Showbiz
Heritage Bank Partners IFCOD to Host One Language Dance Drama
By Dipo Olowookere
One of the financial institutions in Nigeria, Heritage Bank Plc, recently partnered with organizers of the International Festival of Contemporary Dance (IFCOD) to host the second edition of One Language, a musical production of intrigue, dance and drama.
The lender explained that the partnership was part of its commitment to the growth and socio-economic development of Nigeria’s creative industry.
The essence of the musical production is to unite humanity across the world and it was staged at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos over the weekend following its successful debut in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital in 2016.
Heritage Bank is supporting the creative industry because of its significant contribution to the Gross Domestic Product of the country. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said recently that the industry contributed more than $16 billion to the newly rebased GDP of the country in 2016.
Mr Chibuike Agu, Head of Content and Digital, Heritage Bank said the bank partnered with the organisers of IFCOD because dance and drama connect with the heritage of the Nigerian people, remarking that dance is one of the diverse ways of reflecting the culture of a people and depicts culture in its entirety.
In her address of welcome, Mrs Elo Inyeinengi-Etomi, the Convener of IFOCD, said “IFCOD is you and I, it is our shared pain and joy. It is our struggle to be heard and seen. It is the realization of our dreams. It is the realization of kindred spirit. It is us speaking one language.”
She said IFOCD as a platform meant different things to different people, adding that “it is a means to empower youths, a medium to share our story, a haven for talent, a place for rehabilitation and social integration, a connection hub, an interdisciplinary melting pot and pure gift of life.”
Mrs Etomi said IFCOD came into being because of her aspiration for people to appreciate the performing arts not only as a form of entertainment but also as a tool of socio-economic development.
In a goodwill message, Mr George Etomi, said IFCOD has continued to raise the level of cultural awareness through dance and drama by presenting ‘One Language’ and ‘Dance of the Rivers’ in Lagos at a time when the ‘centre of excellence’ was celebrating its 50 years of existence.
He also noted at a time when the political space was heated up with various interpretations of ‘restructuring’ it was somewhat fortuitous that ‘One Language’ is a dance drama that sends a powerful message about people common origins and destiny as humans.
Mr Etomi said, in the One Language musical production, “if we searched deep, we are one people united by one language while ‘Dance of the Rivers’ tells the story of the origins of the modern Ijaw people who travelled along the River Niger from the Futa Jallon Mountain to their present abode in Rivers State.”
Also speaking, Mr Segun Adefila, director of the One Language Dance drama, said One Language is about the different people in the world speaking one language in triumph and tribulation, joy and sorrow, hunger, anger and laughter which have no ethno-sectarian leanings.
They all share the same basic human traits and define humanity even in the face the pervading cruelties that stare them in the face.
The director said, “One Language explores among other things, the human themes of love, loss, misery, and ultimate human victory in unity,” adding that dance, music, spoken words and multimedia projections are finely juxtaposed to give the viewer and listeners, a total theatre experience that will linger on in their minds.
The choreographer of the project, Mr Victor Erebifa PHULU, popularly called ‘Sir Vic,’ is a veteran dancer, dance teacher and a dance judge of high repute with more than 25 years’ experience in African and Nigerian dances.
By Dipo Olowookere
Award-winning music star and Kukere singer, Iyanya, has been selected as one of the judges for the 2025 edition of the prestigious music talent show, Nigerian Idol.
He will the duo of Omawumi and Ric Hassani to groom and score budding artists expected to audition and contest for the grand prize of the programme.
Iyanya, born Iyanya Onoyom Mbuka, is a product of a reality music show, MTN Project Fame West Africa, which he won in 2008.
He will actively partake in 10th season of Nigerian Idol starting on April 20, 2025, with the theme Your Voice, Your Victory.
The organisers of the show have assured that it would be a showcase of exceptional talent, compelling performances, and intense competition as contestants vie for the ultimate prize.
The programme will premiere on Sunday, April 20, at 7 pm on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv ch. 151, GOtv ch. 12) and Africa Magic Family (DStv ch. 154, GOtv ch. 2).
