Entertainment
Rivers Entertainment Industry: An Overview
The Entertainment indus
try comprises movies, music, comedy and night clubs amongst others used to entertain people. It involves showcasing talents to create amusement for pleasure, make people laugh, relax, reduce stress or tension. It brings happiness to friends, families, individuals and society.
The entertainment industry in Rivers State has over the years recorded positive transformations, it has moved from obscurity to the limelight and from the job of mediocres to professionals. The various achievements recorded by the entertainment outlets in the state are quite impressive. They include the following:
Movies
The movie industry in Rivers State apart from producing the best talents in Nollywood, the state also boasts of the best locations, hotels, and other facilities required for the production of standard movies that can stand the test of time. Among the indigenous stars are: Hilda Dokubo, Ibinabo Fiberesima-Ebuka (The current president of The Actors Guild of Nigeria AGN) and the first female to occup the position, Monalisa Chinda, Tonto Dike, Morriene Ihua, Lady Milliscent Jack, and Dr. Sam Dede.
Others include: Larry Briggs, Basorge Tariah, Columbus Irosoanga, Gentle Jack, Alaso Wariboko Etc, as well as movie producers among whom are Mrs. Vickey EEN(CEO African Film Producers Ltd) and Engr. Reginald Orlu (chairman Association of Movie Producers (AMP) Rivers State chapter and a host of others.
Among the movies produced in the state are “Snake Kingdom”, “War of Roses” “Double Trouble”, Battle of the Gods”, – “School Life”, “Elegible Spinster”, “Last Glory”, “Who Cares”, “Sounds of Love” etc.
The movie industry in the state also boasts of two world class cinema houses namely Silverbird Cinemas and Genesis Deluxe Cinemas where residents of the city patronize on daily basis to watch the latest foreign and local movies. The state also played to the ION film festival for the first time in Africa, among other notable achievements.
Music
The music industry in the state is also developing at a very fast rate with various innovations to its credit. From the past to the present generations, the state has remained a force to be reckoned with in the development of the music industry in Nigeria.
It is on record that Rivers State produced the legendary high life king of Africa, the late cardinal Jim Rex Lawson and other internationally recognized high life music maestros, such as late King David Bull of the Seagulls Band, late Jack West Omodu of Garden City band, Living Legend, King Sunny Brown, the great Chief Sana of the Seamasters Band etc.
Today, high life music is facing relegation in the state, while modern genres of music such as hip-hop, RnB, Reggae, gyration music amongst others have taken the centre stage. However, the state is not lagging behind in the new trend as she has produced internationally acclaimed music stars, such as Daniel Wilson, Duncan Mighty, Emmanuel Amakiri (a.k.a Oba Omega) and the Nubian songstress, Mrs Gift Ekeh (aka Muma Gee).
Others are: Komboye Sinclair, Maja Briggs, Arthur Willie Pepple, Jnr, Peter Stone Cold, Lexy M, Sky B, Soty Samuel Horsfall, Posh Kayana, Lady IB etc. Although Reggae music is finding it difficult to stay afloat in the state, serious efforts are being made by some Reggae faithfuls to keep the flag flying.
Comedy
This is another aspect of the entertainment industry that has taken the state by storm to the extent that any social event in the state be it big or small without the presence of a stand up comedian, is regarded as a flop. Their funny jokes are so appreciated by the social class that most of them are willing to pay exhorbitant fees to the rib crackers, just to make their guests laugh, some even refer to them as “stress therapists”.
It would be recalled that in the past, the society regarded comedians as school drop outs, “never do wells”, street urchins and other negative names, but today comedy has become a lucrative profession for the gifted ones. Comedians are now celebrities in their own right who now wine and dine with the rich and mighty in the society. They have become the stone the builder rejected, but later turned out to be the head corner stone.
Among the indigenous humour merchants who hold-sway in the state are Julius Agwu, Dan D’ Humourous, Akas Baba of Wazobia FM Port Harcourt, Prince Hezekiah, Angel the laugh, Rugged Pator, Easy Blaze etc. They are the toast of every big event in the state.
