Many regard childbirth as an uplifting experience. Mercifully, a number of Nigerian stars were gifted with new-born babies in 2013.
Two years after she got married, actress cum producer, Oby Edozie, and her hubby, Alex O, welcomed a baby boy. Paul Okoye also welcomed a baby boy, while Seun Kuti and his fiancée, Yetunde, were blessed with a baby girl towards recently.
Another actor who had cause to thank God is actor Kayode Peters whose wife was delivered of a baby girl.
IT was an exciting moment when a special documentary on the legends of the Nigerian film industry was shown during the recently held Nollywood @ 20 Awards Night at the Intercontinental Hotel on Victoria Island, Lagos.
The documentary features veterans like Francis Oladele, Ade Afolayan, Eddie Ugbomah and Hubert Ogunde, reliving memories of yesteryears in the movie industry. Some of the awardees in the first category include Prince Jide Kosoko, Eddie Ugbomah, Okey Affason, Madu Chikwendu and Zeb Ejiro in the first category.
Veterans in the other category include Ralph Nwadike, Tunji Bamishigbin, Abiola Olanrewaju, Keppy Ekpenyong Bassey, Yinka Quadri, Sunny MacDon, Kate Henshaw, Lanre Hassan, Tunde Kelani, Tunde Alabi Hundeyin, Don Pedro Obaseki, Francis Onwochei and Azuh Arinze.
Notable personalities like Larry Williams, Pete Edochie, Franca Brown, Idowu Phillips, Kingsley Ogoro, Obi Madubuogu, Joe Dudun, Chico Ejiro, Cosmas Ndulue, Kasumu Yaro, Mahmood Ali Balogun, Emeka Ossai, Obi Osotule, Prince Ifeanyi Dike and Ali Baba were also decorated for their extraordinary services to the industry.
Recognition awards were given to Femi Odugbemi, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Fidelis Duker, Emma Isikaku, Nobert Ajaegbo, Bond Emeruwa and Emma Ogugua.
THIS is certainly a happy moment for Nollywood actress, Benita Nzeribe, who has been named an ambassador for the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
According to reports, the actress will be working for both the FAAN and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
Consequently, she has now done a television commercial for the agency.
Put together by the managing director of the agency, Engr. Nnamdi Udoh, it was shot last Friday at the Muritala Mohammed Internation Airport 2.
The actress and the crew were said to have worked throughout the day, making use of the airport facilities.
NIGERIAN gospel sensation, Charles Granville, is in high spirit. Last weekend in Lagos, he won the Best Soul/R&B Award at the 2013 edition of Nigeria Gospel Music Awards. The award is a proof of Charles’ vocal dexterity and song-writing prowess.
Speaking concerning the awards, Charles said the award will further add positive values to his career. ‘A lot of people consider that category as one of the top categories of the awards. I’m excited about winning the coveted category but more excited because my works are being noticed and valued.’
Likewise, the singer has released the video of one of his latest singles, God No Be Your Mate featuring top producer, ID Cabasa. The new video is currently one of the most talked about music videos by a gospel artiste. Directed by J.O Studios, the video featured cameo appearances by actor Emeka Ossai, Jafextra and Queen Blessing.
Speaking concerning his new video, Charles said he has to bow to pressure from friends and fans to release the video.
‘Due to the lyrics of the song, a lot of people have been calling for the video and we will all agree that God is nobody’s mate. The song was put together for people to appreciate God the more and thank him for everything and in all situations, irrespective of your religion. I sing basically to glorify God because I have a relationship with Him. I look forward to doing more songs that will inspire people throughout Africa and all over the world. I wrote it not because of what He did for me but because of who He is to me. The video is a delight for all.’
His last video, I Dey Trip For You, was directed by one of Nigeria’s fastest rising video directors, Andru Films, with cameos by top actor, Afeez Oyetoro (Saka) and ace comedian, Omo Baba. Afeez Oyetoro didn’t disappoint in adding some loads of comedy to the video.
COSON vs. BON: The tussle between the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) and the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) is one of the major face-offs that have rocked the music industry in 2013.
Some weeks ago, both BON and the Independent Broadcasting Associations of Nigeria (IBAN) made a declaration suspending the musical works of COSON- affiliated artistes in the country due to what they termed COSON’s attitude of antagonism and harassment under the leadership of Chief Tony Okoroji.
Since then, Nigerian singers have come together in their battle with IBAN and BON seeking justice, respect for their intellectual property and fair compensations for their creativity.
DON Jazzy vs. Wande Coal: 2013 witnessed a fracas between ace music producer, Don Jazzy, and singer Wande Coal. The former accused the latter of allegedly stealing one of his songs titled Baby face.
Shortly after Wande Coal released a new single, Baby face, under his Black Diamond Entertainment on Tuesday, November 5, Don Jazzy took to Twitter, saying, “How long will I continue to sweat and some people will choose to steal from me. That I am nice and easy-going doesn’t mean you should disrespect me”, Don Jazzy tweeted with the subject of the matter left in the dark.
