Anticipation Builds for New Music from Afrobeats Star
Afrobeats superstar, Ayo Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, sparked excitement among his fans after hinting that he would release a track from his highly anticipated *Morayo* album on October 1, 2024. The Nigerian Independence Day became even more special for his fans, as many eagerly stayed up past midnight awaiting the release.
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Midnight Anticipation Turns to Speculation
As the clock struck midnight, fans flooded social media, expressing their eagerness for new music from the Essence crooner. Minutes passed with no sign of the song, leading some fans to speculate that the release date might have been postponed. Others wondered whether Wizkid, known for his playful persona, was merely teasing his audience.
One fan humorously urged others to stay patient, saying, “Make we calm down small.” Despite the uncertainty, fans continued to show excitement and support for the singer.
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Tribute to Late Mother Inspires New Album
The upcoming *Morayo* album holds deep significance for Wizkid. The 34-year-old Grammy award-winning artist revealed that the project is dedicated to his late mother, who passed away on August 18, 2023. Describing her as “the love of his life,” Wizkid’s emotional connection to the album has further fueled fan anticipation.
As fans wait for official confirmation on the release, the *Morayo* album is already set to be one of Wizkid’s most personal and heartfelt works yet.
The Director China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Mr. Yang Jianxing, has underscored the need for the exchange of cultural diversity between Nigeria and China to enhance national development.
He stated this during the celebration of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake Festival, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, which dates back over 1,000 years, is a time for families to come together, admire the full moon, and enjoy traditional mooncakes while making wishes for peace, reunion, and happiness.
According to the Director of the Cultural Centre, Chinese believe that the moon is at its brightest and fullest during this festival, coinciding with harvest time in the middle of autumn.
Mr. Jianxing explained that the festival serves as an avenue for friends of China in Nigeria to share happiness and unite with one another.
“We have expressed our feelings about our love for our families. Chinese people love their families deeply. So the key word is love. We must love one another—older people, younger children, everyone. Today’s key words are reunion and love.”
Mr. Jianxing also noted that the Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional Chinese holiday that highlights the importance of family reunions and togetherness.
“As we gather here today, I’m reminded of the famous Chinese verses: ‘The bright moon rises over the sea; we share this moment from afar,’ and ‘May we all live long, sharing the beauty of the moon even if we are a thousand miles apart.’ These words encapsulate the deep longing for family reunion and the spirit of caring for others that defines the Chinese people.”
This partnership embodies the Chinese concept of ‘Tianxia Datong,’ which means all people under heaven are one family.
“We aim to share experiences, help each other, and develop together with all African countries, including Nigeria.”
While commending Nigerians for their hospitality, he noted that as a Chinese national, he still feels he is with family because of the warm reception he has enjoyed from the Nigerian people.
On his part, the Vice Secretary General of the Zhengzhou Municipal People’s Government, Zhao Hengkang, stated that the Mid-Autumn Festival aims to celebrate cultural exchange and the martial arts charm of Chinese Kung Fu.
“This poetic event seeks to share the cultural and martial arts charm of Chinese Kung Fu, a fusion of Buddhist culture and traditional Chinese culture.
Zhao emphasized Zhengzhou’s renowned reputation as the “City of Kung Fu” and its rich history as the hometown of the legendary Yellow Emperor.
“The Shaolin Kung Fu Performing Art Group has captivated global audiences, performing at events like the Athens and Beijing Olympics and touring across five continents. Their impressive feats have made Shaolin Kung Fu one of China’s most cherished cultural treasures, alongside the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, and pandas.”
The representative of the Ministry of Arts and Creative Economy, Zainab Ali Biu, stated that China and Nigeria’s diverse cultures, if well harnessed, could benefit both countries.
“Culture is the heart of any nation; it embodies our values, history, and the essence of who we are. Looking ahead, there are numerous practical ways through which Nigeria and China can mutually benefit from this strengthened partnership, such as art exhibitions, film festivals, and performances that showcase the talents of our artists,” She said.
