Entertainment
Universal Music France and Binetou Sylla partner to lead Def Jam Africa
Universal Music France (UMF), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced a new strategic relationship with Binetou Sylla, acclaimed producer and founder of leading independent label Wèrè Wèrè Music to lead Def Jam Africa within French-speaking markets on the continent, in collaboration with Universal Music France and its Capitol France division.
Dedicated to developing French-speaking African artists, the partnership will help foster the discovery and nurturing of new and existing talent, enabling Def Jam Africa artists to excel globally and continuing to follow the blueprint of the iconic Def Jam Recordings label, which has led and influenced the cutting-edge in hip-hop and urban culture worldwide for more than 35 years.
With more than 10 years’ experience running independent record labels between Paris and the African continent, including the historic Syllart Records label, Binetou Sylla, brings a wealth of expertise to the newly formed partnership, which will focus on unearthing and producing authentic artists through innovative, pan-African musical projects capable of reaching a global audience. Combined with Universal Music France’s expertise and network, Def Jam artists signed in French-speaking Africa will be uniquely positioned to reach largest possible global audience. Def Jam Africa was first launched across French-speaking markets in 2020, and the appointment of Sylla marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the label, with further announcements on signings and projects to follow in the coming months.
African music is fast emerging as the new dominant force in the global music space; the Sub-Saharan African market was the fastest growing region in 2023 according to the IFPI’s Global Music Report (+24.7%). The partnership also complements UMG’s strategy to increase its presence and accelerate its growth in high potential music markets around the world, highlighted by the recently announced acquisition of a majority stake in Nigerian label Mavin Global (subject to regulatory approval).
Binetou Sylla, Director of Syllart Records and founder of Wèrè Wèrè Music, said: “I’m proud to join forces with Universal Music France with a shared vision and passion to develop regional artists in French-speaking Africa internationally. In partnering with Def Jam and Capitol, Wèrè Wèrè Music is uniquely positioned to deliver commercial and global success to unique African talent from across the continent. Def Jam, our driving force, is a powerful, unifying brand in the French-speaking and international ecosystem. Def Jam Africa is more than just a music label; it is the embodiment of a set of authentic values that make no compromise on artistic excellence.”
Olivier Nusse, President, Universal Music France, said: “We are incredibly honored to be able to draw on the unique expertise of Binetou Sylla and her team to bring new talent from French-speaking Africa to Africa, France and the rest of the world. In the wake of recent worldwide successes by English-speaking artists, I’m absolutely convinced that the French-speaking scene will also without doubt shine on the world stage, with Def Jam Africa as the spearhead!”
Franck Kacou, Managing Director, Universal Music Africa, said: “Having launched and developed the Def Jam Africa brand in this region of the continent, I’m delighted to see it take on a new dimension through this partnership. I know Binetou’s passion and expertise and combined with the skills of our Capitol and Universal Music France teams, this will only create more opportunities and success for the many talents from French-speaking Africa.”
Alexandre Kirchhoff, Managing Director, Capitol Label Services, said: “French-speaking Sub-Saharan Africa is the biggest growth engine in Africa and remains a world-class centre of musical talent that has greatly influenced and impacted French music past and present, thanks in particular, to the diasporas. The Capitol team in France is delighted to partner with Binetou Sylla. Our shared vision knows no boundaries, and we look forward to this exciting and what will be an extremely productive musical adventure.”
From today, 02 October 2025, Disney+ customers in South Africa have access to both ESPN and ESPN 2 linear channels, bringing the greatest sporting moments from US and International sporting leagues to the existing vast content library on the platform.
At no extra cost, fans will be able to schedule appointments with thrilling matchups, unmissable moments and heart-pounding programming from the two channels. The action is already underway, with the football season kicking off with no less than six leagues, including the English Football League (EFL), Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL), the Dutch Eredivisie, the German Football Association Cup (German DFB Pokal), the Saudi Pro League and the SüperLig from Turkey.
