Colour, Class, Glamour In Lagos As Tony Ezenna Stages Epoch Wedding For Son

Colour, Class, Glamour In Lagos As Tony Ezenna Stages Epoch Wedding For Son

By Ingram Osigwe

The guests were high and mighty in the society. And from all walks of life they massed in Lagos. They came to honour, rejoice and felicitate Sir Anthony Ezenna( Ijele Akokwa), Chairman/CEO of Orange Drugs as he staged a lavish wedding for his son, Ernest Ugochukwu Ezenna. The event will arguably go down in history as one of the most well-attended flamboyant social events held in Lagos in recent times.

Indeed, Saturday, the 10th of August 2024 is a day people living or transacting businesses within the Falomo, Ikoyi and Victoria Island axis in Lagos will not forget in a hurry as captains of industry, business Executives, manufacturers, professionals, the diplomatic community, religious clerics, traditional rulers, celebrities, politicians among others swarmed the areas for the Ezennas.

The society wedding kicked off at the Church of Assumption, Falomo where Ernest and his beautiful bride, Adaobi Amanda Nweke were joined in a holy matrimony in a mass co-celebrated by over 20 priests and five Bishops including the Archbishop Emeritus of Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, Archbishop Anthony Obinna, the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha Archdiocese, Archbishop Valerian Okeke, the Catholic Bishop of the Sokoto Dioceses, the charismatic Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, Catholic Archbishop of Lagos Archdiocese, Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins( represented), Catholic Bishop of Orlu Dioceses( the home Dioceses of the Ezennas), Bishop Augustine Ukwuoma, Very Rev. Fr George Ehusani of the Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, Abuja among others.

Delivering the homily at the solemn service shortly after Ernest and Adaobi were joined man and wife, Bishop Kukah urged the newlywed not to allow a third party into their affairs but to always strive to settle their differences themselves amicably.

He emphasized the place of prayer in marriage and implored them to make God and prayer the foundation of their union.

On his part, Bishop Ukwuoma who gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the clerics, described the Ezennas as a focused and Goldly family who has steadfastly served God and humanity. While praying for a happy and successful married life for Ernest and Adaobi, he admonished them never to depart from the ways of God but to make Him the centre of their marriage.

The wedding ceremonies later shifted to the Convention Centre, Eko Hotel & Suites for a classy, colourful reception which was chaired by the former Minister For Information, Chief Nnia Nwodo and skillfully compered by the ace comedian, Okey Bakassi and MC Orange. Sponsors of the marriage, Chief & Mrs Charles Anudu, CEO Swift Networks and Candel Company were on hand to identify with the couple.

Guests were lavishly treated to choice foods, wines and soul-stirring musical renditions at the reception amid glitz and glamour. The ambience of the hall became electrified with thunderous applause when the award-winning, talented musicians, Chinedu Okoli better known by his stage name Flavour N'nabania and Chibuzo Nelson Azubuike Ezege, who is known professionally as Phyno mounted the stage to serenade guests with some of their famous songs, songs that drew the new couple and their parents to the dancing floor.

Among the guests and array of VIPs and guests who graced the church wedding and reception respectively were the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State represented by the Secretary to the State Government(SSG), Cosmas Iwu, Member representing Imo West Senatorial District in the Senate, Senator Osita Izunnaso, Member representing Imo North in the Senate, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, member representing Anambra Central Senatorial District in the Senate, Senator Victor Umeh, member representing Ideato North and South in the House of Reps, Hon. Imo Ikenga Ugochinyere, Hon Uchenna Harris Okonkwo representing IdeMili North/ South in the House of Reps.

Others include former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, Deputy Speaker of Imo state House of Assembly, Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu, Chairman of the Coscharis group, Dr Cosmas Maduka, Chairman/CEO Erisco Foods, Dr Eric Umeofia, Vice President, Ekulo Group of companies, Lady Ngozi Okonkwo, 

Chairman/ CEO, Embassy Pharmaceuticals, Pharm Nnamdi Obi, Chairman/ CEO, Tomez Group, Chief Tony Ezeani, MD, Fidelity Bank, Lady Nneka Onyeali-Ezeikpe, Chairman/ CEO, United Airlines, Dr Obiora Okonkwo, former governorship candidate in Anambra and chieftain of the Labour party, Valentine Ozigbo, governorship candidate of the Labour party for Lagos in last year's election, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, His Royal Majesty, the Obi of Akokwa, His Royal Majesty

Eze (Sir) Ikenna C. Okoli

(KSC) (MSI) (Okoli V.)

