Africa Magic adds five dramas, thrillers to October lineup

The five original productions for October span relationship drama, psychological suspense and Hausa-, Yoruba- and Igbo-language storytelling.

Africa Magic has unveiled five new original productions for October, featuring a mix of relationship drama, psychological suspense and indigenous-language stories across its entertainment channels.

Better Half, executive produced by Rogba Arimoro, airs on Africa Magic Showcase, DStv channel 151 and GOtv channel 8, from Mondays to Wednesdays at 8:30 pm.

The series follows a relationship influencer who gets a reality television show to demonstrate her approach to love, only for secrets surrounding her fiancé’s family to threaten her beliefs about relationships.

It features Treasure Enagbare, Nnamdi Agbo, Demi Banwo and Tolu Asanu.

Another addition to the Showcase channel is The Ten, created by Lota Chukwu. The psychological thriller follows 10 kidnapping survivors who reunite for a vigil led by Matthew, a guilt-ridden head pastor played by Patrick Dibuah.

Their gathering takes a disturbing turn when one of the survivors is murdered. With a local festival leaving them trapped inside the church, the group must confront the possibility that the killer is among them.

The series premiered on Thursday, 8 October, at 8:30 pm.

Speaking about the October slate, Atinuke Ngozi Babatunde, Executive Head, Content and Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice Nigeria, said the new productions reflect the range of genres, languages and perspectives Africa Magic seeks to bring to viewers.

“From the psychological tension of The Ten to the relationship dynamics at the heart of Better Half, alongside new titles in Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo, we are bringing depth to this month’s content lineup,” she said.

Babatunde added that the platform aims to create opportunities for local talent to develop their ideas while giving audiences more of the stories and genres they want to watch.

Three of the new productions premiered on Saturday, 10 October, across Africa Magic’s indigenous-language channels.

On Africa Magic Hausa, DStv channel 156, Sirrin Amarya, which translates to The Bride’s Secret, premiered at 8 pm.

The series centres on the disappearance of a young bride shortly before her wedding to one of Northern Nigeria’s influential businesspeople.

As the disappearance sparks a scandal involving both families, the businessman’s eldest son begins investigating and uncovers a decade-old conspiracy of betrayal, corruption, forbidden love, and revenge.

Executive produced and showrun by Chidozie Christian Ahaiwe, the series features Norah Ego as Zainab, the missing bride, alongside Aysha Usman Adam.

Meanwhile, Africa Magic Yoruba, DStv channel 157, introduced Afobaje, a drama set in the Ekinrinade Confederation that revisits a betrayal dating back 29 years.

The story follows kingmakers who overthrew the old monarchy, then turned against their spiritual guardian, Ajangbadi. His return alongside the last royal heir forces Crown Prince Aderounmu to investigate a series of deaths and uncover disturbing secrets about his lineage.

As the crisis threatens his land, the prince must choose between vengeance and wisdom. The series airs on Saturdays and Sundays at 7 pm and features Antar Laniyan, Aina Gold, Murphy Ray, Mr Paragaon and Abija, among others.

The third indigenous title, Onu Ahia Nwanyi, premiered on Africa Magic Igbo, DStv channel 159, at 7:30 pm.

Directed by Smart Ifeanyi Chukwu Abugu, the story follows Nkem, a young woman who enters a traditional bride contest in an attempt to escape a difficult family situation. However, she develops feelings for the man she is competing to marry, complicating the contest as hidden ambitions and family secrets emerge.

The unfolding events threaten to reshape the futures of several powerful families.

The October slate brings together contemporary relationship stories, psychological mysteries and dramas rooted in Nigerian cultures and traditions.

According to Africa Magic, the new productions build on its longstanding focus on showcasing Nigerian stories, developing local talent, and entertaining audiences across the continent.

The titles are available on their respective Africa Magic channels and can also be watched on DStv Stream.