Entertainment
‘Why We Must Salvage Film Industry In Rivers’
Though the entertainment industry is growing so fast and many people are not only becoming smart, but have started waking up to the business side of the industry particularly the motion picture sector popularly known as Nollywood, which is the third largest movie producing industry in the world after Hollywood of America and Bollywood of India.
However, it has been observed that film production in Rivers State, the Treasure Base of Nigeria lags behind that of other states like Lagos, Enugu and now Delta where not less than 10 films are produced daily, making huge revenue for these states and providing employment opportunities for their youths.
This slow pace of development of the industry has remained a source of embarrassment to some concerned indigenous practitioners, because Rivers State has comparative advantage over them. Apart from the fact that the state has good locations to shoot films, world class hotels and other entertainment outlets, abundant potentials and intelligence to compete favourably with their counterparts in the industry, most top movie makers, actors and actresses as well as some of the notable practitioners in the country, passed through the state on their way to stardom.
Speaking on the state of movie making in Rivers State, a seasoned entertainer, managing director of African Movie Producers Limited Port Harcourt, Mrs Vickky Eeen attributed it to lack of recognition of the importance of movie making and the role of practitioners in the overall development of the state hence the lack of investment, in the sector as a result, the state loses the opportunity to make money from the industry and generate employment opportunities for the youths.
The actress and singer who disclosed this while speaking with The Tide entertainment recently, said the snail speed development of the industry is unfortunate as even countries like America, India, South Africa Kenya, Ghana etc. invest hugely in film making and entertainment generally and the revenue they get in return as well as other benefits are enormous.
The state executive of Association of Movie Production (AMP) in Rivers State said the poor state of the industry necessitated the recent concerted efforts being made by AMP to seek assistance from the state government, organised private sector and stakeholders to invest in the industry in order to boost its activities and make it more viable.
Vickky, as she is popularly known by her close friends and associates, said she decided to improve on the situation through her personal efforts by establishing the African film production training centre at N0 4 Olodu Street Off Olu Obasanjo Road Port Harcourt where she trains students in various aspects of entertainment, including film production and directing, acting, chorography, script writing, music recording, modeling etc not only to move the entertainment industry forward but to empower the restive youths of Niger Delta, refocus their mind set, make them self sufficient and disciplined members of the society.
The Ikwerre, Rivers State born director, producer, script writer and dancer said since inception, the school has graduated over 100 students and has the capacity to train over 10,000 youths in their chosen careers in the industry. She maintained that some of the grandaunds have gainful employment in various entertainment outfits including Siver bird. Others have featured in movies, TV Reality shows, Soap Operas, and as students have produced a movie titled “Seal of Salvation which she directed; while some of her models have competed in various modeling shows both in the national and international levels.
The ex-student of University of Port Harcourt where she obtained a Diploma and graduate of Mass Communication, Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) said the school insists on standards, discipline and character development and boasts of reputable resource persons drawn from within the country, America, UK, South Africa, Ghana etc, adding that those who excelled in character development are sent abroad for further training and employment.
On her exploits in the entertainment industry, the beautiful and amiable lady of many parts, revealed that she started acting from secondary school, at Port Harcourt Township School, Borokiri, later worked briefly at the Rivers State Council for Arts and Culture and Rivers State Television (RSTV), where she met people like Comish Ekiye, Hilda Dokubo and others. She has also written over 2000 scripts some of which are being used by producers today.
Vickky has also featured in many movies including “Mixed Multitude,” (2001), co-produced ‘Indecent proposal’ (2003) and is currently working on a new movie. The athlete also has a debut album stressing that she was inspired by Onyeka Onwenu, Ivon Chaka Chaka and ‘Mama Africa’ Marian Makebe.
The movie maker and trainer maintained that despite the challenges facing the entertainment industry in Rivers State, she has decided to remain in the state to salvage the industry instead of looking for greener pastures in other states as some of her colleagues from the state have done.
Chike’s music brings together listeners who yearn for the mesmeric sonics of RnB steeped in Nigerian cultural richness and familiarity.
It’s through this fine musical blend that Chike sang his way into the hearts of listeners whose patronage brought him the success and fame to crave Popstar status.
His sophomore album, ‘The Brother’s Keeper’ displayed his yearning for Popstar status with the music notably different from the smooth domesticated RnB of his brilliant debut. While his ambition was appreciated, his sophomore album struggled to connect with listeners.
It’s this fine balance as an RnB singer flying the Igbo cultural flag while showcasing an admirable ability to craft pop records that Chike achieves on his third album ‘Son of Chike’.
A quintessential RnB star, Chike wears his hearts on his sleeve with music driven by melting melodies, heartfelt lyrics, poignant delivery, and a rich infusion of his Igbo culture down to the cover art that ties the project into a wholesome piece.
Chike offers his honest take on the complications of romantic relationships through songs that convey his yearnings as well as his hurt while striking a fine balance of RnB and Pop shaped by his Igbo heritage and Afrobeats production curated by his long-term collaborated Deeyaso.
