The Nation Newspaper

Category: Celebrity

  • A’Ibom Christmas Groove: Tuface, Tiwa, Wizkid, others to perform

    A’Ibom Christmas Groove: Tuface, Tiwa, Wizkid, others to perform

    Wizkid, Tuface, Tiwa Savage, and others to perform at Akwa Ibom Christmas Groove Wizkid, Tuface, Tiwa Savage will perform at the maiden edition of the Akwa Ibom Christmas groove tagged, “Ukap’isua,” scheduled to hold Dec. 26 and Dec. 27 in Uyo.

    Mr Victor Antai, state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, who made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Uyo, listed other acts to include Tekno, Phyno and many more.

    He said more than 100,000 fun seekers are also expected at the “Ukap’isua’’ groove which means the end of the year Christmas festival and would feature musical concerts, dance party and beach competitions.

    According to him, the star studded event will also include a parade of five bands along the carnival routes, University of Uyo mini stadium – Ikot Ekpene road – Aka road – UdoUdoma Avenue – Unity Park.

    He said that five bands have been named after tourist attractions and historical features in the state such as, Blue River Band, Rolling Hills Band, The Beach Town Band, The Bridge Band and The Plaza Band.

    He said, “the bands are named after tourist attractions and historical features in the state.’’

    “The bands will further expound on the significance of their respective tourism features in their costumes, presentation and parade, thereby helping to market the tourist potentials of the state.’’

    “Following our highly successful outing in `Orange September,’ a series of events organised to commemorate the 30th anniversary of our dear state.

    “The Ministry of Culture and Tourism under my supervision has decided to undertake another major event in our conscious and regular efforts to further stamp the state as a tourism destination.

    “As we all know, yuletide periods in the state have hitherto been bereft of hyped activities.

    “During this period we usually witness an outflow of human traffic into neighbouring states as indigenes and fun seekers leave the state in their numbers to other parts of the country in search of entertainment and recreation.

    “It is in an attempt to remedy this and spice up the yuletide experience for the citizens of Akwa Ibom State, while effectively marketing our huge tourist potentials that the Ministry has decided to host “Ukap’isua.”

    “We hope to create during this same period, a unique experience that will not only create recreation and entertainment, but also market our huge tourism potentials,’’ Antai said.

    He explained that “Ukap’isua would commence with the opening of the festival village, located at the auspicious Ibom Unity Park, Udoudoma Avenue, Uyo.

    Antai said that the festival village would host relaxation spots, shopping stalls and other recreational facilities.

    The commissioner expressed the commitment of the state government to focus on tourism as major source of revenue generation and jobs creation rather than depending solely on oil.

  • The Wedding Party Two: ‘AY should quit acting already’

    The Wedding Party Two: ‘AY should quit acting already’

    The much anticipated Nollywood movie, ‘The wedding party Two’ has been released in cinemas across the country on Friday December 15.

    Just like ‘The Wedding party One’ was a blockbuster, much has been expected from the second part.

    The movie, which has made over N73m on its opening weekend, breaking the N36m record set by the first part of the movie, ‘The Wedding Party One,’ on its opening weekend last year, has got lots of reactions on social media.

    A twitter user, @koladearest, has advised the comedian and actor Ayo Makun popularly known as AY to quit acting. He said:

    Another user, is of the notion that his role in ‘The Wedding party two’ was unnecessary.

    However, from posts and comments on social media, it is obvious that Nigerians are having mixed reactions on ‘The Wedding Party two.’

    While some believe it has lived up to its expectations, others think it is just overrated, over hyped and a total waste of time.

    Some viewers, who spoke with The Nation shared their views and opinions about the movie.

    According to Anie  Ufia, a student of Unilag she said

    ‘Uh, I agree that the movie was overhyped but it’s not so bad. The cast was okay. I like the fact that they brought in Nollywood legends like Patience Ozokwor and Chinwetalu Agu. The humor too was on point with Chigul and Seyilaw, loved their scenes.

    One of my problems with the movie however is that it’s too short. It seemed like I was watching an episode of Jenifa’s diary. They didn’t work on building the story, instead left the audience to figure out the rest. I expected much more than was given from Wedding party 2. I don’t even advise them to do a Wedding Party 3 ??‍♀

    Damilola Agunloye, an entrepreneur feels the movie had elements of exaggerations. She said:

    Exaggerations in the movie was uncalled for. Why did they have to put in too many comedians and some were not even funny like AY.  The white girl’s father did better with the comedy than our Nigerian comedians.  And the movie ended too abruptly.  Everyone in the cinema shouted when the credits started rolling.  I agree they shouldnt bother with a part 3. After overhyping, people were looking forward to something splendid, people were disappointed.

    An On Air Presenter with eNRadio, Samad Abdurrahman said:

    The cast is great although having too many stars in one movie will be a bit jam-packed, cos not all the stars will get enough screen time, except them being there is just to promote the movie itself.