Night Clubs
Another major aspect of entertainment in the state is night clubbing. The night club is the place you go to listen to the latest music in town as well as some ‘old school vibes’, Dance, relax, wine, dine and generally catch undiluted fun. It is exclusively for those who can afford the exorbitant prices of beer, the exotic wine and hot drinks, mouth watering snacks and other delicacies as well as the gate fee.
Inside the club hall, you are confronted by different bulbs of various colours and sizes, the lightings give you an eerie feeling coupled with the cosy environment which creat a false impression of paradise on earth. Activities in the clubs are at there peak on Wednesdays and weekends. The clubs also serve as haven of sorts for the ladies of easy virtue who go there to conduct their immoral trade or ‘Runs’ business, some men also patronize the clubs not only to drink and dance but to make new’ catch”.
Those who cannot afford the cost of a night club, make do with the drinking palours, pepper soup joints and other hang outs where they equally get their fun at a cheaper rate.
Among the popular night clubs in the city are, Cassablanca, Oaker beak, Boomerang, Mr D’ Plaza and Fabulous among numerous others.
Cultural Entertainment
This article will be incomplete without making mention of cultural entertainment which refers to cultural dances, masquerades and other plays that not only entertain, but showcases the unique cultural heritage of the state to the outside world. The Rivers State Tourism Development Agency (RSTDA) is in the forefront of promoting the rich aquatic culture of the riverine people and the upland cultural prowess through the annual CARNIRIV which is one of the most glamourous and well attended cultural festivals in Africa. The week-long cultural fiesta always attracts troop of guests and tourists from all parts of the world.
No wonder Rivers State is seen as “a home away from home”, as it plays host to different classes of people from all over world who always visit the Garden City and Treasure Base of Nigeria to relax, get fun and to be treated to the legendary hospitality of which the state is known for in the global circle.
Jacob Obinna
Entertainment
“French Up Your Career” PH, 2025 :Consul General Of France Harps On Proficiency In French
The Consul, General of France in Nigeria, Laurent Favier has encouraged French Learners to improve their skills on the language, as there are lots of opportunities up for grabs on the job market with fluency in French Language, saying that there are many other career paths which are often less well known to learners of French.
Participants at the “French Up Your Career” event held in Port Harcourt.
Favier who disclosed this during the just concluded third edition of the seminar tagged “French Up Your Career” organized by Alliance
Française, Port Harcourt explained that learning French doesn’t mean adding a language to your resume. It rather provides learners with new opportunities. Irrespective of their area of interest, be it diplomatic and International relations, international development, translation and Interpretation or journalism.
According to the Consul General, it was important to create awareness for young Nigerians in Port Harcourt who desire to have better understanding of how been fluent in French can create diverse career opportunities for users of the languages in Nigeria and the world at large, emphasizing that proficiency in French could possibly make learner a bridge between Nigeria and fast-developing regions.
“You previously heard this morning about how you can improve your French skills. This afternoon you will discover how being fluent in French can provide a significant edge on the job market and lead to professional careers that you may not have even considered before,”
“This event comes at the right time, as it launches the celebration of the richness and diversity of French-speaking cultures, which will mobilize us for more than a month throughout Nigeria and alongside other French-speaking countries,” Favier added.
He further highlighted that French is spoken by over 300 million people across the world, saying that, it’s one of the official languages of the United Nations, the European Union, and the African Union.
“There are many neighbouring African countries to Nigeria ,who have French as one of their primary languages of communication including Cameroon, Chad, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. So, what does this mean for you as students here in Nigeria?” He asked
“These sectors in which the French Embassy is often mobilized are the business and marketing field for example, as French is often the preferred language in many multinational companies, particularly those in the energy, oil and telecommunications sectors. I’m thinking as well in technology and IT,” he said
He noted that French-speaking countries in Africa are investing heavily in tech, innovation, and infrastructure, revealing that companies in Tech are looking for bilingual professionals to assist with software localization, customer support, and managing projects in French-speaking regions.
