The Nation Newspaper

Tag: entertainment

  • RMD: Entertainment has helped in Nigeria’s development

    RMD: Entertainment has helped in Nigeria’s development

    Veteran actor and former Commissioner for Tourism, Delta State, Mr. Richard Mofe-Damijo, has said that it is only because of entertainment that Nigeria is still respected in the comity of nations.

    He spoke at the Voice of Women (VOW) conference organised by WFM 97.1, a radio station for women, on Friday.

    He said: “We are the last frontier in Nigeria today. In Nigeria the only reason why there can be an increase in radio stations is because of what we have done. President Barack Obama said entertainment is the engine upon which the economy of America operates. “In the past Nigeria got 70 percent of her income from oil but trust me today, entertainment is the engine upon which a lot of things operates, even technology. It is driven mostly on the entertainment value that we can build around it.”

    Speaking on what they expect from the government, he said, “ government needs to realize that they owe us; you cannot subsidize agriculture and not subsidize culture because at the end of the day it is what defines us. Government must make deliberate policies that will affect entertainment; we don’t want interventions but policies that are not dependent on PDP or APC,” he said.

    He further emphasised that they don’t need government to invest in the entertainment industry. “What we need is just for the government to play its part. Don’t give us 100 percent light. Just give us for 12 hours in a day. If we do not continue to discuss entertainment the way agriculture and other things are discussed, my grandchildren will sit here discussing entertainment in growing the Nigerian economy.”

  • COPA returns with new edition of sport, entertainment

    COPA returns with new edition of sport, entertainment

    COPA Lagos has taken its place in the entertainment calendar of 2016, and as the year winds down, the global beach entertainment platform will hold sway as one of the top events to herald the yuletide celebrations.

    Organised by Kinetic Sports, the live event promises guests an exclusive experience of beach lifestyle, including fashion show, food exhibition, cheerleader competition and live music performances, featuring some of Nigeria’s best artistes.

    Since 2011 when the event started, it has moved from being the first ever international beach soccer event in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa to being one of the most attended sporting events in the region.

    This year’s COPA Lagos, according to organisers, will take place at the Eko Atlantic City.

    “COPA Lagos is not just about soccer. It’s a family event where we expect our guests to have a fun-filled experience on the beach. We are proud to say this year’s edition of the tournament will be more exciting than the previous ones as we have diversified our scope beyond beach soccer games. We have an excellent line-up of events that will showcase Lagos as a great tourism and beach destination. We are keen to use this event to showcase and support the ever increasing Nigerian music and entertainment Industry,” said Samson Adamu, Managing Director of COPA Lagos.

    Stars who have performed at previous editions of the event include Dbanj, Naeto C, Sheyi Shay, Tekno, Falz and Tiwa Savage, among others.

  • We’ll continue to promote excellence with arts, entertainment- Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Saturday said his administration would continue to utilise the elements of arts, culture, entertainment, tourism and sports to showcase the potentials that abound in the State.

    The Governor, who spoke when he hosted members and nominees of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) to a cocktail at the Lagos House, Ikeja, said Lagos was fast emerging as the entertainment capital of Africa, saying that the State was honoured to be hosting the 2016 AFRIMA awards.

    ”As you already know, Lagos is a mega city with a vibrant artistic soul. Our aim as the entertainment capital of Africa is to continue to use arts, culture, entertainment, tourism and sports to promote excellence in our state.

    “This of course is the reason why we are hosting the AFRIMA awards this year and why we are always willing to open our doors to great and credible initiatives that align with our vision to be the foremost hub for tourism and entertainment in Africa,” the Governor said.

    Governor Ambode said he was impressed with the quality of performances exhibited by the artistes at the AFRIMA music village on Friday night, saying it was a good prelude to the main awards night.

    “I therefore thank the organizers and the AU delegate for this great initiative and for a job well done. More importantly, my hearty congratulations go to all the nominees. In Lagos, you are all winners and we promise to see you again,” he said.

    The event featured performances by several nominees and music stars from across the continent, including Naomi Mark, while fast rising comedian, Kehinde Peter Otolorin popularly known as Kenny Blaq thrilled the audience with rib cracking jokes.

  • Adaobi Enemuoh joins Lafamilia Entertainment

    Adaobi Enemuoh joins Lafamilia Entertainment

    Anambra State born, American singer, Adaobi Enemuoh, has said that she is set to please the audience with her blend of highlife and Afro pop. This is coming on the heels of her recent signing to Lafamilia Entertainment.

    To set her budding career in motion, the songstress has dropped a new single, Headmaster. The track, which was released in the second week of October, is produced by Chimdy, mixed and mastered by Jay Stunt.

