In Nigeria, liquor is more than just a drink, it’s part of social life, celebrations, street culture, and nightlife. But in recent years, the rise in counterfeit alcohol has turned what should be a relaxing drink into a potential health hazard. From cheap spirits passed off as premium brands to dangerous home-brews sold in public places, fake liquor is everywhere.

The health risks are real and severe ranging from liver failure and blindness to coma and death. This article highlights the top 10 fake liquors often consumed in Nigeria and provides clear tips on how to identify original versions to help you protect yourself and others.

Fake Hennessy

Perhaps the most widely counterfeited liquor in Nigeria, fake Hennessy is everywhere, from clubs to beer parlors all over Nigeria cities. These imitations are often sold in refilled original bottles or poorly labelled copies. Hennessy is the go-to premium drink in Nigeria’s clubs and parties, making it a top target for counterfeiters.

How to Spot Fake Hennessy:

• Fake versions often have unclear printing on the label.
• The bottle cap might feel loose or have glue around it.
• Genuine Hennessy has a unique seal and barcode you can verify via the official website or app.
• The cork is high quality and embossed; fake ones often look cheap.

Health Risks: Headaches, blurred vision, liver failure, and poisoning due to harmful solvents.

Fake Jack Daniel’s Whiskey

No jokes but original Jack Daniel’s is an expensive drink that can not be afforded by some clubs and bars where you buy the fake ones, making it a prime target for counterfeiters.

How to Spot Original Jack Daniel’s:

• Original bottles have raised glass embossing and precise fonts.
• The label should not peel or look faded.
• Original bottles come with a laser-etched production code near the neck.
• The whiskey should smell oaky and smooth, not chemically sharp.

Health Risks: Kidney damage, dizziness, or death due to industrial alcohol content in fakes.

Fake Martell

In recent years in Nigeria, Martell has gained prominence as a result of one of Nigeria big stars promoting the cognac which has led a lot of people to want to have a taste of it, promoting a sense of wealth and class. Counterfeit Martell, another premium alcohol is usually distributed through unregulated channels such as open markets and roadside vendors. The packaging may look convincing but the seal and labelling are often poorly done. 

How to Spot Original Martell:

• The bottle has a unique shape and heavy feel.
• It includes a hologram sticker, lot number, and deep engravings on the bottle.
• Original Martell has a deep amber color and a fruity aroma — fakes often smell like spirit mixed with flavoring.

Health Risks: Internal bleeding, organ failure, and long-term neurological damage.

Fake McDowell’s

Popular in South-South and South-East Nigeria, fake McDowell’s is often sold in sachets or cheap plastic bottles. The production of these fake products is common in local spots operating without NAFDAC regulations.

How to Spot the Original:

• Look for NAFDAC registration and an intact seal.
• The original bottle is properly branded with clearly printed expiry dates.
• The smell is smooth and alcoholic, not harsh or chemically.

Health Risks: Stomach ulcers, liver issues, hallucinations.

Fake Chelsea Dry Gin

One of the most dangerous locally faked liquors, fake Chelsea Dry Gin is especially popular in low-income areas and we see youths and even adults drinking them daily from motor parks to bars and on the street. 

How to Spot Original Chelsea:

• Original Chelsea has a bright silver seal and barcode that is easily scannable.
• Comes in a glass bottle, not a plastic one or sachet.
• Label should not be peeling or crooked.

Health Risks: Blindness, heart irregularities, severe stomach pain.

Fake Squadron Dark Rum

Squadron Dark Rum is often targeted because of its popularity among young Nigerians. Counterfeit versions are usually sold in bus parks and drinking joints at a cheap rate in sachets and plastic bottles.

How to Spot Original Squadron:

• Real bottles are sealed tight with a unique branding code under the cap.
• Liquid is dark, thick, and sweet-smelling — fakes are often watered down.
• No floating particles should be inside.

