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DECEMBERISSAVYBE: FIRSTBANK SPONSORS KAKADU THE MUSICAL

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First Bank of Nigeria Limited has announced its sponsorship of Kakadu the Musical, a theatre production from the stables of Playhouse Initiative. The play, which is set to return to stage from 28 to 30 December 2023 at the Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos, is among the activities lined up in the 2023 edition of FirstBank’s annual DecemberIssaVybe.

 

Written and produced by Uche Nwokedi, Kakadu the Musical is a reverberating drama of survival and hope that trails the journey of four friends from different tribes – Emeka, Kola, Osahon and Dapo alongside their female counterparts -Bisi, Amonia, Enoh and Hassana as they navigate a crisis that would change their lives forever.

Kakadu Musical Play

Set in the 1960s Lagos against the backdrop of a famous club Kakadu, the award-winning play will run from December 28 to 30, 2023 at the Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos. On the heels of its successful performances at the Nelson Mandela Theatre in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2017, Kakadu the Musical will thrill the Lagos audience with this nostalgic story that raises consciousness about friendship, humanity, love and nationalism.

 

Crafted with an emotional plot, Kakadu the Musical is a pulsating theatrical spectacle that blends Anglo-American soul, pop music with highlife, Afrobeat and Nigerian folk music. Although Kakadu, as a nightclub, is a metaphor for Nigeria’s social reality between 1965 and 1972, the story still resonates with present-day realities. 

Kakadu Musical Play

Kakadu the Musical fuels our collective memory with the truth about the consequences of ethnic bigotry, corruption and abuse of power. Through the plot structure, the playwright seeks to interrogate aspects of Nigeria’s history that obscures national unity.

 

While announcing the return of this box-office hit, the producer of Kakadu the Musical, Nwokedi remarks that musical promises to be exciting, reviving theatre patronage in the fast-paced city.

 

“Kakadu the Musical is like fine wine at 10. With the synergy of new and old cast members, the audience will enjoy a most exhilarating fusion of music, drama, fashion and dance. At Playhouse Initiative, we are keen on using these elements of arts to entertain and educate as well as to empower talented youths in the creative industry,’’ he says.

 

‘’We are excited to announce the return of Kakadu the Musical as the first of several activities lined up in our DecemmberIssaVybe bouquet this year. Kakadu the Musical is a successful export from Nigeria’s growing, admirable and globally renowned arts and entertainment industry. As a Bank woven into fabric of society for over 129 years, our First@arts initiative has played a pivotal role in the recognition of the abundant talents that abound in the country and we remain committed to being at the forefront of nation building; supporting through resourceful partnerships to build the Nigerian creative industry value chain which contributes to Nigeria’s GDP said Folake Ani-Mumuney, FirstBank’s Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communication’’.  

The FirstBank DecemberIssaVybe is a yearly campaign implemented to support the arts and entertainment sector in the country. During the month, the Bank provides moreopportunities and platforms for yet another eventful Homecoming Experience for Nigerians. Foreigners are not left out as fun seekers are granted premium access to witness their favourite acts – live on stage and attend in-demand concerts and shows. DecemberIssaVybe is all about memories.

FirstBank has made the 2023 DecemberIssaVybe exciting, as many of its customers and social media followers will not forget the year in a hurry due to the premium experience(s) of participating in various A-list concerts and events, including: Adekunle Gold’s musical concert, Livewire Concert Night of Queen; Asake’s concert, Street Souk at Harbour Point, Duke of Shomolu Productions, Super Family, A True Christmas Story.

To participate, all that is required is to register on FirstBank’s website https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/home/impact/sponsorships/events/decemberissavybe/and follow the Bank’s social media pages – Facebook: First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Instagram: @firstbanknigeria.

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5th Bodex Social Media Hangout: Exploring the power influence and impact of digital platforms

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The 5th edition of the Bodex Social Media Hangout (BSMH) unfolded in grand style, spotlighting the transformative power of social media in shaping narratives, fostering collaboration, and addressing societal challenges. With the theme “Social Media: The Influence, Power, and Impact,” the event attracted dignitaries, influencers, and stakeholders from across various sectors.

 

Panellist discussing at the 5th Edition of the Bodex Social media hangout

The event was moderated by the visionary Bodex Florence Hungbo, who guided the discussions with her signature poise and depth. Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dr. OreOluwa Finnih, S.A. on SDG who delivered a keynote address on behalf of the governor, who was on an official trip.

The presence of Dr. OreOluwa Finnih highlighted the Lagos State Government’s commitment to leveraging social media as a tool for growth and societal well-being.

The Bodex Social Media Hangout is a distinguished media talk-shop fostering collaboration among social media users, professionals, and stakeholders. Focused on promoting responsible digital citizenship, BSMH aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3) to enhance the well-being of users and encourage cultural and societal advancements through social media.

The event emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to address challenges such as fake news, cyberbullying, and online harassment.

A recent survey by The Guardian Nigeria revealed that 86% of Nigerians have encountered fake news, reflecting the pervasive influence of misinformation on social stability. Additionally, issues like mental health threats, cybercrime, and privacy concerns were discussed as critical challenges requiring immediate attention.

Through its sessions, the event showcased how social media has become a powerful tool for fostering awareness, driving economic growth, and promoting cultural exchange. Speakers and panelists also examined the darker side of digital platforms, including the rise of cyberbullying, mental health issues, and the spread of divisive content.

The event featured an impressive lineup of speakers and panelists who provided unique perspectives on the influence, power, and impact of social media:
Dotun Babatunde – The Impact of AI on Social Media

Dotun Babatunde explored the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in the social media landscape, emphasizing its impact on the “attention economy.” He remarked, “We live in an attention economy, where human attention is a scarce commodity.” Babatunde explained how AI-driven algorithms prioritize engagement, often amplifying sensational content, but also creating opportunities for personalized and meaningful interactions. He encouraged users and creators to approach AI with a balanced perspective, recognizing both its potential and pitfalls.

A/Prof Tayo Popoola Ph.D. – Social Media: The Influence, Power, and Impact

Associate Professor Tayo Popoola from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, provided a thought-provoking analysis of social media’s role in society. He stated, “Social media is a double-edged sword: it empowers the voiceless but also creates spaces for misinformation and toxicity. The challenge lies in managing its influence responsibly.” Prof. Popoola underscored the importance of digital literacy in enabling users to harness the benefits of social media while mitigating its negative impacts.

Akin Olaniyan – Navigating the Social Media Age: Clout, Influence, and the Ethics of the Attention Economy

Akin Olaniyan delivered a compelling critique of clout-chasing in the social media era. He commented, “Give any moron a smartphone, and anything and everything becomes content. To such a fellow, clout-chasing is an end in itself, and the smartphone just makes it super-easy.” Reflecting on the quality of content creation, he added, “I am tempted to believe that their choice of subjects reflects their intellect, with the more empty-headed being the most daring.” Olaniyan called for ethical standards in digital content creation and urged society to value substance over virality.

ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi – The Digital Detective: Solving Crimes in the Social Media Age

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, showcased how social media has revolutionized law enforcement. He stated, “Social media is not just a platform for entertainment; it’s a valuable tool for law enforcement. By leveraging the power in the mass number of social media active users, we can solve more crimes and make our communities safer.” Adejobi shared examples of cases solved through digital platforms and emphasized the need for digital-savvy officers to maximize this potential.

In addition to the keynote speakers, the panelists brought fresh insights and diverse expertise to the event. Notable contributors included:
Olufemi Oguntamu, CEO of Penzaarville Africa.
Tomiwa Talabi, Founder/CEO of Lagos Life Influencer.
Dayo Oketola, Author, PR Consultant, and Former Editor at The Punch.
Iyabo Ojo, Actress, Filmmaker, and Influencer.

Hosted by celebrated media personality Frank Edoho, the event featured workshops, live sessions, and networking opportunities, creating an interactive atmosphere for attendees. Discussions covered a range of topics, from personal branding and content creation to the role of digital platforms in fostering community and enhancing security.

The panelists emphasized the power of social media in amplifying voices, holding leaders accountable, and fostering a sense of global connection. However, they also called attention to the darker aspects of the digital world, advocating for measures to combat negativity and promote a safer online environment.

Dr. OreOluwa Finnih reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s vision of creating a digital ecosystem that promotes economic growth, cultural exchange, and societal well-being. The event’s mission remains clear: to foster collaboration, combat negativity, and shape Nigeria’s digital landscape for the better.

The Bodex Social Media Hangout remains a leading force in shaping Nigeria’s digital landscape.

In the words of Bodex Florence Hungbo: “Social media is the new oil well, Let us go fetch it.”

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Exclusive: Why Funke Akindele Left Femi Adebayo’s Seven Door Movie Premiere in Anger

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Funke Akindele, a prominent actor and producer celebrated for her recent film release, “Everybody Loves Jenifa,” was once again the center of attention during the premiere of her former lover, collaborator, and fellow actor Femi Adebayo’s much-anticipated movie, “Seven Doors.” This event took place at the Imax Cinema in Lekki Phase 1 on December 11, 2024. Many guests, including cast and crew members, gathered to get a glimpse of the new film, which is slated for release on Netflix tomorrow.
Eyewitness accounts reveal to CITYSPY that; Funke Akindele arrived at the venue accompanied by a group of about five individuals, consisting mainly of her assistants. However, Funke was the only member of her entourage to possess an access tag, as mandated by the event organizers, who had instructed security personnel to prioritize those with tags for crowd control purposes. While Funke and one other individual were allowed entry, the remaining three members of her party were denied access due to the security team not recognizing their association with her.
Instead of engaging with the security staff to clarify the situation—similar to how veteran actor Prince Jide Kosoko managed to gain entry for himself and his daughters, who also lacked tags—Funke reportedly became agitated. She expressed her frustration and abruptly left the event before the premiere started, making her way toward her car. Witnesses noted that many attendees expected her to handle the situation with more composure; after all, the security personnel were simply performing their duties.
As the incident unfolded, several senior actors present at the premiere attempted to intervene, calling Funke in hopes of calming her down and facilitating a resolution. However, she dismissed their concerns, got into her vehicle, and instructed her driver to leave the premises. This display of impatience and disregard for the assistance offered by her peers left a sour taste in the mouths of many attendees, who questioned why Funke Akindele, known to have a cordial relationship with Femi Adebayo, would react in such a manner—especially considering that Femi had supported her at her own movie premiere just days prior.
However, several eyewitnesses countered his perspective, explaining that it was Funke who had escalated a minor issue into something significant, when all that was required was a bit of patience and understanding to resolve the misunderstanding.
The reactions from veteran colleagues within the industry were overwhelmingly negative, as many felt that Funke’s behavior was not only insulting but also unbecoming of someone of her stature. They expressed their disappointment, noting how they had tried to reason with her as she departed the event without acknowledgment. Such responses have sparked discussions among industry peers about the importance of humility and professionalism, especially in public settings.

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Desperados Teams Up with Ladipoe and Cruise Gang for an Unusual New Streetwear Collection

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Desperados, the renowned beer brand known for its bold and adventurous spirit, has announced an exciting new collaboration with Nigerian music sensation Ladipoe, alongside the innovative streetwear label Cruise Gang. This partnership marks the launch of a unique collection designed for the unusual.
Ladipoe, known for his distinctive sound and lyrical prowess, has consistently pushed the boundaries of being an artist in the Nigerian music scene. From his breakout hits to his continued success as a leading figure in Rap and Afrobeats, Ladipoe has always embraced his uniqueness, making him the perfect face for this collaboration.
The Desperados x Cruise Gang collection is part of the brand’s ongoing ‘Go for the Unusual’ campaign, encouraging fans to embrace unorthodox experiences and express themselves freely. This limited-edition merchandise line is designed to resonate with those who, like Ladipoe, are unafraid to stand out and make bold statements.
Each piece is characterized by vibrant, playful designs that embody the adventurous ethos of Desperados and the avant-garde approach of Cruise Gang. The combination of edgy graphics and imaginative patterns offers a fresh take on contemporary fashion, perfect for those looking to add a touch of originality to their wardrobe.
“Ladipoe is a true representation of what it means to go for the unusual,” said Aboyowa Ikpobe, Brand Manager of Desperados. “His creativity and willingness to break the mold align perfectly with Desperados’ commitment to playful experimentation. We’re thrilled to collaborate with him and Cruise Gang on this one-of-a-kind collection.”
Ladipoe also expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “This collaboration is all about embracing your individuality and making a statement. The designs reflect the same energy and boldness I bring to my music, and I’m excited to see how fans will rock these pieces.”
The Desperados x Cruise Gang collection is available for a limited time and is expected to sell quickly. Fans of Ladipoe, Desperados, and Cruise Gang are encouraged to explore the collection and secure their favourite pieces before they’re gone. Follow @desperadosng on Instagram to discover the new collections and how to grab yours!

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