As Nigeria prepares to hold elections on February 16, BBC Africa will be offering comprehensive coverage for our local and international audiences across Radio, TV, Online and Social Media.

During the campaign period, there will be special programming across all BBC Africa’ s 12 language services including English, French as well as Nigeria based BBC News Yoruba, BBC News Hausa, BBC News Igbo and BBC News Pidgin.

A one day conference hosted by the BBC will look at the spread of fake news and its potential impact on the country’s elections. Nigeria 2019: Countering Fake News starts on January 9 and is part of the BBC’s Beyond Fake News  season.  Around the world, disinformation has been seen to cause social and political harm, with people having less trust in the news.  This international anti-disinformation initiative will involve a keynote speech delivered by  Prof.Yemi Osinbajo, SAN Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria. It will be followed by a panel discussion hosted by the Publisher of Today’s Woman magazine Adesuwa Onyenokwe  and will feature:

• Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission
• Professor Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureaute
• Jamie Angus, Director of World Service Group
• Funke Egbemode, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and Editor in chief, New Telegraph newspaper
• Uche Pedro, Founder of BellaNaija

The Director of the BBC World Service Group Jamie Angus says:  “BBC News pioneered fact checking programming in the UK. In 2018 I pledged that the BBC’s international services would move beyond just talking about the global ‘fake news’ threat.  We commissioned in depth research that helped us to understand the processes and motivations behind ‘fake news’.  We have taken action in Africa and in India to provide fact checking services that will help audiences to identify reliable sources and disinformation from fact.”

 BBC Africa’s language services will host ten Governorship debates in Igbo, Hausa, Pidgin and Yoruba starting on January 10.   Alongside this, a 30 day count down will commence on January 17 and will offer  infographics, explainers, in-depth analysis around key areas such as the economy, health, education, security,  godfatherism, the female vote, how young people will vote and much more.

As tens of millions of Nigerians visit the polls BBC Africa will be sending over 50 reporters to cover the elections-the largest deployment for an election coverage by an international broadcaster.

For the first time a pre- election fact checking project will aim to verify or debunk claims made by candidates.  Audiences will be able to keep updated via digital and social media platforms. In addition Global Reality Check will be fact checking the various debates throughout the country.

 BBC Africa will present election stories on all social media channels as well as dedicated digital videos on bbcafrica.com.

From February 4, each morning the global breakfast show Newsday (04:00-0800 GMT) will offer an insight into how Nigerians and people from various other parts of Africa view this momentous election.  Focus on Africa Radio will be covering daily events around the country, asking: What does the future hold for Nigeria? You can listen daily at 15:00, 17:00 and 19:00GMT The BBC’s TV programme for Africa, Focus on Africa, available on BBC World News at 17.30GMT, will be live in Nigeria for two weeks.  Both programmes will be analysing the media campaigns by candidates and bringing to you a variety of voices from across the country.

Fact Finder will present a special edition on the growing use of fake news in elections. The programme will be working with credible fact checking organisations to evaluate the veracity of claims and counter claims as well as pledges made through the Nigerian electoral period.

The women’s discussions programme #TheSheWord will record a special debate in Nigeria focusing on Women in Politics. It will be looking specifically at female candidates.

BBC’s Africa’s daily business programmes Money Daily, Mitikasi Leo (Swahili) and Cash Éco (French) will all air live from Lagos on  February13, 14 and 15 ahead of the presidential election and after the poll. The special coverage will feature interviews with some of Nigeria’s most prominent entrepreneurs, economic analysts as well as ordinary citizens on what the election means for Africa’s largest economy.

The following daily TV news programmes which are rebroadcast by partner stations across Africa will also bring in-depth reporting around the elections:

 Afrique – BBC Infos

Hausa – Labaran TV

Swahili – Dira Ya Dunia

Somali – Caawa iyo Caalamka

The Africa live page will be an important destination on February 16. Throughout the day there will be commentary and analysis from our correspondents across the continentand updates will continue daily as the results come in.

The BBC’s Head of West Africa Languages Oluwatoyosi Ogunseye says, “We are prepared to deliver memorable coverage of what is set to be the most competitive election in Nigeria and even across Africa. Our audiences across the continent and around the world can now keep up to date with the action in twelve languages including English, Hausa and the newly launched Igbo, Pidgin and Yoruba languages. We will bring key interviews from politicians, commentators and viewpoints from voters on the ground. From every state, whatever the issue, BBC Africa will be there.”

Audiences will be able to keep abreast of the issues and results by following bbcafrica as well as the BBC’s language sites: bbcnewsafrique, bbc newsamharic, bbcnewsafaanoromoo bbcnewsgahuza, bbcnewsigbo, bbcnewshausa,  bbcnewsPidgin, bbcnewssomali, bbcnewsswahili, bbcnewsyoruba and bbcnewstigrinya

Leading PR & rating agency, Avance Media has announced finalists for the 3rd edition of its prestigious annual ranking focused on young people dubbed: 100 Most Influential Young Nigerians.

According to Prince Akpah, MD of Avance Media, this year’s list features young people who have made remarkable contributions towards their respective fields which has extended impact to other young people across Nigeria and beyond.

Public voting has also commenced on ng.avancemedia.org to determine the influence of the nominees in their categories and in the overall ranking.

Previous editions have been won by Actress Funke Akindele (2016) & Footballer Victor Moses (2017).

Some notable personalities nominated include: Wizkid, Davido, Ubi Franklin, Grace Ihejiamaizu, Japheth J Omojuwa, Tonye Rex Idaminabo, Victor Moses etc

After launching the initiative in Ghana in 2015, Avance Media has been able to partner various organisations across Africa to extend the ranking to Cameroon, Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania & DR Congo and is expected to announce a global ranking in 2019.