Health Risks: Drowsiness, vomiting, memory loss.

Fake Lord’s Dry Gin

This local brand has fallen victim to extensive counterfeiting as most of it we see daily at motor parks, bars, provision shops, etc are all fake. 

It is mostly used by many for ceremonies and occasions but often counterfeited due to its wide reach.

How to Spot Original Lord’s Gin:

• Comes in a glass bottle with the green Lord’s eagle symbol.
• The label should include a verifiable NAFDAC number and be waterproof.
• The gin should be clear, not cloudy.

Health Risks: Heart failure, nausea, and respiratory problems.

Fake Seaman’s Schnapps

Used often in traditional ceremonies and events, Seaman’s Schnapps has been heavily counterfeited in our societies. Fake versions are made with industrial ethanol and mixed with synthetic flavouring. 

How to Spot Original Seaman’s:

• Genuine versions come with a tamper-proof gold seal.
• The label has a deep green background with white and red texts — anything off-colored is likely fake.
• The liquid is crystal clear and smells herbal.

Health Risks: Intoxication, loss of consciousness, body weakness.

Fake Bacardi

This international rum brand is not spared either. In Nigeria, fake Bacardi is typically distributed through online sellers offering bonus sales, with no verifiable source of distribution.

Bacardi is a well-known international brand, often found at parties and lounges.

How to Spot Original Bacardi:

• The original bottle has a bat symbol watermark and fine print quality.
• It should have a smooth sweet smell and not be too harsh on the nose.

Health Risks: Brain fog, body tremors, alcohol poisoning.

Fake Smirnoff Ice and Vodka

This drink is very common among young people in recent times, used for parties and get together. The fake versions of the Vodka and Ice variants are increasingly common in clubs and lounges. They are often filled with highly concentrated local spirits mixed with sweeteners and artificial flavouring. 

How to Spot the Original:

• The label is shiny and properly glued to the bottle.
• Cap has a clean seal; once broken, it cannot be reused.
• Liquid is clear with no sediments. Smirnoff Ice should have a slight lemony aroma.

Health Risks: Digestive tract damage, mood swings, severe hangovers.

How to Protect Yourself from Fake Liquor in Nigeria

1. Buy from trusted outlets only – supermarkets, licensed bars, or direct distributors.
2. Look for the NAFDAC registration number and verify it online.
3. Check for tampering signs – loose caps, broken seals, faded labels.
4. Smell and inspect – if it smells too strong, metallic, or chemical-like, don’t drink it.
5. Scan QR/barcodes – some original brands now have scannable authentication codes.
6. Avoid cheap drinks you know within yourself the original is worth more than that but because you want to drink alcohol buy it all the same tampering with your health.

Note: I am not a professional on matters relating to alcohol neither am I a physician but this article has been put together with proper research. Prioritize your health and stay safe.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often called the “silent killer” not because it shouts, but because it quietly damages your body over time. Many people don’t even realize they have it until it leads to more serious issues like heart disease, stroke, or kidney failure.

While medications can help, not everyone wants to jump straight into prescriptions. The good news? Lifestyle changes can be incredibly effective at lowering and managing blood pressure—often without the need for pills.

Let’s walk through practical, evidence-based strategies to manage high blood pressure naturally.

1. Cut Back on Salt

Salt is one of the biggest dietary culprits. Too much sodium causes your body to retain water, which increases pressure on your blood vessels.

• Goal: Aim for less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day, or ideally closer to 1,500 mg.
• Tips: Read food labels, cook more at home, and flavor your meals with herbs, spices, garlic, or lemon juice instead of salt.

2. Move Your Body, Regularly

You don’t need a gym membership or fancy gear. Just moving consistently can work wonders.

• Goal: 30 minutes of moderate exercise (like brisk walking) 5 days a week.
• Bonus: Exercise reduces stress, improves heart health, and helps with weight control—all key to managing blood pressure.

