New Post Africa

Category: Arts & Entertainment

  • JUST IN: Cross River unveils theme for 2026 Carnival Calabar

    JUST IN: Cross River unveils theme for 2026 Carnival Calabar

    CALABAR, Nigeria (NPA) — Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has unveiled the theme for the 2026 edition of Carnival Calabar and Festivals, with this year’s celebration themed “Rethinking Our Collective Destiny.”

    The governor announced the theme during an unveiling ceremony attended by members of the diplomatic community, tourism investors, cultural stakeholders and other guests.

    According to Otu, the theme is a call for reflection, unity, innovation and shared responsibility as citizens work towards building a more prosperous future.

    “We officially unveiled the theme for the 2026 Carnival Calabar and Festivals: ‘Rethinking Our Collective Destiny,’” the governor said in a statement on Monday.

    He described the theme as an invitation for individuals and communities to re-examine their roles in shaping society and contributing to sustainable development.

    “The theme is a call to reflection, unity, innovation and shared responsibility as we continue to shape a future that works for all,” he said.

    Otu expressed appreciation to the distinguished guests, members of the diplomatic corps, tourism investors and cultural stakeholders who participated in the unveiling ceremony.

    “Together, let us rethink our collective destiny and build a future of greater possibilities,” he added.

    Carnival Calabar, widely regarded as Africa’s biggest street party, is held annually in Cross River State and attracts thousands of local and international visitors every December.

    Established in 2004 by former Governor Donald Duke, the carnival was conceived as a tourism-driven initiative aimed at transforming Calabar into a leading cultural and tourism destination.

    Over the years, the event has evolved into a month-long celebration featuring colourful street parades, elaborate costumes, creative floats and performances by local and international artistes.

    Beyond the carnival parade, the festival includes music concerts, fashion shows, art exhibitions, cultural displays and sporting activities, making it one of Africa’s most prominent cultural events.

    The annual celebration also serves as a major economic driver for Cross River State, creating business opportunities and boosting activities in the hospitality, entertainment and tourism sectors.

    Through its themes and performances, Carnival Calabar continues to promote cultural pride, national unity and African identity while showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage to a global audience.

  • Sanwo-Olu reaffirms Lagos’ commitment to creative industry at AMVCA

    Sanwo-Olu reaffirms Lagos’ commitment to creative industry at AMVCA

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria’s creative and entertainment industry.

    Sanwo-Olu made the remarks on Saturday during the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) held at Eko Hotels & Suites.

    The governor attended the event alongside the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, as well as other government officials, filmmakers, actors, producers and creatives from across Africa.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Sanwo-Olu described Lagos as the undisputed hub of Nigeria’s entertainment industry, noting that the state had continued to provide an enabling environment for creative talents to thrive and compete globally.

    He said the creative economy remained a key driver of economic diversification, job creation, youth empowerment and cultural promotion.

    According to the governor, his administration would continue to strengthen policies and invest in initiatives aimed at supporting filmmakers, content creators and other stakeholders within the entertainment ecosystem.

    Sanwo-Olu added that the increasing global recognition of Nollywood and African content reflected the resilience, innovation and creativity of Nigerian talents.

    The governor also raised concerns over piracy, describing it as a major threat to the sustainability of the creative industry.

    He called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, industry stakeholders and private sector partners to protect intellectual property rights and safeguard the future of Nollywood.

    Sanwo-Olu congratulated nominees and winners at the awards ceremony for their contributions to African cinema and storytelling, urging them to continue telling authentic African stories capable of inspiring global audiences.

    He further acknowledged the support of private sector organisations and development partners in the steady growth of the entertainment industry, stressing that partnerships remained critical to creating more opportunities for young creatives.

    The governor said his presence at the event underscored the Lagos State Government’s commitment to positioning Lagos as Africa’s leading destination for entertainment, tourism, arts, culture and creative enterprise.

  • ‘My Father’s Shadow’, ‘Colours of Fire’, and ‘Lisabi’ win at Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards

    ‘My Father’s Shadow’, ‘Colours of Fire’, and ‘Lisabi’ win at Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) on Saturday celebrated excellence in African film and television, with “My Father’s Shadow”, “Colours of Fire” and “Lisabi: A Legend Is Born” emerging among the biggest winners of the night.

