The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, RMD, others honoured at TPP Fest

    Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, RMD, others honoured at TPP Fest

    It  was a night of glamour and celebration as creative practitioners and innovative experts across different sectors gathered at the 2024 The Peak Performer (TPP) Fest for honours.

    The grand finale of the three-day long event was held at the Muson Centre, Onikan Lagos, on Friday, October 4 and saw several influential personalities recognized for making the continent’s proud over the past year.

    Among the standout honourees were veteran Nollywood actress, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett and Richard Mofe Damijo as they received the Legacy Awards for their contribution to the Africa’s creative sector.

    Others awardees include Dr. Biodun Shobanjo, Ademola Aladekomo, Nike Okundaye-Davies, Foluso Philips, John Momoh, Cosmas Maduka, Tunde Lemo, Austin Oyarekhua Alegeh, Fola Adeola, Stella Chinyelu Okoli.

    Convener of TPP Fest, Dr. Abiola Salami said the event was put together to honour exceptional leaders and organizations who have demonstrated unwavering dedication and outstanding achievements in their respective fields.

    Read Also: First Bank Girls eye glory as Nigeria Basketball League dunks off in Lagos

    Salami asserted that these individuals have leave their footprints on the rocks of life, telling stories to preserve Africa’s rich history hence inspiring the youth.

    “If we complain when things are not going right, let us also applaud when things are going right. There are a number of things going right in Nigeria and our continent. It is not all gloom and doom. Of course, when things need to be improved, we should say it as well and also provide solutions to help them because if people know better, they do better,” Salami said.

  • Ini Edo shuns ChiChi Nworah at public gathering

    Ini Edo shuns ChiChi Nworah at public gathering

    The rift between star actress Ini Edo and film producer ChiChi Nworah is far from over.

    On Wednesday, October 9, the two were spotted at an event in Lagos and they both avoided each other like plagues.

    Nworah had arrived at the event venue earlier as she was integral to the event and she had settled in with other colleagues, who were present at the event.

    Many minutes into the event, a panel session, which had both Ini and ChiChi on it, was about to kick off when the host of the event announced the arrival of Ini after ChiChi and other colleagues like Binta Ayo Mogaji, Lilian Esoro, and Caroline Hutchings were already seated.

    Read Also: PAP not part of Yenagoa dialogue, won’t trade vocational training for money

    Ini walked graciously, spotting a short red gown, across the venue to the podium where her colleagues including ChiChi were seated.

    The ‘Shanty Town’ actress took turns to exchange pleasantries and hugs with Lilian Esoro, Binta Ayo Mogaji and shunned ChiChi, who was seated next to them to greet Caroline Hutchings before taking her seat.

    Not many attendees noticed that Ini Edo shunned ChiChi neither did the film producer seem surprised nor interested in exchanging pleasantries or greetings with Ini.

    The erstwhile friends fell out over the rights of the successful Netflix original, ‘Shanty Town.’ The two had since engaged in a legal battle with their lawyers exchanging letters before the Nigerian Copyright Commission put an end to the squabble by announcing ChiChi and her company as the sole owner of the rights to the limited series, which is set for a sequel.

  • I’m inspired by what’s happening in Nollywood, says Jumoke Odetola

    I’m inspired by what’s happening in Nollywood, says Jumoke Odetola

    Award-winning Nollywood actress Jumoke Odetola has shared her excitement and inspiration from the ongoing developments in Nigeria’s film industry.

    In a recent chat with The Nation, the talented actress revealed how Nollywood’s current wave of creativity is fueling her own ambitions and driving her to new heights.

    “I am inspired by what’s happening in Nollywood,” Odetola said. “When you see people doing great things, it opens your mind. For some, it may lead to negative energy, but for others, like me, it sparks creativity and pushes us to do more.”

    Read Also: FACT-CHECK: Can CNG cars, trucks, vehicles explode?

    Odetola, known for her versatility in playing various roles, hinted at a major upcoming project. Without revealing too much, she promised that her big movie would be coming soon, but added, “No pressure.”

    In addition to sharing her views on the thriving industry, the actress opened up about her interest in biopics, describing them as one of the most challenging genres in filmmaking. She noted that unlike fictional stories, where the creator has complete control, biopics demand a careful balance between different perspectives and the expectations of various audiences.

