Monday, October 14, 2024

See Trailer For Showmax Original ‘Princess On A Hill’ Premiering This November

Produced by Tolu Ajayi and Abiola Sobo, Princess on a Hill follows the story of Zara, played by Onyinye Odokoro (Slum King, Adire), a young and naive woman whose life takes an unexpected turn after winning the prestigious Lawson Group’s Leading Ladies reality show.

With her newfound fame comes a heavy burden: saving the very company that catapulted her to stardom. Thrust into the complex and cutthroat world of high-stakes business, Zara must quickly adapt to her new reality, where power struggles and ruthless competition are the norms.

However, her biggest challenge lies not just in managing the company, but in standing her ground against the enigmatic and tyrannical CEO, Moyosore Lawson, played by Bimbo Manuel (Breath of Life, 2024 AMVCA winner for Best Movie) who is determined to see her fail.

As she navigates the intricate web of corporate politics and personal ambition, Zara must dig deep to find the strength to resist manipulation, maintain her integrity, and ultimately prove that she is more than just a “princess on a hill.”

The corporate drama also stars Efa Iwara, Ireti Doyle, Femi Jacobs, Andrew Bunting, Mimi Chaka and Norbert Young, with Chuka Ejorh and Shayo Oke-Sobo as co-executive producers.

Friday, October 11, 2024

Kellyrae’s Triumph: Give Us Authenticity Over Drama; The BBNaija Season That Showed Different Side Of Reality TV

It may seem we have come to expect a certain “script” from reality TV shows in recent times. It’s either the over-the-top drama queen or king, the “ships”, the come-up or grass to grace candidate, and sometimes those who truly play the game like master strategists (think BBNaija Lockdown’s Brighto).

 
It has played out quite often in the past few seasons that by the second week, you can rightly predict who would walk away with the prize having successfully sold their wiles to the voting public. So colour me shocked when the just concluded BBNaija No Loose Guard season took a totally different turn.

It was a bit unclear what we were up for when the contestants entered the house/game in pairs, but the BBNaija "No Loose Guard" season was a refreshing departure from some of the high-octane, drama-fueled antics of previous seasons.

Unlike the intense and sometimes toxic confrontations that have become synonymous with BBNaija, this season was so much more relaxed. This shift allowed for a focus on authentic relationships, personal growth, and strategy rather than constant bickering and drama.

A Season Defined By A Softer Vibe

One of the defining characteristics of the No Loose Guard season was the overall calmer atmosphere in the house. This was a stark contrast to previous seasons where explosive arguments, emotional outbursts, and heated confrontations often became focal points of the show.

The range of the housemates was a mix of strong personalities that somehow managed not to resort to negativity. These calmer dynamics helped highlight the humanity and relatability of the housemates rather than turning the show into a battleground of egos.

Monday, October 7, 2024

Kellyrae Wins BBNaija ‘No Loose Guard’ Edition And Takes Home The N100 Million

 After 71 days of intense competition, Kellyrae was crowned the winner of BBNaija Season 9 No Loose Guard.

The 33-year-old singer from Warri, Delta State, walked away with a staggering N100 million grand prize, sealing his status as a rising star in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

When it comes to Big Brother Naija (BBNaija), you can expect drama, twists, and plenty of surprises. But this season, the stars aligned for the hosts and guests of BBNaija S9: The Buzz, Showmax's exclusive talk show, as their bold predictions came to pass in spectacular fashion!

Friday, October 4, 2024

Jackie Appiah Nominated For Best Actress At 2024 Africa Movie Academy Awards


The Africa Movie Academy Awards on Wednesday, October 2, outdoor the 26 category awards celebrating the best of creativity in the African cinema 2024. 

The event which hosted top filmmakers announced list of films across filmmaking zones in Africa.

Ghana’s most adorable actress Jackie Appiah hit the nominee list of best actress in a leading role for her performance in the movie RED CARPET.

The Nomination unveiling was held at the plush Sheraton hotels in Ikeja Lagos with renowned Nollywood filmmakers in attendance. The night witnessed a congratulatory message from the head of jury Dorothy Werner to the nominees and articulating the need to celebrate the African creativity.

The CEO of the African Film Academy organizers of the African movie Academy Awards Raymond Anyiam- Osigwe enumerates the events for the 20th anniversary and commends the partnership and supports from sponsors and the major partner Lagos State Government over the years.

Thursday, October 3, 2024

Africa Movie Academy Awards Unveils 20th Edition Nominations At Lagos Gala


The Africa Film Academy (AFA), producers of the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), unveiled the nominations for the highly anticipated 20th edition of the awards on Wednesday night.

The event took place at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, with key members of the jury, the screener college, and the AFA board in attendance.

