Malik Yoba Investing in an African Startup

“Being African or of African descent is a multidimensional experience that has to be told, represented and shared. I am thrilled to be a Mentor and Brand Ambassador for Wabona because this is a successful business model in America as evidenced by Netflix and Hulu. What makes Wabona unique is its vision focus on African content by Africans about Africans and ultimately the vision to become THE online destination for content representative of the entire African Diaspora” – Malik Yoba.

Malik on the set of "Revolution" discussing a shot with camera operator

Malik is best known in South Africa for his role in the hit television series ‘New York Undercover’ where he played Detective J.C. Williams - the ladies lusted after him and the guys wanted to be him. He's also been in the Tyler Perry films ‘Why Did I Get Married’ and its sequel, and, more recently, in the lead role in ‘Alphas’ on DStv’s Universal Channel. Yoba has also famously appeared on shows such as the popular drama-comedy series ‘Girlfriends’ and the ‘Arrested Development’ with Jason Bateman.

Malik as Dr Martin Luther King in the Lifetime movie 'Betty and Coretta'

“My success can be attributed to collaborations and partnerships. It is in this spirit that I offer my knowledge and network to help get original African stories – told through film and television – to a wider audience,” said Malik.

With over 30 feature films to his credit, Yoba is an award-winning actor as well as a seasoned writer, director, producer, songwriter, singer and entrepreneur. He has co-written, directed and produced successful musicals and stage plays resulting in screen adaptations of his most outstanding theatre productions such ‘What’s on the Heart of Men’ and ‘Acoustic Chocolate’. This hardworking brother also has written, directed and produced web content for BET.

Malik on the set of his 1st Nollywood film 'Of Significant Value' by Chi Chi Films

Wabona an innovative content distribution platform which was founded a year ago by Simbarashe Mabasha and Simukayi Mukuna, who are also creating avenues to make the content available to audiences who do not have fixed-line internet or smartphones.

Wabona.com is an Online Subscription Video Streaming Service that delivers African and international video content to markets throughout the African continent and African Diaspora. Perhaps the first of its kind in Africa, the platform allows users to access film, video and documentaries via the internet and their mobile devices.

As part of the promotional campaign, which runs until 12^th December 2013 and, during this period, subscribers worldwide can view online content for FREE. In Africa it can be accessed through Cinemo, which is available on South Africa’s largest social network Mxit. Cinemo is also available as an Android application in the Google Play Store.  Thereafter, users will have to pay a monthly subscription fee of $6 (approximately R60) for unlimited access at Wabona.com. Wabona’s online video streaming service currently has an audience of 400 000 viewers on web and mobile.

The collaboration between Yoba and Wabona is part of the Africa Angels Network (AAN), an Angel Investment firm that encourages, invests in and supports entrepreneurs in Africa, primarily in the TMT (Technology, Media and Telecoms) and Design sectors. Furthermore, they match their entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship, expertise, and goodwill from AAN’s network.

According Africa Angels Network founder, Pule Taukobong, Malik’s many accomplishments in entertainment enable him to provide meaningful guidance to Wabona.

“Even with their operation being in South Africa, he makes every effort to give understanding to how things work and he assists in opening certain industry doors for them. The mentorship and skills transfer began only over a month ago – and already his contribution and enthusiasm is noticeable. That is why we approached him for this role,” said Taukobong.

To ensure Wabona’s success Yoba is planning take time from his schedule to return to South Africa early in 2014 to give the team face-to-face time and pursue other interests.