Category: Celebrity

  • Tolani Otedola is taking over

    Tolani Otedola is taking over

    By Oladapo Sofowora

     

    Meeting delectable Tolani Otedola for the very first time, you would marvel at her level of composure, meekness, and respectful nature, despite her aristocratic background. Don’t be surprised when she engages you in highly cerebral conversations different from music.

    She is deeply rooted when it comes to the rudiments of business. You don’t need to be amazed at her wizardry, brilliance, and intelligence; it runs in the family. Tolani loves to communicate through music which serves as a reflection of her true self.

    Apart from being born with a silver spoon in her mouth, and exposed to western culture, she has stayed glued to uphold the true virtues of a cultured Nigerian lady who re-modified herself with her home training.

    She has often confessed that; “While I was growing with my siblings, my father imbibed some things in us that have made me a better person.

    If we make mistakes, he corrects us with love. He pampered us with the good things of life but taught us how to be hardworking.

    He has told us his wealth does not belong to us that we also need to work to make our wealth as he did. These teachings have motivated me to the point I am today.”

    The Psychology graduate from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, was captivated by music. Typically of an emotional personality, she finds solace in pouring her emotions via the writing of songs, recording and playing gigs.

    “Some of my earliest memories were the times I spent in the car with my father playing loud music. I think that was one of the reasons I fell in love with music” she divulged.

    At her well-attended album premiere titled ‘Tolani’ in Lagos, 2017, for over one hour on stage performing with a live band, she held the invited audience spellbound with her vocal dexterity and stage prowess.

     

    Read Also: Temi Otedola takes fresh air

     

    Recently, criticisms started erupting from different quarters saying she was not getting the needed support and push of her father like siblings in the creative industry got when they started.

    “Why will people say Femi is not investing so much in her career as he did for DJ Cuppy and Temi. I have never seen a supportive father like Femi.

    He is the most liberal person I know that can go any length to support his friends not to talk of his biological daughter. If He does not support her, who will??. Anytime she drops new music, Femi personally will post on all his social media platforms, canvassing people to download and make it viral.

    Let me shock you, she is doing numbers in terms of music streams and download. Femi is investing a huge amount in promoting her which most people don’t know.

    When she had her first major concert held at Terra Kulture, Lagos in 2017, millions of Naira went into that project.

    Femi also used his contacts to place her on several platforms as well. It’s a family affair and most people won’t see this. What would they gain by trying to incite hatred in a happy family?.” a source told Society Rendezvous.

     

  • Sapphire Scent boss Wale Jana’s headache

    Sapphire Scent boss Wale Jana’s headache

    By Oladapo Sofowora

     

    For cosmopolitan ladies and gentlemen within the Lagos and Abuja social radar, Sapphire Scents owned by upwardly mobile socialite, Adewale Adejana is like an everyday routine. Wearing the cologne is more like a signature for most happening dudes who take the business of smelling nice serious.

    For Wale Jana, the brain behind the scent made from the rarest essential oils which are OUD, his once flourishing business empire, raking in millions of Naira with a wide scope of distribution channel and investment seems to be going down the drain.

    Wale got into the news last year, after sharing his view about the rape allegations made by Busola Dakolo against COZA Pastor; Biodun Fatoyinbo.

    After airing his view, throwing his weight behind the popular Abuja based pastor, Wale received jabs from lots of his customers online.

    Some faulted his views stating that throwing his weight behind Pastor Fatoyinbo who was alleged of rape is disappointing.

    Some of his followers on social media even went as far as destroying his product by burning them just to show their displeasure for his support towards Pastor Fatoyinbo. Some even went as far as boycotting the purchase of his product.

    On realising most of his customers boycotting and burning his products to show their displeasure for what he scribbled on his Instagram page, Wale quickly retracted his words by rendering an unreserved apology to his customers and followers.

    From that moment, his business empire has been struggling with sales as patronage nose-dived drastically. “Patronage has dropped. I must confess to you. That comment on Pastor Fatoyinbo and Busola Dakolo saga further plunged his company into Bankruptcy.

    His damage control could not salvage the situation as many are hell-bent to teach him a lesson most especially, the women who are strong loyalist of his brands,” a source said.

    In the last few months, several investors and distributors were said to have been on his jugular for payments of entitlements, and the graduate of Bowen University was alleged to be battling to sort them all.

