Disney Channel celebrates 20 years in Africa with star-studded Johannesburg party

Disney Channel has officially marked 20 years on air in Africa, celebrating two decades of shows, characters and memories with an anniversary party in Johannesburg.

The celebration was held at The Tryst on Friday, 25 September, exactly 20 years after Disney Channel first launched on DStv in 2006.

Press, influencers, celebrities, Disney partners and competition-winning fans came together for an afternoon built around nostalgia, music and interactive entertainment.

Among the familiar faces joining the celebration were soccer star Lucas Radebe, 947 presenter and TV host Anele Mdoda, Jacaranda FM presenter Rozanne McKenzie and former Miss South Africa Tansey Coetzee.

20 years of Disney Channel memories

Hosted by Chad Jones, the event took guests through Disney Channel’s history with six themed activations celebrating some of the shows and characters that have shaped the channel.

Guests entered through a nostalgia-filled tunnel before exploring an Inspired-by Fashion Closet styled around characters from Hannah Montana, Descendants and ZOMBIES.

A Disney Channel Memory Wall gave fans an opportunity to share their favourite moments from the channel’s first two decades in Africa.

The DC20 Hot Mic Booth transformed part of the venue into a mini TV studio, hosted by young Disney Channels Klik Klub presenters Diante Bastew and Cebelihle Mbambo.

Kids take on parents in Disney trivia

The celebration became increasingly energetic as the afternoon progressed.

Jones led guests through a dance challenge to What’s My Name from Descendants: The Rise of Red, before bringing the room together for a mass dance-off.

Families also put their Disney knowledge to the test in a kids-versus-parents Disney Channel trivia round.

The anniversary celebration culminated in a countdown and cake reveal, accompanied by confetti and cold sparks.

Guests then gathered for a group photograph commemorating the “Disney Channel Africa Class of 2026.”

What’s next for Disney Channel?

The Johannesburg party forms part of Disney Channel’s wider 20th anniversary celebrations, with new content also rolling out during the milestone year.

The animated original Dragon Striker and a concert special of the Descendants/ZOMBIES Worlds Collide Tour have already aired.

Fans can also catch up with the recently aired Camp Rock 3, starring Nick, Joe and Kevin Jonas.

Next up is the brand-new animated comedy series The Doomies, which premieres on 12 October.

Disney Channel is available on DStv Channel 303.

Fans can also follow Disney Africa on Instagram, Disney Africa Channels on Facebook and Disney Channel ZA on YouTube, using the hashtag #DisneyChannelAfrica20.

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