Nigerian rapper Falz has opened up about his journey in pursuing a law degree, clarifying that he was not ‘pressured’ into the field due to his father’s notable achievements. In a recent interview with Chude Jideonwo on the With Chude podcast, Falz discussed the influence of his father, Femi Falana SAN, a prominent human rights lawyer, on his career choices.

“I won’t say it was pressure, but when I was super young, it was like, ‘These people have to be something’ because I was already getting that reaction everywhere I went,” he explained. Falz noted that whenever he mentioned his name, people would often respond with excitement, asking, “Which Falana? Is it Femi Falana? Oh wow.” This attention created a unique dynamic, but he emphasized that it was more about inspiration rather than pressure.

Growing up witnessing the positive impact his father had on people’s lives through his work motivated Falz. He acknowledged the responsibility that came with the family name but maintained that his choice to study law stemmed from his own aspirations rather than external expectations.

Nigerian rapper, actor, and activist Falz recently revisited the pivotal moment he recognized the magnitude of the 2020 #ENDSARS protest against police brutality. In an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo on the With Chude podcast, Falz expressed his surprise at the level of engagement and support the movement garnered.

“I don’t think anyone saw the numbers coming. I don’t think anyone imagined it or could have imagined that it would have been so crazy, but it was super exciting to see,” he shared. Falz emphasized that the protests were fueled by a collective outrage over the continuous harassment, torture, and extortion faced by citizens at the hands of law enforcement—those meant to protect them.

He recalled the early days of the movement, where he and fellow artist Runtown took the lead in organizing protests. Falz explained that it all began with a tweet from Runtown about a planned protest, which immediately resonated with him. “So I spoke to him and said, ‘Let’s ginger this thing together; it has to happen,'” Falz recounted.

When he tweeted about the protest, he expected only 50 to 100 attendees, but to his astonishment, the entire stretch of Ozumba Mbadiwe was filled with demonstrators on that first day. “It was then that I realized that what we had started was something,” he reflected.

Falz’s experience illustrates the grassroots mobilization and collective action that characterized the #ENDSARS protests, marking a significant moment in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. He stressed that it was at that moment he understood the protests would leave a lasting impact and be remembered as a historic event.

Veteran Nollywood actor Chiwetalu Agu has shared a light-hearted yet insightful post on Instagram, outlining seven key things Nigerians should avoid amid the current economic challenges facing the country. His message, while laced with humor, underscores the need for prudent decision-making during tough times.

Key points from Agu’s advice include avoiding falling sick, as he highlighted the difficulties in accessing healthcare, stressing the importance of staying healthy during this period. He advised ensuring that your phone is functioning well and that your data plan is active, hinting at the necessity of staying connected. Agu emphasized the importance of drinking plenty of water and eating healthy food, though he humorously acknowledged the scarcity of food.

In a recurring theme, Agu humorously advised against getting a partner pregnant during these hard times, making it a focal point of his list. He urged people to avoid situations that could lead to imprisonment, adding a serious note to his humorous observations. Agu reinforced his point about avoiding pregnancy, reiterating it as a critical rule. Finally, he concluded with the most important advice: to pray to God for guidance and strength.

Agu’s post resonated with many, as evidenced by the humorous comments from his followers. One user highlighted Agu’s pregnancy warning, writing, “NO GIVE WOMAN BELLE OOOO… I say make I highlight am for capital letters 😂.” Another commenter reflected on the implications of bringing children into a financially unstable environment, stating, “If you’re not financially and mentally prepared to have kids, don’t ever bring an innocent child into this world to suffer!!”

The actor’s mix of humor and practical advice has sparked a conversation among Nigerians about the realities of raising a family in challenging economic times, reminding everyone to think critically about their choices and responsibilities.

Sèmè City, a flagship initiative of the Benin Republic’s government focused on human capital development, has teamed up with EbonyLife Media, Africa’s leading media conglomerate, to announce the creation of the Sèmè City Film Lab. This innovative film incubation program, supported by the World Bank, aims to equip young talents in Benin Republic with the skills needed to excel in the screen industries. Selected projects, including short films and TV pilots, will have the opportunity to receive funding and production support.

A Unique Alliance for Aspiring Creatives

The Sèmè City Film Lab responds to the needs of emerging screenwriters and content producers in film and television. The program offers a comprehensive educational curriculum, mentoring opportunities, and access to a vibrant creative community. The first cohort will consist of thirty young talents, chosen for their potential and passion, with a strong emphasis on the inclusion of young female creatives to enhance diversity and representation.

Comprehensive Training Structure

The program spans 14 months, divided into two phases: a 6.5-month learning phase followed by an intensive 7-month production phase. Participants will receive both theoretical and practical training covering all aspects of screenwriting and film production, including narrative development, character creation, dialogue writing, and post-production processes. The goal is to equip participants with the necessary skills to create captivating and marketable cinematic content, thereby boosting production in Benin Republic.

