Showbiz
Trophy Lager Organises Carnival to Honour Alaafin at 80
By Dipo Olowookere
Over the weekend, leading quality beer brand and one of the national treasures from the stable of International Breweries Plc, a proud part of the AB InBev family, Trophy Lager, organised a three-day beer carnival to celebrate the 80th birthday celebration of paramount Yoruba traditional ruler, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.
The carnival was held in Oyo with pomp, music, fun and mouth-watering prizes for those who attended the event, including consumers of the product, who had a great time as they were thrilled to comedy, drama and musical performances from top artistes.
The event, which provided an unforgettable, exciting and culturally appealing experience for consumers, also saw the brand reward winners in its ongoing National Consumer Promo, tagged Honourable Millionaires promo, which was instituted to celebrate Trophy Lager’s 40 years of facilitating goodwill and celebration for Nigerians.
Speaking on the rationale for the initiative, Consumer Connections Manager, IB Plc, Jumoke Okikiolu, noted that the celebrations are two-fold.
“On one hand, our decision to celebrate with Kabiyesi is very much aligned with our brand values as he is a personage who stands tall in the promotion of Yoruba socio-cultural values of honour, integrity and quality service.
“Also, this fiesta has afforded us the opportunity to celebrate and reward our highly esteemed honourable men and women, who have stood with the Trophy brand for 40 years, for their support and loyalty, in a unique and fun way,” Okikiolu said.
Mr Funso Elubeku, Marketing Manager, Trophy Lager, IB Plc said, “At the heart of our National promotion is the need to provide a memorable experience for our loyal fans. We are empowering 40 Honourables to win N1 million for the duration of the promotion with other consolation prizes such as free instant airtime worth N80 million and N40, 000 cash prize weekly for 40 consumers as well.”
Currently, 16 people have emerged as honourable millionaires and about 250 people have won N40, 000 each till date. “All our consumers need to do is to buy a bottle of Trophy Lager and look under the crown cork, text “TROPHY” space “UNIQUE CODE” under the crown cork to 30810 to win instant prizes and a chance to win either N40, 000 or N1m in the weekly draw. The more entries put in, the better chance of winning the cash reward,” Elubeku added.
Remarkably, Trophy Lager, popularly referred to as the pride of the South-West and widely accepted as the Honourable beer that is deeply rooted in the region’s socio-cultural values, and loved by consumers because of its distinctive taste and quality, has remained a market leader in its category.
It is worthy to note that the promotion is not limited to South West alone as winners have emerged from other regions of the country.
Consumers are encouraged to follow @TrophyLager on Twitter to find out more about becoming the next Honourable Millionaire and more updates on the promo.
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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