Actor Chadwick Boseman, who played Black icons Jackie Robinson and James Brown before finding fame as the regal Black Panther in the Marvel cinematic universe, died Friday of cancer, his representative said. He was 43.
Boseman died at his home in the Los Angeles area with his wife and family by his side, his publicist Nicki Fioravante told The Associated Press.
Boseman was diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago, his family said in a statement.
“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much,” his family said in the statement. “From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more- all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.”
Boseman had not spoken publicly about his diagnosis.
Born in South Carolina, Boseman graduated from Howard University and had small roles in television before his first star turn in 2013. His striking portrayal of the stoic baseball star Robinson opposite Harrison Ford in 2013′s “42” drew attention in Hollywood.
Chadwick Boseman arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 4, 2018, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
Boseman died on a day that Major League Baseball was celebrating Jackie Robinson day.
His T’Challa character was first introduced to the blockbuster Marvel movies in 2016′s “Captain America: Civil War,” and his “Wakanda Forever” salute reverberated around the world after the release of “Black Panther” two years ago.
“This is a crushing blow” actor and director Jordan Peele said on Twitter, one of many expressing shock as the news spread across social media.
First Bank of Nigeria Limited today, announced its lead sponsorship of the TV reality musical talent show, The Voice Nigeria, Season 3.
The talent show which is organised by UN1TY Nigeria is created to discover, nurture and bring to the fore musical talents amongst the next generation of Nigerian youth.
The Voice Nigeria will be produced for the first time in Nigeria and will be aired on DSTV channel (Africa Magic) Startimes and terrestrial TV channel (AIT), amongst other leading television stations in the outside the country. Nigerians can expect to see the very best talents on stage in the course of the competition.
The musical talent hunt show would start with blind auditions to be submitted upon being shortlisted after a successful registration, then battle auditions which then move out of the rooms and straight into the arenas, with hopefuls having to perform in front of an arena audience from the start in the hope of making it through to the next stage.
The Voice Nigeria will be hosted by Nancy Isime, Toke Makinwa and the coaches are Dare Art Alade, Folarin Falana (aka Falz), Yemi Alade and Aituaje Iruobe (aka Waje).
Interested participants are to register via the link www.thevoicenigeria.com with their FirstBank account number as a requirement. Should one not have an account with the Bank, then dial the Bank’s USSD code, *894*0# to be a FirstBank account holder. The audition is open to individuals within the age of 18 -50 years who are have been residing in Nigeria for 12 consecutive months. The registration for audition is open from 25 August – 19 September 2020.
There are numerous awesome prizes up for grabs. The winner of the show will be go home with whooping ten million naira cash; a brand new car and an exciting one-year recording contract reward with Universal Music.
Speaking on the talent hunt show, Folake Ani-Mumuney, Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, FirstBank, said “we are delighted to be the lead sponsor of The Voice Nigeria, this partnership is hinged on our Brand’s passion to empower and invest in our youths. FirstBank has given voice to the young and indeed all Nigerians for the past 126 years, and will continue to give voice to Nigerians by creating employment, economic empowerment in the country through our products, services and initiatives. We remain committed to strengthening the creative industry which is fast growing into a multibillion-dollar business, with potential to be a leading contributor to Nigeria’s GDP in the near future.”
We commend UN1TY Nigeria for The Voice Nigeria as our sponsorship is in recognition of the vast talents Nigeria is blessed with which we are delighted to promote, thereby having a positive impact the Nigerian entertainment industry. We enjoin everyone to follow our social media channels for more details on the programme, whilst also staying locked on their TV screen. More details would be provided in the course of the weeks through our social media channels.
“The show promises to be engaging, full of surprises and with fun-filled excitement to our viewers” he concluded.
According to research disclosed in PWC’s recent Entertainment & Media Outlook report, Nigeria’s entertainment is expected to rise from $4.46 billion in 2018 to a $10.5 billion market by the end of 2023. In addition, with this initiative and other sponsored event targeted at the youth, the premier Bank in Nigeria, FirstBank, is committed to strengthening its contribution to the development of the entertainment industry in the country.
