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Nigeria: Genevieve’s ‘lionheart’ picked for 2020 Oscars

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The Nigerian Oscars Selection Committee (NOSC) has picked Genevieve Nnaji’s ‘Lionheart’ as the country’s submission to the International Feature Film category of the 2020 Oscars.

The group, on Wednesday announced the selection  following a statutory vetting and subsequent voting of entries received from Nigerian filmmakers at home and in the diaspora.

Lionheart, produced by Chinny Onwugbenu, Chichi Nwoko, Genevieve Nnaji, and directed by Genevieve Nnaji, was premiered at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), and was acquired on September 7, 2018, as first Netflix original film produced in Nigeria.

The film stars Pete Edochie, Genevieve Nnaji, Nkem Owoh, Onyeka Onwenu, Kanayo .O. Kanayo, Chika Okpala, Kalu Ikeagwu, Sanni Mu’azu, Yakubu Mohammed, Ngozi Ezeonu, Peter Okoye (P-Square) and Chibuzor Azubuike (Phyno).

Released worldwide on January 4, 2019 after a December 2018 theatrical release in Nigeria, ‘Lionheart’, which is Nnaji’s directorial debut, tells the story of a young woman, Adaeze Obiagu (Genevieve Nnaji), who becomes saddled with the responsibility of running her sick father’s business under the suffocating supervision of an uncle, played by Nkem Owoh.

Adaeze’s competing business instincts and family obligations become a catalyst for drastic change not everyone is ready to embrace.

Since the inauguration of the NOSC in 2014, this is the first time Nigeria is advancing a film to the Oscar, as previous entries received by the committee did not meet basic criteria.
Among the films received this year, the NOSC said it picked ‘Lionheart’ for its considerable shots at the rules.

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The 12-man team boasts of notable Nigeria’s film industry stakeholders of international standing.

The team is Chaired by Chineze Anyaene, Producer and Director of ‘Ije’; Nollywood’s remarkable box office earner and foremost filmmaker and Chairman of Audio-Visual Rights Society (AVRS) of Nigeria, Mr. Mahmood Ali-Balogun as Vice Chairman.

Others include Bruce Ayonote, CEO of Legend Box Office; filmmaker and talent manager, Mildred Okwo; Journalist/Film Critic, Shaibu Husseini; filmmaker/author, Charles Novia; award-winning filmmaker, CJ Obasi; top actor Ramsey Nouah; versatile director and cinematographer, Adetokunbo ‘DJ Tee’ Odubawo; movie producer, Ngozi Okafor; AFRIFF Founder, Chioma Ude and director of Green-White-Green, Abba Makama.

Anyaene added that the  entries received this year show significant improvements from the previous years.

“While we cannot say that what we have are the best that Nigeria is capable of producing, it is heart-lifting to know that, from the strength of the entries received this year, we are truly ready for the Oscars. Filmmakers are gradually taking the Oscar rules into consideration, and I have no doubt that it is going to be more competitive, going forward,” she said.

Every year, each country outside the United States is expected to submit one film as long as it’s not primarily in English. Films in pidgin, which must be subtitled like any other language film are also considered under this category.

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Formerly called ‘Best Foreign Language Film’, 87 countries vied for the shortlisted slots last year, and from a final five Oscar nominations, ‘Roma’, a Mexican film directed by Alfonso Cuarón picked the honour.

 

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Renowned Nollywood Comedian ‘Mr Ibu’ Is Dead

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In a tragic turn of events, the iconic Nigerian comic actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has reportedly passed away.

 

A close source within the family confirmed the development, indicating that the beloved entertainer breathed his last on Saturday afternoon at Evercare Hospital, Lekki, where he had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

 

Mr Ibu, celebrated for his exceptional comedic talent, had faced health challenges in the past year. In a noteworthy struggle, he underwent surgery to amputate one of his legs, a procedure necessitated by undisclosed health issues.

 

Throughout this period, the actor had openly sought support and prayers from his numerous fans and well-wishers.

 

The Nigerian entertainment industry mourns the loss of a true megastar, and fans worldwide express their condolences for the passing of a beloved figure who brought laughter and joy to countless lives through his memorable performances. The legacy of Mr Ibu, marked by his unique style and infectious humor, will undoubtedly endure in the hearts of fans and the annals of Nollywood history.

