UPDATED:Apr 01, 2015 11:34 GMT
Universal's "Furious 7" is about to make history.
"Furious 7" — the final film from the late Paul Walker — is expected to gross $115 million or more when opening at the North American box office this weekend, the top showing ever for an April title, not accounting for inflation.
Domestically, it is getting the widest release in Universal's history with a theater count of roughly 4,003 (including Imax locations), eclipsing "Despicable Me 2" (3,956). Anything north of 4,000 is usually reserved for summer tentpoles and year-end titles.
Overseas, the movie is also poised to do massive business, putting its global debut north of $250 million. "Furious 7" is opening day-and-date around the world on 10,500 screens in 63 territories, save for a few major markets including China, Russia and Japan.
The current record-holder for top April opening domestically is "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," which debuted to $95 million from 3,928 theaters last year.
"Furious 7" is likewise poised to nab the biggest opening of 2015 to date. And if it beats the $121.9 million launch of "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1" in November 2014, it will mark the largest three-day opening since "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" ($158 million) in November 2013.
The movie enjoys massive awareness and interest, due to both the popularity of the street-racing series and Walker's death. The last film," FastFurious 6," debuted to a franchise-best $117 million over the four-day Memorial Day weekend in 2012, including $97.4 million for the three days, on its way to grossing $788.7 million worldwide.
Universal intended to open "Furious 7" on July 11, 2014, but production was halted in November 2013 when Walker died in a car crash during the Thanksgiving hiatus. After director James Wan, writer Chris Morgan and Universal pored over existing footage and tweaked the script, production resumed in April 2014.
CGI and voice effects were used in some scenes featuring Walker's detective character, Brian O'Conner, with Walker's brothers, Caleb and Cody, used as stand-ins.
"Furious 7" pits Vin Diesel's Dominic Toretto and crew (which includes Michelle Rodriguez and Tyrese Gibson, among others, as well as Walker) against Jason Statham's Deckard Shaw, out for revenge after the death of his brother.
"Furious 7" is expected to usher in a string of mega-openings at the box office this year. Disney and Marvel's "The Avengers: Age of Ultron," set to open May 1, hasn't come on tracking yet, but some forecasters are already suggesting it could score the top opening of all time domestically, eclipsing the record-breaking start of "The Avengers" ($207 million) in 2012.
An Educational and Entertainment blog
1 Apr 2015
Nigeria president-elect, vows to fight corruption
A day after winning Nigeria's presidency, Muhammadu Buhari told CNN's Christiane Amanpour that he plans to aggressively fight corruption that has long plagued Nigeria and go after the root of the nation's unrest.
Buhari said he'll "rapidly give attention" to curbing violence in the northeast part of Nigeria, where the terrorist group Boko Haram operates.
By cooperating with neighboring nations Chad, Cameroon and Niger, he said his administration is confident it will be able to thwart criminals and others contributing to Nigeria's instability.
For the first time in Nigeria's history, the opposition defeated the ruling party in democratic elections.
Buhari defeated incumbent Goodluck Jonathan by about 2 million votes, according to Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission.
The win comes after a long history of military rule, coups and botched attempts at democracy in Africa's most populous nation.
In an exclusive live interview from Abuja, Buhari told Amanpour he was not concerned about reconciling the nation after a divisive campaign.
He said now that he has been elected he will turn his focus to Boko Haram and "plug holes" in the "corruption infrastructure" in the country.
"A new day and a new Nigeria are upon us," Buhari said after his win Tuesday. "The victory is yours, and the glory is that of our nation."
Earlier, Jonathan phoned Buhari to concede defeat. The outgoing president also offered a written statement to his nation.
"I thank all Nigerians once again for the great opportunity I was given to lead this country, and assure you that I will continue to do my best at the helm of national affairs until the end of my tenure," Jonathan said.
"I promised the country free and fair elections. I have kept my word."
