Founder & Managing Director of leading PR and Rating firm, Avance Media, Prince Akpah, last Tuesday, delivered a lecture to final year communication students of Central University, one of the leading universities in Ghana.

Prince, also the Founding President of Africa Youth Awards, delivered a presentation themed: “Social Media, Blogging & Internet Safety” to a class of over 100 students.

Prince’s mastery over the topic comes from his experience in being the brainchild behind the annual Ghana Social Media Ranking & Report and being the convener for the Ghana Bloggers Summit.

Excerpts from his presentation included, how to start a social media agency, how to set up a blog, how to set up strong passwords, how to check suspicious websites and how to use social media for good.

Through the lecture, Prince also introduced internet security tips and shared a list of online tools, students can use to make their work-life easier.

Prince Akpah was invited to Central University by a lecturer at the Communication Studies Department, Denis D. Duncan.

Prince Akpah who has become a regular speaker at various top events has previously delivered presentations at Central University, UPSA Faculty of Management Studies Business Incubator, Association of African Universities’ African Youth Summit, Kasanfuo Public Speaking Training and Contest organized by EKM Consulting, Business Startup Clinic by Access Bank Ghana & Platinum Africa Solutions.

Named by the United Nations and MIPAD among the 2019 100 Most Influential People of African Descent, Prince Akpah is a multiple award-winning young media entrepreneur, who was also awarded by the British Award for African Development (BRAAD) as 2019 Outstanding Young Entrepreneur of Africa and CEO Global’s Titan Building Nations for excelling in Media in Ghana and West Africa.

Avance Media as a leading PR & Rating firm has a presence in 7 countries on the continent and is known for publishing popular rankings on young people and women, notably, 100 Most Influential African Women, 100 Most Influential Young Africans, 50 Most Influential Young Ghanaians and Top 50 Influential CMOs in Ghana.

By Felix Fate Korku Gborglah

Now in its sixth year, the BBC has begun its search for the next BBC World News Komla Dumor Award winner, and journalists across Africa are encouraged to apply.

The award, which aims to uncover some of the continent’s rising stars in journalism, was set up to honour the memory of Komla Dumor, an exceptional Ghanaian broadcaster who died unexpectedly at the age of 41 in 2014. Known for his commitment and ability to tell stories from across Africa, Komla worked tirelessly to bring a more sophisticated African narrative to the world, and the BBC is committed to continuing his legacy by empowering a new generation of journalists from the continent.

Previous winners of the BBC World News Komla Dumor Award are:

• 2015: Nancy Kacungira who worked as a prime time news presenter for KTN in Kenya
• 2016: Didi Akinyelure, a Nigerian journalist who started out as an investment banker before becoming a presenter on CNBC Africa
• 2017: Amina Yuguda, a Nigerian journalist who worked as a presenter for GoTel in Yola, Nigeria
• 2018: Waihiga Mwaura, a Kenyan journalist who worked as a television presenter for Citizen TV
• 2019: Solomon Serwanjja, a Ugandan journalist who worked as a presenter for NBS TV

All of the previous winners have used their time at the BBC to hone their journalism skills through training, workshops and mentorship. By working closely with leading talent across BBC News, the winners undertake a final project, culminating in them travelling to Africa to report on a story in a different country to their own which they have researched.

2019 winner, Solomon Serwanjja, said: “Winning this award has meant so much to me, both professionally and personally. To be able to work amongst Komla’s peers, to be able to change the narrative about Africa on a global platform by telling the continent’s stories from a different angle, is a huge honour. I have taken these learnings back to my role in Uganda and hope to continue Komla’s legacy, telling African stories to local, regional and global audiences with both passion and integrity.”

Solomon will take part in a launch event for the 2020 prize in Johannesburg, South Africa. He will host a panel debate programme for Focus on Africa radio on BBC World Service. The debate will look at the future of African power and whether it can fuel its growing economies without accelerating climate change.

As part of the launch, BBC News will also visit major South African universities, including North West University in Mafikeng, The University of Cape Town in the Western Cape Province, and both the University of Pretoria and the University of Johannesburg in Gauteng. These visits aim to introduce budding journalists to the work of Komla Dumor and inspire them to strive to one day put themselves forward for this significant award.

Director of the BBC World Service Group, Jamie Angus, said: “I’m incredibly proud of all the journalists that have come through the BBC World News Komla Dumor Award, as each one continues Komla’s legacy in contextualising African stories for global audiences. Every year, I look forward to welcoming the next winner, to hear their insights from the continent and to share with them the key values of trust and impartiality that are synonymous with the BBC – principles which are vital to global democracy.

Now open for applications, entrants have until 23.59 GMT on 16 March 2020 to submit. The winner will spend three months at the BBC headquarters in New Broadcasting House in London, gaining key skills and experience.

For more information on how to apply, entry criteria, and terms and conditions visit bbc.com/komladumor

#BBCKomlaAward.

SCHICK Magazine features South-African actress, model, TV host, radio personality and fashion icon, Pearl Thusi in its 8^th issue themed – “The New Decade Issue”. The quarterly publication, for smart, stylish and successful African women gets into an exclusive in-depth chat with Pearl on being the upcoming lead character in Africa’s first Netflix Original Series, Queen Sono, the growth within her 16-year long career, life as a mother to two young daughters and self-worth.

The digital version of SCHICK Magazine is on sale from 29^th February, on www.iamschick.com/buy

See excerpts of the interview below:

On Being a Mother:

“I think to allow your girl child to leave the house without a sense of self-worth is setting them up for failure.”

On Queen Sono:

“I felt the story reflects many of us women in society today. Although Queen has exaggerated physical strength, she also has internal issues she’s trying to deal with, and regardless of these, she goes out to fight for the world and what’s right. Women must know that we are strong and that whatever the circumstances are, we can surpass them, because we already are heroes which is reflected [in the series]”

On Being an African Woman:

“I don’t know if there’s anyone that works harder than an African woman but they still come through for their homes, families, communities and countries. Women must know that we are strong and that whatever the circumstances are, we can surpass them, because we already are heroes.”

