The Nation Newspaper

Category: Celebrity

  • 19-year-old emerges Svelte Magazine Model

    A 19-year-old commercial model, Zainab Odugbemi, has emerged as the Model of the week for Svelte Magazine.

    Odugbemi, an undergraduate of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic in Abeokuta, Ogun State, emerged the winner as she revealed the state of Nigeria with her recent photo shoot.

    Odugbemi, who is also a writer started modelling in 2017.

    “The truth is a delicate egg and maybe breaking it and making do with the yolk might just be a lasting solution to our innate chaos — the trickles of raindrops from our actions that have in turn flooded our huts and hiding places,” said Odugbemi about her shoot.

    “There’s no war or crisis in the world without religion as a major tool to its promotion, perhaps it’s high time we understood that religion, spirituality and faith are things of the mind. It’s not enough to sprawl on religious grounds day and night when hypocrisy is a founding father and the same men who made the rules today break it first.

    “But what more can we say of old men who should be in their huts but rather stretch out to drag political offices with their grandchildren? This chain of political recycling, lorded godfatherism and extreme fanaticism must end. God is a busy man, why do humans complicate it all even when they had it all?”

  • RMD praises Genevieve Nnaji

    Veteran actor, Richard Mofe Damijo, while reminiscing on how far some of Nollywood actors have gone, showered praises on his co-actor Genevieve Nnaji.

    Posting a clip from one of the movies they both featured in, the actor wrote: “Who remembers this one with @genevievennaji? We didn’t know how far this Enterprise was going to take us but we kept the faith…. didn’t fake it. Pure, organic, Told our stories the best way we knew how. Mostly from a place of our truth; look at us now.”

    Reacting to the post, one of the actor’s followers, @edenattai, wrote, “Funny but “Keeping Faith” (this is not it o) is my fav all time movie of both of you. My mom bought it in church thinking it was a Christian movie and just cos @genevievennaji face was on it.

    Read also: Poll: Atiku gaining momentum but Buhari is winning, says Eurasia Group

    You could use Gene’s face to sell anything to my mom. Love you both like Kilode #sass and #charm.”

    The actress’ latest work, ‘Lion Heart’ which is on Netflix, has since its release, been getting positive reviews.

  • Local Boy shows love to Teni

    Laaylow Entertainment artiste, Brite Benson, otherwise known as Local Boy has shown his interest in one of Nigeria’s reigning stars, Teni the Entertainer.

    The US-based Afro-Pop singer chose Teni over other Nigerian female celebrities.

    “I don’t have anybody in mind than, Teni,” said Local Boy.

    “I love Teniola because she is a great artiste.”

    Local Boy started music as an undergraduate while studying Cyber Security in the United States. Since then, he has made several appearances on big stages both locally and internationally.

    To grow his fan-base, Local Boy caught the attention of music lovers when he performed his yet-to-be-released song, ‘Sokoyokoto’ at the just concluded Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

    “This just a tip,” said Local Boy to the crowd.

    “I have a lot coming, you guys should watch out for me as I am ready to take you on a different journey. I promise to give you all good vide, anytime, any day.”

    The multi-talented act became a prominent figure in 2017, when he dropped an impressive pop single titled, ‘Slay Mama.’ He followed up with ‘One Way’ featuring CDQ.

    “One Way is just a street slang,” said Local Boy on his motive for recording the song.

    “You know, when a vehicle is touring a One way on the street, it became an offence which means the person is doing a bad thing. So, the song is to preach righteous to people who are doing wrong things.”

  • Artistes convene for ‘Break the Silence’ movement

    Some Nigerian artistes have recently gathered to condemn human rights abuse at a summit organised by actor Yomi Fabiyi. Among those in attendance at the summit with the theme, ‘Serial Human Rights Violators; a threat to Nigeria’s peace and development’ are Tope Mark-Odigie, Omo Baba, Kenny Saint Brown, Ara and Ruggedman among others.

    One of the volunteers, Nollywood actress Kemi Afolabi, spoke on several social ills and decried human rights violations, brutality and cruelty, particularly from law enforcement officers.

    The actress said she understood the efficacy of giving her voice for humanity, charity and the voiceless.

    “Yours truly made a decision with top entertainers, renowned human right experts, barristers and so on to stand by the masses,” she said.

    “Today, break the silence foundation during our human rights summit, we used the platform to educate, promote human rights protection, and say no to brutality and abuse of all forms. We are sacrificing our energy and resources to see that we educate the society on their rights as citizens.”

