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Joel Kachi Benson Makes History as “Madu” Wins Emmy for Arts & Culture

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Joel Kachi Benson Makes History as “Madu” Wins Emmy for Arts & Culture

Nigerian filmmaker Joel Kachi Benson has made history as his acclaimed documentary, “Madu,” took home the Emmy Award for Outstanding Arts & Culture Documentary at the prestigious 45th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards.

Joel Kachi Benson

The win marks a monumental achievement not only for Benson but for the entire African documentary filmmaking space—highlighting the power of storytelling rooted in resilience, talent, and dreams.

Madu follows the inspiring journey of Anthony Madu, a young Nigerian ballet dancer from Lagos whose story went viral in 2020 after a video of him dancing barefoot in the rain captured global attention. The documentary dives deeper into his life, passion, struggles, and eventual transition to a top ballet school in the UK.

Directed by Joel Kachi Benson, the film is a heartfelt exploration of art, identity, and the pursuit of dreams—set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s socio-economic realities.

The Emmy win is a landmark moment, placing Benson among a growing class of African filmmakers breaking international boundaries. This recognition not only amplifies African stories on the global stage but also cements Nigeria’s voice in the world of high-impact, arts-focused storytelling.

“This award is for every child with a dream,” said Benson in his acceptance speech. “Madu’s story reminded the world that greatness can come from anywhere, and that art—no matter where it’s found—has the power to change lives.”

“Madu” was co-produced by Disney+ and Bond/360, and has screened at major festivals, garnering praise for its cinematography, emotional depth, and cultural resonance.

The film’s success continues to spark global conversations about arts education, youth empowerment, and African excellence, while positioning Nigeria as a hotbed for authentic and globally relevant documentaries.

https://www.instagram.com/kachibenson/?source=omni_redirect

Khaman Maluach Makes African Basketball History at 2025 NBA Draft

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Khaman Maluach Makes African Basketball History at 2025 NBA Draft

South Sudanese center Khaman Maluach has made history, becoming the highest-ever NBA draft pick from both NBA Academy Africa and the Basketball Africa League (BAL). Selected 10th overall by the Phoenix Suns (via a swap from the Rockets), this moment marks a major milestone for African basketball

Born in Rumbek, South Sudan, in 2006, Maluach fled conflict to Uganda as a child. He began basketball at 13, joined NBA Academy Africa in Senegal, and played professionally in the BAL via the Elevate program His ascent included stints with Cobra Sport, AS Douanes, City Oilers, national team appearances at the FIBA World Cup (age 16), and Paris 2024 Olympics

At the draft podium, his emotional reaction captured global attention:

“Living in Africa, I had the whole continent on my back… I’m so happy.”

He later reflected: “Thank you for being delusional in your dreams… Never change it.”

Herconomy Clinches Triple Silver at Cannes Lions for Powerful “Breastmilk Money” Campaign

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Herconomy Clinches Triple Silver at Cannes Lions for Powerful “Breastmilk Money” Campaign

Nigerian fintech-for-women platform Herconomy has made history at the prestigious Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, winning three Silver Lions for its bold and socially conscious campaign, “Breastmilk Money.”

This marks a monumental moment, not just for Herconomy, but for African creativity on the global stage, as it becomes one of the very few African-led brands to win multiple Cannes Lions awards in a single campaign cycle.

Created in partnership with Insight Publicis Nigeria, the “Breastmilk Money” campaign sheds light on the unpaid labor of breastfeeding mothers, drawing attention to the economic and emotional value of breastmilk and caregiving—an issue often overlooked in financial and social systems.

The campaign took home Silver Lions in the following categories:

  • Glass: The Lion for Change

  • Health & Wellness – Social Behaviour

  • PR – Corporate Responsibility

Speaking on the global recognition, Herconomy founder Ifedayo Durosinmi-Etti said:

“This win is not just for Herconomy—it’s for every African woman whose labor goes unseen. Cannes Lions believed in our story, and now the world will listen.”

Herconomy’s success at Cannes signals a shift in global narratives—where African-led platforms are not only changing lives locally but are also shaping conversations internationally around gender, equity, and financial empowerment.

Minister of Culture and Tourism Barr. Hannatu Musawa, Unveils NigeriaEverywhere.com

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Minister of Culture and Tourism Barr. Hannatu Musawa, Unveils NigeriaEverywhere.com

In a landmark move to elevate Nigeria’s global cultural and tourism presence, the Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musawa, has officially unveiled NigeriaEverywhere.com, a dynamic digital platform aimed at promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, tourism potential, and creative industries on a global scale.

