BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
BCN (Black Creator Network), an entertainment cable channel dedicated to Black storytelling, officially launches across Africa in partnership with Azam TV, reaching millions of audiences across Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Malawi, Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda.
In a statement released today, it was revealed that at a time when access to premium Black content has been disrupted, BCN steps forward with a clear mission: to bring powerful, authentic, and globally relevant Black stories back to African audiences.
The launch follows the shutdown of BET Africa, which left a noticeable gap in access to highquality Black American entertainment on the continent. BCN is built to fill that gap, while expanding beyond it.
“Black culture drives global conversation. When access to that culture is limited, it creates a disconnect,” said Michael Maponga, CEO of Maponga Studios.
“BCN is here to restore that connection, and take it further by bringing together stories from across the entire Black diaspora.”
Maponga revealed that BCN launches with a curated mix of premium Black American content alongside standout PanAfrican titles, reflecting the full spectrum of Black storytelling.
The channel’s lineup includes:
• King of the Castle, starring Tony Rock
• American King, featuring Akon
• Twisted Vines, starring Vivica A. Fox
• Grandma’s House, featuring Coco Jones and Wendy Raquel Robinson
Alongside these are acclaimed African titles such as:
• Angeliena (South Africa)
• Santana (South Africa)
• A Romantic Comedy Featuring Lara & Tobi (Nigeria)
With over 5 000 hours of content at launch, BCN delivers a consistent stream of movies, series, and original programming that reflects both the depth and diversity of Black experiences worldwide.
BCN is owned and operated by Maponga Studios, a Black-owned media company committed to reshaping how Black stories are distributed globally.
For founder Michael Maponga, the launch carries personal significance as he said: “Zimbabwe is home. To now bring a channel like BCN back to Zimbabwe, and across Africa, is more than business, it’s purpose,” he said. “This is about ownership, representation, and making sure our stories are not filtered or sidelined, but centered.”
Through its partnership with Azam TV, one of Africa’s leading pay-TV platforms, BCN is positioned to reach millions of households and establish itself as a long-term home for premium Black entertainment.
BCN is a pay-TV entertainment channel bringing the best of global Black storytelling to Africa, from Hollywood and independent cinema to Nollywood and across the diaspora. The network delivers premium movies, series, and original programming that celebrate culture, identity, and the power of Black stories worldwide.
And Maponga Studios is a Black-owned media company focused on film, television, and distribution. With a mission to elevate authentic storytelling worldwide, the studio develops, produces, and distributes content across multiple platforms and international markets.