    The star-studded ceremony, held at Eko Hotels & Suites, drew actors, filmmakers, producers and entertainers from across the continent.

    “My Father’s Shadow” clinched the coveted Best Movie award, while Akinola Davies Jr. won Best Director for the production, cementing the film’s place as one of the standout entries of the night.

    Uzor Arukwe won the Best Lead Actor category for his role in “Colours of Fire”, while Linda Ejiofor secured the Best Lead Actress award for her performance in “The Serpent’s Gift”.

    In the supporting categories, Bucci Franklin claimed the Best Supporting Actor award for “To Kill A Monkey”, while Linda Ejiofor added another plaque to her collection after winning Best Supporting Actress for her role as Adamma in “The Herd”.

    Historical epic “Lisabi: A Legend Is Born”, produced by Lateef Adedimeji, won the Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa) category.

    Uche Montana received the Trailblazer Award in recognition of her growing influence and impact in the entertainment industry.

    Veteran actors Sola Sobowale and Kanayo O. Kanayo were honoured with the Industry Merit Award for their contributions to African cinema.

    Other notable winners included “To Kill A Monkey” for Best Editing, “Beyond Olympic Glory” for Best Documentary, and “Inimba” for Best Series (Scripted).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 12th AMVCA featured 32 award categories recognising achievements in film, television and digital content creation across Africa.

  • Sola Sobowale, Kanayo win Nollywood Industry Merit Award at AMVCA 2026

    Sola Sobowale, Kanayo win Nollywood Industry Merit Award at AMVCA 2026

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Two veteran Nollywood icons, Sola Sobowale and Kanayo O. Kanayo, have been honoured with the Nollywood Industry Merit Award at the 2026 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), held yesterday at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos.

    According to the organisers, the recognition celebrates their decades of groundbreaking contributions to Nigerian cinema and their enduring influence as screen legends whose performances continue to inspire actors, producers, and audiences across Africa.

    Sobowale, visibly emotional, expressed gratitude to God, her children, colleagues, and fans for sustaining her career. “I want to specially thank God Almighty for keeping me till this day to have this. I thank my children. Thank you to all my colleagues. I thank my fans because without you… Thank you all for making me still relevant. I love you all,” she said.

    Kanayo, on the other hand, dedicated his award to film practitioners across Africa, recognising their roles in fostering unity and cultural pride on the continent.

    Sobowale’s career highlights include King of Boys (2018), King of Boys: The Return of the King (2021), The Wedding Party (2016), The Wedding Party 2 (2017), Diamond Ring (1998), and the upcoming SLUTTER-HOUSE (written and produced by Uloko Ibe). These works cemented her reputation as one of Nollywood’s most versatile and powerful actresses.

    Kanayo, affectionately known as “Nnanyi Sacrifice”, has featured in some of Nollywood’s most defining productions, including Living in Bondage (1992), Blood Money (1997), Billionaires Club (2003), October 1 (2014), and Lionheart (2018). His career reflects Nollywood’s evolution from early occult thrillers to globally acclaimed dramas.

    The AMVCA 2026 ceremony reaffirmed their legacies, celebrating Sobowale and Kanayo not only as actors but as cultural ambassadors whose artistry continues to shape Nollywood’s global identity as one of the movie-making and entertainment capitals of the world.

  • Nollywood actor Zubby Michael joins Obidient Movement

    Nollywood actor Zubby Michael joins Obidient Movement

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Popular Nollywood actor Zubby Michael has been formally welcomed into the Obidient Movement, the political support group aligned with the aspirations of former presidential candidate Peter Obi.

    The announcement was contained in a statement issued by Dr Yunusa Tanko, Interim National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide.

    According to Tanko, the actor, whose real name is Azubuike Michael Egwu, joined the movement on April 6, 2026.

    “Yesterday we received in honour Hon. Azubuike Michael Egwu (Zubby Michael) into the Obidient Movement,” part of the statement read.

    Tanko disclosed that the actor attended the event alongside the Director-General of the Obi Kwankwaso Community Movement, Hon. Engr. Francis Nnoli, and Mr Ugochukwu P. Ojinigbo.

    “We keep moving. No distractions, no retreat, and no surrender to centrifugal forces. A New Nigeria is Possible,” the statement added.