    Headmaster, according to her, profiles the story of a young girl challenging the inappropriate sexual advances of her paedophilic school principal.

    The song, she says, was borne out of her love to address social issues that hinder the growth of society.

     

  • ‘How to resolve entertainment disputes easily’

    ‘How to resolve entertainment disputes easily’

    ENTERTAINMENT disputes can be best resolved through arbitration and mediation rather than in regular courts, experts have said at a mediation conference for entertainment disputes, organised by the Lagos Court of Arbitration (LCA) and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in Lagos.

    Speakers said entertainment disputes arising from agreements on production, copyright, financing, distribution, broadcasting, licenses, music, merchandising, among others, can be resolved through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms.

    The conference featured mock resolution of entertainment disputes involving label/artiste, artiste/manager, producer/distributor, producer/actor, author/publisher, among other scenarios.

    LCA President Mr. Yemi Candide-Johnson (SAN) said entertainment disputes can be resolved in a timely and cost efficient manner rather than through litigation that usually ends up on appeal.

    He said the conference was organised to raise awareness of ADR options for entertainment disputes in Nigeria and the region.

    Top comedian Atunyota Alleluya Akporobomerere (aka Ali Baba), said the entertainment industry would fare better if  disputes were quickly and amicably resolved. He said sources of disputes in the entertainment industry include piracy and breach of contracts.

    A lawyer, Mrs. Sola Adegbonmire, explained that mediation is voluntary and confidential. “Mediation makes use of caucus meeting, that is, the mediator can meet parties in disputes in privacy to ascertain underlying interest,” she said.

    Registrar, Nigerian Institute of Arbitrators, Mrs Shola Oshodi-John, said mediation involves negotiated settlement of disputes, with parties taking active control of their disagreements.

    According to her, a mediator or an arbitrator is expected to be a skilled listener who communicates effectively with parties, even in vernacular when necessary.

    WIPO’s Legal Officer, Mr Leandro Toscano, urged lawyers to encourage their clients to settle out of court.

    “It is professional misconduct not to advice a client on ADR in the United Kingdom. Unless you take this concern to the regulatory body, you won’t get anywhere,” he said.

    Other speakers included WIPO’s mediator Ike Ehiribe, film maker Fred Amata, actor and lawyer Desmond Eliot and media guru Sony Irabor.

  • An ‘entertainment troupe’ for Bauchi govt

    Government is an interesting animal, to put it blandly. And governments in Africa and the Black world can safely be described as hybrid monstrosities. You may yet dub them genetic accidents of mired ancestry. Government in this corner of the planet regardless of its size – so long as it is imbued with power – is inherently toxic.

    Power around here is a zero sum game. It almost doesn’t matter who is on the driver’s seat, the effect is the same, it always impacts with the deleterious effect of the hard local gin. Like the type so high in liquor content it is combustible.

    And there are hardly any exceptions on the horizon. Indeed, the difference between a stable leader and a loose cannon is simply power. Power corrupts our people and we do not need absolute power to corrupt us confoundedly. Such has been our jungle lives and the entire snail-shaped continent is replete with examples – north to south, east to west. Just mention any corner and Hardball will show you a dozen maladjusted men big. Sadly, this dark phenomenon has been with us since the beginning of time.

    As you may have been wondering, this running lament has been triggered in Hardball by a small piece of news tucked into the pages of a national newspaper last Sunday. It says: “Bauchi government revokes AIT/Raypower C of O. Of course C of O means Certificate of Occupancy; the authentic official land title signed by governors and issued by state governments in Nigeria.

    Now if that isn’t absolute power by any means or measure. Such powers conferred on one man to render another man homeless and in fact destitute by a single stroke of the pen is indeed awesome. Now the Bauchi State government in the Northeast corner of Nigeria decided to wield its powers thus rendering the broadcast house homeless.

    By revoking the C of O of the Daar Communications Group in Bauchi State, the government and by extension, the governor, has declared the company a persona non grata in the state – without the courtesy of proffering a reason.

    Now the company’s management thinks it may not be unconnected to the fact that it allows the opposition in the state to air their views alongside government.

    Well, let us close it with the official response of Bauchi State government: “The government as empowered by the law, reserves the right to revoke, withdraw or suspend the Certificate of Occupancy given to anyone.

    “The issue should have been whether or not the government has the right to do so and it is not true that government withdrew the Certificate of Occupancy because AIT does not ENTERTAIN, (emphasis is Hardball’s) the state government.”

    No Freudian slip there because governments in Africa would prefer that media houses were ENTERTAINMENT TROUPES. Now that Daar has been banished, let the state government give the C of O to a circus group.

