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Finding Fela; An Insightful Perspective Of A Legend

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I have always been a fan of Fela, even though I never visited the Shrine except for a recent visit to The New Afrika Shrine as an invited guest for the premiere of Finding Fela. The paucity of my visit was because of the wild stories I had heard about the happenings at the venue but the reason for my unending admiration for the Legend is because of the freshness of his talent years after his sad demise.Never knew I would have so much fun watching the movie but I ended up laughing and crying as documentarian Alex Gibney took me through the life and times of a great man. Alex Gibney tells the story of Fela Ransome Kuti, the pioneering forefather of Afrobeat, who died in 1997 at the age of 58. While the movie may not be described as stylish, it will certainly be described as true. True to type to the man whose story was being told, Finding Fela does not seek to hide the struggles or even personal failings of Fela because indeed, these are all components of his character and every song he produced was an extension of him.Though dead, Fela’s charisma carries the movie. Gibney’s research was evident in the showcase of materials he displayed and the use of Broadway director Bill T Jones’ struggles to tell the story as a mirror for modern contextualization was a touch of genius. These sequences are mixed with talking head interviews with Fela’s children, which are especially effective when detailing government harassment and prison beatings.According to a writer, Kuti made politics to dance to, and music that made you think. The film attempts to balance a reportorial account of Kuti’s political and musical legacy with a more personal view of an extravagantly erratic personality, often seen toking on a cigar-sized spliff. To borrow Jones’ words, it tries to “access the madness.”The film ‘Finding Fela’ explores more than just ‘Fela the performer’ because family members and friends outlined their understanding of the man and the passion that drove him to achieve the heights he did. Sandra Izsadore, African-American former Black Power radical comments on Kuti’s regressive attitudes toward women and how he tried to be a husband to his 27 wives and lover to the countless lovers in his commune.I still enter when I remember certain scenes from the movie, like the one when Kuti stood up to show the camera his back when he came back from one of his numerous spells in the hands of the government of the Day.The movie is still in the cinemas and I recommend it for all fans of the legend and also for all those who want an excursion into the life of the one who said he “carried death in his pouch”.

By Darlington Abuda

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Nollywood Actress, Mercy Aigbe’s House Burnt To Ashes (VIDEO)

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The home of popular actress, Mercy Aigbe has been razed by fire and burnt down to ashes.

 

In a video she shared on her social media handle, she explained how devastated she is following the incident.

 

It is not known what caused the fire incident as there was no more information shared.

 

But according to her post, no life was lost in the fire incident…

 

WATCH VIDEO BELOW

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NFVCB partners UNILAG, LASU, Trinity University for media literacy and capacity building

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Tuesday, November 26, 2024, Dr Shaibu Husseini, the Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board, NFVCB declared a two day interactive session and capacity building event open for youths and undergraduates from five various higher institutions of learning in Lagos Nigeria.

 

The participating youths were drawn from University of Lagos, UNILAG; Yaba College of Technology, YABATECH; Lagos State University, LASU; Trinity University; and the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, LASUSTECH.

 

The participating students, which were over 300, gathered at the Afe Babalola Hall situated inside the University of Lagos for the training sessions that were specially created to empower and build capacity in various aspects that include directing, cinematography, acting, screenwriting, costume design and art creative design.

The opening ceremony had the keynote remarks delivered by Julie McKay, Public Affairs Officer, US Consulate, Lagos.

In her remark, McKay stressed that people are paying more attention to African creatives – films and music – especially Nigeria.

 

Speaking directly to the university undergrads, she said, “Many people are paying more attention to African creatives – films and music – especially Nigeria. I believe the next OSCAR winner might come from this room here in Nigeria.”

 

“U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in September that “Accurate information is vital to the health of any democracy.  It helps citizens understand the issues and effects – and events that are affecting their lives.  It empowers them to engage meaningfully in their communities, their country, the world.  When state or non-state actors spread disinformation, material deliberately meant to deceive or divide our public, they attack the very foundations of our free and open society.”

