The Nation Newspaper

Tag: premieres

  • BABA KUBOYE PREMIERES SOPHOMORE ALBUM

    AMERICA-BASED Nigerian artiste, Baba Kuboye, vamps up 2018 for lovers of Afro-Pop/Afro Hip-Hop, with the release of his sophomore album. The Down 4 Whateva Entertainment act has launched his second studio album titled; One Day. The album is a sensational 8-track which includes his first two singles of 2018 – Tonight, Nothing featuring Reminisce; the recently released Things Are Hard single; the lead single – One Day, which features his late mum and Femi Kuti

    The currently buzzing Things Are Hard track which was released in July 2018 was a build up to the release of the album. On this particular song; he sings about the state of affairs in Nigeria; ranging from issues like FSARS brutality to the continuous decadence of the Nigerian economy and the hope of a better Nigeria.

    On the lead single of the album, also titled One Day; the artiste features extracted vocals from his mother, Fran Kuboye’s 1995 album – Jisting – and Femi Kuti, son of Afro-beats legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Baba Kuboye says he grew up performing alongside his mother but never anticipated losing her at an early age; which was his source of inspiration in creating this song, even 20 years after her demise: “…a long overdue tribute to her memory.” he said. He also describes this collaboration as one similar to that of Natalie Cole and her father Nat King Cole.

    Championing the #OneDayEGoBetter Campaign / Initiative, the artiste reiterates that having an icon like Fela Anikulapo-Kuti as a model helps him focus on the real things that give depth to his music. He is a civil and women rights activist, who makes conscious effort to create socially relevant music, and airing the oddity in the Nigerian economic system, all of which is packaged in this new project titled – One Day.

    Other songs on the album are; Robo Dance, To The Groove, Feel Alright and Pampuregeji. The album was released in August 2018.

  • BJ Sam premieres visual for ‘Hear the Angels Sing’

    International recording artiste and writer, BJ Sam, has premiered the video of his song, ‘Hear the Angels Sing.’

    According to BJ Sam who sings in English and French, “‘Hear the angels sing’ is a breathtaking beautiful music video with a colourful African scenic and brilliant capture of birds and children responding to the beautiful rhythm of angels singing.”

    BJ Sam’s global fan base extends from Nigeria, France, Germany, the UK, Ireland, the United States of America and now Australia where his music is now being played by adoring fans. His undeniable musical talent is shown through his captivating, hooky and universally appealing songs that stand out on the music charts anywhere around the world. He always strives to ensure that he stays on the cutting edge with catchy and delightful melodies and heart-warming songs to captivate all ages.

     

  • Eniola Badmus premieres Ghetto Bred in style

    NOLLYWOOD actress and filmmaker, Eniola Badmus, on Friday, June 8 at FilmHouse Cinema, Lekki, brought friends and fans together for the premiere of her latest production, ‘Ghetto Bred’.

    The premiere, which was graced by a large number of Nollywood stars, kicked off with a black carpet reception which saw guests being treated to an array of drinks and small chops.

    Commenting on the movie, the actress turned filmmaker, who stormed the venue of the premiere in a Bentley, said that it was borne out of creativity and a desire to raise the standard of filmmaking in Nigerian.

    Produced by Eniola Badmus, Ghetto Bred follows the story of a female taxi driver, Efe who is set in her ways. Brash in nature, she has to survive her everyday life in a Lagos ghetto. Things begin to look her way when she finds love, but she has to decide if it was worth the shot or if, again, she is being taken for a ride.

    The star-studded film features Jide Kosoko, Eniola Badmus, Helen Paul, Nedu, and Yaw.

    Among artistes who turned up for the premiere are Funke Akindele, Alex Ekubo, Funke Akindele, AY, and a host of others.

  • ‘The Bridge’ premieres in style

    ‘The Bridge’ premieres in style

    Currently running in cinemas across the country, the much talked about movie featuring Pop singer, Chidinma Ekile, enjoyed a glamorous premiere last Saturday, at the Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, witnessed by celebrity guests, cast and crew of the movie, diplomats, government officials, and creative industry entrepreneurs.

    A fascinating love story at the mercy of cultural disparity, ‘The Bridge,’ written by Shola Dada, produced by Lasun Ray and directed by Kunle Afolayan, explores the undaunted desire of two love birds to change the primordial, and sometimes egoistic mind-sets that hinders unity across tribes, tradition and class.

    Powered by Bank of Industry (BoI)’s Nollyfund loan scheme, the film is Chidinma Ekile’s acting debut, playing Stella, alongside ‘October 1’ actor, Demola Adedoyin (Obadare), and a host of other top actors like Kunle Afolayan, Binta Ayo Mogaji, Zack Orji, Tina Mba, Adebayo Salami, Lere Paimo, Wole Olowomojuore, Lanre Hassan and Jimoh Aliu.

