EbonyLife Films, producers of Fifty, The Wedding Party and The Wedding Party 2, have debuted their new romantic comedy, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel (RHH). It was the first public showing of the film to a large Nigerian audience and was a sophisticated and charming affair.
“Ebonylife Films Serves Up A Heart Warming And Satisfying Concoction At Enchanting Music-Food-Love Festival.”
The stars of Nollywood came out to play in their gorgeous, Valentine-inspired outfits. They were joined by other notable individuals in business, the arts and politics, including Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr. Femi Otedola, Mr. Jim Ovia, Governor Adams Oshiomole, Mr & Mrs Jimi Agbaje, Mr. Hebert Wigwe, Ms. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, Mr & Mrs Ernest Ebi, Mrs. Onari Duke, Mrs. Obioma Imoke, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Mr Nmandi Okonkwo, Mr Kennedy Uzoka, Mr Ayo Subair, Mr. Alex Okosi, Mrs Omolewa Ahmed, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, Hon. Asuquo Ekpenyong, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, Mrs. Bola Adesola, Dr.Omobola Johnson, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and Don Jazzy. Stars of the film were all present, including standouts Zainab Balogun, Kenneth Okolie, Rachel Oniga, Jide Kosoko, Deyemi Okanlawon, O.C. Ukeje and Kemi ‘Lala’Akindoju.
The Civic Centre was transformed into a Valentine wonderland, decorated with flowers and giant prints depicting scenes from the film, beautiful photographs of the cast and clever quotes about the pleasures of food and love. Master interior designers DO.II and Interior Specifics created exquisite ‘love lounges’ on all three levels of the venue, allowing guests to relax in both comfort and considerable style.
The festivities began with captivating performances by brilliant artistes such as Tolani, Veentage Band, Kaline, Falana and Cobhams Asuquo; and Johnny Drille, Reekado Banks and Tiwa Savage from Mavin Records.
Guests browsed through the waterside food court, sampling a range of mouthwatering delights from some of Nigeria’s top chefs and culinary artists, such as Chef Fregz, Eros and Imoteda, alongside Food Fashion Fusion, Saheeto, The AJ’s and Kots. Upstairs in the Love & Desserts Lounge, SALT Lagos, Hans & René and Loshes Chocolate served beautifully presented sweet treats.
Mo Abudu, CEO of EbonyLife Films, expressed her gratitude for the guest attendance and her delight with the event’s ambiance. “Thank you all so much for showing up tonight, it is an honour to host you. We are very grateful to our partners and sponsors, such as Fidelity Bank, Guinness Nigeria and Indomie, for helping us to put together this amazing occasion. This film has been a special project – we’ve enjoyed making it and we hope Nigerians will enjoy watching it,” she said.
Love was in the air throughout the night; from the sound of love songs, to the beautiful, romantic décor. And, of course, the climax of the evening was the screening of The Royal Hibiscus Hotel; punctuated by gales of laughter during the hilarious moments, sighs at the most emotional points and a thunderous round of applause for a very satisfying ending.