Application Details

Applications are open to creatives aged 18 to 35 who are proficient in English and committed to completing the 14-month course in Benin Republic. Registration is open from October 17, 2024, to December 20, 2024. For more information about the Sèmè City Film Lab, interested individuals can visit www.semecity.ebonylifecreativeacademy.com.

Transforming the Screen Industry in Benin Republic

The Sèmè City Film Lab is pivotal in transforming the screen industries in Benin Republic, creating a dynamic ecosystem of young talents capable of producing high-quality cinematic content. By highlighting local stories and filming locations, the lab aims to position Benin Republic as a production hub, contributing to the country’s ambitious vision in the screen sector.

Leadership Statements

Mo Abudu, CEO of EbonyLife Media, expressed her excitement about the partnership: “We are immensely honoured to partner with Sèmè City for this ground-breaking initiative. This collaboration reflects our shared vision of supporting creative entrepreneurs by providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.”

Claude Borna, Managing Director of Sèmè City, added, “The Sèmè City Film Lab represents a significant milestone in creating new opportunities for young people in the film and television sectors. This partnership opens unprecedented perspectives by connecting talents from Benin Republic and Nigeria and fostering synergies.”

About Sèmè City and EbonyLife Media

Sèmè City is dedicated to human capital development, hosting top-tier educational institutions and incubators for startups in various fields. It partners with leading organizations like the World Bank and EbonyLife Media.

EbonyLife Media, led by Mo Abudu, is committed to showcasing African narratives globally, producing premium content through its various platforms, including the EbonyLife Creative Academy, which trains aspiring filmmakers for success in both Nigerian and international markets.

For further information, visit www.semecity.bj and www.ebonylifemedia.com.

Afrobeats sensation Omizzy has just dropped his highly anticipated new single, Osimhen, complete with a visually stunning music video that enhances the electrifying experience of the song. Known for his charismatic sound and thought-provoking lyrics, Omizzy uses Osimhen to narrate a powerful story of triumph, mirroring the footballer Victor Osimhen’s journey from humble beginnings to global stardom. This track serves as an anthem for anyone striving to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.

The music video, directed by the acclaimed Olu The Wave, matches the high-energy vibe of the song, marking a significant moment in Omizzy’s rapidly growing career. Released under PG Records, both the song and the video are now available on all major platforms.

“I wanted the video to bring the same energy as the song,” Omizzy expressed. “It’s a celebration of excellence, not just in football but in life. I hope the visuals inspire everyone who watches it.”

The music video captures the essence of what makes Osimhen so special — it transcends being just a tribute to a football icon; it’s about the spirit of pursuing one’s dreams. Omizzy’s magnetic presence shines as he takes viewers on a motivational journey that resonates with the struggles and victories depicted in his lyrics.

With the release generating buzz across social media and music platforms, Omizzy’s collaboration with Olu The Wave is set to elevate his presence in the music industry.

Nigerian superstar Asake has made his mark on the global stage with his collaboration with British rapper Central Cee, as their track Wave has been included in the NBA 2K25 Season 2 soundtrack album. This song is part of Asake’s third album, Lungu Boy, and stands out as the only Afrobeats entry on the soundtrack, which also features American artists like Key Glock and Lil Pete.

This inclusion marks another milestone for the Afrobeats genre, following Adekunle Gold’s track Party No Dey Stop featuring Zinoleesky, which was featured in the NBA 2K24 soundtrack. Asake joins the ranks of fellow Nigerian popstars Adekunle Gold and Burna Boy, who have previously been featured in the popular game’s soundtrack, which has sold over 9 million units in its 2024 version.

Asake’s participation in the NBA 2K25 soundtrack highlights his rising status as a global superstar in the Afrobeat scene. Since his breakout into mainstream music in 2022, Asake has achieved remarkable commercial success, known for his chart-topping hits and record-breaking tracks.

Recently, he concluded his Lungu Boy tour, where he sold out several prestigious venues, including Madison Square Garden, Toyota Arena, TD Garden, and Capital One Arena. Notably, Asake also became only the third Nigerian artist to headline the iconic O2 Arena, solidifying his place as a leading figure in the music industry.

Nigerian music superstar Tiwa Savage is set to release her highly anticipated single, Forgiveness, on Friday, October 18, 2024. The announcement was made on her Instagram page, where she shared a short video of herself dancing to the track, along with a caption that builds excitement for the upcoming release: “Oct 18th #ForGiveness Weekend wey go sweet, na from Thursday we go know.”

Prior to this, a teaser for Forgiveness was shared on her page on October 7, 2024, generating buzz among her fans.

This year has been busy for Tiwa Savage, who released the soundtrack album for her debut feature film, Water & Garri, in May 2024. This album featured collaborations with some of the industry’s top talents, including Grammy nominees Olamide and Ayra Starr.

