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NICO partners Censors Board on inclusion of cultural content in Nollywood

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The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) has indicated interest to partner with the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) on inclusion of at least 20 percent of cultural content in films produced in Nigeria.

This agreement was reached when Chief Biodun Ajiboye, Executive Secretary  of NICO received Dr Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director of NFVCB, in his office in Abuja, to explore areas of collaboration toward achieving the renewed hope agenda of the present administration.

Ajiboye, in a statement through his Media Aide, Caleb Nor, on Thursday, said the level at which Nigerian films had permeated the social fabrics of the world was a clear indication that films were the most potent instrument for behavioural modification.

He said unless Nigeria gets to the point of having a proper cultural identity and character, its search for a national identity would remain a mirage.

“Until a nation has proper cultural identity, it cannot have a national identity and when a nation does not have a national identity, it cannot have a national character.

“The Chinese saw culture as a very important and potent part of life and national development.

“When they were trying to come up with the Chinese revolution, culture was the most important thing they took with them and you and I can see where China is today in the equation of the world.

“We need to reach a consensus between us in the form of policy realignment. We want to ask humbly that if you can allow at least 20 percent of cultural content into all the films you want to approve as a matter of policy.

“We cannot afford as a people to ignore or neglect our cultural antecedents and therefore must return to our cultural values.

“If we are able to retrace our steps back to our cultural values, we are likely to have a saner society than what we have today. All these issues of banditry, kidnapping and corruption are as a result of the neglect of our cultural values.

“We stand before the world today to either rescue Nigeria or allow it to perish.

“We have a responsibility to key into the renewed hope agenda of Mr President such that in every situation we find ourselves, we should be able to contribute positively to the success of this administration,” he said.

In his remarks, Husseini said the board had the responsibility of regulating the content, exhibition and distribution of films and whatever the Nigerian society watches.

He noted that the visit was to seek ways of partnership with the institute in carrying out its orientation programmes where they could have a spot to talk to people about the need for media literacy.

“Media literacy has a lot to do with understanding and appreciating the different kinds of contents people watch.

“We are moving from a stage where we are no longer bothered about censorship because we don’t want people to claim that we are stopping them from expressing their creative abilities.

“We are also moving to a scheme where we want to be encouraging movies that speak to us as a country on how resilient we are as a people.

“We are also thinking about encouraging a lot of people to go into language films because we are fast losing our languages; and I know one thing; NICO has institutionalised and it is known for its indigenous language programmes.

“We want to partner with you in our effort to encourage a lot of language movies. We want a situation where we can produce more language movies where we can also help NICO in their instructional language programmes,” he said.

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Musical Icon: Celebrating two decades since 2baba’s debut album

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Sensational African Legend, Innocent Ujah Idibia, known by his stage name 2Baba, formerly as 2face Idibia was a member of a band called the Plantashun Boiz before moving on to join Kennis music where he became a house hold name in the music industry.

He released his debut album ‘face 2 face’ on March 15, 2004. It became a major hit as it sold up to 2 million copies initially in Nigeria, but quickly spread through western and southern Africa, and eventually making an impact in Europe as well. The success of the album was attributed to the single ‘African Queen’ which was a global hit and was featured as a sound track in the movie ‘Phat Girls’ in 2006 and has remained evergreen.

He has over the years released other albums and songs but the ‘Face 2 Face’ album was important in taking Nigerian mainstream pop music international.

2Baba is known for being an artist who constantly is lyrically gifted and uses his music to speak on social justice which goes back to two decades.

He also used his music to address those who criticized him for leaving Plantashun Boiz and also when he had marital issues.

‘Face 2 Face’ album introduced listeners to what we will be expecting from the Icon over the years and he did not disappoint. He was known for being a singer, rapper, songwriter, sage, but most of all, a pacesetter. He was also versatile as he always delivered on every genre.

