In commemoration of International Women’s Day 2022, media entrepreneur and author, Adebola Williams has joined forces with the First Lady of Kwara State and CEO of Ajike People Support Centre, Her Excellency, Amb. Dr. Mrs Olufolake Abdulrazaq to equip the next generation of African Power Girls through an insightful capacity-building event scheduled to hold on 24th March 2022 at the Banquet Hall, Ilorin.

Themed ‘Building the Next Generation of African Power Girls’, the event seeks to empower women with essential leadership skills and strategically position them for personal and organisational success.

“Raising the next generation of African Power Girls require all hands on deck,” said Her Excellency, Amb. Dr. Mrs Olufolake Abdulrazaq.

“We need to give the next generation of women the leverage they need to maximise their potential and transform the world. This can only be achieved by creating meaningful platforms like these to help boost their self-esteem and allow them to participate on an equal platform as their male counterparts. We must also not leave out our boys — as they must be prepared for a world where both genders can lead side by side in various sectors,” she concluded.

Author of the world’s first-ever compendium of inspirational stories of African female leaders, Adebola Williams added that building the next generation of African Power Girls is “a product of maximising the successes of our sheroes past”.

“There is an incredible mind shift that happens when you see someone who looks and talks like you achieve phenomenal things,” said Williams.

“Through this event, we will show the next generation of African Power Girls that the only things that are impossible are the ones they refuse to do. Beyond painting possibilities, we will also offer the help they need to break through barriers. Every top-flying African female—at least those I am familiar with—can attest to having someone who

encouraged them to pursue their dreams, revalidated their desires and visions and gave them a much-needed boost. This is what we seek to achieve through this event,” he concluded.

Adebola Williams is the group CEO of RED | For Africa. Referred to as the man with the golden touch, he is the author of several revolutionary books— the most recent being a 3-volume compendium detailing the awe-inspiring stories of some of Africa’s superwomen titled ‘African Power Girls.’

AFRICAN SUPERSTARS LEAD WITH NOMINATIONS AT THE NICKELODEON KIDS’ CHOICE AWARDS

MIRANDA COSGROVE AND ROB GRONKOWSKI TO CO-HOST NICKELODEON’S KIDS’ CHOICE AWARDS 2022

African superstars from a variety of disciplines are set to be celebrated in this year’s Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2022, with an exciting list of nominees unveiled by Nickelodeon Africa. Nominees in the Favourite African Star category are Focalistic, Major League DJz, Makhadzi, Pitso Mosimane and Tems, while the Favourite African Kidfluencer category sees the spotlight placed on Adaeze Onuigbo, Masaka Kids Africana, Sassy Taylor Morrison, Sbahle Mzizi, Uncle Vinny, and Witney Ramabulana. Focalistic, also known as President of the Street, has a long history of lifting the African flag on a global scale, having been nominated for and winning a number of international awards and this time he’s gotten the attention of the kids. The Major League DJz were no surprise to see on the list considering how they have been vital in bringing “Amapiano to the World” to life, having recently signed a global record deal with Atlantic Records. Makhadzi has come a long way from street singing to being recognized for her achievements and as a kids favourite. Pitso Mosimane sets the bar for what a football coach can be and is a great example of how a career in sport can be extended well beyond years as a professional player. Tems is double-nominated this year – in addition to being nominated as an African Star, she’s representing Africa in the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award category for Global Music Star. “I’m ecstatic to have been nominated for the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards in 2022. It’s a dream come true to be recognized and appreciated all around the world. I’d like to congratulate and wish all of the African nominees the best of luck this year,” says Tems. Voting is live across both local categories as well as the Global Music Star category and African fans can head to http://kca.nickelodeon.tv/ to make their votes count The Favourite Africa Kidfluencer category boasts Adaeze Onuigbo, a talented and intelligent actress who is regarded as one of the fast rising young actress in Nollywood while Uncle Vinny, the South African MTV Base VJ and social media sensation will be a popular nominee. The dance moves of the Masaka Kids Africana have seen their posts go viral around the globe and those moves will no doubt keep them in hot contention as they continue on their mission to support

