SORELE MEDIA, a vibrant 100% female-owned African media company, has taken a leap into the evolving digital media space by launching AzaTV. AzaTV is an online TV platform that aims to deliver the very best in entertainment, lifestyle, talk and inspirational content to Africans by Africans.
We talk to the powerhouse combination of media personalities Stephina Zwane and Salamina Mosese about their new venture.
What is AZA TV about?
It is inspired by our desire to see more content from Africans to Africans on the go. Aza means powerful in KiSwahili. It is our express wish to encourage Africans to think of themselves from a position of power. Our aim is to celebrate who we are as Africans through various shows that we have on the platform, and through the many more that we will have when we start to work with more independent producers from across the continent.
How did you ladies come up with the idea?
We have been in the media and entertainment space for many years, both on-screen and behind the scenes. This experience has not only challenged our thinking, but it has also equipped us with the know-how into the business of TV, as well as given us first-hand experience into what it takes to make quality programmes. We have been toying with the idea of having originally produced content; available at our finger tips for a long time. The first time we started speaking about setting up this network was four years ago. Other countries that are far-more tech savvy have online content giving traditional broadcasters a real run for their money.
What sort of challenges did you ladies go through while making AzaTV happen and how did you overcome them?
As any new business would face starting out, getting people to buy into your vision is always challenging. Furthermore, anytime you are working with new media, or talking about concepts that do not have fail-proof solutions, especially those that other people are not familiar with, it makes certain people nervous. We have had to innovate, and work with the right sort of people, who have been able to steer us forward. Although our vision for AzaTV is big and the digital space is still not where it should be, we are encouraged because mobile usage and internet access is showing a dramatic shift across the continent and this means the demand for digital content is increasing. This is encouraging.
What can we expect from the first episode?
Our four channels are lifestyle, talk, inspiration and entertainment and under these we have four shows that viewers can look forward to. Weekly viewers will be treated to new episodes and soon we will be going live with a drama series that is currently being developed.
What kind of content will it give us?
There is a little bit for everyone. For example under lifestyle we have a medical matters show called SoRare and under our talk channel, viewers can look forward to one-on-one exclusives with their favourite African celebrities, influencers and thought leaders, this is all on The Sit Down. We also have a music show that spotlights African musicians.
Besides the fact that it’s online; What makes it different from other entertainment shows?
It is more than just an online platform, it is also a mobile Application for Android phones that people can download for free and this will enable them to be able to view the content on AzaTV on the go and from the comfort of their own home.
