Showmax to Live-Stream Tyla’s Homecoming Concert Across Africa

PRETORIA, South Africa — MultiChoice’s streaming platform Showmax will make history on Jan. 18, 2025, as the first African service to live-stream a homegrown concert. Grammy-winning Amapiano superstar Tyla will perform live from the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, with the event available to viewers in 44 African countries exclusively on Showmax.com.

The concert will feature hits from Tyla’s debut album, *TYLA*, which has garnered over 1.6 billion streams. The 22-year-old artist, the youngest African Grammy winner, is fresh off victories at the BET Awards, MTV Music Video Awards, and the Grammys. “Tygers! Me and Showmax decided to live-stream this concert for everyone across Africa,” Tyla said. “I hardly get time to be home, so this one is gonna be special! I can’t wait for y’all to ROCKKK with me!”

Showmax’s Chief Marketing Officer, Yatish Narsi, emphasized the significance of the event. “With our advanced live-streaming technology, we’re thrilled to spotlight Tyla’s iconic homecoming concert. This marks our first live-streamed entertainment event, underscoring our commitment to making world-class experiences accessible across the continent.”

The live stream comes as MultiChoice faces declining subscriber numbers on its DStv platform. The company recently invested R1.6 billion in Showmax, which it sees as a key part of its future. MultiChoice reported a 5% decline in its linear pay-TV subscriber base over the past six months, with 14.9 million active subscribers as of the latest figures.

Tyla’s concert follows her sold-out shows in Cape Town and Pretoria in December 2024, where she debuted her hit single *Tears* and performed tracks from her debut album. The Homecoming concert celebrates her remarkable year, which included winning the Grammy for Best African Music Performance and multiple MTV awards.

Showmax’s partnership with Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, has bolstered its capabilities. Peacock’s technology, which set a record with 16.3 million simultaneous live streams during an NFL Wild Card game, powers Showmax’s platform. “Peacock’s best-in-class technology platform will deliver a world-class streaming experience to Showmax audiences,” said Patrick Miceli, Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer at NBCUniversal.

Since its relaunch in February 2024, Showmax has seen a 50% year-on-year increase in paying subscribers and has earned several prestigious accolades. The live stream of Tyla’s concert is expected to further cement Showmax’s position as a leader in African streaming.