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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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Oleksandr Usyk Defeats Tyson Fury Again, Solidifies Legacy Among Boxing Greats

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Oleksandr Usyk Defeats Tyson Fury Again, Solidifies Legacy Among Boxing Greats

Oleksandr Usyk Defeats Tyson Fury Again, Solidifies Legacy Among Boxing Greats

Ukrainian boxing sensation Oleksandr Usyk retained his heavyweight championship titles and cemented his place in boxing history with a unanimous decision victory over Britain’s Tyson Fury in their rematch on Saturday night.

The judges scored the bout 116-112 in Usyk’s favor across the board, marking his second consecutive win over Fury. This victory extended Usyk’s flawless professional record to 23-0, with 14 knockouts, adding another chapter to a career already highlighted by Olympic gold and an undisputed cruiserweight championship.

A Masterclass Performance

Usyk, 37, showcased his signature precision and relentless pace, repeatedly catching Fury with clean left hooks and dominating the latter stages of the fight. Fury, at 6ft 9in (206cm) and weighing a career-high 281 pounds, attempted to impose his physicality but was unable to break Usyk’s composure.

The fight, held in Saudi Arabia, saw Usyk wearing traditional Cossack attire during his entrance, while Fury entered the arena dressed in a festive Santa-inspired robe to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”

The early rounds were competitive, with Fury landing powerful jabs and body shots. However, Usyk’s endurance and tactical brilliance began to shine in the middle rounds. The Ukrainian landed sharp combinations and dictated the tempo, including a stunning uppercut in the final round that left little doubt about the outcome.

“I thought I’ve won both fights,” Fury said post-match, sporting a bruised right eye. “But I’ll always believe until the day I die that I won that fight.”

A Legacy Sealed

Usyk’s victory solidified his standing as one of the greatest heavyweights in history. Already the first undisputed heavyweight of the four-belt era, Usyk joins the ranks of legends like Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, and Mike Tyson.

The bout, reported to have a prize purse of $190 million, also underscored Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global sports. Usyk, who served briefly as a soldier during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, celebrated his victory by hoisting a symbolic sabre belonging to Ukrainian nationalist hero Ivan Mazepa.

Fury’s Uncertain Future

The defeat leaves Fury’s future in doubt. Once unbeaten across 35 fights, Fury now stands at 34-2-1. His attempt to reclaim glory after a brief retirement in 2022 has been marred by back-to-back losses to Usyk.

Usyk, on the other hand, continues to add to his already remarkable resume, leaving fans and critics alike in awe of his technical skill, resilience, and determination. As the heavyweight division looks ahead, Usyk’s reign appears unshakable, and his place among boxing’s all-time greats is firmly secured.

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Testimony Jaga Redefines Gospel Music with Fuji Rhapsody

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Testimony Jaga Redefines Gospel Music with Fuji Rhapsody

Renowned gospel artist Testimony Jaga has set a new standard in the genre with the release of his highly anticipated album, Fuji Rhapsody. This innovative project masterfully blends the electrifying rhythms of Fuji music with uplifting gospel messages, offering a unique and transformative musical experience.
With a runtime of approximately one hour, Fuji Rhapsody takes listeners on a continuous, spiritually enriching journey, brimming with energy and inspiration. The album is available for streaming on popular platforms, including Spotify, iTunes, Audiomack, Boomplay, and more.
Whether you’re a fan of vibrant Fuji beats or seeking soul-stirring gospel tunes, Fuji Rhapsody is an album that promises to inspire and uplift. Press play and let its powerful melodies rejuvenate your spirit today!
Stream Fuji Rhapsody Here:

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Governor Monday Okpebholo C.O.N Celebrates His Grace, Bishop Desmond Osazuwa, on His Birthday – December 21

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His Excellency Governor Monday Okpebholo C.O.N Celebrates His Grace, Bishop Desmond Osazuwa, on His Birthday – December 21

 

The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo C.O.N., has extended warm birthday wishes to His Grace, Bishop Desmond Osazuwa Amasihohu, in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the state and his unwavering support during the Governor’s electoral victory.

In a heartfelt message, Governor Okpebholo expressed his profound admiration for Bishop Amasihohu, acknowledging his steadfast leadership, spiritual guidance, and commitment to the well-being of the people of Edo State.

“I am delighted to celebrate Bishop Desmond Osazuwa on his special day,” the Governor stated. “His tireless prayers and invaluable support during my election campaign played a significant role in our collective success. His dedication to the spiritual and physical growth of Edo State is a testament to his purposeful leadership and unwavering faith.”

Reflecting on the Bishop’s years of service, the Governor added, “On behalf of my family and the entire Edo State, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Bishop Desmond Amasihohu on his birthday. He is a true son of Edo, whose contributions continue to enrich our lives. Today, we celebrate not just his birthday but also his enduring impact on our state and beyond.”

Governor Okpebholo emphasized the importance of honoring individuals who dedicate their lives to service. “Recognizing Bishop Desmond Osazuwa aligns with our shared values of inclusivity, unity, and gratitude. His contributions to the spiritual and social fabric of Edo State are invaluable, and we are truly blessed to have him among us.”

Bishop Desmond Osazuwa Amasihohu has spent decades spreading the gospel and transforming lives both within Edo State and across the globe. His birthday celebration drew dignitaries, community leaders, and well-wishers who gathered to honor his life and legacy.

The occasion stands as a powerful reminder of the values of faith, service, and unity that guide the Governor’s vision for a stronger Edo State.

“Happy birthday, my Bishop,” Governor Okpebholo concluded. “Your wisdom and contributions to the development of our state are deeply appreciated. May the Lord Almighty bless you with good health, strength, and continued prosperity.”

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