“The French embassy is not only mobilized to help learners discover promising sectors. We are also providing our support and expertise in
training teachers and optimizing university programs,” he summed up
Also, the linguistics cooperation attaché, French Embassy in Nigeria, Magaly Losange, who also gave a lecture at the seminar, in an interview with Newsmen said that the main purpose of the seminar was to be more informative and supportive to those who want to make a skill out of French Language,saying that as the linguistics cooperation attaché of the French Embassy it is her duty to promote French language through culture.
She cited traditional stereotypes as a major challenge affecting the growth and development of French in Nigeria, as school, teachers at the primary and secondary level in most cases teach French using the traditional way, where students learn French, but could not put words and grammar together as a skill for communicate.
“French is important. I don’t see French as colonization, l see French as a key to embrace globalization, l hope that learners will be inspired and ready to embrace the global village,” Losange said.
She however said that the French Embassy is working to ensure that equipments to facilitate the learning of French is put in place to enable learners improve their skills fast, which in two to three years learners should be able to communicate with French, advising learners to be intentional with learning the language, through social media and other workable devices to advance their skills for certification and better opportunities.
Highlight of the event which had about 250 participants in attendance was the eloquence award ceremony where students were awarded for their eloquence in French language by the Director, Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs.Marina Lacal alongside the Linguistics cooperation attaché of the French Embassy in Nigeria, Magaly Losange.
After two edition of the seminar it was the turn of the Alliance Française, Port Harcourt to host the Third edition.
It would be recalled that the first edition of ” “French Up Your Career” event was organized at the Alliance Française Lagos on October 23, the second one at UNILAG on November 24, 2024 respectfully.
Popular Nigerian comedienne, Tomama has revealed how she waited for Afrobeats superstar, Wizkid outside the bathroom.
She shared this while recounting her encounter with the singer at a recent event with heavy security.
In a video posted on her Instagram page, Tomama explained that she waited by the bathroom in an attempt to have a one-on-one conversation with Wizkid.
She stated that she positioned herself near the restroom, hoping Wizkid would eventually use it, giving her the perfect opportunity to speak with him.
“Wizkid, I saw you, and I waited for you to pee, but you didn’t even stand up from where you were sitting. You just stayed there. All your crew members standing around got up to go pee. I was standing by the bathroom, waiting for you to come pee so that you would notice me,” she said.
Content creator and actor, Mr Macaroni has opened up about his financial struggles, saying he was both a victim of a scam and a failed investment in 2021.
He revealed that after losing all his savings, he resorted to borrowing to settle pending commitments and slipped into N500 million in debt.
He admitted that he is financially reckless and generous, impacting his financial stability negatively.
In lengthy post shared via his X handle yesterday, Mr Macaroni wrote, “Sometime around 2020/2022, I was a victim of a scam and simultaneously a failed investment that cost me all I had saved at the time. It shook me deeply but I told no one about it. If you know me well enough, you would know I do not like to share my problems. I could be going through the worst and at the same time helping others solve their own problems but I just would never share mine.”
“After I lost all the money I had then, Trouble started when I had to borrow money from different sources to settle all pending commitments and also fulfill certain responsibilities I have always believed were mine to fulfill. I make money in millions so I never thought borrowing money to pay back with interest could ever be a problem. But I got too comfortable and it took me a long time to realise that I was using the money I was earning to pay back interests. Also, my financial recklessness did not help. Please don’t borrow money! But if you must, please be responsible.”
The actor stated that 2024 marked a pivotal moment in his acting career but it was also the most challenging year for him as he faced over half a billion naira in debt.
Mr Macaroni revealed that his frustration grew worse after he was betrayed by someone he considered “a friend and sister.”
He added that with the support of family and friends who stood by him during his trying times, he now “feels better than I have felt in the last three years!”
The comedian stated that he decided to finally share his story to encourage others who are going through challenges.