Season 1 of The Masked Singer South Africa, the spectacular show with which African media giant Primedia’s trailblazing television content and distribution arm, Primedia Studios, established itself as a formidable provider of world-class productions based on the best and biggest global formats, received a South African Television and Film Award (SAFTA) nomination for production company Rose and Oaks Media.

“Bravo to the television wizards at Rose and Oaks Media for this incredible, well-deserved achievement,” says Jan du Plessis, President at Primedia Studios. “A huge thank you as well to broadcasting platform SABC and every single person – in front and behind the scenes – who contributed to making The Masked Singer South Africa Season 1 such a smashing success. We are immensely proud of this sterling production.”

The Masked Singer South Africa Season 1 has been a shining star in the Primedia Studios and Rose and Oaks Media stable. Besides the SAFTA nod in the category Best International Format, the dazzling show, with dynamite performances from A-list Mzansi celebrities hidden in exquisite masks, attracted record-breaking audiences on SABC. It was one of S3’s most-watched premiere shows in 2023 and increased viewership in all its timeslots across the SABC channels.

Furthermore, the digital agency Special Effects Media scooped a bronze award for the innovative digital promotion of The Masked Singer South Africa Season 1 at the recent 2024 IAB Bookmark Awards.

The Masked Singer South Africa was our first shiny-floor production for mass South African audiences and the first local adaption of the global hit format, which makes this SAFTA nod even more special,” adds Lindiwe Hani, Primedia Studios’ Head of Marketing. “The second fantastic season of The Masked Singer South Africa enthralled even larger audiences, and we look forward to working with Rose and Oaks on more big-name international formats poised to become local television sensations.”

Rose and Oaks Media – spearheaded by radio and television personality Anele Mdoda, her 947-breakfast show co-host Frankie du Toit, and celebrated producer Paul Buys – will also be responsible for the upcoming action-packed game show Raid the Cage.