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Rise And Rise Of Nollywood’s ‘Fresh Faces’

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It will be in order to describe them as ‘emerging actors,’ some five to seven years ago. But today, some of these talents have stepped up so well and have been blazing the trail and pulling their own strings. Here is a quick pick of some of yesterday’s ‘fresh faces’ that have become regular faces on the screen and constant visitors to several homes with their stunning movie run.
Zainab Balogun
A notable television show host and co-founder of The J-ist TV, an online entertainment web series that highlights African culture and a range of topical issues, Zainab had made steady inroads into the Nigerian motion picture scene. Blessed with beauty and brain, the native of Abeokuta in Ogun State, who attended the University of Kent in Medway where she received a Bachelor of Law degree (LLB), has appeared in several shows including BBC One’s Material Girl, a 2012 Bollywood movie Cocktail, the Charlatans by Ashley Waters and a 2011 appearance in Christopher Nolan’s film, The Dark Knight Rises.
Back on home soil, the two-time winner of the Exquisite Lady of the Year (ELOY) award for television presentation (2013/2014) has featured in a couple of critically acclaimed movies, including A Soldiers Story, the very successful, The Wedding Party, Ojukokoro, The Wedding Party 2 and The Royal Hibiscus Hotel.
The British born Nigerian actress and model turned television presenter has also featured on the credit lines of movies such as
Sylva, Kofa, Fine Wine, God Calling, Chief Daddy and Entreat.
Bisola Aiyeola
A one-time Big Brother Nigeria first runner-up and recipient of the 2018 AMVCA Trail Blazer award, Bisola Aiyeola, has been grabbing screen roles easily since she stepped up a few years ago. A singer, actress and star of Ovy and Picture Perfect and a couple of critically acclaimed short films and web series, Bisola, who participated in the 2008 edition of MTN Project Fame has remained focused on her mission to remain on the list of the industry’s recognisable faces.
Movies that have benefited from her believable performance include, Two Grannies And A Baby, Sugar Rush, Pay Day,
Gold Statue, The Bling Lagosian, This Lady Called Life, and The Becoming of Obim.
Sharon Onoja
Star of the wave-making movie by Ebony Life production, Oloture, Sharon Onoja, has been having a good and steady run as an actress. Listed by the entertainment website as a top female celebrity of 2020 and a Nollywood actress to look out for in 2021, Sharon, an indigene of Benue State and a Mass Communication graduate, started her acting career in 2013.
The star of the popular web series Skinny Girl in Transit and show host has featured in a number of television series and movies including Gidi Up, Kambili, The Whole 30 Yards, Coming From Insanity, Bling Lagosians, King of Boys, Lara, And The Beat, and Moms at War featuring Funke Akindele and Michelle Dede.
BusayoEsther Adeyeye
You probably won’t find anyone among the large audience of Yoruba movies if you ask of Busayo Esther Adeyeye. But mention Ayo Adey and fingers will point to the Lagos-born actress and product of the Psychology Department of the University of Lagos. An actress and producer of mounting credits, Ayo Adey joined the movie industry two years after she completed the mandatory National Youth Service Corps Scheme. Since then, Ayo Adey has been pulling her strings, acting in and signing memorable productions.
Inspired by the acting prowess of celebrated actors like Peju Ogunmola, Angelina Jolie, and Joke Silva, Ayo Adey has signed notable productions including Alarade, Ina Abe, Oko Longe, Ojiji Oga, Ohun Ton Dan, and Olofin Tooto. Her career ambition is to make a difference in the Nigerian movie space.
Bolanle Ninalowo
Debonair and handsome Bolanle is perhaps one of the most featured of the ‘emerging actors’ of the last ten years. Hailed by the yellow press as ‘Nollywood’s bad boy’, the former banker turned actor and producer has been cutting the swath since he returned to the industry in 2014 after he took a short break to attend to ‘other issues’.
Since he returned, the producer of Rebirth has been walking in and out of location, grabbing the lead and supporting roles. Recipient of the 2018 City People Movie Award for best actor of the year ‘English’ and 2017 Best of Nollywood award for Actor in a leading role ‘English’, Nino as the actor is simply called by close friends and colleagues, has featured in critically acclaimed movies such as Road To Yesterday, 30 Years A Virgin, Iya Iyawo, Night Bus To Lagos, Coming From Insanity, A Fire in The Rain, Ratnik, Husbands of Lagos, and Picture Perfect.
Rotimi Salami
Although trained as a movie director at the New York Film Academy, Akin Salami is doing well as an actor and has been grabbing screen credits right and left. Star of well-acclaimed movies like Mentally, Omoye, Stormy Hearts, Timeless and winner of the best-supporting actor award at the 2017 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award (AMVCA), the star of the award-winning movie Just Not Married, Salami had his break in 2007 on the set of ‘Unknown Revenge’ and later on a television series produced by Ola Razak titled Shangisha Kingdom.
He has continued to grab roles both in the movies and on television. Some of the television series and movies he has starred in include, The long-running Tinsel, Super Storey, Silent Night, About to Wed, Dear Mother, Kuti’s Career Palace, Emerald, Alan Poza, Bella’s Place, Leave My Boyfriend, 11th Hour, Papa Ajasco, and Crack in the Wall.

 

By: Jacob Obinna

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“The Legal Day” 2025: Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Moves to Promote French Via Law

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In a bid to promote the French language through law and build bridges between communities the Alliance Française Port Harcourt, in collaboration with the Embassy of France in Nigeria has organized the 2025 edition of “La Journée du Droit” (“The Legal Day”)

The event which took place at Alliance Française auditorium was a civic and linguistic celebration designed to help learners of French Language and young citizens discover the importance of law in everyday life.

The Tide Entertainment reports that the event featured interactive quiz sessions, exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa and beyond, pointing out both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.

Throughout the day, the event featured interactive quiz sessions exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa, and beyond, highlighting both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.

The initiative was aimed at encouraging reflection on the rights and responsibilities shared by all citizens and to promote the values of justice, equality, and mutual respect through the French language.

The programme which had two sessions, (Morning and Afternoon session) witnessed the participation of about 150 students from various levels of education. Ranging from the Primary, Secondary, and tertiary institution for an engaging experience of civic and legal concepts.

Schools in attendance included Surebloom International School, Pleroma High School, Casterly Rock Secondary School, and TotalEnergies Port Harcourt School.

The morning sessions saw the Participation of Alliance Française students in an interactive quiz, enhancing their French comprehension while exploring civic notions.

While the Afternoon session had students from the University of Port Harcourt – UNIPORT (French Language and Law Departments), students from the French Department from both Ignatius Ajuru University of Education and Rivers State University joined in the final rounds of the competition.

According to the director of Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs Marina Lacal, all quiz questions were presented in French, then translated into English to ensure full understanding by participants, saying that winners received special prizes, as all attendees took home souvenirs from the educational and convivial event.

Mrs Lacal said that the diplomatic and educational initiative event “La Journée du Droit” (The Legal Day) sought to promote the French language through law, highlight the capacity of law to build bridges between communities and emphasize law as one of the pillars of French diplomacy.

“Through this initiative, the Alliance Française Port Harcourt continues its mission to foster intercultural dialogue, civic awareness, and the learning of French as a language of knowledge, culture, and citizenship,”?she?added.

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World Music Day: Alliance Française Port Harcourt Showcases Talents

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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.

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PMAN Set To Implement Performance Levy  ‘Tomorrow

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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

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