The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • A guru at 70

    Former University of Ibadan (UI) Vice-Chancellor Prof Ayodele Falase has celebrated his 70th birthday in a grand style in the ancient city. His family members, friends and associates came to share in the joy of the occasion. OSEHEYE OKWUOFU reports.

    AS an academic, he rose to the peak as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI). In the spiritual realm, he was lead organist and choirmaster. So, when he turned 70, the academia and the church celebrated Prof Ayodele Olajide Falase.

    The birthday was marked with pomp and ceremony. The congregation held on to every word from the Most Revd. Joseph Akinfenwa, Bishop of the Ibadan Anglican Diocese, at the church service. He noted that Falase passed through many stages to become an enigma in medicine, the academia and the church. It was a moving story of a man who used his God given talent to touch many lives.

    Many at the All Saints’ Church, Jericho, Ibadan venue of the thanksgiving service were enthralled by the story of Falase’s humility and selflessness, especially in his relationship with others.

    According to Revd Akinfenwa, he and the church could not have found a better way to say “thank you Falase” for giving all to the church.

    Revd Akinfenwa described Falase as a role model, thanking his wife, Adeola, for making it possible for him to excel.

    After the service, guests proceeded to the new Multi-purpose Hall, named after Emeritus Professor Theophilus Oladipo Ogunlesi, at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan for the reception.

    Prof Falase’s birthday was the first event to be held in the hall since it was opened last November.

    The facility’s expansive car park was filled with exotic cars. Security men had a hectic time controlling traffic.

    Guests wore attires of their choice as no uniform fabric (aso ebi) was chosen for the occasion. Falase’s professional collegues were there in large number; so also were diplomats, politicians and top government officials.

    The hall was tastefully decorated with tables and chairs wrapped in yellow linen.

    The moderate birthday cake was placed on a stand visible for all to see as the celebrator, his wife, children and some friends cut it.

    Prof Olufemi Jaiyesimi, a bosom friend of the Falases, who chaired the reception, eulogised the celebrator.

    He described him as a colleague at Alexander Hall of the University of Ibadan.

    “Having been friends with Dele for over 50 years, we have leaned on each other during many critical periods of our lives. It is my prayer that God will grant Dele many more years of joy, love to the family and friends, and service to our country,” Prof Jaiyesimi said.

    There was plenty to eat and drink as the guests freely made their choice on the menu of tasty African and continental dishes and wines.

    In attendance were are former University of Ibadan Vice-Chancellor, Prof Olufemi Bamiro; Prof Afolabi Bamgbose; Chief Medical Director, UCH, Prof Temitope Longe; Prof David Olaleye; Prof Francis Egbokhare; Prof Abiodun Falusi; Prof Emilolorun Aiyelari; Prof Dele Layiwola; Prof Adedoyin Soyibo; Prof Idowu Olayinka; Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) and Ambassador Gabriel Falase, among others.

  • MTN boosts Nite of A Thousand Laughs

    MTN boosts Nite of A Thousand Laughs

    The oil-city of Port Harcourt enjoyed its fair share of the holiday glee, with Nigeria’s pioneering comedy show; Nite of A Thousand Laughs, creating more than a hilarious atmosphere for fun seekers. Sponsored by a leading telecommunications company, MTN, the show, at the Aztech Arcum, featured entertainment heavy-weights, who kept the audience reeling with ecstasy.

    By 7pm on New Year’s Eve, the venue was fully taken over by revellers, who sought to wrap-up the year with excitement. It was obvious the line-up of artistes did a great job on what turned out to be a highly patronised show.

    The event featured comic acts like Gandoki, MC Abbey, Funny Bone, Shakara, I Go Save, Buchi, Pencil Monkas, Hezekiah and other local talents, who treated the crowd to rib-cracking jokes.

    Rave-of-the-moment singer KCee also held sway with his Limpopo and Pull-Over hits, even as Harry Song, award-winner of the Tribute to Mandela song, complemented the show with new tunes.

    Anchored by On-Air-Personality Denrele, the show was held in Benin, Edo State, on December 26, with music icons like Timaya, Maleke and Franchise, setting the stage on fire with their hit songs.

    The popular event, run by Opa Williams, turned 18 last year, and has enjoyed the sponsorship of MTN for 10 years.

    In 2013, the show was repackaged to include two proven stage plays, DJ raves and select stand-up comics, which made the 18th anniversary memorable.

    “You cannot pay for a show that should make you laugh, and the only thing you remember is that you couldn’t get a seat, which you had paid for,” said Williams, who expressed resolute for the image and noble identity of his brand.

    He noted that since his show is a family-based event, the comfort and respect deserved by its lovers would not be compromised. His show, he noted, is not about quantity, but quality.

