The Musical Copyright Society Nigeria Ltd/Gte (MCSN) has congratulated President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kashim Shettima on their emergence and incoming president and vice president of Nigeria.
In a letter dated May 5, 2023 and signed by the CEO of the Society, Mayo Ayilaran, MCSN attributed the success of Tinubu to the testimony of the good works, which he has been doing in many spheres of activities in Nigeria and across the world.
“We are happy to recall one of such involvements and engagements on Tuesday, March 31, 2009, at the Sheraton Lagos Hotels during our Organization’s Copyright Protection Awards/Luncheon at which he was represented as the Special Guest of Honour by his one-time Special Assistant, the late Professor Tunde Samuel. He delivered a message from Tinubu to us stating in clear terms that he knows that our Society, Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN), was facing serious challenges and opposition but that we should count on him as one of us and standing with us to fight and win the battle. Tinubu told us then that with the legal steps which we have taken, we shall certainly emerge victorious.”
Ayilaran stated that “the power in Tinubu’s message and assurances gave MCSN the motivation to fight through and eventually overcome the challenges, legislatively, administratively and judicially up to the Supreme court.”
Spotify’s ‘African Heat’ playlist is getting a makeover, hence, opening a new chapter for the streaming giant’s premier destination for African music.
The playlist, which boasts over one million followers on the platform, will emphasise exposure to and awareness within Africa’s creator and listener communities. Channelling the movement of the music across the continent and beyond, the playlist’s rebrand draws direction from public transportation across Africa, particularly iconic vehicles like the trotro, danfo and matatu.
The campaign will also feature input from and conversations with some of Africa’s most exciting emerging and established artists. Speaking on the importance of African Heat and the motivation behind its rebrand, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu said, “For us, African Heat is about community and telling the story of Africa’s incredible music and creators for a global audience that has its ears perked. We’re glad to usher in an even more ambitious era for this definitive playlist, while also continuing to validate African music’s biggest records and connecting to millions the world over.”
Since 2018, African Heat has helped to herald such major hits as Ckay’s Love Nwantiti, Wizkid’s Essence, DBN Gogo’s Love and Loyalty, among others.
In July 2022, Baba Ijesha sentenced the actor to jail over the sexual assault of a minor.
Yomi wrote: “Accept my condolences BABA IJESHA on the death of your father. May the spirit of your father never depart you, he will fight for you someday. Baba lived a good life.”
Popular singer Teniola Apata, aka Teni The Entertainer, has opened up about her weight loss.
The plus-size singer shocked a lot of people last year when she posted her pictures after losing weight.
Speaking on her weight loss experience on the recent episode of the Glitch Africa podcast, Teni said she feels good physically.
According to her: “I feel good. And do you know, imagine going for dinners and paying for everybody’s food and you can’t eat what they are eating… Because I’m dieting.
“You can ask my PA. I’m going to different dinners. I went to Yankee [abroad], that’s where most of my guys are. Normally, in Maimi, we go out, we have fun, crabs, this, that. I couldn’t eat any of that. It’s sad.
“But then, you now grow and you now learn that this thing you are doing is good for you. So, you start to change. You start to adopt better choices for yourself. You start to realize that I have this fame, I have this money. I need to be able to live long to enjoy it.”
Mariam Bakre is a comical content creator, filmmaker, and writer. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she takes you into her world, inspiration, and more.
What inspired you to go into the sector?
Professionally, it started about five years ago but I have always been writing. I started creating content for my own pleasure about ten years ago.
At what point did you decide to take your passion seriously?
I always knew that I was supposed to be in the entertainment industry but I didn’t know exactly what it was. So, I was just dabbling in different areas until I finally found my niche. Now, I am known for creating comical content and that was because I would just randomly talk and people would laugh and it was interesting.
So, I told myself what if I actually took this seriously? Then I sat down, created a number of funny kinds of stuff and the reception was awesome.