  • Kenny Chukwuma’s validation

    Kenny Chukwuma’s validation

    By Oladapo Sofowora

     

    Those who know Kenny Chukwuma, Managing Partner and Head of International Law, Ken and Kent Lawyers, Abuja, say he is a man of beautiful ideas.

    This, undoubtedly, is not fulsome praise, because he is admired for his brains and gut. Indeed, his wizardry as a lawyer beggars description, and he is fast becoming a shining star in the nation’s legal firmament.

    When you watch him in action, you will be enthralled by his articulation, Chukwuma, who is endowed with great poise and infectious charm, understands the importance of global citizenship and believes that as the world is becoming a global market, there is need for Africans, especially Nigerians to enjoy the freedom of traveling to different parts of the world for business, tourism and to explore international markets for foreign investments without hindrances like visas and travel permits.

    His chamber was approved to represent the citizenship by Investment programme for the Caribbean Island of Grenada, which is a sovereign island in the West Indies and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

    Most importantly, it is the only Caribbean country whose citizens can apply to live, work, and invest in the USA under the Investor Treaty US E-2 Visa.

    Speaking with Society Rendezvous, he said since it had become expedient for Nigerians to seek dual citizenship / second passports from certain countries to benefit from Visa-free travels and gain the right to live, work and invest in other continents around the world, he had assisted clients applying for Grenada Citizenship through their Citizenship by Investment program backed by the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Act 2013, Act No 15.

    According to him, the application process usually takes around 120 days and there are no requirements for residency in Grenada, interviews, or language tests.

    The well-traveled and handsome lawyer holds a Master’s degree in International Business Law from London, United Kingdom, where he lived and worked for almost two decades before returning to Nigeria in 2013 to be enrolled as Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

    He has a decade of experience in the area of Immigration Law and provides strategic advisory services to individuals and businesses operating in the ECOWAS and European Union regional markets.

  • There has been no challenge for me to return to music, says Naeto C

    There has been no challenge for me to return to music, says Naeto C

    By Sampson Unamka

    Nigerian rapper, Naetochukwu Chikwe aka Naeto C has given reasons for retiring from music after a sterling career that spanned over a decade.

    In a heartily banter with colleague and friend, MI Abaga, on Instagram Live, the 10/10 rapper said he has neither been musically motivated nor challenged to wan to return to music actively.

    “I mean of course the world is not the same without Naeto C. So my thing is that I love music and I just want to feel motivated and feel like there’s a challenge that I want to embark on because for a long time there hasn’t been like a challenge, that kind of motivation,” he opened up. “I really love music but people have to remember that human beings are human beings, we can only be human beings. So it’s not like I’m just one robot that has been programmed to make music. I have to be motivated and inspired.”

    Unknown to many of their fans, Naeto C and M.I have been best of friends after they met Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja many years back.

    READ ALSO: Shina Peters, Naeto C others for Afropolitan Vibes

    Naeto says, “We [MI and I] go way back. You’re a special guy – the kind that needs to be protected. I’m not as active as I used to be, but I know what’s going on. When you hit me up to know what the situation is, we’re not looking for clout. I’ve known you for an extremely long time. You have walked so other people can fly. For me, I felt I had to ride for you.”

    The rapper also revealed that Wande Coal’s stage name was originally Ebony. He added that he featured him first before he sang his hit single, ‘Ololufe’ under Mohits.

    Naeto C won MTV music awards 2008-Best New Musician, 2009 Channel O music video awards- video of the year and MTV Africa Music Awards 2009-Best New Artist and he was ranked among the richest and most influential artists in Nigeria.

  • Sola Sobowale shares career secret

    Sola Sobowale shares career secret

    Sampson Unamka

    Nollywood Actress Sola Sobowale has shared some secrets to staying relevant in the Nigerian movie industry.

    In a recent Instagram chat with comedian, Woli Arole, Sobowale highlighted the measures that have worked in favour of her relevance in the industry for over three decades.

    The ‘King Of Boys’ lead character says, “the grace of God which can take someone anywhere in life, being a team player, good behavior and character’ will help any personality stay ahead and relevant.

    Giving an analogy, the award-winning actress said, “In your absence as an actress and your name is mentioned, you would be joining a movie set, the crew is excited to receive you rather than grumble, the director would not want to waste money having a troublemaker on a production set. Anywhere you go in life, you must be of your best behavior, you must know how to carry people along.”

