Entertainment
‘Highlights Of ‘Nollywood Shines In Hollywood’ Event
The Nigeria movie industry popularly known as Nollywood made a historic outing to showcase some of Nigeria’s best films: ’93 Days’, ‘The Bridge’ and ‘Isoken’ at Hollywood in Los Angeles. Thousands of Hollywood tourists from all over the world were held spell bound over the weekend by the spectacular Nollywood in Hollywood event.
The event started on Friday at the Egyptian Threatre with a star studded red carpet highlighted by the film makers and actors in the films to showcase ’93 Days’, ‘The Bridge’ and ‘Isoken’. “The inaugural Nollywood in Hollywood event was the biggest cultural showcase for Nigerians outside the country in decasdes”, the organizers said.
“Nollywood artistes also used the platform to promote Nigeria’s talents and called for co-productions and technical cooperation between Nollywood and Hollywood”.
The moderator for the opening night film and chairman of the African-American steering committee of the Directors Guild of America (DGA), Mr Jeff Byrd praised the ingenuity of Nollywood.
“Nollywood seems so faraway, but there is some curiosity. This is a great event for Hollywood to know more about the Nigerian cinema, the film tonight (93 Days) is an excellent film, a really good piece. There are conversations to be heard, example, how can we make it possible for people like Steve Gukas and good Nollywood film makers to be a part of the DGA”, he said.
Saturday’s screening was at the reputable Eileen Norris Theatre inside the University of Southern California (USC). The theatre which has hosted films by reputable USC alumni including Ryan Cooglar of the ‘Black Panther’, George Lucas, John Singleton, Bryan Singer and Shonda Rhimes among others was now playing host to Nigeria films.
A late arriving crows saw the matinee screening of the Bridge on Saturday after which its’ director, Kunle Afolanya held the packed audience to an engaging question and answer session. As dusk approached, a standing room only crowd saw the final film on the showcase ‘Isoken’, whose theme and subject matter engaged the crowd. Actress Dakore Egbuson Akande had a very colourful and stimulating question and answer session with Nigerian American film maker, Ose Oyamendan after the screening.
In a panel on Nollywood, the Nigerian film makers made a point of letting the Hollywood audience and decision makers know that Nollywood grew without government support. The Nollywood practitioners also regretted the lack of the Nigerian government’s presence at the biggest cultural showcase for Nigeria outside the country for decades.
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.’