Radio & TV
African Folktales, Reimagined short films by Netflix and UNESCO to Launch Globally on 29 March
Tales as old as time from across the African continent, reimagined and retold by a new generation of six storytellers come together, the African Folktales, Reimagined short films in partnership with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), will launch on Netflix on 29 March 2023 .
The anthology of six short films was launched as part of Netflix’s partnership with UNESCO to support the next generation of storytellers who were provided with resources including a $90 000 budget and creative guidance by established filmmakers as mentors to bring their stories to life. The emerging filmmakers were selected in 2021 following a call for submission that resulted in over 2000 applications from 13 countries in the sub-Saharan Africa region. The 6 emerging storytellers from Nigeria, South Africa, Mauritania, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will see their respective short films, make their debut on Netflix, globally.
The African Folktales, Reimagined short film collection features a variety of African on-screen talent in stories by emerging African storytellers such as Mohamed Echkouna from Mauritania with Enmity Djinn; Walt Mzengi Corey from Tanzania with Katope; Korede Azeez from Nigeria with Zabin Halima (Halima’s Choice); Voline Ogutu from Kenya with Anyango and the Ogre; Loukman Ali from Uganda with Katera of the Punishment Island and Gcobisa Yako from South Africa with MaMlambo.
Synopsis / Key Cast & Crew
- Zabin Halima (Halima’s Choice) – by Korede Azeez – Nigeria
With 99% of the world population uploaded into virtual worlds, a young girl from a secluded Fulani village inadvertently elopes with an AI to escape an arranged marriage. Genre: Sci-fi, Fantasy; Language: Hausa; Director: Korede Azeez; Producer: Kenneth Gyang; Cast: Habiba Ummi Mohammed; Adam Garba, Produced by Cinema Kpatakpata.
- Anyango and the Ogre – by Voline Ogutu – Kenya
With the backdrop of a childhood folktale, 13-year-old Otis struggles to protect his younger siblings from a monster that lives inside their home. Genre: Fantasy, Drama; Language: KiSwahili and English; Director: Voline Ogutu; Producer: Sarah Hassan; Cast: Trevor Jones Kamau; Sarah Hassan, Produced by Alfajiri Productions.
- Katera of the Punishment Island – by Loukman Ali – Uganda
Abandoned on an island, a woman grieving the loss of her baby exacts revenge on the powerful man who put her there. Genre: Thriller; Language: Runyankole and English; Director & Producer: Loukman Ali; Cast: Karababiito Tracy; Michael Wawuyo JR; Production company: Loukout Films.
- Katope – by Walt Mzengi Corey – Tanzania
A young child with magical origins sets out on a journey to help end the drought that is devastating the community – even if it means risking their own life. Genre: Fantasy, Drama; Language: KiSwahili and ciGogo; Director: Walt Mzengi Corey; Producer: Petrus Van Staden; Rebecca Mzengi Corey Cast: Jene Mahenyela Mwalimu; Rahele Matete; Production company: Solela Art and Film
- Enmity Djinn – by Mohamed Echkouna – Mauritania
Three generations after he was last summoned, an ancient Enmity Djinn finds himself in an unfamiliar city confronted by a familiar foe. Genre: Fantasy/Drama; Language: Hassaniya Arabic and French; Director & Producer: Mohamed Echkouna; Cast: Zainabou Ahmed Mohamed; Mamadou Mokhtar N’diaye Gueye.
- MaMlambo – by Gcobisa Yako – South Africa
The mystical river being, MaMlambo, watches over the sacred waters of discarded bodies. Genre: Drama; Language: isiXhosa; Director: Gcobisa Yako; Producer: Pakiso Albertus; Cast: Simphiwe Dana; Zikhona Bali
Each storyteller was partnered with a local production company and under the guidance of Netflix-appointed supervising producer, Steven Markovitz from Big World Cinema and industry mentors: Bongiwe Selane (mentor to Gcobisa); Jenna Bass (mentor to Korede); Pape Boye (mentor to Loukman); Femi Odugbemi (mentor to Mohamed); Leila Afua Djansi (mentor to Voline) and Tosh Gitonga (mentor to Walt) who provided guidance and nurtured the filmmakers on their journey to bring their stories to life.
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“UNESCO is proud to present the tales of Africa, reimagined by its emerging, homegrown talents. At the crossroads of tradition, innovation, heritage and creativity, African expressions in the 21st century are as diverse and dynamic as its people. The UNESCO-Netflix partnership represents our shared commitment to the audiovisual industries of Africa, which have the potential to generate US$20 billion in revenues annually. African creativity is a force for sustainable development, and we cannot wait for the audiences around the world to feel its unstoppable energy,” says Ernesto Ottone R., the UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture.