  • I’m fantasising a kiss with RMD

    After acting for two years, Ghanaian actress Haillie Sumney who studied Medicine in the United States is back to the Ghana movie industry. Eli, as she is fondly called, is, however, equally ready for the Nigerian movie industry. In this chat with OLAITAN GANIU, the fair-skinned actress speaks about her sojourn into showbiz, her first kiss on set, among other issues.

    You have a great passion for acting, why did you study Medicine?

    It’s because I have African parents and I believe you know what that means; they didn’t see the vision in acting. They wanted me to be a doctor, lawyer or do a professional course.

    Why a nurse, why not a doctor or surgeon?

    You know, sometimes life takes different turns. I was on that journey but for some reasons, I could not study to be a doctor.

    Considering that nursing is lucrative in the U.S., why did you decide to come home?

    My heart was never in America because my parents stay here in Africa.  So, I always wanted to come back home. At first, they weren’t supportive of my passion but now they are more encouraging. As a matter of fact, they just launched a TV station last month, and they actually want me to have my own programme on it.

    How was your first acting experience? And who are the actors you have worked with?

    My first time acting, I was a bit shy because I am more like a background person, but facing the camera was a nice experience. Acting movies is not what it seems. People see a movie and think it’s all glitters and gold. You have to start early in the morning and finish late. It is really a lot of work; I commend actors because it is not easy. Seeing the finished work is always beautiful but behind the scene is crazy: sleepless nights, drama on the set and all that. My first experience was acting in a TV series, ‘Heels and Sneakers’, which was produced by Yvonne Nelson. I also have a movie coming out called ‘A Way Back Home’ with Alex Ekubbo, IK Ogbonna and a couple of other stars. I also have a movie currently showing in the cinema called ‘Lagos Fake Life’, produced by Mike Ezuruonye.

    You are a Ghanaian, why do you want to cross over to Nollywood?

    (Laughs) Even though we have Jollof war going on, we are still brothers and sisters. Ghana and Nigeria go hand in hand when it comes to music, movies and other stuffs. Nollywood is definitely a large market and well-recognised internationally. That’s why I would I want to break into it. Also, I love Nigerians.

    We have a lot of Ghanaian actors who are actually doing well in the Nigeria movie scene. What are you bringing in that will make you exceptional?

    It is as simple as being myself, being unique and working hard. I have high hope that I will make it in the industry and don’t forget I also have my B plan, which is my nursing career.

    Is there any Nigerian actor you would love to work with?

    Yes, Geneveive Nnaji! She is a legend and classic person. Obviously, she’s a very good actress and she’s on NETFLIX now, she is breaking barriers. And I love RMD too, especially the way he carries himself. So, I would love to act with these two.

    Do you have a crush on him?

    (Laughs) No, I don’t have a crush. He is a very handsome man; I am not going to lie. Maybe, I have an inch crush for him (laughs) but I will confirm that when I see him in person. But, yes, he is a handsome man and a good actor.

    What challenges do you go through building your brand?

    Like I mentioned earlier, at first, my parents weren’t accepting my decision for acting but when they saw that I was climbing the ladder, they showed their support. I guess they just have the old school idea of my child must be a doctor, lawyer or engineer. So as a devoted Christian, they felt like entertainment is not good for me, especially when it comes to kissing and romantic aspects of acting. So people will be seeing my child kissing another man on TV. But now, they’ve embraced it and are supportive. Also, I’ve a challenge in getting payment from producers. And to be honest, I have done a couple of movies for free. So success is not built overnight.

     Does that mean your mum doesn’t have a problem with you kissing another man on TV now?

    Well, she is not seeing me kissing.

    Have you kissed on set?

    Yes, I have. Deyemi the actor was the first person I kissed in a Ghana-Naija movie (laughing). Though, we made it quick and comfortable as possible because I was kind of shy and nervous and there were so many people around, so it was weird for me.

    Delving into acting, who are you fantasising to have a kiss with?

    Seriously, I never thought of any other person than RMD.

    Tell us about your background.

    I was born in Canada and moved to America when I was two years old to stay with my family. My mother is from Ghana and my father from France. I came to Ghana for my secondary school and moved back to America to study Medicine at Riverside University in California and came back to Africa and stayed in Nigeria for a year before moving back to Ghana.

    What do you know about Nigerians?

    Nigerians are very vibrant, aggressive in a good way. They are fun people and they are very accepting.

     What about Nigerian guys?

    (Laughing) Nigerian men are very interesting. If they want something, they will fight for it. If they want a lady, they’ll fight for her. They are ready to do anything to get what they want.

     So, how many have fought to have you?

    I can’t count ooo (Laughing)!

    Make your comparison between Ghanaian men and Nigerian men.

    It will depend on what I am looking for. If I want ‘wahala’, headache and no rest of mind, then I would choose a Nigerian man. However, if I want to be taken good care of, I would choose a Nigerian man. Ghanaian men are very relaxed and sometimes they could be lazy. So, it depends on what I am looking for.

