Barely a year into its existence and dedicated pay-TV youth channel Vuzu (Channel 123 on MultiChoice’s DStv bouquet) has been voted fourth coolest TV channel in South Africa, by the Sunday Times Generation Next Survey.
Its popularity has been due to programmes like the controversial Vixens; the defiantly Afro-centric and cutting edge CreamCartel; the contemporary classic South Park to the thoroughly 21st century drama Vampire Diaries. Also proving a hit with viewers have been shows like Gossip Girl, I Want To Work For Diddy, and Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew.
A key driver has also been V Entertainment – a 30-minute slice of gossip from around the world, across the continent and throughout South Africa. The interactive show is presented by Siyabonga Ngwekazi and Nonhle Thema, who is now the International Face and spokesperson for DARK and LOVELY. She is also in preparations for a “very special reality show’ destined for Vuzu.
M-Net’s Channel Director: Special Interests Yolisa Phahle is thrilled with the impact Vuzu has had in the space of a year. “From the beginning we aimed to create a youth channel that combined South African and International programming. We also focused on being able to operate in the digital space to allow for interaction between viewers and the channel. Vuzu’s managed to do that and has become a TV lifestyle brand that represents an audience who are proud of their past, and optimistic about the future of the South African entertainment industry, both at home and abroad.’
As Vuzu heads into its second year, there are many new seasons of regular favourites to look forward to like CreamCartel and Vixens amongst others. Viewers can also look out for several international smash hits coming to Vuzu soon including Pretty Little Liars, Life Unexpected and Hellcats.
The channel is also home to some hot new animation series including The Cleveland Show and Futurama. The acclaimed The Cleveland Show was created by Seth MacFarlane, Mike Henry, and Richard Appel as a spin-off from Family Guy, which was also created by MacFarlane. Futurama, meanwhile, is a science fiction sitcom created by Matt Groening of The Simpsons fame.
Vuzu’s online platform (www.vuzu.tv) features news, show info and schedules, and gives users a chance to register, comment and interact. Full episodes of homegrown Vuzu content – like V Entertainment – are also available to view along with shorter, hot clips of shows. Vuzu.tv is home to several web series like One Small Seed and Khaba, making it a compelling stop-off in the digital space.
