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But last week, I watched two Zimbabwean productions back to back. I’m talking about Studio 263 and Estate Blues.
These two programmes reminded me of the late greats Kaleb Maramba, who acted as Chief Arinze, a Nigerian tycoon; and Nevernay Chinyanga, who played the role of Muwengwa in Studio 263.
Both actors are now late but somehow I feel that they changed television industry in oneway or the other. I am sure I am not the only one missing these talented actors.

This week’s focus is DStv.

It’s quite pleasing to note that DStv continues to offer subscribers the greatest range of television viewing options and delivering so much more entertainment.

Last week, we had the grand launch of SONYMAX, a new channel from the Sony Pictures Television stable, on DStv Channel 126, available to DStv Compact, Compact Plus and Premium subscribers.
The 24-hour channel has a mix of action and reality programmes and movies and will provide DStv subscribers with even more compelling drama and gripping entertainment.
“We are delighted with the launch of another Sony-branded channel on our bouquet which broadens the offering of high quality, compelling programming for our viewers.

SONYMAX provides adrenalin-filled, exciting programming which we know our viewers will really enjoy,” said Elizabeth Dziva, MultiChoice public relations and publicity manager.
Action programming on SONYMAX will include Ninja Warriors and Takeshi’s Castle as well as award-winning series, The Shield and Call Me Fitz. 
Fans of reality shows can enjoy Solitary and I Survived a Japanese Game Show.  The schedule will also include hit movies such as Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Zoolander and Taxi.

Programming highlights include:  On Tough Love Steven Ward, America’s master matchmaker, dishes out TOUGH LOVE to eight attractive, single women looking for Mr Right. No whining, no attitudes and leave your frail emotions at the door.

This is no posh retreat — it’s dating boot camp!  Comedy lovers can stay tuned for late night comedy from 23h00 CAT, and wrestling lovers will be glued to their screens for wrestling Mexican style.
And now to one of the most popular M-Net series Jacob’s Cross.
This compelling African drama series returned to M-Net screens in Africa this January to great enthusiasm.

It features the heartthrob Jacob Makhubu Abayomi, a South African-born businessman. Jacob’s destiny changed forever when he discovered that his biological father was a Nigerian oil baron and head of the powerful Abayomi family.

Fuelled by his birthright, Jacob is driven by his dream to create the next great African business empire.
But power and wealth are accompanied by greed and betrayal, and along the way Jacob has to navigate a sometimes treacherous world where his determination, courage and integrity are his only weapons.

Family loyalties are tested, long cherished friendships are put under pressure and at the heart of it all, the balance between professional determination and personal desire are often at odds with one another. 
In a statement, Biola Alabi, M-Net managing director for Africa said: “It’s the range of human emotion at play, the ordinary superimposed against the extraordinary that makes Jacob’s Cross so attractive to audiences.”

“Joy, heartache, desperation, passion, sorrow, triumph, Jacob’s Cross is the story of an African dynasty at work and at play.”
At the end of season three, Jacob was chasing to free his mother Thembi from jail whist his Nigerian half-sister Folake’s health suddenly failed and glamorous social butterfly Chichi battled to escape the grip of Jacob’s menacing half-brother Bola.

The series culminates in a dramatic climax when Bola’s attack on Folake leaves Jacob guilt ridden and determined to rid Bola from their lives once and for all. 
It’s brother against brother, family against family, power against power.
I had to give away too much details but in season four, things are looking up for the high-flying Jacob when Trinity, a beautiful fashion designer, enters his life, but a shattering business announcement soon sets him on an unexpected             personal journey that will change his and the Abayomi’s world.

The Machiavellian Paul Lebone engages a corrupt but politically connected Rau Rau in his war against Prospero, while Andile, battling with a growing morphine addiction, discovers a mysterious young girl hiding in the Angolan Abayomi hotel.

Back in Lagos Folake enrages the dangerous Chief Soludo when she wins an important concession for the Abayomi family, a short lived triumph that unleashes the powerful return of Jacob’s evil nemesis, Bola Abayomi.

Jacob’s Cross is screened on M-Net every Mondays at 18.30 CAT in East Africa and 21.00 CAT in West Africa.
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