Showbiz
Heritage Bank Provides N5bn Funding Package for Entertainers, Others
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A funding package worth N5 billion has been set aside for players in the showbiz industry in Nigeria by Heritage Bank, one of the lenders in the country.
The funding support is to take the creative sector to a greater height and eventually stimulate sustainable growth to the nation’s economy, especially now that it is battling to exit recession.
The entertainment industry is one of the major avenues for boosting economic activities and creating massive jobs. However, the coronavirus disease pandemic has dealt a huge blow on the sector in 2020.
But Heritage Bank is coming to inject a new life into the ecosystem through various initiatives, including an online giveaway competition for the launch of the bank’s new product, the Ynspyre Account, which was set aside for talented young Nigerians in the different spectrum of the creative and entertainment industry.
At the unveiling of Ynspyre Account, the winner of the online contest, Mr Damilola Adeyemi, was presented with N1 million cheque by the brand ambassador, Mr Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, better known by his stage name D’Banj.
The MD/CEO of Heritage Bank, Mr Ifie Sekibo, emphasised that the development and growth of the entertainment industry will get as many people as possible involved as manufacturing, banking and other sectors cannot do it alone.
“The entertainment is going to take a new lease of life [and] with the Ynspyre platform, we are hoping to start with this and obviously it will grow to another level. You will see greater things in a couple of months,” he was quoted as saying in a statement from the lender.
Mr Sekibo said the music industry has done much for Nigeria in terms of employment and foreign exchange earnings and if more resources could be put into it, the country would be better for it.
Besides supporting individual artistes in the industry, the bank has also partnered with some organisers to perform and produce some entertainment shows.
In his remarks, D’Banj commended Heritage Bank for assisting the entertainment sector, especially with the N5 billion, noting that, “The reason for setting up this fund is for creative people like me, you (Adeyemi) and the other upcoming artists to have access to it.
“I want to commend Heritage Bank for believing not just in me but in the creative industry. Over the years, Heritage Bank has worked behind the scene to sponsor and invest in lots of creative projects.”
Speaking on the modalities of the product, he disclosed that the Ynspyre Account is the perfect account, specifically created to accommodate and support creative ideas in the industry, which do not need collateral.
“Just open your Ynspyre account, get your proposal ready on what you intend doing in the creative industry; be it music, fashion, lifestyle, IT and others because they have created categories for each and every one of us to enable us to assess funds, supports, loans and grants at single-digit interest rates,” he explained.
On his part, Mr Adeyemi, who disclosed the creative industry had never got such spotlight before, said that he was inspired by the cash reward, as the Ynspyre Account product serves as a boost to the creative industry.
“Prior to now, artistes struggle to get to the level they find themselves either through their personal funds, manager or parents’ funds. Finally, it is actually time for us to shine and the spotlight is on us.
“Big thank you to Heritage Bank for creating this platform, for creating this opportunity, I am so excited. It couldn’t have come at a perfect timing; N1 million during COVID-19, it only can be better. I want to thank Heritage Bank for believing in D’Banj and the creative industry, for counting us worthy to invest in us,” he stated.
Winner Achimugu, the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Best Graduating Student 2024, has embarked on a six-week scholarship at the prestigious New York Film Academy (NYFA). This achievement not only celebrates her exceptional talent and dedication but also reinforces MTF’s commitment to nurturing world-class African filmmakers ready to make their mark on the global stage.
Since its inception, MTF has been more than just a training ground; it’s a launchpad for African storytellers. Alumni from the academy have consistently demonstrated excellence, with films and projects winning awards, receiving grants, and gaining international recognition. Notable projects include 2070, which clinched Best Short Film at the African SDGs Film Festival, and Isekonu, a Zee World short film, officially selected for the Lagos Fringe Festival 2025 and nominated for Best Student Film at the Bayelsa International Film Festival.
These achievements reflect MTF’s ethos of equipping young filmmakers with both the technical skills and creative vision necessary to succeed, both locally and internationally.
The 2024 Best Graduating Student, Winner Achimugu, distinguished herself among her peers with a combination of talent, dedication, and storytelling finesse. Her selection for the NYFA scholarship is a testament to her hard work and to the quality of mentorship and training at MTF.
Through this program, she will engage in intensive workshops, hands-on training, and industry exposure that promise to elevate her craft. The scholarship is not just an award, it is a bridge connecting African storytelling to global cinematic opportunities, embodying MTF’s brand promise of fostering talent that transcends borders.