Buhari, 72, will be sworn in on May 29. He will take the helm at a critical time, as Nigeria grapples with Boko Haram, serious economic woes and corruption.
A leader again
This isn't Buhari's first time leading Nigeria, but it's his first time in nearly 30 years.
A military coup brought Buhari to power in late 1983, closing a brief period of popular rule by Shehu Shagari. But Buhari himself was ousted by another military coup in August 1985.
His presidential win is the result of his fourth attempt to lead the country since he was ousted 30 years ago.
Buhari is a Sunni Muslim from Nigeria's poorer North, while Jonathan comes from a Christian and animist South that is rich with oil.
Buhari praised voters for exercising their right peacefully.
"Your vote affirms that you believe Nigeria's future can be better than what it is today," he said in his statement. "You voted for change, and now change has come."
Buhari campaigned as a born-again democrat to allay fears about his strict military regime. He stressed that Nigeria's security needs to be the next government's focus.
His campaign was also fiercely anti-corruption. He ran under the slogan of "new broom," and his supporters were often pictured holding brooms in the lead-up to the vote.
Despite years of democracy, analysts say, corruption has hindered Nigeria from building a stable economy.
Facing extremists
One of Buhari's biggest challenges will be Boko Haram, which has been terrorizing Nigeria as it tries to institute a strict version of Sharia law in the country.
In the past few years, the terror group has bombed churches and mosques, killed hundreds of people and kidnapped more than 200 teenage girls from a boarding school.
Even the presidential vote had to be postponed because of the radical militants. The election was originally scheduled for February 14, but was delayed six weeks because the military needed more time to secure areas controlled by Boko Haram.
Yet the violence persisted. On Saturday, residents in the northeastern state of Gombe said at least 11 people were killed in attacks at polling stations, apparently by Boko Haram extremists.
Jonathan had been criticized for not doing enough to combat Boko Haram.
Before the election, African affairs analyst Ayo Johnson said the vote would come down to who could make Nigeria feel safe.
"Many Nigerians will not forget (Buhari) was a military leader during a dictatorship," Johnson said. "Or maybe they will feel that they need a military leader to address fundamental problems such as terrorism."
Big economy, little income
Boko Haram isn't the only obstacle facing the new president. The economy is another major issue.
Nigeria overtook South Africa last year as the region's largest economy. Nigeria is one of Africa's largest oil producers and is a major supplier of crude oil to the United States. It also hosts many international oil companies and workers.
But many complain that the country's vast wealth from oil exports doesn't trickle down to the average citizen.
As many as 70% of Nigerians live below the poverty line, surviving on less than a dollar a day.
Buhari said he'll "rapidly give attention" to curbing violence in the northeast part of Nigeria, where the terrorist group Boko Haram operates.
By cooperating with neighboring nations Chad, Cameroon and Niger, he said his administration is confident it will be able to thwart criminals and others contributing to Nigeria's instability.
For the first time in Nigeria's history, the opposition defeated the ruling party in democratic elections.
Buhari defeated incumbent Goodluck Jonathan by about 2 million votes, according to Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission.
The win comes after a long history of military rule, coups and botched attempts at democracy in Africa's most populous nation.
In an exclusive live interview from Abuja, Buhari told Amanpour he was not concerned about reconciling the nation after a divisive campaign.
He said now that he has been elected he will turn his focus to Boko Haram and "plug holes" in the "corruption infrastructure" in the country.
"A new day and a new Nigeria are upon us," Buhari said after his win Tuesday. "The victory is yours, and the glory is that of our nation."
Earlier, Jonathan phoned Buhari to concede defeat. The outgoing president also offered a written statement to his nation.
"I thank all Nigerians once again for the great opportunity I was given to lead this country, and assure you that I will continue to do my best at the helm of national affairs until the end of my tenure," Jonathan said.
"I promised the country free and fair elections. I have kept my word."
Buhari, 72, will be sworn in on May 29. He will take the helm at a critical time, as Nigeria grapples with Boko Haram, serious economic woes and corruption.
