Entertainment
2017 NollywoodWeek Film Festival: 76,The Wedding Party win the Public Choice Award.
THE NollywoodWeek Film Festival has announced today that The Wedding Party and 76 have jointly received the 2017 NollywoodWeek Public Choice Award.
The festival trophy was given to Izu Ojukwu, the Director of 76 and Moses Babatope who represented the film in the absence of the film Director, Kemi Adetiba in a closing ceremony that was followed by the World Premiere screening of Ctach[dot]er by the Director Walter Taylaur.
“I was not expecting this award. It’s an honour for me and for everybody who worked on the film,” said Izu Ojukwu.
In his acceptance speech, Moses Babatope expressed his joy at winning this award and mentioned that it was a good omen as the production of The Wedding Party 2 had just begun in Lagos and Dubai.
The high quality of the selected films for this 5thedition has been praised by journalists and film critics. Eleven films in total were shown during the four days of the festival, including five films in competition: Dinner, Gidi Blues, Green White Green, The Wedding Party and 76.
Nadira Shakur, the Director of Communication and co-founder of the festival said that “The festival has really cemented its place in the Parisian cultural calendar. Each year we try to offer the very best of Nollywood to the Parisian public by bringing the newest developments in the industry. This year we screened a web-series from REDTV and for the first time, an animated short film from Anthill Studios called Play-Thing.”
The selection of the 2017 edition of NollywoodWeek was rich and eclectic. The Public Choice Award ultimately went to two very different films but both have left an indelible mark on the Nigerian cinema landscape over the past year.
About the film 76:
Inspired by the tragic events in Nigeria 40 years ago, this political thriller depicts a respected army captain’s point of view following his forced participation in an attempted coup.
About the film The Wedding Party:
What happens when the wedding of the year takes a chaotic turn?
Will true loveprevail despite the circumstances? These two newly weds find out quickly what it truly means to be maried and if their love can make it through “for better or worse”.
The Directors of both winning films shall receive some special lenses from Angénieux the festival’s partners that they can use free of charge for their future production.
About NollywoodWeek:
NollywoodWeek is the only film festival in France dedicated to Nigerian cinema. During four days, the audience has an opportunity to discover Nigerian cinema and interact with the filmmakers and actors. The festival is made up of screenings as well as seminars, panels.
Nigerian singer and humanitarian Sean Dampte has expressed deep concern over reports of mass abductions and growing insecurity across communities in South-West Nigeria, calling for urgent action to protect lives and restore public confidence.
In a heartfelt statement, Dampte lamented the fear and uncertainty facing families, students, and educators in affected communities. He stressed that no child should leave home for school only to become the subject of desperate prayers before returning safely, and that no teacher should have to work under the constant threat of abduction.
Describing the situation as a national concern that transcends politics, ethnicity, religion, and social media debates, the entertainer emphasised that real lives and families are being affected by the crisis.
“My heart is heavy over the reports of mass abductions and the fear spreading across communities in South-West Nigeria,” he said, adding that the pain experienced by victims and their loved ones should never be ignored or normalised.
Sean Dampte expressed solidarity with affected families and communities living in fear, while also joining other Nigerians in demanding immediate and decisive action from authorities. He urged relevant security agencies and government institutions to strengthen the protection of schools, secure vulnerable communities, and ensure the safe return of all abducted persons.
The singer concluded by reiterating his vision for a safer nation, stating that “Nigeria must be a place where children can dream without fear.”
Popular Nigerian singer, Adekunle Kosoko, better known as Adekunle Gold, and his wife, Simisola Kosoko, also known as Simi, have welcomed a set of twin babies.
The singer announced the good news via his Snapchat story on Wednesday.
“Asked God for another child and He blessed me double,” Simi wrote.
Although the gender of the babies has not been disclosed, the announcement has since attracted congratulatory messages from fans, colleagues and well-wishers across the entertainment industry.
The development comes months after Simi had hinted at her pregnancy. In December, she shared a video on Instagram, captioned, “From my baby, for my babies,” with the clip showing her baby bump.
The arrival of the twins also comes weeks after Simi featured in a snippet from Adekunle Gold’s recently released music video titled My Love Is the Same.
Adekunle Gold and Simi got married in 2019 after years of friendship and musical collaboration. Both artistes were formerly signed to X3M Music early in their careers and have since remained one of Nigeria’s most celebrated celebrity couples.
The couple welcomed their first child, Adejare Kosoko, fondly called Deja, in May 2020.
Renowned Tungba gospel musician, Dr Yinka Ayefele, has released a new studio album titled Reflections, adding another chapter to his long-standing influence in Nigeria’s gospel music scene.
The album, which was released on Monday, December 22, 2025, blends introspection with praise, as Ayefele reflects on life, faith and gratitude to God, drawing from personal experiences marked by trials, near-tragedies and triumphs.
Announcing the release in a statement, the Group Head of Corporate Affairs, Fresh Nigeria and Yinka Ayefele Limited, Samson Akindele, said the album captures the musician’s deep reflections on life and his renewed commitment to thanksgiving and praise through music.
Musically, Reflections is rooted in Ayefele’s signature Tungba style, featuring energetic drum percussions, rich string arrangements and call-and-response patterns, supported by harmonious backup vocals from the Merry Makers Band.
The album also incorporates diverse elements, including Tungba hymnals and an Arabic praise chant rendered by a budding female talent, Harike Jesu, who additionally delivers a danceable Fuji-inspired track.
According to details of the project, the opening track focuses on Ayefele’s life journey and lessons drawn from past experiences, while subsequent tracks express appreciation to fans and sustain a flow of upbeat, dance-friendly rhythms.
Reflections is available on major digital streaming and download platforms, including Spotify, Boomplay, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Audiomack, YouTube Music, Deezer and Tidal.
The compact disc version is expected to be released in the coming days under the Yinka Ayefele Music label.
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