By Modupe Gbadeyanka

All seems to be set for the unveiling of the inaugural Design and Innovation Exhibition 2025 organised by Design Week Lagos in partnership with Ecobank Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy.

The event will feature the Manufacturer and Designer’s Pavilion, spotlighting collaborations between manufacturers and designers, as well as the Designer’s Pavilion, where 50 individual designers will present new concepts across a variety of design disciplines, including furniture, toys, automotive, and industrial design, reflecting the diversity of Nigeria’s creative landscape.

A standout feature of the event will be the Titi Lai Lai Showcase, a curated concept store that will present exclusive pieces from renowned Nigerian designers and artists such as Victor Ekpuk, Banke Kuku, Mama Nike, and the Nike Art Gallery.

This collaboration will highlight the fusion of art and design, celebrating the use of local materials and the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.

“This exhibition offers a distinctive avenue for our nation’s economic advancement. By harnessing the synergy between Nigerian creativity and the manufacturing sector, we can modernize and innovate our products, promote the production of Nigerian creativity and furniture, and strengthen our economic connections,” the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Ms Hannatu Musa Musawa, stated.

The Head of SME, Partnerships, and Collaboration at Ecobank, Ms Omoboye Odu, said, “Ecobank is the solution for African banking, and we are committed to giving our customers the platform to network, collaborate, and partner to promote innovation and creativity. We are proud to be part of the process to spotlight homegrown innovations and sustainable practices across various sectors.”

Also speaking, the founder of Design Week Lagos and the Design, Innovation, and Inventors Hub of Nigeria, Ms Titi Ogufere, said, “The Design and Innovation Exhibition 2025 is more than a celebration of design; it represents a bold step toward positioning Nigeria at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

“By fostering collaborations between designers and manufacturers, we aim to develop innovative products that not only serve local markets but also establish Nigeria as a global leader in design and manufacturing exports. This initiative underscores our commitment to building a sustainable industrial ecosystem that celebrates local talent and drives economic growth across Africa.

“At a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s creative economy, the Design and Innovation Exhibition 2025 will showcase the finest in furniture, product, and industrial design. This year’s exhibition will focus on the theme Building a Made-in-Nigeria Brand, celebrating the creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship of Nigerian designers and manufacturers while emphasizing industrialization and export potential.”

January always feels like a fresh start, so why not add some new movies to kick things off? This January, Showmax has lined up a mix of dramas, thrillers, and emotional movies that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Here are five unmissable picks to kick off the new year:

The Last Rifleman| Stream Now

The Last Rifleman, inspired by true events, stars Pierce Brosnan as a WWII veteran who escapes his care home to journey to France for the 75th D-Day anniversary, confronting his past with courage.

Featuring Clémence Poésy, Jürgen Prochnow, and the late John Amos, the film earned Brosnan and Prochnow Irish Film and Television Award nominations for their powerful performances.

Watch the trailer here https://youtu.be/6ohyETpGYFE

Dune Part Two | Stream Now

The epic saga continues with Dune: Part Two, the fourth biggest box office hit of 2024. Paul Atreides embarks on a mythic journey of revenge, uniting with Chani and the Fremen to fight those who destroyed his family. Torn between the love of his life and the fate of the universe, Paul must make a choice that could change the course of history.

With a 92% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, The New York Times commends the palpable chemistry between Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet and Emmy winner Zendaya, stating, “They humanise the story, giving it the necessary personal stakes and a warmth that helps balance the chilling violence.”

Watch the trailer here https://youtu.be/Way9Dexny3w

One Life | Stream Now

One Life is a powerful historical drama based on the true story of Nicholas Winton, a London broker who rescued hundreds of Jewish children from the Nazis during WWII. Decades later, he faces the emotional weight of those he couldn’t save when a TV show reunites him with survivors.

Starring Anthony Hopkins, Johnny Flynn, Helena Bonham Carter, and Jonathan Pryce, the film holds a 90% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The Guardian calls it “an extraordinary true story” and a deeply moving watch.

Watch the trailer here https://youtu.be/6ethollg-PI

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Fast-rising Nigerian singer, Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma, professionally known as Qing Madi, has been named as the Spotify EQUAL Africa Artist for January 2025.

Qing Madi’s breakout moment came when See Finish went viral on social media, captivating audiences and establishing her presence in the Nigerian music industry.

This success was followed by the release of her Qing Madi album, a collection of relatable songs reflecting themes of first loves and the emotional journey to self-discovery.

She later expanded on this success with a deluxe version of the EP, adding three new tracks: a remix of Vision featuring Chloe Bailey, the Kizz Daniel-assisted YBIL (You Believe in Love), and the emotive Sins For U and capped off 2024 with the release of Goosebumps.

Commenting on her choice for Spotify EQUAL Artist for this month, the streaming platform’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Ms Phiona Okumu, said, “Qing Madi is a phenomenal talent whose music resonates deeply with audiences both in Africa and beyond. We are thrilled to see her return as an EQUAL artist and can’t wait to see her continue breaking boundaries and inspiring the next generation of artists.”

Speaking on her selection, Qing Madi said, “It’s an incredible feeling to start the year with such significant recognition. Being part of the EQUAL program again means a lot to me, and I’m grateful for Spotify’s support in highlighting the voices of African women.”

“As a female artist, I’ve learned that you need to work a hundred times harder than your male counterparts to have your voice heard.

“My unique perspective is reflected in my artistry—I think differently, and I see the world in a way that shapes my writing and music. My lyrics often incorporate metaphors and layered meanings, allowing listeners to explore deeper emotions and perspectives through my songs,” she further said of herself.

The 18-year-old music act said, “I realised music was my calling as young as when I was five years old. My WHY for pursuing music is rooted in a deep desire to impact the world positively and touch lives through my art. Music is my way of inspiring, uplifting, and connecting with people on a profound level.

She described herself as a multi-linguist because she speaks multiple languages.

“I speak English, Spanish, and Igbo fluently, which allows me to connect with diverse audiences and infuse unique cultural influences into my music,” she disclosed, saying her music career was inspired by Kendrick Lamar because his “artistry and storytelling influenced my creative journey and the way I approach music.”

Spotify Wrapped data for 2024 highlights Qing Madi’s remarkable musical talent as she ranks among the most-streamed female artists in both Nigeria and Ghana, with her hit American Love securing the position of the second most-streamed song in Uganda.

Qing Madi also shines as one of Africa’s leading EQUAL artists, sharing the spotlight with stars like Tyla, Ayra Starr, and Amaarae.