The two-in- one movie thrive on the lesson that parents are the ultimate role models for children. It was produced and directed by the Ibadan born talented role interpreter himself. Giving details about ‘Funfun,’ Balogun said ”Every words, movement and action come with effect on the children. No other person or outside force has greater influence on the child than the parents”
Saidi Balogun, a name to reckon with in the industry with well over 30years experience, the mulit-talented Actor and singer has produced a lot of movies in recent time like Eti Keta,You or I and Modupetemi.
He is also reputed as the first and only African man to produce a two cast movie in Africa. He is out this time with what priviledged industry watchers have labeled a powerful blockbuster.
FUNFUN (Purity) shot in different towns and cities in Nigeria is ready to hit individual home screens this August. The movie which was bankrolled by Whitefield Hotels Ilorin will be Marketed and distributed by Olasco Films and will be released in Yoruba and English on DVD by August 10, 2020 while it will come alive on YouTube ApataTv on August 11, 2020.
A host of fantastic stars paraded in the movie include; Adunni Ade, Femi Adebayo, Bolaji Amusan, Sola Olaibi, Yinka Alabi, Kenny Ogunde, Nkechi Blessing, Mustipha Sholagbade, Wumi Toriola, Samuel Ajirebi, Basira Badia and Sunkanmi Omobolanle
Other professionals who worked on the movie are: Exec. Producer: Oluwole Kajola, Written by: Timothy Enietan Matthews, D.O.P: Ismail Salim and Mojeed Ajao, Continuity: Bosun Otayemi, Coordinator: Muyideen Raji, Production Manager: Kenneth William
Notwithstanding the pandemic that brought everything to abrupt halt worldwide, popular Nollywood actress, Toyin Haastrup would not just allow herself to be muted by anything. Amidst this, the talented actress was still able to produce two fantastic movies, FERANMI and STRIPPERS which are no doubt belong to the league of the most watched in recent times.
One of the best hands in the industry no doubt, Toyin a, Mass Communications graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University has been in the US since 2012 and there she has been able to continue and explore her acting skills. Her newly released film FERANMI has become talk of the town since released and it’s her second job since she relocated to America.
Her first job, FERANMI was released early this year and the latest, STRIPPERS was released in June. Both movies are doing well in the market.
Peeping into her background after she was asked how she came about acting;
“You know whatever you want to aspire to be started reflecting right from your childhood. Acting started manifesting in me as a child and then in the church where we do short dramas and in school whenever there is end of the year party. So it’s not difficult for me to discover the talent later.” She disclosed.
Talking about her first time on set, Toyin revealed to us that; “My first time was on the set of Osumare a movie produced by Murphy Afolabi, whose under tutelage I grew. It was a mixture of fear and excitement. Fear in the sense that I wanted to meet some popular actors I have not met one on one before. I really was thinking what would be their reactions and remarks. What of if they didn’t like the way I act.
Excitement for the fact that I eventually achieved what has been my utmost desire. I thank God that I was able to cross the hurdles successfully.”
However the beautiful actress didn’t stop without sharing her experience over the recent ravaging and dreaded Coronavirus;
“It was a bad experience I must be sincere. At I point when I was having some strange symptoms I didn’t doubt it that it was COVID-19. I have to run to my physician who prescribed some drugs and I got over it. In fact it has affected many things. My latest work, Thanksgiving would have been completed by now if not for the pandemic that disrupted every plan. But it’s not over until it’s over, Thanksgiving will soon hit the stand anytime COVID-19 is over. It’s going to be launched in an elaborate way both in the US and in Nigeria.”
She shared her experience on the latest scourge, rape which has become a phenomenal in the society.
“Longtime ago, a 12year old girl cousin once lived with my mother. The girl was cajoled by an elderly man of about 60 years of age and had carnal knowledge of her. It continued like that until my mummy started seeing some strange features. This eventually led to her taking the little girl to the hospital where it was discovered that she has been raped severally. It’s bad I won’t but join the celebrities that call for severe punishment for rapists”.
