Earlier in March, M-Net revealed its exciting plans for the expansion of the popular AfricaMagic channels on DStv and now more details on the channels are being released. For subscribers in East, West and Central Africa, the five channels they will see from April 16 include the flagship AfricaMagic channel, now focused into a family themed channel, along with the dedicated AfricaMagic Movies channel, which was formerly AfricaMagic Plus. In addition, viewers will see the new AfricaMagic Movies 1 channel and the existing MagicWorld channel is also going to be rebranded into AfricaMagic World.
Rounding off the changes is a brand new channel AfricaMagic Entertainment which will serve as the home for all M-Net’s glittering and original African productions from East, West and Central Africa. The AfricaMagic channels therefore become the home to a wide range of African content while the M-Net channel (channel 102) will focus on international movies and series.
Summing up the new channels simply, M-Net Africa MD Biola Alabi says, “It makes business sense to listen to your consumers when they express their needs and this is what we’ve done. 2012 is going to be a flagship year for AfricaMagic. We want it to be remembered as the year African viewers pushed forward a revolution in television, making African content the star of African screens!”
Here is what to expect on the revamped channels:
AFRICAMAGIC WORLD:
A channel created to introduce new AfricaMagic viewers to a variety of African programming! Formerly the MagicWorld channel, this general entertainment channel offers a wide range of African programming to audiences including re-screenings of series and movies that they may not have had the opportunity to view previously. Available to all DStv Access, Family, Compact, Compact Plus and Premium packages (channel 112).
AFRICAMAGIC (Family):
A ‘family friendly’ African entertainment channel with programming that can be watched and enjoyed by everyone in your home! AfricaMagic will feature family focused movies, series, sitcoms and documentaries that you can watch with your parents or your children. This will ensure that no-one in your home will miss out on great African entertainment! AfricaMagic is available on DStv Family, Compact, Compact Plus and Premium (channel 114).
AFRICAMAGIC MOVIES:
A channel for movie audiences who want to celebrate the vibrant legacies and traditions of Africa! From African heritage to village life, this 24-hour dedicated movie channel tells stories that relate to Africa’s rich history and cultural legacy from traditional practices to rural society. Look out for familiar faces
from Nollywood and established African film icons. AfricaMagic Movies is available on DStv Family, Compact, Compact Plus and Premium packages (channel 115, formerly AfricaMagic Plus).
 
AFRICAMAGIC ENTERTAINMENT:
A brand-new, stylish African entertainment channel for the bold viewer who wants to watch the best African TV programming available! This 24-hour channel is dedicated to glossy soaps, glam drama series, glitzy lifestyle shows, great comedy, grade-A movies, gorgeous talk-show queens and gripping reality TV…all made in Africa for Africa! The channel is home to some of Africa’s biggest and most popular Productions including Tinsel, Jacob’s Cross, Big Brother Africa, Changes, Mashariki Mix, 53 Extra, Jara, Moments with Mo, The Patricia Show and Comedy Club. AfricaMagic Entertainment is available on DStv Premium (channel 128).
AFRICAMAGIC MOVIES 1:
A channel for the movie fan who wants to see Africa’s hottest stars in the latest contemporary African movies! Africa’s bustling and growing cities provide the busy urban backdrop for the dynamic stories of modern life and love showcased on this 24-hour dedicated movie channel. From dramas to comedies, from action to romance, it’s non-stop African movie entertainment. AfricaMagic Movies 1 is available on DStv Compact, Compact Plus and Premium (channel 145).
In addition to its five English language AfricaMagic channels, AfricaMagic Hausa, Swahili and Yoruba will continue to be screened in the different regions as it is currently.