7 September 2005
Promoting the concept of African Originality, mu-sic channel Channel O is introducing its African fans to a host of new programmes and an updated line-up.
Leading the line-up is the afternoon show O-Boma, the hip-hop show Head Rush and the travelling Afro-beat show Urban Massive. DStv audiences are also tuning in for the international hit show Ride With Funkmaster Flex and the new kwaito show Kasi 101. Other new shows include Mix Tape: Photo Diary, Mix Tape: Culture and the sms-based sh-ow The 411.
On O-Boma every weekday afternoon, presenters Mapumba, Laura and Grace spend 3 hours entertaining Channel O audiences. Combining celebrity interviews, competitions, comedy clips and more, the show is light-hearted and interactive. Viewers from across the continent are encouraged to participate, win or just be heard!
Then premiering every Monday is the kwaito show Kasi 101. On the programme, Channel O presenter Lungile spends time with kwaito stars to tackle the controversy, the evolution and the dance routines of this growing urban youth genre.
And hip-hop fans haven't been forgotten. In Head Rush, Channel O presenter, Proverb trades freestyle lyrics with up and coming hip-hop musicians. The show also features a resident DJ along with hip-hop fashion, gig guides, gossip and videos. Head Rush premieres on Tuesdays.
Plus Channel O's Kabelo Ngakane takes centre-stage in the new music series Urban Massive. Shot on locations in 13 African cities, the series allows viewers to experience the youth culture of African cities. Assisted by a local music star, Kabelo finds out what's cool in each country.
Already the show's cameras have visited Johannesburg, Kampala, Lusaka, Maputo and Nairobi with more trips already being planned. Recently the cameras caught the hip crowd in Gaborone as they partied up a storm at various venues to the skilful playing of some of Botswana's veteran DJ's.
August 20, saw some of the top hip-hop acts in the country (Third Mind and Mr Doe) grace a do hosted in the honour of form five finalists who will soon jet off to higher institutions of learning around the world. The camera lens caught the latest dance moves Batswana youth get down to.
On August 21, the crew had the opportunity to tour the studios of the young vibrant urban radio station, Yarona fm which had just celebrated its 6th birthday. That night, all roads led to Mcginty's at Phakalane for the much-awaited hip-hop versus RNB party where Botswana's veteran DJ's converged. The likes of Robby Rob, Dukesta (Duke) and Dj O'neal of Yarona fm churned both old and new school tunes to the revellers' delight. DJ Otis' flow brought the house down with ragga-inspired tracks that kept the dance floor packed.
During the Botswana visit, the crew met some of the movers and shakers in the entertainment industry. Wonder boy, Vee Wa Mampela shared his life at home, touching on his hobbies, habits and all that makes him. The ever-stylish duo, the fashion twins dished out on Botswana's latest look adorned by many whilst chilling at the new hangout Khwest, where the trendy are often spotted. With so many album sales, Mista Doe shared the success of his latest offering "The Soprano" with a stunning video already receiving air play on Channel O. Urban Massive crew sampled some of Botswana's hottest music videos, CD's and spots. All this exciting footage can be viewed on Channel O on the DStv platform as
Urban Massive premieres every Thursday. Urban Massive is a show that is aimed at taking viewers to youth cultures of all cities in Africa. It touches as much as possible on local trends from food, music and fashion to put across youthful culture on the face of Channel O viewers.
For music fans who adore music royalty and their fantastic cars, then Ride With Funkmaster Flex is the show for you. Each week world famous DJ, Funkmaster Flex will take viewers behind the wheel for an exclusive look at what the showbiz elite drive. Flex will cruise the streets of Detroit with Eminem, race cars with Nelly on a St Louis' drag strip, and go for a ride on a private jet with P. Diddy. Other celebrities featured include Queen Latifah, 50 Cent, Ja Rule, Lil' Kim and Ludacris. The show premieres every Thursday.
Meanwhile in the programmes Mix Tape: Photo Diary (every Mondays) and Mix Tape: Culture (every Fridays) viewers are encouraged to tell their story or show their party culture.
Plus fans can interact with the channel by tuning in to the sms show 411 to send text messages to other viewers...so go on and express yourself! And be an African original with Channel O.
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