Arewa24
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| Country | Nigeria |
|---|---|
| Broadcast area | Nigeria, West Africa, Middle East |
| Headquarters | Kano, Nigeria |
| Programming | |
| Language(s) | Hausa language |
| Picture format | 16:9 1080i HDTV |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Network AREWA24 Limited |
| History | |
| Launched | June 28, 2014 |
| Links | |
| Website | arewa24 |
| Availability | |
| Streaming media | |
| AREWA24 On Demand | Streaming service |
AREWA24 is a Nigerian satellite television channel launched on June 28, 2014, dedicated to broadcasting in the Hausa language. It is the first 24/7 free-to-air Hausa-language television channel, offering a wide range of entertainment, lifestyle, and cultural programming tailored to Hausa-speaking audiences across Nigeria, West Africa, and the global diaspora.
History
[edit]AREWA24 was established to fill a significant gap in locally produced Hausa-language content that reflects the culture, values, and aspirations of Northern Nigeria. The channel was launched on the Nilesat Satellite platform (Nilesat 102, 12226 MHz) and later expanded its reach through Eutelsat 16A, enabling coverage across Nigeria and neighboring countries.[1]
The initiative was supported by Equal Access International (EAI), a non-governmental organization focused on using media for social change. EAI's goal was to create a platform that promotes peacebuilding and counters violent extremism through culturally relevant programming.[2]
Programming
[edit]AREWA24 offers a diverse lineup of original and culturally relevant Hausa-language programming that reflects the values, aspirations, and daily lives of Northern Nigerians.[1]
Its flagship morning show, Gari Ya Waye, hosted by Dinah Mu’azu and Nasiru Sani, offers segments covering culture, sports, music, current events, art, health, employment, and entrepreneurship.[1]
The channel’s programming spans multiple genres, including drama, comedy, lifestyle, youth, and international content:
| Program | Genre | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Dadin Kowa | Drama | A long-running series portraying everyday life in a typical Northern Nigerian village. |
| Kwana Casa’in | Political Thriller | A gripping drama focused on governance, corruption, and societal challenges. |
| Gidan Badamasi | Comedy | A satirical series centered around a chaotic family and their humorous misadventures. |
| Arewa Gen-Z | Youth Talk Show | A youth-focused show engaging Gen-Z on education, technology, and cultural identity. |
| Mata A Yau | Women's Lifestyle | Covers issues affecting women, including health, empowerment, and family. |
In addition to original content, AREWA24 broadcasts a selection of international programming, including popular Indian and Turkish dramas dubbed or subtitled in Hausa, ensuring accessibility and cultural relevance for its viewers.[3]
Social impact
[edit]AREWA24 has been instrumental in promoting positive social change through its programming. A study has shown that its content fosters tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and respect for diverse cultures and religions among viewers.[4]
The channel has partnered with organizations like the MacArthur Foundation, Ford Foundation, United Nations, WHO, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Equal Access International, Wild Africa Fund, and Beyond Conflict to produce programs addressing issues such as girl education, corruption, women's rights, health challenges, interreligious violence, youth employment, and conservation.[5]
Distribution and reach
[edit] |
AREWA24 broadcasts across multiple platforms to ensure extensive accessibility for Hausa-speaking audiences both in Nigeria and across West Africa. The channel’s distribution spans free-to-air, pay-TV, and digital streaming, making it one of the most widely available indigenous language channels in the region.
Satellite coverage
[edit]AREWA24 is available free-to-air via the Eutelsat 16A satellite, making it accessible without subscription across much of Sub-Saharan Africa.
| Platform | Frequency | Coverage Area |
|---|---|---|
| Eutelsat 16A | 10804 MHz | Nigeria & West Africa |
| Nilesat 102 | 12226 MHz | North Africa & Middle East |
Pay television platforms
[edit]Viewers can also access AREWA24 through several leading Pay TV providers across Africa:
- DStv – Channel 261
- GOtv – Channel 136
- StarTimes – Channel 138
- TSTV – Channel 361
- Canal+ – Channel 297
These platforms ensure coverage in major urban and rural areas, offering seamless access to premium Hausa-language content.
Digital and On Demand
[edit]AREWA24 extends its reach globally through its AREWA24 On Demand streaming platform, powered by Vimeo OTT. This service is available via:
- Android and iOS apps
- Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV
- Web browsers via ondemand.arewa24.com
This global streaming option serves Hausa-speaking diasporas in Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
Geographic reach
[edit]The channel broadcasts to over 45 million Hausa speakers across Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Ghana, Mali, Togo, Benin, Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Gambia.[citation needed]
Audience demographics
[edit]A 2023 study focusing on Hausa hip hop programming on AREWA24 in Kano Metropolis provided insights into the channel's audience profile:
Age distribution
[edit]- 18–25 years: 29.1%
- 26–30 years: 38.1%
- 31–39 years: 17.5%
- 40 years and above: 15.3%
Gender distribution
[edit]- Male: 63.5%
- Female: 36.5%
Occupational background
[edit]- Students: 43.4%
- Civil Servants: 25.4%
- Businessmen/Women: 17.5%
- Others: 13.7%
These statistics indicate a predominantly young and male audience, with a significant proportion being students and civil servants.[6]
Awards and recognition
[edit]| Year | Award | Description | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award | Won the Best Indigenous Language Movie/TV Series category, recognizing its outstanding storytelling and cultural relevance. | [7] |
| 2020 | City People's Award for Excellence | Honored for excellence in indigenous broadcasting and cultural media development in northern Nigeria. | [8] |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "AREWA24 satellite TV launch Gari ya Waye". Daily Trust. Retrieved 2025-05-26.
- ^ "AREWA24: First 24/7 Hausa language satellite television station in N. Nigeria". Equal Access. Retrieved 2025-05-26.
- ^ "Arewa24 expands viewership". punchng.com. 7 September 2024. Retrieved 2025-05-26.
- ^ Abdulbaqi, Saudat; Janyau, Sanusi; Ajijola, Bashir; Musa-Ohiare, Sule (April 2023). "Literary, Cultural and Moral Contexts of Arewa24 Television Programmes on Selected Registered Youth Organisations in Nigeria". Transcultural Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences. 4 (2): 42–57. doi:10.21608/tjhss.2023.295341. Retrieved 2025-05-26.
- ^ "Company Overview". Arewa24. Retrieved 2025-05-26.
- ^ "Audiences' Views on Hausa Hip Hop on Arewa24 Television in Kano Metropolis". Retrieved 2025-05-26 – via ResearchGate.
- ^ "AREWA24 Programming Wins Viewers' Choice Award". Equal Access. Retrieved 2025-05-26.
- ^ "AREWA24 Wins City People's Award for Excellence". citypeopleonline.com. Retrieved 2025-05-26.[dead link]