The highly anticipated Nigerian Igbo epic film, ‘Ekpebiwo M’ (translated as I Have Decided), is set to hit the big screen on November 8, 2024. The film has generated buzz with the release of its first look images, shared by Shock ng.

In the film, Chidi Mokeme stars as a village chief who risks everything for his faith, navigating the complexities of tradition and spirituality. Alongside him is the talented Ini Edo, playing his wife, who grapples with the implications of his newfound beliefs. The film delves into themes of redemption, sacrifice, and faith, exploring the challenges faced by those who defy cultural norms for their convictions.

Executive produced by Jane John-Nwankwo Ph.D and directed by Matthew Ajallys, ‘Ekpebiwo M’ features a stellar cast, including Alex Osifo, Jide Kosoko, Mary Uche, and others. Set in pre-colonial Eastern Nigeria, the story emphasizes the struggle between embracing new faith and adhering to traditional values, promising to be a gripping and thought-provoking addition to Nollywood.

Distributed by Tribe Nation Distribution Limited in collaboration with Lewabo Inspirational Movies, ‘Ekpebiwo M’ is expected to resonate deeply with audiences, highlighting resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Veteran actor Van Vicker took to social media on October 16, 2024, to celebrate a significant milestone: the 20th anniversary of his marriage to his beloved wife, Adjoa. With excitement and gratitude, he shared a recent picture of the couple, reflecting on the journey of their relationship.

In his heartfelt post, Vicker described marriage as a “bed of thorny roses,” acknowledging the blend of beautiful moments and challenges that come with it. He expressed his appreciation, stating, “Today is my 21st wedding anniversary. I am grateful to God. Marriage is a bed of thorny roses. It has extremely lovely times and really trying moments.”

The actor emphasized the importance of commitment and the will to navigate the ups and downs of long-term marriage, inspiring many of his followers with his wisdom and insight into the complexities of love and partnership.

In a recent interview with comedian and actor Broda Shaggi at the unveiling of his new Puma collection, Nigerian superstar Davido opened up about his fashion choices and hinted at the future of his music career.

When asked about his fashion style, the Grammy nominee expressed his passion for urban fashion. He stated, “They say I like to dress like a rapper because I love urban fashion. I love wearing T-shirts, jeans, and sneakers to look comfortable. You will find me in a suit when it’s time to collect money. Sometimes, I also wear Agbada,” showcasing his ability to adapt his wardrobe to fit different occasions.

Davido also reflected on his discography, identifying his record-breaking fourth album, ‘Timeless,’ as his best work. Released on March 31, 2023, the album achieved remarkable success, setting first-day and first-week streaming records on platforms like Spotify Nigeria, Audiomack, Boomplay, and YouTube. It earned a Grammy nomination for Best Global Album and produced hit tracks like ‘Unavailable’ featuring Musa Keys, which received a nod for Best African Song Performance, and ‘Feel’, nominated for Best Global Song Performance.

Looking ahead, Davido assured fans that his next album would be even better, reiterating a claim he made earlier this year when he hosted American content creator Kai Cenat. He is set to kick off the album’s rollout with a collaboration featuring Jamaican star YG Marley, generating excitement among his fanbase for what’s to come.

Nollywood actress Bimbo Akintola recently shared the deeply personal reasons behind her decision to remain single during an interview with 3PLE Nolly TV. Reflecting on the loss of a significant former partner, she revealed, “He died. I don’t talk about it much, but he died. Do you know how long it took me to find him? A very long time, but he is gone.”

Akintola expressed her strong belief against marrying for the sake of societal expectations, stating, “If you are not going to be truthful to your vows, then why are you doing it? The person wey me fit do forever for don die. He’s gone.” She acknowledged that while it’s possible to have multiple loves throughout life, finding someone special can be a lengthy and difficult journey.

Reflecting on her choice to stay single, she remarked, “I am also too old to understand red flags when I see it, and I think I am too old to manage and say I am doing something just to make other people happy.” Akintola emphasized that she believes in marriage but has yet to find anyone she can envision a future with. “I have not seen anybody else, and before I saw him, I thought it will never happen. I have dated but I have never seen myself marrying those people. I didn’t see forever with those people,” she concluded.

Her candid comments shed light on the complexities of love, loss, and the societal pressures surrounding marriage, highlighting the importance of finding genuine connections rather than conforming to expectations.