Below is the list of nominees represented in their respective categories.

Business

1. Akinwande Durojaye (JustBrandIt)
2. Chichi Nwoko (Kwese Free Sports Nigeria)
3. Ink Eze (Aso Ebi Bella)
4. Kene Rapu (Kene Rapu)
5. Michael Ugwu (Sony Music Western Africa)
6. Obinna Okwodu (Fibre)
7. Obinwanne Okeke (Invictus Group)
8. Stanley Uzochukwu (Stanel Oil Group)
9. Tania Omotayo (Ziva Lagos)
10. Ubi Franklin (Made Men Music Group)

Entertainment

1. Adekunle Gold (Musician)
2. Beverly Naya (Actress)
3. Davido (Musician)
4. Falz (Musician)
5. Kenny Blaq (Comedian)
6. Kizz Daniel (Musician)
7. Olamide (Musician)
8. Sambasa Nzeribe (Actor)
9. Simi (Musician)
10. Wizkid (Musician)

LAW & GOVERNANCE

1. Abdullateef Olasubomi Abdul (Lawyer)
2. Adamu Garba (Politician)
3. Bamidele Olamilekan (FOR LEKAN BAMIDELE & CO)
4. Bashir Ahmad (PA – President of Nigeria)
5. Chidera Okolie (Lawyer)
6. Chike Ukaegbu (Presidential Candidate)
7. George Ugwuja (APC)
8. Ikechukwu Uzoma (United Nations)
9. Ossai Ovie Success (PA – Governor, Delta State)
10. Tonye Rex Idaminabo (ADC Candidate)

LEADERSHIP & CIVIL SOCIETY

1. Bello Bala Shagari (National Youth Council)
2. Japheth J Omojuwa (Activist)
3. Michael Ajayi (Enactus Nigeria)
4. Niniola Soleye (Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh (DRASA) Health Trust)
5. Oluwaseun Ologun Williams (ECOWAS Youth Council)
6. Samson Itodo (Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth & Advancement)
7. seun Oluyemi (Y! Productions)
8. Seun Onigbinde (BudgIT)
9. Uwabor Joshua (Nigeria Entrepreneurs Awards)
10. Zuriel Oduwole

LIFESTYLE

1. Adenike O. Adebayo (Blogger)
2. Adetola Anita Adetoye (Beauty Consultant)
3. Ereme Abraham (Social Media Influencer)
4. Fola David (Painter)
5. Joyce Jacob (Joyce Jacob Beauty)
6. Nancy Isime (Model)
7. Olori Supergal (Blogger)
8. Tolani Alli (Photographer)
9. Tomi Adeyemi (Author)
10. Victor Ebiye (Social Media Influencer)

MEDIA

1. Adeola Fayehun (Keeping It Real With Adeola)
2. Adesewa Josh (OAP)
3. Eromo Egbejule (The Africa Report)
4. Idia Aisien (OAP)
5. Maria Okanrende (OAP)
6. Moet Abebe (OAP)
7. Osagie Alonge (Pulse Nigeria)
8. Osi Suave (OAP)
9. Rosemary Ajuka (OAP)
10. Tisan Bako (OAP)

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT & ACADEMIA

1. Alex Iheanacho (Money Sense Africa)
2. Collins CK Chiemezie (The MADE Woman Foundation)
3. Grace Ihejiamaizu (iKapture Networks)
4. Ife Durosinmi – Etti (Author)
5. Joseph Agunbiade (Univelcity)
6. Olasupo Abideen (Brain Builders International)
7. Rahmon Ojukotola (Rahmon Ojukotola Foundation)
8. Teslim Opemipo Omipidan (OldNaija.com)
9. Tobi Obasa (Davtonlearn)
10. Tope Ogunsemo (Krystal Digital)

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

1. Adeoye Ojo (Sureremit)
2. Oluwatobi Oyinlola (IoT Evangelist)
3. Chris Kwekowe (Slate Cube)
4. Moses Enokela (SonoCare)
5. Elo Umeh (Terragon Group)
6. Iyinoluwa ABOYEJI (Flutterwave)
7. Nkechi Okwuone (Code for Nigeria)
8. Silas Adekunle (Reach Robotics)
9. Tunde Kehinde (Lidya)
10. Victor Ugo (Mentally Aware)

SOCIAL ENTREPRISE & PHILANTHROPY

1. Abimbola Omotoyosi Ogunmekan (WarriorStory.ng)
2. Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin (Pearl Africa Foundation)
3. Adepeju Jaiyeoba (Brown Button Foundation)
4. Bukola Bolarinwa (Sickle Cell Aid Foundation)
5. Busari Bisayo (Project One Productions)
6. Hauwa Ojeifo (She Writes Woman)
7. JohnBosco Onunkwo (JohnBosco Onunkwo Foundation)
8. Vivian Sonny-Nsirim (Young Moms Support Initiative)
9. Wadi Ben-Hirki (Wadi Ben-Hirki Foundation)
10. Williams Uchemba (Williams Uchemba Foundation)

Sports

1. Ahmed Musa
2. Alex Iwobi
3. Evelyn Akhator
4. Kelechi Iheanacho
5. Mikel Obi
6. Odunayo Adekuoroye
7. Oluwatobiloba Amusan
8. Quadri Aruna
9. Simidele Adeagbo
10. Victor Moses

The 100 Most Influential Young Nigerians initiative is spearheaded by Avance Media in partnership with Jagari Designs, COSDEF Group, 1000 African Voices, My Naija Naira, Cliq Africa, VIPI State & WatsUp TV

The beautiful ceremony was held at the Villa Victoria in Accra and witnessed by the President of Ghana, H.E Nana Akufo-Addo and the Vice-President of Ghana, H.E Mahamudu Bawumia.

