Silver Omah: Like Daughter Like Mother

Silver Omah: Like Daughter Like Mother

When you have a mother who is into the nitty gritty of music,  including being a singer and owning a music studio, music will naturally be for you an everyday thing.

Ekene Silver Momah whose stage name is Silver Omah was born into music and has remained immersed in it ever since.

The young songstress was indeed greatly impacted by her mother who is a singer and a studio owner. Opting for music as a course and graduating from the Department of Music, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, further enhanced Omah's passion for music.

As an undergraduate Omah was actively involved in musical shows and musical collaborations.

Notedly, during her undergraduate days, she joined a music band named “Ichoku” led by Gerald Eze whose main focus was on exploring Folk Music and adapting popular songs to the Igbo traditional instruments such as the Uboaka and Oja.

In 2021, Omah met Kaycee Oguejiofor while attending a music seminar hosted by himself and Gerald Eze where they educated musicians and music lovers about the music industry.

Oguejiofor took a liking to Omah's sound and decided to sponsor her recordings which aided her career growth thus the young female music star started recording her music professionally in 2021.

A singer, songwriter, and composer, a turning point in Omah's fledgling music career, however, came in August 2023, "when I met Arch. Tobenna Ezeofor (Zeofest), the manager of Zeof Records also took a liking to my sound and introduced me to the CEO, High Chief Jideofor Ezeofor of Zeof Records.

"He too fell in love with my sound and had me record two songs, one of which I released on February 9th, 2024 as my first single named “Price Of Your Heart” in collaboration with Zeof Records"

Omah's musical career got a huge boost recently when she featured in an EP,  "Epiphany".  The EP which was released by Zeof Records, is a selection of different Afrobeat genres.

Von Blake: When A Civil Engineer Takes The Music Scene By Storm

Von Blake: When A Civil Engineer Takes The Music Scene By Storm

As a kid, Blake Dilinna Ezeofor with the stage name,  "Von Blake" knew that the pull and allur of music would be irresistible. It was not therefore,  a surprise that even as a graduate of Engineering, Von Blake has stuck with music.

He is proverbial wedded to music for which divorce is a distant dream. For Von Blake, music is a passion that caught up with him as a pupil.

With music-loving parents as role models, growing up music was simply a way of life. 

"As kids, I and my siblings formed dance routines to songs we composed ourselves. It gave us great joy because we didn’t like lessons or doing chores.

"Even in church I was in a dance group, so performing has always been in my blood. And also I was a mass server, that’s where I first learnt synchronization and syncopation with other performers", he said.

A singer, songwriter composer and a graduate of Civil Engineering, Blake's love for music blossomed throughout his academic pursuit.

In secondary school, for example, he teamed up with like minds in his class to form the musical group, INVICTUS.

The budding music sensation has hit tracks to his credit,  including Vibration,  Tom Tom Waist and Fine Fine Caro. He also has several unreleased tracks "that grow by the day in my portfolio" 

Blake is inching towards international stardom as the young artist and INVICTUS came 3rd in the Spanish/ Nigeria  musical competition on 24 March 2023 organized by the  Spanish Embassy in Nigeria which featured 200 Nigerian artists.

He featured in a recent EP collaboration with two other young artists,  Denzel-Armani and Silver Omah. The EP,  entitled "Epiphany" is a blend of different afrobeat rhythms.

Von Blake is optimistic that "my future is going to be bright... I see myself in the next five years impacting a wide range of people and generation after generation to come identifying with my music irrespective of their colour, tribe or race"

Denzel Armani: Redifining Afrobeat

Denzel Armani: Redifining Afrobeat

Music did not just happen to Ifenna Denzel Armani Ezeofor. He did not stumble on music out of idleness.

The star-studded lawyer-turned-musician veered into music in obedience to a childhood passion that settled with him in adulthood.

A talented songwriter and composer with Denzel Armani as a stage name, music comes naturally to him. Armed with a Law degree from the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus,  UNEC,  Denzel Armani is on top of his game as an Afrobeat musician.

Listening to the soulful rhythms and lyrics of Denzel Armani's brand of Afrobeat one cannot but agree that he is one of the few Nigerian Afrobeat musicians who has redefined the unique,  timeless music genre originated by the irrepressible late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. 

On stage, Armani is a delight to watch. He is imbued with an electrifying fierce sound and stage presence which is undoubtedly unique, embodying a fusion of afrojuju, rock, jazz, R&B, neo-soul, and hip hop. 