children in education and social well-being, through their talents. Lastly, we have Sassy Taylor Morrison and Sbahle Mzizi who may be amongst the youngest in the category but have both made waves (under the close eyes of their parents) on social media. News on the international front is that Actress Miranda Cosgrove (iCarly) and NFL superstar Rob Gronkowski will take on the slimiest roles of their lives as co-hosts of Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards. For the first time ever, the show will feature 1,000 epic slimings and dozens of fun-filled pranks celebrating fan-favorite stars across the worlds of film, television, music, sports and more. This year’s show will also feature Nickelodeon’s signature blimp as it ventures into the metaverse with celebrity avatars. “We are especially proud of the incredible diversity of representation across the continent and congratulate all nominees who are positively representing Africa at this global event,”says Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Paramount in Africa. Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards 2022 will broadcast on NickToons (DStv Channel 308) on 13 April 2022 at 13:30 WAT / 14:30 CAT. The show will also air on Nickelodeon (DStv channel 305) on 13 April 2022 at 15:50 WAT / 16:50 CAT. Information about how fans in the African region can get involved and cast votes for their favourite will be announced in the coming weeks, stay tuned to the official Kids’ Choice Awards website, KidsChoiceAwards.com for updates. Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards 2022 is sponsored by The LEGO® Group, the Kirby and the Forgotten Land™ game, Lunchables, and Olive Garden®. Share It: @Nickelodeon @KidsChoiceAwards #KCA Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards 2022 is produced by Nickelodeon Productions and overseen by Ashley Kaplan, Executive Vice President, Nickelodeon & Awesomeness Unscripted & Digital Franchise Studio; Paul J Medford, Vice President, Unscripted Current Series; Luke Wahl, Vice President, Unscripted Creative; and Jennifer Bryson, Vice President, Production, Tentpoles, Events & Music & Specials. Michael Dempsey serves as executive producer, with Magda Liolis, Andria Parides, Kathryn Rickey and Greg Sills serving as co-executive producers. The show is directed by Glenn Weiss. Miranda Cosgrove is an actress, singer and star of Nickelodeon’s original iCarly series. Recently, she can currently be seen hosting and executive producing CBS Saturday Morning’s Mission Unstoppable alongside Geena Davis, as well as starring in the feature films North Hollywood and 3022. She has lent her voice as Margo in the Despicable Mefranchise and has received rave reviews for her work ever since her first starring role in the film School of Rock. As a singer, Cosgrove’s first solo album, Sparks Fly, debuted at #8 on the Billboard 200 chart, with her first single, “Kissin U,” quickly becoming officially certified RIAA gold. On social media, she has amassed over 29 million followers across all her platforms.

Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski is an American football tight end for the National Football League (NFL) and four-time Super Bowl champion. Gronk is no stranger to Nickelodeon, having won coveted orange blimps at Kids’ Choice Sports and hosting Nickelodeon’s viral video series, Crashletes. For more bio information on Rob Gronkowski, click here. He is represented by UTA and managed by Henry Penzi at Pay It Forward Entertainment Nickelodeon, now in its 42nd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location-based experiences, publishing and feature films. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon is a part of Paramount’s (Nasdaq: PARA, PARAA) global portfolio of multimedia entertainment brand

Winners include Wizkid, Trevor Noah, Issa Rae, Jennifer Hudson, Sterling K. Brown, Will Smith, and more

Following the week-long virtual experience, NAACP celebrated the stellar achievements of the “53rd NAACP Image Awards” winners during a special broadcast on BET Africa hosted by seven-time NAACP Image Awards winner Anthony Anderson and presented by Wells Fargo.

