Entertainment
These Five Movies Will Still Wow You This Weekend
Are you a lover of movies? Are you bored and you wish to get busy this weekend? This right relaxation series is right here at your finger tips. Hollywood is growing now and releasing new Sci-Fi and Action movies among others that you love to see again and again. You can simply visit the cinemas and watch them, or relax in the comfort of your sitting room to see some of them. They will surely worth your while. Some of them are:
- Annihilation
I have to confess that I haven’t yet read the Jeff VanderMeer novel on which this movie’s based, but there’s a very good reason for sticking Annihilation on this list:
Garland broke into directing with his stunning debut, Ex Machina. Annihilation‘s another genre film, a sci-fi thriller starring Natalie Portman as a biologist on the hunt for her husband in an area beset by environmental disaster. Oscar Isaac’s the missing husband, while Jennifer Jason Leigh plays a psychologist.
It promised to be astounding this, and in a year with some real treats ahead, this is the one that just about squeezed to the top of the list. Unfortunately, due to some very frustrating reasons not worth getting into again here, we may not get to see it on the big screen here in the UK, as it went straight to Netflix.
- Early Man
It’s telling that in a year when The Incredibles 2 is listed, there’d still be one animated movie we’d place higher in our anticipated movies list. But then director Nick Park hadn’t made a movie since 2005’s Wallace & Gromit: The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit, and hadn’t directed since 2008’s Wallace & Gromit short, A Matter Of Loaf And Death.
That he’d back directing, and introducing a whole new bunch of characters too, was a very big deal for us. The film in question was Early Man, a new stop motion animated venture that used the considerable skillset of Aardman to take us back to caveman and cavewoman times. This time, there was an adventure that involved football, fighting and lots and lots of comedy – All from a director whose mantelpiece heaves under the weight of Oscar gold. Don’t bet against him having to nip to Ikea for a new shelf…
- Avengers: Infinity War
It seems the end is nigh for the Marvel Cinematic Universe in its current guise, with Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige confirming that the Avengers film after this one will wrap up the main storylines. Infinity War, from Captain America: Civil War helmers the Russo brothers, promised to build up to something really rather special.
The gang was pretty much all here for this one, which dealt with the escalating stakes of the MCU. Hopefully, it would be more The Avengers than Avengers: Age Of Ultron? We were hugely looking forward to this one
- The Irishman
It’s unclear whether this one will get a theatrical release at all, but it’s hard to be a movie fan and not be excited about the reunion of talent the long-mooted The Irishman represents. Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese for a start, back working together on a film for the first time since Casino. Then, Joe Pesci has been coaxed out of semi-retirement. Al Pacino is on board. Harvey Keitel is in there. Anna Paquin. Jack Huston, Bobby Cannavale. It’s a hell of a list. The film is a mob drama, as De Niro’s Frank ‘The Irishman’ Sheeran tells the story of how he got involved in the murder of Jimmy Hoffa.
It’s 50/50 whether we’ll see this in cinemas next year. Netflix is set to premiere it on their service in 2019, but we’d wager it’ll get an Oscar-qualifying big screen outing at the end of 2018. Hope so.
- Deadpool 2
In a year drenched with comic book movies, this was the highlight on paper of the three that were X-Men-tinged. Ryan Reynolds reprised the role of foul-mouthed merc Deadpool, this time with whatever shackles that were on firmly taken off. There was some early fallout on this one, with director Tim Miller leaving the project due to ‘creative differences’ with Reynolds. John Wick co-director David Leitch stepped in instead.
Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick penned the script again, and the cast featured Morena Baccarin, T J Miller, Brianna Hildebrand, Josh Brolin and Jack Kesy. We expected megamoney to be made.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is the special guest on this week’s edition of Glo-sponsored African Voices on CNN International.
She will be answering questions and providing exposition on her writing career from the host of the programme, Larry Madowo, on the special package, which premieres at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2025.