It didn’t take long before he tweeted his own version of Baby face, explaining that he had recorded a studio demo about a year ago and he went ahead to tweet a link to his own version describing Wande Coal’s action as intellectual property theft.
Not long after Don Jazzy’s tweet began to trend that Wande also responded on Twitter, accusing his former Mavin Records boss of not being ‘happy with his progress after serving him for 10 years’.
It got dirtier as Wande Coal accused Don Jazzy of suffering from what he called ‘Twitter attention syndrome’.
“It is with sad heart that I make this response. Steal from you? I served for 10 years. Why are you not happy with my progress? You have my phone number, email address and my DM to communicate with me, but you chose twitter- attention syndrome. After all these years of being loyal to you, I can never believe you will ever say this to me, trying to bring me down on twitter.”
BRYMO vs. Chocolate City: Ashimi Olawale Ibrahim, a.k.a Brymo, had earlier in the year quit the recording company and gone on to release a new album.
He alleged that Chocolate City had refused to be reasonable in its contractual demands and rejected an agreement to release him from a deal that he no longer feels represents his true interests.
Chocolate City, on the other hand, has invoked the powers of law in order to protect its business interests.
Chocolate City instituted an action against Brymo at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, in suit no: FHC/L/1422/2013. The contentious issue is that Brymo has a contract with Chocolate City, which is apparently valid till 2016. But he no longer wishes to continue with the contract.
However, Chocolate City is not willing to oblige him and is holding him bound to the contract he signed.
JULIUS Agwu vs. Etisalat: Another face-off was between comedian Julius Agwu and telecoms giant, Etisalat.
The humour merchant threatened to drag the former to court for blocking his business line. He demanded for N100million as compensation for jobs lost, contact lost, inconveniences and maltreatment by Etisalat staff.
In a reaction to the allegation, Etisalat’s Public Relations Manager, Chineze Amanfo, was reported to have said that contrary to the reports of the issue on some blogs and news sites, a SIM swap was performed on the said line after the ‘requester’ provided the company’s customer care executives with necessary SIM replacement information, in accordance with the laid down NCC’s regulations and process for SIM swap.
She added that the SIM replacement information includes security and personal requirements to the owner, which the ‘requester’ provided before the swap was effected.
“Subsequently, upon a report made at our office by Mr. Agwu that he is the owner of the line and did not authorize anyone to swap it, our customer care executives promptly restored the line as well as the airtime lost during the swap process,” she said.
However, the public is yet to see the end of this face-off between the two brands, as Agwu recently promised to file a law suit against them for not responding appropriately in the said letter.
THE expansive hall of Kakanfo Inn recently played host to the Ibadan edition of Glo Laffta Fest, where 17 national and international artistes featured.
The event, which was anchored by Basketmouth, paraded other stars such as Gbenga Adeyinka, Bovi, Seyi Law, Bash, Akpororo, Osama, Akapella, Odogwu, Omobaba and Ajebaba.
The side attraction was the choreography by Quba Dancing Company.
The show also featured the Ugandan sensational stand-up comedian, Salvador, who got a standing ovation for his superlative performance.
While DJ Jimmy Jatt manned the juke box, the Nigerian music industry was well represented by the trio of Lynxx, Burna Boy and MI who wrapped up the show.
Basketmouth and other comedians joined MI as he sang, took a bow and thanked the crowd for making the evening and the entire project a massive success.
Tagged Invasion L.O.L., the concert is packaged by Globacom as part of the activities marking its 10th anniversary.
The show started in Lagos with the mega edition that held in Abuja and featured top American, South African, Ugandan and Nigerian artistes.
OF the deaths that took place in the entertainment scene this year, that of singer Goldie Harvey has been cited as the most mysterious.
The singer died on the St. Valentine’s Day of heart-related complications a few hours after returning from the 53th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, United States.
The autopsy carried out on February 19, and signed by Dr. O.O Oyewole of the Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine said she suffered a terminal ‘hypertensive heart disease’, which resulted in intracerebellar haemorrhage.
She was 30 years old.
A few days later, precisely February 19, the death of ace actor, Justus Esiri, of diabetes was announced.
Popularly known as the Village Headmaster, Esiri’s demise was one of the most celebrated in 2013.
Also, veteran guitarist and singer, Fatai Rolling Dollars, bade bye to the music world this year.
Apart from the afore-mentioned names, Chinedu Epeagba, Lugard Ononyemu, Ray Daniels Okeugo, Pa Ogungbe, Prince Murphy, Seun Ogunlade and Fatilat Okerede, among others, all took a painful exit from the stage.
IT seems many of the celebs had vowed to change their individual status. While many of the guys were in a hurry to bid bye to bachelorhood, some of gals couldn’t wait to slough-off their spinsterhood status.
