Category Archives: Featured

Mary was born deformed; it took eighteen years of plastic surgery to build her a face.

She changed her name and place after each surgery, and when she was ready to start a new life, fate came up with a proposal that brought Heaven and Hell to her threshold.

A pregnant virgin with a fire breathing dragon in her womb as the count to nine month is the count to Dooms Day.

When Nigeria was governed on the basis of tribe Northern (Hausa), Western (Yoruba) and Eastern (lgbo) regions and the colonial Lagos older than Nigeria itself was being claimed as a part of the Yoruba Westem region, by virtue of its location and Yoruba origin with reference to its Benin (Edo) royalty as far back as late 17th century and the American and Caribbean ongins of the descendants of the Ologbowo and the Popo Aguda (Brazilian) returnees of the 1840s. of course, original Lagosians of the time challenged the Lagos belongs the West theory; successfully proved the independence of the old Lagos (gede be L’ eko wa) not only
stopped the attempt to merge Lagos with Westem Nigena but also got Lagos State as one of the first twelve states of Nigeria created in 1967

Since 1967, cosmopolitan Lagos has moved from being the capital of Nigeria to a mega city of excellence which now sets the pace of political, social and economical development more than it has ever done in the past. This is because, the ongin of Lagos has been influenced by mot only the (Idejo) chieftaincy, the Benin (Edo) Oba Ado royalty, the civilized and educated Saro (Olowogbowo) and Brazilian (Popo Aguda) returnees of the 1840s, the Tapa (Bida/Nupe), the Black Americans and the Caribbean (artisans of the early 19″ century Lagos). These lots constitutes the force that built up Original Lagos (Eko Akoko) before the cessation of the colony of Lagos to the British crown in 1861, long before the creation of the British protectorate of Nigeria in 1914.

The original Lagosians established family compounds and business centres as far back as early 17th century, e.g Iga Aromire, Iga Iduganran, and the agboles (compounds) of the four original settlements Isale Eko, Olowogbowo, Oko Faji and Popo Aguda. These settlements of Lafiaji/lkoyi, Ebute Meta/Yaba were added during the colonial days.

By virtue of the above stated, original Lagos (Eko Akoko) produced Nigeria’s first modern day professionals such as lawyer Sapara-Williams (1880), Doctor J. K. Randle, Engineer Herbert Macaulay, Journalist Kitoyi Ajasa, Chartered Accountant Akintola Williams e.t.c all of them from the early Olowogbowo settlements.

In my own opinion, those who fabricate the very recent theory that Oba Ashipa was a Yoruba from lsheri instead of a Benin Prince from the Oba of Benin (Edo State) were mischievously, politically motivated to historically confirm the story of politicians of the 1940s who claim that Lagos belongs to the West; Yoruba/West of the regional Nigeria. The then Lagos politicians of the Action group Party controlled Western Nigeria went as far as to claim that some well known families of Lagos originated from Oyo, Ekiti, Ijebu, Egba, ljesha etc. in order to qualify them for membership of the Western Nigeria house of assemble or the Nigerian senate needless to say some got their fingers burnt when they were challenged by indigenes of the cities claimed in the 1940s.

It is very ridiculous to hear some academic historians challenge the historical Igbe songs of our innocent ancient Oloris (wives) of the Royal Houses just to please their political masters. Their types have been earlier exposed by the scriptures.

May I however conclude this piece, by reference to the fact that ‘facts are sacred while falsehoods are Satanic and Perishable’.

As a direct descendant of Oba Akinsemoyin of Lagos, I feel obliged to write this piece on original Lagos (Eko Akoko) in order to confirm the history of Royalty in Lagos

Signed:
Ademola Oladega Akinsemoyin
Esan People Blog 

75th Festival de Cannes, from 17 to 28 May 2022

After 11 days of an exceptional edition, the Jury of the 75th Festival de Cannes, chaired by French actor Vincent Lindon, surrounded by Iranian director Asghar Farhadi, British-American actress and director Rebecca Hall, French director Ladj Ly, American director Jeff Nichols, Indian actress Deepika Padukone, Swedish actress Noomi Rapace, Norwegian director Joachim Trier and Italian actress and director Jasmine Trinca, presented its winners’ list among the 21 films presented in Competition this year.

