Entertainment
‘Why We Must Salvage Film Industry In Rivers’
Though the entertainment industry is growing so fast and many people are not only becoming smart, but have started waking up to the business side of the industry particularly the motion picture sector popularly known as Nollywood, which is the third largest movie producing industry in the world after Hollywood of America and Bollywood of India.
However, it has been observed that film production in Rivers State, the Treasure Base of Nigeria lags behind that of other states like Lagos, Enugu and now Delta where not less than 10 films are produced daily, making huge revenue for these states and providing employment opportunities for their youths.
This slow pace of development of the industry has remained a source of embarrassment to some concerned indigenous practitioners, because Rivers State has comparative advantage over them. Apart from the fact that the state has good locations to shoot films, world class hotels and other entertainment outlets, abundant potentials and intelligence to compete favourably with their counterparts in the industry, most top movie makers, actors and actresses as well as some of the notable practitioners in the country, passed through the state on their way to stardom.
Speaking on the state of movie making in Rivers State, a seasoned entertainer, managing director of African Movie Producers Limited Port Harcourt, Mrs Vickky Eeen attributed it to lack of recognition of the importance of movie making and the role of practitioners in the overall development of the state hence the lack of investment, in the sector as a result, the state loses the opportunity to make money from the industry and generate employment opportunities for the youths.
The actress and singer who disclosed this while speaking with The Tide entertainment recently, said the snail speed development of the industry is unfortunate as even countries like America, India, South Africa Kenya, Ghana etc. invest hugely in film making and entertainment generally and the revenue they get in return as well as other benefits are enormous.
The state executive of Association of Movie Production (AMP) in Rivers State said the poor state of the industry necessitated the recent concerted efforts being made by AMP to seek assistance from the state government, organised private sector and stakeholders to invest in the industry in order to boost its activities and make it more viable.
Vickky, as she is popularly known by her close friends and associates, said she decided to improve on the situation through her personal efforts by establishing the African film production training centre at N0 4 Olodu Street Off Olu Obasanjo Road Port Harcourt where she trains students in various aspects of entertainment, including film production and directing, acting, chorography, script writing, music recording, modeling etc not only to move the entertainment industry forward but to empower the restive youths of Niger Delta, refocus their mind set, make them self sufficient and disciplined members of the society.
The Ikwerre, Rivers State born director, producer, script writer and dancer said since inception, the school has graduated over 100 students and has the capacity to train over 10,000 youths in their chosen careers in the industry. She maintained that some of the grandaunds have gainful employment in various entertainment outfits including Siver bird. Others have featured in movies, TV Reality shows, Soap Operas, and as students have produced a movie titled “Seal of Salvation which she directed; while some of her models have competed in various modeling shows both in the national and international levels.
The ex-student of University of Port Harcourt where she obtained a Diploma and graduate of Mass Communication, Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) said the school insists on standards, discipline and character development and boasts of reputable resource persons drawn from within the country, America, UK, South Africa, Ghana etc, adding that those who excelled in character development are sent abroad for further training and employment.
On her exploits in the entertainment industry, the beautiful and amiable lady of many parts, revealed that she started acting from secondary school, at Port Harcourt Township School, Borokiri, later worked briefly at the Rivers State Council for Arts and Culture and Rivers State Television (RSTV), where she met people like Comish Ekiye, Hilda Dokubo and others. She has also written over 2000 scripts some of which are being used by producers today.
Vickky has also featured in many movies including “Mixed Multitude,” (2001), co-produced ‘Indecent proposal’ (2003) and is currently working on a new movie. The athlete also has a debut album stressing that she was inspired by Onyeka Onwenu, Ivon Chaka Chaka and ‘Mama Africa’ Marian Makebe.
The movie maker and trainer maintained that despite the challenges facing the entertainment industry in Rivers State, she has decided to remain in the state to salvage the industry instead of looking for greener pastures in other states as some of her colleagues from the state have done.
Popular businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest, has said that his relationship with singer Davido is beyond money and gossip.
He stated this in a recent interview with BBC Igbo.
“Davido is my friend. He is my in-law; he married Chioma who is from Imo State where I hail from.
“So the relationship I have with Davido is beyond money and gossip,” he said.
DAILY POST reports that Chief Priest disclosed via his Instagram page that his outfit for the wedding of the singer, Davido and his wife, Chioma, in Lagos on Tuesday cost seven million Naira.
The socialite recently appreciated Davido for not “discarding” Chioma.
He stated that the DMW boss has made Imo State proud by choosing to marry from the state.
Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has lent her voice to the ongoing anti-tax hike protests in Kenya.
The Tide’s source reports that Kenyan youths are marching against tax hike in widespread demonstrations tagged ‘RejectFinanceBill2024.’
Five people were shot dead and dozens wounded after police clashed with protesters who stormed the parliament building in Nairobi on Tuesday, according to Amnesty Kenya.
Reacting via her X handle on Tuesday night, Simi declared her support for the demonstrators.
She stated that “it is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights.”
The singer wrote, “I stand with the people of Kenya. It is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights. Godspeed and Strength. [Hash tag] RejectFinanceBill2024.”
In a series of other posts, she wrote: “Wow. When you’ve had enough, the fight is almost inevitable.
“African leaders- have not you done enough?
“I can’t wait for the day Africa is not a weapon fashioned against Africans. All of this amazing Black power and human resource, but the majority are not likely to thrive unless they run.”
Famous Nigerian Afrobeat singer, Davido was spotted among other top artistes at Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour concert in Atlanta, Georgia.
Asake’s performance at his sold-out show at the 17,000-capacity State Farm Arena in Atlanta began on August 16, 2024, and is set to run for 10 days.
In a trending video on social media, Davido appeared backstage with American rapper Quavo to support Asake during the live performance.
Other musicians in attendance included Nigerian hitmaker Zlatan and American rapper Russ Millions.
The Tide’s source reports that Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour is set to cover six U.S. cities, where he will headline notable venues including Madison Square Garden in New York, the Toyota Center in Houston, and the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Asake’s tour comes just days after the release of his latest hit, ‘Lungu Boy,’ which features several superstars, including Wizkid, British rappers Central Cee and Stormzy, Travis Scott and Brazilian singer Ludmilla.
‘Lungu Boy’ set a new record for the biggest opening week on Spotify Nigeria, garnering 18.9 million streams in its opening week and breaking the previous record of 14.4 million streams held by Davido’s ‘Timeless.’