The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Real Housewives of Abuja stars take shots at each on social media

    Real Housewives of Abuja stars take shots at each on social media

    The Real Housewives Of Abuja stars have returned with their drama and this time, they took to social media to throw shots at one another.

    In the latest episode of the show, OJ Posharella throws a listening party, which quickly turns into a drama between herself and Princess Jecoco.

    In response to the events of the party and the show, OJ took to social media to defend herself against the criticism she received from Tutupie and Princess.

    She expressed her disappointment in their behaviour and claimed that they were always late to events as well. OJ defended her tardiness by saying she was rehearsing in the studio.

    OJ was especially hurt by remarks made on the show by Tutupie and Princess that questioned the authenticity of her jewellery business. She also claimed that the ladies were not her target audience and that they didn’t understand the value of her products. She also responded to rumours about her house, saying if people weren’t talking about her, then she wasn’t relevant.

    Princess Jecoco did not take kindly to OJ’s accusations and fired back on her own social media account. She said that OJ should be grateful to her for convincing the other women to show up for her listening party, especially after OJ arrived in Lagos almost two days late.

    Princess also accused OJ of trying to turn other cast members against her since the show aired. She cleared the air on the issue of her lateness, saying that she was not actually late, but had simply made a grand entrance.”

    Tutupie was the most brutal in her response, calling OJ a liar and accusing her of being two-faced. She also accused OJ of hosting events outside her house so that nobody would come to her home while pointing out that OJ had been gossiping about her behind her back, referring to the staycation Tutupie hosted.

  • Bayanni: I don’t feel pressure being on Mavins

    Bayanni: I don’t feel pressure being on Mavins

    The name Abimbola Oladokun does not definitely ring a bell but at the mention of Bayanni, millions of fans of the young Mavin records signee will quickly jump out to see what the singing sensation is currently up to. Bayanni is one of the reigning artists from Nigeria whose songs have taken the music landscape by storm after he was discovered by music production maestro Don Jazzy. THE NATION’s ASSISTANT ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR GBENGA BADA had a chat with the youngster on his music, stardom and more

    Let’s start with your current single, which even got a remix with Jason Derulo, tell me about the feeling.

    It feels really amazing to have one of my favourite artists on my song. I am definitely ticking that off my bucket list.

    So are you working on more of such collaborations like the one with Jason Derulo from you?

    Yes, all these and more! The goal is for my music to reach every corner of the world. I will continue to work hard to make this dream come true.

    Are you planning on shooting a video for the remix soon?

    Oh yes. The video will be dropping really soon.

    So, as a youngster, what influences your music?

    I make music that cuts across all areas. My mood influences my music. I make music based on how I feel at the time.

    You joined Don Jazzy’s Mavin records after an online trend, how has that helped or changed your work ethic?

    Yes. Since I got signed into Mavin, I have improved in major key areas of my music. I have learned how to make the best use of my main instrument which is my voice. I have also learned to be consistent in my delivery, which has contributed to my relevance in the music industry.

    Don’t you feel pressured being on Mavin records with other unique and trending artists?

    No. I do not feel pressured, rather I feel motivated to do better today than I did yesterday.

    So, you are Bayaani, what does that mean?

    Bayanni is of Philippine origin, and it means someone who is brave, fearless and determined.

    I’m curious, how did you meet Don Jazzy?

    On the 22nd of December 2019, around 2:30 a.m, Don Jazzy sent me a direct message on Instagram. I was asleep but for some reason, I was feeling uneasy in my sleep, so I woke up at about 5:30 a.m, picked up my phone and the first thing I saw was a direct message from Don Jazzy saying ‘Bonjour’. It took me at least 15 minutes to process the whole thing and reply. He said he saw my freestyle videos and thought to have a chat with me. I felt great the first time I met Don Jazzy in person. It was at that moment I knew there was no going back.

    The world has accepted and is now focused on Afrobeats. How does this reality affect your music and how do you intend to keep the spotlight?

    It’s a big blessing to be part of the Afrobeats movement. One thing I am sure of is that I’ll make sure to keep the flag high.

    There’s this talk about many Afrobeats acts relying on made beats and not giving fans live band experience. Do you agree and in your opinion, how do you think artists can showcase their creativity better at live events?

