Entertainment
DecemberIssaVybe: FirstBank Sponsors ‘Our Duke Has Gone Mad Again’ Stage Play
First Bank of Nigeria Limited proudly sponsored a remarkable stage play titled ‘Our Duke Has Gone Mad Again: A Biting Satire.’ This captivating performance was masterfully directed by the acclaimed Joseph Edgar, widely recognised as The Duke of Shomolu. The play received high praise for its creative ingenuity and sharp satirical brilliance, effectively delivering a meaningful message to its audience.
The much-anticipated performance took place on December 23, 2023, at the prestigious Shell Hall, MUSON Centre in Lagos. This staging was an integral part of the vibrant activities associated with the 2024 edition of FirstBank’s annual Initiative, ‘DecemberIssaVybe,’ which aims to support and promote the thriving arts and entertainment sector in Nigeria.
Written and produced by the versatile Joseph Edgar, who is also a distinguished playwright and journalist, ‘Our Duke Has Gone Mad Again’ is a profound satire that conveys a compelling message through clever satirical elements and well-crafted characters. Edgar describes the play as a compilation of his earlier writings that appeared in ThisDay newspaper, along with his personal reflections shared on various platforms, including WhatsApp.
This particular production marked the fourth outing of the play, with previous adaptations being celebrated and well-received. One standout performance featured the talented actress Chantal, who humorously chastised Edgar in a memorable scene, referring to him as a “self-centred Ibibio man,” eliciting laughter from the audience. Another crowd favourite was a scene set in a white garment church, directed by the iconic Segun Adefila. This lively depiction showcased the vibrant energy and joyful movements of the beautiful women attending such congregations, further engaging the audience with their energetic performances. Additionally, the play prominently featured a scene centered around the controversial journalist and TV host Rufai Oseni, thoughtfully reflecting current societal debates and media dynamics.
A significant portion of the production was dedicated to a heartfelt tribute to the late Herbert Wigwe, a revered banker and former chairman of Access Holdings, known for his bold business strategies and calculated risk-taking. Edgar, drawing from his personal experiences with Wigwe, portrayed the late banker as an inspiring figure who achieved prominence through sheer determination and hard work. The narrative expressed a profound sense of loss felt by many following Wigwe’s untimely passing, resonating deeply with the audience.
The storyline of ‘Our Duke Has Gone Mad Again’ is a vibrant and dynamic fusion of dance, music, traditional aesthetics, and visual spectacle, seamlessly blending comedic and tragic elements. In addition to honoring Herbert Wigwe, Edgar also paid homage to other notable figures, such as Mrs. Umo Eno, the recently deceased First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, and the iconic singer Onyeka Onwenu, showcasing the play’s deep connections to the fabric of Nigerian society.
The themes explored within the play span a broad spectrum of human experience, including pain, love, joy, relationships, and the myriad challenges faced by society. It poignantly reflects the complexities of Nigerian life and culture, utilizing elements from Edgar’s finest writings to resonate with the audience on multiple levels. Furthermore, the production served as a platform to commemorate several Nigerians who have recently passed away, intertwining personal narratives with collective grief and memory, thus adding another layer of depth to the performance.
Crafted with a rich, emotional plot, ‘Our Duke Has Gone Mad Again’ is an exhilarating theatrical spectacle that effortlessly integrates various aspects of Nigerian culture, music, folklore, and languages. While rooted in satire, the core narrative resonates with contemporary societal realities, making the production both entertaining and deeply thought-provoking.
Olayinka Ijabiyi, the Acting Group Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications at FirstBank, expressed the bank’s unwavering commitment to providing a memorable December experience for all generations. He remarked, “FirstBank is dedicated to facilitating unforgettable homecoming experiences this December for gatherings such as weddings, family reunions, and festive celebrations. Our collaboration with the Duke of Shomolu on this play signifies our dedication to promoting the creative industry through the arts and stage plays, aligning perfectly with our vision as an organization that cherishes Nigeria’s artistic landscape.”
Ijabiyi further highlighted FirstBank’s rich 130-year legacy of supporting the arts through its First@arts initiative. He encouraged Nigerians to embrace the diverse entertainment offerings presented throughout DecemberIssaVybe. He assured people that FirstBank is steadfast in its mission to create memorable experiences while considering the overall well-being of its customers.
The FirstBank DecemberIssaVybe is celebrated each year to enhance the arts and entertainment sectors in Nigeria. Throughout December, the bank hosts multiple opportunities and platforms that provide a memorable Homecoming Experience for Nigerians, welcoming both local and international guests. It is designed to provide access to premium live performances featuring beloved artists and engaging concerts that embody the spirit of joy and celebration, ultimately creating lasting memories for all attendees.
Looking ahead, FirstBank is actively working on an exciting lineup for the upcoming 2024 DecemberIssaVybe ensuring that both customers and social media followers can look forward to a world of entertainment that promises to be unforgettable.
This story is sponsored by FirstBank, and written by Oladapo Sofowora
Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their home in New Mexico along with their dog, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office told CNN. He was 95.
Their causes of death have not been confirmed, but foul play is not suspected, Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Denise Womack-Avila told CNN on Thursday morning.
