The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • TIFF announces 2025 awards, juries

    TIFF announces 2025 awards, juries

    Ahead of the 50th Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, organisers have announced the 2025 award categories, jury members, and prizes that will honour the year’s most exceptional works.

    According to a statement by the organisers, the film festival is scheduled to run from Thursday, September 4 to September 14, 2025, and has juries that is composed of renowned film critics and filmmakers that will evaluate films for prestigious honours including the two Canadian feature film awards, the FIPRESCI Prize from the International Federation of Film Critics, and the NETPAC Award from the Network for the Promotion of Asian Pacific Cinema. 

    Read Also: Church drama participation shaped my acting career – Bucci Franklin

    “All prizes will be presented during an in-person awards ceremony that will also be livestreamed at 10 am ET at TIFF Lightbox on Sunday, September 14, the last day of the Festival.”

    The organisers revealed the 2025 jury for Best Canadian Feature Film & Best Canadian discovery awards and they include Jennifer Baichwal, Sophie Jarvis, and R.T. Thorne. The winner of the category will receive a cash prize of $10,000.

  • Gammy & The Living Things goes to cinema on September 5

    Gammy & The Living Things goes to cinema on September 5

    Nigeria’s First Full-Length 3D animated musical will make its debut in Nigerian cinemas today, September 5, 2025.

    The groundbreaking 3D animated feature from Utricle Studios will also have its soundtrack album, ‘Rites of Passage’, launch alongside the release.

    The film blends cutting-edge animation with vibrant storytelling and original music.

    Read Also: Technical glitch disrupts BBNaija season 10 transmission

    At its heart is Gammy, a spirited Agama lizard who leaves the quiet hinterland for the fast-paced, music-fueled streets of Lagos.

    Alongside his band of loyal friends, he embarks on an adventure filled with rhythm, struggle, and redemption.

    With ‘Gammy & The Living Things,’ Utricle Studio continues its mission to deliver world-class entertainment rooted in African culture — proof that African stories can stand shoulder to shoulder with the very best on the global stage.

    The film features some of Africa’s most celebrated talents, including Jude ‘MI’ Abaga, Joke Silva, Bimbo Akintola, Segun Arinze, Pete Edochie, John Dumelo, Bovi, Sadiq Daba, Avril, Mazino Appeal, Ruby Gyang, Oluremi Olutimayin, Lord Frank, and more.

    Accompanying the cinematic release is ‘Rites of Passage,’ an album by Uphorik Sounds, which has an inspiring 13-track sonic journey that captures the experiences and emotions of Gammy & The Living Things, making it the first-of-its-kind animated film soundtrack EP.

  • A Weekend Fiasco makes cinema debut

    A Weekend Fiasco makes cinema debut

    The highly anticipated romantic comedy-drama ‘A Weekend Fiasco’ premiered in grand style on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at the prestigious Filmhouse IMAX Cinemas, Lekki, Lagos.

    The event drew an impressive gathering of Nollywood stars, industry stakeholders, media executives, and fans, all eager to experience the laugh-out-loud yet thought-provoking film that explores love, deception, and the hilarity of secrets gone wrong.

    The night kicked off with a star-studded red-carpet reception, setting the tone for an evening filled with glitz, laughter, and a celebration of Nigerian cinema. Among the stars in attendance were the cast Ini Edo, Odunlade Adekola, Yvonne Jegede, Liquorose, Diva Gold, Chimezie Imo, and a lot of industry favourites like Femi Branch, Bimbo Akintola, Uyoyou Adia, Judith Audu, Mayowa Bakare, VJ Adams, and Bizzle Osikoya, among others.

    Read Also: Church drama participation shaped my acting career – Bucci Franklin

    Following the successful premiere, the movie, which is distributed by Cinemax Distribution, was released on Friday, September 5, 2025.

    ‘A Weekend Fiasco’ follows the story of Tobe and Nicole , a married couple who appear to have the perfect relationship with outsiders. They are both hiding secrets, as each plans to spend a romantic getaway weekend with their respective lovers. Their carefully concealed affairs take an unexpected turn when they both show up at the same resort with their side partners.