Representing the AFA board were Mr. Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe, Chief Operating Officer of AMAA, Mr. Tony Anih, and Mr. Kingsley James, producer of the AMAA gala night.

This year’s AMAA, themed “Celebrating African Creativity,” is being held in partnership with the Lagos State government.

Thursday, September 26, 2024

Martell And Davido Reignite Collaboration With A Second Chapter OF ‘Be The Standout Swift’ Campaign

Martell, the oldest of the great cognac houses, kicks off the second chapter of its 2021 award-winning ‘Be the Standout Swift’ campaign with singer, songwriter, and Grammy- nominated superstar, Davido.

Celebrating the rise of Afrobeats, this new chapter looks to honour and inspire those who have stayed authentic to their craft, resilient on their journey, and are taking others along with them.

To launch this chapter of the campaign, Martell has unveiled a new film starring Davido as the lead character, and brought to life by award-winning director, Meji Alabi, who also shot the first campaign film.

The plot is inspired by Davido’s decade-long contribution to Afrobeats’, its critical acclaim, and its success. In recent years, Afrobeats’ music genre has exploded into pop culture globally, unapologetically redefining the world’s view on what it means to be African.

The film celebrates the journey of Afrobeats and its global acceptance, spotlighting those who have paved the way, or contributed to its continued success today. Its global success is “no accident”. With courage, resilience, and audacity, it has evolved beyond just a music genre, but a cultural beacon the world celebrates today.

Monday, September 23, 2024

Abisola Abolaji Omolade Champions A New Era In Fashion With Style Magnate


Abisola Abolaji Omolade, the creative force and Executive Producer behind Showmax’s latest reality series, Style Magnate, is set to make waves in Nigeria’s fashion industry.


Premiering on Friday, 4 October 2024, this competition will highlight the nation’s top emerging designers, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents and compete for a transformative prize.

Abisola has been a driving force in the Nigerian creative industry since 2009. Her career began as an art assistant, programs officer, and studio assistant, roles that laid the groundwork for her work on high-profile projects such as Netflix’s Blood Sisters and HBO’s Eyimofe.

“Every aspect of the show, from the concept to the execution, has been carefully curated to inspire and challenge our contestants,” says Abisola. “As the executive producer, the goal was to create a dynamic environment where creativity thrives and designers can push their boundaries.”

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Global Music Icons USHER And Tyla Join COKE STUDIO™ 2024 Lineup


COKE STUDIO™ 2024 unveiled exciting new additions to this year’s lineup, welcoming global music superstars, USHER and Tyla.

Marking another milestone for COKE STUDIO™, Coca-Cola's premier global music platform, USHER and Tyla are joining this season alongside several incredible artists including Karol G, NewJeans and Peggy Gou, delivering exclusive musical experiences to fans around the world. 

As part of the COKE STUDIO™ programming, fans can look forward to an array of immersive experiences from USHER and Tyla, including exclusive original tracks and thrilling live performances to be announced in the coming weeks.

In October, USHER will perform live in Atlanta as part of his upcoming tour, while Tyla will take the stage in Johannesburg, South Africa where lucky fans will get to be some of the first in the world to experience the new tracks performed live for the very first time. 

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Cracking The Whip In Ghana’s Senior High Schools: The Case Of O'Reilly


Ghana has a vibrant Senior High School scene, with the country’s 16 regions boasting an impressive roster of reputable schools.

The student population in these schools largely consists of young adults who are at a crossroads, either preparing to advance to university or considering other paths after graduation. They are daring, complex, and full of adventure. It’s a lively environment.

However, just a week ago, one student was lost in a situation that could have been avoided. While scrolling through social media, I came across a post suggesting that two students had an altercation over whose father was wealthier.

Initially, I chuckled and dismissed it, thinking, “A rich dad, poor dad argument? If any of your parents were richer or poorer, you wouldn’t be at the same school.”

A day or two later, I saw a video posted by GHOne TV that immediately captured my attention. My heart was shattered after watching the entire video.

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Miss Malaika Ghana 2024: The Glow-Up Season Top 20 Unveiled!


It’s that time of the year again when the glamour and grace of Ghanaian beauty take center stage. After an exhaustive process of vetting hundreds of hopefuls, the competition has narrowed down to 20 dazzling finalists, each of whom is ready to sparkle, sashay, and showcase their charm in the quest for the ultimate crown.

Now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for - introducing the 20 finalists of Miss Malaika Ghana 2024! Each contestant brings her own brand of brilliance to the table, with backgrounds as diverse as their personalities. Whether it’s a future leader in environmental sustainability, a budding entrepreneur, or a passionate advocate for social change, these delegates are not just vying for a title but are ready to make an impact.

The Miss Malaika Ghana pageant is Ghana’s most prestigious and enduring beauty contest, renowned not just for its eye-catching crowns and luxurious prizes, but for its deep-rooted tradition of celebrating both inner and outer beauty.

