Category: Entertainment

The American film “Barbie ” has been banned in Cameroon for its perversity and promotion of homosexuality, prohibited by the laws of the country.

According to Box Office Pro, an American motion picture industry magazine dedicated movie ttheatre business, the decision to ban the movie was orally taken by the Department of Cinematography and Audiovisual Productions of the Ministry of Arts and Culture (Minac) on Tuesday August 22, 2023 as it ordered that all cinema halls in the country to remove the movie from their programs.

“this decision comes after the procedure to obtain an exploitation visa for the broadcast of the film, witnessed no opposition. The movie was watched and its broadcast approved some days before its official outing” Declares Box Pro Office on its website.

The decision comes just a week after the movie was broadcast at Canal Olympia, in Douala and Yaoundé, on Wednesday August 16, 2023.

In banning this movie, Cameroon joins countries like Liban, Kuwait and Algeria in fighting homosexuality. In June 2023, Cameroon banned the arrival of French Ambassador for LGBT rights Jean-Marc Berthon who wanted to promote LGBT activities in Cameroon. Recently, the National Communication Council through its President, Joseph Chebongkeng Kalabubsu warned promoters of TV channels and image distributors against the broadcast of films promoting homosexuality.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

Veteran Fuji Musician, Adewale Ayuba, says he will be releasing his new single “Uncommon” on Aug. 27.

Ayuba told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the new single would be released to further popularise and digitise Fuji music.

He said this was necessary as African music had begun to gain recognition in the Grammy and other global awards.

He said that talking drums and some other local musical instruments were used while producing the single to make it truly fuji and African.

“I will be releasing another single on Sunday, Aug. 27.

“Uncommon is my signature music and will be available on all music streaming platform. People will know that I am an uncommon artiste right from time with my new album.

“I want Nigerians to know that my music is uncommon, as an artiste. I am like a Chameleon; I can go to different levels.

“Uncommon speaks about what I have done in the entertainment scene, being the first artiste to take fuji music to the universities in 1990, before then people saw it as music for the old people.

“I have been able to ensure that as a fuji artiste, I go beyond performing at birthday and burial parties, I work more on producing albums and singles.

“That is the way the music can gain more popularity,” he told NAN.

Ayuba said that the three-minute single also conveyed morals which had to do with the essence of hard work and seriousness in life.

He encouraged other fuji musicians to intensify efforts at producing more singles and albums to ensure that fuji genre of music does not go into extinction

He also urged them to focus on grooming their music and not to imitate Western music.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Nigerian music superstars David Adeleke, also known as Davido, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema and ace comedian AY Makun have been listed among the ‘100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa’.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stars were named in the ‘Peace building row call’ at unveiling news conference by the organisers on Friday in Abuja.

Other Nigerians who made the list include former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo; Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammadu Sa’ad Abubakar and President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adeshina.

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; Cardinal John Oniyekan; Bishop Matthew Hassan-Kukah and renowned tele-evangelist, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, also made the list among others.

Amb. Kinsley Amafibe, Project Director, Africa, for the 100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa, congratulated the artistes and other Nigerians who made the highly coveted ‘peace list’.

According to him, the peace icons are Africans drawn from different backgrounds, who have used their talents, positions and resources to build and promote peace across the continent.

He said those who made the list were painstakingly selected for their consisted commitment to humanitarian initiatives, positive influence on communities and youth empowerment, among other criteria.

“It is with immense excitement that we announce the revelation of the esteemed list titled “100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa.”

“This initiative stands as a testament to our commitment to acknowledging and applauding the remarkable individuals and collectives that have played key roles in nurturing peace, harmony, and positive change the African continent.

“This initiative celebrates the dedication of those who have labored continuously to reduce conflicts, advance social bond, and establish connections amidst diverse communities,” he said.

According to him, by sharing their narratives, our intention is to amplify the ripples of their endeavors, produce a collective resolve to foster a more calm and prosperous Africa.

“Within this illustrious roster of 100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa, we encounter a rich shade of leaders, economist, financial expert, sports personalities, religious leaders, industrialist, entertainment entrepreneurs and traditional rulers.

