DStv Replaces Africa Magic Family With Africa Magic+ After 12 Years

MultiChoice and M-Net have discontinued Africa Magic Family after 12 years, replacing it with Africa Magic+ as part of a wider DStv channel shake-up. The change took effect on November 5, 2026.

The old channel was known for family-friendly Nollywood movies, Nigerian drama series and other African entertainment. It built its audience largely around Nigerian viewers seeking locally produced shows suitable for family viewing. Africa Magic+ keeps the Africa Magic identity but changes the branding and distribution strategy.

South Africa gets R99 Starter package

Veteran broadcast journalist Thinus Ferreira linked the decision to changes involving Canal+, MultiChoice and M-Net after a broader review of DStv's channel offerings. Africa Magic+ has moved to the newly introduced DStv Starter package, which costs R99 monthly in South Africa. The package could expand access to African entertainment among subscribers who previously relied on more expensive bouquets.

The arrangement has not been confirmed for Nigeria. The report did not establish whether the same pricing and package rules will apply to Nigerian subscribers.

Nigeria awaits pricing and bouquet details

For Nigerian DStv customers, the replacement is another significant adjustment to the familiar channel lineup. Although Africa Magic+ retains the broader Africa Magic name, questions remain over programme continuity, channel availability and subscription costs. Nigerian subscribers will need country-specific confirmation of Africa Magic+'s bouquet placement and pricing.

The change follows a similar restructuring in South Africa, where MultiChoice replaced Mzansi Wethu with Wethu+ in September 2026. Wethu+ is available on DStv Channel 163 and brings together programming associated with Mzansi Wethu, Mzansi Bioskop and Mzansi Magic Music. MultiChoice said the channel offers local movies, drama series, telenovelas, children's programmes, educational content and live football.

Wider DStv shake-up

Wethu+ also features live Premier Soccer League matches, with two fixtures every weekend during the football season. Its prime-time schedule includes Shaka iLembe, Homecoming, My Brother's Keeper and The River. Educational programming includes Woza Matrics, which provides examination preparation and revision support for learners. MultiChoice described the combination of entertainment, education and sports as designed to appeal to different members of the household.

The latest changes come as DStv removes 16 channels in 2026, with movies, Bollywood, music and kids' shows facing cuts. In South Africa, MultiChoice has also introduced a dedicated sports subscription and a bill-splitting feature that allows customers to share monthly subscription costs.

What it means for subscribers

The end of Africa Magic Family's 12-year run under its familiar name leaves Nigerian subscribers waiting for clear details on Africa Magic+'s availability and cost. The South African Starter price signals MultiChoice's push for affordable entertainment as pay-TV faces growing competition from streaming platforms. It does not confirm what Nigerian viewers will pay or where Africa Magic+ will sit on the DStv bouquet.