Entertainment/Arts/Culture
Igbo Movie, “Ifediche”, Receives 5 AFFRICUFF Nominations

The Igbo Language movie, “Ifediche”, has received five nominations from the African Cultural Film Festival, popularly called AFFRICUFF, scheduled to hold between October 26 and 29.
The movie producer, Brown Ene, disclosed this on Saturday, saying that the movie was also set to premier November 12, as well as its official release in cinemas on November 17.
Ene, who is the Chairman, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Enugu State Chapter, made the disclosure during a Premier Press Conference in Enugu.
He further disclosed that Ifediche had in September won ‘The Best Film Foreign Language’ at the Toronto Nollywood International Film Festival, Canada.
According to him, before that, the film received an honourable mention as ‘Best Feature Film’ at the Eastern Europe Film Festival.
“It was also nominated as ‘Best
Indigenous Language Movie’ at the 2023 African Magic Viewers Choice Awards and as ‘Best Narrative
Feature Film’ by Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival.
“Few days ago, it was nominated by Abuja International Film Festival and received five nominations from AFRICUFF, USA.
“As Ifediche continues to make
its path round the world and earn recognitions, its production team has scheduled its official premiere on November 12, and secured its official release with Blue Pictures Distribution Company in cinemas on November 17,” Ene said.
Speaking on how the film came about, Ene recalled that in 2021, during an interaction with former Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, he announced that he would support the state AGN in a talent hunt and film production.
He said that Ugwuanyi’s support, alongside others, gave birth to “Ifediche” and “We are happy and excited that this little project has got us international recognition”.
He further said that the movie was shot in Enugu to project beautiful aspects of the state and centred on a university trained village girl who decided to embrace her root in ihe quest to achieve her lofty dreams, which the big city failed to give her.
“She has to surmount unforeseen obstacles emanating from her root and the dreams she harbours.
“Ifediche is unique because it is a movie that tells about heritage, culture, family and love,” he said.
He further said that the movie was acted by budding and notable actors and actresses, including Pete Edochie, Chinwetalu Agu, Ebere Okaro, Chinaza Onyia, Chinelo Enemchukwu, Jide Kenenna, Chika Okpala, alias Zebruddaya, Offiafuluagu Mbah and many others.
While appreciating all the support they received so far for the production and post production of the movie, the producer urged Nigerians to look out for Ifediche in cinemas from November 17.
“It is not just about Enugu as Ifediche has brought honour to Nigeria,” he added.
AFFRICUFF is a vibrant showcase of African cinema presented annually to feature diverse perspectives and stories from across the continent. (NAN)
Entertainment/Arts/Culture
Spotify Spotlights Fola, Thakzin as Africa’s Next Music Icons

Spotify has announced Nigerian Afrobeats talent, Fola and South African Afro House DJ and producer, Thakzin, as part of its RADAR Africa initiative.
According to the streaming platform, these artistes have promoted and shaped Sub-Saharan Africa’s music scene.
Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, said this in a statement on Thursday.
According to her, the platform is committed to discovering and amplifying emerging voices in championing boundary-pushing artistes shaping the sound of tomorrow.
Okumu said that Spotify Radar was not just a platform, but a launchpad.
“It reflects Spotify’s commitment to empowering local artistes across Sub-Saharan Africa and delivering the best listening experience in the region.
“From Lagos to Johannesburg, RADAR celebrates the diversity of talent on the continent, offering artistes equal access to global audiences.
“At Spotify, we believe in the power of African storytelling through music,” she said.
She described FOLA and Thakzin as incredibly unique artistes who represent the spirit of RADAR.
“By amplifying their journeys, we hope to inspire more creators across the continent to believe in their vision and reach for bigger stages,” she said.
Fola, born Folarin Odunlami, first caught attention with his freestyles on social media, quickly making a name for himself with his blend of Afrobeats rhythms and soulful storytelling.
His breakout EP ‘What A Feeling’, featuring the Bella Shmurda-assisted hit, “Who Does That”, laid the foundation for a fast-rising career that now includes collaborations with BNXN, Magixx, and BhadBoi OML.
“Looking at where I’m coming from, I see every opportunity as a blessing. So, it’s a blessing to have been selected, just like others before me.
“I want my fans to know that in the midst of all the noise, I made something they could truly connect with, feel and share with those who mean something to them.
“I want everyone who listens to at the very least, recognise that they’re witnessing the early days of something truly special,” Fola said.
On the southern tip of the continent, Thakzin’s journey began in Ivory Park, Johannesburg, where early jazz and kwaito influences.
Also, a deep respect for traditional percussion shaped his signature sound.
With co-signs from Black Coffee and international tastemakers like Laurent Garnier, his genre-defying approach to Afro House, heard in his 2023 anthem, “The Magnificent Dance”.
Following the release of Magnificent Dance, his version of ‘Horns In The Sun’, by DJ Kent, became a viral hit across South Africa and gained global traction, potentially surpassing the success of ,Magnificent Dance’.
Thakzin’s sound is rooted in African spirituality and healing, inspired by the rhythmic power of traditional drums.
Shaped by a musical upbringing and guided by his father, a keyboardist, he blends rich harmonies with percussive elements to create an immersive Afro-house experience.
Entertainment/Arts/Culture
Popular Chinese Singer Executed by Firing Squad over Murder of Girlfriend

Popular Chinese actor and singer, Zhang Yiyang has been executed for the murder of his underage girlfriend.
Zhang Yiyang became the first ever Chinese celebrity to be executed by firing squad.
The Intermediate People’s Court of Xianyang in North Shaanxi Province made the report of his execution public in July 2025.
According to the report, the actor was executed on December 18 2024 for attacking his 16-year-old girlfriend with a knife in 2022, cut her left carotid artery, jugular vein, trachea and esophagus, which after massive bleeding led to her death.
Zhang started dating the victim in September 2021, before the victim proposed breaking up after a dispute.
After the murder, he took away the deceased’s mobile phone, discarded the knife and other weapons and related items in a reservoir to destroy evidence.
On the following day, he attempted to commit suicide at a hotel but was discovered by one of the hotel workers, who reported to the police.
His popular songs include ‘I Only Care About People Who Care About Me’, ‘So Care About You’ and ‘Crying Man’.
Entertainment/Arts/Culture
Why Igbo Men Struggle in Politics – Pete Edochie

Veteran Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie, has stirred controversy with a bold statement about Igbo politicians, claiming they are not adept at navigating the Nigerian political landscape.
In a recent interview, Edochie argued that the average Igbo man lacks the temperament required for politics, which often involves a degree of “treachery” and strategic compromise.
“An Igbo man is not a good politician.
And I will tell you why: people who are used to politics or the treachery that characterises politics can overlook a lot of things. But the Igbo man is not constituted to condone treachery a second time,” he said.Edochie emphasized that once an Igbo man is betrayed, he is unlikely to forgive or reconnect with the offender, which, in his view, hinders long-term political alliances.
“If you hurt the Igbo man once in politics, he will never give you an opportunity to hurt him again. He will recoil. That’s the average Igbo man.”