American Football fans will welcome the start of the NFL (National Football League) and NCAA NCAA Football and Basketball (National Collegiate Athletic Association) matchups this month too, with the NBA (National Basketball Association) tipoffs from October. Followers of internation al rugby leagues can look forward to the commencement of the US’s Major Rugby, as well as the Japanese Rugby Leagues.
Kyle de Klerk, Director: Sports for The Walt Disney Company Africa: “We are excited to be adding the ESPN Africa linear channels to Disney+ today, offering South African customers more value through ESPN’s award-winning documentaries, breaking sports news, and, of course, fixtures from the most popular and exciting sporting leagues from the United States and around the world. This addition complements the vast library of must-stream TV series and blockbuster movies such as FX’s “Alien: Earth,” the fifth season of “Only Murders in the Building” and Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch”.”
The ESPN linear channels add to The Walt Disney Company’s more than 100 years of unparalleled storytelling and characters on Disney+, including the latest and greatest from Disney’s iconic brands and franchises – Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic – as well as the expansive general entertainment offering that features content from Hulu, FX, Searchlight Pictures, 20th Century Studios and more.
Disney+ customers can also stream celebrated and unmissable TV series and movies such as “The Simpsons,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” FX’s “The Bear,” “Modern Family,” “The Kardashians,” “Andor,” “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” “Criminal Minds,” Marvel Studios’ “Deadpool & Wolverine,” “Moana 2”.
All Disney+ Premium and Mobile plan customers with an 18+ content rating in South Africa will have access to the linear channels. Disney+ enables parents and caregivers to limit access to content for specific profiles based on content ratings, and the ability to add a PIN to lock profiles with access to mature content.
In addition to Disney+ in South Africa, ESPN is available on MultiChoice’s DStv and StarTimes across Africa.
Entertainment
Nigeria Beer Festival Returns in Grand Partnership with Lagos State Government for a Detty December to Remember
As anticipation builds for the December festive season, Lagos is set to come alive once again with the return of the Nigeria Beer Festival, in dynamic partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture. Slated for December 2025, this year’s edition promises to be bigger, bolder, and more exhilarating as it officially becomes a flagship event under the state’s much-celebrated Detty December lineup.
The Nigeria Beer Festival is not just a celebration of beer, it is a vibrant showcase of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, brewing traditions, and community spirit. From craft and commercial brewers to music lovers and foodies, the festival will unite thousands of enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond for a unique, high-energy experience that blends beer tastings, culinary delights, live entertainment, and cultural expression.
Akinola Oluwaleimu, Coordinator of the Nigeria Beer Festival, describes the event as “a celebration of all things beer, a melting pot of culture, creativity, and community.” He added that the festival will feature a dynamic mix of live music, interactive beer experiences, and a chance for guests to connect with master brewers and industry innovators. He stated, “It’s not just about drinking beer, it’s about discovering the stories, the craftsmanship, and the cultural value behind every brew. It’s also an opportunity to build a community of responsible beer lovers who appreciate the richness of our brewing traditions.”
From the clink of glasses to the rhythm of Afrobeat, guests can expect a high-energy atmosphere filled with excitement, discovery, and unforgettable moments all in celebration of Nigeria’s brewing legacy and Lagos’s role as Africa’s cultural heartbeat.
In his remarks, Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to making the festival a cornerstone of its December festivities. He said,”The Nigeria Beer Festival is a strategic platform that aligns perfectly with our Detty December vision, one that promotes tourism, culture, and economic growth. We are building on the massive success of last year’s edition, which attracted over 1.2 million fun-seekers, and we are poised to make 2025 even more impactful.”
The festival is also expected to provide a significant boost to local businesses, tourism, and hospitality sectors, further positioning Lagos as a global destination for entertainment, culture, and celebration.
Whether you’re a beer connoisseur, a curious first-timer, or simply looking for the perfect way to kick off the festive season, the Nigeria Beer Festival 2025 is set to deliver an unforgettable Detty December experience.
LG Electronics is proud to unveil its most advanced and intelligent home entertainment lineup to date, featuring the groundbreaking OLED evo, the innovative QNED, and the much-loved NanoCell TVs. This trio of cutting-edge technologies marks a bold new chapter in TV evolution uniting cinematic picture quality, AI-driven personalization, and industry-first wireless capabilities.