Deputies responded to a welfare check request at the home around 1:45 p.m. Wednesday and found Hackman, Arakawa and a dog deceased, Womack-Avila said. An investigation is ongoing, the sheriff’s office said. The gas company is assisting in the investigation, The Associated Press reported.
The welfare check was conducted after a neighbor called authorities, concerned about the couple’s well-being, CNN affiliate KOAT reported.
A search warrant shows that Hackman, his wife and their dog had been dead for some time, and the couple’s bodies were in different rooms when deputies found them during the wellness check, the AP reported.
Hackman was found dead Wednesday in a mudroom, and Arakawa was found dead in a bathroom next to a space heater. There was an open prescription bottle and pills scattered on the countertop near Arakawa, the AP reported.
Medical examiner’s reports with the final cause of death “generally take anywhere from 4-6 weeks to generate,” said Chris Ramirez, spokesperson for the New Mexico medical investigator’s office.
CNN has reached out to Hackman’s representatives.
The actor’s death comes just days before the Academy Awards on Sunday.
Hackman’s performances in such films as “The French Connection,” “Hoosiers,” “Unforgiven,” and “The Firm” elevated character roles to leading-man levels.
Hackman’s best roles were often of conflicted authority figures or surprisingly clever white-collar villains, such as the iconic, evil Lex Luthor in the “Superman” film series in the 1970s and ’80s. Many held a hint – sometimes more than a hint – of menace.
He won an Oscar for his portrayal in 1971’s “The French Connection” of New York cop Popeye Doyle, a detective who gets his man but at a high cost. His surveillance expert in 1974’s “The Conversation” is single-minded to the point of obsession, losing all perspective.
He won his second Oscar for his performance as Little Bill Daggett, the violent sheriff in Clint Eastwood’s 1992 film, “Unforgiven.”
Source: CNN
Nigerian music star, Patoranking, is guest this week on the Glo-sponsored African Voices, the magazine programme of the Cable News Network (CNN) International.
He will share the story of how he rose from the slums of Lagos to global fame to host of the programme, Larry Madowo.
The programme will equally host Ghanaian Derrick Cobinnah, who has been using his “Forces Help Africa” to turn round for good the fortunes of Ghanaian war veterans.
Patoranking, whose full name is Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, hails from Onicha in Ebonyi State. He was born in Lagos on 27 May 1990. He is a Nigerian Afrobeats and reggae-dancehall singer and songwriter who starred out in life as a street musical performer.
He has won notable awards including Headies, Vodafone Ghana Music Awards as well as the MTV Africa Music Award in recognition of his hit albums including God Over Everything (2016), Wilmer (2019), Three (2020) and World Best which was released last year.
Patoranking has used his wealth and his position as a UNDP Regional goodwill ambassador to champion the cause of youth development in Nigeria.His counterpart, Derrick Cobinnah, has been employing his Forces Help Africa, a non-government organisation to render help and support to war veterans who are sick, injured, displaced or destitute.
The current edition of African Voices started airing on DSTV Channel 401 om Saturday, with repeats coming up on Sunday at 7p.m. and at 4 a.m. on Monday.
Entertainment
Behold the Prophetess: DJ Cuppy Foretells End of Singlehood in 2025 As Nigerians Offer Advice
Disc Jockey, DJ Cuppy, has prophesied that Valentine’s Day 2025 will be her last one as an unmarried woman.
The 32-year-old, in a post on X, expressed faith in God to help her get a husband.
“Happy #ValentinesDay to me! Manifesting that this is my last one unmarried… Lord, do your thing!” she wrote.
There have been diverse reactions to her post. While some professed love to her, others dished out unsolicited advice and even made recommendations for life partners.
Ogunniyi Taiwo (@tcarz45) wrote: “Baby come let me give you love unconditionally.”
Another X user “SanTa ExqCobar”≠ (@SanTaExqCobar) commented: “If na bad character make you never marry, change am. Happy Val.”
Mr Gibenny (@mrgibenny) suggested: “@uchecrypt is single @cuppymusic. @Crypto__hub is single @cuppymusic. Choose either of them, you won’t regret it.”
Mezie Abia (@MezieAbia) had this advice for Cuppy: “I hope you do realize that the Lord will not find husband for you? Go out there and make use of your woman skills to lure a man who will stick with you. We can’t have a good number of handsome and single men roaming the cities, and you’re always worrying and disturbing Lord to do His thing every damn year.
“Heaven helps those who help themselves, therefore, make a haste while the sun shines (sic).”
Olubunmi Aro (@bummiearo) wrote: “Don’t be under any pressure to marry please.”
Sulucious (@sulucious) asked Cuppy to marry him. “Let get married, na you they fine who get money,” he wrote.
DJ Cuppy announced her relationship with British boxer, Ryan Taylor, in December 2022.
After getting to know each other for 25 days, she disclosed that they got engaged.
However, after un-following one another on Instagram in July 2023, the couple gave rise to rumour that they were no longer together.
Cuppy later opened up about the failed relationship while recounting the setbacks in her life at an event.
Born as Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola, DJ Cuppy is the daughter of billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola.
