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Tag: actress

  • HM Queen WA Arian Simone Launches Fearless Global Initiative, Charts 100-Year Blueprint for Economic Inclusion

    HM Queen WA Arian Simone Launches Fearless Global Initiative, Charts 100-Year Blueprint for Economic Inclusion

    The Fearless Global Initiative (FGI), founded by entrepreneur, philanthropist, and CEO & Founding Partner of the Fearless Fund, HM Queen WaArian Simone, convened more than 150 global leaders, cultural influencers, policymakers, and changemakers at the Glasshouse Chelsea in New York for its historic debut during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

    Held on September 22, 2025, the event, themed “Designing the Future of Global Black Power,” provided a platform for bold conversations, cultural activations, and strategic sessions aimed at charting a 100-year blueprint for global Black economic empowerment.

    Speaking at the launch, HM Queen Wa Arian Simone emphasized the importance of turning dialogue into sustained action. “FGI is where the follow-through finally happens,” she said. “For too long, we’ve talked about equity without building the systems to sustain it. Today, we begin shaping the blueprint for the next 100 years of global economic inclusion.”

    The event featured an exceptional lineup of leaders, including Abby Phillips, CNN News Anchor, Jasmine Crocket, U.S. Representative for Texas’s 30th Congressional District, Ben Crump, Civil Rights Attorney and Social Justice Advocate, Rachel Noerdlinger, Global Communications Strategist and Partner at Actum, Alphonso David, CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum; Kat Graham, Actress, Singer, and UNHCR Ambassador; Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Liberia; Lexi Underwood, Actress & Activist; Sam Vaghar, Executive Director of the Millennium Campus Network; Chris Kirigua, Deputy Chief of Mission & Chief Treasury Representative, Kenya; Gwen Madiba, Editor-in-Chief of Rolling Stone Africa; Simi Nwogugu, CEO of Junior Achievement Africa; Dr. Jatali Bellanton, International Economist & Founder of Brilliant Minds Collective; Pops Mensah-Bonsu, President of SEED Academy Ghana, Retired NBA Player & Entrepreneur; Barkue Tubman-Zawolo, Host, Global Envoy for Cultural Diplomacy for the Republic of Liberia, and Founder/CEO of MBL Intl Group amongst others.

    Highlights of the program included the session “What Can I Do for You? What Can You Do for Me?” which redefined the exchange between Africa and Black America, and the centerpiece working session, “The 100-Year Plan: Designing the Future of Global Black Power,” which began shaping a framework for long-term economic, cultural, and political transformation. A fireside chat with Kat Graham explored storytelling as a catalyst for economic growth, while a live, symbolic Yoruba art activation by world-renowned artist Laolu Senbanjo provided a striking cultural expression of freedom, movement, and empowerment.

    The Fearless Global Initiative situates itself in a continuum of unfinished work. Sixty years ago, Malcolm X challenged the world to see civil rights as human rights, a call that was never fully answered on the global stage. With its debut, FGI has picked up that mantle, ensuring the work is no longer delayed.

  • 90 Media Leaders attend the “Bloomberg Africa Business Media Innovators” Forum 2023

    90 Media Leaders attend the “Bloomberg Africa Business Media Innovators” Forum 2023

    …Digital transformations, AI, business models and the future of media in Africa among topics explored in Cape Town

    Media, business, government, technology, and community leaders from across Africa and internationally have gathered today in Cape Town, South Africa for this year’s annual Africa Business Media Innovators (ABMI) forum.   The convening brings together a cross section of leaders to explore innovative approaches to fostering a vibrant media sector in Africa.

    Co-hosted by M. Scott Havens, CEO, Bloomberg Media, Matthew Winkler, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus, Bloomberg News, and Erana Stennett, Corporate Philanthropy Middle East and Africa, Bloomberg, the ABMI forum runs from October 30 – November 1.

    Focusing on the ideas and business solutions that can contribute to the future of media and journalism in Africa, the forum has brought together a range of speakers including media owners, Senior Editors, Business leaders, government offices, community leaders and philanthropic organizations from over 10 countries.  Participants will hear from speakers on a range of topics from the influence of AI and digital technologies on media in Africa, to the future of work in the newsroom and the sustainability of legacy publications across the continent.