“They have transcended boundaries and overcome challenges to leave inerasable legacies, with each narrative as a tribute to perseverance and determination, enclosed in the cherished values of Africa- unity, harmony, and progress.

“The profiles and accomplishments of these icons are showcased on our official website, www.100mostnotable.org, a digital monument honoring their contributions across Africa and beyond,” he said.

NAN reports that other recipients of the recognition across the continent include Rwanda President, Paul Kagame; Kenyan President, William Ruto; South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa and Joyce Hilda Banda, First Female President in Malawi.

Ex-Cameroonian football star Samuel Eto’o Fils, veteran Ghanaian actor John Dumelo, American-born Senegalese singer, Akon , the first lady of Mamibia, Monica Geingos are also listed among the peace icons.

Amafibe said the “100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa” initiative stands as a celebration of hope, unity and advancement for the continent.

He, therefore, urged Africans to unite in constructing a future, where peace and prosperity flourish through education, empowerment, and sustainable development.

“The unveiling of this plaque transcends mere symbolism but serves as a call to action, an exhortation to perpetuate the values embody by African Icons

“This plaque would serve as a perpetual reminder to both present and future generations that peace entails more than the absence of conflict; it encompasses the proactive cultivation of understanding, cooperation, and shared prosperity.

“The legacy of these African Icons shall persist as a wellspring of inspiration for individuals, nations, and the entirety of the African continent,” he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Consulate-General of Nigeria in New York and the Royal Festival Inc. have celebrated the “Ayan Atayero Festival” (Festival of Drums) to promote the understanding and appreciation of Nigeria’s rich culture and heritage in the US.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the maiden edition of the festival was held at the Nigeria House in New York in collaboration with the House of Oduduwa and the Atayero of Aramoko Kingdom, Ekiti.

The Consul-General, Amb. Lot Egopija, in his remarks said the gathering was aimed at celebrating the timeless tradition of drumming and vibrant Nigerian cultural heritage.

According to him, the Atayero festival holds immense significance and it showcases the power of drums as a universal language.

The envoy said that drums had the ability to transcend barriers and to bring people together regardless of their background and origin.

“The drums talk as you listen to it and they are various interpretation of the rhythm.

“Above all, the kings communicate with their subjects through the instruments of the drums. I will enjoin you to relax as the drums speak to us this night.’’

In his remarks, Olusegun Aderemi, the Atayero of Aramoko Kingdom, Ekiti, defined culture as the generality of the way people live and the way people behave.

“Heritage doesn’t die, heritage lives in the present and the future. We can’t take away our cultural heritage and we cannot add to it.

“The best we can do to our cultural heritage is to manage it.

“Our great culture is rich; our most expensive culture from Nigeria comes from the North, East to the West and down to the South is very rich,’’ he said.

The traditional ruler said the maiden edition of the “Festival of Drums“ would present different ways in which drums communicate and the interpretation of the rhythm.

“Our culture is very rich and our drums are very rich, our singing and dancing are very rich. They are very spiritual to us and very important to us.

“Drum speaks the language we understand; it could be used as a tool for calling and for healing,’’ he said.

Similarly, Olori Folashade Ogunwusi, the wife of the Ooni of Ife, who sent royal greetings from her husband also spoke about the rich heritage of the Yoruba culture, especially the drum festival.

“The Yoruba culture holds great importance as it represents the rich heritage of Yoruba people, an ethnic group, predominantly located in Southwestern Nigeria.

“The culture encompasses various aspects such as language, the art, outfit, the music and the beautiful drums.

“It is the culture that has been passed down through generation, your tradition is considered a heritage because it carries the collective history, values and identity of your community.

“It also provides a sense of belonging and the continuity connecting people together to their ancestors as well,” she said.

According to her, culture has influenced and contributed significantly to the broader African diaspora and the global cultural diversity, making it an essential part of board heritage toda

Also speaking, Edward Mermelstein, New York City’s Commissioner for International Affairs, thanked the Consulate for orgainising the festival, noting that New York City is the host of the largest diplomatic community in the world.

