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Producers Rake $25.2m From ‘Black Panther’ Premiere, Smashes Box Office Records

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That’s the second-biggest MCU Thursday preview/midnight preview ever, between Captain America: Civil War ($25m in 2016), Avengers: Age of Ultron ($27.6m in 2015).

It’s the fourth-biggest superhero preview gross, behind Avengers: Age of Ultron, Batman v Superman ($27.7m in 2016) and The Dark Knight Rises ($30.5m in 2012, sans 3D). So, inflation notwithstanding, Black Panther just scored a bigger preview gross than The Avengers ($19m in 2012 starting at midnight). So, yeah, it’s going to be a monster hit.

It’s the second-biggest pre-summer preview gross ever between the $19 million (in 2012 and in 2D) Thursday-at-midnight opening of The Hunger Games and the $27.7m Thursday gross of Batman v Superman (same weekend in 2016).

Among all Thursday preview grosses not in the heart of the summer, it sits behind only the last three Star Wars movies ($56m, $29m and $45m), the four Twilight sequels ($26-$30m in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012) and Catching Fire ($25.25m in 2013). That’s also the biggest preview gross in history for a non-sequel.

The big question is how much frontloading we’ll see. Since this preview number is way above the standard MCU figure save for Avengers 2 and Avengers 2.5, I’m expecting more frontloading than the standard 9-12% MCU normal. But if Black Panther ends up the most frontloaded “Thursday-to-opening weekend” title in MCU history, say 15% (Age of Ultron earned 14.5% of its $191m debut weekend on Thursday night), it still gets to $168m over the Fri-Sun frame, which would be around $193m for the full Presidents’ Day weekend.

The four-day weekend puts a crimp into predictions, but even a run like Fifty Shades of Grey or Deadpool (the two prior Presidents Day weekend champions) gets this thing to an over/under $250 million for the Fri-Sun frame alone. That seems impossible on its face, and you must presume some severe frontloading from the sheer anticipation factor. But there just isn’t much precedent for a well-reviewed/much anticipated/well-liked film going from a $25m Thursday preview gross to anything other than a boffo Fri-Sun frame.

For example, if it ends up as frontloaded as The Dark Knight Rises ($30 million Thursday/$160m Fri-Sun weekend), Man of Steel ($27m/$128m), Batman v Superman ($27m/$166m) or Suicide Squad ($20m/$133m) or Catching Fire ($25m/$158m), we’re still looking at a Fri-Sun weekend anywhere from $135m to $155m. Heck, a Suicide Squad-ish performance ($20m/$133m) gets it to $168m, just above Batman v Superman as the fifth-biggest superhero opening ever behind Iron Man 3 ($174m), Captain America: Civil War ($179m), Avengers: Age of Ultron ($191m) and The Avengers ($207m).

Aside from having a super-frontloaded opening weekend (think Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II, the Twilight sequels or Star Wars: The Force Awakens), a $130 million+ Fri-Sun gross is now all-but-inevitable. And since the film is very good, has plenty of buzzy elements and has been anticipated for essentially a generation, I see little reason for anything beyond normal slowdown. Now that doesn’t mean we should weep in the streets if it pulls a Breaking Dawn and ends up with just $115m over the Fri-Sun frame (and around $135m over the full holiday launch). If I had to put money on it, which I am not, I’m thinking and an over/under $165m Fri-Sun launch and a $190-$195m Fri-Mon debut weekend.

And if the numbers are big, I fully expect Disney to underestimate the heck out of the Sunday results so they can get an extra day of positive news when the final figures are even bigger than presumed. One factor will be the sheer number of showings over the weekend essentially bought out for charities, churches and activist groups wanting to make sure that minority kids get to see the movie on the big screen. That may be a drop in the overall bucket, but it may help with post-opening day frontloading and keep the film in the news cycle all weekend long. There is a ton of wiggle room here, so let’s throw out a few benchmarks to consider as the numbers dribble in.

