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Squid Game Netflix’s ‘Biggest Ever’ Series Launch

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Squid Game Netflix’s ‘Biggest Ever’ Series Launch

Squid Game, a fictional drama from South Korea — is Netflix’s “biggest-ever series at launch,” the streaming company exclusively told CNN on Tuesday.

The dystopian series, in which contestants who are deeply in need of money play deadly children’s games to win cash prizes, has been viewed by 111 million accounts since debuting on Netflix on September 17.

To give that number some context, Netflix announced earlier this year that 82 million households watched “Bridgerton” in the first 28 days following its Christmas debut. “Squid Game” surpassed that number in a shorter amount of time.

The series is No. 1 on Netflix’s Top 10 lists in 94 countries around the world. It’s the platform’s first-ever Korean series to reach No. 1 in the United States.

Squid Game Netflix’s ‘Biggest Ever’ Series Launch

The numbers speak to the sheer size of “Squid Games’” popularity and the speed at which it took off. But Netflix’s — and all streaming services’ — rating data comes with some important caveats.

For starters, these numbers are from Netflix (NFLX) itself and have not been vetted by any outside sources. Also, that 111 million figure doesn’t mean everyone watched the series from start to finish. It is based on Netflix’s metric of accounts watching at least two minutes of the series.

Regardless of Netflix’s often opaque accounting of its shows’ popularity, the important context is that the streaming giant’s competition is growing fiercer by the day, and “Squid Game” shows Netflix remains on top for a reason, CNN reports.

For investors, as long as Netflix keeps adding subscribers, Wall Street will likely continue to be happy. “Squid Game” has hit the zeitgeist in a significant way, and buzz is the best means to attract new subscribers and keep current ones happy. The series has also earned great reviews, garnering a 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Like many top streaming series, “Squid Game” has become a pop culture phenomenon. The series has generated memes and even Halloween costume ideas.

The success of “Squid Game” speaks to Netflix’s ability to craft a worldwide hit. Netflix has 209 million subscribers and the company has worked to reach audiences on a global scale.

“When we first started investing in Korean series and films in 2015, we knew we wanted to make world-class stories for the core K-content fans across Asia and the world,” said Minyoung Kim, Netflix’s Vice-President of content for Asia Pacific, excluding India.

“Today, Squid Game has broken through beyond our wildest dreams. ‘Squid Game’ gave [Netflix] more confidence that our global strategy is going in the right direction,” Kim told CNN.

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TGMAAN Celebrates Veteran Actor Kola Olaiya with Premiere of Baba 70

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The Golden Movie Ambassadors Association of Nigeria (TGMAAN) will honor legendary actor Kola Olaiya with the premiere of his latest film, Baba 70, on November 10, 2024. The star-studded event will take place at Alinco Cinema, 1 Akibu Adeniji Street, Jankara, Ojokoro, Lagos, with the red carpet commencing at 4 p.m.

Baba 70 is a gripping drama that centers around a power-hungry landlord, who, after being the first to build and settle in a newly established estate, terrorizes the residents, insisting on being the lifetime chairman of the estate. His tyrannical rule is enforced through manipulative tactics and the use of juju (ritual power) to control the people around him. However, the landlord’s reign of fear comes to an end when the source of his power—his son—dies, exposing his vulnerabilities and ultimately leading to his downfall.

TGMAAN, established 10 years ago, is a professional association of film industry professionals, with Veteran actor, Saidi Balogun as President, Dr Afeez Oyetoro as Vice President, Dr Joke Muyiwa as Treasurer, Tunde Olaoye, a notable director, as Public Relations Officer and Moji Oyetayo (Mama Ajasco) as the Business and Branding Officer. The premiere of Baba 70 is one of the activities marking the 10th year anniversary of the association.

The premiere of Baba 70 is a significant moment for TGMAAN, as it brings together the Nigerian film industry to celebrate the life and career of Kola Olaiya, one of the most respected figures in Nollywood. Ambassador Saidi Balogun, the president of TGMAAN, emphasized the importance of honoring movie legends while they are still alive.

“We believe in celebrating our icons when they are with us, not just after they are gone. Kola Olaiya is one of the pioneers of Nigerian cinema, and his contribution to the growth and development of the industry, both on and off the screen, is immeasurable,” Balogun said in a statement.

“Through his work, he has not only entertained millions, but has also paved the way for many young actors and filmmakers to follow their dreams. This premiere is a tribute to his enduring legacy in Nollywood.”

Kola Olaiya’s career spans several decades, during which he has earned recognition for his remarkable acting range, his contributions to the growth of Nigerian cinema, and his mentorship of emerging talent. His versatility has seen him play a wide range of roles in both television and film, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Baba 70 promises to be a testament to Olaiya’s career, featuring a compelling story that explores themes of power, corruption, and the consequences of unchecked authority. The premiere event will be attended by key industry players, celebrities, and fans, all coming together to celebrate a man whose work has significantly influenced Nollywood’s rise as a global force in the entertainment world.

