Entertainment

Iconic Nollywood Movie ‘Ti Oluwa Nile’ Adapted To Stage

Published

3 months ago

February 9, 2024

The legendary Yoruba movie ‘Ti Oluwa Nile’, written by veteran actor and producer Alhaji Kareem Adepoju, popularly known as ‘Baba Wande”, is set to be adapted into a stage play titled ‘ASIYANBI: TI OLUWA NI ILE’.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ‘Ti Oluwa Nile’ was originally penned in 1987 by Baba Wande and transformed into a cinematic gem in 1993 through collaboration between the esteemed writer and Mainframe Production, under the skilled direction of Tunde Kelani.

‘ASIYANBI: TI OLUWA NI ILE’ is in support of ‘AROBA GROOVE’, an international cultural organisation, signalling a new chapter in the legacy of the cinematic masterpiece.

Akindeji Ibitayo, the project coordinator and supervisory producer at Aroba Groove, said at a news conference on Friday in Lagos that the stage play was about retelling stories and histories in a compelling and exciting style, particularly of African origin.

“We took a deep look at the history of the country, the colonisation, independence, tribulations, challenges, and our growth and evolution over the years, and we concluded that Nigeria is God’s own country.

“So, what project can we use to portray this? Here comes ‘Ti Oluwa Nile’, but in a different format.

“Coincidentally, Nigeria’s recent democracy will be hitting a landmark period of 25 continuous years.

“What better time can the project fall into, for characters such as Asiyanbi who are desecrating and flouting the laws and orders of the land, this is a project to let them know that there will be grave consequences.

“Nigerians and the world in general should watch out for this,” he said.

Also, Dotun Taylor, Executive Producer of the project, said that the 30-year-old movie, which has captivated audiences as one of Nollywood’s most-watched and top-selling stories in history, has left an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers.

“Now, with the upcoming stage production presented by AROBA GROOVE, the timeless story is set to be reimagined and brought to life in a fresh and dynamic theatrical experience,” he said.

According to him, the film intricately weaves a tale of intrigue, betrayal, and societal complexities, drawing viewers into a world where greed collides with tradition and justice is sought through supernatural intervention.

The executive director said that the narrative follows the gripping saga of two individuals who conspire with a corrupt chief to illegally sell ancestral land to a petroleum company for personal gain.

Their deceit met with fierce resistance from the community and the intervention of the oracle, embodying the land’s sacred deities.

As the true ownership of the land is revealed and consequences unfold, the chief finds himself entangled in a web of challenges that test his fate and traditional standing, leading to a climactic showdown that will determine his ultimate destiny.

Taylor noted that with its cinematic debut, ‘TI OLUWA NILE’ garnered widespread acclaim and adoration, solidifying its status as a blockbuster and a cultural touchstone in Nollywood history.

According to Taylor, ‘ASIYANBI TI OLUWA NI ILE’ is prepared to take centre stage, emphasising the enduring relevance and resonance of the timeless story and underscoring its enduring impact on audiences across generations.

“Featuring a talented cast of Nollywood actors of Yoruba descent, the stage play promises to deliver a riveting and immersive experience that honours the legacy of ‘TI OLUWA NILE’, while pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.

“AROBA GROOVE’s visionary approach to reimagining this classic tale in a new artistic form underscores their commitment to fostering creativity and cultural enrichment.

“It set the stage for an unforgettable theatrical journey that will captivate audiences far and wide,” Taylor said.

In his remarks, Adepoju said he was grateful to be part of the historic project.

“This is a historic project, and though I am the owner of the story, I must confess to you that I am more than grateful to be part of this project.

“If I am not mistaken and with my experience, this is the first time in this country that I am witnessing a story that has been adapted to a film and re-adapted to a stage play.

“I have not seen or heard it before in this sphere. I give the progenitors and producers of this project kudos for their ingenuity.

“I am happy to be part of it in my lifetime, and I am fully in support,” the actor said.

The director of the project, Ropo Ewenla, says that the movie is full of creativity, promotes cultural heritage, and is investigative.

“I was a bit shocked when I was first contacted about the project, though I understand creativity is limitless.

“But this took me sincerely unaware, and since we have been on it, it has been an exciting experience.

With the level of creativity, and quality of team, cast, and crew put together by the producers, I can assure Nigerians and the world that it’s TI OLUWA NILE redefined.

