Entertainment
Reactions Trail Uniport, TMC MoU On Film Academy
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between University of Port Harcourt (Uniport) and Trend Media City (TMC) on the establishment of a Film Academy which was signed last Friday at the university has been described as a positive development that would strengthen the Nigerian film industry.
Nollywood Star actor, Mr. Gentle jack who stated this in an interview with The Tide Entertainment, said the Academy would not only elevate the standard of movie making in the country, but would also give the students the desired focus that would enhance their professional career.
The Rivers State born actor lauded the university authorities for their collaboration with TMC which he said would encourage private sector participation in the industry. He stressed that the University had over the years contributed immensely to the upliftment of the Nigerian movie industry to international standards.
He reiterated that most of the big names and international award winning actors, actresses and artistes passed through the university on their way to stardom, while many others were currently undergoing training programmes in the Theatre Arts department of the institution.
Another Nollywood actor and lecturer at the University, Mr. Columbus Irosoanga also welcomed the development as a new dawn for the Nigeria Film industry. He said the acceptance of the university to partner with Trend Media City was a clear indication of their commitment towards strengthening the industry by producing credible manpower that would take the industry to a higher level of professionalism.
He noted that Rivers State had carved a niche for herself as a leading state in the Nigerian movie industry as well as arts and culture.
According to him, the rich cultural heritage of the state and the abundant opportunities in tourism, oil and gas sectors of the economy had remained a major attraction to both local and international investors.
It would be recalled that seven months after Trend Media City and authorities of the University of Port Harcourt began to work out plans for collaboration in film and media studies, both parties on Friday 25th January, 2013 sealed the pact with a formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ajienka said that the proposal and opportunities presented by TMC were clearly identifiable, stating the willingness of the authorities to associate.
He said that the policy of the university ensured that all partnerships were mutually benefiting.
In his remarks President and Chief Executive Officer TMC Engr. Uzoma Udemba commended the open arms with which the authorities of the university embraced the proposal. He said that the collaboration was important because Universities are beginning to realise that doing business is part of the system.
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.’