By Taiye Olayemi

The Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) says it generated N482million as revenue across all cinemas in Nigeria in July.

The CEAN National Chairman, Mr Opeyemi Ajayi, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Ajayi said total viewer admission in cinemas across the federation within the month under review was 218,395.

The chairman told NAN that cinemas experienced a slight increase in patronage in July due to the numerous public holidays in the month.

He encouraged more Nigerians to consider visiting the cinemas during their leisure to unwind.

“We recorded a total sales of N482,528,117 for July with 218,395 viewers in the cinemas.

“The cinemas are not doing bad but we encourage more Nigerians to cultivate the habit of visiting the cinemas,” he said.

Ajayi said the movies to be exhibited in cinemas for the month of August are Akuddaya, Meg 2, Teenage Mutant Minja, A Bag of Trouble, Blue beetle, Mikolo, The Modern Woman, Retribution and Kesari.

NAN reports that the amount generated in July is lower than the amount of N567million generated in  June.

NAN reports that while in July, the total viewer admission in cinemas was 218,395, it was lower in June by 210,299. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Idris Olukoya

The Kayokayo Festival, an annual festival in Epe,  is a veritable platform that promotes tourism at the grassroots, the Traditional Ruler of Epe Kingdom in Lagos State,  Oba Shefiu Adewale, says.

Adewale, who is the Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom, told newsmen at the grand finale of the week-long celebration of the festival in Epe on Saturday that the festival also helped unite dwellers in the ancient kingdom.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the annual festival kicked off on July 29, 2023 and ended on Aug. 5.

Adewale said that the yearly traditional festival was observed in commemoration of the arrival of King Kosoko and his warlords to Eko-Epe in 1851.

He added that it was also an event that ushered in the new Islamic Calendar Year.

The traditional ruler said that the festival was significant in that it brought people of the community together, irrespective of their economic status.

“People have this notion that Epe has no culture, but I am happy that Kayokayo festival has been long celebrated by the people of Epe.

“Although, many who started this celebration with us are no longer here, we thank Almighty Allah for preserving our lives to see this year’s festival.

“It is our desire to keep celebrating and soon, Kayokayo will become an international celebration, ” he said.

Adewale added that the festival had kept on evolving over the years as new ideas, activities and innovations had transformed the festival into a more pleasant and interesting occasion for the communities, and participants from far and wide.

He congratulated the entire community on the  occasion and called for more support and peaceful co-existence among the residents of the community.

The traditional ruler urged residents to embrace peace and unity, while working hard for the progress and development of Epe Land.

Adewale commended the organising committee for its tremendous effort in ensuring that the festival was pleasant and enjoyable.

Earlier, the Chief Coordinator of the festival, Mr Tajudeen Abass, described the festival as significant for the people and community.

He said that the Epe Kingdom was blessed with a rich cultural heritage, which must be harnessed for the benefit and development of the society.

“One of the significance of this festival is that it serves as an avenue for people to come wine and dine, and also to pray for peace and unity of the community and beyond.

“We thank our sponsors at home and abroad for their generous contributions in making this year’s festival a success,” Abass said.

He commended the Kosoko family, as he revealed that over the years the family had shown sincere support for the celebration of the festival with generous contributions.

“This year, they have also donated a sum of N520, 000 and trophies to be presented to the three winners of the Quranic/Quiz Competition,” he said.

NAN reports that the celebration featured the Islamic Lecture/Quranic Recitation competition, special Kayokayo prayer at First Epe Central Mosque, medical mission and job fair.

It also included the lighting of the symbolic ‘Etufu’, novelty match, scholarship grants presentation/job awards, fanti carnival and fashion show.

There was also the children’s party and musical entertainment/performance by Queen Salawa Abeni and Sule Alao-Malaika. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

Edited by Oluyinka Fadare

By Taiye Olayemi

Afrosoul singer and multi-instrumentalist, Uchechi Emelonye, is set to drop a new single, ‘Baby You’, which will be available for streaming on major music stores from Aug. 15.

21-year-old Emelonye in a statement on Thursday said this track was coming on the heels of previous successes recorded by her earlier releases.

She said her earlier releases, Little Black Bird’, ‘Sunrise to Sundown’ and ‘Underwater’, won the BBC Music Introducing ‘Record of the Year 2022’ in Lancashire, England.

