Entertainment
Entertainment Industry Can Boost Economy- DG
The Director General, Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Mr Emeka Mba said in Lagos that the entertainment industry could boost the nation’s economy if well managed.
Mba stated this at the premiere of a film: “Red Hot Nigerian Creativity’’ held on Wednesday night by Communicating for Change (CFC). It was to honour creative artistes.
He said that in spite of the financial problems and piracy challenges in the Nigerian film industry, artistes and stakeholders had been able to bring out blockbuster movies.
“We want people to know that they can make more money in Nigeria through the entertainment sector. This is one of the ways the country’s economy can be enhanced.
“Entertainment is not just for fun but a way of life, of history and culture, documented for reminisce,’’ he said.
According to him, Nigeria’s culture should be projected in film, dance, theatre and music to tell our own story to the outside world.
Mba added that entertainment could also be used as a tool to correct the ills of the society and send out messages for change.
He commended CFC for being in the forefront of filming the ills of the society and proffering ways to curb them, especially among youths.
“We at the NFVCB are looking for ways to partner with the entertainment industry, not to sponsor but to use it to project the country to the world,” Mba said.
On the problem of piracy, he said: “artistes go through a lot to put their creative ingenuity together without reaping much’’.
He said, however, that the board was looking for ways to curb piracy and ensure that artistes reap the fruit of their labour.
He said more stakeholders should produce films such as “Red Hot Nigerian Creativity” to honour people that had contributed to the art and entertainment industry.
CFC Managing Director, Mrs Sandra Mbanefo-Obiago said CFC decided to use the film to bring out important social messages that address human and national challenges and how to solve them.
She noted that the media, government, civil society, academia and private organisations could help tell these stories truthfully.
She explained that “Red Hot Nigerian Creativity” is about the life of heroes who were not acknowledged because of the complex and difficult realities of Nigeria’s road to development.
“The documentary series is CFC’s attempt at building a bridge of understanding, appreciation and support for our under-served artistic community and the entertainment industry,’’ she said.
Mr Alex Oti, Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Bank Plc, one of the sponsors of the documentary, promised to assist the industry to develop.
He said what the artistic world needed was sponsorship which the bank was ready to give.
Our correspondent reports that some of those featured in the documentary are Bruce Onobrakpeya, a visual artist; TY Bello, a musician and photographer.
Others were Cobhams Asuquo, a musical producer; Omotshola Isueli a.k.a. Tee Mac, a musician; Nigeria’s first female drummer, Ara; Julius Agwu, a comedian; Stephanie Okereke, a producer and actress; and Tunde Kelani, a movie producer.
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.’