NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Wizkid sets new record on Spotify

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By Joy Obanya

Ace Nigerian Artist, Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has set a new Spotify record for the biggest streams by any song.

 

The superstar’s recently released album titled “Morayo” has claimed the number 1 spot on the Apple Music Nigeria Chart, with all his tracks dominating the charts to positions.

 

One of his singles from the album titled “Kese (Dance)” set the record for the highest opening day stream on Spotify Nigeria with 1.5 million streams.

 

Another single “Piece of My Heart” also surpass 1 million opening day streams on Spotify.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Wizkid’s album, Morayo, which translates to “I see joy” in Yoruba, is a heart felt tribute to his late mother, Juliana Balogun, who passed away in August 2023.

 

The album, which was launched on the Nov. 22, features tasteful selection of artistes across genres. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

‘I’ve made history,’ Chidinma Adetshina celebrates first runner-up finish at Miss Universe 

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By Joshua Olomu

Chidimma Adetshina, 22-year-old beauty queen who represented Nigeria at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant, has expressed excitement after finishing as the first runner-up at the grand finale of the competition.

The grand finale of the 2024 Miss Universe held at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City, with Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, edging out 124 contestants from around the globe to win the crown.

However, the event witnessed an intriguing face-off between Nigeria and Denmark, as the two beauty queens stood poised to claim the crown, but Miss Denmark ultimately won the highly coveted crown.

The new Miss Universe has taken over from Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adetshina expressed delight on her first runner-up feat in a post-event interview video clip posted on the X page (formerly twitter) of the Miss Universe Nigeria organisation.

She said: “I’m so excited. I don’t have words to describe what I’m feeling right now, but I’m so proud of myself, and I just made history!”

This was followed by another post by the Miss Universe Nigeria organisation, eulogising her: “Beauty with Brains and Humility….Our Queen#Chidinma.”

She was also crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania.

As the highest ranked African Contestant of this year’s competition, this marks the continent’s highest placement in Miss Universe history.

NAN reports that Adetshina made history earlier this year by winning Miss Universe Nigeria after withdrawing from Miss South Africa pageant that was marred with controversies.

She was born in Soweto to a Nigerian father of Igbo descent, and a Mozambican mother who is accused of allegedly committing identity fraud in South Africa.

The Law student and model, who was raised in Cape Town, was a finalist in the 2024 Miss South Africa pageant, but faced severe online harassment and bullying over her Nigerian roots.

Hash Social media attacks targeted her Nigerian heritage despite her being born in South Africa and meeting all competition requirements.

Adetshina eventually announced her withdrawal from the competition citing safety and the well-being of herself and that of her family members..(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Queen Oronsen’s epic story set for stage in Lagos

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By Taiye Olayemi

Nollywood actress, Damipe Adekoya, has revealed plans to bring the extraordinary life of legendary Queen Moore Oronsen to the stage, to celebrate African women’s resilience and hardworking nature.

Adekoya, the Chief Executive Officer of Zevicar Productions, disclosed this at a news conference in Lagos.

She said the play, put together to depict the life and times of the legendary queen, is entitled “Moore Oronsen (The Mystical Queen)”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Queen Oronsen is a deity from Yoruba mythology, who was the spouse of Olowo Rerengejen, the traditional ruler of Owo Kingdom in Ondo state, over 600 years ago.

The annual Igogo Festival in Owo is celebrated in her honour annually in September.

Adekoya noted that the play would be staged five times from Feb. 22, 2025 to Feb 23, 2025, at the Alliance Francaise, Ikoyi, Lagos.

According to her, the play will highlight the African women’s legendary nature of hard work, and how their important roles in the community are being passed down through generations.

She said this was meant to take people down memory lane, to bring history alive and celebrate the legend who is still being worshipped in Owo.

Adekoya said that the theatrical experience would honour Queen Oronsen’s historical legacy, shedding light on her remarkable journey and unwavering dedication to success.

“I am someone who loves stories that talk about women in general and in my research as a writer, I found out that we rarely hear the history of the majority of our female legends.

“We just hear bits and pieces of stories about them.

“This is a deliberate effort to reinforce Queen Moore Oronsen’s historical legacy, I have tried doing this three times right from 2012, I am glad this is gaining traction.

“This is an attempt to start telling stories about women in general. I am the voice of the African woman.

“I want to project women in general. As a girl’s girl, a woman’s woman, I like to always project what a woman is, whether emotionally, financially, or anything,” she said.

