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Left - Photo by WIktor Szymanowicz/NurPhoto via Getty Images. Right - Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images.

Left - John Boyega attends the EE British Academy Film Awards ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall on 02 February, 2020 in London, England. Right - HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 09: Robert De Niro attends the 92nd Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on February 09, 2020 in Hollywood, California.

John Boyega & Robert De Niro Team Up for Netflix's 'The Formula'

John Boyega and Robert De Niro are set to star in Netflix's epic car race drama, 'The Formula'.

John Boyegaand Robert De Niro are reportedly set to star in Netflix's upcoming car race drama The Formula. Written, directed and produced by Gerard McMurray, the film tells the story of a talented Formula One professional racer who becomes a getaway driver instead in order to rescue the only family he has left. The film will be produced by McMurray's Buppie Productions with producer credits shared among De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Berry Welsh.

READ: From 'Star Wars' to the War on Racism: John Boyega's Speech at a London Protest Moved Masses

Right off the back of Martin Scorsese's 10-times Oscar nominated film The Irishman, De Niro returns to Netflix to take up one of the leading roles alongside Boyega in The Formula. Details around what characters the duo will be playing have not been shared as yet as well as which other performers are set to join the star-led cast. However, with a veteran actor such as De Niro and a tremendously talented young actor in Boyega, the film promises to be a casting dream.

Boyega, best known for his culturally impactful role as Finn in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Stars Wars: The Last Jedi, has had his hands full with a number of projects in the works. Last year, the 28-year-old signed a deal with Netflix to produce a number of non-English films from East and West African countries under his production company, UpperRoom.

More recently, Boyega starred in Alexander McQueen's historical anthology Small Axe which comprises five films (Mangrove, Lovers Rock, Red, White and Blue, Alex Wheatle and Education) exploring stories about Black British culture and experiences. The compelling and admittedly evocative series is currently available for viewing on Amazon Prime Video, according to IndieWire.

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Photo by Robert Okine/Getty Images

Davido Releases His Highly-Anticipated ‘Timeless’ Album

Afrobeats megastar Davido has released his highly-anticipated fourth studio album Timeless.

After months of anticipation, Afrobeats superstar Davido has finally released his fourth studio album, Timeless.

The album, which is the first since his 2020 album A Better Time, includes 17 tracks featuring music heavyweights like the legendary Angelique Kidjo, Asake, Skepta, The Cavemen, and more. The album also includes the smash hit “Champion Sound,” which features Amapiano frontrunner Focalistic.

Timeless is Davido’s first album following his long hiatus from the limelight. After the loss of his three-year-old son Ifeanyi Adeleke—and his social media pause—fans poured out love to the artist in droves. In many ways, Timeless is a sonic resurgence of the “FEM” singer, albeit in a more seasoned way. With Timeless, Davido peels back another layer to his artistry, showcasing his ability to evolve as an entertainer.

The album also arrives on the heels of Davido’s revelation that he had married longtime sweetheart Chioma Rowland. During an interview with actress Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, he said:

“Just being away, you know I have had a lot to think about definitely. Time to rest, reflect on a lot of family time and time to make music again. You know, I remade the album. Before I went on a break I actually had an album ready... I had a tour ready. You know we did the album. I traveled. It was crazy. I’m married. A lot of different things but yeah, we are ready now to get back on the road. The album is out, it’s amazing.”

A day before the album’s release, Davido partnered with Spotify to release an exclusive trailer.

In a statement about the album roll out, Victor Okpala, Spotify’s Artist and Labels Partnerships Manager for West Africa, said that the platform was excited to support the album.

“This release is a much anticipated moment for one of African music’s greatest ambassadors of the digital era,” Okpala said. “Spotify is committed to providing a platform for global audiences to connect with African content and we are glad to support Davido as he achieves another milestone.”

Exciting things are in store for the Davido Music Worldwide boss, who also recently signed two new artists, Morravey and Logos Olori, to his DMW record label.

Stream the new album below.

