Entertainment
AMAA Organizers Reveals Plans Ahead Of 2023 Edition
The organizers behind the Africa Movie Academy Awards, AMAA, has disclosed plans and events ahead of the 19th edition.
According to reliable sources, the 19th edition of the continental film awards organizers, led by creator Peace Anyiam-Osigwe and show producer Kingsley James, revealed their intentions and actions.
A call for entries was also made public by the organizers in advance of the AMAAs 2023.
Anyiam-Osigwe explained that the early call for entries was made in order to encourage more filmmakers from Africa and the diaspora to submit and take part in the 19th edition.
Anyiam-Osigwe, said: “This is an avenue to officially rest the 18th edition of the AMAAs under the supervision of the Africa Film Academy and begin the journey to 2023. We are currently calling for entries in all categories and this will last till April 2023.”
Continuing, she said, “We are now accepting submissions for the 19th Africa Movie Academy Awards. The Africa Film Academy invites filmmakers to submit their feature, short, animation, and documentary work for consideration in 25 categories of the awards.”
The 19th edition of the AMAAs will once again be hosted by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos state, according to the show’s producer, Kingsley James.
All other events, such as the AFA’s efforts to build human capacity, the jury’s deliberations, the announcement of the nominees, and the one-week-long celebrations that will mark the beginning of the 2023 edition, will remain the same.
The 2022 edition of the continental film awards ceremony had Funnybone, Chigul, and Kachi Offia taking the host position.
Anyiam-Osigwe, in addition, praised African filmmakers for shunning ego and embracing more collaborations to enhance the growth of the African film industry.
She stressed the need for film practitioners in Africa to unite and chart a pathway for African leaders in supporting the creative sector.
The event was attended by the commissioner for tourism, arts, and culture, pharmacist Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf and her husband, Tokunbo Wahab, special adviser to the governor of Lagos State on education, the jury, was presided over by Keith Shiri, Shaibu Husseini, and Steve Ayorinde, as well as a number of film professionals, including Richard Mofe Damijo, Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey, Idowu Phillips.
Entertainment
Speed Darlington Released From Kuje Prison After Court Order
Controversial Nigerian singer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington or Akpi, has been released from Kuje Prison following a court directive.
Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju disclosed this development on Tuesday, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “Speed Darlington is out of Kuje Prison.”
The singer’s release came after an Abuja court granted him bail. This decision followed intense public pressure on the Nigeria Police Force, which led to his arraignment.
READ MORE: WHO Expresses Regret Over US’ Withdrawal
Prior to his release, Speed Darlington had petitioned Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Intelligence Bureau, DIG Dasuki Galadanchi, over his prolonged detention. He called on the DIG to comply with a court order directing his release or formal arraignment.
Justice M.S. Liman had earlier issued an order on December 23, 2024, mandating the police to charge the singer within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.
Speed Darlington’s arrest stemmed from allegations he made against Grammy Award-winning singer Burna Boy. The singer accused Burna Boy of being involved in an immoral relationship with embattled U.S. rapper and music executive Sean Combs, also known as P. Diddy.
The situation has sparked widespread discussions, with many Nigerians expressing relief at Speed Darlington’s freedom while others continue to debate the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
Entertainment
Dele Odule Reflects On His Saddest Life Moment: Losing His First Child
Veteran Nollywood actor, Dele Odule, has opened up about the most heartbreaking moment of his life, revealing it was when he lost his first child.
The 63-year-old Yoruba movie icon shared the emotional experience during an interview with his colleague, Kunle Afod, recounting how the loss deeply affected him, especially given the challenges surrounding the child’s birth.
READ MORE: JUST IN: Adeleke Congratulates New DG, PEBEC, Princess Audu
Odule described the tragic news as “very hard” to bear, adding that he has since come to accept it as the will of God. Despite the acceptance, the actor expressed his fervent hope never to endure such a devastating tragedy again.
He said, “The saddest moment of my life was when I was called that my first child died. It was very hard on me. It was hard because of the situation faced during the child’s birth, but no one can question God’s authority. It was so bad that I don’t pray for it anymore.”
Known for his roles in classic Yoruba films, Odule continues to share both his professional and personal experiences, endearing himself to fans and colleagues alike.
Entertainment
What Burna Boy Told Me After Giving Me $30,000 — Cubana Chief Priest’s Cousin
In early January 2025, Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy fulfilled a promise by gifting $30,000 to Bethel Okechukwu, a phone repairer from Alaba Market who had claimed to be related to socialite Cubana Chief Priest.
This act of generosity occurred amid an ongoing feud between Burna Boy and the Cubana Chief Priest.
READ MORE; I Love Men Who Use Sex Toys On Me, Says Ada La Pinky
Following the donation, Cubana Chief Priest clarified that Bethel Okechukwu is not his brother, stating, “I have only one biological big brother & two kid sisters. They ain’t doing so bad.” He emphasized that he is not obligated to support his siblings financially and urged the public to verify such claims.
As of now, there are no credible reports indicating that Burna Boy instructed Bethel Okechukwu to take any specific actions towards Cubana Chief Priest after receiving the $30,000. The narrative appears to be centered around Burna Boy’s charitable gesture and Cubana Chief Priest’s subsequent clarification regarding his familial relationships.
Watch Video here