The Story⚡
As Showmax originals transition to DStv Stream following the streaming service’s closure in April 2026, acclaimed producer James Omokwe looks back at two standout series, Diiche and Cheta M, that highlighted Nigerian storytelling’s range and depth.
Tell Me More
Showmax built a library of Nigerian originals that expanded local production ambitions, from limited thrillers to expansive epics. With these titles now available in a dedicated section on DStv Stream for eligible subscribers, audiences gain continued access to stories that blend familiar genres with specific cultural roots.
James Omokwe, known for his work on series including Ajoche, Riona, and Itura, served as producer and director on Diiche (2022), Showmax’s first Nigerian original limited series, and executive producer on Cheta M (2024), an Igbo-language-infused epic telenovela. He spoke about their development and lasting impact.
Looking back at the full run, what moment made you think we actually did something special here?
For Diiche: Creating a whodunnit that is authentically African was something truly special to me. It proved that we could tell globally familiar stories while remaining rooted in who we are. Development was intense. We went through many different iterations of the idea, and it was quite the gamble to pull off, but I think it worked in the end.
For Cheta M: Making an Igbo epic was deeply personal. Throughout my career, I had produced epics drawing from other cultures and traditions, but coming home, as an Igbo man myself, made the journey feel entirely different. It meant something more.
For someone discovering this show today, what’s the one thing you want them to take away?
For Diiche: I want people to see that African stories, Nigerian stories, can be brilliantly written and genuinely entertaining. I want viewers to come away from Diiche having had a glimpse into the mysteries and richness of Igbo culture.
For Cheta M: I want people to feel something when they watch Cheta M. At its core, Cheta M is a love story, and that is what I want audiences to carry with them long after the credits roll.
A lot of shows come and go. What do you think made this one stick?
For Diiche: What set this show apart was how different it dared to be. A modern take on Igbo mythology is certainly a fresh offering in a landscape where such content is rare. I also think the decision to anchor the story around a supernatural protagonist resonated deeply with African audiences in a way we had hoped for but could not fully predict.
For Cheta M: An epic love story set in the heart of Igbo land is what held the audience. People are drawn to love, and the daily longing for two characters to finally find their way to each other is the kind of tension that keeps viewers coming back.
Is there more story left to tell, or does this feel like a complete chapter to you?
For both shows: There is so much more waiting in my story repository. I have countless stories yet to tell, drawing from other cultures and traditions across the continent. I have not yet done a Hausa-themed show, and that is just one example of how much ground remains to be covered. Africa is full of stories waiting to be told.
What did the Showmax partnership bring to the creative process that you couldn’t have done?
For Diiche: We were fortunate to have the Showmax team with us from the development phase, guiding us through the process. A consultant came in from Kenya, and there was thoughtful oversight on post-production as well. I would not say we could not have done it without that support, but it was truly immeasurable in what it added to the project.
For Cheta M: With Cheta M, we were in familiar territory. The team trusted us to deliver, and we did.
In Summary
Diiche and Cheta’ M move to DStv Stream keeps these productions accessible, alongside other originals, allowing new and returning viewers to engage with work that expanded what Nigerian series could achieve in structure, cultural specificity, and production support.
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