    In choosing your relaxation spot, where would that be between Nigeria and Ghana?

    I will like to settle down in Ghana because that is where I am from.

    Are you the only child?

    No, I have two brothers; one of them is actually a musician. I am the only girl and the oldest.

     Seems you were born with a silver spoon?

    Not at all, I was not, though I lived abroad for a long time but you see, the mentality that many people have with people living abroad is that you are rich. But you should see the way people are struggling abroad. For me to leave nursing and return to Africa, if it was so good, I probably would not have left. Even if you are making money, it is spent on paying bills. The American system is all about paying bills and that is why I tell people who want to relocate abroad that they should just go to school and return to Africa because it is  easier to make it here than there. I say that they have a ‘zombie’ system whereby you would work like a robot and keep paying bills; to me, you cannot excel that way.

    How many years did you practise as a nurse?

    I worked as a nurse for two and half years at Riverside Hospital. I did enjoy it; taking care of people. I just felt that nursing is not really my calling.

    Any soon-to-be released project?

    Yes, I have a TV programme that is about to go on air. It is called Vibes with Hallie, and it is coming soon on Mission Africa TV. It’s basically a talk show that focuses on health-related topics and I would also be giving health tips as well as entertainment.

    How do you think you can influence your peers and colleagues to use protection?

    This is one of the reasons why I want to have a section for health on my television show; to educate the youth in a fun and laid back way. I also hope to have seminars, rallies and school visitations, where I would talk about these issues. It is a very big issue even though we do not talk about it. We will go to hospitals; there are a lot of people dying of HIV. There are a lot of people that have HIV and do not even know that they are living with the virus because they have not tested themselves.

    Does that mean you practise what you preach?

    Yes, I do. I practise what I do.

  • Judith Audu wraps up shoot of ‘The Family’

    Award-Winning actress and filmmaker, Judith Audu, is starting 2019 on a high note, having just concluded the shoot of her latest movie titled ‘The Family’.

    A story of survival and deep secrets, in the movie, a family comes together after many years in the midst of so many secrets and everyone is scared of being exposed.

    The movie stars Tina Mba, Paul Adams, Bimbo Ademoye, Mofe Duncan, Omowunmi Dada, Kelechi Udegbe, Judith Audu, Beverly Osu, Oruaro Adia and others. It was produced and directed by Judith Audu and written by Uyoyou Adia.

    “The film has been in the works for a while now and seeing it finally come to life, all thanks to Rok TV, was really exciting and overwhelming,” said Judith, who also revealed that the film, which is going into post-production, will be available on Rok TV and Iroko TV soon.

    “I totally enjoyed filming ‘The Family’ aside the fact that it was written by a writer whose scripts and writing style I love, All the actors and crew gave their all to make sure it all comes out way better than planned, it made work so much fun and smooth. I felt really blessed to have on set and they all make work easier and I really can’t wait for you all to see it.”

    Judith is the producer of ‘Just Not Married.’

  • Banky W goes Local ahead of elections

    A week ahead of the elections which would decide whether Banky Wellington, popularly known as Banky W, would represent his Eti Osa constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, the singer has shown he is not leaving anything to chance.

    In a video which he posted on Instagram on Thursday, the musician, actor and record producer who is contesting under the platform of Modern Democratic Party (MDP) said that the people do not know the lawmaker that represents them.

    Speaking in pidgin, “If person tell you say he wan represent you, the thin be say, all the people wey sidon like 3000, I say abeg how many people among these 3000 know who our representatives be for the House of Rep? Na who be your Rep? Na only five people raise up their hands.

    “We no even fit say oga wetin you do? Because we no even know who the person be. As we dey talk about House of Representative; they get two main job. On the national level for the country and, na the people wey suppose they write the law, wey dey govern the society wey everybody suppose abide by.”

    The musician, who has the backing of his wife, had made it known that if he is elected, he will direct his main focus to the youths.

  • Gidi Fest announces Patoranking, Niniola, Teni, other performers

    The Gidi Culture Festival has announced artistes in its first line-up for the festival.

    They include Patoranking, Niniola, Teni the Entertainer, Moonchild Sanelly and DJ Neptune.

    They artistes are expected to perform at the 6th edition of the annual music, food, art, games festival which will hold on April 20, 2019.

    The festival will be presenting a carefully curated and diverse line-up of some of the most exciting acts on the continent making waves across the globe.

    Patoranking played his first major show at the inaugural edition of the festival in 2014, just as Niniola, a multi-award-winning artist has been working with Sarz to establish house music in the Nigerian pop consciousness. Her younger sister Teni the entertainer is another clear standout in the Afro-pop world.

