Tag Archives: AIT

TV show Adam & Eve seeks contestants

Adam & Eve

Nigerian reality show Adam & Eve, in which 24 male and female contestants embark on a 100-day adventure, is holding contestant auditions.

The entrants will be selected from across Africa and referred to as ‘tribe members’ who will live as one big family in the jungle. “They will embark on missions in order to discover the hidden treasures in the jungle and restore the rich cultural heritage of the black man,” according to producers.

The winner will receive a grand prize of N30,000,000 (US$76,000) plus a brand new SUV car.

The reality show is being produced by Adam & Eve Tourism Company, based in Lagos, Nigeria. It is designed to serve as an entertainment platform that will promote gender equality, instill a spirit of patriotism and boldness in Africans and to communicate the rich cultural heritage of Africa to a global audience.

Auditions for the 13-week show will take place in Nigeria, Zambia, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Uganda. The show will air on DStv Urban, GoTV Urban, TVC, Wazobia TV, Silver Bird TV and AIT in Nigeria as well as on partner television stations in other countries.

Entry is open to those aged between 18 and 36 who have attained a minimum secondary/high school qualification. Registration costs N2,000 or its equivalent in the other participating countries. To register, click here.

Audition take place between February 7 and 21, while the show will air from March.

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Nancy Isime Show set for season two

The Nancy Isime Show, the talkshow owned and hosted by award-winning Nigerian TV personality and actress Nancy Isime, is gearing up to return to screens next year.

Nancy Isime

The show premiered in November 2019 and rounded off its first season in January 2020. There was intended to be a new season earlier this year but it had to be put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The fun, educative and revealing show features segments including celebrity interviews, games and vox pops and has starred guests such as Funny Bone, Victor AD, Toyin Lawani, Skales and Lilian Esoro in its first season.

Sharing the news on Instagram, Isime said: “On behalf of the whole team at The Nancy Isime Show, I’d like to inform you that TNIS will be back on your screens in 2021! I know, I know, the plan really was definitely 2020 but then a pandemic came to teach us that there’s only so much we can control. Sometimes, just surrender.

“But trust me, it is soooo worth the wait! It’s delicious! I can’t wait to return to entertaining you. God willing, with all things being equal, this will be the longest break we’ll ever take off your screens.”

Season one aired on Africa Magic Urban, AIT and HipTV. The launch date for S2 has yet to be announced.

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NBC sued for fining TV stations

Nigeria’s National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and its acting director-general are being sued along with information and culture minister Lai Mohammed over fines the commission imposed on three TV broadcasters last week.

Lai Mohammed

The lawsuit has been initiated by the Socio-Economic Rights & Accountability Project (SERAP), along with 261 groups and individuals, over the N9m (US$23,600) fines imposed by the NBC, which is led by acting director-general Armstrong Idachaba.

The fines were imposed on Channels TV, AIT and Arise TV for allegedly using unverifiable video footage from social media to cover the End SARS protests that recently took place in Nigeria.

In the suit, which is before the Federal High Court in Abuja, the SERAP-backed group has urged the court to declare that the fines are arbitrary, illegal and unconstitutional and should not be enforced by the NBC.

The group consists of co-plaintiffs including Premium Times Services, the Centre for Journalism Innovation & Development, the HEDA Resource Centre, the International Centre for Investigative Reporting, the African Centre for Media & Information Literacy and Media Rights Agenda.

They claim the fines were imposed without fair hearing and are in breach of the broadcasters’ constitutional rights.

“The NBC, being a regulatory body, is not empowered by law to act as the prosecutor and the judge all at the same time,” said a statement from SERAP.

“We humbly urge the court to set aside the unlawful and unconstitutional fines imposed on independent media houses, and to uphold the sanctity of the Nigerian Constitution, Nigerians’ human rights, media freedom and the rule of law.”

The plaintiffs are seeking “an order setting aside the arbitrary, illegal and unconstitutional fines of N9m and any other penal sanction unilaterally imposed by the NBC and Mohammed on Channels TV, AIT and Arise TV, and on any other radio/television station simply for carrying out their professional and constitutional duties.”

They also argue that the NBC Act and the Broadcasting Code are oppressive and inconsistent with the constitution and international obligations, which guarantee freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom.

“If the NBC and Mr Lai Mohammed are allowed to continue to use these oppressive provisions against independent media in the guise of performing their statutory duties, the result will be authoritarianism and denial of freedom and liberty,” they stated.

The group also asked the court to nullify the N5m and other penal sanctions unilaterally imposed on 99.3 FM Lagos for discharging its duties.

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Script2Screen star

Anita Abada spoke to Content Nigeria’s Gabriella Opara about her experiences on reality show Script2Screen, being named the best scriptwriter and her plans for the future.

