Entertainment
Bole Festival Pulls Large Crowd – As Fun Seekers Defy Bad Weather
There is no doubt that the entertainment industry in Port Harcourt is growing by leaps and bounds with innovative and creative ideas by the shakers and movers of the industry.
This came alive as Port Harcourt fun seekers defied the rain in their number and trooped into the main arena of Peace Park on Aba Road near the Airforce Base to participate in the Bole Festival, late afternoon penultimate Friday and Saturday.
The festival however, turned into carnival as the both side lines of that part of Aba Road witnessed gridlock. Fun lovers adorned different fashionable clothes like don green (jean upon jean), black T-shirt and black chino jean trouser and other assorted fashionable clothes which added more colour, pomp and pageantry to the festival.
Port Harcourt residents, especially those who took part in the festival would not forget so soon that the huge success achieved by the management team and the organisers of this event, as though there was no cash crunch in the nation’s economy, has proved that the entertainment industry in the state is rich and robust, waiting to be explored and tapped by both indigenous and foreign tourists.
Little wonder, despite the bad weather and the presence of fierce looking bouncers and other private security men at the main entrance into the Peace Park, the gate fee of two thousand Naira (N2,000,00) and the small pieces of bole in a foil plate which was sold at two thousand Naira (N2,000.00) participants did not mind as they queued up and paid in their number.
There were other festive lovers who could not find their way into the Peace Park proper, due to the large crowd, but brought their bole from volunteers in the main bowl of the peace park behind the wire cage on the counter.
Speaking to The Tide, the volunteers who preferred anonymity said they had to assist the organisers and the management of the bole festival was ensure that every fun seeker is treated as an important personality which was responsible for huge patronage. They also revealed that there were some patronisers in the festival, who did not have money on them, but availed themselves of the POS services rendered by the volunteers.
In the large crowd, The Tide spoke with a member of the management team, Mr Divine Agulu, who declined to grant interview, but promised to get in touch with the head of the media team of the event but did not return back whilst The Tide waited endlessly in the rain accompanied by cold breeze.
In another development, there were important lessons to learn from the bole festival, it has created employment amongst the teeming youths in the state, as they voluntarily elected to work as volunteers and to be paid handsomely for their services by the management of the festival.
Again, the bole festival has proved beyond any reasonable doubt that if the right atmosphere, innovation and creativity are put in place, the entertainment industry in the state has a lot to offer in the areas of employment, comic relief, fight against boredom which are elements of healthy living. In consideration of the huge crowd that was attracted by the bole festival, fun seekers in the city would be willing to pay any amount of money just to catch fun.
However, the two-day bole festival which shook Port Harcourt has come and gone, but the memory would continue to linger in the hearts of both the crowd who participated in the festival, the management and the organisers for a long time.
By: Okwein Parker/Newlife Sunday
The Nigerian film industry has lost another of its veteran performers, Columbus Irisoanga, fondly known as ‘Igbudu’ following his unforgettable role in the 2001 Nollywood classic, Isakaba.
His passing was announced by actress and politician, Hilda Dokubo, who expressed her deep sorrow over his death.
“Our uncle, columbus Irisoanga has gone to be with the Lord. Ikoli eh dein na mu. There can’t be a shortage of Angels in heaven that the few here are called home like this! This one is heavy on Uniport, Rivers State and Nollywood,” Dokubo said
Irisoanga’s death is a significant loss not just for Nollywood but also for the academic community. He was a respected senior lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), where he earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees.
Over the years, he nurtured and mentored many students who have gone on to become industry professionals.
Columbus Irisoanga made a lasting mark on Nollywood with his compelling performances, particularly in epic films and traditional roles. His portrayal of Igbudu, the formidable chief priest in Isakaba, cemented his place as one of the industry’s respected character actors. With a commanding presence and a deep understanding of dramatic storytelling, he brought authenticity to every role he played.
The Tide Entertainment reports that beyond Isakaba, Irisoanga was known for his dedication to the craft, collaborating with some of Nollywood’s finest filmmakers. His contributions extended beyond the screen, as he was also instrumental in shaping the next generation of actors and filmmakers through his academic work at UNIPORT.
His passing comes just days after the industry mourned the loss of Nollywood actress, Pat Ugwu, who died at the young age of 35. This string of losses has left Nollywood fans and colleagues heartbroken, with many expressing their condolences and tributes on social media.
While the cause of Irisoanga’s death has not been officially disclosed, his impact on Nollywood and the academic world remains undeniable. His work, both in film and education, has left an indelible mark, and his legacy will live on through the students he taught and the audiences he entertained.
As the industry reflects on this great loss, many will remember Columbus Irisoanga not just as Igbudu, but as a mentor, a scholar, and a passionate storyteller whose influence will endure for years to come.
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.”
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