Connect with us

Entertainment

Miss Universe debunks report of Saudi Arabia’s participation in 2024 contest

Published

on

The organisers of the Miss Universe pageant have denied reports claiming Saudi Arabia is preparing to participate in the competition for the first time.

Last month, Rumy Alqahtani, a model from Saudi Arabia, announced that she would represent her country in the 2024 Miss Universe pageant.

Alqahtani said the country will participate in the competition this year for the first time ever.

“Honoured to participate in Miss Universe 2024. This is the first participation of Saudi Arabia in the competition,” she wrote on Instagram.

But in a statement, the organisers of Miss Universe described the model’s claim as “false and misleading”.

The statement said Saudi Arabia is not yet among the countries fully confirmed to participate in this year’s competition.

It, however, added that the country is undergoing “a rigorous vetting process” to qualify a potential candidate.

“Miss Universe Organization would like to address recent reports claiming the participation of a contestant representing Saudi Arabia in this year’s competition,” the statement reads.

“We would like to categorically state that no selection process has been conducted in Saudi Arabia, and any such claims are false and misleading.

“The selection of contestants to represent their respective countries in the Miss Universe competition is a rigorous process that adheres strictly to our policies and guidelines.

“Each country’s selection is carried out in accordance with established criteria and regulations, ensuring fairness and transparency in the selection of participants.

“As we prepare for the upcoming edition of the Miss Universe contest in Mexico, we are proud to announce that we will welcome over 100 contestants from various nationalities around the world.

“We are committed to showcasing diversity and inclusivity on our global stage, celebrating the beauty and talents of women from all walks of life.

“While Saudi Arabia is not yet among those countries fully confirmed participating this year, we are currently undergoing a rigorous vetting process qualifying a potential candidate to be awarded the franchise and assigned national director to represent.

“Saudi Arabia will not have this opportunity to join our prestigious pageant until this is final and confirmed by our approval committee.”

Entertainment

Nigerians need to unite if we want actual change, says DJ Switch on planned protest

Published

on

By

Catherine Udeh, the disc jockey and activist better known as DJ Switch, has called on Nigerians to unite ahead of a planned nationwide protest.

Recently, there have been reports that some Nigerians, under various bodies, are planning a nationwide protest between August 1 and 10. The protest, according to the groups, is aimed to show their opposition against the economic hardship particularly the rising cost of living in the country.

In a lengthy post via her X page, Switch urged Nigerians to unite and fight tribal and religious discord “planted by the political class” to dampen the planned protest.

The activist alleged that the political class would continue mismanaging the country’s economy until the citizens decided to save Nigeria.

Udeh claimed some politicians supporting the protest were only doing it for record purposes and to deceive the youths.

Switch, who gained fame for covering the 2020 shooting incident at the Lekki tollgate during the EndSARS protest, also shared other reasons “why Nigerians should join the planned protest”.

“I was not going to speak on this issue because I’ve experienced first hand the cowardice of many Nigerians but my love for Nigeria is literally haunting me! So here it goes. They say that there is a time for everything,” she wrote.

“A time to sleep, play, work, fight or die! Africa as a whole needs to know what f**king time it is! If you recognize what time it is, then you know what to do! Mind you, the cabals running Nigeria, Nigeria especially are smarter than you all might think.

“While they may be on edge about this planned protest, especially after seeing the events in Kenya, I promise you that they can bet their left balls that nothing will happen. That being said, many have been advised to “show” support for our fundamental human right to freedom of expression for two reasons.

“So that there is a record of them supporting it and to guide you all like babies to do your protest and go and sleep. So, the question really is this, do you know what time it is? Because if you don’t, just kukuma go and sleep and If you do, then prepare to take the bull by the horn.

“You need to understand that whether you japa or stay, they don’t care! Nigeria is a mining ground for these devils. They take and take with no single thought or care as to where the nation ends up wasteland!

“The tribal division they’ve sown amongst us was a desperate move on their broken chessboard which should have fallen flat on its face but there are those of us who are so selfish, shortsighted and wicked. They will sell their children for the brown envelope.

“These unfortunate Nigerians that traded their brains and patriotism for alomo bitters are a huge obstacle to those of us that want a working nation. I don’t care what tribe you are from or religion you belong to, we need to unite if we want actual change.

“I’m expecting the bots to call me all sorts of names as usual, like I give a shit! Mosquito disturb me pass those ones. But if you keep missing your opportunity to send these thieves back to where they belong then soon you all will be like the girl/boy who cried wolf!”

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Kunle Afolayan to film ‘Anikulapo’ season two in Ghana

Published

on

By

Kunle Afolayan, the filmmaker, has revealed that some scenes of the second season of ‘Anikulapo’ series will be filmed in Ghana.

‘Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre’, a six-part series produced by Afolayan, premiered on Netflix on March 1.

The mini-series, which was filmed at the Kunle Afolayan Production (KAP) film village in Oyo state, was a sequel to ‘Anikulapo’, the 2022 award-winning film.

In a recent post via his Instagram page, Afolayan disclosed his intention to shoot parts of the forthcoming season in Ghana.

The filmmaker also shared photos from the film location recce in Ghana.

Afolayan said the development is in partnership with Ghana’s National Film Authority.

“Anikulapo series new season. Location recce in Ghana in collaboration with @nationalfilmauthority,” he wrote.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

I’d rather die than give movie role for sex, says Kevin Ikeduba

Published

on

By

Kevin Ikeduba, the Nollywood actor and producer, says he would rather die than cast unqualified actors in exchange for sex.

During a chat on Hip TV’s Trending, the movie star emphasised his commitment to professionalism and high standards in the industry.

He also expressed his frustration with the high rate of unprofessionalism on set, stating that he would rather “die” than compromise his values for sexual favours.

“The movie industry is very big. What works for Mr A, May not work for Mr B,” he said.

“Kevin that people know, instead of giving a girl role for sex would rather die because I am very passionate about what I do. So most times when I meet mediocres on set, it hurts me. I will never ever do that.”

Ikeduba is a known for his versatility and seamless transition from the English-speaking Nollywood to the Yoruba film industry.

His career took off in 2000, and he credits Femi Ogedengbe, his colleague, for introducing him to Saheed Balogun, who offered him a pivotal role in the Yoruba film ‘Omo Alhaja’.

Continue Reading

Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

Most Read...