    ‘The Bridge’ makes a bold statement with the Yoruba and Igbo cultures, showcasing the people’s exquisite attires, enchanting music and language power.

    The premiere on Saturday was attended by dignitaries, including the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; former Minister of Youth Development, Funke Adedoyin; Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde; Special Assistant on Arts, Culture and Tourism to the Kwara State Governor, Femi Adebayo; CEO of Terra Kulture, Bolanle Austen-Peters, and founder of Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), Chioma Ude.

    Others are Gbenga Adeyinka, Tade Ogidan, Hilda Dokubo, Yemi Shodimu, Kunle Bakare and Bryan Okwara.

    The film tells the story of Stella (Chidinma Ekile), a young lady from a distinguished Igbo family who falls in love and secretly marries Obadare (Demola Adedoyin), a Yoruba Prince against her parent’s wish. The relationship becomes threatened by tribal prejudice and the consequences shake the very foundation and unity of both families.

    Lai Mohammed who spoke after the curtain call praised the vision of the producers for telling a story of unity among tribes in the country.

  • ‘Idahosa Trails’ premieres amidst applause

    ‘Idahosa Trails’ premieres amidst applause

    The much anticipated faith-based movie, ‘Idahosa Trails’, by an award winning script writer and director, Stanlee Ohikhuare has been premiered in Benin, ahead of its cinema release this Friday.

    The movie is centred on the Founder of Church of God Mission Intl, Benson Idahosa. It narrates the  coincidental experience of an American journalist, who seeks to meet Archbishop Benson Idahosa based on his perception of the preacher’s role in the miraculous recovery of a popular chief in Benin City, who regained consciousness miraculously after many years in coma.

    According to Stanlee, “ the title of the movie is to describe what happened in the movie because the man through whose story was given to me the things that happened in the life of Benson Idahosa is actually on a trail of Benson Idahosa, trying to get to know him, which is why the trails is there.”

    “It is a movie that touches on what can happen if someone experiences God. Even from the layman perspective, someone who doesn’t have any intimate relationship with God and suddenly starts experiencing things that are strange to him and he is searching for the truth and answers. Then when you search for those answers, you find salvation, which is the bottom line of the story.” It is a movie that spreads the message of hope and faith not necessarily the religion. He said the story line was derived from his quest to understand more about Benson Idahosa.

    On the challenges, he said: “It is a movie we have being on for 8 years and its being hectic because we wanted to get it right. It is a faith based movie and faith based movies are not given the kind leverage that other movies enjoy. But surprising, before we started shooting the movie, we got a release date.”

    It’s going to be in the cinemas and this is the first time a Nigeria Christian movie will run in the cinemas and I believe it will open doors for other people who would want to venture in.

    Award winning Nollywood actor, Charles Okafor, who played the role of Benson Idahosa, said the movie provoked a very sober disposition in him as a role interpreter.

    “When I was called upon to replicate and enact Benson Idahosa, in spite of my many years as an actor and role interpreter, it became very challenging for me but i was able to pull an average deliverability to who this icon was when he walked the face of the earth.

    “It gives me great joy and honour because it is the most resounding aspect of my career as an actor, to have the opportunity to enact a global icon, someone who traversed this world so much from nothing. For me it came very humbling, gratifying, challenging and above all very rewarding.”

    The movie features Nollywood stars such as Veteran actors like Liz Amiye, Patrick Doyle, , Kunle Idowu popularly known as Frank Donga, Osas Ighodaro,  Adedamola Akapo, Mike Omoregbee, and Emmy Award Winner, David Schifter.

  • Excitement as GCGT 7 premieres

    Excitement as GCGT 7 premieres

    AMIDST excitement and a display of rare talent, the seventh season of God’s Children Great Talent (GCGT) hit TV screens last Sunday.

    Hosted by Olive Emodi, the premiere showcased talents between the ages of five and 20 in music, comedy, dance and spoken word.

    The pilot episode featured highlights of auditions from three regions with the first stop in Abuja.

    Master Onyechukwu, a spoken word artiste, who got a blue congratulatory card, is hopeful about winning this year’s grand prize after wowing the city scouts with his oratory skills.

    In Port Harcourt, the GCGT auditions also recorded an impressive turnout of contestants.

    19 years old Esther, who came all the way from Delta State, blew the scouts away with her fruity voice as she sang “Great is Thy Faithfulness” by Chris Rice. Esther said she is confident and knows what it takes because God has given her a talent that she must not bury.

