By Joan Odafe and Kemi Akintokun

Up-and-coming Afrobeat singer, Marcel Obute, popularly known as Bluboyy, says the Nigerian music industry is fast-growing, and making a positive impact globally.

Obute, a graduate of Music, lauded the industry in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during the launch of his single, ‘Ada’, on Saturday in Lagos.

The event was tagged, ‘Ada, A Music in Memory of Florence Adaora Obute’.

NAN reports that the song, ‘Ada’, is inspired by the memory of his younger sister, a music lover who died after a four-year battle with bone marrow cancer.

“I got the inspiration to write this song, Ada, two days after her death.

“It was a terribly painful experience in spite of the collective effort by family members and friends,” he said.

Bluboyy praised the current state of the Nigerian music industry, noting that its success rate could be scored as high as 90 per cent.

“We are doing really well, especially when you look at artistes like Davido, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Asake, Rema, Ruger and many others who are projecting Nigeria positively across the world,” he said.

According to him, Afrobeat is the heartbeat of Nigerian music because of the way the genre motivates the younger generation.

He added that Nigerian artistes were hardworking and had taken the industry to the global stage.

Speaking on how the government can support the music industry, he urged authorities to invest in the creative economy by establishing proper music institutions.

“The government should set up not just an academy but a standard music academy where those who want to pursue music professionally can be trained and educated.

“Investing in this fast-growing industry would yield financial gains and promote Nigeria globally.

“There should be a dedicated platform or ministry to support artistes and sponsor their development,” he said.

Bluboyy revealed that his tribute single, Ada, has garnered over 45,000 streams across music platforms. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Joshua Olomu

Foremost Nigerian entertainer Charles Oputa, popularly known as CharlyBoy, has launched a campaign on prostate cancer screening across Nigeria to educate men about prostate cancer risks, encourage regular screening, and promote early treatment.

The all-time social activist made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.

He said the campaign is the flagship initiative of the Charly Boy Foundation, a nonprofit organisation aimed at creating awareness about men’s health, focusing on mental well-being, diabetics and prostate health.

According to CharlyBoy, who recently survived prostate cancer, his foundation is spearheading a nationwide campaign because many men are dying in silence because they don’t talk about their prostate issues.

The septuagenarian said he has decided to use his personal experience to raise awareness about prostate health, specifically highlighting the importance of voluntary tests for early detection and treatment.

“We are in the middle of a silent epidemic as many of our men are dying in silence because they don’t talk about their health.

“Most men shy away from taking good care of their mental and physical health, but as I share my experience they too can be more health conscious as they age in life.

“Let me just say in the twilight of my life, this is what I want to do because I see the pains men are going through just because of something they fail to do to avoid going through pain.

“Because of too much poverty in the land, people will get sick and it’s only when they are broken down that they decide to go to the hospital.

“My own goal is to create awareness, talk to as many men as I possibly can, and create the needed awareness and, you know, dragging men out of their cocoons,” he said.

He said although he has championed several initiatives towards bringing succour to ordinary Nigerians over these years, he has now decided to get involved in issues affecting men’s health.

According to the ‘Areafada, as CharlyBoy is fondly called by his admirers, having survived prostate cancer, sharing his personal story is necessary to encourage Nigerian men in tackling the stigma around it.

CharlyBoy said his foundation currently runs mobile screening outreaches in rural communities, holds public campaigns, and partners with labs to bring testing closer to the grassroots.

He, therefore, called on privileged Nigerians, both home and abroad to identify with the foundation in its quest towards safeguarding the health of Nigeria men.

“We are advocating for regular checkup, and those who write to us, we are always encouraging them by taking care of parts of their bills.

“Besides my podcasts, we have set up different social groups, utilising social media tools and the foundation’s website to provide information and opportunities for engagement with us.

“I know in most families they must have had a relative that has gone through the process and they know how it could be, so we are calling for everybody to bring their widow’s mite.

“It is not just about money, it is also about volunteering because we need more hands on deck to expand our scope of operation.

“Men are going through quite a lot and that is why there is absence of very good men out there, and many are not in their form to take charge, to protect and provide.

“So, men’s general health is something that needs all of our attention, and we need to act now,” he said.

In a separate interview, Dr Doris Udenzi-Davis, Chief Executive Officer of the CharlyBoy Foundation, told NAN that the organisation was currently funding screening for prostate cancer, and not less than 500 men have benefitted from the gesture.

According to her, the foundation is working with healthcare outfits and volunteer community groups across Nigeria to organise local men’s gatherings where free prostate tests are offered and awareness is raised.

She called for support, in the form of financial donations, as well as volunteers who will be trained to educate men about prostate cancer, its risk factors, and the importance of early detection.

