Connect with us

Entertainment

Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen Celebrates Nollywood Greats with ISFF Awards Endowment

Published

on

Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen Celebrates Nollywood Greats with ISFF Awards Endowment

 

 

Veteran film and television greats, both living and those who have passed on but made indelible marks on the Nigerian film industry, also known as Nollywood, are up for celebration at the International Students’ Film Festival, dedicated to training young ones to be the future of Nigeria’s cinema industry.

 

 

With a keen eye to celebrate these all-time veterans of cinema, Edo-born filmmaker, Amb. (Dr.) Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen (aka D’Guvernor), has instituted film awards system to honour and celebrate the living and some fallen heroes of Nollywood whose works continue to resonate with audiences.
The second edition of International Students’ Film Festival (ISFF), a campus-based travelling film festival, is scheduled to take place at the Department of Film and Multimedia Studies, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, from September 16 – 20, 2024 where the living and late legends will be honoured with awards named after them. Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, hosted the festival’s first edition in 2023.

 

Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen Celebrates Nollywood Greats with ISFF Awards Endowment

Nollywood ace screenwriter Emem Isong has Emem Isong Misodi Award for Best Screenplay named after her, just as Iyen Agbonifo has Iyen Agbonifo Award or Best Costume category named after her, Cleopatra Starret has Cleopatra Starrets Award for Best Make-Up named after her and Sir, Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion Award for Best film on Culture also named after him. Also, four fallen heroes of the industry are up for honour with awards dedicated to their names. They are Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi of African Independent Television (AIT) for pioneering a television platform for showcasing films and soap operas, Chico Ejiro for his prodigious output as a filmmaker, Sadiq Daba and Enebeli Elebuwa for their pioneering roles as astute actors and Capt. Hosa Okunbo for his role as film financier and major entertainment supporter

Meanwhile, the long awaited nomination list for the students’ film festival, in collaboration with Nollywood National Conference, has been released. The ISFF 2024 jury, led by Dr. Charles Okwuowulu (DGN), a filmmaker and a senior lecturer with both Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Nkwo, Ebonyi State and Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State, observed that there was an avalanche of films coming from professionals rather than the students, noting that his jury team took time to ensure that only student projects were shortlisted for the awards.

While applauding Amb. Imasuen for initiating the International Students’ Film Festival as a training ground for aspiring filmmakers, Dr. Okwuowulu charged students in tertiary institutions both in Nigeria and across the globe to take advantage of this wonderful training/learning platform created by Amb. Imasuen who has made his mark in the Nigerian creative economy. Dr. Okwuowulu said he worked with other six distinguished jurors such as Dr. Gloria Ernest-Samuel, an Associate Professor of Media Studies at Imo State University, Owerri, Dr. Finest Uwaoma of University of Maiduguri, Dr. Richard Illoma of Rivers State University, Dr. Folakemi Ogungbe of Pan Atlantic University, Promise Soyenka (DGN) of the University of Port Harcourt and Joseph Osademe of African Independent Television (AIT) to arrive at the nomination list.

While congratulating the nominees, Festival Director, Mr. Michael Chinda, assured the general public that alliwas set to have a great film harvest in Port Harcourt, and called on all art lovers to be part of the unique film festival that has as theme ‘Unique UNIPORT 2024’. He commended the jurors who he said worked independently towards ensuring that the best films emerged as nominees.

The students’ films nominated for the nine award categories include Le Kadji, Dazed and Adaeze for Best Screenplay; Budge, Adaeze and Score for Iyen Agbonifo Award for Best Costume; Adeaze, Score and Dazed for Cleopatra Award for Best Make-Up; Obiora (Dominic Nweze as Obiora), Budge (Shedrach Sunday as Zazo) and Solitude (Ibinabo Fortune as Kelvin) for Enebeli Elebuwa Memorial Award for Best Actor (male) while for Female actor category, there are Adaeze (Jane Chidindu as Adaeze), Are You Human? (Ekienabor Sarah) and Score (Trinity Ugonabo as Nelo). Also, there’s Sadiq Daba Memorial Award for Best Short Film that has Dazed, Budge and Solitude, Capt. Hosa Okunbo Memorial Award for Best Feature Film with The Pirates, Praeda and Once Upon a Time at Ruth’s as nominees; Chico Ejiro Memorial Award for Best Director and has Budge, Dazed and Solitude as nominations; Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi Memorial Award for Documentary with 40 Years a Memory, The Rise and Ndito-Ufen as nominated films.

Amb. Imasuen said the motivation for setting up the student-based festival is to lend credence to his passion of empowering young people with skills in the industry where he has made a name for himself. He said he doesn’t want empowerment to be a mere slogan, but something that can be made real in the lives of young people who are willing to learn the rudiments of filmmaking. Secondly, he said the award component of the festival is designed as a celebration of both the living and practitioners who are fallen heroes and heroines of the industry, and to point the minds of young people towards emulating their achievements with a view to surpassing them in their craft.

