Showbiz
Sanwo-Olu Praises Chain Reactions Africa for Lagos Shopping Festival
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The management and staff of Chain Reactions Africa have been applauded by the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for the successful hosting of the Lagos Shopping Festival.
The inaugural edition of Lagos Shopping Festival, a 72-hour non-stop shopping and entertainment fiesta, ended on a high note on Thursday, December 26, 2024 with incredible musical performances by some of Nigeria’s A-list artists like Young Jonn, Teni The Entertainer, and EmmaOMG.
Others were Adekunle Gold, Wande Coal, BNXN, Ayo Maff, DJ Neptune, D’Incredible DJ, DJ Dips and DJ YK Mule.
Mr Sanwo-Olu praised the Public Relations (PR) company for creating an unforgettable blend of entertainment and commerce and reigniting the culture of strategic scaling and optimisation of small businesses.
According to the Governor, the fact that the 72-hour non-stop event was concluded without any hitch or medical emergency was a testament to the organisers’ excellent organisational skills and event management capability.
He emphasised that the festival has demonstrated its ability to drive collaboration and business connectivity while advancing the collective aspiration for a thriving, inclusive and resilient Lagos, which stands as Nigeria’s commercial hub and model for other states.
At the event, hordes of shoppers and fun seekers thronged the iconic Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos to experience a shopping and partying fiesta that exploded beyond their expectations.
They braved the chilly weather, sang and danced along to the performances of some of the best Nigerian acts, leaving indelible memories etched on their minds.
The festival, with free gate fee, turned out to be the biggest event in Lagos this December. Powered by the Lagos State Government in collaboration with Chain Reactions Africa, a frontline PR firm – together they made the Christmas holiday truly magical for Lagosians from December 23-25 with non-stop vibes and unforgettable shopping experiences.
The Lagos Shopping Festival is the first that brings and connects shoppers with Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), providing opportunities, value-driven collaborations and growth with innovators, entertainers and creative industry, as well as the food industry and everyone at appreciably discounted deals.
Indeed, the festival was a success story, with commendations also coming from several vendors as well as lead sponsors and top brands such as Zenith Bank, Tolaram Group, First Bank Plc and Guinness. These iconic brands brought unmatched energy and creativity to the festival, reinforcing their shared dedication to promoting the country’s vibrant culture, heritage and national pride.
Showbiz
Top 5 Africa Magic Holiday Movies and Shows You Can’t-Miss This December
What happens when love turns up most unexpectedly? In The Escort, a professional male escort and a lonely businesswoman are drawn into an unlikely connection. For her, it’s a chance to break free from an unfaithful marriage. For him, it’s a moment to question the life he’s built. As their worlds collide, tough choices and emotional turmoil follow. This December, Africa Magic brings you The Escort showing at 4:30 pm on the 25th of December on Africa Magic Showcase GOtv channel 8 alongside other must-watch Africa Magic movies and shows to light up your holiday season.
Here are some standout titles to look forward to on Africa Magic.
Africa Comedy Night: Bovi is bringing the laughs this holiday season with three days of comedy you won’t want to miss. From December 24th to 26th, tune in to the Africa Magic Showcase channel on GOtv channel 8 at 6 pm and a repeat on the 28th of December, 4th of January 2025 and 11th of January 2025 at 7 pm for its special lineup of stand-up routines, funny skits, and witty takes on everyday life. Whether you’re relaxing with family or just need a good laugh, the Africa Comedy Night is here to keep the festive spirit alive. Don’t miss it.
Uriri: This movie tells the story of two brothers whose lives take very different paths after a tragic family history. Twenty years after the love story of their parents, Ogaga and Serome, the twins, one a slave, the other freeborn, find themselves facing off in the Agbaka wrestling tournament. As they fight for survival and honour, they must deal with their past and the choices that shaped their lives. This powerful drama is about loyalty, identity, and the bonds of family. Watch Uriri on December 30th at Africa Magic Showcase, GOtv channel 8, at 6:30 pm.
The PTA: Kennedy, a teacher at Ascending Scholars School in Abuja, wants nothing more than a simple, peaceful life. But life seems determined to throw him curveballs. With a failed engagement, mounting debts, and the tragic loss of his closest friend, Kennedy finds himself at the end of his rope. At a seemingly mundane PTA meeting, surrounded by parents, staff, and students, Kennedy finally cracks. Armed with a gun, he takes everyone, hostage, unraveling a cascade of secrets and exposing the hidden connections that bind everyone in the room. Featuring Segun Arinze and Eric Obinna, The PTA is a must-watch series—it premieres January 2nd, 2025, on Africa Magic Showcase GOtv channel 8.
The Good Neighbour: A single father and his young daughter leave Abuja for a fresh start in Lagos. However, their new life takes an unexpected turn when they discover that their landlord and neighbour are familiar faces from the father’s past. As old connections resurface, secrets and unresolved issues threaten to upend their new beginning, leading to a mix of drama, humour, and heartfelt moments. Don’t miss it, showing on the 22nd of December at 9:30 pm on Africa Magic Family GOtv channel 4.
subscribe now to unlock a world of exciting and entertaining programs. To upgrade, subscribe, or reconnect, simply download the MyGOtv app or dial *288#. To catch up and for on-the-go viewing, don’t forget to download the GOtv Stream App and enjoy your favourite shows anytime, anywhere.
Showbiz
Africa’s Beats Are Owning the Global Music Spotlight
Africa’s music scene is no longer just a regional sensation, it has become the pulse of global pop culture.
