2022 will go down in history as the year the world adapted to life post a global pandemic. From redefining how and where we work to expanding the content we watch, and where and how we watch it.
Audiences became more open to foreign language content; perhaps this came about due to increased viewing time during lockdowns that led to a curiosity about what else was available to watch. With variety, an old sense of leaning back and enjoying a linear experience also increased, and with it the continued growth of FAST Channels. The new patterns and trends will soon become the status quo, (perhaps they have already), but one thing is certain: the world of content is alive and thriving.
MultiChoice Group is certainly thriving with an additional 3,084 hours of content produced in the first half of the financial year, pushing our local content library to an impressive 73,000 hours. Our highlights this year include Reyka, a crime series starring Kim Engelbrecht and Iain Glen, received 2 International Emmy Nominations this year. In the South African market, the original telenovela series The Wife, inspired by Dudu Busani-Dube’s books, was another highlight we are proud of, winning two awards at the 16th South African Film and Television Awards and breaking previously set viewing records on Showmax.
The eight-part drama Desert Rose also makes it onto our highlight list. Successfully mixing black comedy, suspense, crime, romance and music, this is a gripping new series that delivers on the quintessential storyline of good vs evil through refreshingly unusual characters. The ensemble cast is led by South African powerhouses Neil Sandilands and Amalia Uys.
The final highlight which brought our year to a successful close is Blood Psalms. This fantasy epic, which is a co-production with CANAL+, delivers an authentically African and remarkable viewing experience. Jahmil XT Qubeka and Layla Swart who are behind the project, were responsible for South African Oscar entries Knuckle City and Sew The Winter To My Skin and they have once again delivered something brilliant in Blood Psalms. Driven by an award-winning cast and with incredible visual effects, Blood Psalms received outstanding early reviews. Genevieve Terblanche from tvplus said “The sheer scope of Blood Psalms is breathtaking” and TVMzansi said “Without doubt, the best TV show ever created in Africa”.
2023 will raise the bar even higher with the highly-anticipated Shaka iLembe debuting mid-year. Shaka iLembe is the largest series made by Africans about the rich history of the iconic African king.
Our creative teams continue to elevate the way African stories are told and we are excited to share these stories with the world. We will have more exciting titles to share with you soon, but until then, from me and the MultiChoice Studios team, I wish you a safe festive season.
Yours in proudly African content,
Mauro Black
Director: Content Sales & Distribution MultiChoice Studios
