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Top 5 video games to check out in April

As we move more towards the middle of the year, it is often slim pickings as far as videogame releases go.

But that doesn’t mean that you have to wait another three months to play something decent. We had a look at the release calendar, and there are some titles that will be worth your time.

So grab your Player 2 and see what is in store for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC gaming this month!

Hearthstone: Rise of Shadows (April 9)

Hearthstone has grown to be one of the most-popular digital card games. Millions of players around the world virtually battle it out on a daily basis, and as more content gets added, the fiercer the competition becomes. Rise of Shadows is Hearthstone's eleventh expansion, and features 135 new collectible cards and the alternate priest hero Madame Lazul.

Anno 1800 (April 16)

City building games are a lot of fun, but the Anno franchise is something different. The seventh game in the series, 1800 marks a return to a historical setting (the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century), as the previous two games were set in the future. The main theme of Anno 1800 is the working class and the technology that changed the way industry works – which can have several effects on the gameplay. “The setting is more than just decoration, it influences all aspects of the gameplay, has effects on features from pollution to worker strikes,” it has been explained. So if you are tired of modern-day city building or ruling as a dictator on an island, try your hand at something real-world. It will be a lot harder than it sounds.

Days Gone (April 26)

The world has gone to the dogs and you have to fight for your survival. In a post-apocalyptic open world, millions of people have turned into zombie-like creatures, and naturally you have to get as far away from them as possible. But things won’t be smooth sailing, so you will have to craft and scavenge your way to safety. It’s not your traditional zombie-hunting game, so it might breath some new life into the genre.

Mortal Kombat 11 (April 23)

Does the Mortal Kombat franchise need any introduction? It has been one of the staple fighting games since the early 80s, and it still loved by million around the world. As expected, the latest iteration has better graphics, more blood and faster moves. If you love your MK, then there really isn’t any reason why you shouldn’t take an eleventh swing at the franchise.

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Sabrina is Back… and She Bites!

Well, not literally but she certainly leaves a mark. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (CAOS) Part II premiered on Friday (5 April) and we’re back at work exhausted from the binge. With us? Great. Not? You have some catching up to do. Head on over to the Netflix app on your Kwesé Play device and binge yourself in to a streaming coma.

For everyone that still hasn’t watched CAOS Part I, check it out here and do not continue reading. SPOILERS BELOW!!

Let’s recap last season. Sabrina (Kiernan Shipka) finally succumbed to the Dark Lord and signed her name in the Book of the Beast. Now, she’s no longer at Baxter High and is completely enrolled in the Academy of the Unseen Arts. So, it’s safe to say that CAOS Part II is going to be a whole lot darker. Sabrina is going to show us what she is truly capable of. But, in true form, our Sabrina, clad in drool-worthy shades of red, can’t resist the urge to be good.

What’s to come for Sabrina in CAOS Part II?

Thankfully you can expect the return of the entire main cast from part I. Phew. Sabrina’s worlds are still very much intertwined. Her mortal life and her destiny in the dark. Last season we were devastated when Sabrina ended things with Harvey. But, is it really over? It seems like she may still be harbouring feelings towards him. I mean, he was her first love, she ended it because she thought she had to, and he is her strongest tie to the mortal world. So, in part II, when Nicholas Scratch starts to perk her interests, it’s time for a love triangle. And boy do we love a good love triangle…

Now that Sabrina has left Baxter High, are Roz, Harvey and Susie as much a part of this new chapter? Yes! Very much so. We see Sabrina still attached to Harvey even though he seems to be cosying up to Roz, and Theo’s transition from female to male is a much more prominent storyline this time around. Lachlan Watson plays Susie, now Theo, Putnam. In part I Susie announced she wanted to be a he and with Watson’s help, the series ensures a positive transition in part II. Watson identifies as they/them, and is one of the youngest non-binary actors in Hollywood.

Plus, CAOS Part II sees Sabrina fighting the patriarchy. Even in the world of witches and warlocks, women don’t seem to get equal opportunities. But, with a bee in her bonnet, Sabrina hopes to bust down the structural social norms that try to pin her down. The girl is F I E R C E. 

If we had to make a critique, the fact that part II was produced directly after part I left little room for improvements or changes. It is what it is and we still adored it.

Want to watch? Visit kweseplay.tv no to purchase your device.

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Anthony Joshua: Birth of a Legend

With Kwesé Free Sports (KFS) streaming Joshua vs Millers on Kwesé Play, we’ve got Africa’s boxing fans covered.

Watch the Kwesé Sports production, Birth of a Legend, here.

Is Anthony Joshua making the biggest mistake of his incredible boxing career? That’s what critics asked when the Londoner chose to meet Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller, who was a kickboxer before switching codes. While fans may have preferred to see Joshua fight someone like Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury, Jarrell Miller is not to be underestimated.

And could it be that Anthony Joshua is entering the trickiest part of his career, at the peak of his powers and his fame, negotiating the weight of expectation and that creeping sense of invincibility. Mike Tyson certainly thinks so. The American heavyweight, referring to Joshua’s nice-guy persona, told ESPN, “It’s hard to stay that way, believe me. People are going to irritate him and he’s going to say things he didn’t know he was capable of saying on television. That’ what happens.”

