As Africa marks Africa Month in May, attention turns to telling our story from our perspective, rooted in African culture. But how does culture evolve?
Many things we now call “cultural” started as new ideas, songs, customs, and stories that resonated with people and became timeless expressions of identity.
From Content to Culture
A recent example of how local content shapes culture is Afrobeat musician Davido’s recent acknowledgement of veteran highlife singer Bright Chimezie as the inspiration behind his song “With You,” featuring Omah Lay. He credited Chimezie’s track “Because of English” as the creative source. Davido not only honours the past but also bridges generations, showing how contemporary music continues to evolve from deep cultural roots.
Or consider Tinsel, which redefined Nigerian television with over 4,000 episodes since 2008, introducing high production standards that inspired an entire generation of Nollywood creators. Similarly, The Johnsons has become a household name for its humorous, relatable portrayal of everyday Nigerian family life.
Dance group Westsyde Lifestyle rose from Lagos streets to global stages, performing in viral music videos for stars like Davido and Burna Boy, helping spotlight Nigerian dance culture worldwide.
Across fashion and music, Nigerian talent like Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Tems, Lisa Folawiyo, and Kenneth Ize are shaping global trends, proving that local creativity resonates far beyond our borders.
This creative wave isn’t accidental; it’s a reflection of a continent leaning into its own identity.
Local Pride, Lasting Impact
From Lagos to Lusaka, Nairobi to Kigali, audiences are embracing content that mirrors their world. And as demand grows, so does investment in quality, storytelling, and industry infrastructure.
At the heart of this movement is MultiChoice, whose platforms, including Africa Magic, Showmax, and the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), continue to nurture the next generation of African storytellers, elevate production standards, and ensure African stories are told with authenticity and pride.
That commitment was powerfully reaffirmed at the recently concluded Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), where Africa’s leading creatives were celebrated not just for entertainment but for their role in shaping Africa’s cultural narrative. The night was a reflection of how far African storytelling has come and how far it can go.
The recent AMVCA win for Everything Light Touches, produced by MTF alumni Olamide Oshodi-Glover and Morenikeji Uka, stands as a powerful testament to the rising influence of African cinema and the impact of the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF). Their achievement not only celebrates storytelling rooted in cultural heritage but also underscores how MTF continues to shape a new generation of filmmakers making waves on the continent and beyond.
That same legacy of nurturing talent was on full display at the recent MTF graduation ceremony in Lagos, where a new class of West African filmmakers showcased original short films. Among them was Winner Achimugu, whose exceptional work earned her the Best Student award, and with it, a coveted place at the New York Film Academy. Her journey alongside past winners reflects the very heart of MTF’s mission: empowering young storytellers to bring African narratives to global screens.
From my Flatesmates and their comedic chaos to the gripping suspense of Ajoche and the layered family drama in Battleground, African content is doing more than entertaining. They are preserving culture, connecting generations, and inspiring a deep sense of pride. Sparking conversations and connecting generations.
A Future Written by Us
Television has become a driver of culture. It preserves our history, projects our dreams, and shows us to the world as we truly are.
As Africa Month unfolds, one thing is clear: African stories, told by Africans, are not just capturing attention; they’re commanding respect. Nigeria’s growing cultural confidence is empowering the next generation of storytellers, and the world is watching.
