MTN One TV has launched its first original series, 100 Reasons to Stay Single in Lagos, a Nigerian-led romantic comedy produced by filmmaker Mimi Bartels, marking the telecommunications company’s growing involvement in Africa’s digital entertainment industry.
The series premiered on October 29, 2026, at a special screening in Cape Town, South Africa, alongside the 2026 edition of MIP Africa. MTN announced the launch on October 30. The production brings together creative talent from South Africa and Ghana.
Set in Lagos, Nigeria, the series follows Kaven, a young woman who moves from Abuja to live with her childhood friend JT. She soon navigates the unpredictable world of dating and modern relationships alongside JT and their recently separated housemate, Ralu. Each character approaches relationships differently, and the comedy explores friendship, commitment, heartbreak and the complications of finding real love in Lagos.
The cast includes Nigerian actors Toluwani George, Chimezie Imo, Mallum Arik, Vine Ogulu and Andrew Bunting, alongside South African actor c
Following its launch, the series became available to audiences in South Africa, Ghana and Zambia through MTN One TV, the company’s mobile-first, multi-screen streaming platform.
Nigeria, however, despite being the production’s primary setting and the home market of its producer, was not included in the initial distribution rollout. MTN has indicated that the series will become available in additional MTN markets as its distribution expands, but its launch announcement did not specify a Nigerian release date or explain why it chose the initial markets.
The distribution arrangement raises questions about the relationship between local content production and regional accessibility, particularly as African streaming platforms increasingly seek to take homegrown stories across national borders.
The launch comes as MTN deepens its engagement with Africa’s creative industry. In September, the company invited established African producers and production companies to pitch original film and television projects to MTN One TV through platforms including Durban FilmMart and MIP Africa. At MIP Africa, held in Cape Town from October 28 to 30, MTN One TV was a Platinum Sponsor and hosted pitching sessions to discover new projects and explore collaborations with African producers.
The commissioning initiative covers feature films, limited series, scripted and unscripted productions, and micro-dramas. MTN says it is part of a broader ambition to connect African stories with wider audiences while creating commercial opportunities for creators and production companies.
With 100 Reasons to Stay Single in Lagos as its first original series, MTN One TV’s next steps could offer further insight into the company’s ambitions within Africa’s evolving film and television landscape.
