The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • AIFF: Ajayi urges filmmakers to promote positive national narratives, strength

    AIFF: Ajayi urges filmmakers to promote positive national narratives, strength

    The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity,  Mr Temitope Ajayi, has urged filmmakers to use their crafts to  promote positive national narratives, focusing on shared history and  triumphs.

    He made the call in his keynote speech at the on-going 22nd Abuja International Film Festival(AIFF)  with the theme, “From Script to Nation: The Role of Film in Shaping National Identity.”

    This year’s AIFF commenced   on Nov. 6 to  end on  Nov 10, bringing together actors, filmmakers, regulators and other cinematic stakeholders from around the world.

    According to him, in an increasingly globalised world, films have become a pivotal instrument for nations to construct and communicate their identity, making it crucial to understand their influence.

    He said Nigeria has   stories that foster a sense of national identity, pride, and hope, adding that these stories can be promoted through film.

    READ ALSO: When faith speaks for life

    He  urged Nollywood filmmakers  to  emulate Bollywood  films that reflect India’s multifaceted society, encompassing different religions,languages, and cultures, and Hollywood that depicts American heroism.

    “It is important to stress at this point that film or cinema, as the case may be, has become more than just a medium of entertainment.

    “It has become a veritable tool for cultural identity, cultural decolonisation, and most of all, for diplomacy and for shaping a nation’s identity, including showcasing its language, fashion, food, and other goods.

    “I remember most of us here believing we all wanted to go to Japan or dream of traveling to any part of Europe or North America.

    “It’s because of what we saw in American films when we were growing up; we saw New York and other places that  look so fascinating and we  aspire to live and work in those environments.

    “So, I think that is a lesson for us as filmmakers, as we are telling our stories through our film we should tell the story of the best of our country, our national heroes and icons,” he said.

    Ajayi said Nollywood films should  also be used  films should also be used  as  marketing tools to promote  Nigeria’s  rich tourism  sector by showcasing its unique landscapes, culture, and heritage

    According to him, films have the power to influence  potential visitors’ desire to travel, as they create positive and memorable images of a location, shaping public perception and increasing interest in visiting.

    “I think this is one area Nigerian filmmakers also need to work on; let’s begin to show many parts of our country as destinations for tourism.

    “It will also make filmmakers from outside Nigeria to come and shoot their movies in the country,” he said.

    Earlier, Temitope Duker, AIFF Festival Director, told NAN on the red carpet that  the 22nd edition  was a milestone as the festival has evolved from a humble beginning into a global brand.

    According to her,1,687 entries from 87 countries were received  for the 22nd edition of the annual film fiesta.

    She said 71 exceptional films have been selected to screen and compete for awards in the festival, including several panel discussions and masterclass.

    “For this year we have a special mention which we have never done before at the Abuja International Film Festival.

    “One of the reasons why we’re having a special mention this year is also because we realised that there are some films that are very good.

    “Unfortunately they didn’t make it into the nominations. and yet we still wanted to at least give some credit to the filmmakers,” she said.

    The  2025 AIFF brought together actors, filmmakers and others industry stakeholders from across Africa and beyond, as well as members of the diplomatic community.

  • Efe Irele: Nollywood needs more emotionally inclined movies

    Efe Irele: Nollywood needs more emotionally inclined movies

    Nollywood actress and producer Efe Irele has quietly built a reputation for depth both in acting and her approach to storytelling. After nearly a decade in the industry, with over 15 TV films and series to her credit, the actress stepped into a bigger arena with her recent cinema debut, My Mother is a Witch. For Irele, the project is more than just another movie; it is a personal journey, an emotional excavation, and a bold attempt to tell stories that mirror the hidden corners of African homes. In this interview with ADENIYI ADEWOYIN, she opens up about choosing a story rooted in real experiences, the emotional feedback that surprised her the most, and why she believes Nigeria’s cinema culture needs to evolve to become more accessible. Excerpts…

    What prompted your decision to produce your cinema debut, ‘My Mother is a Witch’?                              

    I’ve been making my own movies since 2016/2017, and I’ve always loved it. I think that came from my own background of having a master’s degree in human resource management, so I kind of like the entire process of bringing people together and actually see a product come to life, but specifically for ‘My Mother is a Witch,’ I feel like at some point after doing over 15movies for TV and also series as well, I’m like I want to do something for the big screen. I want to challenge myself further because this is a bigger budget, and that basically was a challenge for me and I wanted to make sure that it was a story that people would relate to and connect with, because I love stories that people can connect with.

    What would you regard as the one feedback that blew your mind from those who saw the movie?