Also present were other very important dignitaries from the ruling party like Sammi Awuku, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Peter Mac-Manu, Hon. Henry Quartey, Hon. Anthony Karbo, Hon. Yaw Buabeng-Asamoah, Hon. Patrick Boamah, Maame Afia Akoto, Hassan Tampuli, Oboshie Sai-Kowfie and many more.

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

NPP Deputy Communications Director, Kofi Agypeong Marries Sweetheart, Rebecca

Photocredit: 

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grahl_photography 

Facebook – 

Grahl Photography

Coming to America is getting a sequel, with Eddie Murphy confirmed to return.

Craig Brewer, who has directed multiple episodes of TV’s Empire, is set to direct the follow-up to the 1988 comedy, according to Deadline. Murphy, meanwhile, will reprise his original role as Akeem, an African prince who flees to America to escape an arranged marriage and go undercover in Queens, in the hope of finding a woman with a strong will who can become his queen.

The sequel will see Akeem learn about a long lost son, as he returns to America to meet the unlikely heir to the throne of Zamunda. The sequel is also expected to see the return of original cast members Arsenio Hall, Shari Headley, John Amos, and James Earl Jones.

Murphy will star in Brewer’s Dolemite is My Name, set for release this year, and was reportedly eager to work with the director again.

“After many years of anticipation, I’m thrilled that Coming to America 2 is officially moving forward,” Murphy said in a statement. “We’ve assembled a great team that will be led by Craig Brewer, who just did an amazing job on Dolemite, and I’m looking forward to bringing all these classic and beloved characters back to the big screen.”

Barris said: “Craig’s ability to create a distinct cinematic world with each of his films is not only impressive, but also what made him exactly the voice and vision we needed to bring this story to life. From Hustle and Flow to his work with Eddie on Dolemite Is My Name, he never fails to blow me away. He is a true auteur and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have him on board.”

Source: Independent

Rocky Dawuni, the international music star/global ambassador and humanitarian activist, announces the release of his highly anticipated 7th studio album Beats of Zion, out March 8th, 2019 via Six Degrees Distribution with the title track and first single dropping January 25th on all platforms.

The thirteen-track set follows the GRAMMY nominated album Branches of the Same Tree, (“Best Reggae Album” in 2016) and expands Rocky’s “Afro Roots” sound to include the diversity of the Ghanaian music scene and its current global outreach.

The thirteen-track set follows the GRAMMY nominated album Branches of the Same Tree, (“Best Reggae Album” in 2016) and expands Rocky’s “Afro Roots” sound to include the diversity of the Ghanaian music scene and its current global outreach.

Rocky’s travels around the world helped shape the new album Beats of Zion. He elaborates, “Beats of Zion was born out of my desire to use my diverse global musical influences and exposure to various traditions to paint a multi-cultural musical vision of the world that I perceive. The beginning of the year saw me visit Ethiopia and India. In Ethiopia, I visited Lalibela, witnessing ancient Christian rites and my journeys in India also exposed me to its diverse spiritual culture and the shared similarities I saw to Africa.” He adds, “The title Beats of Zion is inspired by a vision of the drumbeat of awareness and elevation of consciousness; a musical call to arms for my audience to be proactive in this day and age as to each person’s responsibility to be an active instrument for positive change.”

The album was recorded in the span of almost 2 years in various studios in Accra, Nairobi and Los Angeles. In LA, Rocky spent time at the legendary Village Studios that has recorded the most influential artists including Bob Dylan, Elton John, The Rolling Stones, John Lennon, and Fleetwood Mac. Rocky ended up recording in the same studio room that Fleetwood Mac used and created the magic of the title track and “Wickedest Sound.” Rocky found out that Fleetwood Mac were one of the memorable American classic rock bands to visit Ghana in the 1970s making the experience more special and inspired the Ghanaian traditional highlife song “Kyenkyen Bi Adi Mawu” as a homage to his heritage. These 3 tracks recorded at Village Studios kicked off the entire album making process.

The title track and lead single “Beats of Zion” came out well from the Village Studios session, but was missing something on the drum tracking. Rocky states, “We travelled to Zanzibar for a concert shortly after the recording session. At the time, I was still wanting the full African tribal effect that I had imagined. On the eve of my concert at the amazing Sauti za Busara Festival, we saw Batimbo Percussion Magique of Burundi mount the stage and blow the minds of everyone in the audience. I turned to my manager; Cary Sullivan who was also watching and we thought the same – ‘these are the guys for Beats of Zion’ and so the story unfolded.” The lead single will also have an accompanying video due out January 25th. “Wickedest Sound” is another song that speaks volumes, featuring Ghanaian dancehall star Stonebwoy. The track combines elements of modern Afrobeats with Reggae music. With production paying homage to the organic recordings of classic Highlife music, it also combines a groove driven melodic approach with the traditional call and response style of singing.

The track combines elements of modern Afrobeats with Reggae music. With production paying homage to the organic recordings of classic Highlife music, it also combines a groove driven melodic approach with the traditional call and response style of singing.

In a time when divisive rhetoric is on the rise and the political climate prefers to build walls over bridges, Rocky’s album Beats of Zion is a refreshing message about global unity and a worldview of oneness. Rocky passionately states, “We live in a time when the elements of international morality need to be proclaimed as a guiding principle for how we engage and deal with each other, between individuals, between communities and among nations. It is a time for global mobilization for action on challenging socio-political issues like the environment and the refugee crisis.

Beats of Zion is the drumbeat of war against apathy and re-energizing the forces of love and hope.”