3. Lose Even a Little Weight

Extra weight makes your heart work harder, increasing pressure in your arteries. The great news? Even small changes matter.

• Fact: Losing just 5–10% of your body weight can significantly reduce blood pressure.
• Action: Start with realistic goals. Swap sugary drinks for water. Eat smaller portions. Stay consistent.

4. Eat a Heart-Friendly Diet

The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is proven to lower blood pressure.

• Focus on: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, low-fat dairy.
• Limit: Processed foods, red meats, sweets, and saturated fats.

5. Reduce Stress

Chronic stress raises your blood pressure—and how you cope with stress matters too. Many people turn to unhealthy habits like smoking or emotional eating.

• Try: Deep breathing exercises, prayer, meditation, nature walks, journaling, or even just listening to calming music.

6. Cut Back on Alcohol and Quit Smoking

• Alcohol: Keep it moderate—no more than one drink a day for women, two for men.
• Smoking: Every cigarette raises your blood pressure for minutes after you finish. Quitting delivers benefits almost immediately.

7. Get Better Sleep

Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for a healthy heart.

• Aim for: 7–9 hours per night.
• Tips: Create a sleep routine, limit screen time before bed, and avoid caffeine in the evening.

8. Monitor Your Blood Pressure at Home

Keeping track helps you understand what works for your body and motivates you to stay on course.

• Tip: Use a digital home monitor and keep a daily log to share with your doctor.

In conclusion, you don’t always need medication to manage high blood pressure. A healthier lifestyle can be just as powerful, sometimes even more so. And the best part? These changes improve your overall well-being, not just your blood pressure.

If you’re currently on medication, don’t stop without consulting your doctor—but do talk to them about how your lifestyle changes might reduce your need for it over time.

About the Film: K.O. (2025)

In K.O., director Antoine Blossier delivers a tense, emotionally layered thriller that strikes with quite an intensity and moral complexity. Set in the undercurrent of Paris’s fight scene, the film explores the collision between violence, guilt, and the human desire for redemption.
At the center of the story is Bastien Durand, a once-promising MMA fighter whose career and conscience shatter when he accidentally kills an opponent during a sanctioned bout. Wracked with guilt and shunned by the world that once celebrated him, Bastien disappears from public life, retreating into isolation. But his past refuses to stay buried.
K.O. is not about the glory of combat but the emotional wreckage it leaves behind. Blossier steers the film away from traditional fight drama clichés, focusing instead on psychological tension, intimate character dynamics, and the thin line between justice and forgiveness.
K.O. examines themes of atonement, the ripple effect of loss, and the fragile hope that even broken people can heal. It’s a gripping, morally complex story where the greatest battle isn’t fought in a ring but within.

Movie Summary

The movie begins in an MMA Stage fight between two figter and in the hit of the moment one of the fighters (Bastien) kills the other while trying to escape from his grapple hook. He visits the opponents wake-keeping to pay his respect but he is sent away by the son and wife of the deceased.

Two years after, an incident occurs in an old factory where a gang killing by drug dealers happens. The son of the late fighter (Leo) is now a drug dealer and also an informant to a police officer (Alaoui) and he is a witness to the killing that occured at the factory. The gang well feared in Marseille even by the Police force now wants him dead so his mother runs to Bastien for help with her son whose life is in danger.

Bastien full of grieve and regrets of what had happened two years ago, quits fighting and resolve to living in isolation but now he must atone for his sins by saving the life of the son of the man he murdered. Getting to Marseille he meets with Alaoui who is also looking for Leo and their parts cross when he goes to the apartment of Leo’s cousin where the mother believed he was living.

They team up together to look for Leo after she was suspended from the Police force after fighting the security at a club where they went to get information about Leo’s whereabout. Bastien and Alaoui end up having a moment together and there after Leo is rescued from his hideout from the grip of the Manchours gang.

He is taken safely to the police station for statement but unknown to them there is a mole in the police station and they are attacked at the station.

