Tag: filmmaker

Nigeria Celebrates Femi Osofisan at 80 with Week-Long Festival of Theatre, Film and Intellectual Discourse
CELEBRATIONS of the 80^th birthday anniversary of one of Africa’s venerable culture personality, playwright, poet, novelist, and essayist, Professor Femi Osofisan, kicked off on Monday, June 8 with a presentation of one of his satires, Love’s Unlike Lading, at the Wole Soyinka Arts Theatre of the University of Ibadan. Featuring students and staff of the Department of Theatre Arts, UI, the presentation ran for three days, concluding with a Command Performance on Wednesday, June 10.

First published in 2012, Love’s Unlike Lading: A Comedy from Shakespeare, is a striking Nigerian re-reading of Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice. This is, however, only a taste of the feast of theatrical productions that have been earmarked to feature in the scheduled 8-day celebration of the multi-skilled culture icon, who is also known for his pen name, Okinba Launko.

Other productions are Yungba Yungba and the Dance Contests, directed by Bunmi Adedina and featuring theatre students and faculty of the Lagos State University of Education, LASUED, Ijanikin; No More the Wasted Breed, directed by Segun ‘Oriade’ Adefila for the Crown Troupe of Africa; Medaaye, directed by Tunde Awosanmi, featuring students and staff of University of Ibadan; and The Engagement, directed by Adedapo Treasure for Fadaka.

Programme Outline

The landmark birthday anniversary of the distinguished playwright, critic, poet and public intellectual, whose work has shaped generations of artists, scholars and audiences across the world, continues in three venues in Lagos later in the week, with a rich programme of activities including performances, screenings and conversations as outlined below:
- Lagos (June 11–15, 2026)
- Ibadan (June 17–18, 2026).
June 11–15 2026

The Department of Theatre Arts, Lagos State University of Education, Ijanikin, Lagos, will stage a three‑day stage production of Osofisan’s acclaimed play Yungba Yungba and the Dance Contest (June 11–13). Directed by Bunmi Adedina, the production will run daily at 2:00pm, with a Command Performance at 1.00 pm on June 11. The Command Performance will be hosted by the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye.

On June 13 and 14, events move to Freedom Park, Broad Street, Lagos, with the performance by Crown Troupe of Africa of Osofisan’s No More the Wasted Breed, directed by Segun Adefila.

On June 14, dramatist and culture communicator, Ben Omowafola Tomoloju with deliver a Talk titled The Femi Osofisan I Know at JRandle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Onikan, Lagos at 3.00 pm. This will be followed by the unveiling of 100 SONGS OF FEMI OSOFISAN, produced by Semoore Badejo for Concrete Studios.

Roundtable: “Femi Osofisan’s Drama and the Deconstruction of the Nigerian Postcolonial State” – featuring scholars, practitioners and admirers reflecting on Femi Osofisan’s legacy. Time 4.00pm

Speakers include: Baba Agba Tunde Kelani, filmmaker, culture advocate; Professor Mabel Evwierhoma, theatre and culture scholar, University of Abuja; Professor Akin Adesokan, culture and media scholar, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA; Professor Razinat Mohammed, writer and literary scholar, University of Abuja; Dr. Onyekaba Cornel-Best, theatre and media scholar, University of Lagos; Professor Ifure Ufford-Azorbo, theatre practitioner and scholar, University of Uyo; Israel Eboh, theatre director and former President of National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners, NANTAP. It will be moderated by Jahman Anikulapo, culture curator and communicator.

Guests will enjoy a screening of Maami, adapted for film by Tunde Kelani from Osofisan’s original work. The screening begins at 6:00pm.

The Lagos programme concludes on 15 June with a second Roundtable at 4:00 pm, which would feature a treat on the theme: Interpreting Femi Osofisan for the Stage. Speakers are: Professor Grace Adinku, Performance and Visual Arts Studies Scholar, Texas A & M University, USA; Dr Teju Kareem, theatre practitioner, CEO Zmirage Multimedia Company; Dr Toyin Ogundeji, theatre practitioner, teacher, Obafemi Awolowo University; Professor Rasheedat Liman, theatre teacher and culture scholar; Mrs Joke Silva (Jacobs); veteran actress and culture entrepreneur; Segun Adefila, theatre practitioner and President Guild of Nigerian Dancers, GOND; and Makinde Adeniran, theatre director, President of National Association of Nigerian Theatre Practitioners, NANTAP. It will be moderated by Professor Tunji Azeez, theatre teacher, scholar and President of Society of Nigerian Theatre Artists, SONTA.

