With almost three billion active gamers around the world contributing to a market valued at over $190 billion, gaming is big business.
Across Sub-Saharan Africa, there are more than 186 million active gamers, with South Africa leading the charge at 24 million players.
Gaming is hardly the solitary pursuit many make it out to be. Instead, it can provide friends and family with hours filled with fun bonding sessions.
As thoughts start turning to the upcoming December holidays, we look at some of the must-have games you need to check out that will keep the entire family entertained.
With more than 100 million downloads worldwide, Top War is one of the most popular multiplayer battle games out there. Want to become a warrior like a Combat Elite on the battlefield, or a professional who makes various kinds of magic weapons?
There are Tactical Masters, Grand Marshals, Legendary Craftsmen and Great Scientists for you to choose from. This is a free-to-play multiplayer mobile title that is sure to keep you and your family and friends entertained for hours.
This is a world-famous survival shooter game consisting of 10-minute rounds. You are on a remote island where you pit yourself against 49 other players, all seeking survival.
Players freely choose their starting point with their parachute and aim to stay in the safe zone for as long as possible.
Drive vehicles to explore the vast map, hide in the wild or become invisible by lying prone under grass or rifts. Ambush, snipe, survive, there is only one goal to survive and answer the call of duty.
With the World Cup in Qatar currently underway, what better way to live out your soccer passion than with this fun multiplayer mobile game.
Loved in more than 150 countries, you can make your own dream team with players you like and have heated matches with players around the world! Featuring special skills from the original Captain Tsubasa comics, reproduced in spectacular 3D, you’ll be the talk of the town as you seek soccer glory.
Another exciting, albeit more tactical, multiplayer soccer game is Top Eleven. Fancy yourself a better soccer manager than some of the current ones out there? Now is the time to prove yourself with Top Eleven.
This award-winning mobile soccer manager game puts you in charge of your own club. Compete with managers from around the world in this real-time soccer management game.
Ah yes, this classic board game is sure to keep you and the family entertained for hours. Taking all the fun of the board game without having to worry about setting up everything and losing your hotels and cards along the way, the mobile app brilliantly captures all the excitement that many of today’s parents grew up with.
Download these and many other titles today from the AppGallery and start practicing for these December showdowns. Happy gaming this December!
FirstBank as a company has continued to demonstrate its understanding of the uniqueness and essence of the festive season with its consistent support for same through the ‘DecemberIsAVybe’ campaign, writes BOLAJI ISRAEL
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In Nigeria, the first day of December ushers in the advent of the festive season which runs through the month progressively till early January when businesses and official duties resume fully again. December, in the world’s most populous black nation, is characterised, with fascinating scenery, by shops, streets, offices and homes getting decorated with twinkling lights and dazzling ornaments.
The month also welcomes religious festivities of Christmas, the biggest celebration for christians globally which takes place just a week before the New Year rolls in amidst celebration unmatched by any other from the rest of the year.
The season is generally enveloped by festive concerts, feasts, celebrations, carnivals, musical shows, colourful decorations and family reunions.
For almost everyone, it’s a time to merry with friends and family, attend celebratory events, give and accept gifts, enjoy entertainment and feast together. December is such a big deal in Nigeria and the people know just how to savour the moments well. Interestingly, the celebration is not limited as it cuts across all classes and shades irrespective of social status, religion, personality or age – the rich, poor, young, old, cool and radicals.
It’s usually a time everyone earnestly awaits for fun, merrymaking and relaxation, mentally and physically. In fact, to get ample time for merry making, employees in Nigeria push hard in offices to get annual leave approvals for the period.
Another key, exciting hallmark of the festive season is the homecoming visits of Nigerians who have travelled abroad for greener pastures, a trend popularly called ‘Japa’ in local parlance. It’s a common belief that the Nigerian spirit is a hustling one, and no distance is too large to scare a Nigerian from a potential source of income, be it the journey from the remotest village to Lagos, or from there to the farthest corners of the world. The December period thus presents an opportunity to reunite families.
The returnees constitute an essential ‘life of the party’ as they hit the country ready to visit places, mingle and bond, to the admiration and embrace of peers and family members. It’s always a great period for the returnees and their loved ones to create great memories, spending time, going round town for great entertainment and having fun together.
Their presence also commands attention and adds colour to village and town hall meetings, community projects and social gatherings, especially wedding parties, as well as other family functions deliberately fixed around the season to court the beloved presence of the “I just got backs” who bask endlessly in the euphoria.
First Bank of Nigeria Limited as a company with the mantra of being woven into the fabrics of society has continued to demonstrate its understanding of the uniqueness and essence of the festive season with its consistent support for same through the ‘DecemberIsAVybe’ campaign.
Unfortunately, the Nigerian economy has struggled sluggishly for some time with attendant harsh impact on individual and household finances and sliding purchasing power. This gets worsened by the galloping inflation, increasing cost of living and the sky rocketing price of premium motor spirits (PMS) locally called petrol.
Yet, the average Nigerian craves for great fun and quality entertainment during the Yuletide season. So, the December festivities come as added weight with tickets as high as N70K for A-list musical acts like Asake, Kizz Daniel, Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid and others.
