The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Ebola: Kunle, Gabriel Afolayan isolated at Seychelles

    Ebola: Kunle, Gabriel Afolayan isolated at Seychelles

    Alot has been said or written about the Ebola Virus, which is currently ravaging some parts of Africa.

    Consequently, as part of efforts to fight the scourge, some yet-to-be-infested countries have started taking pre-emptive measures. Only recently, Saudi Arabia suspended the issuance of pilgrimage visa and by extension, any flight from West Africa coming into the Arab country.

    Following that lead, though in a more subtle manner, the Republic of Seychelles has started screening visitors from West African countries. As a result, top Nollywood filmmaker and actor, Kunle Afolayan and his brother, actor Gabriel Afolayan, came under thorough scrutiny, recently.

    According to Afolayan, an award-winning filmmaker, “We landed in the Republic of Seychelles safe and sound. Gabriel and I were isolated from the other Kenyan crew that went we us and we were made to sign plenty forms because we came from West Africa (Ebola region). Gabriel didn’t have his yellow fever card, so he had to do a test the following day and take the result back to the health section of the airport. Thanks to SBC for the rescue and warm welcome,” Kunle stated.

    Kunle and his brother are in Seychelles to shoot a movie.

  • Genevieve spends fun time with Act The Part winner

    Genevieve spends fun time with Act The Part winner

    It was an exciting weekend for 18-year-old aspiring actress, Bola Suru, who emerged winner of Act The Part, an online acting competition overseen by star actress, Genevieve Nnaji.

    Suru, a university admission-seeker, beat two other finalists, Michael Akan and Chioma Okoye, to the prize of an exquisite makeover and VIP dinner with Nnaji, courtesy of Amstel Malta.

    The competition, Act The Part, is an activation for the Amstel Malta brand, which the actress has been contracted to promote.

    The deal had required fans to act any role from a selected movie of their choice in just two minutes and upload to the brand’s website.

    Staying true to her promise, Nnaji, last Saturday, treated Suru to a superb dinner at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The Amstel Malta ambassador, who was clad in a mustard-colour dress by Halston and Heritage, shared fun memories with the aspiring actress and talked about her thriving real estate business.

    Suru, who could not contain her joy, said:

    “I’ve never felt like this in all the 18 years of my life. This is practically the best day of my life and I can’t thank Amstel Malta enough for this”, she said joyously.

    Apparently overwhelmed by her mentorship role, Genevieve too expressed excitement for the initiative. “I’m very glad and thankful to Amstel Malta to have given me this opportunity to meet this amazing young woman. She’s certainly a bundle of talent and I’m willing to support her acting career in every way I can,” she said.

    The winner also had a full body makeover, courtesy of Amstel Malta, before spending the evening with the star, after which she took home several cartons of Amstel Malta can drinks.

  • FIBAN: Members for FRCN training

    FIBAN: Members for FRCN training

    In line with the vision to ensure improved service delivery by its members, the leadership of the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters’ Association of Nigeria (FIBAN) has undertaken the sponsorship of eight members to the ongoing training programme of the Radio Nigeria Training School.

    This, according to Yemi Sonde, President of FIBAN, is in fulfillment of his administration’s promise at inception.

    In a recent interview with The Nation, Sonde, also a movie producer, had disclosed that his campaign promises revolved around four cardinal points: building the FIBAN national secretariat, which will be called FIBAN HOUSE, training of members at the Radio Nigeria Training School, transparency and accountability.

    According to him, “When we talk about training, it includes workshop, internal training, encouraging members to do a lot of research and getting them to realise that they are the mirror of the society. It is not going to be all the members of FIBAN who will undergo training at this point. It is going to be in batches. I am sure you know that Radio Nigeria runs two sessions in a year. I welcome training and do a lot of research.”

    He, therefore, urged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity to improve themselves in the broadcasting profession and motivate others to follow in their footsteps.

  • First Nigerian telenovela underway

    First Nigerian telenovela underway

    The thriving market for Mexican soaps in Nigeria may decline, with a locally-produced telenovela drama series, Taste of Love, standing as the avant-garde.

    Although the series is an acquired format from Latin America and Eastern Europe, the award-winning and best-selling romance novel has been adapted for Nigerian television audience.

    The drama series, according to the producer, Micromedia Marketing Ltd., a content acquisition and distribution company, commences airing on terrestrial TV from October. It has  150 episodes in its first season.

    Featuring notable actors such as Ayo Lijadu, Yomi Obileye, Kunle Coker, Paul Adams, Wale Macaulay, Femi Brainard, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Makida Moka, Mofe Duncan, Gabriel Afolayan and Omowunmi Dada, Taste of Love tells the story of two love birds, Hadiza and Kelechi, children of two rival sugarcane- growing families who are separated by their families past and will have to overcome countless obstacles to truly be together.

