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Netflix Denies Plans to Exit Nigeria

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By Emmanuel Ogbodo

 

Netflix has denied claims that it plans to leave Nigeria, reaffirming its commitment to the country’s flourishing creative industry.

Edafe Onoriode, Group Account Director at Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Netflix’s public relations firm, clarified the company’s position in an email to The Punch on Wednesday.

“We are not exiting Nigeria. We will continue to invest in Nigerian stories to delight our members,” he stated.

Speculation about Netflix’s potential exit arose after filmmaker Kunle Afolayan suggested that Netflix had canceled some commissioned projects.

Afolayan, speaking at the 2024 Zuma Film Festival, expressed disappointment, stating that while his projects, such as Anikulapo: The Rise of the Spectre, remained unaffected, other filmmakers’ works in progress were impacted by a reduction in funding for Nigerian content.

Since its entry into the Nigerian market in 2016, Netflix has become a significant player in Nollywood, securing distribution rights for top films and producing original content, including Genevieve Nnaji’s Lionheart—the first Nigerian Netflix Original.

Despite this, Nigeria accounts for only 10.5% of Netflix’s African subscriber base, compared to South Africa’s dominant 73.3%, as per a report by Omdia.

Netflix currently has 1.6 million subscribers across Africa, with growth projections expected to hit 2.2 million by 2029.

The streaming giant reiterated its ongoing support for Nigeria’s creative sector and its goal of providing captivating content for its global audience.

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Entertainment

K1 to Tinubu: ‘You Can’t Be President, Watch Me Suffer’

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By Our Correspondent 

Fuji music legend, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate), shared a heartfelt and humorous moment with President Bola Tinubu during a condolence call following the loss of his mother.
President Tinubu expressed his sympathy, offering prayers and words of comfort to the grieving musician.
“May her soul rest in perfect peace. I know how painful it is to lose a mother, but I pray God grants you the fortitude to bear this loss,” Tinubu said.
In a lighthearted exchange, Tinubu reassured K1: “You will not suffer because you’ve lost your mother. Don’t forget you have me, your President.”
K1 responded playfully, saying, “Akanbi, as long as you are President, I can never suffer. You’re my father now, and it’s your duty to take care of me!”
He added humorously, “If I ever feel like suffering, I’ll just remind you of this call!”
The warm banter highlighted the close bond between the two, with K1 reaffirming his confidence in Tinubu’s leadership.
“With you in charge, Nigeria is on the path to greatness,” K1 declared.
The call transformed a somber moment into a display of camaraderie and mutual respect, reflecting the shared optimism for Nigeria’s future.

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Mercy Chinwo’s Ex-Manager Denies $345,000 Misappropriation Amid Arrest

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By Our Correspondent 

Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, the former manager of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, has denied allegations of diverting $345,000, following a warrant of arrest issued against him by the EFCC.

Chinwo had accused him of collecting royalties without remitting her share, prompting the anti-graft agency’s intervention.

On Instagram, Onyedikachukwu refuted the claims, stating that Chinwo had received over $625,000 from his record label, EeZee Conceptz, to date.

He accused the singer of using her religious status to manipulate public perception and law enforcement, while alleging that she had breached their contract by failing to deliver a third album and withholding funds.

He further claimed to have invested significantly in Chinwo’s career, providing accommodation and financial support, and expressed regret over the false accusations.

Onyedikachukwu also highlighted his efforts to resolve issues amicably, including proposing an independent audit, but criticized Chinwo for avoiding the contractual dispute resolution process.

While defending his actions and legal adherence, Onyedikachukwu emphasized his commitment to lawful conduct, trusting the legal system to protect his reputation.

Chinwo has yet to respond to the allegations.

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Don’t Compare Us, Asake is Copying My Look, Style, Portable fumes

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By Our Correspondent 

Controversial singer Portable has fired back at fans and critics comparing him to Asake, accusing the latter of copying his signature look and style.

The warning follows Asake’s recent unveiling of a new appearance featuring face tattoos and a shorter hairstyle, sparking comparisons to Portable, known for his “Zazoo Zeh” hit.

Portable, in a video posted on Instagram, claimed that while his tattoos are inspired by American rapper Lil Wayne, Asake’s new look resembles rapper Kodak Black more than his own.

Portable, upset by what he described as continuous imitation, stated, “I resemble Lil Wayne, and I use Sony Music money, not Empire money.”

He further accused Asake of copying his style by tattooing his face and warned other artists to stop imitating him, as he seeks to “kill them with originality.”

Despite criticism, Asake remains unaffected, continuing to showcase his new look and promote his upcoming music.

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