An opening above $117 million (Spider-Man: Homecoming) would be the biggest non-sequel MCU launch while an opening above $123m (Thor: Ragnarok) would be the biggest solo MCU opening weekend. An opening above $132m (Deadpool) would be the biggest solo/non-superhero superhero launch of all time. An opening of over $146m (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2) would make it the biggest launch for an MU title without Iron Man. An opening above $147m (Furious 7) would be the biggest launch for a “not a white guy director” movie debut. A debut Fri-Sun launch above $152m (Hunger Games) would be the biggest non-sequel debut ever (and the biggest Marvel Comics adaptation debut, MCU or otherwise, which doesn’t feature Iron Man). An opening above $174m (Iron Man 3) would be the biggest solo superhero launch ever, and yes, I’m counting Captain America: Civil War ($179m) as a quasi-Avengers movie.

Some of these records are going down, so the only question is which ones or how many will belong to Black Panther by Sunday night. (Bloomberg)

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From Bomb Blast to Praise: Maureen J’s Miracle Song

–Lagos bomb blast survivor tells her story through soul-stirring gospel track

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Maureen J

From the ashes of one of Nigeria’s most devastating tragedies has emerged a powerful testimony in song. “How Do I Kelee Gi?” — a soul-stirring blend of English and Igbo meaning “How do I thank You?” — is the heartfelt anthem of Maureen Onwuka, popularly known as Maureen J, a survivor of the January 27, 2002 Lagos bomb blast.

The blast, which rocked the Ikeja Cantonment area, left hundreds dead and thousands displaced in an unforgettable moment of national grief.

For Maureen, then a young evangelist, it marked the beginning of an emotional and spiritual journey that would change her life and eventually give birth to a song of thanksgiving.

On the day of the explosion, Maureen had stepped out for routine evangelism when she was caught in the chaos. Fleeing with a panicked crowd, she found herself at the edge of a canal near Ajao Estate. She couldn’t swim. Before she could react, the surging crowd pushed her into the water.

“I found myself stepping on bodies. People who had already drowned. It was like walking on human carpet, and I didn’t even know at first,” she recounts, her voice heavy with emotion. “Some were grabbing at me, trying to come up, but every time someone held my leg, I felt myself going under.”

Maureen screamed out a desperate prayer: “Lord, remember me! I was just out telling people about You! Please show me mercy!” In that moment, a stranger appeared in the water — a man who swam to her, pulled her to safety, and vanished without a trace. “I don’t know who he was. I believe he was an angel,” she says.

She escaped with her life, but the images of that day, especially the lifeless bodies of children, women, and men, remained etched in her memory. In the aftermath, she made a solemn vow to God: to tell the world what He did for her.

That vow found its fullest expression in “How Do I Kelee Gi?” — a song she describes as a sacred offering of gratitude. “Words weren’t enough to carry my story. I had to pour it into music,” Maureen explains. “Mixing English and Igbo was intentional — what God did for me was too great to explain in just one language.”

Though the song was written two to three years after the tragedy and initially recorded with little fanfare, Maureen never stopped sharing her story. Encouraged by those who’ve heard the track and urged her to push it further, she is now relaunching the song with renewed purpose.

“This song is my flagship,” she says. “It’s time to tell the world. I want people to not just hear my voice, but to know the miracle behind it.”

Maureen, who hails from Umukparo, Mbala Isuochi, in Abia State, has always been musically inclined, serving in choirs from her youth. But the 2002 experience gave her voice a new purpose. “After the blast, music became more than a gift — it became a mission,” she says.

Inspired by gospel icons like Mercy Chinwo, Sinach, and Nathaniel Bassey, Maureen hopes to reach hearts and stir worship through her sound. “Their songs move me toward God. That’s what I want mine to do too.”

“How Do I Kelee Gi?” is currently available on Audiomack and CD Baby, with plans for a full official launch slated for August this year.

From tragedy came a testimony. From near-death, a new life’s mission. And through it all, Maureen J stands — a living witness that miracles still happen, and when they do, the only fitting response is to sing.

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You’re a priceless gift: Gov Mbah Celebrates Jim Nwobodo at 85

… Nwobodo: Mbah is a Success, reports SANDRA ANI

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Peter Mbah, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi celebrate Jim Nwobodo at 85
Governor Peter Mbah (2nd right), former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (right) celebrate Jim Nwobodo at 85

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, at the weekend, led other who-is-who in the state to celebrate elder statesman and a former governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo

Speaking during the 85th birthday anniversary celebration event in honour of Nwobodo at his Amechi Awkunanaw, Enugu, country home, Friday evening, Mbah recalled the octogenarian’s outstanding service to Enugu State, old Anambra State, Nigeria, and humanity in various capacities, describing him as an epitome of excellence.