Timeless


Timeless by Davido


Timeless by Davidomusic.apple.com


Sports
Photo by Ahmed Gomaa/Xinhua via Getty Images

What to expect from the 2023 AFCON qualifiers

The run-up to next year’s AFCON continues with qualifying fixtures, favourites to enter the tournament, and young talents to watch out for.

Resuming on March 22 are the qualifier rounds of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the biggest football and sporting event in Africa. 46 African nations compete to be among the 24 who will partake in the 34th edition of AFCON, taking place next year in Ivory Coast. Actually, 45 of the 46 nations are truly brawling for a spot—Ivory Coast, being the host nation, will enjoy an automatic qualification.

Besides Cameroon, Namibia, South Africa, and Liberia, the other 42 teams have each played two games since the qualifiers began last year. Each team will play a total of six matches to qualify for the tournament, playing each team in their group twice.

On March 22, the round of qualifiers will resume with a Group L fixture between the Republic of Benin and Rwanda, to take place at the Stade de l'Amitie, in Cotonou. Both teams will be hoping to land their first win in the qualifiers, after each failed to beat Mozambique and Senegal, the latter the title holder currently topping Group L.

Later that day, Sierra Leone will take on São Tomé and Princípe, the Group A fixture taking place in Adrar Stadium, in Agadir, Morocco. The pair will also be aiming for their first win in the qualifiers. But with São Tomé and Princípe suffering an embarrassing 10-nil defeat to current group leader Nigeria last June, all hope of qualification seems lost for the Central African country.

Favourites to qualify for the 2023 AFCON

Thus far, based on which teams currently top their group after winning their previous two fixtures, these nations seem bound for AFCON 2023: Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Algeria, Mali, Morocco, and Senegal. Considering all six countries have a better head-to-head record than each of their next respective opponents, they likely will, at the least, clinch a point in their next game, bringing them closer to qualifying for the tournament.

Qualification seems a given for these teams because they are also some of the most highly-ranked African teams on FIFA's most recent world rankings.

Traditional favourites like Ghana, Tunisia, and Egypt are also expected to scale through the qualifiers. Other favourites include "Gabon, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau, and South Africa," said Lloyd Badeji, owner of the sports blog Sports Faculty, over a phone interview.

Players likely to impress in the qualifier round

Victor Osimhen is bound to blaze a trail during the qualifiers. The 24-year-old Nigerian striker is currently one of the top goalscorers in Europe this season, only behind Erling Haaland, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe. Known for his clinical finishing and athleticism, Osimhen, this season, has scored 21 goals in 23 matches in the Serie A for Napoli, leading the Italian club to its first league title in 30 years.

It is no surprise that Osimhen, with 5 goals, is currently the top scorer in the AFCON qualifiers, scoring four of those goals in the game Nigeria trounced São Tomé and Princípe 10-nil. Nigeria's coach Jose Poseiro will be hoping the striker is in his element as the Super Eagles welcome Guinea-Bissau this Friday to the Abuja National Stadium, where they hope to maintain their lead in Group A.

Another player to watch out for is Ghana's Mohammed Kudus. At only 22, Kudus boasts of a technical ability beyond his age, with clubs like Manchester United courting him. With 11 goals and two assists this season for his club side Ajax, Kudus is that rare thing: a goalscoring midfielder.

As Ghana takes on Angola on Thursday, coach Chris Hughton will be hoping the midfielder is in fine form. Hughton will also be banking on Thomas Partey and Inaki Williams, both of whom have been impressive for their respective clubs this season and likely will be some of the standout performers during the qualifiers.

Also likely to be a standout performer during the qualifiers is the Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat. The 26-year-old, who is known for his stamina as well as his ball-winning ability, was one of the stars of the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar — where he made 33 recoveries, six interceptions, and 143 passes with an 87% success rate.

This season, Eric Chuopo-Moting has played 17 games for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, scoring 10 and assisting two. He plays as a forward for Cameroon, where he has enjoyed 72 caps, scoring 20 goals in that time. Given his current form, he, too, will likely be a standout performer during the qualifiers.

