The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Felix Bankole set to premiere ‘The Macedonian Call’

    Felix Bankole set to premiere ‘The Macedonian Call’

    Felix Bankole’s long-anticipated Christian drama, ‘The Macedonian Call’, will premiere to a global audience online on Sunday, July 20.

    The movie, written, produced, and directed by missionary filmmaker, Felix Bankole, is more than just a cinematic experience but a spiritual awakening wrapped in powerful storytelling.

    Produced under the banner of Vision Drama Missions Outreach International in collaboration with NOSPLEJ Media Lagos, ‘The Macedonian Call’ explores deep themes of salvation, spiritual warfare, ancestral bondage, and the redemptive power of God.

    According to Bankole, the film is set to make a lasting impact on Christian viewers, especially those passionate about missions, deliverance, and the reality of faith in everyday struggles.

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    The story follows a kind and generous man who appears to be living a good life, but beneath the surface, he is bound by unseen spiritual chains. His quiet suffering is exposed when he crosses paths with Pastor Audu (played by Felix Bankole) and his assistant, whose unexpected visit begins to unravel the spiritual darkness in his life. What unfolds is a riveting journey of divine encounters, deliverance, and revelation. The presence of the pastors becomes a source of both conflict and healing, as ancestral traditions clash with the power of the Gospel.

    One of the central inspirations for the film is Felix Bankole’s over 25 years of experience as a drama minister and missionary. His life in the field, working with unreached people groups, fuels the core message of the film: that God is still calling people today, and the harvest is still ripe. The film draws from the biblical account of the Apostle Paul’s vision in Acts 16, the “Macedonian call”, and challenges believers to listen and respond to their divine assignments.

    The cast includes Beauty Chukwuka (also co-producer, playing Mrs. Pelumi), Yemi Bankole, Tolu Adegbo Israel, Adedeji Adekusibe, Havinslota Adeyinka, Alex Ekechukwu, and Juliet Ejiofor.

  • Organisers gear up for 4th edition of NEMCEA

    Organisers gear up for 4th edition of NEMCEA

    The Electronic Media Content Owners Association of Nigeria (EMCOAN) has announced preparations towards hosting the fourth edition of  Nigeria Electronic Media Content Exhibitions and Awards (NEMCEA).

    According to a recent statement, the fourth edition is slated to hold between September 17, 2025, and September 18, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

    The statement further noted that the fourth edition will draw in the brightest minds and most influential players across TV, Radio, Film, Digital Content, Advertising, and Media Buying from across the country and beyond.

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    In the words of the President of EMCOAN, Adeniji Omirin, “We are happy to announce that NEMCEA in its fourth edition has become the definitive platform for showcasing, networking, and celebrating excellence in Nigeria’s vibrant electronic media landscape. NEMCEA 2025 promises to be bigger, bolder, and even more impactful than the other three editions thus far.”

    Omirin also asserted that NEMCEA 2025 will showcase high-impact exhibitions of the best of Nigerian electronic media content and production capabilities, inspiring panel sessions, strategic networking opportunities and the NEMCEA Awards.

    According to Alayande Stephen, the Project Director, “NEMCEA 2025 central theme is “Sustainable content creation in a fragmented media landscape.”

  • Nigerian Idol: Purp wins Season 10

    Nigerian Idol: Purp wins Season 10

    After months of electrifying performances, emotional moments, and unforgettable vocal

    showdowns, Purp has officially been crowned the winner of season 10 of the Nigerian Idol.

    As the curtain finally closed on Nigerian Idol Season 10 in the final episode, Purp went head-to-head with fellow finalist Raymu in a high-stakes battle that tested vocal range, stage presence, and connection with fans.

    Ultimately, it was Purp who captured the hearts of the nation and secured the highest number of votes to earn the prestigious title of Nigerian Idol 2025.

    Hosted by media personality IK Osakioduwa, the grand finale was a spectacular night filled with powerhouse performances, celebrity appearances, and touching moments that celebrated the journey of the top contenders.