A leader again
This isn't Buhari's first time leading Nigeria, but it's his first time in nearly 30 years.
A military coup brought Buhari to power in late 1983, closing a brief period of popular rule by Shehu Shagari. But Buhari himself was ousted by another military coup in August 1985.
His presidential win is the result of his fourth attempt to lead the country since he was ousted 30 years ago.
Buhari is a Sunni Muslim from Nigeria's poorer North, while Jonathan comes from a Christian and animist South that is rich with oil.
Buhari praised voters for exercising their right peacefully.
"Your vote affirms that you believe Nigeria's future can be better than what it is today," he said in his statement. "You voted for change, and now change has come."
Buhari campaigned as a born-again democrat to allay fears about his strict military regime. He stressed that Nigeria's security needs to be the next government's focus.
His campaign was also fiercely anti-corruption. He ran under the slogan of "new broom," and his supporters were often pictured holding brooms in the lead-up to the vote.
Despite years of democracy, analysts say, corruption has hindered Nigeria from building a stable economy.
Facing extremists
One of Buhari's biggest challenges will be Boko Haram, which has been terrorizing Nigeria as it tries to institute a strict version of Sharia law in the country.
In the past few years, the terror group has bombed churches and mosques, killed hundreds of people and kidnapped more than 200 teenage girls from a boarding school.
Even the presidential vote had to be postponed because of the radical militants. The election was originally scheduled for February 14, but was delayed six weeks because the military needed more time to secure areas controlled by Boko Haram.
Yet the violence persisted. On Saturday, residents in the northeastern state of Gombe said at least 11 people were killed in attacks at polling stations, apparently by Boko Haram extremists.
Jonathan had been criticized for not doing enough to combat Boko Haram.
Before the election, African affairs analyst Ayo Johnson said the vote would come down to who could make Nigeria feel safe.
"Many Nigerians will not forget (Buhari) was a military leader during a dictatorship," Johnson said. "Or maybe they will feel that they need a military leader to address fundamental problems such as terrorism."
Big economy, little income
Boko Haram isn't the only obstacle facing the new president. The economy is another major issue.
Nigeria overtook South Africa last year as the region's largest economy. Nigeria is one of Africa's largest oil producers and is a major supplier of crude oil to the United States. It also hosts many international oil companies and workers.
But many complain that the country's vast wealth from oil exports doesn't trickle down to the average citizen.
As many as 70% of Nigerians live below the poverty line, surviving on less than a dollar a day.
Top 10 Richest Nigerian Artistes Rich List
This list is a compilation of the top 10 richest musicians in Nigeria based on their earnings. It is in no particular order because, there is no known source that serves as an authority to the actual net worth of these artistes. So, in order to avoid scam, I have decided to write the list based on the most popular and influential artists in Nigeria and how much they earn per show.
P-Square | Photo credit: NotJustOkP-square
According to channel o', the twin brothers, Peter and Paul Okoye are currently named the highest paid Nigerian artists. This is because, they are said to earn up to N15 million per show in Nigeria.
The 35 year olds, from Anambra state, Nigeria have an ongoing deal with Globacom as brand ambassadors which is worth millions of dollars, they are also said to charge more than $150, 000 per show outside of Nigeria.
Don Jazzy
Born on the 26th of November, 1982, in Umuahia and a native of Delta state Nigeria, Michael Collins Ajereh popularly known as Don jazzy is one of the richest artist in Nigeria. The award winning producer, singer and songwriter is ranked the 36th most powerful celebrity in Africa by Forbes. Recently, he was signed as an ambassador for MTN along with his brother D'prince. He is also a brand ambassador for Loya milk and Samsung.
The former Chief executive officer of Mo'hits records is now the CEO of Mavins records which was founded in 2012.
