Connect with us

Radio & TV

Nikki Samonas on channeling Viola Davis for her role in Ghanaian drama High Currency

Published

on

Nikki Samonas

In the Akwaaba Magic drama series High Currency, also available to stream on Showmax, Naa Shika Hammond is a high-flying banker at the elite Crystal Bank who will stop at nothing to gain success. Naa Shika is a woman on top of the world, or rather, on her way to the top of the world. She’s beautiful and highly competitive, she knows just which buttons to push, and which high-value customers to charm and seduce to get what she wants.

But what does Nikki Samonas, the Ghanaian actress who plays Naa Shika, think about her ambitious character? “This is one fearless, stubborn and strong-willed character,” Samonas says. To prepare for this role and get into the headspace of playing such a successful woman and go-getter, Samonas had to study the works of other actors who played characters “who would never give up” no matter what. Like Viola Davis in How to Get Away with Murder. Or Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada.

She tells all in the interview below.

How does it feel to play a woman as successful in the banking world as Naa Shika?
It feels good, and it was quite challenging because this is something I hadn’t done before. And I had no idea about the banking world so it was quite interesting to play someone who belongs to that world.

Read Also: HD Lace Wigs – A Complete Guide

Advertisement

Anything you had to do to prepare for the role?

I did a lot of research about the banking and business world, and also an extensive research about women who were strong-willed like Viola Davies, and for her role in How to Get Away with Murder where she did a great job as Annalise Keating. I studied Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada. She would never give up because she really wanted to make it. I also took a cue from Scarlett Johansson and Saoirse Ronan. Different women, different characters, and different ways.

Before her success, Naa Shika has had to struggle to get where she is now. Do you relate to her experiences in any way?

Yes, I have had a couple of struggles myself. My dad passed away when I was young – 10 years – and it was just my mum and I. And so I had to live life by my own choices, with my mother’s guidance. Yes, it wasn’t easy. I know most people think that mixed race girls have it quite easy but not in my story. I really had to find a way of living and surviving, and that’s how I relate to Naa Shika.

As Crystal Bank’s star employee, Naa Shika will do whatever it takes to attract high-value customers, even sleep her way to the top. Do you ever find yourself wrestling with who she is?

Advertisement

No, I just feel like it’s a story that I need to tell. And that I need to put myself in that role and to find myself as a woman who sometimes and somehow gets trapped in the world she’s in and who has to survive or achieve her aim. I think that it cuts across other industries as well, where people will have to do or go an extra mile just to achieve what they need to.

Personally, I haven’t been in such a position to that extent but I know that these things happen and that people have to push a little extra, even do certain things that they are not really comfortable with morally in order to gain, move forward, survive or meet a target.

Salma Mumin’s character is your sworn enemy on the show. How is it like acting alongside her?

This is not my first time acting alongside Salma Mumi. She is a great actress, and our onscreen rivalry is another amazing chapter. We are friends so it was great for us to bond properly and flow. I remember in one scene, our characters had a little exchange of words and immediately after we finished filming, we started laughing. We were like, ‘Look at you.’

What are your thoughts on the growth of the Ghanaian film/TV industry, looking at the state of the industry when you started out and now?

Advertisement

Of course, it’s grown, and it’s still growing. There’s a lot of diversity now, and investors are coming in such as Akwaaba Magic and DStv Ghana. I think the industry is indeed headed in the right direction. And with the internet, now it’s easy for people to get access to content and bridge the gap between Africa and the world, and make our stories travel. I love it. What more can be done? More investors, more stories, more buyers.

Catch Nikki Samonas on High Currency on Showmax, with new episodes releasing weekly.

Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Radio & TV

2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) to air LIVE on DStv

Published

on

2024 MTV VMAs Logo

MTV has announced the 2024 “VMAs” will make its return to New York on Tuesday, September 10th at the UBS Arena. Airing LIVE on MTV, DStv Channel 130 on Wednesday, 11 September at 1:00am WAT and 2:00am CAT around the world in more than 150 countries. This year’s global fan-filled phenomenon will celebrate the best music videos of the past year with supersized performances, epic tributes, and unforgettable appearances from the world’s biggest celebrities.

