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NOLLYWOOD FILMMAKER THEO UKPAA TEACHES ON THE BUSINESS OF FILMMAKING AT THE COAL CITY FILM FESTIVAL MASTERCLASS.

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One of the greatest tools to film development in Africa is continuous learning by film practitioners through film schools, Online Tutorials and Masterclasses Facilitated by film professionals.
The Masterclasses at the Coal City Film Festival this year is facilitated by Veteran filmmaker, Izu Ojukwu, Producer of shanty town on Netflix Chichi Nwoko and Award-winning Filmmaker and Media Executive Theo Ukpaa from 11-15 April 2023.
There has been a lot of expectation from the masterclasses especially the BUSINNESS OF FILM Masterclass facilitated by AFRIFF Chief Operations Officer, Theo Ukpaa. There is no surprise regarding the high expectations for his Masterclass following the success of his Masterclasses all around the globe, incorporating his many film lectures at various international universities. Mr. Ukpaa has spread his teaching to institutions in Europe, America and African continent. The Business of Film Masterclass integrates a Filmmakers technical and conceptual understanding of filmmaking with the practical dimensions of a managing career in the film industry. Students will examine current industry business models and develop plans to advance their careers in filmmaking.
According to Theo “Often times people focus merely on the show and glamor as well as the razzmatazz that comes with filmmaking, and end up dying broke. A strong national economy depends on a strong creative economy—and it all starts with a story. The film and television industry supports 2.4 million jobs, pays out $186 billion in total wages, and comprises over 122,000 businesses. As a Filmmaker, one of the best moments is directing real stories of real individuals, getting them to the big screens and smiling to the Bank”. He believes that passion can burn out when expenditure and hard work does not produce financial returns. These are part of the important basics he wants to teach at his Masterclass at the coal city film Festival.
Theo Ukpaa is an African filmmaker, playwright, and entrepreneur. His First Feature film, ‘Lagos Landing’ (2018), in partnership with Alliance Françoise travelled to Film Festival around the globe and won prestigious Awards. Lagos Landing is a story about an uptight French woman who joins a dating site and connects with rich, young lawyer in Africa and ends up victim of a mistaken identity. Lagos Landing was acquired by Prime video, Tubi and Showmax. Theo Ukpaa was listed as top 10 most promising new directors by Africa Kulture Magazine in 2020.
Founder/CEO of Tiger Republic Studios, a fully consolidated studio that specializes in the production of TV Commercials for corporate advertising Agencies in Nigeria, producing and directing Live Shows including, Music Concerts, Comedy shows, Fashion shows, Awards and Festivals in Nigeria, Ghana and Congo. In the past 3 years Ukpaa has produced Various Original feature films for Showmax and Africa magic Channels, including ‘Third Party’, ‘Haywire’, ‘The Hunter’, ‘Lovers Nest’ and ‘Oak Island’.
Over the years, Ukpaa has helped in corporate TV Chanel start-up and development including Soundcity/SpiceTV (Africa’s biggest music/Fashion chanel) and Trace Naija, (a French pay-TV music video television channel owned by TPG CapitaI). In 2021,
Theo Ukpaa was announced Chief Operations Officer for Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF); Africa’s Hallmark film festival in its 11th year running. AFRIFF was founded by Africa’s leading entertainment Mogul, Chioma ude. In 2022 AFRIFF hosted the African Premiere of Marvel Studios Blockbuster ‘Wakanda Forever’ in partnership with Disney Studios and Filmone Entertainment; it was themed the biggest film premiere in the history of Africa.
Ukpaa is a certified project management professional offering a Master’s in Business Administration degree from the prestigious Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California plus a Diploma in Contract Law from the esteemed Harvard University. A Native Nigerian with a passion to empower young art and culture creatives through teaching and Masterclasses at various free empowerment across Africa.
In a recent BBC interview Theo says “Filmmaking is also a very risky investment, since most movies, even those small, intimate dramas, take several million dollars to make. Still, it’s definitely a hugely profitable business—if you hit the jackpot aka the target audience, in this Masterclass I will share my wealth of knowledge on building great film business, accessing grants, networking with great film studios and distributors plus Maximising profit in Film”.
Coal City Film Festival celebrates the originality of African and world cinematic expressions in the city that arguably gave birth to the Nigeria Film Industry otherwise known as Nollywood. Enugu State, Nigeria.

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Fuji Icon Remi Aluko Set to Thrill Fans at Ojez Railway Recreation Center Ebute Metta on Friday

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Fuji music legend Remi Aluko is set to bring the house down at the highly anticipated Toitoi Concert this Friday, December 20, at the Ojez Railway Recreation Center, Ebute Metta. Returning to the heart of Lagos, where his storied career began over two decades ago, Aluko is ready to deliver an electrifying night of rhythm, energy, and nostalgia.