To throw off the weight, the December Is a vybe campaign offers free VIP tickets from FirstBank to Nigerians for access to coveted A-list musical concerts, opera, comedy shows, stage plays, dance and other genres of entertainment throughout the festive season to assure maximum pleasure.
Folake Ani-Mumuney, FirstBank Global Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications said, the premier financial institution which has operated in Nigeria for over 125 years deliberately orchestrated the campaign to create platforms for Nigerians at home and those returning from abroad to enjoy entertainment, bond well and enjoy the best of the festive season together after a period of separation in pursuit of excellence and success.
“Through ‘DecemberIsAVybe’, FirstBank has always brought Nigerians the best exciting, fun-filled, memorable experience in December with the sponsorship of concerts, creative arts; food Fiesta; fashion etc and it’s set again with a bang in 2022 ready to enable people relive the experience and live their dreams, ” she stated.
She noted that the 2022 edition offers fresh opportunities and platforms for yet another memorable Homecoming experience this December for Nigerians visiting from abroad; wedding celebrants; friends and family reunions. FirstBank ‘DecemberIsAVybe’ offers the returnees a good opportunity to reunite and enjoy premium entertainment with family and friends.
She explained: “The programme has not slowed down since it kicked off. We supported Waka the Musical in 2017 which was also taken to Abuja in 2018. We gave Nigerians premium access to Davido show amongst others in 2017, Burna Boy in 2018, Future in 2019, Davido and Burna in 2021 and for 2022, we will start with VIP access to Kizz Daniel’s show, followed by many more.
The foremost banking giant has in recent years made December quite memorable. From the exciting Alternative Sound 4.0, held at Terra Culture on 5 December, 2019 to the memorable Cardi B live in Lagos by Livespot Concert on 7 December 2019 and the unforgettable “An Evening with FBNHoldings” held on 13 December, 2019 to the pleasure overload of Island Block Party at Oniru Lagos on 14 December, lucky customers and followers of the Bank’s social media handles were given free tickets to have loads of fun!
Also, in the bouquet of fun extravaganza was Teni – The Billionaire Experience musical concert held at Eko Hotel on Monday, 16 December 2019 which had many thrilled to the finest of tunes by the Billionaire crooner and other guest artistes present.
The annual Nativeland music festival at Muri Okunola Park was another fun spot which has since its inauguration in 2016, featured breathtaking performances by A-list artistes.
Youth and teenage fashionistas were not left out; as with Street Souk, they had a feel of current trends and creativity in the fashion industry.
The event held on 18 December 2019. For those keen on getting the best and latest designs, wears and fabrics in fashion, the African Fashion Week Nigeria was another port of call.
The event which held 20 – 21 December, 2019 attracted leading players in the fashion industry and deepened the fashion appetite and interest of participants.
Building into Christmas was Flytime Rhythm Unplugged, which started on 20 December at the Eko Hotel and Suites. The 5-day music festival had performances from leading artistes in the country. Olamide, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, MI, Ycee, Patoranking, Mayorkun, Teni, Zlatan, Joeboy, Fireboy, B Red, Tolani, Jeff Akoh, Oluwadamilola thrilled fun lovers to the best of charts topping tunes not just in Nigeria but the continent. On the wheels of steel was DJ Neptune, DJ Consequence, DJ Obi, and DJ Cuppy.
Kizz Daniel’s Toro concert on 26 December 2019 and Tu Face’s musical show on 28 December built up to the wrap-up of the list of December events with Future, the American rap music sensational performance live in Lagos.
The Future Live in Concert held on 29 December 2019 at the Eko hotel. The 80s boy band, New Edition performance at the FlyTime Music Festival in Lagos was also electrifying with Burna Boy Live, Davido Live and many more in action!
For plays, the DecemberIsAvybe train featured sponsorships of Moremi and Oba Eshugbayi plays which focused on highlighted history of Lagos: the struggle over water tax imposed by the British on the people of Lagos and the expulsion of Oba Esugbayi, who stood against tax, to Abeokuta. The play was from the stable of Joseph Edgar of the iconic Duke of Shomolu Production.
Two lucky fans, Tina Ediale and Timilehin Anibaba, amongst others got to see their favourite star Davido Live in Concert; another winner, Azeez Animashaun couldn’t believe his luck when he got a VIP Rhythm Unplugged ticket while some got special treat watching ace actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde as Esumirin in Moremi The Musical. Social media followers also scored invitation to parties including Island Block Party, All Black Everything; conferences Golas Grit Grind 2.0; festivals: Native Land, Palmwine Festival; and pop-up sales: Mente de Moda.”
For the 2022 campaign, FirstBank says it will start the festive season with VIP access to rave of the moment, Kizz Daniel’s show. Kizz is so loved right now and many Nigerians especially women can’t seem to get enough of his monster hit, Cough (Odoyewu). He also has many songs that will make his show a delight any day, including Buga, Lie, No Wahala, Oshe, Yeba, One Ticket, Woju, Laye, Jaho, Sofa and many others. With First Bank, December promises to be an awesome experience!
