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Nobantu Shabangu
Sep. 30, 2020 01:14PM EST
Koleka Putuma by Iskeem Semincibi.

Koleka Putuma

Koleka Putuma Releases Sonic Experience for 'Collective Amnesia'

Koleka Putuma has released an audio book for 'Collective Amnesia' following the tremendous success of the anthology.

Koleka Putuma has returned with the release of an audio book for her successful debut anthology, Collective Amnesia. The outspoken South African poet, queer feminist and theatre practitioner returns with her unique voice to add a sonic experience to her successful seminal work.

Collective Amnesia (The Audio Experience) is in collaboration with PaperCranes Collective, an interdisciplinary arts production company. Currently on 10 reprints in South Africa, it has also received awards including the 2018 Glenna Luschei Prize for African Poetry. Putuma moves with an unstoppable momentum and continues to unravel the disturbing collective amnesia of the nation with the release of this audio book which will be made publicly available on October 8th 2020.

Read: Koleka Putuma is the Groundbreaking New Voice of South African Poetry

Collective Amnesia speaks to the collective consciousness of South Africa and zones in on the real harsh realities of being Black, queer and female identifying in South Africa. Gender based violence has been a plague in South Africa for years and Putuma has always had the knack to tap into the psyche and voice of the voiceless without need for flourish. Collective Amnesia was released in 2017 and became a literary antidote to the psychological oppression faced by women all over the world. The success of the book prompted a national and international tour just three months after it was published.

Putuma shot to fame on local poetry stages in Cape Town and Johannesburg. She was a prominent feature and headliner on Johannesburg's popular poetry league slamsWordnSound where the performance of her somber poem "Water" gained her respect for her literary prowess. Soon afterwards, Collective Amnesia was released and broke South Africa's book sales records. Putuma's raw and unapologetic poems have gained favour overseas with translations in Spanish. German, Dutch and Italian.

Collective Amnesia was adapted into a play titledNo Easter Sunday for Queers in 2019 and was sold out every night at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg. No Easter Sunday for Queers zoned into homophobia, religion and the senseless killing of queers particularly Black lesbians. Following the success of the play, Putuma released a chilling poem titled "Every three hours" to bring to the fore the seriousness of femicide.

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Trevor Noah To Host Prime Video's First South African Show

Trevor Noah is teaming up with Prime Video to Release the a new South African Show Called ‘LOL: Last One Laughing.'

Trevor Noah is taking his comedic chops to Prime Video with LOL: Last One Laughing, a six-episode stand-up comedy competition series that will be released in 2024.

Noah will be hosting the show, which will feature 10 South African comedians competing to see who can keep a straight face the longest while also trying to make their opponent laugh. The comedians will be given a list of challenges and scenarios in which they must maintain a stoic expression. Each episode will end with the "Last One Laughing" taking home a cash prize of 1 million Rand. LOL: Last One Laughing will be Prime Video’s first South African Original. And with Noah’s sharp wit and comedic acumen at the helm, it will be interesting to see LOL: Last One Laughing come to life in South Africa.

In a statement released to Variety, Noah said:

“I’m excited to be back home to host Prime Video’s first South African Original, LOL: Last One Laughing, and to have a chance to connect with my home audience... I am equally delighted for the opportunity to be working alongside my fellow home-grown comedy stars on a show that not only entertains but gives back to the South African production and charity communities.”

Ned Mitchell, head of Africa and Middle East Originals at Amazon also spoke highly of the upcoming show.

“Comedy, in all its forms, shines among South Africa’s most valuable treasures. Together with an A-list roster of this country’s incredible home-grown comedic talent competing for a great charitable cause,” Mitchell said. “Trevor and Prime Video are demonstrating the depth of our shared ambition to invest and elevate the very best of South Africa for audiences locally and around the world.”
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Photo Credit: Amazon

Watch the Trailer for 'Gangs of Lagos,' Amazon's First African Movie

Amazon's Gangs of Lagos will premiere on April 7th.

Nollywood is coming to Prime Video.

On Monday, the conglomerate announced that it would be releasing Gangs of Lagos, its first original African movie, on April 7th. The project, which is directed by renowned filmmaker Jáde Osiberu, features Nigerian stars like Tobi Bakare, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Chike Osebuka, Chioma Chukwuka, and Iyabo Ojo.

The movie will follow the lives of a group of friends as they navigate the bustling streets of Lagos.

In a press release, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, head of Nigerian Originals at Prime Video, described the movie as a story that highlights the importance of friendship and family.

"Gangs of Lagos is a unique story about family and friendship, against the action-packed backdrop and striking set pieces of the streets of Lagos,” Mba-Uzoukwu said. “As the first Nigerian Original to launch on Prime Video, Gangs of Lagos sets the tone and standard, with the authentically Nigerian storyline in a genre that is so popular around the globe, making it a movie for our audiences at home and abroad.”

Gangs of Lagos - Official Teaser | Prime Video Naijawww.youtube.com

Located on the country's southwest coast, Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria. Over the years, the vibrant city has become known for its bustling economy, eclectic culture, and rich history. The crime drama promises to showcase the nitty gritty rumble and tumble of Lagos, as well as the authentic elements that make it one of the most renowned cities in the world.

Ned Mitchell, head of African and Middle East Originals, Prime Video said that with the roll out, Prime Video was hoping to connect with original voices.

“At Prime Video, we are looking to work with original voices to create spectacular stories and events that audiences can connect with wherever they may be,”

Mitchell said. "Gangs of Lagos launching will truly be a global cultural moment that marks the beginning of a new era in storytelling, where audiences everywhere can see the full power of Nigerian and African voices and the depths of our continued commitment to the local TV and film industry.”
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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.

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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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