The Cameroonian side, likewise, will be counting on 31-year-old Vincent Aboubakar, whose daring lob goal against Brazil was one of the highlights of the 2022 World Cup. Aboubakar, who currently plays for Beşiktaş, is known for his dribbling and ability to create space for his teammates. He scored the winning goal in the final of the 2017 AFCON tournament and will be one to watch in this year's qualifiers.

Victor Osimhen of SSC Napoli during warm up ahead of the Serie A match between Torino FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on March 19, 2023 in Turin, Italy.Victor Osimhen of SSC Napoli during warm up ahead of the Serie A match between Torino FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on March 19, 2023 in Turin, Italy.Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images

Youngsters to look out for

Sadly, fans will not get to see Tariq Lamptey, the promising 22-year-old Ghanaian right-back who has been ruled out of the qualifiers due to injury. However, there are several other youngsters to look out for, such as Fasistencio Maria Faza Joa, the 19-year-old Algerian goalkeeper who has often impressed with his quick reflexes and ability to play with his feet.

Also likely to impress is the 19-year-old Daniel Bameyi, who plays as a defender for Nigeria. He is nicknamed The Major, speaking to his dominant presence on the pitch, and has proven to be great at dispatching aerial threats.

Ahmed Shereef, who is 19 years old and plays as a forward for Egypt, is one of the young stars to look out for in the qualifiers. Another 19-year-old to watch out for is Samba Diallo, who plays for Dynamo Kyiv. So far, Diallo has scored three goals in the qualifiers.

The youngest of the players likely to impress in the qualifiers is Zambia's Charles Mumba, who plays as a midfielder for Atletico Lusaka. As proof of his ability, the 18-year-old was named the best player at the 2022 COSAFA qualifiers.

Music
Photo Credit: Wizkid's YouTube

Watch Wizkid’s Glitzy New Video For ‘Money And Love’

Afrobeats singer Wizkid has released the music video for his song “Money and Love.”

Nigerian superstar and Grammy award-winning artist Wizkid has just released a new music video for his song “Money and Love.” The DK- directed music video features vibrant colors and beautiful people. In November last year, the “Essence” crooner treated fans to his highly anticipated fifth studio album, More Love, Less Ego. “Money and Love” is one of the album's top tracks. Wizkid —who is also known as “Machala '' by his loyal fan base, Wizkid FC — displays his suave star power and swagger in the music video.

Throughout his career, Wiz has garnered a reputation for taking his time with his art, and this music video reflects that. The offering is a deliberate and well done visual output that showcases his ability to be chill, yet intentional about whatever project he puts his name on.

Over the years, the “Bad to Me” singer has been known to use a blended aesthetic of urban energy and relaxed, Afro-centric glamor in his visuals. In “Money and Love,” Wiz leans into that same urban energy by basking in vibrant colors and dynamic camera angles.

Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, first caught his big break in 2010, and has come a long way since his "Holla at Your Boy” days. He has since released several successful singles and albums, including Superstar (2011), Ayo (2014), Sounds from the Other Side (2017), Made in Lagos (2020), and More Love, Less Ego (2022). He has also collaborated with several international artists, including Drake, Beyonce, and Skepta.

Beyond the release of his recent music video, Wizkid has been booked and busy. The 32-year-old Afrobeats icon will be performing at festivals across Europe and the United States this the summer.

Watch the spanking new video below.

News
Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage

Places in Lagos to Have Fun this Weekend

From sip and paint and artists’ shows, to finger-licking food, here’s the best places to have fun in Lagos this weekend as March wraps up.

March surely took long enough to end, and what better way to see it go out than attend Pheelz’s inaugural appearance at Industry Nite? The producer-singer had an exciting 2022, releasing the chart-topping single "Finesse," and landing his American TV debut on Late Night with Seth Meyers.

He’s one to watch this year, and Industry Nite brings the rising act in the same room with fans. Also watch out for Ric Hassani five-night show run starting on Friday. This weekend's lineup of events has a full-range appeal, so let’s get into it.

Movie in the Park: Vintage Edition

Start the weekend early by catching a movie under the stars. Movie in the Park is returning for the first time in 2022, after making statements last year drawing in crowds with their monthly outdoor movie events. This time around, they will be curating nostalgic moments with their Vintage edition, from the dress code, movie selection and overall ambience.