Agbakwuruibe III (who was the Royal father of the day) , Asian and European business partners and associates of Sir Ezenna.

Also among the dignitaries who witnessed the epoch wedding were also the Co- founder of Seplat, petroleum, Chief ABC Orjiakor, Chairman, Chicason Group, Chief Tony Chukwu, CEO, JI Ejison Group, Chief Joseph Ukeji, Chief Alexander Okafor,(Chicason),Former House of Reps member, Rt Hon Jones Onyereri PH.D, Attorney Okey Dike,CEO,Integrated Fisheries Co. Ltd, Chief Chineme Iheaku,King of Luxury in Nigeria and CEO, Julian’s luxury, Chief Julian Osula, Mayor of Abacity, Ide John Udeagbala, Director Embassy Pharmaceuticals, Vice Chairman Amuwo Odofin LGA,Lady Maureen Ashara, Hon Ngozi Udokoro,Chief Chidi Obi,  CEO of Don Pee Wine and Beverages Ltd, Dr Onyeka Ogbatu,  Chief Obinna Ashara, Chief Charles Ahize, Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe, Former member of PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Chris Eselu Uba, Chief Obinna Uzor( Gocuz)Chairman Cubana Group,Chief Obinna Iyiegbu, Celebrity Bar man, Cubana Chief Priest,CEO of Dozzy Oil, Chief Daniel Chukwudozie, CEO of Mainland Oil, Chief Kevin Onyebara, Chief Emma Udokoro,Mr Emenike Agu, Chief Chris Igwe, Former Nigerian Ambassador to Congo, Chief Greg Mbadiwe, Chief Fezel Felix Ezeamama, Chief Pele Ezeanyim, Hon ThankGod Okeke, Dr Clement Anozie, Commissioner of Transport Imo State, Hon Chika Abazu, Ikenga Umuchu, Chief Abraham Otti, Ikenga Ogberuru, Chief Henry Orabuchi.

Also in attendance were Chief Jeff Ukachukwu, Chairman KenBarth Pharmacy, Chief Mike Orji, Barr. Ike Onwuchuluba, Lady Georgelyne Chinwe (UGOSIMBA), Chief Isreal Orjiekwe,Pharm Steve Okoronkwo, Barr Okey Muomalu,Lady Rosemary Uneanya, Chief Okwudili Otti, Barr Chijoke  Nzekwe(Strongman), Mrs Chika Mgbemena, Akuenwebe na Akpo, Chief Jude Onyebuchi, Engr Chikata Egboluche , Chief Chuks Ibemere, Chief Chike Izuagba, Chief Tony Obinugwu, Chief Chijioke Awalite, Chief Francis Chukwudebelu, Chief Sam Ihionu, ZEOF Couture Boss, Hon Vitus Ebiliekwe,Barr Jideofor Ezeofor, Princess Kelechi Oghene,Nnukwu Agu, Hon Odera Onwudiwe, Chief Pamela Anyikwa, Chief Charles Ezenduka,Lady Maria Ihionu, Chief Ifeanyi Okpara, Mrs Ngozi Nwana, Chief Emma Eziokwu, Sir Isreal Egwuonwu, Chief Sam Anyanwutaku,Hon Love Udensi , flutist and former president of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, PMAN, Tee Mac.