    The development comes amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with entertainers and public figures increasingly taking public positions on national politics.

    Another Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie, son of veteran actor Pete Edochie, is widely known as a supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Political observers expect more actors, musicians, and entertainers with large followings to openly align with political parties and presidential hopefuls as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.

  • Charly Boy shares message on greatness, discipline, and growth, criticizes bad governance

    Charly Boy shares message on greatness, discipline, and growth, criticizes bad governance

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Veteran Nigerian entertainer and activist, Charly Boy, has offered reflections on the pursuit of greatness, urging individuals to focus on discipline, resilience, and personal growth rather than outward success.

    Charly Boy, who is also the founder of the Our Mumu Don movement, in a motivational post on his X handle, said many people misunderstand greatness by focusing only on visible outcomes while ignoring the process required to achieve them.

    He said most people only see the outcome and celebrate the spotlight, but remain oblivious of the enduring process that built it. Citing his personal journey, the entertainer said his success did not happen by chance but was driven by deliberate choices, a commitment to being different, and a willingness to endure criticism.

    “By watching me over the years, one thing becomes clear — I didn’t become who I am by accident,” noting that it was a decision backed by commitment to being different, and a willingness to be misunderstood and a discipline to keep going when it wasn’t convenient.

    He advised individuals still searching for direction in life to learn from the experiences of others, noting that inspiration can often be drawn from the journeys of those who have walked similar paths. “Sometimes, God uses someone else’s story to speak directly to you — not to intimidate you, not to make you feel behind,” he said.

    Charly Boy stressed that moments of doubt or perceived delay should not be mistaken for failure, adding that such phases often represent preparation for future success. “You are not late. You are not lost. You are not wasting time. You are being prepared,” he said.

    According to him, personal growth is often shaped quietly through pressure, consistency, and self-discovery, rather than public recognition. “Because when you understand the journey behind the man, you stop chasing results and start respecting the process,” he added.

    Earlier, the entertainer criticised those he said are supporting poor governance, warning against actions that undermine collective progress and societal well-being.

    “My People, Our Mumu suppose Do,” he added.

  • Wole Soyinka says NAS secretariat will strengthen humanitarian services, advocacy initiatives

    Wole Soyinka says NAS secretariat will strengthen humanitarian services, advocacy initiatives

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka says the new secretariat of the National Association of Seadogs will strengthen humanitarian services, expand charitable interventions and deepen social advocacy across communities.

    Soyinka spoke on Friday during the foundation-laying ceremony of the association’s secretariat at the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, attended by members of the association, business leaders and invited guests.

    He said the facility would serve as a permanent base for coordinating outreach, education and advocacy programmes, while also helping to address public misconceptions about the organisation.

    According to Soyinka, members must continue to uphold the association’s core values of discipline, integrity and service in all its activities.

    “Your work already speaks for itself,” Soyinka said, commending the association’s sustained humanitarian interventions and public enlightenment campaigns across the country.

    The Nobel Laureate also praised the chamber, describing it as a leading institution in economic development and private sector representation with a strong record of supporting enterprise growth.

    President of the chamber, Chief Emeka Obegolu, welcomed Soyinka and members of the association, applauding their contributions through humanitarian services, advocacy and public enlightenment initiatives.

    Obegolu highlighted the association’s interventions, including medical outreach programmes, charity drives, environmental sanitation campaigns, and the promotion of human rights, social justice and good governance.

    He said the initiatives had improved community welfare, raised public awareness and encouraged responsible citizenship and national development, particularly in underserved communities.

    According to him, the association’s activities complement government programmes while promoting civic responsibility and inclusive participation in national development efforts.

    Obegolu also urged members to strengthen collaboration with the chamber, which he described as the voice of Nigeria’s private sector with more than 16 sectoral groups.

    He noted that stronger partnerships would enhance impact, create opportunities for joint programmes and broaden the reach of both organisations’ initiatives.

  • Yul Edochie attacks Peter Obi, questions his leadership, Igbo credentials

    Yul Edochie attacks Peter Obi, questions his leadership, Igbo credentials

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Nollywood actor Yul Edochie has criticised former Anambra State governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, questioning his leadership credentials and influence within the Igbo community.

    In a series of posts published on his verified X account, Edochie alleged that Obi does not embody the values traditionally associated with the Igbo people, particularly the principle of “onye aghana nwanne ya,” which translates to “leave no one behind.”

