It was a beautiful week and we are excited to welcome you into a new one. This week’s catch-up is scintillating and filled with congratulatory notes from well-noted individuals, as well as a great loss in the entertainment industry. Enjoy!
Atiku Abubakar Celebrates Funke Akindele’s Film, ‘A Tribe Called Judah’
The Nigerian politician and standard bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2019 and 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed his admiration of Funke Akindele’s historic achievement in the country’s film industry, commending her for what is considered the groundbreaking success of ‘A Tribe Called Judah’. The film, after only three weeks, became Nigeria’s first-ever film to surpass the N1 billion mark at the box office. Through a heartfelt message on his social media platform, Atiku commended Akindele for not only breaking box office records but also for the film’s cultural significance, serving as a symbol of pride and resilience within the Nollywood community.
Atiku said ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ is more than just a movie; it stands as a cultural masterpiece reflecting the dynamism and tenacity of Nigerian cinema. He emphasised the impact of Akindele’s success on the nation, expressing collective pride and inspiration for a new generation of filmmakers in Nigeria and beyond.
‘X-Men’ Actor, Dan Canto, Dies Of Appendiceal Cancer
The entertainment world mourns the loss of Adan Canto, the renowned Mexican actor and singer celebrated for his roles in iconic productions like ‘X-Men’ and ‘Designated Survivor’. At the age of 42, Canto succumbed to appendiceal cancer, as confirmed by his publicist, Jennifer Allen. Canto’s journey in the limelight commenced at the early age of 16, when he embarked on a musical career as a singer-songwriter before seamlessly transitioning to acting. His breakthrough in the American television landscape came with Kevin Williamson’s Fox drama series, The Following, in 2013, showcasing his versatility and talent.
Notable among his diverse roles were Vice President-elect Aaron Shore on ‘Designated Survivor’, Colombian politician Rodrigo Lara Bonilla on Narcos, and the mutant Sunspot in ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’. In addition to his acting prowess, Canto directed two short films, underscoring his multifaceted creative abilities.
Davido, Burna Boy Top UK Afrobeats Chart
Davido and Burna Boy, two prominent figures in the Afrobeats genre, are celebrating silver certifications in the UK for their chart-topping singles, reinforcing their influence on opposite sides of the River Thames. Davido’s irresistible track ‘Unavailable’, featuring South African producer Musa Keys, has earned a silver BPI Award, surpassing 200,000 units in sales. The song’s remarkable performance in the UK, reaching #52 on the UK Singles Chart and securing the top spot on the UK Afrobeats Chart.
Simultaneously, Burna Boy maintains his dominance in the UK with the swaggering anthem ‘City Boy’, also achieving silver certification by exceeding 200,000 units in sales. Serving as the lead single for Burna Boy’s Grammy-nominated seventh album, ‘I Told Them’, ‘City Boy’ captivated audiences with its infectious melody, catchy lyrics, and a widely popular dance challenge that took the internet by storm. The track peaked at #14 on the UK Singles Chart and mirrored Davido’s success by claiming the throne on the UK Afrobeats Chart.
Ayo Edebiri Wins Golden Globe Award For Best Female Performance In ‘The Bear’
Ayo Edebiri emerged victorious on Sunday night at the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards, securing the Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy award for her role in ‘The Bear’. Dressed in a stunning red strapless gown, the 28-year-old actress, known for portraying Sydney Adamu in the FX dramedy, exuded gratitude during her acceptance speech.
Expressing her appreciation for being in the company of admired peers, Ayo acknowledged the transformative power of art and paid tribute to her incredible supporters, including her family and the outstanding cast of The Bear.
