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Rivers Entertainment Industry: An Overview

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The Entertainment indus
try comprises  movies, music, comedy and night clubs amongst others used to entertain people. It involves showcasing talents to create amusement for pleasure, make people laugh, relax, reduce stress or tension. It brings happiness to friends, families, individuals and society.
The entertainment industry in Rivers State has over the years recorded positive transformations, it has moved from obscurity to the limelight and from the job of mediocres to professionals. The various achievements recorded by the entertainment outlets in the state are quite impressive. They include the following:
Movies
The movie industry in Rivers State apart from producing the best talents in Nollywood, the state also boasts of the best locations, hotels, and other facilities required for the production of standard movies that can stand the test of time. Among the indigenous stars are: Hilda Dokubo, Ibinabo Fiberesima-Ebuka (The current president of The Actors Guild of Nigeria AGN) and the first female to occup  the position, Monalisa  Chinda, Tonto Dike, Morriene Ihua, Lady Milliscent Jack, and Dr. Sam Dede.
Others include: Larry Briggs, Basorge Tariah, Columbus Irosoanga, Gentle Jack, Alaso Wariboko Etc, as well as movie producers among whom are Mrs. Vickey EEN(CEO African Film Producers Ltd) and Engr. Reginald Orlu (chairman Association of Movie Producers (AMP) Rivers State chapter and a host of others.
Among the movies produced in the state are “Snake Kingdom”, “War of Roses” “Double Trouble”, Battle of the Gods”, – “School Life”, “Elegible Spinster”, “Last Glory”, “Who Cares”, “Sounds of Love” etc.
The movie industry in the state also boasts of two world class cinema houses namely Silverbird Cinemas and Genesis Deluxe Cinemas where residents of the city patronize on daily basis to watch the latest foreign and local movies. The state also played to the ION film festival for the first time in Africa, among other notable achievements.
Music
The music industry in the state is also developing at a very fast rate with various innovations to its credit. From the past to the present generations, the state has remained a force to be reckoned with in the development of the music industry in Nigeria.
It is on record that Rivers State produced the legendary high life king of Africa, the late cardinal Jim Rex Lawson and other internationally recognized high life music maestros, such as late King David Bull of  the Seagulls Band, late Jack West Omodu of Garden City band, Living Legend, King Sunny Brown, the great Chief  Sana of the Seamasters Band etc.
Today, high life music is facing relegation in the state, while modern genres of music such as hip-hop, RnB, Reggae, gyration music amongst others have taken the centre stage. However, the state is not lagging behind in the new trend as she has produced internationally acclaimed music stars, such as Daniel Wilson, Duncan Mighty, Emmanuel Amakiri (a.k.a Oba Omega) and the Nubian songstress, Mrs Gift Ekeh (aka Muma Gee).
Others are: Komboye Sinclair, Maja Briggs, Arthur Willie Pepple, Jnr, Peter Stone Cold, Lexy M, Sky B, Soty Samuel Horsfall, Posh Kayana, Lady IB etc. Although Reggae music is finding it difficult to stay afloat in the state, serious efforts are being made by some Reggae faithfuls to keep the flag flying.
Comedy
This is another aspect of the entertainment industry that has taken the state by storm to the extent that any social event in the state be it big or small without the presence of a stand up comedian, is regarded as a flop. Their funny jokes are so appreciated by the social class that most of them are willing to pay exhorbitant fees to the rib crackers, just to make their guests laugh, some even refer to them as “stress therapists”.
It would be recalled that in the past, the society regarded comedians as school drop outs, “never do wells”, street urchins and other negative names, but today comedy has become a lucrative profession for the gifted ones.  Comedians are now celebrities in their own right who now wine and dine with the rich and mighty in the society. They have become the stone the builder rejected, but later turned out to be the head corner stone.
Among the indigenous humour merchants who hold-sway in the state are Julius Agwu, Dan D’ Humourous, Akas Baba of Wazobia FM Port Harcourt, Prince Hezekiah, Angel the laugh, Rugged Pator, Easy Blaze etc. They are the toast of every big event in the state.
Night Clubs
Another major aspect of entertainment in the state is night clubbing. The night club is the place you go to listen to the latest music in town as well as some ‘old school vibes’, Dance, relax, wine, dine and generally catch undiluted fun. It is exclusively for those who can afford the exorbitant prices of beer, the exotic wine and hot drinks, mouth watering snacks and other delicacies as well as the gate fee.
Inside the club hall, you are confronted by different bulbs of various colours and sizes, the lightings give you an eerie feeling coupled with the cosy environment which creat a false impression of paradise on earth. Activities in the clubs are at there peak on Wednesdays and weekends. The clubs also serve as haven of sorts for the ladies of easy virtue who go there to conduct their immoral trade or ‘Runs’ business, some men also patronize the clubs not only to drink and dance but to make new’ catch”.
Those who cannot afford the cost of a night club, make do with the drinking palours, pepper soup joints and other hang outs where they equally get their fun at a cheaper rate.
Among the popular night clubs in the city are, Cassablanca, Oaker beak, Boomerang, Mr D’ Plaza and Fabulous among numerous others.
Cultural Entertainment
This article will be incomplete without making mention of cultural entertainment which refers to cultural dances, masquerades and other plays that not only entertain, but showcases the unique cultural heritage of the state to the outside world. The Rivers State Tourism Development Agency (RSTDA) is in the forefront of promoting the rich aquatic culture of the riverine people and the upland cultural prowess through the annual CARNIRIV which is one of the most glamourous and well attended cultural festivals in Africa. The week-long cultural fiesta always attracts troop of guests and tourists from all parts of the world.
No wonder Rivers State is seen as “a home away from home”, as it plays host to different classes of people from all over world who always visit the Garden City and Treasure Base of Nigeria to relax, get fun and to be treated to the legendary hospitality of which the state is known for in the global circle.