Armani has always loved music. His romance with music started as far back as his childhood when he was around six years old as he was always so fascinated with sound, delivery, and the awesome stage presence of Michael Jackson.

Michael Jackson’s death was however a very devasting experience for him. He also had at his beck and call and rich musical library growing up as his parents were music lovers. He had the opportunity to listen to the greats of times like Marvin Gaye, Boney M, Abba, Barry White, Bob Marley, Fela, Labaja, and so on.

Armani formally started his music career in 2020 and so far has several music tracks to his credit including the hits, Comot Der and Jonza.

His new single, "NEME",  a new sound of profound musical masterpiece,  was released on Saturday, 24th February 2024.

On March 9th,  2024, a collaborative musical effort with two other young artists- Von Blake and Silver Omah dubbed "Epiphany" under the Zeof Record label was also launched.

The EP, a potential chartbuster, is a selection and a rich blend of free-flowing music genres rooted in Afrobeat, Afro-ragga, and Afro-Gospel.

Denzel Armani is focused and forward-looking.  He believes the Nigerian and global music scene is his to conquer.

The Creative Economy is Driven by the Digital Economy

Image credit: 
https://city.cri.cn/20210507/633e86e4-7cc0-92c5-a18c-439c6dec1d4b.html

The development of the Creative Economy is hinged on the development of the Digital Economy in the 21st century.

The creative industry in the 21st century is driven by digital technology from the street to the internet. 

Monetization of every format of intellectual property (IP) is mostly generated by digital applications of production, acquisition, distribution, collection and exhibition of which the transactions for the revenues are through fintech applications and services.

We cannot have a robust creative

economy without the support of the digital economy. Both economies have become interlocked as can be seen in Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta, X and the new developments by the MultiChoice Group in Africa. 

The largest revenues of the entertainment industry are online.

Where else can we have billions of downloads and views of content?

Recommended:

THE ROLE OF DIGITAL ECONOMY IN ADVANCING CREATIVE INDUSTRIES-CREATIVITY 2030 SEMINAR

https://city.cri.cn/20210507/633e86e4-7cc0-92c5-a18c-439c6dec1d4b.html

- By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,

The Founder/CEO,

International Digital Post Network Limited,

Lagos, Nigeria.

Dabyna Poll-Abraham: The Best Rock Music Guitarist in Africa

Dabyna Poll-Abraham:  Son of Rock

The Best Rock Music Guitarist in Africa

@dabynasonofrock is the best rock music guitarist in Africa for over 20 years and still counting. 

A fact that majority of Nigerians don't know. And he is a Nigerian.

He has performed in the United States of America, the United Kingdom and other countries.

He is also amiable, humble and noble. 

A very philosophical musician.

I have had the honour of performing with him in 2002 as he and his band played for the rendition of my song, "Darego! You Are the Most Beautiful Girl in the World" in honour of Agabani Darego, the first Black African Miss World crowned in 2001. 

The live performance was for the graduation day of the students of the Alliance Française at the French Cultural Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria.

It was an unforgettable night as the girls were screaming as I sang.

Do you know that Daby Poll-Abraham also plays Afrobeats rock music?

- By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,

Publisher/Editor,
NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series,
Nigerians Report Online,
https://www.nigeriansreportng.blogspot.com
New Nigeria on Pinterest
www.pinterest.com/nigeriansreport
https://www.amazon.com/author/ekenyerengozimichaelchima
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelchimaeyerengozi

#rockmusic 

#rock 

#music

#afrobeats 

#agbanidarego

#beautiful

#girls

#graduation

#graduationday

#song

#missworld 

#nigeria

#africa

#guitarist

#unitedstates

#america 

#uk

#france

#french

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#art

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All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) Mourns Mohbad, Calls For Institutionalization of Music Industry in Africa

#Mohbad

PRESS RELEASE

All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) Mourns Mohbad, Calls For Institutionalization of Music Industry in Africa

Mohbad died in a mysterious circumstance on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, that is still under police investigation

LAGOS, Nigeria, September 24, 2023/ -- All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA (https://www.AFRIMA.org/), has emphasized the importance of regulating and institutionalizing the music entertainment industry as it joins millions of African youths and music fans to express grief over the demise of Nigeria's singer, Mohbad, (real name Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba).

Mohbad died in a mysterious circumstance on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, that is still under police investigation.

The 27-year-old budding music star also known as Imole (Light) was a young and very promising artiste whose creativity and amazing gift have made him produce highly thrilling lyrics that have warmed the hearts of millions of fans across the world.