There were also Barr Adaku Akwiwu, 

Chief Chris Emenike(Christojas) 

Engr Chijioke Achigbu( Akashia), Hon Chidi Nwaogu, Chief Emma Konac Aniakor, Hon(Prince) Obinna Okwara,Okaka Urualla, Chief Ambrose Nwosu, Chief Sam Nwosu, Owelle Chukwudi Ofoedu, Chief Willie Obi, Barr Zutty Ekwueme, Pharm.Ernest Ezenna,Chief Joseph Okonkwo,Chief Azubuike Umunna, Chief Uche Offor, Chief Kennis Udokoro and Chief Joe Otiora,Lady Clara Okoro, Mr Bona Egboh, Barr Manda Eze -Echesi, Engr Ukoh Umah,CEO Onekobo Technologies Ltd, Hon Justice Emeka Uzoma of the Imo State Judiciary,Chief Chika Ukaigwe, Chief John Great Nwankwo, Prince Kingsley Opurozo, Chief Austin Okafor, Chief Tony Obiniugwu,Chief Jones Mbadugha, Mr Musa Mbithason,Dr Chizubelu Ejiogu, Chief Emmanuel Ginikanwa (Agbarusia Gburu Gburu na Akokwa),Chief Emeka Okoye, Mr Adrian Egonu,Mrs Nkonye Egonu,Mr Babtunde Akanni, Mr Rufus Ohiowere, 

Mr Hilary Ajuebon, Arch Paul Okwaraoha, Chief Model Ezeamama, Chief & Dr( Mrs) Jude Ringo Okeke, Mr Collins Steve Ugwu, Dear Body Cosmetics CEO, Ifeanyi Ogbunibala, Chief Ogoo Umeh, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuka, Chief Stevenson Mbajiekwe, Mr Tony Okoye, Sir Orji Okoy, Chief Ifeanyi Okpara, Dr Amarachi Alilionwu, Chief John Ihebighi,Chief Ifeanyi Okafor and Chief Mike Umeh,Dr Mike Izuogu,Chief Curtis Ekwebelem among other prominent individuals.

In far away Hanover, Maryland, United States of America Ugochukwu and Adaobi had late June tied the knots traditionally, known in the Igbo culture as ngba nkwu nwayi ( wine carrying of a bride).

While Ernest, handsome and unassuming, is the son of Sir Ezenna, Adaobi, a quintessentially beautiful lady, is the daughter of another accomplished personality in the society, Chief Paul Nweke, a professional health worker in the US.

The array of dignitaries that graced both the traditional and Church wedding, observers say, underpinned the influence of the couple’s parents in society.

Many of the dignitaries – business associates and partners of the father of the groom- flew in from different parts of the world for the weddings in Nigeria and the US.

Ingram Osigwe is the media Adviser to Sir Tony Ezenna.

The Global Target Audience For Nollywood Movies and Series in Igbo and other African Content

The Global Target Audience For Nollywood Movies and Series in Igbo and other African Content in International Film Acquisition and Distribution

Using Culture and Strategy:

My market survey for a new Nigerian Igbo movie, "Infant at Heart" directed by Aguyi Ikeobi ND, a graduate of the London Film School and produced by Vera Kanu, a seasoned producer in Nollywood with famous Nollywood actor, Nkem Owoh and one of the most beautiful Nollywood divas, Monalisa Chinda in the leading roles has an estimated target audience of more than 100, 000 Igbos who will like to watch Igbo movies and can afford to pay for the tickets at the cinemas in Nigeria. 

There are also thousands of Igbos in Ghana, Cameroon and Gabon who are fans of Nkem Owoh who will be excited to watch it.

The Cultural Web 

There are more than 45 million Igbos in Africa and the Diaspora.
Nollywood movies still command hundreds and thousands of fans in West Africa and Central Africa.
The first Nollywood videos were actually videos of the popular Igbo TV series, "Masquerade" on the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) in the 1980s recorded on VHS tapes and watched on TV in Cameroon and Gabon.

See also Nigerian Home Videos - Festival des 3 Continents
https://www.3continents.com/en/programme/2003/home-videos-nigerianes/

The significance of cultural web is important for marketing strategy in the distribution of products and services, especially movies and TV series. 
Audiences first and foremost prefer content they can identify with and then are anxious and curious about content of other cultures.

Majority of the over 11 million viewers of "The Black Book", the 2023 Nollywood crime thriller film by Editi Effiong on Netflix were South Koreans who were anxious and curious to know what is "The Black Book".

The largest market for African movies and series are the Afro-Latinos: comprising some 150 million in the Americas.
https://www.everycrsreport.com/reports/RL32713.html#:~:text=Afro%2DLatinos%20comprise%20some%20150,marginalized%20groups%20in%20the%20region.