Review: K.O. (2025) – A Quiet Thriller That Hits Where It Hurts

If you’re expecting a fast-paced fight movie filled with punches and cheers, K.O. will surprise you and in the best way possible. Directed by Antoine Blossier, this French thriller takes a very different route. It’s not about the fight in the ring; it’s about what happens after.

The movie is quiet and intense. There are a few violent moments, but they feel real and necessary not flashy but also begs of the question of what could have been. In regular films we see instances where common sense is required but if you are watching a film, most especially an action film and you try to apply your common sense to all the scenes then you will end up not enjoying the film.

There are some places you might have expected some things to be done differently but for the fun of the film it is done in the way it is. For example some of the mobs using cutlass and knifes to fight Bastien when they all have access to guns, (if they used guns and he used his bare hands then the movie will sure end sooner than it should be).

Commenting on the guilt and forgiveness part in the movie I understand from research that there are unspoken understanding between fighters on the dangers of the game and in some cases like UFC, Bellator, and PFL, fighters usually typically sign contracts and waivers acknowledging the risks of injury or death.

So my thoughts are that Bastien felt guilty because he wanted to and later on we found out that he had a similar childhood like Leo, his father was killed so he felt guilty that he was exposing someone else to such a world over again but aside that in its self he owed nothing to Leo and his mother for an accident that occured between both fighters, I know this would sound harsh and heartless but its just a movie and the story line I agree should have taken this turn for the purpose of everything that later happened.

The real focus is on the characters, their emotions, and how they try to make sense of a situation with no easy answers. What makes K.O. special is how real it feels. It doesn’t rush. It doesn’t pretend everything will be okay. It just shows two people trying to make peace with the past, while doing what they can in the present.

To calm the tension of the action packed film, like every other regular action movies Blossier creates a scene of romance and intimacy which was introduced between Bastien and Alaoui which to some like myself would say it’s unnecessary because they had just met and didn’t even know one another that well yet but the very first chance they get to be alone together they already end up having sex.
The fighting scenes are well done to their standard and looks somewhat real though there are some places that could have been improved upon most especially in the last battle inside the Police station.

If you are someone who is used to watching films with subtitles and loves action packed movies then K.O. should be on your watch list though its original language is in French, with subtitle it is well understandable. I mean that is if you do not speak or understand French.

Rating 6.5

In 2025, Wizkid: Long Live Lagos made its grand debut at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, marking a special moment in both African music and global storytelling. More than just a documentary, the film is a celebration of Lagos culture, the rise of Afrobeats, and the life of one of Nigeria’s most iconic artists, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid.

A Cinematic Tribute to Wizkid

Directed by Karam Gill and produced alongside Daniel Malikyar, Long Live Lagos is a full-length documentary that takes fans on an emotional and cinematic journey through Wizkid’s life. From his early days in Surulere, Lagos, to the bright lights of international stardom, the film unpacks not only his success but also the spiritual and cultural roots that shaped him.
It isn’t just about music; it’s about legacy, identity, and the city that birthed a global movement.

Inside the Film: What to Expect

The documentary offers never-before-seen footage of Wizkid’s life — intimate family moments, studio sessions, and electrifying performances. It’s an unfiltered look at the man behind the music, revealing his vulnerabilities, growth, and deep connection to Lagos.

Featuring appearances and commentary from influential voices such as:

• Femi Kuti – Afrobeat legend and cultural icon
• Jada Pollock – Wizkid’s longtime manager and partner
• Sunday Are – Veteran manager and music executive
• Julie Adenuga – British-Nigerian media personality and radio host

These voices help narrate Wizkid’s evolution and the role he’s played in reshaping how African talent and Afrobeat as a whole is seen around the world.