To participate, all that is required is to just follow FirstBank’s social media pages and updates on – Facebook: First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Instagram: @firstbanknigeria and from there get the tickets.
Boomplay, Africa’s largest music streaming platform, has partnered with Generations Radio, France’s premier syndicated Hip Hop and Soul radio station, to launch the Top Africa Charts show to promote African music and spotlight African artists.
The partnership establishes the Top Africa Charts show as the first ever African music charts show on mainstream radio in France, sourced from Boomplay’s African charts and produced by Generations Radio.
The show features top songs from Ghana, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire and many other African countries every week while spotlighting new artists, songs and key music developments across Africa.
The Top Africa Charts show broadcasts live on Generations Radio from its Paris studios every Sunday from 20h00 – 21h00 GMT+1 and assumes two broadcast formats; in French and English.
The French format is a live radio show and podcast hosted by sensational OAP, Ornella and the English version is in podcast format, presented by Cleopatra, with both shows hosting special guests.
Regarding the partnership, Tosin Sorinola, the Director for Artist and Media Relations at Boomplay, disclosed, “As an Africa-focused streaming service, Boomplay is constantly seeking opportunities to promote African artists and their content. Thus a collaboration to provide more reach for African music and introduce many African artists to the french market fits our vision of empowering the African music ecosystem to unlock its potential and taking African music to the world. We couldn’t be more excited to have an influential partner as Generations Radio to realise this.”
Commenting on the partnership, Laurent Beauvain, Director at Generations Radio, also noted, “African music is today the most represented international music on our music programming at Generations. This is a big step for our radio station, which has a music editorial strategy that is mostly Hip Hop and Soul. Boomplay has the best music insights and indicators of trends and future revelations in key countries such as Nigeria, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire. We are excited to partner with Africa’s leading streaming platform. Generations Radio continues in its mission to spotlight and empower new talents every year and is excited to be able to expand its audiences and impact in Africa as well.”
Cleopatra Mukula, the Co-Founder and Executive Producer of Top Africa Charts Show, also shared, “It was important to us to curate a partnership blueprint that puts all listeners and the artists first while simultaneously bridging the gap between young people in the francophone diaspora and Africa. Every artist playlisted on Top Africa monetises via radio play and also from all streams generated via our playlist on the Boomplay app. This is a milestone shift for African music and culture in France, and I am so proud to be part of this African story we are telling through music.”
Generations Radio is a leading radio station in France with a massive youthful listenership owing to HipHop and Soul. The station views music partnerships as an avenue to further amplify the voice of young talents. Boomplay, as a key player in Africa’s digital music scene, has, through strategic partnerships, continued to invest in the African music industry.
The Top Africa Charts show podcast is available exclusively on Boomplay in English and French after the live broadcast. Eight pilot episodes of the show have already been introduced to listeners of Generations Radio and are currently streaming on Boomplay.
Emmanuel Ojeabulu, winner of the 61st FirstBank Lagos Open Golf Championship has been listed in the WAGR.
The premier golf championship which was held from 18 – 20 November at the golf section of Ikoyi Club 1938 was keenly contested by over 190 low handicap players from several golf clubs in the country. Benin based Emmanuel Ojeabulu won the 3-day championship.
Playing three-shots off the pace going into the last 18-holes, Ojeabulu played one of the best golf of his life, maintaining steady pars for a closing 74, 3-over the course par to win the World Amateur Golf Ranking recognized event by two shots.
Ojeabulu started his game with an opening 75, a second day score of 78 and a closing 74 to replace Ilorin based Aminu Kadir, the tournament defending champion on the winners list.
Overnight leader, 20-year-old product of David Mark Golf Academy, George Paul who was tipped to win the tournament collapsed under pressure closing with an unimpressive 79 to lose by two-shots.
In the third position is Muyideen Olaitan, three-time winner of the coveted FirstBank Lagos Open trophy while Iyare Osaze was further down on the winners chart by one-shot, leaving perennial contender, Olajide Owolabi, who shot tournaments best score of 72 on day two of the competition in the fifth position.
First Bank of Nigeria Limited, sponsors of the annual Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship has pledged its commitment to the continuous sponsorship of the tournament which is one of the longest running golf tournaments in Nigeria.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 61st edition of the tournament in Lagos on Sunday, the Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan who was represented by Executive Director, Chief Risk Officer of First Bank of Nigeria Limited Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu said “This year made it 61 years of our undiluted commitment to this cause, and we are absolutely delighted with the amazing support and partnership we have enjoyed from Ikoyi Club 1938 thus contributing to building a legacy not only for golf and golfers, but sports in its entirety.
To all the amateur golfers produced at this year’s championship, these champions are an inspiration and testament that you can do the impossible and I look forward to celebrating you as winners in future championships. Remember that in the words of Ben Hogan, “The most important shot in Golf is the next one”, he added.
Satisfied with the turnout of the participants, Golf Captain, Tony Oboh thanked the sponsors for keeping the tournament going, saying FirstBank commitment should be emulated.
“It is not easy to keep a tournament like this going, I therefore congratulate FirstBank for their commitment”, Oboh said.