Wizkid won the Outstanding International Song and Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album categories for his hit song, Essence, featuring Tems and Justin Beiber, while Trevor Noah won the Outstanding Host in a Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show or Variety (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble. The Daily Show, hosted by Trevor Noah, also won in the Outstanding Short-Form Series – Comedy or Drama and Outstanding Variety or Game Show (Series or Special) categories. Other winners included Jennifer Hudson (Entertainer of the Year and Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture – “Respect”), Issa Rae (Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series – “Insecure”), Anthony Anderson (Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series – “black-ish”), Nikole Hannah-Jones (Social Justice Impact) and “The Harder They Fall” (Outstanding Motion Picture).

“We are proud and excited about the NAACP’s recognition for the duo of Wizkid and Trevor Noah with wins in their respective award categories. It reaffirms their credentials as the best at their craft. Their dedication to creating amazing work and passion for excellence will continue to be recognised across the globe,” said Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Paramount in Africa, Peer Lead, BET International.

During the ceremony, NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson, presented the President’s Award to Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex who together have heeded the call to social justice and have joined the struggle for equity

both in the U.S. and around the world. “Through the work of their foundation and their unwavering commitment to the causes we believe in and share, [The Duke and Duchess of Sussex] have demonstrated they are so deserving of this honour,” said NAACP President Derrick Johnson.

NAACP Image Award winner and Academy Award-nominated actor and producer Samuel L. Jackson was recognized with the prestigious Chairman’s Award during the ceremony. In his acceptance speech, Jackson quoting Marion Wright: “Service is the rent we pay for being. The very purpose of life and not something we do in our spare time,” prompted the audience to continue “to put [their] legs, [their] bodies, and our voices to work to make sure that people do get out and vote no matter what they do keep us from doing it.”

The ceremony also featured a spectacular performance by nine-time Grammy Award-winning singer and two-time Academy Award-nominated actress and producer Mary J. Blige. Additional guest appearances included Kerry Washington, Lil Nas X, LL Cool J, Megan Thee Stallion, Michael Strahan, Morgan Freeman, Regina King, Paula Patton, Simu Liu, Tiffany Haddish, and Zendaya.

The award show followed a week-long NAACP Image Awards Virtual Experience, which invited fans to join the Image Awards in a celebration of the outstanding achievements and performances of people of colour across more than 80 competitive categories – including the non-televised awards program, and a curated conversation series. Fans can relive all of the Image Awards moments on naacpimageawards.net and YouTube. Following is the complete list of winners for the 53rd NAACP Image Awards:

NON-TELEVISED AWARDS

Outstanding International Song

“Essence” – Wizkid feat. Tems & Justin Bieber

Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album “Essence” – Wizkid feat. Tems

Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction “Long Division” – Kiese Laymon

Outstanding Literary Work – Non-Fiction “The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story” – Nikole Hannah-Jones

Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author “Just As I Am” – Cicely Tyson

Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/ Autobiography “Will”- Will Smith

Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional “Feeding the Soul (Because It’s My Business)” – Tabitha Brown

Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry “Perfect Black”- Crystal Wilkinson

Outstanding Literary Work – Children “Stacey’s Extraordinary Words” – Stacey Abrams, Kitt Thomas

Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens “Ace of Spades”- Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

Outstanding Podcast – News and Information Blindspot: “Tulsa Burning”

Outstanding Podcast – Arts and Entertainment “Jemele Hill is Unbothered”

Outstanding Podcast – Society and Culture “Jemele Hill is Unbothered”

Outstanding Podcast – Lifestyle / Self-Help “Two Funny Mamas” – Sherri Shepherd & Kym Whitley

Special Award: Youth Activist of The Year Channing Hill

Outstanding Short-Form Series – Comedy or Drama “Between the Scenes” – The Daily Show

Outstanding Short-Form Series or Special – Reality/Nonfiction “Token of a Great Day” – Lynching Postcards

Outstanding Short-Form (Live Action) “When The Sun Sets (Lakutshon’ Ilanga)”

Outstanding Short-Form (Animated) “Us Again”

Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series Issa Rae- “Insecure” – Episode #510 “Everything’s Gonna Be, Okay?!”

Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series Davita Scarlett – “The Good Fight” – 505

Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie or Special

Abdul Williams – “Salt-N-Pepa”

Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture Shaka King, Will Berson, Kenny Lucas, Keith Lucas- “Judas and the Black Messiah”

Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series Bashir Salahuddin, Diallo Riddle – “South Side” – “Tornado”

Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series Barry Jenkins – “The Underground Railroad”

Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie or Special Kenny Leon – “Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia”

Outstanding Directing in a Documentary Samantha Knowles, Yoruba Richen, Geeta Gandbhir, Nadia Hallgren- “Black and Missing”

Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture Shaka King – “Judas and the Black Messiah”

Special Award: Activist of The Year Scot X. Esdaile

Outstanding Talk Series “Red Table Talk”

Outstanding Host in a Talk or News/Information (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble Jada Pinkett Smith, Adrienne Banfield-Norris, Willow Smith- “Red Table Talk”

Outstanding Reality Program/Reality Competition Series “Wild ‘n Out”

Outstanding Host in a Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show or Variety (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble Trevor Noah- “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah”

Outstanding Variety or Game Show (Series or Special) “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah”

Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special) “The ReidOut”

Outstanding Documentary (Television) “High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America”

Outstanding Children’s Program “Family Reunion”

Outstanding Animated Series “We The People”

Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television) Cree Summer – “Rugrats”

Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance – Motion Picture Letitia Wright – “Sing 2”

Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture Danny Boyd Jr. – “Bruised”

Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture) Jeymes Samuel – “The Harder They Fall”

Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture “The Harder They Fall”

Outstanding International Motion Picture 7 Prisoners

Outstanding Guest Performance Maya Rudolph – “Saturday Night Live”

Special Award: Roy Wilkins Civil Rights Award The Mexican American Legislative Caucus, Texas House Democratic Caucus, and Texas Legislative Black Caucus

Outstanding Jazz Album – Instrumental “Sounds from the Ancestors” – Kenny Garrett

Outstanding Jazz Album – Vocal “Generations”- The Baylor Project

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song “Help Me”- Tamala Mann feat. The Fellas

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album “Overcomer”- Tamela Mann

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional) Silk Sonic- “Leave the Door Open”

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary) Tobe Nwigwe feat. Fat Nwigwe- “Fye Fye”

Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album “The Harder They Fall (The Motion Picture Soundtrack)” – JAY-Z & Jeymes Samuel

Outstanding New Artist Saweetie – “Best Friend” feat. Doja Cat

Outstanding Male Artist Anthony Hamilton – “Love Is The New Black”

Outstanding Female Artist Jazmine Sullivan – “Heaux Tales”

Outstanding Soul/R&B Song “Pick Up Your Feelings” – Jazmine Sullivan

Outstanding Hip-Hop/Rap Song “Fye Fye” – Tobe Nwigwe feat. Fat Nwigwe

Outstanding Album “Heaux Tales”- Jazmine Sullivan

Special Award: NAACP Humanitarian of the Year Darnella Frazier

Outstanding Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special “Colin in Black & White”

Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special Kevin Hart – “True Story”

Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special Taraji P. Henson – “Annie Live!”