Adichie’s gripping narratives continue to inspire readers all over the world. She has established herself as a significant writer whose works question stereotypes, reinterpret identities, and honour African stories, starting with her highly praised debut novel, Purple Hibiscus, and continuing with the widely acclaimed Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah.
She once again demonstrates her status as a cultural icon whose influence transcends literature into international discussions on feminism, heritage, and authenticity with her eagerly awaited new book, Dream Count.
This edition was shot in Adichie’s hometown of Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria, which also appears frequently in her writing. The show gives viewers a close-up look at her writing development, sources of inspiration, and ongoing efforts to reimagine African storytelling for the world.
The programme will air multiple times to give viewers across different time zones the opportunity to watch, with rebroadcasts scheduled for Sunday, September 21, at 3:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; Monday, September 22, at 3:00 a.m. and 5:45 p.m.; as well as the following weekend, Saturday, September 27, at 7:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.; Sunday, September 28, at 3:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; and Monday, September 29, at 3:00 a.m. and 5:45 p.m.
Through Globacom’s sustained sponsorship of CNN’s African Voices, the programme has become a premier platform for celebrating African excellence. By shining a spotlight on trailblazers like Adichie, it continues to showcase the continent’s talent, creativity, and cultural influence to a global audience.
Every December in Nigeria is a whole mood. The harmattan breeze and the Christmas themed red and white decorations all over the cities and towns; the cousins returning from the UK, US and Europe with “I just came back” stamped on their accents — and of course, the unmissable lineup of street carnivals, concerts, plays, and festivals that keep Lagos, Abuja, Warri and Port Harcourt buzzing deep into the New Year. Since its launch, FirstBank’s “DecemberIssaVybe” (DIAV) campaign has stood at the centre of this cultural energy, giving Nigerians more than just access to premium entertainment — it’s been about creating awesome shared moments, uniting families, and giving the creative industry the big boost it deserves.
For almost a decade, DIAV has quietly shaped the last few months of the year especially December as the season of vibe, through its First@arts initiative, and if you’ve ever danced shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands at a FirstBank-sponsored event, you’ll know exactly what that means.
2018: When the Vybe Began
December 2018 felt different. Nigerians were beginning to embrace “Detty December” as a tradition, and FirstBank cleverly caught the wave. The bank rolled out DecemberIssaVybe with free and discounted tickets to mega concerts and stage plays, pulling crowds that wanted premium vibes without premium stress. Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy were headlining the big music festivals, while stage productions like “Moremi the Musical” got a new audience thanks to FirstBank’s push.
For the over 130-year-old FirstBank, “DecemberIssaVybe is a way of giving back during the festive season. It’s not just about music or theatre; it’s about connecting people, supporting the creative industry, and ensuring families make memories together.
Families who hadn’t been to the theatre in years found themselves seated side by side at Terra Kulture, watching Nigerian history come alive on stage. And for diaspora kids back home with “I just came back” energy? DIAV became their shortcut into Nigeria’s hottest events.
2019: The Year of Mega Concerts
By 2019, the Vybe was unstoppable. DecemberIssaVybe became synonymous with front-row seats at Davido’s “A Good Time” concerts, Kizz Daniel’s explosive Lagos show, and of course, the unforgettable Wizkid Starboy Fest. But it wasn’t just music. DIAV sponsored families into “Mad About You”, a romantic stage play that had couples rediscovering love, and rolled out tickets to AY Live Comedy Show, proving that December isn’t just about music — it’s about laughter too. By year’s end, DIAV had cemented itself as a December passport.
2020: The Pandemic Pause
2020 was strange for everyone. COVID-19 clipped the wings of live entertainment. But even then, FirstBank didn’t fold its arms. DIAV adapted by sponsoring virtual concerts and livestreamed plays, ensuring families could still bond over art and entertainment from the safety of their homes. It wasn’t the usual sweaty concert hall, but for many, DecemberIssaVybe campaign was proof that even in tough times, music and theatre are powerful connectors.
2021: The Big Comeback
With restrictions easing, Nigerians were desperate for a proper December. DIAV answered in full colour. Imagine a December where Adekunle Gold (AG Baby) sang his heart out at sold-out shows, Simi serenaded lovers, and Fireboy lit up the stage with “Peru” before it became an international anthem.
