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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • OctOber 23, 2016
entertainment
with nseObOng OkOn-ekOng 08114495324, nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com
AFRIFF Announces Robust Programme for Sixth Edition …Birth of a Nation, ’76 as opening and closing films
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round breaking Nigerian movie, ’76 which portrays the agonizing drama of wives of military personnel accused of treasonable felony inches its way into Nigeria after making a good showing at the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada and having the distinction of being the only Nigeria film at the London Film Festival. ’76 has been scheduled as the closing movie at the sixth edition of the annual Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF). It will be the movie’s official premiere in Nigeria before it goes on a national and continental screening at the cinemas from November 25. Film buffs in Nigeria whose appetite have been whetted with thrilling trailers and reviews from impressed reviewers have but a short time before the film is released for their pleasure. Executive Producer of ‘76, Prince Tonye Princewill who responded from London where the film is being screened at the London International Film Festival said “the honour of our film being chosen to close the Africa International Film Festival cannot be described with words. The film has been honoured around the world, but recognition at home means everything to us. The field for Nigerian films is very strong this year, so it is especially rewarding for ‘76 to receive this nod. We are proud of the AFRIFF organizers and hope we can do them justice.” AFRIFF Founder/Executive Director, Ms. Chioma Ude recently announced in Lagos the readiness of the organizers to host CELEBRITIES STORM ‘FAMOUS FOR A REASON’ LAUNCH With a theme like ‘Famous for a Reason’, the party did not disappoint with its strong appeal as the Famous Grouse Whisky launch pooled some of Nigeria’s finest. The all white event which held at the Federal Palace Hotel Gardens, VI, Lagos was also to celebrate famous people from different works of life including music, media, movies, sports, fashion, technology, government as well as everyday heroes who make an impact in the society. Notable faces at the event include General Manager, Brian Munro Limited, Abayomi Ajao, Olisa Adibua, Kemi Adetiba, Zainab Balogun, General Manager, Megaletrics, Deji Awokoya, CEO, Smooth Promotions, Ayo Animashaun, Ufuoma Ejenobo-McDermott, Denola Grey, Samantha Walsh, Yomi Casual, Alex Ekubo, IK Ogbonna, Bizzle Osikoya, Asa Asika, Sensei Uche, among many others. The event which was hosted by OAP and Fashion entrepreneur, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi also featured exciting performances from award winning singer, Aramide, alternative artiste, Sir Dauda, popular saxophonist, Yomi Sax while superstar DJ Xclusive got guests grooving late into the night. Produced in the 1800s by Mathew Gloag, the Famous Grouse has built on its roots and heritage, moving towards a more modern and premium expression. The brand, which is known as a whisky of the finest quality and incomparable smoothness now comes in an elongated capsule with a proud stylized icon crown and an elegant curved shoulder, inspired by the Grouse’ unique eyebrow. Famous Grouse is presently distributed in over 100 countries and over 43 million bottles sold every year. The essence of the brands whisky which makes The Famous Grouse of purest quality is broken into four key fundamentals. HOW STAR MUSIC TREK RECORDED STELLAR PERFORMANCES IN ABUJA Recently, it was the turn of Abuja to host
L-R: Mykel Parish, President African Film Consortium, Chioma Onyenwe, Programmes Coordinator, Chioma Ude, Founder/Executive Director of AFRIFF, Afie Braimoh, Operations Director and Julian Nwagboniwe, Technical Director at the unveiling of AFRIFF 2016 programmes at Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos
filmmakers and actors from around the world, with over 100 films showing at the newly opened FilmOne-IMAX and Genesis Duluxe Cinema, both in Lekki, Lagos. The impressive line-up of movie premieres, film screenings, industry sessions, master classes and other festival programmes holds in Lagos between November 13 and 20. Ude appeared to have struck the right cord when she announced Nate Parker’s Oscar hopeful, The ‘Birth of a Nation’ and Izu Ojukwu’s celebrated film on the Nigerian military coup, ’76 as the opening and closing films
respectively, a disclosure which was received with loud ovation. The selection includes, 93 Days (Nigeria) by Steve Gukas, The CEO (Nigeria) by Kunle Afolayan, Vaya (South Africa) by Akin Omotoso, The Cursed Ones (U.K) by Nana Obiri, The Wedding Ring ( Niger) by Rahmatou Keita, Kati Kati (Kenya) by Mbithi Masya, If Tomorrow Never Comes (Ghana) by Pascal Amanfo, Remember Me (Nigeria) by Izu Ojukwu, Breathe (South Africa) by Mark Dornford-May, The Missing God (Nigeria) by Ubaka Joseph, Unspoken (Nigeria) by Remi Vaughan-Richards, Green White Green (Nigeria) by Abba Makama,
The Unseen (Namibia) by Perivi Natjavivi, N.G.O (Uganda) by Arnold Aganze, Gidi Blues (Nigeria) by Femi Odugbemi, Daggers of Life (Ghana) by Paapa Otoo, Shadow of the Passion (Burkina Faso) by Ado Bambara, Ojukokoro (Nigeria) by Dare Olaitan, Bala Bala Sese (Uganda) by Lukyamuzi Bashir and The Arbitration (Nigeria) by Niyi Akinmolayan. In addition to the wide range of films, the festival, according to Ude, will also offer industry platforms for skill acquisition, financing, pitching, symposia on alternative revenue streams and piracy.
