Showbiz
FilmOne to Premiere ’76 on Netflix August 4
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Five years after premiering in cinemas across Nigeria, the award-winning movie, ‘76, will be available to audiences worldwide on the global streaming service, Netflix, from August 4, 2021.
The flick is being taken to the global platform by a leading film company in West Africa, FilmOne Entertainment.
‘76, produced by Adonis Production and Princewills Trust, was released in cinemas in 2016. The movie was set six years after the Nigerian civil war and tells the story of Joseph Dewa, a young military officer from the Middle Belt, who gets into a romantic relationship with an O-level student, Suzy, from the South-eastern region.
However, their relationship is strained by constant military postings and Suzy’s family, who would not tolerate a relationship with Joseph’s people.
In a series of events that unfold amid betrayal from a close friend, Joseph is falsely accused of being a co-conspirator of the unsuccessful 1976 military coup that ultimately led to the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed. Proving his innocence and securing his release became dependent on the bravery of his pregnant wife.
It stars multi-award-winning actor, Ramsey Noah in the lead role, supported by ace actors – Rita Dominic, Chidi Mokeme and Ibinabo Fiberisima, amongst others.
Following its hugely successful Nigerian launch, ‘76 went on to screening at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2016 and was the closing film at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in the same year.
Co-founders of Filmhouse Group (owners of FilmOne Entertainment), Kene Okwuosa and Moses Babatope, are excited about the acquisition and described the film as a model for the region.
“We are happy to be part of such a remarkable milestone in the Nigerian film industry. ’76 is a clear example of dynamic story-telling, portraying the essential characteristics of an ideal global export from this region,” Okwuosa said.
They also maintained that the film has the potential to influence positive perceptions about the industry on the global stage.
“This kind of content shapes a narrative that portrays the richness of our history, culture and artistry, in great light. We are super proud of the ’76 team and thankful to Netflix for recognizing a gem,” Babatope added.
Producers, Adonijah Owiriwa and Tonye Princewill issued a joint statement, expressing their hope that the deal would be the first amongst many.
“Proving once again that Nollywood is a powerhouse, not only for Africa but the world. We have always been very selective about our projects and this deal is evidence that good things happen to those who wait and pay attention to detail,” they said.
According to director, Izu Ojukwu, seeing ‘76 reach a global audience is a dream come true, noting that, “My team and I poured our heart and soul into the making of this film, to honour the age and live up to the responsibility the project itself placed on us. My overwhelming thought is gratitude for the opportunity and appreciation for the recognition.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
To support emerging artists in Ghana, a global streaming platform, Spotify, has announced a multi-year investment through its Creator Equity Fund by donating to Accra-based Vibrate Space.
Vibrate Space, a non-profit organisation operated by Surf Ghana, is a community recording studio and music business programme offering education, mentorship and space to young Ghanaian artists so that they can create, connect and collaborate.
Spotify first partnered with Vibrate in September 2022 with a donation that facilitated the launch of the studio. Over the past six months, the platform has registered over 200 studio bookings and hosted many more creators for events and classes.
To help Vibrate achieve its robust plans to grow and support the creative economy in Ghana, Spotify is making a sizeable donation from its Creator Equity Fund to be administered over multiple years.
“Since Spotify’s arrival in Africa five years ago, we have worked to identify opportunities to support artists in ways that speak directly to each of our markets.
“The partnership with Vibrate allows us to continue supporting emerging artists and cultural entrepreneurs in Ghana in addition to the on-platform work we are doing in the country,” the Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) at Spotify, Ms Phiona Okumu, said.
Also commenting, the Global Head of Artist and Audience Partnerships at Spotify, Mr Joe Hadley, said, “Spotify is proud to continue our efforts to support and uplift creatives with our Creator Equity Fund.
“I’m excited to share that from that fund, we’re announcing a donation to the Vibrate Space in Accra, Ghana. They have been incredible partners to us, continually pouring into the local community and creating a space where artists can come together to grow creatively. We’re looking forward to hearing the music, stories, and success that will come out of Vibrate.”