    Day one concluded with a Gala Dinner at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in Cape Town, followed by a private tour of Mary Evans’ exhibition ‘GILT’, led by Koyo Kouoh, Executive Director, and Chief Curator, Zeitz MOCAA.

     Speaking at ABMI, participants commented:

    LaSharah Bunting, CEO, Online News Association, said:

    “Media continues to evolve with the needs and development of our readers, watchers, and listeners. As our viewers have changed, so too have our ways of working. I look forward to discussing how newsrooms harness the opportunities of our evolving media landscape, while also tackling some of the most pressing challenges, such as misinformation and fake news.”

    Thembisa Fakude, CEO, Mail & Guardian, said:

    “While technological innovation is providing huge opportunities for African media to open its reporting to a wider audience, we must be mindful of the risks that come with this, particularly around misinformation.  Given the pace of this technological revolution, it’s crucial that the news industry comes together to discuss how we continue creating a vibrant and responsible news industry that informs the public while supporting economic growth right across the continent.”

    Danai Gurira, Actress, Playwright, Activist, Artistic Director of Almasi Collaborative Arts, UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, said:

    “Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for changing perception of Africa and allowing a complex, rich self exploration of its history and unique culture. It’s boundless possibilities to give Africa it’s own voice is what brought me to writing and acting, and I seek to connect with other innovators to share ideas and discuss solutions for taking Africa’s creative industry to the next level.”

    The annual event forms part of the Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa (BMIA), a pan-African program launched by Michael R. Bloomberg in 2014. The initiative is designed to advance business journalism in Africa and accelerate development of a globally competitive media and financial reporting industry. The program delivers cross-disciplinary educational programs and mid-career fellowships to increase the number of highly trained business and financial journalists, as well as supporting research to stimulate new media innovations. It is also designed to convene leaders to promote interactive dialogue and build strong relationships to enhance the quality of financial coverage and the availability of reliable and timely data on the continent.

    Earlier this month, Bloomberg expanded its executive education program in business and financial journalism, BMIA Financial Journalism Training (FJT), to Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal. Offering the program in French for the first time, more than 100 delegates joined the new training cohorts. This follows the successful implementation of the program in Ghana, Tanzania, Zambia, Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa. To date, the FJT program has reached 800 participants from 16 countries across the Continent.

     Admittance to this event is on an invitation-only basis.

                •           Mr. Travis Adkins, President and CEO, US Africa Foundation

                •           Tomiwa Aladekomo, CEO, Big Cabal

                •           George Anders, Top Writing Voice, LinkedIn

                •           LaSharah Bunting, CEO, Online News Association

                •           Styli Charalambous, CEO, Daily Maverick

                •           Paul Cheung, Chief Executive Officer, The Center for Public Integrity

                •           Dr. Edith Dankwa, CEO, Business and Financial Times

                •           Licy Do Canto, Managing Director, APCO Washington DC Office and Global

                •           Thembisa Faukude, CEO, Mail & Guardian

                •           Saliem Fakir, Executive Director, African Climate Foundation

                •           Diego Fernández, Senior Analyst, Mo Ibrahim Foundation

                •           Paula Fray, Founder, Frayintermedia

                •           Danai Gurira, Actress, Playwright, Activist, Artistic Director of Almasi Collaborative Arts and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador

                •           Andile Khumalo, CEO, The Broadkast Group

                •           Koyo Kouoh, Executive Director, and Chief Curator, Zeitz MOCCAA,

                •           Timothy Kotin, CEO, Superfluid Labs

                •           Dr. Acha Leke, Chairman of Mckinsey Africa

                •           Nishant Lalwani, CEO, International Fund for Public Interest Media

                •           Honorable Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mayor of Cape Town

                •           Prof. Lesley Lokko, Founder, African Futures Institute

                •           Nyimpini Mabunda, CEO, General Electric Southern Africa

                •           Tshepo Mahloele, Chairman and Founder, Harith

                •           Paul McNally, Founding Director, Develop AI 

                •           Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Managing Director, Africa, Spotify