CREDITS:

Editor-in-Chief: Simi Esiri

Photography: Emmanuel Oyeleke

Creative Direction: Titi Adesanya

Styling: Tosin Ogundadegbe

Hair: Femi Ogunbadejo

Makeup: Bimpe Onakoya

Four outstanding young people have won Commonwealth Youth Awards for innovative projects that are delivering sustainable development in their countries.

The awards recognise exceptional contributions by young people whose ventures are helping their countries achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The regional award winners are:

• Africa and Europe: Brian Galabuzi Kakembo, Uganda, turning plastics into eco-friendly briquettes (focus on SDG 8: decent work and economic growth)
• Asia: Hafiz Usama Tanveer, Pakistan, bringing clean water to poor communities (focus on SDG 6: clean water and sanitation)
• The Caribbean and Canada: Sowmyan Jegatheesan, Canada, providing one-stop information to prevent human-wildlife conflict (focus on SDG 15: life on land);
• The Pacific: Sagufta Salma, Fiji, transforming waste into sustainable furniture (focus on SDG 12: responsible consumption and production).

(From left to right: Winners from Canada, Uganda, Pakistan and Fiji)

More than 500 award nominations were received from 40 countries. From these, a pan-Commonwealth judging panel selected sixteen finalists. The awards were presented during a gathering at Commonwealth headquarters in London. Recipients received a £3,000 grant for their projects.

2020 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year

As well as the Africa and Europe prize Galabuzi Brian Kakembo of Uganda scooped the overall prize of 2020 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year for his work on transforming biodegradable plastics and organic waste into eco-friendly charcoal briquettes.

Growing up in a poor community, he set up an enterprise to educate women and young people to turn waste into wealth. He has reached more than 800 women and young people, and 600 of them now make and sell briquettes in Uganda.

Brian said: “I want the world to see that unemployed youth is not a problem but an untapped resource that can be trained and supported to bring about a social change.”

Asia Winner

Hafiz, from Pakistan, has created water purification kits to improve access to clean water in poor communities and refugee camps to help prevent the spread of waterborne diseases. He has reached more than 11,000 people including victims of the Kerala flooding that occurred in the past two years.

(The Commonwealth Secretary-General presenting the award to Hafiz from Pakistan)

He said: “This award is an encouragement to continue on this trajectory to reach more people and to make water non-exclusive.”

The Caribbean and Canada Winner

Canada’s Sowmyan wants the world to make informed decisions when it comes to protecting wildlife from the effects of climate change.

He has developed one of the world’s largest online information hubs to help communities build resilience by better understanding climate activities, migration patterns and human-wildlife conflict.

(Commonwealth Secretary-General presenting the award to Sowmyan from Canada)

He said: “The business-as-usual practice has led to the endangering of so many species. We must change our course, understand the evidence and make informed decisions to protect our wildlife from changing climate.”

The Pacific Winner

Sagufta from Fiji turns waste material into sustainable furniture and home accessories. She says a lack of access to proper waste disposal in Fiji drove her to establish her enterprise, which has now upcycled more than 1,000 tons of waste.

(Commonwealth Secretary-General presenting the award to Sagufta from Fiji)

She mainly employs single mothers so they can support their families. She said: “This award will help me create more awareness around sustainable living and empower more women to work in a field that is largely dominated by men.”

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, who presented the awards, said: “For the awards this year, we received nominations from more than 40 Commonwealth countries. Considering them made us aware of a vast range of impressive innovations.

“There were projects for delivering tech-powered learning, to provide clean water and sanitation, and for waste management.

“The entries remind us that there is no lack of ingenuity or ideas. What we tend to lack are mechanisms to support and fund the young innovators who have the imagination and creativity we need to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

“So the Commonwealth Youth Awards are a searchlight picking out some of the best examples of who we are and what we can do as a family of nations.”

During the awards ceremony, presentations on the work being done by finalists to deliver sustainable development were made to diplomats, officials and civil society representative from Commonwealth countries.

Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Olga Kurylenko and more notable names have also been diagnosed.

Idris Elba on Monday revealed that he has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19).

“This morning I tested positive for Covid 19,” the actor tweeted. “I feel ok, I have no symptoms so far but have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus. Stay home people and be pragmatic. I will keep you updated on how I’m doing. No panic.”

In an accompanying video, Elba added: “I didn’t have any symptoms. I got tested because I realized I was exposed to someone who had also tested positive. I found out last Friday that they were tested positive. I quarantined myself and got a test immediately and got the results back today.”

The actor also urged his followers to “really think about social distancing, washing your hands.” Continued Elba, “Beyond that, there are people out there who aren’t showing symptoms and that can easily spread it, OK? So now’s the real time to be really vigilant about washing your hands and keeping your distance, OK?”

“Transparency is probably the best thing for this right now. If you’re feeling ill or you feel like you should be tested or you’ve been exposed, then do something about it, alright?” he also said. “It’s really important.”

Elba joins a growing list of notable names in entertainment who have contracted the virus. Beloved Hollywood spouses Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have tested positive for the illness, as has Ukraine-born actress and model Olga Kurylenko. In the executive ranks, Universal Music chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge was hospitalized for treatment of COVID-19 over the weekend.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s wife, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, has also tested positive for the coronavirus. (Elba had recent contact with Gregoire Trudeau on March 4 at WE Day 2020 at The SSE Arena, Wembley in London, where the pair posed for pictures together.)

The worldwide outbreak of the coronavirus has sickened nearly 170,000 people and left more than 6,500 dead, with thousands of new cases confirmed each day. The death toll in the U.S. has climbed to 64, while infections have passed 3,700.

Aside from forcing numerous nations to close borders, the coronavirus has had a substantial impact on the entertainment industry. High-profile TV projects that have ceased production include new seasons of ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy and The Bachelorette; FX’s Pose; Apple’s The Morning Show; and Fox’s final installment of Empire. On the film side, projects that have pressed pause include Fantastic Beasts 3; Jurassic World: Dominion; The Prom; the untitled Elvis Presley biopic starring Hanks; and Sony’s Cinderella musical, starring Camila Cabello and Billy Porter, among others.

