Entertainment

“Invisible threads make the strongest ties”- The Nigerian FilmMaker found his real connection

Published

5 years ago

December 24, 2020

Aristotle, when asked about the ultimate purpose of human existence, replied with one word, Happiness. Materialism has taken over lives in such a way that the power of personal relationships, the ‘invisible threads,’ is being eradicated from the world. This is part of the reason why most people are unhappy and unsatisfied with themselves and with the lives they’re living.

Genuine relationships are hard to find in life. But sometimes, one comes across someone in life he develops an instant connection with. These connections do not have a label or an explanation; they just exist. Such relationships’ intensity and purity cannot be put into words, making it even more meaningful and valuable. Instant connections are impossible to let go of.

In Search Of The Perfect Connection

Joseph Mbah, a successful and renowned filmmaker, has been among those few lucky individuals who find a real connection early on in their lives. Born on October 12^th, 1990, in Nigeria, Joseph soon moved to the United States with his family. He got his education from Paradise Valley Community College, where he met Amber Thompson, a talented young girl. The two felt an immediate connection and decided to hold on to it for the rest of their lives.

What makes a relationship even more beautiful is when the interests of two people align with each other, a combination rarely found. Joseph and Amber, fortunately, found this combination as both were passionate about film making and production. Joseph, a writer, director, cinematographer, and producer, has experimented with acting by performing several roles. After going through an organic process, Joseph focuses on directing more than any other film-making role.

While growing up, Joseph watched movies starring Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Jackie Chan. What made him realize how powerful the cinema is was Christopher Nolan’s “Dark Knight,” which he drew his inspiration from. Finding Amber, who held the same passion, was one of the happiest moments in his life.

Joseph and Amber have co-produced several films together. They have put in a lot of effort and hard work to reach their position in the movie industry. The success rate of films they have made together, such as Battlefield 2025 and Crampus Original (2018), proves the degree of compatibility they are living with.

Joseph and Amber got married on October 15^th, 2020. Their nine-year-long journey has been nothing short of a dream. Amber Thompson, now known as Amber Oluchi Mbah, first worked with Joseph when making a web series called “Paranormal Manifest.” Soon after, they got their first paid gig and worked on a Nigerian Wedding in Las Vegas. The two projects’ success made them both realize how their combination is a plus and that they should work with each other more often.

Power Couple Taking Over THE CINEMA

The power of the cinema was what Joseph and Amber enjoy the most. Their interests complementing each other’s was what made them work extremely hard in the film industry and build their own production company, “Paradox Universe.”

The action-thriller “EXPO,” released in 2019, is one of the most phenomenal films produced by the Paradox Universe. The movie performed exceptionally well and paid tribute to the action classics of the ‘80s. Through their movie skills and expertise, Joseph and Amber have successfully marked their position in the movie industry and showcased their capability to the world through their work. Genesis: Fall of the Crime Empire, Trust and Possession are some of the other films that have been produced under the company, taking it to another level.

In summer 2020, Joseph and Amber produced a cooking show pilot for Chris Brown’s aunt and mother. The project is called “Cooking With OhSoBella,” featuring celebrities such as Christine Brown, Joyce Hawkins, and Kevin Mayes, the head tailor of Black Panther. Joseph and Amber are currently working on a new web series and a feature film for the African audience that is meant to be filmed in the United States.

Joseph started his career journey by shooting videos in his mother’s garage and uploading them on YouTube. He did have some family in the showbiz, including his older brother, for a brief period, but he paved his way in the industry by himself. The most special part of his career is how it has gifted him with Amber, his true companion. Through their dedication and commitment, Joseph Mbah and Amber Oluchi Mbah have come a long way in the world of film production. Their progress has been phenomenal, and their combination is an ideal example of a power couple.

“Sometimes, reaching out and taking someone’s hand is the beginning of a journey.
At other times, it is allowing another to take yours.”
― Vera Nazarian

Entertainment

Take the Gig, Meet the People, Build the Life: Sarah Angel’s Real Talk for Musicians

Published

4 days ago

January 16, 2026

Jonathan Grilli

Too many talented musicians spend the early years of their careers standing still, waiting. Waiting for the “right” gig. Waiting to be discovered. Waiting until they feel completely ready. But while they hesitate, others with less experience but more urgency are out there taking the jobs, building connections, and gaining ground.

Sarah Angel has seen this happen again and again. A successful live entertainer and founder of Posh Piano, she didn’t wait for a perfect opportunity to appear; she built her career by saying yes to what was already in front of her.

Sarah’s journey didn’t begin with a business plan. It began on stage, performing at corporate gigs and high-end events. For a while, she did what many musicians do: she showed up, played the set, and collected the paycheck. But the turning point came when she realized how much more others were earning off her talent. While she was being paid a small cut, the booker was making thousands. That gap shifted everything. She didn’t get angry, she got to work.

Sarah learned to run sound, bought her own equipment, built piano shells to give her setup a polished look, and began booking directly. Before each event, she would spend hours hauling gear and setting up the space herself. She didn’t wait for anyone to hand her a better gig; she created it. That same mindset carries into how she mentors and advises young musicians today.

For Sarah, one of the biggest traps new performers fall into is comparison. Instead of focusing on their own style and voice, they mimic what’s already out there. But copying someone else won’t lead to a sustainable career. What matters most is figuring out what makes you different and building on that. Your individuality is not a risk; it’s the foundation of your career.

Equally important, she says, is learning to say yes more often. Not every opportunity will be glamorous or well-paid. But every job is a chance to meet someone new, gain experience, or get your name in front of people who can open doors down the road.

This is where so many early careers stall, not because of a lack of talent, but because of hesitation. When performers constantly hold out for something better, they miss what’s right in front of them. Taking one job often leads to five more. And even if a gig doesn’t seem ideal at first, it often brings value in ways that are not obvious right away.

Sarah compares it to building momentum. Each job adds to your experience, your network, and your visibility. It’s not just about stacking performances, it’s about putting yourself in motion. The more active you are, the more people think of you when opportunities come up. That kind of consistency can’t be faked, and it can’t be replaced with a few viral moments online.

Another common challenge she sees is indecision. Musicians who spend too much time analyzing every offer often lose out on real growth. Taking action, even imperfectly, leads to more progress than standing still. Not every gig will be a perfect fit, but most will teach you something valuable.

Over the years, Sarah has also learned to be intentional about who she surrounds herself with. She chooses to work with musicians who are not just talented, but reliable, respectful, and open to learning. Attitude often matters more than technical skill. It’s easier to grow as a musician than to fix a lack of work ethic.

Sarah Angel’s career didn’t come from waiting or wishing. It came from working. She showed up, learning as she went, and made smart choices when it counted. The music industry doesn’t reward perfection, it rewards presence, action, and growth over time.

If you are serious about building a career in music, start with what’s in front of you. Take the gig. Meet the people. Build a life. One step at a time.