 

Jacob Obinna

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World Music Day: Alliance Française Port Harcourt Showcases Talents

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The Garden City of Rivers State Port Harcourt at the weekend joined other parts of the world to celebrate the World Music Day, 2025, as Alliance Française showcases talents.

The event which is internationally known as Fête de la musique was held at cultural hall of the Alliance Française was a remarkable concert with memorable experience.

The event brought together music lovers, students, Artistes and members of the community For an exciting evening live performances and cultural exchange.

The Tide Entertainment reports that the world Music Day, which was created 1982 in France by the then Minister of culture, Jack Lang, ‘ Fête de la Musique’ is now celebrated in more than 100 countries every 21st June, marking the first day of summer with free concerts and musical showcases in public spaces.

In Port Harcourt, the Alliance Française honoured the tradition by spotlighting four(4) emerging artistes offering a platform to young talents shaping the city’s contemporary scene.

The audience enjoyed an unforgettable moments as they were entertained by the powerful performances from Preach A, who is known for blending fitness culture with spoken words and rhythm.

Also, artiste Emmayany delivering a vibrant fusion of afrobeat and afro pop. A singer, song writer and a performing artiste with a distinct sound.

Others were Amarachy Uko, a sensational singer with passion for soul , R&B, pop music and afrobeat.

While DJ Prospel closed the night with an energetic DJ set that got the entire hall dancing.

Earlier, the Director, Alliance Française, Port Harcourt Mrs Marina Lacal high lighted the mission of the Alliance Française saying that the event was more than a concert.

According to her, the event was put together by the Alliance Française to promote cultural diversity and foster artistic expression by connecting a long standing French tradition with creativity of the local music scene, adding that the event offerers an avenue for dialogue between culture and generations.

She stated that the event is used to promote professional and bring amateur artistes to limelight via the platform of the Alliance Française which is aimed at promoting the French Language through cultural heritage.

She explained that the celebration is also a broader series of Fête de la musique activities organized by the 10 Alliance Française across Nigeria in sync with concerts held in France and around the world simultaneously.

She further noted that the occasion reaffirms the role of Alliance Française as a cultural bridge, one where French heritage meets the pulses of Nigerian youth.

It would be recalled that no fewer than 19 artistes applied to perform at the event in Port Harcourt, but only four got approval for appearance.

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PMAN Set To Implement Performance Levy  ‘Tomorrow

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The Governor of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Rivers State chapter, Comrade Moses Mabadeje popularly known as Mozy B said that the body has announced plans to implement performance Levy on artistes in the state with effect from 21st June.

 

This was carried in a statement released to The Tide Entertainment, yesterday by the Deputy Governor of the association, Comrade Abiye Howells.

 

According to the Governor, the announcement was made by PMAN, the only governing body that regulates the music profession in Nigeria, as authorized by the Government of Nigeria, in line with the Trade Union Act.

 

He stated that those affected by the Levy include (Non members)bands, groups, Hotels, Bars, lounges, Event Centres, show organizers, promoters and other stakeholders hosting events which feature live music performances within the State.

