Don Jazzy ignores D’Banj on stage

D’banj as a singer and Don Jazzy the producer used to be the perfect team as the honchos of Mo’hits Records. But like a bolt from the blue, their hitherto smooth relationship collapsed in 2012 like a pack of badly arranged cards.

Don-jazzy-Dbanj

Ever since, fans and colleagues in the music industry have been begging the duo to come back together and rework their magic.
However, what could have been the perfect opportunity for the two heavyweights to address the issue came to pass on Sunday, September 20,at the Eko Hotel-venue of 2face Idibia’s Fortyfied Concert.
D’banj mounted the stage to perform some of his hit songs to the delight of the audience, and halfway through, he said he was going to perform a song, ‘Feeling Good’ produced by Don Jazzy and featuring 2face that was leaked online before it could be properly released.
He beckoned on Don Jazzy to join him on stage to perform the song, but Jazzy remained glued to his seat with new Mavin signees, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, and Dija.
Even when 2face begged the duo to produce one more hit together, Don Jazzy remained resolute. In 2face’s words, ‘Don Jazzy and D’banj, abeg make una do one more song, just one…. I take God beg una.’
D’banj instantly responded with the words, “Sure! It’s going to happen,” while Don Jazzy still remained on his seat without even a smile.
This led many of the guests in attendance to insinuate that D’banj was more eager for a come-back than Don Jazzy is.

2Face’s baby mamas shuns his birthday concert

On Sunday, September 20, an All-Star Tribute was staged in 2Face’s honour at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, and we were there to bring you all the details.
What surprised many was that 2Face’s babies’ mothers, Sunmbo Ajaba (Adeoye) and Pero Adeniyi, were conspicuously absent from the public event. Though Sunmbo is now married to Pastor Adeoye, Pero is unmarried.
Many were expecting that the mothers of his children would be on hand to celebrate with him, but they were a no-show. On the other hand, this also afforded 2Face’s legal wife, Annie Macaulay the opportunity to bask in the spotlight as the Queen in his life; and indeed all eyes were on her.
Pero has three kids for the singer, while Sunmbo has two for him.
Meanwhile, two of 2face’s lovely children, Nino and Zion, got many ladies wet with tears in the eyes when a video of their tribute to their father was played at the Fortified concert. They wished their father a happy birthday, and prayed for better and bigger things in his life.

#MTNProjectFame8 : Who else deserve to have won, if not Jeff?

As 18-yr-old Jeffrey Akoh emerges winner at the 8^th edition of 2015 MTN Project Fame, some followers of the talent hunt show have reacted differently to the result.

MTN project fame 2015: The last men standing

While Jeff’s fans celebrate his shine at the largely viewed show his critics see his emergence as winner very shocking but the ultimate question we ask is,  who else deserve to have won if not Jeff?

The winner: Jeffery

Kunle Afolayan’s October 1 wins multiple awards at AMAA 2015

uperstar actor and director Kunle Afolayan has continued to prove that he is indeed the best director we have around. The handsome filmmaker continues his great streak as he clinched a hat-trick of awards at the just concluded 11th edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards is at Port Elizabeth in South Africa.
His blockbuster film October I cliches 3 awards: Best costume design: October 1 – Nigeria , Best Nigerian Film: October 1 and Best actor in a leading role: Sadiq Daba – October 1
It will be recalled the same October 1 dominated the 2015 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards which held in Lagos earlier in the year. October 1 clinched the following awards: Best Actress in a Drama: Kehinde Bankole for October 1; . Best Art Director (Movie/ TV): Pat Nebo for October 1 ;Best Costume Designer (Movie/ TV): Deola Sagoe & Obijie Oru for October 1 ; . Best Drama Writer (Movie/ TV): Tunde Babalola for October 1 ; Best Lighting Designer: Lanre Omofaiye for October 1 ;Best Make: Up Artist: Sacred Lola Maja for October 1 ; Best Movie Director: Kunle Afolayan for October 1 ; Best Movie of 2014: Kunle Afolayan for October 1 ; and Best Sound Editing: Kulanen Ikyo For October 1
Though the film which the actor claimed cost in hundreds of millions to produced has been widely pirated by the industry’s cankerworms but it seems hardwork and ingenuity always wins the day.

US Consulate General, House on the Rock to premier Hollywood thriller

The House on the Rock Church and the United States Consulate General, have concluded plans to hold the premier of a Hollywood thriller titled: Captive.
Captive is a story of faith, redemption, and survival, based on the true story of a hostage using Rick Warren’s best-selling book, A Purpose Driven Life, to find her own path to redemption and persuade her captor to find his.
British-Nigerian actor and Golden Globe Award nominee David Oyelowo, who recently portrayed Martin Luther King, Jnr. in the film Selma, and American actress Kate Mara who acted in the House of Cards, The Fantastic Four among others.
The event which aims at awakening a purpose-driven life for all Nigerians, would hold on October 1, 2015 in Lagos at the Rock Cathedral.
The movie has been deployed effectively by House on The Rock to promote orderliness, tranquility and purposeful leadership in Nigeria.
Recall that the church, in partnership with the United States Embassy successfully premiered Selma during the country’s general elections earlier in the year, and was attended by over 5000 attendees including celebrities and government officials among others.

How Jeff won 2015 MTN Project Fame

Budding singer, Jeffrey Ufedo Akor  weekend emerged winner of the MTN Project Fame West Africa Season 8, smiling home with star prize of N5million, a brand new, fully loaded SUV and a recording contract worth millions of Naira. It has been a completely exciting season with weeks of hard-work and dedication.

Jeff

It started with auditions in several cities in West Africa, and translated into eight weeks of fun, tension and scintillating performances for the 16 contestants that made it into the Academy.
For the six finalists that made it to the finals (Ada, Arewa, Anderson, Deinde, Jeff, and Pearl), things will never be the same again as they have indeed gone through a beneficial and life-altering eight weeks in the Academy.
Grand Finale nights like this have birthed the likes of Iyanya, Mike, Chidinma, Monica, Ayoola, Olawale and Geoffrey. And with only one of these six to join the league of extraordinary superstars, the question on everyone’s mind was, who will it be?
But before it got to that, the show kicked off on a  promising note as the six finalists stepped onto the stage in their monochrome outfits and delivered a melodious, yet emotional group song titled ‘Pray For Me’ by Dare Art Alade.
The rest of the night turned out to be an exciting journey with great entertainment lined up in form of collabos. Yes, the six finalists had been paired up with some A-list artistes to produce amazing remixed versions of their songs, and so each team stepped on stage and brought nothing but pure joy as they sang, danced and glowed.
First to perform were Jeff and energetic Yemi Alade doing ‘K.I.S.S.I.N.G’ remix. Followed by Pearl and Chidinma who gracefully performed ‘Kedike’ remix. Deinde and Iyanya got everyone dancing with ‘Mr Oreo’ remix.  Anderson and Praiz with their vocal dexterities delivered ‘Rich and Famous’ remix. While Arewa and 9ice paired up for the remix of the evergreen ‘Gongo Aso’.
Ada and Sound Sultan closed this round of entertainment with their creative rendition of ‘MotherLand’ remix. Amazingly, these collaborations are now available as caller ring back tunes. It was then time to get down to the business of the day. The moment of truth as many calls it, often characterized by a pin-drop silence.
With the audience eyes wide open, gasping heartbeats and trembling feet, the hosts of the show –Joseph Benjamin and Bolanle Olukanni took turns to announce the winner and runners-up of season eight.  Ada Tosanwumi, third runner-up. She went home with a cash prize of two million naira while   Anderson Amos emerged second runner-up.
He walked away with two million naira and a brand new saloon car. Pearl Awa-Agwu, first runner-up. She earned three million naira and a brand new saloon car.
With scores of spectacular performances and several millions of votes; the winner of MTN Project Fame Season eight is Jeffrey Ufedo Akor. He carted away five million naira, a brand new, fully loaded SUV and a recording contract worth millions of Naira. The sixth and fifth positions will also be rewarded with five hundred thousand naira and one million naira respectively.