    The drama dates back to the Military era of the 1990s in Nigeria, depicting the friendship, betrayal and hatred among rival sugarcane plantation families, Musa-Phillips and Pepple. Ibrahim Musa-Phillips is convinced that Jonathan Pepple has betrayed him and caused the death of his wife, Maria. Until the real dark truth comes out, their children, who fall in love with each other, will have to overcome the family hatred.

    It was shot on locations in Ilorin, Ibadan and Lagos,

    ”The story goes beyond love, intrigue, suspense and betrayal. It also takes us to the root of our culture and governance,’’ said Managing Director of Micromedia Marketing Ltd., Mrs. Shileola Ibironke.

    According to her, “the drama and movie industry in Nigeria has grown and improved over the years in its production style and it is highly important to promote our industry for sustenance and future investments.”

    The lead actors in the drama, Blossom Chukwujekwu and Makida Moka, are fast-rising entertainers who play side-by-side in the first Nigerian telenovela drama series.

    Blossom is now fondly referred to as Nollywood’s newest quintessential and bankable leading man. He got his break through Flower Girl, which has premiered to critical and commercial success in Nigeria, Ghana, United Kingdom and film festivals in United States and Canada. His next blockbuster feature film, Finding Mercy, was one of the most-anticipated and successful movies of 2013. It was the closing film of the 2013 Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in Calabar. Finding Mercy earned Blossom numerous award nominations, including Most outstanding Male Actor, Best Actor in a Lead Role, Best New Actor and Best Kiss (with Rita Dominic).

    Makida Moka came into the limelight in 2009, when she emerged the Face of Sleek at the maiden edition of the competition. This caused a major twist in her modelling career. Ever since, her profile has been on the rise. She has paraded runways at both local and international scenes and is one of the top models in the country.

    Makida also has a passion for acting, as she has recently featured in the ongoing hit web series, Gidi-Up season 1 and 2.

  • Toronto Film Festival to host Al Pacino 

    Toronto Film Festival to host Al Pacino 

    Academy Award-winning actor, Al Pacino, will grace the stage for a look back at his distinguished career at the third annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) Gala, an exclusive charity event designed to kick-off the 39th edition of the festival.

    A statement from TIFF secretariat revealed that the on-stage conversation with Mr. Pacino will be followed by a glamorous cocktail dinatoire, musical performances, a live auction and more. The event takes place at TIFF Bell Lightbox on September 3, at 7 p.m.

    “We’re thrilled to have Al Pacino participate in our third annual TIFF Gala,” said Maxine Bailey, Vice President of Advancement at TIFF. “This important event raises much-needed funds that allow TIFF to continue our free year-round activities like Reel Comfort, a programme that brings films and special guests to mental health patients at Toronto hospitals, and Pocket Fund, which provides subsidies for children and families who would otherwise be unable to participate in our educational and cultural programming.”

    “This year’s event is sure to be a party like no other,” said Lisa de Wilde, Chair of TIFF’s Board of Directors. “In its first two years, the TIFF Gala has raised more than $1 million to help fund our philanthropic activities. Whether you are an Al Pacino fan, a film lover or are just looking for a unique and inspirational night out, we encourage audiences to join us and show their support for TIFF.”

    Al Pacino, an eight-time Academy Award nominee, stars in two films in official selection at the festival: Manglehorn and The Humbling.

    After having received Best Actor nominations for And Justice for All, The Godfather Part II, Dog Day Afternoon and Serpico, Pacino won an Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in Scent of a Woman. He also won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Roy Cohn in HBO’s award-winning adaptation of Angels in America. Pacino who made his professional acting debut off-Broadway, has won two Tony awards and received the Cecil B. De Mille Award from the Hollywood Foreign Press in 2001. Pacino directed and starred in the film Looking for Richard, a meditation on Shakespeare’s Richard III, for which he received the Outstanding Directorial Achievement For a Documentary award from the Director’s Guild of America. In June 2007, he received AFI’s highest honour for a career in film, the AFI Lifetime Achievement Award. Pacino recently directed an independent documentary based on Oscar Wilde’s Salome, titled Wilde Salome.

    The organisers said proceeds from the Gala enable TIFF to continue creating and inspiring a community of engaged film-lovers, while supporting the careers of emerging filmmakers through a variety of year-round programmes at TIFF Bell Lightbox.  Tickets to the TIFF Gala are $1,500, an equivalent of N243, 825.

  • Elizabeth Atuche born again

    Elizabeth Atuche born again

    HOW times change. One of Nigeria’s high flying social birds, Elizabeth Atuche, wife of former Managing Director of the defunct Bank PHB Plc, Francis Atuche, has had to abandon her comfort zone in the social arena to seek respite in the house of God after the knocks she suffered with her husband. Today, Elizabeth is a staunch believer and ardent church attendant.