“We’re excited to bring this year’s VMAs to UBS Arena, one of the country’s newest and most cutting edge venues,” said Bruce Gillmer, President of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events, Paramount and Chief Content Officer, Music, Paramount+. “Celebrating one of music’s biggest nights with the incredible, robust New York area fans is something we’ve been looking forward to since the moment last year’s show ended.”

“It’s an honor to host MTV and the VMAs at UBS Arena,” said Mark Shulman, Senior Vice President of Programming, UBS Arena. “This is the culmination of bringing a world class event to a venue that offers state of the art capabilities and the best in fan amenities. We look forward to welcoming this year’s top artists, fans, and viewers worldwide to experience our arena and campus at Belmont Park.”

“We are excited to welcome back the MTV Video Music Awards to New York State,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “From its origins at Radio City Music Hall in 1984 to this September’s event at the UBS Arena, the VMAs continue to captivate millions, showcasing the very best in music video artistry. As we prepare to host this 40th anniversary event, let’s embrace the spirit of creativity and innovation that defines our state’s cultural landscape.”

The “VMAs” will air across MTV’s global footprint of linear and digital platforms in more than 150 countries and territories, reaching over 319 million households.

Advertisement

Additional details will be announced closer to the show. Follow @MTV and @VMAs on social to keep up with all-things #VMAs.

Continue Reading

Radio & TV

Who is the Real “Kitchen Mama”??? Bolanle Omotayo of Schneider Electric and Yemisi Obe of Grandios Pap Compete in a fierce Pasta Battle on Episode 3 of Cooking With GameChangers

Published

on

CWG Ep 3

It’s a battle for the best on the new episode of Cooking With Game Changers!

On this episode, Bolanle Omotayo, Marketing & Communications Manager at Schneider Electric, Anglophone West Africa, and Yemisi Obe, Founder of Grandios Pap, slug it out for the Ultimate GameChanger title by preparing their unique versions of pasta.

A day in the life of these GameChangers is explored after which they battle in the kitchen for the title of “Ultimate GameChanger” even as our Judges M.I Abaga, Kaffy and Captain Toba determine who wears the crown. Daniel Etim-Effiong, the show host, makes their time on Cooking with GameChangers extremely delightful.

Who will win this episode? Watch now

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ1HXGwBXNw

Advertisement

Watch a day in the life of Bolanle Omotayo of Schneider Electrics- https:/www.youtube.com/watch?v=icbYqpz2i4Q&t=0s

Watch a day in the life of Yemisi Obe of Grandios Pap – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVgAYza1JIg&t=0s

You can watch previous episodes of Cooking with GameChangers here:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH_-OcY4pX3GoR_WSsKTwzbP7WRcHJc_O&si=FsK-NiFhrfzSZiXY

Cooking with GameChangers follows a-day–in-the-life of a top corporate executive and entrepreneur who ends up in the Cooking with GameChangers kitchen for a cook-off supervised/judged by celebrity host, Daniel Etim-Effiong and judges M.I Abaga, Kaffy, and Captain Toba.

Advertisement

Cooking with GameChangers is a spinoff of Nigeria’s most syndicated talk show, “Binging With GameChangers” which garners over 60 million monthly viewers and airs on TV stations nationwide.

Watch the latest episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ1HXGwBXNw

Subscribe to YouTube Channel: @B2GNetwork

Watch the show every weekend on TV stations nationwide:

SATURDAYS:
NTA Network: Saturdays at 10.30 AM
Silverbird: Saturdays at 1.30 PM
Views Channel: Saturday 6:30 PM; Repeat: Mondays at 9:30 PM; Wednesdays at 9 PM

Advertisement

SUNDAYS:
Africa Magic Family: Sundays at 3.30 PM: Repeat: Wednesdays at 1.30 PM
TVC: Sundays at 5.30 PM
NTA2: Sundays at 5.30 PM
Wazobia Max: Sundays at 5.30 PM; Repeat Mondays at 7 PM
Wazobia TV: Sundays at 5.30 PM; Repeat: Mondays at 7 PM

Follow the show across social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cookingwithgamechangers/
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/cookingwithgame
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@cookingwithgamechangers
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cookingwithga...
LinkedIn: @CookingwithGameChangers

Cooking with GameChangers is proudly supported by Power Oil, 2Sure and Aquafina.