He concludes, “Beats of Zion is the rhythm of change beating from a distance and getting louder to awaken positive consciousness.”
Rocky passionately states, “We live in a time when the elements of international morality need to be proclaimed as a guiding principle for how we engage and deal with each other, between individuals, between communities and among nations. It is a time for global mobilization for action on challenging socio-political issues like the environment and the refugee crisis.

Beats of Zion is the drumbeat of war against apathy and re-energizing the forces of love and hope.”

He concludes, “Beats of Zion is the rhythm of change beating from a distance and getting louder to awaken positive consciousness.”

Actress and producer, Yvonne Nelson will on Val’s Day February 14 outdoor a new movie titled, Sin City with a grand premiere at the Silverbird Cinemas in Accra.

Ghanaian rapper, singer and record producer, E.L has been listed among the artists to be performing at the 2019 SXSW Music Festival, which is slated for March 11-17, 2019. The announcement was made known in November of 2018.

Aside the 2016 ”VGMA Artist of the Year” performing, he was the ONLY Ghanaian Afrobeat artist to be featured on SXSW FM 2019 Spotlight with his song ‘Overdose’. Other artists who were featured include: Adekunle Gold (Nigeria), King Kanja (Kenya), Urban Hype (Zambia), Anatii (South Africa), Stanley Enow (Cameroon) amongst others.

”I think it’s a great opportunity for me to showcase my new music on a world stage. First of all, it’s amazing that, the stage has been set because it’s been a lot of back and forth to establish a platform where Africans can come and do their thing. This is a full set and it’s actually a very big step in our conquest of the world. Also, Afrobeat is taking over slowly in musical circles and our place to show/let the world hear what we have to offer, so I’m excited and we are definitely planning on releasing my new album this year. And I think the platform by SXSW will be a good launching spot to begin that journey”, expresses E.L

E.L will be joined by his Ghanaian counterparts, Samini, Efya, YFM’s DJ Kess and Jojo Abot at the festival which will take place in Austin, Texas. Other African artists booked to perform at the festival includes Simi, Adekunle Gold, Mayorkun, Vector, Falz, Mr Eazi, Seyi Shay, Yemi Alade, Cassper Nyovest, Victoria Kimani, Khaligraph and Anatii.

The South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference & Festivals celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. Fostering creative and professional growth alike, SXSW is the premier destination for discovery. Each year, the SXSW Music Festival brings together the global music industry alongside film and technology professionals to make personal and business connections as well as discover the next generation of talent. Not limited in genre or regional focus, fans, fellow musicians, industry professionals, and creatives from every discipline can enjoy a variety of musical styles at SXSW.

Listen to SXSW FM 2019 Afrobeat Spotlight here:

Showcases are curated by SXSW in collaboration with record labels, booking agencies, management and PR firms, export offices, publishers, media outlets, lifestyle brands, festivals and more. Performances take place in bars, clubs, parks, churches and hotels around downtown Austin.

Story by: Francis ‘Banks’ Amissah

Africa’s popular reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, is set to return for a fourth season with the producers of the show also revealing that the Big Brother House will be in Nigeria.

Auditions for the show will hold on the 1st and 2nd of February 2018 in eight locations across Nigeria, an increase from previous editions. In addition, Nigeria’s number one betting website, Bet9ja, has been announced as headline sponsors of the new season.

The reality TV show which follows the format of the international Big Brother franchise is known to bring excitement and entertainment to fans and viewers across the continent as it houses strangers over a period of three months who contest against each other in a battle of wits for the ultimate prize.

Speaking on the return of Big Brother Naija, the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr John Ugbe said: “This fourth season promises to be even bigger than previous editions and underscores MultiChoice’s position as the biggest investor and driver of entertainment content on the continent”.

Since its maiden edition in 2006, the Big Brother Naija reality TV show has produced some of the country’s biggest pop culture influencers and celebrities including Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Gideon Okeke, Katung Aduwak, Bisola Aiyeola, Efe Ejeba and Uriel Oputa and mostly recently Miracle Ikechukwu, Tobi Bakre and Cynthia “Cee-C” Nwadiora.

Speaking at the press conference, Bet9ja’s Chief Executive Officer, Ayo Ojuroye said: “As the leading gaming company in Nigeria, we believe in changing lives. This singular attribute coupled with the zeal and passion attributed to the Big Brother Naija platform aligns with Bet9ja’s core values and we are honoured by the opportunity to headline this year’s edition. Bet9ja will continue to support programmes that will connect more young Nigerians to their dreams”.
Specific locations and times for the auditions in February will be announced subsequently. For more information, please visit www.africamagic.dstv.com You can also follow the Big Brother Naija social media fan pages for news and updates with #BBNaija on Twitter @bbnaija, Instagram @bigbronaija and Facebook www.facebook.com/bigbrothernaija

For more information, please visit www.dstv.com, www.gotvafrica.com or www.africamagic.tv/bigbrothernaija and follow the conversation on all social media pages of DStv, GOtv and AfricaMagic.

MultiChoice Africa is pleased to announce that its flagship the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) programme will roll out the highly-anticipated MTF Masterclasses powered by various industry partners as part of the shared value initiative’s three touchpoints alongside the MTF Academy and the soon-to-be launched industry networking portal.

The MTF Masterclasses will present the industry with “BEST IN CLASS” workshops to increase MTF’s upskilling outreach to established film and TV industry professionals. The Masterclasses are aimed at developing technical skills of established creatives in cinematography, audio and storytelling to improve the quality of local productions and will be rolled out this from this January in various countries.