This scholarship opens new avenues for growth, offering exposure to international techniques, networks, and collaborative experiences that could define the trajectory of her career. For MTF, it’s a validation of its mission: cultivating a generation of filmmakers whose creativity, vision, and impact will resonate far beyond Africa.
As this journey unfolds, it reinforces the message that African cinema is on the rise, powered by storytellers who are ready to take their place on the world stage. With MTF alumni leading the way, the future of African filmmaking looks brighter than ever.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A 12-hour non-stop entertainment event offering various performances and activities all night long will take place in Lagos from the evening of December 21 into the early hours of December 22, 2025.
This programme known as InsomniaQ, is being put together by one of Africa’s leading digital payments platforms, Quickteller.
Quickteller is a brand powered by the Interswitch Group, and InsomniaQ was created to celebrate African creativity.
The all-night music and entertainment experience will hold at the Ballroom of the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.
It is designed to capture the vibrancy and cultural energy that define Lagos in December. InsomniaQ is positioned to become Africa’s newest must-attend December destination.
The concert blends diverse African soundscapes, creative expression, and immersive lifestyle experiences, offering a night curated for music lovers, diaspora returnees, cultural enthusiasts, and everyone drawn to the city’s festive season.
More than a concert, InsomniaQ represents a new cultural moment, one that celebrates the richness, depth, and diversity of African talent. With a lineup cutting across contemporary and alternative genres, the festival aims to introduce a bold, fresh, and unforgettable experience within Lagos’ already vibrant entertainment landscape.
“InsomniaQ is an invitation to celebrate African creativity in a way that feels bold, fresh, and true to who we are.
“Quickteller has always been an essential part of the experiences people value, and this festival brings that connection to life in an entirely new dimension.
“As Lagos welcomes friends, family, and visitors from around the world each December, we are proud to introduce a platform that showcases our music, our culture, and the vibrant energy that defines this season,” the Divisional Head of Growth Marketing for Quickteller Ecosystem at Interswitch, Mr Olawale Akanbi, noted.
Through Quickteller, Interswitch continues to champion initiatives that go beyond digital transactions to enrich the everyday life of millions of Nigerians.
InsomniaQ extends this mission by empowering cultural expression, unlocking creative opportunities, and supporting the continent’s growing entertainment ecosystem.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The quartet of Oyindamola Timothy (Fashion), Steve Adeyemo (Tech), Uche Kalu (Dance), and Emmanuel Elijah (Music) emerged the category winners of the Stanbic IBTC FUZE Talent Show 4.0.
They received N10 million each for their efforts, along with mentorship opportunities, industry exposure, and support to advance their creative journeys.
The four were chosen from the 12 finalists at an event aired on Sunday, December 14, 2025, on AIT (DStv Channel 253) at 7:00 pm, Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151) at 5:00 pm, and streamed live on the official Stanbic IBTC YouTube channel, connecting millions of viewers to the excitement and energy of the show.
The 2025 edition drew over 6,000 entries nationwide and continued to inspire a new wave of innovation among young Nigerians in fashion, technology, dance, and music. The participants fought for a share of the N90 million in prizes put up by the organisers.
This year, the FUZE Talent Show also introduced an exciting new twist: The Fan Favourite Feature, which allowed viewers across the country to vote for the contestant who most inspired them. This addition deepened audience participation and further strengthened FUZE’s mission to connect creativity with community support.
“FUZE 4.0 truly lived up to its promise as The Ultimate Show, a platform that celebrates courage, creativity, and innovation.
“Every contestant who graced that stage reminded us of the extraordinary potential of Nigerian youths.
“At Stanbic IBTC, we are proud to continue creating opportunities that help young people dream bigger, think bolder, and achieve more. It is all about home-grown talent for us as we power the made-in-Nigeria initiative,” the chief executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mr Chuma Nwokocha, said.
As excitement builds for FUZE Festival coming up on Saturday, December 20, 2025, attendees can anticipate experiencing this year’s edition theme The Ultimate Show in full, with circus-style attractions, from magicians and parade performers to flash mobs and art displays.
An expanded marketplace, freebies from participating partners and on-site Stanbic IBTC services will enhance convenience, while performances by Wande Coal, Pheelz, Chike, and Ms DSF will add a nostalgic, high-energy finish. Interested attendees can register to attend via the Stanbic IBTC Events App or visit www.events.stanbicibtc.com to secure their spot.
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