EVENTS

The Royal Hibiscus Hotel at Toronto International Film Festival [See Red Carpet, Screening, After-Party Photos]

Published

7 years ago

September 16, 2017

FAB.NG

The latest production from EbonyLife Films, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel (RHH) debuted to a full house of nearly 500 people on Saturday, September 9^th at the Scotiabank Theatre, in Toronto. During a brief Q&A after the film, lucky fans got a chance to meet the cast, including Zainab Balogun, Kenneth Okolie, Rachel Oniga, Jide Kosoko, Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju and Toni Tones, director Ishaya Bako and several members of the production crew. At the end of the presentation, the actors were rushed by guests eager for selfies.

In the run-up to the premiere, the audience had been teased with a trailer, a glowing profile and the fact that The Royal Hibiscus Hotel had been identified as a ‘Hidden Gem’ by Toronto International Film Festival. Many of the attendees were TIFF members and regulars, united in their quest to view diverse African content. Others

were familiar with EbonyLife and were yearning to see a new movie from the producers of some of Nigeria’s most successful films.

Variety, the world’s leading magazine for the movie industry, had this to say: “Royal Hibiscus is a polished, crowd-pleasing comedy full of easy laughs from an all-star cast.”

Set in Lagos and London, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel tells the story of a disillusioned London chef, ‘Ope’, who returns to Nigeria and discovers that going home can bring unexpected surprises. As the only Nigerian title and one of only three African feature films, it has attracted so much interest that the remaining two screenings on 11^th and 17^th September are sold out as well.

Mo Abudu, Executive Producer, is ecstatic about the sold-out premiere and the public response to the other screenings. “The eagerness of fans to see this movie in Toronto is overwhelming and humbling. It shows that people want to enjoy good, quality stories from any part of the world. We are incredibly proud of RHH and so grateful for the love everyone is showing,” she said.

The trip to Toronto was made possible by the kind support of Johnnie Walker, keen to ensure full representation at TIFF for the cast and crew of The Royal Hibiscus Hotel. Their commitment took on new significance when it was discovered that RHH was the only Nigerian film being featured at the festival.

The 2017 edition of The Toronto International Film Festival takes place from September 7-17. The Royal Hibiscus Hotel is scheduled for general release in 2018.

Here are the recap images of the entire experience.

Day 1: World Premiere day (Hotel, Festival Street takeover, TIFF red carpet, Screening & After-party).

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Day 2: Hotel, Screening at the ScotiaBank and Mo Abudu’s birthday party.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Up Next

Kemi Adetiba, Adebola Williams, Ego Boyo, Mildred Okwo step out for Lights Camera Africa!!! 2017 pre-event Cocktail

Don't Miss

2017 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MGBN): See the 36 Beautiful Contestants in their Evening Gowns | Grand Finale Holds Tonight

EVENTS

Children’s Day 2024: 7 Songs That Celebrate Parenthood

Published

2 days ago

May 27, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Children's Day 2024: songs celebrating joy of parenthood | fab.ng

It’s Children’s Day 2024! Every year on May 27th, we celebrate children all over the world. Many cultures and religions see children as precious gifts. They deserve to be loved, protected, and celebrated for their happiness and wonder.

Music is a great way to honour children, and many songs capture the magic of childhood. These songs express the joy parents and society feel watching young ones grow and thrive.

To celebrate Children’s Day 2024, here are 7 songs that perfectly embody the spirit of this special day!

1. Kuchi Kuchi – J’odie

Singer Jodie is baring her soul in a brand new song that’s a heartfelt ode to motherhood. This track isn’t just another catchy tune; it’s a window into the deep emotions that come with raising a child.

Jodie dives deep, sharing the deep joy, the overwhelming love, and the beautiful complexities that come with being a mom. Whether you’re a parent yourself or simply appreciate heartfelt music, this song is sure to resonate and leave a lasting impression.

2. Duduke – Simi

Simi, a famous singer, celebrated her pregnancy with this special song. It mixes traditional Yoruba folk music with modern Afrobeats to create a beautiful tribute to her unborn baby.

3. Bata mi a dun kokoka – Yoruba kid’s music

This song is a total hit with students in Southwestern Nigeria (and beyond). It’s a super catchy tune that gets kids pumped up about doing well in school.

The message is clear: work hard and reach for your academic goals. This inspirational anthem is helping students across the region focus on their studies and achieve their full potential.

4. Omo – 9ice

This upbeat, party-ready track is a joyful tribute to the happiness that children bring. 9ice, known for his hit songs, is sure to get you moving with this celebration of all things kids.

5. Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder

Singer Stevie Wonder, a legend with multiple Grammys, wrote this beautiful song to celebrate the birth of his daughter, Aisha. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the joy and wonder of becoming a dad.

6. We Are The World – VA

Back in 1985, a terrible famine struck Ethiopia, leaving many children without food. To raise awareness and inspire action, a group of the biggest American music stars joined forces.

They created a powerful song that called on the world to unite and help these suffering children. The song became a huge hit, and even today, it’s a rallying cry for people everywhere who fight for social justice.

7. The Sweetest Gift – Sade Adu

Singer Sade Adu, known for her smooth vocals, wrote this beautiful song especially for her daughter. But it’s not just about her child – Sade says the song is about all children and the special light they bring with them into the world.

This track is a celebration of innocence and the hope children carry within them.

Check out more music updates here.

EVENTS

7 Nigerian Animations Perfect For Children’s Day

Published

2 days ago

May 27, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

7 Nigerian Animations Perfect For Children’s Day | Fab.ng

Happy Children’s Day! Today, May 27th, we celebrate Children’s Day with children all over the world! It’s a special day to recognise their innocence, joy, and the important role they play in shaping our future. Why not celebrate this year’s Children’s Day with fantastic Nigerian animations?

