Entertainment (138)

Friday, 29 November 2024 13:40

WHY “WESTERN” FILM HAUNTS COSTNER

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Kevin Costner, the writer, director, producer, and star of "Horizon: An American Saga," has been a well-known supporter of Westerns. Now, he explains why the genre haunts him. The "Yellowstone" star explained in the foreword of "The Great Horizon: Photographing Kevin Costner's 'American Saga,'" that Westerns are based on "no greater narrative than the arduous journey of men and women from across America in pursuit of a dream." Costner's "Horizon:

 

Despite being a dark horse for the awards season, "An American Saga" is only one of four planned films that examine how the American West changed during the Civil War. The release date for "Part Two," which made its debut at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, has not yet been announced.

 

Photographer Cale Glendening documented the first installment's filming. The official making-of book, "The Great Horizon" (Weldon Owen, published November 26), includes close-up cast portraits and behind-the-scenes photos. More than 250 never-before-seen photos, cast and crew reactions, articles, and script excerpts are included in the book.

In his foreword, Costner describes "Horizon: An American Saga" as the "most challenging journey" he has ever worked on. "The most difficult journey I've ever taken was the creation of Horizon: An American Saga," Costner wrote. "I'm a storyteller at heart, and the arduous journey of men and women across America in pursuit of a goal is perhaps the greatest narrative that has ever been told.

 

 Their ideal was fiercely pursued and only a select few succeeded, and even then, it took many people's blood, sweat, and tears to make it happen. The nightmares of the people who had inhabited and prospered in the West for ages came as a result of following their fantasies westward. This was a tale I had to share.

"I wanted to go beyond the myth and tell the story of the common people creating a new chapter in the history of America in the face of war, over great distances, in a nation at war with itself," Costner added. Traders and trackers, surveyors and settlers, missionaries and soldiers, lawmen and criminals – everyone was enthralled with the hazy promise of a brighter future.

 

 I wanted to depict their journey from the perspectives of friends, family, and enemies who are all trying to alter their fates. Everybody, from Chinese traders to Pima cavalry scouts, from European colonists to White Mountain Apache, penned their tale and entered uncharted territory.

 

 The excerpt states, “They believed in the journey and were willing to risk everything. The women especially faced intense hardship, but showed tremendous resilience in trying to keep their families clean, fed, and healthy. It is important to me that their stories are firmly at the center of all of the chapters of ‘Horizon: An American Saga.’ We can only measure our lives against the generations that came before and wonder whether we would have been as resourceful, as tenacious, as brave.”

 

Costner also gave some thought to the country's current situation. "Everyone in America is searching for something, whether it be opportunity, vision, or belief," Costner wrote. "It has been a long and difficult journey of opportunity, vision, and belief to create the first two episodes of the 'Horizon' film cycle. I hope that Cale Glendening's photographs from the sets of "Horizon:

 

 See that in the faces of the outstanding performers in "An American Saga," and sense the timeless allure of the American West in Cale's photographs of Utah's breathtaking canyons. And when the film starts and you sit down in the dark, I hope you will also feel the allure of the American West dream and lose yourself in the gripping tales of the people who sought it and those who were affected by it.

 

Costner has stated that he finds "comfort" in the Western genre itself in an interview with IndieWire's Filmmaker Toolkit program. "I hope that aspect of the film appeals to viewers. I'm not sure whether they do anymore, but I don't care. He said, "I love my gunfights, but I'm not in a rush to get to them. I do like it, so when I make them, it's still going to be there." I think the language informs [the action], and I'm in love with it. I'm prepared to take my time when stating my desired lines in opposition to these large areas.

Wednesday, 06 November 2024 13:41

NIGERIAN ARTISTS HONOURED IN AMERICA

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Three renowned Nigerian artists—Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya, Chief Jimoh Buraimoh, and Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye—have been honored with the U.S. Exchange Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award as part of celebrations honoring 50 years of artistic collaborations between Nigeria and the United States of America (USA).  In honor of the three, who participated in the Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP) more than 50 years ago, US Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills presented the award to the awardees.

