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Kunle Afolayan narrates how he once directed a movie he didn’t understand

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Kunle Afolayan has revealed that he once directed a movie despite not understanding its storyline.

The filmmaker shared the surprising experience at the third edition of Kunle Afolayan Productions (KAP) Film & Television Academy’s Reel Circle, an initiative for film enthusiasts to learn from industry experts.

Afolayan, who identifies as a narrative director, said the film, an installation project, was unfamiliar territory for him.

The 50-year-old award-winning producer said despite his reservations, the person who referred him for the job — with a significant payment of $40,000 — convinced him not to back out.

Afolayan said he attempted to clarify the script with the producer and sought input from others but still struggled to grasp the plot.

He said he decided to focus on other aspects of the film, such as utilizing natural light in the museum where they filmed.

Afolayan admitted that he remains unclear about the film’s meaning even after completing the project.

Although he did not mention the title, the producer said he was flown business class to five countries for the film’s premiere in 2007.

“I was asked to direct something I know nothing about. I tried to like bail out but somehow I was convinced that I could do it. But I knew, I did not know what I was going to do. I did not understand the story. It is an installation film, even at the time I didn’t know what installation film was,” he said.

“Before I agreed to it, I read the script, I did not understand it. I called someone Biodun Aleja, may his soul rest in peace, he read it and said ‘this is crazy’ and then a few other people. I spoke to the person who introduced me to the project that ‘can I meet with the producer? Maybe if she shares her vision, I would get it’.

“Then he flew me to London and we sat for like two hours and she was talking. She showed me her showreel and I knew there was a problem because the showreel did not make sense. It was a complete abstract installation, people just doing weird things and I am a narrative director. Then I called the link and said ‘I am not doing this, I would not even know what to say’.

“But he was like they are paying you $40,000, you have to do it. I said okay but I was like let us do an adaptation of a scene but even with it I did not know what to adapt. But because Biodun Aleja was there, he studied Performing Arts, so his literature is stronger. I was like look, we have to find a way. They are flying us to Miami and Chicago, we cannot turn that down.

“They did this and we went, we filmed in like the oldest museum. I was the director and there were five trucks of equipments. It’s like someone throwing you into the ocean and asking you to start swimming. I am like I am the director, so I have to use that power. But then I have always wanted to shoot in a space where they have large windows, where I can have a ray of light.

“So I was focusing on other things, I did not understand the story. Up till now, after we shot the film, if I watch it again, I am like what was the story? There was no story but guess what? They flew me to five countries to premiere the film and they were flying me in business class since 2007.”

The academy also entered a partnership with the United States embassy in Nigeria to train aspiring filmmakers.

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Spotify names Burna Boy as the most exported Nigerian artist of 2024

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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

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I’m a hardworking businesswoman, more than just Wizkid’s baby mama, says Jada P

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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.”

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Stop seeking human validation, Eucharia Anunobi advises fans

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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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