The Roundtable will be followed by a screening of Cordelia, an adaptation of Osofisan’s novella of same title at 6:00pm

The Talk and Roundtables will also be accessible via Zoom. To attend virtually, audiences may register using the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/8q1R0ZdaQrGNBrbDEY4YRA

On June 17–18 2026, the celebrations continue at the Staff Club, University of Ibadan, beginning on June 17 with a recorded presentation of Yungba Yungba and the Dance Contest as performed at the University of Ghana, Legon, directed by Grace Adinku. The screening starts at 2:00 pm, and is followed by a Q&A.

The Ibadan programme concludes on 18 June with a recorded performance of Farewell to a Cannibal Rage, staged at Texas A&M University and directed by Grace Adinku. The screening begins at 2:00 pm, followed by a Roundtable session and Tributes

Prof Femi Osofisan was born at Erunwon on the 16th June 1946, Femi Osofisan (aka Okinba Launko) had his secondary education at the Government College, Ibadan and then proceeded to the University of Ibadan where, after a year abroad in Dakar, Senegal, he obtained an Honours degree in French in 1966. Eight years later, after aborting his postgraduate studies in Paris, he returned to Ibadan to obtain his PhD in 1974, and then joined the faculty as an Assistant Lecturer. He rose to the post of Professor in 1985, and was made Emeritus Professor in 2014 on retirement. Osofisan has published over 40 plays, five novellas, six volumes of poetry, as well as the acclaimed biography of J.P. Clark, entitled, J.P. Clark: A Voyage. A former President of the Association of Nigerian Authors [ANA], of PEN-Nigeria and the Pan African Writers Association [PAWA], Osofisan has been the recipient of several Fellowships and Awards, including the French National Order of Merit Award (1991); the University of Ibadan Faculty of Arts Distinguished Alumnus Award (2001); the Nigerian National Order of Merit Award for the Humanities (2004); and the prestigious Fonlon-Nichols Award (2005). In 2006, he became a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters. He is married to the first female Professor of Computer Science in Africa, Professor Adenike Osofisan. They are blessed with children and grandchildren.
June 10, 2026
Pivot Nigeria 2025: ‘Reframing the Lens’ Inspires A Positive National Narrative

Pivot Nigeria:Reframing the Lens is a national thought leadership platform created to reset Nigeria’s reputation agenda. Powered by HighStakes Public Relations Professionals (HighStakes PR Professionals), Pivot Nigeria catalyses dialogue to inspire pride, amplify authentic narratives, and co-create a stronger, more balanced Nigeria narrative.

The inaugural Pivot Nigeria Conference, held recently, brought together thought leaders, innovators, journalists, entrepreneurs and youth to emphasise the urgent need for Nigerians to own and shape Nigeria’s narrative. The conference blended high-impact keynotes, panels and hands-on co-creation labs to inspire action.

Urging attendees to become ambassadors of truth and optimism for Nigeria, Pivot Nigeria convener, Victoria Uwadoka-Anyianuka set the tone: “We are not here to complain or to lament; we are here to reframe the lens on how we see ourselves as Nigerians. Changing how others see us starts with how we present and represent ourselves. Our mission is to challenge the prevailing narratives, to spotlight authentic stories, and to co-create a narrative that reflects Nigeria’s true story.”

The conviction that Nigerians must first change how they see themselves before looking for external validation echoed throughout the day, from the keynote and plenary sessions to the co-creation labs. The conference focused on culture as capital, who tells our story and why it matters, reconciling criticism with commitment, and the role of the media in changing the narrative.

Mr. Richard Mofe-Damijo, Nigerian actor, lawyer, filmmaker, and cultural icon popularly known as RMD spoke about the paradoxes of Nigeria: “Nigeria is a beautiful country. It is a great country. On the one hand, it can frustrate you to the point where you feel like ‘I’m getting out.’ But on the other hand, it can give you so much that you’ll be wondering why it took you so long to unlock the keys that give you entrance to the bountiful opportunities that you find in Nigeria.”

He added that Nigeria, as a country, needs to go back to the drawing board, to see who we are, “It is when you have articulated who you are that your people can see.”

On his part, Mr. Emeka Mba, Founder and CEO of AfiaTV said, “Who tells your story and how it is told is often how you are seen. Too often, our stories are told by outsiders. Building inclusive national narratives, consistent cultural diplomacy, and deliberate policies to rebuild trust are essential to shaping how the world perceives us. If you look at emerging news platforms like AfiaTV and News Central, there is a deliberate editorial direction, a recognition of the power the media wields, and the duty it has to project balanced, accurate, and responsible portrayals of Nigeria, particularly to international audiences.”