Tell us some of the things that you have done.
I have a short film that is on YouTube. I also write articles and create content for Instagram. There are over 300 pieces of content on my Instagram page, I mean original content.
How long did it take you to create this?
It’s been cumulative. I started creating content for public consumption in 2019 and in between I have had to take breaks to have my babies. So, if I am removing all those breaks, then it will be about a year and a half since I have been creating content.
What are some of the memorable moments of doing this?
I would say that the opportunity that it has given me is great. It has been amazing working with some of my mentors, people that I would have had to go through a very difficult process to see and work with. They have access to my Instagram, I am in their DM’s and have their contacts. Of course, all that comes just because of what I do.
What are some of the lessons learned from doing this?
I would say that there are different lessons learned from doing this. The major one for me would be to Innovate as you grow in terms of ideas.
I would also describe my experience in the sector as a journey. When I started, I did the funny kinds of stuff and gradually moved on to write articles. Along the line, I co-wrote a script for my short film. It is also a journey of discoveries. First, you think this is one thing that you are good at but whilst doing that, you begin to discover other things, other areas, and innate talents that show you are also very good with this and that. This develops your passion and creativity.
What are the new opportunities for you?
I think that would be working with different brands. I have worked with so many local and International brands. These are things that if I weren’t doing this, I would have had to do a lot of work to get these opportunities. It has opened different doors and I know that it is going to open more doors for me.
What is the secret of looking beautiful and radiant, all the time?
First, I would say good genes. Here, I have my mum, dad and God to thank for that. Interestingly, I don’t follow routines. For me, it is just basically toners, creams, and moisturizers and that is it. Of course, sunscreen is also very important on the list.
What about eating right? Do you have a specific food that works for you?
I am a foodie. I like food but I don’t eat too much. Here, I must say that discipline is important and you will know what works best for you that way. Exercise is also very important. I don’t work out but I like to do my daily two hours walk, four or five times a week. I also love to eat fruits. Watermelon is my favorite and I like Agbalumo which is actually seasonal. So, in place of agbalumo, I take watermelon often.
Let’s talk about your husband, is he also in the sector?
He is in the sector, doing tech by the side. He is the CEO of PRAX Media, a creative Agency where we connect brands to their target audience by creating content for them.
What are some of the other things that you share in common with him?
We are both home buddies, we like to stay indoors. During the COVID-19 lockdown, I remember that a lot of people were complaining about staying indoors, not going out. But that was the ideal scenario for us. We are obsessed with each other’s company. We like to stay at home.
A lot of young people complain that there are no jobs or little opportunities for them. What do you have to say about this?
Of course, there are so many opportunities. It just would not come as fast as they wanted. I left university about 8 years ago and I have been creating things since then. The truth of the matter is that it took a while before people started accepting me. A lot of people just want to come into content creation because they see the glamorous side of it or sometimes it is about the financial gains. From experience, I will say that you cannot do it for money and enjoy it. You have to do it from the passion side, whatever it is and then the money will look for you.
What did you study at the university?
I read Mass Communication and I have done two 9 to 5 jobs. My first job was with Cracks Media, where I did my National Youths Service. Then I moved on to work with DKM, another media organization that DBanj used to run. I don’t know if he still does that.
What are your memories working for Dbanj?
I worked at his company where I met him one on one
He was a great boss. He was always interested in his staff, and he influenced and motivated us in different ways. He is a superstar and when you see what he is doing, you tell yourself that if DBanj can do it, then you can do so as well.
Are you also interested in Music? Is it a calling?
( Laughs). Well, I used to think that I would sing or go into music when I was young. But, I think that ship has sailed. Interestingly, one lesson that I have learned in the past is Never say Never.
How has doing all this helped your entrepreneurship journey?
It has been a very great eye-opener that working with celebrities influences you. You see people doing different things and you are motivated to think that if these people can do certain things, you can also do the same.