The President and Executive Producer, AFRIMA, Mike Dada, in a statement, while lamenting that Africa has lost a promising talent in its growing music industry in a shocking manner, noted that institutionalization of the music/entertainment industry remains a top priority in curbing the unprofessional practices that have been existing within the industry in Africa.

He said; “On behalf of the International Committee of AFRIMA, we condole with Nigeria's music industry, parents and fans of Mohbad, over his painful demise. The death of Mohbad is a tragic event that has left us all deeply saddened. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time.

“With his demise, Africa has lost a promising talent in our growing music and entertainment industry. We pray God to grant him eternal rest, and grant his parents, family, and teeming fans the fortitude to bear his irreplaceable loss.”

“AFRIMA is spearheading efforts to mobilize stakeholders in the creative industry in Africa, with a focus on Nigeria, to establish institutionalized operations and regulate the music entertainment industry.”

According to Dada, this includes the enactment of legislation that sets industry standards, regulations and compliance for music record labels, performing artistes, music publishing companies, entertainment lawyers and other professionals.

“It is necessary to have a law that regulates the music industry to prevent it from becoming an unregulated free-for-all, as currently, the entry requirements are low such that anyone can just wake up and establish a music record label.

“To address this issue, African countries must establish a Music Institute to certify practitioners regularly.

AFRIMA is leveraging its platform to organize a stakeholder summit aimed at engaging the legislative arm of governments across Africa through the African Union.

“AFRIMA urges stakeholders, including relevant government officials and agencies, artistes, record labels, A&R, producers, promoters, artiste's managers, brands, songwriters, DJs & video vixens, video directors, equipment production and rental companies, publishing companies, streaming service companies, entertainment lawyers, royalty companies, choreographers/dancers, entertainment/music journalists and media, culture and music enthusiast, other supporting professionals: cameramen, editors, make-up, hairstylist, costumiers, among others, to participate in this crucial process. We urge stakeholders to submit their proposed legislation for review and consideration,” the AFRIMA President submitted.

AFRIMA (All Africa Music Awards) is the Pinnacle of African Music globally.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).

SOURCE

All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA)

MultiChoice Shares Insights to Content Success at MIP Africa

PRESS RELEASE

MultiChoice Shares Insights to Content Success at MIP Africa

MIP Africa forms part of Fame Week Africa, a week-long festival focusing on African television, music, and film

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 6, 2023/ -- Authenticity, hyperlocal stories, and a visceral understanding of the audience are pivotal indicators for success in the African television and film landscape.

While various insights, overwhelmingly practical and actionable, were shared during a MultiChoice panel discussion at MIP Africa this week, these three indicators served as a throughline for how content creators could successfully pitch to become part of MultiChoice’s creative ecosystem.

The panel discussion, Unlocking Opportunities: MultiChoice and the African Film & TV Industry, took place at MIP Africa, an annual opportunity for African content creators, producers, and sellers to present their work to a global array of buyers, investors, and potential co-production partners. MIP Africa forms part of Fame Week Africa, a week-long festival focusing on African television, music, and film. MultiChoice plays a key role as a sponsor of both events.

According to Waldimar Pelser, Channel Director: Premium Channels at MultiChoice, their most valuable content creators understand their market. “The most productive conversations we have are with producers that consume our content and on a visceral level know who our audience is. (Our partners) have to understand who they’re making content for.”

In terms of what that content looks like, Pelser shared that content that can only be made locally, and that viewers would not be able to find elsewhere, reap the most success.

Popular genres include drama and unscripted reality, with the consensus being that while successful themes are universal, viewers want something “uniquely South African,” with the setting being locally specific and the story and storytelling showcasing an understanding of who the audience is. 

Viewers also tend to gravitate toward dramas with authenticity, warmth, and optimism, while there is generally a low tolerance for gimmicks – in any genre. In unscripted reality, shows where the audience can see themselves on screen generally enjoy success. “For unscripted it’s a mirror,” said Pelser. “We want to see ourselves on screen. (Shows) that remind us who we are – those tend to work.”

Tebogo Matlawa, Head of Scripted Content: Middle & Mass: South Africa at MultiChoice, echoed Pelser and said that while the audience wants to see themselves on screen, producers should also “look outside the bubble of their own existence” when working on content.

“Our audience likes to be involved and go on the journey” and for that reason, they’ve found that very family-orientated shows, with a female point of view, and generally not risqué, do well. While action and dramas have seen success, there isn’t much of an appetite for violence. “Always think, would you watch this with your grandmother?” he advised when considering pitches for scripted content for middle and mass markets.