She noted that the new single, ‘Baby You’, aligned  with her pattern of music, which addresses realistic themes everyone can relate with.

According to her, this is largely influenced by her interest in soul music legends as well as cultural assimilation occasioned by the privilege of being raised in seven countries and across three continents.

Emelonye said she had completed her undergraduate studies in law at the prestigious United Kingdom Russel League Lancaster University.

She noted that this portends positive signs for her music career as she could now concentrate to work on a full album.

 Emelonye’s singles have gained enormous airplay across major Nigerian, British and American radio stations.

Huge interest has been evoked in her, evidenced by the numerous interviews she has done with radio personalities and on TV.

Her music video for ‘Little Black Bird’ directed by Nigerian Director, Sesan,  is still being played on prime music channels and has garnered over 130,000 streams on YouTube.

(NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Taiye Olayemi

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) on Tuesday urged associations and guilds in the value chain of film productions to intensify efforts in promoting professionalism in the industry.

Its Executive Director, Alhaji Adedayo Thomas, made the call during a stakeholders’ interactive session organised by NFVCB, in Lagos.

Adedayo said that the associations and guilds must work on sensitising their members to desist from cutting cost at the expense of achieving high level of professionalism.

He advised that  due process must be adhered to, for the advancement of the industry.

“Stop cutting cost at the expense of professionalism, I can only pick a few associations growing this industry, we should all be involved in moving the industry forward.

“I am happy at this point that NFVCB has been able to make your associations, guilds and the federation formidable.

“No association has written to us in recent times that they need any form of assistance to host their events, this is because NFVCB has created the platform for you to be sustainable.

“We want you all to work more on being true professionals that you are,” he said.

Thomas advised film producers and directors to work in synergy with the 19 registered associations and guilds, in ensuring actors, technicians, make-up artistes and all other players involved in the process of movie production are selected from the registered associations and guilds.

He said this would further strengthen the guilds and associations while practitioners in the industry who had yet to register with professional associations would be spurred to do so.

“I want you all producers and directors to make sure only registered association members are engaged in your films.

“This will make those gallivanting around register while we clean up the quacks and your associations will become stronger.

“This can only be done through collaborations and constant engagement.

“This industry is like a tree with branches, collaboration is key,” he said.

Thomas hinted the stakeholders that the annual digital conference for the industry would hold from Nov. 14 to Nov. 16, and proposed to honour late Peace Anyiam-Osigwe.

He said that NFVCB received and censored 541 movies produced by the film industry in the second quarter, describing such feat as laudable.

He noted that the issue of downward review of censorship fee for stakeholders was not feasible, considering the inceeased cost of operations.

Earlier, Mr Emeka Aduah, President, Film and Video Producers and Marketers of Nigeria (FVPMAN), urged NFVCB to consider the downward review of censorship fee for producers in view of the economic situation of the country.

Also, Mr Ikechukwu Okafor, member, Association of Movie Producers (AMP), who supported the review of censorship fee, said this was neccesary considering the low income independent producers.

Okafor said this category of individuals only distribute their contents on You Tube and generate minimal revenue.

On his part, Mr Bolaji Amusan, National President, Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), appreciated the efforts of the NFVCB executive director in strengthening the various guilds and associations.

Amusan appealed to the leadership of NFVCB to intensify efforts in moving the industry forward by working more with the heads of the associations and guilds.

Mr Israel Eboh, National President of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), commended Thomas for his good intentions toward advancement of the creative industry.

Eboh said members of the associations were not proactive enough but rather too reactive to issues.

“We appreciate Alhaji Thomas for the mutual respect and trust he has shown toward us. I appeal to the federation members to be active on platforms created for interaction.

“The platform is for us to collaborate. I also appeal that we collectively strengthen the federation and individual associations, through your laudable contributions and find common ground that would be beneficial to us all,” he said.

Mr Leo Owoseebi, National Secretary, Creative Designers Guild of Nigeria (CDGN), pleaded with film producers and directors to work with members of CDGN in their efforts to produce quality films.  (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Taiye Olayemi

The maiden edition of the Gospel Icons Africa (GIA) talent hunt show has been slated to begin in August  as the winner will  walk  away with N10 million.