“We are excited to finally bring this anthology of short films created by the next generation of African storytellers to Netflix members around the world,” says Tendeka Matatu, Netflix’s Director of Film in Africa. “This initiative is a testament to our ongoing efforts to strengthen the pipeline of African storytelling and to include voices from underrepresented communities. We’re grateful to our partners at UNESCO who walked this journey with us to provide an opportunity for the six emerging African filmmakers to create and showcase their reimagined folktales to the world, in their own languages, so that more people can see their lives reflected on screen.”
Radio & TV
Apple Music curate Afrobeats playlist inspired by Ted Lasso’s Sam Obisanya
To celebrate the Season 3 finale of Ted Lasso, the series that has captured the hearts and minds of a global audience, Apple TV+ has joined forces with Apple Music to curate an exclusive Afrobeats playlist inspired by Sam Obisanya, expertly played by Toheeb Jimoh.
When Sam isn’t encouraging his football team, The Greyhounds, with his sunny optimism, this treasured character is proudly working at Ola’s, the Nigerian restaurant he opened and proudly named after his beloved father.
From Wizkid’s masterly crafted track “Essence” and Tems’ game-changing single “Free Mind”, to Ckay’s chart-dominating release “Love Nwantiti (ah ah ah)” and Libianca’s viral smash “People”, Sam Obisanya’s Afrobeats for Ola’s playlist is a tour de force of Afrobeats staples that have become known the world over for their irresistible groove.
Discover this eclectic selection of songs Sam plays for the diners of Ola’s on Apple Music today, and remember to catch the Season 3 finale of the show on Apple TV+ on Wednesday May 31, 9am SAST/ 11am Ghana Time/ 08:00am WAT/ 10am EAT
Stream Sam Obisanya’s Afrobeats for Ola’s here: apple.co/SamObisanyaAFO
Radio & TV
Apple Music’s ‘The Dotty Show’ to feature Africa Month Special
Apple Music 1’s ‘The Dotty Show’ features Dotty interviewing the artists lighting up Apple Music with the biggest tracks across hip-hop, pop, Amapiano and everything in between, from across the globe.
On the last Wednesday of each month she hosts a special feature on her Worldwide Wednesdays show dedicated to the hottest sounds from around Africa.
“It’s impossible to celebrate the global impact of Black music without spotlighting the abundant sounds coming out of the African continent,” said Dotty, Apple Music 1 host and Lead Cultural Curator, Black Music, UK. “Our monthly playlist specials allow us to dedicate time to what is, to me, the most exciting and innovative music market in the world right now.”
This week’s episode is dedicated to Africa Month and features Seun Kuti, Fally Ipupa, Angelique Kidjo, Brenda Fassie, Alikiba and more, as well as an exclusive ChopLife Soundsystem mix that features the best in Amapiano and Afrobeats.
Check out ‘The Dotty Show’ this Wednesday, May 31st at 2p London / 3p Lagos/Paris / 4p Johannesburg / 6a LA / 9a NYC on Apple Music 1.
Cover Stars Shine
As Africa Month draws to an end, The Dotty Show will celebrate the origins of African music to bring Apple Music’s campaign to fitting conclusion, spotlighting artists across various genres, namely Nigerian trendsetter Seun Kuti, Congolese singer-songwriter Fally Ipupa, Benin icon Angelique Kidjo, South Africa legend Brenda Fassie and Tanzanian megastar Alikiba.
Africa’s Greatest
Each of these artists were pioneers in their respective genres and their music became cornerstones for new generations to explore, sample and enjoy their rich discographies.
Check out the full episode this Wednesday, May 31st at 2p London / 3p Lagos/Paris / 4p Johannesburg / 6a LA / 9a NYC on Apple Music 1.
Radio & TV
EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL: Sevilla and Roma battle for trophy on May 31; LIVE action on GOtv
SuperSport viewers on DStv and GOtv can look forward to the final of the UEFA Europa League which pits Sevilla against Roma at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary on the evening of Wednesday 31 May 2023.
DStv and GOtv is the only true home of football in Africa, offering a range and depth of action that no other rival can match it’s literally ‘Unbeatable Football’! If you’re going to spend your money on something, it may as well be on the best football in the world.
Path to the final
Sevilla, who have the amazing record of winning the Europa League every time they have reached the quarterfinal stage, ‘dropped’ into the competition from the UEFA Champions League and went on to defeat PSV Eindhoven (3-2 on aggregate), Fenerbahce (2-1), Manchester United (5-2) and Juventus (3-2). They are just 90 minutes away from winning the Europa League for a record-extending seventh time (adding to triumphs in 2006, 2007, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2020).