Feature Films Palme D’or

TRIANGLE OF SADNESS directed by Ruben ÖSTLUND

Grand Prix (jointly awarded)

CLOSE directed by Lukas DHONT

STARS AT NOON directed by Claire DENIS

Award For Best Director

PARK Chan-Wook for HEOJIL KYOLSHIM (DECISION TO LEAVE)

Award for Best Screenplay

Tarik SALEH for WALAD MIN AL JANNA (BOY FROM HEAVEN)

Jury Prize (Jointly Awarded)

EO  directed by Jerzy SKOLIMOWSKI

LE OTTO MONTAGNE (THE EIGHT MOUNTAINS) directed by Charlotte VANDERMEERSCH & Felix VAN GROENINGEN

75th Anniversary Prize

TORI ET LOKITA (TORI AND LOKITA) directed by Jean-Pierre & Luc DARDENNE

Award for Best Actress

Zar AMIR EBRAHIMI in HOLY SPIDER

Directed by Ali ABBASI

Award For Best Actor

SONG Kang-ho in BROKER

Directed by KORE-EDA Hirokazu

Short Films Palme D’or

HAI BIAN SHENG QI YI ZUO XUAN YA (THE WATER MURMURS) directed by JIANYING CHEN

Special Mention

LORI (MELANCHOLY OF MY MOTHER’S LULLABIES) directed by Abinash Bikram SHAH

Un Certain Regard Un

Certain Regard Prize

LES PIRES (THE WORST ONES) directed by Lise AKOKA & Romane GUERET

Jury Prize

JOYLAND directed by Saim SADIQ

Best Director Prize

Alexandru BELC for METRONOM

Best Performance Prize (Jointly Awarded)

Vicky KRIEPS in CORSAGE directed by Marie KREUTZER

Adam BESSA in HARKA directed by Lotfy NATHAN

Best Screenplay Prize

MEDITERRANEAN FEVER directed by Maha HAJ

« Coup De Cœur » Prize

RODEO directed by Lola QUIVORON

Caméra d’or

WAR PONY directed by Riley KEOUGH and Gina GAMMELL,

presented as part of the UN CERTAIN REGARD Official Selection

Special Mention

PLAN 75 directed by HAYAKAWA Chie

La Cinef

First Prize

IL BARBIERE COMPLOTTISTA (A Conspiracy Man) directed by Valerio FERRARA

Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia, Italie

Second Prize

DI ER (Somewhere) directed by LI Jiahe

Hebei University of Science and Technology School of Film and Television, Chine

Joint Third Prize

GLORIOUS REVOLUTION directed by Masha NOVIKOVA

London Film School, Royaume Uni

LES HUMAINS SONT CONS QUAND ILS S’EMPILENT (Humans Are Dumber When Crammed up Together) directed by Laurène FERNANDEZ

La CinéFabrique, France

Higher Technical Commission (CST)

The CST jury has awarded the CST ARTIST-TECHNICIAN AWARD 2022 to the entire sound crew headed up by Andréas Franck, Bent Holm, Jacob Ilgner and Jonas Rudels for the film TRIANGLE OF SADNESS by Ruben Östlund and the CST Young Film Technician Award to Marion Burger, head set designer for the film UN PETIT FRÈRE (MOTHER AND SON) by Léonor Serraille.

The National Film Authority of Ghana signed a landmark partnership agreement with Pixel Ray Studios LLC which will lead to the construction of a full-service world class film studio in West Africa.

Pixel Ray Studios, a global television and film studio development and production company, has solidified a partnership with the National Film Authority of Ghana to construct 10 sound stages on over 200 acres of property in Ghana. In addition to the sound stages, the multi-use facility will include state-of-the-art production space and equipment, as well as post-production suites with globally trained and locally based crew to serve all production needs. The premier studio will have an estimated 150,000 square feet of production space.

As part of the agreement, the National Film Authority will develop and implement the legal framework and regulation for the creation and nurturing of the growth and development of the Ghanaian and African film industry through the distribution, exhibition, and marketing of films and associated visual and audio content.

The establishment of Pixel Ray Studios in Ghana is a testament to the company’s expansive experience in production, distribution, and entertainment. Pixel Ray founders include entertainment entrepreneur Audu Maikori, ESQ (Founder, Chocolate City Group), Franklin “Twizz” David (Chairman, Twizz Talent Management), Ojoma Ochai (Managing Partner of The Creative Economy Practice at CcHUB), and Hollywood Production & Development Executive Danielle Johnson. Esteemed Pixel Ray Board members include Oronde Garett (Partner at M88), Tamara Houston (ICONN Man) and Content and catalogue Executive Fotemah Mbah.