Additionally, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti have ordered all movie theaters in their cities to close amid the global pandemic, an unprecedented move for two of the nation’s biggest cities.

Under the direction of New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, it was also announced last week that all Broadway shows in New York City will suspend performances immediately, with performances set to pick back up on April 13.

Talk shows — both late-night and daytime — have also ceased production, including The Wendy Williams Show, Tamron Hall, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night With Seth Meyers, among others.

In addition to New York’s GLAAD Media Awards, a number of entertainment industry events have been canceled or postponed because of the viral outbreak, including SXSW, Coachella and the Game Developers Conference.

Hollywood Reporter

It was an emotionally charged night full of entertainment, glamour and red-carpet extravaganza as Africa’s biggest film and television stars gathered at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos for the seventh edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs).

Hosted by the duo of IK Osakioduwa and AMVCA newbie Amina Abdi Rabar, the event held on Saturday, March 14, and is organized by Africa Magic in association with MultiChoice. The 7th edition of the AMVCAs was also sponsored by Amstel Malta

The biggest win on the night for Ghana was seasoned actress Gloria Sarfo in the category of Best Supporting Actress in a Movie/Series in Shirley Frimpong Manso’s Perfect Picture :10 Years Later. Even though she could not make it to the event she held a viewing party with friends and family, and they celebrated her win in grand style sponsored by Multichoice Ghana Ltd. Missed the show? It repeats Saturday at 3pm & 6pm and Sunday at 9:30am on Africa Magic Family CH 102. 

Millennials and Gen Z, this is for you! Did you catch the premiere of our new exciting series Twenties? It tells the story of a black woman in her 20s named Hattie and her two straight best friends, Mari and Nia, chase their dreams in Los Angeles as they try to figure out life, love and the professional world. Twenties shows every Wednesday at 8pm on BET CH 121.

Fueled by romance, friendship, gender politics, love and of course, sex, this half-hour serialized comedy continues the story from the same-named 1992 American romantic comedy film, in which a successful executive finds out his boss is a bigger deviant than he is. The updated version follows the lives of Jacqueline Boyer’s son, Bryson, and Marcus and Angela Graham’s daughter, Simone, as they try to step out of their parents’ shadows and create their own legacies. Viewers see a group of childhood friends as adults who are looking to build careers as marketing professionals while navigating their feelings for one another. A new season of Boomerang shows every Thursday at 12:30pm on BET CH 121.

Five couples plan to attend a wedding and have a romantic weekend in Las Vegas. However, their stay is peppered with hilarious misadventures and awkward situations. Think Like A Man Too. Showing this Sunday at 6pm on BET CH 121. It stars Taraji P Hanson, Kevin Heart, Michael Ealy, Gabrielle Union among a host of some of your favorite Hollywood stars.

Another fantastic but eerie piece from Investigation ID executive produced by Khloe Kardashian, the show follows investigators as they dissect complicated relationships between spouses, friends and family members to answer the question: Who felt a love so strong it drove them to kill? A brand new not unmissable series, Twisted Love shows Fridays at 7pm on Discovery ID CH 148.

Geet revolves around a small-town woman Geet and how she tackles all the difficulties that come her way with an unconditional support from a business tycoon named Maan. It’s a show we love. The comic dialogues will make you laugh, the tragic will make you cry, and the romantic dialogue will make you fall in love. Watch Geet daily at 6pm on StarLife CH 323.

The love and drama continue on Almost Yours on Telemundo CH 114 as Beto hires Elena at the cafe after Viviana quits. Later, Julieta discovers that Elena is in love with Elvis. Julieta finally makes her decision. Weekdays at 6pm. Make a date!

With kids at home this season, GOtv has the best edutainment shows to keep them busy, safe and entertained with different channels.

PBS Kids CH 365 is designed for improving the early literacy, math, and social-emotional skills of young children ages 2 to 11.

Davinci Kids CH 157 is for your 6-12 years teaching Science, Math & Tech in topics covering Play & Make, History & Personalities, Culture, Life & Nature and Sports & Leisure.

The theme for this week is chart topping and it’s a double elimination episode! Join Trigmatic, Elikem Kumordzi and the whole Old Mutual Amazing Voices crew as they bring us another exciting talent filled moment at 1pm on AfricaMagic Family CH 102.

The duo of Jenny Koko and Louis (Jelo) have been checked out of Ultimate Love, proudly Naija reality television show, after an exciting and entertaining experience at the Love Pad.

The couple became the third couple to leave the Love Pad on Sunday after they received the least number of votes out of the four nominated couples from the voting public last week. They, however, went home with N100,000 and other beautiful gifts after they declined to play the Jeopardy game on stage.

Meanwhile, five couples were nominated for possible check-out during the live nomination show on Sunday

The couples with the least number of votes will be evicted during the live check-out show this Sunday at 6pm on all AfricaMagic Channels. Ultimate Love is live 24/7 on GOtv Plus and Max.

The next few weeks will present GOtv audiences the opportunity to relive some of their favourite sports action on Select channels 1-5. Documentaries, football action from Premier League, Serie A and La Liga are among the mixed bag of nostalgic moments that will be relived.

It was an emotionally charged night full of entertainment, glamour and red-carpet extravaganza as Africa’s biggest film and television stars gathered at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos for the seventh edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs).

Hosted by the duo of IK Osakioduwa and AMVCA newbie Amina Abdi Rabar, the event held on Saturday, March 14, and is organized by Africa Magic in association with MultiChoice. The 7th edition of the AMVCAs was also sponsored by Amstel Malta

The biggest win on the night for Ghana was seasoned actress Gloria Sarfo in the category of Best Supporting Actress in a Movie/Series in Shirley Frimpong Manso’s Perfect Picture :10 Years Later. Even though she could not make it to the event she held a viewing party with friends and family, and they celebrated her win in grand style sponsored by Multichoice Ghana Ltd. Missed the show? Catch the repeat of the Red Carpet Saturday 12pm, 1pm & 3pm on AM Showcase, Family and Urban and the Live Show Saturday 3pm & 7pm AM Showcase & Family Sunday 10:30am AM Urban.

