NEWS

Netflix Cancels Nigerian Originals, Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan Reveals

Published

3 mins ago

December 4, 2024

Netflix Cancels Nigerian Originals, Kunle Afolayan Reveals | fab.ng

Nollywood faces a significant setback as Netflix has announced the cancellation of its Nigerian Originals. This decision is poised to disrupt Nigeria’s burgeoning film industry, which has been striving for global recognition.

The announcement affects many Nigerian filmmakers who saw Netflix as a vital platform for sharing their stories internationally.

Renowned filmmaker Kunle Afolayan shared insights about his collaborations with Netflix and expressed concern over the abrupt cancellation.

He highlighted how this move impacts ongoing projects and reduces opportunities for showcasing authentic Nigerian narratives.

David Karanja’s Exit and Its Implications

Adding to the turbulence, David Karanja, Netflix’s Executive in Charge of Licensing Originals, recently announced his departure.

In a heartfelt LinkedIn post, Karanja expressed optimism about the future of African storytelling, suggesting that African cinema stands at the cusp of a breakthrough, much like the global rise of African music.

Karanja played a pivotal role in shaping Netflix Africa’s original content strategy. Since joining in September 2021, he has overseen the development and launch of over 35 series and films.

This includes acclaimed titles like Ludik, Country Queen, Shanty Town, and Anikulapo. His leadership also secured licensing agreements for premium content such as Yizo Yizo and Shaka Zulu.

Strategic Shift in Content Priorities

Karanja’s departure coincides with Netflix reassessing its African content strategy. This shift raises questions about the company’s future investments in the region.

Although the exit of a key executive signals uncertainty, Karanja remains hopeful about the growth and recognition of African narratives.

The Future of Nollywood

The cancellation of Nigerian Originals from Netflix has far-reaching consequences for Nollywood. Many industry players relied on Netflix’s support to gain international visibility.

Without this platform, filmmakers may face challenges in finding global distribution for their content. However, the resilience of Nollywood suggests that it will adapt and find alternative avenues for international exposure.

As the industry navigates this challenging period, it’s clear that Nigerian filmmakers will need to explore new partnerships and platforms.

Despite the setback, Karanja’s positive outlook underscores the potential for African cinema to thrive on the global stage, driven by the rich, diverse stories that Nollywood continues to produce.

Check out more updates here.

Related Topics:Kunle Afolayan Netflix Nollywood

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Arresting Critics Is Not Strength – Charly Boy On Dele Farotimi’s Arrest

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ENTERTAINMENT

Arresting Critics Is Not Strength – Charly Boy On Dele Farotimi’s Arrest

Published

4 hours ago

December 4, 2024

Reporter

Charly Boy on the arrest of Dele Farotimi | fab.ng

Veteran Nigerian entertainer Charly Boy has publicly condemned the arrest of human rights lawyer and author Dele Farotimi by the Nigerian Police.

On December 3, 2024, the outspoken singer took to Instagram to criticise the Nigerian police. He called the arrest an “admission of fear.“

In his post, he wrote:

“Today, the Nigerian Police arrested renowned human rights lawyer and author of a recent book titled; Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, Dele Farotimi for alleged defamation. Shockingly, his whereabouts remain unknown.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CharlyBoy 🇳🇬 (@areafada1)

Charly Boy described the incident as “a blatant assault on freedom of speech, human rights, and the rule of law in Nigeria.” He emphasised that defamation is a civil matter that should be resolved in court, not through police intimidation.

“Defamation cases, as established by precedent, are civil matters meant to be resolved in a court of law, not through police intimidation. The case of the Falanas and VeryDarkMan demonstrated that legal disputes over defamation should follow due process. Arresting a critic and human rights advocate reflects a misuse of power and an attempt to silence dissent,” he wrote.

Charly Boy asserted that the arrest of Dele Farotimi exemplifies the misuse of power to silence critics.

Also, it is a disturbing trend that indicates growing authoritarianism in the country. He wrote,

“We must ask: What does this say about a system that fears criticism more than injustice? How can Nigeria claim to uphold democracy while criminalising dissent and weaponising state institutions against its citizens? Arresting critics is not strength; it is the ultimate admission of fear.”

Charly Boy called for Farotimi’s release, concluding:

“We demand the immediate release of Dele Farotimi and a transparent investigation into this abuse of power. Defamation should never serve as an excuse for arbitrary detention, and no Nigerian should live in fear of speaking truth to power. Let us stand together against oppression and injustice. A nation that silences its critics is a nation on the brink of tyranny.”

Check out more entertainment news here.

MUSIC

Songs From Rema & Tems Make RollingStones Top Songs Of 2024

Published

1 day ago

December 3, 2024

Reporter

Rema & Tems songs make RollingStones 2024 Top Songs | fab.ng

Tems and Rema, two Nigerian music stars, continue captivating global audiences. Rolling Stone magazine recently recognised their impact by including Afrobeats on their list of the top 100 songs of 2024.