Unknown to Canal Plus and other multinational entertainment providers, FRANCE 24 Español has already unlocked the market, but yet to provide the African movies and series they (Afro-Latinos) will be excited to see.

The Igbo were dispersed to colonies such as Jamaica, Cuba, Saint-Domingue, Barbados, Colonial America, Belize and Trinidad and Tobago, among others.
The Igbo language is still spoken in Cuba, along with the Efik language, but in a creolized version. In ceremonies of the Abakuá culture, you can see traces of the Igbo Culture.
These are populations waiting for  Igbo movies and series and other African content.

- By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,

Publisher/Editor,

NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series,

The first book series on Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry.

The books have been printed in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America and distributed by Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other booksellers.

They are the highest priced book series by an African author and publisher. 

I Prefer Observational Documentary Style

 I Prefer Observational Documentary Style 

In documentary film production on people, places and other subjects, I prefer observational documentary style, because to me it is best to let the people involved to tell their stories; to show us their lives, societies and treasures without anyone giving a guided tour with a microphone or interviews along the way. The people are the best narrators of the narratives of their lives and living conditions and habitations in different perspectives.

Don't speak for them or tell us about them when they can speak for themselves and tell us about their lives. I want to hear: *we are.." and not *they are"; "I am" and not "he is" or "she is". 

A documentary film is not a news report. I mean reporting about a person, event or incident is not a documentary film. 

Michael Moore, the famous Academy Award winning American documentary filmmaker said it is best to produce a documentary film like a true life movie.

In the production of my first attempt in documentary filmmaking, "Lagos in Motion", there was no narrator. 

The camera was the storyteller; showing us the different places in Lagos, the largest megacity in Africa with the people in the city going about from place to place.

The "Reading in Motion" scenes show young Lagosians, Cynthia Agu and Celina Ideh reading novels by Bisi Daniels inside the car whilst on the road in Lagos city.

 In the cinematic scene of "reading in motion", there was no soundtrack. I simply showed the young Nigerian actress, Celina Ideh reading a book, the novel titled "Conspiracy of Lagos" by Bisi Daniels whilst sitting inside a car in motion on the road in the city. 

It is like a scene in a movie. 

- Ekenyerengozi Michael China

See "A Guide to the 6 Types of Documentaries"

Documentaries are a form of non-fiction film that attempts to document reality and capture the world as it is. They can vary drastically in the subject matter that is being portrayed as well as in the style that this subject matter is depicted. The different documentary styles were first laid out by Bill Nichols, a film critic, in 1991. Nichols characterized the types of documentaries as follows: 

1 Expository 

2 Participatory 

3 Observational

4 Performative 

5 Reflexive 

6 Poetic

 https://www.impactcreative.com/different-types-of-documentaries/#:~:text=A%20Guide%20to,Poetic

A New Book: Like Their Fathers, Like Their Mothers

COMING OUT SOON

One of the new books I have written so far.

LIKE THEIR FATHERS,LIKE THEIR MOTHERS

Definitely a must read on the Nigerian society.

This is following my previous books; "Diary of the Memory Keeper" and "In the House of Dogs" also on lives in Nigeria, excluding my other books, "Children of Heaven", "Scarlet Tears of London",  "Unveil Me My Love", "The Prophet Lied", "The Victory of Muhammadu Buhari" "The Language of True Love" and "Naked Beauty":((a romantic screenplay co-authored with Dr. Chika Christian Onu)

90 percent of my books are distributed by Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other booksellers.