Making reference to how the love story between Queen Oronsen and her husband, Olowo Rerengejen, led to war, Adekoya said Africans could draw inspiration from such intriguing story.

According to her, the play production will delve into Queen Oronsen’s struggles, triumphs, and visionary leadership, showcasing her unwavering commitment to her community.

“The play is aimed at educating audiences about Queen Oronsen’s remarkable legacy, inspire dialogue about women’s contributions to history, foster a sense of community and shared heritage as well as empower women and girls through Queen Oronsen’s story.

“Queen Oronsen’s legacy is a testament to the strength and resilience of women. This production is a tribute to her courage and a celebration of the unbreakable spirit that defines women.

“I want to encourage women to always be at the forefront of success as exemplified by Queen Oronsen,” she said.

Also speaking, Emmanuel Adejumo, the Artistic Director for the play, said Africans should watch out for how the famous Odudu dance peculiar with Owo people in Ondo State would be transformed.

Adejumo said there would be a display of modern and traditional ways of rendering the dance in the course of presenting the play.

Oluwasegun Adeyemi, the Choreographer for the production, assured that he will seamlessly integrate contemporary and traditional dance techniques to create distinctive and captivating dance styles tailored specifically for the play. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Martell unveils edifice, to attract more investment to Nigeria

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By Taiye Olayemi

Martell, a cognac brand, says it is poised to attracting international attention and driving further investment to Lagos State and Nigeria in general.

Evane Chenuet, Marketing Director of Pernod Ricard Nigeria, said this at the unveiling of “The Martell Tower Experience”, on Sunday night in Lagos.

Chenuet, who took newsmen on a tour of the edifice, said that the brand celebrates its legacy while embracing Nigeria’s vibrant cultural scene.

According to her, the architectural edifice overlooking Lagos’s skyline, will serve as a hub for innovation, luxury, and cultural exchange.

“The Martell Tower was inspired by Maison Martell’s commitment to celebrating audacity and luxury. Designed to be an immersive space, the tower allows guests to connect deeply with Martell’s legacy and values.

“Lagos is a dynamic hub of culture and lifestyle, making it an ideal location for showcasing Martell’s unique experiences. The city’s energy and cultural richness align with Martell’s spirit of boldness and elegance.

“Guests will enjoy exclusive cognac tastings, high-end events, and mixology workshops, as well as experiences across music, fashion, and gastronomy that reflect Martell’s luxurious and audacious brand ethos,” she said.

On the the brand’s presence in Nigeria, she said it aimed to strengthen its connection with Nigerian consumers, positioning itself as a luxury leader and cultural influencer in the country’s lifestyle and luxury markets.

“The Martell Tower Experience embodies our daring spirit and commitment to creating unforgettable experiences. It’s more than a building; it’s a symbol of our legacy and our future.”

Michael Ehindero, Martell’s Managing Director, said: “The Martell Tower Experience represents our commitment to crafting unique experiences that blend heritage with modernity.

“Tonight, we didn’t just showcase our brand; we celebrated the audacious spirit that defines Martell, Lagos, and everyone here.”

Also, Alex Combescot Marsaguet, Martell’s global ambassador, said, “We’re thrilled to bring this experience to Lagos, where guests can explore the rich heritage and sophisticated craftsmanship of Martell, creating an unforgettable journey through our brand’s story.” (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Arts and Vibes showcases in Lagos to promote Northern Nigeria

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By Joan Odafe

Arts and Vibes, a platform promoting the potential of Northern Nigeria through arts and culture, on Saturday showcased in Lagos to help address stereotypes and change people’s perception of the North.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day event is being held at the British Council in Lagos, with the theme, “Mindscapes of the North”.

The event is hosting 22 artists exhibiting about 41 pieces that focus on portraying the culture, lifestyle and religion of northerners through artworks.

The idea, founded in 2021, was inspired by Kaduna State, known for the commercialisation of its budding artistic and literary scene.

The Festival Director of Arts and Vibes, Suchet Baba, said the exhibition was aimed at breaking out of stereotypes and the usual narrative, by telling stories of the north through arts, regardless of what is happening there.

“There’s a lot of potential in the North; there’s a lot of unheard stories; there’s a lot of unheard arts.

“People haven’t seen enough of the arts in the North because everything else happens in the East, West, especially in the southwest but there’s very little light shed in the North.