The Tide Entertainment reports that Chike shares his desire to choose peace and tranquility over negativity in the opener where he sings his way into the hearts of listeners while displaying the elevated penmanship of an RnB star next to Ladipoe’s swaggering verse.
He wears his heart on his sleeves in a yearning for love and romantic bliss on the love anthems, ‘Apple,’ ‘Ego Onyinbo,’ and the Ogene and Highlife driven ‘Mma (Beauty)’ which adds to his rich repertoire of wedding serenading tunes and give the album mid-point a definitive Igbo cultural core.
To love is to hurt, and Chike shares the painful side of romantic adventures on ‘Someone,’ where he shares the hurt of unrequited love. He teams up with fast-rising sensation Qing Madi, who dazzles on the mid-tempo ‘Your Loss’ where they offer heartfelt love while maintaining a resolve to not settle for less.
Chike’s dismissiveness to a love interest on the log drum punctuated ‘Not Your Daddy’ introduces listeners to a rather bad boy side of the soft singing sensation this writer curiously hopes to get in larger doses in his future projects.
‘Son Of Chike’ gets a fine balance of pop cuts shaped by Amapiano log drum and an infusion of his Igbo heritage. Chike crafts a chart-topping party-starter in ‘Egwu’ featuring the late Street pop sensation Mohbad, he swaggers on his declaration of love on ‘Lifetime Love’ where he mirrors Asake’s cadences, and he recruits Afrobeats seasoned hitmaker Olamide and emerging star Amaeya to share the message of hope and a better tomorrow on the log drum-driven ‘One Day’.
While Chike enjoys crafting heartfelt romantic numbers, there’s the other side of him that stretches beyond the desire to simply entertain. This part of him introspects as he strives to understand his limitations and purpose. Chike embraces his flaws while striving to be better on ‘Balance Am’ before restating his faith in the superior power of the spiritual force that shapes his journey on the serenading closing ballad ‘Man Not God’.
Four years, three albums, and several awards later, Chike’s beautiful journey with ‘Son of Chike’ holds up his status as an RnB sensation with superstar ambitions.
Burna Boy will mark the fifth anniversary of his ‘African Giant’ with an exclusive performance on YouTube.
Burna Boy is one of Africa’s leading musicians whose award-winning music and record-breaking concerts have made him a global superstar.
Today, the 26th of July, 2024 YouTube will livestream an exclusive YouTube Music Nights present Burna Boy. This special event will commemorate the 5th anniversary of his critically acclaimed album, ‘African Giant’.
The YouTube Music Nights program places global superstar Artistes on intimate stages, creating electrifying live video content that celebrates the unique connection between Artistes and their fans.
The Tide Entertainment reports that Burna Boy, who boasts 5 million subscribers on YouTube, will grace the stage in an intimate setting to celebrate hits from his critically acclaimed album, ‘African Giant’.
Released in 2019, ‘African Giant’ marked Burna Boy’s international breakthrough, earning a nomination for Best World Music Album at the 62nd Grammy Awards. The album also delivered notable hit records such as ‘On The Low’, ‘Gbona’, ‘Dangote’, ‘Killing Dem’ feat Zlatan, and ‘Anybody’.
“Celebrating the 5th anniversary of ‘African Giant’ with a special performance in London, supported by YouTube Music, has been an incredible experience. This album holds a special place in my heart as it represents a pivotal moment in my career and a powerful statement of African pride,” burns Boy expressed his excitement.
“We are thrilled to present Burna Boy on YouTube Music Nights, celebrating the 5th anniversary of his groundbreaking album, African Giant,” said Addy Awofisayo, Head of Music at YouTube in Africa.
The content will be live streamed exclusively on Burna Boy’s YouTube channel, allowing fans worldwide to join the celebration.
The Forum Of Kalabari MC’s, Comedians and Entertainers, has formally announced the sudden passing of their dearly beloved Colleague and MC of the Federal Republic; Late Sagbe Mieba popularly known as MC Sagbelistic. Mieba, whose untimely demise occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, 23rd July, 2024, at his hometown in Ido, Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the news of His death was confirmed yesterday by Chairman of the forum, Sepribo Sheriff- Nimifaa
According to Sheriff-Nimifaa, MC Sagbe was a dedicated and esteemed professional who had been battling a protracted illness with courage and resilience.
“Despite his struggles, he remained committed to his Master of Ceremony work and was a source of inspiration to many of our colleagues especially in the art of Kalabari spoken language, history and tradition,” he said.
“His sudden departure leaves a void in our lives and a gap in our professional community.
We will remember Sagbe for his kindness, expertise, and unwavering dedication to his craft”.
The forum also extended their deepest condolences to his immediate family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.
The forum prayed that the family, friends and colleagues find the strength and comfort in the memories they shared with the deceased, saying that the legacy of the late MC Sagbelistic would live on in the hearts of those who loved him.
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