Showbiz
Meet Best-Graduating Student of MultiChoice Talent Factory West Africa Class of 2023
In an atmosphere of relaxed fun, and entertainment, MultiChoice Talent Factory West Africa graduated the 2023 students in Lagos on December 14. The class of 20 had been through a 12-month intense sponsored training programme, which equipped them with the skill set and ethics needed to tell truly authentic African stories.
At the climax of the ceremony, a Nigerian participant, Samuel Oluwasegun Ogundeyi, emerged as the best-graduating student of the set. He was awarded an eight-week scholarship to the New York Film Academy (NYFA).
Here’s all you need to know about this special talent:
Background: He is a 25-year-old photographer and a graduate of Information Technology. Samuel is the last born of his family, with two siblings. He graduated from Valley View University, Ghana, in 2021.
Passion: Samuel has a passion for photography and creative storytelling. His passion and enthusiasm to tell stories in the African way made him apply for the MultiChoice Talent Factory programme.
Inspiration: Samuel said God, life and music inspire his creativity. “There are lots of stories to tell. Living through life is a story. So, every day I wake up, I want to tell a story that’s different from what I told you yesterday. I’m a photographer originally, and I still do photography so each time I go through my day before I go to bed, I try to close my eyes and picture the event that happened and that’s one of my inspirations. And ultimately, I get my inspiration from God. Music also inspires me” he said.
Leisure time: During his free time, Samuel watches videos and listens to music “I watch videos that improve my skills and I listen to jazz. I like to soak in that tune. It inspires me.”
Mentors: His mentors are; Nigeria’s maverick filmmaker, James Omokwe; renowned radio and TV presenter, Moses Akerele and American comedian, Kevin Hart.
Most challenging period: Working with other students was the most challenging part of the MTF programme for him: “The toughest and highest point was when I had to work with 19 others when things started getting real when we had to start doing the work and all of that. It taught me how to be a better team player because I’m reserved as a person, so it brought me out of my shell.”
Motivation during the intense programme: “There were 20 creatives in a room. I didn’t come from a film or TV background. I just had on-field experience before I applied. Getting there I saw people with the experience; they had done theatre arts in school. I told myself one thing, I was not going to come here to be intimidated. I know what I came for and I was going to strive to achieve it and focus on the goal which is creating content in my way that impacts and touches lives positively.” Graduating as the best student was a shocker to him: “From that moment up until now it’s been like a dream for me and I am living the dream,” he said.
Aspirations: “In the next five years I see myself being on the Forbes 30 under 30. I see myself owning one of the biggest production companies in West Africa and I see myself on billboards, and TV screens telling stories that touch lives,” he said.
Launched in 2018, MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) is a dynamic corporate shared value (CSV) initiative at the forefront of imparting technical skills needed for high-quality film production in young African talent through a 12-month fully-funded training programme.
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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