In the vibrant world of Nigerian entertainment, few stories reflect the power of talent and mentorship as much as the collaboration between Jimoh Lateef Agbalaya popularly known as Jiron, the Kwara-born entertainer, and Olamide Badoo, one of Africa’s finest music icons.
For Jiron, this partnership was nothing short of a dream come true. Olamide, widely known for his unmatched musical prowess, embraced Jiron’s talent without hesitation or demands. In an industry where collaborations often come with a hefty price tag, Olamide proved himself a true kingmaker, offering his support purely out of admiration for Jiron’s potential.
“I didn’t even have the whole day to sit with Olamide in the studio,” Jiron recalls. “I dropped my verse, and he handled the rest with ease. When I heard his verse, it was magic. He killed it.”
Olamide’s influence didn’t end in the studio. Despite juggling a packed schedule and various projects, he made time for Jiron’s video shoot, helmed by none other than Clarence Peters, Nigeria’s celebrated cinematographer and video director. “Working with Clarence was a blessing. He made everything easy and remarkable,” Jiron shares, adding that he remains indebted to both Olamide and Clarence for their support.
Olamide’s unwavering belief in Jiron’s talent goes beyond the collaboration. He encouraged Jiron to keep promoting his craft, solidifying his reputation as an artist who uplifts others. In Jiron’s words, “Olamide is not just a great artist—he’s a kingmaker with a kind heart.”
This collaboration serves as a reminder of the importance of mentorship in the entertainment industry. With the backing of a legend like Olamide and the brilliance of Clarence Peters, Jiron is on the cusp of greatness, ready to take the industry by storm.
Femi Adebayo‘s Netflix original Yoruba movie, ‘Jagun Jagun’, has bagged 12 nominations in the 2024 Best of Nollywood Awards.
The categories include Best Indigenous, Best Supporting Actor, Director of the Year, Best Use of Makeup, Best Cinematography, Best Costume, Best Actor, Best Sound, Best Soundtrack, Best Production Design, Best Special Effect and Best Actress.
Femi wrote: “Wow Guys! We’ve done it Again !! Delighted to announce that JAGUN JAGUN – THE WARRIOR (a Netflix Original Movie) has been nominated for Twelve (12) Awards at the 2024 BON Awards.”
This exciting news comes on the heels of ‘Jagun Jagun’ receiving seven nominations in the 2024 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).
The film was released in August 2023 on Netflix and it began trending in the UK and 17 other countries within 48 hours and earned 2.1 million views in its first three days.
Singer Seun Kuti humorously shared his disappointment at not being invited to Davido’s highly anticipated wedding to Chioma, set for June 25, 2024.
During a recent episode of “Curiosity Made Me Ask” with Bae U Barbie, Kuti joked that he had trouble sleeping for a week after being left off the guest list.
He expressed that the snub hurt more due to his long-standing connection with Davido, reminiscing about how Davido and his crew used to frequent his family’s African Shrine, where they often enjoyed free drinks.
He said: “Davido would come to the African Shrine, he’d drink for free with 100 guys, without paying gate fee, but when it was time for his wedding, I didn’t get IV. I was pained, I didn’t sleep for one week,” he said.
Actress Eniola Badmus has extended heartfelt birthday wishes to Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, on his special day.
Eniola praised Seyi on Instagram, describing him as a visionary leader, the “eyes of Nigeria,” a youth ambassador, and a beloved figure.
She also fondly called him “The King of Boys,” “Oju Èko,” and “The Prince of Villa,” lauding his unwavering philanthropy, dedication to uplifting Nigeria’s youth, and his commitment to championing the people’s causes.
“Happy birthday to a visionary leader!
“On this special day, we celebrate the birth of a remarkable individual:
“The King of Boys, The Youth President, Oju Èko, The Prince of Villa
Actress Angela Okorie has addressed reports claiming she was evicted from her Lagos home over two years of unpaid rent.
In a post on Instagram, Angela dismissed the allegations made by a gossip blog.
She clarified that she wasn’t present during the supposed eviction and that her team was already in the process of moving out when the landlord and others arrived to record the incident in an attempt to embarrass her.
Angela also questioned the landlord’s credibility, asking how it was possible for a tenant to stay in the property for over two years without paying rent.
She also denied buying a house in Lekki, Lagos, as previously claimed by the blog.
Expressing anger and frustration, Angela warned the blog to provide proof and threatened to take action.
She said: “Cutie juice or cutie pie As gray hair full ur pumpum You no still get sense, how dare you, The industry and unfriendly friends has really used you for a long time, I am coming for you big time, make sure you have proof of everything you are saying, did I ever tell you I bought the house am leaving in Lekki county, I have other houses i bought, I have never told you i bought the house what is wrong with people.
