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Film adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s ‘The Man Died’ set for July release in Nigeria, UK

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……The Man Died will be released in July to coincide with Soyinka’s 90th birthday.

Nollywood veteran Wale Ojo is set to play famous Nigerian writer Wole Soyinka in a film adaptation of Soyinka’s renowned book, The Man Died. The memoir reflects on Soyinka’s experiences as a political prisoner during the Nigerian Civil War. Director Awam Amkpa announced the film’s release for July 2024 in an Instagram post on May 2.

Soyinka published The Man Died in 1972, following the end of the war. He made history as the first Sub-Saharan African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986. Wale Ojo, expressing admiration for Soyinka on his 89th birthday last July, called him “a rare icon.”

The film also features Nollywood stars Chidi Mokeme, Sam Dede, Norbert Young, Francis Onwochei, Edmond Enabe, and Segilola Ogidan, alongside Simileoluwa Hassan, Christiana Oshunniyi, and newcomer Abraham Amkpa. The Man Died is produced by Femi Odugbemi and written by Bode Asiyanbi. It will be released to coincide with Soyinka’s 90th birthday in July.

Soyinka’s Death and the King’s Horseman, published in 1975, was similarly adapted into the 2022 Netflix film Elesin Oba, The King’s Horseman, starring Odunlade Adekola, Shaffy Bello, Deyemi Okanlawon, Omowunmi Dada, and Jide Kosoko. Other notable works by Soyinka include The Lion and the Jewel (1959), The Trials of Brother Jero (1960), Aké: The Years of Childhood (1981), and You Must Set Forth at Dawn (2006).

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Nollywood star Ricardo Agbor “I waited 18 years before I had twins”

Speaking about the couple’s struggle with childlessness, the actor said that he specifically prayed for twins and refused to give up despite waiting for 18 years.

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Veteran Nollywood actor, Ricardo Agbor, has opened up about his 18-year journey to parenthood, revealing that he and his wife waited nearly two decades before they had twins.

The actor disclosed this during an interview with AfricanAList, where he reflected on his marriage, faith and the challenges he faced before he became a father.

Agbor said that he remained committed to his wife throughout the period, despite the long wait for children.

“I wanted to get married to a particular lady; I married her regardless of where she is from. She is not from my tribe. So ordinarily, we were supposed to have strife; no, it was very fair,” he said.

Speaking about the couple’s struggle with childlessness, the actor said that he specifically prayed for twins and refused to give up despite waiting for 18 years.

“It took 18 years for me to have the twins. And I waited. God knows, 18 years and they are 14 now, so I told God I wanted twins.

” So while that wait was on, if it were someone else, he would cross. But at the end of the day, I have twins. I have a boy and a girl. I asked God what I wanted,” he added.

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Okonjo-Iweala Showcases Dance Skills As Igbo Masquerades Perform At WTO Open Day Ceremony

WTO Open Day was observed on Sunday 5 July 2026, to mark the 100th anniversary of the WTO’s headquarters (Centre William Rappard). 

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The World Trade Organisation’s annual Open Day ceremony was fun as cultures collided, but one performance stole the entire afternoon.

WTO Open Day 2026 was observed on Sunday 5 July 2026, to mark the 100th anniversary of the WTO’s headquarters (Centre William Rappard). 

The crowd of international delegates, ambassadors, witnessed the rhythmic and unmistakable sound of the Ogene- a metal gong paired with the deep rattle of the Ichaka.

In a viral video, an Adamma masquerade, adorned in elaborate woven raffia and a beautifully carved maiden mask, strode into the centre of the square and moved with intricate footwork, stamping its feet to the escalating tempo of the drums, bringing the raw spirit of southeastern Nigeria straight into the heart of global governance.

Standing near the front of the pavilion was the WTO Director-General herself, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

True to her signature style, she wore a striking, impeccably tied gele paired with a silky gown.‎

As the masquerade swirled, its handlers gestured respectfully toward the Director-General, inviting her into the sacred circle. In Igbo tradition, a masquerade interacting with a leader is a sign of immense honour and spiritual blessing.

‎Dr. Okonjo-Iweala didn’t hesitate as she stepped forward into the open square. The crowd erupted in cheers as the DG immediately caught the rhythm. She matched the masquerade’s energy, rolling her shoulders and executing graceful, rhythmic steps that perfectly mirrored the cadence of the Ogene.

For a few beautiful minutes, the weight of global trade policies vanished, replaced by the universal language of dance.

The masquerade bowed low, spinning one last time in a flurry of colour before Dr Okonjo-Iweala waved gracefully back, her face lit with a broad smile. It was the perfect embodiment of the Open Day’s true purpose: breaking down institutional walls and proving that even in the world’s most serious rooms, cultural pride and joy have a vital seat at the table.

(Credit: Leadership)

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Burna Boy Overtakes Tyla as Africa’s Most Streamed Artist on Spotify

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Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy has reclaimed the top spot as Africa’s most streamed artist on Spotify, surpassing South African sensation Tyla in a major streaming milestone.

According to the latest Spotify data and charts tracking, Burna Boy (Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu) has overtaken Tyla to lead the continent in key streaming metrics, including monthly listeners.

The Grammy-winning artist continues his dominance in 2026, building on his record-breaking 2025 performance where he amassed nearly 2 billion streams — the highest ever recorded for an African artist on the platform in a single year.

Burna Boy’s global appeal, driven by hits from his recent projects and consistent catalog performance, has propelled him ahead of Tyla, who had previously held strong positions in monthly listener counts.

This achievement underscores the continued rise of Afrobeats and African music on the world stage, with Nigerian artists dominating Spotify’s top African streaming rankings. Industry watchers note Burna Boy’s ability to maintain massive engagement across international audiences.

Fans and music enthusiasts have taken to social media to celebrate the feat, hailing the “African Giant” for flying the flag high. The development further cements Burna Boy’s status as one of the most influential voices in contemporary African music.

Spotify is yet to issue an official statement on the latest shift, but the numbers speak volumes about the fierce competition and growing global appetite for African sounds.

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