A Landmark Premiere at Tribeca

Long Live Lagos was part of Tribeca Film Festival’s Spotlight+ category — a prestigious slot that included films on Billy Joel and Miley Cyrus. The premiere was powerful, personal, and unforgettable. Wizkid attended with his young daughter, providing an emotional glimpse into his life as a father and artist.
During the post-screening Q&A, he admitted the decision to let cameras into his private life was tough. “It wasn’t easy,” he said, “but I want my fans to see the real me.”

The Broader Message: Lagos as a Creative Force

Beyond Wizkid’s personal story, Long Live Lagos is a love letter to the city that raised him. It captures the essence of Lagos. Its hustle, creativity, rhythm and positions it has as a central player in the global entertainment scene.
The documentary doesn’t just follow a superstar’s rise; it also talks about how a city gave birth to a sound that changed the world.

Previous Documentaries vs. Long Live Lagos

While Wizkid has appeared in other documentaries before, like Lagos to London (2018), A Day in the Live of Wizkid (2020), and A Superstar Made in Lagos (2021), this is his most complete and personal documentary to date.

Where & When to Watch

Currently, Long Live Lagos is available only through screenings at Tribeca Film Festival (June 4–15, 2025). However, because of its ties to HBO Documentary Films, it is expected to be released on HBO Max or similar streaming platforms soon.
Follow Streamdorm on all major social media to get updates on possible HBO announcements, or festival updates for global release dates.

Are you a true Wizkid fan?

For fans, this film is more than a biography. It’s a mirror into Wizkid’s soul, his journey, and the impact he has had on a generation. It’s also a powerful reminder of how far Afrobeats has come and how Lagos remains its beating heart.
Wizkid: Long Live Lagos is not just a music documentary, it’s a cultural moment. It blends emotion, history, and the magic of Lagos to tell a story that fans across the world will connect with. Whether you’ve followed him since Superstar or you’re just discovering his music, this film is a must-watch celebration of one of Africa’s big three.

About

In Straw, filmmaker Tyler Perry steps into darker, more intimate territory with a tense and emotionally charged character study featuring someone I can easily say has a talent for depicting emotional characters in movies, Taraji P. Henson.

The story centers on Janiyah Wilkinson, a single mother fighting to stay afloat in a world that refuses to cut her a break. What begins as an ordinary, difficult day job troubles, landlady threatening on possible eviction, unrelenting bills, and her child being rediculed in school. When Janiyah walks into a bank, weighed down by invisible grief and desperate circumstances, a moment of quiet surrender erupts into a national crisis.

But Straw is not just a story about breaking points, it’s a haunting unraveling of a woman’s mind, shaped by years of silent suffering and breaking point. As the truth behind Janiyah’s emotional collapse surfaces, the film becomes a raw portrayal of the systems that fail the most vulnerable, and the expectations that silence their pain.

Review and Plot Summary

Tyler Perry’s Straw is a slow-burning, emotionally volatile drama that marks a noticeable evolution in his filmmaking rooted in psychological tension. Over the years we have seen amazing movie projects that provoke emotions from lovers of his works. This sort of films like “The Six Triple Eight”, “Acrimony”, “Daddy’s Little Girls”, including other non emotional films and now “Straw” has unarguably set him among some of the finest producers and filmmakers in Hollywood.

Taraji P. Henson starring as Janiyah is a wise decision expected from a top producer like Perry, she has over time proven herself as some who is a talented actress and has an extra touch when it comes to playing roles that depicts emotions. Thinking about movies like “Acrimony”, “Hidden Figures” she played the role given to her which so much intensity that viewers could feel whatever it is she is going through and Straw was not any different.

Henson plays Janiyah Wilkinson, a single mother drowning beneath the weight of ordinary life: financial instability, emotional isolation, and an uncaring system. What begins as a portrait of quiet suffering quickly escalates into something far more serious that led to protest outbreak, a hostage situation inside a bank that holds a mirror to everything she’s been silently battling.

