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Ayo Edebiri is rising to the top, and she’s bringing her friends along

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This year alone, the 28-year-old Emmy-nominated actor starred in “Bottoms,” “Theater Camp,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,” guest-starred on “Abbott Elementary” and “Black Mirror” and returned for the second season of “The Bear” — the show that initially shot the stand-up comedian and writer-turned-actor to fame.

With roles in everything from bawdy and brutal live-action teen comedy to animated film to kitchen-based dramedy, Edebiri landed a spot as one of The Associated Press’ Breakthrough Entertainers of 2023.

“I think it’s like not the reason why you do any of this, but it’s very humbling and moving that it’s happening because I think that it means that people are responding to my work,” Edebiri says of all her newfound recognition during a video call while filming on location in New Mexico. “And that is all you can ask for as an artist, for just people to pick up what you’re putting down and in whatever way possible.”

Edebiri grew up performing at her parent’s church and would often perform stand up with her friends at open mics when she was in high school.

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“I think (church) was my first exposure to everything, really, to music, to performing, to speaking in front of people,” she says. “I think I really have a love for live performance, especially that feeling of just like being in a communal space.”

Edebiri had always imagined taking on a more practical job like teaching, which she majored in at New York University, performing stand-up around the city in her spare time. It was not until she met other successful Black female comedians who were making a living from the art and still able to obtain heath insurance that she began to entertain the idea of pursuing comedy professionally.

“They have these things that to me — especially as a child of immigrants — I need cold, hard proof,” said Edebiri. “I don’t need a dream. I need to know that I can have dental and I can get an eye exam once a year.”

She switched her major from teaching to playwriting: “I realized I would rather do that and be happy than always be wondering,” she said.

She would soon begin booking writing jobs on shows like “Sunnyside,” “Dickinson,” and “Big Mouth,” along with minor acting roles. Edebiri later became Missy’s voice on “Big Mouth” and landed a recurring role on “Dickinson.”

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“I was really fortunate to have people in my corner who were like, ‘We’re going to help you. Like, why wouldn’t we?’” Edebiri says.

Ayo Edebiri poses for a portrait, Thursday, June 29, 2023, in West Hollywood, Calif. Edebiri has been named one of The Associated Press’ Breakthrough Entertainers of 2023. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

As she rises to the top, one can’t help but notice the creative community she surrounds herself with, a constant throughline that seems connected to her early days as a performer who loved the communal aspect of the arts.

“I’ve just been lucky to be a part of all these different folds, and I’m fortunate the people that I love also love each other and, you know, have people they love and introduce me,” she says.

She and her longtime friend and working partner Rachel Sennott (“Bottoms”) have been creating together since they studied at NYU. She also counts among her friends Molly Gordon ( “Theater Camp,” “The Bear”), Quinta Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”) and Christopher Storer, the creator of “The Bear.”

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“I’ve known Chris since I was like 21 or 22. I feel like I’ve also been watching him grow, even though he’s older than me and so accomplished and such a genius,” she said. “I’m like, ‘Oh yeah, like I’m watching you grow; you’re watching me grow in my confidence as a performer, in my taste.’”

After being nominated in the outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series category for the upcoming Emmys, recognizing her work in the first season of “The Bear,” she’s submitting in the lead actress category for Season 2. Edebiri says she’s grateful for the change — not because it’s an elevated category, but because it makes room for her co-stars.

“It also means that Abby (Elliott) and Liza (Colón-Zayas) could potentially be recognized for their work on the show in the supporting category. We really are just such an ensemble piece,” she says.

Like the young girl growing up in church, Edebiri’s love for the arts still revolves around creating a communal space with her fellow artists.

“I think we’re really lucky to have that type of alchemy with each other,” she says of the cast of “The Bear.” “I really love working on it and I love everybody who is a part of it.”

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When she wins, everyone else does as well.

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Reekado Banks threatens to expose industry saboteur, clarifies it’s not Don Jazzy

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Reekado Banks saboteur

Reekado Banks hints at exposing an industry figure who sabotages emerging talents, clarifying it’s not Don Jazzy after fan speculation

 

Popular Nigerian singer, Reekado Banks, has raised eyebrows with a cryptic post on X (formerly Twitter), in which he threatened to expose a person he claims is sabotaging emerging talents in the Nigerian music industry.

The singer described this mysterious figure as either “demonic or clueless,” suggesting that they have a history of attracting bright new artists only to hinder their success through poor decisions.

In his post, Banks revealed that this individual, despite being involved with some of the best budding talents, had managed to slow down or even derail their careers. He promised to shed light on this personality during an upcoming interview.

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The post read, “One day, I’ll take an interview to talk about someone in the corners of the entertainment industry, who’s either absolutely clueless or plain demonic.

Somehow, the brightest budding talents fall in their lap and either through cluelessness or pure demonic activities, they agree to policies that effectively slow these talents down and for some other talents, frustrate them out of pursuing their dreams. One day…”

Banks’ statement quickly led to speculations among fans that he was referring to a figure from his past, particularly from his time at Mavins Records, the label where he first rose to fame. Given that Mavins’ CEO, Don Jazzy, was instrumental in Reekado’s career, many assumed the post was aimed at him.