the biggest music concert series in Nigeria, Star Music The Trek. The Abuja edition of Star Music The Trek 2016, which took place at the Old Parade Ground, was a music feast complete with the biggest Nigerian artistes that performed to an energetic crowd. Though a heavy rain had descended, as the concert was about to get underway but the resilient revelers were out for a night of unstoppable fun. Headline act Davido shared stage with MI, Ice Prince, Falz and Darey, who made his debut performance at Star Music The Trek concert. The night started out with top mixes from DJ Neptune and DJ Big N. Both disc jockeys held it down as they prepped the Abuja crowd for what was unanimously agreed to be a night to remember. Host, Gbenga Adeyinka thrilled the concert audience ahead of the stunning performances by the artistes. Falz opened with his claim as originator of the famed ‘Falz faux accent’ that sent the crowd reeling with laughter. M.I had one of the best sets of the night as he performed with a fan, Archie, who he spotted from the crowd. They performed a few throwback classic hits together. Another lucky fan, Young Incredible, got on stage with M.I as he dazzled and won a year’s studio recording deal with Chocolate City proving M.I has good synergy with fans on stage. M.I also enthralled audience with his ‘Action Film’, ‘Anoti’ and ‘Bullion Van’ hits and ended his performance with ‘Number One’. Ice Prince thrilled with songs such as ‘Molowo’ and ‘Oleku’ which took the fans to an excited height. R&B crooner, Darey Art Alade also brought his magic touch of class to the concert. He closed his electrified performance with hit song, ‘Pray for me’. This sent the crowd into a frenzy of exciting prayers with comedian Gbenga leading on key prayer points. Once again, Darey proved that he is a top class Nigerian star of international quality. Star Music The Trek Abuja was broadcast live on HIPTV, giving millions of Nigerians
an opportunity to experience the concert from the comfort of their homes but it’s never the same as being at the venue. Cheering fans were also introduced to the 2016 Star Music The Trek theme song, ‘My City Rocks’, produced by Del B with hooks from various artistes that included 2Baba, Mr. Raw, DJ Big N, DJ Neptune and more. In typical Davido style, the self-titled ‘Omo Baba Olowo’ (OBO) switched beats for the night. The Sony Music-signed-pop star stepped on stage with his hype man, Special Ed, and the teeming Abuja concert crowd couldn’t get enough from him.
prince Wale Ojo both in his dreams and in reality. However, the prince pre-arranged wife and princess played by Theresa Edem is ruthless in her ploy to keep the Prince’s love to herself. Majid, a prince and younger brother to Ojo finds himself caught in the intrigues of love, loyalty and family. “It was an amazing experience for me. It was a wonderful script and I was so happy when I learnt that we were not shooting anywhere around but in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state. My co-stars were amazing and the people in the villages were very hospitable and helpful.” Shot in Uyo in Akwa-Ibom, the musical production is a cultural renaissance of the rich African heritage mirrored in the rich culture of the Ibibio people. Its multi-layered themes of love, hatred, betrayal, loss, hope and victory is beautifully interspersed with music and dance. Ime Bishop Umoh also played a fascinating role as a village drunk while Moses Armstrong is the messenger of the gods. Chris Eneaji brings his directorial skills
ADESUA ETOMI, MAJID MICHEL STAR IN ANOTHER EMEM ISONG’S PRODUCTION After a stellar performance in the 2014 Emem Isong Misodi’s romantic musical film, ‘Knocking on Heaven’s Door’, Adesua Etomi and Majid Michel return to her latest production, Ayamma: Music in the Desert. Ayamma is a compelling narrative plotted around Adesua, Wale Ojo, Majid and Theresa Edem. Adesua is an orphaned songstress and dancer whose voice and moves captivated the noble crowned
Producer, Ayamma the Music in the forest film, Mrs. Emem Isong-Misodi; Actress, Adesua Etomi and another Artist, Mr. Majid Michel, during a media briefing on the launch of the film, at Silver-bird Galleria, Lagos..