    Continuing, she says, “You have to be down to earth, be good, be nice, do unto others what you want others to do to you, philosophy of life is don’t keep taking, know how to give back, and another key is the prayer that is how I have been living my life.”

    Sobowale grabbed fame in 2001 from when she played the character, Toyin Tomato, in the popular TV drama series, ‘Super Story: Oh Father, Oh Daughter’. In 2019, the screen star was crowned Africa’s best actress at the 15th edition of the African Movie Academy Awards(AMAA) for her lead role in the blockbuster movie ’King of Boys’ which bagged three AMAA awards.

  • Naira Marley halts exuberance to embrace Ramadan

    Naira Marley halts exuberance to embrace Ramadan

    By Olaitan Ganiu

    Naira Marley has put a halt to his exuberances on social media to embrace Islam during the holy month of Ramadan.

    The 25-year-old father of three stunned his 3.1 million followers on Instagram and 1.1 million followers on Twitter to share quotes from the Quran at the start of Ramadan on Friday, April 24.

    Reacting to some of the backlashes he got from some followers on Twitter and Instagram, Naira Marley said, “You will never be able to please all of the people all of the time, so concentrate on pleasing your maker (ALLAH) because that’s what matters.”

    Before the response, the UK trained singer had mocked those calling him out by saying, “Hating on someone you should be using as a prayer point.”

    READ ALSO: Naira Marley to make COVID-19 video with Lagos State

    Naira Marley was born Azeez Fashola in 1994. In less than 14 months, he became Nigeria’s most controversial music artist with at least 3 viral songs and large followership on social media and music scene.

    He has proudly promoted sex, alcohol, and drugs in his music but said in different interviews that he gets musical inspiration from Islamic songs and Fuji music.

    The singer also revealed to Olisa Adibua in his interview on The Truth that he began a career in music after he made £250, 000 from doing odd jobs on the streets of London.

  • Sadiq Daba’s health worsens 

    Sadiq Daba’s health worsens 

    Olaitan Ganiu

    Veteran actor and broadcaster Sadiq Daba’s health is getting worse by the day and he is on the verge of losing one of his eyes.

    Daba’s health nosedived months after it was believed that he is fast recuperating.

    Four years ago, Daba was diagnosed with leukemia and prostate cancer. He was treated for the diseases after which he was later diagnosed with chronic obstructive venereal disease.

    In December 2019, an ailing Daba was honoured with an award at the Best of Nollywood Awards in Kano. The state governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, had also supported him with N1 million.

    READ ALSO: My battles with leukemia, prostate cancer —Veteran actor Sadiq Daba

    The 68-year-old actor revealed the nature of his sickness in an interview with The Nation. He said, “What I suffer from is called chronic obstructive venereal disease. It has to do with my lungs. The inside is perforated, making breathing and walking around difficult.”

    In 2015, Daba won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Inspector Waziri in Kunle Afolayan’s movie, October 1. In 2020, the actor joined Afolayan again for his upcoming film Citation.

  • COVID -19: Desmond Elliot under criticism for handwashing project

    COVID -19: Desmond Elliot under criticism for handwashing project

    Adeniyi Adewoyin

    Nollywood practitioner and lawmaker, Desmond Olushola Elliot has come under fire for his recent handwashing project in his Surulere constituency.

    A few days after the lawmaker showcased his handwashing project to further support the Lagos State government in combating the spread of COVID-19, he came under criticism from Twitter users.

    “So we constructed a makeshift cleansing mechanism, where passersby or people entering streets could wash their hands with soap and water and also sanitize before entering the streets -pilot works can be seen in these areas Olodeokuta, Ojuelegbe both sides, love gardening, Hogan Bassey, Masha bus stop, Shitta bus stop, Adelabu, Iponri, Bode Thomas and ishaga road,” Demons Elliot captioned photos of the project posted on his Instagram page.

    Read Also: Desmond Elliot joins COVID-19 fight

    Desmond Elliot
    Desmond Elliot

    Some Nigerians on social media seemed unimpressed with the project and they expressed their dissatisfaction.

