Category: Entertainment

Your only excuse should be that you’re on a remote island with no access to the internet and don’t notice the wave of new talents in the Nigerian music industry. The wave is led by those I will consider the latest Big 4, starring Ayra Starr, Asake, Rema, and Tems. These talents have well-crafted and mastered the art of making good music, and it’s high time they get their flowers.

The Rolling Stone’s 2024 Top Albums List, released on Monday, features Rema’s ‘Heis,’ Tems’ ‘Born in the Wild,’ and Ayra Starr’s ‘The Year I Turned 21.’

Ranking them, we have:

Rema’s second studio album, ‘Heis,‘ was ranked 11th overall. The album recently received a Grammy nomination for Best Global Album Performance.

Description: “Rema has taken to calling his own style of Afrobeats “Afro-rave,” in the tradition of Burna Boy and the like who have fought to differentiate themselves from what became a catchall for African music in general. Yet, there was no real sonic signifier for Rema’s Afro-wave — he seamlessly traverses hip-hop, house, R&B, and dancehall. Heis sounds more like a rave than almost anything Rema has made prior (excluding the excellent loosey “Bounce,” for example, raging while everything else simmers. The result is the buzzy, visceral, sweat-it-out music that no one else in the mainstream is making.”

Tems’ debut album, ‘Born in the Wild,‘ ranked 37th overall. Tems, whose voice is captivating, earned Grammy nominations for both ‘Best African Music Performance’ and ‘Best Global Music Album.’

Description: “Tems has already remade Nigerian pop in her own image. Her debut album measures the soul work it’s taken to get here. All of it has paid off on an album so rich that the listening experience is a physical one as much as it is emotional. “Wickedest” is primed for the dance floor, while the single “Love Me Jeje” is a masterpiece, soaked in the sun and major-key dopamine. Her vision is made timeless via a seamless blend of stripped-down ballads, the cool of 1990s R&B with flecks of SWV and Sade, joyous high life, Afro-dance music like amapiano, and rugged hip-hop.”

Ayra Starr’s sophomore album, ‘The Year I Turned 21,′ ranked 53rd on the list according to Rolling Stone.

Rolling Stone describes it as:
“With the follow-up to her 2021 debut, Ayra Starr asserts a musical maturity that could be considered far beyond her years, but perhaps more aptly serves as a reminder of the emotional depth, logical prowess, and enviable passion young people often possess. Across it, Starr refreshes tried-and-true Afrobeats elements with the type of songwriting that SZA fans flock to, darting between Nigerian Pidgin, Yoruba, and English with endless finesse and attitude in all three languages.”

I, for one, am glad for the recognition of Nigerian musical talents on a global stage, and this should continue for a long time. Last year the list featured legends like Mr. Eazi, Burna Boy, Adekunle Gold, and Asake.

Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie has publicly reiterated what matters to her above all… Motherhood.

While speaking on Good Morning America with Michael Strahan to promote her upcoming film, Maria, Angelina Jolie expressed how she feels about her kids describing it as something similar to Maria Callas’s passion for singing.

The actress told Strahan that motherhood is happiness: “You can take everything else away from me. Nothing else matters.”

Maria is a biopic about the opera singer, Maria Calles portrayed by Angelina Jolie. The movie also stars legendary actors Haluk Bilginer, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Alba Rohrwacher, and Valeria Golino directed by Pablo Larraín.

She and ex-husband Brad Pitt share six kids: Maddox, 23, Pax, 20, Zahara, 19, Shiloh, 18, and Knox and Vivienne, 16-year-old twins.

Jolie’s two eldest sons, Maddox and Pax, worked with her on Maria as assistant directors, which described the experience as “amazing” despite having no interest in being seen on camera yet. “They’re quite private. Shiloh’s extremely private. They weren’t born with privacy, right? So I hope they can have that as they grow,” she said.

The Eternals star has always been outspoken on motherhood and the importance of education.