    “Biopics are the most difficult stories to tell because there are different perspectives and arguments for and against them,” Odetola explained. “It’s easier to tell fictional stories because it’s my story and I can tell it however I want. But with biopics, someone somewhere will tell you they’ve read a book or seen a play that presents things differently. No matter what, you open yourself up to criticism because there are always different schools of thought.”

  • SVAFF 2024 to honour four African legends

    SVAFF 2024 to honour four African legends

    Tomorrow, October 13, the organisers of Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF) will be honouring four movie legends with Cultural Icon Awards.

    Listed honourees include Julie Dash (USA), Dr. John Kani (South Africa), Souleymane Cissé (Mali), and Richard Mofe-Damijo (Nigeria).

    The venue for the ceremony and a fireside chat with the recipients of the awards is scheduled to held at Montgomery Theater in San Jose, California.

     Speaking ahead of the event, veteran Nollywood actor, RMD said, “It’s an honor to be nominated by an organization that bridges two worlds I cherish.”

    Read Also: FACT-CHECK: Can CNG cars, trucks, vehicles explode?

    Founder of SVAFF, Chike Nwoffiah stated that the platform offers an exquisite window into the real Africa and its diaspora.

    “These four icons each represent the pinnacle of cinematic excellence and cultural storytelling. We are deeply honoured to celebrate their legacies at SVAFF 2024 and acknowledge the profound impact they’ve had in elevating Africa’s story on the global stage.

    “This year, SVAFF proudly introduces the African Film Summit, in partnership with San Jose State University, convening global academics, filmmakers, and industry leaders for an engaging dialogue on African cinema,” Nwoffiah said.

  • Rema features on Glo-sponsored African Voices Changemakers

    Rema features on Glo-sponsored African Voices Changemakers

    Rema, a multi-award winning Afrobeats singer and composer from Nigeria, stops by CNN International’s studios this week for African Voices Changemakers, a magazine programme sponsored by Globacom.

    He discovered his talent through performances in church and at his secondary school, Ighile Group of Schools in Edo State. The 24-year-old celebrity — real name Divine Ikubor—did this by singing and rapping to amuse his friends.

    He became well-known after sharing a freestyle to D’Prince’s song “Gucci Gang” on Instagram that went viral. Blown away by his exceptional ability, D’Prince took him to Lagos and extended an offer of a record contract with Jonzing World, a division of Mavin Records, owned by music producer and executive, Don Jazzy. His 2019 smash song, “Dumebi” was the contract’s first success.

    Read Also: Five Nigerian actors who are politicians

    With the release of his track “Calm Down” in 2022, Rema made waves across the globe and sparked a remix including with American artist, Selena Gomez. For a record-breaking 58 weeks, the song peaked at number one on the Billboard Afrobeats Songs chart and number three on the Billboard Hot 100.

    Rema has won numerous accolades for his musical achievements, including the Billboard Music Award for Top Afrobeats Songs and the MTV Video Music Award for Best Afrobeats Video.

    During his London concert on November 7, 2022, he received accolade for reaching one billion streams globally. On October 30, 2023, he performed at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, which took place at the Theatre du Châtelet in Paris, France.

    The show will be broadcast on Saturday at 8.30 a.m., with repeats at noon the same day.  More repeats come up on Sunday at 4.30 a.m., 7.00 p.m. and on Monday at 4.00 a.m.

  • Netflix to celebrate Nollywood’s pioneers, pillars

    Netflix to celebrate Nollywood’s pioneers, pillars

    Netflix is set for the second edition of Lights, Camera… Naija.

    According to a statement from the streaming platform, the event is billed for November 2, 2024, in Lagos.

    The exclusive event will once again spotlight Nollywood’s finest, celebrating the trailblazers, behind-the-scenes heroes, and the on-screen stars who make the industry shine.

    Read Also: Five Nigerian actors who are politicians

    This year’s theme, Pioneers, Pillars, and Players, according to the statement, will pay tribute to the legends who laid the foundation of Nollywood, the off-screen masterminds—directors, producers, and crew members—who keep it running, and the vibrant actors who captivate audiences worldwide.

    Some of the big names expected include Mallam, Segun Arinze, Femi Branch, Femi Adebayo, Taiwo Ajayi- Lycett, Ali Nuhu, Shaffy Bello, Ireti Doyle, Odunlade Adekola, Chinedu Ikedieze.