As announced at this year’s Africon, a multi-day conference featuring top tier movers and shakers in the diaspora, hosted by Amplify Africa, the studio will offer state-of-the-art production and post-production services to local Ghanaian, African and international film and content producers; entertainment for local and international tourists through activities such as set visits; and visual and audio effects and animation services to local and international films (scripted and unscripted content, films, TV series, commercials, OTT content, podcasts, and music videos).

Witnesses to this momentous declaration made at the “Investing in Africa’s Future” panel included Travis Adkins, President and CEO of United States African Development Foundation; Isaac Kigozi, Head of Trade and Investment Office of the President of the Republic of Uganda; and Temwa Gondwe Senior Manager, Intra-African Trade Initiative (Trade Facilitation) at African Export and Import.

The project is estimated to create about 11,000 jobs for the local economy. Partners include Chocolate City Group, REG Entertainment LLC, and Matt Rauchberg Consulting.

 “This partnership is timely as Ghana positions itself as a film hub, a friendly shooting destination, and a cinema gateway to Africa. Earlier in the year, the National Film Authority (NFA) of Ghana launched the ‘SHOOT IN GHANA PROJECT’ to enhance the agenda by promoting Ghana as an ideal location for film productions and attracting the international filmmaking community to make films in Ghana. Ghana has great locations, it is very safe, and it costs relatively less to shoot in Ghana than in many other countries. Ghana is the second-largest producer of films on the African continent, according to the UNESCO 2021 report. As the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCFTA) headquarters, it is just right that Ghana opens its doors to the world of movie makers.” said National Film Authority CEO, Ms. Juliet Yaa Asantewa Asante.

Audu Maikori, Co-Founder of Pixel Ray Studios, comments, “I am honoured to be part of this team. Over the last twenty years, I have worked to promote African content and entertainment through Chocolate City, one of Africa’s foremost 360-degree media and entertainment companies comprising a record label, marketing agency, and talent management company, which I co-founded in Nigeria in 2015. I’ve always dreamt of creating even more avenues to tell our unique African/Black and Caribbean stories by providing the critical infrastructure that will create jobs, hone skills, and tell our side of the story. Pixel Ray Studios and our partnership with the NFA provides a platform for that.”

“It’s so surreal to see the project signed and come to life. There is such a need for additional production infrastructure in the global storytelling ecosystem, and I am confident that before long, the studio will become a prominent fixture in this evolving landscape of African and global storytelling,” added Co-Founder Franklin “Twizz” David.

‘’Black and African narratives, more than ever, need to be seen and heard. It is a huge privilege to be part of the project,” says Ms. Ojoma Ochai. ”This project will provide the infrastructure to enable the production and visibility of projects while offering globally competitive infrastructure and talent in a part of the continent known for its deep culture and commitment to championing black and African heritage”.

Stated Oronde Garret, “I’m happy to support the development of this groundbreaking studio in Ghana. It has become evident to me that we must illuminate and celebrate the diversity of the diaspora, and what better way to do it than by creating a space devoted to telling our stories.”

ABOUT THE NATIONAL FILM AUTHORITY

National Film Authority (NFA) is a government agency in Ghana mandated under the Development and Classification of Film Act 935 to regulate, develop and streamline the film sector in Ghana. The NFA’s short-medium term strategic goal is to position Ghana as a film hub and an attractive shooting destination on the continent for productions globally, while raising the level and value of local productions to meet international standards.

ABOUT PIXEL RAY STUDIOS

Pixel Ray Studios is a multimedia and content production company focused on building the first-ever black-owned film production franchise on the continent of Africa, which will serve both local

production needs and cater to Hollywood and other international markets. The studio provides an audio-visual/multimedia training academy covering film, TV, gaming, animation, and virtual and augmented reality, creating a franchise of sound stages for underrepresented places in Africa.

Courtesy: GhMovieFreak.com

African Movie Channel has signed a channel carriage deal with DistroScale to have its first FAST channel, Nolly Africa HD on the DistroTV platform for broadcast worldwide.