    My opinion is that sometimes the stage or set up may not be conducive enough for a live band performance. I love performing live to my audience but if the stage isn’t set up well and spaced enough for my band to perform with me, it may be difficult. These are some of the reasons and it is mostly up to the organisers of events and shows.

    Tell me something not many know about Bayanni?

    Something many people don’t know about me is that I trade forex. I’m a pro forex trader.

    You are a trained accountant with a degree from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), why music?

    Well, I think everyone has that one thing they know they are best at. Mine was making music. I always knew I would do music; the signs were there from when I was a child. By the time I told my parents I wanted to pursue my music career after school, they didn’t even hinder me. They supported me whole heartedly because they already saw it coming too.

    More musicians are joining the cast of some of the biggest movies. Are you open to exploring acting?

    I have always wanted to do acting too, and I have plans to explore the movie industry as well. In time, we will see how that goes.

    In your opinion, how important is creating a unique identity for a recording artist?

    It is as important as your branding, it’s important that people are able to connect with who is behind the mic. In most cases, it strengthens the artist’s fan base.

    Tell me a bit about your fashion sense

    Most times, I like to wear what makes me comfortable

    What’s your typical day like?

    My typical day is waking up to check the forex charts, cleaning up, checking my to-do list, then carrying out my day by making sure I tick everything I have to do on the list.

    What else is in the works that fans should look forward to?

    Definitely, it has to be beautiful music, plenty of beautiful music.

    Who are your greatest musical influences and how have they influenced your music?

    Some of my greatest musical influences are Wande Coal, Olamide, Davido, Wizkid, Fela, Lagbaja (the names I remember at this point). They all had a huge impact on my music because I listened to them while growing up. I picked up a lot from their styles of music.

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  • Ayra Starr: My teachers said I would amount to nothing

    Ayra Starr: My teachers said I would amount to nothing

    Mavin records songbird, Ayra Starr has opened up on how some of her teachers opined that she would not amount to anything in life.

    During a recent podcast, Ayra Starr disclosed how some of her teachers made condescending comments about her because she painted her nails while in school.

    She recalled that a group of teachers had noticed that she had one of her nails painted in pink and they knelt her down while saying she cannot amount to anything in life if she continues that way.

    “There was a time I painted one nail pink and one teacher saw it and I remember they knelt me down and they said ‘you can never be anything if you continue like this,’ I was literally 13 or 14 years old. I had these female teachers telling me that you’re painting your nails pink, how can you be like this, you want to be useless. I was just looking at them and saying in my mind that they would be alright,” she said.

    The Mavins record star, however, singled out a male teacher who, according to her, was an inspiration that encouraged her and foresaw her future.

    “I had a teacher that inspired me and said that I would be signed to Mavin. I was 14 then and he told me to start making videos that Mavin would sign me. When I’m singing in school, he would tell me to go to church and join the choir even though he was a Muslim. He was my maths teacher.”

  • Zack Orji, IK Ogbonna, Ronke Ojo star in ‘The Will’

    Zack Orji, IK Ogbonna, Ronke Ojo star in ‘The Will’

    Zack Orji, IK Ogbonna and Ronke Ojo are three of the main stars that featured on Kool It Down’s debut project, ‘The Will.’

    The entertainment company, which has been in the industry for over 20 years, is set to release the film in May on DVDs and YouTube for a wider reach.

    ‘The Will’ focuses on the tale of a wealthy man whose home begins to experience some challenges after a new member joins the family. Some physical facts led him to take a drastic decision that his wife did not support. According to the film’s promotions manager, Olabanji Adelana, the film is expected to teach the public some lessons.

    “We made this movie just to inform everyone out there that most times, physical evidence is never enough to draw a conclusion to a situation as it might just be a ploy to distract from the actual fact. The movie is one that requires a lot of character switch so we needed people who could really interpret the roles smoothly hence our decision and we were not disappointed,” Adelana said.

  • Celestial Diary announces partnership with international publishing firm

    Celestial Diary announces partnership with international publishing firm

    Celestial Diary, a media brand that has been providing news content about the Celestial Church of Christ, has announced a new partnership with Christian Bourgois Publishing Tolkien, a well-known publishing company based in France.

