City Lagos Showbiz Latest News and Updates

We love love — and we really love celebrating it with thoughtful gifts on Valentine’s Day. Just as we adore receiving beautiful gifts from our partner, we have a lot of fun sorting through thoughtful gifting options of our own as well. And of course, we’re here to share our very best ideas with you!

LALIGA and Platino Awards XCARET, in Riviera Maya, are teaming up again to host the IV Stars Encounter on April 18 at Camaleón Mayakoba Golf Course in Playa del Carmen. This time, proceeds will support the Integral Family Development System of Quintana Roo, in line with the charitable mission that drives each event.This edition of the “Stars Encounter” will feature numerous football legends including Miguel Angel Moya, Diego Forlán, Mario Suárez, Joaquín Sánchez, Fernando Morientes, Diego Godín, Javier Mascherano, Gaizka Mendieta, and Miguel Layún. Also participating are many talented individuals from the audiovisual and music industry, such as Jesús Mosquera, Gaby Espino, Pol Granch, Corina Smith, Bego Vargas, Andres Koi, Andre Lamoglia, Michel Brown, Ale Nones, Enrique Arce, Benjamin Vicuña, Cristo Fernandez, LAGOS, Carlos Borreguito, and Carlos Torres.The fascinating story behind the Platino AwardsThe best looks in the history of the Platino AwardsArgentinian movie icon, Cecilia Roth, to be awarded the PLATINO Honor Award 2024 According to Jorge de la Vega, CEO of LALIGA, “It is an honor for LALIGA to continue the alliance with Premios Platino, a platform that recognizes the best artists in the Ibero-American audiovisual industry, and with whom we carry out the Stars Encounter, which, in addition to mixing artists with footballers, has a charitable purpose of which we are proud to be a part.

Foals‘ Yannis Philippakis has shared the first taster of his long-awaited project with late Fela Kuti legend Tony Allen – as well as launching new collaborative project Yannis & The Yaw. Check out the single ‘Walk Through Fire’ below, and watch our interview with the frontman above.Philippakis has been teasing the project for some years, first revealing news of sessions with the drummer to NME back in 2017.

Wizkid has argued that he no longer wants to be called an “Afrobeats” artist any longer.Last night (March 17), the Nigerian artist took to his Instagram stories to tell fans that his upcoming album is “done.” In the process, he warned that his sound would be different to his earlier its and shared his frustrations with being labelled an “Afrobeats” artist.“If you like Afrobeats, please don’t download my album!” said Wizkid. “I’m not a fucking Afrobeats artiste! Don’t call me that, hoe! I’m not Afro anything, bitch!'”Wizkid announces his new album “Morayo” is done and that it’s not Afrobeats. He also makes it clear he’s not an Afrobeats artist.

Jem Aswad Executive Editor, Music Universal Music Group has announced a majority investment in the Nigeria-based Afrobeats powerhouse label Mavin Global (Mavin). The label, based in Lagos, is home to such hits as Rema’s “Calm Down” — the Selena Gomez-featuring remix of which was No. 12 on Variety’s 2023 Hitmakers chart and is the most-viewed video on YouTube by an African artists — and other artists including Ayra Starr, Ladipoe, Johnny Drille and more.

Giggs, Chase & Status, Rico Nasty, Skream, Benga and more.Yesterday (January 23), the electronic music promoters and livestream platform announced the second edition of its world tour, which will make stops in 25 cities across the globe, including Amsterdam, Bogota, New Delhi, Lagos, London, Mumbai, New York, São Paolo, Seoul, Shanghai and Toronto. A full list of the confirmed dates on the world tour can be found below and on Boiler Room’s official website.A post shared by Boiler Room (@boilerroomtv)Alongside the world tour’s dates, Boiler Room has also announced the first wave of acts who will play for the events.

Marta Balaga Cecilia Mato and Lucas Vivo García Lagos, founder of Navajo Films Argentina and Intro Pictures Brazil, have joined forces to launch Navajo Films Uruguay. “We interpret the idea of ‘bringing a fresh perspective to the industry’ as infusing new ideas, creativity and a unique approach into our work. Despite being two young individuals, we bring a wealth of experience to the table.

Amanda Seyfried and Angela Bassett don beautiful, strapless, black gowns as they hit the red carpet at the 2024 Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Sunday (January 7) in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Post-pandemic audiences are much more open to different cultures, thanks to streaming and exposure to new types of content, but some of the world’s biggest film industries are still figuring out how to adapt in a rapidly changing landscape, said speakers on the ‘Cinematic Crossovers’ panel in Red Sea Souk. 

A woman who has spent £9,000 on twelve holidays in the space of a year insists everyone should have time off 'at least once a month'. Mel Anyamene made it her new year's resolution to travel abroad 12 times in 2023.