Other highlights of the event were Chinese dance and displays of gallantry through martial arts from both Nigeria and China
Kwara’s Sugar Factory Film Studio is set to make waves in the entertainment industry with the upcoming launch of its “Dancinematic Universe.” The project, which merges the creative elements of music videos and the cinematic storytelling of feature films through dance, is scheduled for an official unveiling in October. This innovative series promises to revolutionize the Nigerian creative landscape, blending high-energy performances with immersive storytelling.
Pilot Project: The Big Bang
The debut project within the Dancinematic Universe is a short film titled The Big Bang, set in a fictional universe. It combines dance, music, and cinematic narratives to create a unique world-building experience for viewers. This musical fantasy, inspired by a true story, follows the journey of a young creative with a vision to reshape the entertainment industry. The project aims to bring an entirely new format to Nigerian entertainment, merging transmedia storytelling and cinematic flair.
Transmedia Storytelling and World-Building
A key aspect of this initiative is its groundbreaking approach to world-building through transmedia storytelling. This method allows for the narrative to expand across multiple platforms, creating an immersive experience for the audience. According to Sugar Factory Film Studio’s Creative Director, Tunde Ayinla, professionally known as StylSlayer, this format has been modeled after global franchises like *The Boys* and Deadpool, but with an added layer of immersion tailored to Nigerian audiences.
In a statement, Ayinla explained that Sugar Factory Film Studios is positioning itself as a creative hub for intellectual properties and brands, offering a unique blend of product placement and branded content. “This is a pioneering effort to enhance the world-building of promotional storytelling,” he said.
Governor Abdulrazaq’s Support and Industry Impact
Ayinla credited Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for his visionary leadership and ongoing support of the creative sector in Kwara. The launch of the Dancinematic Universe follows closely after Kwara secured the hosting rights for the 2024 Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards. The awards event, set to attract over 500 movie stars, producers, and industry professionals to Ilorin, will take place at the iconic Sugar Factory Film Studios—a major project backed by the Abdulrazaq administration.
Ayinla emphasized that The Big Bang serves as the cornerstone of the Dancinematic Universe, creating a new market space within the Nigerian entertainment industry. “This is a first-of-its-kind project with a cross-pollinated audience. We’re excited about the potential this brings to the industry,” he stated.
Economic Projections and Job Creation
With an early revenue projection of N5.4 billion, the Dancinematic Universe has been designed as a blue ocean project, setting the studio apart from its competitors. Beyond its commercial success, the initiative is expected to create thousands of jobs for young people in Kwara, especially within the creative sector. The production aims to foster a new generation of talent, contributing to the growth of the local and national entertainment industries.
The Chief Executive Officer of DanHausawa Media Nigeria, Samaila Adoyi, has officially announced that preparations for the second edition of the Miss Naija pageant are in full swing. The pageant, designed to empower young Nigerian women, aims to provide a platform for participants to showcase their talents, intelligence, and passion for social change.
Adoyi, a music producer and the event’s organizer, shared the exciting update during a press conference held in Kaduna on Sunday. He revealed that this year’s pageant will take place in Jos, Plateau State, starting on October 19.
Pageant Theme: Empowering Women and Promoting Equality
With the theme Happy Woman’, the 2024 Miss Naija pageant seeks to inspire, empower, and celebrate womanhood, while also promoting gender equality and women’s rights. According to Adoyi, the pageant is not just about beauty, but about amplifying the voices of women and supporting causes that resonate with them.
“We believe that with the right platform, young Nigerian women can influence society, drive positive change, and inspire others,” said Adoyi, emphasizing that the pageant aligns with the broader mission of empowering women and creating a lasting, positive impact on society.
Criteria for Contestants
Adoyi outlined the essential qualities that contestants must possess to be considered for the Miss Naija crown. He explained that participants must demonstrate beauty, passion, intelligence, confidence,and a strong sense of social responsibility. The role of Miss Naija, he noted, goes beyond the title, as it involves championing societal causes that benefit the community at large.