“There’s always that stereotype that it’s a very unsafe region,” she told NAN.

Baba urged the media to lessen the negative perception of individuals about the North by reporting incidents appropriately.

“If an attack happens in a small village, they would say Kaduna was attacked but if it was in the U.S., they would not say America or New York was attacked,” she said.

Baba said the exhibition would give Northern artists from various states including Kano, Kaduna and Plateau, with potential places to keep their works.

She said Arts and Vibes had featured no fewer that 1,000 attendees and exhibited about 80 artists in the four years of its existence.

She urged Nigerians to have a mind-shift and change of perception of how they viewed the northerners.

Also, Abraham Seriki, the Operations Manager, said the theme was to draw attention to the mental perspective of how an average northerner approaches life.

“We’re creating a platform where popular norms can be deconstructed, where people can have constructive conversations about stereotypes, and the degree of what they hear about the North.

“Some of the misconception of the northerners is contentment, which is often interpreted as mediocrity, lack of education and exposure.

“For me, my friends and the people I have interactions with in the north, we chose the quality of life over the standard of life.

“If the standard of the world is working nine to five, working and living for a business or company just to get those standards, we are more worried about the quality of life that we have,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to be open-minded, inquisitive and increase their ability to be receptive to ideas and thought processes.

One of the artists, Williams Chechet, a Visual Artist and Illustrator, said he derived satisfaction educating people through his works.

Chechet, who is from Kaduna, said, “When people see me, they say, ‘Hausa boy’, but there are a lot of tribes in the North apart from the Hausas.”

Another artist, a Textile Designer, Khadija Dikko, said she sought to protect her cultural heritage through her works.

Dikko said her passion was using textile and traditional medium in art form to create something new that reflects current realities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

2025 Grammy: Nigeria tops nomination for Best African Music Performance category

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By Chinemerem Ndinojue & Ifeanyi Deborah

Nigerian music artistes have dominated nomination for the Best African Music Performance category of the 67th Grammy Awards.

The Recording Academy announced the nominations on Friday.

This year, Nigeria dominates the category, including returning contenders Burna Boy and Asake, the former earning a nod for his hit song, ‘Higher’, while the latter is for his collaboration with Wizkid, “MMS”.

Davido also earns his second nod in the category for his contribution to Chris Brown’s “Sensational,” with Lojay picking up his first Grammy nomination for the same song.

Yemi Alade earns her first solo nod for her hit “Tomorrow”, while Tems’ “Love Me Jeje” also receives a nod for Best African Music Performance.

Notably, Tems is the only African artiste with three nominations across the global music categories; as her debut album, “Born in the Wild”, is up for Best Global Music Album and Best R&B song for “Burning”.

Young music sensation, Rema, is nominated in the Best Global Music Album category for his sophomore album, “HEIS”.

Other Nigerian stars nominated for the Grammys include Jordan Adetunji, known for his viral “Kelani”, and his ‘Bloody Civilian’ also earns nomination for the ‘Best Reggae Album’ category on the Bob Marley’s ‘One Love’ soundtrack.

This year’s nomination marks Burna Boy’s sixth consecutive Grammy nomination, making him a Nigerian artiste with highest nomination so far.

Since Burna Boy’s first nomination for Best Global Music Album at the 2020 Grammys, and his win in 2021 for “Twice as Tall”, there has been an increased representation of African music on the global stage.

On the global scene, Beyoncé leads the Grammy pack with 11 nominations for her genre-crossing album Cowboy Carter, competing across categories including record, song, and album of the year, along with entries in pop, rap, country, and Americana.

Other leading nominees include Charli XCX, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, and Post Malone, each with seven nominations, while Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan, and Sabrina Carpenter follow with six nominations each.

NAN reports that the 67th Grammy awards ceremony is scheduled to hold on Feb. 2, 2025 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, United States. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Nigerian authors want FG ‘s support for writers

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By Joshua Olomu

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has called on the Federal Government to provide support in form of funding and other intervention initiatives for creative writers to productively deploy their works for nation building.

Its president, Dr Usman Akanbi, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of a book presentation on Thursday at the Mamman Vatsa Writers Village in Abuja.

NAN reports that the book tittled, “Ibale:The Broken Pot”, is authored by Esther Adelana, Public Relations Officer of ANA FCT chapter, and was formally presented by the association.

