Multichoice is to open two new TV channels Maningue Magic and Kwenda Magic – for audiences in Mozambique and Angola respectively.
It’s part of the pay-TV platform’s long-standing regional strategy that combines local content acquisition, local production, and the development of local content through international production partnerships.
The new Portuguese-language channels will show dramas, telenovelas, local versions of hit reality shows, hilarious comedies, dubbed international content and homegrown music on DStv and GOtv platforms.
“These channel launches are an exciting milestone for MultiChoice, and our hyperlocal strategy,” says Joao Ribeiro, Channel Head for both Kwenda Magic and Maningue Magic. “MultiChoice’s mission is to showcase Africa’s diverse, rich culture through our continent’s deep storytelling history. To have two new 24-hour channels in local languages, featuring locally produced content, provides an incredibly powerful platform to do this.”
Over the past 18 months, MultiChoice has grown its local content offering through several channel launches including Pearl Magic Prime, Akwaaba Magic and Abol TV in Uganda, Ghana, and Ethiopia, as well as hit international co-productions like Reyka and ongoing local productions like the ever-popular Big Brother Naija.
“Until now, independent producers had few outlets for their work and had to act on many levels, struggling to get budgets, and to have their content shown,” adds Ribeiro. “With our channels requiring content 24 hours a day, we can now invite local producers to pitch ideas, to commission and develop projects, and to pay fair, market-related rates for work.”
Both channels go live today, January 17.