Photos: See Olamide, Banky W rocking pool party with sexy bikini ladies

Prime night club Quilox always has a hang on things when it comes to entertainment.
Every last Saturday of the month is always something special but this last Saturday was more special than many as music top stars, sexy ladies in bikinis stormed the club for what was described as daytime experience Quilox Ultra Pool Party.
Banky W, Wizkid, Olamide, Adekunle Gold were all in the house for the mad fun.
See Photos:

I ‘ll remarry, if God says so — Chika Ike

Nollywood actress, Chika Ike may not have a special man in her life at the moment, after her marriage with Ebiribi crashed two years ago, but she is optimistic that she will remarry someday.
The adorable actress told POTPOURRI   in a chat, that she will remarry as long as God approves it. “I will remarry if God says so,” she declares. Chika  expressed joy that her elder sister, Vivien has followed her footsteps, as she recently debuted in Nollywood.
By BENJAMIN NJOKU
What it means to be in the same industry with my sibling
It is great to see that I have a sibling that is in the same industry with me. I am happy about it. When she told me she wanted to join the industry, I supported her. This is because before now, Vivien has always wanted to be in Nollywood. It didn’t come to me as a shock because she accompanied me to my first audition ever before I became an actress. She was there with me, but she had to travel out of the country at that time.
Growing up with Vivien
Growing up with Vivien was fun. We are sisters,though she’s one year older than myself. We agreed to disagree while growing up. I am going to give her my hundred and one percent support. Whatever she needs from me, I will be there for her. I have been in the industry for close to a decade now. So, I believe I know so much about the industry compared to her. I am here for her, whatever she needs from me, I will be willing to support her. My advice to her is to never  give up. The industry is not a bed of roses: there are peaks and valleys. When you get to your peaks, you celebrate and when you get to your valleys, you endure it, hoping to celebrate again.
My reality TV show, the African Diva
It is doing very well. We have just completed our first season which was won by Love Egbule. Right how, we are registering for the second season. It has been wonderful, I have been busy touring African countries. I have been to Ghana, Togo, Côte d‘Ivoire and Benin Republic. I have been doing media tour creating awareness about the brand. It is something that has come to stay. It is something I am very passionate about, so far so good.” The winner of the first season,Egbule, which had about 22 contestants went home with N4 million, an acting contract, one year supply of Fancy Nancy accessories, cover girl of VL Magazine and other prizes. She also had her acting debut in a movie titled “All Of Me” which is produced by Chika’s Productions. Winner of the second season of the reality show will smile home with a huge sum of $10,000, a brand new car, acting career for one year and supply of fancy Nancy accessories.
What inspired the project
I have always had this idea of appreciating and glorifying the African woman. I said to myself, what can I do to give back to the society and at the same time to entertainment people and promote our cultures and traditions.   The show focuses on the search for the ideal African woman. That was how I came up with the project.
Because of your tight schedule, you no longer have time to hit movie locations?
I have been working but not as much as I used to work before now. This is because when you are busy, you have to also prioritize things. You can’t do as much as you used to do before because of your schedule. Yes, I am still working, but also, doing this at the corner. So, right now, my attention and my work schedule are being shared.
Are you not thinking of producing your own movies?
I am already a producer. My movie, Miss Teacher, will be in the cinema on 25th September. I just finished a production with the winner of African Diva Season One . It is called All of Me. So, I have produced two movies now and also, my production outfit for my African Diva show.

Since debuting in the industry in 2005
I think I have been on the path of self- discovery. I have discovered myself as a woman. I have also discovered myself as a business woman. I have grown in the industry, and I have also embraced the change that has happened in my life. A lot of things have changed about me. It is normal. I have discovered the woman I am, and I have learnt the art of running a business empire.
People misunderstanding me
I don’t know why it happens, but everybody has their own opinion about how they see people. Basically, I am who I am.
What I look out for in a script
The story, and then, I want to know who I am working with. I reject scripts for two reasons, either the story isn’t good or the fee is discouraging.
Remarry!
I will remarry when God says so. I want to be the best I can be in my chosen career.

BasketMouth, Flavour, Shuga to light up Eko Hotel

Famous comedian Basket Mouth is set to crack ribs at an exclusive event on Tuesday, 22 September, just 2 weeks ahead of his Lord Of The Ribs concert on October 4.
Happening at Eko hotel, the occasion promises to be ‘the’ corporate event of the year with spectacular performances from superstars like Flavour, Darey Art Alade, Shuga Band, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and of course Basket Mouth.
The much-anticipated corporate event in addition to performances from the superstar entertainers will also see Interswitch unveil its brand new corporate identity.

They came, they drank, they got engaged: The story of Ekene and Ngozi

When Ekene asked Ngozi to accompany him to last Sunday’s Pearl Look 2015 beauty pageant, she did not suspect that anything was amiss. After dating the broad chested Foschini outfit manager for more than five years, it was nothing unusual for him to invite her to spend a Sunday afternoon together at an event.
This was to be the Sunday afternoon of a lifetime though, as Ekene had an almighty surprise in store for her. As they sat sipping Star Radler, comedian EmmaOhMaGod performing at the event decided unexpectedly to take Ngozi onstage during a stand-up routine about proposing marriage.
To her shock, Ekene suddenly appeared onstage and knelt down with a ring. She could not hold back the tears as she said yes, and the crowd at Havilah Centre erupted into wild cheers.
Who says Nigerian men are not romantic?
See pictures of the cute event below.

Ekene and Ngozi

Afrocandy flaunts pubic hair on social media

Nigerian US-based singer and actress, Judith Mazagwu, known in the entertainment world as Afrocandy is a hot item any day any time. The acclaimed queen of porn in Nigeria current has a picture of herself on the Whatsapp, showing off plenty of her mother nature’s gift, particularly of the honey pot area, only in g-string pants and bra, revealing so much of her pubic hair.

Afrocandy: Vanguard, guided by ethics could not publish the full photograph.

Recall Afrocandy in an exclusive interview with Vanguard has said she is not a porn star but admitted she loves the ascription Nigerian media has given her after her erotic film ‘Destructive Instinct’ sent the African entertainment world into pandemonium.
But months after that she launched her own porn site dubbed www.africanetwork.com  where she engages in nothing but adult stuffs. Do you think she’s a porn star or not?
Seeing the erotic nature of the picture I decided to sound her out to know the big idea behind having such as her ‘display picture’. “ Seeing almost everything, even the pubic hair, whats the big idea? I asked her. “ The idea is to get you girls having a huge hard-ons” she replied crisply and simply.

Emmy Awards 2015: Game of thrones dominates + The Complete Winners List

The 67th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards honored the best in U.S. prime time television programming from June 1, 2014 until May 31, 2015, as chosen by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The ceremony was held on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at the Microsoft Theater in Downtown Los Angeles, California, and broadcast in the U.S. by Fox. Andy Samberg hosted the show for the first time.  The nominations were announced on July 16, 2015.
Outstanding Drama Series
Game of Thrones
 – Winner
Orange Is the New Black
Homeland
Downton Abbey
House of Cards
Mad Men
Better Call Saul
Outstanding Comedy Series
Veep – Winner
Transparent
Louie
Modern Family
Orange Is the New Black
Silicon Valley
Parks and Recreation
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Jon Hamm, Mad Men
 – Winner
Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul
Kevin Spacey, House of Cards
Jeff Daniels, The Newsroom
Kyle Chandler, Bloodline
Liev Schreiber, Ray Donovan
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Viola Davis, How to Get Away With Murder
 – Winner
Taraji P. Henson, Empire
Claire Danes, Homeland
Robin Wright, House of Cards
Tatiana Maslany, Orphan Black
Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones – Winner
Jonathan Banks, Better Call Saul
Ben Mendelsohn, Bloodline
Jim Carter, Downton Abbey
Michael Kelly, House of Cards
Alan Cumming, The Good Wife
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Uzo Aduba, Orange Is the New Black
 – Winner
Emilia Clarke, Game of Thrones
Joanne Froggatt, Downton Abbey
Christina Hendricks, Mad Men
Lena Headey, Game of Thrones
Christine Baranski, The Good Wife
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Jeffrey Tambor, Transparent – Winner
Will Forte, The Last Man on Earth
Matt LeBlanc, Episodes
Don Cheadle, House of Lies
Louis C.K., Louie
Anthony Anderson, Blackish
William H. Macy, Shameless
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep – Winner
Lisa Kudrow, The Comeback
Amy Schumer, Inside Amy Schumer
Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie
Lily Tomlin, Grace and Frankie
Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Tony Hale, Veep – Winner
Andre Braugher, Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Ty Burrell, Modern Family
Keegan-Michael Peele, Key & Peele
Adam Driver, Girls
Tituss Burgess, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Allison Janney, Mom
 – Winner
Julie Bowen, Modern Family
Niecy Nash, Getting On
Mayim Bialik, The Big Bang Theory
Gaby Hoffmann, Transparent
Anna Chlumsky, Veep
Kate McKinnon, Saturday Night Live
Jane Krakowski, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Outstanding Miniseries
Olive Kitteridge
 – Winner
American Horror Story: Freakshow
American Crime
The Honorable Woman
Wolf Hall
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie
Richard Jenkins, Olive Kitteridge
 – Winner
Adrian Brody, Houdini
Ricky Gervais, Derek Special
Timothy Hutton, American Crime
Mark Rylance, Wolf Hall
David Oyelowo, Nightingale
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie
Frances McDormand, Olive Kitteridge
 – Winner
Felicity Huffman, American Crime
Maggie Gyllenhaal, The Honorable Woman
Jessica Lange, American Horror Story: Freakshow
Queen Latifah, Bessie
Emma Thompson, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet St.
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie
Bill Murray, Olive Kitteridge
 – Winner
Richard Cabral, American Crime
Denis O’Hare, American Horror Story: Freakshow
Finn Wittrock, American Horror Story: Freakshow
Michael Kenneth Williams, Bessie
Damian Lewis, Wolf Hall
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie
Regina King, American Crime – Winner
Sarah Paulson, American Horror Story: Freakshow
Angela Bassett, American Horror Story: Freakshow
Kathy Bates, American Horror Story: Freakshow
Mo’Nique, Bessie
Zoe Kazan, Olive Kitteridge
Outstanding Variety Talk Show
The Daily Show
 – Winner
The Colbert Report
Jimmy Kimmel Live
Last Week Tonight With John Oliver
The Late Show With David Letterman
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Outstanding Variety Sketch Series
Inside Amy Schumer
 – Winner
Drunk History
Key & Peele
Portlandia
Saturday Night Live
Outstanding Reality Competition Program
The Voice – Winner
The Amazing Race
Dancing With the Stars
Project Runway
So You Think You Can Dance
Top Chef
Drama – Directing
Game of Thrones – Winner
The Knick
Boardwalk Empire
Homeland
Drama – Writing
Game of Thrones – Winner
Mad Men
The Americans
Better Call Saul
Comedy Directing – Series
Transparent – Winner
Silicon Valley
Louie
Veep
The Last Man on Earth
Comedy Writing – Series
Veep – Winner
The Last Man on Earth
Louie
Transparent
Silicon Valley
Episodes
Miniseries – Directing
Olive Kitteridge
 – Winner
Wolf Hall
Bessie
American Horror Story: Freakshow
The Missing
The Honorable Woman
Houdini
Miniseries – Writing
Olive Kitteridge
 – Winner
Wolf Hall
Bessie
American Crime
Hello Ladies: The Movie
The Honorable Woman
Variety — Directing
The Daily Show
 – Winner
The Colbert Report
Inside Amy Schumer
The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon
Late Show With David Letterman
Variety — Writing
The Daily Show
 – Winner
The Colbert Report
Inside Amy Schumer
Key & Peele
Last Week Tonight With John Oliver