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Mohbad father’s lawyers request coroner summons for Primeboy, key witnesses

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In a recent development surrounding the controversial death of the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely known as Mohbad, lawyers representing Mr. Joshua Aloba, the bereaved father, have taken a significant step. The legal team, led by Emmanuel Oroko, sent a letter dated Jan. 15th, 2024, to the Coroner overseeing the inquiry into the artist’s demise.

The letter urged the Coroner to summon Ayobami Fisayo (known as Spending), Boluwatife Adeyemo (Darosha), and Ibrahim Owodunni (Prime Boy) to provide testimonies and eyewitness accounts regarding the events leading to Mohbad’s death on Sept. 12, 2023.

The lawyers asserted that the insights from these three individuals would contribute essential factual evidence, shedding more light on the perceived unnatural and suspicious circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.

“Our research for instance has shown that there were incidents on the 3rd Mainland Bridge at about 2.30 am (Sunday, September 10, 2023, that the appropriate witnesses did not mention and which no one has related at the Coroner Inquest and in our opinion would have given away the circumstantial event that led to the death of Ilerioluwa Aloba.

“In furtherance to the above, we believe that there were also events on 12 September 2023 at the deceased residential premises, which were not mentioned by the appropriate witnesses, and such information would have given a better insight into the real cause of the death of the deceased, as recent events have shown that some probable witnesses have been suborned.

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“These key witnesses include the driver of the car that drove the deceased, his wife, his brother and the witnesses proposed to this honourable coroner Inquest court.

“Furthermore, we believe that the situation of the CCTV at the deceased residential premises not functional at the time the deceased and others came home may not be true”, the letter partly read.

The Afrobeats singer, based in Ikorodu, departed on Sept 12, 2023, at 27.

In a letter dated Sept 18th, 2023, addressed to Justice Mojisola Dada, Chief Coroner of the High Court of Lagos State, the legal firm Falana & Falana Chambers formally requested a coroner’s inquest into the artist’s passing.

Subsequent to the letter, preliminary inquiries into Mohbad’s demise commenced on Friday, Sept 29, 2023, at the Magistrate court in Ikorodu, Lagos.

Thus far, two police officers—ASP Oderinde-Gafar Ajibola and Muhammad Yusuf, both affiliated with the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba—have testified before the coroner, presenting the police’s findings on the matter.

Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi, the Coroner, has also heard the testimony of Mohbad’s Disc Jockey (DJ), Ajisegiri Ayobami, who asserted his presence with the artist on the day of his passing.

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Lagos: DJ Power Set to Ignite Good Beach for African Tour Premiere

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Renowned international disc jockey, DJ Power, is poised to set the stage ablaze at Good Beach, Victoria Island, Lagos, on the 29th of December 2023, signaling the commencement of his highly anticipated African tour.

DJ Power disclosed this during a press briefing held at Amber Residence, Ikeja, Lagos last Friday.

Baroque Works Studio, a leading entertainment powerhouse, also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DJ Power, taking on the role of chief promoter for the tour.

The Good Beach event is anticipated to be a standout moment, attracting music enthusiasts and fans from far and wide.

Showcasing his extraordinary talent, DJ Power’s African tour promises to be a musical journey traversing the continent. The event will pulsate with special energy and vibes, featuring DJ Power’s signature Afrobeat and Amapiano sounds, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience for attendees.

In an exclusive collaboration, CEOAFRICA has been named the official media partner for the event, ensuring comprehensive coverage across all its media channels. Fans can anticipate exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and live updates as the excitement builds.

The Good Beach event is expected to draw a diverse and lively crowd, bringing together music lovers of all ages to revel in the vibrant energy and creativity that DJ Power embodies.

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Attendees can brace themselves for an electrifying live performance promising an experience that transcends musical boundaries.

As the countdown to the event begins, organisers are urging fans to secure their tickets early to avoid missing out on this unforgettable spectacle.

With the pledge of exceptional music, incredible performances, and an atmosphere to remember, DJ Power’s Good Beach performance is set to be a highlight of the year’s entertainment calendar.

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