“My people if you live in lagos no landlord will allow you live in his house for 2 years without rent, I wasn’t even around when they did what they did, my boys were already packing out, why are they trying to use cutie juice, that they evicted me, the thunder wey go fire you, just wait I Dey come live….”
An actress, producer, and director, Imade Osawaru has made her mark in the entertainment industry. She has done very well in a profession that men had hitherto dominated. The saying that what a man can do, a woman can do even better aptly fits Osawaru. The ever-smiling big, bold, and gorgeous graduate of Public Administration from the University of Benin (UNIBEN,) and international chef, speaks with SAM ANOKAM on her career, and project, among other interesting matters.
How did it begin with you as an actress?
I started acting at a tender age, but because of my strict Christian background, they wouldn’t want me to have anything to do with acting back then. I had to stop to pursue my educational career and even left the country for Italy to be an international chef. Now my family is very supportive of my career because they have come to the understanding and realization that this is what I want. I joined the industry officially in 2016 and became a member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) in 2019. I am currently contesting for the post of Assistant Secretary, in the Lagos Chapter. I want to see how I can give more to the industry and move the guild forward.
How does your being a chef relevant in Nollywood?
When I started producing, I was the one handling the welfare. Then, I don’t give myself tough roles because I would want my cast and crew to eat well. But now I give it to other people to handle and also to make some money. I have a cooking show on television called ‘Imade’s Kitchen’. I am planning to make it bigger. I take orders but not from everybody. When I take an order, I plan towards it so as not to conflict with my time on set. Cooking is not full time though.
How many movies have you produced so far?
To my name, I have produced Fatal Attraction, Indecisiveness, Herbs of Life, Fear, Older the Wine, The General (series), among others. I have always featured in my movies even if it is one or two roles. I have also featured in many other movies like King of Kings (Series) by Divine Touch Production, Last Affair, The Gateman, Slay Queens, Sweet Mama’s House, 30 and Single, The Pattern, The Queen of Queens, and many more.
How did you transmute from an actress to a producer?
When I started, I began as an actor. If you are working for some people, they would want to stereotype you for certain roles. All the roles they were giving me were seductive roles, a girl trying to snatch somebody’s boyfriend or husband. In that role, I must be romantically attracted to people. I thought to myself that if I continued like this, I would only be getting this kind of role which I don’t want because I can play other roles even better. That was my motivation to go into producing my movies. That was how I started producing so that I could give myself challenging roles. And since I started producing and because they saw what I could do, they started giving me other roles. Now I can play the role of a mother, sister, wife, and so on.
Which role can you not play?
I think I have played enough roles except that of a mad woman or dead person. I cannot play the role of lying inside a casket. It is scary.
How has the experience been as a producer and a woman for that matter?
It has been of different feelings because many producers would not want to call you for jobs because they will say she is already a producer, let her produce her job and act in it. That has affected me a lot. And some would say, how much can we pay her that would be enough as a producer? It has affected me in that part as well. However, the producing part has benefitted me more than the acting part. The acting part has adversely affected me relationship-wise. Anybody I was with before I started producing would have one complaint or the other with my role. You will hear, I watched a movie and you kissed in that movie, you were romancing in that movie and all that. It has been an issue. But in my movies, they would say give yourself a role where you will not kiss.
Is it that men are intimidated by your career not to approach you?
Many men are intimidated. Some Nigerian men are intimidated. When it comes to career women, some Nigerian men have issues with it.
When she is doing things for herself is a threat to them. But it is not really like that. I would say most of us who are career-driven are romantic, and respectful because we know what it takes to make money. We know how it is. They just think we want to be rubbing shoulders with them or dragging space with them.
What is your kind of man?
I just want a good kind-hearted man; caring but also God-fearing. Any religion you are in does not matter to me. Just believe that God exists. You don’t have to be rich but comfortable enough to take care of your family.
You have a fascinating fashion sense, what does fashion mean to you?
I just want to look good and smart. People think that we on the big side have certain ways that we should be dressing. No. My dress depends on my mood. I can look sexy and I look sexy for myself. If I want to look churchy, I will look that way, same thing goes for corporate, classy. I just love looking cool.
What part of your body do you cherish the most?
I cherish my eyes the most because, without it, this world is nothing to me.
What is the best compliment you have received?
You are beautiful and you are busty. But the busty part is getting irritating and too much. You hear people tell you to show it more. I don’t have to show it more because it will show regardless of whatever I wear. When you compliment me and you want to switch it into flirting, it becomes annoying.
What project do you have at the moment?
The project I have now is on hold for now. I earlier said that I am contesting for a post in the AGN Lagos Chapter. I am trying to work on my campaign and the rest. My focus is on that at the moment but immediately after the election, I will kick off my project. I and my management, J World Entertainment are working on a big project. It is a Netflix project. It is coming soon.
