ASCEND’S OLU JACOBS, JOKE SILVA, OC UKEJE AND LALA AKINDOJU STAR IN ROMANTIC COMEDY ‘THE ROYAL HIBISCUS HOTEL’

The iconic Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva, our favourite leading man, OC Ukeje and the versatile Lala Akindoju co-star in soon to be released Romcom “The Royal Hibiscus Hotel”

Art imitates life as Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva play a couple; Richard and Augustina who enjoy a passionate love story  after 40 years of marriage.

OC Ukeje takes on the role of the dapper Felix who’s  in love with ‘Ope’ (Zainab Balogun) who is unable to reciprocate his love. Lala Akindoju is hilarious as Chika, a carefree receptionist whose career goals appear to be getting Deji (Kenneth Okojie) Ope’s boyfriend to fall in love with her.

The Royal Hibiscus hotel is the story of Segun and Rose Adeniyi, who run a hotel in a little town in Lagos, Nigeria. Their daughter, Ope, is living in London, working a dead-end job while trying to open her own restaurant. When Ope decides to return to Nigeria, she meets Deji, a charming young businessman with a secret that threatens her plans to restore the hotel’s fortunes.

The Royal Hibiscus Hotel is a production of Ebonylife Film. It was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival(TIFF)and will be in cinemas from February 9 2018.

TOPE OSHIN’S ‘NEW MONEY’ SET TO HIT CINEMAS SOON

 

After successfully directing the third and fourth season of  MTV Base’s  ‘Shuga’ and Ebony Life TV’s  first legal drama series ‘Castle and castle,’ Ascend’s Tope Oshin is ready to release her latest project; ‘New Money’

New Money is a comedy about a poor girl who unexpectedly stumbles into an inheritance that changes her life forever. The movie was written by Naz Onuzo and features Jemima Osunde, Kate Henshaw, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Osas Ighodaro and Falz amongst others.

Tope Oshin is known and celebrated for her exceptional body of work as a director, with ‘New Money’ she is expected to deliver one of Nollywood’s biggest movies of 2018.

New Money will be in cinemas on the 23rd of March 2018.

Bringing The House Down! Laughs All Around as Potato Potahto Holds Star Studded Premiere in Nigeria

After several months of sold out, award winning screenings in some of the biggest film festivals across the globe, West African romantic comedy ‘Potato Potahto’ on the 16th of November held a star studded premiere at the IMAX cinema in Lekki.

In attendance were industry icons and a roll call of stars including Olu Jacobs, Mo Abudu, Biola Alabi, Kate Henshaw, Hilda Dokubo, Betty Irabor and others. They joined the film’s A list cast and crew including Shirley Frimpong Manso, Joselyn Dumas, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Lala Akindoju, Nikki Samonas and Inya Lawal. Other stars in attendance included Ufuoma Mc Dermott, Deyemi Okanlawon, Kunle Remi, Tope Tedela, Omoye Uzamere, Lilian Esoro, Ndidi Nwuneli and others.

The premiere was hosted by rising star actress Ade Laoye who opened the screening with a fun rendition of the Potato Potahto chorus off of ‘Louis Armstrong’s ‘Let’s Call it off.’ There were a lot of laughs at the end of the gripping romantic comedy.

Joke Silva who doubled as costar and producer also expressed her gratitude; “Nigeria finally gets to see our labour of love, I am incredibly grateful for the turnout and the strong support from our colleagues, friends and family, we hit the cinemas next!”

“I am thankful for the support of our amazing cast and crew and all our partners who believed in the vision and supported us in bringing our ideas to life, explained producer Inya Lawal. Thank you, thank you all! She added.

Directed by award winning Ghanaian film maker Shirley Frimpong- Manso; the film stars OC Ukeje, Joselyn Dumas, Joke Silva, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Chris Attoh, Lala Akindoju, Adjetey Anang, Victoria Michaels and Nikki Samonas. The movie tells the story of a divorced couple, whose plans to share their matrimonial home results in chaos after the husband, Tony, brings in an attractive female house help. When his ex-wife, Lulu, then hires an attractive young man to help her out, a roller coaster ride of laughter, jealousy and tears ensues.

Potato Potahto is a co-production of Ascend Studios, 19 April Entertainment Virgo Sun Ltd and Lufodo Productions . It hits Nigerian and South African cinemas on the 24th of November and makes its way to Ghanaian screens on the 30th of November.

Check out images from the Premiere below:[btx_gallery images=”1214,1215,1216,1217,1210,1219,1220,1223,1222,1225,1224,1218,1213″]Potato Potahto Lagos Premiere[/btx_gallery]

Dazzlr Collaborates with Ascend Talent Management | Brings International Artists to India

In its commitment to bring the best of the talent to the fore, Dazzlr has crossed yet another milestone. Dazzlr, a talent discovery platform that brings together actors, casting professionals, directors and producers, has announced its tie up with an ace African talent management company, Ascend Talent Management.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vivek Bohra, Producer and Co-Founder, Dazzlr said, “Our aim is to promote talent from across the world. We are not restricted to any geographical boundaries, in fact the power and growth of box office of films that indulge in global talent is clearly evident even in top notch Hollywood films. There is tremendous scope for newer talent in our country as well as for our talent in different cinemas across the world. Ascend Talent Management is one of the biggest talent management company in Africa and we are glad to be associated with them.”

Adding on, Inya Lawal founder and Head Talent Management at Ascend Talent Management said, “We are always on the lookout for innovative ways to expand our entertainment network globally and the collaboration with Dazzlr is an exceptional illustration of that vision. It is good to see that Bollywood is more inclusive in taking on talent globally, as there are an incredible number of talented artistes across Africa. We are excited to be a crucial part of this move.”

The Indian entertainment industry is one of the largest in the world and international artists are keen to be a part of the same. The African entertainment industry is growing exponentially and encourages artists to pursue their field of interest. This collaboration will provide a quick and easy access to stimulate the industry without having to worry about distances, costs, etc.

“The Indian Film industry shoots around the world and we are always looking forward to cast talented actors in different locales so this step only adds to our resolution of making the casting eco-system of the world more accessible for actors and casting directors alike.” says Aadore, Mukherjee, Co-Founder, Dazzlr. Aadore has also been responsible for casting Big Ticket Bollywood Films such as Happy New Year and BaarBaarDekho in countries such as the UAE and UK.

The app can be easily downloaded from the PlayStore on Android and the App Store on Apple.