#books

#author

#diary 

#memoir 

#novel 

#literature 

#nigeria 

#society

#buhari

#society

#parents

#sons

#daughters

#love

#beauty

#friends

#friendship

#relationship

#marriage 

#london

#heaven

#children

#amazon

#barnesandnoble

Federal Government of Nigeria and DiFZIN Inaugurate Committee for the Establishment of Digital Free Zone for Technology and Global Service Businesses

 

PRESS RELEASE

Federal Government of Nigeria & Digital Free Zones in Nigeria (DiFZIN) inaugurate committee for the Establishment of Digital Free Zone for Technology and Global Service Businesses

Digital Free Zones foster innovation and economic expansion by leveraging cutting-edge digital technologies such as AI and Edge Computing, and a supportive regulatory environment

LAGOS, Nigeria, August 9, 2024/ -- In a bid to drive the ease of doing business for global digital, finance, knowledge- and services-oriented enterprises in Nigeria, the Federal Government of Nigeria established a steering committee chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to drive the promotion and establishment of a digital free zone in Nigeria to accommodate the peculiar needs of innovative digital trade and service businesses. This steering committee is chaired by His Excellency Mr President, supported by the Honourable Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy (“HMF/CME”) as Vice Chairman. Other members are the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice; the Honourable Ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment; Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; and Interior; the heads of relevant Government Agencies and Committees; and the Initiative for the Promotion of Digital Free Zones in Nigeria (DiFZIN) as the private-sector stakeholders' representative and technical advisers. DiFZIN is a non-profit advocacy and policy research organisation supported by a consortium of private sector development-focused and advisory institutions including Africa Finance Corporation, PwC Nigeria, Charter Cities Institute, Future Africa, and Itana. The mission of the organisation is to see Nigeria’s free zones ecosystem fulfil its full potential as Africa’s major hub for global technology and service businesses. This Committee will work collaboratively with relevant agencies of government and private stakeholders to review and align Nigeria’s free zone policies, technology and processes with global standards, then develop and publish policy and operational frameworks to enable qualified global and local technology and service businesses to establish Pan-African or global operations from Nigeria. Businesses that take advantage of the zone will benefit from competitive business incentives provided by modernized free zones regulations, including tax, immigration and banking incentives, simplified government compliance processes, clear and predictable business regulation and an enabling business environment. As part of the Federal Government’s strategic growth objectives, it aims to boost foreign direct investment, create employment opportunities, and facilitate the capital flow into Nigeria’s economy, through an innovative and future-oriented approach to the free zones ecosystem. The HMF/CME stated that “the pivotal role of free zones to catalysing and sustaining economic growth in an emerging market such as Nigeria cannot be overemphasised. Its implementation in this digital age must not only encompass manufacturing undertakings but also integrate the central role of technology-focused businesses in attracting investments and making available to the global markets, our domestic talents under a liberal regulatory framework. These and more are what the Government aims to deliver through the digital free zones.” Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, MD/CEO of NEPZA (Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority), emphasized the Authority’s commitment to digital transformation. He highlighted the e-NEPZA platform, which will streamline government services and comply with the Federal Government’s ease of doing business policy. Dr Ogunyemi also noted the importance of data privacy, with data stored locally in local servers as well as the ability of small businesses to access global markets, addressing the need for digital infrastructure like fibre optics. “We look forward to partnering with DiFZIN to advance our digital processes,” he stated. NEPZA’s support for Digital Free Zones signals a move towards a digitally driven economy, unlocking new opportunities for small and medium-scale enterprises as well as large corporations in Nigeria. Mr. Luqman Edu (Executive Director of DiFZIN and CEO of Itana) and the DiFZIN consortium, aim to support the Federal Government in positioning Nigeria as a hub for regional expansion across Africa. These efforts are designed to contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s GDP, government revenue, capital importation, and foreign exchange availability, while simultaneously generating employment opportunities for the burgeoning Nigerian youth population. “DiFZIN is committed to driving the agenda for reforms to the regulatory frameworks for taxation, banking, immigration, and ease of doing business, among others, within the free zones ecosystem,” said Mr Edu. “Our goal is to create a conducive environment for global technology and services-based businesses to thrive, facilitating remote operations and banking from Nigeria for Africa, thereby positioning Nigeria as a hub for Africa, akin to what Delaware is for the US, and Dubai is for Asia.” Speaking on the partnership with DiFZIN, Banji Fehintola, Head of Financial Services at AFC said “AFC’s advisory team is uniquely skilled in providing tailored financial and technical advice to public and private sector players across Africa. We look forward to collaborating with DiFZIN and all other partners to modernize Nigeria’s free trade zones, attract much-needed investment, create local jobs, and boost trade and commerce in Nigeria and Africa.” Digital Free Zones foster innovation and economic expansion by leveraging cutting-edge digital technologies such as AI and Edge Computing, and a supportive regulatory environment. These ecosystems serve as incubators for innovation, providing a platform for businesses to drive growth and competitiveness. The supportive regulatory framework also ensures a conducive environment for experimentation, collaboration, and the seamless integration of emerging technologies into everyday business operations. For more information about DiFZIN and its initiatives, please visit www.DiFZIN.org or contact hello@difzin.org. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).   Media Enquiries: Yewande Thorpe Communications Africa Finance Corporation Mobile : +234 1 279 9654 Email : yewande.thorpe@africafc.org About AFC: AFC was established in 2007 to be the catalyst for pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. AFC’s approach combines specialist industry expertise with a focus on financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital to address Africa’s infrastructure development needs and drive sustainable economic growth. Seventeen years on, AFC has developed a track record as the partner of choice in Africa for investing and delivering on instrumental, high-quality infrastructure assets that provide essential services in the core infrastructure sectors of power, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications. AFC has 43 member countries and has invested US$13 billion across Africa since inception. www.AfricaFC.org SOURCE Africa Finance Corporation (AFC)