 

Known for his mastery of blending traditional Yoruba melodies with modern Fuji vibes, Aluko has built a reputation for high-octane performances and a soulful connection with his audience. At the Toitoi Concert, fans can expect a lineup of his classic hits alongside fresh, unreleased tracks that showcase his continued evolution as a Fuji icon.

 

Speaking at a media briefing, Aluko shared his excitement:

“This concert is personal for me. Ebute Metta holds so many memories, and I can’t wait to give my fans a night they’ll never forget. Come early for some surprises—it’s my way of showing appreciation for the love and support over the years.”

 

Chief Joseph Odobeatu, Chairman of Ojez Entertainment Group, echoed Aluko’s enthusiasm, highlighting the venue’s significance as a cultural hub:

“The Ojez Railway Recreation Center is more than just a venue—it’s a place of history and celebration. We’re thrilled to host this landmark event and are committed to providing a secure and festive atmosphere for all music lovers.”

 

The Toitoi Concert promises to be more than just a musical event—it’s a celebration of Fuji culture, bringing together fans from all walks of life. Whether you’re a long-time follower of Aluko’s career or a newcomer to Fuji music, this concert offers an immersive experience into the rich heritage and modern vibrancy of the genre.

 

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to groove with Remi Aluko in an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and celebration. Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready to make memories at the Toitoi Concert!

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Photos From The Star Studded Bodex Social Media Hangout 5.0

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COSON MEMBERS CELEBRATE BUMPER =N=465.5 MILLION ROYALTY DISTRIBUTION!

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It was singing, jubilation and merriment this Tuesday, December 10, as members of Nigeria’s No 1 copyright collective management organization, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), approved a 2024 royalty distribution of a whopping =N=465.5 million for COSON members and associates. Following the approval, the distribution which is the highest in the history of the organization, began immediately as several COSON members started receiving bank alerts on their phones while still at COSON House.

They came from the East, the West, North and South of Nigeria: gaily dressed musicians who stormed Oluwaleimu Street, in the Allen Avenue Area of Ikeja where the magnificent COSON House stands sparkling in the sun, and in which COSON’s 2024 Annual General Meeting took place.

The AGM practically turned into a carnival as the former President of PMAN and Chairman of COSON, Chief Tony Okoroji, who presided at the General Meeting, delivered a moving address which he titled, “the COSON Spirit”.

 

The celebrated copyright warrior was praised repeatedly by joyous COSON members after delivering his speech in which he said, “We have deployed the law, like no other organization in the history of Nigeria, to form a bulwark against the people, in and out of government, who have tried everything to hijack and plunder COSON or if they fail, to kill COSON. You know the modus operandi of the vampires among our citizens: they grab every good thing in Nigeria for themselves, their friends and families with no thought for the millions of other people in our country. They are not satisfied with owning one house. In a nation where millions do not own even a hut, they grab what belongs to all of us and build 735 duplexes for themselves alone and want more as if they have a contract with the Almighty that they will never die.

“I wish to state that I have been to practically every court in the land, have mounted the witness box and testified, and have won victories on behalf of COSON that many had thought were impossible. We have retained the services of four first class senior advocates and several other senior lawyers.

“Without the decisions of those distinguished Judges of the Courts who remain committed to truth and justice, COSON, this great pan Nigerian organization that has become the nation’s most formidable agent of strength, unity, progress and growth for the creative industry, would have since been sucked dry and wiped away.“

With sadness in his voice, Chief Okoroji said, “Fellow members of COSON, let me state that I verily believe that in these hard times, we could have done more, much more for the musicians of Nigeria. It is a paradox that the institution established by the state to enable us to soar and achieve great results for our nation, conspired with carpetbaggers and fraudsters to become the greatest obstacle to our progress and success. But… we continue to fly, due to the unbreakable COSON Spirit”.

In his speech, the COSON Chairman thanked the Management led by General Manager, Mrs. Bernice Eriemeghe Ashibuogwu, for their contribution to the success of the society,

Identified at the AGM were such persons as the President of the Creative Industry Group, Amb. Felix Duke; President of the Music Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (MUPMAN), Eng Sharon Wilson; Afro Juju music super star, Sir Shina Peters; Reggae Music giant, Righteousman Erhabor; celebrated female singer, Stella Monye; Pop Music sensation, Alex O; Gospel Music Minister, Kenny Saint Brown; Showbiz Impresario, Koffi Da Guru, Popular entertainment die-hard, Steve Black and many more.

Also present were members of the COSON Board such as Abuja based, Chief Uche Emeka Paul, a workhorse of the Catholic Charismatic Music Ministry; Enugu based music toaster and publisher, Angus Power Nwangwu; Oge Kimono, first daughter of the unforgettable Rub-A-Dub Master, Ras Kimono who himself was a COSON die hard, before his death; renowned drummer, Richard Cole, famed producer Zdon Paporella and Gospel Music Minister, Evangelist Olusegun Omoyayi.

Hundreds of COSON members joined the jubilant AGM on-line via Zoom.

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