The film is a thought provoking one that would leave you asking yourself questions.
Not rushing into details, I would first like for you to understand the plots in the movie, so a quick summary before I share my own thought will suffice.

Janiyah Wilkinson, a single mother with a sick daughter Aria. The movie begins in her run down room with her daughter that morning. She wakes her up to prepare her for school and also get ready for work, it was then she learnt that her teacher in front of the class spoke ill of the fact that she wasn’t paying for lunch in school.
Going outside the house to go about her day her landlady reminds her of owing rent after she helped another helpless neighbour with some money and threatened she was going to meet her things outside at the end of the day. She drops her daugher off at school and head to work which she met was already jampacked with customers and had to rush to start her shift.
She was later called to her daughter’s school and had to leave work but before leaving so she could go pay the $40 for her daughters lunch in school she discovered that she had been debit and her initial $47 was no longer in her account. The manager asked her to wait but she rushed to the school where she found out that her daughter was going to be taken away from her because she wasn’t taking proper care of her as reported by the school authority.

Driving back to work to get her cheque because it was pay day she almost caused an accident unknown to her the man was a police officer and he ran her out of the road and threatened to kill her and had his colleague impound her car. She then had to walk to work, getting to work, her boss fired her and refused to give her the cheque before she went home. On getting home her things had been thrown outside and it was raining heavily.
She went back to work to get her cheque and then her boss was robbed but an alteration started that led to her shooting one of the robbers and also her boss who claimed she was the master mind of the robbery. She took her cheque from the table and went to the bank to cash it but then it turned into a bank robbery that developed into a national crisis after one of the bankers went live on her phone and to a point where the FBI got involved.
For better understanding of the movie and to get the whole story in recommend you watch.

My View

The movie is an interesting watch no doubt. In today’s world we have a lot of films being released but most of them lack the source and ingredient that can provoke emotions in people.

The film depicts with much intensity an emotional twist using long silences, flashbacks, and stark dialogue to peel back the emotional armor Janiyah has worn for too long. When the film’s emotional twist lands revealing the true depth of her grief and suffering it hits with that great intensity.

At the end of the film, one this is certain, depending on your moral upbringing you will have a different perspective and take on what is and what could have been. Even in the movie after everyone knew what she had been going through, not everyone sympathized with her and that is what life is all about.
Starting from the very beginning I think she wasn’t very organized when it came to doing things even in her state and it was obvious that she had overtime learnt to keep things to herself and it was eating her up.

Another aspect of the movie I will like to talk about is even though I am not currently living in the America and UK or another white country, I just feel the part that was centered on racism was not very necessary. The world is changing and even though there are still cases of racism, for such a story anything could have been the case in that the police man who ran her out of the road could have been a black man too but it just had to be a white.

The movie also spoke about police brutality and abuse of power by the armed forces and those that wear the uniform and are supposed to be protectors of life and property. The police officer that ran her out of the road threatened her life “I will find a legal way to fu*king blow your brains out” he said. That right there speaks about abuse of power and wickedness of humans.

The only person that gave her a chance were the women in the movie, Officer Raymond, the Bank manager and some others, it was as if the men where blind to her suffering and could not relate and I don’t think that’s really the case in the real world. Everyone that were also bad to her following the coming of the FBI were all whites too. I honestly feel the movie is not situated in the 1900s and so should not reflect such bias judgement.

A lot of things to talk about but not to bore my readers with too much information I think its worth noting that the casting was well done and each of them played their parts to a good degree, the psychological play that forces you to think about life most especially for people who can relate to some of the challenges, the conciseness of the movie is worth the watch time.

Rating 6.8

The Ojude Oba Festival stands as a monumental celebration of the Ijebu people’s rich cultural heritage, blending Islamic traditions with Yoruba customs. Held annually in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria, this festival is a vibrant display of unity, tradition, and community spirit.

