The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • You don’t have to be in Lagos, Abuja to achieve stardom – Patience Ozokwor

    You don’t have to be in Lagos, Abuja to achieve stardom – Patience Ozokwor

    Veteran actress Patience Ozokwor aka Mama G has advised youngsters in the movie industry yet to attain stardom.

    Mama G told them to discard the idea that they have to reside in Lagos or Abuja to become stars.

    Citing herself as a good example, Ozokwor said one can become a star regardless of the State one resides in.

    The 64-year-old thespian made this known during a candle procession night in honour of the late Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and founder of Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), Madam Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, on Tuesday night in Enugu.

    The movie star decried the large number of movie stars who kicked off their career in Enugu but relocated to Lagos and Abuja on achieving stardom, forgetting their core.

    “For me, I said I am going to stay in Enugu, inside the village and when I go to Lagos, I tell them I am a village woman.

    “I stay at Ngwo in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State and God has shown me that you can become a star from anywhere.

    Read Also : Patience Ozokwor made me quit indecent dressing – Mercy Johnson

    “You don’t need to be in Lagos or Abuja. If you are good enough, they will call you even from America”, she stated.

    She added that she had received the Member Federal Republic award, and Centenary Award given once every 100 years yet remained unaware of the person that put her name there.

    “I did not even know who put my name there, so you can be picked from anywhere.

    “That is the statement I wanted to make in this industry but I am happy that I am saying it today,” she added.

  • Why I concealed my daughter’s face until first birthday – Williams Uchemba

    Why I concealed my daughter’s face until first birthday – Williams Uchemba

    Actor Williams Uchemba is celebrating his daughter’s first birthday and explained why he concealed her face from the public till this moment.

    He explained at 17, the gender and name of his first child, were revealed to him with an instruction to hide her face until she turned one.

    Not sure why he was given such an instruction, he noted he adhered to it while expressing joy he finally showed her to the world as she clocked one.

    Sharing lovely photos with his wife and daughter, Chikamara, the movie star wrote: “#kamarauchemba turns one today.

    Read Also : Williams Uchemba calls out INEC over PVCs collection

    “At age 17 years, it was laid in my spirit that my first child will be a girl and I would name her Chikammara which means (God knows more than me). I didn’t understand why until I was led to read Jeremiah 29:11 which says ‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’.

    “Certain instructions were given on how to raise her and one of them was I SHOULD NOT REVEAL HER FACE UNTIL SHE TURNS 1 (reasons I still don’t know until now) and, in much as I really wanted to share her picture, I had to obey.

    “Today 8th of February my first fruit turns one and I am happy to share all the wonderful moments we’ve shared with her in these past year. Happy birthday Ka mama #kamarauchemba Daddy loves you.”

  • Rudeboy joins Mr P to tackle Seun Kuti

    Rudeboy joins Mr P to tackle Seun Kuti

    Singer Paul Okoye aka Rudeboy has joined his twin brother Peter Okoye aka Mr P to troll Seun Kuti following the Afrobeats singer’s outburst directed at them on social media.

    The barrage of words between Kuti and Mr P started after the former hit the latter and his twin over their ‘sudden love’ for the ‘suffering masses and desire for a working system’ in the country.
    He also argued the PSquare brothers, while emphasising Mr P had no right to tell the people who to vote for claiming they had wined and dined with the ‘rich men and politicians that have continued to create hardship for the common man.

    Reacting in a series of Twitter posts, which has eight parts, Mr P tagged Seun Kuti as ‘frustrated’ urging him to pray to his deity to take away the bitterness from his heart and change his life situation.

    He said the Big Bird would be an unknown entity if it were not for his iconic dad, noting he and his brother have worked hard to imprint their names in the sands of time.

    Mr P advised Kuti to learn decorum from his nephew Made Kuti and leave other people ready to campaign for their preferred presidential candidate alone.

    The youngest son of Femi Anikulapo Kuti took a swipe at Mr P for throwing shades at him online instead of engaging him in a political debate that would elevate their followers’ consciousness about politics.
    He bemoaned the pop singer for deriding him using his late father and nephew.