As African music continues to enchant global audiences, Spotify Wrapped 2024 unveils the diverse range of genres that people now enjoy all over the world. While Afrobeats and Amapiano often dominate headlines, this year’s Wrapped data sheds light on other emerging sounds that define Africa’s music.
Reimagined histories
Hiplife and Highlife from Ghana, rooted in the country’s rich cultural history, remain highly exported due to their fusion of traditional Highlife melodies with contemporary beats that keep them globally relevant.
Artists like King Paluta, Fameye, and KiDi are leading the way in blending traditional Highlife melodies with modern sounds. Fameye’s Very Soon and King Paluta’s Aseda—a heartfelt song of gratitude—are examples of how the genre is evolving. Their fresh take on Highlife has helped drive a 54% increase in global streams, a sign of the genre’s appeal to both local and international audiences.
In Kenya, Arbantone is mainly characterized by beats from samples of Kenyan old-school hits. This sound combines elements of Gengetone and old Jamaican riddims, led by a wave of young rappers who bring the raw lyricism of Gengetone. Captivating young audiences, Arbantone is quickly rising on local music charts.
Arbantone grew significantly in 2024, partially thanks to viral dance challenges on social media. Artists like Dyana Cods’ “Set It”, harnessed the genre’s infectious beats and catchy lyrics to connect with her fans. The song became one of the most popular Arbantone tracks in Kenya, securing the number 3 most streamed Arbantone track in Kenya as revealed by the 2024 Spotify Wrapped data.
Embracing experimental sounds
Nigeria’s Alté is becoming more popular abroad where it’s now the country’s fourth-most exported genre in 2024. Pronounced “uhl-teh”, a shorthand for alternative, you may have heard the experimental mix of Afrobeats, R&B, and hip-hop, with electronic influences on tracks like Soh-Soh by Odeal or Amaarae’s Wanted. The likes of Amaarae, Lady Donli and Odunsi (The Engine) paved the way for a new generation of artists like DEELA, DETO BLACK and brazy to tap into Alté’s rebellious, bold and unconventional brand of self-expression. The global success of Alté-influenced musicians like Tems, Rema and Odeal symbolises how the genre is taking its place in mainstream music culture. Countries like Ghana have embraced the sound with over 60 billion Spotify streams, and Alté now has 41% more global plays than it did a year ago.
South Africa’s Afro House, known for its deep rhythms and soulful vocals, has become a favourite in electronic music circles around the world. DESIREE and DJ Shimza have been instrumental in influencing the growth of Afro House. DESIREE sets blend African rhythms with modern electronic sounds, while DJ Shimza’s electrifying global performances have propelled the genre to new heights. As more artists from around the world incorporate African sounds into their music, the genre has influenced global dance floors.
Household names
Afrobeats continues to lead Africa’s music revolution, evolving rapidly and driving the movement forward. In 2024, the genre saw a significant 28% increase in global streaming. Tracks like Santa by Ayra Starr, Rauw Alejandro, and Rvssian highlight the genre’s versatility, while Calm Down by Rema and Selena Gomez underscore its widespread international appeal. Collaborations like Skillibeng and Tyla’s Jump, Gunna showcase Afrobeats’ adaptability and its growing dominance on global charts.
Amapiano, meanwhile, has emerged as Africa’s fastest-growing genre, with a phenomenal 59% increase in global streaming in 2024. Another sign that the future of global music will undoubtedly feature even more beats, grooves, and melodies from the continent.
Showbiz
GOtv Unlocks All Channels for Subscribers
The end-of-year festivities in Nigeria are all about family, fun, and finding little moments of joy to wrap up the year on a high note. But let’s face it — with prices skyrocketing left and right, the holidays can feel a bit overwhelming. That’s where GOtv comes in to save the day! From December 27th to 29th, 2024, they’re throwing open the doors to their entire lineup — and guess what? It’s completely free for every subscriber, connected or disconnected, no matter your package or subscription status.
Yes, you read that right—every single channel on GOtv will be open to all subscribers, no matter your subscription status. It’s GOtv’s way of saying thank you to its loyal customers while spreading festive cheer across households nationwide.
Festive Entertainment for Everyone
Imagine spending three full days enjoying a variety of channels, from blockbuster movies and award-winning series to exciting sports action, kids’ entertainment, and local dramas. Whether you’re hosting family and friends or simply relaxing at home, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during this festive period.
Here’s a taste of what’s in store:
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Epic Movie Marathons: Dive into Hollywood blockbusters and Nollywood favourites on channels like M-Net Movies and Africa Magic.
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Exciting Sports Matches: Catch up on live football and other thrilling games on SuperSport channels.
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Family-Friendly Fun: Keep the kids entertained with their favourite cartoons and educational programs on GOtv Kids.
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Local Entertainment at Its Best: Enjoy gripping local series, comedy skits, and cultural showcases on channels like Africa Magic Yoruba and Igbo.
Why You Should Tune In
This offer is more than just a festive treat; it’s a chance for all GOtv subscribers to explore the platform’s rich content library without limitations. Whether you’ve been curious about upgrading your package or simply want to maximize your current subscription, now is the perfect time to experience all GOtv has to offer.
No extra steps are needed to enjoy this special festive offer. Simply turn on your decoder and dive into the entertainment!
For more information about GOtv’s offerings, visit www.gotvafrica.com or follow @GOtvng on social media for updates.
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