Anita Abada is a tenacious and vibrant lady with a flair for weaving stories together that pop on-screen.

Hailing from the South-South region of Nigeria, Abada followed her dreams of becoming a screenwriter after graduating from the University of Benin. In pursuit of those dreams, she decided to participate in the Script2Screen Africa reality TV show.

Abada spoke to Content Nigeria’s Gabriella Opara about her experiences on Script2Screen, being named the best scriptwriter on the show and her plans.

Anita Abada

What led you to participate in Script2Screen Africa?
I am enthusiastic about filmmaking but most especially using filmmaking as a tool to address social ills. When I stumbled on Script2Screen Africa’s audition posters, the theme – Film as a Catalyst for Revolution – caught my attention and I really wanted to be a part of that movement because I share in the vision and wanted my voice to be heard.

How has the experience been so far?
It was educative and intriguing. There was a lot to learn from every activity and mentor that was invited to the house.

Who was your favourite mentor?
This is a very tough question, I must say. Every mentor that graced the Script2Screen Africa house had something unique to offer. Though we spent more time with some than others, and we grew fond of those we saw on a regular basis, every mentor there had something essential we could tap from their well of knowledge.

You were named the best screenwriter. What helped you achieve this?
Two words: hard work and grace.

Team work was an essential part of the show. How did you cope with working with others under pressure?
I believe a team thrives better when it works in unity, and that was exactly what my team capitalised on. Everyone respected one another’s opinions and ensured the priority was executing our project and not individual differences.

Who was your favourite team member to work with?
Everyone in Group 3 was amazing and pivotal to every project.

You and your team worked together to produce a short film. Tell us about it.
Working on our last short film, The Catalyst, wasn’t an easy task. We had our ups and downs, but we focused on our strength and ensured we gave the project our best shot. In the end, we were glad we were able to put together such amazing work in just 48 hours.

What was the inspiration behind it?
Just like the Script2Screen Africa tag – Film as a Catalyst for Revolution – there was a need to address social ills and bring them to the consciousness of the public.

What have you been up to since the finale of the show?
I am still following my passion for movies and writing. I see to the daily running of my co-founded website – Afri Reviews (www.afrireviews.com), an all-African movie review platform – and I also work as an independent screenwriter.

What is the secret to a good script?
Every scriptwriter should have a unique style and be unapologetic about it. Be creative about the way you tell your stories.

Tell us something unique about yourself.
I am a scriptwriter who explores the use of diverse languages in storytelling. I am passionate about telling the African story in a unique and colourful way.

Script2Screen Africa is an annual reality TV show produced by High Definition Film Studios (HDFS), which aims to train aspiring filmmakers.

Anita Abada was among 60 participants who took part in the seventh edition, which aired from March 24 to April 21 on Silverbird TV, Africa Movie Channel, Wazobia, WazobiaMax TV and AIT.

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AIT Music+ ‘to put Nigeria on the map’

Mursty Adinoyi, CEO of Emrose Adinoyi Productions, has said he plans to showcase the beauty of Africa with his new show AIT Music+.

Mursty Adinoyi

The Nigerian entertainment industry owes its development to Lagos-based satellite TV station Africa Independent Television (AIT), he claimed, adding that with AIT Music+, more stars will be created and different aspects of the media industry will be impacted.

Artists with quality content can have their music videos aired for free on the show, he explained. “We don’t take money to play music videos. If your video is good, we’ll play it, and nobody will ask you for one naira,” he said.

AIT Music+, which launched in December 2017, is in its second season and is gaining rapid viewership and ad review due to the quality of the programme, Adinoyi said.

He claimed the show is fast becoming a viewers’ favourite and he ensures it stays that way by using state-of-the-art production equipment that makes the programme “world-class”.

“Virtually everybody in Nigeria keeps saying their brands are international. So what’s actually ‘international’ about AIT Music+? Is it international just because it’s showing in Europe? No. It’s the quality of what we’re giving. Look at the standard. It’s the best thing to happen to Africa. It’s the best right now in Nigeria, representing Africa in Europe.”

Adinonyi emphasised the importance of the production process, saying: “As producers, we are discovering, creating and promoting stars. But we need to do more and create more stars, because if you develop a single person, that person too will develop another and the chain reaction will lead to the development of so many people. So, that to me is a way to develop Africa. And why TV is important to develop Nigeria is that people look at it and do what they see on screen.”

He also suggested that producers should not take advantage of broadcasting companies by misusing airtime or not paying their debts. “Initially, stations were not asking anybody to pay for airtime. But because independent producers kept abusing the opportunity and owing the stations, the management of the stations also began to tighten up. If you’re owing someone, when you have the money make the payment.”