The upcoming workshop, which will be open to invited members of the film and TV industry from around the continent who aspire to take their craft to the next level, will be workshopped over the course of two days. These will be led by well-respected subject matter experts including South African director and producer Bobby Heaney, reputable sound consultant from Dolby India, Vikram Joglekar, pan-African storytelling and creative consultant Allison Triegaardt, award-winning Kenyan film producer Appie Matere, Jonathan Kovel the cinematographer behind the award-winning South African film Ayanda. Additionally, a special MTF Masterclass on Nollywood will be workshopped by Femi Odugbemi, Nigerian film and TV industry expert and Academy Director for MTF Academy West Africa.

“We are excited about the launch of this next touchpoint of MTF as it reaffirms our commitment to supporting the industry and promoting sustainability in the industry by creating shared value across the business through quality programming for our customers and Enriching Lives,” Cecil Sunkwa Mill, Managing Director, Multichoice Ghana.

The first MTF Masterclass in Ghana will take place on the 19 January at the state of the art Black City Studio, located in Pig Farm, Accra. Twenty sound engineers from various Television and Movie Production outfits will be taken through an interactive sound session by Vikram Joglekar, a veteran sound consultant with Dolby Laboratories. The selected engineers will be taken through:
Surround Sound Design for Film & Television
Selection and positioning microphones in sound design
Adding interest and texture to Audio Recording

The MTF Masterclasses will be presented with the support from Dolby Laboratories and FOX Portugal which both play a crucial role in priming the MTF Academy students as key players in the growth and sustainability Africa’s creative film and television industry.

“The success of these MTF Masterclasses will, over time, deliver a more professionalized, networked film and television industry across Africa and an expanded community of highly- skilled professional who are passionate about creating quality home-grown content,” concludes Cecil Sunkwa Mills.

Are you an industry creative professional looking to upskill your craft? Please call 0302740540 to speaker to the Corporate Affairs Manger today with a short bio of yourself and contact details to be added onto our database. We will be in touch should you make the list to be part of the MTF Masterclasses coming to your country soon.
Join the MTF social media conversation on the hashtag #multichoicetalentfactory and follow/join:
Instagram: @multichoicetalentfactory;
Twitter: @MCTalentFactory
Facebook: @multichoiceafricatalentfactory

E.L did something different with the visuals for ‘Collect’, the single he released in December, 2018. The video marries a good storyline (even if you find it corny) and drama to provoke excitement as you watched. The video mirrors the overall lyrics of the song: a man ready to spend on a lady without care.

A lady steps into a bank- ”Collect Bank” to transact business, only to be met with glances from male customers. Finally, she’s approached by a guy who’s ready to encourage her ‘collecting’ game. The banking hall is soon turned into a playground.

The resplendence in their fashion is great, likewise the injection of Ga and adowa dancers which brought to the fore the exciting dance culture we have.

Manny Pacquiao will again look to exploit his enduring relationship with Father Time as he fights Adrien “The Problem” Broner in a compelling welterweight bout in Las Vegas on Sunday morning SuperSport 1 from 2am.

Aged 40, Pacquiao looks as fast as ever and proclaims to still love boxing, factors that will be important as he steps in against former three-weight champion Broner.

The American, at 29, may be younger than “Pacman”, but he might well have more to lose in this crossroads fight. Despite his talent, he has come up short in his biggest fights and needs a major win to retain his status as an elite welterweight.

He comes equipped with excellent skills, chiefly a powerful straight right hand that could be critical against southpaw Pacquiao.

We know all about the Filipino thanks to sensational wins against Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez and Oscar De La Hoya. He’s had his off nights, too, but when he’s switched on, he’s a masterful fighter who can beat anyone in his weight class.

The undercard features Badou Jack against Marcus Browne for the vacant World Boxing Council Silver light-heavyweight title and Jhack Tepora versus Hugo Ruiz for the interim World Boxing Association featherweight belt.

Don’t miss the sporting action on DStv and GOtv. Visit www.dstv.com  to subscribe and join in on the excitement.

Sony and R. Kelly have agreed to part ways, sources tell Billboard. The news comes on the heels of the Lifetime documentary Surviving R. Kelly, which detailed allegations of sexual misconduct against the singer.

Reps for Sony and R. Kelly could not be immediately reached. Kelly has also now been removed from the RCA website.

Kelly had been signed to Jive since the beginning of his career in the early 1990s, and when Jive became part of Sony BMG, he became part of the Sony umbrella. He has been under contract at RCA, a Sony subsidiary, since 2012.

After the debut of the Lifetime series, protests against Kelly began to ramp up, with #MuteRKelly protests outside the Sony building in Manhattan on Wednesday, and artists such as Lady Gaga, Chance The Rapper and Phoenix apologizing for collaborating with the singer. (Gaga removed her Kelly collaboration, “Do What U Want,” from streaming services and digital retailers last week.) His music had also reportedly been banned from two Dallas-area radio stations, while some community organizers had begun to call on iHeartRadio and Radio One to ban his music from their playlists.

Kelly’s catalog will remain with RCA/Sony and his music is still available on digital retailers and streaming services.

Allegations against Kelly have been around for well over a decade, and he was acquitted on child pornography charges in 2008. But they have resurfaced repeatedly in recent years, with the latest arriving this month. Kelly has repeatedly denied all allegations of misconduct.

Last May, Spotify unveiled a new hateful conduct policy, under which the streaming service removed all of Kelly’s music from their owned and operated playlists. While the move was praised by many, it also drew concern from some in the music industry who were worried it would represent a slippery slope, given Kelly has never been convicted of a crime. (The move also affected the music of the late XXXTentacion.) Spotify ultimately reversed the decision

Source: Billboard

It wasn’t vintage Manny Pacquiao in the ring against Adrien Broner on Saturday at the MGM Grand, but Pacquiao didn’t need to be anywhere near his best.