    Following the success of last year’s event, which featured performances by Chike, Niniola, and DJ Sose, this year promises even more stars, electrifying performances, and, of course, the iconic Netflix red carpet.

  • Austin Aimankhu calls for ‘Wear Nigeria’ national

    Austin Aimankhu calls for ‘Wear Nigeria’ national

    Fashion enthusiast and designer Austin Aimankhu has made a call for national policy on Nigerian textile with the ‘Wear Nigeria’ project.

    The Luzol boss recently made this call as he revealed plans for ‘Wear Nigeria’, an upcoming three-day symposium, workshop, exhibition, and runway show.

    Aimankhu, who also revealed famed culture advocate Jahman Anikulapo as a director of the project, explained that though the ‘Wear Nigeria’ project was founded in 2016 as the theme of Fashion Art Fusion, an unusual fashion runway event, it has now morphed into a full-blown event and project.

    Aimankhu stressed that his decision, alongside his team, to make the event filled with varied activities that touch on Nigerian fashion and textiles is because of the importance of its subject matter, the Nigerian traditional tradition.

    Read Also: Five Nigerian actors who are politicians

    In his words, “There is a unique opportunity presented by the availability of high-quality local fabrics, hand woven and hand processed (Aso Oke, Adire, Igbulu, Akwete), which are aesthetically distinctive and need the support of enabling regulatory framework and policies as well as investment to upgrade artisanal production so that craft producers can produce in greater quantities and more reliable quality. A vibrant, reliable cost-effective textile production will make affordable Nigerian-made textiles which will thus stimulate economic growth, provide decent employment opportunities, sustainable fashion, youth employment, and gender equality.”

    Continuing, Aimankhu said, “Wear Nigeria has as its mission to bring to the fore the rich Nigerian textiles derived from its historical tradition, and her designers and artistic Afrocentric creativity to the global stage thereby driving growth within the sector.”

    The fashion buff and his team also posited that a paper will be generated from the panel sessions and discussions at the first Wear Nigeria project in November 2024 and the paper will be presented to the Minister of the Arts, Culture and Creative Economy for promotion and preservation of the Nigerian textile.

  • PACC6: AFRIMA partners stakeholders to actualise AU’s vision on creative economy

    PACC6: AFRIMA partners stakeholders to actualise AU’s vision on creative economy

    As one of the institutions championing positive change in the global entertainment industry, All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to the growth of Africa’s creative economy by partnering with critical stakeholders to align with the African Union’s vision for cultural and creative development, as outlined during the recently concluded 6th Pan-African Cultural Congress (AU/PACC6) in Moroni, Union of Comoros.

    It was a gathering of key stakeholders, including Pan-African cultural institutions, artists, cultural workers, and policymakers in the East African country, at an epoch-making event held between September 25 and 27, 2024. At this event, a framework for action aligning national and continental policies was developed, emphasizing the development of arts and heritage as crucial to achieving the AU’s Agenda 2063 vision.

    In a presentation at the event, Sola Dada, AFRIMA’s Director of Stakeholders Engagement, Media, and Communications (Global), took the audience through the organisation’s activities since its inception in 2014, tailored towards promoting music, arts, and culture on the continent and the sustained effort to collaborate with other industry institutions to deepen the entertainment ecosystem in Africa.

    Read Also: Five Nigerian actors who are politicians

    “AFRIMA has successfully collaborated with policymakers, governments, African artistes, producers, record labels, promoters, publishing companies, media, and the African Union Commission (AUC) to celebrate and promote African music globally,” Dada said.

    “Through our seven core pillars, namely Music Awards, Music Festivals, Music Business Hub, Talent Discovery and Promotion, AFRIMA Creative Academy, Advisory and Policy Debates, Corporate Social Responsibility and Advocacy, we have positioned African music as a tool for integration, inclusivity, economic prosperity, and world peace.”

    He said as the longest-running African music award platform with a global reach, AFRIMA plays a critical role in enhancing the visibility of African music.

    Dada added that  ” AFRIMA’s events bring together thousands of music artistes, actors, celebrities, governments, and professionals from around the world to continent’s cultural significance on the global stage.

