Entertainment
Idris Elba to reprise Pete Edochie’s role in new ‘Things Fall Apart’ TV series
Idris Elba, the British actor, is set to executive produce and star in the TV adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart‘.
The late Nigerian author first published the book in 1958.
‘Things Fall Apart’ is Achebe’s debut novel and the first book of the iconic literary mind’s African Trilogy, followed by ‘No Longer at Ease’ and ‘Arrow of God’.
The novel depicts the pre-colonial life in Igboland and the subsequent appearance of European missionaries and colonial forces in the late 19th century.
Watch the classic below:
The book was first brought to life as a movie in 1971 and a mini-series in 1987 with ace actor Pete Edochie playing Okonkwo, the novel’s protagonist, who was famous in the villages of Umuofia for being a wrestling champion.
According to Variety, a TV series adaptation of ‘Things Fall Apart’ is in development by the American production studio, A24.
Elba will executive produce the series alongside Gina Carter under their newly launched 22Summers production company.
Also among the executive producers are David Oyelowo, Amanda N’Duka, Ben Forkner, Dayo Ogunyemi and Achebe Masterworks.
Idris will take on the role of Edohie as Okonkwo in the new series.
Things Fall Apart is the captivating story of Okonkwo (Elba), one of literature’s most iconic characters—a fearless African warrior and leader who is resolute about preserving his people and culture. As British colonizers disrupt his world, Okonkwo’s struggle to maintain power and tradition spirals into a heart-wrenching confrontation. His fierce resolve, a fatal flaw in the face of unstoppable change, makes him an unforgettable character, embodying the tension between strength, vulnerability and adaptability.
The news outlet reports that no writer is currently attached to the project, nor is it currently set up at a streaming service or network.
‘Things Fall Apart’ is seen as an archetypal modern African novel in English and one of the first such novels to receive global critical acclaim. It has been translated into over 60 languages and is a staple book in schools throughout Africa.
The novel is widely studied in English-speaking countries worldwide. It is also widely regarded as one of the greatest novels ever written.
Entertainment
Angelique Kidjo submits song with Davido for 2025 Grammy nominations
Angelique Kidjo, the iconic Beninese-French singer-songwriter, has submitted her track ‘Joy’ featuring Afrobeats star Davido for consideration in two categories at the 2025 Grammy Awards.
The much-anticipated 67th Grammy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on February 2, 2025, in Los Angeles.
Ahead of the award ceremony, several global artistes have begun to submit their projects for nomination consideration.
In a recent Facebook post, the 64-year-old megastar announced that she submitted the song in the ‘Best African Music Performance’ and ‘Record of the Year’ categories.
Kidjo entered another of her works ‘Sunlight to My Soul’ in the ‘Best Global Music Performance’ and ‘Song of the Year’ categories.
The songstress also appreciated the artistes involved for their contributions and collaborators.
In August, the Beninese singer released ‘Joy’ featuring Davido. The track follows the success of their first collaborative song ‘Na Money‘ in 2023.
Kidjo is known for her diverse musical influences and creative music videos. She has won five Grammy Awards and is also the 2023 Polar Music Prize laureate.
She is regarded as one of the greatest singers in Africa. Aside from her incredible music career, Kidjo is an actress and activist.
Davido, on the other hand, has firmly established himself as one of the prominent artistes out of Africa. He has also won several awards.
The singer was nominated in three categories at the 2023 Grammy Awards. He, however, failed to win all of his nominations.
Entertainment
Cissy, ace gospel singer and mum of Whitney Houston, dies at 91
Cissy Houston, the two-time Grammy-winning soul and gospel artiste and mother of Whitney Houston, has died.
The 91-year-old singer died on Monday morning in her New Jersey home while under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease.
Pat Houston, her daughter-in-law, in a statement, described Cissy as a “strong and towering figure” in the family’s life.
“Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We lost the matriarch of our family,” the statement reads.
“Mother Cissy has been a strong and towering figure in our lives. A woman of deep faith and conviction, who cared greatly about family, ministry, and community. Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts.
“Her contributions to popular music and culture are unparalleled.”
Cissy was born in New Jersey in 1933 as the youngest of eight children. Born Emily Drinkard, she began singing at a young age after she formed a gospel group with her siblings.
She started to gain popularity in the 1960s as a member of the backing group The Sweet Inspirations with Doris Troy and her niece Dee Dee Warwick.
They sang backup for soul legends including Otis Redding, Lou Rawls and the Drifters, and Dusty Springfield.
Cissy left the group to pursue a solo career, which made her one of the world’s most in-demand session singers of that era.
She recorded more than 600 songs and her vocals can be heard on tracks by Chaka Khan, Luther Vandross, Beyoncé and Paul Simon.
In 1997, Cissy won a Grammy Award for her traditional soul gospel album ‘Face to Face’. She secured another Grammy Award in 1998 for her album ‘He Leadeth Me’.
She lost her daughter Whitney in 2012. Whitney died at the age of 48 after years of battling addiction and a notoriously troubled marriage.
Cissy and Whitney were famously close. Their relationship was also one of mentor and protégé. She also recorded a duet with Whitney titled ‘I Know Him So Well’ in 1987.
Entertainment
Primeboy threatens to sue Mohbad’s mother for defamation
Ibrahim ‘Primeboy’ Owodunni, the childhood friend of Mohbad, has issued a counterstatement over allegations made by Abosede Aloba, the mother of the late singer, concerning their relationship before his death.
In a statement signed by Akinpelu Ogunbona, his lawyer, Primeboy said Mohbad’s mother “granted an interview where she accused me of having an altercation with her son while he was alive”.
“In the said interview, you alleged that our client always fought the late Mohbad and consistently complained about his neglect by the late Mohbad since the said late Mohbad rose to stardom,” the statement reads in part.
“You also alleged that our client was advised to run away after the death of the late Mohbad so as not to be suspected regarding the death.”
Primeboy described the allegations as “defamatory and intentional,” adding that they have harmed his reputation and affected the affection he receives from fans.
“Your actions are deliberate to injure and traduce the integrity of our client who is a rising star in the music industry and your allegations in the interview have greatly and negatively impacted the affection and love being enjoyed by our client from his fans and well-wishers around the world,” he added.
In the letter shared via Instagram, Primeboy requested that Mohbad’s mother retract her statements within seven days. He also threatened to take legal action if she failed to do so.
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