The Battle for East Africa’s Viewership Tightens with Zuku…

In a move aimed at consolidating its market position by attracting new subscriptions, Kenya’s pay TV premium broadcaster Zuku has announced key projects for 2012, including the production or co-production of a number of new local programmes, the introduction of a Swahili Movie channel and a regional basketball tournament.

“As a local brand it makes absolute sense for us to invest in originating fresh, relevant and highly entertaining programming for the East African region” said Mwananchi Group CEO Richard Bell at the launch event.

It’s clear to note that there seems to be an ongoing tussle for East Africa’s home entertainment viewers, what with the recent launch of a brand new bouquette of DSTV Africa Magic channels, as well as Nation Media Group’s QTV launch. The broadcasters seem to be turning to localizing their brands in order to connect more with the regional audience.

Click here to read more on Africa Magic’s Launch
Zuku launched in Nairobi (on its cable network) in 2009 and countrywide in both Kenya and Uganda in late 2011. Tanzania was added to the platform later in 2012. Up to 400,000 people are now able to watch its channels.

“We project that by the end of 2012 we will have doubled our subscriber base as we plan to continuously enrich our product offering through accessible, affordable and relevant content” Mr Bell went on to say.
The new initiatives include a partnership with Steps Entertainment in Tanzania to develop Zuku Swahili Movies, a second series of popular talk show, Mentality, a travel / cooking series hosted by chef Kiran Jethwa, and two very different music shows.
Zuku is also looking to make its presence more tangible through a sponsorship of Nite of a Thousand Laughs, and Zuku Slamfest, an ambitious regional basketball tournament, to be held at Kasarani in July 2012 and which will bring together some of the best players around Africa to compete for the grand prize of $100,000 (approx Kshs. 8 million)
“We believe that there is a rapidly growing market segment that is eager to be part of a digital multi-channel television world for the range and choice that it offers to the whole family. Our offering has been structured to meet that need – and we see a truly exciting opportunity in this. As an East African company we are committed to maintaining a close focus on this market, and are delighted to be a part of its growth” concluded Mr. Bell.

The new programmes to be included in the Zuku Home entertainment bundle include:
Nite of 1000 laughs

A live comedy show featuring top comics from Africa including ‘Klint da Drunk’ Mandy Uzonitsha, Eric Omondi, Patrick Salvador, funny face amongst others. Zuku is an event sponsor and will also be broadcasting a series from May.
Mentality

Returning for a second season, the show is purposely designed to create controversy or confrontations as the 3 panelists, Ian Mbugua, Pastor Simon Mbuvi and Edward Kwach, push the envelope where discussions of topics deemed to be taboo are readily explored on mainstream TV.
Bush Larder

takes the viewer on a tour of Kenya and her more unusual and unknown gastronomic delights. The series is led by Kiran Jethwa, a Kenya born and internationally trained Chef who has returned from a global gastronomic education to settle in the country he loves, Kenya.
Slamfest

In collaboration with Vision 21 Sports Consulting – an avenue to showcase talent and skills in basketball. 8 countries will compete in this series.
Passport

A supplement to the Slamfest, this documentary series will act as a sort of behind the scenes that visits the diverse cultural backgrounds of those participating in the slam fest series
Black medley

will bring to light the diverse interests of the African Diaspora through film, webisodes and music.
Zuku Swahili movies

the first Kiswahili Movie channel done in partnership with Steps Entertainment from Dar es Salaam.
Hyped East Africa

a music travel show that showcases the different nightlife in cities and clubs.
AfroFuse

an African music show that will feature Africa Fusion music and is aimed at celebrating African Music.