    Executively Produced and Produced by Damilola Osikoya for Switch Visuals Productions and directed by Samuel ‘Bigsam’ Olatunji, the film combines humour with social commentary on love, fidelity, and the double lives people sometimes lead.

  • Preparations in top gear for GLOWFUX 2025

    Preparations in top gear for GLOWFUX 2025

    Preparations for the 2025 edition of the Fanafillit Integrated Concepts’ flagship humanitarian project, the GLOWFUX Charity Concert, are in top gear.

    This was made known by Fanafillit Integrated Concepts in a recent statement.

    According to the statement, this year’s theme, ‘Embracing Humanity, Enriching Lives,’ speaks directly to the heart of the project, which has, over the years, become a unifying platform for love, compassion, and giving.

    Read Also: Technical glitch disrupts BBNaija season 10 transmission

    The 2025 concert is scheduled to be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos.

    “The event will begin with the GLOWFUX Carpet Session from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., where guests will be treated to the full ambience of a glamorous red-carpet experience, complete with photo moments, interviews, selfies, and groupies. Children will simultaneously enjoy a specially curated play arena filled with engaging activities. By 1:00 p.m., the main concert takes off and runs till 5:30 p.m., parading an outstanding mix of music, dance, comedy, and motivational moments,” the statement read in parts.

    Raufu Ridwan Ganiyu, Head of Programmes Content Subcommittee, described the concert as one that “will parade some of the most exciting young entertainers Nigeria has to offer, alongside seasoned acts, ensuring that everyone – children and adults alike – leaves with unforgettable memories.”

  • Technical glitch disrupts BBNaija season 10 transmission

    Technical glitch disrupts BBNaija season 10 transmission

    The popular reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, has experienced a temporary transmission break due to a power issue.

    The show’s organisers promptly notified viewers of the technical glitch, assuring them that the housemates were safe and sound.

    After being off for over two hours, the organisers via a statement stated that their technical crew is working swiftly to restore power and resume normal broadcasting.

    Read Also: BBNAIJA S10: Isabella celebrates son’s 14th birthday

    Viewers were advised to stand by while the issue was being addressed.

    The statement reads, “We’re currently experiencing a temporary break in Big Brother Naija transmission due to a power issue. Rest assured, the housemates are safe and sound.

    “Our technical team is working swiftly to restore power and normal service. Thank you for your patience. Grab a snack, stretch your legs. We’ll be back serving premium entertainment shortly!

    The brief disruption caused a stir among fans, who took to social media to express their concerns.

    However, the show’s team reassured them that premium entertainment would resume shortly.

  • Church drama participation shaped my acting career – Bucci Franklin

    Church drama participation shaped my acting career – Bucci Franklin

    Actor Bucci Franklin has revealed how participating in church drama during his formative years laid the foundation for both his career and spiritual journey.

    In a conversation with Chude Jideonwo, Franklin recalled that his first stage experience came through the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA), where he was the only teenager in the men’s fellowship drama group.

    Read Also: Ubi Franklin reveals struggle amid loss, false accusations

    “I started from church. In my formative years, I was attending ECWA. Imagine being the only teenager in the men’s fellowship drama group, performing with men in their 50s right there on the pulpit where baptisms were held,” he said.

    Franklin reflected on how those experiences not only sharpened his artistry but also deepened his faith.

    “When I think about my experience as a child growing up and having different encounters with my Heavenly Father as regards my job, I know. I don’t need a soothsayer or somebody with a silver tongue. I know,” he added.

  • BBNaija S10: Kola admits strong attraction to fellow housemate Dede

    BBNaija S10: Kola admits strong attraction to fellow housemate Dede

    Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate, Kola, has openly confessed that his only attraction in the house is towards fellow contestant, Dede.

    During a late-night chat with Imisi on Thursday, Kola revealed that he feels a strong physical attraction to the 23-year-old, admitting that her presence often stirs emotions he struggles to control.

