Showbiz
Excitement as YouTube Shorts Becomes Available in Nigeria

By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The video streaming space has been beaming with excitement since the YouTube Shorts made its entry into Nigeria on Monday, July 12, 2021.
The new platform enables users to enjoy YouTube’s new short-form video experience by creating short, catchy videos using nothing but their mobile phones.
Before now, the feature was not available to users in Nigeria. The beta version of YouTube Shorts was first introduced in September 2020 and the platform has been active in 26 countries and will now be available across more than 100 countries around the world where YouTube is available. However, the Shorts beta will be available to everybody in Nigeria by Wednesday, July 14.
While short-form videos were already viewable on the platform, users in Nigeria will be able to access for the first time Shorts’ creation tools which include a multi-segment camera to string multiple video clips together, the ability to record with music, control speed settings, and more.
Users will also have the ability to sample audio not only from other Shorts but also from videos all across YouTube — which includes billions of videos worldwide — unlocking a new playground of creativity like never before.
This means that users can give their own creative spin on the content they love to watch on YouTube and help find a new audience — whether it’s reacting to their favourite jokes, trying their hand at a creator’s latest recipe, or re-enacting comedic skits. Creators will be in control and will be able to opt out if they don’t want their long-form video remixed.
In addition, and timed with the product’s international expansion, YouTube said it is bringing a new set of features to all existing and new markets such as the ability to add text to specific points in the video, automatically add captions to the Short, record up to 60 seconds with the Shorts camera, add clips from user’s phone’s gallery to add to the recordings made with the Shorts camera and add basic filters to colour correct the Shorts, with more effects to come in the future.
The Global Product Manager for YouTube Shorts, Mr Todd Sherman, noted that, “We want to make it easy and fun to create Shorts,” adding that, “As we continue to build Shorts alongside our creators and artists, we’ll be adding more features for users to try.”
When it comes to music, artists and creators will have a large library of songs to use in their Shorts from over 250 labels and publishers around the world, including Universal Music Group’s labels and publishing companies, Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Music Publishing, Warner Music Group and Warner Chappell Music, Believe, Merlin, Because Music, Beggars and Kobalt.
As of today, the YouTube Shorts player has surpassed 6.5 billion daily views globally.
Shorts will be integrated into the YouTube experience users already know and love. For example, if a user hears a snippet of a song on Shorts, they can easily find the full song, watch the music video, or learn more about the artist — all on YouTube.
YouTube has helped an entire generation of creators turn their creativity into businesses and become the next generation of media companies. Over the last three years, we’ve paid more than $30 billion to creators, artists, and media companies.
With Shorts being a new way to watch and create on YouTube, the company has been looking at various ways to monetize Shorts and reward creators for their content, including the recently announced YouTube Shorts Fund, a $100 million fund distributed over the course of 2021-2022.
“We know that it will take us time to get this right, and we’re just getting started. We can’t wait for you to try Shorts and help us build a first-class short-form video experience right on YouTube” Sherman said.
Showbiz
Trending Africa Magic Shows to Watch Now

The excitement on Africa Magic just keeps getting better, serving us premium entertainment that has everyone talking. Whether you love deep, thought-provoking drama or you’re here for the glitz, glam, and unexpected drama of reality TV, these shows should be your next obsession on TV.
Covenant
The title alone says it all. Covenant is a story of power, betrayal and redemption. It is the kind of show that makes you sit up and pay attention. It follows the lives of ambitious individuals navigating a world where loyalty is rare, and power is everything. Packed with intense drama, shocking betrayals, and unexpected twists, this is the show for anyone who loves a well-crafted narrative filled with high stakes and consequences.
Some shows entertain, others pull you in so deeply that you feel every twist and turn within you. Covenant is the latter. From the very first episode, it sets a tone that is impossible to ignore. The suspense? Unbearable. The storytelling? Sharp and unpredictable. The secrets? More than you could ever imagine.
Catch Covenant on Africa Magic Family, GOtv Channel 2, every Monday – Friday at 8:30 PM.
The Real Housewives of Lagos
Luxury, fashion, alliances, betrayals, and pure entertainment, The Real Housewives of Lagos is back, and it’s better than ever. More shade, more drama, and more jaw-dropping moments. The queens of Lagos are not here to play, and they’ve got surprises up their designer sleeves.
This season, friendships will be tested, old wounds reopened, and no one is safe from the heat. From glamorous parties hiding deep drama to casual comments sparking explosive arguments, The Real Housewives of Lagos delivers the kind of reality TV chaos that keeps you hooked. Get ready to pick sides, switch favourites, and enjoy the moments you never saw coming.
Catch new episodes of The Real Housewives of Lagos on Africa Magic Showcase, GOtv Channel 8, every Sunday at 7:00 PM.
PTA
Who knew parent-teacher associations could be this dramatic? When school meetings feel more like battlefields and parents fight for control like it’s an election, you know things are about to get messy. PTA is a refreshing take on everyday school drama but with all the chaos and power struggles. It’s funny, intense, and full of moments that will have you laughing one minute and gasping the next. If you love a mix of humor and drama with relatable characters, PTA is the show you didn’t know you needed.
Catch PTA on Africa Magic Showcase, GOtv Channel 8, every Thursday at 8:30PM.
Omera
If you love emotional storytelling with suspense, Omera is the show for you. With a gripping storyline and powerful performances, it takes you on a journey of love, loss, and resilience. This isn’t just another drama, it’s a test of the human spirit. The stakes are personal and the moments unforgettable.
Catch Omera on Africa Magic Showcase, GOtv Channel 8, every Monday- Friday at 8:00PM.
Dust
Dust is the kind of mystery drama that keeps you hooked from the start. Dark secrets, unexpected twists, and a past that refuses to stay buried. It will take you through a journey of lies, hidden truths, and shocking discoveries. If you love crime thrillers with unpredictable turns, this one is a good watch. Catch Dust on Africa Magic Showcase, GOtv Channel 8, every Monday- Friday at 9:00AM.
Subscribe now to unlock a world of exciting and entertaining programs. To upgrade, subscribe, or reconnect, simply download the MyGOtv app or dial *288#. For on-the-go viewing, don’t forget to download the GOtv Stream App and enjoy your favourite shows anytime, anywhere.
Showbiz
Court Remands Former P-Square Manager Jude Okoye in Ikoyi Prison

