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Gbemisola Abudu speaks on inspiration behind ‘NBA Meets Art’

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Gbemisola Abudu, the vice president of NBA Africa, has spoken about the significance of the ‘NBA Meets Art’ initiative, saying it was designed to celebrate art through the lens of basketball.

The initiative was part of the lineup for Art X Lagos, which took place from October 31 to November 3, 2024, at the Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island.

“This year’s collaboration is particularly important because Art X provides a unique opportunity to connect with fans from all backgrounds. The NBA strives to be accessible to everyone—regardless of age or social class,” Abudu, who is also the country head for NBA Nigeria, told journalists in a recent interview.

“The Art X platform allows us to showcase our commitment to Nigerian culture, deepen cultural engagement, and demonstrate how sports can drive social change. Nigeria stands as a cultural leader in Africa, and this collaboration reflects that.”

Abudu elaborated on the evolution of ‘NBA Meets Art,’ noting, “In 2022, we launched the NBA Meets Culture platform, which focuses on five cultural pillars: art, fashion, film, music, and technology. Art was the first pillar we chose to integrate with the NBA brand”.

“This year marks our third edition, featuring a collaboration with a local Nigerian artist, which is very meaningful to us. NBA Meets Art celebrates art through basketball and engages the creative community.”

She emphasized that culture is integral to the NBA’s identity and that seamlessly integrating art into basketball is crucial.

“When collaborating with artists, we seek those who understand the ethos of the NBA and represent Nigeria’s diversity,” she said.

This year’s collaboration features Nigerian artist Williams Chechet’s piece ‘Breaking Barriers,’ which embodies the diverse visions inherent in basketball. Chechet’s mixed-media installation advocates for social change and celebrates cultural diversity.

“Working with him has been incredible. I admire how he interprets basketball, particularly his insights on teamwork,” she praised Chechet.

“His art captures the various elements that contribute to a team’s success, whether in achieving victory or driving social change. Williams, who is from Kaduna, has a genuine connection to basketball, having fallen in love with the game while playing in Zaria.”

On his part, Chechet expressed his enthusiasm for the project, acknowledging its impact.

“I was thrilled to be approached for this collaboration. The NBA is making significant strides, and I’m excited to contribute. ‘Breaking Barriers’ uses basketball’s dynamics—goal-setting, strategy, movement—as a powerful metaphor for the ongoing struggle for social change,” he said.

“It’s an artwork that emphasizes collaboration, mirroring my artistic process where community involvement is key.”

“Basketball is at the heart of the NBA, but we are more than just basketball. This is why we created the platform. In the U.S. and globally, the players’ journey to the locker room is often described as one of the most glamorous walks, akin to a runway. Fashion designers recognize the influence of players on trends, and many players are also avid art collectors.”

Abudu also spoke about the role of players in societal discourse, noting the importance of merging their influence with artistic expression.

“The theme this year, ‘Breaking Barriers,’ showcases basketball as a catalyst for social change. This collaboration is truly remarkable,” she said.

The head of NBA Nigeria also launched the MyNBAMomentNG campaign, inviting fans to share their favorite NBA moments on social media.

“This campaign invites fans to share their favorite NBA moments, creating a collage that embodies our collective experiences. The reaction at last night’s preview was heartening; it shows the power of shared memories,” she said.

Abudu also highlighted the success of the NBA Africa Triple Double Accelerator, a tech initiative supporting Nigerian start-ups.

“Earlier this year, we launched the NBA Africa Triple Double Accelerator, aimed at the sports and creative industries. From over 700 applications, we selected 10 finalists, including four Nigerians, who pitched in New York. The top two winners, Festival Coins and Salubata, are also Nigerian,” she said.

“The NBA cannot be viewed in isolation from art, fashion, or music. The influence of our players extends to various fields, making it essential for us to engage with culture in Nigeria. Our mission as the NBA is to inspire and connect people worldwide.”

Entertainment

Rema, Tems, Ayra Starr make Rolling Stone’s ‘top 100 albums of 2024’ list

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The projects of Rema, Tems, and Ayra Starr have been listed among Rolling Stone’s ‘best 100 albums of 2024’.