Origins and Evolution

Ojude Oba, meaning “King’s Forecourt” in Yoruba, traces its origins to the late 19th century. It began as a Muslim religious observance where adherents paid homage to the Awujale, the traditional ruler of Ijebuland, expressing gratitude for religious freedom and protection. Over time, the festival evolved to include people of various religious backgrounds, transforming into a unifying cultural event that celebrates the rich heritage of the Ijebu people.

The 2025 Celebration

Today, the ancient town of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State was transformed into a breathtaking arena of color, music, fashion, and cultural pride as thousands gathered for the 2025 Ojude Oba Festival. Held just two days after Eid-el-Kabir, this year’s edition lived up to its legacy as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated cultural events and perhaps the most spectacular in recent memory.

1. The Regberegbe Parade – Unity in Generations

As tradition dictates, age-grade groups known as Regberegbe took center stage. Dressed in luxurious matching fabrics, each group showcased coordinated dances, chants, and fashion statements in a bid to honor the Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona. The performances were not only vibrant but symbolic—representing the continuity and strength of the Ijebu social structure.

2. Dazzling Horsemanship by the Balogun Families

Crowds roared as horse riders from the prominent Balogun families charged through the arena in full regalia. Their skillful displays, accompanied by drummers and gun salutes, evoked the warrior spirit of Ijebu ancestors and added a regal tone to the event.

3. Music, Dance and Cultural Energy

Traditional drumming and Yoruba folk music filled the air, while cultural troupes performed captivating dances to the delight of the audience. The beat of the Gangan and the flair of traditional attire created an immersive cultural atmosphere that defined the day.

4. A Fashion and Culinary Showcase

As always, Ojude Oba doubled as a runway of indigenous fashion. Attendees—royals, celebrities, dignitaries, and locals alike—dressed in exquisite aso ebi, creating a tapestry of color across the festival grounds. Meanwhile, stalls offered local delicacies like ofada rice, suya, moin moin, and pounded yam, ensuring that the celebration was as flavorful as it was festive.

A Boost for Local Economy and Culture

Today’s festival drew a large number of visitors, providing a major boost to the local economy. Hotels were fully booked, transport services saw increased patronage, and local vendors thrived. The 2025 event reaffirmed Ojude Oba’s status as not just a cultural treasure but an economic engine for Ijebu-Ode and Ogun State at large.

I don’t think you’ve noticed…

Although the majority of our social media posts cover international entertainment, Streamdorm is Nigerian-owned. So I want to say a big thank you to you for subscribing; you have no idea how big your impact is in realizing our dream.

What’s happening in Hollywood?

The industry we all love, the industry which, till this day, colonizes cultures. It’s sad to see what’s happening, and it seems like it is eating itself. What’s happening?

For years, Hollywood has always been about fostering the ideas of creatives, creating movies and products that have helped shape American culture. Star Trek, Star Wars, Rocky, The Exorcist, Rambo, Top Gun, E.T., Coming To America, and so on are part of a long list of movies that have been exported outside of America and now have a history of many, including myself, here in Nigeria. But what could be wrong?

These past years, our screens have been filled with adaptations, sequels, remakes and reboots, while that may be good, the obvious elephant in the room will be the re-messaging. Snow White, Ghostbusters, Lightyear, The Little Mermaid, The Last of US: Part II, Batwoman are a few of many movies and shows where the original audience loved was changed to serve a purpose. Trust me when I say it’s not because of the hate of a particular gender or inclusivity. Into The Spider-verse, Barbie, Captain Marvel, Wonder Woman, Crazy Rich Asians, and Get Out are great examples that, if done right, your movies can do well at the box office.

Hollywood, in its attempt to play all sides or, in most cases, play social justice hero, ends up mocking its audience. Recently, we had the casting of Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, which to this day, is facing backlash.