“It’s an experience that I believe everyone must witness, and being the inaugural director of such a project makes me proud,” he said. (NAN)

Entertainment

[FULL LIST] BET Awards 2024: Burna Boy, Asake, Others Bag Nominations As Drake, Nicki Minaj Lead

Published

14 hours ago

May 16, 2024

Editor

Afrobeats superstar, Damini Ogulu, aka Burna Boy has secured two nominations for the 2024 BET Awards.

The ‘African giant’ featured in the Best Male Hip Hop Artist and Best Male R&B/POP Artist categories.

The singer is joined by fellow Nigerian acts – Asake, Ayra Starr and Seyi Vibez.

BET announced the 2024 BET Awards nominees on Thursday as Drake leads the nominations with seven, while Nicki Minaj has six.

BET also announced the performance lineup for this year’s awards, including GloRilla, Latto, Muni Long, Sexyy Red, Shaboozey, and Victoria Monét.

The BET Awards 2024, will air live on BET on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at 8 p.m. (European Time).

See the full list of nominations below:

BEST MALE HIP HOP ARTIST

21 Savage
Burna Boy
Drake
Future
Gunna
J. Cole
Kendrick Lamar
Lil Wayne

BEST FEMALE HIP HOP ARTIST

Cardi B
Doja Cat
GloRilla
Ice Spice
Latto
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj
Sexyy Red

BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT

Asake (Africa)
Aya Nakamura (France)
Ayra Starr (Africa)
Bk’ (Brazil)
Cleo Sol (UK)
Focalistic (Africa)
Karol Conká (Brazil)
Raye (UK)
Tiakola (France)
Tyla (Africa)

BEST NEW ARTIST

41
4batz
Ayra Starr
Bossman Dlow
Fridayy
October London
Sexyy Red
Tyla

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

11:11, Chris Brown
A Gift & A Curse, Gunna
American Dream, 21 Savage
Coming Home, Usher
For All The Dogs (Scary Hours Edition), Drake
Jaguar Ii, Victoria Monét
Michael, Killer Mike
Pink Friday 2, Nicki Minaj

BEST FEMALE R&B/POP ARTIST

Beyoncé
Coco Jones
Doja Cat
H.E.R.
Muni Long
Sza
Tyla
Victoria Monét

BEST MALE R&B/POP ARTIST

Brent Faiyaz
Bryson Tiller
Burna Boy
Chris Brown
Drake
Fridayy
October London
Usher

BEST GROUP

¥$, Ye, Ty Dolla $Ign
2 Chainz & Lil Wayne
41
Blxst & Bino Rideaux
City Girls
Flo
Maverick City Music
Wanmor

BEST COLLABORATION

All My Life, Lil Durk Feat. J. Cole
America Has A Problem (Remix, Beyoncé Feat. Kendrick Lamar
Barbie World, Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice (With Aqua)
Bongos, Cardi B Feat. Megan Thee Stallion
Carnival, ¥$, Ye, Ty Dolla $Ign Feat. Rich The Kid, Playboi Carti
Don’t Play With It (Remix), Lola Brooke Feat. Latto & Yung Miami
Everybody, Nicki Minaj Feat. Lil Uzi Vert
Good Good, Usher, Summer Walker & 21 Savage
Rich Baby Daddy, Drake Feat. Sexyy Red & Sza

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Agora Hills, Doja Cat
All My Life, Lil Durk Feat. J. Cole
Barbie World, Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice (With Aqua)

Bongos, Cardi B Feat. Megan Thee Stallion

First Person Shooter, Drake Feat. J. Cole
Good Good, Usher, Summer Walker & 21 Savage
On My Mama, Victoria Monét
Rich Baby Daddy, Drake Feat. Sexyy Red & Sza

VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

Benny Boom
Child.
Cole Bennett
Dave Meyers
Janelle Monáe & Alan Ferguson
Offset
Tems
Tyler, The Creator

DR. BOBBY JONES BEST GOSPEL/INSPIRATIONAL AWARD

Award All Of The Glory, Shirley Caesar
All Things, Kirk Franklin
Angel, Halle Bailey
Come Jesus Come, Cece Winans
Do You Believe In Love?, Erica Campbell
God Problems, Maverick City Music, Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore
Me & U, Tems
Try Love, Kirk Franklin

VIEWER’S CHOICE AWARD

Agora Hills, Doja Cat
All My Life, Lil Durk Feat. J. Cole
Gunna, Fukumean
Lovin On Me, Jack Harlow
Made For Me, Muni Long
On My Mama, Victoria Monét
Rich Baby Daddy, Drake Feat. Sexyy Red & Sza
Sensational, Chris Brown Feat. Davido & Lojay
Texas Hold ‘Em, Beyoncé
Water, Tyla

