Zuku has announced key projects for 2012, including the production or co-production of a number of new local programmes, the introduction of a Swahili Movie channel and a regional basketball tournament.
“As a local brand it makes absolute sense for us to invest in originating fresh, relevant and highly entertaining programming for the East African region” said Mwananchi Group CEO Richard Bell at the launch event.
Zuku launched in Nairobi (on its cable network) in 2009 and countrywide in Kenya and Uganda in late 2011 and Tanzania in 2012. Up to 400,000 people are now able to watch its channels. “We project that by the end of 2012 we will have doubled our subscriber base as we plan to continuously enrich our product offering through accessible, affordable and relevant content” Mr Bell went on to say.
The new initiatives include a partnership with Steps Entertainment in Tanzania to develop ZUku Swahili Movies, a second series of popular talk show, Mentality, a travel / cooking series hosted by chef Kiran Jethwa, and two very different music shows.
Zuku is also looking to make its presence more tangible through a sponsorship of Nite of a Thousand Laughs, and Zuku Slamfest, an ambitious regional basketball tournament, to be held at Kasarani in July. The tournament will bring together some of the best players around Africa to compete for the grand prize of $100,000.
“We believe that there is a rapidly growing market segment that is eager to be part of a digital multi-channel television world for the range and choice that it offers to the whole family. Our offering has been structured to meet that need – and we see a truly exciting opportunity in this. As an East African company we are committed to maintaining a close focus on this market, and are delighted to be a part of its growth” concluded Mr. Bell.
Zuku is an East African home entertainment company that aspires to provide quality entertainment at an affordable price.