“This festival serves as a testament to the importance of preserving and honoring cultural heritage. It provides a platform for sharing and celebrating the tradition that has been passed down through generations.

“Moreover, the festival is a testament to the strength of our city’s cultural diversity.

“New York City is a melting point of cultures and events like this allow us to appreciate the richness and contribution of each community,’’ he said.

According to him, it is through embracing our differences that we forge stronger bonds and build a more inclusive and harmonious society.

“As we celebrate the festival in the night of drums, let us acknowledge the perseverance of our communities,’’ he said.

NAN reports that the festival, with the theme: Celebrating Our Cultural Heritage,’’ also showcased presentation of drum rhythms, their interpretation and their accompanying dancing steps by Olu-Gan Gan Troupe.

The festival was attended by the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the UN, Prof. Tijani Muhammad-Bande, Dr Akil khalfani, Pan African Diaspora Ambassador to the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Olori Abosede Yeyegunwa, Elesi of Ejesi Ife Kingdom as well as Princess Fadakemi Fadojutimi, Managing Director of Ife Grand Resorts and Industrial Hub, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Luanda will host the 19th Edition of the International Festival of Comics and Animation (Luanda Cartoon) on August 4-19 at Camões and Belas Shopping cultural site.

In order to ensure the success of the event, BAI Foundation and Estúdio Olindomar, the organizing body, signed a memorandum of understanding for the sustainable development of Cartoons in Angola on Thursday.

The ratification of the agreement on the availability of the financial package to support the Festival is part of the pillar of BAI Foundation culture, aimed at ensuring development and sustainability of Angolan arts and culture.

The annual event brings together cartoon bands, cartoonists, illustrators and animators, amateur professionals and fans.

Source: Angola Press News Agency (APNA)

Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX and Tesla who bought Twitter a year ago – has announced that he will be changing the company’s logo from the signature blue bird the world has come to know for more than 10 years – to an ominous white X on a black background.

The reason for this, according to The New York Times, is that Musk wants to create an “everything app” with his X which takes over from Twitter. The South African-born millionaire understands the power behind branding.

Musk bought Twitter last year for 44 billion US Dollars, but Twitter’s value has dropped to a mere 15 billion USD as of 2023; and while the app has primarily been used for sharing news – Musk now wants it to be an “everything app similar to the Chinese app, WeChat which would allow users to even do monetary transactions, send messages and streaming. It will effectively become a marketplace of services.

In short, Twitter has struggled financially and Musk feels that one of the ways to save it, is to give it a new face. An X which seems also to be a personalized letter and symbol as Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX has an X in it obviously, but companies like Microsoft already own the intellectual property rights to the letter X and this could have legal implications too for Elon Musk.

That brings me to the crux of the issue I want to address here: the face of the oldest church in Cameroon ie the Cameroon Baptist Convention.

There is no doubt that when the early Baptist missionaries set foot on Cameroonian shores, branding was surely not one of their preoccupations. But as the church that they established in the 1890s grew over the years, transitioning from the Cameroon Baptist Mission (CBM) in the 1950s to the Cameroon Baptist Convention (CBC), it was clear that the denomination already understood the power behind how an organization brands itself. While in the 1950s, the change of the name from CBM to CBC reflected a change of leadership from White, Western missionaries to Cameroonians, it is also very important that more than half a century of being led by Cameroonians, that the CBC ought to appropriately distinguish itself.

It doesn’t help that in one denomination, there are dozens of logos – which is at odds with the motto of the denomination One Lord, One Faith and One Baptism (taken from Ephesians 4:5-7). It doesn’t help (in fact it is frustrating and frankly confusing), that Cameroon’s oldest denomination has a logo for each department or unit. For example, the signature logo of the CBC is usually a bird (dove, and never mind the uncanny similarity to Twitter) with a tiny tweak in its beak over a green background (the main CBC colour) and a cross. But then various departments have their own individual logos again. The Boy’s Brigade, the Youth and Student’s Department has its logo; the Women’s Department has another logo, the CBC Health Services has its own logo, the Finance Department and Education Departments etc each have a logo of their own! On top of all this, they each have individual mission statements again!