VIEWER’S CHOICE: BEST NEW INTERNATIONAL ACT

Bellah (UK)
Cristale (UK)
Duquesa (Brazil)
Holly G (France)
Jungeli (France)
Makhadzi (Africa)
Oruam (Brazil)
Seyi Vibez (Africa)
Tyler Icu (Africa)

BET HER

16 Carriages, Beyoncé
Blessings, Nicki Minaj Feat. Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Commas, Ayra Starr
Fly Girl, Flo Feat. Missy Elliott
Hiss, Megan Thee Stallion
On My Mama, Victoria Monét
Saturn, Sza
Yeah Glo!, GloRilla

BEST MOVIE

American Fiction
Bob Marley: One Love
Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé
Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse
The Book Of Clarence
The Color Purple
The Equalizer 3
The Little Mermaid

BEST ACTOR

Anthony Mackie
Colman Domingo
Damson Idris
Denzel Washington
Donald Glover
Idris Elba
Jeffrey Wright
Lakeith Stanfield

BEST ACTRESS

Angela Bassett
Ayo Edebiri
Coco Jones
Danielle Brooks
Fantasia
Halle Bailey
Issa Rae
Regina King

YOUNGSTARS AWARD

Akira Akbar
Blue Ivy Carter
Demi Singleton
Heiress Diana Harris
Jabria Mccullum
Jalyn Hall
Leah Jeffries
Van Van

SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD

Anthony Edwards
Gervonta Davis
Jalen Brunson
Jalen Hurts
Kyrie Irving
Lebron James
Patrick Mahomes
Stephen Curry

SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD

A’ja Wilson
Angel Reese
Coco Gauff
Flau’jae Johnson
Juju Watkins
Naomi Osaka
Sha’carri Richardson
Simone Biles

Entertainment

[ICYMI] VIDEOS: Portable Jumps Gate To Evade Police Arrest, Netizens React

Published

2 days ago

May 15, 2024

Editor

Street-pop artiste, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, was on Tuesday arrested by the Lagos state police command for allegedly failing to settle the debt accrued after purchasing his G-Wagon from a car dealer.

The singer was arrested following his inability to pay the balance of N14 million out of N27 million worth of a G-Wagon car he purchased from a car dealer.

He was said to have paid only N13 million while refusing to pay the N14 million balance.

Portable jumps gate to escape as police come to arrest him over alleged unpaid debt for his G-Wagon…. Watch till the end cos he actually jumped the fence for real 😩😭😂 pic.twitter.com/PORc1X3cmK
— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) May 14, 2024

Before he was taken to the station, the singer had attempted to evade arrest.

In a now-viral video, Portable and several police officers were captured outside a building. Following the presentation of his arrest warrant, the singer attempted to escape by leaping over the gate.

In separate footage, four police operatives were seen grappling with Portable as they bundled him into a waiting vehicle.

Confirming Portable’s arrest to Vanguard, the spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hudenyin, said the singer had been arrested.

Nigerian police never disappoints. See how they are treating portable for owning someone money and allegedly sending her treats.
The police can do better. pic.twitter.com/Iapa2cQBAa
Advertisement
— Bishop 𝕏 (@BishopPOEvang) May 15, 2024

“Yes, he’s with us. A vehicle dealer has lodged a complaint against him.

“If he gets a reliable surety, he will be granted bail,” said the police spokesman.

This is not the first time the singer would be arrested. In March of last year, he was apprehended by the Ogun police on allegations of assault.

Portable had previously resisted police attempts to arrest him, and he even referred to himself as “a federal government liability.”

Entertainment

VIDEO: Drama As Portable Jumps Gate To Evade Police Arrest

Published

3 days ago

May 14, 2024

Editor

Men of the Lagos state police command have arrested singer Portable. The singer was arrested today May 14 following a petition from a car dealer.

Portable allegedly purchased a G-Wagon worth N27 million from the car dealer, made a down payment of N14 million and took the vehicle away with the promise to pay the balance.

After waiting for a while without any word concerning his balance, the dealer reached out to the singer who claimed the car he purchased had faults. The dealer then asked the singer to return the car or pay the balance but Portable allegedly refused.

Following a petition from the dealer, the police moved in and arrested the singer. The singer jumped his gate in an attempt to stop his arrest. He is currently in custody at the state police headquarters and might spend the night there as the police is yet to receive any surety for his bail.

When contacted, the spokesperson of the Lagos state police command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest of the singer.

Watch a video showing the moment the singer jumped his gate below