Online entertainment distributor IROKOtv has joined forces with Chinese pay-TV operator, StarTimes, to launch two new linear TV channels namely IROKO Play and IROKO Plus.

In a statement IROKOtv stated that the deal signals a considerable investment in Nollywood entertainment for StarTimes.

IROKOtv, is a Nigerian streaming service, and says it has the world’s largest online catalogue of Nollywood movies with over 5,000 films.

Meanwhile, StarTimes is available across 14 African countries with a reach of 4.6 million subscribers.

According to the statement subscribers will have a choice between two Nollywood channels.

IROKO Play is available in the StarTimes basic bouquet, and will showcase classic Nollywood movies from 2007 onwards, with a brand new exclusive movie added to the schedule each month.

IROKO Plus, in the StarTimes unique bouquet, will show premium Nollywood movies from 2011 onwards, with the addition of an exclusive brand new movie each week.

Jason Njoku, co-founder and chief executive officer of iROKOtv said, “Launching IROKO Play and IROKO Plus on Startimes is an exciting milestone for IROKO. We’re known primarily for leading OTT content delivery across Africa through IROKOtv.com, but with digital migration spreading rapidly throughout the continent, now is the right time for us to diversify our distribution model and expand into the linear TV market.”

“StarTimes are very much focused on bringing the very best entertainment to as many people as possible at an affordable price an ethos that is close to our hearts, which is why this new landmark partnership is so befitting,” he said.

Also commenting on the partnership was Michael Dearham, vice president of StarTimes, “The deal with IROKO is a significant advance in our quest to become the home of premier African film and television content.

“Throughout the global African diaspora, IROKO is synonymous with high-quality, cutting-edge Nollywood filmed entertainment and their extensive catalogue of prime-time Nollywood movies resonates well with StarTimes’ vision to provide every African family access to high-quality digital entertainment...”