Entertainment
Engr. Orlu Sets Up Film Academy In PH
The chairman of Association of Movie Producers (AMP), Rivers State chapter, Engr Reginald Orlu has set up a Film Academy in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital known as Our Film Resort Academy for people who are interested in making their career in Nollywood.
The movie producer who spoke with The Tide Entertainment in his office recently, disclosed that interested candidates would be trained in all aspects of movie making such as acting, production, directing, cinematography, costumering, make-up, set and props etc.
He stressed that already the academy has registered some candidates and training has commenced. According to him, there is no age limit and academic qualification is not a barrier. He noted that the academy is interested in those who have the talent in any area of their choice who could be groomed to stardom as well as providing job opportunities to them.
The AMP chairman reiterated that the academy will start with shooting of soap operas which will be aired in the Rivers Sate Television (RSTV) continually before going into shooting of movies. According to him, before this year runs out, movies shot by the academy would be in the market while not less than 1000 persons will be given job opportunities.
Engr Orlu also stated that plans had been concluded to acquire land for the permanent site of the academy and to create shooting areas for the movies. He contended that already some organizations such as Indomie, Pabod Breweries, Coca Cola etc have indicated interest to support the activities of the academy, while Rasa Hotels Limited has been of great help to Nollywood in the state.
He also disclosed that the inauguration of the academy is slated for the 23
rd of August 2013 at Lezoon Hotel, Iwofe Road Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt which would be preceded by a road show on the 22nd of August 2013. Some top Nollywood stars are expected to grace the inaugural ceremony.
Those expected at the ceremony include Fabian Adibe, Cynthia Okereke, Stella Ukwuegbu, John Okafor (Mr Ibu) and the AGN chairman, Lagos Chapter, Mr. Victor Osuagwu. Others are Columbus Iriosoanga, Gentle Jack, Walter Anger and Elder Okike amongst others.
The Ikwerre, Rivers State-born actor and film maker maintained that the academy which is the first of its kind in the state has come to stay and would not only help to groom young talents in the industry, but would help to improve on the acting career of upcoming stars.
He therefore urged those interested in making a career in Nollywood to utilize this rare opportunity instead of going to non-professionals for training. He stressed that what Wale Adenuga of the Super Stories fame is doing in Lagos is what he intends to do here in Rivers State.
On the activities of AMP in the state, he said the Association is faced with a lot of challenges which include lack of sponsorship, high cost of shooting films and poor returns as well as high cost of premiering films in cinemas and cost of acquiring ownership rights amongst others. He said these are major hindrances which have drastically reduced film production in the state.
On the N3 billion doled out to Nollywood by President Goodluck Jonathan, the AMP chairman said since the president released the money, Nollywood had been holding series of meetings on how to disburse the money, but up till date nothing positive has come out of their deliberations.
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.’