Joseph Jonathan

Historian turned film critic | Building @theemovienerd | Bylines: @afrocritik, @WKM_Up, @moveeemedia, @NollywdREinvntd, @thelagosreview

[Joseph Jonathan @chukwu2big]

In this essay for @afrocritik, I argue that Nollywood’s structure makes true movie stardom almost impossible, unless the industry is willing to slow down and consolidate power.

https://t.co/hXANfbmmnV

[Blessing Uzzi @blessinguzzi]

Incredible response! The UK premiere of Call of My Life sold out its first screen within just 24 hours. Now, a second screen has now been added. Thank you to everyone for the amazing support-we can't wait to see you at the premiere!
Tickets: https://t.co/RaxHv5iBck
#COML

[Blessing Uzzi @blessinguzzi]

On the morning of the Call Of My Life premiere, I wrote these notes to myself. I didn’t know how the journey would unfold-I only knew what I was hoping and praying for. Reading them again today, on my birthday, filled me with gratitude. Some of these prayers have already started coming to pass, and I know there’s so much more ahead.
I’m sharing them because maybe someone else needs the reminder to write the vision down, do the work, and trust God with the outcome.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. ❤️
#COML

[M. @ayosznn]

may your “let me just try” work out beautifully.

[Enogie || @just_lawson__]

Nelfund

I couldn’t afford fees at 50k but now I can go to school and graduate with a debt of 1 million on my neck🔥🔥🔥

[Dwin, The Stoic @DwinTheStoic]

Another day the Lord has made for us to hate APC and tell Tinubu that it’s enough. We’re actually dealing with inhumane levels of suffering as a people. Come and be going.

[Manchester United @ManUtd]

We're proud to announce a milestone moment in the plan to transform Old Trafford 👀🏟️

[Joseph Jonathan @chukwu2big]

@Nneka_Viv Michael really held it down fr.

[Dwin, The Stoic @DwinTheStoic]

Vote Peter Obi (NDC) for President in the 2027 elections. Tinubu needs to go. But also we need a president who actually cares about the vast majority of people in Nigeria - not just the thieving, parasitic few.

[Guinness World Records @GWR]

All the records broken by Lionel Messi today:

Most FIFA World Cup finals goals by a football (soccer) player - 18

Most FIFA World Cup matches played in by an individual - 28

Most matches won by a player at the football (soccer) FIFA World Cup - 18

Most minutes played in the football (soccer) FIFA World Cup - 2,489

We are witnessing history.

[Dwin, The Stoic @DwinTheStoic]

This is for my “Afrobeats is declining” people. Nothing is wrong with the product (music) we don’t have an industry/economy. Our people (YOUR FANS) are suffering, getting kidnapped and killed. I need you people to stop talking out the sides of your mouths.

[Dwin, The Stoic @DwinTheStoic]

Musicians, this administration is creating a Nigeria that you will never be able to truly thrive in - you can’t sell merch, can’t sell shows, can’t collect publishing - because we’re all getting poorer. Stop looking at the 1% earning from the rest of the world. We’re in danger.

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

Owning Up to Leadership Failures and Political Responsibility

This morning, I listened to the British Prime Minister’s speech announcing his planned resignation in July. As a keen observer of global politics, my primary interest lies in examining what successful nations do right and the structural factors that cause others to lag or struggle with governance and development.

The Prime Minister’s planned resignation comes amid mounting public frustration over a stagnant economy, a worsening cost-of-living crisis, and a perceived failure to honour key campaign pledges.

Looking inward in our dear country, we can recall our own situation. Before 2015, our President on several occasions championed the call for the then President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over economic hardship and insecurity affecting Nigerians. During the Chibok school kidnapping incident, he demanded the immediate resignation of President Jonathan, arguing that the government had failed in its most fundamental duty of protecting lives.

During the 2023 election campaign, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made several promises, including improved electricity supply. He also challenged the electorate not to vote for him for a second term if he failed to deliver on those commitments—particularly in providing stable power, fighting corruption, and improving the welfare of Nigerians.

At present, however, these conditions have worsened. Electricity supply remains unreliable, insecurity has intensified in many areas, including kidnappings, and economic hardship has deepened rather than eased. Similar concerns are reflected across other critical sectors such as security, infrastructure, transportation, and anti-corruption efforts, all of which have regressed. We are in the worst possible condition.

I, therefore, join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the President over monumental failure in governance. Such a gesture would help enthrone a political culture rooted in accountability and responsibility, rather than further entrenching impunity. It would also send a powerful message that public office is a sacred trust, not an entitlement, and help build a society in which future leaders understand that failure carries consequences. Only by ending the culture of impunity can we secure a better future for the society our children will inherit in a New Nigeria that is possible. -PO

[Engr. Timi @teemee_lehin]

My experience at Silverbird Cinemas Jabi Lake Mall was so disappointing, I decided to do something about it.

So I built a platform for reviewing cinemas across Nigeria, because Nigerian cinephiles deserve better.

CinemaScout is coming out July 1st☺️☺️

[Joseph Jonathan @chukwu2big]

@badasskachii @Dark_sheriff4 Plus Eloy did it while men slept.

[Olisa Eloka @OlisaEloka16]

My screenwriting feature debut, '77 (the sequel to the critically acclaimed '76), will premiere in Lusaka, Zambia, at the Africa Creative Market Global on 1 July 2026.

[Joseph Jonathan @chukwu2big]

@DikaOfoma @iquivoid Congratulations, Dịka. 🎉

[Joseph Jonathan @chukwu2big]

So pumped for this project. Congratulations, Dịka.

[What Kept Me Up @WKM_Up]

Dika Ofoma's in-development feature 'Kachifo' has secured NOK 600,000 in Sørfond support, with Norwegian company DUOfilm becoming the project's latest confirmed co-production partner.

DUOfilm previously backed 'You Will Die at 20' and 'Ben'imana'.

More: https://t.co/FEHUBTrpSi

[Afrocritik @afrocritik]

“Being invited to perform in a house is not the same as holding the deed. Right now, Afrobeats is a celebrated guest. It is not yet the landlord.”

Jummai Bulama-Ashebu discusses The Afrobeats Takeover: A Myth of Institutional Power⬇️
https://t.co/s9MyrcrLcV

[Korede Azeez @iamkorayday]

Was going to wait to send emails to my WDCE fam, but I’ll just say it now.

We’re crowdsourcing to make our next film. We need all the resources we can get.

So if you have a business, service or any form of in kind support you can share with us, we’re happy to work with you 🫶🏽