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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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Tjay emerges as Big Brother Naija week 7 head of house

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Tjay Emerges as Big Brother Naija Week 7 Head of House

Big Brother Naija’s ‘No Loose Guard’ housemate, Tjay, is the new Head of House for week 7, earning immunity from eviction. He secured the title after winning the game, taking over from Onyeka, who was the first solo HoH of the season. The housemates are now competing individually following their unpairing in week 5.

 

Big Brother Naija’s ‘No Loose Guard’ housemate, Tjay, has emerged as the new Head of House (HoH) for week seven.

Tjay secured the prestigious title after winning the competitive Head of House game on Monday evening, succeeding Onyeka, who was the first solo HoH of the season.

 

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Also read: How BBNaija positively impacted our relationship – Zinwe

 

Tjay’s win grants him immunity from this week’s eviction, a major advantage as the competition intensifies.

The position of HoH is awarded every week through either a game or an election, and the winner is given the responsibility of leading the house for the week.

This season of Big Brother Naija started with housemates competing in pairs, but Biggie unpaired them after the fifth week, allowing each housemate to battle individually for the ultimate grand prize.

Tjay’s victory marks a key moment in the competition as he navigates the responsibilities and privileges of HoH in a fiercely competitive environment.

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Big Brother nomination drama shakes up the ‘No Loose Guard’ house

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Big Brother nomination drama

Big Brother nomination drama unfolded after a surprise twist in the eviction process. Housemates were forced to publicly announce their votes, leading to intense tension and nine housemates being put up for eviction.

 

Drama erupted in the ‘No Loose Guard’ house on Monday after Big Brother introduced an unexpected twist to the nomination process.

The week’s Head of House (HOH), Tjay, was first announced, followed by Biggie giving the housemates paper and pens. The housemates were initially instructed to secretly write down the names of two fellow contestants for eviction.

However, Big Brother then surprised the house by changing the rules, requesting each housemate to stand up and announce the two names they had written for eviction to everyone in the room.

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This twist added a new level of tension and transparency to the game.

 

Here’s how the housemates voted:

– Kassia: Topher and Sooj
– Anita: Ozee and Shaun
– Shaun: Chizoba and Kellyrae
– Ozee: Ben and Kassia
– Victoria: Sooj and Chizoba
– Wanni: Kellyrae and Sooj
– Onyeka: Kellyrae and Victoria
– Sooj: Kassia and Kellyrae
– Handi: Sooj and Kellyrae
– Kellyrae: Onyeka and Shaun
– Chizoba: Victoria and Kellyrae
– Topher: Victoria
– Nelly: Victoria and Ozee
– Ben: Victoria and Kassia
– Ocee: Ben and Nelly
– Tjay: Kassia and Sooj

After all nominations were tallied, Kellyrae, Victoria, Sooj, Kassia, Chizoba, Shaun, Topher, Ben, and Ozee found themselves on the list for possible eviction.

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This dramatic shift has raised the stakes in the house, leaving the nominated housemates on edge as they await their fate.

**Excerpt:**
Big Brother nomination drama leaves nine housemates up for eviction after a shocking twist in the voting process.

**Tags:** Big Brother, No Loose Guard, eviction drama, housemates, nomination twist

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Ayra Starr reveals she has never fallen in love in new interview

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Afrobeats star Ayra Starr reveals in a Dazed Magazine interview that despite her “lover girl” image, she has never been in a fully committed relationship.

 

Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr, born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, has revealed that she has never fallen in love.

In a candid interview with Dazed Magazine, the 21-year-old Grammy-nominated artist discussed her love life and admitted she has never been in a fully committed relationship.

Despite her image as a “lover girl,” Starr attributes her single status to her intense focus on music and other pursuits since she was 15.

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Starr shared, “I want to fall in love. I wrote ‘Lagos Love Story’ about what love would look like if I was. I am a lover girl deep in my heart, I’m just very strong headed about it. I actually have never been in love.”

She mentioned that while she has been in certain situations, she has not had the time to fully explore love due to her busy career.

Starr’s new album, *The Year I Turned 21*, and her hit track “Bloody Samaritan” have cemented her status as a rising star in Afrobeats.

In the interview, she also hinted at enjoying her current single life and keeping an open mind about future possibilities.

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