Since its debut, FirstBank Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship has been the most consistent and premier amateur golf event in West Africa and has produced great champions most of who are competing in the elite professional golf cadre.
Last year, the Championship threw up Ilorin based Aminu Kadir who won the landmark edition. It is expected that this year’s edition will produce another great winner.
Other FirstBank-sponsored sporting events include the Georgian Cup of Kaduna Polo Tournament, sponsored for 102 years; the Dala Tennis Hard Court in Kano Club for over 30 years; the Obasanjo Pro-Amateur Golf tournament of Abeokuta Club now in its 6th year. The Bank’s influence in the development of sport in Nigeria is under its First@Sport initiative.
“Even with the financial uncertainty, they will still be opportunities,” says expert, Assil Dayri
Economists around the world are warning that a recession is looming. But as we move toward greater economic uncertainty, influencer marketing will remain a key differentiator for brands, according to marketing expert Assil Dayri “Social media marketing is expected to weather the impending recession.”
The latest social trends reports predict that social media will top marketing budgets in 2023 as marketers turn to new strategies.
Business plans already consider the imminent recession, and the marketing and social media sectors would be the first to see reduced resources, although work carried out by influencers through these channels is still on the rise. With this financial uncertainty, marketing investments will probably decrease, but brands will have to be smart since a total cut is not a viable option.
According to specialist Assil Dayri, influencer marketing is essential for the consumer, who will also feel the impacts of this economic instability.
After all, as these difficulties settle in, the public turns to content producers they trust to seek references on where to safely put their money.
Collaborating with key personalities to promote your brand will become even more essential based on the trust and credibility they have.
“In tough economic times, you don’t want to make any mistakes when selecting the influencers, you work with. One of the great advantages of working with influencers is that regardless of the size of the brand or the audience you want to reach, there are nano, micro or macro influencers who are skilled at reaching that target market and can work within your budget.” says CEO from the AMD Consulting group ,
Recent research shows that more brands are finding success with smaller influencers, thanks to their hyper-focused audience with very specific interests. Since smaller influencers are seen as more genuine and trustworthy, their followers tend to put more faith in the products or services they promote.
Consumers also begin to have less confidence in macro influencers, as they understand how many of them think more about the financial aspect and not the value that the brands they promote brings to the public.
Instagram still leads the influencer marketing space in terms of professionals using the platform, as well as the amount of budget they invest.
You also see a lot of content being posted on Instagram that comes to be repurposed from TikTok. However, with the significant growth that TikTok is seeing, we could see a shift soon as more brands are now entering the TikTok space.
To prepare for these changes, influencers need to find ways to make their content relevant and genuine. Considering the cut in marketing budgets we could see in the next year; Influencers need to be consistent and creative to be chosen to collaborate with brands in these uncertain times.
“Being faithful to your niche and producing quality content to have a solid, strong and influential image becomes essential, because companies will start being even more selective” comments specialist Dayri.
On the positive side, this line of work is still on the rise. Even with the recession, the world still needs influencers. Dayri predicts that brands will continue to invest in influencer marketing in 2023 despite the economic downturn and revised marketing budgets. Influencer partnerships help reduce overall marketing costs and allows businesses to build more brand awareness.
In addition to the top trending videos of the year, a new list ranks the top Shorts on YouTube in Nigeria and features creators like Tov Family, Mc Shem Comedian and ILYA BORZOV who are growing their fandom
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YouTube unveiled lists ranking the top trending videos, music videos, Shorts, and creators in Nigeria today. This year’s lists are reflective of the most important moments to unfold in 2022 on and offline, such as the performance video for Mavins, Crayon, Ayra Starr, LADIPOE, Magixx and Boy Spyce’s song titled Overloading, Episode 24 Apocalypse of Selena Tested and SELINA, the Nollywood Romantic Comedy from Uduak Isong TV.
“Every year, the YouTube End-of-Year Top lists give us a glimpse into what people in Nigeria were most curious about. YouTube is the place where everyone comes to see what has and is happening in the world while participating in, and having an impact on, today’s culture. Whether it’s Shorts creators making millions laugh such as Oga Sabinus, or fascinating events such as the 100 days building a modern underground hut with a grass roof and a swimming pool by Mr.Heang Update, 2022 was an important year for us all and we cannot wait to see what the next year has in store for us.”
This year, YouTube released five lists:
Top Shorts (NEW): A list ranking the most viewed Shorts in Nigeria in 2022.
Top Trending Videos: A list ranking the most viewed Trending videos in Nigeria in 2022.
Top Music Videos: A list ranking the most viewed music videos in Nigeria in 2022.
Top Creators: Based on subscribers gained in 2022 in Nigeria. This list includes long form, Shorts, and multiformat Creators.
Breakout Creators: Based on subscribers gained in 2022 in Nigeria, and channel tripling in size when compared to 2021 (+200% year-over- year growth). This list includes long form, Shorts, and multiformat creators.
The Top Trending Videos list is based on a range of factors – beyond just views – that indicate how “trending” a video really is.
