Canal+ To Axe M-Net's Mzansi Bioskop And Mzansi Music Channels On DStv

As part of Canal+'s continued cost cutting measures at MultiChoice, the French broadcaster will be axing both Mzansi Bioskop and Mzansi Wethu on DStv. With both channels set to go dark on DStv platforms across Africa from 16 September.

Mzansi Bioskop was launched on MultiChoice's DStv by September 2013 and served as a 24 hour movie channel offering homegrown South African movies. It started out as a weekly slot on Mzansi Magic before expanding to become a dedicated channel.

It featured low-budget, township-style stories previously shown on Mzansi Magic, and content from MultiChoice Talent Factory. These included films like Is’ithembu SikaMsongelwa, O Kae Molao and The Milton Empire.

Mzansi Music was a 24 hour South African music channel offering music with an emphasis on soulful Afro-pop, maskandi, jazz, gospel, house, and classic/feel-good hits. Programming included House Grooves, Afro Pop Hits and Daily 5.

These channels were spun-off from Mzansi Magic and were tailored for mainly DStv Access with Mzansi Music seen on DStv Easyview. News of their demise comes after the company had axed M-Net's Magic Showcase and CineMagic channels.

DStv Access consumers would lose 4 channels with DStv Easyview that had lost 3 channels. 

Canal+ is reportedly looking to rollout a new channel in place of Magic Showcase and CineMagic as test cards had been spotted for both channels. While content from Mzansi Bioskop and Mzansi Music will be carried onto remaining Mzansi Magic channels.