Murphy Ben Anawana
Revo+ is a premium VOD platform designed to support Black creatives from Africa. Señal News spoke exclusively with Murphy Ben Anawana, Founder & CEO of Murphy Ben International, the parent company of Revo+, to understand its content strategy and the increasing global demand for African productions.
How would you explain the original concept of Revo+?
"MBI, the owner of Aforevo (Africa Online Revolution), is YouTube’s largest African content partner, with over 500 million monthly streams. Revo+ is a premium Video on Demand platform dedicated to empowering Black creative and filmmakers, providing them with multiple monetization options such as transactional, subscription-based, and freemium ad-supported models. Revo+ fills a critical gap by enabling Black filmmakers to monetize their content globally, while reaching a worldwide audience. This platform is designed to support Black creatives from Africa, the African diaspora, and around the world, allowing them to grow their audiences and maximize their revenue in markets such as the US, UK, Canada, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, and more."
How would you define the platform's current catalog?
"Revo+ offers a diverse collection of African films and content across genres like drama, historical, documentary, fantasy, comedy, entertainment, lifestyle, and music. The catalog highlights creatives from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, and other African countries, strongly focusing on Black voices in cinema. Revo+ celebrates both mainstream and independent Black creatives, emphasizing African cultures, women's representation, and the unique stories that reflect the rich experiences of the African and Black communities globally."
Does the platform include original productions?
"Yes, Revo+ has original productions focused on amplifying Black talent and stories such as 'Passions,' a story of brothers who fall in love with the same woman. It is slated for premiere in April. Moreover, 'The Handshake' is a romantic comedy about a Yoruba scriptwriter who spends the week with his Igbo girlfriend's family in the east trying to get a handshake from her father. It is slated to premiere in August. In 'Father Chris,' still in post-production, a young catholic priest delves back into his criminal past to save his parishioners who have been kidnapped for organ harvesting. We have more films in our slate for production in 2025."
What makes African content attractive in an international arena?
"African and Black content is increasingly appealing internationally due to its authentic storytelling, rich cultural heritage, and fresh perspectives on universal themes. The diverse genres and powerful narratives resonate with a global audience seeking new, engaging content. Revo+ brings these captivating stories to a wider audience, offering a platform for established and emerging Black filmmakers, ensuring that their voices and stories are heard and appreciated worldwide."
What are Revo+'s main goals for this year?
"Revo+ 2025's goal is to launch a consumer platform that provides African and Black film lovers in the diaspora with access to high-quality Black and African films. For Black creatives, Revo+ aims to leverage its dynamic VOD platform to offer flexible monetization options (transactional, subscription, and freemium ad-supported), helping them expand their global reach and maximize their earning potential. Revo+ is committed to creating opportunities for Black filmmakers to thrive and make their mark on the global stage."