 

Each of the legends received a commemorative certificate yesterday, according to a statement from the US Mission, in recognition of their extraordinary dedication to their craft, their unwavering mentoring of up-and-coming artists, and their priceless contributions that have deepened the ties between the people of the two nations. The U.S. government is dedicated to funding programs and initiatives that foster cultural exchange, encourage artistic expression, protect cultural heritage, and build the skills of Nigerian artists and professionals in the creative industries, Ambassador Mills said in his remarks.

 

He emphasized how alumni of U.S. government exchange programs contribute to their communities in a variety of ways, including the creative economy.

For this reason, we have funded these programs for fifty years, and we will continue to do so for many years to come," Mills stated. Chief Davies-Okundaye, who has taught students all over the world the ancient arts of batik and adire, stated that taking part in the exchange program had a big influence on her life and gave her access to fresh viewpoints and experiences that influenced both her professional and personal development.

Chief Jimoh Buraimoh, a renowned bead painter and awardee, expressed his happiness at the recognition.  "It was life-changing for me to travel to the United States on an exchange program fifty years ago in 1974. It allowed me to mentor the upcoming generation of artists and share my work with a wider audience."  In addition to teaching at esteemed establishments like the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Maine and universities in New York, Boston, and Los Angeles, Chief Buraimoh's artwork has been shown all over the world.

 

Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya, who is 92 years old, is still a prominent presence in Nigeria's visual arts landscape, producing sculpture, printmaking, painting, and installation. He pointed out that emerging artists find it difficult to stay committed to their craft as a result of the prize recognition.  "I feel so inspired and thrilled. By fostering upcoming talent in the field, I will keep giving back," he continued. Professor Onobrakpeya is well-known for being the illustrator of Chinua Achebe's No Longer at Ease. He has had exhibitions all over the world, including this one.

 

"The Mask and the Sword" at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, and is still regarded as one of the most renowned artists of the 20th century from West Africa.  Political and corporate executives, diplomats, academics, art curators and collectors, and alumni of various U.S. government exchange programs were among the notable attendees of the ceremony.

It emphasized the 50-year Sister Cities relationship between Lagos and Atlanta, as well as the historical people-to-people linkages in the visual arts between the two nations.

Thursday, 03 October 2024 12:54

HOW WIZKID JOKED WITH HIS ADMIRER ON STAGE

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DNigerian musician Wizkid, whose real name is Ayodeji Balogun, has disclosed that he is married. During a recent event, the award-winning singer revealed this while on stage. Wizkid was heard warning a woman not to go too near to him since he is married in one of the widely shared videos from the occasion.

 

I'm a married man, baby; stay away from me. My spouse and I are wed. I have my kids at home," he remarked. Whether the singer was making a joke or not is unknown. Currently, Wizkid is seeing his baby mama, Jada Pollock, who is also his manager.

 

Following the birth of their first child, Zion, in 2017, Wizkid and Pollock's relationship was first made public. A few years later, the couple welcomed another son, AJ. Recently, when Jada showed off what appeared to be a baby bump on social media, there have been rumors that they are expecting their third child.

Wednesday, 18 September 2024 13:45

WIZKID’S POPULAR ALBUM HITS ONE DECADE

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Ten years have passed since Wizkid's album "Ayo" was published. Among the album's prominent tracks is "Ojuelegba," which has become a huge success.

 

The mid-tempo track emphasized his contemplation of his ascent to fame, which began in Lagos' Ojuelegba neighborhood. The song struck a chord with audiences because it contained catchy melodies in both Yoruba and Pidgin English while also spreading a message of thankfulness, optimism, and endurance.

