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No Time To Die: World premiere for new James Bond movie

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People arrive to attend the World Premiere of the James Bond 007 film “No Time to Die” at the Royal Albert Hall in west London on September 28, 2021. – Celebrities and royals walk the red carpet in central London on Tuesday for the star-studded but much-delayed world premiere of the latest James Bond film, “No Time To Die”. (Photo by Tolga Akmen / AFP)

Actor Daniel Craig walked the red carpet for the final time as James Bond in rain-swept London on Tuesday, at the star-studded but much-delayed world premiere of the latest superspy blockbuster, “No Time To Die”.

British star Craig’s fifth and final outing in the franchise is hitting big screens after its release was repeatedly postponed during the coronavirus pandemic.

Royal couples Prince Charles and Camilla and Prince William and Kate were also at the premiere at London’s historic Royal Albert Hall.

Charles talked with the stars, shaking hands with Craig having trodden the sodden red carpet.

English actor Daniel Craig poses on the red carpet after arriving to attend the World Premiere of the James Bond 007 film “No Time to Die” at the Royal Albert Hall in west London on September 28, 2021. (Photo by Tolga Akmen / AFP)

The film is part of a backlog of major productions held back by distributors during the pandemic, hitting cinemas hard, and forcing some new films to be streamed.

The release will be in cinemas only, with struggling theatres hoping Bond will lure back crowds.

Britain’s Prince William, Duke of Cambridge (2L) and Britain’s Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (L) stand with Britain’s Prince Charles, Prince of Wales (R) and Britain’s Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall as they arrive for the World Premiere of the James Bond 007 film “No Time to Die” at the Royal Albert Hall in west London on September 28, 2021. . (Photo by Chris Jackson / POOL / AFP)

 

“I’m greatly relieved, we make Bond movies for the cinema,” Craig, dressed in a dark pink tuxedo jacket, told Sky News on the red carpet.

Reflecting on 15 years of playing 007, Craig said: “I genuinely don’t have any bad memories, but I think it’s going to take about another 15 years to unpick all this.”

From Left, US singer-songwriter Finneas O’Connell, US singer-songwriter Billie Eilish, US actor Rami Malek, screenwriter Phoebe Waller-Bridge, US film director Cary Joji Fukunaga, Cuban actor Ana de Armas, English actor Lashana Lynch and English actor Naomie Harris pose on the red carpet after arriving to attend the World Premiere of the James Bond 007 film “No Time to Die” at the Royal Albert Hall in west London on September 28, 2021. (Photo by Tolga Akmen / AFP)

Vue Entertainment, the UK branch of the cinema operator Vue International, hailed the movie’s release as “the cinematic event of the year”.

It will go on general release in Britain on Thursday and in the United States on October 8 — a year and a half behind schedule.

– Craig bows out –

In the film, reportedly costing $250 million (£182 million, 214 million euros), Bond returns to active service after retirement, vowing: “I have to finish this.”

He deploys his trademark hi-tech gadgets in spectacular scenery in Italy and Norway while battling the villainous Safin, played by Oscar-winner Rami Malek (“Bohemian Rhapsody”).

“I get shot and then I get blown up. It feels like James Bond to me,” Craig said in an official podcast.

Britain’s Prince Charles, Prince of Wales (2L) talks with English actor Daniel Craig ahead of the World Premiere of the James Bond 007 film “No Time to Die” at the Royal Albert Hall in west London on September 28, 2021. (Photo by Chris Jackson / POOL / AFP)

 

With Craig bowing out, calling the role “a massive part” of his life, speculation has mounted over who will inherit his fabled licence to kill.

UK bookmakers are tipping the likes of Tom Hardy (“The Revenant”, “Dunkirk”) or Rege-Jean Page, the mixed-race star of the Netflix hit “Bridgerton”.

Craig, 53, has held onto the role longer than any of his predecessors since his 2006 debut in “Casino Royale”.

He has won praise for adding depth and emotional complexity to the all-action role, but only reluctantly agreed to one final appearance as Bond.

Olympic athlete Mo Farah (C), Tania Nell, and Rhianna Farrah pose on the red carpet after arriving to attend the World Premiere of the James Bond 007 film “No Time to Die” at the Royal Albert Hall in west London on September 28, 2021. (Photo by Tolga Akmen / AFP)

After “Spectre” in 2015, Craig told Time Out magazine he would rather “slash his wrists” than reprise the role but recently apologised for appearing flippant.