    One feedback would be challenging to pinpoint, but I will say the most common thing that a whole lot of people said to me was ‘you told my story – thank you so much. I feel like I healed from watching your film,’ I did get that comment from a whole lot of people. I didn’t realise, even when I was making the film, the number of people who would connect with it, and seeing it is mind-blowing for me. So that’s always the connect that will get me, because a lot of people actually went through this either personally or through someone, and having that put together is such a big deal for me personally.

    Most Nollywood stories are based on love or similar cliché stories. Do you think producers should tell more emotional stories?

    Well, I will say that I will give it up for a lot of filmmakers now. I feel that we are all trying to push the bar. Yes, we should make a lot more movies that would have an emotional side, but you cannot force the filmmakers at the same time, because we have to make money, so we have to make more films, make commercial films. We have to make films that people would want to come to the cinemas and laugh and scream. However, I will give kudos to all the filmmakers who are pushing much further, like Daniel Etim with The Herd. It’s crazy how we are all doing movies that are so relatable. So yes, I pray that more people will come out and do emotionally inclined films, but at the same time, we can’t force those who don’t, but I’m also hopeful that the viewers will switch. Yes, it’s nice to go to the movies and laugh, but some other time, let’s watch things that would water our minds like a plant.

    READ ALSO: ​FULL FACTS: New U.S. bill titled: “Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025” by Senator Ted Cruz

    How were you able to connect with the different characters you played in My Mother is a Witch?

    For me, as an actor, I always find a way to go into my character, either through my own personal experience or through someone’s experience that I’ve heard. For My Mother is a Witch, it was a personal experience with my mom. My mom is a tough-love type of mother, so I literally took back even from when we were working on the script, I knew that a lot of times I shared my experience. I wouldn’t say it was easy, but it was a hard place to go to because since we brush up our shoulders and say it all part of growing up in an African home, it was a hard place to go to because there are some wounds that you would not even realize have not been healed completely, but for me, it was like I had a wound that had been healed, but I had to literally scrap it off, and go back there and that has always been a tough thing for me as an actor – going to places that I don’t want to go back to.

    Would you say African mother overreact, or is it due to the capacity of their knowledge?

    I would say that it’s a mixture. I don’t like to say people are one-way; they are a combination. Not every African mother is the same. It’s part of the things that made us strong the way we are now. We are goal getters, we are pushing boundaries because of how tough our mothers were with us, but at the same time, some mothers take it overboard, some mothers believe that it’s their way or nothing else. I just feel like I wouldn’t say that African mothers are too tough. I feel like if they know better, they will calm down and know that there’s a thin line between extreme love and you just being an overbearing parent.

     What is one new quality you recently discovered about yourself?

    I would say my strength, I know that’s very broad. I didn’t realise I could do so much, and finding that part of me, especially with the content creating that you just mentioned, it’s getting interesting because I’m still creating content. I knew that I was a strong woman, but I didn’t realise how far I could go.

    What do you think of the cinema culture in Nigeria right now, and do you think every movie is cinema-worthy?

    Of course not. I can’t say all movies are cinema worthy because we have to put different films, different budgets at different points in time. Even in Hollywood, you see the films going to the cinema, and I think we always forget that they have films as well in Hollywood that don’t go to the Cinema but just on TV.  So it’s the same way we have it over here with movies on YouTube, TV and the cinema. I do believe that the reason we have so many movies in the cinema right now is because we don’t have as many options anymore. Before, once you did a film, you could just take it directly to Netflix or other streamers.

    There are films that are directly made for streamers, but now, we are at a point where you either keep the film that you have already made for the streamers in your hard drive and what happens? And the joy of a filmmaker is for people to see their film. We are just hoping more streamers come, but thank God for Kava, we see a whole lot of films streaming on Kava, and My Mother is a Witch is streaming on Kava.

    What is your opinion about the need for more cinemas in Nigeria?

    Yes, we need more cinemas – that’s one thing I realised while promoting my movie. If we have more accessible cinemas and also if we don’t make the cinema culture more of something like a whole event where you have to dress up to go, it will really help our industry. Cinema culture where someone can easily throw on a T-shirt and jeans and just take a stroll down your street knowing that they’re going to a cinema that will be so much better. I feel like with that it will be affordable. 

    Has the influx of female filmmakers affected the quality of films produced in Nollywood lately?