The film Adire, featuring Kehinde Bankole, has received significant recognition with four nominations at the upcoming Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards. This announcement was made by the producers and distributors, FilmOne Entertainment, through an official statement on their Instagram page.

The nominations include:

• Best Cinematography
• Best Actress
• Best Costume
• Best Production Design

Released on Netflix on January 13, 2024, Adire made a strong debut, grossing ₦8 million in its opening weekend. The BON Awards, which began in 2009, honor exceptional achievements in the Nollywood industry across more than 30 categories.

Adire tells the compelling story of a young female fashion entrepreneur, portrayed by Bankole, who grapples with the consequences of her dark past as a sex worker. The film is written and created by Jack’enneth Opukeme, who also plays a role in the film, and directed by Adeoluwa Owu (also known as Captain Degzy).

The cast features notable actors including Femi Branch, Kelechi Udegbe, Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi, Ibrahim Chatta, Yemi Blaq, Yvonne Jegede, Lizzy Jay, Mike Afolarin, Tomi Ojo, Damilola Ogunsi, Onyinye Odokoro, Ifeanyi Kalu, and Layi Wasabi.

In contrast, the film Jagun Jagun leads the nominations with an impressive 12 nods. The BON Awards ceremony promises to showcase the best talent in Nollywood and celebrate the industry’s growth and creativity.

Nollywood actor Yul Edochie has stirred up reactions from his followers after posting about ogbanje on October 16, 2024. In his Instagram post, he expressed that many individuals labeled as ogbanje are actually spiritually gifted people who have strayed from their true paths due to ignorance, societal pressures, and fear of judgment. He encouraged those with spiritual gifts to embrace their true selves in order to live fulfilled lives.

Edochie stated:

“Many people we call ‘Ogbanje’ are people who are spiritually gifted. And the essence of having such spiritual gift is to use it to help humanity. But because of ignorance, religion & the fear of what people will say, they keep trying to run away from who they are and by doing so their lives become messed up. Dig deep, find your true self and embrace it and you’ll realize the essence of your existence and live a fulfilled life.”

The post received mixed reactions from his followers, with many expressing confusion regarding his views, especially in light of his recent venture into gospel ministry, which he launched in January 2024. Some fans questioned the connection between his spiritual insights and his role as a gospel minister, while others encouraged him to continue sharing his perspectives on spirituality.

This controversy highlights the ongoing dialogue about spirituality, identity, and societal perceptions within the Nigerian context, particularly in the entertainment industry.

At the recent award ceremony held on October 15, 2024, Nigerian music stars Burna Boy and Odumodublvck received nominations in notable categories. Burna Boy was nominated for Best Live Performer, while Odumodublvck earned a nod for Best International Flow. However, both artists faced tough competition, with Burna Boy losing out to American hip-hop icon Missy Elliott and Odumodublvck being edged out by British rapper Ghetts.

The ceremony was dominated by multi-Grammy award-winning star Kendrick Lamar, who took home an impressive seven awards, including Best Song, Best Artist, Best Music Video, Best Collaboration, Best Lyricist, and Impact Track of the Year. Most of his wins were attributed to his smash hit diss record “Not Like Us.”

Full Winners List:

• Hip-Hop Artist of the Year: Kendrick Lamar
• Song of the Year: “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
• Hip-Hop Album of the Year: Pink Friday 2 – Nicki Minaj
• Best Hip-Hop Video: “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
• Best Breakthrough Hip-Hop Artist: Sexyy Red
• Best Collaboration: “Like That” – Metro Boomin, Future, Kendrick Lamar
• Best Duo or Group: Future & Metro Boomin
• Best Live Performer: Missy Elliott
• Lyricist of the Year: Kendrick Lamar
• Video Director of the Year: Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
• Producer of the Year: The Alchemist
• DJ of the Year: The Alchemist
• Best Hip-Hop Platform: Club Shay Shay
• Hustler of the Year: 50 Cent
• Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse: Kendrick Lamar – “Like That” (Future, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar)
• Impact Track: “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
• Best International Flow: Ghetts (UK)

The recognition of Burna Boy and Odumodublvck showcases the growing influence and talent of Nigerian artists on the global stage.

Nollywood actress Bimbo Akintola has opened up about her reasons for refusing to date fellow actors over the course of her career. In a recent interview with 3PLE Nolly TV, the veteran actress revealed that she never dated any actors because she sees them as her brothers in the industry.

