Multichoice Nigeria last week announced that Season 6 of Nigerian Idol would premiere on 14 March.

The weekly show will return after a five-year hiatus and will be aired on DStv Channel 198 and GOtv Channel 29 at 6pm WAT. 

The announcement follows online auditions, which were held from 29 November to 13 December when more than 3,600 entries were received. This year’s winner will walk away with a grand prize package worth more than ₦50m (about $130 000). 

“This season of Nigerian Idol is like nothing you’ve ever seen,” MultiChoice Nigeria chief customer officer Martin Mabutho said. “In line with our promise to always bring the best and most entertaining content to our customers, we have put together a show that we’re sure will have viewers on the edge of their seats.

“Nigerian Idol is famed for producing superstars and this season, we’re going even bigger – with the grand prize and with everything else. We can’t wait to show you all we have planned.”

Africa Magic channel director Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu added: “We believe that this season’s Nigerian Idol will produce a fresh crop of talent who will be well-grounded to conquer both the local and global music scene.”

The show will be hosted by TV personality IK Osakioduwa and previously announced judges for the contest include Obi Asika, Seyi Shay and DJ Sose.

“I was excited when I was called to host this show because I once auditioned to host the contest and I didn’t get it,” Osakioduwa said. “I did go on to host something else that was just as grime and just as beautifully produced by African Magic or M-Net at the time, but now is a chance to go back and I am excited about this. I can guarantee that this will be like nothing the fans have ever seen.”

source: musicinafrica.net

ViacomCBS Networks Africa is spicing things up this year with their introduction of new faces and a new crew. The illoustrous network will be bringing into the scene ‘The Cultural Squad’ and viewers can also look forward to new VJs.

The Culture Squad is a team of visionaries, creatives, and trendsetters who are pushing the culture forward across the network’s youth brands MTV, MTV Base, and BET Africa. This platform will give African talent a bigger stage to showcase their distinct originality, highlighting how they are influencing cultural shifts, setting trends and leading the conversation through a VJ centred content portfolio.

VJs across the network’s Pan African platforms will be at the forefront of the culture hosting iconic moments, meeting industry movers at home and abroad, entertaining viewers across several shows and getting involved in meaningful causes that are close to their hearts.

Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and General Manager at ViacomCBS Networks Africa said: “Base Day is a celebration and recognition of the power of youth culture across Africa.

“MTV base will continue to partner with trendsetters across all our brands.

“The Culture Squad reaffirms that commitment and we are thrilled to welcome our new MTV Base VJs Shamiso and Uncle Vinny to the family, as we elevate African talent to even greater heights and open up the industry”

Joining as MTV Base’s newest VJs are TV presenter Shamiso and all-round “Cool kid” Uncle Vinny. “I was definitely thrilled to be chosen, and as a fairly new presenter, it was a great opportunity for me. Anyone who works in the industry aspires to be at MTV Base at some point in their career, but coming here has been even better. The people are all so kind and so willing to teach, I definitely feel like I am getting better at my craft”, said Shamiso.

Uncle Vinny has made a name for himself as a cultural curator and recently featured as a panelist on MTV Base Hottest MCs New Wave List. “It’s been really exciting joining the ViacomCBS Networks Africa family.

“This is honestly my first big presenting job so it’s kind of scary at the same time but everyone has been welcoming and have had patience with me. I am going to have to get used to the early call times though, but everyone has been amazing. One thing I am hoping to have is my own show and going international,” he said.

The Culture Squad will be made up of fan favourites. This includes South Africa’s MTV Base VJ Search 2017 competition winner, Tshego Koke, as well as Farieda “Pharoahfi” Metsileng and Nomalanga ‘The Flame’ Shozi.

source: iol.co.za

Ghanaian-born Rap artiste, ASEM is the latest musician to wade into the LGBTQ streak of public commentary which is currently the peak of national discussion.

A post sighted on his Facebook Story wall monitored by GBAfrica.net on Tue.(Feb.24),the rapper was ostensibly pleading with African leaders to abhor their conservative ways of reasoning and embrace change.

The post read:

“It is your right to choose who you love. Love is the only way to survival. Let’s protect the right of our brothers and sisters in the LGBT community.  Africa must do away with some old traditions that infringe upon common human rights to Love & Respect”. #LGBTQ   #LGBT ASEM.

ASEM’s sentiments comes few days after an opening of a new LGBTQI resource centre in Accra has stirred up controversy nationwide.

Already, some religious leaders, politicians, and the general public in the wake of the news-break has mounted pressure on government for its closure immediately.

Famed Ghanaian journalist and Executive Secretary of the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values, Moses Foh- Amoaning has reiterated the President Akufo-Addo’s stance on the LGBTQI matter.

“President Akufo-Addo has directed the closure of LGBTQIA offices in Accra, plain and simple, he stated on a Christian program on Joy FM.

Also, Gender,Children, and Social Protection Minister Designate, Madam Adwoa Sarfo confirmed government’s stance during her vetting weeks ago, on the LGBTQ matter saying section 104 of our Criminal Act makes it criminal hence “non-negotiable” whiles on the part of our society it is “culturally unacceptable”.

For most African countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Senegal, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Kenya, Guinea and several others still criminalises LGBTQ according to latest Human Rights Watch save Angola who enacted a law decriminalising homosexuality.

The rapper who currently resides in the United States is yet to openly speak on this matter.

On Monday, Ms Elsa Majimbo shared photos and videos unboxing a gift she had received from Beyoncé off her latest collection dubbed Ivy Park.

Ms Majimbo’s special package from Beyoncé, arrived hours after she changed her Twitter Profile picture to bear a screen shot of her conversation with singer Rihanna.

“I WILL NEVER CHANGE MY PROFILE PICTURE. PERIOD” shared Majimbo.

She went on to also shared a handwritten card she received from Rihanna; “Riri sent me this letter at the beginning of my career and has given me immense support and good advice. You know how much I adore you, have an Amazing and incredible birthday. Sending you great love. Happy Birthday, @rihanna!!!”.

source: pulselive.co.ke