This multiplicity of logos and mission statements could either be interpreted on several fronts: disunity (which would contradict the motto of One Lord, One Faith and One Baptism) or it could be seen as sheer confusion.

So in short, the solution one can proffer to this is that the leadership of the CBC (which I am a proud member of), should consider getting one logo and mission statement that will reflect its mandate and desire to use education, health care and other social means to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

This would not be the first time the Cameroon Baptist Convention has adopted such changes in how it brands itself (or at least how certain positions are branded in the denomination). This was seen a few years ago when the position of General Secretary – the Church’s highest-ranking office – was renamed Executive President (EP) because of confusion by non-Baptists who often thought that the General Secretary was some kind of minute role. The Ghana Baptist Convention follows this same model with an EP.

Getting one logo and mission statement will help set the CBC apart from some of the more Pentecostal-leaning churches that crop up today and are often masquerading as if they are under the CBC with a good case being the more charismatic Congregations Baptiste du Cameroun which have in the past simply branded themselves as CBC and been misunderstood as Cameroon Baptist Convention.

Once the CBC institutes a new logo and mission statement, this new logo should be what appears on all signboards at CBC schools, hospitals, churches and on all official documents issued by various CBC departments etc and this will help cement the one-ness of the CBC and people will start taking us seriously.

The North American Baptist Conference (NABC) which continues to maintain a long partnership with the Cameroon Baptist Convention even rebranded itself in the early 2000s from the NABC to simply North American Baptists Inc (NAB), complete with a new logo.

The CBC now has a Communication Department of well-trained journalists and communications experts who can liaise with the leadership of the church to come up with a unified and harmonized logo that will reflect the CBC as a church that has as mandate, the duty to heal, preach and minister the Gospel holistically.

Our sister denomination, the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC) are not without their own short-comings but they are unified in their logo. The PCC has one logo and this leaves no room for confusion as far as it concerns the face of their church.

So as Twitter rebrands itself just barely 1 year under a new owner, the CBC and its executive or decision-making body should think of having one logo and one mission statement that will set the CBC as the leader that it is in Cameroon and distinguish their theologically-sound teachings from the sea of heresy whose tide is increasing by the day in Cameroon.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

The “Golden Lion 2023” grand prize of the 38th edition of the Luanda International Trade Fair (FILDA), which took place from 18 to 22 July in the province of Luanda at the Special Economic Zone (ZEE), was awarded to the National Agency for Oil, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG).

The award ceremony, which was held at the Epic Sana hotel in Luanda, also honoured BIC bank in the “Best brand activation” category, Portugal took the “Best international participation” category, the “Best banking and financial services”, was awarded the Standard Bank prize, the “Best oil and gas participation” was given to Sonangol, while “Best automotive participation” TCG car and Unitel was awared with the “Best telecommunications and information technology participation”.

The Port of Lobito awarded the category of “Best participation transport and logistics”, “Best participation machinery and equipment”, went to Hipermáquinas company, the Carrinho Group received the award on “Best participation industry”, and businesswoman Gilda Gil received the prize as the “Best participation entrepreneur woman”, “Best participation digital economy”, Interbank Service Company (EMIS), and “Best participation sustainability, environment and safety at work” went to for Angola´s oil company Sonangol.

The organisers also awarded the General Tax Administration (AGT) in the class “Best participation entity and public companies”, while “Best participation public utility services” was awarded to National Social Security Institute (INSS) and in the category “Best participation trade and services”, went to Guangde Internacional Group LDA.

The company EAL was also honoured in the category of “Best printing industry packaging, paper and cardboard”, the Filomena Farm was awarded “Best participation food and beverages”, while the “Best participation construction and public works” went to Omatapalo civil construction company.

Regarding the “Best press coverage” category, the Angola public Television (TPA) received the trophy, while in the “Best insurance participation”, insurance Sanlam company was the winner.

