Category: Entertainment

  • Seyi Shay reveals New Year plans

    Seyi Shay reveals New Year plans

    Like other Nigerian artistes, wave-making RnB/pop singer, Deborah Oluwaseyi Joshua, popularly known as Seyi Shay, has a bagful of plans that she wishes to pursue aggressively towards building her brand this year.

    She disclosed, during a recent chat with The Nation that she would release her album before summer of this year.

    “At the moment, I am trying to line up the producers I want to work with and the collaborations I want on the album.

    “This year, I will also like to establish a personal business that has nothing to do with music. I will also like to team up with some other brands; maybe do some other endorsements,” she said.

    Apart from the foregoing, the beautiful singer, who launched her music career in Nigeria barely two years ago, also intends to go into charity work.

    In an exclusive chat with The Nation, the Irawo crooner and Etisalat ambassador said, “I will like to do more charity work on a public scale. Although I know that it is good to do charity work in private, it is even better to do so in public, so that you can be an example to other people. If you don’t tell people the good things you are doing, they won’t be able to follow in your footsteps. So, I would love to do more charity work.”

    The fast-rising artiste also disclosed her efforts to build her brand. According to her, “We are looking closely at my image. By this, I mean my hair, my clothing, the kind of music I sing and the kind of publication we do. We are keeping the brand tight by making sure that everybody in the team has a role to play and he or she goes out and do it well.”

     

  • TJ Sax’s rising profile

    TJ Sax’s rising profile

    Saxophone prodigy, Tegiri Emore, otherwise known as TJ Sax, may be setting the record as the youngest artiste to do a duet with R& B superstar, Tuface Idibia.

    For the 12-year-old, the proposed collabo will, no doubt, be a big boost to his fledging career.

    The young saxophonist is a protégé of renowned saxophonist, Yemi Adeosun, popular known as Yemi Sax.

    He began to manifest his ingenuity on the instrument at six. Ever since, his star has been on the rise.

    Over the years, he has been enjoying impressive patronage in both the corporate and political circles, as he has performed at a number of shows to wide acclaim.

    When he performed at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, in 2011, he held the First Lady and other top dignitaries spellbound. His other notable saxophone exploits includes a performance in New Jersey and Maryland, USA.

    Tuface Idibia had once invited the whiz kid for a surprise duet at an end-of-the-year gig hosted about two years ago by Sahara Energy.

    It was learnt that TJ Sax was one of the unsung attractions at the super exclusive Dubai wedding of Tuface Idibia and Annie Macaulay last year.

    A representative of TJ Sax disclosed that TJ Sax is excited over the duet with an A-list artiste such as Tuface Idibia.

    A member of TJ Sax’s camp said, “We can’t confirm anything, but we are flattered to be associated with a big brand and mentor such as Tuface Idibia. Uncle Tuface is an artiste’s artiste and a musician’s musician and it is exciting to be associated with him.”

    TJ Sax had been introduced to the Nigerian community by Yemi Sax when he did the beautifully crafted medley of hit singles “Hola At Your Boy” by Wizkid, “Bibanke” by Asa and “Forever Young” by Jay-Z and Mr. Hudson.

  • Jide Kosoko celebrates

    Jide Kosoko celebrates

    Prince Jide Kosoko, a veteran Nigerian actor, producer and director, on Sunday marked his 60th birthday, amidst pomp and circumstance.

    For the respected thespian, who has featured in several TV dramas, home movies and stage plays, it was another occasion to thank God for His grace in his life, as he organised a special family prayer and dedication at his Command, Ipaja, Lagos home.

    The Nation, however, gathered that an elaborate birthday party will be held on March 30.

    A number of his colleagues, friends and family members were said to have attended the low-key event at his home on Sunday.

  • DJ Zeez takes new name

    DJ Zeez takes new name

    AS you are reading this, hit maker Kingsley Elikpo, who goes by the stage name DJ Zeez has given up Moniker DJ Zeez. The suave music star, known for his catchy ‘lingos’ like Fokasibe, Same-ni, Bobbee, among others, made this known on Thursday.

    The former Disc jockey, producer and song writer, who gained street recognition as far back as 2005 with Same-ni, revealed his plans to rebrand and take his music to the next level. The singer, who wants to be known as ‘Zeez’ by colleagues and fans, disclosed that it is part of his rebranding for 2014.

    He said that though he had been working on a lot of things in the last few years, like floating his own Entertainment Company/Record Label ‘Vanilla Villa Entertainment,’ under which he released Take It Easy and Fido Dido among other club bangers, this year, he is poised to relaunch his career back to a place at the top of the ladder.

    “Tomorrow is my birthday. I will celebrate, but nothing elaborate. I am dropping my new single Sankolo on that same day. This year, I don’t have time for play at all. It’s going to be work, work, and work. This is a whole lot; I plan to do this year. I have taking the first step, the rest will come. I don’t want to talk about it. I just want my fans to see them as I unveil them, “enthused Zeez.

  • Chika Ike’s   new lifestyle

    Chika Ike’s new lifestyle

    FOR many who have been following her story in recent time, the general feeling is that Nollywood actress, Chika Ike, really has something up her sleeve. Or how does one explain the fact that the beautiful screen queen has suddenly developed the habit of posting and writing about her moves and activities on the social network.

    Since she embarked on what may be described as ‘cheap publicity’, not a few of her fans have literally given her jabs.

    The star of Dangerous Beauty has not ceased to confound her fans by showing off her latest acquisition, since she went on vacation abroad.

    Recently, she announced that she had left Abu Dhabi for Dubai, adding that “Bye Abu Dhabi !!!Hello Dubai!!! Dubai,Dubai, Dubai !!!We’ve had a long lasting love life!!! So exhausted!!! I think I’ll have to sleep on the floor tonight! Bed taken!!!”

    Another stunt was her pose at the Abu Dhabi Mosque, just like singer Rihanna. However, Chika opted for a gown, instead of the jumpsuit adorned by Rihanna when she visited the same location.

    It was gathered that while she was on vacation to Dubai, she tried to paint the town red. She was also said to have her eyes on the same tourist sites as Rihanna.

    She was, however, prevented from having a photo shoot on the grounds that she didn’t have approval.

    Many were curiously drawn to her new lifestyle, after she visited some popular designer stores in Dubai to get designer bags like Prada, Michael Kors, Fendi and Chanel and Dior.

    However, for the star of Street President, it was not totally about show-off in 2013. It was also a busy year for her with awards and chieftaincy title.

    It will be recalled that she was conferred with a chieftaincy title in Enugu last December as Akwa Ugo 1 of Amoli Kingdom for her contribution to the development of the Igbo land as well as being a role model to women of Igbo land.

    She was also honoured as Icon of Hope for her humanitarian work through her Chika Ike Foundation at the 2013 HOG Awards in Lagos in September 2013.

    Ike, who also acquired a home in Lekki, Lagos, celebrated her birthday at a public school in Asaba, where she awarded scholarships to pupils and gave them some items.

  • Ovanrawmen Nogbaisi ‘resurrects’

    Ovanrawmen Nogbaisi ‘resurrects’

    •Filmmaker asks return of looted Benin artworks from museums

    As frontline Nollywood filmmaker, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen plans to premiere his new epic movie, Invasion 1897; there is a historical addendum that might make the ceremony huge.

    Imasuen has revealed plans to mark the centenary of the death of the great King of Benin, Omo n’ Oba Ovanrawmen Nogbaisi. And his new film, which centers on the Oba’s historical relevance to the old Benin Empire, will be on hand to bring historical records to the fore.

    Top Nigerian stars in the epic include Segun Arinze, Paul Obazele, Mike Omoregbe who played the lead role as Oba Ovoramwen, Charles Inojie and the late Justus Esiri.

    Invasion 1897 has been endorsed by the Benin monarch, Oba Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolopolo and by the Edo state government.

    The film production is co-financed by Senator Daisy Danjuma and South Atlantic Petroleum Limited, supported by Capt (Dr.) Hosa Okunbor, the Chairman of FEVA TV in Toronto, Canada and J2konsult in the UK are marketing the film in Europe and planning the London unit of the movie.

    According to the filmmaker, the flick is based on the invasion of the Benin Kingdom by the British Empire in 1897 and looting the priceless ancient artifacts of the Benin kingdom, including the famous commemorative head and pendant of ivory mask representing Queen Idia (from court of Benin, 16th century) who was the mother of Esigie, the Oba of Benin who ruled from 1504 to 1550. The commemorative head is at the British Museum, while the pendant is at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, USA.

    “It will coincide with the country’s centenary celebration and which marks 100 years Oba Ovonramen N’ogbaisi (the then sitting Oba) died in exile in Calabar, on the 14th of January, 1914, where he was banished by the British.”Imassuen said.

    Imasuen said the project will also “kick start our call for reparations by the return of all the looted Benin artworks from all the museums around the world.”

    The historical film, he said, “is bound to raise a lot of dust regarding the global injustice meted to the people of Benin after the United Kingdom force of 1,200 under Admiral Sir Harry Rawson in 1897, captured, burnt, and looted ancient artifacts belonging to the Benin Kingdom.”

    Report say that ahead of the movie premiere, the notable film director will be hosting special guests from the Corporate world and leading journalists at his newly established studios in Surulere, Lagos.

    According to him, “There are a whole lot of similarities between the Nigeria state and the Oba Ovonramwen phenomenon. We will be holding a world press conference to mark 100 year of the death of Oba Ovonramwen on the 14th of January, 2014. I visited the place where Oba Ovonramwen lived, died and was buried in Calabar. To others, it’s just a film. But to me, it’s a movement. On 14th of January, we are going to mark the centenary of Oba Ovonramwen demise in Calabar.”

  • YouTube rates AY’s  channel No.1 in Nigeria

    YouTube rates AY’s channel No.1 in Nigeria

    FOR many reasons, 2013 will go down as most memorable for leading stand-up comedian, AY.

    This becomes more evident when the news broke recently that YouTube officially rated his Channel, www.youtube.com/AYTV, as the most-watched YouTube Channel in Nigeria.

    At a media parley recently, AY explained the factors that must have contributed to his being honoured by YouTube.

    He said: “First, we didn’t go out to be the number one most-watched, but we only re-defined. We gave our channel a personality. We wanted to be known for first-rate, timely and where-we-can-very- exclusive entertaining videos.

    “Next, we deliberately upload interesting episodes of The AY Show which, in the first place, is seen only by TV audience. We didn’t stop at that. We also uploaded premium episodes of AY’s Crib just for a wider audience, who probably missed or will never get to meet up with the TV time of the programmes.

    “Then, we quenched the thirsts of fans, followers and patrons of AY Live, who want to see performance videos of comedians and musicians at all our Live Concerts after every edition in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja and the UK.

    “And then, we weren’t shy to upload all the comedy skits we shoot exclusively for the live shows. We just wanted a channel that would be a good alternative to entertainment on TV. And while we took stock of their mileage online, just then, YouTube came up with the top 10 listand we were number one.”

     

    As at December 18, 2013, AY’s YouTube channel had 11, 053, 962 (Eleven million and fifty-three thousand, nine hundred and sixty- two) views to rank first.

    It will be recalled that in 2013, he shot his first-own movie, 30 days in Atlanta; he won two awards at NaijaFM Comedy Awards (Comedy Event of the Year and Comedy TV Show of the Year).

  • SANYERI’S  wedding  footage out

    SANYERI’S wedding footage out

    WHEN the news broke that comic actor, Olaniyi Afonja, popularly known as Sanyeri, wanted to sell the footage of his wedding for N1million to a marketer, the actor vehemently denounced any intention of doing that.

    It was even reported that no cameraman was allowed into the hall, where the wedding took place.

    But contrary to Sanyeri’s claim, the controversial video is already on the movie shelves across the country. While the original copy goes for N500, the pirated copy is sold for N150.

    Sanyeri got married to his long-time fiancee, Awawu Omolara Jimoh, on December 1, 2013 at the Anchor Events centre, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos.

    The event was graced by his colleagues, friends, family members and dignitaries.

    The union is blessed with two children.

  • Withdraw illegal movies from market,  Benue filmmakers  warned

    Withdraw illegal movies from market, Benue filmmakers warned

    IN a renewed crack-down on illegal filmmakers, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has given filmmakers in Benue State a three-month ultimatum to withdraw all uncensored movies from the market or face the wrath of the law.

    Director-General of the Board, Ms. Patricia Bala, sounded this warning at the

    end of a three-day Road Show which held recently in Makurdi, the Benue State Capital.

    The NFVCB boss said she “observed with dismay the profusion of illegal movies in Makurdi, most especially the wrong usage of the long obsolete logo and classification symbols of the Board.”

    She said during the interactive session with filmmaker and actors at the Joseph Tarka Foundation that “the ultimatum expires in March 2014, stating that it is in the interest of the movie makers to either withdraw the movies from the market or present them to the Board for the formal censorship and classification.

    On what action the NFVCB is taking to track down film producers who stream uncensored movies on the internet, the Director-General said the Board has been collaborating with sister agencies to contend the situation.

    According to her, “Regulating online distribution of films presents an enormous challenge because of the nature of the internet. Internet activities cut across territorial boundaries and as such it is difficult to regulate even for developed nations that have a greater degree of technology. However, the NFVCB, will synergise with relevant authorities with a view to curbing the distribution of unapproved films”.

    The Road Show began with a four-hour rally in tree-lined Makurdi metropolis from the sprawling J.S. Tarka Foundation through High Level, Wadata, Government House, Wurukum, Gboko Road and North Bank Street. Staff of the Board, backed by Tar Ukoh’s Mambissa dance troupe positioned on two trucks, trekked the long distance, distributing hand bills and flyers bearing enlightening literature on the

    Board’s activities.

    Several papers were presented, while locally-produced films were screened during the Road Show.

    The programme was chaired by Professor Illah Egwugwu Sani of the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Jos (UNIJOS), who delivered a paper on “Indigenous Language Movies and Contemporary Challenges”. Other papers presented are: “Film Censorship and Classification Regulation and Compliance” by Mrs. Lizzy Uwaezuoke, FCAI, Zonal Co-ordinator, (South-East), NFVCB; Dr. Adekola Okloba, Theatre Arts Department, University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) on “Ethics and Values of Indigenous Language in Nigerian Film and Video Production”; Danjuma .W. Dadu, Ph.D, Managing Director, Nigerian Film Corporation, Jos, on “Film and Movie Production: Ethics, Values and Cultural Influence” ; Dr Teddy Hanmakyugh, National Film Institute, Jos, on “Appreciating the Technical Environment in Film/Video Production; a sine qua non for quality production”; and Mr. Cornel .A. Agim, former DD (LDD) now DD(Ops) NFVCB, on Distribution and Marketing of movies “Rights, Obligation and Regulations”.

  • Day of joy for Demola Olota

    Day of joy for Demola Olota

    IT was double celebrations on Sunday, December 15 for organist and performing artiste, Demola Olota, as he marked 20 years on stage and presented his latest work titled Iwo.

    The event, which held at Yard 158, Oregun, Ikeja, saw families, friends and associates in an attendance to share in his joy.

    In line with the festive season, Olota and his 21-year-old ‘Clique Band’ gave a special Christmas performance. They serenaded the atmospheres with songs like O Come All Ye Faithful, O Little Town of Bethlehem and While Sheperds Watched Their Flocks, among others.

    The Band’s performance on the evening was simply electrifying and mind-blowing. However, it was not a surprise to many who know Olota for his choice of classical expression above commercial exuberance.

    As part of special lineup of performances for the evening, Pupils of Blooming Lights Montessori School owned by Olufunmilola Ibironke Olota also thrilled the guests with their choreography. Also, Pastor Kunle Omo Alaafin Orun, put up a superlative performance to the admiration of the audience.

    The 14- tracker album, Iwo, was later unveiled to a loud ovation as enthusiastic guests requested for copies so they could enjoy the other songs in the album, apart from Iwo and the Christmas bonus, which the celebrant had crooned to their delight.

    The grand finale of the event was the fusion of old and new members of De Clique Band and the orchestration by Demole Olota.

    The Band later returned with songs like Climbing Every Mountain by Richard Rodgers; We Are The World by Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson; Hallelujah Chorus, by G.F Handel and We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Traditional British, By Bob Krosgstad.

    Speaking on the success of the event, Olota noted that it took about four weeks of rehearsal to put it together. “My foundation is classical music. It has its own audience. I also play gigs. I play at weddings, but this is the real me. And to put up this sort of classical performance, it definitely takes weeks of rehearsals.”