25 July 2024
Showmax and South African manufacturer QVWi partner to transform TVs into smart TVs
Leading African streaming service Showmax has partnered with KwaZulu-Natal’s largest local manufacturer of electronic products, QVWi, a Skyworth Digital Company, to bridge the technology and accessibility gap with a range of affordably priced streaming devices.
From 1 August 2024, select devices will come preloaded with Showmax as a pre-installed app and a complimentary two-month subscription to Showmax Entertainment.
One of the most pocket-friendly and easy-to-use devices is the QVWi Leap TV S2 streaming stick with built-in Google Chromecast technology. The Google-based streaming device transforms almost any TV into a smart TV capable of running the latest app technology. Simply plug the device into the TV’s HDMI port and start streaming shows directly from the Showmax app to the TV. Also available is the Leap S3 streaming TV box and range of smart TVs, which provide easy access to Showmax’s extensive library of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and more, at an affordable price point. Showmax Entertainment offers an unbeatable selection of everything from the latest of HBO to The Real Housewives of Durban, Lagos, and Nairobi.
A key differentiator for Showmax is being a leading investor in local original content, such as drama series Adulting; iconic documentaries like Tracking Thabo Bester; and trending reality shows like The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip – South Africa. Since its relaunch in February, a record 40 Showmax Originals have been added to the platform, from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.
Showmax Originals continue to generate widespread acclaim. Spinners became the first African series ever to screen at CanneSeries, before going on to beat the Emmy-winning final season of Succession to win Best Foreign TV Series at the 29th Shanghai TV Festival’s Magnolia Awards, one of the biggest accolades in Asia. Similarly, Catch Me A Killer was the first South African series ever to screen at Series Mania. At Kenya’s Kalasha Awards this year, The Real Housewives of Nairobi was named Best TV Show, while Pepeta took home Best TV Drama and the Viewer’s Choice Award. And at the upcoming kykNET Silwerskerm Awards for Film and TV, Koek is the most-nominated drama series overall.
Showmax also focuses on delivering top international content, including the three biggest films of last year – Barbie, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and 2024 Best Picture Oscar winner Oppenheimer – as well as hit series like HBO’s House of the Dragon. July highlights include two of the biggest hits of 2024 so far: The Beekeeper, with Jason Statham, and the musical remake of Mean Girls, not to mention Anyone But You, the biggest romcom at the global box office since 2016.
The QVWi Leap TV streaming stick is priced competitively with a recommended retail price of R999, ensuring affordability and access to streaming while removing the expense, waste and inconvenience of upgrading older model TVs to support the latest streaming technology.
“We are thrilled to partner with QVWi to bring these innovative, affordable streaming devices to the market,” says Showmax CEO Marc Jury. “Our goal has always been to make entertainment accessible to everyone. This partnership helps us achieve our mission to be the home of streaming for Africa by providing our customers with more affordable options to enjoy our fantastic content.”
QVWi Retail CEO Nazim Cassim adds, “Collaborating with Showmax allows us to leverage our technological expertise to create products that enhance the user experience. These devices provide a smooth and lag-free viewing experience that will immerse you in the action, whether you’re binge-watching a show or enjoying a blockbuster movie. Prepare to be amazed by the incredible sights and sounds that await you.”
Coming up in July and August viewers can look forward to a wealth of Original and international content including the ongoing House of the Dragon Season 2, satirical political drama The Regime Season 1 with Kate Winslet, all of Africa’s Housewives in action including The Real Housewives Girls Trip: South Africa Season 1, new Showmax Original family sitcom One Weeks, and the upcoming The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice Season 1, arriving 8 August.
The new QVWi devices will be available from 1 August 2024 in all leading retailers and include a range of streaming devices as well as smart TVs.
Original African stories by local talent
Subterranea
Subterranea follows eight participants of a psychological experiment, trapped in an underground bunker. Stream from 26 September, with new episodes every Thursday.
Nai-Rich
Nai-Rich follows five influential Kenyans, giving a glimpse into the glitz and glam of their daily lives in the entertainment industry. Stream now, with new episodes every Friday.
False Glory
Fake Glory is a three-part documentary series that delves into those moments when sporting figures did the unthinkable for personal gain. New episodes land Mondays.
Law, Love and Betrayal
Law, Love and Betrayal follows a tough township lawyer who forces her way into a slick, family-owned firm in Sandton. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
Shebeen Queens
Shebeen Queens is a reality show about the indomitable women behind popular Soweto shebeens. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
Die Ondernemers
Die Ondernemers follows three entrepreneurs in the funeral business. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday on Showmax.
Dark Side of Glory
Dark Side of Glory tells the stories behind shocking cases of murder and unexplained deaths in the world of sport. Stream now on Showmax.
One Weeks
One Weeks follows Fana, a charming high-school dropout from Soweto, who can’t believe his luck when he finds himself dating successful lawyer Lihle. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday.
Showmax is the home of HBO in Africa
It’s a Sin S1
The lives of five friends in London in 1981 are tested as they grow up in the shadow of the Aids pandemic.
The Girls on the (party) Bus: 5 secrets about political reporters
Find out what really happens on the press bus as comedy drama The Girls on the Bus follows four political journalists through 52 cities in 32 days on the campaign trail.
Random Acts of Flyness S2
Artist, musician and filmmaker Terence Nance explores the metaphysics of Black life through avant-garde storytelling.
Fantasmas S1
Julio Torres spins a fantastical tale of losing a gold oyster earring. In his search to find the earring, he encounters offbeat characters in comedic vignettes set in a surrealist, alternate version of New York.