The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Thief belittles Lupita Nyong’o’s Oscar dress

    Thief belittles Lupita Nyong’o’s Oscar dress

    •Returns outfit, says it’s fake

    Until the dress got missing and was returned by the anonymous thief, the white custom Calvin Klein gown Lupita wore to present J. K. Simmons’s Best Supporting Actor, at the just-concluded Academy Awards, was one of the biggest stories of the show.

    It caused more stirs as police were flustered as to how her Oscar dress escaped detection when it was taken from her hotel room, but soon discovered it was thrown off her balcony.

    TMZ reported that the cameras weren’t trained on Lupita’s door and none of the cameras on the floor showed anything suspicious.

    The guy who stole the dress had called the news medium, Friday, with a road map to its recovery in The London West Hollywood bathroom where the 12 Years a Slave actress had lodged. The thief said he knew where the cameras were placed in the hallway so he was never seen. As for the dress, he claimed he threw it over the balcony and someone on the ground picked it up.

    On why he returned the dress, the thief said he took two of the pearls off the dress and down to the Garment District for appraisal, but found they were worthless. He then decided to return the dress.

    According to the thief, he regretted not taking Lupita’s Oscar gift bag instead, which he valued at $125,000.

    Meanwhile, Los Angeles sheriff’s spokeswoman Nicole Nishida said the dress found on Friday afternoon at a West Hollywood hotel “greatly resembles” the pearl-adorned Calvin Klein Collection by Francisco Costa dress Nyong’o wore to the Academy Awards.

    She said detectives are attempting to verify the recovered dress is the same one Nyong’o wore.

    Encrusted with 6,000 white Akoya pearls, Fortune estimated it was worth $150,000.

  • Winner of Diamond Bank TVC contest signs music deal

    Winner of Diamond Bank TVC contest signs music deal

    As part of his reward for winning the Diamond Bank #youneedanewbank theme song remix competition, Nnamdi Oluchukwu, aka Solitude, has signed a record deal with Major Bangz, producer of the hit tracks “Alobam” and ”Shoki.”

    The new theme song is aimed at promoting the bank as the new model for customer-focused banking in Nigeria.

    The competition which was in two phases – a dance and remix competition – required contestants to send in video entries of original dance or song remix of the TVC campaign while the public voted for their favourite videos. Entries with the highest number of votes emerged winners and their owners were rewarded with a cash prize of N250, 000 for the dance competition and N1.5 million and a record deal with Major Bangz in the remix category. Four runners-up were rewarded with cash prizes of N150, 000 each.

    Solitude, an Asaba, Delta State-based artiste, clinched the N1.5 million cash prize alongside the recording deal while The Amazing Crew, an Ilorin, Kwara State-based dance group, won the dance competition and was rewarded with N250, 000.

    “I have participated in many song competitions but #youneedanewbank was a different experience for me as the selection process was very transparent,” said Solitude who has been a musician for eight years.

    “My friend actually introduced me to the competition and we actively monitored the votes online.”

    He said further: “Based on my experience, I can confidently tell people that Diamond Bank fulfills its promises as I got everything as promised. My musical career has gotten a huge lift from this competition and I will be dropping my song, produced by Major Bangz, shortly.”

    Speaking during a courtesy visit of the winners to the bank, AyonaTrimnell, Divisional Head, Corporate Communications, Diamond Bank Plc, said the competition provides opportunities for up and coming artistes to make their mark in the fast growing Nigerian music industry.

    She said: “We had many interesting entries and Nigerians selected their favourites. We hope that the opportunities offered by this competition will help our winners realize their ambitions and also propel them to be worthy ambassadors of the country, particularly in the area of music.”

    According to Tade Davis of The Amazing Crew, it was a pleasant surprise to have won the competition.

    “We are mainly students based in Ilorin and logistics is usually a challenge for us in participating for competitions like this,” said Davis. “When we learnt of the #youneedanewbank competition we immediately applied; more so as the entries were going to be uploaded online and selection was through public voting. We are deeply grateful to Diamond Bank for making this competition truly Nigerian in outlook by creating a level playing field for all competitors irrespective of their location.”

  • Have you seen Marifa Whyte lately

    Have you seen Marifa Whyte lately

    Blessed with an appropriate blend of beauty, intellect and confidence that only few women could boast of, Margaret Whyte, fondly called Marifa, in no time metamorphosed into a high society lady in her own right. Although, not much is known about her background, the light-skinned beauty and boss of Savers Q Discount Cards began her tango with fame when she started associating herself with the high and mighty in Nigeria.

    With unmatched personality and pedigree, the then University of Lagos undergraduate’s social standing soared when she floated her own finance company and later became romantically involved with an Abuja-based millionaire.

