New episodes of Dira ya Dunia, Focus on Africa TV and Focus on Africa podcast will air from 5 June 2023 on BBC News TV channel, BBC World Service radio and media partner channels. Focus on Africa TV, presented by Waihiga Mwaura, and Dira ya Dunia, with Roncliffe Odit, will build on the use of digital storytelling methods in the programmes, including the introduction of explainers, to help break down complex news topics with in-depth analysis, context and insight.

The new Focus on Africa podcast will continue to diversify the range of opinions coming out of Africa, and offering more context behind African news and current affairs. From 5 June, the podcast will replace Focus on Africa radio.

BBC News Africa will continue to hold power to account, and amplify African voices and a wide range of perspectives across its programming.

The changes support the BBC World Service’s plan to create a modern, digital-led and streamlined organisation that drives the most value and delivers more for audiences.

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Mehvish Hussain, Executive Editor, BBC News: “The way audiences are seeking news is evolving and so are we. With the BBC’s trusted brand and our deep understanding of Africa, we are uniquely positioned to provide audiences with the independent news and analysis they need to make informed decisions about their lives. These changes mean they will be able to watch and listen when and where it suits them.”

Alice Muthengi, Editor, Focus on Africa: “We are thrilled to unveil the refreshed Focus on Africa TV and podcast to audiences. Our incredible production teams have worked hard to create new and engaging content that will provide our audiences with more value than ever before. Focus on Africa will be closer to our audiences,  providing more than just headlines, and putting African voices at the heart of our programmes.”

Athuman Mtulya, Editor, Dira ya Dunia: “For decades, Dira ya Dunia has been a trusted source of news for millions of listeners in East and Central Africa, as well as diaspora audiences. We have brought quality news to audiences in Swahili, evidence of BBC News’ unique multilingual broadcasting offer globally. As the new editor, I look forward to bringing our audiences a more in-depth, more engaging, and more relevant show than ever before. We want to ensure that we focus on stories that are representative of our audiences.”

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BBC News current digital weekly reach in Sub-Saharan Africa is 15 million people, and has been a trusted source of news for millions in the region and the diaspora. It has a strong digital offer on multiple platforms which the programming refresh will build on.

Viewers and listeners will be able to access the programmes through BBC News TV channel, BBC World Service radio and via media partner channels across Africa.

Where can audiences find our programming?

• Focus on Africa TV will continue to broadcast on BBC News channel at 1730 GMT and media partner channels on weekdays (Monday-Friday).
• Focus on Africa podcast will be available via BBC World Service radio at 1500 and 1900 GMT on weekdays (Monday – Friday). You can also listen on global podcast platforms at 1500 GMT, and on BBC Sounds.
• Dira ya Dunia will broadcast at 1800 GMT via media partner channels across Africa on weekdays (Monday – Friday).

The hottest late afternoon show in the Oil City , Empire Drive takes a different twist this time as Hertlicious pairs up with Joe Kumi.

The introduction of Hertilicious on the show comes as exciting news as she has cemented her name and craft in the Takoradi media space .

She brings on board a new energy of charming engagement coupled with smooth voice of Joe Kumi , which promises to offer more fun on radio .

Hertilicious since her entry in the mainstream media three years ago has proven her growth to blossom into a household name.

Her new role , would add a whole new vibe to urban Radio in the Western and Central regions since Empire Fm has remained the undisputed leading urban brand in recent times and always noted for introducing innovations to delight its numerous listeners and followers .

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Starting June 1st 2023, tune in to the leading urban radio in the western region , Empire Fm 102.7 from 2:15pm till 5pm every week day to experience this blend of the 2 exciting drive hosts , Joe Kumi and Hertylicious .

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.

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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

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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19:00: Sevilla v Roma – LIVE on SuperSport Grandstand, SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 2, SuperSport Maximo 360 and SuperSport GOtv Football

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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