“I’m somebody who has tried to have a better education on foreign policy. I think of the amount of times it’s been summarized, ‘You’re an artist, but you also use your voice,’ you feel like, that’s just being a person,” she said. “I’m trying to understand what is happening within our world, why so many things are the way they are. I’m trying to understand how to best be a guide for my children, to make sure that they are good people. I don’t often feel like I’m doing enough. So when you say, ‘You use your voice,’ I feel like there are so many things I don’t quite know how to do or say at this time.”

Angelina Jolie underwent vocal training for her performance as Callas in Maria—a process that her kids were apparently witnesses to. “All of my children suffered through my early opera singing in the house before I got kinda good,” she recalled, adding jokingly, “which was a nightmare.”

Lisabi: The Uprising is a cinematic story of the Egba people’s historic rebellion against the Oyo Empire’s oppressive reign in 18th-century Yorubaland.

Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, the film spotlights the bravery and leadership of Lisabi, a farmer turned revolutionary who rallies his community against tyranny. The movie blends historical events, cultural representation, and personal sacrifices to craft a narrative that is both educational, thrilling and deeply emotive.

Thematic Depth

The film’s core themes include resistance to oppression, the strength of unity, and the power of cultural heritage in the face of adversity.

Lisabi symbolizes the transformative potential of collective action as he unites farmers and oppressed individuals to reclaim their dignity. Through the struggles depicted, the movie reflects the importance of standing up against injustice.

Additionally, the narrative incorporates themes of sacrifice, as Lisabi and his companions must endure personal losses for the greater good.

While these overarching themes resonate strongly, there is a noticeable lack of focus on women’s roles within the rebellion.

Abebi, Lisabi’s wife, is portrayed as a victim whose tragic demise propels the uprising, but her potential as a fully realized character is underexplored which could have been as a result of the old concept about women back in the historical days.

This omission limits the story’s depth, particularly in highlighting how women contributed to historical movements.

Cultural Authenticity

The film excels in its depiction of Yoruba traditions and lifestyle. From the detailed costumes to the realistic portrayal of rural Egba life, every visual aspect immerses viewers in the time period.

The traditional chants, songs, and rituals interwoven into the narrative enhance the cultural richness. The filmmakers also focus on the symbolic role of land and farming, which not only defined Egba identity but also became the very essence of the resistance.

The cinematography further elevates the cultural experience by capturing the serene beauty of Nigeria’s landscapes. These visuals contrast sharply with scenes of violence and oppression, emphasizing the stakes of the rebellion.

Performance and Characterization

Lateef Adedimeji’s portrayal of Lisabi anchors the film with a mix of determination, charisma, and vulnerability. His transformation from a humble farmer to a revolutionary leader is compelling and emotionally resonant. Ibrahim Chatta’s menacing performance as Songodeyi, the brutal tribute collector, brings a palpable sense of danger to the story.

Supporting characters, while impactful, sometimes lack narrative depth. For instance, Oshokenu’s storyline, feels incomplete, as does the portrayal of the Alaafin of Oyo, who is depicted more as a symbol of power than as a complex figure. Similarly, Abebi’s character arc, while central to Lisabi’s motivation, could have been expanded to give her more agency in the story.

Narrative Structure and Weaknesses of the Movie

The storytelling struggles with inconsistent pacing, alternating between slow, reflective moments and abrupt action sequences. While the reflective scenes effectively build the world and explore the characters’ struggles, they occasionally drag, disrupting the film’s momentum.

The inclusion of supernatural elements, meant to reflect Yoruba spirituality, feels underdeveloped and disconnected from the main narrative, diminishing its impact and the whole essence of incorporating it in the movie.

The film concludes on an unresolved note, leaving room for a potential sequel. While this approach allows for a broader narrative, it risks leaving the audience unsatisfied with the incomplete resolution of key storylines and feelings of a bad ending alongside a quest to know if there will be a next.

Production Value

The film’s production values are impressive, with attention to detail evident in the set designs, props, and costumes. The vibrant depiction of traditional Yoruba attire and the careful recreation of Egba and Oyo environments add to the film’s authenticity. The sound design, incorporating traditional music and chants, further immerses viewers in the world of the Egba rebellion.

Sociopolitical Resonance

Beyond its historical focus, Lisabi: The Uprising resonates with contemporary audiences by drawing parallels between historical oppression and modern struggles for justice and self-determination.