Victor Sanchez Aghahowa, Head of Production, West Africa for MultiChoice Africa, as well as Nicola van Niekerk, Head of Content for Premium Channels and co-productions, reiterated MultiChoice’s success with hyperlocal content. “We need the connection; people need to feel. If not, what are you doing?” said Aghahowa. “Compelling characters in compelling situations that anybody can relate to – that’s what we’re looking for. Anything inauthentic will immediately be sniffed out by our younger audience.”

According to Van Niekerk, Showmax, specifically, has seen significant success with documentaries as well as dramas.

In terms of co-productions, Van Niekerk pointed to the necessity for producers to have an in-depth understanding of both the local and the international audience before pitching a project. “As a producer, you need to assess your story and say, ‘Where will this story work?’ Will it work in a very specific demographic hyper locally in South Africa, but where else will it work? Which other broadcaster will like that? And to know that you need to understand all of the broadcaster's strategies (on a global level).”

She warns against assuming that what works locally will work elsewhere. This helps to secure funding if the appetite and interest have already been assessed.

Van Niekerk said popular co-productions generally have three things in common: “It’s crime, it’s English and it’s in a beautiful setting. We can tell that those work the best.”

Lerato Moruti, Senior Manager: Reality and Entertainment for Middle & Mass: M-Net, said that successful reality shows provide a sense of tabloid voyeurism, with family-based reality shows that rate high with viewers. But, said Moruti, South Africans look for meaning in content, and respond well to “help TV”, specifically referring to the popular Mzansi Magic reality show Abandoned about orphaned children that seek out family members later in life.

For more on MultiChoice at MIP Africa visit: https://www.MultiChoice.com/Fame-Week.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.

SOURCE

MultiChoice Group

Ban Immoral Songs and Music Videos on TV in Nigeria

I am a well known person in the creative industry, especially in Nollywood and I am also into music production with my first single produced in Hollywood when I was 21 and a copy is in the Library of Congress in Washington DC  My second single was produced in Lagos, Nigeria and gave me an hour interview on the BBC Radio in 2003. But I never released the singles.

I am working on three singles that I will release on my music label.

My father played violin and my elder sister danced for the enigmatic Fela Kuti and his band in the 1970s.  And I wanted to be a rock musician, but my father discouraged me.

I love music and I am a good singer and dancer. But I don't like pornographic songs and music videos which majority of Nigerian Afrobeats and Hip Hop singers are addicted to and they are corrupting our impressionable and vulnerable innocent young children who have been caught indulging in sexual activities. 

They are doing the immoral things in the immoral music videos of Burna Boy, Asake, Wizkid, Davido and Uncle Don Jazzy who use girls and young women as sex objects showing them half naked in simulations of sex orgies. 

Only stupid girls will allow themselves to be used as sex objects.

It is idiotic for women to be half naked and dancing for men who are wearing clothes.

It is even baffling that Uncle Don Jazzy who is the owner of Mavin Records and should promote good behavior is using his music platform to promote artistes singing psychedelic songs in pornographic music videos.

There are widespread cases of rape and sexscapades by teenage boys and girls in secondary schools and many are posting and sharing sex tapes on the internet.

Millions of them are now on hard drugs for sex orgies with thousands of cases of unwanted pregnancies.

If we fail to stop these immoral songs and music videos, they will completely destroy the moral values of our society.

They should be banned, because they promote self-destructive behavior among the majority of the youths.

Too Much Noise in Many Hollywood Movies; Nollywood Should Not Copy Hollywood

Too Much Noise in Many Hollywood Movies; Nollywood Should Not Copy Hollywood

There are noisy sound tracks in many Hollywood movies, especially the action film adaptations of comic books and other action movies.

For example, there was more noise than sense in "Catwoman" 2004 film.

The discordant noisy soundtracks

often make the movies to look like cover-ups for bad directing and  storytelling.

Sound is important in storytelling. But not noise.

When music is too loud, it becomes noise.

There are also anachronisms in the soundtracks of several of the movies. Having rock music in an historical movie on the Roman Empire and ancient kingdoms is not different from showing the emperor wearing a Rolex in 2000 BC.

Soundtracks should be in accordance with the period as the costumes and the sets in the production design.

Soundtracks for fighting scenes don't need to be noisy.

You don't need noisy soundtracks for an action or adventure movie to be exciting and thrilling.

Viewers should not have headaches watching movies.

Nollywood is now copying Hollywood by making parodies of American action movies and comedies. 

They have made their own "Gangs of Lagos" like the "Gangs of New York". 

