptation of the popular graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder, published by Dark Horse Comics and YouNeek Studios.

Set in the mystical kingdom of Yorubaland, Iyanu follows a teenage heroine who must uncover the mystery behind her newfound powers to save her people from an ancient curse threatening humanity.

Okupe expressed his excitement about Alade’s involvement in the series: “I’ve been a huge fan of Yemi Alade for over a decade, so when I found out she’d be part of Iyanu, I was over the moon. From blasting her hit single Johnny in my car back in 2014 to now hearing her incredible voice on the Iyanu theme song, this is truly a dream come true!”

The all-African voice cast includes award-winners such as Serah Johnson, AMAA winner and Vogue US cover star Adesua Etomi-Wellington, three-time AMAA nominee Stella Damasus, multi-award-winner Blossom Chukwujekwu and Shaffy Bello from Netflix’s The Black Book.

Okupe serves as an executive producer, writer and director on multiple episodes, while Brandon Easton takes on the role of story editor, leading the Iyanu writers’ room, which also includes Emmy-winning writer Kerri Grant.

Other executive producers include David Steward II and Matt Heath from Lion Forge, Erica Dupuis of Impact X Capital, Ryan Haidarian of Forefront Media Group, and Doug Schwalbe.

Iyanu is scheduled for release in 2025 in both the US and across Africa. US viewers can catch the series on Cartoon Network and Max, while audiences in 44 African countries will be able to watch it on Showmax.

Nigerian filmmaker Afolabi Olalekan’s upcoming movie Freedom Way is set to make its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 7.

Written and produced by Blessing Uzzi via Nigerian proco BluHouse Studios, Freedom Way tells the story of three young entrepreneurs striving to keep their start-up afloat amid sabotage from a powerful competitor.

The film also follows a bike courier who loses his livelihood and must make tough choices to support his family, a doctor struggling with his conscience while navigating outdated government policies; and police officers who find themselves on opposite sides of the law, forced to confront a difficult decision.

The film boasts an impressive cast that includes stars Debo Adedayo (popularly known as Mr Macaroni), Meg Otanwa, Femi Jacobs, Bimbo Akintola, Mike Afolarin, and Taye Arimoro, among others. Olalekan’s previous work include Amazon original Gangs of Lagos and various shorts and commercials.

The Nigerian International Film & TV Summit (NIFS) and the National Film Authority of Ghana have collaborated to organise a Ghana-Nigeria film coproduction pitch.

This initiative is aimed at Ghanaian and Nigerian producers, directors and writers, giving them the chance to pitch their new projects for potential licensing and commissioning opportunities from commissioning partners from the two countries, such as Red TV, Filmone Distribution, Accelerate TV and Cinemax Distribution.

The pitchers will have the opportunity to attract interest from financers, film investors, streaming platforms and pay TV channels, with support from local studios, production companies, and potential commissioning partners.

They will also have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to craft original and cross-cultural stories that resonate with both local and global audiences.

This initiative at NIFS Lagos is designed to create opportunities for securing the crucial funding needed to enhance international production collaborations between Ghana and Nigeria. It aims to strengthen the bond between talents from both countries.

The pitch session is expected to open doors for emerging creatives and filmmakers from Ghana and Nigeria, encouraging investment in joint projects and driving the commissioning of local and original content by streaming platforms and pay TV operators.

Interested Ghanaian and Nigerian producers or directors can team up to present a project in various genres including series, features, comedy, drama, romantic comedy or action. Scripted TV series pitches are restricted to teams with a proven track record in creating scripted content while unscripted project pitches are limited to competition-based, sports-related or true crime/crime concepts only.

Projects must be aspirational, intended for a cross-cultural market and must be appealing to global audiences. Presenters should be ready to discuss what makes the concept engaging, how the story is uniquely local and authentic to Ghana and Nigeria and how the story resonates with audiences in the two countries.

Each pitch will last 15 minutes in a closed room session, accommodating up to 10 projects and participants must be registered for NIFS with an executive gold badge.

The organisers will facilitate pitch sessions between shortlisted applicants and top execs from commissioning partners. The goal is to secure joint funding and investments for Ghana-Nigeria coproductions, benefiting the film and TV industries in both countries.

Pitch decks should be submitted here by August 14: [email protected].

Nollywood actor Rita Dominic is set to play the lead role in new film Two of a Kind.

Two of a Kind is written and directed by the Ghanaian filmmaker Shirley Frimpong-Manso and features a diverse cast from Nigeria and Ghana. Co-stars include Gloria Osei, Akrobeto Akwasi, Kojo Boakye, Adjetey Anang, Jessica Larry, Dean Louis, Chidera David and Arion.

Although not much has yet been released about the film, it is produced by Accra- and London-based Sparrow Studios. Sparrow makes movies, commercials and series and is perhaps best-known for its films Chasing Lullaby (2022) and Devil in the Detail (2014) and series 21 Days Inside (2021) and Boys & Girls (2020).

AMAA and AMVCA winner Dominic is well-known for her roles in films such as Lekki Wives, Last Wedding, All My Life and Million Dollar Sisters. She is also CEO of Rita Dominic Productions.