What kind of books do you like to read?
I read books a lot. I love to read memoirs and fictional books. Reading biographies can be very inspirational. You learn a lot reading about people’s lives, their experiences. Interestingly, some of the things I learned from all the books is that there is no straight path to whatever you want in life.
Are there women that you see as role models?
There are lots of women doing a lot of great stuff out there that I admire. The list includes Viola Davis and Michelle Obama and to bring it back home, I admire people like Kemi Adetiba and Sola Shobowale. There are so many great women inspiring others out there.
The first baby mama of afrobeat singer Wizkid, Sola Ogudugu, has written a sweet note to their son Boluwatife on his 12th birthday.
In a lengthy post on her Instagram page, Sola spoke about her son’s unique personality, describing him as a sweet, calm, funny, smart, well-mannered, generous, and loving gentleman.
She said being his mother means the world to her, and she is thankful to God for trusting her with him.
Sola Ogudugu rained prayer on her son, noting how quickly time had passed.
She wrote: “My Son shine,
“So sweet, calm, funny, smart, well-mannered, generous, and a very loving gentleman.
It’s the way you enjoy all my meals and gases me up for ME!!
“Mama’s best friend and confidant.
There’s nothing I love more than being your mama and I’m thankful to God for trusting ME with YOU.
“12 whole years! Wow!!! TIME FLIES!!!
12 years of signs and wonders it has been and I’m Grateful to God every day for you, for US and for what is to Come.
“Boluwatifemi, May God’s word continues to stand firm and faithful to His promise in your life. GOD never fails.
Boluwatifemi YOU WILL NEVER FAIL, YOU WILL NEVER FALL.
You will not derail from God’s designated path for you.
“You shall live to fulfill your God-given destiny and do great exploits (Eni Eleni oni gba se e se lagbara Olorun)…..
“Happy 12th birthday to you Son, God bless and keep you in Good health, with inexhaustible wisdom, knowledge,, and understanding.
Reality show star Tolani Shobajo aka Tolani Baj has stated that she cannot be in a romantic relationship with a man who splits bills.
She argued that a man is expected to provide for the entire household.
In a video she shared on her social media page, she stated: “Let me just throw this out there. One thing I know that I know that I want in man… FYI: I’m single. If you are trying to move to me because I’ve a lot of admirers here who send me nice messages, some I respond to, some I don’t. Know that I’m only interested in a man that is a provider.
“I’m not interested in doing 50/50. I’m doing very well by myself. So, if a man is going to come into my life, you need to add butter to my bread like, my life needs to be even softer. So, if you know that you are not a provider and you are not generous, I’m not interested. And I’m telling you this from my chest. There’s no shame in having standards and knowing what I want.”
Monalisa Chinda is a Nigerian actress, TV host, and producer. She has almost three decades of experience as an actress and stage performer. She became famous for her roles in Nollywood when she officially joined the industry in 2006. She has featured in the highly successful productions and currently hosts and produce a TV show on cable network, Africa Magic. In this interview with The Nation’s ‘TUNRAYO ILESANMI, she spoke on her career, roles and more.
How did you start a career in acting and what interested you to pursue acting?
I started way back from my university days. I’ve always been someone to re-enact traditional plays, folklore, dramas and all that but I wanted to do something even when I studied something different in the university of Port Harcourt. When I finished, I wanted to do something different but you know how it is when God has already paved the way for yourself and God has something different planned out so I had to go back to my previous love which is acting and I had to start professionally in 2006. I started professionally in 2006. I acted throughout my university days. I started in 1993.
Having played different roles all through your career, which one would you say has been challenging for you?
I have not had any challenging roles so far.
You’ve doubled as an actress and a producer, what’s your creative process like in both and would you say there is any difference?