                •           Nyimpini Mabunda, Chairman, Schindler Lifts South Africa

                •           Moky Makura, Executive Director, Africa No Filter

                •           Harlan Mandel, CEO, Media Development Investment Fund

                •           Raju Narisetti, Leader, Global Publishing, McKinsey & Company

                •           Saymon Nascimento, Communications Manager, Mo Ibrahim Foundation

                •           Micheline Ntiru, Co-Founder, We Three Queens

                •           Jason Njoku, Founder and CEO, Iroko TV

                •           Lola Ogunnaike, Journalist and writer

                •           Yvonne Orji, Actress and Comedian

                •           Khadija Patel, Journalist, Media Executive, Member of the Board, IFPIM

                •           Lavina Ramkissoon – AI Ethics + Technology Policy Expert at the African Union, Nobel

                •           Laureate Maria Ressa, Co-Founder and CEO, Rappler,

                •           Mactar Seck, Chief of Technology, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

                •           Pamella Sittoni, Executive Editor and Managing Editor, The Nation Media Group

                •           Leonard Stiegeler, Investor and founder, Pulse

                •           LS Pamella Sittoni, Executive Editor and Managing Editor, The Nation Media Group

                •           Albie Sachs, South African Lawyer, Former Justice, Writer, Activist

                •           Alain Sylvain, CEO, SYLVAIN

                •           Dr. Brooke Taye CEO, Ethiopia Capital Market Authority

                •           Monde Twala, Senior Vice President & GM Paramount Africa & Lead BET International, Paramount International

                •           Zain Verjee, Founder, ZVG.

                •           Mr. Wachira Waruru, Group Managing Director, Royal Media Services

  • Mavicon Investment Launches MGI & Associates

    Mavicon Investment Launches MGI & Associates

    …pioneering a new era in real estate investment

    Renowned Real Estate firm, Mavicon Investment, is proud to unveil its subsidiary, MGI & Associates. This launch marks a significant leap forward in the brand’s mission to empower associate realtors by offering investment opportunities for local and global wealth creation.

    The launch event was held at Mavicon’s headquarters in Lekki, Lagos, and was attended by brand partners and stakeholders, including CEO of Hapa Properties, Mr. Shine Awharitoma, Real Estate Coach, Spark Ovadje, and Model and Actress, Chiamaka Nwokeuwku, among others. Attendees were given immersive insights into the firm’s vision.

    Through its inception, MGI & Associates aspire to redefine property investment in Nigeria and beyond. This journey began with a vision that is rooted in delivering innovative real estate solutions, and fostering wealth creation for clients and associates.

    Dr. Elijah Oyinu Ajonye, CEO of Mavicon Investment, MGI & Associate shared his visionary perspective: “At MGI & Associates, our mission is to rewrite the rules of real estate investment. We are committed to empowering real estate professionals and investors with opportunities that transcend boundaries and lead to unparalleled growth and prosperity.”

    With a dynamic portfolio of investment opportunities, the brand aims to empower both real estate professionals and clients. This empowerment is facilitated through a range of services, including property management, investment advisory, real estate brokerage, real estate training, and access to investment insights. By integrating technology, market insights, and adopting a client-centric approach, the emerging company is poised to enhance the real estate experience for all stakeholders.

    Amb. Golden Unaegbu, General Manager, Mavicon Investment, MGI & Associates speaking at the launch ceremony, emphasised, “Today, we bear witness to the birth of MGI & Associates, a symbol of innovation and progress in the real estate sector. This launch heralds a new era of wealth creation and success in real estate investment and we are committed to empowering real estate professionals and investors with opportunities that transcend boundaries and lead to unparalleled growth and prosperity.”

    With its evolution, MGI & Associates will remain steadfast in its commitment to creating value within the real estate sector. As a beacon of progress in the Nigerian real estate landscape, the brand aspires to become a trusted partner on the journey to financial prosperity for real estate professionals and investors alike, building an extraordinary legacy within the property investment landscape.

  • Real Warri Pikin wins Stand Up Comedian Award of the Year

    Real Warri Pikin wins Stand Up Comedian Award of the Year

    Nigerian comedian, actress and media personality, Anita Asuoha, popularly known as Real Warri Pikin, has won the 2022 Stand Up Comedian Of The Year Award at this year’s edition of the Annual Humour Awards.

