Culture

Laju Iren Premieres Vibrant ‘Onobiren’ Celebrating Niger Delta Culture

Published

6 months ago

March 13, 2026

Laju Iren premiered her film ‘Onobiren’ at EbonyLife Cinemas, celebrating Niger Delta culture and female-driven storytelling across Nigeria

Filmmaker and author Laju Iren premiered her much-anticipated movie, ‘Onobiren,’ on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at EbonyLife Cinemas. Themed “South-South Royalty,” the premiere transformed the venue into a colourful celebration of Niger Delta heritage.

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Guests arrived in regal traditional attire, showcasing the richness of the region’s culture through ornate headpieces and flowing ensembles. The ambience reflected a proud display of identity and artistry.

Dignitaries and celebrities at the event included Delta State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs Orode Uduaghan, media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, Lead Pastor of Celebration Church International Emmanuel Iren, Michael Ejoor, Juliana Olayode, Blessing Nze, Ojoma Ochai, Ruby Akubueze, Desmond Bryce, and Amanda Dara.

The film, which began nationwide cinema screening on March 6, features a cast including Bisola Aiyeola, Deyemi Okanlawon, Patience Ozokwor, and Norbert Young.

Ruby Akubueze, who plays Roli, described her character as a determined woman seeking greener pastures despite life’s challenges.

She noted that ‘Onobiren’ aims to spark conversations about women’s experiences and encourage more female-driven storytelling.

For Iren, the project is both personal and cultural. Drawing from her Itsekiri roots, she said the film highlights women and minority voices in mainstream narratives.

Some scenes were filmed in her grandmother’s village, Koko, in Delta State, emphasising the South-South’s cultural landscape.

“At the end of the day, it’s one Nigeria, one Africa,” Iren said, adding that diverse cultural perspectives enrich storytelling and deepen its impact.

She expressed hope the film would spark dialogue around resilience, gender roles, and the value of hard work.

Also read: Lisabi Festival 2026 Set for Egbaland as Egbaliganza Takes Centre Stage

Actor Desmond Bryce noted that he was drawn to the script’s vivid imagery and unique setting, saying the story’s natural elements and emotional depth set it apart both visually and thematically.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

1 week ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

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Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”