Image: MTN Group | Original image source.
From Lagos to screens across Africa, Mimi Bartels' new comedy marks MTN One TV's entry into original programming and opens another exciting chapter for Nollywood distribution.
Lagos is taking its relationship drama across African borders, and this time, MTN is helping lead the way!
Telecommunications giant MTN has officially stepped into original television programming with 100 Ways to Stay Single in Lagos, a Nigerian-led comedy-drama created by filmmaker Mimi Bartels.
But the real excitement goes beyond the series itself. MTN One TV is positioning African storytelling at the heart of its entertainment ambitions, potentially creating another important distribution pathway for Nollywood producers.
Announced on October 30, 2026, the series marks the platform's first original production and is available to audiences in South Africa, Ghana and Zambia, with additional African markets expected to follow.
Love, Friendship and the Beautiful Chaos of Lagos
If there is one city that knows how to turn romance into an adventure, it is Lagos!
100 Ways to Stay Single in Lagos explores the entertaining complications of modern relationships, friendships and romantic expectations in one of Africa's most energetic cities.
The story follows Kaven, who arrives in Lagos from Abuja and reconnects with her childhood friend JT. Alongside their recently separated housemate Ralu, the characters navigate dating, emotional expectations and the often unpredictable realities of finding love.
The premise combines familiar relationship struggles with the distinctive personality of Lagos, offering a story that viewers across Africa may recognize even when their own cities and cultures differ.
After all, whether someone is dating in Lagos, Accra or Johannesburg, misunderstandings, friendship complications and questionable romantic decisions can feel remarkably familiar!
Mimi Bartels Takes Nigerian Storytelling Beyond Borders
At the centre of this production is Nigerian filmmaker Mimi Bartels, co-founder and Director of Creative and Productions at Anakle Films.
Bartels' involvement is particularly significant because the series brings together creative talent from Nigeria, South Africa and Ghana, demonstrating the possibilities of collaboration between African entertainment industries.
South African actor Bohang Moeko is among the performers featured in the production, adding another recognizable name to its multinational creative team.
For Bartels, the opportunity to take a Nigerian-created story to audiences in multiple African countries demonstrates the value of partnerships between filmmakers and distribution platforms.
Rather than limiting the series to its country of origin, MTN One TV has introduced it to several markets from the beginning.
That approach could become increasingly important for African filmmakers who want their work to travel without sacrificing the cultural authenticity that makes local stories distinctive.
From Cape Town Premiere to a Three-Country Launch
The series received a special world-premiere screening of its first episode on October 29, 2026, alongside MIP Africa in Cape Town, South Africa.
The industry event brought together entertainment professionals, producers and potential distribution partners, making it a fitting venue for MTN One TV to unveil its original-programming ambitions.
MTN participated as a Platinum Sponsor and organized pitch sessions designed to introduce the platform to African content creators and explore possible collaborations.
Those sessions are especially interesting because they suggest MTN is looking beyond a single television series toward a broader relationship with the continent's creative industries.
However, the company has not publicly confirmed which projects will follow its first original or provided a detailed schedule for the next wave of market launches.
Could MTN One TV Become Nollywood's Next Big Distribution Opportunity?
For years, Nollywood filmmakers have expanded their audiences through cinema releases, television networks, YouTube channels and international streaming platforms.
Now, regional streaming services may offer another route to reach viewers.
MTN One TV describes itself as a mobile-first, multi-screen entertainment platform, an approach that could complement the viewing habits of African audiences who increasingly consume video on connected devices.
Its arrival in original programming raises several interesting possibilities for the Nigerian entertainment industry.
First, more regional distribution options. Nigerian producers may eventually have additional opportunities to present their work to viewers across several African countries through a single platform relationship.
Second, more cross-border collaborations. Productions that combine actors, writers and filmmakers from different countries can introduce audiences to new talent and creative perspectives.
Third, new commercial partnerships. If MTN expands its commissioning activities, independent producers could gain access to additional buyers and potentially more ways to finance and distribute their projects.
These opportunities remain possibilities rather than confirmed outcomes. MTN has not disclosed the financial terms of the series, future commissioning commitments or verified viewing figures for the launch.
Nevertheless, the debut represents another encouraging development in the evolution of African entertainment distribution.
Why This Launch Matters for Nollywood
What makes 100 Ways to Stay Single in Lagos particularly interesting is not simply its relationship-driven storyline.
It is the decision to make a Nigerian-led production the starting point for MTN One TV's original-content journey.
That choice places Nigerian creative leadership in a prominent position as the platform attempts to build its entertainment identity across Africa.
It also reflects a powerful reality: African stories do not necessarily need to lose their local flavour to connect with international or regional viewers.
A story grounded in Lagos can still entertain someone watching in Accra, Johannesburg or Lusaka.
For Nollywood, every credible new distribution channel potentially strengthens the industry's ability to reach audiences, attract partnerships and expand its commercial opportunities.
Whether MTN One TV becomes a major player in African entertainment will depend on the reception of its programming, the scale of future investment and the platform's ability to build a sustainable audience.
But with Mimi Bartels helping lead its first original production, the platform has certainly given Nigerian filmmakers something worth watching.
Join the Conversation
Could MTN One TV become another major destination for Nollywood movies and African original series, or will established platforms such as YouTube, Netflix and Africa Magic continue to dominate audience attention?
And if a streaming platform made your favourite Nigerian series available across multiple African countries, would that make you more interested in subscribing?
We would love to hear your thoughts!
Share your opinion in the comments below and join the conversation on Nollywood Spotlight.
Sources
Sources used to research and verify this article:
MTN Group — MTN One TV Backs African Storytelling With First Original Series Launch
Viranova — 100 Ways to Stay Single in Lagos: MIP Africa Screening Programme
Viranova — 100 Ways to Stay Single in Lagos and African Commissioning
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