Entertainment

Ogbakor Ikwerre Celebrates Unique Culture, Tradition

Published

6 years ago

March 26, 2020

The unique cultural heritage and ancient tradition of the Ikwerre ethnic nationality in Rivers State was recently showcased to the world amidst , fun, gliz and glamour at the 2020 edition of Ikwerre day celebration which attracted the who is who in Ikwerre land, including traditional rulers and other distinguished guests across the country.
The historic and memorable event which witnessed amazing cultural performances was held last Saturday, March 21st, 2020 at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic Rumuola, Port Harcourt, under the chairmanship of former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Rivers State, Hon Frank A. Owhor.
The well attended event saw the parade of various colourful masquerades and cultural troupes, traditional dances, folklore, traditional wrestling contests as well as other backup from across the country including the cultural troupe from the Mzough U Tiv from Benue State as well as other side attractions.
In his address at the event that was graced by a humongus crowd, the president-general of Ogbakor Ikwerre world wide, Prof. Emenike Nyeche Wami said: “Ogbakor Ikwerre cultural organisation as the apexumbrella organisation of the Ikwerre ethnic nationality constitutionally instituted the annual Ikwerre Day celebration as an occasion for our people to remain ourselves who we are and to give the outside world a peep of what constitutes the inner most core of Ikwerre culture and personality.
“Ikwerre day therefore, is an institutionalised annual fiesta, a period of home coming, cultural renewal and reflection intra and inter ethnic strengthening of releationships with a view to sustaining our relevance in the comity of ethnic nationalities. It is essentially, a spectacular cultural convocation of Inde Iwhuru Oha (people of Ikwerre) by the Ikwerre and for the Ikwerre people in line with the spirit and letter of the constitution of Ogbakor Ikwerre.
“Ikwerre day seeks to showcase, preserve and enhance our cultural heritage, such as language, folklore, customs, agricultural engagements, arts and crafts, music and dancing, sports especially our highly cherished Egelege (wrestling) and so on!!
Major highlights of the event were confirmant of Ochi Oha Ikwerre XIII on Prof Augustin M. Onyeosu and his admission into this prestigious cultural class, following his meritorious service during his tenure dance as the president general of Ogbakor Ikwerre world wide from 2013 to December 2016.
Recognition of four monstrous sons and daughters of Ikwerre nation who have excelled, distinguished themselves and brought honour to the Ikwerre nation namely: Madam Edna C Nwofor, First Ikwerre female graduate, Chief Sir Mike Elechi, Chairman/CEO Vintage Farms and Products Ltd, Sir (Dr) Charles Wami, Chairman/CEO Charkins Maritime Academy and Miss Francisca Ijeoma Onuma first Ikwerre female pilot.
Awards were also given to the champions of the ‘Egelege’ wresting competition, they are the new (Isiburu wresting champion) of Ikwerre land, Mr Increase Assor from Esilara branch, while Emeka Omodu from Opa branch and Morrison Obi from Kio branch who took 2nd and third positions respectively as well as prizes to participated teams etc.

By: Jacob Obinna

Entertainment

Funke Akindele’s Behind The Scenes Crosses ?1.77bn

Published

16 hours ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

Funke Akindele’s Behind The Scenes becomes Nollywood’s highest-grossing film of 2025, earning ?1.77bn in under four weeks.

Multi-award-winning actress and producer Funke Akindele has done it again, and this time, the numbers speak louder than applause.

Her latest film, Behind The Scenes, has officially emerged as the highest-grossing Nollywood film of 2025, pulling in an astonishing ?1.767 billion in less than four weeks.

The Tide Entertainment reports that Funke Akindele Makes Box Office History as Behind The Scenes Crosses ?1.77bn
Earlier in its release cycle, the film’s distributor, FilmOne Entertainment, revealed that Behind The Scenes smashed five opening-weekend records, including the highest single-day gross ever recorded on Boxing Day, with ?129.5 million in one day. That announcement already hinted that something unusual was unfolding.

Reacting to the milestone, FilmOne described the moment as both surreal and communal, crediting audience loyalty for pushing the film to the top spot once again as the number-one movie of the weekend. And that sentiment feels accurate. This wasn’t just ticket sales; it was momentum.

What makes this achievement even more striking is that Behind The Scenes is Funke Akindele’s third film to cross the ?1 billion mark. Before now, there was A Tribe Called Judah, and then Everybody Loves Jenifa, a film that didn’t just open big, but went on to become the highest-grossing Nollywood film of all time. At this point, it’s no longer a fluke. It’s a pattern.