What's next? "Pirates of the Niger Delta" like "Pirates of the Caribbean"?

The most annoying are shallow  parodies of the "Real Housewives of Hollywood" and "Real Housewives of Atlanta" with their own "Real Housewives of Abuja",  "Real Housewives of Lagos" and other copycats' versions with women wearing costumes copied from the annual MET Gala or Hollywood red carpets.

Nothing beats originality in creativity.

There are many untold original Nigerian stories waiting to be told in movies and documentaries and not copying Hollywood or Telemundo.

I am still waiting for a great film on the Biafran war. 

The film adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's historical novel, "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Biyi Bandele in 2013 told half of the story of one of the bloodiest civil wars in Africa. There are still untold stories of the war that will be awesome movies.

- By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,

Publisher/Editor,

NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series

Afro Nation Portugal 2023 announces the addition of main stage headliners Wizkid and Davido

PRESS RELEASE

Afro Nation Portugal 2023 announces the addition of main stage headliners Wizkid and Davido

… as well as more new names including Little Simz, Popcaan and Focalistic

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PORTIMAO, Portugal, February 27, 2023/ -- Afro Nation Portugal 2023 (www.AfroNation.com) announces the addition of main stage headliners  Wizkid and Davido, as well as more new names including Little Simz,  Popcaan and Focalistic - all joining the world’s biggest lineup of Afrobeats and Amapaino this summer. Returning to the beautiful Portimao beach on 28-30th June, Afro Nation has a star-studded line up already boasting the likes of Burna Boy, 50 Cent, Booba, Aya Nakamura, Fireboy DML, Asake, Arya Starr, Black Sherif, Oxlade, Dadju and Ms Banks to name a few. Now the Star Boy himself joins the party once again. With his silky voice and irresistible beats, the Grammy award-winning and multi-platinum-selling global superstar  Wizkid heads to Afro Nation Portugal to perform countless hits including ‘Essence’, ‘Mighty Wine’ and ‘Blessed’ for the adoring crowds. Wizkid has recently joined fellow Afro Nation Portugal 2023 headliner Burna Boy, in becoming the first African artists to take on UK Stadium headline shows in 2023. Wizkid’s ‘More Love, Less Ego’ tour is taking the artist to new heights just two years after his record-breaking sell out London O2 Arena shows on the ‘Made In Lagos’ tour - which The Evening Standard described as “a triumph for African music’s increasingly globalised reach”. Davido, meanwhile, has built a reputation as one of the most exciting and innovative artists in the Nigerian music scene, known for his infectious hooks and equally infectious onstage energy. With his return to the stage highly anticipated this summer, expect another crowning moment with the audience singing along to every word, as the feel-good party king dishes up all his hits like ‘Fall’, ‘If’ and ‘Skelewu’. BRIT Award-winning lyricist Little Simz also heads out to the Algarve, to ignite the crowd with hits from her groundbreaking new albums ‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’ and ‘NO THANK YOU’, along with her classic tunes like ‘Venom’, ‘101FM’ and ‘Boss’. Always fearless and thought-provoking, Simz has been collecting accolade after accolade in recent years and next up is another moment to savour as she makes her Afro Nation debut. The iconic dancehall legend Popcaan will also be pulling up to Portugal this summer to heat things up with his most sizzling anthems like ‘Only Man She Want’, ‘Party Shot’ and ‘When You Wine Like That’. And that’s not all. Another one of Amapiano’s finest Focalistic is announced as a leading name on this year’s Piano People stage, off the back of his London headline show at the start of this month.  