Showbiz
Nigerian-born Ayobola Kekere-Ekun Shines at 2021 Absa L’Atelier
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Nigerian-born Ayobola Kekere-Ekun has been selected as one of the winners of the prestigious 2021 Absa L’Atelier at an online event hosted on the Absa Art Hotspot.
The artist was among the finalists from Mozambique, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Mauritius, Seychelles, Tanzania, Botswana, Ghana, Kenya and Namibia.
She is among the one ambassador per group chosen from the three groups of African countries. The others are Adelheid von Maltitz from South Africa and Blebo Michael Jackson from Ghana, while the winner Absa L’Atelier Gerard Sekoto category was Abongile Sidzumo.
Absa, in partnership with the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA), hosts the event to celebrate African art.
These winning artists now take on the title of Absa L’Atelier Ambassador 2021 received trophies that depict hands, symbolising the physical manifestation of creation, designed, and produced by established South African artist Roberto Vacarro, while the Gerard Sekoto trophy depicts a bull, representing prosperity and resilience.
Since its inception 35 years ago, Absa L’Atelier has showcased and continues to invest in some of Africa’s finest young artists between the ages of 21 to 40.
This year, the competition established itself as the first African art competition to be hosted completely virtually; from entry, submission and adjudication of the artworks, to hosting a series of masterclasses and a mentorship programme for the 2019 Absa L’Atelier ambassadors, culminating in the online awards ceremony.
Entries were received from across Africa and judged by an independent panel of adjudicators including acclaimed artist and Director at BKhz, Banele Khoza as well as Armelle Dakouo, independent curator and artistic director at AKAA Art & Design Fair.
Criteria for selecting the Ambassador included technical execution, conceptual and thematic engagement, the freshness of artistic vision within the context of the contemporary African art landscape; as well as aesthetic appeal.
Established 17 years ago, the Gerard Sekoto award goes to a South African artist, aged between 25 and 35 years, who has continued to demonstrate integrity in the quality of their artwork.
The award is made possible by the Embassy of France in South Africa, the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), which is the cultural arm of the Embassy, and the Alliance Française network in South Africa.
“With our partners Absa and SANAVA, we are proud to support the Gerard Sekoto award and to accompany young artists to share their work both nationally and internationally.
“We believe in this award which grants a talented young South African artist an amazing opportunity: to expand his or her horizons with a 3-month artistic residency at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris, and, of course, gain greater exposure as a result.
“The artists are inspired and inspire. They learn, and they teach. They explore, and exhibit, allowing people in France and in South Africa to learn more about their individual style and vision”, says Aurelien Lechevallier, who is France’s Ambassador to South Africa.
Though COVID-19 provided its challenges, the past two years were likewise a period of innovation and technological progression.
“The pandemic has allowed us to advance our digital art presence with the launch of the Absa Art Hotspot. This unique virtual experience platform made it possible for us to host live events such as webinars, art exhibitions, art masterclasses, and art auctions, while certain elements of our art-related sponsorships and partnerships such as this year’s awards event were also migrated to the platform,” says Paul Bayliss Senior Specialist Art Curator at Absa.
Hosting the competition digitally allowed for the removal of any barriers to entry as all the artist required was a smart phone or access to the internet.
“With this year’s theme The Act of Art, we called our continent’s fearless creators to act and to enter. This years’ competition once again provided an opportunity for visual artists to respond and make their voices heard.
“We are committed to putting the basic building blocks in place to ensure that young artists from across the African continent can reimagine their futures and bring their possibility to life,” says Bayliss.
SANAVA President, Dr Avitha Sooful, commended her partner, Absa, for forging ahead and continuously seeking ways to impact the African visual arts scene even during the ongoing pandemic.
“The COVID-19 pandemic derailed our plans for 2020 but through some innovative thinking, we were able to come back stronger this year and we actually have more entries than we have ever had for this competition. I commend the work that our partners, Absa, have done in making sure that African artists continue to reap the rewards of their hard work,” Dr Sooful said.
“We look forward to working with this year’s ambassadors and Gerard Sekoto winner and providing the next generation of young African artists with the support, recognition, and exposure they need to solidify their careers and build their brands,” concluded Bayliss.
A new Nollywood short film, Amira, is set to confront the realities of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a practice that continues to affect millions of women and girls worldwide. With some of Nigeria’s most prominent filmmakers backing the project, the film aims to shed light on an issue that is often shrouded in silence.
