Tag Archives: Monde Twala

Busiswa show to debut on BET Africa

Busiswa Gqulu

South African singer Busiswa Gqulu will star in a new reality TV show called Her Majesty on ViacomCBS-owned channel BET Africa.

The 13-part show will air this month to celebrate International Women’s Month and will star the African singer and document her journey towards making an album.

It will also explore her award-winning music career and partnerships with international superstars as she shares her experiences with African audiences.

Monde Twala, senior VP and general manager at ViacomCBS Networks Africa and lead at BET International, said: “It’s so inspiring to bring another local black female-led reality TV series to the channel.

“The series will give viewers an intimate exclusive glimpse into the world of one of Africa’s leading queen of song. BET Africa is proud to continue celebrating black excellence on the continent and we are committed to bringing African audiences content that is culture-led, bold and relevant.

Gqulu added: “I am excited to partner with BET Africa, a brand that continuously celebrates black culture and excellence globally. I look forward to sharing my truth, whereas over the years I have been reluctant to share anything. But I have learned that it’s more important to own my story, and am willing to let my fans into the next level that is my private and spiritual life.”

The series starts at 19.30 CAT on March 20 on BET Africa channel 129.

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DJ Khaled to host MTV awards

Grammy-winning DJ and record executive DJ Khaled is set to be the international host of the 14th edition of the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs) taking place in Kampala.

DJ Khaled

The virtual awards ceremony will showcase African culture, music and creativity and is due to air globally for the first time in 180 countries on February 20 at 2.00 CAT/18.00 GMT/13.00 EST.

The event will celebrate African talent across 20 award categories, including Best Male, Best Female, Best Song and Best Collaboration.

The contribution of artists from Portuguese- and French-speaking Africa will also be recognised in the Best Lusophone and Best Francophone categories. Additional new categories included are the MAMA Generation Change Award, Best Fan Base, Alone Together Best Lockdown Performance and Personality of the Year.

Khaled, who has long been a major force in the music industry, said: “MTV has always been a great partner so I jumped at the opportunity to host this year’s MAMAs. I can’t wait to celebrate the incredible music that comes out of Africa, which has inspired me throughout my career.”

Bruce Gillmer, president of music, music talent, programming and events for ViacomCBS Media Networks, stated: “Africa is home to some of the world’s most dynamic talent and we’re excited to spotlight these artists as the MAMAs broadcast in 180 countries for the first time in MTV history. With Grammy-winning powerhouse DJ Khaled at the helm, we’re certain this will be an incredible, must-see global event.”

Monde Twala, senior VP and general manager at ViacomCBS Networks Africa, added: “We are thrilled to have DJ Khaled as our international host for MAMA Kampala 2021. With his global success achievement and over 22 million followers on social media, he will inspire youth across the continent and attract an even bigger international audience to the virtual event.”

The awards ceremony will be broadcast on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) and MTV Africa (DStv Channel 130).

The MAMA was established in 2008 by MTV Networks Africa (now Viacom International Media Networks Africa) to celebrate the most popular contemporary music in Africa.

It has since recognised the talent of musicians and personalities from across Africa, including 2Face Idibia, AKA, Anselmo Ralph, Big Nuz, Cassper Nyovest, Clarence Peters, Cabo Snoop, Davido, D’Banj, Diamond Platnumz, Flavour, Lira, Lupita Nyong’o, Mafikizolo Nameless, P-Square, Sarkodie, Tiwa Savage, Toofan, Trevor Noah, Uhuru, Wahu, Wizkid, Yemi Alade and others.

To vote in any of the categories, click here. Voting closes on January 31.

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BET Africa lines up Mbau reality show

Multimedia entertainment channel BET Africa is set to launch a second local reality series, Mbau Reloaded: Always Rise, about South African actress and business woman Khanyi Mbau.

Khanyi Mbau

The show follows Mbau as she opens up about her life, delving into whether people really know who she is as she juggles motherhood, family and being a successful entrepreneur.

The series, which will debut on October 10 at 19.30 CAT exclusively on DStv channel 129, comes after Mbau and BET Africa collaborated on reality series The Big Secret in 2017.

The 13-episode series is produced and directed by an all-female crew and will also star Khanyi’s teenage daughter Cannes.

Monde Twala, senior VP and general manager at BET Africa parent company ViacomCBS Networks, said: “It’s inspiring to collaborate with Khanyi Mbau again on the channel that is renowned for celebrating black excellence. Following the success of The Big Secret season one, BET Africa is proud to continue on its commitment of bringing African audiences local content that is fun, bold and relevant.

“We continue to grow the channel and focus on content that inspires and elevates black excellence through authentic storytelling that amplifies the richness and nuances of black culture.”

Mbau said: “I am extremely excited to partner with BET Africa again. The dynamic series will give viewers insights into my personal life on so many levels. I am proud to have an all-female crew document, package, produce and share my life with you.”

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ViacomCBS ups Monde Twala to BET role

ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI) has promoted Monde Twala from his current role with ViacomCBS Networks Africa to peer lead at BET International.

Monde Twala

Twala will work with Kerry Taylor, executive VP of VCNI’s entertainment and youth brands, and the larger international division to guide editorial direction and identify opportunities to strengthen and grow the BET brand outside the US.

Twala is currently senior VP of ViacomCBS Networks Africa, editorial and general manager. During his tenure he has played a key role in the creation of ViacomCBS Africa’s major music events, including the Africa Day Benefit Concert at Home, the first virtual benefit event to support children and families in Africa impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, and the MTV Africa Music Awards.

Additionally, Twala has worked alongside local production teams to create a range of programming including MTV Newsish, BET Breaks, scripted biopics and reality formats.

“As head of BET’s largest international market, Monde has an incredible track record of driving development and growth for all of our ViacomCBS brands across the African continent,” said Taylor.

“He is a passionate champion of the brand and I have no doubt that he will drive it forward in a strong, impactful way while ensuring BET International elevates black culture globally.”

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ViacomCBS rejigs senior team in Africa

ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI) has rejigged its executive leadership team in Africa ahead of veteran exec Alex Okosi’s move to YouTube EMEA.

Craig Paterson

Craig Paterson, senior VP, business operations for VCN Africa, and Monde Twala, VP of VCN Africa’s BET and of youth and music at VCNI and Africa, have been elevated to lead VCN Africa as co-general managers.

They will take up the positions on March 1 after Okosi leaves his role as executive VP and MD of VCN Africa and BET International at the end of February to join YouTube as MD of the Google-owned platform’s EMEA emerging markets.

As senior VP and general manager at VCN Africa, Paterson will be responsible for all corporate functions, including business development and strategy.

He spent nearly five years at Viacom, beginning in 2011 as VP of operations and finance in Africa and returned to the company in 2018 as senior VP of business operations in Africa.

Monde Twala

As senior VP and general manager, editorial at VCN Africa, Twala will focus on content, creative, editorial and marketing for VCNI brands.

Twala joined the company in 2016 after nearly 20 years’ experience in the South African broadcasting and media industry.

“Since launching MTV Base in 2005, Alex has spearheaded the development of our business on the continent, which now delivers more channels to Africa than any other international network, reaching 100 million viewers in 48 territories across MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and BET,” said Raffaele Annecchino, president of ViacomCBS Networks EMEA and Asia.

“Craig and Monde are experts in their respective areas and in addition to incredible business acumen, have demonstrated leadership and collaborative excellence throughout each of their careers and tenures with the company,” added Annecchino.

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