“As the awards indicate, the names of the honourees are attached to them – some are alive and still working while some have passed on,” Amb. Imasuen said. “So this is to celebrate my colleagues who are still alive and to immortalise those who are dead, because we are giving the awards to young minds; this will stay with them and elicit curiosity in their minds to want to know more about these people, whether alive or dead, and be better educated about the industry they are coming into. The idea is to inspire these young filmmakers to be greater than the names attached to the awards given to them.

“So it’s a deliberate decision by me for Nollywood to honour these great men and women who have contributed and are still contributing so much to the growth of our industry by imprinting their names in the minds of these young, aspiring filmmakers, as worthy examples to follow as they come into Nollywood. They now have industry role models to shape their cinematic craft from start. Well, artists don’t die anyway. Those still alive also make good examples for them, too as lifelong mentors.
“But do people have to die before they are honoured? So this is my own way of letting the living know we respect them for their craft and to let the families of our fallen heroes know that we hold them dearly in our heart for the gift of their craft and the resources they gave us while they lived. This is why it’s significant that the awards for these young ones be named after these industry greats, so we don’t forget, for their memories to live on in our hearts for as long as possible, for their labour not to be in vain.”

Entertainment

Top Music Producer, Gbenga Leo Marks 45 Years in Music with Lagos Celebration

Published

on

Top Music Producer, Gbenga Leo Marks 45 Years in Music with Lagos Celebration

By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)

 

Otunba Gbenga, popularly known as Leo Taiwo, will be celebrated for his 45-year journey in the music industry at a special event scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in Lagos.

 

The event, set to hold at the Radio Lagos Marquee Hall in Agidingbi, Ikeja, is expected to bring together friends, family, and associates to honour a career defined by longevity and consistent contribution to Nigeria’s Fuji music scene.

 

Though not widely in the public spotlight, Leo Taiwo is regarded within industry circles as a respected figure whose work has spanned decades. His role as a music producer and collaborator has positioned him among the quiet contributors who have supported the growth and continuity of Fuji music over the years.

 

The celebration is slated to begin at 2 p.m., with guests expected to observe a white dress code. Attendance will be by access card, with caps and gele serving as entry identifiers.

 

Fuji star King Sule Alao Malaika is billed to lead the music for the occasion, while popular hosts Ifankaleluyah and Tokunbo Marvins will anchor proceedings.

 

The choice of venue underscores the cultural relevance of the event. Radio Lagos has long been associated with the promotion of indigenous music, making it a fitting location for a milestone rooted in tradition and legacy.

 

Reaching 45 years in any creative industry is a notable achievement. In a genre that has evolved across generations, such longevity reflects both resilience and sustained relevance.

 

As preparations continue, the event is shaping up to be not just a celebration of one man’s journey, but also a moment to acknowledge the enduring community behind Fuji music.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

BREAKING NEWS: Amb. Chelsea RC Nwodo Crowned NAGA Nollywood FACE OF AFRICA 2026 – A Triumph of Talent, Leadership, and Philanthropy

Published

on

*BREAKING NEWS

*Amb. Chelsea RC Nwodo Crowned NAGA Nollywood FACE OF AFRICA 2026 – A Triumph of Talent, Leadership, and Philanthropy*

Lagos, Nigeria – In a stunning display of talent, leadership, and philanthropy, Amb. Chelsea RC Nwodo has been crowned winner of the prestigious NAGA Nollywood FACE OF AFRICA 2026 award. This remarkable achievement cements her status as a powerhouse in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

 

Amb. Chelsea Nwodo, the newly crowned NAGA Nollywood FACE OF AFRICA 2026, has extended her heartfelt gratitude to all who supported her in this remarkable achievement.

 

“I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude to announce that I have been crowned the winner of the prestigious NAGA Nollywood FACE OF AFRICA 2026 award,” Amb. Nwodo said. “I want to express my sincere appreciation to everyone who voted for me, including my loving family members and TOSA to NAGA , I am honored to be part of this prestigious award and I appreciate the recognition.”

 

Amb. Nwodo, a multifaceted personality, has proven herself as an acclaimed actress, dedicated philanthropist, and visionary business leader. Her exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing Nollywood has earned her the respect and admiration of her peers.

 

As CEO of the Chelsea Nwodo Foundation, she drives transformative initiatives empowering women and children, fostering growth and opportunity. Her leadership skills extends to Chy-kas Travels and Tour, showcasing her entrepreneurial acumen.

 

Recently appointed Chief of Staff to the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Abubakar Yakubu, Amb. Nwodo’s exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing Nollywood is undeniable.

 

Amb. Nwodo’s philanthropy resonates deeply. Her impactful “Operation Feed 5000 Street Children” program, in partnership with Regal Connect Foundation-Ghana, delivered food, shelter, and skills training to vulnerable children in Ghana, attracting high-profile support.

 

Her NAGA Nollywood FACE OF AFRICA 2026 win celebrates not just her achievements but her dedication to uplifting others, making her a beacon of hope across industries. This recognition solidifies her position as a role model and influencer, inspiring a new generation of artists and entrepreneurs.

