Showbiz
MTF Class of 2023 to Premiere Her Dark Past, Grown
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Two feature films will be premiered this weekend exclusively on the Africa Magic Showcase channel 151 and Africa Magic Urban channel 153 by the students of the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF).
The two pieces of art titled Grown and Her Dark Past are the final projects of the MTF Class of 2023 students, a statement from the organisation said.
The MTF is a leading film school in West Africa for young, talented and passionate filmmakers. It was established by the media platform to grow the region’s creative industry.
Grown premieres on Africa Magic Showcase at 8.30 pm on Saturday, March 2, and Africa Magic Urban at 8 pm on Saturday, March 9, while Her Dark Past premieres on Africa Magic Showcase at 8.30 pm on Sunday, March 3 and on Africa Magic Urban at 8 pm on Sunday, March 10.
“We are excited to showcase the works of these truly talented individuals. These films, Her Dark Past and Grown, are not just cinematic experiences; they are the culmination of hard work, dedication, and creativity from the MTF Class of 2023.
“I am immensely proud of the talent and storytelling prowess demonstrated by these young filmmakers and thrilled that Africa Magic will have the opportunity to bring these authentic African stories to our audience across Africa.
“I urge our customers to catch the premiere of these authentic stories this weekend,” the Executive Head of Content & West Africa Channels at MultiChoice, Ms Busola Tejumola, said.
Also commenting, MTF West Africa Academy Director, Ms Atinuke Ngozi Babatunde, said, “Her Dark Past and Grown are two films that beautifully capture the pressures of young people living in this social media age, teaching them to relish their youth, be true to themselves and rely on the unwavering support of those who love them beyond the façade of social media.
“They are authentic African stories, told by Africans for Africa and we are proud to bring them to audiences across Africa this March.
“Telling well-crafted stories and creating films of good quality, are the hallmarks of the one year these talented young filmmakers spend at the MultiChoice Talent Factory.
“The whole curriculum is designed to ensure that every student who goes through the programme graduates as a solid filmmaker who understands the art and business of filmmaking.
“For the class of 2023, these films were their opportunity to put all their learning into practice and I am super proud of what they have created and can’t wait for the rest of Africa to enjoy the magic as well.”
Set in the 1990’s, Grown is a fantasy drama that explores the themes of adulthood, motherhood, love, fear and magic.
It tells the story of an over-pampered teenager who resents her mother, wishes she was an adult and wakes up to a rude shock one morning as a grown woman with kids.
She experiences the realities of growing up and asks herself “Is adulthood a scam?” and begins a fight to become young again.
The film was written by Nosa Isibor and Boakye D. Alpha and was directed by Ola Jegede and Empress Allen, with Desmond Ebuwa Ekunwe and Nosa Isibor as the producers and Efe Irele, Yemi Cregx, Bobby Ekpe, Najite Dede and Sarah Obiekwe, among others as the casts.
In Her Dark Past, the life of an uber-successful social media influencer and life coach starts to crumble when the child she left for dead resurfaces years later, giving way to a complex spiral of drama that imperils her seemingly perfect life and unearths the trauma she fights daily to bury.
This was directed by Oluwatobi Deborah Ahmed and Samuel Oluwasegun Ogundeyi and produced by Elvis Damptey and Adeniran Wuraola, starring Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Daniel Etim Effiong, Iremide Adeoye, Ego Ihenacho and Fadekemi Olumide-Aluko, among others.
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.
-
Feature/OPED6 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism9 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz3 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking7 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy3 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking3 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Banking3 years agoSort Codes of UBA Branches in Nigeria
-
Sports3 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn