The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Family unveils funeral plans for Kefee

    Family unveils funeral plans for Kefee

    •As body arrives today 

    Members of Kefee’s Memorial Committee, a coalition of the late singer’s family, friends and colleagues in the entertainment industry, have unveiled a programme of activities that will precede the deceased’s interment on July 11.

    Following an earlier statement by family of the celebrated Gospel singer, that her remains will be laid to rest at her hometown, Okpara-Inland, Delta State, a Candle Light / Service of Songs has been slated for today, at Oba Akezua Cultural Centre, Airport Road, Benin City, Edo State from 5pm – 7:30pm. The remains of the late singer, is expected to arrive from the United States today.

    Kefee’s final journey will begin tomorrow, Friday July 11, at an Home-going/Internment service at Akpevweoghene Educational Centre, Open Field, Okpara Inland, Ethiope East, Delta State from 12pm – 2pm, following which, a reception called Celebration of Kefee’s Life will hold same day, at Events Galleria, Okirigwe Junction, Sapele, Delta State, between 4pm and 7pm.

    Born Kefee Obareki, the singer passed away on Friday, June 13 in the United States, following a brief illness.

    Members of the Kefee Memorial Committee, who were in Sapele last week to commiserate with the family of the deceased, included Sammie Okposo, Nikki Laoye, Annie Ibrahim, Gordons, Princess, Linda Etukudo, Rex Anighoro, Noah Momodu, Covenant and Chika 100%.

  • ‘Foodies & Spice’ enters new TV season

    ‘Foodies & Spice’ enters new TV season

    After a season of tutorial kitchen experience with trendy local cook, Geena, host of wapTV cooking show and her celebrity guests, producers have announced readiness for another 13 weeks, with sponsorship coming from Flour Mills Nig. Plc., through the Golden Penny Pasta brand.

    Tagged ‘Pasta Parri’, the new season which premiered on June 28, featured guest appearances by several celebrities, while recipes and clips from the show is expected to elicit interactions from fans on www.foodiesandspice.blogspot.com and www.facebook.com/waptvs.

    The online forum is where fans of the programme around the world compare their creations, after following the recipes, and stand a chance of winning cartons of Golden Penny Pasta.

    “Lovers of tasty and healthy food are in for a joyous ride as Flour Mills Nig. Plc. has partnered with the show,” said Geena, who presents the programme in Pidgin English, adding fun to the art of cooking through her jokes, style and ever-smiling mien.

    A production of Geenamoore & Associates and wapTV, the show airs on wapTV every Saturday at 7:30pm with repeat broadcast on Thursdays at 5pm.

  • August date for Half of a Yellow Sun release in Nigeria

    August date for Half of a Yellow Sun release in Nigeria

    Following its eventual certification by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), distributors of the much-talked-about high-budget Nigerian film, Half of a Yellow Sun, have fixed August 1, as release date for the film in Nigerian cinemas.

    Producers of the movie had cancelled the initial release date of April 25, knowing it will be afoul with the law to go public, without the endorsement of the regulatory agency.

    The Censored Board had frowned at some violence scenes in the movie, which it said could incite ethnic unrest in the country.

    The movie, an adaptation of Chimamanda Adichie’s book on the Nigerian civil war, is a directorial debut by Biyi Bandele, a Nigerian playwright based in England.

    Although, the flick, which features Oscar-nominated actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, BAFTA award – winning actor Thandie Newton, Anika Noni Rose and AMAA winners Genevieve Nnaji, Onyeka Onwenu, Zack Orji and O.C Ukeje is being promoted as a love story, centered around the Biafra war, snapshots of genocide, plotted around the love characters to elicit emotions are the likely offensive scenes the filmmakers were advised to expunge.

    Yielding the advice, the filmmakers, who were initially reluctant to have a different version of the film for the Nigerian audience said the adjustment has cost them N20 million.

    The August 1 final release date will follow another premiere of the film at the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) in Durban, South Africa, later in the month.

    Bigsam Media, a Public Relations handler of the work who described it as a breath of fresh air, said the movie has raised the standard of Nollywood movies from good to excellent. “Kudos to the producers of the movie, they did a good job. The producers of the landmark movie would like to say a big thank you to Nigerians for their love, patience and support,” the outfit said in a statement.

    Distributed by FilmOne Distribution and Shareman Media Company, the movie has been classified “18”by the NFVCB.

  • Ebenezer Obey gets varsity job

    Ebenezer Obey gets varsity job

    Juju maestro turned Evangelist, Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi has been appointed as professor of music at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State.

    The announcement was made Monday, at an event in his honour, at the Otunba Gbenga Daniel Hall of the university.