Millennials and Gen Z, this is for you! Did you catch the premiere of our new exciting series Twenties? It tells the story of a black woman in her 20s named Hattie and her two straight best friends, Mari and Nia, chase their dreams in Los Angeles as they try to figure out life, love and the professional world. Twenties shows every Wednesday at 8pm on BET CH 129.

Josephine Chesterfield is a glamorous, seductive British woman who has a penchant for defrauding gullible men out of their money. Into her well-ordered, meticulous world comes Penny Rust, a cunning and fun-loving Australian woman who lives to swindle unsuspecting marks. Despite their different methods, the two grifters soon join forces for the ultimate score — a young and naive tech billionaire in the South of France. The Hustle, showing this Sunday at 6pm on M-Net CH 101.

They may live in the lap of luxury, but life isn’t always perfect for the women who reside in one of the wealthiest enclaves of the U.S. They continue to focus on living large; plastic surgery, working out, shopping, drinking, dancing, and dining out top their agendas. The quartet that remains from previous seasons — Vicki Gunvalson, Tamra Barney, Gretchen Rossi and Alexis Bellino — welcomes a new woman into the fold this season, former actress Heather Dubrow, now a stay-at-home mother who is married to a prominent Newport Beach plastic surgeon. A drama filled season of The Real Housewives of Orange County shows Fridays at 4pm on 1Magic CH 103.

Fueled by romance, friendship, gender politics, love and of course, sex, this half-hour serialized comedy continues the story from the same-named 1992 American romantic comedy film, in which a successful executive finds out his boss is a bigger deviant than he is. The updated version follows the lives of Jacqueline Boyer’s son, Bryson, and Marcus and Angela Graham’s daughter, Simone, as they try to step out of their parents’ shadows and create their own legacies. Viewers see a group of childhood friends as adults who are looking to build careers as marketing professionals while navigating their feelings for one another. A new season of Boomerang shows every Thursday at 12:30pm on BET CH 129.

The series follows the story of two siblings who witness the murder of their parents in the hands of one of the drug cartels in Mexico, after this murder, Roxana Rodiles the younger sister of Alejandro Ferrer is kidnapped. 25 years later, Alejandro Ferrer is now the captain of the Federal Police and only seeks revenge against the narcos for destroying his family. Roxana that after 25 years disappeared and ignoring that her brother is Alejandro enters a business of buying and selling diamonds. However, everything will be reduced when the interpol that silently followed the trail of money tries to capture it. After being detained and interrogated, Roxana enters the prison of Las Dunas, a boarding school with almost unique characteristics throughout Mexico, since it simultaneously houses, although in different pavilions, men and women deprived of liberty for being accused or condemned. for the most diverse crimes. Alejandro knowing this is responsible for sending Daniel Laborde as an infiltrated agent who will try to fall in love with Roxana to obtain information, after several misunderstandings between the two siblings and without knowing they are relatives, they will try to destroy the narcos. Almost Yours shows daily at 6pm on Telemundo CH 118.

With kids at home this season, DStv has the best edutainment shows to keep them busy, safe and entertained with different channels.

Tune in to Mindset CH 319 for your kids who are 13 years onwards.  The channel has programs that covers subjects like Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Science, Geography, Economics, Business Studies, Accounting, English, and Information Technology.

PBS Kids CH 313 is designed for improving the early literacy, math, and social-emotional skills of young children ages 2 to 11.

Davinci Kids CH 318 is for your 6-12 years teaching Science, Math & Tech in topics covering Play & Make, History & Personalities, Culture, Life & Nature and Sports & Leisure.

The theme for this week is chart topping and it’s a double elimination episode! Join Trigmatic, Elikem Kumordzi and the whole Old Mutual Amazing Voices crew as they bring us another exciting talent filled moment at 1pm on AfricaMagic Family CH 154.

The duo of Jenny Koko and Louis (Jelo) have been checked out of Ultimate Love, proudly Naija reality television show, after an exciting and entertaining experience at the Love Pad.

The couple became the third couple to leave the Love Pad on Sunday after they received the least number of votes out of the four nominated couples from the voting public last week. They, however, went home with N100,000 and other beautiful gifts after they declined to play the Jeopardy game on stage.

Meanwhile, five couples were nominated for possible check-out during the live nomination show on Sunday

The couples with the least number of votes will be evicted during the live check-out show this Sunday at 6pm on all AfricaMagic Channels. Ultimate Love is live 24/7 on DStv Premium, DStv Compact Plus, DStv Compact on CH 198.

The next few weeks will present DStv audiences the opportunity to relive some of their favourite sports action that will feature documentaries, football action from Premier League, Champions League among a mixed bag of nostalgic moments. Be sure to tune in starting Friday 21^st March.

For more scheduled programming for October, visit www.dstvafrica.com You can also follow DStv @dstvgh on Twitter and Instagram, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DStvGH .

Ghanaian Afro-fusion female artist, Gyakie has received her first nomination at this year’s Vodafone Ghana Music Awards in the ”Unsung” category. She was nominated alongside Imrana, Kofi Jamar, Sherry Boss, among others.

Jackline Acheampong, popularly known as Gyakie started her music career back in February 2019 after signing to FLIP THE MUSIC: a record label and music management company owned by Mr. Emmanuel Sedo aka ElectroMirror.

She released her first single, ‘Love is Pretty’ which was followed by her hit single, ‘Never Like This’. The song has garnered over half a million streams across all streaming platforms since its release and it is still making waves internationally. Gyakie in an interview with the BBC mentioned how she’s aiming for the world and is working hard with her team to get her sound across the globe.

”I’m very excited about this nomination and I was never gonna sit back a year ago to see this coming”, expressed Gyakie. With the vision she has, she pleads with Ghanaians to pay attention to her music and vote for her to win this year’s VGMA ”Unsung Artist of the Year” as it’ll be a springboard to achieving her dream and of course, to make Ghana proud.