The YouTube Culture & Trends team also considers engagement and looks at signals like shares and likes of a certain video.
YouTube announced that YouTube Shorts are being watched by over 1.5B logged-in users every month and averaging over 30 billion daily views.
The company also announced that YouTube paid more than 50 Billion (USD) to creators, artists, and media companies in the 3 years before June 2022.
More than two million people participate in YouTube’s partnerships program around the world. YouTube’s subscription services, YouTube Premium and YouTube Music, now have more than 80 million users, including trailers, around the world.
Below are the full list End of Year Lists in Nigeria:
Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a Pan African digital rights and inclusion organization, has exclusively premiered its short film christened Finding Diana on the sidelines of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Ethiopia.
The movie, which is inspired by PIN’s 2021 Digital Rights and Inclusion Report- Londa, was watched yesterday night by delegates who are attending the IGF, which is currently ongoing in Addis Ababa, the capital city of the Horn of Africa nation.
The report highlights the state of digital rights and inclusion in 22 African countries. This is the third movie the organization is producing, with the other two being Training Day and Focus.
Londa 2021 examines privacy, freedom of expression, access to information, segmentation and execution, digital transformation, affordability, gender and others within existing legislative frameworks and against the backdrop of a widening digital divide.
It also assesses the state of digital rights and inclusion on the continent and provides recommendations on what each country must do to move towards realizing gains that rights-respecting and inclusive digital practices bring. Besides providing recommendations, the report also highlights gaps existing in the featured African countries.
Speaking at the event, Mr. ‘Gbenga Sesan, Paradigm Initiative ’s Executive Director, emphasized the need to observe digital rights on the continent and to increase awareness about them among state and non-state actors. “It is crucial to increase awareness among citizens, media, private sector, civil society groups and state agencies which include law enforcement, the judiciary, legislature and communications regulators,” he said.
Mr. Mesud Gebeyehu, Executive Director Consortium of Ethiopian Human Rights Organizations (CEHRO) lauded PIN’s move to use short films to advocate for digital rights and also stressed the need for collaboration on such efforts amongst like-minded institutions.
The 2021 Londa Report indicates that to date, progress has been slow across the continent in implementing ICT development strategies as governments demonstrate a lack of urgency in implementing laws or policies related to digitalization.
Paradigm Initiative annually monitors the environment, documents violations, and reports on the state of digital rights and inclusion in Africa.
The title of the report, which emanates from Zulu origin, echoes a call for action to protect or defend the digital rights and inclusion environment in Africa.
Nigeria’s hit list of music and talk, as told by Spotify
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Wednesday, Spotify announced this year’s edition of Wrapped – its hotly anticipated annual round up of the top artists and music of the year as streamed by users around the world. And this year’s data paints a picture of how Nigerian music captured hearts, both at home and around the world.
In 2022, Nigerian music has continued to hoist its flag in different global territories claiming its space on the world stage.
The year in Afrobeats was defined by the emergence of a hybrid Amapiano sound, an endless pipeline of hits, and new heights for a generation of pop royalty who are questioning our ideas of what’s popular in style and sound.
Spotify’s Artist & Label Partnerships Manager, West Africa , Victor Okpala says “2022 ushered us into an era of cultural overdrive and we’re excited for fans and artists alike to share these insights on the music they created and listened to this year.”
Spotify Naija
The way we listen to music says a lot about us. As part of Wrapped 2022, Spotify users get a detailed snapshot of their most loved artists, creators and songs. And as part of this year’s fun, Audio Day showshow Spotify users’ musical choices evolve throughout the day while the new Your Listening Personality feature tells users about the music they listen to and what that says about their music taste.
One of 16 different Spotify-created Listening Personality types is assigned to each user based on their 2022 listening trends.
Wrapped 2022 will also feature messages from artists to their listeners, and because sharing is caring, users will be able to share their Wrapped cards via WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Fans can also unlock a personalized Snapchat lens that reflects their listening personality and those active in the Roblox universe, can head to Spotify Island for even more fun and games with some cool merch from a number of artists including Ghana’s Black Sherif.
So who now sits atop the much vaunted throne of Naija pop? In a year where our headphones and speakers suffered no shortage of banging beats and hit tunes, who usurped LADIPOE’s Feeling as the most streamed song in Nigeria?
Are the Amapiano-inspired club jams sweeping the top songs this year, or will R&B and Afrobeats make a stand?
Here’s what the Spotify Wrapped data says about Nigeria’s listening habits in 2022:
Nigerians listened to nearly three times as much local music in 2022, than they did in 2021 with a 291% YOY increase in local music consumption.
Nigerians bring the speakers out on Fridays, which is when they listen to the most music. Wondering what time of the day Nigerians listen the most? It’s at 11am, right after morning commutes and to-do lists are taken care of.
2022 is the year that Burna Boy set the world on fire- claiming the number one spot as the most streamed artist in Nigeria. The love affair wasn’t only local- he is also the most globally streamed artist from Sub-Saharan Africa. His track Last Last also takes the crown for the most streamed song and also the most hearted song in Nigeria.
