Entertainment
Book Lunch: The Tide Records Another Milestone …As Gospel Group, Oba Omega Thrill Guests
Rivers State Newspaper
Corporation (RSNC), publishers of The Tide Group of Newspapers, yesterday, recorded another milestone in the annals of the socio-cultural history of the state. This follows the launching of the first ever compendium of Eminent Persons of Rivers State, Vol 1.
The event which took place at the auditorium of the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, Secretariat Complex, Port Harcourt, under the distinguished chairmanship of Sir (Hon) Tony Okocha, Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt attracted other distinguished personalities, top government functionaries and members of the public.
The high point of the event was the unveiling of the book by the chairman of the event, Hon. Okocha. This was preceded by soul searching rendition of Halleluya praise songs by the Divine Choral Voices of Port Harcourt led by the Music Director, Dagogo Daminabo. The gospel songs gave the event spiritual rejuvenation.
Other dignitaries that participated in the unveiling ceremony include Secretary to the State Government, Hon George Feyii, Hon. Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, Commissioner for Transport, Hon George Tolofari, Commissioner for Special Duties, Barr. Dickson Omunakwe, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Joeba West and Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Hon Charles Okaye.
Others include, Administrator, Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority (GPHCDA), Mrs. Aleruchi Cookey-Gam, Hon. Member, representing Etche/Omuma Constituency, House of Representatives, Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke, Prof. Wilson Bellgam of University of Port Harcourt, Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Emma Chinda, Mr/Mrs E. Wikina, Deputy Mayor of PHALGA, Hon. Nancy Stephen amongst others.
The presence of Emmanuel Amakiri, popularly called Oba Omega, the Kirikata Master and one of the eminent persons was a pleasant side attraction as his numerous fans gathered around him for hand shake and photographs, while Michael Ogolo cracked some ribs with his hilarious jokes.
Meanwhile, Oba Omega who is also a Tourism Ambassador in Rivers State has described the book lunch as unprecedented and a way of showcasing positive achievements and talents in the state, saying, it is a pace every other individual organisation should emulate.
He called on media houses in the state to promote and encourage the indigenous artistes by giving them media coverage which will expose their talents and give them the courage to do better.
The Tide Entertainment reports that International stars Busta Rhymes and Gunna topped the bill, while the festival showcased a powerhouse roster of African talent including Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Shenseea, Phyno, Fave, Juma Jux, Qing Madi, and Diamond Platnumz, among others.
The festival launched December 7 with an eye-catching opening ceremony featuring aerial ballet performers, establishing an elevated artistic vision for the weeks ahead. That first night brought Nigerian heavyweights Wande Coal, Young Jonn, Ice Prince, Darey, Fola, Shoday, and Jerry Shaffer to the stage.
The Federal Ministry of Art and Culture partnered with the festival, with Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa acknowledging Detty December Fest as a vital force in Nigeria’s cultural landscape. She emphasized its impact on amplifying the country’s creative presence internationally and driving holiday tourism.
The 2025 edition raised the bar for live entertainment in Lagos, building on Detty December’s established reputation as a catalyst for tourism, entertainment, and economic growth during the year-end season.
The milestone was confirmed on Monday by FilmOne, the movie’s distributor, who announced that the film is now the fastest title in West Africa to cross ?1 billion. The achievement further cements Akindele’s dominance in the Nigerian film industry.
Since its release, Behind the Scenes has shattered multiple records. It posted the highest single-day box office gross ever on Boxing Day, earning an impressive ?129.5 million. It is also the highest-grossing film of 2025 so far, and remarkably, it marks Akindele’s third movie to cross the ?1 billion mark, a feat no other director has achieved.
The Tide Entertainment reports that with this latest success, Akindele has strengthened her position as Nollywood’s highest-grossing producer of all time, becoming the first filmmaker to deliver three billion-naira blockbusters within a single calendar year.
Reacting to the achievement, the actress and filmmaker expressed heartfelt gratitude to her supporters, collaborators, and distributors, while also revealing the film’s growing international reach.
“Over the years, I’ve always valued my fans, because without God and you, I am nobody,” she wrote.“Thank you all for coming out to watch this movie and for supporting my brand through the years.Thank you to the distributors, my colleagues—especially those not in the movie who still came out to meet and greet my fans.Big love to the cast and crew. This is only the beginning; let’s take Behind the Scenes even further.”
She also disclosed that the film is currently screening in cinemas across two European countries and the United States, signaling its expanding global appeal.
Akindele’s box office dominance has been nothing short of historic. In 2023, Battle on Buka Street became Nollywood’s highest-grossing film with ?640 million. She raised the bar again in January 2024 when A Tribe Called Judah became the first Nigerian movie to hit ?1 billion. Later that year, Everybody Loves Jenifa broke another record, grossing ?1.6 billion to become the highest-earning film in West African history.
Nigerian singer Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Face, has revealed his former bandmate Faze’s position in the long-running rift between him and their other ex-bandmate, Blackface.
The Tide Entertainment recalls that Blackface and 2Face have been involved in an on-and-off feud over the years, with the former repeatedly accusing the latter of intellectual property theft, allegations 2Face has consistently denied.
Addressing fans midway through his performance at the Made in Benue Festival in Makurdi recently, 2Face said Faze has maintained a neutral stance in the dispute between him and Blackface.
He stressed that the rift does not involve Faze in any way.
“You all know that Plantashun Boiz consisted of Blackface, 2Face and Faze. But due to some unforeseen circumstances, Blackface is not with us right now.
“However, no matter the beef wey me and Blackface get, nothing concern Faze inside. So, Faze is right here with me and we will represent Plantashun Boiz,” he said.
The rift between Blackface and 2Face began after Plantashun Boiz disbanded in the 2000s.
Following their split, Blackface blamed 2Face for the breakup and accused him of song theft.
The relationship between the duo has remained strained over the years despite several attempts at reconciliation, with peace efforts often short-lived.