    Read Also: Seun Kuti blasts PSquare over campaign for Obi

    The Egypt 80 band leader blasted the entire Okoye family for fighting and ridiculing themselves online.

    He said: “Why not call me out for political debate? Let’s discuss political debate and elevate the consciousness of our followers. Instead you begin throw shades online. Your family be like him family wey dem disgrace themselves online?

    “Dey fight, dey throw….dey use my own father and my nephew. Why you no use your own nephew talk to me, abi your own brother.

    ”Are you not proud of yourselves? After una don disgrace una whole family online finish. Yab yab unaselves. Throw una selves anyhow because of money. Senior brother, twin brother, everybody insult una lives, throw everything. You’re now using my own family to talk to me. That Made is well-behaved. Why didn’t you too copy Made when you were disgracing yourselves, Mugu!

    “After you have played for Buhari in 2015. You think they didn’t reach out to us too during that time? But we know how to say, ‘No’. Because no be everything we dey chop.

    “And let me tell you people something. In this country, until we as a people learn how to sacrifice the things wey we dey ‘chop’. Na that thing wey we dey chop naim dey f*ck us up. Naim dey diminish us.”

    Rudeboy responded: “E be like I go start to dey smoke dis Igbo ohh” and accompanied the post with laughing emojis.

  • I made my dad, Nigeria more famous – Kiddwaya

    I made my dad, Nigeria more famous – Kiddwaya

    Reality TV star, Kiddwaya Terseer has gloated about attracting more fame to his billionaire father, Terry Waya.

    He also claimed Nigerian gained more popularity on the international scene because of him.

    In an interview with Savvy Media Africa, on its 13th issue, he said the entertainment industry has become cool and globally accepted because of individuals like him.
    The former BBNaija ‘Lock Down’ housemate explained he achieved all those through the platform given to him by the organisers of the reality TV show where he did not just fully represent his state, Benue but also the country and the continent at large.

    Addressing how he’s been able to make a mark in life and business independent of his billionaire father’s name, Waya stated: “Not only have I made my father more famous but I’ve also made Nigeria more famous. This is the best time to be in the Nigerian entertainment industry and I’m one of the reasons why it’s cool to be us!

    Read Also : Stop coming to gym with body odour – Kiddwaya vents

    “I know some people will cry about the statement I just made, but I’m one of the few people who has had the pleasure of working with established institutions in the western world such as BBC, Channel 4/5, The Times, The Sun, and of course the Hollywood giant Brian Cox, etc.

    “I continue to rep Africa and Nigeria; carrying the flag for my nation. I also put Benue, my beautiful state on the map!

    Furthermore, the fitness enthusiast blasted critics who would want to disapprove of his claims, urging them to cry nonstop.

    He added: “I did that when I was on BBN so if you don’t agree with my statement then you can cry today, cry tomorrow and cry forever. Period!”

  • Seun Kuti blasts PSquare over campaign for Obi

    Seun Kuti blasts PSquare over campaign for Obi

    Seun Kuti, the youngest son of legendary Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, has lashed out at the PSquare brothers over active campaign for Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi.

    In an Instagram Live session, the Afrobeat musician fumed about the pop singers ‘sudden’ love for the populace, querying where the love was 10 to 20 years ago.

    Kuti argued people like PSquare who have wined and dined with rich men with politicians were in no position to tell the suffering masses who to vote for because they would be speaking from a biased point of view.

    He insisted only the suffering populace could solve the problems confronting the nation and not those who created or were benefitting from the problems.

    Speaking passionately, Big Bird said: “The people that are going through the pain of this country are the ones that can solve the problem of this country, not the one that are causing the pain or benefitting from it.

    “Shey after PSquare don do enough shows for all the rich men and politicians of this country, na today Peter wan dey tell me say him know what is good for Nigeria?

    “We that we abstained from that scene, we refused to condone, we refused to bow, we refused to sing any song we dem go like. No politician can hear any of my songs and smile.

    “That’s why my songs aren’t on the radio because they own all the radio. That’s why my songs aren’t on the TV because they own all the TV.