    The relationship soon blossomed into a serious matter. Those who have spotted the beauty lately said a wedding ring now graces her finger, causing many to wonder if she has tied the knots secretly?

  • AMVCA 2015: Kunle Afolayan leads battle for N4m cash prize

    AMVCA 2015: Kunle Afolayan leads battle for N4m cash prize

    With 13 nominations in this year’s much-anticipated Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA), talented Nollywood producer and actor, Kunle Afolayan’s October 1, leads the prospect for the mouth-watering prize of N4million, staked by Amstel Malta, headline sponsors of the annual awards show.

    Other nominees include Ayo Makun (30 Days in Atlanta), Rita Dominic (The Meeting), Zeb Ejiro, O.C Ukeje, Ivie Okujaye and others.

    Amstel Malta announced its reward of N1million cash prize each, to winners of four award categories, at a Brunch organised by Multichoice at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, on Wednesday.

    According to Edem Vindah, Corporate Media and Public Affairs Manager of Nigerian Breweries, who addressed nominees and guests at the AMVCA Nominees Brunch, the cash reward will be given to winners of the Best Actor (Drama) and Best Actress (Drama) as well as Best Movie (Comedy) and Best Overall Movie.

    But October 1 will however, not eye the Best Actor category, as it did not earn nomination for its lead actor, Sadiq Daba.

    Edem explained that the brand, which has been a part of the AMVCA since its maiden edition in 2013, is very determined to celebrate the best, hence the decision to reward the winners.

    “Amstel Malta is a brand that promotes exceptional talents and those who want to be the best in what they are doing. It is indeed an awesome privilege to be part of this great project”, he added.

    Former Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO) winner, Wole Ojo, who was at the Brunch, also expressed his pleasure at the gesture.

    “This is certainly a welcomed initiative and truthfully I’m not too surprised at Amstel Malta’s decision to do this. I mean, this is a brand that has always supported the movie industry from way back. They sure know how to do it best. Everyone needs such encouragement to keep up the good work and it couldn’t have come at a better time”, he said.

    Amstel Malta with this initiative, hopes to urge its many consumers to continue steadfastly on their journey to success while it keeps on doing all it can to encourage their efforts to be the best they can be.

    The 2015 AMVCA will hold its Technical Awards on the 6th of March at the Eko Convention Centre, followed by the main awards event, the day after at same venue.

  • LADY GAGA wants 88-year-old singer to perform at her wedding

    LADY GAGA wants 88-year-old singer to perform at her wedding

    LADY Gaga, the ‘Bad Romance’ hitmaker, who got engaged to actor Taylor Kinney on Valentine’s Day after four years of dating, has reportedly asked the 88-year-old singer to perform at their upcoming nuptials.

    The blonde beauty – whose real name is Stefani Germanotta – released an album of duets, ‘Cheek to Cheek,’ with Tony last year have asked him to perform the title track together.

    A source claims the 28-year-old star has already started planning the event and wants to tie the knot at her $23 million mansion in Malibu, California later this year.

    “The estate is set in the hills above Malibu and is surrounded by undeveloped mountains. She calls it the ‘closest thing to heaven.”

    Lady Gaga recently revealed she started crying when ‘Chicago Fire’ star Taylor proposed.

    “First he gave me a Ring Pop. That was kind of amazing and I was crying, I was so excited. I said, ‘Yes!’ right away and then he pulled out the heart-shaped diamond. First it was candy. I was happy with the candy.” She said.

  • Ebonylife TV’s Baene releases first single

    Ebonylife TV’s Baene releases first single

    EBONYLIFE TV presenter, Helen Osang, aka Baene, has begun her foray into the Nigerian music industry with the release of her debut single, Sweet Me.

    The former anchor of the programme – Music Machine says it is a new chapter in her life even though she is still an active presenter. “I have released my first single, Sweet Me, and I am very excited about it. For now, I have stopped presenting Music Machine but I am presently working on a tourism program that is in post-production stage and I have a lot of time in my hands to work on more materials and the video of Sweet Me,” she said.

    The track, which is an upbeat dance hall song, talks of a girl who is happily in love and ready to tell the whole world about it, was produced by  Dver.

    On her aspirations in the music industry, the Cross River State-born beauty said, “The first target is Africa, then we will face the world.”

    For such a big dream, what is the talent that Baene is bringing on board that will stand her out? “First, my talent is real and I know I am a good dancer. I am naturally a hard working girl and with grace and favour, I will get there,” said the artiste.