Mr Bamidele Martins, Chief Executive Director of GIA, disclosed this during a news conference held on Thursday in Lagos.

Martins said that the essence of the show was to produce the next-rated gospel singers in Africa and change the narratives of gospel music in the continent.

He said interested individuals should register on the official website of GIA: www.gospeliconsafrica.com, where they could  upload their 30 seconds musical video, after which auditioning will  be done.

According to him, some seasoned gospel artistes have been selected as members of the jury to select the best 10 contestants after thorough examination of their submitted videos.

“Immediately after this gathering, interested individuals can begin to apply through the official website.

“The show kicks off in August and it will run for 13 weeks when the contestants will be camped while they go through some moment of mentorship and empowerment.

“The overall winner will be going away with N10 million, a new car and a two-year record deal, while other winners will have incentives like cash prizes and iphones among other things,” he said.

Also speaking, Esther Oladeji, Managing Director,  GIA, noted that the initiative was a vision got in May 2022 which had been committed into the hands of God.

Oladeji said the structure for the show had been divinely drawn as it would attempt to create platform for true worshippers to connect with God and bless humanity.

“This is to please God and we desire to do his will. He has led us through the pattern and structure he wants us to go.

“Also, it is to change the narrative of gospel music in Africa, to also give upcoming gospel artistes platform to showcase their talents,” she said.

Commenting on the age limit for interested persons, Segun Oluwayomi, Chief Operating Director, GIA, noted that there was no age restriction but applicants under the age of 18 would require parental consent before being considered.

He said professional musicians who desire the platform for promotion could also apply.

He encouraged all Christians endowed with singing talent to apply across Africa.

“GIA reality show is a unique gospel reality show because our focus is to raise kingdom stars. We have various gospel music veterans that will work them through the journey.

“Also, everyone who makes an entry is sure to be impacted in one way or the other.

“GIA is non-denominational, interested individuals must be truly born again christians,” he said.

Bolaji Olanrewaju, a music minister, said after the emergence of the winner, the other nine contestants would also be given consolation prizes.

He noted that the show would be aired on one of the channels on DSTV and would be communicated soon. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Taiye Olayemi

The much anticipated BBNaija ‘All-Stars’ edition premiered on Sunday with housemates from past editions returning for another round of entertainment in the Big Brother house.

Mercy Eke and Whitemoney, winners of the ‘Pepper Dem’ and Shine Ya Eye’ editions respectively,  as well as  18 other ex-housemates from the seven previous editions of Big Brother Naija were ushered into the house by  Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, the host.

The housemates took turns to  reveal their aims  of coming back on the show.

Cee-C from the “Double Wahala” season, a lawyer and filmmaker, returning on the show after five years, said “the viewers will get to see Cee-C promax this time, I am hoping that the viewers will see me and who I am.

“I am here to get the money, I will stay focused, no distractions this time.”

Kiddwaya from the ‘Lockdown’ edition, who described himself as a socialite and strategist, said he had an unfinished business with Big Brother reality show.

He said,  “I am back to win the money, and this will be done by being myself, you know I am down to earth and real.”

Mercy Eke, winner of the “Pepper Dem” season, dressed in a spectacular outfit, said “this time, it will be 2.0, there is no competition, I am winning, I have done it before and I am doing it again.”

Also,  Whitemoney, winner of the “Shine Ya Eye” season, said he was back on the show “to catch cruise.”

Uriel, from the “See Gobe” season, said she was on the search for a husband and planned to bring in positive energy, good vibes and real drama into the show.

Pere, fondly called “the general”, from the “Shine Ya Eye’ season, said,  “I believe right now, I know how to play the game better, I will be exhuming the aura that defines me.”

Soma from the “See Gobe” season said,  “A lot about me has changed, I am more outspoken now. Everything is going to be different here, the energy and the vibes.”

Princess from the “Double Wahala” season said,  “I hope to be allowed to play the game myself this time.”

Angel, ex-housemate from the “Shine Ya Eye’ season,  said  she was coming on the show  again to make more meaningful friendships and relationships.

“I will be entertaining and I will be myself again this time,” Angel said.

Alex from the “Double Wahala” season said,  “I want people to see the revised version of me, the last time in the house I was the fans’ favourite at the party but now, I am for the money.”