The launch, held at a special event in Abuja, marks a key milestone in the ministry’s broader vision to position Nigeria as a leading destination for culture, tourism, and creative exchange.

🌍 About NigeriaEverywhere.com

NigeriaEverywhere.com is a one-stop digital portal designed to:

  • Showcase Nigeria’s tourism assets, from historical landmarks and UNESCO heritage sites to hidden gems across the 36 states.

  • Celebrate the nation’s cultural richness, including music, dance, festivals, fashion, cuisine, film, and traditional arts.

  • Provide resources and tools for diaspora engagement, tour operators, investors, creatives, and event organizers.

  • Serve as a central hub for updates on policies, events, cultural exhibitions, and investment opportunities in Nigeria’s creative economy.

During her remarks, Minister Hannatu Musawa emphasized the platform’s significance:

“NigeriaEverywhere.com is not just a website—it’s a movement. It is about taking Nigeria’s story, beauty, and talent to every corner of the globe. From Lagos to London, from Kano to California—Nigeria will be everywhere.”

She also noted the role of the platform in engaging the diaspora, supporting the creative industries, and creating opportunities for young Nigerians across art, tech, and tourism sectors.

Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani Elected Vice-Chair of ITU Council

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Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani Elected Vice-Chair of ITU Council

In a major recognition of Nigeria’s growing influence in the global digital landscape, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, has been elected Vice-Chair of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council for the 2025–2026 term.

The announcement was made during the ongoing ITU Council Session in Geneva, where member states of the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs) convened to shape global digital policy.

Dr. Tijani’s election as Vice-Chair is being widely celebrated as a strategic victory for Nigeria and the African continent. It underscores the country’s commitment to digital inclusion, innovation, and technology-driven development.

“This is a proud moment for Nigeria,” said Tijani in response to the appointment. “We are committed to contributing meaningfully to global ICT policy conversations and ensuring that Africa’s voice remains central in shaping the digital future.”

About the ITU Council

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is a UN agency responsible for global coordination in matters of telecommunication and ICT. The Council acts as its governing body, shaping strategic policies between full Plenipotentiary Conferences.

As Vice-Chair, Dr. Tijani will support key initiatives in digital cooperation, spectrum management, connectivity for underserved regions, and regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies.

Dr. Tijani’s appointment marks another step forward in Nigeria’s digital journey, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to tech leadership on the global stage.

With his track record of innovation and diplomacy, all eyes will be on Nigeria’s influence in shaping the future of communication technology worldwide.

Faith Kipyegon Runs Fastest Women’s Mile Ever in Bold Bid to Break 4-Minute Barrier

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Faith Kipyegon Runs Fastest Women’s Mile Ever in Bold Bid to Break 4-Minute Barrier

Kenyan middle-distance superstar Faith Kipyegon has once again proven why she’s in a league of her own. At the highly anticipated Breaking4 Women’s Mile Event held at the Stade Sébastien Charléty in Paris, Kipyegon ran an electrifying 4:06.42, making it the fastest mile ever run by a woman.

Although she narrowly missed the historic goal of breaking the 4-minute barrier, Kipyegon shattered her previous world record of 4:07.64, set in 2023 — pushing the limits of human performance and redefining the future of women’s athletics.

The event, designed in the spirit of Eliud Kipchoge’s iconic sub-two-hour marathon effort, was created to see just how close the best in the world could come to the unthinkable — a sub-4 women’s mile. Kipyegon, supported by elite pacers and cutting-edge innovation from Nike, made her run under optimal conditions, blazing through each lap with unmatched grace and power.

After the run, a beaming Kipyegon told the press:

“I’ve proven it is possible. It’s only a matter of time. If it’s not me, it will be someone else. But today, we made history.”

AFOLARIN JAMIU OLAWALE aka JACE: THE WORDSMITH OF YORUBAWOOD

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AFOLARIN JAMIU OLAWALE aka JACE: THE WORDSMITH OF YORUBAWOOD

When you think of content creators redefining digital entertainment in Nigeria, one name rings with cultural depth and modern flair; Afolarin Jamiu Olawale, popularly known as Jace.

More than a creator, Jace is a linguistic sculptor, weaving Yoruba idioms, proverbs, and wordplay into skits and screen moments that feel like home yet hit with global impact. From viral clips to community-shaping storytelling, he’s become a trusted voice of the streets, the culture, and the people.

Now, the trailblazer is stepping into his boldest chapter yet.

