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Multichoice in serious trouble as customers are dumping DStv in droves..

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South Africans are dumping DStv as access to affordable uncapped broadband improves and online streaming services gain popularity.

 

MultiChoice’s annual report for the year ended 31 March 2024 revealed that active DStv subscribers in South Africa declined from 8.0 million to 7.6 million over the last year.

 

Although South Africa only accounted for 48.5% of MultiChoice’s active subscribers, it accounted for 60% of group revenue.

 

 

This means South Africa is a core part of MultiChoice’s operations and is important to ensure its financial sustainability.

 

 

However, the company is struggling to hold on to its subscribers – South Africans are dumping DStv in droves.

 

“Active subscribers declined from 8.0 million to 7.6 million, while the 90-day active base reduced from 9.3 million to 8.6 million,” MultiChoice said.

 

What is particularly concerning is that all segments of MultiChoice’s DStv subscriber base declined.

 

DStv Premium declined by 8% year-on-year.

 

DStv mid-market declined by 9% year-on-year.

 

DStv mass market declined by 1% year-on-year.

 

Simply put, DStv is losing subscribers across the board, and there is no clear way to convince them to return.

 

 

Multichoice, dusted off its book of excuses, including severe economic pressure, consumers’ financial distress, the high cost of living, and elevated interest rates.

 

“The impact of consistent load-shedding creates an environment where customers are reluctant to reconnect,” MultiChoice said.

 

“This translated into an overall drop in viewership, subscriber activity, and subscriber numbers.”

 

However, as MultiChoice should have discovered by now, excuses do not make up for lost subscribers or lower revenue.

 

 

Multichoice’s financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 showed that it recorded a R4.1 billion loss and has become technically insolvent.

 

 

The bad news for MultiChoice is that the factors that caused its subscriber decline and dismal financial position are accelerating.

 

The main reason for DStv Premium’s decline over the last eight years was a combination of uncapped fibre and Netflix launching in South Africa.

 

Uncapped fibre was initially only available in richer areas, so DStv Premium was the first segment to decline.

 

As uncapped fibre and wireless alternatives, like Rain, started reaching middle- and lower-income areas, those households also started to dump DStv.

 

 

Companies like Vumatel and Herotel are now accelerating the rollout of affordable fibre services in lower-income communities.

 

It does not take a rocket scientist to predict what will happen to DStv subscriptions in these areas as households get uncapped Internet access.

 

To make matters worse, online streaming is also improving rapidly. Netflix and Amazon Prime are no longer DStv’s main concerns.

 

 

Whether people are looking for sports, movies, TV series, or documentaries, a streaming service serves that need. Many of them are free.

 

MultiChoice saw this problem coming and, in preparation, launched two initiatives – bundled broadband access and a bundled streaming package.

 

However, these initiatives were not as successful as MultiChoice would have hoped. It failed to get the traction it anticipated.

 

 

Multichoice discontinued its DStv Internet fibre products, including bundled offers that combined Premium or Compact subscriptions.

 

MultiChoice told MyBroadband it will “continue to review the DStv Internet offerings as demands shift.”

 

To rub salt into their wounds, Telkom plans to launch a content platform with Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and other streaming services for one fee.

 

Telkom is building a content aggregating platform where users can subscribe to a bundle of streaming services.

 

Telkom Consumer CEO Lunga Siyo said Telkom will provide the data needed for their subscribers to stream the content they subscribe to.

 

As entertainment moved from satellite to Internet streaming, it opened the door for companies like Telkom to compete against MultiChoice.

 

 

Multichoice previously warned that over-the-top (OTT) streaming providers like Netflix and YouTube pose an existential competitive threat to its DStv offering.

 

This scenario is now coming true, and unless MultiChoice can become a big streaming player through

Showmax and DStv Stream, it will face serious challenges.

 

– Daily Investor (South Africa)

Entertainment

Fuji Icon Remi Aluko Set to Thrill Fans at Ojez Railway Recreation Center Ebute Metta on Friday

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Fuji music legend Remi Aluko is set to bring the house down at the highly anticipated Toitoi Concert this Friday, December 20, at the Ojez Railway Recreation Center, Ebute Metta. Returning to the heart of Lagos, where his storied career began over two decades ago, Aluko is ready to deliver an electrifying night of rhythm, energy, and nostalgia.

 

Known for his mastery of blending traditional Yoruba melodies with modern Fuji vibes, Aluko has built a reputation for high-octane performances and a soulful connection with his audience. At the Toitoi Concert, fans can expect a lineup of his classic hits alongside fresh, unreleased tracks that showcase his continued evolution as a Fuji icon.

