Entertainment
DecemberIssaVybe: FirstBank Sponsors ‘Our Duke Has Gone Mad Again’ Stage Play
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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
Veteran Nollywood actor, Francis Duru, has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness.
His family announced his death on his official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, expressing appreciation to fans and well-wishers for their support.
“We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness.
“We appreciate your prayers, love, and understanding. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen,” the statement read.
Duru’s death comes months after he dismissed reports that he was battling a life-threatening illness.
In June, concern spread among fans and colleagues after a video showing the actor looking frail circulated on social media.
Responding to the reports, Duru shared a video on Instagram in which he described the footage as “fabricated and malicious”.
Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru completed his primary and secondary education in the country before relocating to Nigeria for university studies.
He gained admission to the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he studied Theatre Arts and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996.
Duru began his acting career in 1989 with Missing Mark, a film directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko.
However, he gained wider recognition in 1995 after featuring in Rattlesnake, an action-comedy produced by the late filmmaker Amaka Igwe. He played Ahanna in the film.
Throughout his career, Duru received several awards and honours for his contributions to the Nigerian film industry. He was also named a United Nations ambassador of peace in recognition of his influence on young people.
In 2020, he won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa.
Duru married his wife, Adokiye, in 2003, and they had four children together. The family lost one of their children, Ifeanyi, in August 2024.
Entertainment
‘Bulaba Never Renew Him Subscription’, Charly Mocks Asari Dokubo for Calling for Tinubu’s ‘Surrender’
A former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, Asari Dokubo, has asked President Bola Tinubu to surrender, saying that the economic situation in Nigeria is unbearable.
Singing a war song, Asari said it was obvious that the President cannot fight and so should step aside.
Meanwhile, a frontline Nigerian entertainer, Charly Boy, also known as the Area Father, has mocked the former militant leader, saying his outcry might be because the presidency has not ‘renewed his subscription.’
Brandishing a sword in a video on social media, Asari says in Pidgin English, “Tinubu, na me dey tell you, you no go fit fight. Tinubu surrender. The country too hard. This country is too hard. We dey vex. Look, out fuel, everything is too expensive in this country.
“Everything is too expensive. We have refineries but they’re not working in this country. Nothing is working in this country and we’ll not continue in this situation. We’re hungry. We’re hungry. We’re hungry and this must stop. It must stop.”
Reposting the video on X, Charly Boy wrote, “Asari say make Tinubu surrender.
Say country too hard. Bulaba never renew him subscription.”
Source: DailyPost
Family, friends and admirers of Calypso King of the World, Slinger Francisco, better known as the Mighty Sparrow, have celebrated the man behind the legend at a memorial service in New York.
His daughter, Gina Francisco, reflected on her father’s final years, recalling how the man who once travelled the globe eventually relied on others to carry him, yet never complained.
The service at Linden Seventh-day Adventist Church drew fellow musicians, politicians, diplomats, clerics and supporters from across the Caribbean diaspora.
Francisco said her father treated those around him warmly and deeply valued his family. She joked that, with 14 children, she could not remember all their names. One of his greatest lessons, she said, was humility.
“The greatest thing that I think that he did, because it was a very humbling experience to watch my father being carried. He couldn’t walk. He had to be carried, and he was very uncomplaining.”
She added: “I’ve seen my father change over the years. He was very uncomplaining, and his world became smaller and smaller and smaller. You’re looking at a man who travelled the world, and then he’s kind of limited to where he is, and he never complained.”
Francisco said sharing her father with the world sometimes frustrated her and her siblings, but she eventually came to appreciate his impact on generations of people.
“He taught me how to be at peace with whatever God gives you,” she said.
Among those paying tribute was New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who described Sparrow as a giant of Caribbean culture whose influence extended far beyond Trinidad and Tobago.
“This is obviously a sad occasion,” Williams said, adding that Sparrow’s death at 91 also provided an opportunity to celebrate a remarkable life.
“I just want to thank the family because I’m honoured to come to speak about a 91-year-old who lived an amazing life.”
He invited mourners to applaud the late calypsonian.
“The Calypso Monarch Emeritus, no one can beat him. What he did for our culture is simply amazing and cannot be overstated.”
Williams recalled that Sparrow’s name was regarded as “royalty” in his household and in countless others across the Caribbean diaspora.
Yves Abel of Haiti’s legendary band Tabou Combo also paid tribute, recalling Sparrow’s support for Caribbean artistes and his commitment to regional unity.
“It is an honour for me to be invited to the celebration of the life of Mr Mighty Sparrow, one of the greatest calypso men in the world,” Abel said.
He recalled that Sparrow had helped the group in its early years by securing performances at major New York venues.
“When we were 22 years old, 19 years old, playing music in Brooklyn, Mighty Sparrow invited us to some of the greatest venues in New York. He took us to Madison Square Garden, he took us to the Lincoln Center, he took us to Carnegie Hall.”
Abel said Sparrow understood that Caribbean people were united by culture despite their linguistic differences.
“Sparrow knew that although we speak different languages based on our colonial backgrounds, we carry one music, and it’s from Africa where we all come from.”
During the service, Brother Don Enoch Mohammed of the Nation of Islam played an audio recording of a conversation between Sparrow and the organisation’s leader, Louis Farrakhan.
In the recording, the two men prayed for each other and exchanged jokes. Farrakhan urged Sparrow to write a song for him, and Sparrow suggested that Farrakhan provide the melody. Farrakhan replied that it would become “the biggest calypso ever”.
“I recall telling my mother that if there is no calypso in heaven, then I don’t want to go,” Farrakhan said in the recording.
Sparrow will be accorded a State-assisted funeral. A date for the ceremony has not yet been announced.
