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RMD, Olu Jacobs, Tuface, others storm premiere of Black Panther in Lagos + How the movie made over $172Million

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The ground floor of Filmhouse IMAX Cinemas in Lekki was packed full of eager Lagosians who had thronged the box office to purchase tickets for the new Black Panther movie directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther and King of Wakanda.
The massive turn-out was in reaction to the huge publicity campaign launched in anticipation of the movie’s February 13 and 15 release dates in the US and Nigeria.

News reports indicate that pre-booking estimates for the movie have gone past $172m  for its opening weekend making it the highest grossing Marvel movie since Deadpool.
Nestled within the crowd at the Imax cinemas in Lekki on Thursday February 15, 2018 were a select group invited by the US Consulate General to watch the official Black Panther premiere in Nigeria. The consulate had added the Black Panther screening to the activities commemorating this year’s Black History month.

Guests who included Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva; RMD; Pastor Paul Adefarasin; French Consular-General, Laurent Polonceaux; German Consular-General Ingo Herbert; Nella Hengstler of the Austrian embassy, Ovation Editor, Mike Effiong; celebrity dancer, Kaffy; movie director, Tope Oshin;  artist, writer and photographer Victor Ehikhamenor and wife; Artiste manager, Efe Omoregbe; Tuface and Annie Idibia and many more were treated to cocktails and hors d’oeuvre before being ushered into the Imax cinema where pop-corn and soft drinks were provided.
READ  Lupita Nyong’o has written a children’s book to change the way kids see beauty (Mashable)

Kene Mkparu, CEO of Filmhouse welcomed the guests before playing a special message that showed key staff of the US consulate mocked-up as Marvel Comic super heroes. There was also a special message from Marvel to Nigerian filmgoers which was quite approrpiateseeing that Nigeria gets a fair mention in the movie with the second or third scene set right in Sambisa forest.
Next up, the US Consular General, F. John Bray addresed his guests before introducing a US black studies scholar who made a few remarks before the movie kicked off.

The Black Panther movie is a cinematic moment, a ground breaking film that references movies and TV shows from James Bond to Game of Thrones to black movies by John Singleton and Spike Lee. Princess Shuri is clearly Q in Bond and the representative kings in T’Challa’s council chambers remind us of kings from the 7 warring kingdoms in Game of Thrones.
But references to Popular Culture aside, Black Panther delivers on many levels underlining the fact that it is fully deserving of all the hype.
Black Panther is many stories rolled into one – rage and revenge, love and loss and love, black consciousness and power as well as insularity and inclusiveness.

T’Challa’s brooding, though plucked from the pages of a comic book are elevated to Shakespearean heights. One moment he is a Black African king torn between keeping his people’s pristine ways or joining the rest of the world and the next he is prince Hamlet “to be or not to be-ing” his way through a crisis

There are as many stories as there are binaries but the blackness is undeniable. This movie is a white man’s creation appropriated by Black people and the story it tells is so achingly African there is no way a non-black director could have gotten all the nuances.

Black Panther is a morality tale for the ages but it is more than anything else a love story on many levels – T’Challa and Nakia, Erik Killmonger and his father, Prince Njobu, General Okoye and her husband W’Kabi, T’Challa and his sister, Princess Shuri, as well as the love of King T’Challa and his nascent queen, Nakia for their country Wakanda.
Coogler humanizes his characters, presenting us super heroes with not just heart but flaws and our all-too human frailties.
There is also a message for those who wish to be rulers. T’Chaka tells his son T’Challa – “you are a good man with a good heart and it is hard for a good man to be king.”
Or a politician for that matter.
 

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Among His Peers, Oba Orin Saheed Osupa Stands Out : The Fuji Star’s Storytelling Legacy By Alhaji Arems

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Among His Peers, Oba Orin Saheed Osupa Stands Out : The Fuji Star's Storytelling Legacy By Alhaji Arems

Among His Peers, Oba Orin Saheed Osupa Stands Out : The Fuji Star’s Storytelling Legacy

By Alhaji Arems

 

In the vibrant world of Fuji music, where the artistry of storytelling and cultural commentary thrive, Saheed Osupa has carved out a unique role as both an artist and an influencer of thought. Recently, his name has been lighting up social media discussions and generating significant buzz—not just because of his music but because of the depth of his words. Osupa’s trending status is rooted in his ability to subtly address pressing issues, particularly those surrounding the ongoing tension between fellow Fuji musicians Taye Currency and Pasuma Wonder.

 

 

Osupa’s recent contributions to this situation have not been straightforward; rather, he has adopted an artistic approach, using parables and proverbs—sometimes through complex storytelling—to impart wisdom. These nuanced messages, often hidden within his lyrics, resonate with fans who appreciate the clever way he brings age-old Yoruba wisdom into contemporary issues. One notable example involves a story about an animal (traditionally symbolizing patience and resilience) that many believe reflects Osupa’s thoughts on rivalry and pride. Through this parable, he seems to suggest the importance of self-reflection and restraint, especially in the heat of conflict.

Among His Peers, Oba Orin Saheed Osupa Stands Out : The Fuji Star's Storytelling Legacy

By Alhaji Arems

In a genre that values not only musicality but also the power of words, Osupa has long been seen as a master of *itan*, or storytelling. His recent songs echo the traditional Yoruba way of imparting wisdom through tales that serve as lessons. This is a skill that few artists have mastered, making his approach particularly impactful in today’s fast-paced digital world, where nuanced messages can often be overlooked.