J Hus and Burna Boy have been announced as the headliners for the inaugural Afro Nation Nigeria, happening later this year.Earlier this month, it was announced that Afro Nation Nigeria will take place on December 19 and 20 this year at Lagos’ Tafawa Balewa Square. This will be the second time Afro Nation has been held in Africa – last December, it was staged in Ghana.Yesterday (September 26), the festival revealed the first acts on the 2023 line-up, confirming Burna Boy and J Hus as the headliners.

Andrea Elena Mangiamarch, more commonly known as Elena Rose, is a talented artist who has left a lasting impression on the Latin music industry. The Venezuelan-American singer and songwriter from Miami, was nominated for Songwriter of the Year at the 24th Annual Latin Grammys Awards.

Cynthia Littleton Business Editor Mo Abudu is an entrepreneur on a mission to make her native Nigeria a bigger player in global media. The CEO of Lagos-based EbonyLife Media is tapping into wave of interest from streamers in content from outside the U.S. and Europe to generate a flurry of deals for her production banner, known for producing the detective drama series “Blood Sisters” for Netflix.

Naman Ramachandran After a record-breaking first season, “The Real Housewives of Lagos” is returning for Season 2. Season 1 of the reality TV series saw the first episode break the first-day streaming record on Showmax Nigeria and become the only African title to crack the top 10 most-watched shows on the streaming service in 2022 across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa.

The ‘other Prince William’ may be unfamiliar to those born after his death on August 28, 1972. But for royal watchers who know a thing or two about the family tree, Prince William Henry Andrew Frederick was well known for his love of action packed activities and dare devil antics such as flying and ballooning.

EXCLUSIVE: The National Film Authority of Ghana (NFA) has set what it has described as a new strategic partnership with FilmOne Group (Nigeria) and Silverbird Cinema (Ghana) to host the inaugural Africa Cinema Summit (ACS) in Accra.

Prime Video will stream The Victoria’s Secret World Tour fashion show special on September 26 as part of an expansion of the collaboration between Amazon and Victoria’s Secret.

Naman Ramachandran Seasoned media executive Gideon Khobane has joined Amazon as the director for Prime Video Africa. Khobane joins with a remit to support the growth of the Prime Video service across sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa and Nigeria. Working closely with the Africa Originals team, headed up by Ned Mitchell, the content acquisitions team, led by Ayanna Lonian and product teams responsible for launching customer features, Khobane is tasked with helping to provide a mix of original and exclusive TV series and movies for existing Prime Video members and to attract new customers in sub-Saharan Africa. The executive, whose experience over his 18-year career ranges from pay-TV to free-to-air broadcasters across sub-Saharan Africa, most recently served as a group executive responsible for general entertainment for the Multichoice Group, and previous to that, served as CEO of SuperSport International and channel director at M-Net. Khobane will continue to be based in South Africa.

Seun Kuti has been released from police custody after meeting his bail conditions for allegedly assaulting a police officer, and will now embark on a delayed Europe concert tour.Last week (Monday May 15), the youngest son of the Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti was arrested and detained in his hometown of Lagos by local police. Seun Kuti is alleged to have assaulted a police officer, who the 40-year-old claims was drunk.On Wednesday (May 24), it was ruled that the public prosecutor – not the police – had the power to prosecute the musician.

Victoria’s Secret has put a lot of thought into their rebrand. After announcing the return of the label’s fashion show, the retailer has revealed that the “reimagined” presentation will be a feature-length film. 

Naman Ramachandran Mo Abudu, the CEO of EbonyLife Media, has launched Mo Abudu Films and directed two short films that address mental health issues from a Nigerian perspective, a subject that is considered taboo in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. “Iyawo Mi” tells the story of Kunle, a young married man who lives in impoverished downtown Lagos. He returns home one evening to find his wife Eniola appears to be hallucinating, and the film explores the tragic consequences that ensue. Lateef Adedimeji, Bolaji Ogunmola and Segun Arinze are the leading actors, with Jude Chukwuka, Koye Kekere-Ekun and Blessing Obasi in supporting roles. Meanwhile, “Her Perfect Life” portrays the story of a woman, Onajite Johnson Ibrahim, who is envied by everyone in Lagos but wants to end it all. The film features Pearl Thusi and Joseph Benjamin in leading roles, with Omowunmi Dada, Uzo Osimkpa, Mary Lazarus and Christian Paul in supporting roles.

Mo Abudu, the CEO of EbonyLife Media, has stepped into the writing and directing spaces, having completed two short films – Iyawo Mi and Her Perfect Life – the former of which will screen at the Cannes Film Festival’s Short Film Corner this month. Both projects have also been selected for the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival in August. 

. The graced the Metropolitan Museum of Art's iconic steps on Monday, May 1 wearing a sexy, sheer gown with silver details, custom-made by Givenchy.The theme of the evening was "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty," and Hadid definitely understood the assignment.

Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino are setting their sights on the world of competitive ballet.