    A lot of the female producers that people are seeing now have always been producers. Somebody like Bolaji Ogunmola has been producing films as far as I know for at least 5years now. I’ve been producing films for 8years, but I think it’s because we are just coming to the big screens, and maybe because there’s also YouTube and more people have more access to YouTube, we’ve been producing films for ROC and iRoko for like 8years. I might be wrong, but I do feel like women are a bit more detailed in storytelling, so seeing the number of female storytellers that are coming out makes me so proud. I’m also seeing collaborations like what the ladies have done with Ginger. It’s such an amazing thing.

    What do you think about collaborations among women?

    I’ve heard that when women work together, it gets messy, but I think we are all women, it’s not about being a woman. We are all different individuals; regardless of who is collaborating, there would always be rifts or whatever it is. H,ow you handle the situation is what matters.

    It’s been seven years of active acting. How have you been able to handle fame?

    This thing called fame, I think a lot of people look at it differently. For me, it’s what you make it. Obviously, it’s very different now that you can go out and people recognise and try to come close kind of. It was weird at first, it was very weird even for my family, my dad (may God rest his soul), he would freak out when people would call because he was very protective of me, but it was weird at first, but I kind of got used to it like yeah, this is my new life.

  • FULL LIST: Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Ayra Starr, others nominated for 2026 Grammy awards

    FULL LIST: Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Ayra Starr, others nominated for 2026 Grammy awards

    The 2026 Grammy Awards have announced their nominations, showcasing a diverse range of talented artists.

    Kendrick Lamar tops the list with nine nominations, followed closely by Lady Gaga with seven.

    The ceremony will take place on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

    African artists have made a significant impact, with Burna Boy, Davido, Omah Lay, Ayra Starr, and Wizkid all receiving nominations.

    Burna Boy leads the African contingent with two nominations: Best African Music Performance for “Love” and Best Global Music Album for “No Sign of Weakness.”

    Other notable nominations include Sabrina Carpenter’s second consecutive Album of the Year nod for “Man’s Best Friend” and Lady Gaga’s fifth Album of the Year nod for “MAYHEM.”

    The Best New Artist category features emerging stars like KATSEYE, Olivia Dean, and Addison Rae.

    The 2026 Grammys also introduce two new categories: Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover.

    READ ALSO: ​FULL FACTS: New U.S. bill titled: “Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025” by Senator Ted Cruz

    See the full list of nominees below:

    Album of the Year

    Bad Bunny – DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS
    Justin Bieber – Swag
    Sabrina Carpenter – Man’s Best Friend
    Clipse – Let God Sort Em Out
    Lady Gaga – Mayhem
    Kendrick Lamar – GNX
    Leon Thomas – Mutt
    Tyler, the Creator – Chromakopia

    Record of the Year

    Bad Bunny – “DtMF”
    Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
    Doechii – “Anxiety”
    Billie Eilish – “Wildflower”
    Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra”
    Kendrick Lamar with SZA – “Luther”
    Chappell Roan – “The Subway”
    Rosé and Bruno Mars – “APT.”

    Song of the Year

    Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra”
    Doechii – “Anxiety”
    Rosé and Bruno Mars – “APT.”
    “DtMF” – Bad Bunny
    Huntr/x (Ejae, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami) – “Golden” (from KPop Demon Hunters)
    Kendrick Lamar with SZA – “Luther”
    Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
    Billie Eilish – “Wildflower”

    Best African Music Performance

    Burna Boy – “Love”
    Davido Featuring Omah Lay – “With You”
    Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin – “Hope & Love”
    Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid – “Gimme Dat”
    Tyla – “Push 2 Start”

    Best Global Music Performance

    Bad Bunny – “EoO”
    Ciro Hurtado – “Cantando en el Camino”
    Angélique Kidjo – “Jerusalema”
    Yeisy Rojas – “Inmigrante Y Que?”
    Shakti – “Shrini’s Dream” (Live)
    Anoushka Shankar featuring Alam Khan & Sarathy Korwar – “Daybreak”

    Best New Artist

    Olivia Dean
    KATSEYE
    The Marias
    Addison Rae
    Sombr
    Leon Thomas
    Alex Warren
    Lola Young

    Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical

    Amy Allen
    Edgar Barrera
    Jessie Jo Dillon
    Tobias Jesso Jr.
    Laura Veltz

    Producer of the Year, Non-Classical

    Dan Auerbach
    Cirkut
    Dijon
    Blake Mills
    Sounwave

    Best Pop Solo Performance

    Justin Bieber – “Daisies”
    Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
    Lady Gaga – “Disease”
    Chappell Roan – “The Subway”
    Lola Young – “Messy”

    Best Pop Vocal Album

    Justin Bieber – Swag
    Sabrina Carpenter – Man’s Best Friend
    Miley Cyrus – Something Beautiful
    Lady Gaga – Mayhem
    Teddy Swims – I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2)

    Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

    Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande – “Defying Gravity”
    Huntr/x (Ejae, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami) – “Golden”
    KATSEYE – “Gabriela”
    Rosé and Bruno Mars – “APT.”
    SZA with Kendrick Lamar – “30 for 30”

    Best Dance Pop Recording

    Selena Gomez & benny blanco – “Bluest Flame”
    Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra”
    Zara Larsson – “Midnight Sun”
    Tate McRae – “Just Keep Watching”
    PinkPantheress – “Illegal”

    Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album

    Laila Biali – Wintersongs
    Jennifer Hudson – The Gift Of Love
    Elton John & Brandi Carlile – Who Believes In Angels?
    Lady Gaga – Harlequin
    Laufey – A Matter Of Time
    Barbra Streisand – The Secret Of Life: Partners, Volume 2

    Best Dance Electronic Album

    FKA twigs – Eusexua
    Fred again.. – Ten Days
    PinkPantheress – Fancy That
    Rüfüs Du Sol – Inhale / Exhale
    Skrillex – Fuck U Skrillex You Think Ur Andy Warhol But Ur Not!! <3

    Best Dance/Electronic Recording

    Disclosure & Anderson .Paak – “No Cap”
    Fred again.., Skepta, & PlaqueBoyMax – “Victory Lap”
    Kaytranada – “Space Invader”
    Skrillex – “Voltage”
    Tame Impala – “End of Summer”

    Best Rock Album

    Deftones – Private Music
    Haim – I Quit
    Linkin Park – From Zero
    Turnstile – Never Enough
    Yungblud – Idols

    Best Rock Song

    Nine Inch Nails – “As Alive As You Need Me To Be”
    Sleep Token – “Caramel
    Hayley Williams – “Glum”
    Turnstile – “Never Enough”
    Yungblud – “Zombie”

    Best Metal Performance

    Dream Theater – “Night Terror”
    Ghost – “Lachryma”
    Sleep Token – “Emergence”
    Spiritbox – “Soft Spine”
    Turnstile – “Birds”

    Best Rock Performance

    Amyl and The Sniffers – “U Should Not Be Doing That”
    Linkin Park – “The Emptiness Machine”
    Turnstile – “Never Enough”
    Hayley Williams – “Mirtazapine”
    Yungblud featuring Nuno Bettencourt, Frank Bello, Adam Wakeman, II – “Changes” (Live From Villa Park, Back To The Beginning)

    Best Alternative Music Performance

    Bon Iver – “Everything Is Peaceful Love”
    The Cure – “Alone”
    Turnstile – “Seein’ Stars”
    Wet Leg – “Mangetout”
    Hayley Williams – “Parachute”

    Best Alternative Music Album

    Bon Iver – SABLE, fABLE
    The Cure – Songs Of A Lost World
    Tyler, The Creator – Don’t Tap the Glass
    Wet Leg – Moisturizer
    Hayley Williams – Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party

    Best R&B Album

    Givēon – Beloved
    Coco Jones – Why Not More?
    Ledisi – The Crown
    Teyana Taylor – Escape Room
    Leon Thomas – Mutt

    Best R&B Song

    Kehlani – “Folded”
    Summer Walker – “Heart Of A Woman”
    Chris Brown Featuring Bryson Tiller – “It Depends”
    Durand Bernarr – “Overqualified”
    Leon Thomas – “Yes It Is”

    Best R&B Performance

    Justin Bieber – “Yukon”
    Chris Brown Featuring Bryson Tiller – “It Depends”
    Kehlani – “Folded”
    Leon Thomas – “Mutt” (Live From NPR’s Tiny Desk)
    Summer Walker – “Heart Of A Woman”

    Best Traditional R&B Performance

    Durand Bernarr – “Here We Are”
    Lalah Hathaway – “Uptown”
    Ledisi – “Love You Too”
    SZA – “Crybaby”
    Leon Thomas – “Vibes Don’t Lie”

    Best Progressive R&B Album

    Durand Bernarr – Bloom
    Bilal – Adjust Brightness
    Destin Conrad – Love on Digital
    Flo – Access All Areas
    Terrace Martin & Kenyon Dixon – Come As You Are

    Best Spoken Word Poetry Album

    Queen Sheba – A Hurricane in Heels: healed people don’t act like that (partially recorded live @City Winery & other places)
    Marc Marcel – Black Shaman
    Omari Hardwick & Anthony Hamilton – Pages
    Saul Williams, Carlos Niño & Friends – Saul Williams meets Carlos Niño & Friends At Treepeople
    Mad Skillz – Words For Days Vol. 1

