Enter, The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai

After months of anticipation, the long awaited, The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai by ELFIKE Film Collective, a partnership between EbonyLife Films, FilmOne Distribution, Inkblot Productions and Koga Studios, premiered last weekend at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

In attendance at the premiere were some of Nigeria’s most celebrated and influential individuals in business, entertainment and politics in attendance, including the wife of Nigeria’s vice-president, Mrs. Yemi Osinbajo; wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Toyin Saraki; Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; former governor of Cross River State; Senator Liyel Imoke and wife, Obioma.

Also at the event was Publisher, The Guardian Newspapers, Mrs. Maiden Ibru; Chairman/Editor-in-Chief, THISDAY Newspapers and ARISE News Channel, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena; Chairman, United Bank for Africa, Mr. Tony Elumelu; CEO, Access Bank, Mr. Herbert Wigwe and Senator Florence Ita-Giwa.

The cast and crew of the movie upped the ante of the event, courtesy of an Arabian-inspired dress code and matching décor. Throngs of guests, dressed in gorgeous Arabian chic outfits, added to the spirit of the occasion.

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, spoke glowingly about the movie and how proud he is to be leading an industry that is growing and improving in leaps and bounds, exemplified by films such as The Wedding Party and its sequel.

The minister was lauded by members of the ELFIKE Collective for his exceptional leadership at the federal level and his accessibility, whenever his assistance and intervention are required.

Excited Mo Abudu, CEO, EbonyLife Films, who was grateful for the turnout, in her remark said: “Thank you all so much for showing up tonight; it means a lot to us. It is important to keep telling positive stories about Nigeria. You’re in for a treat with this sequel.”

Speaking about the scope of the international release of the movie, CEO FilmOne Distribution, Kene Mkparu said, “This film is opening all across Africa, the U.S., UK, Middle East and Canada, and will be available in four languages. This shows that we can make movies in Nigeria that appeal to the rest of the world.”He stated that the film will also be released in key markets such as the UK, USA, Canada, Middle East, East Africa, West Africa, Southern Africa and francophone African countries.

In a slight departure from the first feature, The Wedding Party 2 focuses primarily on the accidental proposal and subsequent wedding of returning characters, ‘Nonso Onwuka’ and ‘Deardre Winston’, played by Enyinna Nwigwe and Daniella Down.

Highlight of the evening was the screening of the hilarious romantic comedy, The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai. It raised smiles, gales of laughter and elicited rounds of applause from guests.There were music performances by array of top Nigerian artistes, including the legendary juju maestro, King Sunny Ade, with Seyi Shay and Reekado Banks dishing out the best of the hits.

Another high point of the evening was the ‘Best Dressed’ competition, with male and female guests vying to win business-class flight tickets to Dubai on Emirates Airlines, with 5-star accommodation at the various Hyatt hotels and a range of exciting tours included. Actress Shaffy Bello and singer Isaac Geralds emerged winners from the star-studded audience.

Following the screening was a lit after-party, hosted by media partner MTV Base and DJs Obi and Cuppy shut the house down. There was also a spectacular belly dance performance by Korra & the Sirens and a spontaneous electric-slide dance from guests added to the fun, party atmosphere.