Kamo Mphela, Felo Ła Tee, Sir Trill and Skyla Tylaa will also be appearing alongside countless South African stars, such as previously announced headliners Scorpion Kings, Major League DJz and Uncle Waffles, and so many DJs and artists behind the world’s most exciting sounds right now. Powerhouse Musa Keys, popular singer Young Stunna, celebrated queen of genre DBN Gogo, trailblazer Vigro Deep, “future ghetto punk” superstar Moonchild Sanelly and many more will all be bringing the heat and stirring up the sand with all the latest moves this June. Day Splits for Afro Nation Portugal 2023 have also been announced today, with Burna Boy, Aya Nakamura and Popcaan opening the show on 28th June, Wizkid, Little Simz and Asake performing on the 29th June and 50 Cent, Davido, Booba and Fireboy DML providing the final fireworks on 30th June. "We are excited to welcome Wizkid, Davido, Little Simz, Popcaan, Focalistic and more to Afro Nation Portugal 2023," said Afro Nation Portugal organisers. "These artists represent the very best of African music and culture, and we can't wait to see them perform on our beautiful beach stage. With so many incredible acts on the lineup, this is shaping up to be the summer’s most unmissable party, and our best festival yet." Following a momentous return to West Africa for Afro Nation Ghana during “Detty December” and a landmark show in Puerto Rico in April 2022, the very first Afro Nation on mainland North America arrives this year. The 2 day debut will see Burna Boy, Wizkid, Rema, Asake, Beenie Man and more landing in the Sunshine State of Florida between 27th - 28th May, for Afro Nation Miami 2023. Afro Nation has become a must-attend event since its 2019 debut in Portugal. The rapid growth of the festival, which is now hosting events on sites of cultural significance across three continents, is a testament to the power of uniting the diaspora and showcasing the best of African music and culture. With this explosive lineup to come, and the stunning Portuguese sun that you can always rely on, Afro Nation Portugal is set to draw in crowds from the UK, right across Europe, Africa, and beyond, for another unifying and joyful celebration of Black music, dancing, food and good vibes. Afro Nation Portugal 2023 Second Wave Line Up (new additions in bold): Wednesday 28th June: Burna Boy, Aya Nakamura, Popcaan, Ayra Starr, Oxlade, The Compozers, Nelson Freitas, Nissi, Camidoh Thursday 29th June: Wizkid, Little Simz, Asake, Tayc, BNXN, Black Sherif, Victony, Ms Banks, Tyla Friday 30th June: 50 Cent, Davido, Booba, Fireboy DML, Vegedream, Gabzy, Sauti Sol, Gyakie, Soraia Ramos Piano People Stage: Scorpion Kings, Major League DJz, Uncle Waffles, Focalistic, Kamo Mphela, Musa Keys, DBN Gogo, Young Stunna, Felo Ła Tee, Daliwonga, Tyler ICU, Sha Sha, Vigro Deep, Moonchild Sanelly, Sir Trill, TXC, Pabi Cooper, Boohle, Charisse C, Nicky Summers, Skyla Tylaa, DJ Fistoz Hosts & DJs: Eddie Kadi, Shopsydoo, Xavier, Captain Lulaz, P Montana, Dj Sogood, Mercedes Benson, DJ Dollar Plus more to be announced! BBC Radio 1Xtra is the official media partner for Afro Nation Portugal. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afro Nation.   Editor’s Notes: Afro Nation Portugal 2023 will take place between 28-30th June 2023 on Praia Da Rocha Beach, Portimao, The Algarve. Tickets: All tickets are be available via: www.AfroNation.com Download hi res photo highlights from Afro Nation Portugal 2022 here:  https://apo-opa.info/3KGURuB Watch the Afro Nation Portugal 2022 Official Aftermovie: https://apo-opa.info/3mc7JyB Tickets for Afro Nation Portugal 2023 are available at: https://apo-opa.info/3Y5HJST PR/Press Enquiries: For all press enquiries please contact: marie@apo-opa.com Follow Afro Nation: Instagram: https://apo-opa.info/3ZoB8nD Twitter: https://apo-opa.info/41tKG2A Facebook: https://apo-opa.info/3kA9lSv www.AfroNation.com SOURCE Afro Nation