 

Rappers Skepta, a British-Nigerian, and Drake, a Canadian, were drawn to Ojuelegba's commercial success and decided to freestyle on what would eventually become the unauthorized remix. The song will be essential in the internationalization of Nigerian mainstream pop music since, a year later, Drake will include Wizkid in his worldwide hit song "One Dance." Through this partnership, Wizkid and Afrobeats will gain international recognition, helping to steer the genre toward success on a global scale. Wizkid's "Ojuelegba," released ten years ago, has become a legendary song with noticeable effects on the Nigerian music scene.

Tuesday, 17 September 2024 13:56

SEAN "DIDDY" ARRESTED AGAIN

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Federal officials detain Sean "Diddy" Combs in New York City. It was confirmed that federal officials from Homeland Security Investigations arrested Sean "Diddy" Combs on Monday night in New York City. Federal investigators detained Sean Combs earlier this evening based on a sealed indictment that the Southern District of New York filed, according to a statement released by the US Attorney for that district, Damian Williams. "We expect to move to unseal the indictment in the morning and will have more to say at that time." Inside Midtown Manhattan's Park Hyatt hotel, Combs was taken into custody, according to sources.

 

Before being taken to court on Tuesday for his arraignment, he will spend the night in federal prison. Combs' arrest was triggered by an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Manhattan, according to sources who spoke with our correspondent. The accusations are still under seal. In a statement, Combs' attorney Marc Agnifilo addressed the news and referred to it as "an unjust prosecution." "We are disappointed in the U.S. Attorney's Office for their choice to press Mr. Combs' case, which we feel is unfair. Sean Agnifilo stated in the statement, "Diddy" Combs is a music icon, self-made businessman, devoted family guy, and established philanthropist who has dedicated the last thirty years to creating an empire, loving his kids, and striving for the betterment of the Black community.

Although he is not a criminal, he is an imperfect guy. Mr. Combs has been incredibly cooperative during this investigation, and last week he moved to New York voluntarily in preparation for these allegations. Kindly hold off on making decisions until you have all the information. "These actions are those of an innocent man who has nothing to conceal, and he is eager to clear his name in court," Agnifilo continued. Since Cassie Ventura, Combs' long-term girlfriend, made accusations in a civil complaint, the man has been the subject of an inquiry for more than a year.

 

After that, at least ten more cases were filed. Combs has refuted every one of the accusations. Federal agents raided Combs' houses in Miami and Los Angeles back in March, according to earlier reports from the authorities. At the time, a spokesman for Homeland Security Investigations stated in a statement that the operation was carried out as a component of an "ongoing investigation."

 

Federal officials detain Sean "Diddy" Combs in New York City. "He is not a criminal," the attorney for Combs declared in a statement. By Luke Barr and Aaron Katersky At 3:43 AM on September 17, 2024, or 2:33 Arrested in New York City is Sean Combs. Federal officers equipped with Homeland Security confirmed that federal officials from Homeland Security Investigations arrested Sean "Diddy" Combs on Monday night in New York City. Federal investigators detained Sean Combs earlier this evening based on a sealed indictment that the Southern District of New York filed, according to a statement released by the US Attorney for that district, Damian Williams.

 

"We expect to move to unseal the indictment in the morning and will have more to say at that time." According to sources, Combs was taken into custody at the Park Hyatt hotel located in Midtown Manhattan. Before his Tuesday arraignment, he will be held in federal detention for the night. Combs' arrest was triggered by an indictment delivered by a federal grand jury in Manhattan. The charges are still under seal. Marc Agnifilo, Combs' attorney, responded to the news in a statement, labeling it "an unjust prosecution." "We find it disappointing that the U.S. Attorney's Office has chosen to press Mr. Combs's case notwithstanding our belief that it is unfair.

 

Agnifilo added in the statement, "Sean "Diddy" Combs is a music icon, self-made businessman, devoted family guy, and established philanthropist who has dedicated the last thirty years to creating an empire, raising his children, and uplifting the Black community. MORE: A lieutenant provides testimony in the trial of the policemen suspected of fatally beating Tyre Nichols, saying, "He is not a criminal; he is an imperfect person." To his credit, Mr. Combs has cooperated fully with the inquiry, moving to New York last week on his own will in anticipation of the charges. Please wait to decide until you have all the information.