Speaking in the same vein, Rosemary Egabor-Afolahan, Director, Commercial and Communications, News Central TV said, “The story of Nigeria, in all its complexity, courage and brilliance, must no longer be told by others, through filters of fear or foreign bias. It must be told by us: boldly, responsibly, and completely. For far too long, the image reflected of Nigeria has been distorted, reduced to the cliches of conflict, corruption, disease, and despair.”

Emphasising the critical role of the media in changing the narrative, Rosemary added, “At News Central TV, we took a stand. We chose to change the narrative not by ignoring the challenges, but by contextualising them, by highlighting progress alongside problems, and most importantly, by amplifying voices that are too often silenced and overlooked.”

Pivot Nigeria conference participants converted ideas into action in the co-creation labs and proffered solutions: reclaim Nigeria’s story through citizen action; promote balanced, indigenous storytelling; embed civic education and national values in school curricula; leverage creative industries (film, music, fashion, tech) as soft-power engines; push for stronger accountability in governance; and scale Pivot Nigeria through campus ambassadors and community chapters to sustain awareness about the currency of reputation as capital.

Nneka Isaac-Moses, Meche Isaac-Moses, Nina Anyianuka, Temitope Aina, and Nneamaka Nwadei highlighted narrative power as a tool of diplomacy, trade, and cohesion, urging collective action by the media and all stakeholders to reclaim the Nigeria story.

The “Pivot Nigeria: Reframing the Lens” initiative is a call for citizens, creatives, media houses, government institutions, the private sector and the diaspora to interrogate and reframe their presentation and representation of Nigeria, and to use their everyday platforms (including social media) responsibly to reflect a balanced, authentic Nigeria narrative.

October 15, 2025
The London School of Economics Announces “The Chude Jideonwo Prize” for Creativity for Black History Month 2025

The Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa has announced the call for entries for The Chude Jideonwo Prize for Creativity 2025, as part of its annual Black History Month Photo Essay Competition themed “Voices & Visions.” The competition invites Black and African students, professionals, and community members across the United Kingdom to tell their stories through the art of the photo essay, blending imagery and words to illuminate the unseen, unheard, and unforgettable.

The Prize, named in honour of Chude Jideonwo, storyteller, writer, filmmaker, and the voice of Africa’s creator economy, recognizes his profound contribution to creative scholarship and storytelling within the LSE community. As Creative-in-Residence at the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa, Chude has inspired students and faculty alike to explore the intersections of art, empathy, and public purpose, using creativity as a force for understanding and transformation.

Organised by the Programme for African Leadership in partnership with the LSE Student Union, LSE EmbRace, LSE African Caribbean Society, and The Africa Centre, the competition continues its mission to amplify African voices and perspectives within global conversations on creativity and representation.

This year’s theme, Voices & Visions, calls for powerful expressions that explore how we see, hear, and imagine our world.

Participants are invited to capture moments of resilience, memory, protest, or joy, to uncover the extraordinary in the ordinary and to reveal the beauty, struggle, and strength embedded in everyday life. It is a search for authenticity and artistry, for the images and words that can reshape how we understand identity, belonging, and hope.

All Applications Should be Submitted to: International.Development.Pfal@lse.ac.uk

Deadline: 18th October 2025 (midnight, UK time)

October 8, 2025
May, Obioma, Olugbile Emerge as Finalists of The Nigeria Prize for Literature, 2025
The journey to crown the winner of The Nigeria Prize for Literature has reached a fever pitch, as the Advisory Board on Thursday unveiled the shortlist of three.

The shortlisted novels, in no particular order, are:
1. Sanya by Oyin Olugbile
2. The Road to the Country by Chigozie Obioma
3. This Motherless Land by Nikki May
One of these authors is set to win the $100,000 prize of the NLNG-sponsored literary competition. The winner of the most prestigious prize in Africa will be unveiled at the grand award ceremony on October 10, 2025.

Reflecting on the announcement of the shortlist, the chairman of the Advisory Board for The Nigeria Prize for Literature, Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, described the process of adjudication as intense, rigorous and meticulous.

She described the earlier 11 longlisted books as excellent entries, adding that the challenges which the judges faced this year during adjudication were daunting and unprecedented.