Christopher Vourlias Amazon Prime Video launched the latest chapter in its global expansion Thursday night in Nigeria with the flashy premiere of its first African Original, “Gangs of Lagos,” a gritty crime thriller from celebrated multi-hyphenate Jade Osiberu. At a packed house on Lagos’ ritzy Victoria Island, luminaries from the Nigerian film and fashion industries turned out to toast a movie that electrified the boisterous homegrown crowd ahead of its global release. “I’m overwhelmed,” said Osiberu after a rousing ovation. “It’s a dream come true.” “Gangs of Lagos,” which drops globally on Prime Video on Friday, is the first film to come out of the streamer’s three-year overall deal with Osiberu, the creator of domestic box-office sensations “Sugar Rush” and “Isoken” — one of a host of recent pacts with Nigerian creators from the U.S. tech giant as it tries to outflank Netflix in Africa’s biggest market.

Matt Donnelly Senior Film Writer Film rights to Rebecca Serle’s novel “One Italian Summer” have sold to Paramount Pictures. The Brian Robbins-led studio won a competitive auction for the bestseller, published by Simon & Schuster’s Atria label. Temple Hill will produce a feature adaptation and Serle is executive producing with David Stone of TFC Productions. “One Italian Summer” follows Katy, a young woman reeling from the recent loss of her mom and best friend Carol. Katy embarks on the trip of a lifetime, meant to be spent as mother and daughter, over two weeks in Positano. Buoyed by the stunning waters, beautiful cliff sides, delightful residents and delectable food, Katy feels herself coming back to life. Things take a supernatural turn when suddenly her mother appears in the flesh — healthy, sun-tanned and thirty years old. Over the course of the summer, Katy not only discovers Carol as a young woman, but more about herself than she expected.

Prime Video is taking audiences to Africa with “Gangs of Lagos”.

Queen Consort Camilla has wished “good luck” to a young dancer whose dreams of becoming a ballet star went viral and will now be made into a Disney documentary. The 75 year old royal met Anthony Madu when she visited the ballet school which offered him a scholarship after a 44-second video posted online in 2020 of him pirouetting in the rain was watched more than 16 million times.

Since stepping foot in the Love Island villa as a Casa Amor bombshell, Martin Akinola hasn’t been afraid of stepping on people’s toes or causing drama as he attempts to find a romantic connection. Despite only being in the villa for one week, the 27 year old has already caused quite the stir after kissing Islander Tanya Manhenga's despite her being in a couple with Shaq Muhammad.

Nick Vivarelli International Correspondent Italy’s Coccinelle Film Sales has acquired world rights to Nigerian director Babatunde Apalowo’s gay-themed drama “All the Colours of the World Are Between Black and White,” ahead of the film’s Berlin Film Festival launch.  “All the Colours” is the feature film debut of Apalowo, who was born in Ogbagi-Akoko, Nigeria, and is U.K.-based. Pic is world premiering in Berlin’s Panorama section. Apalowo also wrote and produced the restrained and tender drama about two men named Bambino and Bawa who meet in Lagos during a photography competition and immediately hit it off. During long trips exploring the city they develop a deep affection for each other. But in a society which considers homosexuality taboo, they feel the pressure of social norms.

A man has gone on trial accused of murdering his wife by setting her on fire after she made a trip home to Nigeria from Scotland.

The last few years have been nothing short of historic. From a pandemic that has claimed the lives of millions of people and refuses to subsist to political instability and uprising across the entire world, this era is nothing short of a turning point.

EXCLUSIVE: Showmax is prepping a Nigerian version of International Emmy-winning South African telenovela The River.

EXCLUSIVE: African streamer Showmax is readying its latest original out of Nigeria for next month.

Jem Aswad Senior Music Editor Def Jam Recordings has entered into an exclusive worldwide joint venture partnership agreement with the Lagos, Nigeria and UK-based Native Records. The announcement was made by Def Jam chairman/CEO Tunji Balogun and Seni “Chubbz” Saraki and Teni “Teezee” Zaccheaus, co-presidents and co-founders of Native Networks. Native Records is the music division of Native Networks, a black-owned and operated, multi-platform, multi-disciplinary media and content company “dedicated to the discovery and development of young African artists and youth culture” via its Native print and digital magazine, its Nativeland festivals and more, according to the announcement. Founded in 2016 by Saraki and Zaccheaus with Shola Fagbemi, Addy Edgal and Suleiman Shittu, the label has been a driving force in the Afrobeats movement.

Wizkid is still working diligently on the follow-up to his album Made In Lagos (rumoured to be titled More Love, Less Ego) and today the Nigerian Afrobeats star shares a new track called "Bad To Me." It's safe to say that Wizkid is in his bag for "Bad To Me." A sultry jam where Wizkid is both under a spell and the one doing the casting, the track simmers with lusty intention. Stream it below.