Adinoyi is also the producer and presenter of Hitlist N Cruzin, an entertainment show that has aired on TVC for 11 years.

AIT Music+ airs every weekday on AIT International from 16.30 to 17.30.

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Lara & the Beat movie set for TV spin-off

Lara & the Beat follows two sisters who have to rebuild their lives after a financial scandal

The producer of Nigerian movie Lara & the Beat, released in July, is creating a TV spin-off featuring characters from the film.

The TV series will focus on two female characters from the movie, Lara and Dara, in a new story. It will be produced by Biola Alabi and directed by Tosin Coker, the duo behind the movie.

Biola Alabi

Biola Alabi, CEO of Lagos production company Biola Alabi Media (BAM), said: “We are creating another world around them so we are not just leaving them in the film; we are creating a television series around them.”

Regarding other characters in the movie,  she said: “You will see younger versions of them in books and TV series, even in educational formats, so you might be using them for health campaigns.”

Described by BAM as “a coming-of-age movie,” Lara & the Beat follows two sisters caught in a financial scandal around their late parents’ media empire. They are forced out of their privileged bubble and must learn to build their own future and salvage their family’s past.

Former M-Net chief Alabi has also previously produced BAM food/travel series Bukas & Joints, which airs on AIT, Africa Magic and The Africa Channel in the US, as well as the 2017 movie Banana Island Ghost.

Lara & the Beat’s cast includes Chinedu Ikedieze, Bimbo Manuel, Chioma Akpotha, Lala Akindoju and Uche Jombo. Although the release date for the TV spin-off has not been disclosed, it is already in development.

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Africa says I do to Wedding Channel

Wedding Channel Africa will air such shows as Barroom Therapy

Africa’s first wedding-focused channel has been launched, providing wedding-related content 24 hours a day.

Wedding Channel Africa promises viewers an array of programmes that will focus on lifestyle, fashion and everything in between linked to weddings.

Content from the channel will also occupy slots on other TV networks, including EbonyLife TV, AIT, Silverbird TV, Fame TV and Ben TV.

Shows broadcasting exclusively on Wedding Channel Africa include Barroom Therapy, Wedding Police and 5 Years After.

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Nigeria adopts The Voice Kids

Nigeria will become the 40th country to air a local version of talent format The Voice Kids after a deal between local broadcaster Fame TV and distributor Talpa Global.

The UK adaptation of The Voice Kids

Fame TV has licensed both the adult and junior versions of the singing series, which will be produced by prodco UN1TY.

Both formats will air on multiple platforms, including NTA network, Ait, Startimes, Fame TV and Teen Africa TV, ensuring viewers can tune in across free-to-air and pay TV outlets.

The deal marks the first time The Voice Kids will air in Nigeria, while in another first, both shows will be taped in the country. Earlier versions of The Voice were filmed in Johannesburg.

The third season of The Voice is expected to air this spring, followed by the first season of The Voice Kids in fall 2020.

Akin Salami, CEO of UN1TY, said: “These are exciting times at many levels for the creative industry in Nigeria and so, we are thrilled about the partnership opportunity with Talpa to present The Voice and The Voice Kids Nigeria to the world from a truly Nigerian perspective. We are looking forward to the long-term engagement opportunities for all our sponsors and we believe this is the start of even greater things to come.”

Meanwhile, TVP in Poland has secured rights to the entire The Voice franchise, confirming three new seasons of each format: The Voice, The Voice Kids and The Voice Senior. All shows are produced by Rochstar.

Poland becomes the 11th country to air a Senior version, while a 10th season of The Voice will air this fall. A third run of Kids is scheduled for January 2020.

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NGO to launch reality show

An information and communication technology (ICT)-themed reality TV show is set to launch in Nigeria.

Geek or Guru will begin broadcasting this year, after being unveiled at the 10th anniversary of non-governmental organisation SEITAC Initiative.

The show will feature 15 contestants competing for a prize of N10m in seed funding, sponsored training abroad and other cash prizes.

The contestants will live together in a house for eight weeks and the show will air on TV channels including Africa Magic, AIT and STV. It will also be available on social media platforms

Geek or Guru is geared towards discovering the talent and enthusiasm in Nigerian youth that will help revolutionise the country’s ICT industry.

“Over the years, we have carried out ICT trainings and empowerment for young men and women in various ways. We tutor them on how to become independent in certain businesses,” said a representative of SEITAC Initiative.

“We also partner with other NGOs to teach our youth how to be more creative through the use of technology. The whole idea is about providing indigenous solutions to the decline in technology adoption in the country.

“Instead of going across the Mediterranean to seek greener pasture abroad, our youths can now look inwards to realise their dreams. We have lost so many talented people to other countries, to the detriment of our economy.”

The launch date of Geek or Guru is yet to be announced.

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