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Ben Mahaka

Tafadzwa Zimoyo Entertainment Reporter
A new channel, Zambezi Magic, has been launched as part of the DStv bouquet.

The launch ceremony which was also beamed live in front of local musicians, producers, film directors, actors and celebrities amongst others at The Venue in Harare included a briefing on content that the channel will carry.

The exciting new channel, which is now on DStv Channel 160, will cover Zimbabwe and the Southern African region in a development that is set to benefit local production companies since their work will be beamed in the region.

According to MultiChoice, Zambezi Magic will also see some programmes from other parts of Southern Africa reaching out to the homes of viewers in Zimbabwe in a bid to keep them abreast with the latest releases elsewhere in the region.

“It (Zambezi Magic) is a channel that has been created solely with the Southern African viewer in mind and will offer the most sought-after content that has so far not been available outside of South Africa. It will bring viewers in this part of the world the kind of content they have been asking for, and the channel will also build regional entertainment brands by showcasing entertainment productions from various Southern African countries,” said MultiChoice Zimbabwe publicist Liz Dziva.

“The channel will be the home of Southern and Central African TV entertainment and right from its launch will be treat for DStv Premium, Compact Plus, and Compact subscribers in Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries with a variety of quality programming,” she said.

Talking about local content, Dziva said the launch of Zambezi Magic was a big boon for Zimbabwean producers since their work would find their way on air via the new channel.

“One of MultiChoice’s main objectives is to invest in and support local production companies so we are confident that as the channel grows, so will the number of local content from each Southern African country. We look forward to introducing new and exciting talent from Zimbabwe to the rest of Southern Africa. Going forward, there will be many more local shows from other Southern African countries added to the channel, including Zimbabwe, which is very exciting for local audiences, film and television programme makers.

The ultimate goal is to be the go-to channel for quality Southern African produced shows and to provide viewers with a channel they can trust to bring local stories, many made in their own backyards,” said Dziva.

Dziva said the new channel will screen exciting programmes and shows that include soaps, lifestyle, sport, cooking, health and socially-related programmes.

Some of these include “Cooking with Siba”, “Stokvel”, “City Ses’La”, “The Coconuts”, “Kota Life Crisis”, “Skwizas”, “It’s For Life”, “Our Perfect Wedding”, “Gold Diggerz” and “Forever Young”.

Meanwhile, speaking at the same function, renowned film producer, director and actor Ben Mahaka said Zimbabawe still has got a long way to go.

He outlined the standards required for acceptance by Mnet and said it is about good quality, lighting and sound.

“12 years ago we attended some function in South Africa and there were 80 films on display by Nigerians and we laughed on their content and all.

“Three years down the lane, we started to watch their movies dominating on Africa Magic and you could see how inspiring they were, their craft on story-telling was beyond amazing despite the quality but one thing they managed to do was to produce something that had us glued to the television,” he said.

He said local film-makers and producers should know the basics of film production.

“Don’t start with a feature film but start with a short film.

“The problem we have is, if your relative in diaspora sends you a camera and you have a laptop and then you already think you are a producer and an editor, that is when you get it all wrong.

“You need to invest in the production first and understand the basics and concept.

“Today we have a new channel and many of you have submitted your content. What we are delivering is not acceptable because it is not par excellence. Watch tutorials and learn how this is perfectly done,” he said.