The story of Lisabi serves as a reminder of the enduring relevance of unity and resistance against exploitation, oppression and injustice making it both a tribute to Yoruba history and a call to action for current and future generations.

In conclusion, Lisabi: The Uprising is a culturally significant film that showcases the richness of Nigerian history and heritage.

Despite its narrative shortcomings, including pacing issues and underdeveloped characters, it succeeds in capturing the spirit of resistance and the beauty of Yoruba traditions. The film stands as a testament to Nollywood’s growing capability to produce grand historical epics and sets the stage for future projects that can refine and expand upon this foundation.

For viewers interested in historical dramas or African culture, this film is a worthwhile experience, offering both entertainment and a deeper understanding of Nigeria’s rich past.

Banger producer Bodlyg has released a sensational beat for your years. The afrobeats instrumentals is an uplifting vibes that will lighten your mood.

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Congratulations to Alexandra Daddario and Andrew Form. The 38-year-old White Lotus star announced the birth of their newborn baby.

Alexandra Daddario made the birth of her child through a whimsical Halloween Instagram post. She shared a picture of her child in a bowl with some candy on him with the caption, “I thought this was a weird bowl of candy.”

The gender of her child is yet to be revealed.

The actress immediately received in bulk congratulatory messages:

“Congrats!!!!!!!!!” from sydney_sweeney

“A Halloween baby????? That’s the coolest thing ever!” from jacquelinegavriel

“CONGRATS GIRLYYYYY” from rachelzegler

“Best candy to nibble on!!” from michellemonaghan

Earlier this year, Daddario opened up about her pregnancy, explaining her “complicated” feelings after previously suffering a miscarriage.

“I’m pregnant and it’s all successful and everything’s healthy. ” She continued to share the emotional toll of her previous loss, stating, “I had been pregnant. Then I had a loss. It’s long and complicated, so I don’t want to be too specific.”

“Those kinds of losses and trauma are very hard to explain unless you’ve been through them.” “I really relate to all the women who have been through those kinds of things in a way that I didn’t understand fully before. It’s very, very painful.”

Cardi B vows to fight the lawsuit against her and her now-divorced husband Offset. In the lawsuit, the property owner of the mansion used in the music video of her hit single “Like What’ claims she and her estranged husband Offset duped them into using their property for the music video “without paying full market value.”

In response, the Grammy winner has vowed to defend herself against the “greedy owners.”“The problem is people wanna find loopholes and get over but IRON YOUR BEST SUIT BITCH, I’ll see you in court!!!” the Grammy-winning rapper wrote on X.

In her statement on X, Cardi B claimed the property owners were paid $10,000 in cash to use the property for 24 hours “We paid those people $10,000 IN CASH to rent the property for a whole 24 hours that same day 6am to 6am the next morning and we went over by ONE hour which we paid overage fees to the realtor for in March.” She also claimed the owners are trying to get more money from there through legal loopholes: “Now they wanna finesse us trying to say we told them it was a TikTok video when that was nowhere in the contract and like they didn’t hear the whole song playing and see how long we was shooting….Why would it take us 24 hours to shoot a TikTok? The problem is people wanna find loopholes and get over…”

To add to her defence Cardi B claims the owners were on set when the shoot was taking place: “There was cameras all over and both the realtors and the owners was there the ENTIRE time… I got pics and videos of them on set!!“

According to the mansion owner’s 11-page complaint, Cardi and Offset had their eyes set on using the property’s highly distinctive design and “devised a plan” to use it “without paying full market value.” The property owner, Bi LLC, alleged the ex-couple reached out through their representatives in late 2023 or early 2024 and booked the house anonymously “under the false pretense” it would be used for a TikTok video. The house was previously home to Justin Bieber.

The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, which included still photographs from the video shoot and noted that the music video produced during the shoot, “Like What,” had garnered more than 26 million views on YouTube since its release six months ago.

Peter Sedufia’s upcoming Pan African comedy thriller, One Night Guest, has officially wrapped up filming and principal photography.