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special Courtney B. Vance – “Genius: Aretha”

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special Regina Hall – “Nine Perfect Strangers”

Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited–series) Miles Brown – “black-ish”

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Deon Cole – “black-ish”

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Natasha Rothwell – “Insecure”

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series Cliff “Method Man” Smith – “Power Book II: Ghost”

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Mary J. Blige – “Power Book II: Ghost”

Outstanding Drama Serie “Queen Sugar”

Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television) Angel Kristi Williams- “Colin in Black & White”

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Daniel Kaluuya – “Judas and the Black Messiah”

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture Regina King – “The Harder They Fall”

Outstanding Documentary (Film) “Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power”

Outstanding Independent Motion Picture “CODA”

Outstanding Animated Motion Picture “Encanto”

LIVE SHOW CATEGORIES

Outstanding Comedy Series Insecure

Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series Anthony Anderson

Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series Issa Rae

Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series Sterling K. Brown

Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series Angela Bassett

Outstanding Motion Picture The Harder They Fall

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture Will Smith

Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture Jennifer Hudson

Entertainer of the Year Jennifer Hudson

Social Justice Impact Nikole Hannah-Jones

The 53rd NAACP Image Awards are presented by Wells Fargo and sponsored in part by AT&T Humanity of Connection, Google, T-Mobile, Bank of America, Gushers, FedEx, and Airbnb.

In celebration of the socio-economic, technological, cultural, and political achievement of women and International Women’s Day, University of Southampton hosted a lecture with Mfon Ekpo– founding partner and an Executive Director of the John Maxwell– as the keynote speaker.

Titled, Southampton Inspiring Women: International Women’s Day and hosted by Vice President (Operations) of the University of Southampton, Wendy Appleby, the series celebrated some of the most inspiring women from Southampton’s own academic and alumni community who have recorded notable success in a variety of sectors both nationally and globally.

Mfon Ekpo, the keynote speaker, is an award-winning human behaviour, performance coach, author and alumna for her contribution to leadership, innovation, her support for Women in Tech and international award-winning work in transforming mindsets through coaching across Africa.

Other speakers included:

· University of Southampton Academic & Alumna Dr Nisreen Alwan MBE, a British–Iraqi public health researcher and an Associate Professor of Public Health at the University of Southampton. Nisreen was named amongst other inspiring and influential women from around the world in the BBC 100 women 2020 list. She was also awarded an MBE for services to Medicine and Public Health in the Queen’s New Year Honours 2021 on her research on Long COVID during the COVID19 pandemic.

· Alumna Lorna Tilbian dubbed the “Queen of the media”, was formerly the Executive Director and Head of Media at Numis Corporation PLC. With a distinguished career, having been ranked No.1 Media Analyst by Institutional Investor and Thomson Reuters Extel from 1987-2012, Lorna has served as a Cabinet Ambassador (an Ambassador for Creative Britain) for the Department of Culture Media & Sport. She now sits as the Chairman of Dowgate VCapital Stockbrokers and on the boards of Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Plc, Euromoney Institutional Investor Plc, M&C Saatchi Plc and Rightmove Plc.

The 60-minute lecture held on Tuesday 8 March 2022, International Women’s Day

Lagos, 10 March 2022: Nigerian singer-songwriter, Temilade ‘Tems’ Openiyi has been announced as a nominee in the Global Music Star category for the 2022 edition of the slimiest Award show ever, the Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards. The award show is taping live from Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, and will premiere on NickToons DStv Channel 308 on Wednesday, 13 April 2022, at 13:30 WAT/14:30 CAT.

With her remarkable global hits and outstanding performances and collaborations, Tems has been raking in award after award, and it appears she may be adding the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Award for Global Music Star to her growing list of accomplishments soon.

“Tems reminds us of why we set out on a journey to reimagine, reshape and rebrand Africa,” said Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Paramount in Africa. “African stars like her are living proof of the rich and diverse talent that exists in Africa. Elevating African talent on a global level is the heartbeat of our brands.”

“Shining a light on talent on our continent will continue to be part of our vision. We are glad that today, we can spotlight the body of work of a vibrant African talent like Tems.”