 

However, the Levy does not apply to members of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria. (PMAN).

 

Comrade Moses Mabadeje, explained that this drive is aimed at financing the association and supporting the welfare and interest of musicians as outlined in Article 8 of the PMAN constitution as amended (2023). Consequently, a PMAN task force has been set up to enforce and swing into action to effect this move.

 

He further said that event organizers, promoters and owners of event centers are expected to comply with this regulation as the Governor has urged stakeholders to collaborate with the association to ensure the successful implementation of the levy and the peaceful co-existence between PMAN and Stockholders.

 

Nancy Briggs

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“French Up Your Career” PH, 2025 :Consul General Of France Harps On Proficiency In French

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The Consul, General of France in Nigeria, Laurent Favier has encouraged French Learners to improve their skills on the language, as there are lots of opportunities up for grabs on the job market with fluency in French Language, saying that there are many other career paths which are often less well known to learners of French.

Participants at the “French Up Your Career” event held in Port Harcourt.

 

Favier who disclosed this during the just concluded third edition of the seminar tagged “French Up Your Career” organized by Alliance

Française, Port Harcourt explained that learning French doesn’t mean adding a language to your resume. It rather provides learners with new opportunities. Irrespective of their area of interest, be it diplomatic and International relations, international development, translation and Interpretation or journalism.

 

According to the Consul General, it was important to create awareness for young Nigerians in Port Harcourt who desire to have better understanding of how been fluent in French can create diverse career opportunities for users of the languages in Nigeria and the world at large, emphasizing that proficiency in French could possibly make learner a bridge between Nigeria and fast-developing regions.

 

“You previously heard this morning about how you can improve your French skills. This afternoon you will discover how being fluent in French can provide a significant edge on the job market and lead to professional careers that you may not have even considered before,”

 

“This event comes at the right time, as it launches the celebration of the richness and diversity of French-speaking cultures, which will mobilize us for more than a month throughout Nigeria and alongside other French-speaking countries,” Favier added.

 

He further highlighted that French is spoken by over 300 million people across the world, saying that, it’s one of the official languages of the United Nations, the European Union, and the African Union.

 

“There are many neighbouring African countries to Nigeria ,who have French as one of their primary languages of communication including Cameroon, Chad, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. So, what does this mean for you as students here in Nigeria?” He asked

 

“These sectors in which the French Embassy is often mobilized are the business and marketing field for example, as French is often the preferred language in many multinational companies, particularly those in the energy, oil and telecommunications sectors. I’m thinking as well in technology and IT,” he said

 

He noted that French-speaking countries in Africa are investing heavily in tech, innovation, and infrastructure, revealing that companies in Tech are looking for bilingual professionals to assist with software localization, customer support, and managing projects in French-speaking regions.

 

“The French embassy is not only mobilized to help learners discover promising sectors. We are also providing our support and expertise in

training teachers and optimizing university programs,” he summed up

 

Also, the linguistics cooperation attaché, French Embassy in Nigeria, Magaly Losange, who also gave a lecture at the seminar, in an interview with Newsmen said that the main purpose of the seminar was to be more informative and supportive to those who want to make a skill out of French Language,saying that as the linguistics cooperation attaché of the French Embassy it is her duty to promote French language through culture.

 

She cited traditional stereotypes as a major challenge affecting the growth and development of French in Nigeria, as school, teachers at the primary and secondary level in most cases teach French using the traditional way, where students learn French, but could not put words and grammar together as a skill for communicate.

 

“French is important. I don’t see French as colonization, l see French as a key to embrace globalization, l hope that learners will be inspired and ready to embrace the global village,” Losange said.

 

She however said that the French Embassy is working to ensure that equipments to facilitate the learning of French is put in place to enable learners improve their skills fast, which in two to three years learners should be able to communicate with French, advising learners to be intentional with learning the language, through social media and other workable devices to advance their skills for certification and better opportunities.

 

Highlight of the event which had about 250 participants in attendance was the eloquence award ceremony where students were awarded for their eloquence in French language by the Director, Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs.Marina Lacal alongside the Linguistics cooperation attaché of the French Embassy in Nigeria, Magaly Losange.

 

 

After two edition of the seminar it was the turn of the Alliance Française, Port Harcourt to host the Third edition.

 

It would be recalled that the first edition of ” “French Up Your Career” event was organized at the Alliance Française Lagos on October 23, the second one at UNILAG on November 24, 2024 respectfully.

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