Before you go on thinking this newsletter issue is about politics, it’s not. This year we had Snow White, Captain America 4, and Thunderbolts from Disney, none became a box office success, and on the other hand, we had Companion, Mickey 17, The Alto Knights and The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie from Warner Bros – all flopped. What some may consider woke movies, Sinners and A Minecraft Movie, and Ne Zha 2, became a success. The original being Sinners.

The truth is that a lot of factors play into a box office success, and it all falls down to the answer to this question: “Will the general audience spend their hard-earned money to see this movie?”

As a creative and an industry executive, it is your duty to ask the tough questions. As much as art should be made without constraint, we should also consider the normies. You don’t want to end up as the villain thinking you were the hero all this time.

So, how does this affect Nollywood?

While we’re yet to spend 70 million dollars making movies, it is important to watch and learn. Hollywood once thought they were untouchable, but as time went on, politics and the economy became a reality for them. In Nigeria, we understand the economy. Even consuming this content is expensive; now imagine producing it.

The quality of the art should always be a priority, and the messaging should always reflect what the majority are thinking. While you may think you know what’s right from wrong, you may be blatantly wrong.

At the end of the day, it is important to point out you DO NOT, for any reason, let people crush you for sharing what you think is right. While it may be labelled “woke” or “fascist,” you have to use your voice to speak, and to be honest, we live in a time where the meaning of those words is lost.

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While you’re here…

South African pop queen Tyla is at it, but this time it’s a top record: only one person has broken it—the first African solo artist with a song to surpass 1 billion streams on Spotify.

As of February 2025, Tyla became the first solo artist with a song (“Water”) to surpass one billion streams on Spotify. The song, which was released on July 28, 2023, took the entire world to the borders of South Africa.

The song peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Hot R&B Songs charts. It also spent 15 weeks on the Billboard 200, peaking at #24.

‘Water’ won many international awards, including MTV VMAs, MTV EMA, BET, and Grammys.

Another Billion club member achieved this but with the help of Selena Gomez on “Calm Down Remix.”

It’s been 20 years since Aang was discovered, the destined Avatar who was tasked to unite the four nations. Seven years later, it was Korra’s story, and now, 13 years later, that universe, which raised a generation, is getting another addition.

Nickelodeon has called on the original creators, Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, to release another chapter to the Avatar Universe.

The new show will be ‘Avatar: Seven Havens,‘ a 26-episode, 2D animation currently in the works. Each season (aka books in Avatar) will be 13 episodes each produced by Avatar Studios. Other information like casting and premiere date is yet to be revealed.

“When we created the original series, we never imagined we’d still be expanding the world decades later,” DiMartino and Konietzko said in a joint statement. “This new incarnation of the Avatarverse is full of fantasy, mystery, and a whole new cast of amazing characters. Get ready to take another epic and emotional adventure!”

The Netflix live-action show ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ is expected to run for two more seasons. The show’s original creators, DiMartino and Konietzko, were originally expected to develop the show for Netflix, but that fell through due to creative differences.

In 2021, they returned to Nickelodeon to run Avatar Studios as co-chief creative officers and help build Avatarverse across film and TV.

A feature film for The Last Airbender focusing on the original series’ main character, Aang, is set for release in January 2026, starring Dave Bautista, Dionne Quan, Jessica Matten, Román Zaragoza, and Eric Nam.

14 years ago, one of the worst occurrences in gaming history took place—we lost the PlayStation Network and sadly for 23 days. 14 years later, it will seem history is about to repeat itself.

The last time PSN was down, Sony said they were hacked, but this time around there’s been no indication on what could be the issue.

This can’t be labelled a “9/11” event for gamers; popular networks go down from time to time. This is the same for Sony’s PlayStation Network. It’s been over 15 hours since it was first reported that PSN was down, and players are getting worried.

The issues for the last few hours include the inability to access online functionality, sign in, check stores, or even boot up games that require an internet connection.

PlayStation via the @AskPlayStation Twitter/X account official response was: “We are aware some users might be currently experiencing issues with PSN. For more details: https://status.playstation.com.”