Zuku TV seals content deal with Nigeria’s My TV

Nigerian subscription broadcaster My TV is to purchase over 70 hours of television programming from three Kenyan production houses though a deal with the Wananchi-owned Zuku TV. The deal, which is the first of its kind for the East African three-in-one service provider, also breaks the mould in terms of East Africa supplying West Africa, rather than the traditional reverse route: something Zuku TV is particularly proud of. "From our perspective, it is great to be able to announce a deal like this," said Hannelie Bakker, managing director, Wananchi Programming. "One of the core aims of Zuku is to help enable high quality regional content. The sale of these five series to My TV is testament to the ability of good Kenyan content to appeal across borders. "East Africa is a hotbed for creative talent and we intend to continue to find the best producers out there and work with them to realise value." Carine Mouawad, head of programming, My TV added: "My TV is thrilled to introduce Zuku content to the My TV More programmes grid, in an ongoing effort to satisfy the growing demand from My TV subscribers for African content. My TV is confident that the Zuku series will prove hugely successful with Nigerians." The dramas include Makutano Junction from Mediae; and Saints and Higher Learning – both made by Spielworks Media in Kenya. The pay platform Zuku TV is already up and running in Kenya and Uganda, and is to launch next in Tanzania, with plans to expand through East Africa over coming years.