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Julian Sands: British actor confirmed dead

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Julian Sands: British actor confirmed dead

Julian Sands: British actor confirmed dead

 

 

Sadly, Julian Sands is dead. Human remains found in mountains in California have been confirmed to be those of British actor Julian Sands, who went missing on a hike in January.

 

 

 

Walkers found the remains on Saturday, police said, and they have now been formally identified.

Sands, 65, was best known for his roles in the Oscar-winning film A Room With A View and TV dramas 24 and Smallville.

His other credits included 2011’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, in which he appeared opposite Daniel Craig.

 

Julian Sands: British actor confirmed dead

 

 

Sands disappeared on 13 January during bad weather in the Baldy Bowl area of the San Gabriel Mountains.

Air and ground searches were hampered as California was battered by deadly storms, as well as icy conditions and a threat of avalanches.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said the remains found in the Mount Baldy area at the weekend had been positively identified as the missing actor.

“The manner of death is still under investigation, pending further test results.

“We would like to extend our gratitude to all the volunteers that worked tirelessly to try to locate Mr Sands,” they said in a statement.

 

 

 

 

Last week, the star’s family thanked the Californian authorities for their efforts in trying to locate him.

“We are deeply grateful to the search teams and coordinators who have worked tirelessly to find Julian,” they said.

“We continue to hold Julian in our hearts with bright memories of him as a wonderful father, husband, explorer, lover of the natural world and the arts, and as an original and collaborative performer.”

At the end of January, brother Nick Sands, who lives in North Yorkshire, where he, Julian and their three other brothers grew up, said he had already said his “goodbyes”.

“I have come to terms with the fact he’s gone and for me that’s how I’ve dealt with it,” he said.

Sands was a keen hiker. His friend and hiking partner Kevin Ryan has previously said that it was a true passion of his, and that “he was the most advanced hiker I know”.

Born in Otley, Yorkshire, and educated at Lord Wandsworth College in Hampshire, Sands started his acting career with roles in such films as The Killing Fields.

 

 

That brought him to the attention of director James Ivory, who cast him, ahead of the likes of Rupert Everett, in the 1985 film adaptation of EM Forster’s novel A Room With A View.

Set in Edwardian-era England and Italy, the film centred around Helena Bonham Carter’s character Lucy Honeychurch and her ever-growing love for Sands’ free-spirited George Emerson.

The film, which also featured Dame Maggie Smith, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Dame Judi Dench, was a box office hit and won Oscar, Bafta, and Golden Globe awards. The British Film Institute has named it one of its top 100 British films.

 

 

 

Later, Sands played the English Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley in Ken Russell’s psychological thriller Gothic, before moving to Hollywood.

He played the title role in the 1989 horror film Warlock and its sequel, and his other big screen credits included prominent parts in Arachnophobia, Boxing Helena, and Leaving Las Vegas, as well as starring opposite Jackie Chan in the action-comedy film The Medallion in 2003.

His TV roles included a Russian terrorist in Kiefer Sutherland’s TV drama 24 in 2006, and Superman’s biological father Jor-El in Smallville in 2009.

 

 

A friend and fellow actor John Malkovich introduced Sands to his wife, the writer Evgenia Citkowitz. The couple, who had two children, lived in North Hollywood.

Sands was previously married to Sarah Sands, former editor of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, with whom he also had a son.

 

Entertainment

Eazie Boi, The Voice of A United Continent/Eazie Boi, The Voice of A Socialist Society

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Eazie Boi, The Voice of A United Continent/Eazie Boi, The Voice of A Socialist Society

 

Raymond Israel, popularly known as Eazie Boi, is a dynamic professional Ib-based music recording artist… A songwriter, singer and rapper…Eazie Boi is an indigene of the state of Akwa Ibom… He’s released heartwarming singles like No Para, Oshey, Dispare, Burning Bridge, Endsarz Symphony. He just wanted to thank he’s Fans audience around the world for their support from day one. He is currently working on new projects combining his commitment to Pan-African network and a socialist government breeding consciousness into Afro-beats and hip-hop music.

 

He places himself in the lineage of pan-African singers like Paul Robeson, Miriam Makeba and the all time greats legendary Fela Kuti. His vision of a united continent and a socialist society is an awareness of the importance of pan-African solidarity of the continent and the diaspora.