    “That’s why all the social media boys don’t praise my songs. You know why? Because these mudaf*ckers own them.

    “After they’ve played the game, they’ve hyped them up, they sit down here with you to tell you that they love you.

    “Why didn’t they love you 10 years ago? Ask PSquare why didn’t they love you 20years ago. When they were jumping up and down with PDP all over the place, with different politicians; why didn’t they love you then?”

    Read Also : Seun Kuti urges Africans to promote African-made products

    Speaking further, the 40-year-old saxophonist urged Nigerians not to be bamboozled by who spread the narrative that the country was in it worst state ever because according to him, that wasn’t the case.

    He advised them to embrace the habit of reading about the country’s history so that they are not bamboozled by such talks, stressing the nation didn’t go bad just today but had been in worse state than this in time past.

    “Did Nigeria suddenly just spoil today? Is it today? Because all of you, I don’t know what is wrong with you. Even you don’t know what is wrong with you. Did Nigeria just spoil today?

    “They go, ‘Eh Nigeria has never been this bad’. Is this worse than civil war? Nigeria has always been through civil war. So definitely Nigeria has been worse than than this. And it can still get even worse than this. Don’t let anybody bamboozle you.

    “Go and study about ‘Operation Wetie. Go and read about the First Republic in this country. You people don’t want to be historical. You don’t want to know who you are. You want to listen to the latest song,” he added.

  • I love Portable’s interviews – Olamide Baddo

    I love Portable’s interviews – Olamide Baddo

    Popular indigenous rapper and record label boss Olamide Baddo has declared love for interviews of singer Portable.

    In a recent interview with one Timi Agbaje, Portable expressed his desire to win a Grammy award.

    He said he hoped to win the ‘Best Artiste in Africa’ category at the world’s most prestigious musical award event even though such a category doesn’t exist.

    The ‘Zazu’ crooner insisted he had to be honoured by the international music body noting he didn’t want any of the local awards that were being ‘sold up and down’.

    He also questioned the musical prowess of those who have received awards, arguing they were no match for him in they were to compete.

    The ‘Ika of Africa’ also addressed the issue about why he loves to quarrel and drag people who try to rip him online.

    Read Also : I want to win ‘Best Artiste in Africa’ at Grammy- Portable

    Reacting to Portable’s speech and mannerism during his interview(s), the YBNL boss revealed he lovee everyone of them.

    “I love zazu’s interviews. You de whine?” Olamide tweeted alongside a laughing emoji.

    Portable became famous in 2022 after featuring Baddo Sneh alongside Poco Lee on what became a smash street jam, “Zazoo Zehh”.

    Since then he has continued to thrive, with his release of coinages which have becomes slangs widely used by many both online and offline, as well as new songs.

    Well-known for calling out business partners or colleagues on his Instagram page for ‘ripping’ him, he has managed to endear himself to many despite his controversial yet confident personality.

  • Princess, Samantha join Arafa, OJ Posharella for Real Housewives of Abuja

    Princess, Samantha join Arafa, OJ Posharella for Real Housewives of Abuja

    Two other members of the cast of the Real Housewives of Abuja have joined OJ Osharella and Arafa as the first season kicks off on February 17.

     The two new casts revealed are Princess Jecoco and Samantha.

     Princess Umeh-Ubaka aka Princess Jecoco is referred to as an energy queen, vibes goddess, ginger mama, and the life of the party. The trained lawyer, brand ambassador, influencer, content creator, YouTuber, and hotelier is currently the MD of the Sefcon group of hotels and married with two beautiful kids. The Borno State-born beauty has got blue blood running through her veins as she is a true princess.

     On her part, Samantha H. Homossany is a fashion diva with a bit of mystery to her. She is a mom, businesswoman, wellness entrepreneur, humanitarian, and the creative director of Zohi Taglit. She’s also the founder/director of ASTA Foundation, a non-profit organisation aimed at empowering vulnerable women and children. Samantha is passionate about art, fashion, and style. Born and raised in Benue State, Samantha is a good friend, a loyalist, and an introvert who can be extroverted when she is in the right company. She is not dramatic but will hit it off when her buttons get pushed.