Professor Adimora-Ezeigbo said, “The shortlist before us is exceptional. Each work distinguishes itself through masterful plotting, characterisation, and a good command of language that transports readers into imagined worlds. These are not merely stories; they are carefully woven realities. They are compelling in their beauty, stirring in their emotional resonance, and unflinching in their engagement with familiar yet urgent societal issues. The way the writers handled and resolved conflict highlights their skill and literary standing, making these works quite outstanding.

“Our task, therefore, is clear. It is to choose the most deserving laureate for The Nigeria Prize for Literature, 2025. This cycle has been one of the most competitive yet, with every entry showing an impressive level of excellence that stretched our judgement to the limit. Still, we remain committed to excellence, honouring outstanding writings and keeping alive the vital conversation around Nigerian literature.

“We commend all the authors who submitted their works this year. It has been inspiring to witness such creativity and passion. On behalf of Emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi, Professor Ahmed Yerima, and myself, I can say it is a privilege to be part of something so meaningful and honourable.”

Professor Adimora-Ezeigbo also commended the judging panel for their uncompromising evaluation, which ensured that only the most outstanding works were included in the shortlist of three.

This year’s panel of judges is chaired by Associate Professor Saeedat Bolajoko Aliyu of the Department of English, Kwara State University. Other members of the panel include Professor Stephen Mbanefo Ogene, Professor of Comparative Literature, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and Mr Olakunle Kasumu, writer, filmmaker, producer, and host of Channels Television’s Book Club.

According to the judges, the shortlist represents the best of Nigerian prose writing, exploring culturally-relevant themes and telling stories that are exciting, entertaining and instructive.

They noted: “Olugbile’s Sanya is a fascinating novel. From the cover to the plot that grabs attention, the author is unrelenting at keeping the story pacey and intriguing.

“The Road to the Country by Obioma masterfully explores alternative realities alongside a captivating story of love, brotherhood and a devastating war.

“This Motherless Land is emotionally charged and alluring. The writing is brilliant and the characters riveting. Nikki May successfully straddles the cultures of two different countries,” the judges stated.

The Nigeria Prize for Literature rotates among four genres of literature: prose fiction, poetry, drama, and children’s literature.
August 29, 2025
The 2025 Nigeria Prize for Literature set to be fiercest– Advisory Board

The stakes have never been higher and the literary stage is set ablaze, as the Advisory Board of The Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by NLNG, announced on Tuesday that a record 252 entries have been received for the 2025 edition, setting a new level for the quality of entries and promising to be the fiercest competition in the Prize’s history.

At a press conference held in Lagos, NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, represented by Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, Manager, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, handed over the entries to the Prize’s Advisory Board, led by literary icon and past winner, Prof Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo.

The entries were subsequently presented to the panel of judges, officially marking the start of what promises to be an intense and highly competitive adjudication process. The number of entries not only surpassed the 2024 figure of 163 but also exceeded the 2021 Prose Fiction cycle, which saw 202 submissions.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Horsfall attributed the high number of entries to “a surge in literary creativity, demonstrating a reinvigorated passion for creative works and a deepened global awareness of Nigerian literature.

“This year’s record entries reaffirm the prize’s impact, proving that Nigerian literature is not only thriving but also commanding greater international recognition”, Horsfall said.

“Today’s handover ceremony is a proof of the ingenuity, dedication, and relentless drive of NLNG, our respected advisory boards and judges, and every writer who has entered either for the Literature prize or the Literary Criticism prize. Our commitment to advancing excellence in the quality of literature to improve reading and literacy appetite through these noble prizes is in consonance with NLNG’s aspiration of improving lives sustainably, ”she added.

Professor Adimora-Ezeigbo, Chairperson of the Advisory Board, expressed optimism that the calibre and volume of entries submitted this year would significantly elevate the quality of the competition. She noted that the remarkable diversity and depth of literary works would not only make the adjudication process more compelling, but also reaffirm the prize’s unwavering commitment to literary excellence.

She urged the panel of judges to approach the process with the highest standards of integrity and objectivity, upholding the legacy of rigour and distinction that has become the hallmark of the Prize. According to her, the Advisory Board is fully engaged and anticipates every stage of the selection process with enthusiasm, as this edition may prove to be one of the most competitive in the history of the Prize.

The Advisory Board also announced the receipt of 37 entries for The Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism.

The Literature Prize carries a monetary award of $100,000, while the Literary Criticism Prize winner will receive $10,000.