ABAKU – IN CINEMAS FROM JUNE 29, 2025

“Abaku”, Jace’s debut feature film, hits Nigerian cinemas on June 29th, 2025 and it’s already creating buzz as one of the most anticipated Yoruba-language cinematic drops of the year.

Set in a world where tradition meets betrayal, and loyalty is tested under fire, Abaku is a gritty, emotional, and spiritually-charged story that explores what happens when a man’s silence becomes more powerful than his words.

Jace isn’t just acting in the film he’s the brain behind it. His signature use of Yoruba expressions, richly layered dialogue, and everyday realism make Abaku not just a film, but a movement.

WHY YOU SHOULD CARE

• A culturally-rooted creator turned cinema storyteller

• A film that reclaims Yoruba storytelling in a bold, modern way

• An authentic voice rising from content to cult status

🎟️ Save the Date:

June 29th, 2025

Nationwide Cinemas

Follow @officialjace for exclusive behind-the-scenes, trailers, and premiere details.

Temi Otedola, Kanaga Jnr, and Michelle Dede Headline Upcoming Supernatural Thriller “Ms. Kanyin”

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Temi Otedola, Kanaga Jnr, and Michelle Dede Headline Upcoming Supernatural Thriller “Ms. Kanyin”

A thrilling new chapter in Nollywood storytelling is on the horizon as Temi Otedola, Kanaga Jnr, and Michelle Dede come together to star in the upcoming supernatural thriller, Ms. Kanyin.

The highly anticipated film promises a unique blend of suspense, folklore, and psychological drama—set to shake up the Nollywood genre landscape with bold narrative choices and haunting visuals.

 What We Know About Ms. Kanyin

Directed by a yet-to-be-disclosed visionary filmmaker, Ms. Kanyin tells the story of a mysterious woman whose arrival in a quiet town disrupts reality, uncovering dark secrets that test the boundary between the seen and the unseen.

The film blends elements of supernatural horror, African mysticism, and modern psychological tension, positioning it as one of the most daring Nollywood projects of the year.

Ayra Starr reflects on acting debut alongside Idris Elba, Viola Davis and others.

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Ayra Starr reflects on acting debut alongside Idris Elba, Viola Davis and others.

Ayra Starr reflects on acting debut alongside Idris Elba, Viola Davis and others.

 

Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr has has made her acting, joining the cast of Children of Blood and Bone, a highly anticipated adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s best-selling fantasy novel.

 

The “Bloody Samaritan” singer stars alongside doreign stars like Idris Elba, Viola Davis, and Cynthia Erivo in the movie.

 

In a recent interview with CBS Morning, Ayra Starr admitted she had long harboured dreams of acting but had been held back by nerves.

 

“I’ve always been shy when it comes to acting, but this is the first time in my life that I’ve been on camera and I’m not singing,” she said.

 

“I learned so much from everybody on set, not even just the greats—even like just the actors on set, the 16-year-olds, the 14-year-olds on set—it was so inspiring just watching them.”

 

She praised her co-stars, calling the experience a masterclass in discipline and stamina. “Working with actors of that calibre taught me so much. It wasn’t just fun—it was transformational.”

SMADE Meets with Ethiopia Minister of Tourism, Selamawit Kassa to Boost Tourism Through Art and Culture

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SMADE Meets with Ethiopia Minister of Tourism, Selamawit Kassa to Boost Tourism Through Art and Culture

Renowned cultural entrepreneur and Afrobeats promoter, SMADE (Adesegun Adeosun Jr.), recently held a high-level meeting with Her Excellency Selamawit Kassa, Ethiopia’s State Minister of Tourism, to discuss strategic initiatives aimed at boosting tourism through art, music, and cultural exchange.

In a statement shared via social media, Smade described the meeting as “truly fruitful,” expressing excitement about Ethiopia’s commitment to leveraging creative industries to attract both the diaspora and global travelers.

SMADE Meets with Ethiopia Minister of Tourism, Selamawit Kassa

“It’s incredibly encouraging when national leaders understand the power of art, culture, and music,” Smade said. “That kind of vision empowers us to create more, do more, and dream bigger.”

The meeting signals a growing alliance between public sector leadership and influential African creatives dedicated to repositioning the continent as a global hub for cultural tourism and entertainment. While details remain under wraps, Smade hinted at a major project in Ethiopia on the horizon.

He also extended gratitude to Her Excellency for the warm reception and thoughtful gift presented during the visit.

As one of the leading figures behind Afro Nation and other international Afrocentric experiences, Smade’s influence continues to expand beyond events—now shaping policy and pan-African cultural diplomacy.

Stay tuned. Something big is coming to Ethiopia. 🇪🇹✨

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