Showbiz
Heritage Bank Takes Nigeria’s Rich Cultural Heritage to BBNaija
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Unarguably one of Nigeria’s most innovative banking service provider, Heritage Bank Limited, is promoting the country’s rich cultural heritage to the global community through the on-going Big Brother Naija tagged BBNaija.
This, it said, is part of its corporate social responsibility.
The bank, in a statement issued in Lagos, disclosed that the feat was executed by tasking housemates to find a common ground by drawing from and blending their different, unique personalities and cultural backgrounds to create a perfect Big Brother Nigerian wedding during the week.
Earlier in the week, the housemates were introduced to the theme of the week: Big Brother Perfect Wedding.
According to Heritage Bank, Nigeria encompasses a diverse range of human activities, creations and ways of expression, including music, literature, film, sculpture and paintings, a powerful tool to build businesses, connect individuals across cultures, educate and enrich societies.
Dressing is a component of culture, reflecting economic and socio-political substrates of the people. In the past, they have supported the arts sector and have promoted cultural heritage of our people through art exhibitions.
The bank believes that culture stimulates our emotive mind and challenges our interpretation of reality by making people to become intuitive, imaginative, flexible and tolerant.
The statement further said the housemates were then tasked to find common ground and fuse and adapt their different personalities and identities and cultural backgrounds for the perfect Big Brother Nigerian Wedding.
According to the bank, all housemates took part in the wedding celebration and they were required to draw from Nigeria’s customs to create a perfect Big Brother wedding.
Viewers chose the bride and groom via a Facebook poll on the previous day and the rest of the housemates decided what role they would play.
The housemates also allocated key roles from each culture according to what they chose to adapt: parents of the bride, members of the groom’s family, a marriage guide, decorators, catering among others.
The housemates were tasked with mediating the proceedings to a complete conclusion and each couple was given blackboards and chalk to assign one another their roles.
This task required housemates to draw on what makes them fit into the mould of Proudly Naija and blend each of their own ‘Proudly Naija’ identities to create a fusion of Nigerian culture for a wedding.
The ‘wedding’ preparation which started on at the beginning of the week climaxed on Thursday evening (9th March, 2017) similar to normal wedding scenario in Nigeria.
Some of the objectives of the initiative are to promote and preserve the heritage of Nigerian culture and tradition and to enlighten Nigeria youths and those in diaspora about the richness and diversity of Nigerian traditional marriages through infusion of the Heritage Bank initiatives.
Others were to show case the richness and multiplicity of Nigeria cultural heritage and to encourage Nigerians to be proud of their tradition/heritage #Iamproudofmyheritage as well as impacting the viewers of the programme on television positively through supplies of costumes and props.
The housemates also found a common ground to celebrate their diversities in a unique cultural heritage and it also showcased the way Kings and Queens in different Nigeria’s culture used to celebrate the past.
From the earlier hours of the day, the housemates were paired in groups of two (male & female) and were tasked to cook meals that were peculiar to their cultures.
Branded aprons and utensils were provided for the housemates as well as the ingredients and they then required to cook the meals.
After the housemates were done with the cooking, the meals were all arranged on a table and each housemate came forward to give a short presentation about the meal, its preparation and uniqueness to their cultures.
Later in the day the housemates were required to dress up for the Heritage Naija Old School Party. Local (Ankara) fabric were provided, with each housemate tailored to make costumes unique to each individual culture such as Agbada (Yoruba), Dansiki, Oleku, Iro & Buba, double George among others. The weddings were done in the Igbo, South South, Hausa as well as in Middle Belt traditions.
The venue set up and decoration was made up of cake, bride and groom costume and accessories, parents of bride and groom costume, catering/refreshment, bride’s luggage, music and compere.
A dedicated DJ was on ground to entertain them to local Naija tunes.
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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