The movie is a collaboration between Ghanaian production studio, OldFilm Production, Sozo Films (Nigeria), and South Africa’s Gravel Road Studios.

The movie which began its production in 2022 will be released on Christmas Day.

It stars a diverse cast including; Yvonne Okoro, Majid Michel, Warri Pikin, Roselyn Ngissah, Ini Edo, Chidi Mokeme, James Gardiner, Lasisi Elenu, and Akah Nani.

The film was written and directed by Peter Sedufia and produced by Chris Odeh.

Silverbird has obtained national theatrical rights and Canal Plus for international rights.

Source: Shock

Onyeka Onwenu hailed from Arondizuogu, Ideato North in Imo State, Nigeria. She was born on 31 January, 1952 and died on 30 July, 2024 (Aged 72). She was a journalist, singer, song writer, actress, activist and politician. Well known to some as the “Elegant Stallion”

Onyeka Onwenu previously served as the chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and also held the position of Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer at the National Centre for Women Development.

EARLY DAYS

Onyeka Onwenu was raised in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

She was the youngest daughter of Late Dickson Kanu Onwenu, an Educationist and Politician who died in an autocrash a week before he was to be appointed Minister for Education and also represented Port Harcourt at the Federal House of Representatives between 1954 to 1956 when he passed on.

As at the time of his demise Onwenu was only four (4) years of age, leaving her and her siblings to be catered for by their widowed mother.

EDUCATION

Onwenu had a BA in International Relations and Communication from Wellesley College, Massachusetts and an MA in Media Studies from The New School for Social Research, New York.

While away at the State, she served as a tour guide to the Unite Nations before returning home to Nigeria in 1980 and went for her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) where she was posted to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Lagos State, for her service.

CAREER

Journalist

As a an employee in Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Onwenu made her mark as a reporter for the television station. In the year 1984, she wrote and presented an internationally acclaimed BBC/NTA documentary: “A Squandering of Riches” that depicted corruption in Nigeria and the Niger Delta agitation for the resource control and campaign against environmental pollution in the oil rich regions in Nigeria.

She was also a former member of the NTA board and was a also a presenter who hosted multiple shows all on NTA.

Music

Onwenu had a melodious voice and was also a very talented writer whose songs were mostly written by her. She sang on issues in the society and world at large relating to Health, Peace, Human right, etc.

She began her singing career in 1981 while still working at the Television station, releasing an album “For the Love of You” and later went on to release her second studio album “Endless Life” produced by Legendary Sonny Okosun. Both of her releases was done under EMI Label.

Onyeka Onwenu’s debut album with Polygram, “In The Morning Light,” came out in 1984. Her track “You and I,” was re-recorded for the 2001 film “Conspiracy,” starring Nkem Owoh and Onwenu.

For her 1988 album “Dancing In The Sun,” Onwenu embraced a more Afrocentric sound and collaborated with veteran jùjú artist Sunny Ade on the track “Madawolohun (Let Them Say).” This was their first collaboration, followed by “Choices” and “Wait For Me,” which focused on family planning and were endorsed by the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria, with “Choices” being used in their public service announcements.

“Dancing In The Sun,” her last release with Polygram, was dedicated to Winnie Mandela, whom Onwenu honored with a song of the same name, performed live during Nelson Mandela and Winnie’s visit to Nigeria in 1990 after his release from prison.

In 1992, Onwenu switched to Benson and Hedges Music and released her only album with them, “Onyeka!” After this, she transitioned to Christian and gospel music. Her latest collection, “Inspiration for Change,” focuses on promoting attitudinal change in Nigeria.

Onwenu partnered with Paris-based La Cave Musik, led by Nigerian cultural entrepreneur Onyeka Nwelue, and UK-based Jungle Entertainment Ventures, headed by musicologist David Evans-Uhegbu.

La Cave Musik is set to release her collection titled “Rebirth of a Legend.” Recognized for her contributions to music and the arts in Nigeria, she has been celebrated by professionals such as Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Laolu Akins, Charles O’Tudor, and former PMAN president Tony Okoroji.

She was one of the judges on X Factor Nigeria in 2013.

