Entertainment
Ufuoma McDermott Sponsors 100 For Merry Men 2
Top Nigerian actor, Ufuoma McDermott, has sponsored 100 Nigerians to see Merry Men 2 at IMAX Cinema in Lekki, Phase 1, Lagos.
PorkMoney said that it took the decision to support the project “in order to inculcate in young Nigerians the need to live a life devoid of crime and imbibe sound moral virtues, using the lead character Zara Aminu (played by Ufuoma McDermott) as a case study.”
PorkMoney is one of the largest privately owned pig farms in West Africa.
Speaking at a ‘Meet and Greet’ session with fans and journalists after the movie viewing, McDermott said that given the evolving age of Information and Communications Technology, the special viewing of the movie stood to endear more young Nigerians into embracing ICT, especially in curbing crime and other vices.
She said, “The movie and what we have done here today will further enable young people, and the Nigerian society as a whole, to appreciate the unflinching love mothers have for children and their willingness, at any point, to break the rules in order to save and protect a child from harm. Zara Aminu (Ufuoma McDermott) depicts this typical mother role in Merry Men 2.
“Just like a few Nigerian start-ups that do not give up, despite daunting challenges in the business environment, Zara Aminu never gave up on her beliefs and ideals.”
McDermott added, “With this project, young Nigerians will learn and realise the importance of not giving up on a struggle – health challenges, quest for freedom, acquisition of knowledge, passion, business, etc.”
While being interviewed, one of McDermott’s fans, Chris Chukwujekwe, described the movie as a classic, saying, “Zara made all the difference in the movie.”
He said, “Zara is smart, a master-mind and a fixer who is very skilled in handling arms. She is notorious, but a very skilled criminal.”
According to him, Zara’s intelligence surpassed the role played by Ramsey Noah.
“Ramsey Noah was very witty, but Zara often predicted all his strategies correctly,” Chukwujekwe said.
McDermott shared Chukwujekwe’s views, stating that the physicality and high energy involved in the movie made it a daunting task.
She, however, relished featuring in the movie, noting that the project took her to a new milestone in her acting career.
“It’s the most challenging in my career because I had to be physical and be as fit as I can. Merry Men 2 took me to a place that no other film has taken me to and I am grateful for that.
“The movie took me out of my usual happy, laughing character to a bit more serious one where I had to frown my face all the time. At the premier of Merry Men 2, I already had two offers on action films,” McDermott said.
She also said, “I think working on this project made me understand the importance of having the right crew members, so we had our martial artist on set. Believe it or not, that is one of the hardest things I had to do in my life.
“I am such a drama actor that act pretty well displaying emotions on the face and all of that, but when it has to involve getting physical, I was so scared. At a time, they were like ‘hit this guy’, and I said I don’t want to hit him.”
According to her, the most beautiful thing is understanding what martial arts should be and mixing it with filmmaking.
“It was an amazing combination. It slows down production a little bit, in all honesty. You know we could have got through those scenes faster, but it involved a lot more because martial art is involved.
“I give Ayo Makun, the producer, the credit on this one because that was a lot of money many people won’t have spent,” the actor added.
Sharing McDermott’s opinion, Makun, famously known as AY, said, “If you do a wishy-washy kind of production, it won’t take you anywhere and people won’t watch it.
“If you even use politics to push it out there, it still won’t make you money; it will only embarrass you.”
He added, “What that knowledge did is to make us buckle up and know that these people who come out to see films are wiser than what producers used to think. They know what they want, and they know shots, angles; they understand cinematography.”
Spotify today announced the launch of its ‘Detty December’ hub with playlists for December, a celebration of the vibrant festive season in West Africa and South Africa. The hub is a one-stop shop for all things Detty December, with curated playlists featuring the biggest hits and emerging sounds of the season. Users can find everything from Afrobeats and Amapiano anthems to chilled-out vibes for those much-needed recovery days.
“Detty December is a special time for our users in West Africa and ke Dezemba symbolises South Africa’s spirit of celebration,” said Phiona Okumu, Head of Music at Spotify Sub-Saharan Africa. “We’re excited to be part of their celebrations with this dedicated hub and playlists, bringing them the best music to soundtrack their festive moments.”
This unapologetic season of street jams, back-to-back concerts, and endless summer fun has developed its own culture that draws diaspora and local fans alike. The curated sounds of Spotify’s Detty December hub will pay homage to the Lagos rooftop lounges, Accra’s beachside festivals, and South Africa’s township tunes that keep people grooving.
In addition to the hub, Spotify has also launched a new playlist called ‘Songs of Detty December’. This playlist is a curated list from Spotify Africa’s editors on the songs predicted to dominate this year’s Detty December. From DJ Skelm’s Afro Tech sounds to Flytime Fest’s tour of songs that tell Africa’s aspirational stories, the hub will be the home of takeover playlists that display Africa’s diverse talent. Barrier-breaking Amapiano talent Kamo_ww has taken over a South African Summer playlist too.
Spotify is also supporting Jerk x Jollof, a popular event making its way to Africa for the first time, through its Frequency program. Held at The Ostrich event space, the Jerk x Jollof Cape Town takeover will feature DJs and artists such as TxC, DBN Gogo, Spinall, Sarz and Odeal, merging the spirit of Detty December and ke Dezemba experiences and bringing South and West African cultures and artists together.
“We’re committed to supporting African music and culture,” said Okumu. “We believe that music is a powerful way to bring people together, and we’re excited to be part of the Detty December celebrations.”
You can keep the good vibes going as you make your way to the hotel, beach or next Detty December party with Spotify’s curated and immersive sound selection. Discover something new or run the year’s best party anthems back on your app today.
The ‘Detty December’ hub is available now on Spotify.
Forty years after the release of the original JESUS film, Jesus Film Project is releasing an updated edition of founder Paul Eshleman’s book, I Just Saw Jesus.
The new edition features a heartfelt foreword written by Eshleman’s daughter, Jenn Huff, as well as refreshed cover art. The book was officially released in October 2024.
Originally published in 1985, I Just Saw Jesus chronicles Eshleman’s journey to create the JESUS film, the most translated and viewed film in history. Translated into more than 2,100 languages and counting, the film has been a significant resource in spreading the gospel to millions across the globe.
The release of this updated edition comes at a critical juncture as Jesus Film Project reimagines the 1979 film for today’s generation.
In her foreword to the new edition of I Just Saw Jesus, Huff reflects on her father’s vision and passion for the project. She writes, ”The JESUS film, meticulously crafted to depict the life of Jesus with unprecedented accuracy, stood as a beacon of attention to detail. Behind the scenes, my father’s equally meticulous storytelling mirrored the attention that was paid to every aspect of the film’s creation.” She added, “I Just Saw Jesus is not just a book; it is a testament to the miraculous change Jesus makes in people’s lives.”
Paul Eshleman’s work on the JESUS film was inspired by the mission to share the gospel message in every corner of the world.I Just Saw Jesus tells the stories of the faithful volunteer film teams, missionaries and pastors who ventured into remote tribes to show the JESUS film. They carried generators and projectors across jungles, stood before influential leaders, and overcame threats, curses and deadly diseases – all to share the story of Jesus in the heart language of those who might not otherwise hear the gospel.
This new edition of I Just Saw Jesus is a tribute to Paul Eshleman’s legacy. It marks a new chapter in the ongoing mission to innovate and reach people with today’s tools, ensuring that the gospel remains accessible to new generations.
Purchase I Just Saw Jesus on Amazon or the Cru store, and join the ongoing conversation about how media can inspire the next generation.
Gather25, a trailblazing global gathering of Christians founded by Jennie Allen, has unveiled the first of its contributors for the upcoming event in 2025.
Featuring a multi-denominational, international line up of Christian teachers, storytellers and prayer guides from six continents, Gather25 aims to showcase powerful stories of how God is transforming communities and hearts around the world.
The event, with a schedule that will circumnavigate the globe over 25 hours, celebrates a line-up of individuals who bring a unique perspective of how God is moving in their context.
Together, they are partnering with Gather25’s mission to mobilize Christians everywhere to reach the 5.5 billion people on earth who have yet to encounter Jesus.
Through live-streaming technology and AI, Gather25 will connect with Christians in homes, in churches, in stadiums, or on their phones, across six continents, with each continent hosting a portion of the 25 hours.
The teachers, storytellers, and prayer guides include:
● Jennie Allen – Founder & Visionary of Gather25, Bible teacher, author, the visionary behind IF:Gathering.
● Pastor Charles Mugisha – Founder and President of Africa New Life Ministries.
● Matt Maher – Gospel artist and songwriter, known for favorites like “Lord, I Need You.”
● Mark Varughese – Founder and Senior Leader of Kingdomcity.
● Matt Redman – Double GRAMMY®-Award winning worship leader and songwriter.
● Priscilla Shirer – A New York Times Best-Selling author and actress featuring in movies like War Room.
● Sinach – Gospel artist and songwriter, known for favorites like “Way Maker.”
● Tasha Cobbs Leonard – GRAMMY® Award-winning singer/songwriter.
● Rorisang Thandekiso – A multi-talented media personality and musician, and the founder of “Jesus This Jesus That.”
● Rick Warren – Author of The Purpose Driven Life, his books have been translated into 200 languages.
Gather25 is a global collaboration of Christians who are instrumental in connecting the global church from the ground up. Pastor Charles Mugisha said, “Gather25 gives, for the first time in history, Africa a voice to share the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ more than ever before.”
“I have a feeling in my heart that (Gather25) is a God thing. The Bible commissions us to go and take the Gospel to all nations and for the first time, I see that we can actually take the Gospel to all the nations in 25 hours. That’s exciting for me!”
The event will kick off in the United States at 01:00 UTC on Saturday, 1st March 2025, and will journey around the globe, concluding in Peru at 02:00 UTC on Sunday, 2nd March 2025. This continuous broadcast is designed to empower Christians worldwide through inspiring stories and testimonies of God’s work across nations. Each session will be hosted from a different country, featuring teaching, worship, stories and prayers from various locations within each session. The event will also unveil never-before-heard accounts from the underground church.
Join us for this global event to connect with believers from every corner of the world. Find out about Gather25, and sign up for more resources at: gather25.com
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