According to Akanbi, ANA exists to promote Nigeria’s cultural heritage, diversity, literary enterprise and protect the rights of writers in order to build a vibrant and responsive body of creative writers.

He said to effectively engage Nigerian authors toward building egalitarian and progressive nation, there was need to support them as obtainable in other climes.

The ANA helmsman noted that over the years federal government was providing support and incentives to other genre of arts and creativity, with no deliberate intervention programmes for the Nigerian authors.

“I am imploring them to extend a hand of fellowship to us, especially from the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy.

“Let them work in partnership with us to see how we can bring greater good, not just to Nigerian writers, but to the youth, because writing is an area of endeavour.

“For example, when they are doing book festivals, it is not just about books; it is about culture, about tourism and about things that will project the society in a positive light.

“That is essentially what ANA has even come to assume in the society because it is the only organisation that has professionals from different fields, but sharing that passion for creating art and writing generally.

“So, we need continuous support in terms of funding for writers and other incentives and enabling environment that will drive creativity,” he said.

Earlier, Adelana, the author of the book, said the book is a drama that brings to fore gender-based cultural practices in Africa.

“I wrote ‘Ibale’ out of the desire to address the issue of gender and culture in Nigeria, and during my study, I discovered that it is a global issue.

However, in Africa, it is more prominent, and something that is being promoted in our society unconsciously, and so, I wrote this cultural play.

“For example, why perpetuate rape and at the same time demand virginity from women, so, Ibale is a cultural text that projects African culture and raises questions about women.

“At the same time, it proffers solutions to this problem,” she said.

In her presentation, the book reviewer, Salamatu Sule, said the play vividly portrays the enduring African tradition regarding the status of women and their ongoing struggle for liberation and recognition.

“Ibale is a multilingual play with seven acts and up to five scenes that provide narration about two brotherly, warring communities.

“The play is set in two traditional Yoruba fictional communities of Iluobe and Ilukoro in an era that a reader may take to be ancient times.

“Esther Adelana provides a thrilling end that reclaims the woman’s dignity and her resilience by pointing at the need to do away with bad cultural practices.

“The themes of love and retribution are captured as well as war and peace which leaves the reader to judge whether or not the play is a tragedy,” she said.

Earlier in his keynote speech, Prof. Sunday Ododo, lauded the author for working hard to write a masterpiece that contributes to the issue of gender equality.

“Modern African writers now assume the role of the consciousness and the conscience of the community and we are happy ANA is striving to ensure that we have new writers.

“Today, Esther Adelana, through Ibale, has also lent her voice to that discussion and conversation and I think she is going to be a motivation for other background writers to emerge,” he said.

Also, Chukwudi Eze, Chairman, ANA Abuja, and host of the event, said the association was championing initiatives that encourage young people to read and become authors.

“ANA FCT is essentially made up of about 70 percent to 75 percent of young people and we encourage and sponsor them to read and write.

“Our people have a proverb that says that our children will be greater than us and nothing makes me prouder being the chairman of ANA Abuja, to celebrate excellence and the energy of youth.

“Esther Adelana is gifted and very enterprising in terms of the written craft and her leadership capacity, especially kind of role she has played in ANA Abuja,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

AMAA launches coffee book to document previous awards

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By Taiye Olayemi

The board of Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) on Friday launched its second coffee table book, to mark and document the 20th anniversary of the continental award ceremony.

 

The book is entitled “Celebrating African Creativity: The AMAA Journey”.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the first AMAA coffee book was launched in 2014, entitled “From Dream to Reality: The AMAA Legacy”.

 

Dr Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe, Chief Executive Officer of AMAA, during the book launch in Lagos, said the book captured documentaries of previous editions of AMAA.

 

Anyiam-Osigwe said this was in commemoration of the 20th edition of AMAA and to celebrate the life and times of AMAA’s founder, late Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, as well as other individuals, who have contributed to the awards in no small measure.

 

“We are not just launching a book but we are celebrating my late sister and founder of AMAA, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, who is no more with us here.

 

“The coffee table book has captured all the moments of AMAA in the last 20 years for posterity. It is our treasure trove of creative history.

 

“The coffee table book showcases Africans’ brilliance in film. It showcases the glimpses of Africa’s creative brilliance in films and photography,” he said.

 

Andy Boyo, renowned filmmaker who was the chairman of the occasion, noted that the book showcased some of the past winners of the award, memorable moments and some of the highlights of each of the editions of the award.

 

Boyo said the book celebrates the 20- year history of African cinema through illustrations, sketches, prints and photographs.

 

He described AMAA as a reward platform created by the African Film Academy, an initiative of the Anyiam-Osigwe Foundation, to promote professionalism and creative excellence in the business of filmmaking in Africa and the diaspora.

 

“In the last ten years, the award has evolved from its little beginning with participation from a few countries in West Africa, with filmmakers from 48 countries within and outside Africa as participants.

 

“In the last five years, AMAA has generated media coverage and global value at over US $20 million, giving sponsors and partners the right to disability and trans-national exposure.

 

“AMAA has lived up to its Pan-African mission by providing a unique platform for filmmakers and other professionals within the motion picture industry to network for lifelong personal and business relationships.

 

“In the last ten years, AMAA has become a single, unifying factor for the filmmakers across Africa and the diaspora.

 

“AMAA now receives entries from English, French, Portuguese, and even Arab-speaking countries in Africa. It has pushed the boundaries of understanding and cooperation among filmmakers,” he said.

 

Also, Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Chairman Audio Visual Rights Society of Nigeria (AVRS), the keynote speaker for the occasion, harped on the importance of documenting an award ceremony like AMAA.

 

Ali-Balogun, who paid tribute to the founder of AMAA, said documenting activities around Nigerian cinema was quite important, considering series of technological advancements in the space of filmmaking.

 

He said through this document, the up-and-coming artistes would be exposed to tangible knowledge.

 

He said the movement for documentation should go beyond AMAA as other milestone events within the creative industry should also be documented for posterity.

 

“This is to be cherished forever, the Anyiam-Osigwe family has not allowed history to die within the Nollywood industry. This book should guide us when appraising the industry now and in the future.”

 

Speaking on improving quality in films, Bond Emeruwa, renowned film director, advised filmmakers to prioritise the quality of their shots, sound and editing.

 

Zeb Ejiro, legendary filmmaker, said film directors should always take cognisance of the setting of their films, in terms of place and time. (NAN)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Folasade Adeniran

Nollywood federation seeks comprehensive review of national film policy

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By Taiye Olayemi

 

 

 

The Federation of Registered Guilds and Associations in Nollywood has called for a comprehensive review of the national film policy to reflect today’s realities and dynamic nature of the industry.

 

 

 

Dr Victor Okhai, Chairman of the federation, made the call during a news conference on Thursday in Lagos.

 

 

 

He said to attract investment and grow the industry, policies that would foster a conducive environment for growth must be implemented.

 

 

 

“Imagine a Nollywood where every talent, from actors to directors, from scriptwriters to set designers, can thrive and reach their full potential.

 

 

 

“A Nollywood where our stories are told with authenticity; where our culture is celebrated; and where our industry is recognised for its excellence on the world stage. This is the vision of the federation

 

 

 

He said going forward, the federation would intensify efforts in engaging government and financial institutions on pertinent challenges within the industry.

 

 

 

He pledged the federation’s commitment toward repositioning the industry.

 

 

 

Okhai said it was also the duty of the federation to promptly address inter-guild conflicts as the case may be.

 

 

 

According to him, the federation comprised of leaders of the 18 registered guilds and associations within the industry.

 

 

 

“Today, we stand at the dawn of a new era for Nollywood. For the first time in our storied history, guilds and associations from the North, East, West, and South of Nigeria have come together under one unified body.

 

 

 

“This union is not just a symbolic gesture, it is a powerful testament to our collective strength, our shared vision, and our unwavering commitment to the future of Nollywood.

 

 

 

“The federation is more than just a name. It is our opportunity to work closely with government bodies and organisations both locally and internationally.

 

 

 

“As a federation, we will advocate tax holidays from the government, making it easier for new and existing productions to thrive.

 

 

 

“Accessible loans and grants will be pursued to support our filmmakers and creatives. We are advocating an Arts Endowment Fund to be established, to provide financial backing for ambitious projects and emerging talents,” he said.

 

 

 

 

 

He said that the federation would work in harmony, seize every opportunity to transform dreams into reality, and shape the future of Nollywood.

 

 

 

“Our industry has faced numerous challenges, but it is in our challenges that we find our strength.

 

 

 

“Together, we will overcome obstacles, advocate better conditions for all our members, and ensure that the world recognises the brilliance of Nollywood.

 

 

 

“We will leverage our diverse talents and experiences to create a more robust and dynamic industry.

