Nollywood streaming platform, iROKOtv, will now have its content featured on StarTimes Media bouquet, placing its two new linear TV channels on the leading African pay TV platform. The foremost online distributor of Nigerian movies and music is clearly expanding its content reach, which prior to now was strictly offered for streaming on the internet.

With StartTimes boasting a customer base of about 4.6 million subscribers across 14 African countries, iROKOtv is set to further deepen its reach in within Africa.

iROKOtv may have well over 10 million subscribers with a monthly revenue of $350,000, but the media platform still struggles with getting Africans living in Africa to fully enjoy its offerings. This is due to the relatively low internet capacity available to a young digital community. Despite a surge in mobile penetration, now at 85 percent, internet proliferation still hovers around 26 percent, well below the global average of 35 percent. iROKOtv needs this deal to secure much needed traction on a market primed to become the next global economic hub after Asia.

iROKO Play, available in the StarTimes Basic Bouquet, will broadcast classic Nollywood movies from 2007 till date, with a new premièred movie showcased each month. iROKO Plus, also included in the StarTimes Unique Bouquet, will show top Nollywood movies from 2011 onwards with the addition of a brand new movie every week. In addition, both channels will also show “behind the scenes” interviews with celebrities and magazine shows.

Jason Njoku, the founder and CEO of iROKOtv, explained that with digital migration spreading rapidly throughout the continent, now is the right time to expand distribution and move into the Linear TV market.

The media streaming platform is the largest licensor and distributor of Nollywood movies with over 5000 licences of Nigerian films under its collection.