'Winna Mariba' ends on a high

Trustco Group Holdings and the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) celebrated the success of the first season of their television game show, 'Winna Mariba'.

The show, which premiered on NBC2 on 6 March, garnered an impressive 17 000 entries from eager participants nationwide prior to its debut. Exclusively broadcast on NBC2, it has become a weekly highlight.

Each week, four new contestants battled through three rounds of intense gameplay, with the final two facing off in the thrilling 'Grab the Cash' finale. This season's journey of exhilarating entertainment, precarious laughter and mega rewards resonated deeply with audiences nationwide. Episode winners with a paid-up NBC TV licence or a paid-up Trustco-affiliated product saw their winnings doubled.

The 13th episode marked a special milestone with a celebrity edition featuring a charitable twist. Renowned Namibian celebrities - Miss Teen Namibia 2023 Oriana Ribero, comedic icon OC Ebs, songstress Top Cheri and Olympic medalist Christine Mboma - competed to win funds for their chosen charities. In a gripping finale, OC Ebs emerged victorious, winning N$18 200, with half donated to the Katutura Old Age Home, a cause close to the entertainer's heart.

Throughout the season, fans participated from home by recreating their favourite 'Winna Mariba' games or showcasing original creations, sharing videos on social media. This initiative fostered a vibrant community spirit. The show distributed over N$180 000 in cash to 48 episode and 13 social media winners this season. Its return marks a significant milestone, reaffirming the collaboration under a memorandum of understanding signed in 2023, allowing both Trustco and NBC to co-produce exceptional entertainment for the broadcaster's 1.6 million viewers. This partnership underscores a commitment to creating high-quality local content, enriching the lives of Namibians.