Entertainment
AGN holds candlelight service for late Nollywood veterans Mr Ibu, and others in Abuja
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has organised a candlelight procession to pay tribute to late Nollywood actors John Okafor, popularly known as ‘Mr Ibu’, Amaechi Muonagor and Zulu Adigwe.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the thespians, alongside fans and friends of the late veterans, gathered for the procession at the Unity Fountain on Monday night in Abuja.
The procession was led by Emeka Rollas, National President of the AGN, alongside veteran actors Kenneth Okonkwo, Zack Orji, and Sidney Idiala, among others.
In a heartfelt display of respect and emotions, the attendees took turns to pay tribute to the fallen heroes for their contributions to the Nigerian film industry.
Mercy Salma, FCT mayor of AGN, said the event was to show appreciation and honour for the life and times of the late actors.
“These are Nollywood veterans that put smiles in the faces of Nigerians during their lifetime, so we should celebrate their legacies and memories.
“They have both the young and the old Nigerians, and even across Africa and beyond as their fans.”
“So this procession is to show that we love them and appreciate their sacrifices and contributions to our industry and nation at large,” she said.
In his speech, Emeka Rollas said the procession was to demonstrate the solidarity that exists in the actors guild and to reflect on the moments they shared with the late thespians.
According to the AGN helmsman, the candlelight service was also an occasion for actors to reflect on how they want to be remembered at the end of their works.
“This is a season of sorrow for us at the AGN, our hearts are filled with grief over the loss of our three veteran members.
“But as the saying goes, when someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.
“The Late John Okafor, Amaechi Monaugor and Zulu Adigwe lived life that exemplified brilliance and inspired emulation.
“They also lived a life that burned so that others’ paths were lit, and they made impact on the society through their profession.
“Today we are here to honour them, not only by profoundly feeling and expressing our loss, but also to remember their amazing personalities.
“They all played unique and special roles in all of our lives and the acting profession and they were loyal colleagues and special friends to many of us.
“Today, we honour these men as we recall special moments ,they were living proof of how fine a person can be, caring hearts to their friends and colleagues, loving and devoted father to their children.
“They gave their all in their acting careers as they worked with passion, integrity and energy and our hearts and prayers are with their families at this most difficult time,” he added.
On his part, Kenneth Okonkwo, the foremost Nollywood actor said their commitment to their profession was part of what made the Nigerian film industry a toast of fans.
According to him, they were driven by a passion to join the industry which was why they rose to their peak and made indelible marks. He urged young artists to focus on value delivery and shun the rush for quick monetary gains for them to make their marks in the industry.
“As one of the pioneer actors in the industry, I was connected personally to each of them that came to Nollywood at that time, and I can tell you that they were all driven by passion for acting.
“Wherever they are today, we should appreciate what they have contributed towards they growth and development of our industry,” he stated.
NAN reports that the high point of the event was prayers for the repose of the departed souls and for the Nollywood industry, and as well as prayers for Nigeria.
Entertainment
Spotify names Burna Boy as the most exported Nigerian artist of 2024
Spotify has released the data for the most streamed artists outside Nigeria in 2024.
On the list shared by Spotify, Grammy winner Burna Boy is the Nigerian artist with the most streams outside Nigeria. For the past couple of years, the hitmaker has been at the forefront of exporting Nigerian music globally.
Burna Boy’s feat is a testament to his global popularity which has made him the only African artist with 3 albums surpassing over 500 million streams.
Second on the list is Grammy-nominated star Ayra Starr who enjoyed a good year thanks to the release of her critically acclaimed sophomore album ‘The Year I Turned 21’ which enjoyed critical and commercial success.
The album features a star-studded lineup that includes Asake, Seyi Vibez, American singer Giveon and Coco Jones, and Brazilian star Aniita.
Rema is the third most exported Nigerian artist of 2024. His hit single ‘Calm Down’ continues to enjoy global success, especially in the United States where it became the first African song to garner 1 billion streams.
This year, Rema released his sophomore LP ‘HEIS’ which is one of the most talked about albums of 2024. The album buoyed by its upper tempo arrangement, pulsating production, and aggressive chest thumping delivered the bit records ‘Ozeba’, ‘Hehehe’, and ‘Azaman’.
Tems (4) and Omah Lay (5) rounds off the top 5. Grammy winner Tems enjoyed a successful year on the global front with the release of her debut album ‘Born In The Wild’ which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Global Album.
Top 10 exported Nigerian Artists on Spotify in 2024
1. Burna Boy
2. Ayra Starr
3. Rema
4. Tems
5. Omah Lay
6. Asake
7. Wizkid
8. Davido
9. Fireboy
10. Victony
Entertainment
I’m a hardworking businesswoman, more than just Wizkid’s baby mama, says Jada P
American talent manager Jada Pollock, popularly known as Jada P, has asserted that she is far more than just singer Wizkid’s “babymama,” a title often used by the media.
Speaking in a recent interview with BET UK, Jada P lamented that her accomplishments as an entrepreneur and professional in the music industry have been largely overshadowed by her role as the mother of Wizkid’s children.
Jada P highlighted her career achievements, noting that she has managed international artists such as Chris Brown, Wizkid, and Skyla Tyla.
She described herself as a dedicated businesswoman and music manager actively contributing to the growth of the industry.
“When Wizkid won a Grammy, I wrote a statement about how far afrobeat has come. They put the statement out, and the caption was ‘Wizkid baby mama.’ The narrative is not seen as you’re an entrepreneur and hardworking businesswoman. I’m not only a mother but also a manager, who has actively contributed to building a legacy,” she said.
She further emphasised her role in managing top-tier artists, adding, “Some of the artists I have managed are Chris Brown, Wizkid & Skyla Tyla, etc.”
Entertainment
Stop seeking human validation, Eucharia Anunobi advises fans
Eucharia Anunobi, the ace Nigerian actress, has advised her fans to stop seeking validation from people.
In an Instagram post on Friday, the actress urged her followers to embrace self-worth and resist the pressure of wanting to be liked by everyone.
She cautioned that the constant need for approval often leads to “emotional and spiritual imbalance”.
“Seeking to be liked by all is a sign that you are emotionally and spiritually imbalanced. Some people will hate you because to hate is what gives them joy because they are genetically wicked. So get used to not being liked. 1 John 5:19,” she wrote.
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