  • Five Nigerian actors who are politicians

    Five Nigerian actors who are politicians

    While the worlds of entertainment and politics may appear distinct, several Nigerian actors have successfully bridged the gap for the greater good.

    When we think of Nigerian actors, we often envision their talents in blockbuster films.

    However, a growing number have embraced a new challenge, politics. These individuals are leveraging their fame to make a positive impact in their communities and drive much-needed change.

    Nigerian actors are increasingly stepping into political roles, using their influence to promote good governance and address pressing community issues.

    This trend reflects a commitment to public service and highlights the importance of youth involvement in governance, which has sparked a significant shift in the Nigerian political landscape.

    Read Also: Comfort Booth makes Nollywood debut with The Hotel Room

    This transformation is especially evident in the entertainment industry, where many celebrities are now actively pursuing political careers, with some achieving success as candidates.

    Below are five Nigerian actors who have joined the political landscape:

    1. Desmond Elliot: A prominent Nollywood actor, Desmond Elliot transitioned into politics in 2015, winning a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly representing the Surulere Constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC). He has focused on youth empowerment and community development during his tenure, which has included a recent unopposed re-election in 2023.

    Desmond Elliott
    Desmond Elliott

    2. Kenneth Okonkwo: Known for his role in the classic film ‘Living in Bondage’, Kenneth Okonkwo has become a significant political figure, serving as the spokesperson for the Labour Party during Peter Obi’s presidential campaign in 2023. His legal background complements his advocacy for social justice.

    3. Olubankole Wellington (Banky W): A celebrated singer and actor, Banky W entered politics by contesting for a House of Representatives seat in Lagos in 2019. He aligned with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for his 2023 campaign, but eventually lost the election.

    Banky W
    Banky W

    4. Funke Akindele: A well-known actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele contested as Lagos Deputy Governor under the PDP in 2022.

    Funke Akindele

    5. Olumide Oworu: The model has joined the political scene, contributing to the rising number of politically engaged young people in Nigeria. At just 28 years old, Oworu ran for a seat in the Lagos State House of Representatives for the Surulere Constituency 1, representing the Labour Party (LP).

    Olumide Oworu

    Oworu however lost the election to his senior colleague in the movie industry, Desmond Elliot, who has held the position for the past eight years.

  • Davido, Rema, Shallipoppi set for Edo Festival and Awards in UK

    Davido, Rema, Shallipoppi set for Edo Festival and Awards in UK

    For the 2024 edition of the Edo Festival and Awards in the United Kingdom, Rema, Shallipoppi and Davido have dominated the categories.

    This became the talk of town after the organisers released this year’s nomination list.

    Organisers of the annual Edo Festival and Awards, JJ Barry Conglomerate, are optimistic that this year’s event which is the 14th in the series will be their biggest yet.

    Chief Executive Officer of the UK-based entertainment outfit, Ken Odeh, said the festival and awards show is slated to be held from November 15 to November 17, 2024.

    He said the awards with 15 categories will wrap up all the activities for the awards ceremony.

    According to Odeh, “this year’s nominees cut across all sectors including politics, business, philanthropy, entertainment, among others.

    “We have fifteen categories already earmarked and voting is already ongoing on our website www.edofestival.com.”

    Read Also: I wasn’t jealous of Victoria, Ozee’s friendship – Onyeka

    “Some of the nominees include top politicians like former governor of Edo state, Adams Oshiomhole, Senators Monday Okpebholo and Neda Imasuen, Hon Dennis Idahosa, Hon Odianosen Okojie, Hon Julius Ihonvbere, Hon Billy Osawaru, among others.

    “There is also a special category that recognises the likes of Sir Chief Dr. Gabriel Igbinedion, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome and Archbishop Dr Margaret Idahosa.”

    “Some big players in Nigeria’s Nollywood who have received nominations like; Linda Osifo, Nancy Isime, Yvonne Jegede, Ruth Kadiri, Adesua Etomi, Osas Ighodaro, Sandra Aigbogun, Mercy Aigbe, Enado Odigie, Angela Eguavoen, Etinosa Idemudia, etc”.

    The JJ Barry Conglomerate CEO also added that there will be a non-voting category which is an Honorary Award to be bestowed on His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolopkolor, Oba Ewuare II, The Oba of Benin for being the pride and defender of the Benin Kingdom.

    The three-day event will be held at the Radisson Blu in London.