  • Entertainment, healing at Shabach’sNight of Glory

    Entertainment, healing at Shabach’sNight of Glory

    There was a release of the spirit of joy on the congregation and everyone enjoyed themselves. A woman also testified of receiving instant healings from her ailment,” revealed Mrs Bunmi Adesiyan, choir coordinator of Living Faith Church, aka Winners Chapel, Province 29, Ikosi Ketu, Lagos.

    It was the Church’s evening of intense praise, worship and miracles tagged, ‘Shabach, glory night”, and Adesiyan recalled the role that songs, musical instruments, dancing, comedy and rejoicing also played in ushering in signs and wonders.

    Anchored by comedian Alexander who rendered rib-cracking jokes, the evening started with a worship session by the Winners Chapel Province 29 choir, followed by high praises and first reading of the Bible.

    The choir then gave their first special number titled, Worship Medley. This was followed by the second Bible reading, taken from Psalm 105:1-24, after which the province 29 choir took their second special number titled, “Ka anyi bulie gi enu”. Next act was the instrumental performance by violinist Daniel.

    In his message, the provincial head, Pastor David Akinrinlola gave his charge from Psalm 47. He explained that, “Shabach means a loud shout unto the Lord. The more you shout His praise, the higher he raises you up, so celebrate him today and make a joyful noise unto the Lord.” The congregation erupted into loud shouts of praise and joy. After this the third Bible reading was taken from Psalm 136:1-end.

    The grand finale was the high praise session by the guest praise Minister, Minstrel Ola Samuel. The dancing, shouting, clapping, celebrating was electrifying as he led the congregation in the medley of songs.

    It was an emotional moment as tears of joy flowed freely on the people’s face. While others chose to exalt their creator by rolling on the floor, many more waved their handkerchiefs vigorously in His praise as Pastors formed a circle, jumping and exalting the Lord with their acrobatic dance steps.

     

  • Tourism: Lagos to take Centre stage at TIFF

    Tourism: Lagos to take Centre stage at TIFF

    • Eight Nigerians Films to Feature in Festival

    Lagos State Government on Monday said that the State’s tourism and entertainment potentials will take the centre stage at this year’s edition of the City to City Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), saying that eight films produced in the State would be selected to feature at the festival.

    The State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, his counterpart in Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Folorunsho Folarin-Coker, who briefed journalists alongside the Artistic Director Toronto Film Festival, Mr. Cameron Bailey, at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, said the development would help project tourism potential of Lagos to the teaming audience at the festival.

    Ayorinde said the move was in line with the State Governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode’s campaign promises to make the state a hub for tourism.

    He said the eight films to be selected does not necessarily have to be about Lagos, but films produced by directors based in the State.

    According to him, “what is important is that the films that will be selected will be films by film makers that are Lagos based it won’t matter what subject matter you are dealing with, it is about the creativity the talent you are exhibiting as a Lagos based film maker that Toronto is interested in.”

    Ayorinde said the State Government would be fully involved in any collaboration to celebrate the city and market its potentials as well as appreciate the talent of the motion industry.

    “What this government policy implies is that the Government will promote any initiative that will project Lagos as the home of film making not only in Nigeria but before the entire world,” Ayorinde said.

    Folarin-Coker on his part said the move falls in line with government’s policy that entertainment can be used to drive consumption to create employment and improve the revenue generated in the State.

    “This falls clearly in line with Governor Ambode’s mantra of THESE which stands for Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Sports for Excellence,” Coker said.

    He also revealed that the long term plan of the Government is to take back dead public spaces such as under the bridges across the State and develop it for residents to exhibit and develop their talents.

    The Commissioner also informed that the State is collaborating with the Federal Government to build a car park at the new museum to help drive tourism.

    Explaining the drive behind the Lagos and Toronto spotlight for the Festival, Cameron said much of the films Lagos produces are not being showcased in Toronto, explaining that the idea is to seize the opportunity of this year’s festival to begin a new dawn for Nigerian films.

    “We have had films like Tunde Kelani’s Abeni feature at the festival as well as Half of a Yellow Sun, which is a collaboration between Nigeria and the UK, but I think this is an opportunity to do more and to go bigger. So what we are doing this year is a spotlight on the filmmakers who live and work here in Laos. We have been so impressed with the ingenuity and creativity of individual filmmakers who have made the Nigerian film industry one of the largest on the planet,” Cameron said.

    He said Lagos, like Los Angeles, Paris and Mumbai is one of the biggest capitals of film around the world.

    He said films produced in Nollywood have spread all over the world, saying though the Nigeria Film business has gone global; the next step was to fully integrate it into the international film industry.

