A Festival of Music, Food & Love!?Royal Hibiscus Hotel premieres in Valentine Red

EbonyLife Films, producers of Fifty, The Wedding Party and The Wedding Party 2, debuted its new romantic comedy, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel (RHH), on Sunday, February 4th, 2018 at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. It was the first public showing of the film to a large Nigerian audience and was a sophisticated and charming affair.

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, Femi Otedola,  JimOvia, Governor Adams Oshiomole, the Jimi Agbajes, Hebert Wigwe, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe,  The Ernest Ebis, Onari Duke, Obioma Imoke, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Nmandi Okonkwo, Kennedy Uzoka, Ayo Subair, Alex Okosi, Omolewa Ahmed, Steve Ayorinde, Hon. Asuquo Ekpenyong, Segun Ogunsanya, Bola Adesola, 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 Chefs 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. Some of the world’s finest wines, spirits and liqueurs were available at five different bars – Johnnie Walker, Ciroc, Baileys, Bollinger and B&G Wines – to accompany the mesmerizing food options.

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. After the film, delighted guests enjoyed the remaining desserts, wine and cocktails, while discussing their favourite parts of the movie, before disappearing into the night.

The Royal Hibiscus Hotel opens on Friday, February 9, in cinemas across Nigeria. For more information, visit www.ebonylifefilms.com

Desert Lounge

Food Court

Interior

Performances

Screening

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