Entertainment

Mona Dance School Showcases Talents At Star Night

Published

11 years ago

September 5, 2014

Last Sunday, August 24th
2014 was not only historic, but memorable for lovers of good music and choreography as Mona Dance School, Port Harcourt held the 7th edition of her annual star night amidst glitz and glamour at the prestigious auditorium of the Arena, No 30 Tombia Street, Port Harcourt.
The large audience who attended the event from all works of life were thrilled by the raw talent and mesmerising dance steps of the trained dancers and their exciting and educative drama displays that left the audience spell bound as well as captivating music that blended with the dancers and created the right mood for the night.
The star studded event started at about 5.15pm with an opening prayer by Everest Okonkwo, followed by the introduction of the instructors, the creative minds behind the artistic creation, Jazz Line dance titled “When Jesus says yes…. “by Destiny’s child performed by Holiday socials students and “my first Ballet and Adagio” expressing the different basic movements in Ballet in tune to music using the body, space, different levels, direction and formation.
Other events of the night included in between” which talked of joining hands together in aiding positive growth of our children, “First Game,” which is a Hip Hop rap beat, “Suffering and smiling” which teaches that irrespective of whatever situation we many find ourselves, the smiles on our faces give us the strength to hope for a better day, and “thanksgiving” which teaches that even when we derail from his path in the bid to scarch for quicker solution and fail to find them, God’s grace is always available. There was also ‘Agbeko’, the migration dance of Ghana featuring music and life drums performed by Mona Dance School Instructors and DWM. “Watch me Dance” which is the joy of learning to dance by all ages performed by parents of Holiday socials students, ‘Apeja’ (Fisher Men Dance) exhibiting the rich occupational culture of the people of Lagos state and “the experiences”, Music is broken heels by Alexandra Burks.
The high point of the night is “influence” the theme of the star night which show cased heroes, leaders and remarkable people who have fought against human/ social injustice, poverty, oppression and supported Christian movements with a sence of purpose and integrity, men and women who still speak long after they are gone some of them include the following, Mahatma Ghandi (1869-1948), Martin Luther King Jnr (1929-1968), Mother Theresa (1910-1992) Bishop Ajayi Crowder (1809-1890) and Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) (46664). Speaking with The Tide Entertainment shortly after the events, the Airtistic Director, Mona Dance school Port Harcourt, Mrs Eloi Etomi said, “I feel fulfileld because we are starting with people who want to fulfil their world, we should have different mindsets not to be waiting for our leaders to infulence the soceity we live in.” She noted that we could start it our selves in our little ways wherever we find ourselves so taht the society will be better for all of us to live in. She disclosed that Mona Dance School started in April 2008 and that the star night is an annual event with different themes. According to her this year’s theme has been most fulfilling becasue of its message. She however assured that next year will be better.
One of the guests at the event, Pastor Melvis Odobo noted that the nights event was wonderful and the theme very apt and essential in the sence that the mesasge they passed across to the audience was what the country needed right now considering the personalities who passed through the society and used their and life to influence the society positively.
He stressed that the Mona Dance school is relevant to the society because dance is an art and we should channel the energy of our young ones in that direction as it will help to develop them in body and soul.
A choreographer with the school, Mr Akuro Godwill Bubbo and American based instructor and dancer Miss Angel Eieyae gave kudos to the students for their wonderful performance.

Dancers performing at Mona’s Star Night PH

Entertainment

Funke Akindele’s Behind The Scenes Crosses ?1.77bn

Published

3 days 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

3 days 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

3 days 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.