MultiChoice’s video streaming platform, Showmax, is set to make history as Africa’s first streaming service to live-stream a homegrown concert. On January 18, 2025, viewers across 44 African countries will have the exclusive opportunity to watch Grammy-winning Amapiano superstar Tyla perform live from the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, available only on Showmax.com.
In an official statement, Showmax highlighted that Tyla, the youngest African Grammy winner, will be performing hits from her chart-topping debut album, “TYLA,” which has garnered over 1.6 billion streams. This groundbreaking event comes at a crucial time for MultiChoice, which is experiencing a decline in subscriber numbers on its DStv platform and is looking to Showmax to recover lost ground.
Recently, MultiChoice invested R1.6 billion in Showmax, signaling its belief in the streaming service as the future of the company. Despite the challenges, the pressure on the linear pay-TV subscriber base has eased somewhat, with a 5% decline (800,000 subscribers) in the most recent six months, compared to a 6% decline (1 million subscribers) in the second half of FY24. Year-on-year, the linear subscriber base has decreased by 11%, or 1.8 million subscribers, bringing the total to 14.9 million active subscribers.
Yatish Narsi, Chief Marketing Officer at Showmax and MultiChoice South Africa, expressed excitement about the upcoming event: “With our advanced live-streaming technology, we’re thrilled to spotlight Tyla’s iconic homecoming concert. This marks our first live-streamed entertainment event, underscoring our commitment to making world-class experiences accessible across the continent.”
Tyla, fresh off her wins at the BET Awards, MTV Music Video Awards, and the Grammys, is eager to connect with her fans: “Tygers! Me and Showmax decided to live stream this concert for everyone across Africa. I hardly get time to be home so this one is gonna be special! I can’t wait for y’all to ROCKKK with me!”
For fans who missed her sold-out shows in Cape Town and Pretoria, this exclusive live stream offers a final chance to be part of Tyla’s magical tour. Showmax aims not only to break records with this live stream but also to redefine success on the continent.
We’re not just hoping to smash records with this live stream. We’re changing the narrative of what it means to succeed on our continent. Showmax doesn’t just aim to be the best in Africa; we aim to take our place among the best in the world.
Yatish Narsi, Chief Marketing Officer – Showmax and MultiChoice South Africa
