THE 20th edition of Carnival Calabar opened on Friday with a vibrant cultural parade at Millennium Park, Millennium Park, pushing the streets of Calabar into a moving gallery of heritage, colour, and communal pride. Contingents representing Cross River’s 18 local government areas formed the heart of the ceremony, presenting costumes, dance, […]
A Cultural Venue Turned Concert Hall NIGERIAN highlife-pop sensation Adekunle Gold transformed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts into a hub of melodic celebration on Friday night, drawing hundreds of music lovers for an intimate live show that fused culture, storytelling, and live instrumentation. Unlike conventional arena concerts, the venue’s cultural heritage […]
Between Provocation and Purpose – Understanding A Very Dirty Christmas THE release of A Very Dirty Christmas has ignited a national conversation on the intersection of entertainment, faith, and social commentary in Nollywood. Actor IK Ogbonna, who plays Frankie in the film, has defended the production against criticisms that it undermines Christianity, insisting that the […]
By DIANA CHUKWUKA THE Christian Association of Nigeria has demanded a public apology and title review over the Nollywood movie A Very Dirty Christmas, describing the title as offensive and incompatible with the spiritual essence of the Christmas season. In a statement issued by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN said the film’s branding reflects […]
By OBI DAVIES Insecurity remains one of the biggest barriers to the expansion of tourism, hospitality and the creative sector in Africa, with Nigeria particularly affected, tourism expert Mr. Sunnie Chukumele has said. He spoke at the African Descent Creative Industry Leadership Summit held in Abuja and organised by the Global […]
By TOSI ORE A Red Carpet for a New Professional Class THE 2025 TikTok Sub-Saharan Africa Awards in Johannesburg did more than crown viral stars—it formally inducted a new professional class into Africa’s economic and cultural elite. Doctors, nurses, researchers, historians, and experimental chefs walked the same red carpet as pop stars and DJs, signalling […]
By BUNMI BUSOLA THE Wole Soyinka-inspired film The Man Died, directed by Nigerian-born New York University professor, Prof. Awam Amkpa, emerged as the biggest winner at the ZUMA International Film Festival (ZIFF) 2025, clinching five prestigious awards across key categories. Winners were announced during the ZUMA Awards Night, which marked the grand finale of the […]
By PAULINA NZERUBE DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has received an Award of Excellence at the maiden edition of the Warri International Film Festival, a recognition of his growing influence on Nollywood and his ongoing renewal of Warri’s cultural and economic landscape. The inaugural ceremony, which assembled leading filmmakers, cultural advocates and policymakers, […]
By IKE UZOR-NZUBECHI TIKTOK has temporarily restricted late-night LIVE streaming in Nigeria, blocking hosts from going live between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. as part of what it described as an ongoing safety investigation. The platform said the move was aimed at protecting users after a surge in policy-violating content. Affected creators received in-app notifications […]
By NINI NDUONOFIT-AKOH AKWA Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced a major empowerment package for visually impaired gospel singer Chris Vic, who gained national attention after placing third in the De9ja Spirit Talent Hunt. In a statement on X, the governor said he has directed the Commissioner for Lands to allocate a prime […]