She stated, “No, I never dated any actor at any point in my career; I don’t like you people. I’ve never been attracted to an actor so to speak. All of you are my brothers, straight. It’s not about the kind of men I’m attached to; I just wasn’t attracted to people in the workplace.”

Akintola emphasized her preference for maintaining professionalism in her work life, which is why dating colleagues has never interested her, despite some actors expressing interest in her.

This track blends an infectious vibe with themes of perseverance and unity, making it the perfect soundtrack for celebration. Produced by Blaizebeats, Fi Kan We Kan emphasizes the importance of paying what you owe when due.

Bnxn flows effortlessly through the first verse, showcasing his distinct sound while expressing frustration over wasted time and energy on trivial matters. He reinforces his deep belief in loyalty and brotherhood, stating, “If you don’t say you’re for me, it’s no guarantee, I no fit say you be my padi.” This sets the tone for the track, building momentum before Rema delivers a high-energy verse that takes the song to another level.

With its vibrant energy, Fi Kan We Kan is poised to dominate the holiday season, and fans can look forward to a music video directed by award-winning filmmaker Meji Alabi.

This release follows Bnxn’s previous track, Phenomena, which came out to much anticipation after his unprecedented joint album with Ruger earlier this year, RnB, which has amassed 256 million streams to date.

Fi Kan We Kan marks another milestone for both artists, who are among the stars leading the global exportation of Afrobeats.

Nile Entertainment has announced that The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3 will receive an international cinema release in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland, premiering on November 8, 2024.

In an official statement on their Instagram page, Nile Entertainment shared the exciting news: “It’s official. The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3 film will be showing in select international countries. To our diaspora connect, Nile Entertainment has secured international cinema releases in Canada, the UK, and Ireland starting November 8th. Stay tuned for more exciting news.”

The post also mentioned that additional cinema locations in other African countries will be announced soon, stating, “Eastern Southern Africa and Francophone cinema locations will follow shortly. Locations to be announced soon.”

The Wives on Strike series began with its first release in 2016, followed by the successful sequel, Wives on Strike: The Revolution, in 2018. This satirical comedy centers around a group of women who withhold intimacy from their husbands to motivate them to advocate for a young girl forced into marriage by her father. While humorous, the series addresses critical issues such as gender-based violence in the community.

The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3 explores themes of love, friendship, loss, betrayal, and resilience, depicting a widow whose world is shattered when her only child is kidnapped. As time ticks away, she must face the darkest depths of human despair.

In an interesting turn of events, Nigerian singer Dammy Krane has criticized internet personality Verydarkman (VDM) following a court order requiring VDM to retract his defamatory statements against the Falana family.

On October 15, 2024, Krane took to Instagram to voice his opinions on the ongoing legal battle, expressing his discontent with VDM’s actions. He recalled that VDM had previously advocated for his release after he was reportedly arrested by Davido in August 2024.

In a video posted on social media, Krane stated, “I feel like God is using this Falana case to show CDM that he didn’t do right by me because if it was another person, he would have looked into the evidence.” His remarks suggest a sense of betrayal, as he feels VDM’s support was not as genuine as it seemed. The unfolding drama highlights the complexities of relationships within the Nigerian entertainment industry, especially amidst legal disputes.

Superstar Nigerian-American musician Davido’s father, Adedeji Adeleke, has revealed that his new power plant is set to be operational in January 2025. Speaking as a Layperson from the West-Central Africa Division during the Seventh Day Adventist General Conference Annual Council on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, Adeleke announced that the plant will have a capacity of 1,250MW, making it the largest thermal power plant in Nigeria.

During his address, Adeleke shared insights into the challenges faced in obtaining the environmental permit for the $2 billion project. He recounted encounters with “difficult government officials,” including one who asserted that the project would never “see the light of day.” Undeterred, he turned to prayer, refusing to accept this negativity as the final word on the matter.

Adeleke also highlighted that his firm, Pacific Energy, collaborates closely with Chinese engineering companies for the construction and design of its power projects, further emphasizing his commitment to advancing Nigeria’s energy sector.

Blaqbonez is set to showcase his status as an inventive star pushing the creative boundaries of Nigerian music with his upcoming project, Of Many Colors. This dynamic work reflects a fusion of genres, from Afrobeats to hip-hop, with each track bringing something fresh, distinct, and unforgettable, truly living up to its name.

