SABC revives ‘South Africa’s Got Talent’ with Primedia Studios

Jonathan Procter

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has revived South Africa’s Got Talent after a seven-year hiatus.

The reality competition format previously aired for two seasons on SABC 2 from 2009, before moving to e.tv for a further six seasons and going off air in 2017. Primedia Studios, the production and distribution division of African entertainment giant Primedia, will create a new 14-part series for the pubcaster, set to return in mid 2024.

The series will be produced in partnership with presenter, producer and author Anele Mdoda’s production company, Rose and Oaks Media. The deal was brokered between Primedia Group CEO Jonathan Procter and Anahita Kheder, EVP formats and licensing, EMEA, at Fremantle.

The Got Talent format, owned by Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment, sees contestants showcase their unique talents in front of a panel of judges and live audience. It has aired in 194 countries since launching on NBC in 2006 and spawned local versions in 69 territories.

Format renewals

In related news, SABC has also picked up second seasons of Deal Or No Deal South Africa and The Masked Singer South Africa from Primedia Studios, the former in partnership with Homebrew Films and the latter with Mdoda’s Rose and Oaks Media.

The first seasons of both formats debuted this year on SABC, with The Masked Singer South Africa currently SABC 3’s most-watched show of 2023.

Primedia Studios was established in 2022 by Primedia Group CEO Jonathan Procter, while former M-Net Channels director and global format expert Jan Du Plessis was appointed the division’s president in April 2023.

Du Plessis, who is responsible for overseeing Primedia Studios’ strategy around the licencing, creation, development, localisation and distribution of entertainment content, said: “In less than a year, we’ve come further and achieved more than we ever dared hope — not least winning three major television format commissions from our country’s largest broadcaster. All three shows have the power to bring joy and improve lives while showcasing African talent and culture with passion and authenticity.”