By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Justice A.O. Owoeye of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos on Wednesday ordered the former manager of the defunct music group, P-Square, Mr Jude Okoye Chigozie, to be remanded in the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.
The showbiz personality was brought before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside his company, Northside Music Limited, on a seven-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N1.38 billion, $1 million and £34,537.59.
“That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Ltd sometimes in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this court, did directly acquire a landed property known as No 5, Tony Eromosele Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos worth N850 million, which money you knew or reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022,” one of the charges read.
“That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Ltd sometimes in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this court, did indirectly using bureau de change, converted the sum of $1,019,762.87, domiciled in Access Bank Plc operated by Northside Music Ltd to the naira equivalent and remitted into various bank accounts with intention of concealing that the said fund formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2)(a) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022,” another charge read.
After the charges were read to him, Mr Okoye pleaded “not guilty”, following which prosecution counsel, L.P. Aso, applied for a trial date and for him to be remanded in a correctional facility.
However, his lawyer, Mr Inibehe Effiong, informed the court of his client’s bail application and prayed for a short date of adjournment to enable its hearing, praying the court to have the defendant remanded in the EFCC custody pending the hearing of the bail application.
But the prosecution counsel objected, arguing that the commission’s holding facility was already congested with suspects awaiting arraignment and that the court should remand the defendant in the correctional facility since he has taken his plea.
Justice Owoeye ordered that the defendant be remanded in Ikoyi Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter till February 28, 2025, for the hearing of the bail application and April 14, 2025 for trial.
Showbiz
How to Invest in Art Like a Pro

By Marelize van Zyl
Art has become an increasingly attractive alternative investment, offering the opportunity to diversify one’s portfolio, while having the potential for significant returns. One of its biggest advantages is that, at the very least, it tends to hold its value, and, over time, it can appreciate, all while offering buyers the pleasure of enjoying their acquisitions.
The global art market was valued at $552 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $585.98 billion in 2025 and $944.59 billion by 2033. This growth is primarily driven by increased artwork sales, particularly among high-net-worth individuals seeking to include art in their investment portfolios alongside traditional assets like stocks, bonds, and real estate. However, investing in art is not exclusive to the wealthy – aspiring collectors can enter the market by acquiring more affordable pieces from emerging and up-and-coming artists.
If you’re looking to start your journey into art collecting and investment, here are some valuable tips:
- Understand the factors that influence value
Before making a purchase, it’s essential to understand what contributes to the value of art:
Several factors influence price appreciation, including:
- The artist’s status and biography – Well-established artists with a strong reputation have higher demand, and promising emerging artists showing potential and growth in their careers allow for significant returns on early investment in their works.
- Provenance – An artwork’s commercial and ownership history as well as its exhibition and literature records can significantly impact its value.
- Artistic significance – Works that play an important role in an artist’s career or the broader art movement in terms of subject matter, medium or styles tend to appreciate more.
- Market trends – Staying informed about which artists and styles are gaining traction can help make informed investment decisions.
- Seek expert advice
Navigating the art market requires knowledge and experience. Consulting specialists who understand market trends and artist trajectories can differentiate a purchase that holds its value from one that significantly appreciates. A well-advised acquisition can result in exponential returns.
For example, in 2012, I sold a still life titled I Love You All the Time by Georgina Gratrix for R45,000. By 2018, her career had flourished, leading to the artwork selling at an Aspire Art auction for R591,000, providing an astounding 1,211% return on investment. Similarly, a Lisa Brice artwork purchased in 2018 for R39,000 sold for R1.2 million in 2023, showcasing the immense appreciation potential in the contemporary art market.
- Explore emerging artists
While investing in blue-chip artists like Irma Stern, whose paintings average R5 million, is a secure way to preserve capital, identifying promising emerging artists can be an exciting and lucrative endeavour. Cinga Samson, for example, started painting in a shared artist studio in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. By 2021, after securing a solo show in New York and being signed by leading galleries, his works began reaching £321,300 at auction. An early piece, originally bought in 2010 for R1,700, later sold for R240,000 in 2023. This demonstrates how strategic investments in emerging talent can yield substantial rewards.
- Consider online auctions and payment flexibility
For new collectors, online art auctions are an effective way to enter the market, offering exposure to a variety of artworks and pricing insights. Aspire Art recently introduced a “buy now, pay later” model, allowing buyers to pay off artworks interest-free over three months, making art collecting more accessible.
- Exercise patience and build a long-term strategy
Investing in art is a long-term commitment. While some works appreciate rapidly, others take years or even decades. Art collecting is a passion-driven pursuit that can become a lucrative investment when approached strategically.
- Take advantage of the current buyer’s market
Right now, market conditions favour buyers, making it an opportune time to start investing in art. With careful selection and strategic acquisitions, investors can lay a strong foundation for future appreciation as market dynamics evolve.
Marelize van Zyl is the CEO of Aspire Art
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