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.
In one of the most unpredictable turns of the season, eight housemates Yusuf, Araga, Temi Nkem, Goddessa, Cassi, Nomy, Tram, and Gerard are up for eviction this week following a high-stakes nomination process that reshaped the game and left viewers stunned.
The eight housemates emerged from this week’s nomination process, which followed a wager task briefing and a Head of House battle that changed the eviction line-up more than once.
Abi Wins Head of House
Abi’s win secured her personal immunity and extended safety to her task team: Yusuf, Sheba, Barry, Oyin, Aikou, Keivo, Araga, Ricky and Flora. Chimsom Chuka was also rewarded with individual immunity for his performance.
Conspiracy with a Twist
With the House divided between the safe and the vulnerable, Abi and her team were given the chance to conspire and save two housemates from possible eviction. They chose Bells and Bluethopia.
However, the twist did not end there. After the nominations, Big Brother called Abi to the Diary Room and asked her to replace the two housemates who had been saved by selecting three members of her own immune team to join the eviction list.
Abi chose Yusuf, Aikou, and Araga, putting them at risk alongside Cassi, Goddessa, Temi Nkem, Gerard, Tram, and Nomy. The move reshaped the eviction list and showed just how quickly an advantage can become a difficult decision in the House.
Prize Pot Takes a Hit
The housemates also saw their potential winnings take a hit this week. Following repeated rule violations across the House, Big Brother imposed a N5 million deduction from the total prize pot.
With the prize now reduced, the consequences of the housemates’ actions are becoming increasingly significant as the competition moves forward.
Voting Channels Are Now Open
The fate of Yusuf, Araga, Temi Nkem, Goddessa, Cassi, Nomy, Tram and Gerard now lies in the hands of viewers as voting gets underway.
Fans can cast their votes via the MyDStv app, MyGOtv app and the official Africa Magic website before voting closes at 9:00 p.m. on Thursday.
As the eight housemates wait to find out who will remain in the competition, the drama continues to unfold in the house, with all the action available live and 24/7 on DStv channel 198 and GOtv channel 49. Fans can also stream the season on DStv Stream, with no dish or decoder required.
For more updates and exclusive news from the House, visit the official Africa Magic Big Brother Naija page or join the conversation on social media using #BBNaija.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A popular Nigerian actor, Mr Taiwo Hassan, fondly called Ogogo, is reportedly battling stage 4 cancer.
This information was confirmed by one of her daughters, Ms Kira Wunmi Taiwo, in a video posted on her social media pages.
In the video, which has now gone viral, she sought the assistance of Nigerians for a good hospital where her Ilaro, Ogun State-born father could receive quality medical attention.
She emphasised that the thespian or his family is not seeking financial help, as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections, Mr Solomon Adeola, otherwise known as Yayi, has been very supportive in that aspect.
However, she stated that the medical situation of the Ikorodu-based actor has not improved as expected, which is why she is appealing to Nigerians with access to traditional medical treatment or other alternative treatment for the man.
Ogogo is one of the veteran actors in Nollywood. He gained widespread fame in the blockbuster movie titled Owo Blow released in 1996 and directed by Tade Ogidan. It was released in three parts, namely: The Genesis, The Revolt, and The Final Struggle.
Kamsy has become the third housemate to leave the Big Brother Naija Season 11 House, bringing her time in the competition to an end during Sunday night’s live eviction show.
Speaking with show host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Kamsy expressed gratitude for the opportunity, describing herself as blessed to have been part of the experience. She also opened up about her relationship with Gerard, revealing that she had begun developing feelings for him during her time in the House. Turning to what lies ahead, Kamsy stated that her business remains her top priority as she prepares to navigate her next steps
Meanwhile, Ebuka kept things interesting on the show when he put several housemates on the spot and revisited some of the week’s biggest talking points.
Neche was asked to name the housemates she felt had undermined her during her reign as Head of House. But rather than call anyone out, she chose to keep the names to herself.
Goddessa was also questioned about her relationship with Neche, particularly the difference between how she described her during the live show and comments she had previously made in a private conversation with Sheba. Despite calling Neche a nice person, Ebuka was quick to highlight the apparent contradiction.
The tension between Araga, Goddessa and Barry also came under scrutiny, with Ebuka probing the dynamics between the trio. When asked about trust in the House, Araga admitted that he trusts no one, before taking a swipe at Barry by simply saying he does not “see” him.
In a separate twist, the housemates voted Sultex as the Most Influential Player of the Week (MIPOW). The achievement earns him immunity from the next eviction, alongside a brand-new device courtesy of headline sponsor, betPawa.
With another housemate now out of the running and Sultex safe from the next eviction, the remaining housemates continue their race towards the N160 million grand prize.
Four weeks into the competition, the drama in the Big Brother Naija Season 11 House continues to unfold, with voting opening every Monday after nominations and closing at 9:00 PM on Thursday. The season continues on DStv Channel 198 and GOtv Channel 49, with DStv Stream providing another way to follow the action live, without a dish or decoder.