    One of the highlights of Port Harcourt audition was the discovery of multi-talented artiste, Immaculate Benibo who dances, sings and raps.

    The GCGT audition then berthed in Lagos, which is regarded as Nigeria’s entertainment hub, recording the highest number of contestants.

    The struggle among spoken word artistes at the audition was real, but only a small number were able to delight the Lagos scouts.

    A dance group called “Jesus freak” impressed the scouts greatly when they infused dance with playing the violin.

    19-year-old Joshua brought a different flavour to the competition with his beat boxing skills. Joshua believes his talent is very unique, especially in Nigeria. He definitely left audience in awe with his performance, which got him a blue card from the scouts.

    GCGT 7 which premiered last Sunday offered viewers an entertaining experience.

    The next episode, according to the producers, will be focused on the regional finals.

  • Kunle Afolayan’s new comedy film, ‘Omugwo’ premieres with pomp

    Kunle Afolayan’s new comedy film, ‘Omugwo’ premieres with pomp

    After a series of breathtaking premieres with his pan-African movie, ‘The CEO’, filmmaker Kunle Afolayan pooled another glamorous crowd on Wednesday, with a special screening of his new comedy film, ‘Omugwo’, starring Ayo Adesanya, Patience Ozokwor, Omowunmi Dada, Ken Erics, and Christian Paul among others.

    Present at the private screening which held at Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos, are representatives of Bank of Industry, sponsors of the movie, Africa Magic; distribution company, Silverbird Distribution; and stakeholders in the film industry such as the Founder/CEO of Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), Ms. Chioma Ude; filmmaker and former Chairman of Audio-Visual Rights Society of Nigeria (AVRS), Mr. Mahmood Ali-Balogun; filmmaker Chris Ekejimbe; foremost actress, Kate Henshaw; film entrepreneur, Mr. Seun Shoyinka; actors Yomi Fash-Lanso and Funsho Adeolu as well as cast members of the movie – Omowunmi Dada, Ayo Adesanya and Henry Alabi, aka Old Skool.

    Addressing guests shortly before the screening of the movie, Afolayan noted that ‘Omugwo’ is an Africa Magic-commissioned film in partnership with his company, Golden Effects Productions. “We were commissioned to do three films,” he said, “and this is one of them. After this, we are going to unveil ‘Roti’ and ‘Tribunal’.”

    He said he is particularly excited about the film “because it’s meant to be a small-budget television drama, but by the time you see it, you may want to ask what differentiates a low budget film from a high budget film, because this is just like any of Kunle Afolayan’s productions.”

    According to the filmmaker, the film is a slight departure from his usual style of story-telling, going by its comic nature. “It’s a comedy. Because people perceive most of my works as being serious, so I had this watered down. This film is releasing this Friday and this is the first public screening.”

    Written by Kemi Adesoye, ‘Omugwo’ tells the story of Omotunde, a young civil engineer, married to Raymond, an OAP who have just had a baby. Coloured by their different cultural backgrounds, their mothers-in-law forcefully move in with the couple to perform the Igbo childcare rite called Omugwo. But instead of relieving their children of the burden of childcare, the mothers’ rivalry complicates life for the young couple to comical effects.

    In this highly inspiring film, Afolayan marries a serious subject matter of motherhood with lots of hilarious moments. An ‘edutainment’ movie, ‘Omugwo’ portrays two characteristics of motherhood and gives kudos to the African tradition, while on the other hand, it attempts to prefer solution to some of the challenges  faced by young couples especially after the arrival of their first child. Ozorkwo and Adesanya leave viewers with catchy phrases that follow the viewers home and help the story to linger on.

    Afolayan used the opportunity of the premiere to introduce his new client, Tecno Mobile, a company he said he will be doing a lot more with, going forward.

    This is adding to his list of such companies as Air France, Adron Homes, and Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN), among others that he represents as brand ambassador.

  • Beyond blood premieres in Lagos

    Beyond blood premieres in Lagos

    The much anticipated star-studded movie, Beyond Blood, premiered at the Silverbird Galleria Victoria Island, Lagos, last Thursday.

    The movie reflects on the life of a young lady who, after series of uncontrollable events, decides to run away from her fears and gets caught in a cycle of unpleasant circumstances.

    Speaking at the premiere, the director of the movie, Greg Odutayo, revealed that it took five years to come up with such brilliantly written and captivating story

    “It took us a long time to come up with this movie,” he said.

    “We’ve been working on it for five years now and we worked continuously so we can get a good result. We don’t want to look at it as a social movie. We want people to look at it as a movie that entertains and one that has social issues being dealt with. We don’t want anyone tagging it and saying it’s about prostitution or human trafficking.