Acclaimed industry figures Imoh Umoren, James Omokwe, Remi Ibinola, and Obinna Okerekeocha have joined the production as executive producers, supporting the vision of director Michael Ichie Panda Okolie and screenwriter Osas Idubor.
According to writer Osas Idubor, Amira is not just a story—it is a reflection of a harsh reality.
“This film gives voice to those who have been silenced. FGM is not just a distant issue; it is happening in communities across Africa and beyond. We cannot afford to look away,” Idubor said.
A Rare Cinematic Approach to FGM
Despite its prevalence, FGM remains a sensitive and often overlooked topic in mainstream African cinema. Director Michael Ichie Panda Okolie says Amira takes an unflinching look at the physical and emotional impact of the practice.
“This is more than just a film; it’s about bringing a critical issue into public discourse,” Okolie stated.
Executive producer James Omokwe believes Nollywood can play a crucial role in shaping conversations about social change.
“Film has the power to challenge norms and shift perspectives. We want Amira to open up discussions that lead to real awareness and action,” Omokwe said.
A Widespread Issue, A Global Conversation
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 200 million women and girls have undergone FGM globally, with millions more at risk. While the practice is illegal in several countries, it continues due to deep-rooted cultural and societal norms.
By telling Amira’s story, the filmmakers hope to challenge these norms and encourage dialogue about the long-term consequences of FGM.
“We are using storytelling as a tool for change. The more we talk about FGM, the harder it becomes to ignore,” said executive producer Obinna Okerekeocha.
Production and Release Plans
Filming for Amira is set to begin in April 2025, with the project expected to make its way to international film festivals upon completion.
While the film industry has often shied away from topics like FGM, the creators of Amira believe it is time for Nollywood to take on stories that not only entertain but also challenge and inform audiences.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Over N58 billion was paid to Nigerian artists by popular audio streaming platform, Spotify, in 2024, the company disclosed in a statement made available to Business Post on Thursday.
It was revealed that this monumental financial milestone recorded by Nigerian music last year doubled what was generated as royalties in the preceding year.
Also, the number of Nigerian artists generating N10 million in royalties from Spotify has more than doubled since 2023 and more than tripled the amount recorded in 2022, according to Spotify’s 2024 Loud & Clear report, underscoring the explosive commercial growth of Nigerian music globally.
In addition, this unprecedented financial success reflects the dynamic creativity emerging from Nigeria’s music scene and signals Spotify’s ongoing commitment to supporting artistic talent across the region.
The report also stated that Nigerian artists were discovered by first-time listeners over one billion times on Spotify in 2024, with over 1,900 Nigerian artists added to Spotify editorial playlists—33 per cent more than in 2023.
Further, a significant portion of the N58 billion in royalties earned by Nigerian artists came from listeners outside Nigeria, with global listeners on average spending more than 1.1 million hours streaming Nigerian artists.
It was observed that users have created approximately 250 million playlists featuring Nigerian artists worldwide as Nigerian artists have seen a 49 per cent export growth over the past three years amid a 206 per cent year-on-year growth in local consumption of Nigerian content and a remarkable 782 per cent increase over the past three years.
Commenting on this development, Spotify’s Sub-Saharan Africa Managing Director, Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, said, “We remain committed to empowering Nigerian artists to earn from their art whilst maintaining transparency with artists and stakeholders.
“The incredible growth of Nigerian music, both locally and globally, is a testament to the talent and creativity within Nigeria, and we are proud to support its continued rise.”
Get ready to stream the hottest Showmax Nigerian Originals, international hit series, and blockbuster movies at a steal! For a limited time, Showmax is offering access for just ₦1,000 on mobile or ₦2,000 on multiple devices with the Shikini Season deal. With a deal this good, there’s no excuse not to dive into these must-watch titles.
The Forge| Now Streaming
A young man, stuck at a crossroads after high school, finds himself struggling to carve out a future. With no clear path ahead, he’s challenged by his mother and a successful businessman to take control of his life. Through faith, mentorship, and self-discovery, he comes to realize that his potential is far greater than he ever imagined.
From the creators of War Room, this inspirational drama has resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning over $40 million at the box office against a $5 million budget. A must-watch for anyone looking for a story about purpose, perseverance, and second chances.
Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Between Worlds| New Episodes Thursdays
One moment, Olamide is a fraudster navigating the streets of modern-day Nigeria, and the next, he’s thrust into the ancient kingdom of Ilu Aarin. Ruled by the powerful Oba Ajitoni (Femi Branch) and watched over by the enigmatic Yoruba deity Esu, Olamide finds himself at the center of palace intrigue and supernatural forces beyond his understanding.
Meanwhile, in the present, detective Ifetozamiwa investigates a case that seems to hold mysterious ties to the events unfolding in Ilu Aarin. Rooted in mythology and mystery, Between Worlds is a Showmax Original that redefines fantasy storytelling with a cultural twist.
Kabiyesi| New episodes Fridays
On what should have been the happiest day of her life, Princess Aderiyife’s world is turned upside down by a shocking betrayal. With her kingdom on the brink of chaos, she must decide, will she let fate control her destiny, or will she rise to claim the power that is rightfully hers?
An epic tale of honor, duty, and ambition, Kabiyesi is a gripping drama that explores the weight of leadership, the cost of betrayal, and the fight for a throne that will not be easily won.
Under the Influence| Now Streaming
Dami thought graduating from university would be the start of a new chapter. But after an argument with his older brother, Ayo, he finds himself on an unexpected path, one that leads him straight into the chaotic, fast-paced world of social media fame.
This Showmax Nigerian Original drama stars Iremide Adeoye (WURA), Bobby Ekpe, Eva Ibiam, Dante Okere, Isioma Oke-Nwosu, and Funmbi Oguntoye. Directed and written by Wande Thomas (Lara of Lagos, Napped, The Smart Money Woman 2), Under the Influence is a gripping look at social media’s impact on identity and relationships.
The Day of the Jackal S1 | Mondays until the 17 March finale
Imagine being the best at what you do, so good that no one knows your name, your face, or where you’ll strike next. That’s the Jackal. A ghost and a myth. But someone is watching. Tracking his every move. Connecting the dots no one else has. And for the first time, the hunter is at risk of becoming the hunted.
Eddie Redmayne delivers a chilling performance as the ruthless hitman, while Lashana Lynch plays the relentless intelligence officer determined to stop him. The stakes? Sky-high. The chase? Nonstop. The tension? You’ll be holding your breath. This isn’t just another spy thriller; it is a spy thriller. Catch it while you can.
Mr. Robot S1-4 | Now Streaming
A hoodie. A laptop. A plan to take down the entire financial system. Elliot is a genius hacker, but his mind is just as dangerous as the world he’s trying to expose. What starts as a simple cyber attack quickly turns into something way bigger, and soon, he’s questioning everything, including himself.
This show doesn’t just have plot twists; it is a plot twist. The kind that makes you sit there in shock, rewatching scenes like, “Wait… WHAT?” If you love psychological thrillers, conspiracy theories, and stories that mess with your head, you need to watch this.
A Very Royal Scandal | Now Streaming
Imagine walking into a room, confident you’re about to set the record straight. The cameras roll, the questions come, and within minutes, everything unravels. That was Prince Andrew in 2019. What was meant to be a carefully managed interview with journalist Emily Maitlis turned into a royal disaster, a conversation so shocking it made headlines around the world.
This three-part series pulls you into the tension of those final days before the interview, the desperate attempts at damage control, and the fallout that followed. With Michael Sheen as Prince Andrew and Ruth Wilson as the journalist who asked the questions no one could ignore, it’s a gripping look at power, privilege, and the moment it all went wrong.
Bonus: Award-winning and Blockbuster Hits
If you’re looking for more great shows, these are worth watching. The Ringleader: The Case of the Bling Ring streams from March 19 and follows Rachel Lee, the teenager behind Hollywood’s celebrity burglaries, as she finally shares her story. Taylor Mac’s 24-Decade History of Popular Music streams from March 26 and is a unique concert that tells 240 years of American history through music. Gangs of London returns for Season 3 on March 25, with the city’s underworld thrown into chaos after a deadly drug shipment.
So get ready for a month of nonstop entertainment! Whether you’re in the mood for drama, action, or a mind-blowing thriller, Showmax has you covered. And with the Showmax Shikini Season deal, you can stream for just ₦1,000 on mobile or ₦2,000 on all devices. So, what’s first on your watchlist? Sign up now at www.showmax.com/deals.
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