Tyson should know. And, what if Joshua were to cop a shock defeat by Miller? AJ is putting four titles on the line – IBF, IBO, WBA and WBO. In the heavyweight division you don’t need to be the better boxer to win the fight. You can get lucky with one big punch and that’s it. Even Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has admitted that it’s tough to find sparring partners with Miller’s physical qualities. He stands 198cm tall (6 ft 4 inches) and weighs anything from 127 kg to 136 kg, depending on what condition he’s in. His record is an impressive 23 wins, 1 draw, with 20 knockouts.

As Hearn put it, “To find a 23 stone guy who moves fast, who has fast hands, who has a great engine, who forces the pressure, is very, very difficult. It’s impossible, to be honest, to imitate Jarrell Miller in terms of weight, size, speed, feet, everything. We’re going to get as close as we can.”

The fight is happening at Madison Square Garden in New York City, another challenge for the Joshua camp. It’s the first time that Joshua will be fighting outside of Britain. But in keeping with his approach to the sport, AJ has turned this challenge into an opportunity, taking time to build up a fan-base in America. He went on the Conan O’Brien chat show and attended some basketball games. And, he even visited the New York Stock Exchange, no doubt to figure out how he should invest his £19 million purse from the fight.

Joshua even took the opportunity to have a swipe at those who come into big money too quickly, saying: “My reputation is more important that what’s in the bank. I’ve been around billionaires and it’s no so much about their money as their character. You can tell when someone has new money – big chains, they’re flash and that nonsense.”

Visit kweseplay.tv now to purchase your device and get in on the sporting action.

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The Iconic David Attenborough Brings Natural History to Netflix

The master of the natural world and iconic British broadcaster brings you something wonderful on Netflix. Our Planet premieres today (5 April) and sets to stun. 4 years. 50 different countries. 600 crew members. 3,500 filming days. It’s safe to say that producing Our Planet was no easy feat.

Watch this new wonder of the world on the Netflix app on your Kwesé Play device. Or just close your eyes and let David Attenborough’s voice put you to sleep!

Attenborough’s voice fills the spirit with curiosity and a sense of wonder. He has narrated some of the most iconic and insightful nature programming and is synonymous with the nature and wildlife documentary genres. With Sir David Attenborough narrating and producing Netflix’s brand new natural history series, Our Planet, is sure to be a huge success.

The iconic wildlife producers last project, Blue Planet II, launched in 2017 and explored the astounding creatures that live in our world’s beautiful and vast oceans. Our Planet continues from here and makes great strides towards communicating the importance of conserving our natural world.  

According to David Attenborough, “Our Planet will take viewers on a spectacular journey of discovery showcasing the beauty and fragility of our natural world.” And, it looks like the series has caught the eye of THE royal family. In January 2019, during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Prince William interviewed Attenborough on the Netflix series and what he hoped it would achieve.

“There has never been a time where more people have been more out of touch with the natural world than as now,” Attenborough told Prince William. “We have to recognise that every breath of air we take, every mouthful of food we take comes from the natural world. If we damage the natural world, we damage ourselves. We are one coherent ecosystem. It’s not just a question of beauty, of interest, or wonder. The essential ingredient, the essential part of human life is a healthy planet.”

Besides being an incredible feast for the eyes, the new eight-part Netflix series strives to show how human waste is irrecoverably damaging the incredible habitats these creatures live in. And what better way to spread the word than on and international platform. All of Attenborough’s productions usually air on BBC but he wanted this message to be a global one and partnered with Netflix for more impact.

Our Planet premieres today (5 April) and we cannot wait to spend our weekend binge-watching it. If you want to join in, visit kweseplay.tv now to purchase your device.

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What exactly is streaming and how does Kwesé Play work?

Have you been thinking of getting a Kwesé Play device but aren’t entirely sure how it all works? You’ve heard the term ‘streaming’ being used, but don’t know what it is... don’t worry!

We’re going to clue you up on exactly what streaming is, what Kwesé Play is and how it all works.

So, if you want to know a bit more about the pleasure of streaming TV, we’ve got you covered!

What is streaming?

The complicated definition is “a method of transmitting or receiving data (especially video and audio material) over a computer network.” But at Kwesé Play we like to keep things simple. So… streaming is watching video content over the internet.

There are no television schedules to follow or ad breaks. You simple pick what you want to watch from the 200+ apps available, and enjoy hours of entertainment.

You can pause, play or rewind if you missed something. See? Simple.

How does it work?

We take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes so that you can simply watch your favourite content. We have simplified that process for you too.

After connecting your Kwesé Play device to your chosen screen through HDMI, you will see a home screen with some apps already installed. Select one of those to view the content.

By navigating the Kwesé Play App Store, you will discover a whole range of other exciting apps that cover everything from news, television episodes and free movies to shows for kids and videos for cats.

If you see something that you like, simple select and download it. Once that is done, you can watch the content on that app.

There are over 200 streaming apps for you to choose from, so there is really something for everyone.

We always strive to add more apps, so keep an eye on the home screen or the Kwesé Play website for content updates and announcements.

Why choose Kwesé Play?

The Play device itself is a Roku streaming box – one of the most popular streaming devices in the world. In the box you will find all the accessories to get going right away, and it also includes a compact remote for navigating the menus.

But the biggest reason is the content. As we have mentioned before, there are over 200 streaming apps, making it almost limitless content.

There are news and actuality apps like Al Jazeera and France24, extreme sports from Red Bull TV, a host of apps for kids and even some DIY apps. And of course you get the Kwesé Free TV app as well – which in itself is packed with exciting content.

By now you are probably wondering about the cost, right? Well, that is another great thing about Kwesé Play. All the content and the device is available for a once-off purchase price of R799 (depending on your region).

So what are you waiting for? To order you Kwesé Play device today, simple head on over to the store and place your order.

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Netflix Takes You on a Trip Around the Sun, to a Galaxy Far Away and into a Dimension You’ve Never Seen Before

Different dimensions, artificial intelligence, robots, yoghurt hellbent on world-domination, and mind-blowing technology – Netflix has really outdone itself this time. But, is it really all that far-out? Or, could it be that some of this is right around the corner? There’s only one way to find out…

Head to the Netflix app on your Kwesé Play device and bask in the glory of all things geek.

Osmosis

We grow up watching fairy tales where knights in shining armour always show up and princesses always get rescued. But, in reality, true love isn’t that simple. In fact, it’s damn near impossible. But, what if science could guarantee true love? Premiering today (22 March), Osmosis, a brand new French-language Netflix Original sci-fi series, tells the tale of two siblings who release an implant powered by artificial intelligence that promises to find your soul mate. But, the tests don’t go quite as planned…

The OA

This Netflix Original sci-fi strongly cements itself as a mystery from the get-go. The OA centres around Prairie Johnson a blind teen who reappears under astonishing circumstances after being missing for seven years. And now, she can see. But where was she? What are the unusual scars on her body? Who was she running from? Was she even running at all? With The OA Part II having just been released last week (22 March), you’ve got some catching up to do.

Love, Death & Robots

Available now on the Netflix app, Love, Death & Robots is an anthology series that features a collection of animated stories presented by Tim Miller and Oscar-nominated director David Fincher. Spanning across genres and animation styles, this series delves into alternate histories, surreal cities, the lives of three robots left in a post-apocalyptic world, stories of world-dominating yoghurt and farmers protecting their families from alien invasions using homemade killer robots. Are you in to the impossible or utterly fantastical? You’ve stepped into the right dimension.  

For a look into the future, the unknown, maybe even the plausible, visit kweseplay.tv and purchase your device now.

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Get Ready for Accra Fashion Week!

It’s that time of year again… Accra Fashion Week Chilly Rainy 2019 is here and all of a sudden, our closets are just… wrong. So, we’re hoping to gather as much inspiration from the Ghanaian event as possible. I mean, everyone loves a glow up. Plus, with Entrepreneur Fashion Week currently underway in Nairobi, Kenya, it’s clear that everyone is wanting to step up their game.

Back to that in-the-closet inspiration… Kwesé Play has got you covered. But, what’s fashionable to watch and where can you find it?

What’s on Netflix Where to find it: Movies & TV

Manolo: The Boy who Made Shoes for Lizards

Manolo Blahnik. Just the words send shivers down our spines. Praised as one of the best shoe designers of the 20th and 21st century, Manolo has certainly made his mark in the world of fashion. Not only is Manolo a name, it’s Vogue, it’s a thing, it’s a statement, it’s a masterpiece! Yes, he’s the preferred designer of Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw and was the first man on the cover of British Vogue, but who is the man behind the shoe?

Girlboss

She’s got it all figured out. When it comes to fashion, Sophia (Britt Robertson) knows what she wants, knows where to get it, and knows how to turn it into hard cash. This fast-paced Netflix series is loosely based on the rise of Sophia Amoruso's multi-million dollar fashion empire, Nasty Gal. With little to no overheads, flipping clothes for a living online is making Sophia rich. But, when the Internet turns its back on her, she starts her own site and dresses up for whatever comes her way.

What to Watch on Kwesé iflix* Where to find it: Movies & TV

With Accra Fashion Week kicking off in Ghana over the weekend, Kwesé iflix has prepared something extra special for you. Head on over to the homepage on the Kwesé iflix app for all the ‘Glitz, Glamour and Gossip’ that celebrity channel Scoop Network has to offer.

Let’s start with the glitz - jewellery. Jewels, jewels, jewels. After all, diamonds are a girl’s best friend. South African brand, and world-renowned jewellery design house, Shimansky Jewellery has earned mega respect in the industry. Check out all their sparkly creations in the Shimansky Jewellery short overview. Or take a glimpse at Kiumbe Kulture, a Kenyan brand that ensures their pieces speak to who they are as young African innovators.

Scoop TV made sure to highlight plenty African designers and fashionistas in the spirit of Accra Fashion Week. Take a look at the likes of Eruke Ojuedurie and Rose Ntongondu, a Kenyan-based makeup artist who is killing the game!

As one of Africa’s most prestigious fashion events, it’s important to reflect on Accra Fashion Week’s past before enjoying what’s to come. Watch the Accra Fashion Week feature for a look at the 2018 Summer Harmattan edition. Different Designs Done In Africa is a fashion feast for the eyes and showcases what designers Randa Eissa, Rosita Kuku, Naa Lomoly and Arvis Aryee have contributed to African style.

Plus, simply get into the spirit of all things glitz and glam with SAFW… the fashion features are endless!

It’s time to glow up for Accra Fashion Week! Visit kweseplay.tv now to purchase your device and get the job done right.

*The Kwesé iflix app on Kwesé Play is only available in select countries.

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Inspirational TED Talks to end off International Women’s Month

As International Women’s Month comes to an end, what better way is there than to highlight some truly inspirational and though-provoking talks from amazing women?