This year’s panel of judges is chaired by Professor Saeedat Bolajoko Aliyu of the Department of English and Linguistics Studies, Kwara State University. Other members of the panel include Professor Stephen Mbanefo Ogene, Professor of English Language and Literature at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and Mr Olakunle Kasumu, writer, filmmaker, producer, and host of Channels Television’s Book Club.

Dr Grace Musila, an Associate Professor in the Department of African Literature at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, serves as the International Consultant for this year’s edition.

Notable past winners in the Prose Fiction category include Kaine Agary (Yellow Yellow, 2008), Chika Unigwe (On Black Sisters’ Street, 2012), Abubakar Adam Ibrahim (Season of Crimson Blossoms, 2016), and Professor Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobia, whose novel The Son of the House clinched the Prize in the 2020/21 edition. The inaugural edition of the Prize for Prose Fiction in 2004 did not produce a winner.

The Nigeria Prize for Literature rotates annually across four literary genres: Prose Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Children’s Literature.

With top authors contending for the top honour and the judges tasked with identifying the very best, the 2025 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Literature promises to be an epic literary showdown.

Regarded as Africa’s most prestigious literary prize, and one of the richest globally, The Nigeria Prize for Literature continues to set the standard for literary excellence.

April 15, 2025
Industry Stakeholders Advocate for the Creative Industries Development Bill (CIDB)

The Nigerian creative industry has captured the attention of industry stakeholders who have come together to discuss the proposed Creative Industries Development Bill (CIDB) and its potential to transform the Nigerian creative economy. This collaborative effort between Nigeria’s creative industries and the Presidency seeks to enhance the industry through a well-designed action plan centered on putting the creatives “FIRST”: Funding, Incentives, Research, Skills, and Training.

The stakeholder engagement series led by the CIDB team kicked off on 4 March 2023, with an engagement session at the Omenka Gallery in Lagos, hosted by Oliver Enwonwu. The event was attended by prominent stakeholders in the visual arts and arts sector, including leading gallery owners and curators such as the Executive & Artistic Director of the Centre for Contemporary Art, Lagos (CCA, Lagos), Oyindamola Layo Fakeye, and Segun Oni of The Children’s Art Gallery (TCA). Two key takeaways from that engagement were the concepts of Perpetual Royalties for artists on their work and the insertion that all new public buildings in Nigeria (Federal State and Local) should have iconic arts embedded in their budgets leading to a legacy of public monuments across Nigeria and the growth of the art market.

The following day, on Sunday, 5 March, the CIDB team met with leaders from the creative writing, performing arts, and theater sectors. These included Ifeanyi Avajah,chairman of the Lagos branch of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Israel Eboh, president of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), as well as cultural advocate, Jahman Anikulapo, chair of the Committee for Relevant Art (CORA) and the filmmaker, Mahmoud Ali-Balogun. Anwuli Ojogwu, of the Society of Books and Magazines Editors of Nigeria (SBMEN), enjoined the CIDB team to consider that not all art, especially creative writing, worked on the for-profit model. She hoped that grants for creatives were one of the items being considered in the bill.

The team also met with media and culture entrepreneurs, that included conversations with the founder of the Silverbird Group, Ben Murray Bruce; the CEO of EbonyLife Media, Mo Abudu; the theatre producer, cultural entrepreneur and the CEO of Terra Kulture, Bolanle Austen-Peters; founder and the CEO of Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), Chioma Ude; the COO of Mavin Records, Tega Oghenejobo; Prolific comedians, Bovi, Nedu, and Chukwudi ‘Husband Material’ Ezugwu; creative industries leader and Comedian/Entrepreneur, Ali Baba and actor, Eyinna Nwigwe.

Laoye Jaiyeola, the CEO of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) hosted the CIDB team led by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Country Risk Assessment and Evaluation, Col. Felix Alaita (rtd), Chinenye Mba Uzoukwu, and Obi Asika, at the NESG headquarters, Summit House, on 7 March 2023. The meeting included the National Assembly Business Environment Roundtable (NASSBER) team and thematic leads from relevant NESG sectors. It was aimed at building support and momentum from the organized private sector. Dr Ikenna Nwosu, Facilitator, Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment, Creatives and Sports Business (THECS) Policy Commission welcomed the idea of the CIDB and agreed that the NESG would collaborate with the team for the success of the project.

