Big Brother Naija fans have a date to mark on their calendars — the live reunion show for Season 7 is set to premiere next week. The popular Nigerian reality series, which aired on MultiChoice’s Africa Magic channel last year, saw 25 contestants compete for the grand prize, with Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, widely known as Phyna, emerging as the winner. Now, viewers will get to see the housemates return to discuss drama, settle scores, and revisit unforgettable moments.
Reunion Show Hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu
The Level Up reunion, like every season since 2017, will be hosted by media personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu. Known for his direct and stylish approach, Ebuka will guide conversations as housemates reflect on their time in the house. According to producers, the reunion will give contestants the chance to “clear the air” on past conflicts and reveal how their relationships have evolved since the cameras stopped rolling.
BBNaija’s Cultural Impact
Big Brother Naija has become a cultural phenomenon, driving social media trends and sparking national conversations. Season 7, in particular, delivered record-breaking viewership in Nigeria and generated millions of online impressions. The reunion will not only entertain but also serve as a reminder of how much influence the show has on fashion, music, and pop culture in West Africa.
MultiChoice’s Subscriber Growth
The reunion announcement coincides with MultiChoice Group’s latest financial report, which shows continued subscriber growth despite economic pressures. As of September 30, the company had 22.1 million active pay-TV households — up 5% year-on-year. Of this total, 9.1 million (41%) are in South Africa, while 13 million (59%) are spread across the rest of Africa.
Table: MultiChoice Key Performance Highlights
| Metric | Result |
| Total Subscribers | 22.1M (+5% YoY) |
| South Africa Share | 9.1M (41%) |
| Rest of Africa Share | 13M (59%) |
| Local Content Hours | 3,084 hrs (+15% YoY) |
| Total Library | 73,000+ hrs |
| Showmax User Growth | +50% YoY |
| Revenue | ZAR 28.6B (+ZAR 1.8B YoY) |
| Trading Profit | ZAR 6.1B (+6%) |
Showmax’s Streaming Momentum
MultiChoice’s streaming platform, Showmax, is seeing rapid adoption. The number of paying subscribers grew by 50% year-on-year, with total online users up 13%. The platform is benefitting from a strong slate of local originals including Real Housewives of Lagos, Troukoors Season 2, and Uthando Lodumo Season 2. Showmax’s focus on African storytelling continues to differentiate it from global competitors.
Investment in Local Content
Local content remains at the core of MultiChoice’s strategy, now accounting for 48% of its general entertainment spend. The company produced 3,084 hours of new African programming during the reporting period — a 15% increase from last year. With adaptations like The River being localized as Kina in Kenya and O Rio in Angola, MultiChoice continues to expand its footprint in diverse markets.
Record Viewership and Advertising Revenue
In Nigeria, Big Brother Naija remains a key driver of both audience engagement and advertising sales. The most recent season not only broke viewership records but also attracted major sponsorship deals from top Nigerian and international brands. The reunion special is expected to sustain this momentum, offering advertisers a prime opportunity to connect with millions of dedicated fans.
Original Productions and Global Recognition
Beyond BBNaija, MultiChoice is ramping up its investment in premium African originals. The South African co-production Reyka was nominated for the Drama Series category at the 2022 International Emmy Awards — a major achievement for African television. The group is also working on Shaka Ilembe, an epic drama about the Zulu king, set to premiere in 2023 and already attracting global attention.
Expanding Local Channels
To meet rising demand for region-specific entertainment, MultiChoice has launched two new local channels in sub-Saharan Africa. These channels provide targeted programming that reflects the cultures, languages, and tastes of their audiences. This strategy has been key to sustaining growth in the Rest of Africa (RoA) market.
Focus on the FIFA World Cup
Looking ahead, MultiChoice has positioned itself to capitalize on the global excitement around the FIFA World Cup. The company invested ZAR 700 million in new decoders to ensure a smooth viewing experience for customers. This focus on major sports events helps retain subscribers and attract casual viewers to its platforms.
Financial Resilience Amid Economic Pressure
Despite inflationary pressures, rising fuel costs, and food price shocks, MultiChoice posted a 6% increase in trading profit, reaching ZAR 6.1 billion. CEO Calvo Mawela credits the company’s strong local content slate and operational agility for its ability to maintain growth during a challenging macroeconomic environment.
Future Outlook
MultiChoice has made it clear that its strategy goes beyond traditional pay TV. The company plans to expand its digital presence, produce more African originals, and explore opportunities in adjacent sectors like fintech and sports betting. By leveraging its deep understanding of African audiences, it aims to stay ahead of global competitors entering the market.