The list, which was released on Monday, spotlights outstanding albums that have enjoyed global success in the year.

The magazine described ‘Heis‘, Rema’s second studio album which secured the number 11th spot in the list, as a “unique, buzzy and visceral” project.

“Heis sounds more like a rave than almost anything Rema has made prior raging while everything else simmers. The result is the buzzy, visceral, sweat-it-out music that no one else in the mainstream is making,” it wrote.

Tem’s debut album ‘Born in the Wild‘ earned the 37th spot due to the “physical and emotional listening experience” it gives.

“Her debut album measures the soul work it’s taken to get here. All of it has paid off on an album so rich that the listening experience is a physical one as much as it is emotional,” the magazine wrote.

Starr’s second album ‘The Year I Turned 21′ clinched the 53rd position. According to Rolling Stone, the album showcased the singer’s “musical maturity and enviable passion”.

“Ayra Starr asserts a musical maturity that be could be considered far beyond her years but perhaps more aptly serves as a reminder of the emotional depth, logical process and enviable passion young people possess,” it added.

In 2022, Asake’s debut album ‘Mr Money with the Vibe’ made the US magazine’s list.

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Laju Iren narrates how she juggle marriage, ministry with filmmaking

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Laju Iren, a pastor at Celebration Chuch International (CCI), has revealed how she manages her multifaceted life as a minister, wife, and filmmaker.

In a recent interview on the WithChude podcast, Laju, the wife of Emmanuel Iren, the founder of CCI, credited her ability to balance her roles to early self-awareness and the support of people around her, including her husband.

She also emphasized the importance of defining herself based on her relationship with Christ, rather than her various roles.

“Because I am a girl with many places, what I learnt very early is to first define myself based on who I am in Christ. Because there are going to be seasons in my life maybe I am not preaching as much or making films. I have a beautiful marriage which is amazing, but the thing is, if you keep defining yourself by roles, once any of those roles are not in their perfect positions, it becomes very difficult to find yourself,” she said.

“There have been seasons in my life where I was just a pregnant woman being on bed rest and raising a child.

“One great gift I have is self-awareness. If I am working on anything apart from ministry or family, it is most likely a three to four-month project. One thing that has really helped me is to realize that all the things I do do not define me. I am defined by Christ. Many people are called to be pastor’s wives. Of all the things I do, that one is a lot. I think it is a grace thing. I am also surrounded by incredible people. My husband is a lot of things. He is also a creative guy.”

Laju has written movies such as ‘Mistakenly Yours’ and ‘Loving Amanda’, which feature notable stars like Blossom Chukwujekwu and Teniola Aladese.

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Actress Kudirat Ogunro builds house for mum

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Kudirat Ogunro, the Nigerian actress, has built a house for her mum.

The actress, who is popular in the Yoruba film industry, took to her Instagram page on Monday to share a video from the housewarming ceremony.

Ogunro showcased the interior of the stunning property. She expressed joy and pride in being able to build her mum the house, describing it as an “incredible milestone”.

She also took the opportunity to pray for her fans, wishing them the grace to celebrate similar milestones.

“A special piece of my heart, built just for my mom. I did my best and God did the rest. Congratulations to her on her beautiful new home,” she wrote.

“This moment is so precious to me as I celebrate this incredible milestone with her. There is truly no greater joy than bringing happiness to your loved ones and seeing their dreams come true.

“As I share this joy, I pray God in his infinite mercy bless every one of you. May he provide for all your needs, make your dreams come true and grant you the grace to celebrate beautiful milestones like this with your loved ones.

“May your hinds be filled with love, peace and divine blessings. Here is to new beginnings, endless joy and countless reasons to celebrate for us all. Cheers to love, family and blessings.”

Ogunro, who learnt acting under the tutelage of Iyabo Ojo, has featured in several films, including ‘Okan Dudu’ and ‘Abomination’.

Aside from being an actress and producer, she also sells herbs and herbal medicine.

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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

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