 

Speaking at a media briefing, Aluko shared his excitement:

“This concert is personal for me. Ebute Metta holds so many memories, and I can’t wait to give my fans a night they’ll never forget. Come early for some surprises—it’s my way of showing appreciation for the love and support over the years.”

 

Chief Joseph Odobeatu, Chairman of Ojez Entertainment Group, echoed Aluko’s enthusiasm, highlighting the venue’s significance as a cultural hub:

“The Ojez Railway Recreation Center is more than just a venue—it’s a place of history and celebration. We’re thrilled to host this landmark event and are committed to providing a secure and festive atmosphere for all music lovers.”

 

The Toitoi Concert promises to be more than just a musical event—it’s a celebration of Fuji culture, bringing together fans from all walks of life. Whether you’re a long-time follower of Aluko’s career or a newcomer to Fuji music, this concert offers an immersive experience into the rich heritage and modern vibrancy of the genre.

 

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to groove with Remi Aluko in an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and celebration. Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready to make memories at the Toitoi Concert!

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Photos From The Star Studded Bodex Social Media Hangout 5.0

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COSON MEMBERS CELEBRATE BUMPER =N=465.5 MILLION ROYALTY DISTRIBUTION!

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It was singing, jubilation and merriment this Tuesday, December 10, as members of Nigeria’s No 1 copyright collective management organization, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), approved a 2024 royalty distribution of a whopping =N=465.5 million for COSON members and associates. Following the approval, the distribution which is the highest in the history of the organization, began immediately as several COSON members started receiving bank alerts on their phones while still at COSON House.

They came from the East, the West, North and South of Nigeria: gaily dressed musicians who stormed Oluwaleimu Street, in the Allen Avenue Area of Ikeja where the magnificent COSON House stands sparkling in the sun, and in which COSON’s 2024 Annual General Meeting took place.

The AGM practically turned into a carnival as the former President of PMAN and Chairman of COSON, Chief Tony Okoroji, who presided at the General Meeting, delivered a moving address which he titled, “the COSON Spirit”.

 

The celebrated copyright warrior was praised repeatedly by joyous COSON members after delivering his speech in which he said, “We have deployed the law, like no other organization in the history of Nigeria, to form a bulwark against the people, in and out of government, who have tried everything to hijack and plunder COSON or if they fail, to kill COSON. You know the modus operandi of the vampires among our citizens: they grab every good thing in Nigeria for themselves, their friends and families with no thought for the millions of other people in our country. They are not satisfied with owning one house. In a nation where millions do not own even a hut, they grab what belongs to all of us and build 735 duplexes for themselves alone and want more as if they have a contract with the Almighty that they will never die.

“I wish to state that I have been to practically every court in the land, have mounted the witness box and testified, and have won victories on behalf of COSON that many had thought were impossible. We have retained the services of four first class senior advocates and several other senior lawyers.

“Without the decisions of those distinguished Judges of the Courts who remain committed to truth and justice, COSON, this great pan Nigerian organization that has become the nation’s most formidable agent of strength, unity, progress and growth for the creative industry, would have since been sucked dry and wiped away.“

With sadness in his voice, Chief Okoroji said, “Fellow members of COSON, let me state that I verily believe that in these hard times, we could have done more, much more for the musicians of Nigeria. It is a paradox that the institution established by the state to enable us to soar and achieve great results for our nation, conspired with carpetbaggers and fraudsters to become the greatest obstacle to our progress and success. But… we continue to fly, due to the unbreakable COSON Spirit”.

In his speech, the COSON Chairman thanked the Management led by General Manager, Mrs. Bernice Eriemeghe Ashibuogwu, for their contribution to the success of the society,

Identified at the AGM were such persons as the President of the Creative Industry Group, Amb. Felix Duke; President of the Music Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (MUPMAN), Eng Sharon Wilson; Afro Juju music super star, Sir Shina Peters; Reggae Music giant, Righteousman Erhabor; celebrated female singer, Stella Monye; Pop Music sensation, Alex O; Gospel Music Minister, Kenny Saint Brown; Showbiz Impresario, Koffi Da Guru, Popular entertainment die-hard, Steve Black and many more.

Also present were members of the COSON Board such as Abuja based, Chief Uche Emeka Paul, a workhorse of the Catholic Charismatic Music Ministry; Enugu based music toaster and publisher, Angus Power Nwangwu; Oge Kimono, first daughter of the unforgettable Rub-A-Dub Master, Ras Kimono who himself was a COSON die hard, before his death; renowned drummer, Richard Cole, famed producer Zdon Paporella and Gospel Music Minister, Evangelist Olusegun Omoyayi.

Hundreds of COSON members joined the jubilant AGM on-line via Zoom.

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