At the session hosted by Filmhouse Cinemas and TRACE, for players in the Television, Film, Advertising, Arts, Gaming, and Animation sectors, on 8 March, Col. Felix Alaita (rtd), explained that the CIDB as championed by the Presidency, is specifically aimed at transforming the Nigerian creative space through access to funding, provision of incentives, enabling research, and the creation of an environment for skills development and training. Kelechi Nwosu of TBWA Concept spoke to the significance of the CIDB for the Advertising sector, while Anwulika Agina of Pan African University spoke on the need for -research institutes and schools to be inclusive. Also in attendance were Charles Novia, Tunde Laoye, Efe Omorogbe, Queen Ebigieson, Emeka Ossai, and Brenda Fashugba, amongst others.

Obi Asika, one of Nigeria’s renowned creative industries’’ leaders and the CIDB Stakeholders Engagement Sub-Committee Lead, stated that the CIDB is a “whole of government and whole of nation” approach with key stakeholders continuously engaged. Chukuka Chukuma, Investment Banker and the CIDB Finance Sub-Committee Lead, emphasized the importance of leaving no one behind and the need to enable and support the sector. He explained that the bill is not intended to replace existing agencies but to act in the best interests of the creative industries, and drive collaboration. He noted that the private sector, development finance institutions, and global multilaterals all seek a clear line of sight into the sector, and the CIDB will meet their expectations and provide a one-stop-shop that facilitates seamless foreign direct investments.

Other members of the CIDB Presidential Advisory team–including Davidson Oturu, Ojoma Ochai, Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie, Baba Agba, Enyi Omeruah, Femi Odugbemi, Ijeoma Onah, Moses Babatope, Titilayo Adebola, Eghosa Imasuen, Oswald Osaretin Guobadia, and Chichi Nwoko–were present to give further insights into the details of the CIDB. Sam Onyemelukwe of TRACE espoused the vision of the CIDB as one whose time has come.

The CIDB team had a highly successful trip to Lagos. The engagement sessions were robust two-way conversations, and the consultation process is constant and ongoing. The general consensus of attendees was gratitude for the efforts of the minister of information and culture in promoting the kind of collaborative environment that led to the development of this laudable bill. Further engagements have been scheduled and planned for the six geopolitical zones. This approach provides an opportunity for Nigeria to be intentional about projecting Nigerian soft power and Nigerian Storytellers.

The continuing stakeholder engagement sessions aim to provide an opportunity for industry professionals to engage with the CIDB team, understand the significance and benefits of the bill, and provide valuable insights to make it fit-for-purpose and shape the future of the creative industries in Nigeria.

March 12, 2023
BIYI BANDELE: Midnight Encounters With The Master

By Wale Okediran

July 30 2022. Midnight. I was browsing the internet researching for an essay I was working on when I stumbled on a reference to Biyi Bandele.

As I continued reading, a photograph I had taken with the iconic Writer, Dramatist and Filmmaker during the Launch of his book: BURMA BOY in London, UK on 21 June 2007 popped out.

Fascinated by the discovery, I sent the picture to Biyi Bandele’s facebook as well as to Molara Wood who had invited me to the event when she was based in the UK as a journalist.

A few days later, Biyi sent me a reply:
”Wale Okediran, I remember that reading at Lewisham Library. In the days of my youth! You were there with a friend, I remember”

August 9 2022. Midnight. While checking my Whatsapp messages, I stumbled on the news of Biyi Bandele’s death. He was said to have died on August 7 2022 in his house in Lagos.

Apart from being devastated by the terrible news, I was puzzled on how I could have chatted with someone I last met 15 years ago just 8 days to his death.

Was it a premonition of his forthcoming demise or was it just a farewell message from one writer to another?

Like many Writers, I read Biyi Bandele before meeting him.

Born in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, Nigeria, Biyi studied drama in 1987 at the then University of Ife several years after I had also completed my medical education in the same University.

It was not until 2007, precisely 21 June 2007 at Lewisham Library in London that I finally met the multi talented author during the Launch of his book: BURMA BOY.

It was our first and only meeting.

I recollect that I had been invited to the event by the then UK based Journalist, Molara Wood who actually took the picture of Biyi and I.

As i struggled to piece this short treatise together, I try to remember Biyi as he was in ‘ the days of his youth’ dreadlocked and debonair in his traditional shirt and jeans attire.

I also recollect his wonderful juxtaposition of literary roles from the print to the stage and on to the screen.

He may have died young, but he lived a fulfilled life.

May the good Lord rest him.

Dr. Okediran is a Medical Doctor and founder of Ebedi Writer Residence. He was former a Member of the House of Representatives, Abuja. He has published five novels, and short stories in several journals in Nigeria and overseas. He is currently the Secretary General of the Pan-African Writers Association (PAWA).