We want to honour their rights and well-being, and what better way to do that than by igniting their imaginations? We’ve got a list of 7 cartoons that cater to a variety of interests.

So, whether your child is a history buff or a dreamer of future worlds, there’s a captivating story waiting to be discovered. Let’s take them on exciting adventures and introduce them to inspiring heroes, all through the magic of animation.

1. Iwaju (2024)

Dive into a futuristic Lagos with “Iwájú,” a new animated series on Disney+! The story follows two best friends: Tola, a girl from Lagos’ wealthy district, and Kole, a tech whiz who’s self-taught.

Together, they explore the hidden wonders and dangers lurking in their contrasting worlds. Olufikayo Ziki Adeola directs the series, featuring the voices of Simisola Gbadamosi, Dayo Okeniyi, Femi Branch, Siji Soetan, and Weruche Opia.

2. 3024 (2024)

Check out “3024,” a fun and quirky animated series on TikTok. It follows Dan Brown, a newcomer trying to make it in Ekopolis, a futuristic version of Lagos, Nigeria.

The city’s full of surprises, and as Dan navigates his new life, Ekopolis shapes him too. This show offers a lighthearted glimpse into what life in Nigeria might be like in the year 3024—ten whole centuries from now.

The series is directed by Danbrown the Artist and features the voices of Dan Brown himself, Prince Soiprala, Tuonims Alabo, and Vanessa Onu.

@danbrowntheartist

3024 – A 9 part animated series in partnership with TikTok goes live starting April 14th. Follow me for all the drama, action and laughs. Music by @Lord Sky @Dna Twins @therealmasterkraft #AfricanInnovators #danbrowntheartist

♬ original sound – Danbrown

3. Kibi Quazi (2024)

Calling all superhero fans! “Kibi Quazi” is a new animated movie showing in cinemas. It tells the story of Oluwakibi, a curious teenager who stumbles upon a magical mask.

This incredible mask transforms him into GBOGAN, a powerful ancient Yoruba warrior. Together, they fight for justice, protecting the people and the environment from villains.

Get ready for an exciting adventure filled with action and heart. The movie is directed by Ayodele Elegba.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Micromedia Animation Studios (@mmanimationstudios)

4. Lady Buckit and the Motley Mopster (2020)

Get ready for an exciting adventure on Netflix. This is the story of a clever but very self-centered little girl who gets whisked away to a strange and unexpected land. There, she meets a whole cast of wacky characters who will change her life forever.

This delightful movie is perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Adebisi Adetayo directed it and features the voices of Bimbo Akintola, Patrick Doyle, and many more talented actors.

5. Malaika: Warrior Queen (2019)

Buckle up for “Malika,” a new movie available on YouTube that takes you back to 15th century West Africa. The story centers around a powerful queen and military leader named Malika. She’s not your typical ruler.

Malika wasn’t always a queen. She was a child prodigy who unexpectedly inherited the throne from her father, causing a major split in the Kingdom of Azzaz. Through years of struggle, Malika managed to reunite the kingdom and even expand it into one of the greatest empires in West Africa. But building an empire comes with challenges, and Malika must face the consequences of her ambition.

The movie features a star-studded cast, including Adesua Etomi-Wellington and Femi Branch. Roye Okupe directed the film. So why not grab some popcorn and dive into this epic historical drama?

6. Èwà (Beans) (2024)

Calling all short film fans! There’s a new gem on YouTube called “ÈwÀ” (pronounced “Eh-wa”). It’s a hilarious story about a young Nigerian boy named Ranti who desperately wants to be taller before the new school year starts.

The only problem? He has to overcome his biggest food enemy – beans! – to make his dream a reality. This short film, directed by Kiitan Durosinmi-Etti, is sure to bring a smile to your face.

7. Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire (2023)

Check out this film on Disney+ and the Disney Channel on DSTV. This exciting anthology series features stories created by African directors, each with a unique perspective.

The episodes explore a wide range of themes that are relevant to people everywhere, including social media, self-discovery, and even disability. Some stories will touch on African myths and legends, while others will focus on the complexities of human connection.

The series features talented directors like Shofela Coker and actors including Raymond, Kenneth, and Hakeem Kae-Kazim. So dive in and explore the beauty and diversity of African storytelling!

Happy Children’s Day!

EVENTS

Tems To Perform Her New Single On “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon”

Published

2 weeks ago

May 17, 2024

Reporter

Nigerian superstar Tems is returning to the stage on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on May 20th, 2024. This will be her second appearance on the show. In 2021, she joined Wizkid to perform their massive hit “Essence,” which has won multiple awards.

Tems is using this appearance to promote her highly anticipated debut album, “Born In The Wild.” The album is set to drop on June 7th, 2024. So, to build excitement, she’s already released several singles. They include “Me & U,” “Not An Angel,” and her most recent, “Love Me Jeje.” “Love Me Jeje” samples a classic song by Seyi Sodimu & Shaffy Bello.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Notjustok.com (@notjustok)

Tems’ rise to fame has been meteoric. Since her breakout collaboration with Wizkid on “Essence” in 2020, she’s become one of Africa’s biggest music stars. Her talent has landed her collaborations with global artists like Beyoncé, Drake, and Future. The latter’s “Wait For U” earned her a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance.

On top of all that, Tems just received nominations for Best Video Director and Best Gospel/Inspirational Song for “Me & U” at the 2024 BET Awards.

This talented singer, songwriter, and now director is definitely one to watch! Don’t miss Tems performance on “The Tonight Show.” Also, keep an eye out for her debut album coming next month.