Entertainment
Nollywood Conquers Movies World …As Marketer Tasks Rivers On Film Production
It is quite obvious that the
Nigerian movie industry popularly known as Nollywood has conquered the movie world judging by the popularity Nigerian film enjoy world wide.
Apart from the fact that Nollywood is not only the leading movie industry in Africa, but third in the world after Hollywood of America and Bollywood of India, it has been ascertained by a recent report that Europe and America spend over $190m annually on Nigerian movies as against that of other countries which is comparatively lower.
This was disclosed at a workshop in Abuja organised by the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) to discuss the frame work for effective distribution and marketing network for Nigerian Film and Video industry.
It has been observed that probably, the impressive performance of Nollywood films in the Global Film arena may be due to the change of name from the former Nigeria Actors Guild (NAG) to Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) in the mid 1980s.
As at then, some people saw NAG as an Igbo affair and distanced themselves from the group while others dismissed it as an assembly of untrained practitioners and riff-raffs, but today, AGN has proved the detractors wrong.
The body has not only become a major influence on the socio-economic and political landscape of Nigeria, but a dependable revenue earner for the country as well as employers of labour.
The AGN has also succeeded in relegating to the background, foreign films especially the Indian and Chinese films which impacted negatively on Nigerian youths, our socio-political belief and even threatened the nations economy in the early 70s and 80s.
Today, their patronage have waned considerably while the Nigerian home videos have taken over he centre stage not only in Africa but in other developed countries of the world.
The Guild has also recorded other remarkable achievements which include a decent dress code for movie practitioners, befitting secretariat rehersal hall, modern office equipment and furniture as well as creation of wealth for movie directors, producers actors and actresses.
Today, the movie industry is the richest and lucrative sectors of the Nigerian economy.
However, a Port Harcourt based movie marketer, Chief Desmond Igwe, has called on film makers in Rivers State to emulate their counterparts in Enugu and Asaba, Delta State, which are now a haven for movie producers who produce films almost on daily basis and for the top actors and actresses, all roads lead to these states.
He said while the producers, actors and actresses make their millions, the producers also provide employment opportunities for their youths and equally boost the economy of their states.
He said Rivers State that occupies an enviable position in the entertainment industry in Nigeria should not be left out of the action.
In one of our interviews with the Chairman of Association of Movie Producers (AMP) Rivers State Chapter, Engr. Reginald Orlu, said in Rivers State the home video business is one of the fastest growing business ventures, but most of the operators deal on pirated materials which had led to occasional raids by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the Nigerian Copy Right Commission (NCC).
He said apart from the fraudulent activities of the pirates, the state has contributed immensely to the development of the Nigerian movie industry as most of the key players most of the key players are indigenes of the state while others passed through Rivers State to stardom. Some others passed through UNIPORT.
Among the indigenes movie stars that hold sway in Nollywood are milliscant Jack, Huda Dokubo, Ibinabo Fibaresima the current AGN President, Tomto Dike, Monalisa Chinda, Mauren Ihua Alaso Wariboko, Gentle Jack, Sam Dede, Larry Briggs, Columbus Irogoanga and a host of others while those who passed through state are Ejike Asiegbu former AGN President, Clems Ohameze, Sunny Mc don among others.
The AMP Chairman noted that dispute these laudable contributions to the growth of Nollywood most producers shy away from shooting films in Rivers State.
According to him, the state has good locations Hotels and beautiful houses, but it is very expensive to shoot films were compared to Lagos Enugu and Asaba.
He stressed that although the state has not achieved much in the area of film production they have capable hands in that field. He disclosed that the state has over 24 movie producers and about 2000 talcuted actors and actresses. He noted that with conducive environment, necessary financial assistance and logistic support, no state can beat Rivers in film production.
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.
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
Entertainment
“French Up Your Career” PH, 2025 :Consul General Of France Harps On Proficiency In French
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.