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    Judges Omawumi, Ric Hassani, and Iyanya, alongside guest judge, 9ice, praised the top two for their incredible growth and resilience throughout the competition.

    As the new Nigerian Idol, Purp walked away with a life-changing prize package, including a

    brand new SUV, N30m cash prize, DStv Explora with a one-year premium subscription and a

    A chance to become Nigeria’s next big music star with a music deal.

    Speaking after the event, an emotional Purp said: “This moment feels surreal. I’m so grateful to everyone who voted, supported, and believed in me. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to share more music with the world.”

  • Darlington Abuda announces Reel Connections Summit 2026 Tour

    Darlington Abuda announces Reel Connections Summit 2026 Tour

    Filmmaker Darlington Abuda has announced the inaugural edition of The Reel Connections Summit (TRCS).

    In a recent statement, Abuda revealed that the Reel Connections Summit is set to travel across key film hubs in the USA, Canada, the UK, and Nigeria in 2026.

    Abuda, whose impressive portfolio includes Nollywood’s first Guinness World Record with ‘30 Days in Atlanta,’ further said that TRCS aims to serve as a dynamic platform for showcasing Nollywood’s talent and potential on the global stage.

    With over a decade of experience producing blockbuster films across three continents, Abuda envisions TRCS as a premier B2B platform that fosters collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange between Nollywood and the international film industry.

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    “The summit is designed to unite producers, directors, investors, and content creators from Nigeria and beyond—a melting pot of diverse cinematic cultures and markets. As our industry evolves with new production techniques, financing models, and storytelling innovations, TRCS provides a vibrant environment for exploring partnerships, sharing insights, and igniting creative collaborations,’’ Abuda remarked.

    He emphasised that “TRCS is more than just a summit—it’s a movement focused on building bridges across industries, regions, and generations of storytellers. Our mission is to strengthen an interconnected global film community through meaningful conversations, professional networking, and strategic partnerships—ultimately empowering Nigerian filmmakers and elevating African cinema on the world stage.”

    Set to be the most expansive content summit yet born from Nigeria, the 2026 edition will bring together thought leaders, filmmakers, investors, distributors, streaming platforms, and emerging talents from around the globe. Participants will explore the latest trends in content creation, financing, distribution, and storytelling innovation.

    The opening event, themed ‘Bridging Nollywood and the Global Filmscape,’ will be hosted in the United States, placing it at the epicentre of worldwide entertainment.

    Abuda explained, “This choice aims to foster direct collaborations with Hollywood stakeholders, creating opportunities for co-productions, financing, and distribution deals—while amplifying Nollywood’s presence globally.”

  • Don Richard declares readiness to return to movie set

    Don Richard declares readiness to return to movie set

    Veteran Nollywood actor, Don Richard, has announced his readiness to return to the movie scene after recovering from a prolonged battle with kidney-related health issues.

    The seasoned actor, who had been off the screen for a while, said he is now strong and healthy enough to take on movie roles once again.

    Speaking about the toll the illness took on him, Richard revealed that the battle drained his resources and cost him dearly, including the loss of his car.

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    “God’s mercy is immeasurable. I’m still on medication, and the drugs are quite expensive. But I thank God I’m alive and stronger. Anyone who has lost as much as I did in the process of staying alive would naturally want to get back to work to recover lost ground,” he said.

    Richard stressed that his passion for acting remains unchanged, noting that true professionals in the craft do not retire.

    “My car is gone, but I’m now in good shape. Professional actors don’t retire, so I am very much available to work. The God who restored my health will surely restore my fortunes,” he said.

  • Burna Boy: I recorded my first song at 13

    Burna Boy: I recorded my first song at 13

    Grammy-winning Nigerian music act, Burna Boy has opened up on how he recorded his first song at the age of 13.