Beyond the Taye Currency-Pasuma Wonder issue, Osupa’s trending status is also due to his reputation as a voice of reason and maturity in Fuji music. As a genre that is often vibrant and full of competitive spirit, Fuji has its share of rivalries. Yet, Osupa has often stood out by promoting unity and peaceful dialogue among Fuji artists. By sharing these reflective stories in his music, he adds layers of meaning that fans continue to unpack and discuss, drawing new audiences who appreciate both the artistry and wisdom behind his words.

The charm of Saheed Osupa lies in his timeless approach. In a world where trends are fleeting, he reminds fans of the importance of timeless values, urging reflection, humility, and understanding. As fans interpret and share his latest stories, Osupa’s message continues to resonate widely—proof that, in Fuji, the power of words can be as influential as the beat of the drum.

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What You Need To Know About Award-Winning Nigerian Actor, Mustapha Sholagbade

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What You Need To Know About Award-Winning Nigerian Actor, Mustapha Sholagbade

What You Need To Know About Award-Winning Nigerian Actor, Mustapha Sholagbade

 

Mustapha Ololade Sholagbade, born on January 1, 1989, in Ebute Metta, Lagos, is an accomplished Nigerian actor, producer, and filmmaker with a deep passion for Yoruba cinema. Originally from Abeokuta, Ogun State, he is the first child in his family. Sholagbade began his education at Kadara Primary School and continued at Sojomen Talabi High School, Akute, and Nawairudeen Secondary School, Ebute Metta. He later earned an Ordinary Narional Diploma in Business Administration from the Lagos State Polytechnic. Pursuing his passion for acting, he trained at Odunfa Caucus, where he graduated in 2010.

Sholagbade launched his acting career in 2005, making a name for himself in Yoruba-language films. His portfolio includes roles in popular films like Olowo Ghetto, Alaimo, Ebun Mi, Esi, Gold and Treasure, Liam, Emilomo Babaolowo, Oko Aunty Mi, Broken Bond (Tude), and Last Born. In addition to acting, he has also produced several films, further cementing his influence in the industry.

Beyond the entertainment world, Sholagbade is a versatile professional with experience in railway engineering, IT support, and site management in the UK. He is also a farmer and general merchant, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and diverse skill set.

Throughout his career, Sholagbade has collaborated with top figures in Yoruba cinema, such as Yinka Quadri, Taiwo “Ogogo” Hassan, Funke Akindele, Femi Adebayo, Odun Adekola, Oga Bello, Baba Wande, Jide Kosoko, Funsho Adeolu, Fathia William Balogun, Saidi Balogun, Wunmi Toriola, and Mide Martins.

Sholagbade’s hobbies include traveling, business, football, filmmaking, and meeting new people, reflecting his dynamic and outgoing personality.

Sholagbade’s talent and dedication to his craft have earned him numerous accolades, including: Best Actor Yoruba – BON Awards, 2024, Best Supporting Actor– Afro Nollywood Awards, UK, 2019, Best Supporting Actor– Heritage Awards, Atlanta, USA, Best Supporting Actor of the Year (Yoruba) – City People Movie Awards, Best New Actor of the Year (Yoruba) – City People Movie Awards.

With his achievements and versatility, Mustapha Ololade Sholagbade remains a notable force in the Nigerian film industry and a proud ambassador of Yoruba cinema worldwide.

What You Need To Know About Award-Winning Nigerian Actor, Mustapha Sholagbade

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Coalition Congratulates Oluyede on Appointment as Acting COAS

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Coalition Congratulates Oluyede on Appointment as Acting COAS

Coalition Congratulates Oluyede on Appointment as Acting COAS

 

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups against Terrorism in Nigeria has congratulated Major-General Olufemi Oluyede on his appointment as the acting Chief of Army Staff, (Ag COAS, Nigerian Army).

Coalition Congratulates Oluyede on Appointment as Acting COAS

The Convener of the Coalition, Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi, in a statement, said General Oluyede has the responsibility to consolidate the success achieved by the Nigerian Army under General Taoreed Lagbaja.

President Bola Tinubu had on Wednesday, October 30, appointed Oluyede as acting COAS pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja.

The Coalition said his appointment is a welcome development. It said: “Major-General Olufemi Oluyede is well qualified for the position. He was a member of the 39th regular course and commissioned as an officer in 1987. Aged 56, he was promoted to the rank of Major-General in September 2020. A professional and top-notch security expert, he brings a lot of hope and inspiration to younger officers as acting chief of Army Staff.

“His appointment is the way to go. As the acting Chief of Army Staff, Oluyede has the responsibility to lead an army that will administratively manage the institution, consolidate on the success achieved by General Lagbaja and his team to mop up remnants of insurgents, bandits and the ragtag criminal elements in the North, and dismantle the ethnic militias in the Southeast to bring peace in the country.

“The 56-year-old Oluyede shares a long history with General Lagbaja, with a track record and excellent service to the nation. Both are members of the 39th Regular Course and were commissioned as officers in 1987.

“Oluyede’s meritorious career began as a Platoon commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, advancing to Company commander at 177 Guards Battalion and later Staff Officer at the Guards Brigade and commandant of Amphibious Training School.

“Oluyede has been part of many notable operations, including the ECOMOG Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the Northeast, where he commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade.

“He has received honours, including the Corps Medal of Honour, and Grand Service Star, all recognition for passing the Staff Course and membership in the National Institute, and his dedication and achievements in service.”

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