 

 

 

“Let us move forward with determination and purpose, knowing that our unity is our greatest asset. Together, we will write the next chapter of Nollywood’s story, a story of collaboration, innovation, and success,” she said.

 

 

 

Okhai noted that forging these partnerships, the federation would enhance the industry’s creative economy, secure better opportunities for members, and establish Nollywood as a global powerhouse.

 

 

 

“Our unity will drive job creation, foster innovation, and create opportunities that were once unimaginable.

 

 

 

“Today, we make history. Today, we become pioneers of a movement that will contribute to the growth of our nation’s creative economy.

 

 

 

“With The federation, we are not just participants in an industry; we are leaders, visionaries and champions of our culture.

 

 

 

Urging members of the guilds and associations to work unanimously in advancing the industry, Okhai said with unity among guilds, challenges would be conquered.

 

 

 

“A true-life story that epitomises our potential is the international success of “The Wedding Party”.

 

 

 

“This film, produced by a diverse team of talented individuals from various parts of Nigeria, showcases how collaboration within Nollywood can lead to groundbreaking success.

 

 

 

“The Wedding Party” not only broke box office records but also put Nollywood on the global map, proving that when we come together, we can achieve extraordinary feats. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Africa Magic hosts private screening for “My Fairytale Wedding”

1,063 total views today

 

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

 

Africa Magic, on Wednesday, had a private screening for its thrilling new original limited series, “My Fairytale Wedding”, exploring the theme of love and romance.

 

The screening session attracted renowned Nollywood actors as well as the immediate past Big Brother Naija reality show housemates.

 

The series reveals how a woman’s quest for true love takes a mystical turn as she quickly realises the price of her desires.

 

‘My Fairytale Wedding’ is a three-part movie that captures the unique experiences of modern-day African women.

 

It revolves around a 29-year-old woman, who in a desperate bid to find love, turns to the strange powers of ‘kayanmata’, a love potion from an affluent seller.

 

The movie is predominantly shot in English with a blend of indigenous Nigerian languages and pidgin English.

 

Dr Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa, at MultiChoice, said that the film was in line with Africa Magic’s mission to continuously tell relatable stories.

 

Tejumola said, “My Fairytale Wedding”, would premiere Oct. 20 by 8.00 p.m., on Africa Magic Showcase, DStv Ch. 151 and GOtv. Ch. 8.

 

“It’s been a year of weddings and I’m particularly excited to announce the next big union to look forward to.

 

“My Fairytale Wedding offers a glimpse into a tale of love with a sprinkle of magic, but not in the way you expect. With an amazing cast, this is a show you cannot afford to miss.

 

“So, this story is one that really resonates, it’s one that is really meaningful. It’s one that will take you through a range of emotions. Through laughter, shock, strife, sadness, pride, intrigue and all,” she said.

 

According to Tejumola, the series was produced by Chinenye Nworah and Taiwo Adebayo, directed by Dimeji Ajibola.

 

She said it was written by Xavier Ighorodje, Great Opara and Owumi Ugbeye, which was based on an original story idea by Nworah.

 

Also speaking during the event, Nworah said that the series was conceived when issues around finding true love came to the fore between 2021 and 2022.

 

According to her, it was the outcome of series of research done on finding true love.

 

She described the series as an educating, instructive and entertaining one which revealed morals on why parents do not need to influence the age their children could get married.

 

She also explained that viewers would learn the implications of engaging ‘Kayanmata’ (charms) to secure true love.

 

“This work will guide parents not to force their children to get married hurriedly because of age.

 

“It is good to find love in the most natural way without the use of charms.

 

“It will also teach parents the implications of introducing external forces to their children’s marriage. The marriage will not last in such scenario.

 

The series stars Ini Edo, Ramsey Nouah, Shaffy Bello, Kanayo O Kanayo, Carolyna Hutchings, Mercy Eke, Etim Effiong, Lilian Esoroo, Tina Mba, Binta Ayo Mogaji, Vine Olugu and Uzor Arukwe.

 

Commenting on if viewers should expect the second season to the series, Carolyna Hutchings said, “Demand will determine if there would be a second season.”

 

One of the casts, Ayo Mogaji expressed excitement having worked with the A-list actors on the production work.

 

On the age an individual should get married, Mogaji said, “anyone can get married anytime, provided genuine love is involved as well as devoid of charms.” (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

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