    In a recent chat with Apple Music’s Ebro Darden, the self-acclaimed African Giant narrated how he recorded his first song by himself using an old tape recorder.

    In his words, “The First song I ever recorded was by myself, you wouldn’t even believe this. I had a tape, a radio and I had a tape recorder, whatever, and I would use the beat from video games and some shit.”

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    Continuing, he said, “So I used one from NBA Street, Volume II, I think, one from Grand Theft Auto, San Andreas, it was one of the GTAs, one of the early GTAs, I guess. So the first song I recorded was with that, playing that beat and then recording and then, yeah, that’s how it went. How old was I, man? I don’t know, man. I can’t remember. Yeah, around 13.”

    Burna Boy recently released his eighth studio album, ‘No Sign of Weakness,’ and is set for a world tour by September 2025.

  • Adekunle Gold: From Ikotun to global stage

    Adekunle Gold: From Ikotun to global stage

    Although he was born and raised in Ikotun, one of Lagos’ inner-city suburbs, Afrobeats singer and songwriter Adekunle Kosoko, aka Adekunle Gold, never let his upbringing hold him back. Instead, he transformed his childhood experiences into a powerful musical identity that now resonates with audiences worldwide. Freshly released his indigenous tune titled ‘Coco Money’, the 38-year-old artist opens up about what it means to grow up underexposed, yet deeply rooted and why authenticity remains his greatest asset. Writes OLAITAN GANIU.

    Nothing happens by chance

    “I’ve been thinking a lot about how our environment shapes us,” Gold begins. “The truth is, none of it is our fault. It is just what we were given. And somehow, we’re expected to conform or edit ourselves to fit a bigger picture. But what if the real power is in owning where we come from, as raw as it is?” He said philosophically.

    Growing up in Ikotun, Adekunle didn’t have access to what many would call ‘global culture’. “I wasn’t raised on Hollywood movies. I only just started watching ‘Ocean’s Eleven’, ‘Twelve’, ‘Thirteen’, the kind of movies and TV shows people assume everyone has seen,” he says with a smile.

    “Recently, I went to a friend’s wedding in Bayelsa. At the after party, the DJ started playing old classics and hip hop anthems, the kind of thing that usually gets the whole room singing along. I stood there, quietly aware that I didn’t know most of them.

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    “There was a time when that would have embarrassed me. But I didn’t feel that way. Because everything I was exposed to growing up, everything I watched, everything I listened to, formed me and I made gold out of it. Literally, maybe, I wouldn’t have turned out to be who I am today if I had been exposed to other things?”

    My Yoruba rhythm

    More than just pride in place, Adekunle Gold is vocal about his black origin especially his native Yoruba.

    “I speak Yoruba fluently, and I carry it into my music with pride,” he says. “It is not just a language, it’s rhythm, emotion, culture. I grew up on Yoruba films, the deep ones, the funny ones. They shaped my storytelling, my sound, my voice.”

    Despite his early limitations, he sees the expansion of his exposure as a gift, not a departure. “Now I have access to more. I’m watching and learning new things, and it’s expanding how I express myself. But my roots remain.”

    Originality is the edge

    Known as a cultural promoter, Adekunle Gold’s journey has always been about resilience. That resilience now powers his message to fans, especially young people trying to find themselves.

    “Stop forming. You don’t have to prove anything. Be who you are. Grow, evolve but do it from a place of wholeness, not shame. There is space for your voice, your journey, your difference. That is your edge. That’s your magic. I’m just being who I am and I hope you’ll give yourself the freedom to do the same.”

  • Waje calls for collective action against injustice

    Waje calls for collective action against injustice

    Singer Waje has called on Nigerians to rally behind individuals who are fighting for the rights and welfare of the common man.

    Via her Instagram story, Waje raised concerns that those who speak out against social and economic injustices face resistance or indifference, despite their efforts to bring about equity, justice, and better living conditions.

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    According to Waje, citizens can help create a more just and equitable society by supporting these advocates.