    As a visiting artiste in the Department of English and Performing Arts, Obey is expected to take the students through the kernel of music from a practitioner’s perspective.

    The celebrated artiste kicked off the ceremony with a song that paid tribute to God. Titled Iba lo ye kase, Obey gave the audience the rare privilege of requesting for any of his favourite songs, which he promptly rendered to their delight.

    In recent times, the artiste who has been receiving several honours, was among the artistes who performed at the Glo Evergreen Series.

  • Amstel arranges date for Genevieve, fan

    Amstel arranges date for Genevieve, fan

    A sensational dinner has been planned around Nollywood screen diva, Genevieve Nnaji and a lucky fan, who will emerge through an online movie competition for the VIP treat.

    The deal comes as activation for the Amstel Malta brand, which the actress has been contracted to promote.

    After resting the Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO), the movie reality show sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc, the company has evolved similar projects of engagement for the malt drink, hence this new initiative called “Act The Part”.

    To take part in the online competition, fans are expected to act any role from a selected movie of their choice in just 2 minutes and upload on the Amstel Malta website. The lucky winner, who will emerge via popular votes, will also be entitled to an exquisite makeover, courtesy of Amstel Malta.

    Genevieve Nnaji, who was announced as a brand ambassador alongside Nigerian Chelsea mid-fielder, Mikel Obi at the 2ndedition of the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) in February, has promised a very splendid experience for the lucky winner.

    The Amstel Malta brand ambassador and award-winning actress, is inviting fans to join the exciting online competition “Act The Part”, and showcase exceptional acting skills with the golden opportunity of a fantastic experience with her.

  • AFRIMA extends date for entries

    AFRIMA extends date for entries

    Yielding to pressure from African musicians, organisers of All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) said they have decided to extend the deadline for the submission of entries, to accommodate participants who are constrained by limited internet access in their various cities.

    The new date, July 19, is a two-week addition to the initial deadline, and also offers journalists a chance in the Entertainment Reporter category of the awards.

    In its maiden edition, AFRIMA has the support of African Union Commission, as a platform that showcases the culture of Africa and reward music talents in the continent.

    Entry guidelines, according to the organisers remain the same, and can be found on www.afrima.org.

    The award requires that only musical or journalistic works released or published from May 31, 2013 to July 18, 2014 are eligible for submission.

    For hard copy entries, participants are expected to download the registration form, and send the completed copy alongside two copies of the entry to the nearest physical address provided on the AFRIMA website. Qualified entries will be selected by the Academy of AFRIMA which consists of the Jury and College of Voters.

    According to Director of Brand Communications and Sponsorship for AFRIMA, Ms. Matlou Tsotetsi,  the entry submission process is an encouraging success marker, considering that the Academy has surpassed the 1000 mark. “We are receiving entries from African music professionals and journalists in countries like Finland, Germany, and other interesting locations,” she said.

    Also supported by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in Nigeria, the 2014 AFRIMA, organisers said, will produce a star-studded, world-class event in Nigeria on October 21 to 25, 2014, with live performances and television broadcast to 84 countries on 109 television stations around the world.

  • Muson graduation concert excites music buffs

    Muson graduation concert excites music buffs

    It was a night of musical renditions as the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON), Monday, held the 7th graduation concert of the MTN Foundation scholars, with thrilling live performances by the graduating students.

    Opening the performances for the night was Nonso Diali with the inspirational song Smile. Following Nomnso’s performance was Uwana Etuk, who rendered the classic piece Halleluya with his trumpet. Other performers at the concert include Lydia Adeshina, Andrew Udeh, Dele Olutade, Tomisin Akinda, Tolu Onakpoya, Efe Dojeh, Edith Okoli, Babatunde Odufoye, Timothy Ogunbyi, Goodness Onuoha as well as Paul Irabor.

    While the concert had a high dose of violin, piano, saxophone and trumpets backing the various sonorous voices, Tolu Onakpoya gave a different blend with his performance of Tete Wa Ba Mi Se. Bordering between spoken word and poetry, the performance had guests cheering.

    Adding spice to the event was Praiz who made an appearance as a surprise guest. The MTN ambassador and 2nd runner up of the 2008 edition of MTN Project Fame had some words of advice for the graduating students. Praiz advised the students to always keep their head up, be focused and dedicated in their pursuits and above all, to do away with pride as it has led to the downfall of most artistes.

    Adding a tinge of humour to the performances for the night was Lydia Adeshina with her rendition of Doll Aria adapted from Offenbach’s Opera, TheTales of Hoffman. The petite performer, almost flawlessly put up a robotic recital, one which guests, at first hand didn’t quite grasp. It was until she broke down and had to be rewound by the accompanying pianist before guests got the hang of it.