Spotify RADAR alumnus, Ayra Starr is the most streamed female artist in Nigeria while Tems has the leading vibe among Nigeria’s musical exports in 2022. Wait For You, the singer’s collaboration with Future & Drake, was the top Nigerian song export of the year.
Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, launched a first-of-its-kind talent hunt tagged “FUZE”.
The leading Pension Fund Administrator (based on Assets under Management) is seeking to promote indigenous talents and help them explore their creativity and business prowess through the initiative. FUZE Talent Hunt would employ a holistic approach to youth empowerment, and feature four categories across Music, Dance, Fashion and Technology.
The winners of the FUZE Talent Hunt will be unveiled at the FUZE Festival slated to hold on 21 December 2022. FUZE promises to be the ideal platform for young people to showcase their ingenuity to the world.
In addition to the chance to win N32 million, contestants will gain recognition in the industry and winners will receive mentorship to support their careers.
Demola Sogunle, Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, expressed delight at the opportunities and rewards FUZE holds for young Nigerians pursuing their dreams. He said, “Around the world today, young Nigerians are making a statement on the global scene, putting their names and communities on the roadmap to greatness. The average young Nigerian is bursting with talent and potential waiting to be harnessed, and we are here to give them the support they need to soar high. After all, Nigeria is our home and we drive her growth”.
Olumide Oyetan, Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, spoke about the inspiration behind FUZE. He explained that the project was to the benefit of the Nigerian society.
He added that as a future-ready organisation, Stanbic IBTC valued talent, creativity and innovation, and created the platform to shine the spotlight on youngsters and provide the necessary support they require to succeed, regardless of their chosen sphere of influence or industry.
He concluded by saying that youth empowerment had become increasingly essential with the heightened unemployment rate declared by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics at over 33%.
Nike Bajomo, Executive Director, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers also corroborated Olumide. She said, “The primary goal of the FUZE Talent hunt is to create a platform for Nigeria’s talented youth to engage and learn from other youths while also gaining access to funds and best-in-class mentoring to support actualisation of their dreams”.
Nike enjoined young Nigerians to participate in the event, stating that the audition application is free, and the public would be relied upon to vote their preferred candidate who would be showcased at the grand finale in December 2022.
“FUZE is open to all Nigerians between the ages18 and 35 years. To participate, you can simply download the Stanbic IBTC Events App on either the android or iOS store, register and upload an audition video,” she said.
Cristiano Ronaldo did not score Portugal’s first goal against Uruguay, Adidas’s sensor technology has proven.
In a 2:0 Portugal defeat against Uruguay on Monday night at the ongoing FIFA World Cup tournament, there have been controversies if Ronaldo nodding the ball following a sublime cross from Bruno Fernandez.
FIFA awarded the goal to Fernandes, but the former Manchester United talisman was convinced he should have been given it. Now, Adidas has provided clear evidence through technology that the 37-year-old player never had any contact with the ball.
Although Ronaldo’s attempted header served as a dummy that confused the keeper. Even though his head didn’t touch the ball, it’s all part of the game.
Reacting to the development, Johannes Holzmüller, Director of Football Technology& Innovation at FIFA said: ‘This technology is the culmination of three years of dedicated research and testing by FIFA and our partner Adidas.’
The match balls for the Qatar World Cup include a finely tuned motion sensor integrated within them to assist the VAR with offside calls.
The technology enables data to be gathered 500 times per second for every touch. There is a rechargeable battery inside the sensor.
It underwent extensive testing at the local level to ensure that it was World Cup match ready, including a blind test in the FIFA Club World Cup and FIFA Arab Cup.
VAR Technology
Technology has been impactful in football. This is evident in the invention of VAR (Video Assistant Referee). The technology is useful in helping referees make accurate decisions, but this study has shown it has definite limitations.
There are arguments that the frame-rate and resolution of the cameras used in VAR sometimes does not keep pace with the fast movements, meaning that sometimes the player or the ball is blurred.
Football is getting better and better with technology.
Thursday, Meta brought together music, fashion, art, and comedy content creators to “FlexNaija”, a first-of-its-kind mixed reality event showcasing creativity and imagination as keys to the Metaverse, the next evolution of the internet.
Guests were invited to step into a multi-sensory experience with zones dedicated to key Metaverse entry points, including — Meta Spark Augmented Reality (AR), Digital Collectibles (NFTs), and Avatars. Musical powerhouses Teni, Santi, and Ayra Starr took to the stage with immersive and interactive performances, aimed at inspiring Nigerian creators to ‘flex’ in the Metaverse and explore new ways to connect with their communities. Last night, Nigeria was the stage and the world its audience.
Ineke Paulsen, Meta’s Director of EMEA Marketing, commented: “The creator community here in Nigeria, and across Africa is exciting to witness, these creators are pushing boundaries and truly having a global impact. We know that creator communities will help to make the metaverse more inclusive and inspiring, with technologies providing limitless opportunities.
“FlexNaija” is a celebration of how communities can push the boundaries of creativity and social connection physically and online. This campaign reinforces Meta’s commitment in supporting African innovators and creators in new ways to express themselves. We’re excited to continue this journey in showcasing the power of collaboration in the metaverse,” Paulsen added.