Neo, ex-housemate in the “Lockdown edition”, said,  “I am here for the money first, I want grace to catapult me to where I should be.”

Seyi from the “Peper Dem” season said he was back to enjoy himself and have a good time.

Ex-housemate Ilebaye from the “Level Up” edition said,  “I think I am going to make use of the opportunity better than I did last year, I am happy to be back and here to win the money.

“I am going to be me, I hope to continue from where I stopped.”

Ike, from the “Pepper Dem” season, on his part  said,  “I want to really really show people my personality, there are so many misconceptions about me on the social media that I love to have fun all the time but there is something in me that wants to succeed.

“I am here to show the fans of the show what they missed last time, this time I will be too focused and I need the money badly.”

Also from the “Peper Dem” season, Venita,  said, “I am here to win the money and catch fun and I will be doing that with style and glamour.”

From the immediate past edition,  “Level Up” season, Adekunle said he would be introducing the bad boys dance to the fans of the show.

He described the dance as a charming, sexy and flirty one.

Audacious Tolanibaj from the “Lockdown” season, described herself as a free-spirited and carefree fellow.

“I  will be bringing sugar and real vibes. I am full of surprises and whoever brings pepper, I am going to pepper,” she said.

Cross, “Shine Ya Eye” edition ex-housemate, said,   “I am winning this time and I am going to have fun”.

Doyin, a Medical Radiographer, from the “Level Up” edition said,  “This time I am here to play my game.

When asked why she came back on the show, she said,  “Ebuka I like money and the opportunities that comes with the show.

Frodd, ex- housemate of the “Pepper Dem” edition, who recently got married and welcomed  a baby, said,  “I want to be known as the king of content this time, though it was with mixed feelings coming on board, I had to pray and consult my madam, she gave her blessings,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the winner of the show will walk away with N120 million and other spectacular prizes.

The highlight of the premiere was performances  by Nigerian musicians, Kcee  and Wande Coal.

Earlier, before the commencement of the show, Biggie diclosed to Ebuka in the diary room that for the “All Stars” edition , there will  be an eviction jury, while urging fans of the show to keep tabs on development. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Dorcas Jonah

The Co-founder of Nigeria Radio Awards, Mr Williams Archibong, has described ‘On-Air-Personalities’ (OAPs) in Nigeria as catalyst for socio-economic development.

Archibong said this at a news conference and official unveiling of the Nigerian Radio Awards (NRA) in Abuja on Monday.

He said OAPs deserved recognition for their role in providing unsolicited support for Nigerians.

Archibong said that there would be an award for 30 different categories which included best musical programme, best documentaries programme, best morning radio programme, and best night radio programme.

Others are, best news presenter male/female, most played male, female and religious songs, most educative radio programme and most innovative/informative programme.

“The selection process will be based on merit which will be open for radio listeners to vote for their favourite OAPs,” he said.

Archibong said over 100 registrations had been secured, and that radio stations were also registering currently.

He said after registration, there would be two months period for voting which would give them the desired reward.

Archibong said that car and houses were some of the prizes to be won at the award.

Archibong said that OAPs had succeeded in making many Nigerians who listen to their programmes, focused and get direction in life.

He said that the news conference was aimed at bringing to the consciousness of Nigerian radio listeners, the need to make deliberate efforts to appreciate them.

Archibong said OAPs contributions to national development could not be quantified because they render invaluable service to the socio-economic development.

“OAPs role prepares the psychological balance of many radio listeners, serves the Nigerian social sphere and well-being of the public and provide them direction on daily basis to face their day.

“They share some life experiences that you relate with and it gives you the kick to get going,” he said

Archibong said the role of OAPs had been beneficial to most Nigerians to the extent that it eased tension and depression from.

“One most important thing is that their role takes you off depression and provide hope to many Nigerian listeners who may be depressed and need some words of encouragement.

“They are on air talking on how to overcome life’s challenge; how can you quantify that kind of support?

“Such counsel encourages persons who have been beaten down and almost given up in life with no one available to listen to their challenges but are met with unsolicited radio counselor.

“Their advices re-energise these group of persons to face life again and become conquerors, hence the need for the OAPs to be recognised for their impactful role in the society,” Archibong said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh