Category: HISTORY

David Jonsson has been awarded the 2025 EE Rising Star Award at the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs). This accolade, the only BAFTA award voted for by the public, recognizes emerging talent in the film industry.

Jonsson, a British actor, gained international recognition for his role as the synthetic human Andy in “Alien: Romulus,” the latest installment of the sci-fi horror franchise. He is also known for his performances in the television series “Industry” and his film debut in “Rye Lane.” Upcoming projects include roles in “Wasteman,” “The Long Walk,” and “Scandalous.”

In his acceptance speech, Jonsson expressed gratitude, stating, “This is bonkers…Thank you BAFTA, EE and the wonderful jury for this nomination. As a young boy growing up in East London, I couldn’t think of an honour that’s more about the people, and proof that you can do it too. An absolute blessing and dream. Thank you, truly.”

The major sources of electricity supply in Afro-Caribbean nations vary by country, but the most common sources include:

1. Fossil Fuels (Diesel, Oil, and Natural Gas) 

• Many Caribbean nations, such as Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and the Bahamas, rely heavily on diesel and heavy fuel oil for electricity generation.
• Trinidad & Tobago stands out as an exception, as it has a significant supply of natural gas, which it uses for power generation.

2. Hydropower 

• Some Afro-Caribbean nations, especially in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Suriname, use hydroelectric power from rivers and dams.
• Jamaica, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, and Dominica also generate some hydroelectricity, but capacity is limited.

3. Renewable Energy (Solar & Wind) 

• The Caribbean has been investing in solar and wind energy due to high sunlight exposure and coastal wind currents.
• Barbados, St. Kitts & Nevis, and Antigua & Barbuda have implemented solar farms.
• Jamaica and the Dominican Republic have some of the largest wind energy projects in the region.

4. Geothermal Energy 

• Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis, and Dominica are exploring or developing geothermal energy due to volcanic activity in the region.
• Guadeloupe already has a small but functional geothermal power plant.

5. Biomass & Waste-to-Energy 

• Countries like Guyana and Suriname use bagasse (sugarcane waste) to generate power.
• Some islands are investing in waste-to-energy plants to manage landfill waste while generating electricity.

Challenges in Electricity Supply

• High dependence on imported fossil fuels leads to expensive electricity prices.
• Vulnerability to hurricanes disrupts energy infrastructure.
• Limited energy storage for renewables makes consistency a challenge.
• Outdated grids in some nations, especially Haiti, cause frequent blackouts.

Future Trends

• Many Afro-Caribbean nations are pushing for 100% renewable energy goals by 2050 to reduce dependence on fuel imports and lower energy costs.

Mercy Johnson: Biography & Career

Full Name: Mercy Johnson Okojie
Born: August 28, 1984
Place of Birth: Lagos, Nigeria
State of Origin: Kogi State
Nationality: Nigerian
Profession: Actress, Entrepreneur, Politician
Spouse: Prince Odianosen Okojie (married in 2011)
Children: 4

Early Life & Education

• Born into a military family, Mercy Johnson grew up in different parts of Nigeria due to her father’s service in the Nigerian Navy.
• She attended Nigerian Navy Primary School in Lagos and later went to Rivers State Secondary School.
• Due to financial struggles, she couldn’t further her education immediately and decided to pursue acting.

Acting Career

• Mercy Johnson made her debut in 2004 with the movie The Maid, where she played the role of a possessed house help.
• Her outstanding performance in The Maid brought her to the limelight, leading to roles in thrillers, comedies, and romantic films.
• She has appeared in over 300 Nollywood movies, including:
  • Dumebi the Dirty Girl
  • Hustlers
  • Baby Oku in America
  • 30 Days in Atlanta
  • Weeping Soul
  • Heart of a Fighter

Awards & Recognition

• Best Actress in a Leading Role – Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA)
• Best Actress – Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA)
• Most Outstanding Actress – Nollywood Movies Awards
• 2013 Google’s Most Searched Nollywood Actress

Business & Philanthropy

• Runs the Mercy Johnson Okojie Foundation, supporting widows and underprivileged children.
• Has endorsement deals with brands like Pennek Nigeria, Mr Chef, and Hollandia Evap Milk.
• Launched a cooking show, “Mercy’s Menu”, featuring celebrities and discussions about family life.

Politics

• In 2023, her husband, Prince Odianosen Okojie, was elected as a member of the House of Representatives in Nigeria.
• Mercy Johnson has been involved in political campaigns, supporting her husband’s political career.

Personal Life

• Married to Prince Odianosen Okojie in 2011.
• They have four children: Purity, Henry, Angel, and Divine-Mercy.
• She is known for her family-oriented lifestyle and inspiring journey from humble beginnings to fame.

Fun Facts

• She once worked as a housemaid before making it in Nollywood.
• She was banned from acting in 2013 (alongside other actresses) for demanding high fees.
• Mercy Johnson is loved for her natural acting skills and emotional depth in roles.

Algeria: Key Facts and Overview

Official Name: People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria
Capital: Algiers
Official Language: Arabic (Tamazight is also recognized)
Currency: Algerian Dinar (DZD)
Population: Approximately 44 million (as of 2024)
Area: 2.38 million km² (Largest country in Africa by land area)
Independence: July 5, 1962 (from France)

1. Geography & Climate

• Largest country in Africa, located in North Africa.
• Borders Tunisia, Libya, Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Western Sahara, Morocco, and the Mediterranean Sea.
• Climate: Mediterranean along the coast, desert in the Sahara region.

2. History

• Once home to ancient civilizations like the Berbers, Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs.
• Colonized by France in 1830 and became a French territory.
• Algerian War of Independence (1954–1962) led to independence on July 5, 1962.
• First President: Ahmed Ben Bella.

3. Economy

• Oil and gas are the backbone of Algeria’s economy (one of the largest natural gas producers in the world).
• Other industries: Agriculture, mining, manufacturing.
• Major trade partners: European Union, China, Turkey.
• Youth unemployment remains a challenge.

4. Culture & Traditions

• Ethnic groups: Majority Arab-Berber, with a significant Amazigh (Berber) population.
• Languages: Arabic is official, but Tamazight (Berber) and French are widely spoken.
• Traditional Music: Raï (popular globally), Andalusian music, Kabyle music.
• Cuisine:
  • Couscous (national dish).
  • Chakchouka (spiced tomato and egg dish).
  • Merguez (spicy sausages).

5. Sports & Football

• Football is the most popular sport.
• Algerian National Team (“Les Fennecs”) won the AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations) in 1990 and 2019.
• Famous players: Riyad Mahrez, Islam Slimani, Rabah Madjer, Sofiane Feghouli.

6. Tourism & Landmarks

• Algiers (Capital City) – Historic Kasbah, colonial architecture.
• Timgad – Ancient Roman ruins (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
• Sahara Desert – Unique landscapes, including Tassili n’Ajjer National Park.
• Ghardaïa – Famous for M’zab Valley architecture.