By Vanessa Obioha
For the first time in the 16-year history of the popular British dating reality TV show Love Island, there will be an all-black cast. Digital Play Africa, owned by Toyin Subair, is making it possible.
At a recent media parley, Subair, known for launching the first indigenous PayTV in Nigeria, confirmed that the dating show owned by ITV Studios will have its Nigerian format scheduled for October. News about the show coming to Nigeria started spreading last year.
Love Island currently runs in 21 countries and with this announcement, Nigeria joins South Africa in showcasing the continent dating lifestyle.
The show sees single men and women live together in a villa and couple up in the hope of finding love and winning a cash prize.
For Love Island Nigeria, 20 singles will live together in a Love Island Villa, to share the true essence of love, romance, friendship and relationship with all the twists and intrigues for seven exhilarating weeks.
Details of location, audition and ultimate cash prize are yet to be disclosed. However, the show will be broadcast to millions of entertainment fans via FreeTV’s free to air and premium channels; including ONTV and MTV Base among others. The show will also be available for digital streaming via the 9Vision mobile app.
According to Subair, “As we have already seen in different parts of the world, Love Island works equally well across linear, digital and catch-up platforms,” said Head of Global Content and Productions at ITV Studios Global Entertainment, Huub Van Ballegooy.
“With love being a universal language and the growing Nigerian market, we are very excited to roll out Love Island soon in Nigeria as well.”
For Subair, Love Island perfectly sums the expectations Nigerians have of entertainment as the programme offers a rich mix of fun while still touching on the subjects of friendship, love, romance and enduring relationships between islanders.
Odiri Iwuji of Chudor House Production serves as executive producer on the show while Neil Oyenekan is the series producer.
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