    Best Rap Album

    Clipse – Let God Sort Em Out
    GloRilla – Glorious
    JID – God Does Like Ugly
    Kendrick Lamar – GNX
    Tyler, The Creator – Chromakopia

    Best Rap Song

    Doechii – “Anxiety”
    Clipse featuring John Legend and Voices of Fire – “The Birds Don’t Sing”
    Tyler, The Creator featuring GloRilla, Sexyy Red, and Lil Wayne – “Sticky”
    GloRilla – “TGIF”
    Kendrick Lamar featuring Lefty Gunplay – “TV Off”

    Best Melodic Rap Performance

    Fridayy featuring Meek Mill – “Proud Of Me”
    JID featuring Ty Dolla $ign & 6Lack – “Wholeheartedly”
    Kendrick Lamar with SZA – “Luther”
    Terrace Martin and Kenyon Dixon featuring Rapsody – “WeMaj”
    PartyNextDoor and Drake – “Somebody Loves Me”

    Best Rap Performance

    Cardi B – “Outside”
    Clipse featuring Kendrick Lamar and Pharrell Williams – “Chains & Whips”
    Doechii – “Anxiety”
    Kendrick Lamar featuring Lefty Gunplay – “TV Off”
    Tyler, The Creator featuring Teezo Touchdown – “Darling, I”

    Best Música Urbana Album

    Bad Bunny – DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS
    J Balvin – Mixteip
    Feid – Ferxxo Vol X: Sagrado
    Nicki Nicole – Naiki
    Trueno – Eub Deluxe
    Yandel – Sinfónico (En Vivo)

    Best Música Mexicana Album (Including Tejano)

    Fuerza Regida, Grupo Frontera – Mala Mía
    Grupo Frontera – Y Lo Que Viene
    Paola Jara – Sin Rodeos
    Carín León – Palabra De To’s (Seca)
    Bobby Pulido and Friends Una Tuya Y Una Mía – Por La Puerta Grande (En Vivo)

    Best Latin Pop Album

    Rauw Alejandro – Cosa Nuestra
    Andrés Cepeda – Bogotá (Deluxe)
    Karol G – Tropicoqueta
    Natalia Lafourcade – Cancionera
    Alejandro Sanz – ¿Y ahora qué?

    Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album

    Aterciopelados – Genes Rebeldes
    Astropical – Astropical
    Ca7riel and Paco Amoroso – Papota
    Los Wizzards – Algorhythm
    Fito Paez – Novela

    Best Tropical Latin Album

    Rubén Blades, Roberto Delgado & Orquesta – Fotografías
    Gloria Estefan – Raíces
    Grupo Niche – Clásicos 1.0
    Alain Pérez – Bingo
    Gilberto Santa Rosa – Debut y Segunda Tanda, Vol. 2

    Best Traditional Country Album

    Charley Crockett – Dollar A Day
    Lukas Nelson – American Romance
    Willie Nelson – Oh What A Beautiful World
    Margo Price – Hard Headed Woman
    Zach Top – Ain’t In It For My Health

    Best Contemporary Country Album

    Kelsea Ballerini – Patterns
    Tyler Childers – Snipe Hunter
    Eric Church – Evangeline Vs. The Machine
    Jelly Roll – Beautifully Broken
    Miranda Lambert – Postcards From Texas

    Best Country Solo Performance

    Tyler Childers – “Nose On The Grindstone”
    Shaboozey – “Good News”
    Chris Stapleton – “Bad As I Used To Be”
    Zach Top – “I Never Lie”
    Lainey Wilson – “Somewhere Over Laredo”

    Best Country Duo/Group Performance

    Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton – “A Song To Sing”
    Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson – “Trailblazer”
    Margo Price and Tyler Childers – “Love Me Like You Used To Do”
    Shaboozey and Jelly Roll – “Amen”
    George Strait and Chris Stapleton – “Honky Tonk Hall Of Fame”

    Best Country Song

    Tyler Childers – “Bitin’ List”
    Shaboozey – “Good News”
    Zach Top – “I Never Lie”
    Lainey Wilson – “Somewhere Over Laredo”
    Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton – “A Song To Sing”

    Best American Roots Performance

    Jon Batiste featuring Randy Newman – “Lonely Avenue”
    I’m With Her – “Ancient Light”
    Jason Isbell – “Crimson And Clay”
    Alison Krauss and Union Station – “Richmond On The James”
    Mavis Staples – “Beautiful Strangers”