  • Beatrice Abebe resurfaces

    Beatrice Abebe resurfaces

    Once upon a time on the social circuit, Beatrice Abebe, widow of late Henry Abebe, was the darling of the Nigerian high society, and she reigned supreme among notables. Being the sister-in-law to the late Stella Obasanjo, Beatrice’s fame knew no bound; and like a conspicuous gold fish, she was either spotted at every high octane party or seen in the company of her late sister-in-law. Like a deflating balloon, fame began to slip out of her grasp when Stella Obasanjo died, unfortunately thwarting the influence of the beautiful Beatrice.

    She finally resigned from the social scene last year when her husband, Henry Abebe, Director- General of the Nigerian Maritime Administrator and Safety Agency, died, throwing the social circuit into deep mourning and leaving Beatrice inconsolable. She ended her intimate romance with fame and recoiled into a shell of solitude, while she grieved over the loss of her soul mate.

    But now, the resilient socialite has resurfaced on the scene again. She has been making a gradual comeback to the social scene and was spotted recently at an event, looking cheery as she astounded many with her presence.

  • Organisers launch ticket sales for AFRIMMA 2015

    Organisers launch ticket sales for AFRIMMA 2015

    AHEAD of this year’s edition of the African Music Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) scheduled to take place in Dallas, United States on October 10, organisers have opened up ticket sales for the award show, while also revealing the event will hold at The Black Academy of Arts & Letters (TBAAL).

    TBAAL is a prestigious and historical landmark in the city of Dallas. The multi-disciplined cultural arts institution is known by many as the ‘cultural icon’ of the Dallas/Fort Worth area, and serves as the perfect venue for top flight events.

    “We are excited to collaborate with The Black Academy of Arts & Letters,” stated AFRIMMA founder, Anderson Obiagwu, adding that, “The venue represents  a rich arts, cultural and musical history, and is the perfect venue for the amazing festivities that will take place during this year’s award show.”

    According to Obiagwu, popular Nigerian comedian, Basketmouth will return as anchor of the show, and will be supported by Africa’s female comedic sensation, Anne Kasiime, from Uganda.

    He said the award show will honour some of the Africa’s top celebrities, musical artistes, managers, producers, DJs and cultural influencers.

    The 2014 show was a star-studded event that attracted guests from more than 35 cities throughout the United States as well as guests and honorees from over 17 African countries. A huge  attendance is expected for this year’s fun-filled show.

    “For those who came to last year’s show, prepare for a new level of surprises and excitement. For those who didn’t, don’t miss your chance to be a part of music history” said Obiagwu, who added: “It will be a night of celebrating Africa’s top artistes who are influencing the music scene and culture of Africa for the better.”

    He urged music fans to log on to www.afrimma.com for details.

  • Four weeks on, Bobbi Kristina still in a coma

    Four weeks on, Bobbi Kristina still in a coma

    BOBBI Kristina is not getting better. She is still unresponsive, in a coma, and showing no signs of getting better.

    Family sources say stories that Bobbi Kristina is being taken out of her coma are not accurate. The only change in treatment, according to sources, is that doctors tried weaning her off certain meds to see if she might react but nothing happened. She’s in the same condition she’s been in for weeks.

    The sources added that there have been signs of organ deterioration but she’s still basically in the same, unresponsive condition she’s been in since a few days after the accident.

    As for the tracheotomy, doctors were said to have performed the procedure not because she was getting better, but because it’s standard operating procedure when a patient might linger in a comatose state for a long period of time.

    Reports say it is possible Bobbi Kristina could hang on for a long period of time in the same state, despite signs of organ failure. It’s ultimately up to Bobby Brown to decide how long she’ll live in that state.

  • Jamo returns in ‘Eko-The Blessings Of Olofin’

    Jamo returns in ‘Eko-The Blessings Of Olofin’

    Actor Akindele Olakunle, aka Jamo, is making his comeback in a historical thriller, Eko-The Blessings Of Olofin, a story that tells the origin of Lagos as produced by Olu Fade and directed by Femi Bright, featuring Bukky Wright, Yemi Blaq and Gabriel Afolayan among others.

    The young star who is famous for roles like Jamo in civilian Barracks and Remilekun in Efo Arugbo has been away from acting for over two years and he explained the reason behind his self-imposed exile. “It was not intentional. You know, I am also a production manager and people had come to trust me with their money, I started getting more jobs as a production manager than acting roles so, I settled into it and this also gave me time to face my event planning company, Mastaplana Events. And within this period I also got married and God has blessed me with a son, but I am fully back in front of the camera”

    The actor said “it feels good to be back,” and he does not feel rusty one bit. “I am particularly excited about the movie I am making a comeback in. I played Olumegbon, the first son of Olofin and it felt really good working with the set of talents. Everyone was very professional.

    I have also done another job with Biola Suliaman, aka Semo, where I acted as Tobi, a gigolo alongside Aina Gold and the job will soon be out”.