The Rise of African-Owned Streaming Platforms
Storytelling has been a tradition in African society for decades. With the rise of technology and the growing demand for authentic African stories, streaming platforms are becoming increasingly popular in Africa. These platforms have enabled Africans to consume and share their content with the world, providing a global platform for African content creators to showcase their work.
The rise of these platforms has also provided opportunities for local content creators to reach a larger audience, hence supporting the growth of the African media business.
In this blog post, we will look at the top three African-owned platforms that are leading the way in streaming African content.
- Showmax
Showmax is a streaming platform that offers a subscription-based service. It was launched in South Africa in August 2019 and is a subsidiary of Multichoice. The platform has a diverse collection of digital content, including movies, TV shows, series, and original works.
It is available in many African countries and other parts of the world, including Europe. Showmax is known for its wide range of African content, films, and TV shows. It also has a vast library of international programmes, featuring movies and shows from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and other nations.
To remain competitive in the streaming market, Showmax is continuously improving and expanding its content offering by adding live streaming of matches and events. Popular shows you can watch on Showmax include Game of Thrones, The Real Housewives of Lagos, Durban, Abuja, Big Brother Naija, etc.
- iROKOtv
iROKOtv is a subscription-based streaming service that offers African films digitally across the globe. Its founder, Jason Njoku, noticed the growing popularity of African films while living in London. However, he faced the problem of not being able to legally access films from his native country. This led to the creation of iROKOtv.
Like other streaming platforms, iROKOtv creates original content exclusively for its subscribers. The platform provides a digital platform for people to access and enjoy a wide variety of African films and TV programmes, which has helped promote Nollywood and African cinema.
Popular shows you can watch on iROKOtv are Picture Perfect, 30 Days in Atlanta, King of Boys, etc.
- iBAKATV
iBAKATV is a well-known Nigerian streaming network that specialises in providing a diverse selection of Nollywood films and TV shows. It is a digital platform that offers both free and paid content, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
The platform was founded by Blessed Idornigie in 2011 in Lagos, Nigeria, and produces works in every genre, including romance, drama, and action. iBAKATV caters to a global audience interested in Nollywood content produced by Nigeria’s burgeoning film industry.
With a vast library of Nollywood films, TV shows, and series, this platform has become a popular destination for fans of Nigerian entertainment. You can watch shows such as Alula, Hire a Woman, The Therapist, etc.
The African continent has been subject to prejudiced and stereotypical portrayals by the media in the past. However, the emergence of streaming platforms indicates that we are now taking control of the narrative and sharing our stories independently. With sustained funding, cooperation, and support, African platforms can play an even more significant role in shaping the future of the continent.
