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Iroko TV, the Pioneering African Streaming Service, Shuts Down

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Iroko TV, once considered the “African Netflix” for its pioneering online streaming of Nollywood films and shows, has ceased operations in an unfortunate turn of events.

Founded in 2010 by Nigerian entrepreneur Jason Njoku, Iroko TV quickly gained global fame and subscribers as the first major platform providing worldwide access to African entertainment content. But now, the curtains have closed on this promising startup.

Iroko TV launched in 2011 with the bold vision of revolutionising African entertainment by making Nollywood accessible globally through video on demand. It expanded across Africa, launching in Kenya via StarTimes in 2015 and South Africa through DVDs in 2013.

The meteoric growth attracted sizable investments totalling US$42 million from local and international backers, underscoring the platform’s immense potential to impact entertainment worldwide. The last funding round came in 2016, marking the height of Iroko TV’s rise.

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The specific reasons behind Iroko TV’s shutdown remain unclear. Industry-wide, streaming services have faced revenue and subscriber declines. As a startup, Iroko TV laid off 150 staff in 2020, citing COVID-19, currency devaluation, and a hostile regulatory climate. The company acknowledged overspending relative to income.

The Naira’s devaluation since 2016 slashed subscriptions from N3,000 ($18) to N3,000 ($8.33), straining finances. After selling its ROK studios in 2019, Iroko TV sought to grow subscribers as the key priority. Meanwhile, global players like Netflix entered Africa, heightening competition.

Ongoing funding challenges likely contributed to Iroko TV’s demise. Securing investments grew harder amid shifting African startup ecosystems. The entertainment sector received minimal funding, limiting Iroko TV’s growth prospects despite platforms like Sony’s $100 million African creative fund.

Ultimately, Iroko TV could not keep pace with both global streaming giants and Africa’s dynamic tech landscape. Its closure represents a major loss for investors, Nollywood, and African startups.

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Entertainment

Lizzy Anjorin Questions Court Order Over Priscilla Ojo’s Son

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Nollywood actress Lizzy Anjorin has questioned the authenticity of an interim order issued by the Lagos State High Court on 2 September 2026, restraining her from publishing photographs of Priscilla Ojo’s one-year-old son, Rakeem Mkambala, and from posting editorials concerning the family on specified social media platforms.

Anjorin raised the issue during an Instagram Live session on Friday, 4 September, after Priscilla shared a copy of the court order online.

The actress argued that publicising court documents before formally serving the respondent undermines the case.

“Your case na dead on arrival. If you post court letter on any platform before serving person wey you wan go serve, that court case na fake court case,” Anjorin said during the live session.

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Her comments came shortly after the High Court of Lagos State granted an ex parte application brought by Priscilla, her husband, Tanzanian singer Juma Mussa Mkambala, and their son, Rakeem.

Justice Yetunde Adesanya issued the interim order in Suit No. LD/ADR/6646/2026.

The order restrains Anjorin, as well as people acting under her authority, from publishing, posting, circulating, uploading or broadcasting photographs of Rakeem on specified social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and TikTok.

The court also directed Anjorin to cease publishing or broadcasting editorials concerning the applicants on the platforms covered by the order.

An ex parte order is made at an interim stage without the respondent being heard. The order is therefore not a final determination of the dispute and remains subject to further proceedings.

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Priscilla shared the certified copy of the order on her Instagram Story on Friday, bringing the legal development into public view.

Anjorin’s reaction centres on the timing and manner in which the court documents were publicised. Her assertion that such publication makes a case “fake” is her own claim and is not a finding contained in the court order.

The development marks another chapter in the prolonged public dispute between Anjorin and Priscilla’s family, particularly Priscilla’s mother, actress Iyabo Ojo.

The disagreement has played out largely on social media and has previously resulted in legal action, including a ₦1 billion defamation suit filed by Iyabo Ojo against Anjorin.

In recent weeks, the dispute has also drawn Priscilla and her young son into the controversy, following public comments by Anjorin concerning the family.

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BBNaija Kess Says Big Brother Makes Life Harder

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Kesiena Tony Adjekpovu, popularly known as Kess, has said that participating in Big Brother Naija can make life harder, offering a candid reflection on the challenges that may come with the reality television experience.

The former Big Brother Naija housemate made the comment in a statement shared on social media, where he suggested that winning or simply taking part in the reality show does not necessarily make life easier after leaving the house.

“Big Brother makes your life harder,” Kess said.

The remark has drawn attention because life after reality television can bring a different set of expectations, particularly as former housemates adjust to increased public attention and the pressure that can accompany visibility.

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Kess was a housemate on the seventh season of Big Brother Naija, which aired in 2022. He entered the show as a businessman and was among the contestants who competed for the season’s grand prize.

His time on the programme also placed him in the public eye, giving viewers an opportunity to follow his personality and relationships inside the house.

Kess’s latest comment offers a more reflective view of the reality TV platform, suggesting that the experience does not end when a contestant leaves the house.

However, he did not provide further details in the available post explaining which specific aspects of life after Big Brother he was referring to.

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Damilola Oni Suffers Backlash at Mama Deola Movie Premiere

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Damilola Oni

Nigerian actress Damilola Oni has come under heavy fire across social media over her controversial outfit at the star-studded Mama Deola movie premiere (more…)

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