Immediately after the premiere, the Idol Extra channel (DStv ch. 198, GOtv ch. 49) goes live, with the audience having the opportunity to get 24/7 coverage with exclusive content, including auditions, backstage moments, and more.
Continuing its support for young talent, Bigi Drinks, remains the headline sponsor, joined by Nivea. Other sponsors include Camosunate, Arla Dano, and Daravit.
“Nigerian Idol is more than just a competition; it is a platform that transforms lives. Over the years, we have seen aspiring artists step onto that stage and emerge as stars.
“With the line-up of judges this season, fans can expect passion, commitment, and insightful feedback that will enrich the overall experience of the show,” the Executive Head of Content and Channels for West Africa at MultiChoice, Busola Tejumola, stated.
Business Post gathered that the organisers have not changed the host of Nigerian Idol, IK Osakioduwa, who returns to guide viewers through competition, bringing his signature charm and engaging presence to the stage.
Since its revival in 2021, Nigerian Idol has grown into one of the country’s most anticipated music shows, helping young Nigerians chase their dreams.
The world of faith, power, and secrets collides in the must-watch three-part drama, The Good Shepherd, premiering from March 21 to 23 on Africa Magic Showcase Channel 8. This beautiful story will keep you glued to your screen as it unfolds the shocking transformation of a pastor whose pursuit of expansion leads him down an unexpected and dangerous path.
Set in the heart of Lagos, Nigeria, the movie follows Ava, a young and ambitious pastor who dreams of growing his church while desperately trying to save his dying wife. His faith is tested in ways he never imagined when he crosses paths with Chief Ogundowo, a man who will stop at nothing to cover up his son’s crime. What starts as an innocent connection soon becomes a dark entanglement as Ava is introduced to the chilling world of human trafficking.
Amid this chaos stands Ruth, a dedicated church member and Ava’s accountant. She is a woman of faith, but she is also a woman of ambition. Her influence on Ava could either help him find his way back or push him deeper into the shadows.
Will Ava’s faith and morals hold strong against the weight of desperation and corruption? Will he sacrifice his values to save his wife, or will he lose everything in the process?
The Good Shepherd is not just another drama. It is a deep, emotional story that reflects real-life struggles with power, faith, and morality. If you enjoy intense and deep content, this is one you cannot afford to miss.
Another must-watch series is The Real Housewives of Lagos, where drama, luxury, and high-society chaos meet.
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, a new episode drops, bringing even more heat. This season has been packed with drama from the start, and if you haven’t been watching, now is the perfect time to catch up and see what you’ve been missing. 
After all the drama that came with Sophia joining the group, she is blending into the circle pretty well. She even took the ladies on a luxury trip to Ghana, but trust the Real Housewives of Lagos to turn any getaway into a battlefield. All the classiness and bougieness of these queens quickly went down the drain when Dabota and Carolyna went at it over an ex-husband and long-buried issues. Voices were raised, sides were taken, and things got messy real fast. The tension in the group is at an all-time high, and friendships are hanging by a thread.
You do not just want to hear about the drama. Experience it firsthand and catch them on Africa Magic Showcase, GOtv Channel 8, every Sunday at 7:00 PM.
The best part? You do not have to wait or settle for less when it comes to premium entertainment. With GOtv’s Step Up offer, you can upgrade your package and enjoy even more top-quality content, including movies like The Good Shepherd on Africa Magic Showcase.
Do not just hear about it. Experience it. Step up 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.
Not everyone enjoys romantic movies. Some prefer mysteries, shocking scandals, and real-life crime stories that keep them on edge. If you’re looking for intense investigations, high-stakes deception, and compelling drama, these must-watch shows on Showmax deliver.
Mr. Robot S1-4 | Now Streaming
The battle isn’t always fought in the streets; sometimes, it’s online. Winner of two Golden Globes and three Emmys, Mr. Robot follows Elliot Alderson (Rami Malek), a cybersecurity expert with crippling anxiety who gets pulled into an underground hacker collective led by the enigmatic Mr. Robot (Christian Slater). But the deeper he goes, the blurrier the lines between reality and illusion become.