In addition to the film’s debut, the event will also feature performances and speeches, providing a platform for the Nigerian film community to appreciate Olaiya’s tremendous impact. The evening will serve as a reminder of the important role that seasoned actors and filmmakers like Olaiya continue to play in shaping the future of Nigerian cinema.

For Balogun and TGMAAN, the Baba 70 premiere is not just about a movie release, but about recognizing the contributions of the individuals who have built the foundation of Nollywood and celebrating them while they are still with us.

As the red carpet event approaches, excitement is building in anticipation of an unforgettable evening that will honor the life, work, and legacy of one of Nollywood’s true legends, Kola Olaiya.

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Rising Gospel Star Sade Ajayi set to Take the Industry by Storm

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Sade Ajayi is not only   devoted Christian but a  gospel music minister  and a lover of ministerial affairs  that has been doing music for quite some years but has now decided to raise the bar as she is set to unveil her fresh single titled Ore Ofe (Grace).

The melodious single which has an infusion of danceable praise medley is set to drop on the 15th  November 2024 across all platforms for good music lovers.

In her words, she expressed her excitement while anticipating the release of her official single

She stated that the song is a reflection of her personal walk with Christ, where she has experienced his unending grace as inscribed in the lyrics.

 

“By His grace, I have been saved through Christ who strengthens me. This truth has brought peace to my life, and I hope it resonates with everyone that will be touched by my song’’ The Ekiti State born singer said.

 

She further said explained that in the midst of life’s chaos, GRACE is a reminder of the peace and salvation we found in God’s love.

‘’It’s not just a song—it’s a message from my heart to the world as an invite to us all to return to the grace of Christ” She added.

 

 

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World Tourism Day 2024: Enugu Governor, Peter Mbah Invests billions into World Class Tourism Centres

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-Story by Joy Agamah

 

As part of the efforts to drive tourism in Enugu state, Governor Peter Mbah has invested billions of naira in the state tourism sector.

The investment is part of the broader plan to beautify the state as well as upgrading the parks and develop numerous projects in the tourism sector across the state.

The program, according to the Executive Chairman of Enugu State Tourism Board, Dame  Rita Mbah, is part of the state’s strategy to key in into this year’s world tourism day theme to promote the connection between tourism and peace

“So, by preserving our cultural and natural heritage we can reduce tension and nurture peaceful co-existence,” Mbah said.

She explained that the state government recently commenced the first stage of Enugu city beautification project from the Enugu gateway at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport.

She hinted that the state government removed the barricades at the airport gate and replaced them with modern security cameras to give tourists and visitors to the city a peaceful feeling as they arrive the state.

‘’We are also creating and improving the ambience at our airport gateway by introducing art murals which depict our cultural heritage with welcoming works of art and photos of some of our landmarks.

‘’Moving from the Airports, the capital territory is working towards ensuring that we have a welcoming view by removing unnecessary items that create eye sore. The ministry of environment is also working towards making sure that our green areas are maintained,’’ She stated.

Speaking further, Mbah said that the tourism board is almost done with the first phase of the city beautification and roundabout scheme.

‘’We are upgrading about 13 roundabouts in the first phase, planting flowers and upgrading our parks.

“We would discuss the upgrade of the parks. We are also looking at one some major projects that would enhance tourism in Enugu.

“Also, on the card are the development of the International conference centre, the development of a 5-Star Hotel, development of Hotel Presidential, and the development of a 300-bed hospital for medical tourism.”

According to her, when completed these projects have the capacity to put Enugu on the global tourism map.

‘’For example, the international conference centre would cater to many conferences within Africa and Nigeria. When people come for conferences, the 5- 5tar hotel will come in handy because of its proximity to the conference centre within the same vicinity.

“Not only that, the International conference centre also houses an amusement park; a theater; event centre and retail shops. So, the centre serves as a one stop shop for tourism activities.’’

Dame Mbah also disclosed that the state government recently awarded a contract for the development of five recreation parks across the state. They include the Edward Nnaji Park, Unity park, Ejindu Park, Ngwo Park and Eze park.

’The Edward Nnaji park will house a state of the art game arcade, amusement and water park, while the other four parks will be equipped with football pitches, five aside pitches, basketball court, lawn tennis court, quad bike arena, horse rides, kiddies recreation and fun equipment.

She also hinted that the state government is taking the annual Unity Christmas park to a whole new level.

‘’The metal fabrication for this year’s Christmas park started over a fortnight ago with over 30 indigenous welders working day and night to create a memorable Christmas fun for all.

‘’With all these projects and over 1,000 projects going on at the same time in Enugu State, I am proud to say that indeed we handed over our future to a governor that understands the assignment and he has continually proved to us that indeed tomorrow is here,’’ she added.

 

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