  • Nollywood stars unite for Tinubu

    Nollywood stars unite for Tinubu

    Some Nollywood actors have openly endorsed the All Progressive Congress (APC) presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

     The actors spoke at a program held at the Baale of Allen’s Palace, organised by Queen Bunmi Ajibade a.k.a Mama Miliki in conjunction with Emilokan Entertainment. Those who spoke include Yinka Quadri, Jide Kosoko, and Oga Bello among others.

     According to them, Tinubu is a bridge builder across regional, ethnic, and religious lines that is capable of uniting the country.

     Speaking at the event, Quadri said he and other colleagues have identified Tinubu as an exceptional manager of resources and seasoned administrator whom they are convinced that the nation needs at this time.

     He added that Nigerians need to rise and give Tinubu an unequivocal charge to springboard Nigeria into a growth phase several leaps ahead.

     For Jide Kosoko, he said his decision to pledge his support for Tinubu isn’t based on financial reward but because of his convictions and how the politician has continued to influence and impact on the lives of individuals in the creative world in different forms.

     “For all your sacrifices, for all your efforts, God will reward you this time. If we look at the rotation of leadership in Nigeria over the years, it is very crystal clear it is Yoruba’s turn to be president.”

  • Ara empowers street kings and queens with Eko inspire me project

    Ara empowers street kings and queens with Eko inspire me project

    Keeping with her promise of empowering the kings and queens of the streets project, Eko Inspire Me by Ara, Nigeria’s first female talking drummer Aralola Olumuyiwa aka Ara has begun the empowerment.

    The street kings and queens within the Oshodi axis smiled home with different empowerment equipment such as sewing machines, vulcanizer machines, makeup kits, grinding machines, and barbering equipment, among others. The beneficiaries included Binuyo Mariam, Wahabi Muiz, Junior Rasheed, Tobi Adebanke, Adekoya Samuel, Umaru Ruth, Aliya Alao, Taiwo Kareem, Motunrayo Amos, and Wariz Yekini.

     The empowerment and talent hunt project in conjunction with the Lagos State government is in preparation for the bigger reality television show set to commence soon.

     “Today, we are starting from Oshodi and then to other parts of the state. We would go to Mushin, Lagos Island, Ojuelegba area. Apart from the talent hunt that we are doing because we have a reality TV show coming up, the Inspire Me academy where we are going to pick the top five. Today we have a talent hunt in singing, dancing, spoken word, and acting. We would pick the top five from here who would compete with the top five from other parts of Lagos, then, we would have the grand finale where we are hoping Mr. Governor would honour us with his presence. The top 20 would go into the academy where they would be in the house for 45 days, just like Big Brother. We are doing this because people look down on the streets, the regular area boy. People see them as people who can never amount to anything but we are saying that if we want to better society we need to show love and we need to empower them.”  At the event, Ara thanked God and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for signing, approving, and endorsing the project.

  • Foza Fawehinmi unveils So Far So Foza

    Foza Fawehinmi unveils So Far So Foza

    Showbiz executive, Oyinkansola Foza Fawehinmi aka Fozadoza, is set to release her debut book So far so Foza on February 17.

     The 29-year-old award-winning lawyer talks about the release date and the inspiration behind the book while unveiling the cover image in a 30 seconds clip posted on her Instagram recently.

     According to her, ‘So far so Foza’ covers Fawehinmi’s perspective and personal life right from dealing with the loss of her father, who was deceased when she was about 11 years old, through her coming of age period.

     “Foza’s upbringing as a privileged child siloed her from the realities of the teeming school-aged population like her until the loss of her father at age 11 turned things around,” a synopsis of the book states.

     Speaking further Fawehinmi said, “For many years, I’ve been keeping my story to myself and basically just focusing on doing ‘the work.’ But now, I’m learning to live a life centered around my true self and this requires me to share as much as I can about my journey, my growth, and my purpose in life.”

     So Far So Foza” is published by Zmirage Publishing and will be available for purchase on all major distribution platforms and stores around Nigeria from February 20, 2023.