“We are funding the test 100 per cent because that is what we can afford for now, and that is why we are soliciting for funds.

“We are referring those who come to us to urologists, and our intention is to assist in paying for their treatment, but we can’t do that right now because we don’t have funds for it yet.

“These campaigns are needed to cover every state in Nigeria and the easiest way for us is partnership with local organisations, especially at the grassroots and local communities.

“They have community outreach, go to the villages and talk to people and send names of people that need to be tested to us, I will send them to the closest labs because we have lab partners across the country.

“The CharlyBoy Foundation is reaching out to Nigerians to come support with what they can donate; we have somebody who has donated catheters to us that we can send to doctors.

“We want to save our men, and it is not a job we can do ourselves alone; so, we are calling on all well-meaning Nigerians, no matter how little you can give, no matter how big you can give.

“We are also calling on government agencies both at the federal and state levels to also come partner with us so that we can help our men,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Joshua Olomu

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), an umbrella body for professional screen actors in the Nigerian film industry, known as Nollywood, has unveiled its national office in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that filmmakers and actors drawn across the country, government functionaries, members of the diplomatic community and other stakeholders were present at the inauguration in Abuja.

Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, while unveiling the new office, lauded the current leadership of the AGN for starting and completing the project.

According to the minister, represented by Mrs Ugochi Akudo-Nwosu, Director of Entertainment and Creative Economy Department of the ministry, the project is historic and pivotal to the growth of the industry.

“This milestone is a testament to the growth of the AGN and the reflection of the vibrant potential of Nigeria’s creative economy, and today we celebrate the vision, resilience and collective effort of the sector.

“The creative economy is the new oil well of our great nation, as it provides a strategic platform to tell our stories, preserve our heritage and project Nigeria’s soft power across the globe.

“Nollywood as the world’s second largest film industry is a shining example of what Nigerians can achieve when talent meets opportunities,” she said.

According to her, actors as the face of the industry play a vital role in shaping perceptions, inspiring change and driving economic growth.

“This new office symbolises more than just a physical space, it represents a hub for creativity, collaboration and innovation.

“It is a home where actors can strategise, engage and continue to elevate the standards of the profession.

“Abuja, our nation’s capital, is more than just the political heartbeat of Nigeria. It is a city of unity, diversity and untapped potential.

“While Lagos has long been regarded as the entertainment hub of Nigeria, Abuja possesses the unique opportunity to become the complementary and competitive destination for Nigeria’s Arts, Culture and Creative Economy,” she said.

She noted that the opening of the AGN’s national office in the FCT would fast-track efforts to make the territory a creative and entertainment hub.

According to her, the ministry is working towards repositioning Abuja as a global entertainment hub, to boost tourism, create jobs and enhance Nigeria’s soft power diplomacy as part of the ‘Destination 2030’ plan.

Earlier in his speech, Dr Emeka Rollas, the AGN National President, said the project was part of efforts to create a conducive environment for actors across the country to easily access the guild’s services.

He, therefore, urged the FCT leadership to identify with the guild, especially in nurturing teeming youths in the territory who are interested in the film industry.

“As the largest association in the culture sector in Africa, we are determined to take our place of pride at the forefront of the evolution of the sector.

“To achieve this onerous task, it became imperative that we must put in place the necessary infrastructures to help carry out this enormous task effectively.

“Today’s ceremony is yet another milestone that attests to the phenomenal transformation that the present leadership of the guild has continued to unveil.

“The key objective is to create a conducive environment to help create access to our services and enhance our capacity towards provision of more welfare packages for members.

“It is our firm belief that these projects will enhance the image and capacity of the guild to provide all necessary support to members.

“It must be noted that for any organisation to flourish, it requires a vibrant and dynamic leadership taking into cognisance our position as cultural ambassadors and influencers.

“In order to ensure continuous efficient and effective mandate delivery, we will provide cutting-edge services to build a seamless association which will be people centred and technology driven.

“We are focused on motivating members towards self- development, sustainable career growth and job satisfaction,” he said.

In his remarks, Sen. Ned Nwoko, Chairman, Board of Patrons for the AGN, expressed delight at how Nollywood has evolved into a global brand over the years.

According to him, the Nigerian motion picture industry is a goldmine that can turn the economy fortune of the nation, if given the right support.

“They have grown on their own from inception to where they are now, So they need support, and we must develop the sector into the formal economy.

“They need to be supported and regulated just like other professional bodies in Nigeria are regulated and supported by the government compulsorily.

“Look, practically every Nigerian is involved in Nollywood as some people are financiers, others are producers and many are actors, among others,” he said.