Make one more hit – 2face begs Don Jazzy, D’banj

2face Idibia

If you are one of those who have for years, yearned for a come back, then this should excite you as 2face Idibia has pleaded with Don Jazzy and D’Banj to make one more hit together.
The pop icon made the plea during the all star concert held yesterday at Eko Hotel to celebrate his fortieth birthday alongside Star Radler and thousands of his fans, ‘All that one wey una dey do, I no send una, my own be say, make una drop one more hit’, he said.

Dbanj & Don Jazzy

The concert sponsored by Star Radler had top celebrities including Senator Florence Ita Giwa, Annie Macaulay, Klint D Drunk, Yaw, Bovi, KSB, Basket Mouth, AY, Keke Ogungbe, Tee A Ebuka, Ini Edo, Funke Akindele, Don Jazzy, Korede Bello, Reekado Banks, DJ Spinall, 9ice, Dayo Adeneye and Banky W.
Others are Wande Coal, DJ Spinall, Wizkid, Darey Art Alade, Timi Dakolo, Tania Omotayo, Jimmie, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Destiny Amaka, Kayode Peters, Funny Bone, Alibaba, Gbenga Adeyinka, all of who took turns to enjoy Star Radler.

Omawumi makes 1st post baby appearance on stage

Singer – songwriter, Omawumi who recently gave birth to her second child delivered a wonderful performance at #Fortyfied all star tribute concert held yesterday at Eko Hotel and Suites.

Omawunmi on stage

The concert which was put together to celebrate 2face Idibia’s 40^th birthday, had the singer – who has shed her baby weight – perform his popular hit, ‘Only Me’ to the delight of guests present.
Also present at the event include Senator Florence Ita Giwa, Annie Macaulay, Klint D Drunk, Yaw, Bovi, KSB, Basket Mouth, AY, Keke Ogungbe, Tee A Ebuka, Ini Edo, Funke Akindele, Don Jazzy, Korede Bello, Reekado Banks, DJ Spinall, 9ice, Dayo Adeneye, Banky W, Wande Coal, DJ Spinall, Wizkid, Darey Art Alade, Timi Dakolo, Tania Omotayo, Jimmie, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Destiny Amaka, Kayode Peters, Funny Bone, Alibaba, Gbenga Adeyinka, all of who took turns to enjoy Star Radler.

Terry G, Reminisce thrill students at Etisalat cliqfest in Zaria

Nigeria’s weirdest singer, Terry G and rap sensation, Reminisce were in their elements as they thrilled the students and staff of Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zaria to breathtaking music performances at the just-ended Etisalat CliqFest campus tour of the school.
Even a heavy downpour could not deter the students, who thronged the polytechnic’s open field in large number and stood in the rain for hours, while the artistes in succession served up melodious beats and lyrics.

Terry G

Terry G, whose real name is Gabriel Oche Amanyi, was an instant hit with the crowd who applauded him as he mounted the stage following his introduction by MC Bash. As expected, he showed up with fingers clutched to his trademark bell and forming an eccentric appearance that has become characteristic of him.
The ‘Akpako’ crooner was his energetic self as he performed several of his popular hits such as Gingah, So High, Run Man, Pass me ur Love, Love affair and Sexy Lady to the admiration of the jubilant crowd who responded to the high-powered performance. In appreciation, he gave out famed gold chains, his footwear and his latest works as mementos.
For Reminisce, real name Remilekun Abdulkalid Safaru, it was an emotionally sweet home coming having been born in Kaduna. Singing such hits as Tesojue, Daddy, Eleniyan, Local Rapper, etc, from his collections including his recent work, Baba Hafusa, the “Alaga Ibile” crooner thrilled the crowd who kept asking for more.
Beside the two headline acts, upcoming act, Nex2 and local boy, Mai Martaba had engaging performances. While Nex2, who emerged the Nigerian Idol Season 5 second runner-up, showcased the singing talents that stood him out during the TV reality show, Mai Martaba, on the other hand, connected with his renditions in Hausa language.
Speaking about the music jam, some of the students could not hide their excitement at seeing some of artistes perform live.
An excited Suleiman Sani, a National Diploma 2 student of Public Administration was particularly happy to see the stars. “We usually watch these musicians on television, but to have them live and direct on our campus is unbelievable and I thank Etisalat for bringing this to our school,” he enthused.
Another student Angela Eze, a National Diploma 1 student of Accounting was full of praise for CliqFest organiser, Etisalat Nigeria for choosing the school as the host. “We have never had an experience like this before. People think this place is not safe but as you can see, it is peaceful and we are truly excited that Etisalat brought this beautiful programme to us. The memory will be with us for a long time,” she said.
Etisalat CliqFest is an annual pan-Nigeria multi-campus youth-centric education and entertainment initiative sponsored by Nigeria’s leading innovative telecommunications company, Etisalat.

Diddy beat Jay Z, Drake; tops Forbes rapper earnings list

Diddy is said to be working on a long-awaited album but, even without his music, he was the top-earning rapper of the past year.

Releasing its annual list on Tuesday, Forbes said that Diddy — whose real name is Sean Combs and whose stage names include Puff Daddy — took in $60 million from June 2014 to June 2015.

His earnings come mostly through his business projects, especially his venture selling French-made Ciroc liquor, the wealth magazine said.

Diddy

Diddy rarely performs and last released an album, “Last Train to Paris,” in 2010.

But Gizzle, an artist signed to his label, recently told the Rap-Up website that Diddy was working on a sequel to his debut 1997 work “No Way Out.”

“No Way Out 2” would be the final album from Diddy, Gizzle said.

Another rapper turned mogul, Jay Z, was close behind at number two by raking in an estimated $56 million, Forbes said.

Jay Z put on a series of sold-out arena shows with his wife Beyonce and has earned money through assets such as Armand de Brignac, a champagne that he bought last year.

Canadian rapper and Apple collaborator Drake came in third at $39.5 million, with Forbes estimating that he earned $1 million per show.

Drake is the only artist to go platinum in the United States, or sell more than one million copies, with an album released this year — the mixtape “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late.”

Drake released a new mixtape, “What a Time To Be Alive,” with fellow rapper

Future late Sunday, with Billboard magazine expecting the work to top the latest album chart.

In 2013-14, Forbes said that Dr. Dre topped the list — and set the record for an entertainer of any genre in a year — by earning $620 million.

Dr. Dre had sold Beats, the company he co-founded that is best-known for headphones, to Apple, where he has taken on a corporate role.

Forbes estimated that he came fourth in 2014-15 with $33 million in earnings.

Dr. Dre last month released “Compton,” which he has described as his final album, to accompany the blockbuster film “Straight Outta Compton” about his former band N.W.A.

Kcee, Falz, Joel, Yaw, others hit Check Point on September 26

On Saturday, September 26th 2015, Music Stars such as Kcee, Falz, Joel, Solidstar will join Wazobia FM OAP Tuale and Comedian Ogbolor in a stage play titled ‘Check Point’.

Falz

Check Point, which will take place at Muson Centre, is a comedy stage play written by the talented newscaster Tuale and is directed by Ife Salako. The play will present the good; the bad and the ugly taking place in Police check point in a humorous fashion.
Aside the roasts, jokes, satire and truthful message in the play, the event will also feature energetic musical performances from Eva, Koker, Shaydee, Chuddy K, Pepenazi, Yungsix, lamboginny and comedy performances from Alibaba, Yaw, Igos, EmmaohmaGod, Ushbebe, Akpororo, Yaw, Lolo, Elenu, Seyi Law and Shakara.
Speaking on the event, Wazobia FM OAP Tuale said: I am excited to be part of this stage play and can assure you it will be very hilarious. There is also no better place to celebrate this holiday than coming for Check Point. See you there”
The play will come in two shows, 3pm and 6pm on Saturday, September 26th.

Entertainment industry, viable platform for job creation – Ambode

…Names Danny Glover As Brand Ambassador for Lagos
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday said the state government will explore the potentials that abound in the entertainment and arts industry as a viable platform to create jobs for the teeming youths in the state. The Governor spoke when some members of cast and crew of ’93 Days’, a film which chronicles how Lagos was able to effectively contain the Ebola Virus Disease last year, paid a courtesy visit to him at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja.
He assured the team, led by veteran Hollywood actor, Mr. Danny Glover, that his government will give the necessary support to project the ideals of the film, stressing that the collective feat recorded will remain a milestone in the history of the state. “Clearly, what you have done to join hands with our people in Nollywood is to celebrate one of the major successes of Lagos State”.
“Our government will support this project. No story can be told better than in graphic form and once you are turning this story to a movie, it means that every other part of achievements that we can put together is going to be something historic. It’s happening for the very first time. Apart from the fact that it is showing the way government has been able to respond to issues that relate to the society, we are also showcasing what Lagos stands for,” Ambode said.
The Governor, while thanking the crew for deeming it fit to use the film to retell the Ebola success story in Lagos, also seized the opportunity to name Mr. Glover as Brand Ambassador for Lagos, saying that his wealth of experience will benefit the entertainment industry in the state immensely.
“I can say that this is a platform to rebrand Lagos and for that reason, we would support this film and everything that has to do with it. Like I said, we would be looking forward to the premiere and I have told Danny that he has to be part of it  and bring his experience and social-capital into it and he will be coming with other world class actors to do that. We would join in promoting this also”.
“That means a lot to us and it would also mean a lot to the entertainment industry. It would be part of the legacies that you would be leaving to us here because as much as we look forward to all the great things that you have achieved, we believe also that this would also be part of the celebration for your 70^th birthday next year”, he said.
“As we move forward, in 2017, Lagos will be 50 years. So, Lagos at 50 is something that we are planning and the planning must start from now and it has so much to do with entertainment and things that are actually monumental and iconic. I have also extended invitation to Danny Glover and he would be part of that celebration come 2017”, the Governor said.
He said his administration will continue to support the strides of Nollywood industry, expressing optimism that aside providing entertainment to the eyes, the industry has the capacity to stimulate job creation for youths in the state.
Earlier, Glover said the film ’93 Days’ acknowledged the efforts of the state government in curtailing the Ebola Virus Disease adding that it was not a mean feat.
He welcomed his nomination as brand Ambassador for the state, saying he shares the vision of Governor Ambode to further project Lagos as a Centre of Excellence. He also pledged to engage in works that will encourage upcoming artist to fully actualize their potentials.

D’ banj shares Koko Garri at Ikeja

Top Nigerian music act, Dbanj was at Ikeja, this morning to sign a deal with a Lagos-based company. He also shared Koko Garri to some of his fans.

I have no beef with Reminisce, others on local rappers — Modenine

Since Reminisce featured Olamide and Phyno on his controversial hit single titled Local Rappers, there have been a sort of disaffection among rappers who rap in pure English, because some of them feel the song was targeted at them.

Modenine

Reminisce and his pals had declared in the song that ‘punchlines don’t bring in the money anymore’ and many who have listened to the song believe the jibe in the song was directed most especially at MI and Modenine.
But in a recent interview with HipTV Modenine shrugged off the notion that the message in the song was directed at him, saying no rapper in his right senses would say punchlines in raps don’t count anymore.
“ It’s a lovely song” he said of the song. “When I heard it I felt it was a satire meant to ruffle some feathers though but it cannot be directed at artistes who still use punchlines in their raps.
We all know that punchlines still and will forever bring in the money. Because if you check advertising, you will find out that the payoffs, the punchlines are always there and that brings a lot of money. Punchlines bring in the money. I like the song, but seriously, I know they were just clowning around.”

I am still the same energetic sultry songstress — Zaina

Beautiful Nigerian singer, Zaina recently unveiled her new single titled Pana, which means Hit me.

Zaina

In an interview with Showtime, Zaina reveals the concept behind the song: “Pana is not so much a departure from my sound; I make sure I always keep ‘Zaina’ elements on every record I do. I am still very much the same energetic, sultry and playful songstress you heard on Sarewale. In the new song, I explored a fresh new beat with a slight twist”
She also throws more light on why she has been silent after the release of her Afro-beat song, Sarewale “I wouldn’t call it a silence per se. Sarewale was a new sound and direction for me so I spent more time developing my brand around that, staying close but working steadily underground until now.

My experience with Olamide as boss — Adekunle Gold

‘Orente’ crooner, Adekunle Gold has lovely words to describe his boss, Olamide.
In a chat with Showtime, he said, ‘I’ve been signed to YBNL for about eight months now. And I can tell you that Olamide is an amazing and hardworking young man. And I totally love his work ethics.’

Adekunle-Gold

Also speaking about what informed him switching from graphic designing which he studied in school to music, he said, ‘I’ve actually been into music for a while and as a matter of fact, it has always been my first love. Photoshop skills is what I developed along the line, while graphic designing and brand  development is my profession.’
The word in the grapevine is that Adekunle is in a relationship with fellow artiste, Simi, and we asked him if she’s proving hard to get, hence inspiring the song ‘Sade.’ Here’s what he said, ‘Lol…stop hearing stuff. I’m not in a relationship with Simi, and nobody is giving me tough time.’
When we reminded him that the social media pages of the both of them are full of them in romantic postures, he simply responded, ‘I’d rather not talk about that.’

My embarrassing day on stage — Karina

Katherine Kpina a.k.a Karina is an upcoming music artiste who has her eyes set on the big times. With her latest single Suddenly, enjoying massive airplays around the country, the beautiful singer may have little to worry about her future in the industry as she seems to have been accepted by a good number of music fans.

Karina

But the light-skinned songstress have not always been on the good side of music fans as she recounted an experience where she nearly totally freaked out on stage. According to her, when she stepped on stage her song wouldn’t just come on to sing along.
“It was a terrible experience. I was performing on stage with my dancers and my song refused to play. I got on stage and introduced my song and it just didn’t play.
Though after spending like five minutes, it started playing but the moment of silence with the fans cheering and chanting without the song playing was terrifying. The audience got so noisy and then someone from the crowd said: “Sing na, abi shame don catch you?” I replied the individual and said: “Na wa for you o, things like this happens”

My new film will revolutionize African cinema — Kunle Afolayan

Award-winning film maker, Kunle Afolayan, has declared that his upcoming film, “The CEO”, will definitely lead a revolution in African cinema when it finally hits the box office.
Afolayan and his cast and crew are  currently on location at the popular Inagbe Grand Restorts & Leisure, Lagos, shooting this bar-raising movie.
The celebrated film maker expressed this optimism last weekend while welcoming the
Chief Executive Officer, Bank of Industry (BoI), Mr. Olaoluwa Rasheed, who stormed the popular Restorts to show solidarity as well as to boost the morale of the production team. The bank is one of the major financiers of the project.
Sharing their experience on location, Afolayan hinted that the team will be moving to Coat de Voire, Kenya, and South Africa to shoot some scenes soon.
According to him, “ It is no longer about Nigeria. The CEO is about taking Africa to the world.” He thanked the management of the bank for believing in his creativity.
Impressed by what he saw on location, BoI boss said, the bank is proud to be associated with Afolayan whom he described as a pace-setter in the movie industry in Africa. “The same way we visit our customers. We thought we should come and see the production crew, and the cast. Based on what we have just seen, we are convinced that The CEO is going to be a hugely successful movie.

Prince Adeyeye may be next Ife King…

Information reaching Society Beats revealed that the demise of the highly dignified Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II, who in his capacity as the Oonirisa of the source brought a lot of fanfare and prestige to the already well revered stool at one time or the other had been occupied by such illustrious personalities as Oduduwa & Oranmiyan, the race for the next Ooni has been on and the four ruling families; Osinkola, Ogboru, Giesi and Lafogido are now contenders.