August 13, 2022

Taraji P. Henson to host the 2021 “BET Awards”

Today, BET announces that Academy Award-nominated and Golden Globe winning actor, filmmaker, and philanthropist Taraji P. Henson will host the 2021 “BET AWARDS” and GRAMMY award-winning musician, critically acclaimed Golden Globe-winning and Academy Award-nominated actor Queen Latifah will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement BET Award. The “BET AWARDS” 2021 will air LIVE, Monday 28 June on BETAfrica (DStv channel 129) at 01:00 WAT. You can also catch the repeat at 18:00 WAT on the same day.

“The 2021 BET Awards theme, The year of Black Women is a celebration to honour trailblazing black women across the globe,” said Monde Twala, SVP at BET International. “Now in its twenty-first year, the BET AWARDS continues its reign as the platform to showcase black female excellence and shine a light on culture as the driving force for social change.”

“Black women have been essential drivers of change throughout history, from the political sphere to the cultural zeitgeist,” said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET. “The BET AWARDS is the ultimate celebration of Black culture, and we are looking forward to spotlighting and celebrating Black women during this year’s show, recognizing them for everything they’ve accomplished and applauding them for what’s to come.”

Taraji P. Henson most recently wrapped her iconic run as “Cookie Lyon” on Fox’s hit musical drama EMPIRE, which has earned her three Emmy nominations, a Golden Globe Award, a Critics Choice Award, and three BET Awards. She portrayed NASA mathematician Katherine G. Johnson in the Academy Award-nominated film HIDDEN FIGURES, as well as lent her voice to Disney’s RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET: WRECK-IT RALPH 2. In 2018, she launched the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in honour of her late father. The organisation provides scholarships to African-American students majoring in mental health disciplines, offers mental health services to youth in urban schools, and works to lower the recidivism rates of African-American men and women. Henson, along with her best friend and foundation partner, Tracie Jade, recently co-hosted the Facebook Watch series on mental health called PEACE OF MIND WITH TARAJI, for which they received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for “Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host.”

Additionally, the “BET AWARDS” will be honouring Queen Latifah with this year’s Lifetime Achievement BET Award. Latifah has had amazing success since her career began in Hollywood and became the first hip-hop artist to be crowned with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006. She received rave reviews, industry recognition, and accolades for her roles in feature musical CHICAGO and cable films LIFE SUPPORT and BESSIE, which she also produced. Additionally, Latifah starred in the hit comedy GIRLS TRIP and has also taken to the stage and small screen as the title character in the television musical, THE WIZ LIVE!. Flavor Unit Entertainment, the production company owned and operated by Latifah and Shakim Compere, was behind the hit comedies, BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE, BEAUTY SHOP, and THE PERFECT HOLIDAY. Latifah currently stars in and is an executive producer on the CBS series reboot of THE EQUALIZER, which quickly became TV’s #1 scripted series this year.

Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET will oversee The “BET Awards” 2021 and serve as Executive Producer along with Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment.

Voting for the 2021 BET AWARDS ‘Viewer’s Choice Award’ is now open here. BET.com/betawards is the official site for the “BET Awards” and will have all the latest news and updates about this year’s show.

The “BET AWARDS” 2021 will air LIVE, Monday 28 June on BETAfrica (DStv channel 129) at 01:00 WAT. You can also catch the repeat at 18:00 WAT on the same day.

The previously announced nominees for the “BET AWARDS” 2021 are:

BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT
AYA NAKAMURA (FRANCE)
BURNA BOY (NIGERIA)
DIAMOND PLATNUMZ (TANZANIA)
EMICIDA (BRAZIL)
HEADIE ONE (UK)
WIZKID (NIGERIA)
YOUNG T & BUGSEY (UK)
YOUSSOUPHA (FRANCE)

VIEWER’S CHOICE – BEST NEW INTERNATIONAL
ELAINE (South Africa)
ARLO PARKS (UK)
BRAMSITO (France)
BREE RUNWAY (UK)
TEMS (Nigeria)
MC DRICKA (Brazil)
RONISIA (France)

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
AFTER HOURS – THE WEEKND
BLAME IT ON BABY – DABABY
GOOD NEWS – MEGAN THEE STALLION
HEAUX TALES – JAZMINE SULLIVAN
KING’S DISEASE – NAS
UNGODLY HOUR – CHLOE X HALLE