 

“The United States and Nigeria share a common vision for a future where our citizens not only have access to reliable information but can also identify and stop the spread disinformation. The best tool we have in the fight against disinformation is media literacy.” –

Continuing, she said the U.S has a lot to learn from Nigerians, hence the decision to partner and exchange knowledge. She also reeled out some of the partnerships with Nigerian creatives including Kunle Afolayan Production Academy where the U.S brought in experts for masterclasses to train next sets of filmmakers.

 

McKay also announced some of the programmes that will benefit students and young Nigerians  from a long list of exchange programmes that are organised annually by the U.S. consulate. “We have programmes like American music mentorship programme for music producers to get mentorship and work in a part of America where all these happen, we also have Script to Screen for a one year course that is specifically for students, and we are also partnering with Entertainment Week Lagos where we will be having a crash course on scripting.”

 

In the same vein, the chairman of the occasion, Mrs Toki Mabogunje, in her speech noted that the event was aimed at equipping young people with skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to critically evaluate and create media content.

 

Mabogunje further stressed that the event also aims to promote media literacy as a critical component of education, civic engagement and social responsibility as well as providing a platform for young people to learn, share ideas, and showcase their talents.

 

“As young people participating in this capacity building programme, you have the opportunity to sharpen your skills and learn from veterans and experts in the industry. At this point in time, as young people, you have the opportunity to shape the stories that will inspire, entertain and educate generations to come,” she said.

 

Dr Husseini, on his part, urged the participating students to listen and endeavour to use the opportunity to learn and evolve their talents while meeting with industry experts.

“Being a lecturer, a journalist, dancer and creative, I have always wanted capacity building for students and I have always yearned for more of this fora for talented students to learn and build on their imbued talents. I am most grateful to the industry experts that decided to do this and walk on this journey with us as well as the participating students,” the NFVCB Executive Director said.

 

In the same vein, Dr Theresa Ifeoma Amobi of the Mass COmmunication Department of University of Lagos, kicked off the teaching with her session that dwells on Media Literacy. Dr Amobi spoke on the Information skills as a tool for combating information anomaly and disorder. She took her time to teach the students, who also participated with questions and show of understanding throughout the session.

 

The two day event had top film practitioners like Uzodinma Okpechi and Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen taking the directing session, John Duloju taking the cinematography session, Keppy Ekpeyong and Bimbo Akintola taking the acting sessions, Toyin Ogundeji taking the Costume Design sessions, Leo Omoseebi taking the creative design session, Anthony Kehinde Joseph and Bunmi Ajakaiye taking the scriptwriting sessions.

 

The breakout sessions were held inside the Afe Babalola auditorium, Mass Communication Building 7, Mass Communication Building 5, Mass Communication Building 3, and Mass Communication Building 1 for the two days.

 

The event ended with some participating students winning prizes for their steadfastness and dedication to the training while all participating students were presented with the certificate for participation by the NFVCB ED and other directors in attendance.

 

Other Nollywood stakeholders spotted at the event include Ambassador Dr Queen Blessing Ebigieson, Bolaji Amusan aka Mr Latin, Owolabi Ajasa, Ella Utomi and others.

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Don Jazzy unveils dating app “Bammby” to celebrate 42nd birthday (Video)

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Nigerian record producer and singer, Collins Ajereh, professionally known as Don Jazzy, on Tuesday celebrated his 42nd birthday with the unveiling of his personal dating app: “Bammby.”

Don Jazzy revealed his personal dating app amid the celebration of his 42nd birthday via a post on his Instagram page: @donjazzy.

He wrote: “Another year older, another dream come true!

“For my birthday this year, I’m gifting us Bammby, my brand-new Dating App! .

“We must tackle this single life o.

“We already know it hurts.

“After years of dreaming, building, and perfecting, my dating app is finally here.

“So, while you celebrate with me, please do me one favour – Download ‘Bammby Dating’ from Apple and Android Stores.

“Today’s birthday is all about love, So, let’s find love together, and let’s make 2024 the year for me and you to find our perfect love match.

“Download link on our bio @bammbydating.”

Watch Video here:

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