This year, a couple of weddings took place that rocked the industry and changed the way celebrity weddings are perceived.
Rated as the biggest of them was the union between superstar, Tuface Idibia, and his long-time beau, Annie Macaulay. It was held at the famous five-star Jumeirah Beach Resort in Dubai.
The wedding, which had red as its colour theme, had lots of guests in attendance.
Other famous weddings that took place in the year were those of pop star Peter Okoye and Lola Omotayo as well as Tiwa Savage and Tee Billz who were both joined in traditional weddings. Also on the list of those who wedded traditionally is popular Yoruba actor, Olaniyi Afonja, aka Sanyeri, who got married to the mother of his children and lover of many years. The footage of the wedding was reportedly sold for N1m.
Others celebrity weddings involved actress Toyin Aimakhu who got married to fellow actor, Niyi Johnson; Mercy Aigbe and Lanre Gentry; Matilda Obaseki and Arnold Mozia; Charity Ekeh and Austin Fanni; Uchenna Nnanna and Richard Maduka as well as Uche Ogbodo and Arthur, a Norway-based football agent.
Former Inspector General of Police Mike Okiro, at the weekend, in Abuja premiered a new television series, titled Red Alert.
The 39-episode TV programme was an adaption from his new book: Overcoming Security Challenges.
The series, which features Nollywood actors, will hit the screen in January.
According to the producer, the series would help Nigerians to be security-conscious.
Okiro explained that the book’s adaption into a television series was to pass its message to the public.
According to him, the poor reading habit of Nigerians made him to turn the book into a television series, adding that with 39 episodes, viewers would be compelled to see the series.
Politicians turned out in large numbers last Sunday when Aishat, daughter of All Progressives Congress (APC) Interim National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Mohammed, got married to her beau, Boonyamin Taiwo, in Lagos. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO reports.
It could have passed for a political gathering; but it was not. It was the wedding of Aishat, the petite daughter of Alhaji Lai Mohammed, image maker extraordinaire. All roads led to the All Seasons Plaza on Lateef Jakande Road in Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos last Sunday when Boonyamin Taiwo, Structural Mechanical Engineer, hooked Aishat.
Being members of her father’s constituency, politicians were there in large numbers.
The top echelon of the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he is the Interim National Publicity Secretary, was well represented at the event.
Sunday’s ceremony was the climax of the three-legged wedding. The first two legs of introduction and engagement had been held at the bride’s father’s Ikeja GRA home. Throughout that day, the expansive plaza was brimming with guests.
As at Seven o’ clock in the night, guests were still trooping on to the plaza.
The couple exchanged rings during the solemnisation of their union. They also signed the marriage certificate.
Wife of Ekiti State governor Erelu Bisi Fayemi supervised the cutting of the five-layered cake.
The bride, Aishat Oluwaseun, danced with her father before he handed her over to Boonyamin.
The couple thrilled guests with their dance steps. Aishat was too much for Boonyamin to match on the dance floor.
Guests joined the couple on the floor, ‘spraying’ them with new naira notes.
On returning to their seat, the couple took time to share their love story with The Nation.
Aishat said she met Boonyamin through a friend.
Clad in a fitted white wedding gown, a headscarf, veil, white bracelet, white earrings, golden wrist watch, the bride was the cynosure of all eyes.
She could not wait to let people into her happy world.
“I am very happy and grateful to God almighty for making this event happen,” she said.
Aishat, a civil servant, described her husband as loving and caring.
Boonyamin described her as wonderful.
He wore blue suit on top of a white shirt, waist coat, bow tie and dark eye glasses.
“The first time I met her, she spoke well and we had instant connection and ever since we have never looked back. She has all the qualities you would expect from a wife; a mother, a best friend and she is wonderful,” the groom said.
According to him, it took six months of friendship for him to propose.
“We courted for six months before I proposed in July, this year,” he said.
He described her as a “phenomenon and special.”
He had nice words for his in-laws, saying: “They are a wonderful family; I am blessed to have married from that family. I do not see them as my father and mother in-law; they are my parents also.”
Alhaji Mohammed thanked Allah for making the day a reality.
“It is a thing of joy and we must first give thanks to Almighty Allah, that made the day possible and everybody that came here and we pray Allah to give them a good life they have never known before. It is the joy of every parent to marry out their daughter,” he said.
Dressed in a flowing Agbada Aso-Oke, a befitting cap, eye glasses, a long royal bead and necklace, and a beautiful wrist watch, Alhaji Mohammed enjoined the couple to be prayerful and very close to Almighty Allah.
The groom’s mother, Mrs Taiwo prayed God to bless the marriage.
Decked in a lace material, Ipele, headgear, eye glasses, a tiny long necklace and a silver wrist watch, Mrs Taiwo urged the couple to love each other and always pray together.