Hailed as one of the best TV series of the decade, Mr. Robot keeps you questioning everything you think you know.
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
The Ringleader The Case of the Bling Ring | First on Showmax | Stream from Wednesday, 19 March
The Case of the Bling Ring. They weren’t just fans; they wanted to live like their idols. This real-life documentary tells the shocking story of the Hollywood teenagers who robbed A-list celebrities, including Paris Hilton, Orlando Bloom, and Lindsay Lohan, stealing millions in designer goods. Featuring exclusive interviews and never-before-seen footage, this deep dive into the infamous Bling Ring scandal explores how obsession with fame led to one of the most bizarre crime sprees in Hollywood history.
Directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Erin Lee Carr (Britney vs Spears), this HBO documentary has an 83% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
The Famous Five | Binge from Friday, 21 March
For decades, The Famous Five has been the ultimate adventure series for young detectives in the making. Now, the classic Enid Blyton stories get a fresh, modern twist, following Julian, Dick, Anne, George, and Timmy the dog as they stumble into dangerous secrets, hidden treasures, and criminal plots.
Packed with nostalgia, action, and smart storytelling, this new adaptation captures the heart of the beloved series while introducing it to a new generation.
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Brilliant Minds | Binge from Monday, 24 March
Not all doctors heal with medicine. In Brilliant Minds, we step inside the world of a neurologist unlike any other, one who can literally feel his patients’ emotions. Starring Hedda Stiernstedt and Charlie Gustafsson, this gripping medical drama combines groundbreaking science with intense personal battles, showing that sometimes, the mind holds more mysteries than we realise.
The critically acclaimed series holds a 94% overall critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has been recognised for its fresh take on medical drama. Vox included it in its roundup of “21 TV Shows That Explained the 2010s,” calling it “one of the most prescient shows to emerge.”
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
The Righteous Gemstones S4 | First on Showmax | Mondays from 24 March
Faith, family, and fraud, it’s all part of the business when you’re running a megachurch. Created by Danny McBride, The Righteous Gemstones follows a family of televangelists whose extravagant lifestyles are funded by their devoted congregation. But as scandals unfold, secrets spill, and their empire teeters on collapse, the Gemstones must fight to keep their kingdom intact.
With multiple Emmy nominations and a cast that includes John Goodman, Adam Devine, and Edi Patterson, this dark comedy delivers both laughs and shocking revelations.
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Gangs of London S3 | First on Showmax | Binge from Tuesday, 25 March
The Emmy-nominated and BAFTA-winning series Gangs of London returns for its third season as chaos erupts in London after a spiked shipment of cocaine kills hundreds.
Returning cast includes Critics Choice Super nominee Sopẹ́ Dìrísù, BAFTA nominees Joe Cole and Lucian Msamati, and Michelle Fairley (Game of Thrones’ Catelyn Stark). Joining them this season are Irish Film and Television Award winner Richard Dormer (Blue Lights, Game of Thrones) and Critics Choice Super nominees Andrew Koji (Warrior) and T’Nia Miller (The Fall of the House of Usher).
Holding an 86% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8/10 score on IMDb, Gangs of London has been praised for its gripping storytelling and intense action sequences. NME describes it as “Game of Thrones but without the dragons.
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Whether it’s daring adventures, digital warfare, or medical breakthroughs, Showmax has something for every mystery and true crime fan.
Now is the perfect time to start streaming with the Shikini Offer—get Showmax Mobile for just ₦1,000 instead of ₦1,600 or the multiple-device plan for ₦2,000 instead of ₦3,500. Visit www.showmax.com/deals to sign up and start watching today.
-
Feature/OPED5 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism9 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz2 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking7 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy2 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking2 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Sports2 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn
-
Technology4 years agoHow To Link Your MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile Lines to NIN