Entertainment

Why I Wore View-Obstructing Dress to 2023 Oscars – Tems

Published

2 years ago

March 15, 2023

Eric

Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi popularly known as Tems has given her reasons for wearing a view-obstructing dress to the 2023 Oscars.

The prestigious award event was held at the Dolby Centre, Los Angeles, on Sunday and was attended by Hollywood’s finest who stunned in different fashion pieces.

Tems was dressed in a custom white sculptural gown by Ukrainian brand, Lever Couture’s AW22, Leleka Couture collection. The gown which features a large headpiece drew backlash for obstructing the view of fellow audience members at the event.

Speaking with Harper’s Bazzar, Tems in a pre-Oscars interview gave behind-the-scenes details on the controversial gown.

According to the Grammys award winner, she decided to “go all out” and “make the most” of her first Oscars attendance.

“Two years ago, I would’ve said no to this dress,” she said. “But it’s my first Oscars — I am going to go all out. I really wanted to make the most of the day. The dress is also my way of celebrating my work and the people around me, celebrating my country, and celebrating the people that are rooting for me. This dress says ‘Yes, yes, I am here!’”

Speaking on her recent groundbreaking achievements on the international music scene, the ‘Crazy Tings’ singer said this was just the beginning for her. Tems mentioned that her collaboration with musical giants like Beyonce and Rihanna were indications she was on the “right path”.

“If the biggest women in the world love my work to such an extent that they are working with me, then that must say something. My work is actually reaching places, it’s making some type of impact.

“And that is insane! I really am just trying to keep my feet on the ground and continue running and doing things that are a hundred per cent authentic to me. Evolving, learning, growing. It’s just the beginning for me,” she said.

With her collaboration with singer Rihanna; music producer, Ludwig Göransson; and Black Panther’s director, Ryan Coogler, for the movie’s soundtrack, ‘Lift Me Up’, Tems was nominated for Best Original Song at this year’s Oscars

The category was however won by Kaala Bhairava and Rahul Sipligunj for ‘Naatu Naatu’.

Entertainment

I Made Up My Mind to Become an Actor at 16 – Jimmy Akingbola

Published

7 days ago

September 28, 2024

Eric

By Samantha Ofole-Prince

Versatile and quite talented, Jimmy Akingbola plays Geoffrey in “Bel-Air,” the remake of the hit ’90s sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” which starred Will Smith, and has built an impressive resume with several projects that include “Arrow,” the award-winning television series “Ted Lasso,” “Rise” and “Hero: The Extraordinary Life of Mr. Ulric Cross.”

The British thespian, who is of Nigerian descent, was one of several actors, who shared his journey to Hollywood at AAFCA’s annual event Spotlighting Black British Actors in America.

Akingbola, who made his American debut on the television show “Arrow,” had hopes of pursuing a career in sports but sought a career on the screen when he caught the acting bug as a teenager.

“I watched a lot of American films and television and was inspired by what I saw and did a one man monologue stand up show,” he shares. “People laughed and I got a standing ovation and at 16 I decided I wanted to become an actor.”

It was a long road for the Akingbola who worked several odd jobs including a job as an usher to pay his way through drama school before landing his first project.

Despite a successful acting career in the U.K., he was inspired to move to America by actors such as Delroy Lindo, Idris Elba and Emmon Walker and the slew of other Brits who were carving out careers in Hollywood.

“It was a risk as I had to start from scratch,” admits the actor. “It wasn’t paved with gold and I had to be humble.”

Akingbola, who cites actor Don Cheadle (“Hotel Rwanda”) as an inspiration, also runs the Triforce Creative Network which provides opportunities for actors, writers, directors and producers.

Established in 2003, the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) is America’s largest organization of black film critics.

Entertainment

Akon Releases First Single in a Decade

Published

1 week ago

September 26, 2024

Eric

The first artist to hold the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching one billion views on YouTube, Akon who has been noticeably silent the last few years, is back with a new single.

Called “Akon’s Beautiful Day,” it’s due out October 4 via Konvict Kulture Records.

The release of the single coincides with the 20th anniversary of his debut album, “Trouble,” which launched him into superstardom with hits like “Locked Up.” and the song’s message resonates with his mission to inspire millions through his work in Africa, where he is working on access to energy with ‘Akon Power & Lighting Africa.’

The track also features a viral hook sung by 10-year-old Jamaican student Jermaine Edwards, whose heartwarming performance at school captivated audiences around the globe.

Akon was instrumental in the early development of Lady Gaga and T-Pain, signing them to his label and helped shape their careers. He is also embarking on “Akon Super Fan Tour Asia,” and is working on a documentary film in partnership with Kevin Hart and Hartbeat called “Headliners Only.”

Feature Photo: Shola Orolugbagbe

Entertainment

Dele Momodu, Koo Nimo, Others Bag Rhythms On Da Runway Honours

Published

1 week ago

September 25, 2024

Eric

Rhythms On Da Runway, a renowned award giving event, will this year, honour Nigeria’s veteran journalist, Chief Dele Momodu, among a host of some individuals who have contributed immensely to the advancement of the creative arts in Ghana.

This year’s edition slated for November 30, 2024 at the Grand Arena, will witness the honouring of prominent people in the space such as Agya Koo Nimo known in private life as Daniel Amponsah who has undoubtedly established himself as Ghana’s foremost exponent of acoustic guitar Highlife and folklore (palm wine music).

Also, Chief Dele Momodu of Ovation fame who has unflinchingly invested and supported Ghanaian creatives would be honoured on the night.

One of the country’s finest voices in Highlife music who has inspired generations with his craft, Kwabena Kwabena will be one of the honourees.

Additionally, Bibie Brew, a renowned Ghanaian, French international singer who broke boundaries with her impeccable voice will be amongst the recipients on the night.

Speaking at launch on Saturday September 21, Yvonne Ocloo Producer and Creative Director of Rhythms On Da Runway said, “In this spirit I am happy to announce the list of our Black Star Honorees for this year: our very own Kwabena Kwabena, the Icon Agya Koo Nimo, the titan Mr. Dele Momodu and the timeless Bibie Brew for their immeasurable contributions to the creative arts.”

Rhythms On Da Runway since its inception in 2010 has stood as a beacon of unity, fusing the vibrant forces of African fashion and music to exalt the limitless talent that resides on our continent.

From the legendary icons of African music to the rising stars of fashion and design, the event has fiercely showcased the spectrum with pride.