    “What we aimed for essentially was a bloody good story that will entertain our audience, keep them glued and at the same time push up that message and that is what we went for and I am happy we achieved it.”

    Actor Joseph Benjamin, who played a major role in the movie, also spoke at the premiere, saying: “This movie is totally different, it’s something that I see in a different light and there is a lot more it demanded from me, and that was what drew me to it.”

    Beyond Blood also has the likes of Kehinde Bankole, Shan George, Ijeoma Grace Agu, Wole Ojo, Deyemi Okanlawon, Carol King and a host of others as cast members.

  • Celebrations, as last episode of Hotel Majestic premieres

    Celebrations, as last episode of Hotel Majestic premieres

    Only big events take place at Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos. The premiere of Hotel Majestic was no less a pomp, as celebrities and socialites joined the cast and crew of the critically acclaimed telenovella to celebrate the final episode.

    Hosted by ace compere and television host, Ebuka Uchendu, the event featured stellar performances from artistes and comedians, including rave-of-the-moment Y.C, Harrysong, Funnybone and Kenny Black. The gathering also provided an avenue for fans of the show to celebrate up close with their favourite cast members, even as Africa Magic, the continent’s leading provider of premium African entertainment content, promised more for its viewers.

    Some of the faces spotted at the event include Patrick Doyle, Sadiq Daba, Ivie Okujaye, Tina Mba, Linda Ejiofor, Wole Ojo, Ibukun Ukeje, Kemi lala Akindoju, Franklin Lenoard, Olamide Akintobi, Shade Ladipo, Vixen Ikwerre, Zainab Balogun, Funke Bucknor Obruthe among others.

    “Tonight, we celebrate the success of Hotel Majestic. We recognise that this level of success would be unachievable without the incredible support that our viewers across Africa and indeed the rest of the world have shown and we want to thank everyone who partook in the show’s success. The cast and crew have been phenomenal, even as Hotel Majestic officially provided a platform for many new exciting talents to shine,” said the Director, M-Net West Africa, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu.

    Hotel Majestic has been lauded by fans across Africa for its fresh storyline, exciting blend of established and new talents, and stellar production.

    “We are excited to announce that for those viewers who missed out on all the excitement of Hotel Majestic, the show will be rebroadcast soon on Africa Magic Urban (DStv channel 153). But the excitement on Africa Magic does not end there as this January we are also premiering Jikulumessu, an exciting Angolan series. In everything, the Africa Magic channels will continue being the home of the best entertainment for Africa by Africans,” Mba-Uzoukwu added.

  • Power of Tomorrow premieres in Abuja

    Power of Tomorrow premieres in Abuja

    The Ladi Kwali Hall of Sheraton Hotel, Abuja, will play host to top dignitaries, this Saturday, as foremost entertainer and philanthropist, Jolly Abani, premieres her new flick, Power of Tomorrow.

    Abani said the ceremony will score high on two points; the content of the movie and the high profile guests which will include top politicians, captains of industry and the film’s star-studded cast.

    The producer who doubles as a cast in the film, starring as Mrs. Allen, said all necessary arrangements have been put in place to make the premiere a night of classy entertainment.

    Expected at the premiere are casts of the movie such as Oge Okoye, I.K Ogbonna, Yakubu Mohammed and Jibola Dabo who will also rock the red carpet at the show.

    Others, according to Abani, are political bigwigs such as the former governor of Ebonyi state, Senator Sam Egwu, All Progressives Congress chieftain and former governor of Abia state, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu as well as investors like Chisco Transport boss, Chief Chidi Anyiegbu and Dr Donald  Peterson.

    “We have dotted the I’s and crossed the I’s towards making our film premiere one that guests and movie lovers will remember for its class and glamour,” she said.

    Abani revealed that the film which is her first as a producer, was made to remind mothers of their role in the home and the society at large.

    She said: “Power of Tomorrow which I also love to call Mirror In The Sun is an eye opener. It is a story of what some women in politics have to do in order to succeed. Yes, I believe in gender equality but I also believe that a woman should first be a woman. Women should never neglect their role in the family and society, just because they want to make it in life or politics. I don’t think that a woman should go all the way like, Mrs. Allen, the main character in my movie did.

    “The lead character in my movie killed her husband, killed her daughter and sadly, she still didn’t become a senator. This woman (Mrs. Allen) had to get her husband out of the way after she started having using sex as a tool to further her political career. Of course, her husband who discovered she had become unfaithful wouldn’t take her infidelity, so he had to be eliminated. Even with all her desperate actions, she died without her dream of becoming a senator coming to reality.”