    Commenting on the sponsorship, the Sponsorship Manager, MTN, Dola Bamgboye, said “MTN is enriching the lives of its customers by creating hilarious an atmosphere and opportunity to unwind after working so hard throughout the year. MTN wants them to Live, Love and Laugh, as it thrives to connect its customers with their passion.”

  • Fans decry celebs’ show of guns

    Fans decry celebs’ show of guns

    When controversial actress Tonto Dikeh showed off a gun, threatening to shoot rumour mongers, if they do not mind their business in the new year, her post did not attract much reaction from fans, perhaps because the actress is known for crazy stunts.

    Jude Engees Okoye, elder brother and manager to twin singers, Psquare, was not as lucky. When two days after, he attempted to make a statement, showing photos of him, loading a pistol, with two other firearms and live bullets sprawling in his repertoire, fans took him to the cleaners.

    The Instagram social media, noted for photo show-reels, offers a platform, for mute statements. The trend appears to have gone crazier, with celebrities, showing off nude photos, weird tattoos and some other bizarre part of their lifestyles.

    Other celebrities, who came under attack, over their social media posts, include Maheeda, Beverly Osu and Juliet Ibrahim, who released their semi-nude Christmas photos during Yuletide.

    Okoye, even without a complementary statement, gave commentators room to speculate. They dismissed him as a bad role model.

    “Isn’t this the most ridiculous act of 2014? So, showing off your guns, abi na pistols, is a way of telling the world that you have arrived? Sometimes, having money isn’t enough, having common s*nse works together with having money to produce a s*nsible being,” said a fan.

    Another wrote: “This guy keeps forgetting his real age… When your mates are governors of their state or making global positive impact you are here busy showing off your toys like a primary school kid…. What example are you showing to the up-and-coming? Imagine, if all these small boys start carrying guns around”

    “This guy doesn’t know the enormity of what he has just done, hope he’s got a licence for them, I doubt, if the police doesn’t come after him then the bad guys would definitely know they have a formidable potential hit…” said another.

    However, there are others who saw Okoye’s message in a positive light. One of them went philosophical when he said: “In the language of Wayne LaPierre, a former NRA chairman, “the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun. Perhaps, Jude Okoye is sending a strong- worded message to the bad guys trying to grow some funny brains.

    ‘’I am hoping that in my lifetime our thieving legislators will be sensible enough to tweak our laws to enable every Naijaman to legally pack a piece. Maybe then, and from the barrel “in our cold, dead hands”, (quoting Charlton Heston, another former NRA chairman), we can begin to privately dispense retribution in equal measure to the bad guys out there.

    ‘’If you know I am also packing, you will have to approach me with a dreaded dose of caution or have your sorry, pathetic self to blame. Why not! The cops are not doing enough to “protect and serve” the helpless & hapless masses any longer.”

    Perhaps hyped by this comment and similar ones, Okoye is undaunted, letting the photo remain on his wall.

  • I’ll take dancehall to the world, says Patoranking

    I’ll take dancehall to the world, says Patoranking

    At a time when it appears every singer is using dancehall beat to boost hurriedly-made songs, Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, a dancehall/reggae sensation, says the time is now, for real dancehall music.

    “I am taking the gospel of Nigerian dancehall music to the world,” said the gangling young man, popularly called Patoranking.

    The artiste, who just released a debut single, appears to have more in his sleeves, exciting music lovers with a feel-good dancehall song, Alubarika, featuring Timaya.

    Analysts say the song did not become a monstrous hit because he featured Timaya, whose vocal authority on it cannot be overemphasised. “Alubarika wormed its way into the hearts and consciousness of music lovers because of the strength and tenor of Patoranking’s voice and the depth and melody of his lyrics. And, of course, the distinction of his musical choice,” says Shina Oyetayo, a media consultant.

    Given the rave reviews of the song, the emerging music star noted that, “Alubarika is a testimony about my life, the way things evolved and revolved around me, the transition from ghetto to hero and grass to grace. Alubarika is the song that best explains my life from the past to this time.”

    According to the singer, the song has brought him more than just money; “Alubarika means God’s blessings. It has brought me so much blessings, tons of opportunities, the fan base has increased and I have met so many people that I never dreamt of meeting in such a short while.”

    With two new untitled singles in the works and accompanying videos shot in London, Patoranking is confident that dancehall music in Nigeria would never be the same again.

    Things might be looking up for this hard working young man, but he is acutely aware that competition in the Nigerian music industry is stiff and intense. “I know that the industry is top-heavy and those at the top are not giving room for mediocrities or also-rans to even peep in. It takes only the genuinely talented and hard working artiste to get to the top. They should watch out for me,” he said.

    Blessed with support from an industry giant like Timaya, a mouth-watering talent and good looks, Patoranking believes that he is the future, the reviver of a withering genre – dancehall – and the artiste that would cross it to a new generation of listeners and followers.