Monday, September 16, 2024

Double Whammy Eviction As Ben And Chizoba Are The First Solo Housemates To Be Booted From Big Brother Naija


After housemates enjoyed an eviction-free Sunday last week, Big Brother Naija viewers votes sank Ben and Chizoba’s ship when the two housemates became the first solo contenders to be evicted during last night’s broadcast.

This follows a nomination process earlier in the week that saw housemates “stare at betrayal face to face” – in our charismatic host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu’s words.

After his eviction, Ben said he was grateful to have been in the house as long as he was. Ebuka then asked him what his plans were with Chizoba. “I’m gonna root for her moving forward. I want her to get to the finals. She’s a good girl and when she comes out, we’ll take it forward from there.” 

Well, she came out of the house earlier than he expected, with Ebuka announcing Chizoba’s eviction just moments later.

About leaving her sister Onyeka behind, Chizoba said: “I would have loved to see it to the end, but now I’m rooting for my sister to win, that’s what matters to me now.” When asked about her feelings for Ben, she said: “He really has a very big spot in my heart.”

Friday, September 13, 2024

Black Avenue Music Marks 15 Years Of Excellence In The Music Industry: A Legacy of Talent Cultivation And Chart-Topping Hits


Black Avenue Music, a leading record label in Ghana is thrilled to celebrate its 15th anniversary, marking fifteen years of exceptional talent discovery, artist development, collaborations, and the production of some of the most memorable hits in the country's music history.

Established in 2009 by renowned Ghanaian artist and entrepreneur Desmond Blackmore, better known as D-Black, Black Avenue Music has been instrumental in shaping the modern landscape of Ghanaian music.

Over the past decade and a half, the label has not only delivered numerous chart-topping songs but also nurtured and launched the careers of some of the country's most celebrated artists, including Dee Money, Joey B, S3fa, DJ Breezy, Freda Rhymz, and others, who have since become iconic figures in the music industry.

From its inception, Black Avenue Music has consistently released groundbreaking records that have defined genres such as Gh Rap, Hiplife, and Afrobeats. The label is behind timeless classics like Tonga by Joey B, Echoke by Sefa, and Personal Person and Seihor by D-Black. These tracks not only dominated local charts but also elevated Ghana’s music scene to international acclaim.

Showmax And Lion Forge Entertainment Unite To Spotlight “Iyanu” At Lagos Comic Con

 Lion Forge Entertainment, a prominent Black-owned animation studio, is set to host a panel discussion at the Lagos Comic Con on September 14th. The event will centre around “Iyanu,” a highly anticipated animated series based on the “Iyanu: Child of Wonder” graphic novel.

The panel, titled “IYANU: Creating a Nigerian Superhero Series for the World,” will feature key figures behind the project. Godwin Akpan, the series’ art director and illustrator of the original graphic novel, will be joined by Serah Johnson, the voice actress for the titular character “Iyanu.”

This exclusive event will delve into the creative process of transforming the graphic novel into a global animated series.

Monday, August 26, 2024

Big Brother Naija Wraps Up A Chaotic Yet Fun Week With Zinwe Eviction


Last night’s Big Brother Naija eviction show saw fiery couple Zinwe (Chinwe and Zion) become the latest housemates to leave the show.

The duo were the first to be evicted since Biggie gave back nomination powers to the housemates, after weeks of viewers deciding who would be up for eviction.

Speaking to live show host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu about the “rough week” which saw her spend a lot of time in bed, Chinwe said: “I bonded a lot with the pair that left previously, so seeing my friends leave was overwhelming. Coupled with the fact that I wasn’t feeling well, it was just like, ‘you know what? Whatever happens happens’.”  

When asked about his BBNaija experience, Zion said: “I won’t say this was hard – it was a learning experience for me. Being with my girl in a confined space for that long taught me to be patient, resilient, and to pay attention to her a lot more.”

Sunday, August 25, 2024

SKY Girls Premieres "Journey To Bloom" Series In Kaduna: A Groundbreaking Show Empowering Teens In Nigeria

The city of Kaduna was at a standstill on Saturday, 24th August 2024 when SKY Girls, a vibrant community of teenage girls across Nigeria dedicated to self-expression and authenticity, premiered its highly anticipated eight-part series, Journey to Bloom, at Bridge Park Cinema, Kaduna, Nigeria.

The premiere was attended by notable guests and dignitaries and showcased SKY Girls' commitment to addressing critical issues like financial inclusion and sexual and reproductive health.

The project supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which has been instrumental in promoting financial literacy, reproductive health education, and overall empowerment across Nigeria, is a vital step toward creating meaningful conversations that resonate with teenage girls navigating these challenges.

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