    According to the actor, true leadership involves uplifting others and creating opportunities for people around one’s sphere of influence.

    “How can you spend many years in power, many years as a successful businessman, yet nobody can say he’s successful today because of you?” Edochie wrote.

    He further alleged that Obi had failed to empower even those closest to him, while contrasting the former governor’s record with his own influence in the Nigerian film industry.

    According to Edochie, several individuals in Nollywood could testify that they achieved success through his support, adding that he had not seen similar testimonies associated with Obi.

    “What are you doing with the power God has given you? If you can’t lift people around you out of poverty, you simply can’t lift Nigeria out of poverty,” he added.

    The actor also dismissed Obi’s performance as governor of Anambra State, claiming the former presidential candidate failed to make significant developmental impact in the state.

    “Peter Obi built nothing in Anambra. Absolutely nothing. If you can’t build Anambra, you can’t build Nigeria. Simple and short,” he wrote in another post.

    Edochie, a vocal supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has previously campaigned publicly for the Nigerian leader under the slogan, “Relax, Tinubu will fix Nigeria.”

    The actor also predicted victory for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, stating in an earlier post that he sees “no match” for the president politically.

    “He will win the 2027 elections hands down,” Edochie said.

  • ECOWAS strengthens regional creative industries at MASA 2026

    ECOWAS strengthens regional creative industries at MASA 2026

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting culture as a tool for regional integration and sustainable development through its participation in the 14th edition of the Abidjan Performing Arts Market (MASA), held from April 11 to 18, 2026.

    The eight-day event, themed “Performing Arts in Africa: A Tool for Economic and Social Integration,” showcased diverse cultural and creative performances and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé at the Palace of Culture.

    MASA, held biennially, serves as a strategic platform for showcasing African performing arts, fostering professional exchanges, artistic excellence, and market access for cultural actors. ECOWAS’s participation aligns with its vision to harness culture for regional cohesion, increase visibility of its programs, and support the development of creative industries in West Africa.

    Economists have long highlighted the creative economy’s importance to West Africa’s growth. In Nigeria, the sector contributes approximately $1.8 billion to GDP and is a leading job creator, employing millions across music, film, fashion, and digital arts. Nollywood alone produces over 2,500 films annually, while Afrobeats continues to dominate global music charts.

    Despite its successes, the sector faces challenges including inadequate infrastructure, poor training academies, and limited access to financing. Analysts argue that addressing these gaps is essential to unlocking the full potential of the creative economy.

    ECOWAS’s involvement in MASA 2026 underscores its determination to strengthen regional creative industries, positioning culture not only as an engine of economic growth but also as a driver of social integration and sustainable development across West Africa.

  • Psquare Peter Okoye hosts exclusive screening of ‘Michael’ biopic, praises cast

    Psquare Peter Okoye hosts exclusive screening of ‘Michael’ biopic, praises cast

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigerian singer Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr Psquare, has lauded the actors and producers of Michael, the new biographical drama about Michael Jackson directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan.

    Okoye revealed that earlier this week he hosted an exclusive screening of the film with family and friends, describing the King of Pop as a lifelong inspiration. “All I can say to my big brother and friend Jermaine Jackson is that your son @jaafarjackson absolutely nailed his role in this incredible movie! So so proud of him,” he said.

    He urged fans worldwide to see Michael in cinemas this Friday, noting that the film captures Jackson’s artistry, struggles, and enduring legacy.

    The movie stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, as the adult singer, with Juliano Krue Valdi portraying him in childhood. Colman Domingo plays Joseph Jackson, Nia Long appears as Katherine Jackson, and Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe. The story begins in Gary, Indiana, with the formation of the Jackson 5, and follows Michael through gruelling rehearsals, Motown success, and his solo triumphs with Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad.

    The narrative highlights both Jackson’s brilliance and the darker aspects of his upbringing, including his father’s strict discipline. It underscores his relentless pursuit of perfection, creative ambition, and personal struggles.

    Michael premiered in Berlin on 10 April 2026 and was released in the United States on 24 April 2026. Critics praised Jaafar Jackson’s performance, though some noted the film’s storytelling was sanitised, focusing more on his rise to stardom than on controversies.