    “Stop stifling the voice of well meaning Nigerians that are concerned about the well being of the common man. If you do what you are supposed to do, nobody will call you out. Selah,” she wrote.

  • Angela Okorie apologises to Mercy Johnson, Ned Nwoko over online outburst

    Angela Okorie apologises to Mercy Johnson, Ned Nwoko over online outburst

    Actress Angela Okorie has tendered a public apology to fellow actress Mercy Johnson and Senator Ned Nwoko for her previous outburst on social media.

    In a heartfelt message shared on her Instagram page, Angela admitted she spoke from a place of pain and acknowledged that her words may have been hurtful.

    She explained that her emotions often get the best of her, leading her to speak impulsively without fully considering the impact of her statements.

    Appealing directly to Mercy Johnson, Angela pleaded for forgiveness and asked her to let go of the incident, extending warm wishes to her and her family.

    She wrote, “Hi, beautiful people, these past days have been a period of intense reflection for me.

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    Lately, having reminisced on certain events that had transpired, I can only thank God that I am alive.

    “It’s no secret that Mercy Johnson and I have had some difficult issues circulating on social media; moving forward, I would like to address this matter.

    “I am human, and when my emotions take over, I speak from the heart, often saying things directly as they come to me, especially when I feel hurt. Once I’ve expressed myself, I forget about it and move on, but I realise now that my utterances, whether uttered from the place of pain or not, were hurtful; some events that have happened these past days made me realise that I should have done better. I feel so sorry having realized how this gets to you, Mercy. Your mental health is very important now and ever & I wouldn’t wish you and your family worse; that’s not my nature, and you know it. Do find a place in your heart to forgive me”.

    Angela also apologised to Senator Ned Nwoko, explaining that she reacted poorly to an unprovoked attack and regretted her actions.

    “Furthermore, my sincere apology also goes to Senator Ned Nwoko. I understand that my anger in trying to make a reply didn’t find you in a good state; it was a reaction to an unprovoked bashing and attack that was blown out of proportion. I truly reacted in a way I now recognise wasn’t pleasant. I cannot intentionally disrespect you for whatever reason. To buttress this, I remember being part of your political campaign, the one you brought ZuleZoo, myself & other artists.

    I have also honoured your family’s yearly children’s carnival when invited.

    “All these have made me realize that being at peace is better than war or fighting. I deeply regret my actions and am sorry”.

    The apology comes after a series of events that led to Angela’s realisation that she should have handled things differently.

    She also mentioned being the target of lies, betrayal, and unwarranted attacks, but chose to forgive those who hurt her.

    “I’ve also been the target of lies, betrayal, and unwarranted attacks. Bloggers have spread false information, and people have created videos filled with blatant lies. The betrayal has been overwhelming, but I forgive everyone who has hurt me and leave them to face their own conscience”.

  • Ebuka Obi-Uchendu thanks Multichoice for surprise birthday party 

    Ebuka Obi-Uchendu thanks Multichoice for surprise birthday party 

    Media personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu has thanked the organisers of Big Brother Naija, Multichoice for throwing him a surprise birthday party on July 14th.

    Ebuka, who is the host of the famous reality show, was treated to a lavish celebration that was attended by notable celebrities, including his wife Cynthia, Adesua Etomi and her husband Banky W, Bisola Aiyeola, Basketmouth, and several BBNaija housemates.

    According to him, he doesn’t usually celebrate his birthdays, but expressed gratitude to Multichoice and the guests, saying he was “still shook” by the surprise.

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    He thanked the team that organised the event and appreciated the love shown by everyone in attendance. 

    He wrote, “I almost never celebrate my birthdays. But this year, Multichoice said, “Surprise!!! Not on our watch.” I’m still shook.

    Shout-out to the amazing team that put this together and everyone who came through and made it all worth it. Truly grateful for the love. Now I’m fully pumped for season 10″.