Currently 48 years of age, he doesn’t jump on beats like before, but his legacy still stands tall as he ushered Nigerian music into a new limelight in the early 2000’s.

 

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Amstel Malta illuminates African creativity at the 10th AMVCAs

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The 10th edition of the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCAs) transcended mere spectacle; it became a historic celebration of African creativity and storytelling. On May 10th, 2024, the event unfolded as a vibrant tapestry of culture, fashion, and talent, with luminaries from across the continent converging in a dazzling display of African excellence.

Amstel Malta, Nigeria’s premier malt brand, stood at the forefront of this celebration, not merely as a sponsor but as a champion of African storytelling. Amidst the pulsating energy of the AMVCAs, Amstel Malta introduced innovative initiatives that left an indelible mark on attendees and participants alike.

The ‘Amstel Malta Reporter’ initiative, for instance, offered an aspiring creative the opportunity of a lifetime: to interact with industry luminaries, conduct exclusive interviews, and immerse themselves in the electrifying atmosphere of the event. Through this initiative, Amstel Malta not only empowered emerging talent but also enriched the fabric of African storytelling.

Additionally, the ‘Get Ready with Me (GRWM)’ contest bestowed upon two fortunate winners an unforgettable AMVCAs weekend, replete with VIP experiences and intimate encounters with industry titans. From the cultural extravaganza to the star-studded awards ceremony, Amstel Malta ensured that these winners were immersed in every facet of the AMVCAs, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

As the curtain fell on the 10th AMVCAs, Amstel Malta’s legacy of support and recognition continued to shine brightly. By sponsoring the prestigious ‘Best Overall Movie’ award and awarding the deserving winner, ‘Breath of Life,’ with a 2 Million Naira cash prize, Amstel Malta reaffirmed its commitment to honoring and empowering African creativity.

In retrospect, the 10th AMVCAs served not only as a celebration of past achievements but as a beacon illuminating the path forward for African storytelling. With Amstel Malta’s unwavering support, the future looks brighter than ever, ensuring that the spotlight remains firmly fixed on the continent’s remarkable storytellers.

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Stevie Wonder granted Ghanaian citizenship: A celebration of Pan-Africanism and musical legacy

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The President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Akufo-Addo, announced on his official social media account on Tuesday that music legend Stevie Wonder has been granted Ghanaian citizenship.

“In conferring Ghanaian citizenship upon Stevie Wonder, we not only extend our warmest embrace to a beloved son of Africa but also reaffirm our belief in the enduring spirit of Pan-Africanism and the global African family, and the boundless potential of our continent and all its descendants,” President Akufo-Addo stated.

According to a statement from the nation’s presidential website, President Akufo-Addo emphasized that this decision acknowledges Wonder’s immense talent, achievements, and his deep connection to the African continent. He praised Wonder’s tireless efforts to promote unity, solidarity, and cultural exchanges among people of African descent.

Stevie Wonder’s decision to become a citizen of Ghana is seen as a testament to his profound respect and admiration for the nation’s history, culture, and values. His new citizenship is considered a vivid manifestation of the goals of the Year of Return, commemorated in 2019 to foster connections between African peoples on both sides of the Atlantic.

Wonder joins a distinguished list of diasporans who have made Ghana their home, including missionaries, policemen, lawyers, doctors, health workers, writers, artists, and musicians. President Akufo-Addo mentioned notable individuals like George Padmore, Bob Marley’s widow Rita, Maya Angelou, and W.E.B. du Bois as examples.

President Akufo-Addo highlighted Wonder’s influential career spanning over six decades, noting his advocacy for social justice, equality, and human rights. He referenced Peter Tosh’s statement, “Don’t care where you come from; as long as you’re a black man, you’re an African,” emphasizing the significance of Wonder’s decision.

Wonder’s affection for Ghana became apparent during a 2021 conversation with Oprah Winfrey, where he expressed his desire to witness the nation’s resurgence of joy before deciding to relocate there.

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