Part of Behind The Scenes’ success lies in strategy. The film enjoyed advanced screenings on December 10 and 11, quietly building curiosity and conversation before its nationwide release on December 12. By the time it officially hit cinemas, audiences already felt like they needed to see it.

Then there’s the cast. The film brings together a lineup that feels deliberately stacked: Scarlet Gomez, Iyabo Ojo, Destiny Etiko, Tobi Bakre, Uche Montana, and several others. Familiar faces, strong fan bases, and performances that kept word-of-mouth alive long after opening weekend.

Still, beyond timing and casting, there’s something else at work here. Funke Akindele understands Nigerian audiences. Their humour, their pacing, their emotional buttons. She doesn’t guess, she calculates, experiments, listens, and refines. That understanding has slowly turned into box-office dominance.

Behind The Scenes crossing ?1.77 billion isn’t just another headline; it’s confirmation. Funke Akindele has moved from being a successful actress to becoming one of the most reliable commercial forces Nollywood has ever produced. Three-billion-naira films don’t happen by luck. They happen when storytelling, business sense, and audience trust align.

And right now, that alignment seems firmly in her hands.

Entertainment

Adekunle Gold, Simi Welcome Twin Babies

Published

17 hours ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

Popular Nigerian music stars, Adekunle Kosoko, widely known as Adekunle Gold, and his wife, Simi, have become parents again this time to twins.

The award-winning singer shared the joyful update on his Snapchat story on Wednesday, confirming the expansion of their family.

“Asked God for another child and he blessed me double,” she wrote.

While the couple has not yet disclosed the gender of the newborns, the announcement has sparked an outpouring of warm wishes from admirers, fellow celebrities, and industry colleagues.

Speculation had intensified in December when Simi posted a video on Instagram accompanied by the caption, “From my baby, for my babies.”

The clip showed her with a growing baby bump, fueling anticipation that another child was on the way.

Their latest blessings arrive just weeks after Simi highlighted a scene from Adekunle Gold’s newly released music video, “My Love is the Same,” further stirring excitement among fans.

The Tide Entertainment reports that Adekunle Gold and Simi who tied the knot in 2019 after a long history of friendship and musical synergy remain one of Nigeria’s most admired entertainment power couples. Both artistes were once signed to X3M Music before soaring into mainstream acclaim.

The pair welcomed their first child, Adejare Kosoko, fondly called Deja, in May 2020.

Entertainment

Jesse Flames Opens 2026 With ‘Praise The Lord’ Featuring Magnito

Published

17 hours ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

After closing out 2025 with the release of “Praise the Lord” featuring Magnito, Jesse Flames enters the new year with renewed clarity and purpose, continuing to build a body of work rooted in intention rather than noise. In a moment where Afrobeats is moving faster and louder than ever, his approach remains measured and deliberate, prioritizing meaning, craft, and longevity over momentary attention. The official music video arrives January 10.

Following the momentum of his breakout single “FLEX,” “Praise the Lord” represents a shift from celebration to grounding. Reflective and soulful, the record centers gratitude, growth, and perspective, capturing a quieter confidence that resonates beyond a single moment.

“This song is about recognizing the full picture,” Jesse shares. “The work people see and the work they don’t. The lessons, the setbacks, the growth.”

The collaboration with Magnito, a respected voice in Nigerian hip hop known for his sharp lyricism and cultural authenticity, adds depth and weight to the record, reinforcing its themes of resilience, faith, and self reflection.

Released in December at the height of Detty December, “Praise the Lord” became a natural soundtrack for both celebration and reflection as the year came to a close. With the video arriving in January, the record takes on new meaning, opening the year as a tone setter rather than a reset.

Born in the United States, raised in Festac, Lagos, and now based in London, Jesse Flames brings a global perspective to his sound, blending Afrobeats, hip hop, and melodic soul into something sleek and intentional. His music reflects lived experience and cultural nuance rather than trend chasing.

The Tide Entertainment reports that with over 11 million streams, performances at O2 Brixton Academy and OVO Arena Wembley, and coverage from The Guardian and Business Post Nigeria, Jesse’s rise has been steady and self made. Looking ahead to 2026 and 2027, he is preparing for collaborations with Ice Prince, M.I Abaga, and Smurlee.

“Praise the Lord” ft. Magnito is available now on all streaming platforms.