    Read Also: BBNAIJA S10: Isabella celebrates son’s 14th birthday

    “She is a very fine girl, I’m attracted to her. I’m not supposed to tell you this, but I get easily aroused around her. Sometimes I even have to adjust myself. She is the only person who gets my attention in this house,” he said.

    In response, Imisi described Kola’s candid admission as “impressive.”

  • How YouTube solved Nollywood’s royalty problem, by Ronke Oshodi-Oke

    How YouTube solved Nollywood’s royalty problem, by Ronke Oshodi-Oke

    Actress Ronke Oshodi-Oke has highlighted how YouTube has revolutionized the Nigerian film industry, giving filmmakers greater control over their work.

    Speaking on Nollywood On Radio, she explained that before the rise of YouTube, many creators struggled to earn royalties, as third-party marketers often withheld payments, forcing filmmakers to “manage and try” to survive.

    With YouTube, however, Ronke said filmmakers can now produce, market, and distribute their content independently while retaining all income generated.

    Read Also: Ronke Oshodi-Oke praises Iyabo Ojo’s co-parenting, defends Tope Alabi

    “Before, it used to be very difficult to get royalties when you produced a movie. Thank God now that you have your own YouTube—you are your own marketer, your own producer, your own executive producer. You do everything on your own. Nobody owes you anything,” she said.

    According to her, this shift has made Nollywood more inclusive, enabling creators to connect directly with audiences and build sustainable incomes.

    Drawing from her decades of experience in the industry, Ronke described YouTube as a game-changer whose impact will continue to shape Nollywood for years to come.

  • BBNAIJA S10: Isabella celebrates son’s 14th birthday

    BBNAIJA S10: Isabella celebrates son’s 14th birthday

    Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate, Isabella Georgewill, has emotionally marked her son Sotonye Jason Georgewill’s 14th birthday while still inside the house.

    Despite the distance, Isabella’s family shared heartfelt prayers and tributes to Jason on her social media platforms.

    Read Also: BBNAIJA S10: I wished I had a better mother – Faith

    Describing her son as her “heartbeat,” Isabella expressed deep gratitude for his life and pride in the young man he is becoming.

    In a touching moment, she was seen quietly crying on a swing inside the house, praying for Jason’s continued growth in love and his journey to becoming the best version of himself.

    “He is already a better version of me. I pray he grows on the right path, surrounded by love as always. I love you so, so much,” she said.

  • Wizkid collaboration would elevate my status – TikToker Peller

    Wizkid collaboration would elevate my status – TikToker Peller

    TikTok sensation Peller has expressed his desire to meet Afrobeats singer Wizkid, stating that it would be a significant milestone in his life.

    During a stream with Davido, Peller mentioned that his collaboration with the prominent musician didn’t count as a “real” stream since it was held on TikTok.

    Peller emphasised that meeting Wizkid would elevate his status, saying, “If I meet Wizkid like this, I swear to almighty God, I don big for life.”

    He also mentioned that his audience pushed him to stream on YouTube, but he believes his original streaming platform is TikTok.

    “Guys you know say that streaming wey me and Davido do no be streaming o. The original streaming na here. Na you people push me go YouTube say make I go dey stream for YouTube. Una say make I no dey steam for TikTok, Una say na YouTube be original streaming I con go YouTube go dey stream”, he said.

    Read Also: I’m ready to raise kids with Jarvis – TikToker Peller

    Recall that Grammy-nominated singer Davido has made history on TikTok by breaking the record for the most-watched live stream in Africa.

    His electrifying livestream, co-hosted by popular content creators Peller, Jarvis, and Jo Blaq on October 30, drew an unprecedented audience.

    The livestream attracted 389,800 viewers, with an impressive 164,000 people watching simultaneously, surpassing Peller’s previous record, set during a session featuring singer Tiwa Savage.

    During the livestream, Davido also generated 377 lion gifts on TikTok, valued at $400 each.

    Davido announced that all earnings from the gifts would be donated to his co-hosts, Peller, Jarvis, and Jo Blaq.