Entertainment

94 Countries Jostle For Maiden Edition Of Edo Film Festival, 1,551 Movie Entries Received

Published

3 years ago

August 24, 2022

…Over 200 Movies To Be Shown In Different Locations

…To Reward Winners With $6,000

The Managing Director of Edo State Skills Development Agency, EdoJobs, Ukinebo Dare says no fewer than 1,551 movie entries have been received from 94 countries for the maiden edition of
Edo State International Film Festival (ESIFF).

The Managing Director who disclosed this while briefing journalists in Benin City, ahead of the commencement of the film fiesta, said the event is organised by the Edo State Government in collaboration with private sector partners aimed at spurring the state’s booming creative industry.

The state also unveiled the logo and brand ambassadors for the film festival.

The ambassadors include Nollywood actor and film producer, Nosa Rex Okunzuwa, and actress and television host, Linda Osifo.

Dare said the event, scheduled to hold between September 1st and September 4, 2022, aims at boosting the film industry and repositioning the state as a choice location for film and television productions.

She further noted that, as part of the festival, over 200 movies will be shown at different locations in the state, providing an opportunity for networking and developing talents in the state’s creative sector.

Dare said, “Edo State International Film Festival has received 1,551 movies as entries for the festival from 94 different countries. We have an international jury, including film professors and filmmakers from around the world that will watch all these films and select the best movie from these entries that will be shown during the festival. The festival holds from 1st to 4th of September, 2022.”

Noting that winners will receive up to $6,000 in rewards, the EdoJobs Managing Director added, “We have three categories in the festival that have cash prizes of $2,000 each. These categories include the best student film; the best film shot with a phone or a tablet and best used technology in the filmmaking. The winners will be announced during the film festival.”

She continued: “We are going to have 200 movies showing for four days at three different locations in the state as it will create opportunities for film critics, content producers and movie celebrities to interact and build a strong network to improve the art and craft of film making in the state.

“We will be partnering with some reputable organisations to ensure the film festival is a success.”

On his part, the Festival Director, Mr. Davison Izegaegbe, said the film festival will include several training programmes to further expose creatives in the state and showcase the Edo film industry to the international market.

He noted, “The film festival is not for the fun of showing movies but to attract and expose film makers to the international market.”

Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Hon. Bamidele Olaitan said, “This event is another initiative of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to restore the hope of the Edo people.

“This festival has allowed us to embark on a journey to tell our stories ourselves to the world and change our narratives as well as market ourselves and our cultural heritage to the world.”

Entertainment

Meet First African Artiste Who Get Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star

Published

2 days ago

July 3, 2025

Editor

Five-time Grammy Award-winning singer Angelique Kidjo is poised to make history as the first African artiste to be honoured with a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Renowned for her powerful vocals, genre-blending music, and dynamic stage presence, Angelique Kidjo will be recognised in the “Recordings” category. She joins a celebrated lineup of honorees that includes Miley Cyrus and The Clark Sisters.

This prestigious honour acknowledges Kidjo’s decades-long contribution to music and her enduring commitment to sharing African culture and sounds with the global community.

The honorees were selected by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s Walk of Fame selection panel from hundreds of nominations during a June 20 meeting. The Chamber’s board of directors approved the selections on June 25.

The Walk of Fame Class of 2026 features 35 prominent figures across the entertainment spectrum, including music, film, television, live performance, and sports.

“We are excited to announce the newest selections of 35 esteemed individuals who will be enshrined onto the Walk of Fame,” said Peter Roth, former CEO of Warner Bros. Television and chairman of the Walk of Fame selection committee, in a statement.

“These talented individuals have made significant contributions to the world of entertainment, and we are thrilled to honor them with this well-deserved recognition.”

Full List of 2026 Walk of Fame Honorees

Recordings

Air Supply
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
Paulinho da Costa
The Clark Sisters
Miley Cyrus
Josh Groban
Intocable
Angélique Kidjo
Lyle Lovett
Motion Pictures

Emily Blunt
Timothée Chalamet
Chris Columbus
Marion Cotillard
Keith David
Rami Malek
Rachel McAdams
Demi Moore
Franco Nero
Deepika Padukone
Molly Ringwald
Stanley Tucci
Carlo Ramboldi (Posthumous)
Tony Scott (Posthumous)
Television

Greg Daniels
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Lucero
Chef Gordon Ramsay
Melody Thomas Scott
Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos (double ceremony)
Bradley Whitford
Noah Wyle
Live Theatre/Performance

Lea Salonga
Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias
Sports Entertainment

Shaquille O’Neal
The date of Angélique Kidjo’s star unveiling ceremony has not yet been announced.

Now 64, the Beninese-French singer continues to be celebrated for her boundary-pushing artistry, visually captivating music videos, and role as a cultural ambassador. In addition to her five Grammy Awards, she received the 2023 Polar Music Prize. A vocal activist and actress, Kidjo is widely considered one of Africa’s greatest music icons.