    Best Americana Performance

    Sierra Hull – “Boom”
    Maggie Rose & Grace Potter – “Poison In My Well”
    Mavis Staples – “Godspeed”
    Molly Tuttle – “That’s Gonna Leave A Mark”
    Jesse Welles – “Horses”

    Best American Roots Song

    I’m With Her – “Ancient Light”
    Jon Batiste – “Big Money”
    Jason Isbell – “Foxes In The Snow”
    Jesse Welles – “Middle”
    Sierra Hull – “Spitfire”

    Best Americana Album

    Jon Batiste – Big Money
    Larkin Poe – Bloom
    Willie Nelson – Last Leaf On The Tree
    Molly Tuttle – So Long Little Miss Sunshine
    Jesse Welles – Middle

    Best Bluegrass Album

    Michael Cleveland & Jason Carter – Carter & Cleveland
    Sierra Hull – A Tip Toe High Wire
    Alison Krauss & Union Station – Arcadia
    The Steeldrivers – Outrun
    Billy Strings – Highway Prayers

    Best Traditional Blues Album

    Buddy Guy – Ain’t Done With The Blues
    Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’ – Room On The Porch
    Maria Muldaur – One Hour Mama: The Blues Of Victoria Spivey
    Charlie Musselwhite – Look Out Highway
    Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Bobby Rush – Young Fashioned Ways

    Best Contemporary Blues Album

    Joe Bonamassa – Breakthrough
    Samantha Fish – Paper Doll
    Eric Gales – A Tribute To LJK
    Robert Randolph – Preacher Kids
    Southern Avenue – Family

    Best Folk Album

    Rhiannon Giddens and Justin Robinson – What Did The Blackbird Say To The Crow
    Patty Griffin – Crown Of Roses
    I’m With Her – Wild And Clear And Blue
    Jason Isbell – Foxes In The Snow
    Jesse Welles – Under The Powerlines (April 24 – September 24)

    Best Gospel Performance/Song

    Kirk Franklin – “Do It Again”
    Tasha Cobbs Leonard, John Legend – “Church”
    Jonathan McReynolds & Jamal Roberts – “Still” (Live)
    Pastor Mike Jr – “Amen”
    Cece Winans featuring Shirley Caesar – “Come Jesus Come”

    Best Global Music Album

    Siddhant Bhatia – Sounds Of Kumbha
    Burna Boy – No Sign of Weakness
    Youssou N’Dour – Eclairer le monde – Light the World
    Shakti – Mind Explosion (50th Anniversary Tour Live)
    Anoushka Shankar Featuring Alam Khan & Sarathy Korwar – Chapter III: We Return To Light
    Caetano Veloso And Maria Bethânia – Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo

    Best Musical Theater Album

    Buena Vista Social Club
    Death Becomes Her
    Gypsy
    Just In Time
    Maybe Happy Ending

    Best Reggae Album

    Lila Iké – Treasure Self Love
    Vybz Kartel – Heart & Soul
    Keznamdi – Blxxd & Fyah
    Mortimer – From Within
    Jesse Royal – No Place Like Home

    Best Comedy Album

    Bill Burr – Drop Dead Years
    Sarah Silverman – PostMortem
    Ali Wong – Single Lady
    Jamie Foxx – What Had Happened Was…
    Nate Bargatze –Your Friend, Nate Bargatze

    Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording

    Kathy Garver – Elvis, Rocky & Me: The Carol Connors Story
    Trevor Noah – Into The Uncut Grass
    Ketanji Brown Jackson – Lovely One: A Memoir
    Dalai Lama – Meditations: The Reflections Of His Holiness The Dalai Lama
    Fab Morvan – You Know It’s True: The Real Story Of Milli Vanilli

    Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media

    Timothée Chalamet – A Complete Unknown
    Various Artists – F1® The Album
    Various Artists – KPop Demon Hunters
    Various Artists – Sinners
    Various Artists – Wicked

    Best Song Written For Visual Media

    Nine Inch Nails – “As Alive As You Need Me To Be” (from Tron: Ares)
    Huntr/x (Ejae, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami) – “Golden” (from KPop Demon Hunters)
    Miles Caton – “I Lied to You” (from Sinners)
    Elton John and Brandi Carlile – “Never Too Late” (from Elton John: Never Too Late)
    Jayme Lawson – “Pale, Pale Moon” (from Sinners)
    Rod Wave – “Sinners” (from Sinners)

    Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media (Includes Film and Television)

    John Powell – How to Train Your Dragon
    Theodore Shapiro – Severance: Season 2
    Ludwig Göransson – Sinners
    John Powell & Stephen Schwartz – Wicked
    Kris Bowers – The Wild Robot

