Category: Entertainment

The Pan-African Network for Artistic Freedom, PANAF, has asked the federal government to enshrine a law that would guarantee the creative rights of Nigerian artists in the country’s constitution.

This was contained in a document the group presented to some top showbiz stakeholders during the week, in Lagos.

Addressing the stakeholders at the forum entitled, ‘The validation of PANAF Research for Nigeria,’ the country’s coordinator, Fidelis Duker explained that PANAF was established in 2021 in response to the need for an active and inclusive regional voice in the creative sector that could raise awareness of incidents of artistic freedom violations and collaborate with artistic rights advocates in regional and national advocacy efforts.

Duker cited instances of artists’ rights being violated in the past, such as when playwright and former minister, Rasheed Gbadamosi was arrested and thrown into prison during the military regime of General Yakubu Gowon for his play, “Trees Grow in the Desert” as well as Fela who was jailed for his protestant songs.

He maintained that artists have the undeniable right to express themselves, which is why the advocacy group was established.

Speaking further, Duker added that the essence of the meeting was to intimate the stakeholders following a report the group carried out recently on how best to protect the rights of the creative people.

“We commissioned three university dons including, Dr. Charles Okwuowulu of the Alex Ekwueme University, Abakaliki, Dr. Aliu Abdallah (Bayero University), and Dr. Tunde Olaifa of the University of Lagos, to carry out research about one year, on what kind of law do they want to see, what kind of society did they want to see: what do they expect going forward. It was extensive research carried out by these university dons. They cross-checked our laws to see if artists’ rights are protected and at the end of the research, they came out with a position that apart from the freedom of expression which is enshrined in our constitution, there’s a need for the enactment of creative law that will guarantee artistic freedom of expression,” Duker further explained.

This, he said, will enable creative ideas to be communicated not partly or partially but fully in order to actualize the true purpose of artistic works.

Meanwhile, the document proposes the enactment of a ‘creative expression license law’ which it says “if upheld by the Nigerian government will give the creative artistes in Nigeria and Africa, the liberty of expression and mitigate against brutalization and humiliation by some government leaders in the Nigerian society.”

Funded by the Swedish Arts Council, PANAF is already operating in eight African countries including, Rwandan, Gambia, Mozambique, Kenya, Zambia, Uganda Ethiopia, and Nigeria. The advocacy group will also embark on laudable projects such as capacity building, policy support, and lobbying, research, workshops, and report publication as well as monitoring, and documentation of violations, all with the goal of forming alliances for knowledge exchange and cooperative advocacy campaigns.

Notable Nollywood practitioners present at the event were Charles Inojie, Keppy Ekpenyong Bassey, Bond Emeruwa, Felix Duke, Charles Ukpong, Chidi Nkwobia, Francis Onwochei, Hope Obioma Opara, Uche Agbor, Sunny MacDon among others.

Nigerian record producer, singer, and songwriter Phillip Kayode Moses aka Pheelz has opened up on his life as an artist and his new EP, ‘Pheelz Good’.

In a chat with Apple Music’s Dadaboy Ehis, the famous producer admitted that his new status as a recording music act is amazing as it involves traveling more and flying more.

“First off, it’s a lot more flying! A lot more traveling around. I mean it’s an amazing man, I love it on this side of the playing field where I can fully create music just me – being the producer, and being the artist – be in the genre and just craft a sound that’s 100% authentically Pheelz. I love producing as well but now I have the freedom to really create what I want to create, and the art that I truly believe in.”

On his EP ‘Pheelz Good,’ Pheelz says the body of work is in three layers that include the loverboy, bad guy, and gbedu guy. He also noted that the tracks in the EP are under the categories of layers.

Pheelz also promised to release an album before the end of the year saying, “Yeah I think before the end of the year. I think I’m gonna make that happen for sure.”

As a producer, Pheelz has worked with several artists and musicians, such as Olamide and Tiwa Savage. The 28-year-old music producer and artist is credited to have produced all but one song on Olamide’s Baddest Guy Ever Liveth album.

Nigerian music acts Seun Kuti and Peter Okoye of the P-Square fame have been engaged in a war of words over the week.

The hostilities between the music stars began after Seun Kuti had taken a swipe at the founder of Zoom lottery over his support for the Labour party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Kuti, in a viral video, had accused the Labour party of not meaning well for Nigeria while explaining his experience with the party many years back. In the same video, Kuti maintained that Okoye has no moral right to lure his fans and unsuspecting Nigerians to support Obi claiming the twins are known to have been hobnobbing with other political parties before now.

the Afrobeat musician also threw a jab at the Okoye twins saying they aren’t a role model or public figure to emulate after fighting publicly over funds and opening some dirty secrets of their family in the public sphere.

Not ready to keep calm, Peter Okoye aka Mr. P took several shots at Seun Kuti referring to him as a dirty and drug-addicted singer, whose only claim to fame is his father’s fame and wealth. He also boasted of having popular songs and performed at several local and international shows with his brother while Seun Kuti’s songs are unpopular.

Going further, Okoye threw shade at Kuti referring to his performance and rehearsal spot as a local shrine. This move was berated by Nigerian writer and columnist, Gimba Kakanda, who noted that Okoye’s attack on the Shrine, which is a monumental place in the Kuti family was needless and rude.