The ”Unsung” is an initiative to project artists who are doing well, but have not had the deserved exposure.

Check out her latest single ‘Sor Mi Mu’ featuring Bisa Kdei here

It is with excitement that MultiChoice announces the launch of another Maisha Magic channel in Kenya. The Maisha Magic stable has become the leading local entertainment provider in Kenya and the launch of Maisha Magic Plus will enhance this position.

Maisha Magic Plus is launching on the 23^rd of March and will be available to DStv subscribers on Premium, Compact Plus and Compact on DStv channel 163.

The new channel is launching with three new shows, produced, inspired and created by local talent and production teams. A brand-new daily telenovela ‘Kovu’, a weekly drama ‘Kina’, starring high profile homegrown actors and a new reality show – ‘Date my Family Kenya’.

Maisha Magic Plus joins the rest of the DStv channel offerings at a time where efforts to grow the local creative industry have significantly intensified. Its addition speaks directly to MultiChoice Kenya’s investment in growing the local content offering and making great content more accessible in the communities in which the business operates.

Speaking about the new channel, Timothy Okwaro, M-Net’s Channel Director for Eastern and Southern channels, said “Maisha Magic Plus will deliver more value to our customers than ever before with an extra hour of fresh content every day. We are proud of the positive role we are playing in this country and we will continue to support and grow the local entertainment industry through this new platform.”

These new shows will be available exclusively on Maisha Magic Plus. In addition, Maisha Magic Plus will carry everything broadcast on Maisha Magic East to ensure that Premium, Compact Plus and Compact subscribers don’t miss out on the daily shows they have grown to know and love over the years.

Maisha Magic Plus is available exclusively on DStv Premium, Compact Plus and Compact DStv. Maisha Magic East will continue to be available to Access and Family customers in its current format on DStv channel 158.

The prevailing circumstances have called on many across the African continent to adjust to new ways of living and working. Many are required to spend more time at home with their loved ones, and MultiChoice Group (MCG) remains committed to supporting its customers with the best available programming to keep families informed and entertained.

To ensure the most up-to-date information about COVID-19, Africa’s most-loved storyteller will provide broadened access to credible information at this time, by making news channels more widely available across the continent.

“We have been in constant communication with health authorities such as the World Health Organisation, and we will be rolling out Africa-wide public service announcements on COVID-19. It is important that all of us take heed of the announcements and advice from trusted experts so that we can look after our own health and that of our loved ones,” says MultiChoice Group CEO Calvo Mawela.

The video entertainment company is not only expanding its content offering for news, but there will also be more kids shows, movies and curated sports content.

“In light of the disruptions to the school year in some markets, we are also working to provide access to the best available educational content, to help keep young minds stimulated and engaged,” continues Mawela.

Live sport has suffered a notable impact globally as a result of sporting federations correctly prioritising the safety of players and fans alike, by adhering to accepted measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. MCG has acquired the best award-winning sport documentaries from around the globe and produced thematic channels for sports fans to relive the greatest sporting moments of all time.

It is important to note that due care has been taken to ensure that employees, customers, production houses and suppliers also have limited risk of exposure. A number of sports, film and production crews may not be able to continue working, but customers will be updated of any programme schedules and changes in the coming days and weeks.

“We are taking great care for our staff during this time and have encouraged those that are able to work from home to do so,” Mawela adds. “In light of this we have advised our customers that there may be a delay in our ability to attend to customer queries. However, we have a number of self-service and online platforms available, and we will do our best to sort out any issues they may have, timeously.”

There will be regular updates from various section of the business providing further details around our commitment to ensure we continue to provide the best video entertainment even during these challenging times.

From today:

• Stay In the Know
To ensure that we provide you with broad access to credible information at this time, we are making news channels more widely available in our markets. From Today we have included CNN (channel 401), Euronews (channel 414), BBC Word News (channel 400), Aljazeera (channel 406) and Africanews (channel 417), as well as the many other local DStv news channels in markets. GOtv customers will also get the brand-new channel Africanews (channel 47) available on GOtv Max and Plus.

For the Kids
We are making revision accessible for lessons from our educational channel Mindset (DStv Channel 319) available on catch up; while also adding educational channels Da Vinci (DStv 318 and GOtv 157) until the end of May to help keep young minds stimulated and engaged. In addition to this Cartoon Network will also keep the little ones entertained catch it on DStv channel 310 and GOtv 154.

• Re-live Sports
As you are aware, live sport is massively impacted; we have acquired the best award-winning sport documentaries from around the globe and produced thematic channels for you to relive the greatest sporting moments of all time. In addition, we have opened SS1 to DStv Compact plus and Compact, this channel will thrill customers with past sport stories that have created some of sports most magical moments. Also opened is SS7 which will showcase Motorsport action to DStv Access. While GOtv customers will have access to GOtv Select 4 opened to compact customers to Re-Live the Premier league. GOtv Select 5 which will showcase past WWE content will also be opened.

Prince Charles, the 71-year-old heir to the British throne, has tested positive for coronavirus but is in good health and is now self isolating in Scotland with mild symptoms.

Charles, eldest son of Queen Elizabeth, is displaying what Clarence House said were mild symptoms but remains in good health and has been working from his Birkhall residence in Scotland. His wife, Camilla, 72, tested negative.

“The Prince of Wales has tested positive for coronavirus,” Clarence House said. “He has been displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been working from home throughout the last few days as usual.”ADVERTISEMENT

“The Duchess of Cornwall has also been tested but does not have the virus,” Clarence House said. Queen Elizabeth who is currently at Windsor Castle is in good health, Buckingham Palace said.

A royal source said the Prince of Wales, who was tested on Monday and got the results on Tuesday, was advised the condition was unlikely to escalate into a more serious case.

Charles has spoken to both Queen Elizabeth and his children, Prince William and Harry.

QUEEN IN GOOD HEALTH

Charles last saw the 93-year-old monarch on the morning of March 12 following an investiture, before the earliest time he would have been infectious.