Well, I read theatre art and I read all the arms of theatre meaning I can understand a bit of knowledge on directing even though I haven’t majored in it yet. I have done the dancing aspect of it so I know how to also do spoken word and all forms of the Art, I know what to do. So when I want to start producing, I start from conceptualising the idea and then putting it into a script and then we do the script conference and then we assign and align those roles to those who are able to deliver. And then of course everything is history, it’s something we’ve mastered over the years.
How would you say the acting industry has evolved since you started acting?
It has evolved in terms of production, international collaboration and making sure our sets are perfect, having more educated and well skilled people in the industry and making sure everything is appropriately well done in terms of production and distribution of movies. You have to also know the business of showbiz, it’s not just all glam. You have to understand how to put your work out there in the public space and get on platforms with your phone. We’ve evolved through the years in spite of the influx of the social media platform where we sell our movies from YouTube to Amazon to Netflix etc. There are lots of countless possibilities out there we’ve embraced in the industry.
You’ve won several awards over time for being an exceptional actress, which of these awards is dearest to you?
I would say the international award I won in Australia in 2012 and it is because we have very few black artist in Australia and they embraced Nigerian movies as at that time so for the people who understood what it was to love and appreciate African movies, how much more Nigerian movies that was churning out a lot and I was one of the few people selected that was making a mark in my generation as at that time and also being able to interpret very complex roles, speaking foreign English wasn’t easy. So I think they chose me as someone who had contributed at the time a lot to the movie industry and I really felt honoured.
How do you successfully balance acting with family and being a mother?
For me, family is important. God comes first, family second and then career last. If my homefront is not tidy, I can’t work and I need to focus on my work, which is my career. If my family is not straightened out and peaceful, I can’t concentrate. I must make sure I have peace at home and by peace, I mean that my daughter must be comfortable and happy, her school fees being paid, and my household are all okay. I can’t leave my home in tatters in the name of career, I wasn’t brought up that way so I have to balance it out.
What inspires your philanthropic activities?
Well, I’m a purpose person even right from when I was given birth to and came to this world. I’d say I partially understand what my calling is and as I grew older, I began to embrace this calling which is helping people who do not have, inadequate, downtrodden. Being philanthropic is my passion, it’s not something I can run away from, there are times I want to just walk away but I can’t. There are times my account is dry from helping and I say can I just focus on myself and become selfish but it can’t work. When your heart is out there for the people, you’d find a way around it. While you are looking after yourself, people around you must be okay as well. If I can’t feed the whole community, at least let me feed one person, take that person to school and give them clothing and shelter, that’s fulfilment to me.
What future projects should we expect from you?
I’d be focusing on my passion which is people welfare, my show, dealing with social issues and violence of all forms, unemployment. Basically just me and what I love to do. I made a statement last year which is introducing my movie theatre. I did a lot of theatre work last year so this year would be more of theatre and live performances. So this year is just me, my passion and what I love to do so watch out for that. I’d churn out more of what I love to do.
You double as an actress and talk show host, what skill would you say one needs to have to be successful in that area ?
Just know your target audience and what you want them to be engaged in, also know how you can monetize what you’re selling to the people. How is what you are doing changing the narrative and how is your show creating employment. Personally, I just want a situation where I can get people who are doing so well in their various industries to come out and share their experiences. And if you’ve noticed, there are really no mentors with reasons personal to them but I want to break that jinx. I want people to come out and tell how they succeeded in their chosen fields. I also hope people develop marketing skills and make the change, by change, I don’t mean social media change only but physical changes but environmental changes. I’d want people to go and study more, engage more in political and economic topics, basically anything they can brung a positive narrative because we are really not doing well in Nigeria as of now so we need people who would influence change and do what is right to make things right.
About politics, what do you think about the recent presidential election?
I don’t want to talk about politics but I’d want people to be more educated in politics. A lot of times, people just go out there and do what they think in their head is right but politics has a lot to do with negotiation, peace. You can’t bring out food to bring peace, you can’t use war to bring peace.
