Entertainment
Glo Celebrates 15 Years of Sponsoring CNN African Voices Changemakers
By Eric Elezuo
It was a moment of awe, pleasant surprises and appreciation at the Eko Hotels when leading telecommunications company, Globacom celebrated 15 years of bankrolling the the CNN African Voices Changemakers with the entertainment big wigs in attendance.
Held to showcase the magnificent efforts of the telecom giants in the projection of African talents to the world, the top-notch anniversary witnessed an array of performances by leading and budding artists, classical interviews and speeches from well meaning individuals from Globacom and CNN.
Among the major highlights of the event was the high profile interview with music icon, Yemi Alade, who followed the footsteps of the likes of Rema and Sarkodie, projecting their music and career trajectory. Alade is a Grammy-nominated artist, who has shown class and resilience in her career. The interview was conducted by Larry Modowo, who was the host on the night, and was followed by her performance of her hit song ‘Tomorrow’. The show, which was recorded in front of a live audience, will be aired on November 30 at a premier event on CNN International.
Among A-list dignitaries at the event were the Executive Vice Chairman, Globacom, Mrs. Bella Disu, who represented the Chairman, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr. Others were the Executive Vice President, CNN International Commercial (CNNIC), Mr. Phil Nelson; Managing Director, OJ&T, Country Representatives of CNN, Mrs. Omolola Akpata-Owolabi, in addition to other artistes and distinguished guests.
There were also other prominent personalities from across Nigeria and othwr lands in attendance, including but not limited to screen icon, Joke Silva, Samuel Animashaun Perry, aka Broda Shaggi former African Voices guests, cultural icons, entrepreneurs, business leaders and influencers. Attendees enjoyed an evening of conversation, entertainment, and a behind-the-scenes look at the filming process.
African Voices Changemakers is one of CNN’s longest-running and most successful series, and according to CNN correspondent, ‘tells the stories of the continent’s thought-leaders, creatives, athletes, and entertainers who are at the forefront of change across Africa. The show also profiles Africa’s sporting stars in special African Voices Playmakers episodes and segments that additionally air in CNN’s flagship sport show World Sport.
“Alongside this on-air content, African Voices Changemakers is available across CNN’s digital and social platforms, with social-first My Drive videos and a dedicated playlist on Apple Music. Globacom is the exclusive sponsor of African Voices Changemakers across all platforms.”
Mrs Bella, who made a remark on behalf of Globacom, through the company’s Chief Marketing Officer, Ashok Israni, informed that Glo in collaboration with CNN has used the African Voices Changemakers to amplify voices that might otherwise have remained unheard, bringing to light the remarkable achievements of African entrepreneurs, artists, leaders, sportsmen and sportswomen, all of whom are changemakers.
He said “This sponsorship is more than just brand alignment; it has been a profound expression of our shared commitment to the transformative power of storytelling. And in partnering with CNN, we have helped ensure that Africa’s voices; its dreams, its challenges, and its triumphs, are broadcast to the world.”
The CNNIC Executive Vice President, Phil Nelson, in his speech noted, that “15 years of programming is a huge landmark and I’m pleased to celebrate it in Lagos with our longstanding commercial partners at Globacom, I thank them for our ongoing collaboration. This anniversary event for African Voices reaffirms CNN’s commitment to the series and to showcasing the richness, diversity, and dynamism of Africa on the global stage.”
He further eulogised the steadfastness Dr. Adenuga and the Glo brand in uplifting talents and creating a platform for the Voices of Africans to be heard via a world renowned podium.
African Voices Changemakers is a 30-minute magazine programme that highlights African stars in the film and music industry.
The Programme shows on DSTV Channel 401 every Saturday at 8.30 a.m. and the show is repeated the same day at noon. Other repeats follow on Sunday at 4.30 a.m. and 7.00 p.m., on Monday at 4.00 a.m., and on Saturday next week at 8.30 a.m. and 12 noon. It will also air again on Sunday at 4.30 a.m. and 7.00 p.m. and on Monday at 4.00 a.m.
Some guests who have appeared on the Glo-sponsored African Voices Changemakers program include:
Kaffy: The Nigerian dance queen and choreographer who led her group to break the Guinness World Record for “Longest Dance Party” in 2006. She also discussed how she has used her talents to empower young people and give back to her country.
Andrea Iyamah: The Nigerian-Canadian fashion designer and founder of the fashion label Andrea Iyamah. Her brand has been worn by celebrities like Michelle Obama, Kate Hudson, and Genevieve Nnaji.