Acting

Onwenu’s debut film role was as Joke, a woman unable to have children who decides to adopt an abandoned baby in Zik Zulu Okafor’s Nightmare.

In 2006, she received the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her role in Widow’s Cot and was also nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in Rising Moon.

In 2014, she starred in Half of a Yellow Sun alongside Chiwetel Ejiofor and Thandiwe Newton, and she was featured in Lionheart in 2018.

Politics

Onwenu was affiliated with the People’s Democratic Party. She ran for the position of Local Council Chairman in Ideato North Local Government Area, Imo State, on two occasions, but was unsuccessful both times. Despite these setbacks, she was later appointed as the Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture by former governor Ikedi Ohakim.

On September 16, 2013, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan appointed her as the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development.

DEATH

On July 30, 2024, Onwenu collapsed while performing at a friend’s birthday celebration in Lagos. She was swiftly transported to Reddington Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. She was succeeded by two children.

May her soul rest in peace.

Nollywood actress Oyindamola Sanni has shared the first look at her upcoming film ‘Tiaraoluwa’ in a photo featuring her and actor Okikiola Bakare on her Instagram.

Nollywood greats like Afeez Oyetoro (Saka) Mide Martins, Jumoke Odetola, Afeez Abiodun, and Kiki Bakare are expected to star in the movie, amongst others.

The movie is directed by Afeez Olayiwola Abiodun and produced by Oyindamola Sanni with Honeydee Films Production Ltd acting as executive producers.

Taking to her Instagram Oyindamola wrote: “HAPPY SUNDAY FROM THIS CUTE YET CRAZY COUPLE.
You need to see the movie “TIARAOLUWA” to understand what I’m talking about. My birthday mate and I made magic in the enthralling movie TIARAOLUWA”

In an exclusive interview with Streamdorm, Oyindamola describes the movie as an “amazing movie; the story is everything and more, very emotional, captivating, dramatic, and very relatable.”

The movie will air on YouTube on August 8th via ApataTV YouTube channel, with the trailer dropping on August 4th.

SEE THE PHOTO BELOW:

Oyindamola Sanni is a gorgeous and talented Nollywood Actress and Movie Producer. She is mostly known for her role as Olatorera in “Anikulapo – Rise of the Spectre” but Oyindamola has been in the industry for quite a long time, dating back to 2017.

She has starred in many movies which include but are not limited to Kakanfo (2020), Try Again (2020), A Naija Christmas (2021), Arinfesesi (A Day of Misfortune), Konsho Konsho, Banke, Splinter, Aditu (2023), etc.

In an exclusive interview with Streamdorm, Oyindamola had these to say about her personal and career as an Actor and Producer.

How do you feel about your success so far in Nollywood?

I’m super excited to have been a part of Anikulapo and the sweetest part of it is the fact that I played a major role. I feel honored because I have always been a big fan of Mr Kunle Afolayan (The producer and director).

Oyindamola is a naturally talented actress with a whole lot of charisma, energy and professionalism. This has been shown in not one but all of the movies in which she has played a role in and that includes her role in Anikulapo – Rise Of The Spectre by Kunle Afolayan.

Anikulapo series is a continuation of Kunle Afolayan blockbuster movie Anikulapo (Movie) that was released on 30 September, 2022, starring Kunle Remi, Bimbo Ademoye, Sola Sobowale and many Nigeria finest actors including his daughter Eyiyemi Afolayan.

“Anikulapo – Rise Of The Spectre” is a six episode epic series, which premiered on Netflix on 1 March, 2024, took on a new dimension after what was believed to be the second death of the main character Saro, after his fall out with his Queen wife Arolake (Bimbo Ademoye).

In the series, he was tasked with the duty of bringing back the lives of the people which he resurrected from death in Anikulapo (Movie) but was later able to possess a human body that enabled him to live life again as a normal person.

His life took a new turn after he was blessed by the spirit of the deceased he was to return to “Orun” with and started selling palm wine where he met Olatorera (Oyindamola Sanni), meanwhile, fate was still going to take its course as he and Arolake were being searched for in the Oyo Empire by the King and Bashorun as a result of their past deeds in Anikulapo (Movie).