  • MTN to launch music app

    MTN to launch music app

    Leading telecommunications company, MTN Nigeria, is set to change the face of the Nigerian music industry with the launch of its music application called Music+.

    According to reports, the company has perfected plans for the launch expected to hold later in the month.

    The app, which has been described as a merger of music streaming and download platform optimized for mobile and online access, is socially enabled to accommodate cross-user activity.

    Music+, according to findings, is a round-the-clock exciting way of music streaming, music sharing, play-listing for Naija music. Users can streamline directly to their mobile devices, enjoy offline streaming as well for zero data needed. They can manage their personal mobile music library as they wish and share their taste of music and explore more via music playlist recommendation.

    According to reports, some of the company’s music ambassadors will be releasing new hits at the launch.

  • Olamide, Iyanya, others join Coke Studio bandwagon

    Olamide, Iyanya, others join Coke Studio bandwagon

    Reigning Nigerian music sensations, including Olamide, Omawumi, Burna Boy, Flavour, Phyno, Iyanya, Chidinma and Sheyi Shay, have been listed by non-alcoholic beverage company, Coca-Cola Nigeria, as performing artistes in the Coke Studio Africa Season 2, which will air in September.

    The artistes, who will be joining a line-up of stars from across Africa, will feature on the show for the first time, with Waje from the last season.

    According to Olufemi Ashipa, Brand Manager, Colas for Coca-Cola Nigeria, the selection of these artistes for the 2014 edition was spurred by consumers’ request. “We decided to feature these artistes because they are currently the rave of the moment in the Nigerian entertainment industry,” he said.

    Ashipa said that Coke Studio Season 2 would showcase collaborations by over 13 leading music artistes from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania as well as Mozambique, which has just joined the bandwagon to create a modern and authentic African sound through intercultural musical fusion.

    “Coke Studio Africa is taking music to another dimension and aims to satisfy the desire for something new and different. The music industry in Nigeria has witnessed a surge of talent shows. However, Coke Studio is not just a platform, but a journey in discovery and bringing Africa together through music,” Ashipa added.

    Coke Studio Africa is an exciting live musical collaboration that brings together 24 artistes from Sub-Saharan Africa. The first Season of Coke Studio featured a line-up of African artistes, including legendary King Sunny Ade, MI, Waje, Jimmy Jatt and Bez from Nigeria; Salif Keita from Mali; Octopizzo, Miss Karun and Just a Band from Kenya; Hip Hop Pantsula and Tumi from South Africa; Boddhi Satva from the Central African Republic; Diamond Platinumz, Lady Jaydee and the Culture Music Club from Tanzania; Joel Sebunjo, Qwela and Lillian Mbabazi from Uganda.

  • TEE A take Jokes Offshore

    TEE A take Jokes Offshore

    After a series of concerts in Lagos and Abuja, top Nigerian standup comedian, Tee A, is now warming up for a global show, with the announcement of big budget concerts in three cities across two continents.

    It’s a new season for the comedian, who is set to rebound with a tour of London, Johannesburg and Accra this summer.

    Anchored on his television magazine show, Tyme Out with Tee A, the road-show, according to the artiste, becomes necessary due to popular demand.

    “We are going round to deliver the live edition concerts to our fans in Africa, Europe and elsewhere. The demand has been crazy and I’m glad we can now take the show to the passionate fans who have been asking.”

    “The success of past editions makes this even more exciting as the concert tour, for the first time, is moving to London, Johannesburg and Accra. Guests should expect a unique tour comprising live personality interviews, rib-cracking comedy sketches, musical performances and special guest appearances,” said the comedian.

    According to him, the scheduled tour will take place in the last quarter of the year, while details on the dates and venue in each city will be revealed in due course.

    Tyme Out with Tee-A is a two-time award winning family variety show which features celebrity interviews, comedy sketches, fun-based vox pop questions and personality mimicry. The show had featured celebrity guests such as D’Banj, Tiwa Savage, Shina Peters and Daddy Showkey, among others.

    Asides the tour, Tee A revealed a long list of celebrities who will grace the 4th edition of the variety show. They include legendary Afro-Juju artiste, King Sunny Ade, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Ramsey Nouah, Funke Akindele, Yvonne Okoro, Juilet Ibrahim, Sean Tizzle and Toke Makinwa. He noted that previous segments such as Rave of the Moment featuring comedian MC Abbey and Celebrity Close Up with the hilarious Madam Princess will come up stronger in the new season of Tyme Out with Tee A.