While each product line is tailored to suit different viewing preferences and lifestyle needs, they all share a single mission: to redefine the future of television through immersive visuals, intelligent sound, and seamless smart home connectivity. From the refined elegance of OLED to the vibrant brilliance of QNED, and the proven performance of NanoCell, LG continues to set the standard in premium viewing experiences offering something extraordinary for every type of viewer.
“Whether it’s the cinematic mastery of OLED, the bold brilliance of QNED, or the vibrant clarity of NanoCell, LG’s 2025 lineup is designed to reflect the way people live, play, and connect today,” said Mr. Choongbae Seok, General Manager, Media Entertainment Solutions, TV Division, LG Electronics West Africa. “We’re not just building televisions; we’re creating personal entertainment ecosystems for every Nigerian home.”
A Tale of Two Titans: OLED evo vs QNED
At the core of LG’s 2025 TV offerings are two powerhouses: the OLED evo, known for its self-lit pixel precision and cinematic blacks, and the QNED, which pushes the boundaries of LCD through Mini LED backlighting and LG’s proprietary Dynamic QNED Color technology. Though different in their technological foundations, both platforms are unified by LG’s latest Alpha AI processors and webOS 25, delivering smarter, more personalized user experiences.
OLED evo: The Gold Standard in Picture Precision
For the purist, LG’s OLED evo models now led by the G5 and C5 series are unrivaled in delivering perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and award-winning design. Powered by the Alpha 11 AI Processor Gen2, the OLED evo TVs boast Brightness Booster Ultimate, achieving brightness levels three times higher than traditional OLEDs. Certified by UL and Intertek for Perfect Black and 100% Color Fidelity, these displays promise breathtaking realism in any environment.
Gamers will especially value the OLED evo’s 4K 165Hz VRR, a world first, along with NVIDIA G-SYNC® and AMD FreeSync™ Premium certification, ensuring tear-free, ultra-responsive gameplay. Additional creator-focused tools like Dynamic Tone Mapping Professional and Filmmaker Mode with Ambient Light Compensation position OLED evo as both a home theater essential and a creator’s canvas.
QNED: Next-Level LCD with a Premium Edge
For those seeking a high-performance alternative to OLED, the QNED series delivers striking visual depth through Mini LED and Dynamic QNED Color, replacing traditional quantum dot technology. With precise light control managed by the Alpha AI processor, these TVs offer brilliant contrast and clarity, rivaling OLED’s excellence in large, well-lit environments.
The 2025 QNED models also shine in the gaming arena with 4K 144Hz support, low latency, and a built-in LG Gaming Portal featuring native apps and cloud services, no console required. And with sizes extending up to 100 inches, QNED brings ultra-large cinematic viewing to a wider audience, making it ideal for modern family rooms and smart homes.
NanoCell TV: Feel the essence of Pure Colours
If you’re after a TV that delivers rich visuals and smart features without overwhelming complexity, the LG 75Nano80A NanoCell TV is a standout choice. From resolution that is four times that of full HD to Nano Colour technology designed to change the way you view everything, LG’s NanoCell TV is raising the standards in TV innovation.
Powered by webOS 25, this TV brings a smooth, personalized experience to your living room with helpful AI suggestions, effortless navigation, and seamless integration with your favorite apps and devices. From movie nights to music streaming to smart home control, the NanoCell 75Nano80A makes every day viewing feel refreshingly premium.
Whether you’re streaming Netflix, playing music via AirPlay2, or syncing with your smart home devices, NanoCell makes it all simple and beautiful.
A Choice of Excellence
The 2025 OLED evo and QNED lineups underscore LG’s ambition to cater to every home entertainment preference—whether you crave the flawless precision of OLED or the luminous vibrance of QNED. Each brings its own strengths, yet both share the same DNA: advanced AI, cutting-edge wireless innovation, and unmatched personalization. With LG, the future of TV is not just seen as it’s lived.
Visit your nearest LG authorized dealer today to experience the future of TV. Your next favorite screen is waiting. For more information just click here.
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