Tems is nominated alongside English best-selling music artiste, Adele; Latino fan-favourite, Camilo; Australian singer and record producer, Tones and I; Asian boy band, BTS; European superstar, Rosalía and North American sweetheart, Olivia Rodrigo. “We have long believed that African creatives such as Tems have the power to put the continent on the map and we’re excited to see this vision coming to life. Her nomination as Global Music Star for Nickelodeon’s Kid’s Choice Awards is evidence that African creatives have what it takes to take on the global stage and more importantly to share African stories with the world, in this case through music. We are proud to be a part of this through offering a platform for creative showcasing and we wish Tems all the best at the awards,” said Georginah Machiridza, Executive Head Content Strategy & 3rd Party Channels at MultiChoice.

Alongside the Global Music Star Category, the 2022 Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards boast other categories, including Favourite Breakout Artiste, Favourite Music Group, Favourite Music Group, Favourite Movie Actor, Favourite Female TV star and Favourite Reality show, amongst others.

Other African categories for the 2022 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards and details on how Africans can get involved and vote will be announced in the coming weeks. Visit KidsChoiceAwards.com for more information.

Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards 2022 is sponsored by The LEGO® Group, the Kirby and the Forgotten Land™ game, Lunchables, and Olive Garden®.

Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards 2022 is produced by Nickelodeon Productions and overseen by Ashley Kaplan, Executive Vice President, Nickelodeon & Awesomeness Unscripted & Digital Franchise Studio; Paul J Medford, Vice President, Unscripted Current Series; Luke Wahl, Vice President, Unscripted Creative; and Jennifer Bryson, Vice President, Production, Tentpoles, Events & Music & Specials. Michael Dempsey serves as executive producer, with Magda Liolis, Andria Parides, Kathryn Rickey and Greg Sills serving as co-executive producers. The show is directed by Glenn Weiss.

Netflix has announced that the MTV Shuga full library is now available for streaming on their digital platform. The Pan-African series initially launched in Kenya and has since expanded into Nigeria, South Africa, and Cote D’Ivoire. The show’s success includes two seasons in Kenya, four in Nigeria, two in South Africa, and two in Cote D’Ivoire; all of which are now available on Netflix.

MTV Shuga is a multiplatform edutainment campaign initiative from the MTV Staying Alive Foundation that has integrated pop culture, trending music, and youthful storytelling to positively impact and change behaviors of young people for over a decade. A 2017 study by the World Bank proved that viewers of the television drama were twice as likely to test for HIV – while the show’s storylines, touching on HIV prevention, gender-based violence, safe sex, and more, have educated a growing fan base across the world since the show debuted in Kenya in 2009.

“We’re thrilled that Netflix is taking the full MTV Shuga series. Not only does it give the Netflix audience the chance to see some of the biggest actors across the continent – including Lupita Nyong’o and Thuso Mbedu – starring in several MTV Shuga series; but it also allows us to reach a brand new and wide audience with our proven behavior-changing content for the continent’s youth”, said Georgia Arnold, Executive Director at MTV Staying Alive Foundation and Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility, at Paramount.

Fan favorites and star power across the series include familiar Pan African talent from Kenya: Lupita Nyong’o (Ayira), Nick Mutuma (Leo); South Africa: Thuso Mbedu (Ipeleng), Mamarumo Marokane (Dineo), Ayanda Makayi (Sol); Nigeria: Tomiwa Tegbe (Wasiu), Jemima Osunde (Leila), Timini Egbuson (Tobi); Côte D’Ivoire: Ange Eric N’Guessan (Daniel), Soukeïna Koné (Rubi) and several other notable characters.

Memorable musical artists supporting the series with vibrant music include musicians from Kenya: Madtraxx, P-Unit, and Nameless, Nigeria: Tiwa Savage, Vector Tha Viper, and Larry Gaaga; South Africa: Nasty C, Kwesta and NdunaRoyal; Côte D’Ivoire: Zeynab, Serge Beynaud, and Big Tyger.