“Her Majesty The Queen remains in good health,” Buckingham Palace said. “The Queen last saw The Prince of Wales briefly after the investiture on the morning of 12th March and is following all the appropriate advice with regard to her welfare.”

A royal source said that the earliest Charles would have been infectious was March 13. Charles and Camilla went to Highgrove House, his residence in west England, on March 13 and then traveled to their Birkhall residence on the Balmoral estate in Scotland on Sunday.

Queen Elizabeth left London for Windsor Castle on March 19. She is with her 98-year-old husband, Philip. When asked if the queen or Philip had been tested for coronavirus, Buckingham Palace declined to comment.

“It is not possible to ascertain from whom the Prince caught the virus owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during recent weeks,” Clarence House said.

Charles met Prince Albert of Monaco, who later tested positive, at a charity event in London on March 10.

Source: Reuters

Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus.

The prime minister has mild symptoms and will self-isolate in Downing Street, but will continue to take charge of the government’s handling of the crisis.

He posted a video on Friday morning on Twitter saying he has a temperature and a persistent cough. “I am working from home, I’m self isolating, and that’s entirely the right thing to do,” he said. “But be in no doubt that I can continue… to communicate with all my top team and lead the national fightback against coronavirus.”

A Downing Street spokeswoman said: “After experiencing mild symptoms yesterday, the Prime Minister was tested for coronavirus on the personal advice of England’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty. The test was carried out in No 10 by NHS staff and the result of the test was positive.

“In keeping with the guidance, the Prime Minister is self-isolating in Downing Street. He is continuing to lead the government’s response to coronavirus.”

The Guardian

Everyday various sectors across our continent are adjusting and finding ways to deal with challenges brought about by the current pandemic. Given our position in Africa’s video entertainment sector, we are acutely aware of the challenges our partners in the industry face. At this time we would like to stand by them.

Across the continent we are seeing disruptions and delays. Production has been impacted across many countries and production has come to a complete halt in across  the continent as the industry adheres to the national lockdowns and calls for residents to stay at home. For many years we have been a leader in the sector and are a leading investor in local content production. We have deep rooted partnerships and long-standing commitments that have grown the industry for the benefit of many, both in front and behind the camera.

It is for this reason that MultiChoice has decided to implement several measures, aimed at safeguarding the incomes of cast, crew, and creatives as well as the sustainability of production houses. With these measures we can hopefully steer the industry through this tumultuous time.

MultiChoice has set aside R80 million to ensure that current productions are able to pay full salaries of cast, crew, and creatives for the months of March and April, by when hopefully we will have the worst of the disruptions behind us. The need to secure salaries of our creatives goes a long way in creating income stability for them and their families. We believe this to be critical for the industry and in our view, this is simply the right thing to do.

Through the MultiChoice Talent Factory we will be launching an online learning portal that will support over 40 000 members of the industry to gain access to courses and online master classes, so they can continue to hone their craft whilst adhering to the public health measures of social distancing and isolation.

Furthermore, we have committed to guarantee the incomes of freelancers in our SuperSport Productions, who are currently unable to work due to the suspension of sport and the national lockdown. This extends to guaranteeing the income of freelancers in our broadcast technology environment.

MultiChoice Group CEO Calvo Mawela: “Our main concern is to ensure as much as possible that we secure the incomes of creatives, cast and crew over this period. We want to ensure that they and their families are not negatively impacted as work has come to a standstill.”

As an industry made up of thousands of freelancers which include actors, producers, directors and camera operators, Africa’s video entertainment industry is particularly vulnerable at this time. These people play a critical role in keeping our viewers and communities informed, entertained and connected. All the whilst contributing significantly to the economy.

Calvo Mawela

This April, DStv welcomes new lifestyle channel, NHK WORLD-JAPAN to its platform starting Wednesday, 1 April. The channel, which will launch on DStv channel 431 will showcase a variety of arts and culture, current affairs, dramas, documentaries, sport and much more.

Viewers on all DStv packages will have all access to a new world of Japanese content and will be able to discover a unique and diverse blend of programming featuring hourly live international news from news bureaus around the globe, along with lifestyle, culture, food, travel, sports, technology, science, and history programs, with an Asian perspective.

This channel launch follows the recent announcements of other country-specific channels like the Ghanaian music channel Trace Jama and DStv’s own property, Kenyan channel Maisha Magic Plus.

“We’re thrilled to have a channel with such a unique content offering join our platforms,” says Yolisa Phahle, CEO of General Entertainment at MultiChoice Group. “NHK WORLD-JAPAN will give African viewers a chance to explore international culture through entertainment.”

Masaru Shiromoto, President and CEO of Japan International Broadcasting responsible for the worldwide distribution of NHK WORLD-JAPAN, says “Our new partnership with DStv will help broaden our reach and ensure that more people are exposed to the thrilling yet educational programs on our channel.”

Catch great titles such as NHK NEWSLINE along with technology, lifestyle and entertainment programs such as Dining with the Chef, Journeys in Japan, J-Arena and Medical Frontiers. In addition, the channel offers an assortment of documentaries and specials including Asia Insight and NHK Documentary.

Visit www.DStv.com for more information on the new channel and other great content. Download DStv Now to catch your favourite shows remotely wherever you are. Don’t forget to download the MyDStv App to manage your account from the comfort of your home.

DStv and GOtv are here to help stave off boredom with the launch of a new DSTV Pop-Up channel, TOONAMI, the Home of Superheroes Channel. With the outbreak of the coronavirus, our lives have changed in ways we’ve never experienced, resulting in strict lockdowns and school closures,

WarnerMedia’s TOONAMI has existed across Africa for the past three years and targets all super-heroes fans, especially kids between the ages of eight and 12, offering non-stop, uninterrupted, 24-hour programming, jam-packed with top-rated series’ such as DC Comics’ Batman, Superman, The Green Lantern, Young Justice and The Justice League as well as popular animated series Teen Titans among others.