 

"These actions are those of an innocent man who has nothing to conceal, and he is eager to clear his name in court," Agnifilo continued. Since Cassie Ventura, Combs' long-term girlfriend, made accusations in a civil complaint, the man has been the subject of an inquiry for more than a year. Following were at least ten more lawsuits. In each case, Combs has refuted the accusations. Authorities had previously stated that federal agents had raided Combs' residences in Miami and Los Angeles back in March.

 

 

At the time, a spokesman for Homeland Security Investigations stated in a statement that the operation was carried out as a component of an "ongoing investigation." ADDITIONAL: Additional dangers in Springfield, Ohio Fear permeates the neighborhood when a college closes its campus. During the court-approved searches of Combs' two houses in late March, law enforcement and federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations had taken several electronic devices into custody. According to the sources, the hip-hop and liquor magnate was the target of FBI sex trafficking investigations, which included searches conducted in Los Angeles and Miami. As part of an investigation headed by prosecutors in the Southern District of New York, HSI officers flooded Combs' residences and collected evidence.

Tuesday, 17 September 2024 13:09

WHEN MOHAMED ALI AND STALLONE MEET

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Never to be forgotten is the message Sylvester Stallone left behind: "Let me tell you something you already know... It's not always sunshine and rainbows in the world. No matter how strong you are, this place will bring you to your knees and hold you there forever if you allow it to. It's a really cruel and ugly place. Nobody is going to hit as hard as life—not me, nor you. However, it's not about how hard you strike.

Stallione Rocky

 

It all comes down to how much you can withstand and yet keep going forward, as well as how hard you can be hit. That's the winning mentality. Go out there and get what you deserve if you already know what that worth is. However, you have to be prepared to accept setbacks and refrain from placing blame or claiming that someone else is the reason you aren't where you want to be. That's what cowards do, not you. You're not worthy of that.

Tuesday, 17 September 2024 12:56

SYLVESTER STALLONE AND HIS PET DOG BUTKUS

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Sylvester Stallone was so impoverished that he turned to selling his dog for $25, went homeless, and sold his wife's jewelry. Despite his financial difficulties, he turned down two additional offers and $125,000 after writing Rocky because they wouldn't let him start. After all, a studio offered him $35,000 for the screenplay and gave him the lead role.

 

Early in his career, Sylvester Stallone had to sell his dog, Butkus, for $40 because he was so short on funds. He paid $15K to repurchase the dog and gave him a part in the film Rocky after selling the screenplay for the film. Five years ago, Stallone told the tale of how, in 1971, at a difficult time, he fell in love with his dog, Butkus.

Stallione dog

"I had two pairs of pants that barely fit, shoes with holes in them, and thoughts of success that were as far away as the sun when I was 26 years old, completely broke, and going nowhere very quickly. However, I had my dog, BUTKUS, who was my closest confidant and greatest buddy. He was the only living creature who accepted me for who I was and always smiled at my jokes." "We shared a flophouse above a subway stop, were both underweight and were always hungry.

Stallione dog 2

I once said that this apartment had... Roaches are running, hot and cold. I couldn't afford food, so as circumstances became even worse, I had to sell him for $40 in front of a 7-Eleven. The Rocky screenplay then sold, and I was able to repurchase him, almost like a contemporary miracle. However, the new owner charged me $15,000 since he saw that I was desperate, but he was well worth the money." Butkus even had the opportunity to star in the first two films before he died in 1981; Rocky won an Oscar, and the two remained together forever.