For the vocalist, Africa is rich in its diversity and its unity around the philosophical concept Ubuntu. He likes to recall the strength of the Kemits and of the young African today who wishes to take charge of her future.
This commitment begins with his EndSarz symphony, a text committed to calling for an end to police brutality. ENdSars is this social movement of protest against the political violence carried out by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, a unit of the Nigerian police. This mass protest movement calls for an end to oppression and police brutality in Nigeria. Eazie Boi then embraced socialist ideas. In his leaflet, he calls for socialist revolution in his country, Nigeria, which has problems with brutality, corruption and massacres. He then became the spokesperson for an entire generation of young Nigerians wishing to improve their living conditions.

He wants to make it known that he is working hard and will release his debut EP album in 2025. Although the release date has not yet been set, it will be communicated via his social media account.
Facebook Page:- Eazie Nation
Instagram account:- iam_eazieboi
X:- iam_eazieboi

 

His style of music and his musical genre are a panel of his talents. Although he is gifted in rapping and singing, his preferred style remains afro-beats. He is part of the lineage of current Naija artists who assert themselves as African and Afrobeat remains his favorite genre.
Rap remains a means of expression on political and social issues in Africa but also in the world. Singing is another cool way for Eazie Boi to express his feelings and communicate his ideas to the world.

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Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards 2025: Full List of Nominees Sparks Intense Reactions

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Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards 2025: Full List of Nominees Sparks Intense Reactions

Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards 2025: Full List of Nominees Sparks Intense Reactions

The highly anticipated nominations for the 2025 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) have been unveiled, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested battle among Africa’s finest in film, television, and digital content. With projects released between January 1 and December 31, 2024, the selection showcases an impressive array of talent and storytelling prowess across various categories.

Among the standout contenders, Lisabi: The Uprising, Skeleton Coast, House of Ga’a, and Freedom Way have emerged as dominant forces, securing multiple nominations, including Best Movie and Best Director.

Top Acting Categories

The Best Lead Actor category is stacked with some of Nollywood’s finest, featuring Gideon Okeke (Tokunbo), Stan Nze (Suspicion), Femi Adebayo (Seven Doors), and Adedimeji Lateef (Lisabi: The Uprising). These seasoned actors will battle it out for the prestigious award, each having delivered powerful performances that left audiences in awe.

On the other hand, the Best Lead Actress category sees a stellar lineup, including Chioma Chukwuka (Seven Doors), Bimbo Ademoye (Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre), and Uche Montana (Thinline), all of whom have been recognized for their compelling roles in some of the year’s most talked-about films.

Fan-Favorite Categories and Industry Buzz

The digital space is also well represented, with the Best Digital Content Creator category featuring talents like Iyo Prosper Adokiye, Maryam Apakagi-Greene, and Elozonam Ogbolu. As social media continues to play a major role in content creation, this category is expected to be one of the most closely watched.

In addition, the Best Multichoice Talent Factory Movie category highlights emerging talents from across Africa, reinforcing the AMVCA’s commitment to nurturing young filmmakers. Titles such as Gone (West Africa), Everything Light Touches (West Africa), and The Immersive Alarm (East Africa) made the cut.

Biggest Showdowns and Surprises

The Best Director category is another highlight, with Robert O Peters (Skeleton Coast), Norman Maake (Inkabi), Bolanle Austen-Peters (House of Ga’a), and Femi Adebayo (Seven Doors) competing for the prestigious accolade. With each director bringing a unique touch to their respective films, this category is expected to be highly competitive.

Meanwhile, the Best Movie category features an exciting mix of epic blockbusters and critically acclaimed productions, including Lisabi: The Uprising, Skeleton Coast, Suspicion, Inkabi, House of Ga’a, Freedom Way, and Christmas in Lagos.

Full List of Nominees

Best Digital Content Creator

  • Iyo Prosper Adokiye
  • Maryam Apakagi-Greene
  • Elozonam Ogbolu, Hoviare Freedom, Chiamaka Uzokwe
  • Jide Pounds Ibitoye
  • Ariyiikedimples, Brain Jotter

Best Movie

  • Lisabi: The Uprising
  • Skeleton Coast
  • Suspicion
  • Inkabi
  • House of Ga’a
  • Freedom Way
  • Christmas in Lagos
  • Farmer’s Bride

Best Director

  • Robert O Peters – Skeleton Coast
  • Norman Maake – Inkabi
  • Bolanle Austen-Peters – House of Ga’a
  • Awam Amkpa – The Man Died
  • Daniel Emeka Oriahi – The Weekend
  • Femi Adebayo, Adebayo Tijani, Tope Adebayo – Seven Doors