From powerful women to war-torn countries, our selection of TED Talks to end off the month will have you thinking, asking and questioning many things in your own life. And hopefully it will inspire anyone to push just that little bit further.

All the TED Talks are available on the Kwesé Play device. If you don’t have your device yet, don’t stress. It’s super easy to get one – just go to the official Kwesé Play store and order yours today.

So, without any further interruptions, let’s jump straight in to it!

The historic women’s suffrage march on Washington - Michelle Mehrtens

One of the biggest moments for women’s rights happened on 3 March 1913, when thousands of women gathered in Washington D.C. for the Women's Suffrage Parade. It was the first march of its kind for a woman's right to vote. In her TED Talk, Mehrtens details how the march rejuvenated the fight for the 19th amendment. “Though full voting inclusion would take decades, in 1920, Congress ratified the 19th amendment, finally granting women the right to vote,” the Talk explains.

How I’m making bricks out of ashes and rubble in Gaza - Majd Mashharawi

Gaza is one of the most conflict-ridden areas in the world, and it will take decades for people to rebuild their homes once the shelling finally stops. But how do you go about it? Majd Mashharawi had the same thought – and then it came to her. In her Talk, she explains she designed a brick made out of ashes that's helping people rebuild their homes. But that is not all. Mashharawi is taking it one step further and is incorporating solar-powered energy into these homes.

The most powerful woman you have never heard of - T. Morgan Dixon and Vanessa Garrison

Do you know who Septima Clark is? We won’t blame you if you don’t. After all, that is exactly what this TED Talk is all about. She was a teacher and some of her students included the generation's most legendary activists like Rosa Parks, Diane Nash and Fannie Lou Hamer. Through their Talk, T. Morgan Dixon and Vanessa Garrison are “taking a page from Clark's playbook to launch a health revolution in the US -- and get one million women walking for justice.”

Creative ways to get kids to thrive in school - Olympia Della Flora

Speaking of teachers, International Women’s Month should also be used to educate the younger generations about the past’s struggles – but also what is possible in the future. Teacher Olympia Della Flora says that “to get young kids to thrive in school, we need to do more than teach them how to read and write - we need to teach them how to manage their emotions.” In her Talk, she examines creative tactics that can help with struggling students - all with her existing budget and resources. “Small changes make huge differences, and it's possible to start right now ... You simply need smarter ways to think about using what you have, where you have it,” Flora explains.

How to cope with anxiety - Olivia Remes

Dealing with emotions is one thing but having to battle anxiety is something totally different. Psychologist Olivia Remes shares her thoughts and techniques on how to deal with anxiety and says the first thing people need to do is being kinder to ourselves and to others. “Arguing that treatments such as psychotherapy and medication exist and often result in poor outcome and high rates of relapses, she will emphasise the importance of harnessing strength in ourselves as we modify our problem-coping mechanisms,” TED explains.

With so much content to inspire you to be your best self, visit kweseplay.tv to purchase a device now!

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App of the Week - UK Travel

April holidays are just around the corner and it’s time for a break. It's been a long year, what with that 105 day January… so, you deserve it. That's why the Kwesé Play app of the week is UK Travel. We’ve decided that a spot of tea and a dash of queenie are just what the holiday doctor ordered. So, pack your bags, we’re off to the United Kingdom!

When visiting the UK, there are a couple ‘rules’ one should familiarise themselves with:

Local pubs are LIFE.

Tea is the answer to pretty much everything.

Mushy peas and anything in batter are a staple diet – breakie, lunch and dinner.

Protect the queen, and her royally cute corgis, at all costs… it is a kingdom after all.  

But, the United Kingdom is so much more than what the rest of the world thinks it is. That’s where the UK Travel app comes in.

Wondering where to find it? Click on the ‘App Store’ on your Kwesé Play device and head to the ‘Travel’ genre. And, if the UK isn’t for you, then have a look through our other travel apps!

England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland. London, Cardiff, Dublin, Edinburgh. This app features short and insightful videos that show you where to go, what to do, what to eat and even where to stay all over the UK.

Tourist Attractions

There are just some places you have to go when visiting the UK. Take a ride on the London Eye, tour the iconic Edinburgh Castle, explore Ireland’s exquisite rocky coastlands and marvel at Wiltshire’s monumental Stonehenge. Or, check out the place where Charles Dickens wrote Oliver Twist, meet your favourite celebrities’ wax twins at Madame Tussaud’s or stroll through London’s Kew Garden.

Live Like a Local

When visiting a new place, you sometimes just want to do it like a local. Let the UK Travel app lead the way! Explore Galway’s street and pub music or take a look at Airbnb’s in Cardiff. After all, there’s no better way to become a local than to live in a local’s home! Plus, go on epic off-road adventures and even learn where to play traditional Gaelic sports and games.

Food

The best part about exploring a new city or town are the tasty treats that come with it. Find out where to find authentic Scottish haggis and tatties (potatoes), venture over to the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh and grab the best vegetarian food in London. Want to taste little Welsh cakes, find the best meal in Glasgow or sip on Irish coffee? We’ve got you covered.

Tips

Sometimes travelling can be difficult and stressful. But, it’s supposed to be a HOLIDAY, remember? The UK Travel app has great tips on how make your travel experience easy peasy. Learn about how to travel Ireland with children or how to do Northern Ireland and London in just 24 Hours. Plus, learn how to make the most of a day trip to Cambridge or Oxford. It’s all in a day’s work!