How do you fell about your success so far in Nollywood?

I’m thankful to God for growth. Although I am not where I wanna be but I am far above where I started from and I’m immensely grateful to God.

Your talent spreads beyond Yoruba movies and English movies, I’m certain if you can speak all languages the outcome will be the same, what can you say is the secret sauce you bring to these movies?

I give it my all. Aside the fact that I am delightful, appealing and enchanting to my viewers, For each role I get, I always develop creative insight into who my character is and how my viewers should perceive them. It’s important to express each character in an original and engaging way.

There’s a lot an actor/actress put before filming, once casted for a role how will you describe your process before and after getting on set.

I read my script about 3 times before going on set so as to have a deep and proper understanding of the story and most importantly my character. I also look for the intention behind why a character thinks, speaks, and acts the ways they do. It allows me to flesh out my character and create consistent narrative logic.

A lot of people know you from Anikulapo, but before that, you had many prominent and impactful roles in Nollywood movies like A Naija Christmas, Arinfesesi, and The Predos. Do you feel offended when people recognize you only for your characters, and how do you go about setting the record straight?

Honestly I don’t feel offended. Instead I’m always grateful to God for making it possible for me to have been a part of Anikulapo series. In all, the most important and sweetest feeling is being recognized for what you enjoy doing regardless of the movie title.

In the series Anikulapo – Rise Of The Spectre, Oyindamola played the role of Olatorera, the daughter of the village palmwine seller Karowi. Saro (Kunle Afolayan) arrived at her village as a nobody who did menial jobs to survive but one day mysteriously started selling palmwine due to the help of the deceased spirits he was tasked to take to the afterlife.

Olatorera fell deeply in love with Saro even though he was an enemy to her father because the villagers stopped buying palmwine from him and started buying from Saro because they believed his palmwine tasted better, Olatorera later left her father to be with Saro and later became pregnant for him.

Oyindamola played the character Olatorera so well that she gained more prominence and recognition on the media and movie lovers worldwide.

What controversial take relating to the film making industry would you stand on?

Who puts in more work between the Cast and the Crew of a movie to make it what it is.

At what point did you decide acting was the future?

The acceptance I got from the public when I started with short films and comedy skits inspired me to pursue a career in acting. I also realized Filmmaking is a huge platform to impact peoples lives.

As seen from her bio and other recent interviews she has been on, Oyindamola is a devoted Christian and a person who believes in impacting lives with her craft.

Tell us the story of your first audition and describe how you felt being on set.

I was nervous and I was very shy. Infact I wanted to enter the ground lol

It will be most accurate to say that Oyindamola has long moved from the days of her first audition to becoming a professional actor in the Nigeria Movie Industry.

Nollywood is a dark place according to many… Have you encountered that darkness and what advice will you give to other upcoming actresses on navigating the darkness.

Well in my own case, It wasn’t like that. I just put in the work as I also was determined. My advice to upcoming actresses is to be humble, consistent, pray always for God’s direction, never give up and most importantly Never be desperate.

What plays a major role in a movie success, the budget or the market?

It actually depends. Sometimes it’s the budget, other times it’s the market.

If you’re giving the offer to return to any role for a movie you’ve played before, what movie do you hope that is and why?

Of course Olatorera in Anikulapo

A lot of people wonder why Nollywood actors and actresses suddenly and unexplainably become rich, using your experience in the industry can you let people on what they do.

Aside getting paid to feature in a movie, the fame introduces us to endorsements from inside and outside the industry which automatically comes with money and other goodies.

What’s Next?

My movie titled “TIARAOLUWA” is coming out in August. It features amazing actors like Afeez Oyetoro (Saka) Mide Martins, Jumoke Odetola, Afeez Abiodun, Kiki Bakare, among others. I also produced my cinema debut and it will be out end of this year by God’s Grace⁠. It’s an amazing movie; the story is everything and more, very emotional, captivating, dramatic, and very relatable.

You’ve seen it here. Watch out for her movie “Tiaraoluwa” coming out in August. It promises to be an amazing watch and I am sure will be a thrilling movie to add to your watch list coming August.

YouTube – HoneydeeTv