Events
20th Abuja International Film Festival opens as film enthusiasts storm Nigeria
The 20th Abuja International Film Festival, with the theme “Beyond Borders: Globalisation and Film Business,” kicked off with a grand opening ceremony that witnessed the presence of several notable figures in the industry.
Among the distinguished guests was the representative of the Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hajia Hanatu Musawa.
In addition to Musawa, the festival had the honor of hosting ambassadors from Bangladesh, Vietnam, China, Cote d’Ivoire, and Egypt, along with other prominent personalities such as the DG of the National Film and Video Censors Board, the CEO of the Nigeria Film Corporation, and the CEO of Startimes, Joshua Wang. The event was also well attended by local and international filmmakers.
During the ceremony, the festival’s founder took the opportunity to reflect on its humble beginnings, when cinema spaces were scarce in Abuja.
He emphasized how the festival has been instrumental in fostering the growth of the Nigerian film industry, better known as Nollywood.
The ambassadors and high commissioners present at the event expressed their admiration for the festival’s success and longevity, offering commendations and goodwill messages.
They highlighted the sustainability and significance of the festival over its 20-year history.
The Abuja International Film Festival will continue for the next four days with a lineup of daily screenings, panel discussions, and other engaging activities.
The highly anticipated awards ceremony, where winners will be presented with awards in 16 different categories, is scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 2nd, 2023.
With its rich history and international participation, the festival promises to be an exciting showcase of global cinema.
Events
Tyla beats Tems, Ayra Starr, Davido, others to 2024 VMAs
At the event on September 11, 2024, at The USB Arena in New York, Taylor Swift led the nominees with 12 nods of which she won 7 for the highest win of the night.
Tyla’s smash hit ‘Water’ fended off competition from Ayra Starr’s ‘Last Heartbreak Song’, Chris Brown’s ‘Sensational’ featuring Lojay and Davido, Usher’s ‘Ruin’ featuring Pheelz, Tems’ ‘Love Me Jeje’ to the award.
Tyla’s ‘Water’ has dominated the award season with the song winning the Best African Song Performance category at the 66th Grammys.
See the full winners list of the 2024 VMAs below.
Video of the Year
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”
Artist of the Year
Taylor Swift
Song of the Year
Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso”
Best New Artist
Chappell Roan
MTV Push Performance of the Year
June 2024: LE SSERAFIM – “EASY”
Best Collaboration
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”
Best Pop
Taylor Swift
Best Hip-Hop
Eminem – “Houdini”
Best R&B
SZA – “Snooze”
Best Alternative
Benson Boone – “Beautiful Things”
Best Rock
Lenny Kravitz – “Human”
Best Latin
Anitta – “Mil Veces”
Best Afrobeats
Tyla – “Water”
Best K-Pop
LISA – “Rockstar”
Video For Good
WINNER: Billie Eilish – “What Was I Made For (From The Motion Picture “Barbie”)”
Best Direction
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”
Best Editing
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”
Best Choreography
Dua Lipa – “Houdini”
Best Visual Effects
Eminem – “Houdini”
Best Art Direction
Megan Thee Stallion – “BOA”
Best Trending Video
Megan Thee Stallion ft. Yuki Chiba – “Mamushi”
Best Group
SEVENTEEN
Song of the Summer
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”
VMAs Most Iconic Performance
Katy Perry – “Roar”
Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award
Katy Perry
Events
Kendrick Lamar to headline 2025 Super Bowl halftime show
Kendrick Lamar will headline the Super Bowl half-time show in New Orleans in 2025.
On Sunday, the National Football League, Roc Nation, and Apple Music announced that Lamar would lead the half-time festivities from the Caesars Superdome on February 9.
“Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I’ll be there to remind the world why,” Lamar said in a statement. “They got the right one.”
It will be the second time the rapper, who has won 17 Grammys, will be performing in one of the most coveted events in music. It will also be the first time he will be the main act.
“Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and performer,” Jay-Z, whose Roc Nation co-produces the halftime show, said in a statement.
“His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision. He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally. Kendrick’s work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come.”
On his part, Seth Dudowsky, head of music at the NFL, said: “Few artists have impacted music and culture as profoundly as Kendrick Lamar”.
“Time and time again, Kendrick has proven his unique ability to craft moments that resonate, redefine, and ultimately shake the very foundation of hip-hop.”
The Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper performed as a guest artiste with Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg, Eminem and Mary J Blige in 2022.
Lamar has enjoyed huge success since his debut album in 2012. He became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize for his 2017 album ‘DAMN’.
The Super Bowl is the biggest sports event in the United States.
Events
CANEX WKND to hold in Algeria October 16 (Apply Here)
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced that this year’s Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX WKND) will be held in Algiers, Algeria, from October 16 to 19 2024.
CANEX WKND is a premier event showcasing Africa’s vibrant creative and cultural industries. The theme for this year’s ceremony is ‘One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World’.
The four-day event offers a unique platform for creatives from across the continent and beyond to showcase their work, network with industry leaders, and explore business opportunities.
This includes exhibitions, roundtable discussions, masterclasses, live performances, gastronomy showcases, music, dance, poetry, and other artistic expressions.
The objectives of CANEX WKND include increasing Africa’s share of global cultural trade flows, deploying specialized financial products, facilitating technical capacity programs, and advocating for harmonized regulatory reform.
In a statement issued on Friday, the organisers described the upcoming event as an “unforgettable experience celebrating the continent’s artistic spirit”.
“CANEX WKND 2024 will feature an exhibition and market, roundtable discussions, masterclasses, live performances, and networking opportunities. The event is open to industry professionals, individuals, corporate investors, and governance bodies,” the statement reads.
“It provides a unique platform for creatives to showcase their work, connect with industry leaders, and explore business and investment opportunities.
“No one should miss this opportunity to be part of the creative revolution in Africa! They should simply register for CANEX WKND 2024 and join us in Algiers for an unforgettable experience celebrating the continent’s artistic spirit.”
Interested individuals can register online here.
-
Business1 week ago
CAC threatens to shut down unregistered PoS businesses as September 5 deadline lapses
-
Entertainment6 days ago
Like Tems, Ayra Starr says she has ‘never fallen in love’
-
Entertainment5 days ago
Davido, Lojay, Tyla make Billboard’s ‘Honour Roll’ for chart-topping songs
-
Education1 day ago
Lagos state government increases boarding fees from N35,000 to N100,000 per term
-
Crime6 days ago
Two traffic robbers disguised as keke riders arrested in Lagos
-
World1 week ago
‘She laughs infectiously’ — Putin says Russia supports Kamala over Trump
-
News5 days ago
Change of name, age declaration… federal high court begins online affidavit process
-
Politics1 week ago
JUST IN: Ajuri Ngelale steps down as Tinubu’s spokesman