    The rumour mill has it that she was forced to seek solace in God because of her husband’s travails. Rather than sit back to enjoy the fruits of his labour for many years as a financial expert, Atuche has been a regular face in court since his inglorious exit as the helmsman at the then Bank PHB. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refused to back down on his case and appears determined to see his back as he matches into jail.

    Atuche was one of the bank chief executives who allegedly fleeced customers and shareholders of their hard-earned moneys. Atuche is answering court cases bordering on corrupt enrichment and other unethical practices, which allegedly caused Bank PHB to go down and had to be mopped up by AMCON.

    Feeling the heat as the next of kin to the embattled banker, Elizabeth has taken her husband’s case to God, perhaps for mercy and grace. She has made a sharp U-turn that saw her drop her social life to embrace the bible.

    She has also cut down considerably on her weight, wearing a new frame some say might not be unconnected with incessant prayer and fasting.

  • All eyes on Jeddy Agba and Gershom Bassey

    All eyes on Jeddy Agba and Gershom Bassey

    AS the people of Cross River State wait with bated breath to know the successor of Liyel Imoke as the governor of the state, all eyes are on the duo of Goddy Jeddy Agba and Chief Gershom Bassey. Reliable sources told Celeb Watch that the two rich dudes will emerge as the real contenders in the fight for Governor Imoke’s seat.

    Agba is the immediate past Manager, Sales and Marketing of Crude Oil Marketing Department of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. He is the son of the paramount ruler of Obudu, the popular Cross River tourism destination. Bassey, on the other hand, was one of the biggest power brokers in the days of former governor Donald Duke. He is from the central area and functions currently as the chairman of the state water board.

    Interestingly, the alleged battle between Agba and Bassey has translated into a battle between Imoke and Duke. While Duke is rooting for power shift to Cross River North and is in full support of Agba, Imoke is said to be the main force behind Bassey. As the saying goes, only time will tell.

  • AMA PEPPLE lies low

    AMA PEPPLE lies low

    AMA PEPPLE has joined the ranks of Nigerian politicians who have embraced the pulpit, preaching sermons of salvation and righteousness. We learnt that the Opobo, Rivers State-born beauty is now deeply involved with the things of the Lord, devoting the better part of her daily life to the Word.

    While information about her ordination remains sketchy, she is said to have mastered the art of mounting the pulpit to preach the gospel.

    She is one of Nigeria’s well known female technocrats who rose to the pinnacle of the civil service. She was later named the Minster of Housing, Land and Urban Development before the cabinet shake-up that relieved ministers purported to be loyal to the G-7 governors who walked out of the PDP convention last year. Her removal was more dramatic in that she was said to have gone to President Jonathan a few days earlier to plead with him to make peace with Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

    Pepple travelled abroad immediately she was sacked and has since maintained a low profile lifestyle. She enjoys the reputation of being the first female to obtain a First Class Honours in Political Science from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1975. She was also the first female permanent secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

  • About Biola Okoya’s new looks

    About Biola Okoya’s new looks

    AFTER a long stay off the social radar, Biola Okoya, the fun-loving daughter of the landlord of Oluwanisola Villa, Chief Rasak Akanni Okoya, resurfaced from the blues at a naming ceremony in Ikoyi, Lagos last Sunday. Her‎ looks betrayed all that had been written about her since her sudden departure from the social arena. She spotted a low-cut and gold-tinted hair.

    Prior to her re-emergence at the party, her whereabouts had been a subject of speculations in the media. There were different kinds of stories concerning her alleged tiff with another society lady, Fifi Ejindu and her troubled relationship with her Eleganza boss father. The speculations were not helped by the fact that she no longer attended any of her family’s functions.

    Her father, with whom she used to share a strong affinity, was reported to have been miffed by her lifestyle. His inability to whip her into line purportedly created a wedge in their relationship.

  • Banke Meshida on the ROLL

    Banke Meshida on the ROLL

    THE hand of the diligent maketh rich, says the bible. These words from the book of Proverbs appear to hold true for Banke Meshida-Lawal who, without mincing words, has paid her dues in the high society. Whatever good comes her way, therefore, would be considered as nothing but dividends of the diligence she has invested in her work over the years.

    The frontline Nigerian make-up artist has been coming up with different innovations lately. And for these, she remains at the top of the pecking order among the women of substance in need of make-up services. A video tape she released recently has enjoyed a rave review in both the new and traditional media.

    With a clientele that parades first ladies, women who have shattered the glass ceilings in the corporate world and rave-of-the-moment artistes, the Chief Executive Officer of BMPro Make-Up Studio has continued to take make-up arts to new heights. The story of make-up industry in Nigeria today cannot be complete without a mention of her.