“MTV Shuga continues its commitment to contribute to improving and inspiring behavioral change at the grass-roots level by reflecting authentic social issues

impacting young Africans through storytelling. We welcome the partnership with Netflix and we believe we will collectively work together to build stronger communities and encourage deep and meaningful conversations amongst the youth”, says Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Paramount.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a severe problem plaguing African communities, with the country experiencing high levels of violence against women and children. MTV Shuga: What Makes a Man, produced in partnership with the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, Meta Africa and UNFPA is a documentary series seeking to spark sustained conversation that drives meaningful action. MTV Shuga What Makes A Man premieres exclusively on MTV Base (DSTV Channel 322) Tuesday, March 1st at 21:30 CAT & Wednesday, March 2nd at 22:00 WAT.

The MTV Shuga documentary series What Makes a Man is executive produced by and features star of MTV Shuga Down South Ayanda Makayi. The issue of GBV is close to Ayanda’s heart having portrayed the character of “Sol” on the hit MTV Shuga Down South series whose character is a perpetrator on the show. In this powerful 3-part documentary series, Ayanda asks himself the question “What Makes a Man?”, and having recently become a new father he seeks to set an example to his son.

“This has been a long time in the making and quite a personal project for me. I am incredibly proud to not only have starred in this documentary series but to have executive produced it as well. ‘What Makes A Man’ won’t end the epidemic of GBV but we’re hoping this is the start of a long road ahead of uncomfortable questions and conversations. The biggest outcome for me from this entire journey has been self-reflection and I hope we evoke the same for all Africans,” says host and executive producer Ayanda Makayi.

MTV Shuga: What Makes a Man tackles the subject of GBV as a collective societal issue that can only be solved if everyone unites in the fight against it. The documentary includes notable South Africans including TV personality and activist Andile Gaelesiwe, musician Big Zulu, rapper Maglera DoeBoy, MTV Base Culture Squad Member Uncle Vinny and radio personality Bujy Bikwa. The documentary series explores the question of What Makes a Man engaging people from all walks of life across the country.

Monde Twala, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Paramount Media Networks Africa and MTV Staying Alive Foundation Board member commented “MTV Shuga has been at the forefront of using the power of storytelling to address social issues, and to drive meaningful change within communities around the continent. We have seen this with our MTV Shuga series and this documentary seeks to address gender-based violence. Along with our partners, we are committed to continuing to use our platform

and content to inspire behavioural change, engagement and real action in the fight against GBV.

MTV Shuga: What Makes a Man docu-series seeks to leave the audience asking questions, recognising that we are all part of the issue and equally so a part of the solution. By asking ourselves “What Makes a Man?” we are learning and unlearning harmful behaviours that are going to be fundamental towards starting conversations that will drive meaningful change.

“We hope that our audience watch the show, reflect on the current climate of the GBV epidemic and start to think about positive changes we need to make individually to create a society where we each feel safe, irrespective of our gender. Through support from various funders, namely UNFPA, META, the US Diplomatic Mission to South Africa and the South African Presidency’s Gender-Based Violence Fund Response 1, MTV Shuga: What Makes a Man will be extended into community outreach through peer education. It is through this interpersonal intervention where we aim to see a shift in attitudes and behaviour.” Commented Yvonne Diogo, MTV Staying Alive Foundation Country Director.

The premiere episode of MTV Shuga: What Makes a Man is set to take viewers on an emotional and reflective journey that will spark dialogue on the epidemic of GBV, the root causes and how men and South Africans can end GBV. Host Ayanda Makayi emotionally opens up to his unborn son on the man and father he hopes to be. Ayanda also engages on issues such as bullying and how they can manifest in unhealthy and dangerous behaviours that can lead to gender-based violence. With the understanding that the issue of GBV is one that affects our immediate communities, Ayanda journeys to his home engaging his mom on the issue and speaks to pupils at his former high school on what really makes a man.

Be sure to catch the riveting MTV Shuga What Makes A Man docu-series premiering exclusively on MTV Base (DSTV Channel 322) Tuesday, March 1st at 21:30 CAT & Wednesday, March 2nd at 22:00 WAT.