    Johannesburg-based artist Moonchild Sanelly comes to Gidi for the first time this year and brings her empowering character and trademarked hair with her. The ghetto funk superstar draws inspiration from a rich background of kwaito, hip hop, and jazz, and turns it into a colorful combination of GQOM music, fashion, and dance. There is also the multi-award-winning, DJ Neptune, who is known for his diverse representation of sounds from across the continent.

    The popular Next Gen stage is back for a second year at Gidi Fest and features some of the underground talents moving and redefining the Nigerian sound; Boogey, Mo’ Believe, Tems, Ogranya, Mich Straaw, Blaqbonez and Dami Oniru

  • Berlinale: Durban joins discussion on African film market

    The eThekwini Municipality’s film industry unit, the Durban Film Office (DFO) will be attending this year’s European Film Market (EFM) to further strengthen African and international networks, partnerships and communication links for local filmmakers during this year’s iconic Berlinale International Film Festival, which begins this week.

    The EFM, has for three years now, hosted the Berlinale Africa Hub, an initiative described as providing an “international forum for communication and networking for African filmmakers and creatives, as well as for filmmakers who are active on the continent, in particular in its sub-Saharan regions.”

    Head of the DFO, Toni Monty explains, that the introduction of the Berlinale Africa Hub, has provided focused opportunities for African filmmakers to gather, share ideas and links globally and across the Diaspora cementing relationships and connections vital for the development of film ideas and projects.

    The DFO is a co-partner with the Durban International Film Festival, of the Durban FilmMart, a co-production market focussing on African content for film, which takes place in the City during July.

    Monty will be representing the DFO and the DFM at the market, and besides showcasing of the City as a potential location for film production, will be taking meetings with filmmakers, as well as current and potential partners, funders and investors.

    “Film markets are THE place where the business of film is actioned,” explains Monty. “It’s all about making connections, examining opportunities, being exposed to potential funders, investors, broadcasters, agents, distributors and the like, which play a vital role in ensuring a film goes from its initial idea to its end product.”

    Significantly the DFO and DFM will be represented on an important panel: “The African Film Market of the Future” at the Hub. South African filmmaker and producer of the STEPS Generation Africa Project, Tiny Mungwe will moderate this session which features Toni Monty (DFO and DFM), SA producer Elias Ribeiro, who heads up the Cape Town FilmMart, Marc Berry, exhibition relations manager from Discop and Matthijs Wouter Knol, EFM Market Director.

    The panelists will reflect on current trends in cinema, television and new media in their own experiences as conveners of key African gatherings as well as showcase their events as film markets, providing an understanding of each platform’s niche, foreseeable strategy and vision with a view to encourage industry attendance. They will get an opportunity to unpack how international gatherings like the Africa Hub can galvanise the continent, allowing for film professionals to connect despite historical restrictions within the continent, and discuss synergies, innovations and new opportunities in Africa, and its place in the Global Cinema space.

    This is one of many important panels and events planned for the Hub which includes pop-up offices, various delegation presentations, networking sessions and meetings.

    “The DFO is pleased to be attending the EFM, as it plays a key role in connecting African filmmakers to their peers and to the international film arena,” says Monty. “While our focus is on developing local filmmakers and African content, there is still a vital need to ensure that we continue to develop co-production opportunities, global distribution networks and attracts investors – and that is where these markets play a pivotal role in ensuring viable connections are made.”

  • Afonja reincarnates in Lagos

    A stage adaptation of the book, Afonja –The Rise, by Tunde Leye, was recently staged at the Musson Center, Lagos, with stakeholders in the entertainment industry emphasising the relevance of the play to modern-day leaders.

    The play chronicles the struggle for supremacy between Alaafin Arogangan and Afonja, capturing the story of a onetime Aare Ona Kakanfofo –Afonja, who was believed to have wrecked the Oyo Empire.

    Ahead of the stage play, scholars, historians and culture enthusiasts unearthed the rot in the culture and entertainment industry at a round table discussion. The debate was hinged on how history and African culture are going into extinction.

    Speakers, including ace filmmaker, Tunde Kelani, a former lecturer in the department of history at the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Ijanikin, Lagos, Mrs. Elizabeth Ajayi and a former Attorney General of Lagos State, Dapo Sasore SAN, appealed to parents and other stakeholders in Yoruba nation not to allow western culture to undermine African culture in their respective homes.

    Kelani expressed concern that sites such as Old Oyo, Osogun, Koso and Bara now lie in ruins, saying that nothing was done to preserve such heritage.

    He further noted that parents, guardians and everybody has a role to play in teaching the young history and culture.