Entertainment
Nigeria Set To Host World-Class Film Festival In Abuja
Abuja is set to become the host city for a prestigious film festival this December, thanks to a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, and the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC).
The Chief Executive of NFC, Chidia Maduekwe, recently met with the Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, in Abuja to present a roadmap for achieving their goals in developing Nigeria’s film industry.
As part of their plans for the Zuma Film Festival, the Corporation has secured a 10-year hosting partnership with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) back in 2021 through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), designating Abuja as the official host city.
During the meeting, the Minister, joined by other high-ranking officials, received valuable insights into the NFC’s agenda.
Maduekwe emphasized that designating Abuja as the official host city for the film festival aligns with global best practices, citing renowned cities like Cannes, Toronto, Durban, and others as examples.
The NFC CEO also highlighted the challenges hampering the film industry’s development and growth, particularly outdated laws, including the untouched NFC Act of 1979, which has remained unamended for 44 years, and the legal frameworks governing the Motion Picture Practitioners Council (MOPICON).
He encouraged the Minister to reconsider pivotal film industry policies that hold the potential to bolster the sector, ensuring its continued contributions to content creation, efficient film distribution and exhibition, training and capacity building, and the establishment of the National Film Development Fund (NFDF).
He said “The NFC, filmmakers and stakeholders are enthusiastic and committed to ensuring that the Minister’s 2030 Destination Agenda was supported to succeed, because of its impactful focus and objectives.
“The legal framework is aimed to update and strengthen the existing legislation governing the NFC to create a conducive environment for growth and innovation.
“There’s a need for a practitioners council, which describes the establishment of a dedicated council for film professionals, aiming to foster collaboration, mentorship, and skill development and also international collaborations that the we plan to form more co-production agreements with international partners, to facilitate the exchange of talent, resources, and expertise.”
Discussing capacity development, the NFC CEO noted that the National Film Institute (NFI) has been consistently delivering training and capacity-building programs in film and television production.
This includes imparting entrepreneurial skills to youths across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones through its mobile audiovisual training platform, in addition to offering a Master’s Degree Programme in Film Culture & Archiving Studies.
Maduekwe also highlighted the significant strides made at the National Film Video and Sound Archive (NFVSA), which has been designated as the national repository for audio-visual heritage.
Entertainment
I Make $40,000 Montly With Content Creation Says Blessing CEO
In a recent interview with Egungun of Lagos, Blessing CEO, a self-proclaimed relationship and mentorship expert, opened up about her inspiring journey to financial freedom through content creation.
Blessing revealed she earns nearly $40,000 monthly, attributing her success to a unique blend of authenticity, strategic planning, and consistency.
“People are drawn to relatable content,” she explained. “I share real-life experiences and practical advice, which has helped me build a loyal audience.”
READ MORE: Wizkid’s “Morayo”: Critics, Fans Clash Over Album’s Quality
Starting from humble beginnings, she leveraged social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to reach millions with her relationship tips and motivational talks.
Her ability to connect with her audience has not only brought financial success but also solidified her status as a trusted mentor.
As a mentor, Blessing also highlighted the importance of personal branding and networking, she said. “There’s lot of money in content creation, Your story is your power.”
Her journey is a testament to how leveraging digital platforms can create a thriving business and change financial status.
Watch video here
Entertainment
Nicki Minaj Teams Up With Davido On ‘The Pink Print’ Anniversary
On November 22, 2024, Nicki Minaj celebrated the 10th anniversary of her critically acclaimed third studio album, ‘The Pink Print’, by releasing a special edition packed with four new tracks featuring a lineup of global stars, including Nigerian sensation, Davido.
First released in December 2014, The Pink Print became a cultural milestone, delivering smash hits like “Anaconda” and “Only” featuring Lil Wayne and Chris Brown.
A decade later, Nicki Minaj reinvents the magic with fresh collaborations, one of which sees Davido appear on “If It’s Okay,” a track that also includes the talents of French DJ and producer David Guetta.