Now that you’re armed with all the best travel tips, it’s time to fire away! Visit kweseplay.tv to purchase your device now.

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Buatsi and Okolie on KFS

With Kwesé Free Sports (KFS) streaming some great events on Kwesé Play, we’ve got your love of boxing covered!

Matchroom Boxing: Edwards vs Moreno; Buatsi vs Conroy; Okolie vs Camacho (KFS, 23 March at 21:00 CAT).

On 23 March KFS brings you another Matchroom Boxing spectacular. The main card sees Britain’s Charlie Edwards take on Spain’s Angel Moreno for the WBC Flyweight crown. With Spanish fighters enjoying recent success against the Brits, most notably when Sergio Garcia recently took out Ted Cheeseman, Moreno rates his chances of causing an upset on enemy territory: “I am not scared about the hostile atmosphere that will greet me in London.” The hostile atmosphere facing the 36-year-old will come from a packed and noisy Copper Box Arena, a fight arena that lends itself beautifully to the brutal nature of the sport.

Ghanaian fight fans will be licking their lips at the prospect of Joshua Buatsi taking a step up in his remarkable rise. Buatsi was nine when he left Ghana to join his parents in England. The Olympic bronze medallist turned down a promotion offer from Floyd Mayweather to complete his sports science degree and eventually signed with Eddie Hearn. He’s 9-0 in the light heavyweight division, with seven of those wins coming by knockout. Buatsi is articulate and sensitive outside the ring, showing real concern for the well-being of his beaten opponents, but inside it he is a “beast” as Eddie Hearn puts it. Come 23 March and he’ll take on fellow Briton Liam Conroy for the vacant British Light-heavyweight Title. Conroy (26) has won 16 of his 20 professional bouts, but is on a roll, having won his last five bouts by knockout. His matchup with Buatsi is unlikely to go the distance.  

Edwards vs Moreno is not the only Britain-Spain matchup of the night. African viewers will be excited to hear that Lawrence Okolie is on the undercard, taking on the dangerous Spaniard Wadi Camacho. Okolie, who is of Nigerian heritage, has been sparring with Tyson Fury and is known for his ability to punch as hard as the best heavyweights. But he’s a somewhat awkward fighter who lacks panache. Can he improve his style and win over the doubters against Camacho? For that he’ll have to work on his inside game, but there’s no doubting that the 26-year-old Brit has a decent future ahead of him. A convincing win against Camacho could prompt a move up to heavyweight and a more high-profile fight. Let’s not forget that he won the British Cruiserweight crown in only 10 fights.

Don’t miss Matchroom Boxing: Edwards vs Moreno; Buatsi vs Conroy; Okolie vs Camacho (KFS, 23 March at 21:00 CAT)

Visit kweseplay.tv now to purchase your device and get in on the sporting action this weekend.

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Saucy Secrets Fuel Kwesé iflix’s Nyavu

How far will you go to keep a scandalous affair, saucy secrets and dirty deeds out of the public eye? 

Nyavu, the latest Kwesé iflix* Original series, digs deep into the shocking past of two Tanzanian families – and the web of lies just gets more devious with each episode. 

Launching today (14 March 2019), it’s going to be a gossip-filled month on Kwesé iflix.

Starring Grace Mapunda, Hidaya Njaidi and Hissan Muya (among others), the Tanzania telenovela was produced by Aziz Mohamed and Big One Entertainment.

 It’s the second original production from Kwesé iflix, following hot on the heels of Kenya’s launch of popular action series Nganya.

“Deeply relevant, action-packed and with a local antagonists, our original slate pushes the limits. We are thrilled to work with local top tier industry players to offer our users some of the region's top entertainment franchises,” explained Kwesé iflix CEO Mayur Patel in a media statement last year.

Spanning 13 drama-filled episodes, the stage is set right from the start. Two very different Tanzanian households discover that they are tied together through a juicy web of secrets, lies and deception.

What are they hiding? How deep will they have to dig to uncover the secrets people would rather take to the grave?

Expect a lot of revelations, hidden agendas and secret identities – but just like Nyavu, we can’t simply reveal all the incriminating secrets in an article! What’s the fun in that? 

You will just have to tune in to Kwesé iflix on 14 March to find out who is betraying whom, and the dire lengths some people will go to in order to save the family.

Like a brand new Kwesé iflix series isn’t exciting enough, you can watch it for FREE! Download the iflix app from the Google Play or Apple App stores and enjoy four episodes each week for free.

Kwesé iflix users with VIP passes can binge all 13 episodes immediately... get ready to be trapped in Nyavu’s net of lies!

*Kwesé iflix on the Kwesé Play device is currently available in Ghana, Kenya and Zimbabwe.

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NBA on KFS

With KFS streaming NBA on Kwesé Play, we’ve got your week of sport sorted!

The NBA is one of the richest sports leagues in the world, with annual revenues approach $5 billion. With that type of money sloshing around there’s plenty hype and drama to keep the fans engaged.

Perhaps more than most other leagues, the NBA is powered by the big names: LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo etc. And in our crazy age of social media it’s almost like the hype surrounding the game is bigger than the game itself. Houston Rocket’s coach Mike D’Antoni put it well when said, “You know how it is today. Everybody’s got something to say. I’ve got something to say.”

