Filmmaker Femi Odugbemi has declared Nigerian cinema a global cultural superpower, citing its profound international reach. He stated that the industry should now build upon this achievement to foster stronger collaborations and ensure its commercial viability.
Odugbemi proposed that the government could provide further support by establishing cultural institutes abroad, similar to models used by France and Germany. He urged officials to create an enabling environment for this initiative, which would systematically promote Nigerian films and culture in other countries.
Actor Yemi Remi has accused his late brother, veteran actor Chief Kanran, of fabricating personal tragedies to solicit funds. In a recent interview, Remi stated that Kanran falsely reported his wife's death and the destruction of his home by fire.
Remi clarified that a minor fire only damaged an external staircase, not the residence itself. He also denied his brother's claims about the deaths of three of his four children. Furthermore, Remi disputed Kanran's stated age of 75, asserting his brother was 62, a claim he supported by referencing his own age and their family birth order.
Filmmaker Stephanie Linus has ignited debate by asserting that some creators distance themselves from the Nigerian film industry while using its name for promotion. She specifically cited the film My Father's Shadow by Akinola Jr. and Wale Davies as an example.
Linus contended that the project, though featuring a Nigerian narrative, does not fully identify as a Nigerian production. She noted that while it was promoted as the first Nigerian film featured at Cannes, its directors reportedly chose to submit it for Oscar consideration through another country, bypassing the Nigerian selection committee.
An entertainment executive, Otunba Olumide Enilolobo, has warned that Afrobeats faces systemic exploitation from major Western record labels. He stated that Africa risks losing economic ownership of the genre despite its massive global growth in music streams.
He identified unfair artist contracts and limited marketing investments as key problems, worsened by weak local infrastructure and insufficient legal support. Enilobo argued that when artists lose ownership of their work, the culture itself is diminished.
He called for stronger African labels, greater legal literacy for artists, and increased investment in the creative sector. He emphasized that music represents significant economic value, insisting that Africa must not export...
Filmmaker Bolanle Austen-Peters has disclosed that her 2021 feature, Collision Course, required a budget of at least 90 million naira. She revealed this financial detail as a keynote speaker at a recent digital content conference.
The film, a drama following the intersecting stories of a police officer and an aspiring artist, featured actors including Daniel Etim Effiong and Zainab Balogun. It previously served as the closing presentation for the Africa International Film Festival.
A veteran filmmaker and current president of the Directors Guild of Nigeria has outlined his vision for the organization, emphasizing training and structural reforms. He stated that establishing the DGN Academy is a primary objective to institutionalize professional development for both established and emerging directors.
He identified directing as the most demanding role in filmmaking, requiring the director to synthesize all creative elements. His administration is also pursuing policies for minimum director fees and royalty payments. Furthermore, he advocates for increased female participation in leadership and technical roles to bring balanced perspectives to storytelling.
The filmmaker also champions the use of cinema to address...
The Association of Mine Managers of Zimbabwe is engaging with authorities and regulators to streamline mining sector processes. President Abel Makura stated that these dialogues aim to address operational challenges while promoting innovation and sustainability. He emphasized that safety initiatives remain a primary focus, advocating for zero harm through technology that reduces workers' exposure to risk.
The association is collaborating with the Chamber of Mines to establish it as a constituent board for mining professionals. Makura also highlighted the importance of integrating youth and digital tools into the industry, noting that smart mining is becoming the new standard. The sector, a major contributor to the nation's GDP and...
Zimplats’ Mupani Mine received a top safety award from the Association of Mine Managers of Zimbabwe for its technological advancements. The mine was recognized for deploying autonomous dump trucks underground, an innovation that established a global benchmark for room and pillar operations.
Alfred Chinyere, the association’s chairman, reported that while overall industry safety performance declined to 41 percent, the fatal incident rate from ground falls decreased. He commended Mupani Mine’s consistency and significant investment in safety technology, which eliminated worker exposure in automated haulage zones. Ayrshire Mine was also acknowledged as the most improved operation.
The Employers Confederation of Zimbabwe is advocating for a modernization of collective bargaining to align with the digital age. Executive Director Nester Mukwehwa, representing President Demos Mbauya, stated that National Employment Councils must adopt digital tools for greater efficiency and transparency.
Mbauya proposed that online portals could be used for submitting bargaining proposals and managing grievance filings. He emphasized that these digital systems would reduce delays and provide real-time visibility for all parties. He also urged investment in staff training for data analytics and virtual negotiation platforms.
The confederation believes productivity gains from digitalization should be shared fairly with workers...
