On Saturday night, MultiChoice and M-Net thanked their many strategic partners and key stakeholders for their contribution to the companies’ ongoing success. Celebrities and stars from the South African world of entertainment and television all came out to celebrate more than 25 years of investment in the local television industry.
Nolo Letele, Executive Chairman for MultiChoice, emphasised the Group’s ongoing commitment to building the local film and television industry, as well as being a catalyst for skills development and job creation. “Millions who tune in to the M-Net channels every day realise what more than quarter of a century of making magic has meant to the South African economy – a contribution that runs to over R1 billion every year and many thousands of jobs,” said Letele.
One of the many highlights of the event was the tribute from a number of industry players whose lives were impacted through M-Net’s support. Lungile Radu, Siyabonga Ngwekazi andThomas Gumede, three well-known young stars from Vuzu’s reality show Forever Young, shared their story of going from presenters to production company owners. The dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Connie and Shona Ferguson, gave an account of their own entrepreneurial journey through M-Net and MultiChoice’s empowerment and investments.Basetsana Khumalo also made testimony to the difference that the MultiChoice Enterprise Development Trust has made in creating tangible jobs. Nigerian actor Akin Omotoso shared the global reach of AfricaMagic’s controversial drama, Jacob’s Cross. Idols host ProVerb also described his own trajectory from presenter to executive producer.
M-Net sure delivered on their promise of a magical night of entertainment as this proudly African event featured a five-star line-up of Mzansi’s best performers to entertain the guests. Hosted by the glamorous musician and Idols judge, Unathi Msengana and the “grandfather of South African theatre”, Tony-Award winning actor Dr John Kani, the guests were sent into a thrilling frenzy as a collaboration by “The Boss” Ali Katt and Kabelo Mabelane of TKZee brought the house down when they performed Let the Good Times Roll.
Part of the legendary line-up that only M-Net could construct was a rare appearance by Steve Kekana and Hugh Masekela,who performed a special version of Stimela and who was later joined on stage by Johnny Clegg and his band.
Other big-name musicians that formed part of the line-up were Zakes Bantwini who together with the 2014 Clash of the Choirs winners, performed a rendition of his hit single Ghetto. There was also an appearance by Zahara with Isibaya star Siyabonga Twala performing the popular soap’s theme song.
“There is no doubt that South Africa and the rest of the continent have an abundance of talent. We’ve proven we can produce some great local stories, stories which’ve received international recognition”.
“Tonight we celebrate the legacy of M-Net and MultiChoice and we cannot wait to share the next 25 years with you!” concluded Nolo Letele.