Idris Elba to Join in Conversation at the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend in Abidjan

PRESS RELEASE

Idris Elba to Join in Conversation at the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend in Abidjan

Elba is an award winning actor, musician, filmmaker and philanthropist, well-known for roles such as Nelson Mandela

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ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, November 21, 2022/ -- The Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND 2022) (https://www.CANEX.Africa), taking place from 25 – 27 November 2022 in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, will feature international superstar Idris Elba. The actor is scheduled for the “When giants speak” Fireside Chat on Saturday 26 November, among other activities. Idris Elba will bring his wealth of experience and insights into the global film industry as part of the CANEX WKND programme, which includes panel discussions, Fireside Chats, Masterclasses and Live performances. With roots in Sierra Leone and Ghana, Elba represents the astounding success of people of African descent within the global entertainment industry. He joins a list of over 100 top speakers from Africa and the diaspora, representing a range of creative sectors, who have confirmed their participation in Africa's most sought-after gathering of creatives. Elba is an award winning actor, musician, filmmaker and philanthropist, well-known for roles such as Nelson Mandela in the biographical film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Stringer Bell in the HBO series The Wire, and DCI John Luther in the BBC One series Luther, for which he won a Screen Actors Guild award for Best Actor. Organised by African Export Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, CANEX WKND is a major milestone in the Bank's implementation of its Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme; a multi-faceted intervention aimed at supporting and developing Africa’s rapidly growing creative and cultural industries. Afreximbank has identified the African diaspora as an essential component of the CANEX programme. CANEX WKND will also feature some of Africa and the diaspora’s top creative names, experts, brands, and thought leaders that will include: Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya (Nigeria) Didier Drogba, Retired Professional Footballer (Côte d'Ivoire) Alex Okosi, Managing Director of EMEA Emerging Markets at YouTube (Nigeria) Elvis Adidiema, Director, Sony Music for French-speaking Africa (Congo) Abdul-Karim Abdullah, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Culture Management Group (CMG) and Afrochella Festival (Ghana) Magali Ohouens, Modern Art Specialist & Exhibition Coordinator at Cécile Fakhoury Gallery (Côte d’Ivoire) Armando Cabral, Founder and Creative Director, Armando Cabral (Portugal) and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Author (Nigeria), amongst others. Sessions are open to all registered CANEX WKND delegates along with all Masterclasses that commence on Thursday 24 November. For more information and to register for free go to www.CANEX.Africa. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CANEX WKND 2022.   Multimedia Content: Download CANEX 2022 Institutional Videos Spot TV 30" https://bit.ly/3XevO6d Welcome Video by Pathé’O https://bit.ly/3GE7W6d Annoncement Video Yemi Alade https://bit.ly/3UUXY4B   Annoncement Video Jospeh Dahouet-Boigny https://bit.ly/3tKM9C7 Download CANEX 2022 promotional material https://bit.ly/3XlRL31 Media Contact and Press Relations: M. Amadou Labba Sall W: +20 120 532 0254   Email: asall@afreximbank.com M. Toussaint Alain W : +225 07 89 13 12 97 Email : toussaint.alain@aol.com Social Media: Facebook: https://bit.ly/3tO1RfS Twitter: https://bit.ly/3hPHnQS Instagram: http://bit.ly/3UXxsHi LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/3UHjKZs YouTube: http://bit.ly/3UYuZfN SOURCE CANEX WKND 2022

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Lagos in Motion: The Changing Landscape of Ikoyi

Lagos in Motion: The Changing Landscape of Ikoyi

Thursday afternoon on October 27, 2022.

On Alfred Rewane Road (formerly Kingsway Road) in Ikoyi on Lagos Island, Nigeria.

Microsoft office building is the new  skyscraper in the background. 

I have to include the changing landscape of Ikoyi in the final phase of my "Lagos in Motion" documentary film I started in 2016 with more than 40 hours footage so far. The old famous Ikoyi Hotel has been turned to a residential building beside the Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel. 

I passed by my Alma Mater, the famous St. Gregory's College along St. Gregory's College Road to Awolowo Road to Falomo to Glover Road and saw how Ikoyi has changed since my childhood in Obalende. I went to famous Jazz Hole on Awolowo Road and sat down to chat with my old boy, Olakunle Tejuoso, the founder to discuss arts, literature, music and politics of the coming 2023 presidential election with Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) and the political momentum of his "Obidients" movement and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the national ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC).

Olakunle Tejuoso's family owns the famous Glendora Bookshops in Nigeria where the first copies of my book, "Bye, Bye Mugabe" sold out in 2008 before I withdrew it, because of 21 typographical errors and threw the remaining hundreds of copies away. Olakunle is the author of

"Lagos - A City At Work (The Glendora Lagos Project) and the beautiful and colourful photo book, "ABEOKUTA". 

"You should do a new book on Lagos," I said. 

- Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,

Screen Naija YouTube Channel

#Lagos

#Ikoyi

#hotels

#Abeokuta

#Nigeria

#travel

#tourism

#arts

#books

#movies

#music

#jazz

#Jazzhole

#Glendora

#documentary

#photography

#politics

#history

#Tinubu

#PeterObi

#Obidients

#presidentialelection

#2023presidentialelection

#leadership

#literature

WHAT WOULD FELA DO?

 WHAT WOULD FELA DO?

Since the greatest Nigerian musician of all time, Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti passed on in 1997, the majority of Nigerians have become ass lickers and lap dogs of the  political ruling class and no single Nigerian musician or human rights activist has the balls and guts to dare them and call a spade a spade as Fela dared and faced the consequences without apologies and without regrets.

Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti was a revolutionary musician, both an awesome sociocultural and sociopolitical phenomenon.
No other musician in Nigeria and the rest of Africa and the world has been as awesome as Fela. And it is funny how young singers of the present generation who cannot read and write music are claiming to be great.Great in what sense?