    Best Music Video

    Sade – “Young Lion”
    Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
    Clipse – “So Be It”
    Doechii – “Anxiety”
    OK Go – “Love”

    Best Music Film

    Devo – Devo
    Raye – Live at the Royal Albert Hall
    Diane Warren – Relentless
    John Williams – Music by John Williams
    Pharrell Williams – Piece by Piece

    Best Album Cover

    Tyler, The Creator – Chromakopia (Shaun Llewellyn & Luis “Panch” Perez)
    Djo – The Crux (William Wesley II)
    Bad Bunny – Debí Tirar Más Fotos (Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio)
    Perfume Genius – Glory (Cody Critcheloe & Andrew J.S.)
    Wet Leg – Moisturizer (Hester Chambers, Ellis Durand, Henry Holmes, Matt de Jong, Jamie-James Medina, Joshua Mobaraki & Rhian Teasdale)

  • De Kronicles of Kris Talker spreads laughter, healing in Maiduguri

    De Kronicles of Kris Talker spreads laughter, healing in Maiduguri

    In Maiduguri, laughter made a powerful comeback as hundreds gathered for De Kronicles of Kris Talker (Laugh and Live) — a comedy show aimed at healing through humor and community.

    Held on November 2, 2025, at the Forshamz Event Centre, the show drew over 600 attendees who enjoyed an evening of jokes, storytelling, and live performances. 

    Some of Nigeria’s top comedians — including Mc Pashun, Loud Voice, Job Legend, and other “Comedy Gladiators” — delivered side-splitting performances that kept the audience roaring with laughter.

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    But De Kronicles of Kris Talker 2.0 was more than just entertainment. It was a conscious effort to rebuild community spirit and provide emotional relief to residents of Maiduguri, a region still recovering from years of insurgency.

    According to the organizers, the goal was simple yet profound: “to help people laugh again and remind them of the power of joy, even in hard times.”

    For many attendees, the night served as more than just a comedy show — it was a form of therapy. 

    Through laughter, connection, and shared joy, De Kronicles of Kris Talker reaffirmed the vital role of art and humor in helping communities heal and rediscover hope.

  • Queen Okonkwo scoops award nomination

    Queen Okonkwo scoops award nomination

    The year 2025 continues to mark a season of recognition and global acclaim for renowned Nollywood filmmaker, actress, author, and entrepreneur – Queen Florence Okonkwo.

    Following a series of prestigious honors and appointments earlier in the year, Okonkwo has been nominated for ‘Entertainment Personality of the Year’ at the Clevenard Media Award 2025, scheduled to take place on November 21, 2025 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

    Okonkwo’s nomination reflects her exceptional contributions to the global entertainment landscape. As founder and CEO of Florence 1Billion Production, Elegantflix Limited, and Florence Blaster Production Limited, she has been a driving force in the evolution of Nollywood content, fostering international partnerships and showcasing African storytelling to global audiences.

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    Her unwavering commitment to cultural representation, creative innovation, and women’s empowerment have positioned her among the most influential figures in African cinema.

    Through her multifaceted career as a filmmaker, actress, and author, she continues to promote unity, entrepreneurship, and the celebration of African heritage worldwide.

    Clevenard Media is a global multimedia network and social communication platform dedicated to connecting Africans and the diaspora through media, culture, education, and entrepreneurship.

    The Clevenard Media Award is one of the organization’s flagship events — a world-class annual gathering that recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations making significant contributions in media, creativity, leadership, and community impact. The award highlights innovation and dedication from personalities who exemplify positive values and inspire change within their industries.

  • Africa Fashion show holds on Friday as Made Kuti headlines AMAA 2025

    Africa Fashion show holds on Friday as Made Kuti headlines AMAA 2025

    The Africa Fashion Show, a segment of the Africa Movie Academy Awards, is set to hold its 2025 edition today in Lagos Nigeria.

    The event is set to gather fashion buffs, fashion aficionados and fashionistas together for another edition ahead of the AMAA 2025 gala.

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    The AMAA 2025 gala, it was gathered, will be headlined by Afrobeat star and Grammy nominee, Made Kuti.

    Made Kuti will lead a long list of African performers to the 21st edition of the AMAAs as over 500 film practitioners across Africa and diaspora are set to attend this year’s edition.

    The AMAA 2025 will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at the Balmoral Convention Centre and will have several film practitioners in attendance.

  • Sabi Chef 2025 winner to get N2m prize money

    Sabi Chef 2025 winner to get N2m prize money

    The Sabi Chef Street Food Festival and Competition is back for its third edition.

