Category: Entertainment

  • My parent’s separation caused me a lot – Charles Inojie

    My parent’s separation caused me a lot – Charles Inojie

    Actor Charles Inojie has recounted how his dad and mum got separated when he was just eight-month-old leaving him to face the brunt of their actions.

    Narrating the hardship and struggles he faced as a growing child, he opened up in an interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo.

    The actor shared that his parents split when he was just a few months old and his mother left, leaving his grandmother to care for him by breastfeeding him.

    His father remarried, and the new wife became the priority.

    The father chose to stay with her, prioritising their relationship over his son’s well-being.

    Charles Inojie disclosed that his stepmother made his life difficult, and he only lived with his father for 8 months before their separation.

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    He further revealed that when he gained admission to the university at 20, his stepmother influenced his father not to support him financially until her child was ready for university.

    Years later, he reconnected with his mother, but due to the existing emotional strain, there wasn’t a strong emotional connection between them.

    ”When I wanted to go to the University, I came back to the house to tell him I have gotten admission. The woman began to laugh, faced my Dad and told him ‘If this one has to go the University, he will wait for my own child to grow so they will go together’, that is a child I an older than with 18 to 20 years,” he narrated.

    Speaking on a reunion with his dad, he said: “I met him and we sat for close to thirty minutes, nobody talked. I was crying, he was crying. I said ‘I have to start going but that I am now out of school. My first work, they said Papa must pray for his child’. I bought a drink and put N5000 in an envelop and asked that he prays for me and he said he wasn’t going to touch it and that his conscience will not let him having not contributed a dime,” he said in part.

  • Davido, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr get Grammy nominations

    Davido, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr get Grammy nominations

    In anticipation of the 2024 Grammy Awards, some Nigerian singers and songwriters have made the list of those nominated for the prestigious award.

    The likes of Davido, Burna Boy, Olamide, and Ayra Starr have received Grammy nominations.

    According to reports, specific songs by these artists qualified for the nominations after being submitted to the event organisers.

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    The following songs are confirmed nominees for the Grammy Awards:

    – “Amapiano” by ASAKE & Olamide

    – “City Boys” by Burna Boy

    – “UNAVAILABLE” by Davido Featuring Musa Keys

    – “Rush” by Ayra Starr

    – “Water” by Tyla

    Report also shows that Davido, Burna Boy, and a few others are nominated in more than two to three categories.

    Additionally, these nominations signal the introduction of three new categories:

    – Best Pop Dance Recording.

    – Best African Music Performance.

    – Best Alternative Jazz Album.

    The Grammy Awards are scheduled for February 4, 2024, at the Arena in Los Angeles.

  • Helen Paul shares inspiring message on rejection

    Helen Paul shares inspiring message on rejection

    Famous comedian Helen Paul, popularly known as Tatafo, has shared an inspiring story of her grass to grace story.

    She posted a video on her Instagram page where she discussed about being a rejection to many at a tender age because of the situation that surrounded her birth.

    She explained how she turned her rejection into a power force.

    Helen Paul revealed that she was stigmatised since her mother gave birth to her after being raped and her aunts repeatedly reminded her that she has terrible blood and that none of her grandmother’s stipends should be spent on her.

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    Tatafo described how she was given the name Helen by an unknown man since her relatives believe she is a disgrace on their family.

    Helen Paul, who shared the video, urged her supporters not to be discouraged by the stigma from close family members, noting that she had progressed from a comedian to a professor in the United States.

    “Never feel rejected believe it to be your power force.From a comedian in Nigeria to a professor in USA.What a story!Please be alive to tell your story too. All things will work out,” she said in parts.

  • The grace to grass story of Happie Boys

    The grace to grass story of Happie Boys

    • By Adeniyi Adewoyin

    The story of two internet sensations, Matthew Kelechi and Amakor Johnson known as the Happie Boys remains one that aptly follows the phrase grace to grass. The Happie Boys became popular in less than a week after a single video shared on TikTok went viral. However, in less than a year, these internet sensations have grown to become one of the most controversial duos. ADENIYI ADEWOYIN writes.

    Internet frenzy

    The story of Happie Boys began when the video of two security guards dancing at one of the branches of Chicken Republic, a fast food chain in Nigeria, went viral in 2022. Not many would have predicted what fate holds in store for the two young men after grabbing fame as an instant internet sensations. Matthew Precious Kelechi and Amakor Johnson had shared a video of themselves dancing while on duty which caught the attention of social media users and became an instant viral.

    Job loss and outcry

    Following the instant fame, the Happie Boys were faced with immediate challenges when they were allegedly sacked for ‘unprofessional conduct’ during work hours by the management of the eatery. The news of their sack spread so fast and got fans outraged.