  • Chiwetel Ejiofor gets chance in Academy Awards

    Chiwetel Ejiofor gets chance in Academy Awards

    Things appear to be looking up for 12 Years a Slave, the 2013 Hollywood flick, starring Nigeria’s Chiwetel Ejiojor, and which has been predicted as an Oscar-hopeful.

    Yesterday’s release of nominations for the British Academy Film Awards in 2014 gave credence to the potential of the film, which was unveiled last September at the Toronto International Film Festival, Canada.

    Ejiofor had two movies at the North American film festival, including Half of a Yellow Sun, an adaptation of Chimamanda Adichie’s novel of the same title, but was touted more for 12 Years a Slave, a British-American epic and an adaptation of the eponymous 1853 autobiography, by Solomon Northup.

    Through the same movie, Ejiofor made Hollywood’s list of 18 breakthrough stars of 2013. The Nigerian-British film and television actor, remains a front-runner for a best actor Oscar nod and has received nominations from the Independent Spirit Awards, SAG Awards and Golden Globes, where he had the rare distinction of being nominated for his work in a film and in a TV series (Starz’s Dancing on the Edge) in the same year.

    For the ceremony, which is billed for Sunday, February 16, at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, Gravity received 11 nominations, while 12 Years a Slave and American Hustle were each nominated in 10 categories. Captain Phillips had nine nominations. Behind the Candelabra and Saving Mr. Banks were each nominated five times.

    Philomena, Rush and The Wolf of Wall Street had four nominations. Blue Jasmine, The Great Gatsby, Inside Llewyn Davis and Nebraska had each been nominated three times. The Act of Killing, The Butler and The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug had two nominations apiece.

    Again, Half of a Yellow Sun, which was promoted more as a UK film, above its Nigerian co-production, was no where in the equation.

    As a strategy, producers of the 70 per cent Nigerian-sponsored film capitalised on the 30 per cent British sponsorship, which came from British Film Institute (BFI), to promote the film more as a foreign work at the TIFF.

    Commendably, 12 Years a Slave was nominated for Best Film, Director, for Steve McQueen, Adapted Screenplay, Original Music, Cinematography, Editing and Production Design. Chiwetel Ejiofor was nominated for Leading Actor. Michael Fassbender was nominated for Supporting Actor and Lupita Nyong’o was nominated for Supporting Actress.

    Organisers say the ceremony would be hosted by Stephen Fry and broadcast exclusively on BBC One and BBC One HD, preceded by a red carpet show on BBC Three. The event is also expected to be broadcast in all major territories around the world.

    With a proviso, organisers say, “nominations are correct at the time of going to print. BAFTA reserves the right to make changes to the names listed at any time till February 16, 2014.”

  • COSON/BON/IBAN conflict will end soon, says Okoroji                             

    COSON/BON/IBAN conflict will end soon, says Okoroji                             

    Following messy disagreement over music royalty collection in Nigeria,

    Chairman of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Chief Tony Okoroji, has announced that a scheme has been worked out which should end the recent conflict between his society and the duo of Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria (BON) and Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria (IBAN).

    The leadership of BON and IBAN, in November last year, outlawed the airing of songs belonging to members of COSON by its members.

    The broadcasting agencies had described as arbitrary, COSON’s method of charging broadcast stations for the use of songs.

    Many had expressed concern over the possibility of the BON/IBAN decisions, as a huge number of popular and trendy songs were linked to members of COSON.

    “I am happy to announce that we are now in a position to bring to an end the dispute between COSON on the one hand and Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria (BON) and independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria (IBAN) on the other,” said Okoroji, in a new year message, made available to the media and music industry practitioners.

    “Any moment from now, I expect the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to announce a framework, which if fully implemented, will bring an end to the era of the ban of the broadcast of the music of Nigeria’s best artistes on our nation’s airwaves.”

    In the statement titled ‘2014 – A Year of Unprecedented Boom for the Nigerian Music Industry’, Okoroji described 2013 as a watershed year for the music industry in Nigeria. According to him, “We finally began a much needed and much postponed open conversation with the Nigerian broadcasting industry. Fierce as the engagement may have seemed, I believe that it was absolutely necessary and a lot of lessons have been learnt as a result.  Both the music and broadcasting industries in Nigeria will be better for it over the long run.”

  • Hollywood actor, Seagal to contest as governor

    Hollywood actor, Seagal to contest as governor

    As news of Nollywood actor, Desmond Elliot’s intention to contest an elective post in Lagos appears to be trending in Nigeria, Hollywood action-movie star, Steven Seagal says he is considering a run for Arizona governor.

    The Marked for Death actor said he is considering a shot at the state’s highest office and has had a talk about the bid with the self-proclaimed toughest sheriff in America.