    The awards, held at the Banquet Hall of Eko Hotel and Suites In Lagos, saw the comedian pick up two trophies for the night —  the coveted Stand Up Comedian Of The Year Award and The Most Creative Comedy Show Award, which came with a plot of land as prize. 

    Thanking her fans, Anita dedicated the awards to “all women in the comedy industry”, saying “this goes to show that with hardwork and determination, we’re unstoppable and a force to be reckoned with. Slowly but surely our work go show”.

  • Bikiya Graham-Douglas lit up the Mood with new single- Silent Night

    With the year coming to a close, and Christmas bells are ringing, love is in the air, plus the pulsating air of celebration and thanksgiving, award-winning actress and movie producer, Bikiya Graham-Douglas decided to push the creative envelope further, by going back to the core of where it all began for her — Music!

    Revisiting her love for music, the talented thespian brings the year to a close with a soulful rendition of the eternal favourite Christmas anthem, “Silent Night“. Produced by GospelondBeatz with additional lyrics by Bikiya herself, “Silent Night” — the cover is a beautiful infusion of Afro-Jazz and Amapiano which leans on a unique and bopping rhythm, miles different from the original carol.

    “I wanted to make a Christmas Song but I wanted something unconventional with an Afro twist to it. “Silent Night” is one of my favourite Christmas songs and the way it’s written made it perfect for this style. I added a few words to already beautiful lyrics, kept it simple and voila! this version was born.”

    Bikiya Graham – Douglas
    Arts which is unarguably one version of Bikiya’s multi-layered personality has flourished the actress with over 13 years of experience, despite the fact that she originally wanted to become a singer before acting found its way into her life. With her original intent to be a singer, even as she excels in other art forms, very modestly, she says: “Music would always be my first love, and I would never stop pursuing ways to express myself through singing“. 

    Award-winning actress and producer, Bikiya Graham-Douglas is one of the few talents in the industry who is passionate about impacting the younger generation in the world of Arts, filmmaking and theatre, birthing the Beeta Universal Arts Foundation, among other laudable projects this forward-thinking thespian has.Listen to “Silent Night” — the cover by Bikiya Graham-Douglas HERE and on all platforms
  • MTV BASE Announces New Reality Series; “Inside Life With Erica”

    MTV BASE Announces New Reality Series; “Inside Life With Erica”

    Star girl and Queen of the Elites, Erica Nlewedim, yesterday confirmed that she will be the first Celebrity featured in MTV Base’s new reality TV series, Inside Life, which will be airing weekly on MTV Base DStv Channel 322 and GOtv Channel 72 from 8:00PM WAT, Wednesday, June 9, 2021.

    The former BBNaija housemate first disclosed this in her tell-all IG Live interview with VJ, Nenny-B, where she assured her fans that they will be treated to “premium content” on the show.

    “I am super excited about the show. Viewers will get to see sides to me that the public has never seen before. I think my excitement comes from being on live camera again and thinking about how my fans will react when they finally see what my everyday life looks like. Inside Life With Erica captures every aspect of me. Erica the actress, the entrepreneur, the star girl, lover-girl, and even my vulnerabilities. The name of the show is INSIDE LIFE, so it’s inside my life, no stone unturned,” she added.

    This scintillating soon-to-launch series will feature Erica in her element as she navigates the business and entertainment worlds as she continues to grow to become one of the most respected entertainment moguls in Nigeria.

    On the show, viewers will also get to see the most important people in her life, from her family members to her friends.

    Commenting on the launch of the new content on Nigeria’s number one music entertainment channel, MTV Base, Solafunmi Sosanya, Senior Channels Manager at ViacomCBS Networks Africa (the parent company of MTV Base), said:

    “Erica is one celebrity that certainly sparkles in the spotlight. The light and cameras absolutely love her and that’s a mark of a true reality TV star. Inside Life With Erica is a brilliant, non-invasive avenue for her teeming fans to see her for who she really is, outside of the glitz and the glamour. The show will definitely give viewers a different perspective to their favourite celebrity’s life. This reality series is keeping with MTV Base’s drive to provide our viewers with premium entertainment and storytelling with original scripted and non-scripted shows.”

    We can’t wait for all the tea that will be spilled during the course of the show on MTV Base DStv Channel 322 and GOtv Channel 72.