Creative Africa Nexus Weekend 2024: Uniting Global Africa's Creative and Cultural Industries in Algiers

CANEX WKND 2023 (L-R): Tade Ipadeola (Poet and Writer, Event Anchor), Anwuli Ojogwu (Managing Director, Narrative Landscape Press), Dr Eghosa Imasuen (Co-Founder, Narrative Landscape Press), Professor Benedict Oramah (Afreximbank President), Mrs Kanayo Awani (Executive Vice-President, Intra-African Trade & Export Development at Afreximbank), Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Novelist and Creative Director of the James and Grace Adichie Foundation), Mrs Chinelo Oramah, and Mr Stephen Kauma, (Group Managing Director, Human Resources at Afreximbank)

(Source: Afreximbank)

PRESS RELEASE

Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND) 2024: Uniting Global Africa's Creative and Cultural Industries in Algiers

his groundbreaking event is scheduled to take place from October 16-19, 2024, at SAFEX in Algiers, Algeria

Access Multimedia Content

ALGIERS, Algeria, August 7, 2024/ -- African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, and the Government of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, proudly announces the return of the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND) 2024. This groundbreaking event is scheduled to take place from October 16-19, 2024, at SAFEX in Algiers, Algeria.  CANEX WKND 2024 seeks to build on the success of previous events, most recently CANEX at IATF2023 that was held in Cairo. Last year’s edition brought together delegates from across the continent representing a wide range of creative sectors. The event featured over 21 live performances, 115 industry-leading speakers and experts, 13 masterclass sessions, and an awe-inspiring fashion show. Attendees also enjoyed a high-energy music concert, exciting gastronomical showcases and a vibrant marketplace and exhibition center.  CANEX WKND will further develop conversations and provide even more business to business/government opportunities through a 4-day gathering that will be held under the theme: One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World.  Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President Intra Africa Trade and Export Development stated, "CANEX WKND 2024 represents a pivotal moment for creative and cultural industries in Global Africa to showcase their talent and thrive. By bringing together diverse talents from across the continent and diaspora, we're not just showcasing creativity; we're not just showcasing creativity; we’re building a robust ecosystem that will propel African culture onto the global stage."  Highlights of CANEX WKND 2024 include:  CANEX Music Factory: Hundreds of songwriters and beatmakers will converge at the live recording studios within the heart of the CANEX Exhibition. This year's event will include the launch of an album featuring songs recorded during last year's Music Factory.   CANEX Music Concert: Will take the audience on a rhythmic journey across the continent, featuring some of Africa's most dynamic and groundbreaking artists such as the unstoppable Scorpion Kings, Qing Madi and the soulful Sofia Nzau, just to name a few.  CANEX Fashion Show: This year, we are bringing together 10 of the most innovative and bold designers from across Africa and the Diaspora, all set to unveil their exciting collections at the magnificent Algiers Botanical Gardens.   EXHIBITION: A dynamic business-to-business exhibition area designed for creative brands and organizations, offering exceptional opportunities to sell to international buyers.  GASTRONOMY Showcase: This showcase will be turning up the heat with a special appearance by some of the most celebrated chefs from Africa and the Diaspora. Culinary maestros will bring their stories, expertise, and mouthwatering recipes to life weaving the rich tapestry of African culture into every dish they create. From the vibrant streets of Lagos to the soulful kitchens of the Caribbean and the soothing landscapes of Cape Town, each chef will showcase the diverse flavours that define African cuisine across the globe.  ART EXHIBITION: A stunning visual art installation featuring the works of iconic artists along with emerging talents at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Algiers.   CANEX Book Factory Prize for Publishing in Africa: Celebrating literary excellence   from the continent  CANEX Shorts Awards Ceremony: Recognizing outstanding achievements of young filmmakers in short-form content creation.  Attendance and Registration  While attendance is free throughout the 4 days, pre-registration is essential. For more information or to register for CANEX WKND 2024, visit www.CANEX.Africa and be part of shaping the future of Africa's creative industries.  Join us in Algiers as we celebrate the power of African creativity and its impact on the global stage.  Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.   Media Contact:  Vincent Musumba  Manager, Communications and Events (Media Relations)  Email: press@afreximbank.com  Follow us on: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Instagram About Afreximbank: African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra-and extra-African trade. For 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa's trade, accelerating industrialization and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank is setting up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2023, Afreximbank's total assets and guarantees stood at over US$37.3 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$6.1 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody's (Baa1), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, "the Group"). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.  For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com SOURCE Afreximbank