There’s a lot to be said about his team’s coming tie against the Warriors. (KFS, 14 March at 2:30 CAT). While the Warriors still top the Western Conference, they’re not at their unbeatable best, having lost six of their last ten games and shy of consecutive wins in four weeks. Meanwhile, the Rockets are on a roll with a 31-11 record since December. Could this game define how the season ends and who eventually lifts the NBA Trophy?

Russel Westbrook had something to say when his Oklahoma City Thunder travelled to Utah to beat the Jazz recently. A Utah fan shouted to Westbrook, “get down on your knees like your used to.” That’s what Westbrook heard, but the fan claimed something a little different. Either way it got ugly with Westbrook sensing that the comments were an attack on his racial heritage. The fan’s been banned from the stadium for life, while Westbrook picked up a fine. He’ll need to keep calm for the remainder of the season, with OKC in great shape for the playoffs. And, they have a chance to rub more salt into a wounded Warriors’ pack. (KFS, Thunder vs Warriors, 17 March at 2:30 CAT).

Is LeBron James bigger than the Lakers? It sometimes seems that way. The legendary point guard has had a bad run of injuries, which has put the Lakers pretty much out of playoff contention. King James has addressed his court with these consoling words about missing the playoffs: “…it’s not the hand I was dealt, so you play the hand that you were dealt until the dealer shuffles the cards and you’re dealt another hand…” He had a big game in the Lakers’ 123-107 win against the Bulls, with some spectacular dunks. Playoff or no playoffs it’s always a joy watching LeBron James do what he was born to do. (KFS, New York Knicks vs LA Lakers, 17 March at 18:00 CAT).

And if you want to stay current on all the news, views and gossip from the NBA, then don’t miss NBA Tip-Off (KFS, 18 March at 20:30 CAT).

Visit kweseplay.tv now to purchase your device and get in on the sporting action this weekend.

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The top female esports earners are making some serious cash

For decades children across the world have been told that they will never make money from playing video games. Times certainly have changed, and with esports becoming as mainstream as a Friday night movie, some serious cash can be won.

While the top players in the world are somewhat expectedly male (there is a much higher ratio of male players over female players), female players have slowly started to make a mark of their own.

Kwesé Play* has some amazing esports action across several streaming apps (including Kwesé iflix*), and its riveting to see the athletes in action.

To celebrate Women’s Month, we are looking at the top five female esports players in terms of total career earnings (as of the end of 2018). 

Hold on to your earrings, because some of the winnings will be hard to believe.

Sasha Hostyn (Scarlett)

Without a doubt, the highest earner in female esports is Sasha Hostyn (pictured). Hailing from Canada and making StarCraft II her weapon of choice, the 24-year old has earned herself over $302 000 in prize money. There is a reason she tops the list and that the New Yorker called her “the most accomplished woman in e-sports”: she has competed in over 140 tournaments, and in 2014 made the list of 50 admirable gaming people.

Katherine Gunn (Mystik)

Spanning a professional career of 12 years, Gunn has become one of the most well-known Halo: Reach players. With the added benefit that her parents ran a successful comic book store, she managed to book a place in the Guinness World Record books in 2015 for earning a record $100 000. Her total winnings to date places her in second place at $122 000.

Ricki Ortiz

The first on the list of top earners to specialise in fighting games, Ortiz has palmed $80,780 from 61 tournaments. Preferring Street Fighter V to any other games, she has been crowned champion in eight tournaments and runner-up in 18 tournaments. She currently plays professionally for the Evil Geniuses team in the USA.

Marjorie Bartell (Kasumi Chan)

Taking her screen name from Dead or Alive, it should be no surprise that Bartell also prefers fighting games to first-person shooters. Earning the fourth most prize money for a female at the end of 2018, Bartell is flush with over $55 000. Although she hasn’t made any waves in the industry since 2007, she is still in a position that’s hard to beat. Her achievement is quiet astonishing, since she has made all her winnings from only two tournaments.

Sarah Harrison (Sarah Lou)

The only British national in the top 70 players, Harrison’s story is very similar to Bartell. Having a knack for the fighting game Dead or Alive 4, her totally career winnings $50 000 come from winning a single tournament: the 2008 Championship Gaming Series Season. She split half of the $100 000 prize pool with her team mate.

But where is Fortnite? 

That is a very good question. Eight female players in the top 30 career earnings have made their money on Epic Games’ Fortnite. The earner so far is Kristen (KittyPlays) with $38 700 - ranked seventh overall. 

With the battle royale game still very new on the esports scene, expect to see more Fortnite players enter the top ten – and eventually be crowned the highest earner.

Don’t have Kwesé Play yet? Don’t worry, as we have made things super simple for you. All you have to do is head on over to the Kwesé Play store and book your device today!

*Kwesé Play and Kwesé iflix are only available in selected African countries.

Header image of Sasha Hostyn: ESL/YouTube

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Take a breather on International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is widely celebrated across the globe, highlighting what women have done and achieved throughout the ages.

But while women are often on the go, caring for a family or starting their own business, they do need a bit of a breather every now and again.

Luckily Kwesé Play got all the women (or anybody that needs it) out there covered, as The Relax Channel in the Kwesé Play App Store is here to bring back some sanity and solitude.

The sole purpose of the app is to relax you through a number of exercises and activities. But don’t worry – it’s nothing like CrossFit or spinning.

