There are indications of a rise in the production of Igbo language movies, as pay TV company, DStv, has dedicated a channel to this genre.
This is one of the latest in the offerings of the channel, and possible justification for a recent upward review of its tarrifs.
Following the debut of Nollywood English productions on the Africa Magic channel, offerings of local language started with Yoruba movies, then Hausa movies.
The company said the new addition is in line with its ongoing development strategy, as the new channel is designed to showcase the rich Igbo culture of Nigeria.
The Igbo channel which brings to eight the total number of Africa Magic channels, is expected to go on air at 19:00 CAT on April 2, on on DStv channel 159.
“Igbo language entertainment content has always played a prominent role in the Nigerian film and television industry and we are glad to offer a platform where this rich content can be showcased to the rest of Africa and the world,” said M-Net Director (West Africa), Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu. According to her, “Popular Igbo language content like Living in Bondage, Nneka the Pretty Serpent and many others set the trend for the modern Nigerian film and television industry, or Nollywood as it’s called; it is thus only fitting that such content should be given a platform where it is easily accessible by audiences around the continent. With the launch of Africa Magic Igbo, we have once again proven our commitment to providing content made for Africa by Africans.”
For Managing Director, Multichoice Nigeria, Mr. John Ugbe, “For over 20 years, Multichoice has played an active role in the development of the African film and television industry. The Africa Magic channels, which sit on our Dstv and GOtv platforms, continue to display the best of African entertainment content to the world. With the launch of Africa Magic Igbo, we have once again provided a platform for African talent to shine and our viewers can definitely expect to see the best of Igbo culture and talent on display.”
The first Africa Magic channel was launched in 2003 and more than 10 years later, the brand has expanded to include content dedicated to world class African entertainment programming ranging from drama series, music, magazine and reality shows, and movies.
“All the Africa Magic channels are renowned for their exciting content which celebrates African entertainment and Africa Magic Igbo will be no different. The channel will appeal to audiences in and outside Nigeria, as the Igbo language is also spoken in a number of other African countries like Equatorial Guinea, Democratic Republic of Congo and Gabon. Africa Magic Igbo will also undoubtedly be popular with audiences across the continent as shown by the widespread success of the popular Igbo language movies of the 1990s, and our viewers can expect to see the best from renowned and exciting Igbo talent like Okey Bakassi, Chiwetalu Agu and Dede One Day amongst many others,” added Mba-Uzoukwu.
