According to Georginah Machiridza, Head of Content Strategy at MultiChoice, content creators in Africa should be empowered with the skills to effectively tell African stories.
As streaming services continue to flood the African continent, content creators should be equipped to meet the growing demand for quality content.
As Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV+ and other streaming platforms enter the African market, Georginah Machiridza said, “The evolving media landscape requires a diverse range of skills. Storytelling is at the heart of most media messaging, but specific technical knowledge is needed to translate compelling stories for every channel.”
According to Georginah Machiridza, “Writing, cinematography, video editing, TV, radio and online presenting, animation, coding and content management are the specialised skills of the modern media landscape – many of which are constantly evolving as the industry develops, and Africa is at the heart of these developments.”
The development of new media has created more opportunities for creators to reach more people and produce compelling content more efficiently.
Machiridza further stated that content creators should continue to tell African stories.
“We have established our voice in the digital economy, and many creators are telling African stories for African and global audiences. These include Kenyan comedienne Elsa Majimbo, Ghanaian internet personality Wode Maya, Ghanaian visual artist Prince Gyasi, Kenyan journalist Brian Otieno, South African illustrator and artist Slaying Goliath, and South African comic Donovan Goliath,” Machiridza added.
In 2018, M-Net and MultiChoice spent over US$ 127 400 creating local films and series and distributing them across Africa, according to Machiridza.
“By endorsing the productions of authentic African stories and talent across the continent, M-Net is helping launch acting, writing and filmmaking careers, both locally and internationally.
In Ethiopia, the MultiChoice channel Abol TV provides premium, 100% Ethiopian general entertainment 24 hours a day,” she says.