Thursday, March 30, 5 p.m.

Venue: Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island

Cost: N3k

Musical stage play at Terra Kulture

With Easter just around the corner, Terra Kulture will showcase a musical stage play titled "The Witness." It will look at the arrest, trial, and suffering of Jesus Christ through the eyes of Cladia, the wife of Pontius Pilate, the Roman who sentenced him to death. The Witness is put together by Ornaments Production in collaboration with Young and Gifted Academy.

As with all theater productions showcased at Terra Kulture, this is one that shouldn’t be missed. It runs for two days, with flexible time too.

Friday & Saturday, March 31 & April 1, 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Venue: Plot 1376, Tiamiyu Savage, Victoria Island

Cost: from N10K (early bird)

Weekends with Ric Hassani

Picking up from last year’s One Night Only, Ric Hassani is about to hop on a stretch of shows that will see him perform every weekend in April. Starting this Friday, the Gentleman singer will serenade fans with a medley of his songs and perhaps tease some new stuff. It’s for a small crowd (70 people), so making reservations is advised.

Friday, March 31, 9 p.m.

Venue: Live Lounge, No 15, Idejo Street, Victoria Island

Cost: Free

Burger Games at Burger King

Courtesy of Coca Cola, which means free drinks, Burger King is making space for games to be played alongside their delicious burgers. There’s also a chance to win goody bags from Burger King, meet people and network. Registration for this event is compulsory because limited seats are available.

Friday, March 31, 6 p.m.

Venue: 11b, Victoria Arobieke, Lekki Phase 1

Cost: Free

The Big Birthday Bash

Imagine having your birthday hosted for you with celebrities that share your birthday turning up? And with food, drinks, games, and music as well? That’s the whole gamut of The Big Birthday Bash, which happens every month. This time, February and March birthday celebrants will take center stage, with DJ Calix Jiggy and DJ Tosan Wiltshire on the turntable.

Friday, March 31, 7 p.m.

Venue: Bayroot Lounge, Victoria Island

Cost: N5K

Live Band Night at Beeriga

Have a calming view of the Lagos Lagoon while enjoying live music from Cool Ice Band. From highlife, and alternative blues to your favourite Nigerian hit songs, soak yourself into the sea ambiance with great music and food.

Saturday, April 1, 7 p.m.

Venue: Bariga Waterfront Jetty, Ijaje, Bariga

Cost: Free

Book Swap at Roving Heights

Bookstore Roving Heights is resuming its tradition of book swapping among customers. Old books across fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and so on can be exchanged for old titles. There will be music and snacks, and a chance to network. Roving Heights will also be giving away free old books.

Saturday, April 1, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Venue: 28, Ogunlana Drive, Surulere

Cost: Free

Industry Nite with Pheelz

More than a decade being Nigeria’s longest-running performance event for new and established artists, rising Afrobeats act and producer Pheelz headlines the next showcase for Industry Nite. With his debut project, Pheelz Good, released after a string of hits, the Lagos-based singer will perform tracks from the EP and show the audience a good time.

Saturday, April 1, 8 p.m.

Venue: Bayroot Bar & Lounge, Victoria Island

Cost:5K

Sip and Paint

The rise of sip-and-paint events, especially in Lagos, has broken the echo chamber of traditional outings. Sure, there are quite a few things that can be improved in that space, but in the meantime, Alali Studio is hosting a sip-and-paint session under the guidance of professional painters. The experience comes with any beverage of your choice.

Saturday, April 1, 4:30 p.m.

Venue: 32, Musa Yar'adua Victoria Island

Cost: N20K

BBQ wings at Maple Lagos

Though a full-fledged restaurant with starter and main-course dishes, BBQ wings at Maple Lagos is particularly one to try out. Having seen improvement over time, the wings are sweet, sticky, spicy, and fall off the bone. It also packs in some heat, but this can be adjusted to personal taste. Comes with a side of French fries and grilled corn.

Venue: 9, Otunba Adedoyin Crescent, Lekki

Cost: Free

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