The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Toyin Ohio-Alegbe plans big for Love Season Concert

    Toyin Ohio-Alegbe plans big for Love Season Concert

    The Managing Director of HEV Communications Limited,  ‘Toyin Ohio-Alegbe, is set, once again, to dazzle fun-loving Nigerians with the special edition of the soar-away Love Season Concert (LSC), on Friday, December 26, at Time Square, Off Ajao Road, Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos.

    The LSC, which made its debut exactly 10 years ago, “is about wholesome music, laughter for the whole family and charity for the less privileged in one place.”
    The maiden edition, which held at the Gymnasium Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, featured a parade of stellar performances from the Wellu-Wellu exponent, Sammie Okposo, Mike Aremu, Buchi, Jane Pela, Rhymesta A, among others. It also featured drama, dance and fashion exhibition.

    Ever since, the organisers have kept faith with the vision of the programme, thereby making it a must-see annual event. Besides, it has always featured some of the best among Nigerian acts, including Buchi, Koffi, Lara George, Lolo 1 and Mike Aremu, among others. In particular, the 2009 edition was significant in the sense that it coincided with the 40thbirthday of the executive producer of the programme.
    Speaking about the forthcoming event, which is being supported by MTN Magic Nuudles, Ohio-Alegbe said:  “This year edition is a blast. We shall celebrate all the artistes who have graced the LSC stage, the loyal fans who have kept the faith, the sponsor, all and sundry. Usually, up-and-coming acts are also constantly encouraged, giving them the opportunity to share the coveted LSC stage with the big names in the industry. Some of those who have enjoyed this privilege include Neo Cyril, Amadino, Chris Nice, Johnson, Hero, Skenz 1&2 and so on.”

  • Airtel partners Lagos on Countdown Festival

    Airtel partners Lagos on Countdown Festival

    Telecommunications company, Airtel Nigeria, has partnered the Lagos State Government to host the 2014 edition of the Lagos Countdown Festival.

    The Lagos Countdown Festival, which holds at the Bar Beach, Victoria Island, Lagos, from December 22, 2014 and runs into the early hours of the New Year, seeks to institute an enduring crossover tradition.

    According to the management of Airtel, the festival will provide an opportunity to bond with young Nigerians and will also create a platform for the display of some of its leading value offerings, including Airtel Trybe and Red Hot promo.

    Commenting on the event, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya, described the Lagos Countdown Festival as a glorious initiative, saying Airtel is passionate about young Nigerians and the youth culture.

    “The Lagos Countdown festival provides Airtel an outlet to interact with the youth on a more personal basis. This year, we will showcase our flagship product, Airtel Trybe, a value offering that is specifically designed to meet the aspirations of young Nigerians and the young-at-heart. We will also have on display, our revolutionary Red Hot promo to further empower more Nigerians to become millionaires.

    “The festival will be a great opportunity to celebrate and close the year in grand style. Airtel is calling on all Lagosians and Nigerians to be part of this great event. We also urge everyone to visit the Airtel stand at the venue as we will be showcasing our superior 3.75G Network,” he said.

    He also commended the efforts of the Lagos State government, adding that the initiative was consistent with Airtel’s ardent drive towards excellence.

    According to the organisers of the festival, the Lagos State Signage & Advertisement Agency (LASAA), Lagos countdown is a viable platform for commerce, encouraging brand development, job creation, leisure, entertainment and tourism.

    The festival features music performances headlined by top music artistes, an enchanting cascade of lights, fireworks and pyrotechnics, all combining to transform the Bar Beach stretch on Victoria Island, Lagos, into a melting pot for culture and commerce.

    Last year, the festival drew an audience of over 60,000 revelers, thus becoming arguably Africa’s biggest New Year’s Eve party. Every year, the Lagos Countdown kicks off in December and runs till January 1.

    The Lagos State Countdown is an initiative of Governor Babatunde Fashola which started in 2012 with the aim of putting the state on global map, in the league of cities such as New York, Dubai, London, Sydney and other major destinations that celebrate the cross over into a New Year.

  • Osun to unveil tallest traditional gong

    Osun to unveil tallest traditional gong

    History will be made this season, as Osun state unveils a special highlight of its activities that will usher in the New Year.