Reflecting on the success of the 2023 inaugural edition, Adoyi praised the event for its positive impact, noting how it inspired young women across Nigeria. Last year’s winner, Nana Firdousi, was awarded a prestigious scholarship to study abroad, further demonstrating the pageant’s commitment to empowering young women through education.
Exciting Prizes for 2024 Contest
For this year’s edition, Adoyi unveiled an impressive array of prizes for the contestants. The 2024 Miss Naija winner will receive a cash prize of N3 million, various endorsement deals, and a brand-new car with a driver. Additionally, Adoyi assured potential participants that the selection process would be fair, transparent, and standardized.
Registration for the event requires a fee of N15,000, and Adoyi encouraged young women across Nigeria to seize this opportunity to make a difference in their communities while showcasing their talents on a national stage.
As preparations continue for the highly anticipated event, the 2024 Miss Naija pageant promises to be an inspiring celebration of womanhood and a platform for driving positive social change in Nigeria.
The fantasy television series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has topped Prime Video’s film chart in Nigeria, solidifying its popularity among viewers in the country.
Following closely in second place is Atunwa (Reincarnation), a captivating drama about a woman whose past life comes back to haunt her after being reincarnated. Muri and Ko, a lighthearted comedy about a petty criminal who unexpectedly bonds with his kidnapping victim, secures the third spot.
In fourth place is Blackmail, a suspenseful thriller revolving around an actor’s frantic efforts to prevent a private video from being leaked online. Meanwhile, the noir-style thriller Killer Heat claims fifth position on the chart.
The romantic drama No Gain, No Love, which explores the complexities of marriage for personal benefit, lands in sixth place. Right behind it is the animated adventure Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, the highly anticipated sequel to Puss in Boots, at number seven.
Romantic comedies Upgraded and Float take the eighth and ninth spots respectively, offering viewers a mix of laughter and love. Completing the top ten is Ayra Starr: Dare to Dream, a documentary that highlights the meteoric rise of the Nigerian singer Ayra Starr, inspiring fans with her journey to stardom.
The Nigerian Leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says his administration is winning the war on terrorism and banditry with the elimination of over 300 Boko-Haram and Bandit commanders, within one year of his administration by the gallant troops in the Northeast, Northwest and some other parts of the country.
The President made this known on Tuesday during a nationwide broadcast to memorialise the 64th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria.
President Tinubu, who took over the leadership of Nigeria 16 months ago, said the target of his administration is to eliminate all the threats of Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and the scourge of all forms of violent extremism.
“On the security front, I am happy to announce to you, my compatriots, that our administration is winning the war on terror and banditry. Our target is to eliminate all the threats of Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and the scourge of all forms of violent extremism.
“Within one year, our government has eliminated Boko Haram and bandit commanders faster than ever. As of the last count, over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders have been eliminated by our gallant troops in the Northeast, Northwest, and some other parts of the country.”
The Nigerian Leader added that the federal government in the last few months has restored peace to hundreds of communities in Northern Nigeria, with thousands of people returning to their homes.
“My administration took over the leadership of our country 16 months ago at a critical juncture. The economy faced many headwinds, and our physical security was highly impaired. We found ourselves at a dizzying crossroads, where we must choose between two paths: reform for progress and prosperity or carry on business-as-usual and collapse. We decided to reform our political economy and defence architecture.”
Describing the situation as an unfinished business, President Tinubu further assured that soonest the government can restore more peace to other communities in the troubled parts of the North, farmers will return to their farms.
The Nigerian Leader stressed that the Nigerian economy can only thrive when there is peace, he added that his administration is seeking to foster national unity and build social harmony and cohesion across the country.
“We have restored peace to hundreds of communities in the North, and thousands of our people have been able to return home. It is an unfinished business, which our security agencies are committed to ending as quickly as possible. As soon as we can restore peace to many communities in the troubled parts of the North, our farmers can return to their farms.”
The President hinted that with this in place, the government expects to record an increase in food production and a reduction in food costs.
“We expect to see a leap in food production and a downward spiral in food costs. I promise you, we shall not falter on this,” the President added.