Some Nollywood actors who spoke with NAN on the sidelines expressed fulfilment towards the project, describing the new edifice as a unifying point for all actors across the country.

Highpoint of the event was the unveiling of the prototype of the AGN Galleria, a proposed multi-purpose creative hub in the FCT, and the launching of the ‘AGN Super AP’ for membership enrolment. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

JOSH/IAA

By Deborah Coker

Sen. Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta) has pledged N200 million towards a talent hunt initiative aimed at discovering and nurturing young Nigerian artists.

Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District and husband to Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, made the announcement at the Actors Guild Office Opening and inauguration of its multi-purpose Super App in Abuja.

The lawmaker, who is the Chairman, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Board of Patrons, said that there was the need for the movie industry in Nigeria to invest in more quality TV series and not just for the sake of it.

According to him, this is a huge opportunity for discovering and nurturing young talents.

He noted that the UK, America, Australia and other countries had iconic series that have lasted for decades because of what they represented.

“If you look at the UK, America, Australia, and other countries, you will find iconic series that have lasted for decades because of what they represent.

“A well produced series can serve generations continuously.

“I want to use this moment to emphasise that this is something we must begin, and quickly. To kick start the process and support talent discovery, I am committing N200 million.

“This fund is for our young creatives to take advantage of and build something truly remarkable.

“You have done well as an industry, but I also believe that beyond institutional support, you deserve individual backing from those of us who believe in your potential. I am truly proud of what Nollywood has become,” he said.

Nwoko, who was the chairman of the occasion at the event, also revealed that he was sponsoring a bill for an Act for the Establishment of Actors Guild of Nigeria, adding that this is with a view to bring it in line with other professional bodies like NBA, NMA, NUT among others.

He further said that whenever he spoke about the creation of Anioma State, after mentioning that the nine local government areas were oil and gas producing, the next thing he highlights is that Asaba is the home of Nollywood.

“Many of you are deeply passionate about your craft.

“You are known globally. What you need now is just a little more support to push the quality of your productions to the level of your peers in the UK, America and beyond,” the lawmaker added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Deborah Ifeanyi

Star-studded Nollywood action drama “Freedom Way,” is set to hit cinemas across the country on July 18, its producers have said.

Blessing Uzzi, writer and producer of the highly anticipated film, made the disclosure in a post on her Instagram page.

The film is directed by Afolabi Olalekan, with rich ensemble cast which include Debo Adedayo (‘Mr Macaroni’), Femi Jacobs, whose performances earned the film Best Film and Best Writing at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).

Other cast include Mike Afolarin, Bimbo Akintola, and Teniola Aladese, among others, contributing to the film’s compelling narrative.

“Freedom Way” plot sheds light on pressing issues facing Nigerians, such as corruption, police brutality, political oppression, and economic insecurity, and their impact on the youth.

The story revolves around nine strangers grappling with personal struggles as harsh government policies disrupt their lives, forcing moral ‘dilemmas for survival’.

The film made its global premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and went on to win the Special Jury Award at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF).

It has also screened at the New York African Film Festival and the Red Sea International Film Festival, establishing it as a standout African film of the year.

After captivating audiences at various international film festivals, the much-anticipated “Freedom Way” is now set to make its homecoming release in Nigerian cinemas on July 18. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Joan Odafe

Nigerian gospel artiste, Mike Abdul, has released a new single titled ‘Fuji Rush’, a creative fusion of traditional Fuji sounds with contemporary gospel themes and pop influences.

Abdul said the song marks another creative milestone in his two-decade-long music career.

Abdul, who was also a former member of Midnight Crew, a gospel music group, is known for his energetic performances and genre-blending compositions.

He described the project as gospel music “wearing agbada”, a metaphor for its cultural flair and broad appeal.

“The single departs from the purely traditional format of Fuji while retaining its core cultural elements, with a rich blend of heavy percussion, string and horn progression.

“It’s Fuji at its core but with elements of pop and other genres woven in.

“What’s interesting is how gospel is now pushing the boundaries of Fuji, which traditionally wasn’t seen as gospel-friendly.

“That shift is exciting. Rap has done it. Afrobeat has done it. Fuji Rush is doing it,” he said.

Abdul said the song carried a deeper message aimed at connecting with the streets and reshaping how gospel music is perceived among younger, culturally rooted audiences.

Abdul, who is also the Founder of Spaghetti Records, pledged his commitment to producing music that resonates culturally with diverse audiences without losing the message of the gospel of Jesus.

“This isn’t about keeping gospel in a corner, it’s about going into the culture, speaking the language of the streets and flipping the script so they can be saved.

“That’s the energy Fuji Rush is bringing to the narrative,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran