While it lasted, the show held Nigerians spellbound, as families stayed glued to their television screens as if they were under a kind of spell. The closing week was heady as viewers scrambled to make a total of 25 million votes for the Big Brother Naija 2017.
Of course, the climax was nothing but shattering. The moment Efe Ejeba was declared winner Nigerians went into hysteria. Social media was on fire. Efe became an instant celebrity, a beautiful bride that governments, individuals and corporate organisations were falling over each other to endorse.
However, a week after, the heady wine has begun to settle down and it is time to take stock. And the question is, did Nigeria benefit from the entire drama that is BB Naija? Aside relieving the pains of the economic recession, most people believe Nigeria did not benefit as the South Africans smiled to the bank all through. And right now, Friday Rendevous learnt that finishing touches are being put to the next edition holding in 2018.
“Both morally and financially, Big Brother Naija did not benefit Nigerians. For a show that was shot in South Africa, the show should have been called Big Brother South Africa. But the South Africans were smart and tapped into Nigeria’s brand by making it a solely Nigerian affair. It is sad that the directive by the presidency for the platform to be probed has not yielded any fruits. BB Naija could be a case of passing off,” a source said.
Itoro is all about unleashing the giant in you -Veronique
Singer and songwriter, Veronique Adaa is heating the entertainment scene up, as she has just released a single, Itoro.
“I am so excited. My latest single, Itoro is heating up the airwaves. Itoro is an inspirational song that awakes the giant in you. The response has been awesome. The message is, ‘no matter how bad life is, if you are hardworking, you can still make a good life in your country.
“In Paris, I see a lot of stranded Nigerians, a lot of girls standing along the streets and waiting for men to pick them up. I see a lot of blacks suffering. And I am like, ‘instead of staying here and suffering, I would rather go back to my country and live well’. Itoro is telling them you can have a good life in your country. Even if you are from a poor background, you can still be something. So, the song is a kind of encouragement for all those who are down,” Veronique said.
Veronique’s first official single, Radio Now, recorded several successes; with heavy rotation in nightclubs across Gabon. Her last single, Do Me Like This was released on February 20 and produced by Fliptice. This was shortly followed by the visual, shot in Paris and Nigeria.
‘A lady’s sad story inspired Light in The Dark’
For the director of Light in the Dark, Ekene Som Mekwunye, what inspired the film was the sad story he heard on radio a couple of years ago.
“One day, I was listening to a show on radio when I heard the story of a woman who was experiencing very terrible time in her relationship because she was a victim of domestic violence. Light in the Dark is the inspirational story of that lady who is finding light in the dark. It is all about how to overcome. A lot of women are living with it because of the culture of silence we practice,” he said.
Light In The Dark is the story of a couple, who despite the advice of their parents not to marry each other, allow love to prevail. Emeka and Jumoke have a nine-year-old daughter whom they love dearly. However, a gang of robbers attacks the family and the leader decides to abuse Jumoke who ends up pregnant.
It stars Rita Dominic, Joke Silva, Kalu Ikeagwu, Ngozi Nwosu, Kiki Omeili and Mannie of Cool FM among others. Commenting on branding opportunities for the film, brand specialist, Charles O’Tudor said that films have become a very powerful tool in today’s world.
Censors Board boss urges staff to find ways of generating revenue
The newly appointed executive director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Alhaji Adedayo Thomas, has challenged the staff of the organisation in the South West Zone to come up with new ways of generating revenue.
Thomas stated this when he made his maiden visit to the Lagos office of the Board during the week. According to him, he was not happy with what he saw at the head office in Abuja, adding that he was scared by the signals he received from the staff and stressed that he is not a Messiah.
He challenged the staff to come up with ideas to move the Board forward, insisting that he wants a turnaround within 90 days rather than the traditional 100 days.
The ED directed that two buses at the Lagos office that had been abandoned for over 18 months be immediately repaired. He also told members of staff that he will suspend payment of outstanding vouchers he inherited till the financial position of the Board improves, noting that he was welcomed to the head office with news that the staff of the Zonal Office in Onitsha had been ejected from their rented office over a debt of N1.5 million.
Advising the staff to eschew tribalism and religious sentiments and concentrate on their duties, Thomas revealed that he would introduce the Whistle Blower policy whereby a staff receives a certain percentage of any amount he or she generates.