Prince Adeyeye

Society Beats gathered that a declaration document was signed by the then Chairman of Chieftaincy Committee of Oranmiyan Local Government; P. O. Olaniyi.
The document, which was forwarded for approval on September 14, 1979 was signed on January 28, 1980 approving the rotation of the stool among the four ruling houses, in that order. The document had been prepared under the reign of the late Oba Adesoji Aderemi who was from the Oshikola ruling family.
The late Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Olubuse II, being a product of the Ogboru ruling house, the next in line to ascend the throne could therefore come from the Giesi family. The Prince of the source, a fearless and self-made business man, Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, being the 4th direct descendant of the Giesi family, is in all context, the man for the throne.
About forty years ago in the ancient city of Ile-Ife, a prince was born into the Giesi Ruling House, Ojaja Royal Compound of Agbedegbede in Ile-Ife. He was named Adeyeye. Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi was quietly delivered into the humble family of Prince Ropo and Late Mrs Margaret Wuraola Ogunwusi (Ile Opa family compound, Ile Ife).
The father was a radio and television anchor and presentation star that spanned the entire mid-1980s to early 21st  century in the South-western part of Nigeria.
All things been equal he has been tipped to come and rule his fatherland, and we hope he will be willing to rule his people and turn around the history like he is turning around businesses in his area of interests.

I am not dating Pasuma, Yoruba actress Motunrayo cries out

Potpourri went to town last week with the  story that top Fuji and Afropop artiste, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, known as Pasuma, is having a romantic bliss in the arms of a  yet-to-be identified Yoruba actress simply known as Motunrayo. The story was leaked to us by a source in the industry who followed suit with a picture of the alleged lovers in what appeared to be  ‘sensually compromising position’.

Pasuma and Motunrayo

However, your beloved Potpourri followed with a word of caution that the story could not really be ascertained as no word was gotten from any of the parties involved and promised to follow the matter up to bring  the final true picture of the situation. We have kept our promise!
Or should we say the truth came walking right through our door as the actress, Motunrayo, alleged to be in a secret love affair with the Fuji Star called Potpourri to tell us the true story, at least, from her own angle.
Almost in tears and obviously badly shaken from the story, the actress debunked ever being in any secret love affair with Pasuma. “Please, I have never dated Pasuma. There is absolutely nothing between us. I just like him naturally because he has been like a brother to me. In fact, he is more than a brother, he is a father to me. He has also been very kind to me. It is very wrong to suggest I am dating him, besides, Pasuma is a man of impeccable character, he doesn’t go around dating young actresses or sleeping with them. He is very nice and very accommodating“, she said.
Like a person who has a burden of proof weighing so heavily on her, she had to convince Potpourri more than just open denials ( We have seen many like that before, haven’t we?) and she explained how the picture of hers and Pasuma came to be.
“ The pictures you have seen and published with the story are from a music video I shot with Pasuma. It is not a personal picture taken anywhere else other from the making of a recent video by Pasuma” she explained. She then introduced herself as Oluwakemi Motunrayo Modinat, an OND graduate of Lagos State Polytecnic. She came into the industry through the Afeez Owo group and has featured in films like Awokose, Aworawo, Emi Abami Eda, Ale Iya Mi among many others.

I’m looking forward to being sexually harassed by ladies – I Go Dye

Francis Agoda, popularly known as I Go Dye is a top draw standup comedian who has seen it all and done it all when it comes to the bling-bling world of entertainment. It is rather impossible to count the top five in the business in Nigeria without him making the count.

I Go Dye & award

So, it is inconceivable to imagine there is any form of celebrity emotion or moment there is that this humour merchant hasn’t experienced before.
Talk of standing ovation, he has seen more than enough of it. Talk of autographs, he must have signed a couple of hundreds in his career. But when we ran into the comedian recently at a show, we teased him with a number of questions, ranging from his brand of jokes to being embarrassed on stage and he didn’t disappoint as he responded to each teasing question as hilariously as it could be expected from a comedian of his calibre.
He told us bluntly, that he had never been embarrassed on stage because `he is a person who doesn’t take life seriously and thus believes it would be nearly impossible for him to get embarassed because he would have seen it as another joke’.
But when it comes to embarrassment from the female fans, I go dye says he longs to be embarassed by such cadre of people.
“I always read it in the papers where celebrities say that female fans harass them, but I’m actually looking for the ladies that will come and harass me. I’m not running from them; in fact, I’m available. I’m the right person to harass and embarrass sexually,’ he said heartily.

Ali Baba, 2Face, Phyno, others headline Abuja MC Amana’s ‘Dis-Speakable Me’ show

The date is Sunday, September 27, 2015. The city is Abuja, the nation’s capital and the venue is the prestigious Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton. The comedy-in-chief, Ali Baba and the king of pop, 2Face leads an all-star ensemble in the debut of the oven fresh ‘MC Amana Dis-Speakable Me’ show.
In a statement made available by the organisers, the Sundiatta Events and signed by Cecilia Agu, in Abuja,  the star-studded event  will be an unforgettable night for the residents of Abuja and environs desirous of premium entertainment packaged in the best traditions of MC Amana. According to her, 2Face, Phyno, Ali Baba and Daniel Wilson will headline the “September-To-Remember” thriller.
Other acts that will throw down in the “MC Amana Dis-Speakable Me” show, according to Cecilia are Niyola, Tony Oneweek, MC Abbey, Chigurl and Chuks D General. Onome Da Saint, Kenny Blaq, Short Cut, Igos, Nwando, DJ Alex and DJ TTB will also add spice to what promises to be an “unforgettable night of the best of comedy, music, dance and fun”, she adds.
“MC Amanna, popular for his creative contributions to the industry and his unique style of comedy hosting, has worked with all the greats. Well respected for his commitment to the art, he is now stepping out and standing out to carve a niche for himself in the world of comedy with his own brand of Stand-up Comedy: A fine blend of freshness and seasoned experience. Stand-up Comedy just got better,” says Cecilia.

My ideal woman must be deaf and dumb — Jesse Jagz

Rappers are unusual people, who live unusual lifestyles in  unusual ways. Top dog rap artiste, Jesse Jagz,  who left his old record label, Chocolate City, to form his own, Jags Nation, before returning  to Chocolate City is no different from many others.

Jesse Jagz

The rapper surprised Potpourri when he revealed his ideal woman. According to him, his ideal woman must be deaf and dumb. As odd as this may sound, the Choc City rapper has his reasons and he explains: “ If I tell you my ideal woman you will not believe me. My ideal woman is someone who is deaf and dumb so that I cannot be talking too much or listening to too much conversations.
It will give me time to focus on my music. There is also something I learnt from Seun Kuti about marriage, he said that with development and everything, the major part of marriage is commitment and submission, appearance don’t necessarily matter. To all the women I have this for you, the more you are getting educated and exposed, you must always remember that a man is always a man and a woman is always a woman.
A cat cannot be a dog and a dog can never be a cat. Another quality I am looking out for in a woman is that, my woman should be confident and beautiful. She should be hardworking and able to inspire me. And I am yet to meet the woman but it is not like if I find the person I am ready to get married now. With entertainment, it is very dicey when it comes to marriage stuff and relationship”.

Odunlade Adekola shuns fan’s kiss at Ikorodu Glo Slide n’ Bounce concert

The Ikorodu edition of  Globacom’s high octave concert, the Glo Slide ‘n’ Bounce, which held at the Ikorodu Musical Village last Saturday, was a mixture of drama and music.

Odunlade Adekola

The concert, which paraded Nigeria’s entertaining hip hop and gospel artistes and was attended by over 2,000 residents of Ikorodu, kicked off with female and male dancers from Ikorodu spicing the event with local flavour, while the audience turned the concert into a festival of sort as they sang and jubilated with all the artistes who graced the stage with passion and enthusiasm.
The entrance of Odunlade Adekola, one of the newest Glo brand ambassadors, to the stage was welcomed with a loud ovation and the actor lived up to the expectations of the crowd, when he dramatically narrated his encounter with some fans at the venue.
He said he had gotten requests from his fans to re-enact the way he acts in movies.   The hall went wild in ecstasy, when the pretty lady the actor pulled up on stage agreed to kiss him the way he kisses in his films. Odunlade however dropped the idea.
The first artiste to perform at the event was sensational female lyricist, Di’Ja, followed by “Welu-Welu” crooner, Sammie Okposo.  Then Wande Coal and Patoranking followed in quick succession. The last artiste to perform at the   show was the Taraba State-born rapper, MI, who along with DJ Lambo, delighted   the audience endlessly.
The Season Two of the Glo slide ‘n’ Bounce concert started in Ibadan three weeks ago, with the train moving to Port Harcourt last week. Ikorodu is the third stop in an 11-week concert put together by Globacom to delight its teeming subscribers in 11 cities across the country. The show will move to   Benin City, Edo State, this Saturday at the Best Western Hotel,  Etete, G.R.A

D’Banj, Pasuma, Korede lead star-pack for Ojude Oba

For the 2015 edition of the Ojude Oba Festival, star artistes like D’banj, Korede Bello and Alabi Wasiu Pasuma will be on hand to entertain indigenes and tourists who will throng Ijebu Ode for the festival, just as Globacom’s ambassadors like Odunlade Adekola and Funke Akindele will make special guests’ appearances.

L-R: Osewa of Ijebu, Chief(Mrs.) Bisi Osibodu; Globacom Business Director, Lagos, Mr. Kunle Akanmu; Chairman, Ojude Oba Planning Committee, Otunba Wahab Osinusi; and Globacom Business Director, Ogun State, Mr. Ayo Ogunranti, at the press conference announcing the company’s sponsorship of the festival in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

The icing on the cake will be a beauty pageant tagged “Miss Ojude Oba”, which will be staged as a special feature of Globacom’s participation in this year’s festival. At the pageant, young and delectable ladies of eighteen years and above and who are of Ijebu origin and are students or graduates of any of the leading institutions of higher learning within Ijebuland are eligible to contest.
Addressing a press conference in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, last Monday, on the 2015 edition of the festival slated for September 25, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Otunba Wahab Osinusi showered praises on Globacom for being one of the very few indigenous companies extending hands of fellowship to the development of the cultural heritage of the Nigerian people.
“Every year the Ojude Oba is held, we have observed with delight, the deep passion displayed by the people while showcasing their interpretation of their cultural identities through their dresses, songs and dance steps. We are thrilled  when we see the joy and camaraderie radiating throughout the land,” he said.

I ‘ll remarry, if God says so — Chika Ike

Nollywood actress, Chika Ike may not have a special man in her life at the moment, after her marriage with Ebiribi crashed two years ago, but she is optimistic that she will remarry someday.
The adorable actress told POTPOURRI   in a chat, that she will remarry as long as God approves it. “I will remarry if God says so,” she declares. Chika  expressed joy that her elder sister, Vivien has followed her footsteps, as she recently debuted in Nollywood.
By BENJAMIN NJOKU
What it means to be in the same industry with my sibling
It is great to see that I have a sibling that is in the same industry with me. I am happy about it. When she told me she wanted to join the industry, I supported her. This is because before now, Vivien has always wanted to be in Nollywood. It didn’t come to me as a shock because she accompanied me to my first audition ever before I became an actress. She was there with me, but she had to travel out of the country at that time.
Growing up with Vivien
Growing up with Vivien was fun. We are sisters,though she’s one year older than myself. We agreed to disagree while growing up. I am going to give her my hundred and one percent support. Whatever she needs from me, I will be there for her. I have been in the industry for close to a decade now. So, I believe I know so much about the industry compared to her. I am here for her, whatever she needs from me, I will be willing to support her. My advice to her is to never  give up. The industry is not a bed of roses: there are peaks and valleys. When you get to your peaks, you celebrate and when you get to your valleys, you endure it, hoping to celebrate again.
My reality TV show, the African Diva
It is doing very well. We have just completed our first season which was won by Love Egbule. Right how, we are registering for the second season. It has been wonderful, I have been busy touring African countries. I have been to Ghana, Togo, Côte d‘Ivoire and Benin Republic. I have been doing media tour creating awareness about the brand. It is something that has come to stay. It is something I am very passionate about, so far so good.” The winner of the first season,Egbule, which had about 22 contestants went home with N4 million, an acting contract, one year supply of Fancy Nancy accessories, cover girl of VL Magazine and other prizes. She also had her acting debut in a movie titled “All Of Me” which is produced by Chika’s Productions. Winner of the second season of the reality show will smile home with a huge sum of $10,000, a brand new car, acting career for one year and supply of fancy Nancy accessories.
What inspired the project
I have always had this idea of appreciating and glorifying the African woman. I said to myself, what can I do to give back to the society and at the same time to entertainment people and promote our cultures and traditions.   The show focuses on the search for the ideal African woman. That was how I came up with the project.
Because of your tight schedule, you no longer have time to hit movie locations?
I have been working but not as much as I used to work before now. This is because when you are busy, you have to also prioritize things. You can’t do as much as you used to do before because of your schedule. Yes, I am still working, but also, doing this at the corner. So, right now, my attention and my work schedule are being shared.
Are you not thinking of producing your own movies?
I am already a producer. My movie, Miss Teacher, will be in the cinema on 25th September. I just finished a production with the winner of African Diva Season One . It is called All of Me. So, I have produced two movies now and also, my production outfit for my African Diva show.

Since debuting in the industry in 2005
I think I have been on the path of self- discovery. I have discovered myself as a woman. I have also discovered myself as a business woman. I have grown in the industry, and I have also embraced the change that has happened in my life. A lot of things have changed about me. It is normal. I have discovered the woman I am, and I have learnt the art of running a business empire.
People misunderstanding me
I don’t know why it happens, but everybody has their own opinion about how they see people. Basically, I am who I am.
What I look out for in a script
The story, and then, I want to know who I am working with. I reject scripts for two reasons, either the story isn’t good or the fee is discouraging.
Remarry!
I will remarry when God says so. I want to be the best I can be in my chosen career.

15 ladies selected for Miss Ghana 2015 beauty pageant - See more at: http://www.viasat1.com.gh/news/entertainment/article.php?postId=3964#sthash.gXSM1vad.dpuf

Some of the contestants
Ghana’s premier beauty pageant brand, Miss Ghana, has wrapped up auditions for the 2015 edition of the pageant, with an Accra event held at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Accra over the weekend.
At the Accra audition, 15 beautiful ladies were selected and they include Candi Mills, Catherine Asantewaa Ansah, Rachel Madine Daniels, Eleanor Seku and Antoinette Delali Kemavor.
Others are Daniella Akorfa Awuma, Esther Anima Titi-Lartey, Patricia Morkeh, Adwoa Konadu Somuah-Boateng and Alexalyn Naa Adoley Owuadey.
The rest are Larisa André, Ohenewaa Asare Jennifer, Mavis Nana Ama Ghansah, Rachel Maeena Gyampah, Gifty Nyamakye and Eugenia Kesse Ampomah.
The Miss Ghana search train, which had its first two stops at Takoradi and Tamale, selected four and three ladies respectively from both regions.
The journey to select the final batch of ladies to join the seven selected ladies for this year’s beauty pageant started on Tuesday at the plush and exquisite Holiday Inn Hotel in Accra, an icon in the Ghanaian hospitality.
The audition attracted many beautiful Ghanaian ladies who trooped to the hotel to showcase their talents and convince the judges to select them as finalists.
The 15 ladies will join other seven contestants who were selected from previous auditions in Takoradi and Tamale to battle it out for the final crown later in October.
Some contestants will be facing eviction as only 20 contestants are expected to make it to the grand finale.
Miss Ghana 2015 is powered by Exclusive Events Ghana, with support from Manet Properties, Citroën by CFAO, LAWASH, manufactured by Lifeon and marketed by Tobinco Pharmaceuticals and IPMC. Organisers hope to present a queen with a difference this year.
- See more at: http://www.viasat1.com.gh/news/entertainment/article.php?postId=3964#sthash.gXSM1vad.dpuf

Because of BON awards I make enemies yearly – Seun Oloketuyi

Plans are urrently underway to hold the seventh edition of the Best Of Nollywood awards scheduled to hold on December 12, 2015 at ‘The Dome’ in Akure, Ondo State. In this Interview, Seun Oloketuyi, Executive Producer of Best of Nollywood talks about the pains and gains of hosting the award yearly. Excerpts:
What’s going to be different about this year’s award?
For those who have been attending the event, it gets better every year. This is because we try to learn from our mistakes and experiences. We don’t claim to know it all and so we learn from people. The most important thing we’ve kept alive from the first edition till now, is that we’ve been able to make the award very credible. Over the years, we’ve tried to make sure the award remains credible. This year, we are making conscientious efforts to make sure that it’s a success. Its going to hold in the biggest event centre in Africa, The Dome, recently built in Ondo State by the state government and we believe that it’s going to be an event people will not forget in a hurry.

Seun Oloketuyi

How do you draw up your list of nominees?
We follow some procedures. First of all, we call out for entries and movie producers submit their movies. This year alone, we have close to 400 movies. We are the only award that accepts movies from the Hausa genre. We believe that all Nigerian movie genres are of Nollywood, irrespective of language. So, we have close to 400 movies that have been screened and by October, we’ll come up with the list of nominees. After that, the jury will sit and come up with the winners. That’s how the winners emerge yearly.
What’s the criteria for each category?
I wouldn’t want to go into that for some reasons. First, I’m not part of the jury. I just ensure that the movies are submitted and other necessary steps are taken for a smooth and credible selection. I don’t know the criteria and I don’t even sit at their meetings.

Do the audience have a say in the selection process?
Yes, but in a few categories. We know it’s going to be difficult for the audience to be passionate about some people. For instance, if a Chelsea Eze does fantastically well in a movie and a Genevieve Nnaji also does well and they are both nominated for the Best Actress category. People won’t vote for Genevieve based on her performance in the movie, but on the love and passion they could vote for her.
That was why we left it to the jury so as to give everybody a level playing ground. Although there are some categories we throw open to the audience like; ‘The Kiss of the year’ and ‘Best Use of Food in a movie’. We are trying to promote our culture with the later. For these two categories, the people decide who wins, whoever gets the highest number of votes is the winner.
How did you come up with the ‘Kiss of the Year’ category and how has it been received?
It was funny and that was in 2011. I went to do a presentation for sponsorship with a toothpaste brand. After the presentation, they told me they would love to come on board, but nothing appeals to them in everything I’ve told them.
They asked me what I can think of that would make the brand relevant. Because I didn’t want to lose the opportunity of getting the sponsorship that year, the idea just came on the spur of the moment as if it’s been already prepared. I told them ‘The Kiss of the Year’ and the brand manager and marketing manager gladly bought into it and that was how that category came to be. The following year, when they didn’t turn up to sponsor the category, we still left it because we discovered that it was one of the most popular categories. When we put it on YouTube every year, it generates a lot of viewership.
What challenges do you face organising this award every year?
Truly, that I’ve not had a heart failure is by God’s grace. Getting state and corporate sponsorship every year is very difficult. Besides, we live in a country where a lot of people do not believe that people can get things without having connections. That’s why when some people tell me, ‘I must win this year’. I just laugh and say I can’t determine who gets nominated or who wins.
I make a lot of enemies yearly. When the nominees’ list is released, I get more friends warming up to me. Immediately after the awards, I lose a lot of friends. People say a lot of things but I’m used to it. My joy is that those who win know that they didn’t have to do anything to emerge winners, besides working hard. What gives me the most satisfaction is on the day of the award, when the winners are called out and they are surprised, shocked, happy and excited as they walk to the stage.

What has kept you going all these years despite these challenges?
The number one thing that has kept me going is passion. Even though I read History and International Relations, I don’t think I have the patience to be a diplomat. This is the only thing that comes naturally to me. In 2011, almost everyone close to me advised me to stop organising BON awards. That year, we didn’t have a single sponsor and after the award I was owing more than six million naira, with no physical means of paying back.

What distinguishes the BON award from the other awards out there?
Not just the award, but what makes Best Of Nollywood different is that when we started, we made up our mind that since the industry is under-reported and under-celebrated, we have to  bridge that gap. It wasn’t easy at the onset, because a lot of people I spoke to then, told me that it’s not a good industry to invest in. I almost listened to them, but thank God I didn’t.
I really love the arts, sometimes I wonder that if I put all the energy I’m putting into BON into the music industry, I won’t be where I am today, we would have been at the pinnacle. Most corporate brands are not really promoting their brands with movies, a lot of them are doing that with music. I don’t know why that’s the case because I’ve done a lot of research and brainwork to find out why companies don’t identify with the movies. Nollywood is appreciated more outside the country, but I pray it gets better. I have only achieved 45% of the dream I have for BON. My dream is that when anyone wants to do anything that has to do with Nollywood, they don’t have a choice but to come to us.
The other awards we have are different; ‘City People Entertainment Awards’ is an all-round entertainment award. ‘African Magic Viewers Choice Awards’ is a viewers choice award targeted at the whole of Africa. It’s the viewers who choose the winners not professionals. ‘African Movie Academy Award’ is also totally different. It’s not competition. The only award that does something similar to what we do is Nollywood Movie Award. Although I’ve never met the organiser of the award, I know he doesn’t see me as a competitor because times without number we consult each other when the need arises. No two awards are similar. What we are trying to do is celebrate Nollywood every year.

Have you had instances where stars come to lobby for the awards?
That happens every year. There was one very tempting offer in 2011, we didn’t have a sponsor for the award and it was tough trying to put the award together. A friend reached out to me to say that a particular nominee who was nominated in two categories was prepared to give me N500,000 provided she wins the award. It was tempting at the time because the money meant a lot considering the issues on ground. (That day, we couldn’t even give out plaques. We just used one plaque for the entire award. That was how horrible it was.) I turned down the offer, but guess what, the actress won on merit at the end of the day. Some of them just tell me playfully that they must win this year, but I know they’re serious.

How far have you gone with sponsorship for this year’s award?
This has been a very turbulent year in the history of Nigeria. First of all, it was an election year, the election was a keenly contested one and the government spent a lot of money on it. The net-worth of government’s income dropped drastically. That’s why as much as 18 states are owing salaries. It means that you can’t go to those 18 states to solicit for sponsorship. But we thank God that the Governor of Ondo State, Gov. Olusegun Mimiko came to our rescue by deciding to host the award. He just finished building the biggest event center in Africa in Akure ‘The Dome’. It has been tough getting sponsorship but we’re still on it, networking and throwing proposals around. By the end of October, we hope to have a couple of companies coming on board to sponsor the show.

We don’t like being called dancers – P-Square

Popular Nigerian R&B duo, Peter Okoye and Paul Okoye, are by far the best singing group, not only in Nigeria but also on the African continent. At least the last MAMAs nailed the truth on the head.

P-Square

And despite being faced with many controversies, these music duo have undoubtedly won the hearts of their numerous fans all over the world with their kind of music.
Meeting up recently with Peter Okoye, of the P-Square twins, at a restaurant in Lagos where he spoke about their fame, challenges, controversies and other sundry issues, the Dance With Peter host said he feels let down when people see them as just dancers instead of the entertainers they are.
“I am used to people saying I love Psquare because they know how to dance, but the fact is that I don’t like it when people refer to us as dancers” he said wryly
“They can regard us as entertainers and musicians because it makes us more presentable. A fan once told me that ‘Peter, I love you guys because of your kind of love songs’. But the question is when last did a love song sell or made a hit in Nigeria, aside “Olufunmi” by Starplus and probably, “Beautiful Onyiye” by Psquare”
“These days people are used to the song they play in the club so, even if you release a love song, they won’t play it in the club because it belongs to a different genre. I’m happy we have a fan who still believes in love songs and we are going to revive it”

The Lagos audition of the Globacom-sponsored Reality TV Show, ‘Dance with Peter’, got really hot on Tuesday as show promoter, Peter Okoye of Psquare, went on the audition stage to challenge a contestant who was making a “mess” of the legendary ‘Bad’ steps of the late Michael Jackson. Dance-with-Peter dance with P-square The Dream Studios, Bamako Estate, Lagos, venue of the audition erupted in cheers as Peter, left the judges’ stand and climbed the stage to re-enact with perfection Michael Jackson’s steps in the “Bad” track. Though Peter delivered and got huge applause of the recording crew and other contestants waiting to perform, he was however, ruled out of contest by fellow judge and dance legend, Kaffy, who intoned with magisterial finality, “looking at you from here and given what we are looking for in this show, I say come back to your seat and you are ruled out of contest.” This threw the studio into loud guffaws. More excitements came from Ehis Okoegule who challenged the judges for disqualifying twin dancers, Oliver and Emmanuel Wilson, who, despite a scintillating performance were sent packing. Then13-year old Angel Ukaro-Agunbiade, a Junior Secondary School III student of Grange School, Lagos, took the audition to the next level with her marvelous dance steps which earned her a ‘yes verdict’ Alozie Malachi, an ex student of Nnekede Polytechnic, Owerri, all female dance group, Terrific Steppers, from the Loveworld Creative Arts Academy, a dance academy of the Christ Embassy Church, and the duo of Precious Ighofese and Hero Zaria of the Fire Flame, who travelled all the way from Ugheli in Delta State for the audition, impressed the judges. The auditions for the Dance with Peter started in Abuja two weeks ago, with the train moving to Accra Ghana on Tuesday last week. Benin City played host to the audition’s crew last Saturday. The last one held in Port Harcourt, last Thursday, September 10.

Who wouldn’t want to get cosy with stunning beauty, Shirley Igwe, Nollywood’s actress and former principal protocol officer of Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State? The lucky guy is the upcoming, dashing actor, Bolanle Ninolowo, who had several cosy moments with the smashing actress in a new movie. They look good together, don’t they?
Bolanle Ninolowo and Shirley Igwe star in the new movie “My Neighbors Wife” produced by Diven Touch Productions and shot in Owerri. This is a few weeks after the movie “The Pren-Up” hit the market .
The two actors played an unforgettable role in the film which is a story of a star actor ‘Desmond’ who moved into a new apartment to find out that all his neighbors are his die-hard fans.
War for his attention springs up between his neighbors’ wives, sisters and entire compound occupants. Heaven was let loose when his former girlfriend in America, current girlfriend and his neighbours’ wives collide. The movie also features Uche Ogbodo, Mimi Orjiekwe Pius, Charles Pius, Chinenye Uyanna, Andy Ike, among others.