D-banj
The award winning musician from Ogun state, Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo, popularly called D'banj/the koko master is also a force to reckon with among the richest artists in Nigeria. The 34 year old has been moving up the ladder ever since his debut in 2004.
The former highest paid artist in Nigeria is now second after P-square, he charges between 7 to 8 million Naira per show within Nigeria and up to $100, 000 outside of Nigeria.
Wizkid
24 years old Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun rose to stardom with the release of his single titled 'Holla at your boy' and has been raking in millions ever since.
Wizkid is a brand ambassador for MTN and also the highest paid Pepsi ambassador in Africa. The superstar earns about 5 million Naira per show in Nigeria.
Tuface Idibia
Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly known as Tuface or Tubaba, has no doubt left his mark in the music industry. The Benue state born musician and CEO of Hypertek music has signed deals with companies like Guiness Plc, Airtel and so on, all of which have substantially added to his wealth.
The 39 year old father of seven is a philanthropist and the founder of 2face Idibia Reachout foundation. With six albums released and the most recent (The Ascension), which was released in 2014, with more than 12 million copies sold, Tuface is said to charge up to 7 million Naira per show in Nigeria and earns between $50, 000 to $100, 000 for shows outside of Nigeria.
Ice Prince
Born on 30th of October, 1986, Panshak Zamani, popularly known as Ice prince is also one of the top paid artistes in Nigeria. 2004 served as a point break for him when he released his debut singles titled 'Extraordinary' and 'Rewind'. He took part and won the Hennessy artistry club tour 2009 and released his first album in 2011 titled 'Everybody loves Ice prince'. The album featured songs like 'Oleku' which received massive airplay.
The Niger state born musician is said to earn between 3 to 5 million Naira for shows within and outside of Nigeria.
Banky W
33 years old Olubankole Wellington was born in the United States of America (USA) to Nigerian parents. The award winning artist is also a philanthropist as he is the founder of 'I AM CAPABLE' foundation, an organization aimed at providing the less privileged with the opportunity to be educated.
He is a brand ambassador for etisalat as well as a successful MC, as he anchored big events like the Hip Hop world awards 2009. He currently earns between 3 to 4 million Naira per show and performs in shows for up to 3 times in a week.
Davido
David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly called 'Davido' also features on this list. The 22 years old award winning singer released his first album in 2012 which featured popular songs like 'Dami duro'.
He has signed deals worth millions of Naira with companies like MTN and Guiness Plc. He is said to currently charge up to 5 million naira for a show.
Flavour
Enugu state born singer, song writer and great performer, Chinedu Okoli who goes by the stage name 'Flavour N'abania' is also one of the richest artist in Nigeria based on earnings.
The 31 years old released his first album in 2005 titled 'N'abania' and a second album in 2010 titled 'Uplifted'. The talented singer makes up to 5 million Naira per show in Nigeria and up to $50, 000 outside of Nigeria.
Omawunmi
32 years old Omawunmi Megbele is the highest paid female artist in Nigeria. She is currently a brand ambassador for Globacom, Konga.com and Malta Guiness among others. The singer, songwriter and actress who hails from Delta state Nigeria is said to charge up to N3 million per show.
This list is a compilation of the top 10 richest musicians in Nigeria based on their earnings. It is in no particular order because, there is no known source that serves as an authority to the actual net worth of these artistes. So, in order to avoid scam, I have decided to write the list based on the most popular and influential artists in Nigeria and how much they earn per show.
P-Square | Photo credit: NotJustOkP-square
According to channel o', the twin brothers, Peter and Paul Okoye are currently named the highest paid Nigerian artists. This is because, they are said to earn up to N15 million per show in Nigeria.
The 35 year olds, from Anambra state, Nigeria have an ongoing deal with Globacom as brand ambassadors which is worth millions of dollars, they are also said to charge more than $150, 000 per show outside of Nigeria.
