Entertainment
Silverbird, Genesis Revive Cinema Culture In PH
Until recently, the word ‘cinema’ was an outdated footnote in Nigeria’s entertainment history. But out of the blues, the cinemas sneaked back, taking every one by surprise.
It would be recalled that Nigerians of certain age bracket grew up on cinema houses such as Odeon, Roxy, Scala and pen in Lagos as well as Empress and Rivoli in Port Harcourt amongst others.
Most of the old boys can still remember the evenings spent in the dark confines of these cinema houses in utter bliss after being transported into other worlds through movies. Then suddenly, the cinema culture began to wane and the cinema business died out after “grasping for salvation for many years.”
But, when everybody thought the word ‘cinema’ had been dead and buried, the cinema culture returned. Nigerians began to flock to cinemas in droved on daily basis to see the movies they offer.
In Port Harcourt, the oil rich capital city of Rivers State, Silverbird and Genesis cinema hold sway. The pull for most people is the big screen, but premieres are also a big pull for even more people because the premier showing of a movie is the first time ever it will be shown, so premiers are very exciting and a great attraction.
With this new development, we cannot deny the fact that Silverbird cinema’s pioneered the return of cinemas to Nigeria. They deserved the credit for the return, the effect of Nollywood cannot also be discounted because Nollywood was a powerful figure in the decision to bring cinema back to Nigeria.
The concept behind the Silverbird cinemas is also to bring the total American experience to Nigeria. The American experience in terms of the Interest cinema technology in America, the movies in American cinema, the sort of excitement in the air in American cinemas and all that.
Also, when people got to cinemas in the developed world, it is a family affairs unlike here that it is basically for lovers. So Silverbird cinema was also established as a resort where families can hang out in a secure atmosphere so also it its close rival and competitor, Genesis Deluxe cinemas.
Today, the cinemas pose a serious challenge to Nigerian movies producers to make better movies. The cinemas have exposed Nigerians to quality so Nigerian movie makers have to improve on standards because they are aware that Nigerians can now compare the aesthetic qualities of our movies and that of the developed world.
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.’