    Outraged Nigerians flooded social media in support of the security guards to lambast the management of Chicken Republic for dismissing the duo instead of seizing the opportunity to ride on their fame and gain more customers.

    However, the restaurant debunked the allegation stating that the Happie Boys work with a security company who assigned them to their branch and the security firm were responsible for what happened to them following the viral video.

    Pastors offers visa, scholarship

    On hearing of their story, a popular clergyman, Pastor Chibuzor Chinyere, the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), offered scholarships to the two security guards.

    Pastor Chinyere noted that the boys were too young to be working as security personnel and noted that the church is giving a scholarship to them in a university in Cyprus.

    The hitch

    Pastor’s promise seems to only last a few months as he cites high exchange rate as a reason to halt the scholarship program in Cyprus. Pastor Chibuzor reportedly asked all his scholarship recipients including Happie Boys to return home in order to transfer their studies to Nigerian Universities which he would continue to pay for but that was the genesis of their fall out.

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    Accusations

    Not happy with the new development, Happie Boys took to social media to reveal that they had been abandoned in Cyprus by their sponsor. The boys alleged that the clergy was diabolic and unloyal and claimed the pastor was doing more for other students on scholarship.

    The curse

    As their fallout escalated, Happie Boys went further to share their conversation with the clergyman on social media claiming he cursed them. The Happie Boys rescinded on their claims and took to their social media accounts to appeal to the clergyman.

    Arrested, detained in Cyprus

    Within a year, their dream of a better life has been a roller-coaster with no assurance of what the future holds. In October 2023, the Happie Boys were allegedly arrested and detained in Cyprus over unpaid school fees and risk being deported to their home country. Unconfirmed reports also alleged that Happie Boys have been deported to Nigeria and were seen in an Abuja hotel.

  • Sanwo-Olu, France pumps over N200m into creative industry

    Sanwo-Olu, France pumps over N200m into creative industry

    Lagos state governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the French government have pumped over N200 million into the Nigerian creative industry.

    This was made known at the opening night of the 2023 edition of the African International Film Festival.

    In his speech at the event, Sanwo-Olu said, “For us as a government, tourism and entertainment is part of our economic agenda. Intentionally, we will continue to support that sector because they are a critical component of our deliverable. About a month ago, we did a big launch for the groundbreaking of the Lagos Film City. Over 100 hectares of land and more than $100 million in investment, it is a signpost of our commitment to the creative space. The city will have studios that will be comparable to what we have in any part of the world.”

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    In the same vein, the French ambassador to Nigeria, Emmanuelle Blatmann revealed that a total sum of €100 million has been injected into the Nigerian creative industry through a partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    Blatmann, who attended the opening of 2023 AFRIFF with a delegation from the French embassy, said the French Minister for Foreign Affairs recently signed a €100 million financial agreement with the Federal Government to invest in the creative industry in Nigeria.

  • Davido’s ‘Timeless’ tour to hit Abuja

    Davido’s ‘Timeless’ tour to hit Abuja

    Nigeria’s international music star Davido has announced a scheduled ‘Timeless’ tour of the Federal Capital, Abuja.

    According to the singer, the concert will open his performances in Nigeria for the festive season. Davido’s ‘Timeless Abuja’ is set to hold on December 14.

    Apitainment, a leading name in premium entertainment and lifestyle experiences in Abuja, is proud to partner with Capital Music Festival to present the highly anticipated concert cum tour.

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    Apitainment and Capital Music Festival have promised an extraordinary celebration of music and unparalleled entertainment.

    Davido has captivated fans worldwide with his chart-topping hits from the Timeless Album, electrifying performances, and his eagerly awaited tour will grace the vibrant city of Abuja, creating a spectacular moment in the capital’s December festivities calendar.

  • Excitement as Praise Party premieres in Lagos

    Excitement as Praise Party premieres in Lagos

    It was indeed a star –studded evening of elegance and style at the first-ever public viewing of Anuli Ajagu’s debut film, ‘Praise Party.’

    The film stands out as the debut cinematic effort of Ajagu, the CEO of Brampton Production and RevAnuli Inc.

    Held at the City Mall in Lagos, the premiere of the Nollywood family-friendly movie had several entertainment giants and guests in attendance.

    The elated executive producer Ajagu said, “The script was inspired by life. Life happened to me specifically in 2017. I had a major family crisis and then in 2021, my only sister passed away as a result of terminal cancer. Unfortunately, it got me thinking about the fact that we do not have all the time in the world to fulfil our dreams.