Whosoever engage in this should be seen as a rapist because it’s an attempt and similar punishment should be apportioned, no rapist should be left unpunished.”
Bold to tell us her marital status, Toyin declared she’s single but not searching because there’s a man in her life already.
“I’m assiduously working on the release of my latest movie, ‘Thanksgiving’ because I know by the time it’s released it will surely another movie to watch. In fact I really miss Nigeria that’s why I want to launch it both in America and in Nigeria”.
Talking about her next move, this versatile thespian told us about her Instagram chat programme, Relationship Matters where she engage celebrities in a chat about relationship. As if that is not enough, she has also started working on another movie which will be released next year.
Another interesting movie is due for release soon from the stable of Authority Films the producer of Opeyemi, Authority and ogun owo (jealous) .
Titled Woli Osole (Wired Prophet) the latest effort is full of suspence and intrigues not known before now, to be associated with the activities of Prophets.
Speaking on the new work, its director and producer Temitope Omosowon also known as (Woli osole) explained why it took him years before he could come up with the ‘banger’ of a movie.
According to him, the industry is full with a lot of talents who know their Onions, while some are push over, hence, his decision to step back a little and ”see how it’s works to relaunch for better because the industry isn’t a childs play”
Tope further explained that the new movie story line is not an indication that he has something against any church, religion or any individual. He explained however, that the movie is to warn the world to be careful of the end time Prophets who hide under the umbrella of Jesus Christ preforming miracle, but might have gotten their powers through sources other than that of the Almighty God .
Some of the established names in the movie include Ladi Folarin, Tunde Usman (okele), Yemi odunodu, Merit Adewale, Allwell Ademole ,Basayo Idowu Gold, Oriyomi Olanrewaju and Olakunle Afuwape aka Lambebe.
Tope Omosowon who is from Owa akoko in ondo state was born in Lagos. His late mother popularly called Iya Adura was of the C&S Moses Orimolade stock during her life time.
Just as everyone sets out to achieve their dream no matter how they start out, the same could be said for the Nigerian singer and songwriter, Dada Dolapo better known by his stage name, Didi.
Didi was born and bred in the popular Ebute-metta area of Lagos, Nigeria where he had his primary and secondary education. Born in the early ’90s, the young talent developed an interest in music at a very tender age and as such started listening to the likes of Fela Anikulapo Kuti which further developed into a passion for music and that became the first step to his growing process.
Fully based in Lagos Nigeria, the graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University already has chart-topping songs to his credit with smashing collaborations from the Afrobeats frontliners such as Zlatan Ibile, Reekado Banks and more.
Speaking during a recent chat, Didi highlighted that: “His music is not just about the sound, but also as a messenger of love, a voice for real life situations and also as an advocate for growth and development. In his words: “I like talking about Peace in the society, be it marriage, politics, insecurity and the like because I believe that an artiste you should be a mouth piece to the voiceless, speak for love, peace, truth to power and consequently effect changes that would warrant development in the country. Your music is your voice”.
This comes as no surprise as the artiste has been greatly influenced by the likes of Fela Kuti and others who were social crusaders ensuring the right things were put in the right places.
Didi started out professionally in 2008 while still in the university, and proceeded to his self-owned independent label – SWEETMUZIK RECORDS in 2016.
The artiste disclosed that he is ready to release new music during the second half of the year 2020 while urging his fans and followers to be expectant as he promises to make it timeless.
The garment gives thanks to the shoulder. The visitor gives thanks to hospitable dweller. The diviner gives thanks to his unfailing deity. The àlúkò bird gives thanks to the camwood resin. When day dawns, the cattle egret gives thanks to the chalk, because thanksgiving turns what we have into enough.
In this skillfully-crafted composition titled “OPE NLA” (Big Thanks), the immensely talented, very successful and widely-admired trailblazer, Lanre Teriba (Atorise), known for his mellifluous voice and his melodious and deeply inspiring songs, encourages us to adopt the act of being grateful as an unbendable habit, no matter what situations we find ourselves. Like his other albums, this new composition will surely inspire people. OPE NLA audio CDs will be out in the market this week Wednesday, 23, July, 2020.