READ MORE: Nicki Minaj Remains the GOAT, Tacha Praises Amid Singer’s Grammy Mishap
This collaboration marks the second time Davido and Nicki Minaj have joined forces, following their hit “Holy Ground” from Davido’s 2020 album A Better Time.
Nicki Minaj expressed her appreciation for Davido’s contribution to the new track on her X account, a post that immediately sparked excitement among her Nigerian fans.
Known for her occasional use of Nigerian Pidgin English online, Minaj continues to resonate deeply with her audience in the region.
The 10th-anniversary edition also features “Turn Yo Cap Back” with Swae Lee, “Arctic Tundra” with the late Juice WRLD, and “Remember Me,” featuring Parker Ighile. These additions showcase Minaj’s ability to evolve while remaining true to her legacy.
Since the release of The Pink Print, Nicki Minaj has solidified her status as a global icon and one of the most influential female rappers in history. Her new tracks not only honor the original album’s success but also underline her enduring relevance in the music industry.
Check the post here
Entertainment
Wizkid’s “Morayo”: Critics, Fans Clash Over Album’s Quality
Renowned Nigerian artist Wizkid recently released his highly anticipated album, Morayo, but the project has ignited a storm of opinions online.
While some fans hailed it as another masterpiece, critics like popular Twitter commentator Daniel Regha have called the album a disappointment, labeling it “quantity over quality.”
In a scathing review posted hours after the album’s release, Daniel Regha rated Morayo 3.5/10, citing repetitive tracks, uninspiring lyrics, and a lack of emotional depth. Regha argued that the album appears designed for TikTok virality rather than offering meaningful musical content.
Key Criticisms from Daniel Regha
Regha pointed out that tracks like “Bend” felt shallow and overly simplistic, while collaborations such as “Bad Girl” featuring Asake failed to live up to expectations. According to him, the standout tracks “Pray” and “Kese (Dance)” provide a glimpse of originality, but they aren’t enough to save the album. He further criticized Wizkid for not dedicating any song to his late mother, an omission many fans found surprising.
READ MORE: Wizkid Drops Sixth Studio Album ‘Morayo’
Regha concluded by suggesting the album would have been better off as a four-to-five-song EP, stating, “Wizkid needs new musical ideas.”
Fans and Critics React
Regha’s critique sparked divided opinions on social media, with some fans agreeing and others fiercely defending the album. A Twitter user, @AdegboyeBodunde, echoed Regha’s sentiment, comparing Morayo unfavorably to projects by rising artists like Fola Baloranking and Minz. “Honestly, the album is so below average. Even new artists are coming out with bangers back to back,” he tweeted.
However, others were quick to dismiss Regha’s comments, questioning his authority to critique music. @africanvogue lashed out, saying, “Why give this wicked boy a voice? He knows he will get a response from Wizkid’s fans. @DanielRegha has never done anything of worth but pulls down the hard labor of others for his profit. That is criminal!”
Another user, @akinmusi, questioned Regha’s qualifications, writing, “What certifications does he hold in music? Has he authored any scholarly work, thesis, dissertation, or conducted research in the field? I’m genuinely curious.”
Is Morayo a Hit or Miss?
Despite the backlash, Morayo is expected to perform well commercially, driven by Wizkid’s loyal fanbase and widespread hype. The album experiments with new sounds and features top-notch production quality, which Regha himself acknowledged as one of its redeeming features.
However, the larger question remains: Is Wizkid delivering music for artistic growth, or is he leaning too heavily on commercial trends? The polarised reactions to Morayo suggest that Wizkid’s latest project will be a topic of debate for weeks to come.
The release of Morayo highlights the ever-present tension between artistic expression and fan expectations in the music industry.
While critics and fans continue to clash over its quality, one thing is certain: Wizkid remains one of the most talked-about artists in Africa, capable of commanding attention with every move he makes.