Media executive Mo Abudu has reacted to reports that streaming platform Showmax will be discontinued, saying African creatives must build sustainable platforms for their own market.
News of the planned shutdown circulated on Thursday after Canal+, the new owner of MultiChoice Group, announced the decision as part of a broader cost cutting move.
In a post on Instagram, Mo shared her thoughts on the development and urged stakeholders in the industry to focus on building local solutions.
She wrote, “𝐍𝐨 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐈𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐨 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐔𝐬. 𝐈𝐭 𝐈𝐬 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐔𝐬 𝐓𝐨 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐎𝐰𝐧
“I know many of you have heard the news about platforms like Showmax closing and have seen other streamers reduce their investment across the continent. Let me say this with complete sincerity. No one is coming to save us. It is up to us to build sustainable business models that truly work for our market.
“It is still very early days for the new indigenous Nigerian streaming platforms that have launched recently. At @EbonyLife0NPlus, we are committed to doing everything we can to grow and strengthen our platform. We understand that it is a long journey and we are prepared for the work and patience it requires.
“We are a continent rich in culture, tradition, and powerful stories. We must learn from global success stories, adapt what works, and create our own pathways because that is exactly what others have done.
“I truly believe we are capable of this.
“The future is in our hands. Let us build it with confidence, collaboration, and belief.
“Personally, I see this as an opportunity rather than a challenge
“Local for Local
Local for Global
“Mo Abudu
CEO and Founder, EbonyLife Group”
Canal+, which recently acquired MultiChoice Group, announced plans to discontinue Showmax following a review of the company’s streaming operations.
According to the company, the decision is aimed at ensuring long term sustainability in an increasingly competitive streaming market.
In an email sent to subscribers on Thursday, the company explained the move.
The email reads, “Dear valued Customer,
“We’re writing to inform you of an important update regarding Showmax. Following a comprehensive review, the Showmax Board has taken the decision to discontinue the Showmax service in the near future.
“This decision reflects our focus on strengthening our overall digital offering and ensuring long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive streaming environment.”
The platform added that there will be no immediate interruption to current services and that subscribers can continue streaming while further details are being finalised.
Launched in 2015 by MultiChoice, Showmax operates across several African countries and offers local and international films and series. The platform was created to compete with global streaming services while supporting African productions.
Reacting to the news, several netizens expressed their displeasure while others called for stronger local streaming platforms across the continent.