Despite the disruptions and prolonged lockdown occasioned by the global coronavirus pandemic, The Men’s Club season 3 (TMC3) series is set premiere on July 22, 2020 with a firm promise to do much more than excite its teeming and sophisticated audience with the adventures of four Nigerian men and how they navigate their mainly drama-filled tumultuous love lives.
Commenting on the TMC season 3, Bola Atta, Executive Director, REDTV and Group Director, Corporate Communication at UBA Plc, expressed delight in being able to “wear several hats” in her role at UBA, one of them being an Executive Producer for REDTV; emphasising TV production as her passion.
Shedding light on the latest season, the corporate Amazon said: “The Men’s Club is a series about 4 young men; Aminu, Tayo, Lanre and Louis, who are navigating life, winding through several relationships, breaking hearts and getting hearts broken. Now in its third season, completing filming which began pre -pandemic, was a learning process itself. Cast and crew were tested for Covid-19 and when thankfully they all tested negative, were placed in residence (of maximum 20 persons).
“Disinfecting every day; following strict protocols for sanitisation and distancing on set. It wasn’t easy, but we got it done! Here is a trailer of TMC3 which will be out on REDTV on July 22, 2020,” she said.
About TMC
The Men’s Club (TMC) is a series created by REDTv. The series centres on 4 young men from different Nigerian tribes and the problems they face in their life. The men in the TMC3 are played by Aminu, Tayo, Lanre and Louis, who are navigating life, winding through several relationships, breaking hearts and getting hearts.
Comic Nigerian actor Abiola Kazeem popularly known as “Jigan Babaoja” in a recent post on his Instagram page call out one of Nigerian average bank, the First City Monument (FCMB) bank over poor service synonymous with the financial institution of late.
The multi-talented actor who is the originator of trending slang “Avoid me” complained that he has been unable to send or receive money through his account with the bank, in the video, Jigan was seen continuously FCMB avoid me with a promise of one thousand naira recharge for 50 people to repost the video.
FCBM is one of Nigerian banks that have been average especially in this period where banking are being done electronically, the current call-out by Jigan is just a confirmation of the obvious about the effectiveness of the bank that was once setting pace in the financial industry. It is just our hope that the bank has done the needful and thereby avoiding Jigan Babaoja’s trouble.
His first feel of the world was the Kobomoje compund in the brown roof town of Ibadan 53 years ago.
Saidi Balogun has since then grown to become a force in the Nigerian movie clan called Nollywood.
The role interpreter has grown in stature and value hence, his status as a multi talented act with a lot of films to his credit as a producer and director.
His Saidi Balogun Productions Limited has been producing films in Nigeria for over 30 years.
No doubt, one of the most respected leaders in the Nigerian film Industry, Saidi produced his first film titled City Girl in 1989.
He has featured, produced and directed several Nigerian films over the years.
He produced and directed the first two cast movie on the African continent entitled MODUPE TEMI. He also produced and directed the first film where all the actors wore traditional Nigerian Ankara fabric entitled ETI KETA.
Saidi Balogun’s works have taken him to Continents of the world. Africa, Europe, Asia, North America and South America.
His most recent production is entitled YOU AND I, another first of its kind.
The film focuses on characters most suitable to keep marriage intact.
Meanwhile, the filmmaker is currently on location working on a flick titled ONLINE , with acts like Frank Dogan, Wole Ojo, Jenifa Eliogu, JIBOLA DABOR, Shaffy Bello,MC macaroni, Olamilekan Ayinla, Benedict Ayoola, MC LIVELY and Woli Arole among others.
The multi million naira project is due to be edited in Hollywood. The crew and cast are working tirelessly to make it a success, he said.
According to Saidi Balogun, his fans and lovers of good movie should be on the look out for ONLINE which he promised, will be ready to hit the cinema Nationwide very soon