Calling All Lucky Dube Fans to Share Their Story

PRESS RELEASE 

Calling All Lucky Dube Fans to Share Their Story

Lucky Dube Legacy Company Encourages Fans to Share Their Stories to Feature in Commemorative Anthology of Artist’s Career

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, August 5, 2024/ -- With more than 22 albums and 20 awards internationally, South Africa’s Lucky Dube is still one of the most streamed and celebrated artists across the continent. He continues to grow an international following, with his message and evergreen lyrics resonating across generations, race, religion and language.

To celebrate his life and the impact of his music across the world, the Lucky Dube Legacy Company is encouraging fans to share the moment Lucky’s music mattered!

“We know that Lucky’s music has had a deep and lasting personal impact on many of you. We also know that his music inspired hope, political and social activism in many places around the world – often the common unifier amongst those who heard and loved his music.

This year, Lucky would have turned 60, and we want to hear about the times made significant with his music. Maybe it was after listening to or seeing Lucky play live or even encountering him in person. Or maybe you shared a moment with a fellow fan by chance. It could be something that you experienced yourself or perhaps it is a story that you’ve heard from others.

Whatever it is, no matter if it is big or small, we want to hear about it.”

Your story could be selected to feature in a commemorative anthology of Lucky’s life in music that will be made available world-wide.

It may also be featured in Lucky’s social media posts, as well as future projects!

To participate, you can send a DM to Lucky’s social platforms listed below or send an email to stories@luckydubelegacy.com

The Legacy company knows the importance of Lucky’s fans are to the ongoing success of his music. He loved his fans and repeatedly attributed his success to you the people who enabled him to continue sharing his message of equality, peace and love.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Lucky Dube Legacy Company.
 
Official Social Media:
Instagram: @lucky_dube_official – https://apo-opa.co/3WPYrZf
Facebook: @Lucky Dube Legacy – https://apo-opa.co/4d6COJR
YouTube: @officialluckydube – https://apo-opa.co/4dcXz6O
Listen to Lucky Dube on your favourite platform here: https://apo-opa.co/4dplEHH

About The Lucky Dube Legacy Company: 

The Lucky Dube Legacy Company was founded by his Estate after the artists death to preserve his legacy and music, as well as continue to share Lucky’s message with the world. If you worked with Lucky at any time in his career, or have anything you’d like to share, please contact us – we would love to hear from you. 