How much can a producer spend to produce a good movie?
For YouTube or DSTV standard, for you to make back your money in peace, N5m to me is enough. But for the cinema, the least you can spend is N15m.
How do you relax?
Just be on my bed pressing my phone. I also love going to the beach. I also love to travel. I don’t smoke but I drink socially.
Where do we hope to see you in the next 10 years?
I want to be one of the biggest producers in Nollywood.
Actress and film producer Adediwura Blarkgold has opened up about her approach to success in the entertainment industry, stating that she doesn’t feel pressured to win prestigious awards like the Oscars.
The actress said rather than be pressured; she focuses on building a lasting legacy and expanding her fan base.
“My goal isn’t centred on winning an Oscar or adding trophies to my shelf,” Blarkgold explained. “It’s about leaving a mark. Sometimes, it’s your name that holds the true power. Once your name is recognized, it cannot be forgotten. Just like Nigeria on the world map—no one can say Nigeria isn’t there. That’s what I want for my career: for people to recognize my name and associate it with meaningful work, no matter where it’s mentioned.”
The actress also shared insights into how she balances her demanding career with motherhood. Acknowledging the time-consuming nature of acting, she expressed gratitude for the understanding and support of her family.
“Acting requires a lot of time, and my family has had to be very considerate of that. There are family events I’ve missed because of work commitments, and while some understood, others didn’t. But I thank God for my family’s support. They never pressure me, even my son understands. My mother has been a great help, especially when my son was younger—she took care of him when I couldn’t be there.”
The fifth edition of the Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival with the theme ‘Reimagine,’ has received the support of the British Council through its Culture Connects programme.
The 2024 edition of the festival which will be held in Enugu from November 27 to November 30, 2024, will see a unique collaboration with the Mathare Youth Festival in Kenya (MYFF), bringing together filmmakers and creatives from Nigeria and Kenya in an unprecedented cultural exchange programme.
The theme of the film festival challenges artists to rethink traditional storytelling by integrating modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create narratives that not only drive social impact but also empower economically.
This year’s festival is set to foster creative exchanges between Nigeria and Kenya, building networks and providing a platform for artists to showcase their work to a global audience. A major highlight of the festival is the special screening of ‘The Man Died’ directed by Awam Amkpa, which will serve as the opening film of the festival.
‘The Man Died’ is a feature film inspired by the ‘Prison Notes’ of Africa’s first Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, and reflects on Soyinka’s harrowing experiences during his imprisonment. This special screening symbolises the power of storytelling to bring about social change.
Speaking during a media interaction, Ujuaku Akukwe, the co-founder and festival director of ENIFF hinted that this year’s festival promises to push the boundaries of creativity. “Our theme: ‘Reimagine,’ is not just about storytelling with technology; it’s about using these tools to explore our history, confront our realities, and imagine a better future for Africa.”
In addition to the screening of ‘The Man Died,’ the festival will feature the screening of 42 films from around the globe, alongside a diverse array of workshops, masterclasses, and industry activities.
Nigerian filmmaker ChiChi Nworah‘s ‘My Fairytale Wedding’ has screened privately to a selected audience in Lagos, Nigeria.
Organised by Africa Magic, ‘My Fairytale Wedding’ was introduced to selected guests and subscribers.
The relatable romantic comedy story led by Ramsey Nouah and Ini Edo, who doubles as an executive producer on the series, was screened on Wednesday, October 9 at The Hall, V.I., Lagos.
Directed by Dimeji Ajibola, ‘My Fairytale Wedding’ tells the story of a young lady who, with the help of magic (Kayanmata), bags the most eligible bachelor in Lagos. Can this guarantee her true love? Find out as the show enlists Nollywood’s biggest acts like Kanayo O. Kanayo, Shaffy Bello, Ayo Mogaji, Tina Mba, Lilian Esoro, and many more.
Dr. Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content & Channels, West Africa, at MultiChoice, told media at the private screening that the film is in line with Africa Magic’s mission to continuously tell relatable stories.
“It’s been a year of weddings and I’m particularly excited to announce the next big union to look forward to. ‘My Fairytale Wedding’ offers a glimpse into a tale of love with a sprinkle of magic, but not in the way you expect. With an amazing cast, this is a show you cannot afford to miss,” she said.
In attendance at the private screening were some of the star-studded cast and celebrities from the Big Brother Naija franchise.
The limited series is set to premiere on Africa Magic Showcase on October 20.
Popular microblogging platform X recently sent ablaze with conversations after a viral video of Tiwa Savage, alongside popular TikTok sensation Peller and Javis surfaced.
The 44-year-old star is seen in the video briefly revealing part of her bum to showcase a tattoo.
The clip has sparked a wave of mixed reactions online, with fans and critics sharing divided opinions on her actions.
