EVENTS

Nigeria Selects “Mai Martaba” As International Feature Film (IFF) Contender For 2025 Oscars

Published

6 hours ago

October 30, 2024

Mai Martaba as international feature film contender | fab.ng

The Nigerian Official Selection Committee has selected the epic Hausa film, Mai Martaba as its contender for the International Feature Film (IFF) category at the 97th Academy Awards. The Committee announced in an official statement that they selected the film to contend for the Oscars because of its theme and visual appeal.

“The Nigerian Official Section Committee (NOSC) selected the film for its relevant theme of diverse voices in decision-making and inclusive leadership and its visual and technical appeal,” the post said.

Acclaimed director Prince Daniel produced and directed the epic Hausa film “Mai Martaba.”

The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) has selected as its contender for the International Feature Film (IFF) category at the 97th Academy Awards. The NOSC announced this decision in an official statement, praising the film’s powerful themes and visually captivating qualities.

“Mai Martaba” explores the complexities of power, love, greed, and betrayal within the context of an ancient African kingdom. The film presents a transformative tale that challenges conventions and celebrates female leadership. Notably, it offers a fresh perspective on the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The NOSC’s voting members are an impressive roster of industry luminaries. They include award-winning filmmaker and NOSC Chairperson Stephanie Linus. Victor Okhai, the President of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN), is also a member. Veteran actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is on the committee. Former DGN President Andy Amenechi is a member. Yibo Koko, a theatre practitioner, is on the committee. Writer/director Izu Ojukwu and prolific film producer Emem Isong are also members.

Additional members include Ali Nuhu, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC). Kene Okwuosa, the Co-Founder and Group CEO of Filmhouse Cinemas, is a member. Director Dimeji Ajibola is on the committee. Writer/director Jude Idada is a member. Director John Njamah is on the committee. Actress/polyglot Meg Otanwa is a member. Producer/director Blessing Effiom Egbe is on the committee. Actress Ijeoma Grace Agu is a member. Journalist/film critic Victor Akande is on the committee.

“Mai Martaba” was filmed in Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria.

The film tells the story of an ancient kingdom that experienced a trade boom through the Trans-Saharan trade exchange, but then faced a fierce internal power struggle among the powerful Agadashawa ruling clan, leading to its downfall.

The film was released theatrically in Nigeria and also selected for the prestigious Septimius Awards in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

The NOSC’s 15-member committee unanimously voted “Mai Martaba” as their top choice to represent Nigeria in the IFF category at the 97th Oscars.

The IFF Executive Committee will now determine the next stage for the film’s journey to the prestigious awards ceremony, which will be held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles, and broadcast live to over 200 territories worldwide.

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Related Topics:Events Films Mai Martaba NOSC Oscar

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EVENTS

Angélique Kidjo Submits “Joy” Feat. Davido For Record Of The Year At 2025 Grammys

Published

3 weeks ago

October 7, 2024

Reporter

Angélique Submits 'Joy' feat. Davido for 2025 Grammys | fab.ng

The Recording Academy is preparing for the 67th Grammy Awards, which will take place on February 2, 2025, in Los Angeles.

As the awards season approaches, artists have begun submitting their projects for nomination consideration. Among the many entries is the five-time Grammy Award winner Angelique Kidjo. Angelique has officially submitted her latest track, “Joy,” featuring Nigeria’s superstar Davido, for consideration in two categories: Best African Music Performance and Record of the Year.

Angelique Kidjo has also submitted “Sunlight to My Soul,” featuring the Soweto Gospel Choir. Diane Warren wrote the song. It was for Best Global Music Performance and Song of the Year.

“Joy” marks the second collaboration between Angelique Kidjo and Davido, who previously teamed up for the hit song “Na Money” in 2023.

Angelique Kidjo and Davido are leading the charge among Nigerian artists.

REMA

Rema — Best New Artiste
HEIS — Album of the Year, Best Global Music Album
“Benin Boys” ft. Shallipopi — Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Best African Music Performance, Best Music Video
“OZEBA” — Best Global Music Performance

TEMS

Born In The Wild – Album of the Year, Best Global Music Album, Best Engineered Album, Best Non-Classical.
Love Me Jeje – Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best African Music Performance, Best Music Video
Burning – Best R&B Performance, Best R&B Song
Free Fall – Best Melodic Rap Performance
No. 1: Best African Music Performance (W/Tyla)

ARYA STARR

The Year I Turned 21 — Album of the Year, Best Global Music Album
Commas: Record of the Year, Song Of The Year, Best African Music Performance
Bora Bora: Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Best Global Music Performance
Hýpe: Best Global Music Performance
Goodbye: Best Music Video
You’re Hired: Best Global Music Performance
Big FU: Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