    The partnership aims to publish a book that explores the history, doctrine, and culture of the Celestial Church of Christ. This book will be the first of its kind and is set to be released later this year.

    Celestial Diary has been at the forefront of providing news and insights about the Celestial Church of Christ for years. The media brand has established a reputation for providing in-depth coverage of the church’s activities, doctrines, and beliefs. The partnership with Christian Bourgois Publishing Tolkien is set to take this coverage to the next level.

    The book, which will be titled “The Celestial Church of Christ: A Journey Through Its History, Doctrine, and Culture,” will be authored by Elijah Jinadu and a team of experts in the field. The team will consist of scholars, theologians, and researchers who have dedicated their lives to the study of the Celestial Church of Christ.

    Read Also: I want to change the narrative about Celestial church, says Lade

    According to the publishers, the book will provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the church’s history, beliefs, and practices. It will cover everything from the church’s founding in 1947 to its current status as a global religious movement. The book will also explore the church’s unique doctrine and culture, including its music, dance, and attire.

    The partnership between Celestial Diary and Christian Bourgois Publishing Tolkien is expected to be a fruitful one. The two companies share a passion for providing high-quality content to their audiences. With their combined expertise, they are sure to produce a book that will be of great value to both scholars and laypeople.

    The book is set to be released later this year and will be available for purchase online and in bookstores around the world. It is expected to be a must-read for anyone interested in the Celestial Church of Christ or religious movements in general.

  • Kiekie to host Hello Mr Right

    Kiekie to host Hello Mr Right

    Skitmaking sensation Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori aka Kiekie will host season two of the sensational dating show, Hello Mr Right.

     StarTimes revealed that KieKie will host the dating reality show, which will see winners going home with N20 million worth of prizes.

     Kiekie, a talented TV presenter and content creator known for her unique style is expected to bring a wealth of experience and charisma to the show and keep viewers entertained as they follow the contestants’ journey in their search for love.

     ‘Hello Mr Right,’ is sponsored by Tolaram group, Colgate, Indomie, and Lush Hair for the second season.

     The reality dating show  brings together single men and women looking for love. The show features a series of challenges and tasks designed to help the contestants prove their compatibility and suitability for each other. The audience will also have the opportunity to vote for their favourite couples and influence the show’s outcome.

     “We are thrilled to have Kiekie on board as the host of Hello Mr Right,” said Yemi Ogundeji, Head of Production, StarTimes Nigeria. “Her energy and charm are a perfect fit for the show, and we can’t wait for our viewers to see her in action.”

     Hello Mr Right will premiere in June on ST Nollywood Plus and Novela E channels on StarTimes.

  • Search for next superstar continues as Nigerian Idol season 8 auditions resume

    Search for next superstar continues as Nigerian Idol season 8 auditions resume

    The search for the next superstar has continued as auditions for the Nigerian Idol season 8 resume for another round.

     The second round of the auditions began with a quick recap of the auditions aired last week. Goodness kick started the show by performing “Sweet Love” by Beyonce and got her gold card despite stage fright.

     In the same vein, Emmanuel Chisom, who had contested in the previous season qualified for theatre week while 17-year-old Constance got herself the golden ticket to theatre week alongside Savvy, Elita, Precious, Sandra, Ema, and Ochi.

     However, Shina, who hoped he could be the next Idol, lost his chance to go further. Daniel, Bukunola, Collins, Korede, and Moyinsola all gave their best but were asked to retry their luck next time.

     For Oscar, who’s got a background in entertainment as an actor, he failed to win the judges’ hearts after an attempt but D’banj believed Oscar would do better if he got a second chance and gave him a golden ticket.

  • Ngozi Nwosu, Sanwo-Olu to headline The Mothers Day TV Show

    Ngozi Nwosu, Sanwo-Olu to headline The Mothers Day TV Show

    Nollywood stars like Ngozi Nwosu and Gloria Anozie-Young will join First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu for the 2023 edition of The Mothers Day TV show.

     Media Industries Concept, the producers of the show, made the announcement while unveiling United Bank for Africa (UBA) as the headline sponsor.