Best Lead Actor

  • Gideon Okeke – Tokunbo
  • Bucci Franklin – The Weekend
  • Femi Branch – House of Ga’a
  • Thapelo Makoena – Skeleton Coast
  • Bimbo Manuel – Princess On A Hill
  • Stan Nze – Suspicion
  • Femi Adebayo – Seven Doors
  • Adedimeji Lateef – Lisabi: The Uprising

Best Lead Actress

  • Chioma Chukwuka – Seven Doors
  • Gbugbemi Ejeye – Farmer’s Bride
  • Uzoamaka Onuoha – Agemo
  • Uche Montana – Thinline
  • Uzoamaka Aniunoh – Phoenix Fury
  • Hilda Dokubo – The Uprising: Wives On Strike 3
  • Bimbo Ademoye – Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre

(Additional nominees for other categories omitted for brevity.)

What’s Next?

The 2025 AMVCA promises to be a night of glitz, glamour, and well-deserved recognition for the best in African entertainment. With some categories too close to call, fans and industry insiders are eagerly anticipating the final results.

Voting lines are now open, and the audience is encouraged to support their favorite nominees. As the countdown to the awards night begins, the excitement continues to build, with predictions and debates already dominating social media discussions.

Who will take home the prestigious AMVCA trophies? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—this year’s edition will go down as one of the most competitive and talked-about in the history of the awards.

 

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Tayo Folorunsho Expands Nollywood’s Frontiers with KAP Film and Television Institute Graduation

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Tayo Folorunsho Expands Nollywood’s Frontiers with KAP Film and Television Institute Graduation

Tayo Folorunsho Expands Nollywood’s Frontiers with KAP Film and Television Institute Graduation
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Nollywood, Africa’s largest film industry, is witnessing a new wave of transformation as industry professionals seek to refine their expertise and elevate the sector to global standards. In a major development, Tayo Folorunsho, a renowned edutainment entrepreneur and filmmaker, has successfully completed a professional program at the prestigious KAP Film and Television Institute in Lagos.

Tayo Folorunsho Expands Nollywood’s Frontiers with KAP Film and Television Institute Graduation

As the Founder of The Big Break Moment Africa and Head of Operations at EDUTAINMENT FIRST INTERNATIONAL LTD/GTE, Folorunsho has been instrumental in bridging education and entertainment, empowering young creatives, and shaping the future of Nollywood. His latest academic pursuit signals a shift towards business-driven filmmaking, which is crucial for Nollywood’s sustainability and competitiveness on the global stage.

Speaking on his motivation for enrolling at KAP, Folorunsho emphasized the need for filmmakers to go beyond creativity and embrace the business aspects of filmmaking.

“I was desirous of knowing the rudimentary part of the business aspect of filmmaking, beyond just creativity. Nollywood is expanding, and for it to remain competitive globally, we need to understand the financial and structural backbone of the industry. I got that knowledge here at KAP, and I am thoroughly impressed,” he stated.

With Nollywood ranking as the second-largest film industry in the world by output, industry stakeholders are increasingly focusing on enhancing production quality, securing better distribution models, and maximizing revenue streams. Folorunsho’s training at KAP has provided him with the tools to navigate the evolving landscape of global entertainment, positioning him as a key player in Nollywood’s next growth phase.

“This is a milestone for me. It has prepared me to be an all-around movie executive, not just a filmmaker. The experience at KAP has provided me with an A-to-Z understanding of movie-making, positioning me to contribute meaningfully to Nollywood’s future,” he added.

Folorunsho’s graduation reflects a growing trend in Nollywood, where professionals are seeking formal education to refine their craft and improve the industry’s global reputation. With streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime increasing their investment in Nollywood content, there is a greater demand for well-structured, high-quality productions that meet international standards.

As Nollywood expands its influence beyond Africa, the industry must adopt sound business models, better intellectual property protection, and strategic partnerships to maximize its potential. Folorunsho, through his work at EDUTAINMENT FIRST INTERNATIONAL LTD/GTE and The Big Break Moment Africa, is at the forefront of this new movement, inspiring and mentoring emerging creatives.


With his newfound expertise, Folorunsho is expected to spearhead innovative film projects, edutainment initiatives, and strategic collaborations that will shape Nollywood’s future. His approach to filmmaking—one that blends creativity with business intelligence—sets a new standard for how Nollywood professionals should position themselves in a rapidly evolving industry.

As the Nigerian film industry continues to gain recognition on the global stage, leaders like Tayo Folorunsho are proving that education, innovation, and strategic business knowledge are essential to Nollywood’s long-term success. His recent achievement is not just a personal milestone but a testament to Nollywood’s ongoing transformation into a world-class entertainment powerhouse.

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