    In line with the popular countdown ceremonies, governor of the state, Ogbeni Raufu Aregbesola, will be unveiling the tallest traditional gong, otherwise called Agogo.

    The traditional gong, it will be recalled, was commonly used in the pre-civilised Yoruba Kingdom as means of clarion call at the village square, usually leading the people to gather and listen to the king’s message bearer.

    The event which will have everyone decked in native attire to symbolise the Yoruba culture, will hold at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo.

    Governor Aregbesola is expected to unveil the colourful chinned gong at an elaborate ceremony, to be followed by scintillating fireworks display to create a unique blend of culture, tradition and to promote tourism.

    The structure was built in collaboration with Laface Entertainment and Plus One media. According to Tunde Osinibosi of Laface Entertainment, the unveiling will not only break the Guinness book of world records, but will create a unique cultural standard set by the Yoruba race.

    “Transition players will also be offered in the unique Ipinle Omoluabi style as the world welcomes 2015 in grand style,” he said.

    Osinibosi also emphasised that according to Aregbesola’s vision, “This event will ultimately become a major yearly culture and tourism show, as the state of Osun (Ipinle Omoluabi) becomes the Mecca of the Yoruba race for those who see the traditional and spiritual need to usher in the New Year in the State of Osun.”

  • Nigeria rejects Bill Cosby?

    Nigeria rejects Bill Cosby?

    The world is against Cosby and HB Consolidated Limited might be as well.HB Consolidated recently acquired the franchise to air a localised version globally acclaimed family television show, Kids Say the Darndest Things which was presented by Bill Cosby.

    What is interesting is the television show, which had enjoyed popularity and rave reviews in Australia, Singapore, India and Italy, was rechristened as Your Kids are the Stars for the Nigerian market.

    The immediate question people have raised is, is a name change convenient now that Bill is facing sexual assault charges? Is the renaming a smart departure from the now dented image of the ace comedian?

    It should be noted that there are quite a number of spin offs of this show: in the UK, its aired as  Kids Say the Funniest Things; in Australia, Kidspeak; and Singapore has two similar shows:Kids Talk Back  and Gurmits Small Talk

    Still the question still hangs in the air. Why was it changed for Nigeria as well?

    Although Cosby is yet to be proven guilty, and cannot legally be labeled a sex offender, many have started cutting ties with him. The U.S. Navy announced it would revoke Cosby’s title as an honorary chief petty officer, which he was awarded in 2011. Cosby took it upon himself to step down as a member of the board of trustees at his undergraduate school, Temple University, on Dec. 1. And back on Nov. 26, after Massachusetts Attorney Gen. Martha Coakley’s strong urging, the University of Massachusetts Amherst cut all ties with Cosby, who is an alumnus, as did the Berklee College of Music.

    20 women are still claiming he sexually assaulted them but there is yet no confession from Cosby.

    Attempts to contact HB Consolidated were unsuccessful.

  • Agbani Darego turns 31

    Agbani Darego turns 31

    Agbani Darego turns 31 today 22nd December 2014.

    At 18 she won the Miss World beauty pageant as the first ever black woman to ever wear the crown for the beauty pagent.

    The Rivers State born model was given the prestigious award Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

    Darego has worked with several international fashion houses like Oscar de la Renta, L’Oreal, Dior, Avon, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren; and photographed in high-end fashion publications like Vogue, Elle and Marie Claire.

    After furthering her studies in New York University in 2012, Agbani returned to  Nigeria and launched her line of denim wear and bags called AD by Agbani Darego.

  • Gabriel Afolayan releases new video

    Gabriel Afolayan releases new video

    Gabriel Afolayan also known as G-fresh just released a love song Awelewa (Most beautiful) released well ahead of Valentine ’s day. Last year he released ‘Kokoro Ife’ and the popularity soared.
    The video for Awelewa was shot in Seychelles with the support of SBC (Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation), Africa film factory, High street Riviera and Golden Effects Picture.
    The video parades the great talents of Seychelles dance school and technical crew from Sri lanka.
    Enjoy

  • Elton John weds gay partner of 21 years

    Elton John weds gay partner of 21 years

    Elton John, 67, and his partner, David Furnish, tied the knot in the presence of family and friends yesterday December 21, 2014.