Plenty of pulse-raising, action-packed films have also been specially packaged for African audiences making TOONAMI the go-to destination for action and animation enthusiasts of all ages. The branded TOONAMI movie block will screen a host of animated feature films every day from Monday to Sunday at 20:00 CAT and Saturday morning at 08:30 CAT, showcasing popular superheroes’ heroic acts and deeds in movies like Green Lantern Emerald Knights, Justice League: Throne of Atlantis, Batman: Monster Mayhem and  All-star Superman. 

“Plenty of pulse-raising, action-packed films have frequently been specially packaged for our African audiences, making TOONAMI the go-to destination for action and animation enthusiasts of all ages.” Says Aletta Alberts, Executive Head of Content Strategy. “TOONAMI is an amazing movie channel that will screen a host of animated and action feature films from Monday to Sunday at 20:00CAT and Saturday morning at 08:30CAT, showcasing popular superheroes’ heroic acts and deeds in movies like Green Lantern Emerald Knights, Justice League: Throne of Atlantis, Batman: Monster Mayhem and  All-star Superman.

DStv and GOtv remain committed to delivering the best entertainment experience to our customers by constantly offering them more choice, great value, and great content. “As part of DStv and GOtv’s ongoing efforts to bring customers content that resonates with them, we are proud to announce the launch of the action-packed animated superhero Pop-Up, TOONAMI, the Home of Superheroes Channel running from Friday, 27 March to the middle of May.” says Guillaume Coffin VP Commercial and Business Development at WarnerMedia Africa.

For the perfect viewing destination to keep the family entertained while at home. Tune in to TOONAMI, the Home of Superheroes Channel, DStv channel 300 and GOtv Channel 71 (155 Ghana and 357 Uganda) from Friday, 27 March for all the energizing superhero action you and your family need!

Don’t let the lockdown make you frown, tune into Smackdown on our dedicated WWE pop-up channel (DStv Channel 128) instead. Plus, it’s Women’s History Month so, we’re celebrating by bringing some of the world’s fastest, fittest and most powerful women right into your living room this month.

Women’s Wrestling on DStv Channel 128

Our recently launched 24/7 WWE pop-up channel is a huge hit with fans wanting to keep up with the ever-evolving drama of women’s wrestling. We’re pleased to highlight that this channel is now a permanent fixture on our programme scheduling.

If you can’t get enough of the daily dramas in the world of Women’s WWE, upgrade your package to DStv Compact, DStv Compact Plus, or DStv Premium right away for access to this binge-worthy premiere sporting channel.

That way, you won’t miss a minute of the in-your-face action and backstabbing behind-the -scenes storylines as your favourite heroines’ scheme, plot and battle their way to supremacy in the ring.

We’ve got it all with Rowdy Rhonda Rousey, Nikki Cross, Alexa Bliss, Asuka, and the indomitable Sasha ‘The Boss’ Banks and her BFF Bailey strutting their stuff.

Can’t stand fighting over the TV remote for a minute more? Restore harmony in your home by downloading DStv Now app on your Apple or Android device for 24-hour access to all the action, wherever you may be.

DStv Now is a free service from our side for all our subscribers, it’s up to you how much you spend on data.

Once you’ve got that sorted, be sure to watch the WWE Day of… Crown Jewel 2019 historic clash between Natalya and Lacey Evans or WWE Where Are They Now? on Sunday 29 March featuring WWE Diva, Kelly Kelly.

More from the World of Women in Sports

There’s never a dull moment with DStv and we’re going out of our way to ensure you stay entertained and informed during these unusually stressful times. No sport on TV? That will never happen with DStv.

Apart from all our usual action-packed sporting channels, don’t miss these thrilling features focused on women in sports this month.

Napoli Half Marathon 2020 – A record and a win by Kenya’s Viola Cheepto

This feature showcases highlights from this year’s Napoli Half Marathon where the women’s race was won by Kenya’s Viola Cheepto.

The speedster won the race with a course record of 1:06:45.

Airs on Sunday 29 March on SuperSport Play (DStv Channel 238) at 04:15 CAT.

SEC Storied Documentary – Lolo Jones

On Monday 30 March, we take a deep look at the life and times of Olympic athlete Lori “Lolo” Jones. From overcoming numerous life hurdles-both on the track and in life, this documentary views her trying journey thus far; rising from poverty and homelessness to being one of the globes dominant athletes.

Tune in to SuperSport HD 1 (DStv Channel 201) at 20:00 CAT for all the action.

The ICC Women T20 Cricket World Cup – Final Highlights

Watch a blow by blow recap as India and Australia battle it out to prove once and for all who the leading ladies of the global cricket really are.

It’s all happening Monday, 30 March airing on SuperSport Play (DStv Channel 238) at 21:00 CAT.

Netball World Cup – Liverpool 2019

Get on track and relive some of the magic moments from last year’s Netball World Cup. The game, which was played at the M & S Bank Arena – Liverpool’s premier entertainment venue – saw netball giants Jamaica and South Africa take each other on in a thrilling Group C preliminary matchup!

Catch it on Tuesday, 31 March, SuperSport HD 10 (DStv Channel 210) at 23:00 CAT.

The Show Goes on With WWE and Women in Sports on DStv

There’s a fascinating world of women in sports waiting for you on DStv. Contact your nearest outlet, download the App or do whatever it takes to ensure you get all the WWE action you need to stay entertained this season.

After seven weeks, filled with a whirlwind of emotions, the duo of Rosie and Kachi have emerged winners of the maiden edition of the Ultimate Love reality TV show. This was announced at the live grand finale show on Sunday, 29 March.

The couple also known as Roksie, polled a total of 46.33% of the overall votes in the final week beating 10 other couples to clinch the grand prize of N5million cash, a paid for traditional wedding ceremony worth N10million and a house. The traditional wedding will be redeemed when the couple declare their intent to get married within 90 days after the end of the show; and the house, after they have lived together as a married couple for one year. In addition, they also won a cash sum of N150,000 when they revealed the content of their portmanteau.