If pilates is your preferred speed, there are six videos to choose from – each with an instructor helping you through the positions. For the yoga enthusiasts, there are some exercises and yoga music too.

Just want to close your eyes and unwind? Sure – just navigate to the Nature Sounds sections within the app, and choose from beautiful African music, a waterfall or even rain and Native American flutes.

If you are looking for something a bit more natural, there are also sounds of rain, the ocean, or woodland ambiance. There are some chillout music as well, Ibiza Beach Lounge Del Mar Chillout Mix.

There is also a section for relaxation tips, like releasing brain fog, deswitching method for computer users or seven ways to relax with aromatherapy, tea and music.

So this International Women’s Day, relax and unwind with Kwesé Play. Don’t have your box yet? Just head on over to the store to place your order.

Header image: CC by 2.0/ Matthew Ragan

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KFS This Weekend

With Kwesé Free Sports (KFS) streaming some great events on Kwesé Play, we’ve got your weekend of sport sorted!

English Football (not available in South Africa)

The Premier League is super-exciting, with Liverpool and Man City in an epoch chase for honours. Further down the table Arsenal, Man U, Spurs and Chelsea fight it out for the remaining two top-four spots. KFS’s Match of the Day involves mid-table contenders Newcastle and Everton (KFS, 9 March at 17:00 CAT). Look out for Everton’s Senegalese star, midfielder Idrissa Gueye. Frenchman Kurt Zouma, on loan from Chelsea, is another youngster with a great future. The match will be an interesting test of tactics between Everton’s Marco Silva and the wily old fox Rafa Benitez, who basis his game on watertight defence.

Fans of English football can also catch Arsenal TV on KFS, streaming on Kwesé Play. Go behind the scenes at the Emirates with Arsenal TV (KFS, 9 March at 22:30 CAT), followed up by a Repeat of the Europa League tie with Rennes (KFS, 9 March at 23:30 CAT).

NBA

The NBA regular season is winding down and – as expected – the Warriors are top in the West. But the Denver Nuggets are only a win behind them, while Eastern Conference leaders Milwaukee Bucks have the best overall record. LeBron James’s Lakers are almost certainly out of playoff contention and some critics are suggesting they should ‘tank’ games to help them get the best lottery picks. Regardless of the stakes, the NBA always offers top-class sporting entertainment. Pistons vs Bulls (KFS, 10 March at 18:00 CAT); Knicks vs Kings (KFS, 9 March at 19:00 CAT).

 English Premiership Rugby (Not available in South Africa) 

Calling all Rugby fans. KFS broadcasts LIVE matches from the English Premiership, which attracts some of the game’s top international stars. Harlequins and Gloucester are both very much in contention for a semifinal berth in the Premiership and both boast top English and international talent. Look out for the likes of Mike Brown, Alofa Alofa and Franco Mostert. English Premiership Rugby: Harlequins vs Gloucester (KFS, 10 March at 15:00 CAT); Sale vs Leicester (KFS, 8 March at 22:00 CAT).

 Formula E 

Electric cars are becoming a reality across the world as more people switch on to the cleanliness and efficiency of electric. And now the world of motor-racing is changing as Formula E enters its 5th year. The Hong Kong ePrix (KFS, 10 March at 9:00 CAT, Qualifying at 5:30 CAT) is the 50th race of the event, since it started back in 2014. This weekend 22 cars (which include big brands like BMW, Audi, Jaguar, Mahindra and Nissan) will race on the streets of China’s bustling financial hub.

Visit kweseplay.tv now to purchase your device and get in on the sporting action this weekend.

[kweseplay-blog]

Find a new hobby with these Kwesé Play apps

One of South Africa’s oldest hobby and craft expos will be returning to Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town this year, and there is no better time to find something new and exciting to do.

The expo includes and covers a plethora of hobbies, from mosaic work and cake-decorating all the way through to model cars and flight simulators.

It’s in Johannesburg from 7 to 10 March at the Ticketpro Dome, but if you can’t make it there is no need to stress.

Kwesé Play got you covered with some really cool hobby and DIY apps – and how knows, you might just find a new activity to try out.

How To Make Everything

Most of what you need in a house today can easily be bought from a store, but Andy George begs to differ. Exploring what you might need, George sets out to discover what it takes to make and create most household items from scratch. He tackles clothing and energy, all the way to medicine and toothpaste. Not only is it super interesting, but it might also come in pretty handy in a post-apocalypse scenario.

Joshbuilds

Similar to How To Make Everything, Joshbuilds covers simple and easy DIY projects that don’t require too much knowledge or tools. Most of the projects make use of items already found in a household, and projects cover everything from hoverboards, drones, solar projects and a ton of useful lifehacks.

The Fishing Channel

Fancy some quiet time by the waterside? Many people around the world take up fishing as a hobby, so naturally there is an app for that. The Fishing Channel caters for die-hard anglers and weekend warriors alike, packed full of interesting information. From deep-sea fishing to spearfishing, the app showcases all sorts of aquatic life brought to the surface through videos, tips and tricks.

The Aviation Channel

For any flying fanatic or someone slightly interested in airplanes, Kwesé Play has a totally amazing app for you! Hosting a wide variety of real-life airplanes from major manufacturers, you will be able to see statistics, images, fly-over videos and even some cabin walk-thoughts. The Aviation Channel describes itself as featuring “amazing airplanes, turbo props, private jets, manufacturers, charter companies, aviation management services, designers and stories of owners, charter guests and pilots from around the world.” Find it in the in the ‘Special Interest’ section in the Kwesé Play App Store.