    The 61-year-old actor mentioned his political aspirations while promoting his new reality TV show, Steven Seagal — Lawman: Maricopa County.

    Seagal teamed up with Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio for the show that was shot in Arizona and airs on cable TV’s Reelz Channel.

    Seagal who was sworn in as a local deputy sheriff last year, said that border security is the most important issue facing the country.

    The martial arts expert is a member of Arpaio’s posse, made up of 3 000 unpaid civilians. He has been deputy at sheriff’s offices in New Mexico, Texas and Louisiana.

  • Misiano drops Jehovah Na Baba

    Misiano drops Jehovah Na Baba

    Opens House of Misiano Fasting-rising Gospel singer, Ifeyinwa Shekinah Odo, popularly known as Misiano, has followed up her debut single, Jehovah Na Baba, with a video.

    The video, which was directed by Bobby Hai, has continued to enjoy air play across the country as well as impressive downloads on Youtube in the past weeks.

    Jehovah Na Baba was produced by Jude Joel a.k.a JayJay, early last year.

    An excited Misiano has planned to follow up her feat with more singles, which include Solid Rock, Jehovah Iye and Jayanma.

    “I want to give God thanks and praise for making Jehovah Na Baba a success. It is doing fine. It is going viral; it’s on major sites; it on TV and on Youtube. And by the grace of God, it has opened doors for ministrations at events and churches. I am encouraged by the level of success it has achieved and I have decided to go ahead and release a couple of singles.

    “This song has the divine mandate to impact souls, set captives free and bring on a joyful celebration of God’s goodness in the lives of His people,” she said.

    For the singer cum fashion designer, this is certainly the best of times, as she is also gearing up to launch her cloth line, House of Misiano, and fashion school, Misiano Royal School of Fashion and Entrepreneurial Studies, on Sunday, January 12.

    According to her, “I have learnt that I am going to give account of all the gifts the Lord has given me. Don’t forget the parable of the talents. So, I, at a point in time with the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, was able to come up with the institution for skill transfer, which has now given birth to the fashion school.”

  • Again, Darey Art-Alade plans Love Like a Movie concert

    Again, Darey Art-Alade plans Love Like a Movie concert

    Nigerian music superstar, Darey Art-Alade, popularly called Darey, has revealed his plans to stage another edition of his widely acclaimed concert, Love Like a Movie.

    Produced by Livespot Productions, this year’s edition tagged Love Roller Coaster will hold on Saturday, January 15, at the Oceanview Grounds, Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Although the award-winning singer and songwriter is yet to disclose the identity of the host, the general feeling is that he will pick a major headliner like he did last year when he featured Kim Kardashian.

    Although last year’s event was rated as one of the few shows in the country, with international clout, fans had criticized it for what they perceived as Kardashian’s wasteful coming.

    The American Reality TV star was said to have been paid $500, 000 as host of the show last year, but did not stay for more than 45 minutes.

    The show however went on, with some of the best performances, stagecraft and kaleidoscopic dance.

  • Obi Emelonye takes Last Flight to Abuja to AWFF

    Obi Emelonye takes Last Flight to Abuja to AWFF

    Nollywood filmmaker, Obi Emelonye, has disclosed that his award-winning film, Last Flight to Abuja, will be the opening film at the forthcoming African Women Film Festival (AWFF) in Congo Brazzaville.

    According to him, “I haveollywood filmmaker, Obi Emelonye, has disclosed that his award-winning film, Last Flight to Abuja, will be the opening film at the forthcoming African Women Film Festival (AWFF) in Congo Brazzaville.

    According to him, “I have the singular honour of introducing Last Flight to Abuja to a film festival audience for the umpteenth time. This time, it will be the opening film at the African Women Film Festival in Congo Brazzaville. In attendance will be ministers, business leaders in Brazzaville, female filmmakers from around Africa and the beautiful people of Congo.

    “Poor souls! My heart goes out to them as nothing they have seen before from Nollywood can prepare them for the bumpy flight on offer. They won’t know what hit them.

    “After the audience would have picked their jaws from the floor, I will hold a Q&A session with Uru Eke and Celine Loader-who are part of the hi-powered Last Flight to Abuja delegation to the festival.” the singular honour of introducing Last Flight to Abuja to a film festival audience for the umpteenth time. This time, it will be the opening film at the African Women Film Festival in Congo Brazzaville. In attendance will be ministers, business leaders in Brazzaville, female filmmakers from around Africa and the beautiful people of Congo.

    “Poor souls! My heart goes out to them as nothing they have seen before from Nollywood can prepare them for the bumpy flight on offer. They won’t know what hit them.

    “After the audience would have picked their jaws from the floor, I will hold a Q&A session with Uru Eke and Celine Loader-who are part of the hi-powered Last Flight to Abuja delegation to the festival.”