Media Partners: BellaNaija, Pulse.ng and Ameyaw Debrah.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Radio & TV

Apple Music’s Africa Now Radio this Friday with Ruger & BNXN

Published

on

unnamed 5

This Week’s Episode Features a Conversation With Ruger and Bnxn, the 5 Hottest Tracks of the Week, Africa Rising and Nandi Madida’s Favourite Track of the Week!

Tune in to Africa Now Radio with Nandi Madida this Friday, April 19th 9a Lagos/London / 10a Johannesburg/Paris / 1a LA / 4a NYC on Apple Music 1 and broadcast on YFM Accra every Sunday at 2pm, YFM Kumasi on Saturdays at 3pm and YFM Takoradi on Saturdays at 6pm.

Cover Star Interview
Nigerian Afropop artists Ruger and Bnxn join Nandi Madida via FaceTime on Apple Music 1 to talk about their latest single, “Ilashe.” They also discuss their first collaborative album, ‘RnB,’ what inspired them to work together, and how they use their lyrics to unpack deep topics.

The Big 5
Nandi Madida shares the 5 hottest new African tracks of the moment. This week’s selection includes new tracks from Joeboy feat. Qing Madi, ODUMODUBLVCK & Blaqbonez feat. Lekaa Beats, Ricky Tyler, Filah Lah Lah, and CKay feat. Olamide.

Africa Rising
South African amapiano duo Shakes & Les are the latest artist featured from Apple Music’s Africa Rising playlist, a campaign which shines a light on the next generation of African superstars, and this week’s show features their singles, the Leemckrazy collab “Funk 99” and the DBN Gogo & Zee Nxumalo collab “Funk 55 (feat. Ceeka RSA & Chley).”  Listen HERE.

Advertisement

Nandi’s Song of the Week
Each week, Nandi Madida chooses her favourite track from one of Apple Music’s African playlists. This week she spotlights South African amapiano DJ and producer KMAT and her track, “MKK (feat. CowBoii, diygubzin.live & Ranger),” from Apple Music’s Amapiano Lifestyle playlist. Listen HERE.

Tune in and listen to the full episode this Friday, April 19th at 9a Lagos/London / 10a Johannesburg/Paris / 1a LA / 4a NYC on Apple Music 1 at apple.co/_AfricaNow and broadcast on YFM Accra every Sunday at 2pm, YFM Kumasi on Saturdays at 3pm and YFM Takoradi on Saturdays at 6pm.

***
Ruger and Bnxn tell Apple Music about their Joint Album, ‘RnB’

Bnxn: This project shows synergy at its finest.
Ruger: 100.
Bnxn: It shows quality, it shows the real essence of collaboration – how to bounce off each other, how to learn from each other, how to pick this and flow off what this person [did]. It’s like a relay race—
Ruger: 100!
Bnxn: —but we’re only coming first, you feel me. You gotta understand from the beginning to the end of every record, it’s a crazy collaborative process, from the artists to the producers, so I am beyond proud of this project. It’s why the last song we said “Not Done,” because hopefully…
Ruger: Hopefully we’re not done!

Ruger tells Apple Music why He and Bnxn Work Well Together

Advertisement

You know most Afrobeats artists, they’re always about gyration, enjoyment – let’s make songs people will party to, let’s talk about enjoyment and money and that. We’re talking about everything! Go back to our projects, we talk about everything, we talk about relationships. Most artists in Naija don’t talk about relationships like that, they talk about ‘your body’s banging, you’re fine, you’re this’ but we’re saying the deeper things. As much as the whole world is appreciating that part, I think Nigerians have to actually appreciate that about us, because when we go outside the country that’s what they love about us. “That guy is speaking to me!”