In July 2024, she dropped the music video for Commona, featuring Olamide and Mystro Sugar, which was directed by Jyde Ajala and included scenes from the Prime original film. Additionally, in September, she unveiled the music video for One Heart (Can Change The World), written by award-winning songwriter Diane Warren, serving as the official soundtrack for the animated film Ozi: Voice of The Forest.

Tiwa Savage also lent her voice to Simi’s track Men Are Crazy, released in April 2024, as the second single from Simi’s album Lost and Found. With these recent projects, anticipation is high for Forgiveness and what it will bring to her discography.

Asaba-based Nollywood actor Chizzy Alichi has raised concerns about the lack of recognition for Asaba filmmakers by mainstream media, highlighting the challenges they face in securing funding for quality productions. In a recent interview with Hiptv, she emphasized that Asaba filmmakers invest significantly less in their projects compared to their counterparts in Lagos.

Alichi noted, “The only difference I see here is maybe in the making of the movie. Lagos tends to take their time, especially with the use of props. In Asaba, we believe in mass production as it’s trending. Nollywood is everywhere.”

She pointed out that Asaba actors often gain popularity despite the low-budget nature of their films, making their work accessible to a broader audience. “Most of the Asaba actors are more popular because they make movies on a low budget. It reaches even the village women. Not everyone has time or money to go to the cinema, but those epic movies can be watched by market women, hawkers, and mechanics,” she explained.

However, Alichi stressed the importance of improving production quality, stating, “The world has gone past that kind of movie; they need to step it up a bit.” She called for a shift in focus among Asaba filmmakers to enhance their craft and gain greater recognition in the industry.

Controversial Nigerian singer and content creator Speed Darlington has opened up about his recent arrest and detention for defamation, detailing his experience in police custody in a viral clip released on October 17, 2024. He alleged that his civil and human rights were violated during his time in custody, claiming he was denied the chance to communicate with his family and lawyer. “The rule says I can only be detained for two days, yet I was held for four without any opportunity to speak to my people,” he stated.

Speed Darlington reflected on his past encounters with law enforcement, noting, “It seems like I’m not on social media like I used to be, but what doesn’t kill me makes me stronger. I am stronger now, you feel me? 17 arrests in the USA plus this one making 18 arrests, nothing mega. I have been to the bottomless pit where there is no hope if you don’t know anybody.”

His arrest came after he posted a video discussing Nigerian artist Burna Boy, alleging connections to American rapper Diddy, who had recently been arrested on serious charges. The video went viral, prompting a significant online discussion and ultimately leading to Speed Darlington’s arrest.

Prior to his detention, Speed Darlington’s mother had expressed concern for her son’s wellbeing in an emotional video, pleading for Burna Boy to intervene and release him. After being tracked to a holding center in Abuja, he was eventually released, bringing his ordeal to a close.

On October 16, 2024, Afrobeats sensation Rema electrified fans at the Zepp Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, showcasing his extensive collection of hit songs. The sold-out concert, attended by 2,500 enthusiastic fans, saw Rema deliver exciting renditions of his popular tracks, with the crowd cheering and singing along throughout the night.

This performance follows Rema’s recent headline appearance at the Eden Festival in New Zealand, where he shared the stage with fellow Afrobeats stars Tiwa Savage and Ruger. The success of the Kuala Lumpur concert further solidifies Rema’s position as a prominent figure in the global music scene, particularly in the Afrobeat genre.

Rema’s rise to fame is highlighted by his record-breaking single “Calm Down,” which became the first Afrobeat track to surpass 1 billion streams on Spotify. The song also made history by topping the MENA chart and earned a spot in the Guinness Book of Records.

In 2024, Rema released his second album, HEIS, aiming to return Afrobeats to its sonic roots. The album features collaborations with fellow Benin City artist Shallipopi and rapper Odumodublvck. Rema has submitted HEIS for Grammy consideration, hoping to secure his first nomination as he continues to make waves in the international music landscape.

Popular Nigerian skit maker Emmanuel Ogonna Iwueke, known as Crazeclown, has expressed his excitement about the remarkable growth of the skit-making industry in Nigeria. In a recent interview with Hip TV, he reflected on how skit-making has evolved over the years, highlighting the shift in public perception towards content creation.

Crazeclown noted that the industry was once overlooked, with many dismissing it as mere entertainment. “People used to look down on the content industry because they just feel like this is just people having fun online. But this is me saying that it takes a lot of work, creativity, time, and intellectual capacity for you to keep creating, being consistent, evolving,” he stated.

He emphasized that the expansion of the skit-making industry has led many creators to branch out into music, movies, and live shows, showcasing the versatility and talent within the community.

Crazeclown gained prominence in 2014 by creating short skits on Instagram and YouTube, often collaborating with OG Tega. The duo humorously portrayed an exaggerated father-son relationship, complete with dramatic slaps over trivial matters, capturing the essence of Nigerian familial interactions.