    It’s going to be filled with unnecessary and excessive jokes. Cos of the comedic characters starring in it.

    But overall I like the concept, the brother proposing to the white babe by mistake.

    The public, has been reacting on Twitter and here are few of their reactions:

    https://twitter.com/_Feyola_/status/941093378812469249

    https://twitter.com/cutiedammie/status/941774504119988226

    https://twitter.com/stoner_from_Nig/status/942141555497951232

     

  • Sia clocks 42 – Things you should know about her

    Sia clocks 42 – Things you should know about her

    Award winning pop star, singer, song writer, record producer and music director Sia Kate Isobelle Furler clocks 42 on Monday 18th December 2017.

    Sia who was born in 1975 in Adelaide, Australia, is a pop artist who adds a little bit of Soul and Hip-hop sometimes.

    The Australian songstress has been making waves in the music industry over the years due to her unique style of appearance and outstanding voice.  She has this signature of blonde and black wig with either a big bow worn on it or a hat. The wig serves as a covering for her face.

    When confronted with the question as to why she covers her face, she replied “music is meant for the ears, not the eyes”.

    Before she started covering her face, she showed her face a couple of times in her videos and even on the red carpet.

    It is obvious from her pictures, that she is more or less obsessed with red lipsticks and not a fan of accessories.

    Sia, in an interview with the National Public Radio (NPR), mentioned that she doesn’t hide her face because she is shy.

    Although, in the year 2016, Sia came out as bi-sexual, however in 2015, She got married to filmmaker Erik Anders.

    Her marriage to Erik dissolved after two years over irreconcilable differences.

    Sia

    The pop artist has written numerous songs that were hits in the past years which includes”Cheap Thrills”, “Titanium”(with David Guetta), “Chandelier” “Diamonds” (for Rihanna), “Pretty Hurts” (for Beyonce) and many others. She has collaborated with Zayn Malik, The Weeknd, Celine Dion, Eminem and many others.

    The album, “1000 Forms of Fear” debuted at the top of the Billboard 200, selling over 52,000 copies then.

    She has also been involved in movies like Annie (2014), Transparent (2015), Zootopia (2017), Lion (2017), Wonder Woman (2017), Fifty Shades darker (2017) providing melodious sound tracks.

    As an activist, Sia’s kindness could be seen in her love against aids on World Aids day and LGBT, she campaigns against aid, provide homes for homeless pets (especially dogs) and many other things. It is no doubt that Sia is a lover of dogs as she has pictures of dogs tattooed all over her hands.

    As an award winning singer, Sia has been nominated for series of awards and has won many of them. She has won eight APRA Awards, ten ARIA Awards, MTV Video Music Awards among many others.

    Sia is known for her stupendous lyrics, poetry, contemporary dances (with Maddie Ziegler as her main muse), weird song titles like Elastic Heart, Hostage, Fire meets Gasoline and so much more.

    Cheers to a fabulous new year for the pop artist.

    Sia

  • As K1 mourns daughter

    As K1 mourns daughter

    Life is like a multiple-track album. Some tracks are desirable songs of joy, others are unwanted dirges of loss. Fuji music maestro, K1 de Ultimate, is currently forced to listen to the latter as he recently lost one of his daughters Olaronke Wasilat Anifowose Marshal.

    The loss is doubly painful, considering that Wasilat was the only child of her late mother and one of K1’s favourites. The 34-year-old woman gave up the ghost in Mississauga, Toronto, after a brief illness. Although she moved to Canada over a decade ago, she remained close to her father who was also fond of her.

    Although the cause of her death remains yet unknown, fans have already started sending condolences to the bereaved musician even as a public statement on Wasila’s death is awaited.

  • Fred Igbinedion, Dunni Bisiriyu’s marriage end in anti-climax

    Fred Igbinedion, Dunni Bisiriyu’s marriage end in anti-climax

    It is no gainsaying that love repairs broken hearts and floods barren lands of the mind with waters of joy. But where it is mixed with ego and the uncertainties of silver-spoon romance, the rose-red wine is in danger of becoming a poisoned chalice, turning blissful unions into nightmares.

    When Esama of Benin’s son, Fred Igbinedion, stepped on the marital train with Dunni Bisiriyu, another silver spoon and Ivy League chic, it was assumed that theirs would become the gold standard for celebrity unions, an everlasting contract built on firm foundations. Not a few flower girls were green with envy as they watched Fred waltz away from their grasp.

    The passing of time has however produced a different story. Even when the going was good, some people had insisted that Fred and Dunni were playing with fire and could get burnt once the breeze blew the flames their way. Now older, wiser and estranged, with the ruins of their marriage covering the landscape, the former lovebirds would wish that they had paid more attention to the naysayers.

