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‘I am here to make films for the world’ says Nigerian director of global hit “The Black Book”

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Nigerian action thriller “The Black Book” has taken the streaming world by storm, spending three weeks among Nextflix’s top 10 English-language titles globally, peaking at No. 3 in the second week.

It garnered 5.6 million views just 48 hours after its Sept. 22 release and by its second week was featured among the top 10 titles in 69 countries, according to Netflix.

Director Editi Effiong said the movie walked on the way paved by its predecessors.

“’The Black Book’ is standing on the shoulders of those many generations of filmmakers. This is the next step. It’s not different, it’s not anything spectacular. It’s just a natural progression of the industry.”

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“The industry is right now at the point where the world needs to take notice. Why? Because ‘The Black Book’ is a film by Black people, Black actors, Black producers, Black money, 100%. And it’s gone ahead and become a global blockbuster. ”

Nollywood, Nigeria’s film industry, has been a global phenomenon since the 1990s when it rose to fame with such films as “Living in Bondage,” a thriller with Kunle Afolayan’s Aníkúlápó released in 2022 and peaking at No. 1 on Netflix’s global chart. It is the world’s second-largest film industry after India based on number of productions, with an average of 2,000 movies released annually.

Nollywood’s latest blockbuster, “The Black Book,” tells the story of a bereaved deacon who seeks to take justice into his own hands and fights a corrupt police gang after his son is framed for a kidnapping.

The issue of delayed justice strikes and revenge is universal it. In Nigeria, many may remember the deadly protests of 2020 when young Nigerians demonstrating against police brutality were shot at and killed.

African stories

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“One of the things I realize is that there is still a lot of novelty around African stories. African stories are very, you can touch them, you can feel them. They are still rooted, deeply rooted in family and human feeling”, Effiong said.

“There’s a lot of empathy in our storytelling. And I believe that is something that the world needs more of, the world needs more empathy.”

Main character pastor Paul Edima is played by Nigerian movie icon Richard Mofe-Damijo.

The 2-hour-four-minute film is Editi Effiong’s first feature film.

“The industry is at a place now where we’ve… There’s no more excuse, we can make stories for the world. And that’s what we’re here for. That’s what I am here for.”.”

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The $1 million movie was financed with the support of a team of experts and founders in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

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Charly Boy opens up about prostate cancer battle, launches foundation

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Charly Boy prostate cancer

Charly Boy shares his prostate cancer journey, launches a foundation to support men battling the disease, and promotes early testing.

 

 

Veteran Nigerian singer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has shared his personal battle with prostate cancer.

He revealed his experience with stage 1 prostate cancer, which left him sterile and disinterested in sexual activities, and announced the establishment of the Charly Boy Foundation to support men facing similar health challenges.

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Also read: Charly Boy under fire for questioning Wole Soyinka’s mental health

 

Charly Boy disclosed his ordeal during a heartfelt statement, recounting how the diagnosis initially caught him off guard.

“I was lucky because my pee and everything were mixing with my bladder, and it had become cancerous,” he explained.

Following an urgent examination, he underwent surgery at Reddington Hospital in May last year, staying for five days.

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The experience, he noted, left him physically and emotionally affected. “I became so uninterested in sex… I didn’t have full control of my organ, and for a man, your penis is like your prized possession,” he admitted, highlighting the mental toll prostate cancer can have on men.

Motivated by his journey, Charly Boy established the Charly Boy Foundation to create awareness about prostate cancer and support men in need of testing and treatment.

Partnering with hospitals across Nigeria, including locations in Umuahia, Owerri, Enugu, and Abuja, the foundation seeks to reduce the stigma and encourage men to prioritise their health.

The foundation offers financial assistance to cover part or most of the costs for prostate cancer tests, which typically range between ₦50,000 and ₦100,000.

“Our primary duty is to raise funds and encourage men to have at least one medical test done,” Charly Boy stated. For cases requiring further treatment or surgery, the foundation also provides support for selected patients.

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The singer has called on well-meaning Nigerians to contribute to the initiative, emphasising the lack of NGOs focused on men’s health.

“Men are human beings too,” he said, pointing out the need for more resources directed toward male health issues.

Charly Boy’s foundation aims to break the silence around prostate cancer, urging men to address health concerns openly.

“The sooner you check up, the better prepared you are,” he advised, advocating for regular screenings and proactive health management.

Through his foundation, Charly Boy hopes to leave a lasting legacy, using his voice and platform to save lives and challenge societal norms around men’s health.

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Kizz Daniel cancels Lagos concert due to economic challenges

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Kizz Daniel Lagos concert

Nigerian artist Kizz Daniel confirms no Lagos concert this December, citing economic hardship during an interactive session with fans.

 

Nigerian singer Kizz Daniel has announced he will not be hosting a concert in Lagos this December, attributing his decision to the current economic challenges facing the region.

During an interactive session with fans on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday night, the “Buga” hitmaker shared his plans for the festive season.

Responding to a fan’s inquiry about a potential December concert, Kizz Daniel stated, “Nah…[I] would rather do cho cho cho this December… Money no too dey Lagos this time.”

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The artist’s candid response reflects the broader economic realities affecting many Nigerians. Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling commercial capital, often hosts high-profile entertainment events during the holiday season.

However, the ongoing financial strain has likely influenced the singer’s decision to forgo a December show.

Fans expressed mixed reactions to his announcement, with some commending his honesty while others lamented the absence of a concert they had eagerly anticipated.

Kizz Daniel, known for his vibrant stage performances and chart-topping hits, has enjoyed a successful year in the music industry.

Although fans in Lagos may miss his presence this December, his decision underscores the economic realities affecting both performers and their audiences.

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Netflix debunks rumours of exiting Nigeria, reaffirms commitment

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Netflix Nigeria operations

Netflix confirms its continued operations in Nigeria, pledging further investment in local stories amid exit speculations.

 

Netflix has categorically denied rumours suggesting its exit from Nigeria, reaffirming its dedication to the country’s growing entertainment industry.

Speculations of the streaming giant’s withdrawal arose due to Nigeria’s economic challenges and increasing regulatory pressures.

In a statement shared with TechCabal, Netflix addressed the viral reports, emphasising its ongoing commitment to its Nigerian operations.

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“We are not exiting Nigeria. We will continue to invest in the country’s stories to delight our members,” the statement read.

Netflix entered the Nigerian market in 2016 and has since played a pivotal role in promoting local content on a global scale.

The platform has showcased a variety of Nigerian stories, elevating Nollywood productions and enabling local creators to reach an international audience.

Despite economic uncertainties, Netflix reassures its subscribers and creators in Nigeria that it will continue to serve as a platform for diverse storytelling, ensuring Nigerian narratives resonate worldwide.

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