Entertainment

‘Awo’ Takes Centre Stage at London’s Shaw Theatre

Published

2 years ago

February 26, 2024

Eric

The highly acclaimed theatrical masterpiece, Awo, will take center stage at the iconic Shaw Theatre in Euston, London, this May, promising audiences a captivating two-show extravaganza.

Originally crafted by the esteemed theatre virtuoso Makinde Adeniran fta, Awo boasts an ensemble of top-tier Nigerian talent and promises to showcase some of the most exquisitely curated scenes ever witnessed from an African troupe on a London stage.

Produced by Dr. Lookman Sanusi’s Heavy Wind Media UK Ltd, under the auspices of the Duke of Shomolu Foundation franchise, Awo is poised to attract a diverse audience eager to experience the authenticity of African theatre.

Awo vividly portrays the life and legacy of the legendary African Statesman, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a politician, lawyer, and philosopher. Through masterful dialogue and stunning set designs, the play navigates through Awolowo’s remarkable journey, from his political endeavors and triumphs to the tumultuous period of post-independence Nigeria and the Civil War, culminating in the dawn of the Second Republic in the early 1970s.

Furthermore, Awo poignantly highlights the pivotal role of his wife, the illustrious Chief Mrs. HID Awolowo, who stood as a steadfast pillar behind Chief Awolowo’s illustrious life.

Having enjoyed resounding success in Lagos, with distinguished guests including Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo and his wife, His Excellency Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and former Governors Segun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel, among others, Awo is set to captivate London audiences with its rich narrative and stellar performances.

Prior to its London debut, Awo will make a brief stopover in Ikenne, Chief Awolowo’s birthplace, for a special showing generously sponsored by ValueJet, offering free admission to the public. The Ikenne event is expected to draw esteemed dignitaries such as Ambassador Dr. Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosunmu Executive Director of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation and Custodian of the Awolowo Legacy ,and the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, among others.

Tickets for the London show are available at www.shaw-theatre.com/book/27201.

Awo UK extends its gratitude to its sponsors Datamellon, Cruxstone, Purple, Page Assets, and Access Bank UK for their invaluable support in bringing this cultural extravaganza to fruition.

Entertainment

Globacom-Sponsored African Voices Changemakers Features BBN Host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu

Published

2 weeks ago

November 30, 2025

Eric

Nigerian media personality and Big Brother Naija host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, is the guest on CNN International’s acclaimed magazine show, African Voices, this week. The 30-minute show, sponsored by telecommunications leader, Globacom, gives viewers an in-depth look at Ebuka’s journey and impact.

Born on July 14, 1982, Ebuka first entered the spotlight as a contestant on the inaugural edition of Big Brother Naija in 2006. Since then, he has become the show’s longest-serving host, captivating audiences with his charisma and style.

A Law graduate of the University of Abuja, Ebuka also holds a Master’s degree in Law from the Washington College of Law at American University, Washington, where he specialized in Intellectual Property. Beyond reality TV, he has anchored notable programs including Rubbin’ Minds on Channels Television and the Glo Show.

The episode highlights Ebuka’s impressive fashion collaborations with designer Mai Atafo, the cultural stories behind his signature style, and his passionate advocacy for young boys across Nigeria.

The show which runs on Saturday on DSTV Channel 401 at 8:30 a.m. and 12.00 noon is repeated on Sunday at 4.30 a.m. and 7 p.m. The repeats continue on Monday at 4 on the morning belt and at 6.45 p.m. the same day and at 6.45 p.m. on Tuesday. The edition will be repeated next weekend at the same time slots.

Entertainment

My Character in “Sinnners” Reflects Deep Ancestral Reverence, Connection – Starlet Wunmi Mosaku

Published

2 weeks ago

November 29, 2025

Eric

By Samantha Ofole-Prince

She received a British Academy of Film and Television Arts award (BAFTA) for playing a grieving matriarch in the heartbreaking drama “Damilola, Our Loved Boy.” She captivated audiences as Ruby Baptiste in the horror-drama series “Lovecraft Country” and was the sidekick to Idris Elba’s character in the fifth series of the BBC crime drama “Luther.”

Wunmi Mosaku’s latest role as a spiritual healer and Hoodoo conjurer is earning her rave reviews.

In “Sinners,” the supernatural horror film directed by Ryan Coogler, Mosaku, who is known for her roles in “Loki” and “Deadpool & Wolverine” and the film “His House” is much more than just the estranged wife of Elijah “Smoke” Moore (Michael B. Jordan).

“Annie is Smoke’s protection, his comforter. She’s his mother, his teacher, his friend and his lover,” says the Nigerian-born British actress whose performance has been widely praised for its emotional arc and authenticity. In playing Annie, she steeped herself in research ensuring she not only perfected the Southern American accent required but arduously rehearsed with Jordan as their on-screen relationship is central to the film’s core.

“We had a couple of weeks of rehearsal and shared our story, our lives, our hopes, our dreams, our fears, the things most precious to us. And so, we built a level of trust and openness and safety to really explore that love, that grief, the differences. I think that’s kind of the fastest way to get to trusting your scene partner and being free is just to open up, and that’s what we did.”

An original tale that takes place in a single day, “Sinners” follows identical twin brothers, Smoke and Stack (both played by Michael B. Jordan), who return to their Mississippi hometown to open a juke joint. While they plan to start a new life, they soon find themselves battling a group of vampires who attack their establishment, forcing the survivors to learn how to fight and defeat them.

Her character’s expertise in Hoodoo proves crucial in helping her companions tackle the vampires. She provides spiritual and intellectual guidance for the group. It’s a role which also allowed Mosaku, who was born in Zaria, to explore her own heritage as a Hoodoo expert Dr. Yvonne Patricia Chireau, an authority on Africa based religions and spiritual traditions served as a consultant on the film.

“There is this reverence for our people, who we are and where we’re from, and I was excited by the depth and the quality of the writing when I read the script, and I learned so much from Annie. The onset conversations Michael and I had, and those I had with the community, truly inspired me. I hope the film reminds people to stay connected with their ancestors.”

With music, humor, drama, suspense and history, director Ryan Coogler (“Creed,” “Black Panther,” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”), who also wrote the screenplay, has created a modern cinematic masterpiece.

Samantha Ofole-Prince is a U.S. based journalist and movie critic who covers industry-specific news that includes television and film

Entertainment

Don Jazzy Names Top 5 All-time Afrobeats Songs, Albums

Published

1 month ago

November 1, 2025

Eric

Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy, has unveiled his list of favorite Afrobeats songs and albums, spotlighting the classics that propelled the genre from local streets to international acclaim.

In a RollingStone Africa interview, the producer paid homage to the Mo’ Hits era he co-built with D’Banj, while crediting pioneers who shaped the sound.

His top songs include 2Baba’s African Queen, which he said opened global doors for Afrobeats and Wizkid’s Ojuelegba for its authentic storytelling.

D’Banj’s Fall in Love earned praise as a continental anthem from Mo’ Hits, while 9ice’s Gongo Aso was lauded for blending Yoruba tradition with pop.

Davido’s Aye rounded out the list for its Highlife-infused energy.

For albums, Don Jazzy singled out Wande Coal’s Mushin 2 Mo’Hits, which he produced as a timeless masterpiece.

He also named 2Baba’s Grass 2 Grace, Wizkid’s Superstar, D’Banj’s The Entertainer, and Aṣa’s self-titled debut as foundational works that influenced today’s stars.