Angola-based Portuguese-language broadcaster Zap has acquired Turkish drama series Safir from ATV Distribution and will air it on its channels Zap Novelas and Zap Viva in Angola and Mozambique from August 14.

Telenovela-focused Zap Novelas will broadcast the TV series during primetime from Monday to Friday. The show has also been acquired by Romanian broadcaster Antena TV, part of Intact Media Group, where it will debut on September 2 on Antena-owned Happy TV and Antena Play.

Produced by NTC Medya, Safir premiered on ATV in Turkey in September follows the reunion of a family in Cappadocia after the eldest sons returns from the US. A tragic incident then occurs, leading secrets to unravel and putting the family in danger.

Nollywood actor and producer Omoni Oboli has announced the third instalment of Wives on Strike, titled The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3.

The film follows the successful 2016 release Wives on Strike and the 2018 follow-up Wives on Strike: The Revolution, both of which depicted four women denying their husbands sex to protest against domestic violence. The films sparked humour and critical conversations around important social issues.

The returning cast for The Uprising includes Omoni Oboli, Uche Jombo, Ufuoma McDermott and Chioma Akpotha. New additions to the cast include Hilda Dokubo, Tomiwa Tegbe, Segun Arinze, Kalu Ikeagwu, Julius Agwu, and Bukunmi ‘Kie Kie’ Adeaga.

The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3 will debut in cinemas nationwide in the fourth quarter of the year.

Oboli said: “It’s finally here, and my heart is brimming with gratitude and excitement! Returning to the big screen with The Uprising: Wives On Strike 3, feels like coming home. This journey has been one of passion, perseverance, and unwavering dedication, and I couldn’t be more proud to share it with you all.

“To my incredible cast and crew, thank you for your tireless efforts and belief in this project. And to my fans, my besties, your love and support have been my guiding light through it all. Forget everything you think you know about Wives on Strike and expect the unexpected in The Uprising: Wives On Strike 3.”

The West African nation of Ghana will be celebrated as the country of honour at this year’s Nigerian International Film & TV Summit (NIFS), which takes place from August 28 to 30 in Lagos.

The event will feature influential speakers and a variety of engaging activities designed to foster collaboration between the Nigerian and Ghanaian film industries. There will be dedicated screenings of selected Ghanaian films with Q&A sessions at the NIFS screenings as well as in-depth panel discussions on collaboration between the Nigeria and Ghana film industries.

There will be keynote addresses by Ghana’s Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, and CEO of Ghana’s National Film Authority, Juliet Yaa Asantewa Asante.

Highlights will include special spotlight session on Ghanaian talents: producers, actors and directors, organised B2B meetings between Nigerian and Ghanaian companies, special screenings of selected Ghanaian films, followed by Q&A sessions with the producers and directors, high-level networking opportunities with key stakeholders and conversations around opportunities, milestones and limitations towards partnerships and collaborations between both countries.

NIFS Lagos will enable filmmakers and industry leaders to connect with one another, share knowledge, and explore new business opportunities that will position them for the global stage.

To register for the event, click here.

The producers of South African drama Spinners are celebrating after the Showmax original drama debuted in France and won Best Foreign TV Series at the 29th Shanghai TV Festival’s Magnolia Awards, one of the biggest accolades in Asia.

The eight-part series was released on Showmax’s coproduction partner Canal+ in France last week, with two episodes debuting every Monday. This follows a Canal+ release in French-speaking Africa in November last year.

In Shanghai, meanwhile, the Showmax series held off strong competition from award-winning US drama Succession, Bafta-nominated All Creatures Great & Small, Italian series La Storia, and Series Mania fave Aspergirl from France.

International sales of Spinners are being handled by StudioCanal.

Spinners follows a 17-year-old driver working for a local gang. Needing to support his younger brother but increasingly disillusioned with gang life, he discovers a possible way out via spinning, an extreme motorsport where he can put his driving skills to better use.

Spinners is co-created by producer Joachim Landau and showrunner Benjamin Hoffman of Empreinte Digitale, with the story developed by and head written by Sean Steinberg and Matthew Jankes. Jaco Bouwer directs, while the English-language/Kaaps series is coproduced by Ramadan Suleman from Natives at Large, Spinners’ local coproduction company.

The cast includes South African Film & Television Award (SAFTA) winners Brendon Daniels and Dann Jaques Mouton, plus Cantona James, Chelsea Thomas, Dillon Windvogel, Elton Landrew, SAFTA nominee David Isaacs and rising star Katlego Lebogang.

“It’s the very first time a South African series makes it to Shanghai and wins it, so we are very proud. I hope personally it is opening a gate for production from South Africa to travel all around the globe and for new audiences to discover the quality and the specificity of South African productions,” said Hoffman.

Namibian filmmaker Esther Beukes, a MultiChoice Talent Factory alumni, is one of the selected filmmakers who will participate at the 17th edition of Talents Durban for her series The Mind of Alkebulan.

The Mind of Alkebulan is a collection of short films from different African countries, which explores the mental and spiritual wellness of different African characters. It questions whether current diagnostic methods and treatment options in psychology apply to the cultural context of being an African.