ASAKE

MMS — Best African Music Performance (with/Wizkid)
Lungu Boy — Album of the year, Best Global Album
Active — Recording of the Year (with/Travis Scott)
Zlatan “Bust Down” Ft Asake — Best African Music Performance
Ayrastarr “Goodbye” Ft Asake — Best Music Video
Sarz, Gunna, & Asake “Happiness” — Best Music Video

Below are the key dates to know for the Grammy’s season:

Sept. 16, 2023 – Aug. 30, 2024: Product Eligibility Period
July 8, 2024 – August 23, 2024: Media Company Registration Period
July 17, 2024 – August 30, 2024: Online Entry Period
Oct. 4, 2024 – Oct. 15, 2024: First Round Voting
Nov. 8, 2024: 67th GRAMMY Awards Nominations
Dec. 12, 2024 – Jan. 3, 2025: Final Round Voting
Feb. 2, 2025: 67th GRAMMY Awards

Check out more updates here.

EVENTS

Future Awards Africa 2024: Layi Wasabi, Genoveva Umeh & Tunde Onakoya Among Nominees

Published

1 month ago

September 23, 2024

Reporter

The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) 18th edition nominees | fab.ng

The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) has announced the nominees for its 18th edition. This continental platform celebrates young African excellence.

“Celebrating the Great and Daring” serves as this year’s theme. TFAA highlights extraordinary individuals across Africa who have overcome challenges and made significant community impacts. The nominees represent visionary entrepreneurs and innovative creatives. They embody the brightest minds and boldest talents reshaping young African identity today.

The nominees’ list covers 23 categories. These include education, law, professional services, entrepreneurship, agriculture, technology, photography, acting, and music. Notable nominees are Mary Edoro, Isaac Olayiwola (Layi Wasabi), Tunde Onakoya, Yinka Ashogbon, Chimamanda Chukwuma Pearl (QING MADI), Daniel Etiese Benson (BNXN FKA Buju), Femi Aluko, and Genoveva Umeh.

Distinguished professionals form the jury. These individuals have excelled in their fields and serve as role models. Key jury members include Laide Adetutu, Obinna Okerekeocha, Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho, Tega Oghenejobo, ID Cabasa, Ikenna Ogbudikpa, Yemisi Akinbobola, Paul Onwuanibe, Olumide F. Makanjuola, Omoyemi Akerele, and Ifeoma Okonkwo.

Ayodeji Razaq, Executive Director of TFAA, commented on this year’s nominees. He expressed pride in unveiling a group that exemplifies the best of the continent. Razaq highlighted their audacious vision and groundbreaking accomplishments. He noted the honour of celebrating their contributions and anticipates their future transformative work.

The 2024 edition promises an exciting journey through innovators’, disruptors’, and visionaries’ stories. These individuals embody the daring spirit defining Africa’s next generation of leaders. The event will reveal the 23 award winners from the complete list of nominees.

See the list of nominees for the 18th edition of the Future Awards Africa (TFAA).

Education

Odunayo Aliu
Kudakwashe Foya
Obasanjo Fajemirokun
Jennifer Jonathan
Aramide Kayode

Journalism

Adesuwa Giwa Osagie
Zainab Bala
Blessings Mosugu
Eniola Olatunji
Abubakar Ibrahim Olaye

Content Creation

Isaac Olayiwola (Layi Wasabi)
Winifred Nwania (Zeelicious)
Joseph Onaolapo (Jay On Air)
Nonye Udeogu (This Thing Called Fashion)
Folagade Banks (Mama Deola)

Creativity and Innovation

Shamsuddeen Jibril
Zonna (Zo Culture)
Anita Ashiru
Salvation Uzoma (Ke0la)
Ibukunoluwa Ajagbe (IBQuake)

Health and Fitness

Olabintan Odunola
Yewande Benn
Kiki Diorgu
Olusina Ajidahun
Amanda Ihemebiri

Community Action

Chioma Ukpabi
Damilola Uzoma-Udoma
Doreen Omosele
Stanley Anigbogu
Ridwan AbdulRazaq

Arts and Literature

Mayowa Alabi (ShutaBug)
Samson Bakare
Sylvestre Nsengimana
Ahmed Alsagheer
Damilare Kuku

Photography

Omoboyejo Oyewusi (ItsBoye)
Onuchukwu Timothy (MyDadsBoss)
Chika Onuu
Enoshowo Eworo (Captured by Adesuwa)
Ifeoluwa Babalola (SnappCode)

Activism and Advocacy

Fauzuddeen Mahmud
Amrah Aliyu
Jude McKelvin Oseh
Tolulope Theresa Gbenro
Mukthar Halilu Modibbo

Fashion

Ikechukwu Urum (Founder Jabari Model Management)
Phupho Gumede K
Muftau Femi Ajose (Founder Cute Saint)
Amy Aghomi
Olayinka Ashogbon (Founder AshLuxe)