The Casa Nova company which is dedicated to the supply of furniture in the Angolan market, won the category “Best participation made in Angola”, STF Angola in “Best participation agriculture and fisheries”, the ProBeauty Cosmetics Industry was awarded “Best participation cosmetics and health” and the Anglobal Engineering company won the award “Best participation energy and water”.

In addition to the awards, the organisers handed out 11 honourable mentions to sponsors, namely the National Oil and Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANPG), Sonangol, Unitel, Grupo Carrinho, Etu Energias, Credit Guarantee Fund, Paratus, the oil and gas company Sonil, the information and communications technology company Huawei and Africell and the insurance company Sanlam.

At the time, the Minister of Economy and Planning, Mário Caetano João, emphasised that the event is being held due to the partnerships adding that “it means that the Government does not think it is making the journey alone, but with the private sector and the diaspora”.

The minister recalled that more than 50 companies did not participate due to lack of space in the venue, and considered it necessary to create space for “all the companies at FILDA to get to know each other”.

He said he was satisfied with the team that managed FILDA staff, taking into account the large participation of the United States of America and the companies that remained to close deals

The minister said that a survey had been distributed to exhibitors for them to submit data to show the turnover during the five days.

For FILDA 2024, Mário Caetano João said he hoped to have a bigger turnout than the 38th edition, adding that “Above all, we want to change the structures, because we have made the most of the existing structures, but we have already reached a period of exhaustion

Source: Angola Press News Agency (APNA)

Angolan professional golfer António Sobrinho improved this Sunday, in the Province of Luanda, one place in the league table of the International Golf Tournament, called ”Mangais senior Classic 2023”, by finishing the second round with a positive balance of -2, under 72 strokes regulated, in 18 holes.

The Angolan player completed the 18 holes of the round in 70 strokes, surpassing the exhibition of the debut where he totalled in the day with the 72 regulated strokes, in the event involving 37 professionals, 15 of which are category one, with victories from America, South Africa and Europe.

Speaking to the press, António Sobrinho said the possibility of reaching the top of the classification table was open.

He also said that, given the fact that he has not competed at the highest level for a year, he is facing difficulties, but he promised to remain focused with the aim of finishing below 66 strokes to reverse his position in the table in the final scheduled for Monday.

António Louro is another Angolan professional golfer and again shot above the recommended 10 over 72 for each 18-hole round.

The player who is in the 37th place in the competition, in his debut game on Saturday concluded with 84 points plus 12 of those established by the tournament rule which resulted in a negative balance of + 22 in two days.

Scotland’s Douglas McGuigan, who finished the second day with a minus-2 (70), totalling -7 over the two rounds, continues to lead the competition.

South Africa’s Michael Scholz moved into second place on -3 for his round of -5 after completing 36 holes over two days.

Another South African, Wallie Coetsee ended third with the sum of -5, after closing the second round with 70 strokes.

The winning team will be known on Monday during the prize-giving gala.

Meanwhile, on the same day the Skydive Angola artist made a parachute exhibition

Source: Angola Press News Agency (APNA)

A digital cultural platform called “Agenda” was presented Thursday in the Province of Luanda as a technological solution for art creators.

The initiative is from the director of events Mário Rodrigues, who presented the mechanism to the press and cultural practitioners.

Speaking to the press, he said that it is a complete technological solution with the aim to join in a single space artists, event producers, night clubs and final users.

He informed that the platform is now available for use on smartphones, computers, tablets and other telecommunications equipment through the website www.agenda.ao.

Mário Rodrigues said that the platform was created over four years and will give concert managers the possibility of accessing various information about the schedule of the artists that are registered on the platform, adding that it also serves to hire musicians, bands and musical groups, disc jockeys (DJs) and other available culture makers.

According to him, 45 artists are already registered on the platform, which at first is only available for access throughout the country, although it is also open to other regions of the world.

Angolans, French, Mexicans and South Africans are among the artists who have already registered on the platform, which will also include actors, models, digital influencers, theatre groups, among others.

He explained that to sign up, interested artists must fill out a form, provide their information and pay one to five per cent of the value of each contract for the use of the platform

Source: Angola Press News Agency (APNA)