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    I have wanted to make movies for about 30 years now. So, I decided to pick up the broken pieces of my life, trusting God; and here we are today with a movie called “Praise Party.”

    Set in Nigeria, the movie set to start airing in various cinemas across Nigeria from the 10th of November highlights the importance of community, seeking professional help, and how taking responsibility, counselling, faith, courage and forgiveness can be therapeutic; bringing healing and restoration to hurting souls.

    ‘Praise Party’ features Kunle Remi, Keppy Ekpenyong, Eberechukwu Bayray Nwizu, Tina Mba, Sola Fosudu, Chioma Nwosu, and Arinze Okonkwo.

  • Do2tun urges Afrobeats talents to audition for Naija Star Search Season 2

    Do2tun urges Afrobeats talents to audition for Naija Star Search Season 2

    Following the success of its inaugural season, StarTimes and Trace TV are excited to announce the opening of auditions for Naija Star Search Season 2.

    The show is offering contestants the chance to win N20 million cash and prizes.

    The online audition for Nigeria’s biggest Afrobeats show will begin from October 18 to November 22, 2023.

    In the same vein,popular on-air practitioner Do2tun has lent his voice to the reality show cum talent hunt on his social media pages.

    According to Lazarus Ibeabuchi, PR Manager, StarTimes Nigeria, the online audition is open to anyone 18 years or older with a passion for Naija music.

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    “Naija Star Search Season 2 promises to be bigger and better than ever before. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your talent and become the next Naija Star. Register now and get ready to rock the stage,” Lazarus Ibeabuchi, PR Manager, StarTimes Nigeria said.

    The first season of Naija Star Search was a huge success, attracting millions of viewers across Africa and beyond. The show featured some of the best Afrobeats talents in Nigeria and had some of the most influential Afrobeats personalities as judges, mentors and guests, led by Afrobeats legend, Kenny Ogungbe, and supported by ace producer ID Cabasa and music artist Asha Gangali.

    Naija Star Search is a unique platform for aspiring Afrobeats stars to showcase their talent and compete to become the next big thing. The show features a panel of renowned judges who provide feedback and mentorship to the contestants, helping them to develop their skills and reach their full potential.

  • Uche Jombo urges young talents to embrace collaboration

    Uche Jombo urges young talents to embrace collaboration

    Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Uche Jombo, has urged young talents to embrace collaboration as she shared her insights and encouragement during a recent industry event.

    Speaking passionately about the importance of collaboration, Jombo emphasised the importance of unity and teamwork within the industry.

    She further emphasised that young talents should look beyond individualism and embrace partnerships to achieve growth.

    Jombo, whose new movie, ‘Onyegwu’ premiered at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) believes that collaborating with fellow creatives can lead to the creation of unique and innovative works.

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    In her words, “Most of them have not gotten to a place where they are funding their own project, when you get to a place where you’re funding your own project you will know that we all kind of need each other, you will know that you have to support each other generally there’s a reason why a film is a collective effort, it’s not music.

    “There’s a director, sometimes there’s an assistant director, it takes a village to make a film. It is a collective effort and it is a collective industry so even if you don’t know when starting, in the course of your career you will learn.”

  • Wale Olomu awards committee kicks off

    Wale Olomu awards committee kicks off

    Foremost broadcaster Tokunbo Ojekunle has been announced as the Chairman of the Wale Olomu Memorial Awards’ Steering Committee.

    Ojekunle was appointed during a virtual inaugural meeting of the committee, which was held on Thursday, November 2, 2023.

    Other members of the committee are Charles Okogene (Vice Chairman), Segun Martins Fajemisin (Secretary/Diaspora Coordinator), Wale Fashina (Technical Adviser) and Ayodele Lawal (Media Adviser).

    Speaking during the meeting, the coordinator of the awards, Femi Akintunde-Johnson highlighted the roles and responsibilities attached to each position and enjoined all members to rise to their responsibilities so as to have a hitch-free award in memory of the late Adewale Olomu.

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    Akintunde-Johnson briefed the committee about some the tentative categories,  namely Music producers,Sound Engineers, Studio Managers, Music Video Editors, Artiste Managers, Band Managers, Live Show Photographers, Set  Designers, Session Men, Backup Vocalists, Percussionists, Disc /Vid Jockeys, Hype Men/Women and others.

    He also tasked them to draw up a catalogue of names as nominees to be considered for the awards with suggestions from members of the public.

    Wale Olomu award will be held between 9 and 23 December 2023 on a two hour radio programme, ‘The Vintage Talkshow’ on Top Radio 90.9 FM, starting from 7am.