Continue Reading

Radio & TV

Watch Trailer: The Real Housewives of Nairobi is back for S2

Published

on

output.auto
Season 1 had all of Kenya talking. It brought glamour, sass, luxury parties, allegiances and a lot of self-discovery. Get ready for more excitement, spice and glam as The Real Housewives of Nairobi returns for the much-anticipated second season on 10 May, only on Showmax.
The popular reality series is the biggest Showmax Original yet in Kenya, having broken streaming records when Season 1 launched in February 2023, and making it to the top 10 most-watched shows on Showmax in Kenya in 2023. Recently, The Real Housewives of Nairobi also won Best TV Show at the Kalasha Awards 2024.
In Season 2, actress and entrepreneur Minne Kariuki returns along with Vera Sidika, who’s eager to reintroduce herself, and business mogul and tastemaker Dr Catherine Masitsa. They are joined by new cast members that include lawyer and professional bodybuilder Farah Esmail, beauty entrepreneur Zena Nyambu and Reja Keji Ladu.
“We’re very excited for the return of The Real Housewives of Nairobi in May. Over the years, D&R Studios has cut a niche in quality production of unscripted shows in Kenya, and to be able to pull off a global format of this magnitude and have it renewed is something we’re very proud of as a company,” says executive producer Eugene Mbugua. “In this new season, we’ll see a return of some familiar faces and a few new additions. We’re very keen to bring out the opulence that Nairobi and Kenya has to offer while maintaining the excitement and intrigue that makes The Real Housewives what it is.”
Introducing the new Housewives joining The Real Housewives of Nairobi S2
Farah Esmail is a 50-year-old professional bodybuilder, bikini athlete and owner of F45 training studio in Lavington. She is also an impact entrepreneur, business consultant and corporate lawyer who mainly works in corporate governance.
Farah, who is a pioneer bikini athlete in Kenya, has won the national championships three times in a row and has represented the country in international fitness competitions and won medals in the UK, Dubai, Portugal, Las Vegas, India, and South Africa.
Zena Nyambu is a 41-year-old mother of two and a beauty and aesthetics entrepreneur who runs several businesses, including luxury skincare parlour Glamsquad Kenya, interior design company Art Infinity and is also a partner at Zela Aesthetics, a medical aesthetics and wellness centre.
Twenty-nine-year-old Reja Keji Ladu is a mother of two and the wife to the Minister of Cabinet Affairs of South Sudan. Born in Uganda, and raised in both Uganda and South Sudan, Reja resides in Nairobi with her children. She is the owner of a clothing brand called Jenm, headquartered in Juba, a catering company, and is about to launch a spa in South Sudan and poultry farm in Nanyuki.
The Real Housewives of Nairobi is produced by Eugene Mbugua’s D&R Studios and is part of The Real Housewives franchise licensed globally by NBCUniversal Formats, which is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group.
Other Showmax Originals in the franchise include editions in Durban, currently the longest-running Real Housewives franchise in Africa at Season 4; Lagos, which wrapped Season 2 in January with a reunion that dropped in March; Abuja; and The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip – South Africa, which is premiering soon. Showmax is also the streaming home of the Cape Town, Gqeberha, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Wynlande franchises.
Continue Reading

Radio & TV

Turn your home into a wonderland of fun with DStv’s 30 days of free Kids Channels

Published

on

Kids Open Window

The school bells may be resting, but DStv entertainment bells are ringing even louder! This school holiday season, we’re gifting DStv Access customers and up with 30 days of access to all our kids channels, offered at no additional cost from Friday 12 April to Saturday 11 May. It’s our way of adding more fun and more choice to your family’s holiday entertainment.

This holiday, DStv’s line-up is more than just television; it’s a doorway to new worlds that spark imagination and joy. Join our favourite feline hero in the daring adventures of The Adventures of Puss in Boots on Dreamworks, as he goes on exciting quests in a quest for redemption, armed with his legendary charm and wit. On the Disney channel, join Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug & Cat Noir as two Parisian teenagers, Marinette and Adrien, transform into the superheroes Ladybug and Cat Noir to protect the city from supervillains, all while navigating the challenges of teenage life. And don’t miss the premiere of Lu & the Bally Bunch on Cartoonito, where Lu and her family of lovable creatures explore the magical world of Ballyland, teaching valuable lessons about friendship, empathy, and understanding along the way.

At DStv, we believe in entertainment that educates, inspires, and protects. Our Parental Control feature is developed with your family’s safety in mind, allowing you to personalise your kids’ viewing experience with customisable settings. Whether it’s setting viewing limits or selecting suitable content, DStv empowers you to create a safe viewing environment, giving you peace of mind while the little ones enjoy their holiday to the fullest.