Following the announcement, a visibly excited Kachi was given a moment to decide if he would take his newly found love with Rosie to the next level with a formal declaration of his intent to propose within 90 days. The a 32-year-old serial entrepreneur from Imo state received the wrist corsage and made his commitment to his lady, bringing the first-of-its-kind love journey to a momentous end!

Iykeresa (Iyke and Theresa) emerged first runner-up while Bolar (Bolanle and Arnold) and Double Chris (Chris and Chris Ville) emerged second and third runners up respectively.

As with all the couples who were on the show, they each unlocked their portmanteaus to reveal its content. In cash winnings, Iykeresa went home with N300,000, Bolar N250,000 and Double Chris won N400,000.

With its premiere in February 2020, the Ultimate Love reality TV show was aimed at bringing single male and female strangers together with the hopes of finding life-long love. The show was hosted by Nollywood actress, Dakore Akande Egbuson and media personality, Oluwaseun P. Olaniyan.

The COVID-19 lockdown has been the uppermost thought in everyone’s mind, and MultiChoice together with the Mindset Network, launched by Nelson Mandela in 2003, will be launching a Mindset Pop a dedicated channel for Primary School learners on 1 April 2020.

Mindset Pop DStv channel 317, will feature educational programming covering the entire General Education and Training (GET) phase, including Early Childhood Development (ECD), as well as a key focus on the Grade 4 – 9 curriculum.

Although leaners are on holiday, the channel aims to be prepare them for when schools re-open.  Mindset PoP will deliver live lessons daily with 6 fresh hours every day.  Bringing Literacy, Numeracy as well as Maths, Natural Sciences, English, Life Orientation, Art and Physical Education activities.   A website will be available for parents to download worksheets and information sheets to work through with our expert teachers.  Lessons will come live from our studios where teachers will unpack the concepts leaners need to understand as well as point you to additional resources.  The lessons are based on the South African Curriculum  Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) but are also aligned to the Cambridge curriculum.

Mindset’s CEO, Dylan Green says:  “We are happy to be working with MultiChoice to spread academic excellence during the lockdown.  Though we often focus on matriculants the key concepts are taught at foundation phase.  We are looking forward to bringing a whole new and exciting world of learning to DStv subscribers everywhere.”

Mindset PoP will be available to all subscribers across the DStv platforms  in South Africa and Africa.  Tune into DStv channel 317 and get ahead with this fantastic education channel!

We are very proud, that through our partnership with Mindset, we have managed to bring the classroom into the homes of many DStv subscribers during the lockdown period”,” say Aletta Alberts, Executive Head: Content Strategy at MultiChoice.

With so much going on across the globe, having access to trustworthy news is more important than ever before, and journalists as well as ‘news people’ play a critical role in bringing authoritative and responsible reporting to through DStv and GOtv news channels.

It seems only fitting then, that these very people be acknowledged for their efforts. And what better occasion to do so than on 4 April for ‘Hug a Newsperson Day’. DStv and GOtv would like to take a moment to extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ and a virtual hug to all the local and international media personnel who are working around the clock to keep the world up to date with details and developments as they happen.

We take pride in exposing viewers to a variety of news programmes and channels as journalists around the world bring you up-to-the-minute breaking news, scientific data, and stories based on facts rather than opinions and speculation.

To stay in touch with all the latest news around the world, be sure to tune into any one of these channels for outstanding coverage on news and current affairs:

Al Jazeera, DStv Channel 406 | GOtv Channel 40

Catch the early morning News Live broadcast at 07:00 CAT for on-the-spot updates regarding the latest happenings around the globe.

BBC World News, DStv Channel 400 | GOtv Channel 41

Don’t miss BBC News in Africa at 06:00 CAT every morning for breaking news focusing specifically on the African continent.

CNN Newsroom, DStv Channel 401 | GOtv Channel 42

The CNN Newsroom broadcasts an African-centric news programme every evening at 19:00 CAT, with up-to-the-minute news on the day’s leading stories.

CNBC Africa, DStv Channel 410

The CNBC Africa Worldwide Exchange programme screens daily at 11:00 CAT. It highlights actionable information and news regarding the world of business and looks at the global impact that the Coronavirus is having on the economy.

Sky News, DStv Channel 402

Colin Brazier and Jayne Secker are the two news anchors taking centre stage for Sky News Today at 15:00 CAT, a round-up news programme focused on important events and current affairs from the UK and the rest of the globe.

Keeping up to date with critical and important facts about current affairs, in touch with breaking news and on top of business and market reports is easy with DStv and GOtv!

Download the DStv Now App to live-stream these news channels anytime you like. You can also manage and pay your account electronically with minimal effort by downloading the self-service MyDStv App + MyGOtv App.

It’s one of the most ambitious and sweeping sport documentaries ever made and it’s coming to DStv. On Monday, OJ: Made in America will launch on SuperSport, playing out in primetime until Friday. The documentary series will broadcast on SS1 at 19:00  CAT from Monday to Friday.

The series, first produced for ESPN 30 for 30 , revisits the so-called Trial of the Century, when renowned former American footballer OJ Simpson was tried on two counts of murder in the mid-1990s. OJ: Made in America revisits many of the critical points of the trial: the domestic abuse, the police investigation, the white Bronco chase, the motive, the blood, the glove and, inevitably, the verdict and the aftermath. “It is,” said Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times, “a movie so compelling you want it never to end.”

According to the film makers, the show is the defining cultural tale of modern America – “a saga of race, celebrity, media, violence, and the criminal justice system.” Even now, 25 years after the dramatic case, new details have come to light that are revealed in the documentary and give it a relevance that endures.

Given the quality of the film, it’s no surprise that it won the best documentary feature Oscar in 2017. Drawing from 70-plus interviews, many of them with individuals at the heart of the riveting story, OJ: Made in America is a powerful reminder of a tantalising saga that transcended sport and became a cultural, social and criminal landmark.

Visit SuperSport.com for more information . For products and services available on DStv, visit www.DStvafrica.com . Download DStv Now to catch your favourite sports themed content remotely wherever you are. Don’t forget to download the MyDStv App to manage your account from the comfort of your home.