Law

Rosemond Phil-Othihiwa
Anita Osarieme
Victoria Oloni
Ayooluwa Oderinde
Bernice Asein

Film

Akinkunle Michael Akinrogunde (AMA Psalmist)
Praise Onyeagwalam (Director Pink)
Tola Okodugha
Fadamana Okwong
Feyifunmi Oginni

Professional Service

Hammed Kayode Alabi
Mark-Anthony Ezeoha
Felix Ohaeri
Stanley Nweke-Eze
Aboyowa Ikpobe

Entrepreneuship

Promise Ovai Kenneth-Odum (CEO Rukkies Decor)
Oluwole Fapohunda (CEO Seven30 Real Estate Ltd)
Bayo Lawal (Co-Founder Dukiya Investment)
Miracle Onuoha (CEO The Fluiide Company Ltd)
Williams Fatayo (CEO MovebytruQ)

Technology

Tobi Ololade (Founder Dojah)
Itunu Olufemi (Founder Brainary Technology Education)
Johnson Jaiyeola (CEO Helgg Scooters LTD)
Femi Aluko (CEO & Co-Founder Chowdeck Logistics)
Kelvin Umechukwu (CEO & Co-Founder Bumpa)

Intrapreneurship

Victor Okpala
Hakeem Akiode
Debbie Larry-Izamoje
Mary Edoro
Salman Dantata

On Air Personality

Seyebomi Ogunsanya (Sheye Banks)
Ope Keshinro (SwitOpe)
Ita Nsikan-Abasi Asuquo (Grandprince Ita)
Emmanuella Isioma Odiatu
Osato Edokpayi (Osato EDK)

Agriculture

Etimbuk Imuk
Esohe Ekunwe
Azeez Salawu
Nyifamu Manzo

Governance

Muhammad Sani Kassim
Abdulhaleem Ringim
Damilola Yusuf Adelodun
Naufal Ahmad
Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade

Music

Chimamanda Chukwuma Pearl (Qing Madi)
Ayobami Alli-Hakeem (AnEndlessOcean)
Daniel Etiese Benson (BNXN)
Michael Adebayo Olayinka (Ruger)
John Saviours Udomboso (Young John)

Sport

Victor Boniface
Ademola Lookman
Sukurat Aiyelagbegan
Amy Okonkwo
Elizabeth Oshoba

Acting

Genoveva Umeh
Uche Montana
Mike Afolarin
Kayode Ojuolape
Jide Oyegbile (J-Blaze)

EVENTS

Kambili Ofili’s “Shaping Us” Wins Best Film, African Diaspora At TINFF

Published

1 month ago

September 20, 2024

Reporter

"Shaping Us" Wins Best Film, African Diaspora At TINFF | fab.ng

British Nigerian filmmaker Kambili Ofili has achieved significant recognition for her debut feature, “Shaping Us“. “Shaping Us” is awarded Best Film: African Diaspora at the 2024 Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival. She wrote, directed, produced, and starred in the film.

Earlier this year, “Shaping Us” garnered attention with nominations in six categories. These include Best Drama, Best Film – Nollywood, Best First Film – International, and Best Film – African Diaspora.

Ofili founded the black and woman-led film production company Clear Skies Films & Production, which is committed to showcasing authentic and diverse African stories. Her company’s mission is to challenge stereotypes and inspire change through impactful filmmaking. Despite lacking prior industry experience, Ofili’s passion and talent have led to the success of “Shaping Us.”

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A post shared by Kambili Ofili (@kambiliofili)

In response to the film’s award, Ofili expressed her deep gratitude and enthusiasm for the filmmaking process. Her dedication to storytelling and her commitment to representing African narratives have undoubtedly contributed to the film’s triumph.

“I poured my heart and soul into this film, and I’m incredibly humbled by the recognition it has received. I hope Shaping Us will spark conversations and empathy around often stigmatised topics and make viewers navigating these situations in their real lives feel seen and understood.” she said.

Edith Nwakenta co-produced “Shaping Us.”

It is a compelling drama that explores the intricate lives of six close-knit friends. The film’s narrative follows these characters as they confront and overcome the complex challenges that come with adulthood.

Through their journeys, the story talks about weighty themes such as the struggle with infertility, the isolating battle against postpartum depression, and the emotional turmoil of divorce. Amidst these trials, the film shows the resilient bonds of friendship that provide strength and support to the characters.

The production team continues to refine the film, though they have yet to announce an official release date. “Shaping Us” boasts an ensemble cast that brings depth and authenticity to the story.

Bucci Franklin leads the group, supported by talented actors Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Omowunmi Dada, James Gardiner, Floyd Igbo, and Jordan Bangoji.

Each performer infuses their character with nuance and relatability, creating a rich performances. In an unexpected twist, popular comedian Lasisi Elenu makes a cameo appearance, likely adding a touch of humor to balance the film’s more serious moments.

Get more movie updates here.