    The organisers, in a recent chat, revealed that the winner for this year’s edition will go home with a prize money of N2 million.

    Since it began in 2023, Sabi Chef has become one of Nigeria’s most popular food events, celebrating the creativity and passion behind local street food — from suya and shawarma to boli and buns.

    Again, the organisers have added a new humanitarian effort called “Feed 1000,” which aims to provide meals for 1,000 underprivileged children.

    According to the founder of Sabi Chef, Olushola Ewuola, the initiative  will ensure that 1000 children on the streets get a warm meal and a sense of belonging.

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    “This year, we’re turning up the heat  not just in the kitchen, but in the hearts of Nigerians,” he said.

    He also announced a partnership with Zuri Seasoning, a new brand from UAC Foods, saying the collaboration would help bring more flavour and excitement to the festival.

    “Zuri Seasoning understands taste,” he said. “Their energy and passion for local flavour make them the perfect partner for Sabi Chef.”

    According to the festival’s brand ambassador, Chef Joy, this year’s theme “Pepper Dem!” encourages contestants to showcase bold flavours and confidence.

    “We want contestants to bring real Nigerian heat, the kind that excites the tongue and tells a story,” she said.

    The finale will feature a live performance from Segun Johnson.

    Founded in 2023, Sabi Chef is a yearly festival and cooking competition that celebrates Nigerian street food.

    It provides a platform for chefs to showcase their talent while supporting community-focused causes.

  • Gracysoul set to headline Vibes On Fire EP listening party

    Gracysoul set to headline Vibes On Fire EP listening party

    Music lovers are in for a thrilling treat as sensational singer and performer, Gracysoul Ukpong aka Gracysoul is set to headline the highly anticipated Vibes On Fire EP listening party.

    Scheduled for Saturday, November 8 at Westgate Square, Olowora, Ojodu Berger, the event promises a night of unforgettable entertainment, outstanding live music, and premium vibes.

    Known for her captivating voice, energetic stage presence, and exceptional songwriting talent, Gracysoul continues to make waves on the music scene.

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    Having built a solid reputation and fan base over the years, she has proven herself to be a rising star and a force to reckon with in the industry.

    Prospecting attendees can expect a powerful and electrifying performance as she brings the Vibes On Fire to life on stage.

    The exclusive listening party will also feature appearances from top entertainment personalities including Michael Odiong (CEO, Premier Records), HOD Comedian, Hilary Jackson, and many more.

  • KODACK goes on musical rampage with Animashaun

    KODACK goes on musical rampage with Animashaun

    Young Nigerian singer and songwriter, KODACK, has just released another single entitled, ‘Animashaun.’

    Explaining the meaning of the Yoruba word ‘Animashaun,’ in a recent chat, KODACK simply said, “it is he who gives joy freely to all, through good music, good vibes and good songs. Animashaun is a hip-hop song with peculiar beats that comes straight from my soul. I use the music to speak to my friends and my fans generally to encourage them and let them know that freedom to give joy is the best anyone could give to humanity.”

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    Animashaun which was released at the start of 2025 summer of 2025, is already raising industry eyebrows with the rhythm, the boldness of rendition and delivery.

    ‘Animashaun’ is a song that indicates a promising musical future for KODACK, a talented graduate of highbrow Adeleke University in Nigeria, who many recall, started out his musical career on campus with a steady build of fan base that he garnered through various musical engagements in his undergraduate days.

  • Comedian Shank Comics survives car crash on highway

    Comedian Shank Comics survives car crash on highway

    Skit maker and live streamer Adesokan Adedeji Emmanuel, popularly known as Shank Comics, has survived a severe car accident on Saturday.

    The incident occurred during one of Shank’s live streams, with real-time footage capturing the aftermath.

    The vehicle, owned by content creator and collaborator Habby Forex, sustained extensive front-end damage, rendering it inoperable.

    Video shared widely on social media showed the comedian standing beside his friend Habby.

    Onlookers gathered at the scene as Shank and his friend emerged unscathed.

    In a post on Instagram shortly after the crash, Shank expressed relief and gratitude, writing: “The craziest thing happened to me today on stream. I crashed! God is good. Sorry for your Benz @habbyforex_. God, thank you. This would have gone worse. Drive safe guys.”

    Shank rose to fame during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown with viral comedy skits depicting everyday Nigerian life.

    The graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, began his career in skitsmaking before transitioning to digital content creation.

    He has since built a following of millions across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and recently expanded into live streaming on Twitch.