However, Reekado was quick to clarify the misunderstanding in another post, writing, “It may not be obvious to you all, but I’m definitely not referring to Baba J [Don Jazzy]. Ejo lol, pls n thanks.”

Despite the clarification, Banks did not reveal the identity of the alleged saboteur, leaving fans to speculate further. Nonetheless, his comments have sparked conversation around the challenges facing emerging artists in the highly competitive Nigerian music industry, where both internal and external factors can significantly influence a career’s trajectory.

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Iyabo Ojo dazzles at ‘Labake Olododo: The Warrior Lord’ premiere in Lagos

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Iyabo Ojo Labake Olododo premiere

Nollywood star Iyabo Ojo steals the spotlight at her movie premiere in Lagos, where she embodied her warrior character in an unforgettable entrance

 

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Iyabo Ojo left a lasting impression in Lagos over the weekend with the premiere of her highly anticipated movie, *Labake Olododo: The Warrior Lord*.

Also read: Iyabo Ojo celebrates daughter Priscilla’s career milestone with heartfelt message

The star-studded event, which took place on March 23rd at Filmhouse Cinemas IMAX Lekki, brought together some of the biggest names in Nollywood to celebrate this latest cinematic achievement.

Ojo made an entrance that captivated the audience, fully embracing her warrior character from the film. Dressed in an elaborate costume featuring intricately beaded dreadlocks and finely crafted animal skins, she arrived on horseback, embodying the fierce and regal persona of her character.

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A priestess, dressed in white and holding a dove, led the procession, singing a traditional song to set the stage for a night of cultural spectacle.

The premiere wasn’t just about the movie—it was an immersive experience. Ojo was accompanied by the film’s cast members, adding excitement and energy to the event.

The venue itself was thoughtfully designed to match the traditional themes of the movie, with the atmosphere reflecting the cultural richness portrayed in the film.

Guests were thrilled by the attention to detail, with one attendee commenting, “The creativity and the attention to detail speaks volume. The venue was designed to match their outfit, depicting the traditional houses in the movie. Kudos to Aunty Iyabo, it’s a sell-out season.”

Social media buzzed with excitement after the premiere, with many praising the creativity and unique approach to the event. *Labake Olododo:

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The Warrior Lord* is expected to be a massive success, as fans expressed their confidence in the movie’s success, with one comment stating, “Not me screaming, Billions of views already, May it go far more than anyone’s expectations, Amin.”

While the event was filled with praise for the film’s innovative approach, not everyone was on board. Some voices expressed concerns about the impact of such films on Nigerian society, with one user questioning the use of “fetishism” in movies.

However, the overwhelming sentiment was one of celebration, with many hoping for the movie’s success and wishing Iyabo Ojo continued blessings.

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Davido’s performance at Richard Nii Armah’s birthday party sparks mixed reactions

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Davido performance Ghana

Davido’s recent performance at Richard Nii Armah’s birthday sparked mixed reactions online, with fans divided over his vocal delivery and energy

 

A recent performance by Nigerian singer Davido at the birthday party of Ghanaian billionaire Richard Nii Armah has quickly gone viral, but not for the reasons the artist may have hoped.

A video clip from the event, which surfaced online, has sparked a flurry of reactions from netizens, ranging from harsh criticism to staunch defence of the singer.

Many social media users expressed disappointment over Davido’s vocal performance, noting that he sounded off-key, with some even claiming he resembled an up-and-coming artist rather than a global superstar.

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One user, *aremogucci001*, wrote, “This one just be like upcoming,” while another commenter, *zhouv9*, added, “Zero vocals, noise always.”

Criticism continued with *elon_musk1son* suggesting, “Where is the performance energy? Abi hin don too much banku when he come? God too bless Wizkid sha,” implying that Davido’s energy was lacking and comparing him unfavourably to fellow Nigerian artist Wizkid.

A number of other users shared similar sentiments. *maxika99* bluntly stated, “I swear dis guy no sabi sing,” while *phemonz_* criticised the crowd for not showing Davido more love, saying, “These people don’t show love at all as they can’t sing along with him.”

However, despite the wave of negative feedback, Davido’s supporters were quick to jump to his defence. Some argued that the singer was being unfairly judged, with *kodakblaine2x* suggesting,

“Always performing for big people. The other werey de mumu for Twitter,” implying that the critics were just being harsh without understanding the context.

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*victoria_may_7* wrote, “What took his voice? Because I barely heard him say anything. Make artist dey lip-sync ein own song. Nawa for una 001,” pointing out the possibility of technical issues affecting the performance.

Meanwhile, *creamycozy* took a more lighthearted approach, saying, “Wizkid is their godfather, the father that fathered their fathers. Popsy dey ever give me reason to brag differently,” suggesting that the rivalry between Davido and Wizkid still runs deep among fans.

The video and its resulting debate serve as a reminder of the polarising nature of celebrity performances. While some continue to back the artist’s talent, others are left questioning his recent stage presence.

With his career firmly rooted in both the Nigerian and international music scenes, Davido is no stranger to public scrutiny. Whether this controversy will affect his reputation or serve as yet another chapter in his illustrious career remains to be seen.

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