“It will be difficult to find words that amply capture the true essence of what Dr. Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo represents. Your life is a living proof that the true value of existence is selfless service.

“Nothing endears one to his people than selfless service. That is what you epitomise. The men and women gathered here today to celebrate you is a reflection of that selfless service that you have provided for the people of Enugu State and Nigeria.

“Today, we celebrate an extraordinary journey. We celebrate 85 years of impactful life.

“As Governor at 39 years, you left bold legacies that are still evident today. As a Minister of Youth and Sport, your record remains unbeatable; and it’s still a heartwarming reference point in this country. As a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, you were an epitome of courage and patriotism. We are indeed very proud of you.

“You are a priceless gift to humanity and to Enugu State and indeed our dear country. We are so blessed to have you. You have also provided a shoulder on which countless leaders stand on. You are a charismatic, yet unassuming leader; a man of all seasons,” the governor stated.

He wished him many happy returns in sound health and cherished moments so that the new generation of leaders could continue to benefit from his fatherly counsel and wealth of experience.

In his remarks, Nwobodo enjoined leaders to utilise the opportunities God had given to them to work for the people, citing the Mbah example in Enugu State.

“Today, Peter (Mbah) is a success. Whether anybody likes it or not. He is a success because the results speak for him. Whatever he is in Enugu today was God’s design from time. God gave it to him. God inspires all that he is doing in Enugu today.

“Governor Mbah also listens. He really does. I suggested something to him not long ago. He reflected on it and told me that he would do it. Today, he is already doing it. That is how your know a leader that would go far,” the elder statesman said.

While thanking the governor for organising a state event to mark his birthday, Nwobodo said that Mbah had underscored the need to celebrate people while they are alive.

“I did not expect an elaborate celebration as this. But the governor insisted on celebrating me so well. He maintained that it was better to celebrate people when they are alive, to say all the beautiful things to their hearing. So, Governor, I thank you for this show of love and thank all of you, who came out in your numbers to celebrate me,” he added.

Also, at the event were the former governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; members of the Enugu State Executive Council; serving and former federal and state lawmakers, Council Chairmen under the leadership of the Chairman, Enugu State chapter of ALGON, Hon. Okechukwu Edeh, as well as the traditional rulers led by the Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, His Majesty, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, among a host of others.

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The LOGIC Church Debuts “Jesus + Nothing Worship” on Good Friday

Reporter: SANDRA ANI

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LOGIC Church
LOGIC Church

The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christian faith. In commemoration of this, the Love of God in Christ (LOGIC) Church is hosting the first edition of the Jesus + Nothing Worship, an uplifting evening dedicated to expressing the message of the death, burial and resurrection in music.

This event will be held on, Friday, April 18, 2025, by 4PM, at The LOGIC Church headquarters in Lekki, Lagos.

LOGIC Church
LOGIC Church

The event offers worshippers an opportunity to connect with the essence of the Gospel in worship.

The Lead Pastor and Apostolic Head of the LOGIC Church, Apostle Flourish Peters, asserts that worship is a significant part of the New Testament believers’ experience in Christ.

“As a Christocentric faith community, this event is a great way to celebrate the gift of Christ, who laid down his life for our redemption. Good Friday is a great time to have a worship celebration like this,” notes Peters.

On the context for the event, he notes, “Nothing speaks to the culture of a people like the music they listen to.

Jesus + Nothing Worship will contribute to shaping and mainstreaming a culture of christocentric worship, where the Gospel of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection is platformed through worship. 

With Nigeria’s young demography heavily influenced by the music and the arts, Christocentric music is a powerful tool in pointing this generation to Christ,”

Guest ministers expected include; Ministers Neon Adejo, Greatman Takit, Victor Thompson, Timi Dakolo, Samuel Giveson (SMJ), Noble G, Steve Hills, and Lily Perez. Others include Ministers Joxie, Anderson Qozan, Pastor Victor Paul, EmekaSongz, Flo, Dorcas Moore, Magpsalms, Mera Owili, Gerald Bishung, Phebe Lion, and the vibrant Evolution Children’s Choir.

The Jesus + Nothing Worship is a free event and attendees are guaranteed an unforgettable experience.

For more information, visit the official website: https://thelogicchurch.org/en/ and follow on YouTube at @TheLOGICChurch and on Instagram at @thelogicchurch.

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