September 16,
On M-Net’s Studio 53 this week DStv viewers go behind the scenes on three Nollywood sets and discover some of the reasons why Nigeria is unchallenged as King of videos in Africa. Audiences are also invited to catch up with actress and director Franca Brown as well as meet Ikechwukwku Onyka and Charlse Inoje, two icons with a vision and a passion for what they do.
Next on the line-up is an insert on the Big Brother house which Studio 53 visited for a more in depth look. Big Brother has one of the most devoted audiences for a reality show ever and it takes viewers on a special look behind the scenes. IK also catches up with the Director plus the Art director gave him more insight into the show. We also caught up with the army of editors, producers, sound editors and camera operators at work.
Then it’s over to Ghana where Anita spends a day with Sandi Owusu of Diva Delicious. A young, vibrant Ghanaian handbag maker, Sandy shows us her colorful collection made from Ghana’s finest straw material. She not only designs handbags, but has also tapped into the accessory market and both her handbags and accessories collections are made by local weavers. Anita visited the weavers to see the amount of work that goes into the glass beaded Diva Delicious bags and accessories.
In East Africa, Fareed visits Sushi @ Furisato, a high profile Japanese restaurant in Nairobi. Serving great quality seafood and meat, they also display mouthwatering fresh sashimi. Meanwhile 6 Tepanyaki tables allow the Japanese and Kenyan chefs to show off their culinary skills in front of guests. The menu is widespread and the food first class. Boasting elegant décor and a fairly open plan interior, Sushi @ Furisato also has seating capacity for a large number of guests.
Then join Ik as he chats with Gambia’s internet pioneer, Mohammed Jah. After starting his career as a computer engineer at Denmark Telecom, this engineering graduate from the University of Sierra Leone also serves on the boards of Espace Motors, Digital Planet and QuantumNet.
On a musical note, Studio 53 showcases the Joy of Jazz festival in South Africa. This year’s festival provided fertile ground for international collaborations, as well as an opportunity for young artists to play alongside some of the greats. Among those who entertained the fans this year were Jonas Gwangwa, Jimmy Dludlu, Vusi Mahlasela and Brian Thusi. Plus all the stars of the Nigerian jazz were also out in full swing with Kunle Ayo paying homage to Fela Kuti’s Afrobeat. Meanwhile Andreas Vollenweider was also one of the big draw cards at the festival. With more than 15 million records sold in 47 countries and a Grammy under his belt, his innovative style was instantly recognizable.
Continuing with the music and this time in Nigeria, Studio 53 attended the press conference of Naija Sings.
Lastly Studio 53 shares the platform with Taibo Bacar’s designs. Taibo is the winner of “Best Established Designer” at Mozambique Fashion Week in 2008. He owns 2 brands: the pret-a-porter range, Amalias Garden and TAIBO haute couture. Drawing inspiration from glamorous, classic looks, his designs have a signature style that is casual but elegant.
DStv audiences in East Africa can watch Studio 53 on Sunday September 20 at 18:00 CAT and in West Africa at 19:00 CAT.