Entertainment
Jonathan Tasks Filmmakers On Promotion Of African Culture
President Goodluck
Ebele Jonathan has tasked African film makers to use the platform of their works and talents to promote the cultural heritage and traditions of black people.
The President made the call while declaring open this year’s edition of the prestigious African International Film Festival (AFFRIF) holding in Tinapa Calabar, Cross River State.
Speaking through the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, High Chief Edem Duke, Jonathan commended the film makers for not only using their craft to reposition the place of the black people in the comity of nations, but also for ensuring that the rest of the world see Africa truly in the light that is appropriate for the continent.
The President said that “it is my expectation that we will be celebrating till the end of this week some wonderful films and talented personalities. It is my hope that we continue to use the platform of your movies to promote the culture and tradition of Africa. It is also my belief that as we continue to venture into redefining its place in the global movie industry we will continue to give credence to those positive attributes of Africa, those important value systems that have overtime, been promoted and projected.
According to the president, often times people have criticised us that for some of our films we spend a lot of time exploring themes of tragedies and such story limes that do not extremely celebrate our cultural values. But, I thereby state that at the end of each and every such stories, there is always a bottom line of good triumphing over evil and that is the value system and true story of Africa.
He believed that it is in the realisation of that, the western world has today moved away from the era of “Dracula’ that we used to know to the spiderman of today “a force of justice and positivity over that of evil.
The festival which opened with the screening of a controversial documentary film on the recent political struggle in Egypt titled “The Square” ended on Wednesday November 19th. In attendance were movie stars stakeholders including the first lady of Cross River State, Obioma Liyel Imoke, Veteran film maker, Tunde Kelanic Mahmud Ali-Balogun Charles Novia, Rita Dominic, Linda Ejiofor and Bond Emeruwa Gideon Okeke, Beverly Naya among others.
Patience Ozokwor (MAMA GEE)
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.’