Families returned to KAKADU the Musical, friends reunited at comedy festivals, and for diasporans who hadn’t been home since 2019, the Vybe was a welcome mat rolled out in sound and laughter.
2022: The Golden Year
By 2022, DIAV wasn’t just an add-on to December, it was the main dish. That year, Asake’s breakout concerts shook Lagos, Burna Boy’s Love, Damini show was an electric storm, and the theatre scene — from The King Must Dance Naked to Awo The Musical — had DIAV stamping tickets for culture lovers.
2023: A Night of Queens
DecemberIssaVybe 2023 brought something fresh to the table with “A Night of Queens”, an all-female musical showcase at Eko Convention Centre. It was a dazzling lineup: Tiwa Savage, Simi, Teni, Yemi Alade, Waje, Niniola and Dope Ceaser all shared the stage in one unforgettable night of music.
FirstBank also sponsored the revival of Kakadu the Musical at MUSON Centre — a play that blends highlife, Afrobeat, soul and pop with the turbulent history of 1960s Nigeria. Meanwhile, families trooped out for Ali Baba’s January 1st concert and Basketmouth Unprovoked, while diaspora returnees shared DIAV tickets proudly on Instagram.
2024: From Comedy to Culture
Last December opened with a bang: Kenny Blaq’s Reckless Musicomedy Festival at Onikan Stadium. The crowd roared as Kenny Blaq, DJ Neptune, Aproko, MC Monica, and OvyGodwin delivered a high-energy mix of music and stand-up.
At the same time, FirstBank sponsored Motherland the Musical, Street Souk at Harbour Point, A True Christmas Story, and family-friendly events like Eko Hotel Pride Land Adventures and the Calabar Carnival Festival.
Reflecting on the season, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications said: “FirstBank is facilitating memorable homecoming and unforgettable experiences in December with family reunions, concerts and festivals. DecemberIssaVybe isn’t just about entertainment — it’s about the cultural glue for Nigerians everywhere.
Across the years, DIAV has done more than hand out tickets. It has fuelled the creative economy by investing in theatre, comedy, and music. Families and friends have been reunited, turning concerts into bonding sessions. Given the diaspora a homecoming anchor, it has blended the “I just came back” energy with Nigerian hospitality.
In a country where December is both the busiest and most joyful month, DIAV has positioned FirstBank not just as a financial giant, but as a lifestyle brand that understands culture.
2025: The Vybe Is Loading
Now here we are, on the cusp of another December. Whispers are already flying: who will headline the 2025 DecemberIssaVybe experience? Will it be another electrifying Davido Timeless Experience? Will Asake shut down Lagos again? Will Burna Boy, Rema, Tems, or Ayra Starr bring home the global magic? Or will DIAV surprise everyone with a mix of music legends and fresh new voices?
What’s certain is that FirstBank will once again hold the keys to the hottest tickets in town — concerts, fashion, culture, musicals, plays, comedy shows — all to be rolled out on their social media handles, where lucky fans can get premium access.
So, whether you are keeping it real in Naija or you are planning to visit, DecemberIssaVybe 2025 is coming, and FirstBank is about to make it unforgettable.
Contributed by By Bolaji Israel
The Big Brother Naija Season 10 house witnessed another emotional moment during Sunday’s live eviction show, as two housemates, Arinze Ekwenme (Denari), and Uchenna Ekwe (Tracy), were evicted after seven weeks in the competition.
Twenty-seven-year-old Denari, who appeared surprisingly excited, was the first to leave the show.
Tracy, who hails from Anambra, became the second housemate evicted, marking the end of their journey in the Big Brother Naija reality show.
Their departures reduced the pool of contenders, leaving 17 housemates vying for the N150 million grand prize.
Faith Adewale emerged as the “Most Influential Player” of the week.
The title, awarded through a combination of tasks and housemate recognition, grants Faith immunity from eviction in Week 8.