Broner offered little resistance against the 40-year-old Filipino senator as Pacquiao rolled to an easy unanimous decision to retain the WBA welterweight title. Judges Tim Cheatham and Glenn Feldman had it 116-112 for Pacquiao, who Dave Moretti had it 117-111. Yahoo Sports had Pacquiao by shutout, 120-108.

There were no knockdowns in the fight, but Pacquiao hurt Broner several times and had him reeling along the ropes after landing a solid left in the ninth. Broner tried to counter, but he didn’t let his hands go nearly enough and seemed to be bothered by Pacquiao’s quickness.

Broner landed only 50 punches, according to CompuBox and was outlanded by a more than 2-to-1 margin. Pacquiao connected on 112 of 568 and Broner landed 50 of 295. Broner never landed more than seven punches in any round.

“I proved in my last fight against [Lucas] Matthysse and now I proved it again. The Manny Pacquiao journey will still continue,” Pacquiao said. “I wanted to push more, but my trainer said ‘Don’t be careless. Wait for him, counter,’ and that’s what I did.”

Pacquiao let his hands go and caused Broner issues. He also made a good case for a bout with one of the PBC’s big stars, including the biggest fish of all, Floyd Mayweather, who watched from ringside. Mayweather defeated Pacquiao in the same ring in 2015 in a bout that generated nearly $600 million, and it’s not out of the question they’ll fight again later this year.

During the fight, Mayweather was interviewed by Showtime’s Jim Gray and said, “It’s a chess match. I think Manny is edging Adrien in a chess match. It’s a good matchup. Some nights, that’s what you get in boxing.”

Mayweather didn’t seem all that enthralled with the bout, though the 13,025 who turned out at the MGM Grand in Pacquiao’s first U.S. fight since 2016 certainly did.

Pacquiao, though, made the case for a rematch.

“Tell [Floyd] to come back to the ring and we will fight,” Pacquiao said. “I’m willing to fight again with Floyd Mayweather if he’s willing to come back to boxing.”

While it was a good performance for Pacquiao, Broner didn’t make him work for it. He landed only one real punch of significance and didn’t cause the 40-year-old any serious concerns.

Broner yet again proved to be far more talk than action, as he spent much of the fight circling and didn’t seem all that interested in engaging. It was the biggest fight of his career and he all but failed to show up.

Broner angrily said, “I beat him,” when the fight was over. It was one of the most laughable lines of the night, given his paucity of punches. He added, “I clearly won the last seven.” The crowd booed lustily as Broner spoke, and it was likely he was just trying to create controversy because there was no way he was anywhere near close to winning that fight.

Source: Yahoo Sports

Maurizio Sarri’s scathing criticism of his Chelsea team following their defeat to Arsenal was the major news to emerge from the weekend’s football action in the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A.

The Blues succumbed 0-2 away to the Gunners on Saturday evening, with Alexandre Lacazette and Lauent Koscielny scoring the goals to see their side close to within three points of the top four.

“I have to say, I’m extremely angry. Very angry indeed,” said Sarri after the match. “This defeat was due to our mentality, more than anything else. This is something I can’t accept. This group of players are extremely difficult to motivate.”

He added, “This is not a team that is going to be well known for its battling qualities but we need to become a team that is capable of adapting, possibly suffering for 10 or 15 minutes then playing our own football. You can find yourself in difficulties from time to time, but we need to react to those difficulties a lot better than we did today.”

Elsewhere in England, Liverpool saw Mohamed Salah reach the 50-goal mark in the Premier League in their thrilling 4-3 win over Crystal Palace; Manchester City responded in the title race with an easy win away to Huddersfield Town; and Manchester United claimed a sixth straight league win by defeating Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 to join Arsenal and Chelsea in the race for the final Champions League berth.

In Serie A, Napoli closed to within six points of leaders Juventus with a 2-1 home win over 10-man Lazio at Stadio San Paolo on Sunday evening. Goals from Jose Callejon and Arkadiusz Milik secured victory for the Neapolitans, while Lazio had their hopes of comeback stunted by a red card for Francesco Acerbi. However, Juve can restore the lead to nine points if they win at home to Chievo tonight.

Elsewhere in Italy, Internazionale’s hopes of chasing down the top two were hit by a goalless draw at home to Sassuolo, Atalanta continue to impress with a 5-0 away win at Frosinone (featuring four goals from Daniel Zapata) and Ivory Coast legend Gervinho netted for Parma in their 2-1 win at Udinese.

In La Liga, the only major movement near the top of the log saw Real Madrid slip into third place after their 2-0 home win over Sevilla on Saturday. Los Blancos had to work hard for the three points, with their goals from Casemiro and Luka Modric only arriving in the 78th and 90th minutes respectively.

Atletico Madrid kept up the pressure on Barcelona with a 3-0 win at Huesca, but the league leaders responded with a 3-1 home win over Leganes on Sunday night in which Ousmane Dembele scored the opening goal and gave a fine performance.