In your journey through acting, has there been any collaboration that has stood out for you the most?
I’m still a work in progress, I’m someone who is still seeking and finding myself. I haven’t found what I’m seeking yet so I won’t say I’ve reached my peak. There’s still so much to do that I haven’t done. I’m not fulfilled yet.
Would you say the presence of female producers in nollywood has affected the growth of the movie industry using Kemi Adetiba, Mo Abudu as examples?
Well, not really. We are just celebrating women who are doing well in a male dominated space, that’s just what it is. It’s giving women the space to do more. It’s a space where male dominate more than women and I think it’s about time we celebrated them so it would encourage young female directors, actors to come out and dominate that sane space.
What would you tell people looking up to you who want to go into acting?
I would tell them to be truthful to themselves. There is a lot of fakeness out there, if you come with fakeness, you would go down quickly. If you want to go up, you must be determined, true to yourself dnd very focused on the things that truly matter in terms of your profession. You must be evergreen as the young sassy actress to the middle aged actress who is acting as a young girl by makeup. You must be able to make the switch. But when you think you’d never get old, then there’s a problem.
Akah Nnani has been announced as the host of the two-part reunion show of The Real Housewives of Abuja (RHOAbuja).
The reunion will premiere on Showmax on Friday, 19 May with the concluding part on Friday, 26 May 2023.
Nnani, an actor, TV host and content creator is popularly known for his Vlog ‘Akah Bants,’ where he talks about trending topics while having fun and good conversations with guests. He has also featured in several films, including the Africa Magic Original Ajoche (2018) and other hit titles like Banana Island Ghost (2017), Lara and the Beat (2018), and most recently, Man of God (2022).
Commenting on his role as host, Akah said: “The Real Housewives of Abuja is a show I enjoyed, and I’m excited to be hosting the ladies to a conversation where we visit and discuss issues from the show.
The ladies brought their A-game and gave us premium entertainment on the show, so you can rest assured the reunion is going to bring more of that. This is a big deal for me, and I’m totally prepared to ensure the fans get the best and juicy details from the show.”
The Real Housewives of Abuja reunion will see the six ladies – Arafa, Comfort Booth, OJ Posharella, Princess Jecoco, Samantha Homosanny and Tutupie – sit to discuss all that happened on the show, with Akah moderating the session.
The Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) has announced Nigerian media personality IK Osakioduwa as co-host of the 2023 edition.
Osakioduwa returns for the 9th time to host the film, TV and content awards alongside South Africa Model and Miss Universe 2019, Zozibini Tunzi.
On his return as co-host of the awards show, Osakioduwa said, “It feels good to be hosting the AMVCAs once again; I have been privileged to be on this stage for the past nine years, and I do not take that for granted. I’m excited about the nominees this year and cannot wait to see them all shine.”
In the same vein, media personalities, Toke Makinwa, Uti Nwachukwu, Sika Osei and VJ Adams will also be hosting on the red carpet in their signature styles of fun and style. Meanwhile, the organisers of the awards announced a second edition of the Digital Content Creators’ Day, which is held as part of activities heralding the main award show.
The second edition of the Digital Content Creators’ Day is scheduled for May 19.
According to the organisers, the second edition will feature some of the biggest names in the creative and entertainment industry leading conversations around making the best of digital content creation.
The panel will include Award-winning Actresses Iyabo Ojo and Bisola Aiyeola; Media Personalities Gbemi Olateru Olagbegi and Tolu “Toolz” Oniru; CEO, X3M Ideas, Steve Babaeko as keynote speaker and CEO, Accelerate TV, Collete Otusheso.
Popular content creator, Enioluwa Adeoluwa will host the event alongside actress Bisola Aiyeola.
The event, which is part of the 3-day AMVCAs, will explore the power of content creation, how creators can maximise their creativity and monetise it. It will also include discussions about maintaining longevity and relevance in the industry.