 
SOURCE
The Lucky Dube Legacy

Don't View Nollywood with the Rose-Tinted Glasses of Hollywood

 

Don't View Nollywood with the Rose-Tinted Glasses of Hollywood

I have previewed a new Nigerian drama on the psychological consequences of rape in the life of a teenage girl sexually violated by a Roman Catholic priest at a convent in south- eastern Nigeria.
If you replace the leading roles with the famous Hollywood icons, Nicole Kidman and John Travolta and have the location in America, the crime thriller will be nominated in the next Oscars for Best Picture, Best Directing, Best Original Screenplay and Best Actress in a leading role, because of the accomplishments of the cast and crew in the production of the movie. But many Nigerian and other African movies have been viewed with the rose-tinted glasses of the American film industry, popularly called, Hollywood and in most cases, viewed by White Americans who did not understand the nuances of the peculiarities of Black Africans in dialogues and mannerisms.

Are there racial biases in international film acquisition and distribution with the superiority complex of white curators who esteem white filmmakers highly in comparison to black African filmmakers without comprehensive analysis of the content and context of subject and without the broad-minded considerations for diversity and inclusion in the existential dramas of life on earth?
"Our films are good enough for you, but your movies are not good enough for us. "
Is Hollywood the global standard for the best storytelling on motion picture?
The Economist published a selection called, "The Best Films So Far in 2024" without any consideration for the best movies so far in Bollywood and Nollywood on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Showmax and other streaming platforms, cable TV networks and cinemas.

I have seen many crappy Hollywood movies repeatedly shown on M-NET Movies Channels without any consideration for the viewers who paid for the subscriptions.

Netflix and Amazon Prime Video have paid over 200 percent more for the acquisitions of American and Korean films than what they paid for African films.
Showmax of the MultiChoice Group pays more for South African productions than Nigerian productions.
Are these differences in the valuations based on the quality of the movies or racial bias against black African filmmakers by Western standards? But the French are an exception to the stereotypical views of Africa by Hollywood, because the French have a better understanding of African Cinema than Hollywood and the British which can be seen in their broad-minded Official Selections of the annual Cannes Film Festival where several African filmmakers have won coveted awards, including the most coveted, the Palme d'Or.

Can a white curator of films understand the interpretations of the soundtracks of the Talking Drum in different scenarios of the scenes in the Yoruba political drama of "Saworoide", produced and directed by Tunde Kelani in 1999? 

Can the curator understand the soundtracks of the great Ikoro drum of Igbo people in a film adaptation of Chinua Achebe's all time classic novel, "Things Fall Apart"?

What of the different lighting techniques in Nollywood and Hollywood?

Do you know that the sunlight is brighter in Africa than in America?

The sunlight is the same everywhere on earth?

The colour of the moonlight is more romantic on Bonny Island in the Niger Delta than on Long Island in southeastern New York State.

There are different hues and shades of the colours of the rainbow and the narratives of the movies should be viewed in the different perspectives of the origins of the filmmakers to see the big picture of the different stories of life on motion picture.

"The Black Book", the 2023 Nigerian crime thriller of Editi Effiong, starring Richard Mofe-Damijo, Sam Dede, Shaffy Bello, Femi Branch, Alex Usifo, Ade Laoye and Ireti Doyle, released to Netflix on September 22 was the number one on the global rankings and "Òlòtūré", the 2019 Nigerian crime drama on human trafficking by Kenneth Gyang starring Sharon Ooja, Beverly Osu, Ada Ameh and Blossom Chukwujekwu was on the top rankings in several countries and were better than several American and Korean films in accomplishments in filmmaking, but Netflix paid less for the acquisition.

I have always insisted that a great movie is a great movie no matter the location or race of the filmmaker. The quality of the content should determine the price for the acquisition and not the location or race of the producer.

---- By -By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,
Publisher/Editor,.
NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series,
The first book series on Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry.

End Bad Government Protests in Nigeria

The new month of August started with widespread #EndBadGovernance protests in different states in Nigeria.  Banks and other companies were shut and public transport services were suspended in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory and in Lagos, the commercial capital of the most populous country in Africa. Riots were reported in several locations in spite of the presence of both police and military patrols on the major roads and streets to prevent lawlessness and violence.

The majority of people are lamenting the economic challenges of survival caused by the administrative failures of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since his oath of office on May 29, 2023.