Thursday, 12 September 2024 11:53

NANCY CLAIMS THAT NIGERIA HAS BEEN GOOD TO HER

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Nancy Isime, an actress, has proclaimed her love and dedication to Nigeria with pride. She expressed her thankfulness and admiration for the opportunities and benefits she has gotten as a Nigerian in an interview with CreativiTEA. She emphasized the value of thankfulness and positivism while expressing concern about those who speak adversely about the nation all the timeNancy 2

"I worry about people who constantly say, 'Nigeria is bad,'" Isime said, acknowledging the important role Nigeria has had in her accomplishment. They are bringing negativity into a nation that ought to support them. That is not something I am capable of. Everything—notoriety, wealth, and the means to support my family and myself—has come from Nigeria. A small number of individuals give the impression that things shouldn't be the way they are.

 

 

Nancy Isime, an actress and talk show host, has also disclosed that, unlike other females, she never had marriage as a fantasy. Isime recently stated that her priorities were employment and financial freedom in an appearance on "Creativity Live with Lynda."

 

Isime emphasized her dedication to her art and said that earning her own money comes first.

The truth is, I'm afraid of the spotlight. I never had the kind of dreams young ladies did when they sat down to think about being married. "I once had aspirations of working and being wealthy. She said, "I can spend so much on myself that I can't imagine someone else taking the position that you wouldn't have this life if it weren't for me."

 

 

Isime, who has been employed since she was seventeen, stated that her objective is to become financially secure before taking an early retirement. "I have been employed since seventeen, and I aim to retire early. I'm working on everything I can now so that when I retire—which many believe is too soon—my accomplishments and portfolio will speak for themselves, the woman remarked. The actress also emphasized the need to savor the process instead of concentrating only on the outcome.

 

Before taking any action, we frequently want to see the finished product. We find the process unpleasant. She remarked, "I make a point of appreciating the process and the trip, realizing that you can never completely arrive. Isime stated, "People feel like struggles are something to be ashamed of; for me, it's not." about difficulties and challenges. You can scroll down my Instagram feed completely if you visit it. I keep everything because it serves as a kind of memory book for me.

 

 

Isime also discussed the significance of laying a solid foundation, drawing a parallel between her experience and a biblical idea.  A passage in the Bible says that when you lay your foundation on Christ, it's like building on a rock; when the rain comes, it stays put. I've built my way through life in this manner," she continued.

Friday, 06 September 2024 13:54

WHY BABA WANDE IS NOT APPEARING IN NEW MOVIES

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The seasoned Yoruba film actor Kareem Adepoju, better known by his stage as Baba Wande, has shared his reasons for quitting acting as well as the one thing that would motivate him to take a role in a film offered by one of his peers.  In a video featuring an interactive session with Kunle Afod, which was uploaded on Kunleafod TV's official YouTube account, he said that he had given up acting because he had received an offer of 70,000 naira to work in two different states. He claimed in his statement, "I no longer visit movie theaters because the compensation they offer is completely depressing.

 

I stopped doing motion pictures because I was paid 70,000 naira for a role in two states. "I can't handle that amount in any manner, especially given the state of affairs in the nation and the present fuel shortage. I might think about going to performing films if I get a good-paying movie role offered to me."

Friday, 09 August 2024 14:12

ONWENU NOT AN ORDINARY WOMAN: SUNNY ADE

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In response to a question concerning his relationship with Onwenu, the singer said, "I can't explain it; you know if they give you the news of a loved one's death who has to do with your life and also your work." "She's not just an ordinary woman; she was someone who would sit down with you and she used to say, 'Can I chip in some advice?' and the advice was always correct," he said.

 

She used to be more active than I was; she was more involved in group music projects. It was always lovely when she would tap me and say, 'Sunny, let's take it this way,'" he said. The news of Onyeka Onwenu's death on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, rocked the country. She was supposed to have slumped after her performance at Stella Okoli's birthday celebration that night, but she inexplicably passed away.

 

After that, she was taken to Reddington Hospital by ambulance, but sadly, she did not survive. "It is very sad," stated an eyewitness at the party who told the newspaper that the horrible occurrence had occurred. Following her performance at Mrs. Stella Okoli's birthday celebration today, Onyeka Onwenu slumped. She was brought to

Reddington Hospital and she was unable to attend."

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