DistroTV, operated by parent company DistroScale, is available for free across a wide array of CTV and mobile devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, LG TV, Samsung TV, Sony TV, iOS, and Android, as well as on the DistroTV https://www.distro.tv/

‘Yinka Mayungbo, African Movie Channel’s Director commented, “Nolly Africa HD is not your typical quick and cobbled together FAST channel; it was built the AMC way – like our two premium Pay TV channels AMC and AMC Series, Nolly Africa HD is sleek, polished, and of course, premium television, and it’s HD. We are delighted to partner with DistroTV, one of the most prominent players in the FAST space, to bring the magnetizing world of Nollywood to the homes of millions.”

Nolly Africa HD is a premium 24-hour African movies and series channel, showing carefully curated English language Nollywood movies, series, talk shows and reality productions, including from AMC’s own original productions division, AMCOP.

“With now more than 200 channels in our content library, we are on a mission at DistroTV to provide engaging, stimulating, entertaining content that appeals to our diverse and growing audience,” said Navdeep Saini, co-founder and CEO of DistroScale, parent company of DistroTV. “As a part of our latest regional channel bundle, Nolly Africa HD does just that. We are thrilled to welcome them to the DistroTV family, and look forward to continuing to expand our viewership to new regions as we grow and evolve.”

Nolly Africa HD is available on Nigeria’s Free TV on channel 722, the Airtel TV platform in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Nigeria, Freeview UK channel 271, Kapang channel 520 in the UK and US, and now DistroTV channel 413.

Nolly Africa HD is wholly owned and powered by African Movie Chan

MICHAEL JACKSON and children: from left BLANKET(BIGI) , PRINCE, and PARIS

Funny how Manchelors are slandering Dominic for getting married at the age of 46. Rita got married and her husband is satisfied. Why are you interested in Her age ? Is it Because she got married at the age you bachelors shame women for being single . Many of you weaponized menopause as a tool to rush women into regrettable marriage. Haven’t you seen older women get married after one trial, while their younger counterparts keep trying for decades  Abeg make una free Dominic, na marry she marry she no kill person.

Congratulations Mrs Rita Anosike once again, wishing you marital bliss and endless possibilities as you begin a new chapter of your Life.

By Peace Nwadire

Who is Nengi Adoki? She played the lead role in the current trending Movie “CHATROOM.”

An actress is responsible for translating a writer’s ideas into a full-blown character with a unique set of gestures, accent, body language, movement and even trademark dialogues.  During the world premiere of the movie CHATROOM on Easter Sunday April 17, 2022 at the WheatBaker hotel in Ikoyi, the teaming audience was so impressed at the way Nengi successfully conveyed the feelings of her role and beautifully blended into the character of Ebiere.

The movie is currently being shown on  afrocinema.tv.

See link to sign in https://afrocinema.tv/movies/chatroom

NENGI BIO

Nengi Adoki (The Nengers) is a Nigerian-born, Toronto-trained Actress, Writer and Producer and one of Nigeria’s current leading actresses in the Theatrical,Web, TV and Film space. While at the University of Toronto, Nengi created and directed and choreographed the popular Afrocentric stage show called “Sync Afrique” which ultimately became a culturally recognised event in the city of Mississauga. Since moving back to Nigeria, Nengi made history as the lead actress in Nigeria’s first exported musical theatre piece to the West End in London, England as “Kike Johnson” in “Wakaa The Musical” performing 52 shows overall. She has played other supporting roles on the Nigerian stage such “Heartbeat The Musical” and “No more Lies”. On the Web, Nengi has featured on RED TV’S hit shows “The Men’s Club” and “Inspector K” as well as Bovi’s “Back to School” on Youtube. On TV she’s played supporting roles on Africa Magic’s 260 Episode series’ ‘Enakhe’, ‘Forbidden’ and ‘Hustle’. She is presently the creator, writer and lead actress of her show, “The Most Toasted Girl”, the first crowd-funded web series in Nigeria currently available on Youtube.

Chatroom Synopsis

A young girl enters a TV reality show contest as a means to escape the haunting ghost of her past and her present deprivation. However, an incident in the house forces her to go back to the past she had tried to forget and further reveal a disturbing secret that would throw the entire nation into shock. The hilarious experiences in the house turn the table in an unexpected way bound to keep audiences in stitches and at the edges of their chairs at the same time.

Super start Music Legend  Lionel Richie’s daughter  Sofia Richie engaged  with boyfriend Elliot Grainge.

She’s 23 and he’s 27 and the son of Sir Lucian Grainge, CEO of Universal Music Group.