Meet Paramount’s 10 culture squad members championing African culture

This Africa Month, the Paramount Culture Squad are doing it ‘For the Culture’. Paramount Africa has refreshed its Culture Squad to continue the mission of giving African originality a bigger stage and empowering the youth. In May, Africa celebrates continental unity and cultural pride. In line with this, the Culture Squad are a powerhouse ensemble from Paramount’s iconic brand channels including MTV Base, BET Africa, Nickelodeon and MTV, showcasing the richness of African youth and entertainment pop-culture.

At the heart of the ‘For the Culture’ campaign lie 10 oracles of African pop culture. Embodying the essence of African youth, the Culture Squad members have their ngers on the pulse of what is hot and shaping the future of African entertainment. ey lead conversations, push boundaries, and in uence cultural shi s with their contagious energy and unwavering commitment to amplifying voices from every corner of the continent.

Monde Twala, senior vice president & co-general manager of Paramount Africa & Lead BET International, says, “Africa’s time is now! e Paramount Culture Squad exempli es our dedication to empowering young Africans, giving African originality a bigger stage, and ensuring that the diverse voices of our youth are heard loud and clear. We are thrilled to be working with these exceptionally talented content curators and excited to open doors for the next generation of cultural trailblazers.”

e ten culture squad members are:

For MTV Base: Ilo, aka Ilowitd

o: A captivating force on MTV Base who brings undeniable charisma to the screen, connecting with MTV Base audiences with his infectious energy. Last year, he won the ‘Prize for Onair Personality’ at the 17th Future Awards Africa. Catch him on Top Ten Street Anthems,

ursdays at 19:00 WAT, Ofcial Naija Top Ten on Saturdays at 18:00 WAT and Word on the Streets on Sundays at 20:00 WAT on Dstv channel 322.

Oluchi: Known as the Master of the Mic, recently joined the squad in March 2024 and she is stepping up to the challenge. She always nds a way to bring her unique and interesting perspectives onto the screen. Catch her on Word on the Streets on Sundays at 20:00 WAT and watch out for her on Ghosted, coming soon to Dstv channel 322.

Caddy: A blend of charisma, fashion, colour and vibes! Caddy is a radio DJ as well as an MTV Base culture squad member and one word to describe him is FRESH. Catch him on Newsish, Monday – Friday at 17:00 and on SA Hits Countdown on Saturdays at 12:00 CAT on Dstv channel 322.

Lerai: A familiar face on the network, Lerai is a force to be reckoned with. Opinionated, intelligent and so much fun! She is a social activist and is passionate about empowering youth. Catch her on Newsish, Monday – Friday at 17:00 CAT and don’t miss her on Choose or Lose, a one hour special on 15 May at 17:30 CAT on Dstv channel 322.

Shamiso: With her signature style and outspoken personality, she brings a bold and unapologetic voice to MTV Base, earning her the well-deserved title — “Shameless.”catch her on Newsish, Monday – Friday at 17:00 CAT and on SA Hits Countdown on Saturdays at 12:00 CAT on Dstv channel 322.

For BET Africa: Ayanda MVP:

Combining the energy of a club DJ with the skill required for being a radio DJ proves that Ayanda is a force to be reckoned with. Her undeniable leading lady presence will always have you glued to the screen on BET Africa. Catch her on Beatz & Rhymes, Monday- Friday at 16:30 CAT on Dstv channel 129.

Daala: e multitalented presenter, in uencer, content creator, model, and host who joined the Culture Squad in April 2024 is known as “the Goddess of Skillz”, and for good reason, too, as she brings her array of talents to the channel. Catch her on BET A List on 4 June at 20:25 WAT/ 21:25 CAT and BET Streetz on Wednesdays at 20:25 WAT/ 21:25 CAT on Dstv channel 129.

Leddi G: A true citizen of the world. Leddi G brings her passion for travel, beauty and fashion to BET Africa. Calm, cool and cultured, you can catch Leddi G on BET Streetz every ursday at 20:25 WAT/ 21:25 CAT on Dstv channel 129.