Serie A results & fixtures, 19-21 January

Saturday 19 January
Roma 3-2 Torino
Udinese 1-2 Parma
Internazionale 0-0 Sassuolo

Sunday 20 January
Frosinone 0-5 Atalanta
SPAL 1-1 Bologna
Fiorentina 3-3 Sampdoria
Cagliari 2-2 Empoli
Napoli 2-1 Lazio

Monday 21 January
6pm Juventus v Chievo
8pm Genoa v Milan

La Liga results & fixtures, 18-21 January

Friday 18 January
Getafe 4-0 Deportivo Alaves

Saturday 19 January
Real Madrid 2-0 Sevilla
Huesca 0-3 Atletico Madrid
Celta de Vigo 1-2 Valencia

Sunday 20 January
Real Betis 3-2 Girona
Villarreal 1-1 Athletic Bilbao
Levante 2-0 Real Valladolid
Rayo Vallecano 2-2 Real Sociedad
Barcelona 3-1 Leganes

Monday 21 January
8pm Eibar v Espanyol

Premier League results & fixtures, 19-20 January

Saturday 19 January
Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-3 Leicester City
Bournemouth 2-0 West Ham United
Liverpool 4-3 Crystal Palace
Manchester United 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Newcastle United 3-0 Cardiff City
Southampton 2-1 Everton
Watford 0-0 Burnley
Arsenal 2-0 Chelsea

Sunday 20 January
Huddersfield Town 0-3 Manchester City
Fulham 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur

The nominations for this year’s Academy Awards have been announced in Los Angeles. Here’s a complete list of everything in contention.

Best picture

• BlacKkKlansman
• Black Panther
• Bohemian Rhapsody
• The Favourite
• Green Book
• Roma
• A Star Is Born
• Vice

Best actor

• Christian Bale – Vice
• Bradley Cooper – A Star Is Born
• Willem Dafoe – At Eternity’s Gate
• Rami Malek – Bohemian Rhapsody
• Viggo Mortensen – Green Book

Best actress

• Yalitza Aparicio – Roma
• Glenn Close – The Wife
• Olivia Colman – The Favourite
• Lady Gaga – A Star Is Born
• Melissa McCarthy – Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Best supporting actor

• Mahershala Ali – Green Book
• Adam Driver – BlacKkKlansman
• Sam Elliott – A Star Is Born
• Richard E Grant – Can You Ever Forgive Me?
• Sam Rockwell – Vice

Best supporting actress

• Amy Adams – Vice
• Marina de Tavira – Roma
• Regina King – If Beale Street Could Talk
• Emma Stone – The Favourite
• Rachel Weisz – The Favourite

Best director

• Alfonso Cuaron – Roma
• Yorgos Lanthimos – The Favourite
• Spike Lee – BlacKkKlansman
• Adam McKay – Vice
• Pawel Pawlikowski – Cold War

• The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
• BlacKkKlansman
• Can You Ever Forgive Me?
• If Beale Street Could Talk
• A Star Is Born

Best original screenplay

• The Favourite
• First Reformed
• Green Book
• Roma
• Vice

Best foreign language film

• Capernaum – Lebanon
• Cold War – Poland
• Never Look Away – Germany
• Roma – Mexico
• Shoplifters – Japan

Best original song

• All The Stars – Black Panther
• I’ll Fight – RGB
• The Place Where Lost Things Go – Mary Poppins Returns
• Shallow – A Star Is Born
• When A Cowboy Trades His Spurs for Wings – The Ballad of Buster Scruggs

Best original score

• BlacKkKlansman – Terence Blanchard
• Black Panther – Ludwig Goransson
• If Beale Street Could Talk – Nicholas Britell
• Isle of Dogs – Alexandre Desplat
• Mary Poppins Returns – Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman

Best animated feature

• Incredibles 2
• Isle of Dogs
• Mirai
• Ralph Breaks the Internet
• Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Best documentary feature

• Free Solo
• Hale County This Morning, This Evening
• Minding the Gap
• Of Fathers and Sons
• RBG

Best cinematography

• Cold War
• The Favourite
• Never Look Away
• Roma
• A Star Is Born

Best costume design

• The Ballad of Buster Scruggs – Mary Zophres
• Black Panther – Ruth E Carter
• The Favourite – Sandy Powell
• Mary Poppins Returns – Sandy Powell
• Mary Queen of Scots – Alexandra Byrne

Best make-up and hairstyling

• Border
• Mary Queen of Scots
• Vice

Best production design

• Black Panther
• The Favourite
• First Man
• Mary Poppins Returns
• Roma

Best visual effects

• Avengers: Infinity War
• Christopher Robin
• First Man
• Ready Player One
• Solo: A Star Wars Story

Best film editing

• BlacKkKlansman
• Bohemian Rhapsody
• The Favourite
• Green Book
• Vice

Best sound editing

• Black Panther
• Bohemian Rhapsody
• First Man
• A Quiet Place
• Roma

Best sound mixing

• Black Panther
• Bohemian Rhapsody
• First Man
• Roma
• A Star Is Born

Best animated short

• Animal Behaviour
• Bao
• Late Afternoon
• One Small Step
• Weekends

Best live action short

• Detainment
• Fauve
• Marguerite
• Mother
• Skin

Best documentary short

• Black Sheep
• End Game
• Lifeboat
• A Night at the Garden
• Period. End of Sentence.

US singer Chris Brown has been arrested in Paris on suspicion of rape, French police say.

A 24-year-old woman alleges that the star assaulted her in a hotel suite in the city earlier this month.

She reportedly told police that the pair met at a nightclub in central Paris, close to the Champs-Elysées, before they returned to the hotel.

The BBC has contacted the singer’s representatives for comment. French police are investigating the complaint.

Two other men, identified by French media as Brown’s bodyguard and a friend, have also been arrested.

The incident is alleged to have occurred at the luxury Mandarin Oriental hotel on 15 January.

This isn’t the singer’s first encounter with the law – he has a number of previous, high-profile convictions for violence.

He received five years probation and a community service order for assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Rihanna, in his car in 2009.

In 2016, he was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon after a woman told police he had threatened her with a gun.

He was later freed, and his lawyer said the accusations against Brown were “demonstrably false”.

BBC

“Black Panther” nabs Oscar’s best picture nomination, making it the first superhero film to do so.