     Executive producer of the show, Precious Eze also disclosed that the event, scheduled to hold on Sunday, May 14, will feature notable women and mothers in Nigeria.

     With the theme “Women Helping Women Grow,” also expected to grace the event are Florence Ita-Giwa, Miriam Onuoha, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, Bolaji Dada, Chief Yetunde Arobieke, Princess Samiat Bada, Quincy Ayodele, Grace Ama, Thelma Chukwunwem, Obey Etok Chima, Chidi Ihezie Okafor, Maimuna Yahaya-Abaji, Maureen Okereke, Ronnie Dikko-Kila, and Ara.

     Eze also noted that the event will highlight the importance of women’s empowerment and supporting the plight of widows in Nigeria.

     Speaking on UBA’s partnership, the Group Managing Director/CEO of UBA, Kennedy Uzoka, said, “We are delighted to partner with Media Industries Concept on this year’s edition of ‘The Mothers-Day TV Show.’ As a bank, we believe in supporting initiatives that empower women and promote gender equality and inclusivity.”

  • Airtel TV splashes N1.75m, scholarships on budding skitmakers

    Airtel TV splashes N1.75m, scholarships on budding skitmakers

    Airtel TV has splashed a total of N1.75m and scholarships on budding skitmakers that participated in the maiden edition of the Super Skit-Makers competition.

     The top three winners were rewarded with the sums of 250,000, N500,000 and N1m respectively on Wednesday, May 3 at the Airtel Headquarters, Ikoyi.

     The prize-presentation ceremony was attended by Deyemi Okanlawon and representatives of Del-York creative academy.

     The budding skitmakers were also awarded scholarships to Del-York creative academy, a top film school in Lagos while the top 10 finalists also got consolation prizes.

     For their notable participation, makers of the top 10 most viewed videos that were entered into the competition also received branded Airtel TV merchandise.

     Speaking at the event, Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Oshinlaja said, “Airtel Nigeria is excited to host the Skit-Makers and celebrate the incredible contributions of young skit makers to the comedy genre in particular, and Nigerian entertainment in general. We believe in supporting and promoting creativity in Nigeria, and with Airtel TV, we are thrilled to recognize and reward the impact of these talented creators.”

    He added: “We hope that the prizes will not only serve as a form of recognition for the winners but also as a source of inspiration to other aspiring skit makers.”

     Launched in March 2023, the Airtel TV Super Skit-Makers competition is an initiative by the fledgling platform, to recognize and reward the country’s outstanding talent in the emerging online skits genre.

  • Olamide, Adekola, others cast in Goldberg’s Eku Ise 2.0

    Olamide, Adekola, others cast in Goldberg’s Eku Ise 2.0

    YBNL boss and rapper Olamide’s collaboration with Mr Macaroni, Odunlade Adekola, and actress, Toyin Abraham, to feature in Goldberg’s new TV ad is currently being talked about by fans of the entertainers.

     The TV ad is themed ‘E Ku Ise 2.0’ and features the Goldberg’s ambassadors while reiterating the brand’s effort at promoting the Omoluabi values of hard work and enjoyment. The TVC takes it a notch higher by calling on consumers to take pride in their various professions and layer the same with excellence.

     The commercial featured a compelling story, stunning visuals, and a catchy soundtrack that captures the attention of viewers. It also brings to the fore the values of excellence, teamwork, and reward for hard work, among others.

     The storyline of the TVC is based on the idea of a concert where different professionals work hard behind the scenes to create a memorable experience for the audience. This story saw Olamide playing the role of a painter, Mr Macaroni, playing the role of a photographer, Adekola, playing the role of a fashion designer, and Abraham, playing the role of a makeup artist.

     Also in the TVC are DJ Enimoney, and Iyabo Ojo also featured in the TVC further harping on the brand’s message.

     Senior Brand Manager, Goldberg, Kunle Aroyehun, said: “The commercial’s story further underscores what we are able to achieve as a collective when we all work hard, and layer it with excellence and enthusiasm. Our team has worked tirelessly to create a powerful and engaging message that reflects the ‘Omoluabi’ values that the Goldberg brand embodies. We hope that this commercial inspires our consumers and indeed everyone to work hard, chase their dreams, and enjoy the rewards of their labour.”