Econet Media’s Kwesé TV announced it would be adding Viceland, the youth-focused lifestyle and culture channel from Vice Media, to its entertainment offering across sub-Saharan African countries. Content will be accessible on pay TV, Catch Up, as well as the channel’s official app, available on Android and iOS.
Oscar-winning film director, Spike Jonze, serves as co-president of Viceland International, alongside Eddy Moretti, Vice’s chief creative officer, and is overseeing the development of the channel, from show creation, to production, to brand identity.
Embodying the spirit of Vice, the Viceland channel will introduce young African audiences to youth cultures from across the globe by offering a contemporary take on music, food, identity, fashion, sports and more.
James Rosenstock, president, Viceland International, says, “The launch… marks the start of what is going to be a landmark year for the channel internationally, as we continue to expand our reach and put culturally relevant content in the homes and hands of millennials globally. The linear and multi-platform nature of this deal with Kwesé emphasizes our continued vision of ensuring viewers are given access to our programming 24 hours a day, across all screens and we share the ambition and dedication of Kwesé in making this a success.”
“Kwesé is excited to be bringing new content to African audiences. Viceland is a channel enjoyed by many across the globe and we are happy to be the first TV network to introduce it to the African market. This partnership is a natural fit for Kwesé because our target audiences include the urban youth who will better relate to the offering,” said Joseph Hundah, president and CEO, Econet Media.
Programming will include original flagship shows such as “Huang’s World” (with Eddie Huang), “Noisey” (with Zach Goldbaum), “Woman” (with Gloria Steinem), “Vice World of Sports” (with Sal Masekela), “States of Undress” (with Hailey Gates) and “Black Market” (with Michael K. Williams).
Viceland launched in the US and Canada in February 2016 and has become one of the fastest “aging down” networks on US television. Since its inception, it has gone on to launch additional channels in the UK, Ireland, France, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. Sub-Saharan African countries are the latest in a number of expected international deals, which aim to make multi-screen programming available for viewers in 51 territories.
For more information, go to www.kwese.com.
A trailer for “Black Market” (with Michael K. Williams) follows below. In his most personal project to date, Williams explores underground economies in America and around the world. In meeting those willing to risk it all just to get by, he shares his own experiences with addiction, crime, and poverty:
And here’s a trailer announcing Viceland:
