Showbiz
Heritage Bank Reaffirms Support for Nigeria’s Entertainment Sector
By Dipo Olowookere
The importance of the showbiz industry to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) cannot be pushed aside and as a result, Heritage Bank Plc has reiterated its commitment to the growth and development of the country’s creative industry.
In an assessment of the industry’s performance done recently, Nollywood defied recession and had grossed an amazing N1 billion from a record 50 indigenous movies in 2016- its best box office returns ever.
Group Head, Corporate Communications at Heritage Bank, Mr Fela Ibidapo, in a chat with journalists after the viewing of part one of a movie titled: A Soldier’s story return from the dead at Genesis Cinemas in Shoprite, Lekki, Lagos recently as part of activities to herald part two of the movie, noted that the bank prided itself in its ability to hand hold different sectors of the economy in order to nurture them and help them to grow, remarking that the bank’s participation in the recent Nigeria’s creative summit has further given it a boost as it is now more committed to supporting the entertainment industry.
Mr Ibidapo noted that the creative industry is one of the major contributors to the country’s GDP and Heritage Bank is committed to supporting it because it is part of the country’s heritage.
According to him the bank is proud of the entertainment industry and will continue to stand by operators in it by supporting them and watch them grow.
“We had worked with Mekloss Production & Frankie Ogar Film to produce the first edition of the movie -A soldier’s story return from the dead- and we are also committed to work with them in the production of the second edition of the movie,” he said.
He remarked that the Nigerian entertainment industry has come of age as there were now more exposures with many of them now showing in cinemas.
Producer of the movie, Mr Martin Gbados said they got support from Heritage Bank to make the first edition and they also felt they should still involve the bank in the production of the second edition which would involve a leading American movie star, Eric Roberts and other international and local stars such Akin Lewis and Segun Arinze among others.
Roberts is a Golden Globe Award three times nominee as well as two times nominee of Academy Award for his supporting role inRunway Train (1985) as well as a prolific film producer in the US.
Mr Gbados said the entertainment industry needed support from the Federal Government and investors to be able to produce films in the country so that much of the money that goes into film production could retained in the country.
The central theme of the A soldier’s story return from the dead is about the sacrifices that soldiers and other security agents make in the cause of carrying out their duties.
The film producer noted that, “We often limit the sacrifices to them but what about their wives, kids and families that they need to take care of in the home front otherwise they won’t be able to concentrate on their core assignments.”
So the overriding objective of the film is to bring the sacrifices of the people in those institutions to the fore so that people can appreciate and respect them.
It will be recalled that the Federal Government had commended Heritage Bank Limited for its commitment to the development and growth of the creative industry at the recently concluded two-day creative Nigeria summit with the theme: Financing the Film, Television and Music Industries; which was co-sponsored by the bank.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A popular music act, Mr Terry Alexander Ejeh, otherwise known as Terry Apala, has been remanded in a correctional centre in Lagos for alleged mutilation of the Naira notes in January 2025.
He was arraigned on Friday, April 25, 2025, by the Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC) on a single-count charge bordering on mutilating the Naira notes.
The musician was accused of committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.
“That you, Terry Alexander Ejeh, on January 5, 2025, at La Madison Place, Oniru, within the jurisdiction of this court, whilst dancing during a social event, tampered with Naira notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) by marching on the same and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007,” the count read to Terry Apala today at a Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, read.
However, he pleaded not guilty to the offence when it was read to him, which prompted the prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, to ask for a trial date, urging the court to remand him in a correctional centre.
The defence counsel, Mr Felix Nwabuda, informed the court of a bail application dated April 23, 2025, and prayed the court for a short date for the hearing of the application.
“Whilst praying the court for a short date for the hearing of the bail application, I will be craving the indulgence of the court to release the defendant to the defence.
“We undertake to produce him in court. He will not evade hearing. He came in from the United Kingdom on April 23, 2025; and on the invitation of the EFCC, he came on his own,” he stated
But the prosecution counsel opposed the application, saying, “The application is alien and unheard of.”
“I urge the court to afford us the opportunity to look at the application and respond properly so that the court can make a well -informed ruling,” he said.
In a short ruling, Justice Akintayo Aluko refused the application of the defence, ordering the remand of the defendant in the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending the determination of the bail application. The matter was, thereafter, adjourned till May 5, 2025.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Global streaming platform, Spotify, has announced the availability of its Artificial Intelligence (AI) playlist in Nigeria.
In a statement on Friday, it said the AI Playlist in beta is for its premium users in more than 40 markets, including Nigeria.
This feature can be found via the search tab of Spotify by simply typing AI Playlist and selecting one of the suggestions.
With AI Playlist, Spotify will curate a personalized playlist made just for users based on the tracks, artists, genres and more. This is easy to revise and refine as users only have to ask for what they want – like “more upbeat,” “more new releases,” or “happier songs.”
The most successful playlists are generated through “genre”, “mood” or “artist” prompts. But animals, activities, movie characters, colours – and even emojis – are all fair game too.
Some fun prompts the platform suggests users to try out include Afrobeat tracks for the dance floor, Trending K-Pop hits I need to know, Reggaeton for hanging out at the beach, Songs to hype me up for a football match, and Latin songs from my top genre, among others.
Since launching last year, premium users have created millions of playlists with the goal of finding music that fits any mood or moment in an instant.
Now, Spotify is making it even easier for users around the globe to create the perfect playlist and find their next favorite artist.
The company has promised that this feature would expand to markets across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Caribbean.
The wait is over – Nigerian Idol Season 10 is finally here, and the premiere delivered all the excitement and talent fans of the show hoped for.
Back on the judges’ panel are Omawumi and Ric Hassani. Last season, we saw them strike a balance between fun and honest feedback, and this year, they’re stepping it up.
Ric shared that he’s watching out for contestants with soul, skill, and voices that are just genuinely enjoyable to hear. Omawumi is looking for something more instinctive, a spark of originality, showmanship, and a voice that immediately makes people sit up.
Then there is Iyanya, the newest judge at the table. As a product of a reality music show himself, he knows the pressure these contestants are under. For him, it’s all about raw talent, star quality, and people who are ready to command the stage.
From the first auditions, you could tell the competition this season is going to be tough. There were strong voices, bold performances, and yes, a few funny and unexpected moments that reminded everyone why the audition stage is a fan favourite.
One standout moment was the return of Mikky, the very first contestant to ever receive a Platinum Ticket in the history of Nigerian Idol. He came back this season stronger and more confident and delivered a performance that had the judges impressed again. It earned him another Platinum Ticket, proving that when talent meets growth, it’s a winning combo.
So far, the scorecard reads: 17 yeses, 9 no’s, and 1 Platinum Ticket gone, with two still up for grabs.
Season 10 is shaping up to be one worth watching. If this first episode is anything to go by, we’re in for a season full of standout moments and new stars in the making.
Catch all-new episodes every Sunday at 7 p.m. on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv ch. 151, GOtv ch. 12) and Africa Magic Family (DStv ch. 154, GOtv ch. 2). For non-stop Idol content from auditions to backstage moments, tune in to the 24/7 Idol Extra channel on DStv channel. 198 and GOtv channel. 49.
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