Similarly, the Managing Director for Spotify SSA, Ms Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, said, “Spotify is constantly seeking new and innovative ways to promote African music and celebrate and support its creators.
“We see ourselves as a global platform with a local focus, and we really drill down to understand what is happening across the continent and how we can support both artists and users in those markets.
“Our partnership with Vibrate is one way that we are doing this in Ghana, but we have plans and projects in place to support artists both on and off platforms across the region.”
On her part, the founder and director of Surf Ghana, Ms Sandy Alibo, said, “We are happy to be partnered with Spotify. They’re really supportive of the alternative scene, and not every brand understands that.
“We work with young and emerging artists and creators who are looking to make a mark in the music industry, and Spotify is a brand that speaks to young people and has played a significant role in taking African and Ghanaian music to the world.”
Vibrate intends to use the additional funding for artist support and establish an artist-in-residency and exchange programme to fuel creativity, collaboration and cultural exchange, as well as a women’s programme aimed at supporting women’s growth in the industry.
The platform also wants to expand its educational offerings by extending the highly successful monthly masterclasses for another two years and introducing a three-month instrument learning programme, starting with piano lessons and expanding into other instruments.
Entertainment options online refer to any form of media or content that is designed to provide enjoyment, amusement, or relaxation through digital platforms. This includes video streaming services, online gaming platforms, social media, music streaming services, podcasts, and more. With the rise of the internet and the proliferation of digital media, there are now countless entertainment options available online.
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How to choose the right entertainment options online
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Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right entertainment options online is important for a variety of reasons. It can have a positive impact on our mental health, provide opportunities for learning and growth, and help us make better use of our time. On the other hand, choosing the wrong entertainment options online can be a waste of time, have a negative impact on our mental health, and lead to missed opportunities for learning and growth.
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By Modupe Gbadeyanka
On Sunday, March 26, 2023, The Voice Africa will air on free-to-air TV stations across 14 countries in Africa, where the main sponsor of the show, Airtel Africa, operates.
This would excite fun-seekers on the continent as they would be glued to their television screens for 25 weeks.
A statement from the firm said one show would be aired per week, with the first episodes being blind auditions based solely on the talents’ voices and not looks.
It was stated that The Voice Africa would follow the format of the global show, starting out with blind auditions, battle rounds, knockouts, playoffs and concluding with the live shows.
The Voice Africa is expected to attract both a pan-African and global audience, featuring a high-profile panel of coaches and TV hosts who will witness one of the 100 selected talents eventually crowned The Voice Africa.
About 78,804 registrations were received from Nigeria, Kenya, Seychelles, Tchad, Uganda, Congo, Zambia, Tanzania, Rwanda, Gabon, Madagascar, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
However, 12,308 talents were selected for auditions, and a total of 100, seven per country, in addition to two wild cards, were chosen to proceed to the live shows in Lagos, Nigeria.
“We are thrilled to finally bring Africa’s exceptional musical talents to the world through the continent’s version of the global award-winning show, The Voice.
“The Voice Africa will display African musical talent, delivering excitement and entertainment to millions across the world, whilst showcasing amazing voices, performances, and intrigues.
“It is an opportunity to celebrate and contribute to Africa’s music scene through real-life stories of resilience, persistence, struggle, and success that some of you can relate to and will undoubtedly impact your lives,” the Group Chief Commercial Officer of Airtel Africa, Mr Anthony Shiner, stated.
In 2021, Airtel Africa announced a groundbreaking $57 million investment in education in partnership with UNICEF that aims to provide and increase access to digital education for the betterment of Africa’s children’s futures.
Other initiatives Airtel Africa has been involved in over the years include the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs), the Zain Africa Challenge, which brought university students together in a quiz contest, and the Airtel Rising Stars, a football tournament for Under-15 boys and girls.
These are initiatives of the company to showcase the youthful talent on the continent.
Airtel Africa partnered with FAME Studios Africa to broadcast The Voice Africa on the continent.