  • Ex-Ecobank chair Odeyemi bags title

    Ex-Ecobank chair Odeyemi bags title

    It was celebration galore at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ayegbaju, Ile-Ife, when prominent sons and daughters of the Christian faith were honoured with titles marking them out as stewards of the church saddled with the task of taking it to greater heights. Agbadas flowed freely and faces smiled brightly, but no one shone better than Chief (Dr) John Agboola Odeyemi, MFR, who was installed as the Otun Baba Ijo of the church.

    Rather than see the new feather in his decorated cap as something to crow about, the elegant former chairman of Ecobank Nigeria was a picture of humility as he accepted the onerous task of overseeing the growth and development of the church and the Christian faith at large.

    On hand to felicitate with the Obasewa of Ile-Ife were the likes of former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Alani Akirinade (rtd); former Minister of Water Resources, Bashir Awoterebo and members of the academia, politics and the business world as well as traditional rulers.

    Chief Odeyemi is a devout Christian who has been active in St. Paul’s Anglican Church and the Ile-Ife Diocese right from childhood. He is one of the foremost patrons of the Anglican faith in Ile-Ife and has donated several edifices, including a vicarage and the Children Amenity Hall, to the diocese of Ife.

  • Kayode Ajulo immortalises son

    Kayode Ajulo immortalises son

    The loss of a beloved child could sound the death-knell for many a parent. Some sink into the deep, dark ocean of grief never to be seen again, others lose their passion to live and the will to make a difference. Top lawyer and popular justice campaigner, Barrister Kayode Ajulo, is however not like every other man.

    A few weeks ago, the Ondo State-born human rights activist lost his son, Kayikunmi, in a fatal auto crash in Abuja. But rather than wallow in endless grief, the firebrand lawyer and former national scribe of the Labour Party swiftly bounced back and used the episode as fuel to further drive his passion for the safety of children, especially on the roads.

    The Master Kayikunmi Kayode-Ajulo Memorial Foundation is a new NGO that rose from the ashes of Kayikunmi’s death. Funded solely from Kayode Ajulo’s pockets and the bank account of his late child, the NGO will campaign for the establishment of policies that would ensure the safety of children everywhere.

    Already, the foundation has begun a campaign to stress the importance of child seats and seat belts in vehicles.

  • Garlands for Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuff

    Garlands for Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuff

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Princess Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuff, is in cloud nine. She is basking in the glow of multiple recognitions for the giant strides she has made in recent times. Although her motives for plunging into the murky waters of politics remain altruistic, the unexpected double recognition that came her way has left her feeling elated.

    In recognition of her sterling work to change the lives of Lagos youths for the better, the Chartered Institute of Social Administration in Abuja recently honoured her with a doctoral degree. Before she could even pop open the champagne in celebration, news of yet another award filtered in, leaving the beautiful and brilliant wife of Shehu Olubodun giddy with joy.

    Top lifestyle and celebrity magazine, City People, recognised her for her efforts as a commissioner of impeccable repute at its third annual awards. The Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State native was brimming with smiles as she mounted the podium to collect her award as family, friends and members of the Lagos State executive whooped and cheered.

  • Shade Okoya rules high society

    Shade Okoya rules high society

    The game of fashion and style is not one for slackers and niggards. Trends change swiftly and the eye-catching style of today could become obsolete tomorrow. But one woman who is adept at keeping abreast of trend is Sade Okoya. Not only does she stay one step ahead of the competition, she sets the pace while others are left gasping for air as they try to catch up.

    Whether it is a red carpet event or a formal occasion, Sade is sure to step out in an outfit that turns heads. Sade does not joke with her appearance and is hardly caught in the same outfit more than once. The wife of Aare Rasak Akanni Okoya was at the recent 84th birthday of Pa Samuel Adedoyin where her head-turning outfit captivated everyone.

  • Dewunmi Ogunsanya set for daughter’s traditional wedding

    Dewunmi Ogunsanya set for daughter’s traditional wedding

    Excitement is rippling through the circle of high society as the day approaches for the traditional engagement and wedding ceremony of the daughter of Lagos big boy, Dewunmi Ogunsanya. The reason for the frenzy is not far-fetched: the top lawyer and chairman of MultiChoice Nigeria is one man who knows how to host a high-octane party.

    Come December 17, the road leading to Dewunmi’s multi-billion naira Ikoyi mansion will be paved in red as the crème de la crème of high society join Dewunmi’s family and friends to celebrate his daughter’s big day. The successful businessman, who is also a top director at Heritage Bank, is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the event lingers in the mind for a long time.

    Although the madam of the house, Mojisola, will not be around to play the good host she was reputed for, having lost her battle with cancer a few years ago, there is no doubt that the upcoming ceremony will be top notch as Dewunmi is more than equal to the task of honouring her memory by making their daughter’s big day a memorable one.