The project is divided into three packs, starting with The Orange Pack, which promises to deliver pulsating records perfect for soundtracking the upcoming Detty December season. This installment highlights Blaqbonez’s ability to craft party starters that will resonate with fans.

Following this, The Deep Blue Pack will feature familiar hip-hop cuts that excite rap fans while emphasizing Blaqbonez’s position as one of Africa’s finest lyricists.

Finally, The Red Pack will be the last installment, tying all parts of the project together with heartfelt content that conveys the rapper’s personal and sentimental side. This multifaceted approach ensures a celebration of diversity in music and provides a broader glimpse into Blaqbonez’s vibrant personality.

Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has unveiled the official poster of his new movie, Recall, which is set to premiere at the African Film Festival (AFRIFF) on November 7, 2024.

Ahead of the 13th edition of one of Africa’s biggest film festivals, scheduled from November 3 to November 9, 2024, Afolayan took to his Instagram page to announce that his latest feature has been selected to screen at the event.

“So excited to unveil the official poster for RECALL, Kunle Afolayan’s latest psychological thriller, set to premiere at AFRIFF on November 7th! The cast of Recall features an exceptional lineup of talent, led by the stunning and incredibly gifted @sharonooja. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Lagos, Recall follows the emotional journey of Goke and Anita as their seemingly perfect love story takes an unexpected and mysterious turn. Stay tuned for the trailer and full cast reveal!” the post stated.

The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) aims to bring together original storytellers and audiences seeking new voices in cinema and fresh filmmaking perspectives. The annual program includes dramatic films, documentaries, features, and shorts, showcasing new creators and emerging trends in storytelling and cinematic expression from talents in Africa and the diaspora.

Since its inception in 2010, hundreds of films launched at the festival have gained critical acclaim and reached new audiences worldwide, including titles like Breath of Life and Funmilayo Ransome Kuti. This year’s edition of AFRIFF is themed “Africans for Africa; Building Global Bridges,” aimed at fostering valuable exchanges of ideas, production connections, and business relationships that deliver value, build capacity, and create wealth.

Nigerian singer Skales has sparked reactions on social media after confessing that he regrets not having any baby mamas to bear his children.

The singer recently appeared as a guest on BET’s Off the Top show, hosted by popular media personality VJ Adams, where he discussed his music and career. During the show, Skales made a bombshell confession that has stirred conversation online.

He stated, “Right now I regret not having baby mamas. I really regret it because I’m the only person in my family bloodline that is alive right now, so the whole bloodline relies on me to produce. I think I’m receiving applications.”

In response to Skales’ remark, VJ Adams suggested, “We could set up a reality TV show for Skales. We could call it Finding Eve,” to which they both laughed. Skales added, “I’m telling you, we could use that Bible verse about going into the world and multiply.”

When VJ Adams inquired about when this realization struck him, Skales responded, “When my mum died, that’s when I realized that not much of my bloodline is left.”

On Instagram, Skales’ confession sparked a flurry of comments and reactions. One user remarked, “Funny how he isn’t thinking how these baby mama situations would have destroyed his career. It’s one thing to have them, another to keep them.”

Another commented, “What happened to marrying and having children? Why regret not having baby mamas, thereby tying down so many women as single moms?”

A third user questioned, “Are baby mamas something one should wish for?”

Since soaring to global success with his smash hit single ‘YE,’ Burna Boy has become one of Africa’s most successful superstars, winning notable awards and filling landmark venues with his music.

In another milestone, the Port Harcourt-born musician has achieved the distinction of being the Nigerian artist with the most entries on America’s Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The Grammy nominee’s latest achievement is thanks to Coldplay’s ‘We Pray,’ where he features alongside Little Simz, debuting at No. 87 on the chart for the week of October 19, 2024.

With this entry, Burna Boy now boasts six Billboard entries, with his highest-ranked entry being his hit single ‘Last Last,’ which peaked at No. 44 and spent 19 weeks on the chart.

Following closely is Grammy winner Tems, who has logged five entries on the chart. She famously made history as the first Nigerian artist to debut atop the chart, courtesy of her collaboration on Future’s ‘Wait For U.’

Wizkid ranks third among Nigerian artists on the chart with four entries, including a No. 1 hit with Drake’s ‘One Dance,’ making him the first Afrobeats artist to reach the summit of the Billboard Hot 100.