    A twitter user @danny_walterr wrote; “So I came across this embarrassment on Desmond Elliot’s page. What tf is this? An upgrade to the toilet? He even had the guts to put his Face there as per Philanthropist. I want to fight!.

    “Everything here no pass 5k so don’t come at me with “at least he’s doing something” because it’s obvious some of you have signed a Life sentence to mediocrity and I won’t be a part of it! It’s the Young one that we thought would be smarter! Smh!”.

    Another user @westernerz wrote; “No matter how to expose, sound and diligent you are, once you go into politics your IQ of reasoning go from 100-0 real quick. Ask honorable Desmond Elliot”.

    “It is obvious those lovely films from Desmond Elliot may not actually be created by him. Menh if he could come up with this nonsense idea man is a scam. Except it is a case of if you can’t beat them you will join them in politics. Even bubu can do better than this”, @voiceofhope also tweeted.

  • Who will unite erstwhile friends, Okeowo and Akin-Olugbade?

    by Oladapo Sofowora

    If you need to understand the rudiments of true friendship, you need to understudy the friendship of the Asiwaju Onigbagbo of Irewon Ijebu-Ode, Sir Olu Okeowo and his erstwhile friend, the Aare Ona Kankanfo of Owu Kingdom, Prince Bolu Akin-Olugbade.

    Well, this was before their once sweet and admirable friendship suddenly turned sour.

    The one time close friends were the cynosure of all eyes at every society event they graced. Admirers and well wishers made reference to their friendship style. They practically did everything together. They attended shindigs in same attire, acquired same choice of costly automobiles, flew on same private jet and pay visits to each other at intervals. Alas, the story is now different, as they no longer see eye to eye. Their rope of friendship has been broken for over a year.

    Tongues wagged, rumours took centre stage, questions abound on the real reason for the bad blood between the duo.

    A source close to the one time besties revealed that the genesis of their feud can be linked to several issues, most of which can’t be published. It’s an issue that has piled up over the years just like a ticking time bomb, that suddenly exploded. “One of the reasons for their split is age factor. It took time for Prince Bolu Olugbade, who is in his 60’s to know, he is far older than Olu Okeowo, who is in his early 50’s. When Bolu found out Olu’s real age, as a Yoruba man, he felt Okeowo should accord him more respect. For Okeowo, a free spirited man, he felt age is just a number that must not define true friendship. Bolu was not down with that”

    Read Also: For Kola Banmeke, dedicated civil servant, true friend

     

    Another close source avered that their bad blood was further fuelled by envy and quest to outshine each other. “They were always on the verge to outshine each other at everything they do. They acquire same Rolls Royce automobile to outshine each other. They built same houses at highbrow places with similar designs. When they attend public functions, there’s stiff competition on who will spend more for the artistes singing their praises. All these played a pivotal role in their split”.

    Sources revealed to Society Rendezvous that, the billionaire businessmen have refused to sheath their swords and embrace each other like the exemplary friends they used to be, before allowing the devil come between them. “The feud between them might not be over soon. Their common friends and top billionaires have waded into the issue in a bid to resolve it amicably, but they refused to bury their past and move on. It will only take the grace of God to bring them back together”.

  • Bimbo Ademoye: I’m excited to be nominated for future awards

    NOLLYWOOD actress Bimbo Ademoye have been nominated again for The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) 2019, in the category of Prize For Acting.

    The actress said she has been under the weather revealed that the news has lessened the pains she is going through.

    “Been battling the worst and most painful cough and sore throat ever,” she said.

    “Waking up to this kinda lessened the pain.

    “It feels good to know that a huge platform like @tfaafrica has been watching and find me worthy of being nominated alongside beautiful brilliant actors. Congratulations to every single nominee in my and every other category. We’re all winners already. Above all, congratulations to every single person who has been supporting me since the very beginning. Look how far we have come. I LOVE YOU ALL.”

    Read Also: Aregbesola gets leadership awards

     

    Appreciating her mentors, Ademoye wrote“@uduakisong1 . Look mommy look. @biodunstephen look what we snagged auntie. Again a very huge thank you to @tfaafrica, I do not take this for granted.”

    Ademoye said her acting career began in 2014 when she was casted in the short film Where Talent Lies, which received accolades from the Africa International Film Festival. In 2018, she was nominated for Best Actress in a Comedy/TV series at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for her role in the film, ‘Backup Wife.’