Emmy-winning US filmmaker Cary Joji Fukunaga directed the new film, becoming the first American to helm the franchise.

His previous films include a 2011 adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s “Jane Eyre”.

The filmmaker stepped in after the original director Danny Boyle, known for “Slumdog Millionaire” and “Trainspotting”, left over “creative differences” in 2018.

‘World Has Changed’

Fukunaga said in a promotional video that his Bond is “like a wounded animal”, struggling because “the world has changed, the rules of engagement aren’t what they used to be: the rules of espionage (are) darker in this era of asymmetric warfare”.

US actor Jason Momoa poses on the red carpet after arriving to attend the World Premiere of the James Bond 007 film “No Time to Die” at the Royal Albert Hall in west London on September 28, 2021. (Photo by Tolga Akmen / AFP)

The Bond films are based on a character created by upper-class British writer Ian Fleming in novels published in the 1950s and 1960s.

As the MeToo movement has heightened awareness of misogyny in popular culture, some have argued that time has run out for the franchise.

The new film’s director has also criticised Bond’s sexual exploits.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Fukunaga said that in one 1960s-era film, “basically Sean Connery’s character rapes a woman”.

“That wouldn’t fly today,” he stressed.

Among those working on the screenplay was Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the British creator and star of the TV series “Fleabag” and writer of the first series of “Killing Eve”.

US-British film producer Barbara Broccoli (C) and US-British film producer Michael G. Wilson (R) pose on the red carpet after arriving to attend the World Premiere of the James Bond 007 film “No Time to Die” at the Royal Albert Hall in west London on September 28, 2021. (Photo by Tolga Akmen / AFP)

 

In the film, Bond spars with a black female MI6 agent, played by Briton Lashana Lynch, and has to take a back seat to her as she flies a plane.

“It’s an incredible moment to have a female black lead in a movie who is holding her own,” she told Sky News on the red carpet.

“It feels really empowering for me to even play her. It felt like the stars aligned for this one,” she said.

 

 

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Entertainment

Sean Dampte causes stir after calling on Nigerian Radios, TVs to drop South African content, drags lazy youths

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Sean Dampte

Afrobeats singer Sean Dampte has stirred fresh conversations online after calling on Nigerian media platforms to temporarily suspend the promotion of South African entertainment content, while also delivering a blunt message to young Nigerians about the importance of hard work.

The singer made the remarks during a recent radio interview, where he discussed the need for Nigeria to place greater value on its entertainment industry and cultural influence across Africa.

Speaking passionately, Sean Dampte argued that Nigerian radio stations, television networks, DJs, presenters and other media stakeholders should prioritise local content over South African productions, insisting that Nigeria has contributed immensely to the growth of African entertainment and deserves greater respect in return.

According to the “Ajinomoto” crooner, Nigerian media should leverage its influence to protect the country’s creative industry and ensure Nigerian artistes receive the recognition and support they deserve.

While he did not suggest that the suspension should be permanent, his comments have generated mixed reactions among fans and industry observers. Some have applauded his stance, describing it as a bold call to protect Nigerian interests and promote homegrown talent. Others, however, argue that entertainment should remain a bridge for cultural exchange rather than become entangled in political or diplomatic disagreements.

Beyond the conversation on media and cultural identity, Sean Dampte also addressed Nigerian youths, stressing the importance of diligence and personal responsibility in the face of the country’s economic realities.

Delivering what has since become one of the interview’s most talked-about moments, the singer declared:

“If you no hustle, na Sapa be the penalty.”

The statement quickly resonated across social media, with many users adopting it as a catchy slogan that reflects the everyday struggles faced by many young Nigerians.

Sean Dampte’s comments have continued to spark debate over whether Nigerian media should adopt stronger measures to protect local content or maintain an open approach that promotes entertainment across the African continent.

As discussions continue online, his remarks have once again placed the intersection of music, culture and national identity at the centre of public conversation, proving that the singer is unafraid to voice opinions capable of igniting widespread debate.

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Nigeria must be a place where children can dream without fear — Sean Dampte

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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.”

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Entertainment

Adekunle Gold, Simi welcome twins

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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.

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