CNBC

The Management of MultiChoice Ghana has hosted the Ghanaian winners and nominees at the recently held Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) for a congratulatory dinner at the ritzy Urban Grill Restaurant, in Accra. This event was also used to congratulate the four students selected from Ghana for the MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy (MTF) the latest Corporate Shared Value initiative from MultiChoice Africa.
In attendance were the deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr. Ziblim Barri Iddi, Director of Creative Arts, National Commission on Culture, Socrate Safo, Lydia Forson, Adjetey Anang, Shirley Frimpong Manso, Ken Attoh, Sister Debbie, President of the Arts and Tourism Writers Association of Ghana (ATWAG) William Asiedu and a selection of media practitioners.
Dr. Ziblim express the Ministry’s delight at the achievement of Lydia Forson and Adjetey Anang on winning their respective categories and commended the other nominees on their nominations. He added “our Ministry recognises all the nominees from Ghana as winners too.” He charged the four Ghanaian students to lift the flag of Ghana high during their time at the MTF Academy saying, “don’t forget you are the selected few getting this opportunity to sharpen your filmmaking skills, go and make the best out of all the opportunities that come your way”.
The four young Ghanaian filmmakers; Edmund Kobby Asamoah, Henry Konadu Denkyira, Irene Dumevi Yaamoakoa and Patience Esiawonam Adisenu will represent Ghana at the MTF Academy to be based in Lagos, Nigeria from 1 October. MultiChoice Africa will sponsor the students’ tuition, accommodation and stipend for the one-year duration of their training. The MTF seeks to provide its students with skillsets to develop their talent, connect with industry professionals and tell authentic African stories through a comprehensive curriculum comprising theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in cinematography, editing, audio production and storytelling.
According to Kingsley Afful, General Manager, GOtv Ghana, “As a company that is deeply rooted in Ghana, we understand meaning of recognising talent and congratulate all the nominees and winners at this year’s AMVCA’s especially Lydia Forson and Adjetey Anang on their specific awards.” Turning to the MultiChoice Talent Factory students he said, “focus on developing your talents while in Lagos so upon your return you can contribute meaningfully to transforming Ghana’s creative industry into a powerful economic powerhouse”.
The winners presented their awards to the Deputy Minister and Management of MultiChoice Ghana, speaking to the media Lydia Forson was full of gratitude to all who voted for her adding “my best is yet to come” on Adjetey Anang’s part he thanked his family for the support and said, “this award dedicated to all Ghanaians.” The students couldn’t hide their excitement and promised to be return better equipped to push the boundaries of film making in Ghana.

DStv Debuts The Controversial R. Kelly and Weinstein Scandals on Crime + Investigation

DStv debuts two explosive shows this February on Crime + Investigation Channel 170. Catch the six-part series “Surviving R. Kelly,” and the crime documentary chronicling the saga of Hollywood movie mogul Harvey Weinstein in The Harvey Weinstein Scandal. DStv customers Premium to Compact will have access to Crime + Investigation, DStv channel 170 starting Wednesday, 6 February at 10pm to Sunday, 10 March at 9pm GMT.

Surviving R. Kelly premieres with a double bill on Wednesday, 6 February at 6pm and at 6:50pm. and delves behind one of the biggest scandals in music to date – with women emerging from the shadows and uniting their voices to share their stories of abuse at the hands of musician R. Kelly. The show has already aired in the US this January and has met with reaction from international stars like Lady Gaga apologising for once collaborating with the singer (in 2013) to SA’s Pearl Thusi and Jimmy Nevis calling out for a boycott on him and for his music not to be downloaded or livestreamed.

Celebrated as one of the greatest R&B singers of all time, the 52- year old’s career and playboy lifestyle has been riddled with rumours of abuse, predatory behaviour, and paedophilia. In 2002 he was indicted on 21 counts of child pornography but was acquitted of all charges in 2008.
For the first time ever, survivors and people from R. Kelly’s inner circle, are coming forward with new allegations about his sexual, mental, and physical abuse. With over 50 interviews including civil rights activist Tarana Burke, musicians John Legend and Sparkle, talk-show host and former DJ Wendy Williams, ex-wife Andrea Kelly, brothers Carey and Bruce Kelly, and many others, the true story of R. Kelly’s controversial past is revealed beginning in 1970 through present day.
The premiere episode in the six-part series explores R. Kelly’s rise to fame and power as an R&B icon where he formed relationships with younger singers and dancers including marriage to his then 15-year old protege Aliyah. Single episodes air weekly on Wednesdays at 6pm culminating in the final episode titled Black Girls Matter on March 6, which sees figures from women’s groups come forward to take aim against the sexually brazen superstar. Will R. Kelly now wish he could “turn back the hands of time?”

The Harvey Weinstein Scandal premieres on 13 February at 6:50pm and examines the rise and fall of Hollywood media mogul Harvey Weinstein and other men in power.

This documentary explores milestones from Weinstein’s life, career, relationships and rise to meg- stardom. It reveals the creation and many successes of Miramax and The Weinstein Company.
On October 4, 2017, a New York Times article lit the spark detailing the personal stories of sexual assault victims of Harvey Weinstein. Now that spark has become a blaze and is shedding light on three decades of abuse by Weinstein and other dominant figures. The documentary takes a deep look inside Hollywood and the abuse by powerful men in the industry and includes exclusive interviews with people who knew Weinstein, women who have come face to face with him and exclusive re-enactment scenes.
Weinstein is to stand trial in New York this May on five charges including rape. He is alleged to have sexually assaulted over 70 women dating back decades. He has denied all these accusations citing that any sexual encounters were consensual.
Uncover the truth exclusive to Crime + Investigation, DStv channel 170.
For more information visit www.dstv.com.