 

The NAGA Nollywood FACE OF AFRICA award is a testament to Amb. Nwodo’s hard work, talent, and commitment to excellence. Her win is a proud moment for Nigeria and the African continent, showcasing the best of Nollywood’s talent and philanthropy.

 

BREAKING NEWS *Amb. Chelsea RC Nwodo Crowned NAGA Nollywood FACE OF AFRICA 2026 – A Triumph of Talent, Leadership, and Philanthropy*

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Faaji Unlimited : Omo-Opeki Announces ‘Step Up,’ ‘Multi Talented,’ And ‘God’s Mercy’ — A Historic 3-in-1 Fuji Album Set For April 8 Release 

Published

on

 Faaji Unlimited : Omo-Opeki Announces ‘Step Up,’ ‘Multi Talented,’ And ‘God’s Mercy’ — A Historic 3-in-1 Fuji Album Set For April 8 Release

By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji) 

Alhaja Queen Isimot Abake Abiola, widely known as Omo-Opeki, is stepping into a defining moment in her career with the official announcement of her ambitious 3-in-1 Fuji album. Titled Step Up, Multi Talented, and God’s Mercy, the project is scheduled for release on April 8 — a date that also marks her birthday.

 

More than a strategic rollout, the timing signals intention. It frames the project as both a personal milestone and a cultural statement, positioning the veteran Fuji act at the center of a conversation that extends beyond music.

 

A Three-Part Statement of Growth, Identity, and Gratitude :
By unveiling the titles of the three albums, Omo-Opeki transforms what was once a bold concept into a fully realized artistic vision.

Each title carries its own thematic weight:
• Step Up suggests progression — a conscious elevation into a new phase of artistry and influence

• Multi Talented highlights range, reinforcing her versatility within a genre that rewards depth and endurance.

• God’s Mercy reflects gratitude, pointing to the spiritual and personal journey that underpins her career.

 

Together, the albums form a layered narrative. Rather than a single body of work, the 3-in-1 structure allows for a broader exploration of identity, sound, and storytelling — a format that aligns naturally with Fuji’s tradition of extended compositions and expressive delivery.

 

April 8 : More Than A Release Date :
Choosing April 8 as the release date adds a deeper layer of symbolism to the project. Birthdays often represent renewal, reflection, and forward momentum — themes that mirror the essence of the album titles themselves.

 

For Omo-Opeki, the alignment of her birthday with such a significant release suggests more than coincidence. It positions the moment as a personal and professional convergence — one that celebrates longevity while signaling evolution.

 

In an industry where timing can shape perception, anchoring a major release to a date of personal significance strengthens the narrative around it. It becomes not just a drop, but a moment of declaration.

 

Rewriting the Narrative for Women in Fuji :

Fuji music, deeply rooted in Yoruba Islamic and Apala traditions, has long been shaped by male dominance in both performance and large-scale releases. While female artists have contributed significantly to its growth, landmark projects of this magnitude have rarely been associated with women.

 

Omo-Opeki’s 3-in-1 album challenges that precedent.

Executing a multi-volume release demands more than creative output. It requires strategic planning, financial commitment, audience loyalty, and the confidence to carry such weight within a traditional space. By taking on this scale, she is not only expanding her own catalog but also redefining what is possible for female Fuji musicians.

Leadership Beyond The Studio :
Beyond her work as a recording artist, Omo-Opeki serves as the President of the Elite Women Musician Association of Nigeria (EWMAN). Her role within the organization reflects a broader commitment to advocacy, mentorship, and structural support for women in the music industry.

This dual position — as both artist and leader — strengthens the significance of her upcoming release. It reinforces her credibility not just as a performer, but as a figure actively shaping opportunities for others.

 

Balancing creative output with industry leadership is no small feat. Yet, it adds weight to the moment, positioning the album as part of a larger narrative around representation and access.

 

A Strategic Moment For Fuji in a Global Era :
The announcement arrives at a time when Afrobeats continues to dominate global conversations, often overshadowing indigenous genres. In this context, bold releases within traditional spaces carry added importance.

 

A project of this scale does more than spotlight an individual artist — it draws attention back to the genre itself.

 

By delivering a 3-in-1 album with clear thematic direction and symbolic timing, Omo-Opeki is contributing to a renewed visibility for Fuji. It becomes a reminder that the genre remains dynamic, evolving, and capable of commanding attention on its own terms.

A Defining Chapter in Motion :
With Step Up, Multi Talented, and God’s Mercy, Omo-Opeki is not just releasing music — she is curating a moment that blends personal significance, artistic ambition, and cultural impact.

 

April 8 will mark more than a birthday. It will stand as a milestone in her journey and, potentially, a turning point in the narrative surrounding female artists in Fuji music.

 

As the date approaches, anticipation continues to build. But beyond expectation lies something more enduring — the sense that this release is not just about what is coming next, but about what it makes possible going forward.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending