Showbiz
Movie Review: What Just Happened
By Anthony Elikene
Everyone you will ever meet knows something you do not. So hoarding knowledge or lording it over others never bodes well for the so-called knowledgeable one. This is exactly what is explored in Ufuoma McDermott’s latest film, What Just Happened.
When I realised the film was a comedy, I found it hard to picture McDermott in such a role because traditionally, I’ve always preferred her in much more serious roles like the classy wife, an underprivileged woman fighting for a cause, or even a damsel in distress; I never saw the comedy in her. But I must say, after seeing What Just Happened, my eyes were opened to something new about her; mostly to her dynamism not just as a person, but as an actress too.
Of course, her role in the film could have been a comic flop without the presence of one of the most admired talents to ever grace the Nigerian film industry, Toyin Abraham. Of course, not to forget Mike Ezeruonye and the ever comic Afeez Saka Ayetoro among others.
While many may not think the movie is a satire, it is a stark one, as harsh as can be; cleverly hidden in the guise of comedy.
In many scenes, most importantly the church service scenes, we see a reality that is present in many Nigerian places of worship.
The theme of superiority was not only well thought out, but the flaws in the armour of the seemingly superior are also exposed in many ways.
From the unrepentant driver who ‘scams’ his unwitting charge out of money and doing his job, just to play a few rounds of a betting game; to the endless criminals in a helpless guise that parade Nigerian expressways, it is all highlighted. This is not to forget practices that reveal an unhelpful nature in people, coupled with the presence of the remnants of a custom that remains unfriendly to women. This is not to forget the criminally minded in Diaspora who still persist in spinning outrageous lies that misrepresent Africa and Nigeria.
The verdict according to the film is not all bad though.
Ufuoma balances the narrative effectively with a number of scenarios, like the understanding policemen who forgive the excesses of an unsuspecting and rude ‘JJC, I too know professor’, to the helpful Nigerian who houses strangers in his home and even participates in the rescue of the erring professor. Perhaps, most important of the balancing acts is the role of Mike Ezeruonye, Dele, a worthy, helpful, faithful and steadfast Nigerian who stands with the stubborn professor throughout her ordeal.
The lapses in the film, while forgivable came more from technical issues, and a few language and cultural inconsistencies.
Plot-wise though, the film is a success that was ensured by a stellar, yet comic cast, with Nollywood heavyweights like Afeez Oyetoro (Saka), Segun Arinze, Toyin Abraham, Jude Orhora, MC Abbey, Funnybone, Professor Ogborgbor, and Ufuoma McDermott in the lead as the star of the film.
The fight against content theft intensified on Thursday as MultiChoice Nigeria led stakeholders in a Walk Against Piracy from Ikeja City Mall, Lagos, drawing a powerful mix of Nollywood actors, filmmakers, directors, writers, media personalities, regulators, students, and members of the public.
The walk was part of a broader national advocacy campaign aimed at protecting Nigeria’s creative economy from the escalating damage of piracy. Participants marched through the Ikeja axis, distributing flyers, engaging passers-by, and educating the public on the dangers of piracy and its impact on livelihoods.
Veteran actor, Saidi Balogun, one of the leading voices at the walk, described piracy as “a silent killer draining the lifeblood of the creative industry.”
“People see the glamour but forget the sweat, months of work, and the hundreds of jobs behind a single film,” he said. “When you pirate a movie, you are killing someone’s dream, someone’s job, and the future of an entire industry. It must stop.”
Screenwriter and producer, Obi Emelonye, warned that piracy poses an existential threat to the next generation of creatives.
“Piracy is a menace eating deeply into the industry. If we do nothing, young creatives coming behind us will inherit an economy with no structure, no revenue, and no incentive to create,” he stated. “We cannot allow that future.”
The regulatory perspective came from Charles Amudipe, Deputy Director of Operations at the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), who emphasised both the legal and personal risks tied to piracy.
“Piracy is a criminal offence under Nigerian law, punishable by fines and imprisonment,” he said. “Beyond the legal consequences, consumers who download illegal content expose their devices to malware, identity theft, and financial fraud. It is not worth the risk.”
During the outreach, members of the public raised questions about affordability and alternatives to pirated content. The team responded by highlighting accessible, cost-friendly, and legal platforms available to consumers, underscoring that entertainment can be enjoyed responsibly without breaking the law.
Caroline Oghuma, Executive Head, Corporate Affairs at MultiChoice Nigeria, explained that the walk was a continuation of MultiChoice’s long-standing commitments to consumer education. Last month, the company led a school sensitisation programme at Kuramo Senior College in Victoria Island, teaching students how piracy harms creators and how they can unknowingly participate in it.
“We want to catch them young, take this message into communities, and meet Nigerians where they are,” Oghuma said. “Today’s walk is a reminder that protecting intellectual property is everyone’s responsibility. What we are fighting for is the survival of Nigeria’s creative future.”
Other notable participants included members of the Intellectual Property Law Advocacy Network (IPLAN), lawyers, media executives, content creators, and fans of Nigerian entertainment.
MultiChoice Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to working with regulators, industry bodies, and stakeholders to champion policies, education, and enforcement mechanisms that safeguard creative work and ensure creators receive fair reward for their labour.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP) has debunked viral news reports that that the chairman of its board of trustees, Mr Olalere Osunpaimo, well known as Lere Paimo, was dead.
In a public notice from the national Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the organisation, Mr Adejonwo Oluwafemi Femson, it was disclosed that the veteran action is “alive and well.”
Members of the public were advised to disregard the death rumour.
“We would like to inform the public that reports circulating on Facebook about the passing of Chief Olalere OsunPaimo (MFR) are FALSE.
“We have confirmed with Baba Eda Onile Ola’s wife that he is alive and in good health.
“Please disregard these false reports and be aware that they are being spread by unscrupulous individuals.
“Chief Olalere OsunPaimo (MFR), Chairman Board of Trustee Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP), is alive and well.
“We urge everyone to verify information before sharing to avoid spreading misinformation,” the notice disclosed.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The duo of Nivea and inDrive has been announced as the title sponsors of TikTok’s 2025 Sub-Saharan Africa Awards, while Coca-Cola, Dis-Chem and PEP Stores are the category sponsors.
As title sponsors, inDrive and NIVEA (Beiersdorf) will play key roles in amplifying creator recognition, supporting event experiences, and on-the ground activations.
NIVEA (Beiersdorf) will sponsor the Creator of the Year award, while inDrive will present the Storyteller of the Year award, both reflecting a shared passion for innovation, inclusivity and celebrating African voices making a global impact.
In addition, Coca-Cola is sponsoring Food Creator of the Year award, Dis-Chem is for the Social Impact Creator of the Year award, and PEP Stores is for the Entertainment Creator of the Year award.
This year’s event is slated for Saturday, December 6. It would be used to celebrate the continent’s most inspiring and innovative creators who are using the platform to educate, entertain, and empower their communities.
“We are delighted to partner with TikTok, as we share a long-standing relationship across the globe, including in the Sub-Saharan region. TikTok is a unique platform that enables us to engage with young audiences in a language and format that truly resonates with them.
“We extend our gratitude to the company for organizing The 2025 TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa and congratulate all guests and participants on this remarkable event,” the Marketing Lead of inDrive Africa, Mikita Ponarin, stated.
“TikTok is proud to partner with great local and regional brands that support Africa’s creative economy. What excites us about these partnerships is the shared vision.
“These brands are making a conscious choice to invest in African creativity at a pivotal moment. They see what we see: that when we uplift creators, we strengthen entire communities and economies across the continent,” the Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa,” Boniswa Sidwaba, said.
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