The last time we had cinematic battle among Nigerian films was in December when Anchor Baby, Ije, Champions of Our Time and Between Kings and Queen hit the screens. Anchor Baby came top by selling over N17 million to beat others. It is worthy of note that Ije is the highest selling movie of all time, so far. The December release was a re-release in the cinema.
A repeat of cinema battle is about to play out again, come April 22, as Ghetto Dreamz (the Dagrin biopic) and Tango With Me will be making strong cinema debut. The April cinema battle will be interesting, because it seems like the battle of David and Goliath. Ghetto Dreamz’s actor is young Trybson Dudukoko, while Tango With Me has veteran actress, Genevieve Nnaji, playing the lead role.
Ghetto Dreamz is a biopic on the late rapper, Dagrin, who died just as he was gaining popularity last year, and the frenzy that followed his death catapulted him to the class some industry greats dream of. The movie tells the story of his challenges, the pain, the struggle and the eventual success and true story of his death.
The movie, which was told in such a way that made many people cry, was screened exclusively to members of the media at Silverbird Galleria on Tuesday. And many left the premiere crying, while others left with satisfaction, saying that at last there is something to keep the legacy of the Yoruba-language rapping singer alive. Directed by innovative director, Daniel Ademinokan, and produced by Ope Banwo, Ghetto Dreamz features other stars like Rachael Oniga, Pa Kasumu, Oyindamola, Gabriel Afolayan, among others.
Tango With Me, however, is the story of love that stars Genevieve Nnaji and Joseph Benjamin, presenter of Project Fame West Africa. Tango With Me, which was shot on 35mm, also features stars like Kate Henshaw-Nuttal, Joke Silva, Alex Osifo, among others. Produced and directed by Mahmood Ali Balogun, the story highlights the intrigues and many turns of love between couples. The movie was also screened for the media last Tuesday.
Ghetto Dreamz has been predicted to have huge youth followers across the nation, while Tango With Me would be solely carried on the popularity strength of Genevieve Nnaji and the fact that it was shot on 35mm.
Though Ghetto Dreamz have been highly publicized and the publicity described as the biggest so far, Tango With Me is keeping the publicity low because it is believed that the 35mm and star presence would carry the movie far. As a sign of what is to come, banners, stands, posters and handbills of these movies already litter cinemas across the nation.
Now, the question cinema lovers ask is, which of these movies will win the box office war? Only time will tell.
Denrele leaves Soundcity
Controversial Soundcity vee-jay, Denrele Edun, has confirmed his resignation from the popular urban music channel, Soundcity.
The popular presenter, who is famous for his peculiar lifestyle as well as for impressively conducting many red carpet interviews for the music channel, revealed that he voluntarily left his job of six years to pursue some other personal dreams.
"I resigned two weeks ago," said Denrele, who has now attained a celebrity status, in a telephone conversation with X2. "I believe it was time I move on to a greener pasture and do other things for myself."
Denrele, who is currently on the location of a yet-to-be titled new traditional epic movie with Funke Akindele and Yinka Quadri in Oyo State, also quickly dispelled rumours that his exit from his old job is fuelled by a fallout with his boss concerning his infamous picture with Charly Boy.
"It had nothing to do with it. The picture happened before last year's Soundcity Music Video Awards and since then, I have continued to host shows for Soundcity without any issue. Initially, I thought it will cause a little tension because I know I am a controversial figure but really it did not," he said.
Denrele also reveals that aside taking more prominent roles in movies, his next plan includes coming up with his own television show.
"I hope to soon flag up my own celebrity interview show. I have interviewed so many celebrities and I hope to use that to start on my own. Recently, I was in Dubai to host a show Usher had, so I hope to continue to do things for myself," he said.
Mid-last year, a picture of Denrele in a mouth-to-mouth kiss with Charly Boy was released on the Internet and met with wide spread condemnation.
Although Soundcity boss, Tajudeen Adepetu, isn't available to comment on Denrele's exit, he was vociferous in condemning the picture with Charly Boy in an old interview. He called it "a foolish act".
New music
Many Nigerian entertainers have released new music and new music videos over the weekend. Storm Records' new recruit, Young6ix, teamed up with Empire Mate Music's singer, Wizkid, on a dance oriented track, ‘Follow Me'. Also, Hip-Hop World Awards nominee, Lord of Ajasa, popular for his witty raps in Yoruba, has released a new single, ‘Gbafun'. Toeing his trade mark rhyming in Yoruba, Ajasa laid his braggadocio rap over a laid back beat.
Similarly, Kennis Music's frontline act, JayWon, released his latest single ‘Oya' featuring label mates, Eedris Abdulkareem and Joe EL on a Jay Sleek production.
Singer cum producer and chief executive of Kasbeats Entertainment, Kas, has released the music video of the second lead single off his debut album. The music video, ‘If You Wind For Me', is directed by Gini.
Comments