Photos and captions – #FlexNaija
#FlexNaija is a first-of-its-kind mixed reality event in Africa by MetaTeni the Entertainer performing at Meta’s #FlexNaija mixed reality event in LagosOluwasola Obagbemi, Corporate Comms Manager for Anglophone West Africa and Anna Lee, International Marketing Manager at Meta taking media representatives on an exclusive tour of metaverse entry points at Meta’s #FlexNaija mixed reality event in LagosGuest exploring Meta Spark AR filtersKing PexxieFrank iTom (one of the leading creators headlining the campaign)Yagazie EmeziBisola Aiyeola, host of Meta’s #FlexNaija mixed reality concertA Digital Collectible (NFT) on display at Meta’s #FlexNaija mixed reality event in LagosA guestL-r: Oluwasola Obagbemi, Nicole Chikwe, Dare Art Alade, Ife Agoro and Frank iTom at Meta’s #FlexNaija mixed reality event in LagosMeta team with Mark Angel and Santi at Meta’s #FlexNaija mixed reality event in Lagos.
It’s the season of sport and if anything, you don’t want to miss a single moment from any of your favourite sport stars, teams and leagues.
It’s not always practical to go to a stadium and physically watch a game but thanks to technology, you can now save time and enjoy a wide variety of sport at a click of a button and from wherever you are.
With sport apps from AppGallery you can now receive real-time sports news, line-ups, detailed reports and view high-quality streaming without a subscription.
Currently the app market is infiltrated with sport streaming applications making it more worthwhile for you to find and install the best ones.
Here are four apps that will guarantee that you get the greatest sporting experience:
1. SuperSport: Offering you live sport, news and highlights
If you’re a sport enthusiast who loves football, cricket, rugby, golf, tennis and more then you’re in luck.
With SuperSport, you can now stay glued to your mobile device and enjoy video highlights, sports news, live scores, results, fixtures, schedules and rankings.
Even more exciting is that you’ll receive real-time notifications that allow you to keep up with your favourite team and sport starts as they go head-to-head with their oppositions.
Want to stay on your toes and explore what’s happening in the world of sport? Simply link your app to live streamlining on the DStv app using the Connect ID which is available in Sub-Saharan Africa and surrounding areas.
Using your profile on the app, you can also personalise the interface to display only the teams, events, and competitions you want to view.
2. LiveScore: Enjoy live commentary, access to online groups and match conversations
In-depth coverage of all competitive sports can be just a click away when you download the LiveScore app. Get real-time updates of line-ups, match previews and live results of matches from the Premier league, La Liga or Twenty20 cricket.
LiveScore is for all sport fanatics, from tennis enthusiasts who enjoy each slam on the courts, cricket lovers who want to follow ball-by-ball commentary and wickets, basketball devotees who enjoy the NBA and even hockey observers who are enticed by functionality and speed.
Fans streaming sporting activity
3. Champions League Official: Create and compete in a fantasy league
Ever dreamt of creating your own football game? You can now do this digitally with the Champions League Official app, which allows you to select your own team and compete against others.
You can do this and more such as watch live sport, receive score updates and get access to player statistics. You can also revisit archives of the past games and relive the thrill of champions such as Real Madrid, Liverpool, Barcelona, Manchester United, Chelsea and more.
4. Showmax: Live and pre-recorded sport entertainment
Enjoy entertainment like no other with Showmax, a must-have app for all movies, series and sport. For a monthly fee, you can get limited news and updates on your favourite teams and soccer stars.
Simply press on the sport icon and open up a digital world of live sport, sport bulletins, recent highlights and more.
Showmax goes beyond showcasing the latest games by unifying entertainment and sport. You will get treated to sport magazine and talk shows, sport movies and shows.
Subscribers can also look forward to selected Premier League matches, MultiChoice Diski Challenge matches and international football matches and tournaments from all over the world.
This November, you can sit in the comfort of your home with friends and family and enjoy a range of sport at your fingertips. Apps such as SuperSport, LiveScore, Champions League Official, Showmax and more, will provide you with incredible sporting action that will see you support and celebrate your favourite teams.
MTN Foundation in partnership with the Beeta playwright competition recently trained the top ten finalists in a playwriting workshop from November 14 – November 17, 2022, following the call for entry which had 794 submissions, from 30 states across the country.
The Beeta Playwright competition is aimed at encouraging budding playwrights to tell organic indigenous stories, showcase new dynamic Nigerian writing talent, at the same time improve growth and development in the theatre and creative industries in modern Nigeria.
This year’s edition themed ‘Our Stories, Our Voices,’ seeks to portray authentic Nigerian stories.
Godwin Emefiele, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, in 2021, stated that the creative industry is an important one in the country, with a revenue of about 4.5 billion dollars. It has also been revealed in a 2021 report by Jobberman, that the creative industry is positioned as the country’s second-largest employer and has the potential to produce 2.7million jobs by 2025.
Additionally, the industry is poised to contribute 5 trillion Naira to the country’s GDP.