“You can slug it out with Seun without this rude and false take on the Shrine. This is rather an attack on the Kutis and the Shrine’s patrons and workers. That “local Shrine” has produced better music than your ENTIRE catalogue, and they’ve multiple Grammy nominations to prove it,” Kakanda tweeted at Okoye.

However, both artists admitted to engaging with some politicians and political parties in the past. While Seun Kuti admitted to meeting and hobnobbing with the APC presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu when he was naive and 18 years old, Mr. P also admitted to performing for President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.

THE late Christy Essien-Igbokwe’s 10-year-old granddaughter, Christiana Igbokwe, has released her third body of work entitled Motherland.

Motherland is coming on the heels of two successful bodies of works entitled ‘Mash-Up’ and ‘Starlight.’

According to Christiana’s mum, Chioma Igbokwe, the new EP tells unique African stories using music while calling for changes and reforms in society.

“Christiana Igbokwe’s new EP Motherland is telling our African stories using music, calling for reforms and change in our faulty systems. As Africans, we are the only people who can liberate ourselves from poverty through education and empowering the girl child.

“Africans must pay the price to rebuild the continent, our rich culture, and history. We must revive our strong family ties, the deep connection to our communities, and our pride in our African music, art, and dance.

“Our roots and our cultural diversity make us who we are. It makes us authentic, keeps us grounded and unique; so that as we interact with others and make international connections, we can build bridges of trust, respect, development, and understanding across cultures.”

The EP which was released on Friday, February 10, 2023, on several digital platforms has tracks that include Dreams, Oge Mme Mme, On God (Agbada), Let’s Change the System, She’s A Woman and Fly.

Christiana Igbokwe is beginning to muster up some new chapters around the music industry and this time, with her third EP, she is sure on her way to emulating her late legendary grandmother who during her time was described as the Lady of Songs. She released a remake of her grandma’s hit single Seun rere in 2022. Seun rere was the theme song for Disney plus movie Rise, a biopic on basketball MVP, Giannis Adetokonbo. Also In 2022, Seun rere was used as the theme song for WhatsApp’s first feature film Naija Odyssey. She is working on an album presently.

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Sandra Okunzuwa has pointed out bad breath and body odor as a major turn-off.

The actress said that a horrible odor and bad breath would make her take to her heels during a conversation with anyone suffering from halitosis.

Okunzuwa, in a recent interview with The Nation, stated that she appreciates people who smell nice and dress well while speaking about secrets to getting her attention.

“If it’s someone that I’m meeting physically, the person has to have a good smell. I frown at it when someone is approaching me and the person has a very horrible body odor, in my mind, I’m not paying attention to whatever the person is saying, especially when the person has bad breath. I am not just paying attention, I just want to leave because I’m already uncomfortable. I feel as a human being when you want to approach somebody just make sure you look good but most importantly smell good,” said Okunzuwa.

On what makes her give anyone her attention, she said, “I would say it’s the manner of approach, be it social media or personally you have to approach someone properly. When the person has a good manner of approach and you get to listen to the person and has something meaningful to say, the person gets my attention. Sometimes with a good compliment and proper presentation of the things you want to say.”

Singer Nissi has made a comeback into the Nigerian music scene with a visual of her newest single entitled, Overthinking.

Shot in the city of Johannesburg, South Africa, the music video was directed by The Alien.

In the video, the 29-year-old vocalist and younger sister of Grammy award singer Burna Boy shows a more vulnerable side of herself and invites fans to journey with her on this creative endeavour.

According to Nissi, the mid-tempo single, which was released last year, is a self-reflection and a declaration of her growth and self-discovery.

“Overthinking is more or less the beginning of a re-introduction to who I am,” she said.

Continuing she said, “It’s inspired by the times that just have us all constantly in our heads about everything. I’ve learned a lot more about myself and the world around me, overthinking represents one of those things.”

Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State is pulling all strings to ensure a perfect romantic and rejuvenating experience for guests as well as their loved ones this season as the countdown to Valentine’s Day continues.

Speaking about the special offers for this year’s romantic celebrations, Charles Muia, Ibom Icom Hotel’s General Manager stated that the hotel has concluded all arrangements to make this a memorable Valentine’s Day.

“Our goal is to bring couples to close under an atmosphere of love and affection. It is our pleasure to curate loving memories for all who choose IBOM ICON Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo for this Valentine’s season and beyond,” Charles noted.

The valentine themed romantic surprises begin with a challenge, nominate your Valentine, where guests can win a night stay for two, Brunch for two, and two boxes of Pizza.

Also as part of the Valentine’s day celebrations package is an exquisite celebration of love will take place on February 14 at the Bird Table (Pool Side). This will feature Valentine’s day dinner and entail a red carpet reception, welcome cocktail, and themed buffet dinner. It will also feature comedy, karaoke, a live band, games, a love tunnel, gifts exchange, spoken word, dance, complimentary photos, and prizes.

Keke and Radio Mummy have been announced as the main hosts amongst many others performances from entertainers that include Captain Edet, DJ Bobo, Kayeon, Lady Willa, and the Band.

In the same vein, guests can celebrate love and friendship through a staycation with the hotel’s Valentine getaway package that offers bed and Breakfast for two, food & drinks, access to the gym, swimming pool, golf course, and the Marina as well as VIP access to the hotel’s special Valentine day’s dinner.