Home by Fawesome

If DIY or fishing isn’t exactly what gets your heart racing, maybe some home design and decoration will do the trick. Home by Fawesome is all about making your house a true home to be proud of, with easy decorating tips, how to make the best use of your organisational space and even how to clean a walk-in shower. If you can’t everything, why not make what have just as beautiful? The app can be found in the ‘Lifestyle’ section in the Kwesé Play App Store.

Header image: CC by 2.0/Gabia Party

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It’s All About Our Leading Ladies This Women’s Month

These women aren’t just leading ladies, they’re so much more. And Kwesé Play wants to give them a little praise. From producing, directing and writing, to singing and even teaching – they’ve dabbled, and succeeded in, numerous industries. So, who are they and where can you catch them?

Genevieve Nnaji

Starring in Netflix’s first Original film from Nigeria, Lionheart, is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what this leading lady is capable of. Genevieve is also a producer, model and singer. She has starred in over 80 Nollywood films and, in 2011, was honoured as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic by the Nigerian government for her contribution to the industry. Catch Genevieve in Lionheart on Netflix where she plays Adaeze, a level-headed executive in her father's transport company. The film, which our leading lady not only starred in but directed as well, tackles the everyday issue of sexism in the workplace making her the perfect women to highlight this International Women’s Month. Where to find it: ‘Home’ or ‘Movies & TV’.

Rebel Wilson

She’s Hollywood’s IT funny girl and we love her! Rebel Wilson shot to fame as Fat Amy in the blockbuster film Pitch Perfect for which she received several award nominations and wins, including the MTV Best Breakthrough Performance Award and a Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actress. Not only is she a successful actress but she produces and writes too. The comedy Guru’s latest hit is the Netflix Original film Isn’t It Romantic. Rebel stars as Natalie, who finds herself stuck in a romantic comedy after being knocked out. Every girls dream, her worst nightmare. Catch this Australian whirlwind in Isn’t It Romantic on Netflix now! Where to find it: ‘Home’ or ‘Movies & TV’.

Nice Githinji

Hailing from Kenya, Nice Githinji is an actress, producer, vocalist, karaoke hostess and TV show host. She shot to stardom as a result of her performance as the lead actress in the hit movie All Girls Together and has graced our TV screens for years in shows like Changing Times. She began her acting career on stage and still performs in various theatre productions. Although it’s clear that Nice belongs in the spotlight, as the CEO of her own film production business Nicebird Production Company, she has her head screwed on right! Catch this budding star in Kwesé iflix’s Original production, Nganya, that delves in to Nairobi’s bustling and booming matatu business. With season 2 coming soon, you’d better head over to the Kwesé iflix app to catch up! Where to find it: ‘Home’ or ‘Movies & TVs’.

Yalitza Aparacio

Now, this Hollywood star really did rise to fame overnight. Unlike most actresses and actors, Yalitza’s breakout role was her first role EVER. She was cast in Netflix’s Academy Award-winning film Roma as Cleo, a maid working in Mexico City. Before the spotlight, Yalitza worked as a school teacher with degrees in both pre-school education and early childhood education. At 25, not only has she starred in an Oscar-winning movie, she was nominated for Best Actress at the 2019 Academy Awards making her the second Mexican woman to receive a Best Actress Oscar nomination, following Salma Hayek for her role in 2002's Frida. Oh, and did we mention she learned to speak Mixtec for the role? She’s sort of awesome. But don’t take our word for it, watch her Oscar-nominated performance in Roma on the Netflix app now! Where to find it: ‘Home’ or ‘Movies & TV’.

Charlize Theron

Born and bred in Benoni, Johannesburg, Charlize Theron is a force to be reckoned with. She left the sunny shores of South Africa in 1991, moved to Milan to pursue a modelling career and the rest is history. In 2003 she received critical acclaim for what many would say is her most notable role as serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Monster. Charlize took home the Oscar for Best Actress, becoming the first South African to ever win an Oscar in a major acting category. Haven’t seen it? Monster is available on the Fawesome.TV Movies app… for FREE. The actress is majorly involved in philanthropic efforts and, in 2007, created the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP) to support African youth fight HIV/AIDS. She was named UN Messenger of Peace the very next year. So, she’s definitely not just a pretty face. Where to find it: ‘Movies & TV’.

Yvonne Okoro

This Nollywood beauty has most certainly left her mark on the African film industry. Starring in over 150 films (WHAT?!), Yvonne Okoro is one of Nollywood’s biggest assets… and she’s smart too! Yvonne attained a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Linguistics at the University of Ghana before jetting off to France to attend the Université de Nantes where she pursued an education in Press Civilization, Drama and Marketing. Catch her in the romantic drama Rebecca available on the Kwesé iflix* app where she plays a small town girl forced to marry someone she doesn’t love. With the Nigerian film industry growing every day, we have no doubt that a star like Yvonne will be rising along with it. Where to find it: ‘Home’ or ‘Movies & TV’.

What better reason to catch all these lovely leading ladies than in celebration of International Women’s Month. Visit kweseplay.tv now to purchase a device!

*The Kwesé iflix app on Kwesé Play is only available in Ghana, Kenya and Zimbabwe. Coming to other countries on the African continent soon!