It was a magical night filled with #OnlyTheBest of African entertainment when MultiChoice Africa kicked off its second #OnlyTheBest Content Showcase Extravaganza in spectacular style at the Outrigger Resort.
The star-studded guestlist read like the who's who of Africa's entertainment and media.
The guests walked down the African media Walk of Fame onto a red-carpet that opened up to a sensational night of dazzling entertainment. The event, dubbed 'Night of a Thousand Stars' saw all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Bollywood and Nollywood come to life on the island paradise, as guests that include Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic, Desmond Elliot and Ramsey Nuoah were given the full movie-star treatment. Flavour, Stonebwoy and The Mavins kept the guests on their feet with their popular hits while the night's MCs IK and Eku kept the glamorous proceedings running smoothly.
Guest also experienced host IK who also brought his popular show, 'High Lites with IK', to the stage in Mauritius with a delightful interview with Nigerian crooner Banky W alongside music by DJ Sousa.
MultiChoice Africa's CEO Tim Jacobs also took to the stage to welcome guests with a promise that the video entertainment service provider will do all it can to make only the best content available to its subscribers on any platform, on any device and at any time.
“We believe television is an extremely powerful tool that can educate, entertain and inform. The evolution of this medium has become fast and furious and as a business we are constantly evolving to stay ahead,” said Jacobs at a glittering ‘Night of a Thousand Stars’ event. “MultiChoice’s business is built around three key pillars: people; content - in the form of great entertainment, news and sport - and the latest cutting-edge technology. Our mission is to ensure that our subscribers do not miss out on any of the stories, events or moments that are shaping our future.”
Jacobs lauded the success of MultiChoice’s GOtv DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television) offering, which currently operates in 8 countries, bringing low-cost digital television to homes and supporting governments in freeing up vital broadcast spectrum by switching from analogue to digital signal.
He also acknowledged the challenges which the business faces. “Our growth over the last 20 years has been a result of massive investments we have made in people, content and technology – but as with any business, not all of these investments or changes have hit the spot…. so we have from time to time re-evaluated our position and made changes to our strategies. At the end of the day however it is really our subscribers we have to thank for staying with us, trusting us to deliver the best television experience and customer service to make their experience world class,” said Jacobs.
M-Net Regional Director West Africa, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, reminded guests that M-Net has a near 30-year history on the continent, where it started with a daily 12-hour broadcast on a single channel. Now, having changed the way television is viewed across the continent, the broadcaster leads the way in producing, acquiring and showcasing the best entertainment content in Africa. “Our first broadcast in 1986 led to other firsts like the launch of SuperSport and the Mzansi Magic, Zambezi Magic, Jango Magic and Africa Magic channels; and with the creation of exciting, genre-defining and iconic content like Carte Blanche and Tinsel, M-Net continues to shape cultures, build bridges and empower talent across Africa even as we remain synonymous with all things entertainment on the continent,” said Mba-Uzoukwu.
She echoed Jacobs’ sentiments about the need for constant evolution, to stay ahead of the video entertainment service provision field. “We are launching and redefining channels and we continue to expand our content offerings to viewers across the continent. Our ongoing and significant investments in local productions have positioned Africa on the entertainment global arena and with new technology we continue to reach even more people, ensuring that no one ever misses the M-Net Magic. Our investment drive remains geared not only towards the industries in which we play, but also in the people who power them,” said Mba-Uzoukwu.
The MultiChoice Africa Content Showcase is a dynamic 5-day content extravaganza, which sees a host of DStv’s biggest channels, including Sony, SuperSport, Zee TV, A+E, Disney, MTV Base, BET, Comedy Central, BBC and M-Net previewing their latest and greatest content, soon to be seen across the video entertainment services provider’s platforms. To keep track of happenings at the MultiChoice Africa Content Showcase, follow @multichoice_africa on Instagram, @mcashowcase on Twitter, or via #OnlyTheBest.
Red carpet treatment for the guest #OnlyTheBest.
M-Net Regional Director West Africa, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu (right) and Eku the MC flanked by another guest.
Celebrities upon the arrival at Marquee where the event took place.
The guests walked down the African media Walk of Fame.
Flags from different countries include Tanzania which participate at the MultiChoice Content Showcase Extravaganza in Mauritius.
MultiChoice Africa's CEO, Tim Jacobs giving a welcoming note.
M-Net Regional Director West Africa, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu speaking to the guests.
IK welcoming Banky W on the stage.
Entertainment to the guests.
Nights of thousand stars #OnlyTheBest.
Nigerian Artist, Mr. Flavour rocking the stage.
Good times #OnlyTheBest: Nigerian actress and singer who won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2005, Genevieve Nnaji feeling Mr' Flavours tune along side Nigerian actor Ramsey Nouah who also won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2010.
Nigerian Celebrities having good times at the MultiChoice Showcase Content Extravaganza in Mauritius.
Sing along with Mr. Flavour (not in picture) during his performance.
Banky W, Rita Dominic, Desmond Elliot, Ramsey Nouah, and Genevieve Nnaji.
Feeling the music....!
It's unforgettable night. #OnlyTheBest
Donjazzy, Prince Mavin, Tiwa Savage Korede Bello, Aphro DIJA, Reekado Banks and Dr. SID performing DOR rmx.
Genevieve Nnaji in a jovial mood.
Ramsey Nouah and Genevieve Nnaji chatting.
MC's IK and Eku introduce the dancers.
M-Net Regional Director West Africa, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu (third right) poses for a photo with Nigerian Celebrities.
Terry Mapurisana from ZBC News (left) with Nigerian Artist, Banky W.
Paul Owere from The Citizen News Paper and IK taking a selfie.
Lorraine Lusinje from Times Group in Malawi taking a selfie with IK.
Public Relations Officer, MultiChoice Tanzania, Barbara Kambogi poses for a photo with Nigerian Actress, Genevieve Nnaji.
Catching up on a few issues; Public Relations Officer, MultiChoice Tanzania, Barbara Kambogi (left), General Manager Corporate Affairs, MultiChoice Africa, Caroline Creasy (right) and centre is Masembe Tambwe from Daily News Paper from Tanzania.
From left: Public Relations Officer, MultiChoice Tanzania, Barbara Kambogi, General Manager Corporate Affairs, MultiChoice Africa, Caroline Creasy and Paul Owere from The Citizen News Paper poses for a photo during the official opening of MultiChoice Africa Content Showcase Extravaganza in Mauritius.
Public Relations Officer-MultiChoice Tanzania, Barbara Kambogi chatting with the Nigerian Artist, Banky W after the official opening of MCA Content Showcase in Mauritius.