MultiChoice ends Africa Magic Family after 12 years, replaces it with Africa Magic+
- MultiChoice has closed Africa Magic Family after 12 years on DStv and launched Africa Magic+ in its place.
- The new channel began on November 5 at 6am West African Time, alongside a wider DStv package shake-up.
- Fans of shows like The Johnsons and Hustle are asking what the change means for Nigerian prices and programmes.
MultiChoice has shut down Africa Magic Family after 12 years and replaced it with a new channel, Africa Magic+, the company announced on Africa Magic's official Instagram page on Thursday.
The new channel began broadcasting on November 5 at 6am West African Time. The change came as part of a wider restructuring of DStv's channel line-up and subscription packages, which also took effect on November 5, 2026.
Africa Magic Family was known for family-friendly Nollywood films, Nigerian drama series and other African entertainment. Its popular shows included the comedy series The Johnsons and Hustle, which kept many Nigerian families glued to their screens over the years.
In its farewell post, the channel told viewers: "One chapter closes, but the story is far from over." It promised "more stories, more drama, more variety" on the new channel.
What it means for Nigerian subscribers
MultiChoice says Africa Magic+ will offer a broader mix of African stories, local productions, children's content and other entertainment.
According to veteran broadcast journalist Thinus Ferreira, reported by MyBroadband, the new channel sits on the newly introduced DStv Starter package, which costs R99 a month in South Africa. That could make African entertainment cheaper for some subscribers there.
But it is not yet clear whether the same price and package arrangement will apply in Nigeria. Nigerian subscribers will need country-specific confirmation of where Africa Magic+ sits on their bouquets and what it costs.
The move follows a similar change in South Africa, where MultiChoice replaced Mzansi Wethu with Wethu+ in September 2026. Wethu+ brought together programming from Mzansi Wethu, Mzansi Bioskop and Mzansi Magic Music, including local movies, drama series, children's programmes, educational content and live Premier Soccer League football.
One viewer, Ishaku Audu, told BusinessDay that the launch marks a new chapter, adding that viewers will be hoping for better content and value for their subscriptions.
The change has also stirred conversation online, with viewers asking what happens to the familiar programmes they associate with Africa Magic Family.
The shake-up comes as pay-TV faces growing competition from streaming platforms, and as MultiChoice works to refresh its programming and appeal to price-sensitive subscribers.
What happens next
Nigerian viewers can expect more details on Africa Magic+'s channel number, bouquet placement and subscription cost. Until then, fans of Africa Magic Family's old shows will be watching to see which programmes carry over to the new channel.