Tems’s soulful track “Love Me Jeje” secured the 20th spot. This standout from her Grammy-nominated debut album, Born In The Wild, pays homage to a classic record. Seyi Sodimu and Shaffy Bello own this record.

Rolling Stone praises the song for its longing for carefree joy and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries.

“On the sun-kissed ‘Love Me JeJe,’ Tems’ voice reminds us that yearning should be playful and unburdened by any insecurities or apprehensions. Interpolating

Seyi Sodimu’s ’90s Nigerian pop hit of the same name, Tems “Love Me Jeje” builds on the recent trend of artists collapsing elements of R&B and Afrobeat. Producers GuiltyBeatz and Spax sound more focused on rhythm than melody, using even the guitars as conduits for Tems to lightly slip and slide between pockets. That candid moment near the end, where Tems giggles with a friend, encapsulates the song’s essence. Her demands for love are lighthearted and unbothered.”

Rema’s energetic track “Ozeba,” is featured on his Grammy-nominated album “HEIS.” It claimed the 63rd position on Rolling Stone’s Top 100 Songs of 2024.

This popular song embodies Rema’s signature style of uptempo rage music, designed to revitalise the Afrobeats dance scene.

Rolling Stone highlights the song’s pulsating drumbeats and provocative lyrics, challenging and exciting listeners.

“After making his name with the lush and lovey-dovey sensibilities of Afrobeats, Rema is far more sinister, menacing, and intense across his sophomore effort, HEIS. Gone are the flowery epics about pursuing a tryst; instead, prepare for some good old-fashioned shit-talking, especially on ‘Ozeba.’ On the album’s centrepiece, Rema unloads a barrage of goads and taunts over a pulsating roll of drums that will raise your heart rate faster than a merciless round of HIIT. Time to cause some trouble.”

Tems and Rema’s appearance on Rolling Stone’s list underscores their global stardom. It also highlights their pivotal role in popularising Nigerian music worldwide.

Check out more music updates here.

ENTERTAINMENT

Davido Alleges Plot To Cancel His December Concert Over His Comments On Nigerian Economy

Published

6 days ago

November 28, 2024

Reporter

Davido alleges plot to cancel his December concert | fab.ng

Grammy-nominated artist Davido sparked controversy during a recent interview on The Beat 96.1. This offers a sharp critique of Nigeria’s current economic landscape.

He advised Black Americans planning to return to Nigeria to reconsider their plans. He described the country as experiencing its most severe economic crisis following President Bola Tinubu’s reforms.

The singer highlighted the Nigerian entertainment industry. Particularly, Afrobeats is a crucial global export that elevates the nation’s international profile.

Despite acknowledging Nigeria’s abundant talent, Davido lambasted the country’s leadership, characterising it as fundamentally inadequate.

Davido said yall black Americans that think you’re gonna get a fresh start in Africa after the 2024 presidential election… you might want to reconsider that dual citizenship

Africa is NOT it rn🥺☹️ pic.twitter.com/fkuTCAbmD3

— 🎈Yaq🅴🎈AKA THE BIG SHARK🦈 (@BigHomieKODAQ) November 20, 2024

Following Davido’s interview criticising Nigeria’s economic condition, critics have lambasted the artist for his candid assessment of the nation’s financial challenges.

His comments sparked immediate debate about the country’s economic state and the role of public figures in national discourse.

In a television morning show, one of the hosts criticised Davido’s timing, noting that President Tinubu was simultaneously attending the G8 summit in Brazil to secure foreign investments.

“Education does not guarantee you knowledge and Davido is a prime example of that. Cus he speaks without rẽasoning”

-Tvc News pic.twitter.com/03TgbexCOM

— Arthur🇳🇬🇬🇧🇸🇳 (@AjMachalaa) November 25, 2024

The interview divided public opinion, with some Nigerians condemning his remarks as potentially damaging to the country’s global image.

Conversely, other Nigerians praised Davido’s commentary as an authentic representation of the nation’s economic struggles. They highlighted the growing economic pressures pushing millions into deeper poverty amid skyrocketing inflation.

Escalating the controversy, Davido alleged a coordinated effort to cancel his December concert in response to his interview.

He defiantly stated he would not be compelled to perform in Nigeria, echoing his history of challenging government narratives.

This is not Davido’s first confrontation with government supporters. During the 2020 EndSARS protests, he claimed external pressures forced him to temporarily leave the country due to his active participation.

The ongoing dispute underscores the complex interactions between Nigerian artists, economic challenges, and political discourse.

With Davido emerging as a vocal critic, he is willing to challenge prevailing narratives about the nation’s economic and political realities.

Check out more entertainment news updates here.