Entertainment
Reactions Trail Uniport, TMC MoU On Film Academy
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between University of Port Harcourt (Uniport) and Trend Media City (TMC) on the establishment of a Film Academy which was signed last Friday at the university has been described as a positive development that would strengthen the Nigerian film industry.
Nollywood Star actor, Mr. Gentle jack who stated this in an interview with The Tide Entertainment, said the Academy would not only elevate the standard of movie making in the country, but would also give the students the desired focus that would enhance their professional career.
The Rivers State born actor lauded the university authorities for their collaboration with TMC which he said would encourage private sector participation in the industry. He stressed that the University had over the years contributed immensely to the upliftment of the Nigerian movie industry to international standards.
He reiterated that most of the big names and international award winning actors, actresses and artistes passed through the university on their way to stardom, while many others were currently undergoing training programmes in the Theatre Arts department of the institution.
Another Nollywood actor and lecturer at the University, Mr. Columbus Irosoanga also welcomed the development as a new dawn for the Nigeria Film industry. He said the acceptance of the university to partner with Trend Media City was a clear indication of their commitment towards strengthening the industry by producing credible manpower that would take the industry to a higher level of professionalism.
He noted that Rivers State had carved a niche for herself as a leading state in the Nigerian movie industry as well as arts and culture.
According to him, the rich cultural heritage of the state and the abundant opportunities in tourism, oil and gas sectors of the economy had remained a major attraction to both local and international investors.
It would be recalled that seven months after Trend Media City and authorities of the University of Port Harcourt began to work out plans for collaboration in film and media studies, both parties on Friday 25th January, 2013 sealed the pact with a formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ajienka said that the proposal and opportunities presented by TMC were clearly identifiable, stating the willingness of the authorities to associate.
He said that the policy of the university ensured that all partnerships were mutually benefiting.
In his remarks President and Chief Executive Officer TMC Engr. Uzoma Udemba commended the open arms with which the authorities of the university embraced the proposal. He said that the collaboration was important because Universities are beginning to realise that doing business is part of the system.
R&B star, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has recounted the early-career challenges she faced, revealing that she was once booed out of the stage while performing at a school event.
Speaking in an interview with Newsmen, the Crazy Tings crooner shared that she wasn’t only booed but was also harassed with plastic bottles.
“I remember one time I was going to perform at my school as an up-and-coming singer and I thought I was going to receiving a standing ovation.
“But I got booed. They even threw plastic bottles at me,” she recalled.
Tems explained that despite the embarrassing incident and other such rejections, she remained determined to pursue a career in music.
The Tide Entertainment reports that Tems admitted that some of the initial rejections she faced could be due to her conviction to stick to her originality instead of doing covers or familiar sounds like most of her peers.
The Grammy-winning singer said looking back now, she is glad that she didn’t compromise her style despite the initial pressures.
A close associate of late singer Mohbad, Primeboy, has appealed for the artiste’s burial nearly three years after his death.
According to him, Mohbad’s body remains in the mortuary since September 12, 2023, pending burial arrangements.
The Tide Entertainment reports that in a statement Primeboy urged the family, public, and government to permit the burial, stating, “It’s been almost three years since Mohbad left us. His body is still in the mortuary. I’m begging the family, I’m begging the public, I’m begging the government, please let’s bury our brother. He deserves a befitting burial.”
It would be recalled that Mohbad’s death sparked public outrage, protests, and investigations. Ongoing autopsy examinations, police inquiries, and legal proceedings have delayed burial arrangements amid family disagreements and public scrutiny.