    John and furnish have been in a civil partnership for the past 9 years.

    They shared photos of the memorable event on Instagram with the hashtag #sharethelove. I was almost like they wanted the world to be a part of it.

    Their two sons, Zachary and Elijah, played the ring bearers at the ceremony. The couple revealed they decided to get married after England legalized same sex marriage in March 2014.

    Some celebrity guests like Hugh Grant, Victoria and David Beckham, David Williams were present to witness the ceremony

    “Sir Elton”, was knighted in 1998, and has a personal wealth estimated at £240 million ($375 million, 306 million euros).

    Early in his career, John hid his sexuality and married a woman. He later became an advocate for gay rights and has been active in the fight against AIDS.

     

  • Zee World was killed by fellow artiste –Friend

    Zee World was killed by fellow artiste –Friend

    STREET pop star, Zee World, who reportedly died of a mysterious ailment, has been laid to rest in Abule Egba area of Lagos.

    The artist who was referred to as ‘Tentebo master’ was said to have been bed-ridden for one year, as his case defied all medical solutions.

    Speaking to one of his close friends who preferred anonymity, he described the artiste’s death as the handy work of enemies.

    He said: “Zee World was a nice guy, he cared for us all like a family. Was it cloths, food or money? He gave everybody the little he had. But enemies were jealous of his progress.”

    How did he arrive at the conclusion that the people Zee World was helping were jealous of him? “The ‘walls’ have ears. They said all kind of things. Is he the only one that is singing? Why must he be the only one to give us? My conviction that these set of jealous upcoming acts killed him through diabolical means was confirm when his skin started peeling off before he died. It is just sad the way he ended.”

    The said friend is a DJ and was spotted performing somewhere around Abule Egba axis recently.

  • Deoye Peters bounces back

    Deoye Austen Peters certainly has found his feet in the troubled waters of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Still in his 40s, the former top management staff of Zenon Oil has once again chanced on the flipside of misfortune. His energy company, Austen’s Energy, located in Ikoyi, Lagos, has become a cash cow.

    After years in the limbo, things are once again looking rosy for Deoye. The latest scoop is that he has hit it big and is planning to remarry soon. His story goes to confirm that success is universally acknowledged as one with a flock of relatives while failure is an orphan no one is proud to associate with.

    While he had been written off by some of his friends, his new status is an object of public attention.

  • PMAN launches anti-piracy initiative

    THE Caretaker Committee of Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), has said that its primary objective is to fight piracy.

    The PMAN executive, headed by Pretty Okafor of the Junior and Pretty fame, made this position known during an agenda-setting world press conference which took place, Tuesday, at The Place, Ikeja.

    Calling on members to join in the push for the union’s revival, Okafor noted that, as professionals, the body is concerned about the fate of colleagues.

    According to him, the neutralization of Nigeria’s pervasive piracy menace that robs Nigerian musicians of their income is one of the association’s concerns.

    “That is why our first major assignment now is to host our traditional PMAN Patrons Dinner to showcase our new patrons which cut across party lines. Because of the fierce urgency of the moment, we hereby throw open the hosting right to all 36 States of Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory. Whichever meets our conditions shall have the right to host the event,” said Okafor.

    After the patrons’ dinner, Okafor said PMAN will announce the commencement of the programme for the hosting of the next Nigerian Music Award (NMA). In his words, the world acknowledges the speedy growth of Nigeria’s entertainment sector even though the global recognition of the entertainment sector is restricted to quantity.

    “Entertainment is a principal driver of development as countries like America, India and China have clearly proven. It has the potential of helping Nigeria to project national power across international borders to effectively influence political decisions, social culture and economic streams to the utmost benefit of our national sovereignty,” Okafor added.

    Other activities lined up by the body, according to Okafor, is to build a healthy relationship with music marketers, float the PMAN Health Insurance/Pension Retirement Plan, PMAN Biometric ID Card project, PMAN Music Distribution Network/Data Bank, PMAN Apps and Journals, PMAN African Music Festival/Awards, PMAN Music Hall of Fame as well as the PMAN HQ Building projects in Lagos and Abuja.