BEST COLLABORATION
CARDI B FT. MEGAN THEE STALLION – WAP
DABABY FT. RODDY RICCH – ROCKSTAR
DJ KHALED FT. DRAKE – POPSTAR
JACK HARLOW FT. DABABY, TORY LANEZ & LIL WAYNE – WHATS POPPIN (REMIX)
MEGAN THEE STALLION FT. DABABY – CRY BABY
POP SMOKE FT. LIL BABY & DABABY – FOR THE NIGHT

BEST FEMALE R&B / POP ARTIST
BEYONCÉ
H.E.R.
JAZMINE SULLIVAN
JHENÉ AIKO
SUMMER WALKER
SZA

BEST MALE R&B / POP ARTIST
6LACK
ANDERSON .PAAK
CHRIS BROWN
GIVEON
TANK
THE WEEKND

BEST NEW ARTIST
COI LERAY
FLO MILLI
GIVEON
JACK HARLOW
LATTO
POOH SHIESTY

BEST GROUP
21 SAVAGE & METRO BOOMIN
CHLOE X HALLE
CHRIS BROWN & YOUNG THUG
CITY GIRLS
MIGOS
SILK SONIC

BEST FEMALE HIP HOP ARTIST
CARDI B
COI LERAY
DOJA CAT
MEGAN THEE STALLION
LATTO
SAWEETIE

BEST MALE HIP HOP ARTIST
DABABY
DRAKE
J. COLE
JACK HARLOW
LIL BABY
POP SMOKE

DR. BOBBY JONES BEST GOSPEL/INSPIRATIONAL AWARD
BEBE WINANS – IN JESUS NAME
CECE WINANS – NEVER LOST
H.E.R. – HOLD US TOGETHER
KIRK FRANKLIN – STRONG GOD
MARVIN SAPP – THANK YOU FOR IT ALL
TAMELA MANN – TOUCH FROM YOU

BET HER AWARD
ALICIA KEYS FT. KHALID – SO DONE
BRANDY FT. CHANCE THE RAPPER – BABY MAMA
BRI STEVES – ANTI QUEEN
CHLOE X HALLE – BABY GIRL
CIARA FT. ESTER DEAN – ROOTED
SZA – GOOD DAYS

VIEWER’S CHOICE AWARD
CARDI B FT. MEGAN THEE STALLION – WAP
CHRIS BROWN & YOUNG THUG – GO CRAZY
DABABY FT. RODDY RICCH – ROCKSTAR
DJ KHALED FT. DRAKE – POPSTAR
DRAKE FT. LIL DURK – LAUGH NOW CRY LATER
LIL BABY – THE BIGGER PICTURE
MEGAN THEE STALLION FT. BEYONCÉ – SAVAGE (REMIX)
SILK SONIC – LEAVE THE DOOR OPEN

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
CARDI B – UP
CARDI B FT. MEGAN THEE STALLION – WAP
CHLOE X HALLE – DO IT
CHRIS BROWN & YOUNG THUG – GO CRAZY
DRAKE FT. LIL DURK – LAUGH NOW CRY LATER
SILK SONIC – LEAVE THE DOOR OPEN

VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
BENNY BOOM
BRUNO MARS AND FLORENT DÉCHARD
COLE BENNETT
COLIN TILLEY
DAVE MEYERS
HYPE WILLIAMS

BEST MOVIE
COMING 2 AMERICA
JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH
MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM
ONE NIGHT IN MIAMI…
SOUL
THE UNITED STATES VS. BILLIE HOLIDAY

BEST ACTRESS
ANDRA DAY
ANGELA BASSETT
ISSA RAE
JURNEE SMOLLETT
VIOLA DAVIS
ZENDAYA

BEST ACTOR
ALDIS HODGE
CHADWICK BOSEMAN
DAMSON IDRIS
DANIEL KALUUYA
EDDIE MURPHY
LAKEITH STANFIELD

YOUNGSTARS AWARD
ALEX R. HIBBERT
ETHAN HUTCHISON
LONNIE CHAVIS
MARSAI MARTIN
MICHAEL EPPS
STORM REID

SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
A’JA WILSON
CANDACE PARKER
CLARESSA SHIELDS
NAOMI OSAKA
SERENA WILLIAMS
SKYLAR DIGGINS-SMITH

SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
KYRIE IRVING
LEBRON JAMES
PATRICK MAHOMES
RUSSELL WESTBROOK
RUSSELL WILSON
STEPHEN CURRY

June 15, 2021