Speaking on the importance of the partnership, Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya said, “One of the key aspects of the MTN Foundation is Youth development and we achieve this through several ways including supporting young and upcoming creatives in Nigeria. The reason we do this is because we believe everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life. It’s not in the data and the recharge we sell. It’s the fact that we want to be part of your journey and enable you to connect to your aspirations. And for us at MTN Foundation, we found a partner in Beeta Arts’’.
Also speaking on the training, Founder, Beeta Playwright Competition, Bikiya Graham-Douglas, stated that “The training is not a one-off thing, as all the finalists get to be a part of the Beeta writers network and Beeta alumni. It is a lifelong relationship. The finalists also have the opportunity to be a part of the Beeta Arts Festival. And for projects like this to be successful, we can’t do it alone. So I will like to use this opportunity to thank MTN Foundation For believing and coming on board’’.
In the past, the MTN Foundation has supported several projects including theatre productions, art festivals, and visual arts exhibitions and the Foundation is invested in continually supporting initiatives that empower Nigerian youths and skilled professionals.
Yemi Akande emerged as the overall winner of the fifth edition of the Beeta playwright competition, with his play titled ‘The Mask We Wear’.
This was announced at the grand finale event, held on Friday, November 18, 2022, at the Agip hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos.
Yemi Akande who emerged the winner out of the top ten finalists was awarded 1.5 million naira, a publishing deal, and his play being produced by the Beeta Universal Arts Foundation (BUAF).
This year’s edition of the Beeta playwright competition, organised by the Beeta Universal Arts Foundation in partnership with the MTN Foundation, had over 700 entries where the top ten finalists were selected and treated to a one-week training workshop.
The competition is aimed at grooming young budding playwrights to tell indigenous Nigerian stories and showcase their writing skills and talent in the Nigerian creative industry.
Speaking at the finale event, Founder, Beeta Universal Arts Foundation, Bikiya Graham-Douglas applauded the tenacity of Nigerian youths. She stated “For the first time ever, we had a total of 794 entries from 30 states. This just goes to show that Nigerian youths are made to believe, and they are indeed the future of Nigeria. We are very grateful to discover talent in Africa and It’s been very rewarding seeing all these young people writing and telling their own versions of our history’’.
She also appreciated the efforts of the sponsors saying “My sincere appreciation also goes to all our sponsors who have made this dream come true, especially the MTN Foundation, who have stood by us from the beginning of this year’s edition till now. I am very grateful.”
Also speaking at the grand finale event, Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya said, “The Foundation is invested in and will continue to support and sponsor projects like this that empower young Nigerians. Our expectations are that you grace global stages and we see your production across the globe’’.
Ego Boyo, Bolanle Austen-Peters, and Enyinna Nwigwe amongst other artistes were also present at the grand finale event.
The 2022 FIAP World Photographers Conference opened in Lishui on Nov 17. The conference was jointly organised by the International Federation of Photographic Arts (FIAP) and the Lishui Municipal People’s Government, under the guidance of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the China Photographers Association and the Department of the Zhejiang Provincial Party Committee.
Basilique de Notre Dame de la Paix de Yamoussoukro (upper right)
The key exhibition of the World Photography Conference – ‘City of the World’ – was held between 17 November and 15 December at the Lishui Art Museum and Lishui Museum in Zhejiang Province.
The exhibition was open to the world to collect the most representative works of cities from all over the world, displaying 548 works from 215 cities in 73 countries (regions) taken by 252 photographers and organisations.
The seven African-themed photographs selected by StarTimes were displayed on the exhibition, showing the charm of Africa vividly for the audience.
Victoria Falls (middle)
The exhibition is divided into thematic sections on ‘cities and people’,’ cities and culture’,’ urban development’ and ‘urban margins’, presenting the most representative cities of the East and West through a rich variety of art forms such as documentary, creative, conceptual and pictorial, reflecting the urban space, human history, social life and natural ecology of various countries around the world.
Smiling Children of Gatumba village in Burundi (one of the villages under the Africa-China cooperation project “Access to satellite TV for 10,000 African villages”
The African-themed photography works selected by StarTimes were taken by Li Chao, the Group’s full-time photographer, during his travels in various African countries.
The shutter framed the innocent smiling faces in the school of Gatumba village in Burundi and the concentration of children watching Chinese movies in Congo (Brazzaville); the camera drone witnessed the marvelousness of the first cathedral in Africa in Côte d’Ivoire; the gathering of the Kibera community in Kenya was recorded from the view on plane; the afterglow of the dusk of the Indian Ocean in Tanzania was touched with the lens; the winding Victoria Falls at the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe was presented with the picture; the tranquility before sunset in the capital of Madagascar was sealed with the photo.
The world’s top photographic talents, high-end photographic products and advanced photographic technologies converge in Lishui to discuss the development trend of photography, comprehensively demonstrate the innovation of the industry and share the achievements of technological development in a diversified manner.
View of Zanzibar in Tanzania on a postcard
This year’s conference will comprehensively showcase the achievements of photography art and technology development around the world, promote global photography art creation, education and research, technology application enhancement, and cultural communication around the world.
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