Great in winning American and European music awards that Fela never bothered to compete for?

They cannot even have a small band compared to the Afrobeat music enssemle of Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti.
See

117 Ensemble Organization of the Band of Fela Anikulapo- by A Oikelome · 2017 · 

- By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,
aka "Orikinla Osinachi".

Coolio Passes On To Paradise of the Universe

Coolio, whose real name is Artis Leon Ivey Jr., came up on the L.A. rap scene in the late 80s, but blew up nationally in 1995 when he released "Gangsta's Paradise" for the soundtrack of the Michelle Pfeiffer film, "Dangerous Minds."

The song reached #1 and stayed there for 3 weeks.

While 'Paradise' became his signature hit, Coolio had several others ... including 1994's "Fantastic Voyage" -- which hit #3 on Billboard's Hot 100 -- as well as "1,2,3,4 (Sumpin' New)" and "It's All the Way Live (Now)."

Coolio was 59.

FAREWELL ...

SOURCE

World Soundtrack Awards 2022

 World Soundtrack Awards 2022: digital edition

Browse Screen’s supplement for the 2022 World Soundtrack Awards, which features interviews with Mark Isham and Bruno Coulais.

In this edition, filmmaker David Lowery and composer Daniel Hart discuss the importance of visual and aural symbiosis, and World Soundtrack Awards guest of honour Mark Isham shares his love of experimenting with sound.

Plus, French composer and lifetime achievement award recipient Bruno Could on why he still embraces the challenges of making music.

Yoruba Cultural Troupe in Live Performance

 

Yoruba Cultural Troupe in Live Performance

Saturday evening, July 23, 2022.

Lagos, Nigeria

The celebration of the 9th birthday of Omogbolabo, aka "G-Boy", the first first born of Dr. Omoayena Odunbaku, the popular author of "OMOH" was an unforgettable evening of felicitations, thanksgivings and live cultural performance by a Yoruba troupe at the Agip Recital Hall of the Muson Centre in Onikan on the Lagos Island. The birthday party attracted hundreds of people as parents came with their children and other guests. The occasion concluded with launching of the comic book adaptation of her book by her son. For a 9-year-old, the drawings are outstanding and look as good as comics done by professional artists of Marvel Comics.

#Birthday #GBoy #Lagos #book #comics #Omoh #Marvel #music #Nigeria #Yoruba #people

Sound and Screenwriting in Nollywood and Kannywood

Sound and Screenwriting in 

Nollywood and Kannywood

Majority of screenwriters in #Nollywood and #Kannywood need to learn how to include sound cues during screenwriting and not during post production.

If we ask even those who claim to know a simple question about sound in screenwriting, they may not know, because they have not shown that they know in several of their film and TV productions.

Seeing is believing.

Many people listen, but only few learn in Nigeria. That's why we hear and see repetitions of the same mistakes in film and TV productions in Africa's largest film industry.

They still don't know how to use sound for characterisation in screenplays before the principal photography.

They just copy and paste soundtracks during post production without creating and composing any original score.  

Sound in a movie includes the music, leitmotifs, dialogues, sound effects, ambient noise, and/or background noise and soundtracks. 

There is what I call the "Ambience of Romance" in filmmaking and it can only be achieved with sound.

And what is the ambience of romance in screenwriting and in the atmosphere of a scene?

I am still waiting for the cinematic experience of Dolby Vision in Nollywood and Kannywood.

To me, any Nigerian filmmaker whose movies have not qualified for the Official Selections of the Cannes Film Festival, Venice Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival and Berlin Film Festival is not qualified to teach any  Masterclass. 

How can you teach a Masterclass without the proof of being a master of the subject?

How can someone who is still having issues with the nuances of sound in storytelling teach a Masterclass on directing or screenwriting? 

Do you know that majority of the filmmakers in Nollywood and Kannywood are clueless about spherical and anamorphic lenses? And they are teaching Filmmaking in some so called film and TV academies in Lagos, Asaba, Calabar and Kannywood without any certification or accreditation.

- By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,

Publisher/Editor,

NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series

distributed by Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other booksellers.

Experience Last Night in Soho in Dolby

In acclaimed director Edgar Wright’s psychological thriller, Eloise, an aspiring fashion designer, is mysteriously able to enter the 1960s where she encounters a dazzling wannabe singer, Sandie. But the glamour is not all it appears to be and the dreams of the past start to crack and splinter into something far darker.

 https://www.dolby.com/experience/cinema