Kaffy takes steam off Peter Okoye at Lagos Dance with Peter audition

The Lagos audition of the Globacom-sponsored Reality TV Show, ‘Dance with Peter’, got really   hot on Tuesday as show promoter,  Peter Okoye of Psquare, went on the audition stage to challenge a contestant who was making a “mess” of the legendary ‘Bad’ steps of the late Michael Jackson.

dance with P-square

The Dream Studios, Bamako Estate,  Lagos, venue of the audition erupted in cheers as   Peter,  left the judges’ stand and climbed the stage to re-enact with perfection Michael Jackson’s steps in the “Bad” track.
Though Peter delivered and got huge applause of the recording crew and other contestants waiting to perform, he was however,   ruled out of contest by fellow  judge and dance legend,   Kaffy, who intoned with magisterial finality, “looking at you from here and given what we are looking for in this show, I say come back to your seat and you are ruled out of contest.” This threw the studio into loud guffaws.
More excitements came from Ehis Okoegule who challenged the judges for disqualifying twin dancers, Oliver and Emmanuel Wilson, who, despite a scintillating performance were sent packing. Then13-year old Angel Ukaro-Agunbiade, a Junior Secondary School III student of Grange School, Lagos,   took the audition to the next level with her marvelous dance steps which earned her a ‘yes verdict’
Alozie Malachi, an ex student of Nnekede Polytechnic, Owerri, all female dance group, Terrific Steppers, from the Loveworld Creative Arts Academy, a dance academy of the Christ Embassy Church,  and the duo of Precious Ighofese and Hero Zaria of the Fire Flame, who travelled all the way from Ugheli in Delta State for the audition, impressed the judges.
The auditions for the Dance with Peter started in Abuja two weeks ago, with the train moving to Accra Ghana on Tuesday last week.   Benin City played host to the audition’s crew last Saturday. The last one held in Port Harcourt,  last Thursday, September 10.

Nigeria’s first women radio station presents its leading OAPs

On Thursday, St. Ives Communications, owners of WFM 91.7, Nigeria’s 1st Radio station for women and their families presented the voices and faces that will be its core on-air-personalities to a select cream of media practitioners.
The quartet of Abisola Grace Aiyeola, Nigerian British-born, currently studying Business management at National Open University of Nigeria;  Nigeria’s budding actress and singer,   Funmi Jinadu, who cut her teeth in radio broadcasting at BBC Bristol, UK   and an active member of the National Union of Journalists, United Kingdom;Bolatito Bez Idakula, a former banker with a B.Sc. in Politics and International Studies from the University of Warwick, England and an M.Sc. in Management from Imperial College, London, and Chinedu Faith Nwagha, a public speaker, customer service consultant and an advocate of personal development were presented to the media as the leading voices and faces that will run things at WFM 91.7 as the station’s core on-air-personalities – OAPs.
Presenting the young and talented broadcasters at the event which took place inside the cozy environs of Protea Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, Toun Okewale-Sonaiya stated that the quartet were selected from over 5,000 applicants that showed interest in working for WFM 91.7. “The selection process was thorough and painstakingly executed. We were lucky to have veteran broadcasters like Femi Sowoolu, Seun Olagunju, Sydney Ufeli of Spik Rait, Saund Rait, etc. on the selection panel. So, what we are serving the listening public are the best of our bests,” she said
Present at the unveiling ceremony were top officials and directors of St. Ives Communications, the holding company that runs WFM 91.7 radio station. They include: Dr. Babatunde Okewale, Executive Chairman of St. Ives Communications, Kiki Wale Okewale, Executive Director at St. Ives Communications, Olayinka Lawal, Head of Sales & Marketing at WFM 91.7 and other staff of WFM 91.7 radio.

Olamide, Phyno celebrate their heroes in Made of Black campaign fanfare

Amid rollercoasting fanfare, grandeur and hype the Guinness Brand Ambassadors surprised and celebrated their own #madeofblack heroes in Lagos and Enugu recently. While Olamide identified Tunde Adebanjo aka Euro as his #madeofblack hero, Phyno celebrated Mr. Macdonald Ikem Odenigbo aka DJ Good Noise as his.
Visiting their heroes at their homes amid fanfare and pageantry, the duo explained the rationale behind their choices. Olamide and Phyno stated that it was important to recognize someone with a clear passion for creativity, sacrifice and zeal to make a difference.
According to Olamide, Adebanjo was celebrated “because of his selfless contribution to humanity and the society. He has done a lot for his community and environment and that is what the Made of Black campaign is all about; redefining black not as a colour but as an attitude that inspires individuals, charging them to greater feats. Adebanjo is my hero; he is made of more, made of attitude, made of swag; simply he is made of black”.
For Phyno, Mr. Odenigbo is worthy to be celebrated because he is bold. He is a determined individual, who inspires others to greatness. Odenigbo, a music producer, rapper, director and a disc jockey is one of the originators of Igbo rap in the 1990s. With degrees in Mass Communication and Psychology, he has worked with the many hip hop artistes including: Tuface Idibia, Nigga Raw, Smart Man, Ill bliss and Obiwon.
The event was spiced by the presence of Ehiz, Doris Simeon, Seyi Law, DJ Xlusive,and DNMT, Nigeria’s top dance group.

5 things International celebs must do when visiting Nigeria

1.      Visit the hood. Rick Ross visited Lagos in 2012 to shoot the video for Hold Me Back. “These …won’t hold me back! These…won’t hold me back!”

Rick Ross at Obalende

​2. Dress up in local attire and get a chieftaincy title. Shawn Carter, aka Jay-Z, hip-hop impressario, bestselling rap artiste and entreprenuer visited Kwara in 2013 to hang out with Bukola Saraki.
3. Drink Nigerian Beer. U2 frontman Bono, after selling over 150 million records to become the world’s wealthiest music artiste worth an estimated $1.4bn caught at Fela Shrine in Lagos living it up with some Star Lager Beer during his visit in August 2015.
4. Visit the club and try to keep up with the amazing spectacle of Nigerians having a good time. International DJ Tim Westowood visited Nigeria in 2014 for the Heineken Green Light party finale.

Jay Z and Saraki

5.  Learn Nigerian dance moves…As Amber Rose did earlier this year at D’Banj’s 10th anniversary…

Follow Timilehin on Twitter at: @MrBigTimi

See you in Court- Jahbless to sue Timaya’s producer

Following Jahbless’s recent tweet on his tweeter handle, it seems Timaya‘s producer copied Jahbless’ ‘Jeje’ instrumental and used it to produce Timaya’s track titled ‘Halleluyah‘.
Jahbless took to tweeter yesterday September 13, 2015 to call out Timaya.
Jahbless said he will drag the producer to court and Timaya should avoid such producers in future.
He tweeted:
“Hey bro @timayatimaya who ever produced that your ‘halleluyah jam’ should be jailed! ..he lifted the instrumental off my album , #iamme album track 2 “jeje ft @oristefemi ..and gave it to you. I want to believe you know nothing about it cos with your years of experience in this game you should know the consequences of copyright infringements. pls avoid such producers in future cos they might tarnish your image. And for you Mr producer, see you in court.”
As at the time of filing this report, Timaya is yet to release an official statement.

A new dawn:…as American govt. partners Nollywood

There are indications that the government of United States of America (USA) is set to partner the Nigerian film industry, popularly called Nollywood, particularly in the areas of co-production treaties, protection of Intellectual Property rights and distribution, among others.
The US Assistant Secretary of State on Economic and Business Affairs, Ambassador Charles Rivkin, dropped this hint when he and his team met with a high-powered 6-man delegation of Nollywood on Wednesday, at The George Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos, to discuss the challenges and economic prospects of Nollywood and how the US government can begin to officially partner the third largest film-making nation in the world.
According to Rivkin who was a former US Ambassador to France, his visit is to find a common ground between Nigeria and the USA in various sectors, including Nollywood, pointing out that the US was very much concerned about the issue of piracy and Intellectual Property protection in the sector.
“My visit today is one of a long line of engagements with U.S. in coming years and there will be other opportunities to collaborate on mutual interests. We will look at the issue of co-production treaties between our countries, getting your country to ratify and domesticate relevant World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) treaties for the protection of Intellectual Properties especially online;
getting big US production studios to invest in Nollywood particularly in the areas of cinemas and other forms of distribution in conjunction with bodies like Netflix among other symbiotic relationship,” Rivkin stated.
The Nollywood delegation included Alex Eyengho (President, Association of Nollywood Producers, ANCOP, and Vice President of the International Federation of Film Producers’ Associations, FIAPF), Zik Zulu Okafor (President, Association of Movie Producers, AMP), Adeyinka Oduniyi (Vice President, Independent Television Producers Association, ITPAN), Gab Okoye, alias Igwe Gabosky (President, Motion Picture Distributors of Nigeria, MOPIDON), Andy Amenechi (President, Directors Guild of Nigeria, DGN) and Nobert Ajaegbu (Leader, Film and Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria, FVPMAN).
Ejike Asiegbu who was to represent the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN) missed his flight from Abuja to Lagos. Ambassador Rivkin who was in Nigeria for a 3-day State visit had earlier met with the Presidency, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Trademark, Patents and Designs Registry (TPDR), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Rivkin is a friend to the film industry and has a background in the business (as an executive with Jim Henson’s production company – i.e the Muppets).