It seems like forever that Ghana has been moving to Digital Broadcasting, but finally, the move is nearing completion as almost every station has transitioned to the new module.
One consequence of the migration is the proliferation of new stations with the ease of transmission digital provides. It used to be that Ghanaians had at most 5 television stations to choose from and we always knew everyone and what they had to offer, but that number is nearer 100 now.
With a crowded field due to the digital migration and a mission which has been limiting since the station was established, TV Africa has rebranded once again in an attempt to remain in the conversation when talking about the top stations in the country. That field is now filled with numerous options and the competition has ratcheted up ten notches, and in response, TV Africa is fighting the current to stick themselves near the top.
The flagship effort of that rebranding is Breakfast Live, their new morning show which is hosted by three ladies, an accomplishment the station is touting. Actress Nikki Samonas, veteran broadcaster and politician Obuobia Darko-Opoku and nutritionist Khadijat El-Alawa make up the trinity presenting the show.
As a team, the hosting trio gel pretty well to keep the show on track. Obuobia provides the experience, Khadijat the steadiness and Samonas the zest. The actress’ bubbly and over the top personality is foiled by the sturdiness of the other duo and keeps the show grounded.
At various portions of the show, they divide themselves up to carry out duties, each taking on guests in segments which focuses on their perceived areas of strength.
In choosing a team made up of members to complement each other, TV Africa could scarcely have done better. The two more famous hosts come from different constituencies and can bring in viewers from their differing backgrounds, whilst the different personality traits the other host possess does serve to keep the show from becoming rote.
Whilst admirably effervescent, Samonas could do with dialling back a little on her enthusiasm, particularly when interviewing guests. Sometimes she can get in a guest’s way with her eagerness to get things going.

Reading of the messages from the public is another possible point of improvement. It needs to be more seamless, especially as the conversation stops for it to happen and a live program is no place for awkward silences.
The new TV Africa is a modernized TV Africa, and it really shows in the production quality of the program. The opening montage is masterfully done, and the graphics fit seamlessly. A large screen in the background plays the montage occasionally as the program goes on, and it can serve as a soothing distraction to the tired eye.
The show is broken down into segments which makes it easier to keep track of, and as mentioned earlier, hosts share duties. Some are educational, such as the health tips and discussion on women’s health, some are necessary, such as the working out portion, whilst others are entertaining. The media headlines segment keeps you abreast of the big news of the day.
The show is occasionally broken up by musical interludes, and the ads are at a manageable rate and not too disruptive.
The highlight of the program is always the celebrity interview, in which all three hosts reunite to have a chat with the special guest. In the week that the show started so far they’ve sat down with some notable guests, and that segment serves as a draw for the show as Ghanaians would be interested in what the person has to say.

As a new show hitting the market, Breakfast Live is more hit than miss at this point.
Its strengths include the all-female host team, which is a great selling point, and the attributes they all bring which complement each other. Other strengths encompass the high production value, non-disruptive ad times and celebrity attractions.
Its one weakness is that it’s too formulaic and follows the script, which makes it difficult for it to stand out in such a saturated market.
TV Africa is making great strides in their latest iteration, and Breakfast Live is a key component of that. As a morning show, it’s quite entertaining, with great hosts and engaging segments.
It’s worth giving a try to check out what else is available and you just might get hooked by Nikki’s zeal.