Roma’s path to the final saw them finish second in Group C behind Real Betis, before going on to defeat Red Bull Salzburg (2-1 on aggregate), Real Sociedad (2-0), Feyenoord (4-2) and Bayer Leverkusen (1-0). Last season’s UEFA Europa Conference League champions, the Giallorossi are hoping for continued continental success.
In addition, the winners of this match will earn a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League regardless of their finishing position in their domestic leagues.
Head-to-head stats
In head-to-head stats, Sevilla and Roma have met in just one previous match: a round of 16 single-leg tie (due to the effect of Covid-19) in the Europa League in August 2020 which the Spanish side won 2-0 thanks to goals from Sergio Reguilon and Youssef En-Nesyri.
Battles to watch
Jose Luis Mendilibar v Jose Mourinho – Mendilibar has done an amazing job in turning Sevilla’s season around, but he faces a tough opponent in the wily and wizened Mourinho, who is chasing yet another continental title.
Fernando v Nemanja Matic – These two veteran midfielders have defied father time to be outstanding performers for their teams in the ‘engine room’ this term, but only one of them will walk away a Europa League champion from Budapest.
Gonzalo Montiel v Tammy Abraham – It has not been a vintage season for Abraham in goal-scoring terms, but he remains a talisman for Roma and will be a player that the determined Montiel will have to keep a close eye on.
No rival can compete with SuperSport’s coverage. Our viewers on DStv and GOtv enjoy an unrivalled selection of football from around the world!
UEFA Europa League final broadcast details (All times GMT)
Wednesday 31 May
19:00: Sevilla v Roma – LIVE on SuperSport Grandstand, SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 2, SuperSport Maximo 360 and SuperSport GOtv Football
Radio & TV
South African actress, singer and entrepreneur, Nandi Madida joins as new host of Apple Music 1’s Africa Now Radio
Africa Now Radio with Nandi Madida debuts this Friday 2 June at 2p Lagos/London / 3p Johannesburg/Paris / 6a LA / 9am NYC on Apple Music 1.
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Radio & TV
A Melodic Journey through Ghanaian Gen Z’s Hearts
In the world of music genres and emotions, there exists a unique space for mellow beats, effortlessly transporting us to tranquility and introspection. Among Gen Z listeners in Ghana, one trend shines brightly—their unwavering love for mellow music. From Lo-Fi and sad melodies to chill vibes and easy listening anthems, the younger generation has wholeheartedly embraced these soothing sounds to navigate life’s complexities in a fast-paced world.
Whether it’s the introspective lyrics, delicate instrumentation, or soul-stirring vocal performances, according to Spotify data, mellow music has become a trusted companion for Gen Z across Africa as they embrace the beauty of vulnerability and emotional depth.
For instance, in Ghana, Tom Odell’s Another Love, a track that delicately weaves a tale of pain and longing, illustrating the struggle to release a love that has faded away is the most listened to mellow song among Gen Zs, along with Lewis Capaldi’s Someone You Loved, another anthem of heartbreak.
These standout songs, along with the others, offer a diverse range of introspective and emotive experiences. They touch upon universal themes of love, heartbreak, vulnerability, and self-reflection, making them resonate deeply with Gen Zs. Through their relatable lyrics and melodies, these songs provide a refuge for young listeners, offering solace and understanding amidst the complexities of their own personal journeys.
These tracks have found their home in the meticulously curated mellow playlists like Soft Pop Hits, Chill Hits, Soft Life and Sad Hour among others. These playlists serve as sanctuaries for the wounded hearts seeking solace, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles
As for the timing of mellow music consumption, the 18-24 age group tend to seek solace in the mellowness of their favourite tunes during two distinctive periods: 10:00 PM, when the world quiets down and the night unfolds; and 12:00 midday, when people seek out moments of calmness and contemplation amidst the busyness of the day.
“Mellow music is a respite from the constant connectivity and information overload of the modern world, offering a space where listeners can find solace, connect with their emotions, and navigate the complexities of life at their own pace” says Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Africa.
Below is how Ghanaian Gen Zs are consuming mellow music
Top 10 tracks on mellow playlists among Ghanaian Gen Zs
Another Love, Tom Odell
Someone You Loved, Lewis Capaldi
Lovely, Billie Eilish ft. Khalid
Arcade, Duncan Laurence
Before You Go, Lewis Capaldi
Ben Dover, Yartti
Say You Won’t Let Go, James Arthur
If the World Was Ending, JP Saxe ft. Julia Michaels
Heartbreak Anniversary, Giveon
You broke me first, Tate McRae
Top 5 mellow playlists among Ghanaian Gen Zs
Radio & TV
Stream all the action at the 2023 Roland Garros live on Showmax Pro
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