Don’t let this holiday be just another break. Let it be the perfect time for your children to explore, learn, and grow with DStv’s wide variety and carefully curated content. And when the holidays are over, you don’t have to say goodbye to the fun. Stay connected or upgrade your subscription through the MyDStv app, and continue to explore a world where entertainment and education go hand in hand.

If you’re on the go, DStv Stream can guarantee your holiday stays packed with access to educational and entertaining content. Let DStv be the gift that keeps on giving, offering your family with endless options and memories. 

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Radio & TV

DStv Delivers Choice and Value for Exciting Entertainment Moments In April

Published

on

DStv Content Discovery FINAL

Get ready to be glued to your screens this month as DStv brings you an exciting line-up of drama, action, edutainment, and more. With a diverse range of content catering to every taste, DStv ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

Renowned for its commitment to local content, DStv continues to captivate audiences with compelling dramas that strike a chord with viewers nationwide. This month is no exception, as viewers can anticipate on Akwaaba Magic now opened to Access customers the return of Inspector Bediako Mondays at 9pm (Ch. 150), continuing episodes of Ahenfie and endless love stories on Love Notes at 8pm on Sundays.

As usual DStv brings viewers a selection of world’s best international, first to Ghanaian homes, offering customers a carefully scheduled experienced with minimal repeats This month, we’ve made some strategic adjustments to our channel line-up, streamlining it to ensure a more optimised and high-quality programming experience. Now we ensure more quality on the international channels you have remaining. 

In April, catch a line-up of top-tier international content, including the gripping political thriller The Regime on M-Net (DStv channel 102), starring the talented Kate Winslet. Get ready for an action-packed adventure as The Flash on MM1 (DStv channel 104) takes superheroes back in time. Delve into the intriguing world of drug smuggling with Narco Wars on National Geographic (DStv channel 181). Don’t miss this April’s unparalleled movie offering of a new movie every day with the specially curated movie channels, including blockbusters and family favourites like Meet Dave starring Eddie Murphy on Studio Universal (DStv channel 112) and Last Seen Alive with Gerard Butler on MM2 (DStv channel 106). 

Additionally, DStv continues to be the home of the best sports, with coverage of major events like the FA Cup Semi-Finals on Supersport and plenty other sporting action.

Advertisement

Kids also have a reason to tune in for The Adventures of Puss in Boots on Dreamworks (DStv channel 304) and the wonderful world of Hailey’s On It! on Disney Channel (DStv channel 303) and much more!

Plus, DStv remains your window to the world, with 15 news channels providing comprehensive coverage of African and international events. This comprehensive selection guarantees you’re always informed, entertained, and connected, no matter where you are.

Entertainment across all packages

  • Premium package: Unlock over 15 local content channels, alongside flagship sports channels covering everything from Motorsport to Tennis, and over 15 kids’ channels including DreamWorks and Disney Channel.
  • Compact+: Enjoy homegrown entertainment and exclusive sports content like UFC and NBA, alongside 14 kids’ channels for endless family fun.
  • Compact: Choose from 14 local content channels, and step into the excitement with WWE, offering a blend of entertainment and athleticism, complemented by 10 kids’ channels.
  • Family package: Enjoy a wide selection of comedies, dramas, and lifestyle shows, alongside engaging sports content and 10 local content channels.
  • Access package: Access over 30 hours of the best local stories and a wide range of sports content, alongside 8 educational and entertaining kids’ channels.
  • Lite package: Catch up with local stars and the pulse of sports entertainment with DStv Lite, offering 5 kids’ channels for our youngest viewers.

Stay connected and never miss a moment of your favourite shows and sports. Whether you’re on the move or cosy at home, the MyDStv app is your access point to connect or reconnect to your home of entertainment. With just a few taps, you can manage your account, explore our vast entertainment options, and ensure you’re always up to date with the latest from DStv.

And there’s more – with DStv Stream, your favourite stories are always at your fingertips. No matter where life takes you, you’re covered. 

For a complete list of what’s on, be sure to check out your TV Guide on the DStv Website.

Advertisement

 

Continue Reading

Trending