In addition, Beukes has also been appointed as the new programme director on the Filmmakers Association of Namibia (FAN) board.

MultiChoice Namibia MD Roger Gertze said: “On behalf of MultiChoice Namibia, I would like to extend my congratulations to Esther Beukes, one of the first Namibian students to graduate from the MTF programme since its inception, for her efforts.

“MTF’s aim is to produce the next generation of storytellers who can grow Africa’s creative industry into bustling economic hubs, and Esther is proof of our commitment to meet the needs of an ever-growing African film industry.”

“We wish Esther the best as she taps into the knowledge of fellow filmmakers in Durban, develops her anthology series, and manages her new role,” added the MTF.

The 17th edition of Talents Durban will take place during the Durban FilmMart in Durban from July 19th to 22nd.

Non-profit organisation Wild Africa has launched a performance series titled Music for Wildlife in collaboration with TV company Trace Group and South African live event company Oas1sone.

Music for Wildlife brings African artists together to protect the continent’s iconic wildlife. It features over 150 musicians from across the continent and harnesses the emotive power of music to raise awareness and inspire action for wildlife protection.

The concert series showcases chart-topping stars such as Musa Keys, CKay, Focalistic and other stars as they tell the story of their music, lives, careers and inspirations, and express their passion for endangered species.

Music for Wildlife will air on Trace Naija channel 325 on MultiChoice’s pay TV platform DStv and will be accessible to viewers in over 180 countries, across 28 localised Trace TV channels and the Trace+ global streaming platform.

Olivier Laouchez, co-founder and executive chairman of Trace Group, said: “African artists are very powerful voices and can make the difference to raise awareness for better wildlife protection in Africa. Trace is proud to open its global network to host the Music for Wildlife shows that perfectly align with our values and initiatives.”

“Trace, one of the most powerful global broadcast media networks of African music and content, joins some of the most influential artists and voices in African music entertainment, in partnership with one of the leading conservation communications organisations in the world, to collectively lend their voices for Africa’s future, for its wildlife conservation,” added Jandre Louw, founder and CEO of Oas1sone.

“We are thrilled to be part of this game-changing partnership, both for the massive audience reach in protecting Africa’s wildlife, but also the unprecedented push this will achieve for Africa’s amazing artists and music, to audiences of millions around the globe.”

Lion Forge Entertainment, the US-based animation studio behind acclaimed short films Hair Love and Noggin Rhymes Through Times, has announced the cast members for its latest project, animated superhero series Iyanu.

The cast includes Serah Johnson, who voices the title role of Iyanu, while other voice cast includes King E. Afemikhe, Femi ‘Bakes’ Olugbade, Tolulope Kolade, Femi Sowoolu, Lord Frank, Rashidat Fawehinmi Raji and Iheanetu Edith Chidinma.

The Iyanu cast was revealed at the recently concluded Voiceover Conference that took place in Lagos, aiming to amplify and uplift diverse, global voices within the entertainment industry. The conference was founded by Afemikhe and was hosted by Olugbade.

Created by award-winning Nigerian creator and producer Roye Okupe, Iyanu is an epic superhero tale set to debut on Cartoon Network and Warner Bros Discovery-owned streamer Max next year.

The series is set in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland, which draws from Nigerian culture, music and mythology. The series follows Iyanu, a teenage heroine who must uncover the mystery behind her newfound powers to save her people from an ancient curse threatening to destroy humanity.

David Steward II, founder of Lion Forge Entertainment, stated: “We are thrilled to enter a partnership with the Voiceover Conference, a staple in Africa’s budding voiceover scene, helping young artists break into the entertainment industry and thrive.

“This collaboration is a testament to our mission of amplifying authentic, diverse voices. It’s especially exciting that these talented individuals will now be featured in our upcoming animated series Iyanu, bringing fresh and genuine perspectives to our audiences.”

Nollywood filmmaker Cheta Chukwu has been selected for the Torino Film Lab’s (TFL) Extended Writer-Director programme.

He shared the news on Instagram saying: “Grateful for this opportunity to develop my new project, and count myself ridiculously blessed to be joining some other incredible writer-directors around the world on this next journey.”

The TFL Extended – Film programme is an intensive workshop focused on exploring the writing process and is intended for international audiovisual professional teams who are developing fiction feature film projects in their early stages.

Participants will have the chance to engage in group discussions, meet one-on-one with distinguished tutors, and get support from a team of talented writers to develop their projects. They will also become part of the TFL community of international professionals, enhancing their skills and finding productive collaborations and networking opportunities with colleagues worldwide.

Other participants include Anne Feinsilber (Script Tutor – France), Ayman El Amir (Script Tutor – Egypt), Chiara Laudani (Script Tutor – Italy), Marietta Von Hausswolff Von Baumgarten (Script Tutor – Sweden), and Isabella Weber (Script Tutor – Italy).

Organised in partnership with the Netherlands Film Fund, the TFL Extended Writer-Director Programme will be held from June 20 to June 25 in Amsterdam.