Posted by 
In a world largely dominated by blockbusters and international film trends, Africa Magic, the leading entertainment platform on the African continent, is championing a renaissance of indigenous language films. With a triumphant trio of series – “Kariya,” “Iwe,” and “Apo” – Africa Magic is proving that native films are not only culturally significant but also remarkably cool, appealing to a diverse and global audience.
The Indigenous series have taken the African cinematic scene by storm, reviving the art of storytelling in local languages. These series are more than just entertainment, they represent a celebration of African culture and traditions, encapsulating the vibrant diversity of the continent. Africa Magic’s commitment to promoting indigenous languages is a testament to their belief in preserving the rich tapestry of African heritage. These series are a fusion of tradition and modernity, using storytelling to bridge generations and languages.
KARIYA
“Kariya,” produced by Bem Pever, is a heartfelt journey into the heart of Northern Nigeria. The series beautifully captures the region’s people, and traditions, all wrapped in a compelling love story that teaches real life lessons. Kariya offers a thrilling storyline that explores complex relationships and the power of redemption. It tells a dramatic tale of Islamic relationship counselors, Tariq and Hadiza Al-Hassan, who are on the verge of divorce due to Tariq’s infidelity, which threatens to become a public scandal. Zara, Tariq’s mistress, plans to reveal that she is carrying his child unless she receives a hefty financial compensation. As the couple grapples with this crisis, their lives take an unexpected turn when a group of armed individuals on the run from the police invade their home and render them hostages. New episodes of this gripping series air every weekend at 8pm on DStv Africa Magic Hausa Ch. 156 and on GOtv Ch.3.
APO
The Yoruba series, Apo, which translates to “the bag,” unfolds the intriguing tale of the residents of the Olanrewaju compound. Their “face me, I face you” apartment is turned upside down when they stumble upon a mysterious bag. In this bag lies millions of Naira, a gun, and a local charm. This discovery triggers a whirlwind of contention amongst residents and sets off a series of convoluted events. The suspense and thrills await you every Monday and Tuesday on AM Yoruba DStv Ch.157 and GOtv Ch.2, airing at 6:30 pm.
IWE
Iwe, is an ode to Igbo heritage and excellence. The film tells the story of two kingdoms, Oba-Ekwe and Idu Amaja, which were once collectively known as Iduna Oba. The narrative unfolds the tragic consequences of prosperity, jealousy, and greed that led these kingdoms to part ways, each royal sibling staking claim to a portion of the divided land. At the center of this tale is a courageous young prince, Nwafor, who is propelled by unknown forces and a burning desire to save his kingdom from oppression. He embarks on a quest to reunite the two kingdoms and restore their former unity but will instead find new personal history that will completely change what he knows about himself.
In line with its commitment to providing rich and diverse content, Africa Magic has consistently delivered 260-episode series annually. However, the bar has been recently raised to an impressive 130-episode series every six months, and this expanded content library includes a strong emphasis on indigenous series.
According to Tejumola, the Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice Nigeria, “Africa Magic’s expansion is nothing short of remarkable. It all began with a single channel in Nigeria, and now, the platform boasts a cluster of seven channels.
She further said that, “From April 2022 to March 2023, we witnessed an astonishing 2,500 hours of original production and acquired the rights to broadcast 10,000 hours of authentic Nigerian stories. Our content spans across various languages, including English and indigenous languages like Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo, making them accessible to viewers in more than 42 African countries.”
This growth is a testament to Africa Magic’s unwavering commitment to not only providing captivating content but also preserving and promoting indigenous languages and cultures. The platform’s rapid expansion and extensive content library prove its dedication to storytelling, making it a prominent hub for African narratives, both old and new.
These series have opened doors for African filmmakers and ignited a new wave of interest in indigenous language films and as “Kariya,” “Iwe,” and “Apo” continue to garner acclaim, it is evident that indigenous language films are no longer confined to the peripheries of cinema but are reclaiming their place at the center stage.
By using the Igbo language and setting the story in pre-colonial Nigeria, “Iwe” brings the rich culture of the Igbo tribe to the forefront of the cinematic world. New episodes are released every Wednesday at 7:00 pm on AM Igbo, DStv Ch.159 and GOtv Ch.4.
If you have missed out on any of these engaging series, you can always catch up on the latest episodes on DStv catch up available on the MyDStv app and in addition, explore a wide array of new Africa Magic original series that are currently airing. Follow www.dstv.com for more information on these new shows.
The post How Africa Magic is Making Indigenous Language Films Cool Again With Its Original Series appeared first on Nigerian Entertainment Today.