Don Jazzy
Born on the 26th of November, 1982, in Umuahia and a native of Delta state Nigeria, Michael Collins Ajereh popularly known as Don jazzy is one of the richest artist in Nigeria. The award winning producer, singer and songwriter is ranked the 36th most powerful celebrity in Africa by Forbes. Recently, he was signed as an ambassador for MTN along with his brother D'prince. He is also a brand ambassador for Loya milk and Samsung.
The former Chief executive officer of Mo'hits records is now the CEO of Mavins records which was founded in 2012.
D-banj
The award winning musician from Ogun state, Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo, popularly called D'banj/the koko master is also a force to reckon with among the richest artists in Nigeria. The 34 year old has been moving up the ladder ever since his debut in 2004.
The former highest paid artist in Nigeria is now second after P-square, he charges between 7 to 8 million Naira per show within Nigeria and up to $100, 000 outside of Nigeria.
Wizkid
24 years old Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun rose to stardom with the release of his single titled 'Holla at your boy' and has been raking in millions ever since.
Wizkid is a brand ambassador for MTN and also the highest paid Pepsi ambassador in Africa. The superstar earns about 5 million Naira per show in Nigeria.
Tuface Idibia
Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly known as Tuface or Tubaba, has no doubt left his mark in the music industry. The Benue state born musician and CEO of Hypertek music has signed deals with companies like Guiness Plc, Airtel and so on, all of which have substantially added to his wealth.
The 39 year old father of seven is a philanthropist and the founder of 2face Idibia Reachout foundation. With six albums released and the most recent (The Ascension), which was released in 2014, with more than 12 million copies sold, Tuface is said to charge up to 7 million Naira per show in Nigeria and earns between $50, 000 to $100, 000 for shows outside of Nigeria.
Ice Prince
Born on 30th of October, 1986, Panshak Zamani, popularly known as Ice prince is also one of the top paid artistes in Nigeria. 2004 served as a point break for him when he released his debut singles titled 'Extraordinary' and 'Rewind'. He took part and won the Hennessy artistry club tour 2009 and released his first album in 2011 titled 'Everybody loves Ice prince'. The album featured songs like 'Oleku' which received massive airplay.
The Niger state born musician is said to earn between 3 to 5 million Naira for shows within and outside of Nigeria.
Banky W
33 years old Olubankole Wellington was born in the United States of America (USA) to Nigerian parents. The award winning artist is also a philanthropist as he is the founder of 'I AM CAPABLE' foundation, an organization aimed at providing the less privileged with the opportunity to be educated.
He is a brand ambassador for etisalat as well as a successful MC, as he anchored big events like the Hip Hop world awards 2009. He currently earns between 3 to 4 million Naira per show and performs in shows for up to 3 times in a week.
Davido
David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly called 'Davido' also features on this list. The 22 years old award winning singer released his first album in 2012 which featured popular songs like 'Dami duro'.
He has signed deals worth millions of Naira with companies like MTN and Guiness Plc. He is said to currently charge up to 5 million naira for a show.
Flavour
Enugu state born singer, song writer and great performer, Chinedu Okoli who goes by the stage name 'Flavour N'abania' is also one of the richest artist in Nigeria based on earnings.
The 31 years old released his first album in 2005 titled 'N'abania' and a second album in 2010 titled 'Uplifted'. The talented singer makes up to 5 million Naira per show in Nigeria and up to $50, 000 outside of Nigeria.
Omawunmi
32 years old Omawunmi Megbele is the highest paid female artist in Nigeria. She is currently a brand ambassador for Globacom, Konga.com and Malta Guiness among others. The singer, songwriter and actress who hails from Delta state Nigeria is said to charge up to N3 million per show.
Mr President You may not have won the votes of all Nigerians within and outside Nigeria, but you have won their hearts and by your actions this day, you have become the one we celebrate today. Long Live Nigeria; One Great Nation Under God!
Long live Mr. President, Our Present and Future Hero! We will Miss You GEJ!
Long live Mr. President, Our Present and Future Hero! We will Miss You GEJ!
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