P-Square: The Nigerian singing duo of Peter and Paul Okoye who discussed their career, life, and reuniting after a breakup.
Senbanjo: A former women and children’s rights attorney who campaigned for the education of girls and the inclusion of women in national life.
By Samantha Ofole-Prince
From AAFCA to BAFTA, the Golden Globes to the Critics Choice Awards, it’s certainly the season of splurges and speeches.
Each year between November and March, Hollywood becomes host to a majority of significant film awards as numerous guilds and critics associations heap accolades on movies which have moved them.
With 3 more major awards that include the Screen Actors Guild Awards, Oscars and the Image Awards left to dole out their nominations list, Samantha Ofole-Prince shares the scorecard on who’s snagged what statuettes so far.
Paul Thomas Anderson‘s action-thriller “One Battle After Another” has dominated the season. The film about a washed-up ex-revolutionary on a quest to rescue his daughter from a resurfaced nemesis that stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Chase Infiniti, Sean Penn and Teyana Taylor, has struck a chord with audiences receiving more accolades than any other movie. Some of the categories it has been nominated for include Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Ensemble, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Sound Design and Best Visual Effects. The film will most likely receive multiple Oscar nominations on January 22nd.
“Sinners,” the supernatural horror film directed by Ryan Coogler, follows close behind with 17 nominations, nearly matching the record of 18 that “Barbie” achieved two years ago from the Critics Choice Awards. The film collected a nod for Best Picture, while cast members Michael B. Jordan, Wunmi Mosaku, and Miles Caton are up for Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Young Actor / Actress respectively. Ryan Coogler was recognized in the categories of Best Director and Best Original Screenplay, and the film also received nods for Best Casting and Ensemble, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Editing, Best Costume Design, Best Hair and Makeup, Best Visual Effects, Best Stunt Design, Best Song, Best Score, and Best Sound. Coogler also received the Director Award at the Critics Choice 8th annual Celebration of Black Cinema.
Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” hasn’t done too badly either this awards season. The live-action film adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic novel about a scientist bringing a monstrous creature to life in a daring experiment, earned several Golden Globe nominations with additional recognition at the Critics Choice Awards and Gotham Awards for its screenplay, design, and performances.
Other notable nominations include Akinola Davies Jr.’s “My Father’s Shadow.” His feature length film debut, which is set against the backdrop of the 1993 Nigerian presidential election, has won several notable awards and special mentions at international film festivals and award ceremonies. Directed from a screenplay he co-wrote with his brother Wale, it secured two major awards at the 35th Annual Gotham Film Awards with a Breakthrough Director for Akinola, an Outstanding Lead Performance for its main actor Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù. The film also received 12 total nominations at the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA).
Tessa Thompson’s role as a manipulative woman in an entangled relationship between two men in the movie “Hedda” recently earned her several nominations including a Golden Globe nod for Best Actress, a Spirit Award nomination and Best Actress wins at the African American Film Critics Award and Critics Choice Celebration of Black Cinema. Other accolades include Gotham Awards and nominations for Best Film at the BFI London Film Festival, with production design and score.
Notable Nigerian actors Damson Idris, Cynthia Erivo and Ego Nwodim have also received accolades. Idris received a Best Supporting Actor nod from the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) and was honored by the Critics Choice Association (CCA) for his role as a race car drive in the movie “F1.” Erivo received two Golden Globe nominations and a Critics Choice Award nomination for her work in “Wicked: For Good” in the Best Actress category and Ego Nwodim received a Critics Choice Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for “Saturday Night Live.”
Despite decent reviews and strong performances from both Dwayne Johnson, who plays a real-life former amateur wrestler and mixed martial artist in the movie “The Smashing Machine,” and Ayo Edebiri, who plays a PHD student who accuses a Yale Professor of rape in the film “After the Hunt,” both have failed to garner many accolades. Johnson did receive his first Golden Globe nomination and Edebiri, an Emmy and SAG award-winning actor, writer, producer, director, and comedian, did get another Golden Globe nod in the television category, but it was for her portrayal of chef Sydney on the television series “The Bear.”
Now the countdown begins to the Oscar nominations, one of the most-watched live entertainment events of the year, the NAACP Image Awards and the SAG Awards nominations.
Samantha Ofole-Prince is a U.S. based journalist and movie critic who covers industry-specific news that includes television and film.
Photos: Critics Choice Association
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