Entertainment

‘This Is Not Me’ – 2Baba Apologises To Wife Natasha, Children Over Controversial Comments

Published

3 days ago

July 2, 2025

Editor

Popular Nigerian singer Innocent Idibia, better known as 2Baba, has issued a heartfelt apology to his wife, Natasha, and their children following the backlash from a controversial statement he made about male sexuality and monogamy.

During a recent appearance on the 234 Mzansi podcast hosted by Nedu and others, the award-winning singer claimed it is “nearly impossible” for a man to remain sexually involved with only one woman, even if he deeply loves her. The remark quickly sparked widespread criticism and intense public debate.

In a remorseful post shared via his Instagram page on Wednesday, 2Baba acknowledged the gravity of his words and the hurt they caused.

He said, “I know I fxxked up with what I said. I know I am going to pay dearly for it. I’m going to pay the heavy price for this, you know; I said what I said, man. I didn’t say it appropriately.

“This is my situation; there is no excuse. I own up to that. I have hurt so many people – my fans, people that hold me up in high esteem, and millions of people who look up to me. This is not me; I’m terribly sorry for allowing myself, but one thing I’m sure of is that I’m sorry to my wife, the love of my life, Natasha. She is amazing, wonderful and smart. I’m so sorry. And also to my kids: you don’t deserve the kind of things I put them into.

“I’m Tuface Idibia; I’m 2Baba. I’m fortunate enough to have achieved a lot to have people look up to me. They call me the legend, but this talk of mine was quite unlegendary. I feel bad I own up to my mistakes.

“I know I will pay the price, but I just expressed myself. It’s something I thought we just said; we looked at it as a cruise, but the amount of response I got made me see the amount of love and respect people have for me, and for me to make that stupid statement, it cancelled everything. People that know me know that that’s not who I am. I dey talk some kinds of things.

“My music speaks for me.” I know you will be wondering if it’s the same person that said that thing.”

Entertainment

Top 6 Movies Produced By Late Kayode Peters

Published

6 days ago

June 29, 2025

Editor

Popular Nigerian filmmaker, Kayode Peters, has died in Canada after a prolonged illness.

Contents
1. 13 Letters (2021)
2. Crazy Grannies (2021)
3. I Am Nazzy (2022)
4. Survivors (2022)
5. Dream Job (2021)
6. Teardrops (2024)

The news of his death was announced by his family via his official Instagram page on Saturday, June 28, 2025.

Fans, actors, and colleagues in the entertainment industry are mourning the sudden loss of a man who played a vital role in shaping modern Nigerian comedy and filmmaking.

Peters first gained prominence for directing the iconic comedy TV show Papa Ajasco and Company.

He later produced the hit sitcom Flatmates, which featured major stars like Basketmouth and Okey Bakassi. These shows became household favourites across Nigeria.

Beyond television, Peters made a strong mark in Nollywood with a string of successful films.

Below are six of his most notable movie produced by Kayode Peters:

1. 13 Letters (2021)

Directed by Peters and released on GidiBoxOffice, 13 Letters starred Kunle Remi, Bimbo Ademoye, and Teddy A.

The film explored the emotional fallout of social media call-outs from ex-lovers. Its relatable storyline and emotional depth made it a viral hit.

2. Crazy Grannies (2021)

Co-directed with Tope Alake, this comedy follows three grandmothers who break free from societal expectations in search of fun and freedom.

Featuring Shaffy Bello and Ngozi Nwosu, the film delighted audiences with its humour and vibrant energy.

3. I Am Nazzy (2022)

Starring Nancy Isime and Jidekene Achufusi, I Am Nazzy is a body-swap comedy that examines identity and fame. The film was praised for its refreshing storyline and comedic timing.

4. Survivors (2022)

This comedy-thriller features popular skit makers Mr. Macaroni, Broda Shaggi, and MC Lively. It tells the story of two unemployed friends who unwittingly get involved in a kidnapping plot, leading to a series of chaotic events.

5. Dream Job (2021)

A motivational drama that explores themes of ambition, disappointment, and second chances. Dream Job resonated with young Nigerians striving to achieve their dreams in the face of adversity.

6. Teardrops (2024)

A deeply emotional family drama centered on love, loss, and resilience. Teardrops is regarded as one of Peters’ most heartfelt and mature works.

In addition to the movies produced by Kayode Peters and his achievements in film and television, he also gained recognition for his stage plays and short films, including Doll House, Dead Rite, and Road to Friendship, which were featured at various film festivals.

One of his earliest contributions to the industry was Crossworld Blues, the first comedy series to air on DBN TV. Its success made Peters one of the pioneering figures in Nigerian television comedy.
(TRIBUNE)