Rema, CKay, Fireboy, Davido, and Lojay each have one entry on the chart. Rema boasts the highest charting Afrobeats song with ‘Calm Down’ featuring Selena Gomez, which reached No. 3, while CKay’s ‘Love Nwantiti’ peaked at No. 26. Fireboy’s ‘Peru’ remix featuring Ed Sheeran peaked at No. 54, and Davido and Lojay appeared on the chart courtesy of Chris Brown’s ‘Sensational,’ reaching No. 94.

Golden Mhinutes Pictures has revealed the star-studded cast for its upcoming paranormal thriller, Idia, marking a significant addition to Nollywood’s expanding film repertoire. Co-directed by rising filmmakers Ese Ariremu and Onyegbile, Idia draws from Edo mythology, offering a fresh blend of cultural storytelling with supernatural elements.

Ariremu, known for his socio-cultural and psychological-themed works like Prey and Sweet Girl, makes his feature directorial debut with Idia, while co-director Onyegbile brings his expertise from House of Ga’a and Bloodhound. Set against the rich backdrop of Edo culture, the film delves into themes like religion, family, death, and mental health, which reflect the directors’ commitment to cultural representation.

Produced by Jasper Aziegbemhin, founder of Golden Mhinutes Pictures, with Yvonne Ajoku as Associate Producer and Courage Obayuwana as Director of Photography, Idia showcases an ensemble cast including Gbubemi Ejeye, Tope Tedela, Linda Osifo, Mercy Aigbe, and veteran filmmaker Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen.

Principal photography is set to begin soon, with excitement building around the film’s ability to explore Edo folklore, music, and language. According to Aziegbemhin, the film holds personal significance due to its deep cultural roots, which he hopes will resonate with audiences both in Nigeria and beyond.

In today’s digital age, where social media has become the center of attention, it’s no surprise that many celebrities are choosing to keep their children out of the public eye. While social media allows for easy sharing of life’s milestones, achievements, and even mishaps, it has also led to a culture of oversharing and overconsumption. Celebrities, who often live under constant public scrutiny, are increasingly opting to keep their children out of the online spotlight. Here’s why:

1. Protecting Privacy
   The most common reason is to protect their children’s privacy. Celebrities understand the price of fame, and many want to shield their kids from the harsh, prying eyes of the media and fans. By keeping their children off social media, they ensure their privacy is respected, allowing them to live more normal lives.
2. Safety Concerns
   With the rise of online predators and cyberbullying, safety is a big concern for celebrity parents. Posting pictures of their children could expose them to unwanted attention or even dangerous situations. Celebrities often choose to protect their kids by keeping them off social media entirely.
3. Avoiding Media Pressure
   Celebrity children can sometimes become targets for tabloids and paparazzi. By keeping their kids out of the public eye, parents can avoid fueling media speculation or subjecting their children to unnecessary pressure.
4. Giving Them a Choice
   Some celebrities believe their children should have the right to choose whether they want to be in the public eye. Until they are old enough to make that decision themselves, their parents opt to keep their images private.
5. Preventing Unnecessary Judgment
   Social media is filled with opinions, and sometimes these opinions can be harsh. Celebrity parents want to shield their children from the often toxic environment of judgment and criticism that comes with being in the spotlight.

By choosing to keep their children offline, celebrities are taking a proactive approach to protect their kids from the negative aspects of fame while allowing them to enjoy a more normal, carefree childhood.

The 2024 Pulse Influencer Awards brought spice and glamour, as influencers across the creative and entertainment industries were recognized for their outstanding contributions. The event celebrated the talent, hard work, and determination of both new and familiar faces who have made a mark in the digital space over the past year.

With the theme “Futuristic Fashion: AI Glamour,” influencers arrived in style, fully embracing the cutting-edge concept. The winners reflected the essence of the awards, as the event honored influencers who had set themselves apart in their respective fields.

The winners were chosen by a respected panel of judges from the media and digital space, who carefully reviewed nominees after a rigorous screening process. The public was then invited to vote for their favorite influencers, ensuring a fair and transparent selection.

List of Winners at the Pulse Influencer Awards 2024:

• LinkedIn Influencer of the Year – Rita Orji
• Instagram Influencer of the Year – Asherkine
• Most Influential Actor/Actress of the Year – Bimbo Ademoye
• Fashion Influencer of the Year – Bella Okagbue

The night was a wholesome celebration of creative talents shaping the future of the digital world.