    “The films that are bought and sold at our Festival, the films that are written about and reported on by the critics and film journalists, the audiences that embrace the films that go on to win the big prizes like the Oscars, those films should include the films from Nigeria, the films from Lagos; the heart of this industry that has become so large and dominant around the world. This is what really projects the image of Lagos and Nigeria, the stories that are being told resonate with the people whether or not they set foot on this country,” Cameron said.

  • OBASANJO PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

    FORMER President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed his determination to support any venture that would promote the development of the entertainment industry as a major wealth creator and an effective tool against the pervasive youth unemployment in the country.

    Chief Obasanjo, disclosed this recently at his residence in Otta, Ogun State while playing host to the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Edo State Chapter led by its President, Hon. Maleke Idowu Moye.

    The ex-president praised Nigerian musicians whom he said had used their expertise to stamp their authority across Africa and the world at large. Chief Obasanjo, who was honoured by the Edo PMAN with Life Grand Patron of the association, thanked them for the recognition and promised to always be of assistance to them whenever the need arose.

    He used the opportunity to task Nigerian musicians to use their music to promote national cohesion and growth in the face of current challenging moments.

    Speaking earlier, Hon Maleke Idowu Moye said the Edo PMAN Executive Committee decided to appoint the former president as its life Grand Patron in recognition of the invaluable sacrifices he had made for the country, especially his knack for people oriented policies and programmes when he held sway as Nigeria’s president.

    “This certificate symbolises the admiration, love and reverence Edo musicians have for you,” he said.

    The Edo PMAN boss used the opportunity to solicit Chief Obasanjo’s support towards the actualisation of the Edo PMAN Entertainment Village project which he said upon completion would serve as a fulcrum for the advancement of the entertainment business in the state and

    indeed the nation, and in the process generate employment for the teeming unemployed youths.

    Highpoint of the visit was the presentation of the architectural design of the village to the former president who received it with admiration.

  • Brands can tap into entertainment industry’s value chain

    Brands can tap into entertainment industry’s value chain

    Entertainment has become a platform for brands building. In this interview with Adedeji Ademigbuji, the Managing Director of Bavent Street, Hakeem Candotti, explains how firms can tap into entertainment to boost their products.

    You organised Asa’s Live concert recently. How did you mar-ket the event to gain huge crowd?

    Bavent Street is positioned as an innovative marketing company exploiting the untapped value chain in the entertainment industry to help brands achieve their marketing objectives. Brands care about consumer engagement and interaction via wholesome experience. This is what we provide. On the outside, what you see is entertainment promotion but at the back end, we are in the business of promoting brands via entertainment platform. For instance, the Asa Live in Lagos was a concept based on people’s feedback. It was tremendous, it was enjoyable and it was fun because of the class of people we worked with, Asa herself, management, team and company. She does popular music that people like from her very first single and the album that came.

    Besides shows, you also explore content as a means of brand engagement…

    Yes, we are into content management on one side. We work with artistes. These artistes by the virtue of their work have fans. So, there is a triangle that I work with: We got the artistes, then we get their brands and cooperate. The brands and corporate organisation need connection with consumers who are fans of the artistes. For the brands and corporate bodies, their own connections to the artistes is emotional, a motive beyond what money can buy. It’s very deep. So, the cooperates get to these fans easily. Therefore, anything the artiste does, the brands receive benefits indirectly.

    How much do brands exploit the integrated value chain? 

    Not entirely. Some have, few had but most have not seen it and understood it because the traditional ways they deal with the audience are still the same. Most of them still use the traditional way of engagement.

    What are the benefits brands derive from entertainment? 

    As a total departure from the traditional advertising platform, the event is the airtime, visibility flyers, the name on all the communication materials but now to the real experience. Once people get to the venue of the event, and buy the tickets, the engagement with the brands starts. They see the name of the brand behind it. So, whether its good experience or bad, but we ensure that we deliver a good experience anyway. If you go online and just search, ASA Lagos concert and put the hash tag on social media, you will see people’s comments talking about the treatment they got from when they got to the venue, how they went through the ticketing how they used the automated thump styles, the red carpet and pictures with ASA banner to entering the hall. Those are really the emotions and imagine if there was a brand behind that, that’s the brand that people will be sourcing.

    How does Bavent Streets ensure brands explore these platforms?

    Bavent Street Live is focused on delivering excellent concert experience to all the participants and stakeholders involved; from the performers to the audience, and from the sponsors to the venue and logistics team that helps put the experience together. Regardless of your level of participation in an event that has the Bavent Street Live! logo on it, you can be rest assured that you will have the most decent and enjoyable time working or partnering with us, and giving us your trust by coming to our event