The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Sunny Neji, Ras Kimono, Mike Okri, others set Calabar Festival on fire

    Sunny Neji, Ras Kimono, Mike Okri, others set Calabar Festival on fire

    The UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar, literally came on fire Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday, as ‘Oruka’ crooner, Sunny Neji,   ‘Arumba Style’ Master, Ras Kimono, ‘Omoge’ sensation, Mike Okri and a host of other artistes serenaded the crowd to their hit songs.

    The show which was originally billed for Millennium Park was moved to UJ Esuene Stadium to accommodate the large number of revelers who continue to troop into the city since the festival started weeks ago.

    Sunny Neji who opened the show, rendered some of his chart bursting hits and got the crowd gyrating non-stop, while begging for more. The highlight of his performance was the presentation of gifts to some of the dancers he personally picked from the crowd.

    This was in keeping to the promise he made last year to reward the best dancers who would share the stage with him. Neji also used the opportunity to offer his fans a snippet of his new songs yet to be released.

    In what was like a reinvention of his old artistry, Mike Okri demonstrated that though he might not be making news, his art has not deserted him for now. And like the saying, ‘the older the wine, the sweater it gets, he got the crowd into a revelry with his Time Na Money and Omoge. Okri added spice to his performance by teaching the crowd a new dance step he called Okokobioko.

    If the crowd thought they were done with the ‘Masters’, then, they must have made a mistake, as Arumba Style sensation, Ras Kimono got the entire stadium rocking with some of his hit tunes that ruled the air wave back in the early 90s. Almost everyone angled and pushed to touch the helm of his cloth.

    Kunle Ayo, a KORA award-winning artiste was not left out of the showpiece as he thrilled the audience to some numbers made popular by late Afrobeat exponent, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. He displayed so much dexterity with the guitar which saw the crowd dancing with their hands raised to the sky.

    It was not all about secular artistes, as Buchi, Nigeria’s reggae gospel singer, proved to the crowd that what other secular musicians could do, he had the divine inspiration to do much better. And so, he got the audience to dance for the Lord, which they did sumptuously.

    Other side attractions included some home acts, Frank Edwards of You Go Bless Me O and Onye Memma fame; Deaconess Nenka, who sang in her native Yakurr language, Ekanem, and Cross River All Stars who performed and sang several songs in memory of late Nelson Mandela, who coincidentally was buried on that day.

    The crowd was equally taken down memory lane with the likes of Fada Basi (Abasi Ayaya), Faso Rank (I am Not a Qualified Doctor), Efiom Trombone (Eyen Calabar) and King Feladey.

    It was not just a night of songs and dances, as budding and some established comedians treated the crowd to hilarious and rib-cracking jokes in a segment tagged: “Laffmatazz 11”. They included Robert Ekpo, HOD, Ibez, Freedom Brothers and Akpororo.

  • For their wives only

    A socio-cultural group, the Edo Elite Club, has thrown a party for its members’ wives at Palacina Guest House Hall, Magodo Phase II in Lagos. WALE ADEPOJU was there.

    There was fun among members of the Edo Elite Club, a socio-cultural group and their wives.

    It was the group’s end-of-the-year party.

    It was held at Palacina Guest House Hall, Magodo Phase II, Lagos.

    Beaming with smiles, some women dressed in traditional Edo attires sat with their husbands. Many arrived into the warm embrace of friends and well-wishers. It was a reunion of sorts.

    Most men were dressed in white with necklaces to complement their outfit.

    The atmosphere was electric and there was much to drink and eat. The reverberating rhythm of Edo music added pep to the occasion as they chorus to the lyric of some of the songs.

    The women were full of praises for their husbands.

    They said they were overwhelmed by the gesture.

    Club president, Mr Abu Napoleon said the aim of organising the party was to strengthen the cordial relationship between members and their wives.

    He said it was decided during the hosting of the club patron, Air-Vice Marshal Joe Ehigie, to treat the women to lunch.

    “This is the fulfilment of our promise that our wives should start feeling the impact of the club. We will be organising the get-together to entertain and celebrate with them,” he added.

    Napoleon said the club, which was founded on social justice, would continue to support the women to make the home a better place for all.

    He said women are important to the success of their husbands, adding: “We appreciate and recognise the support of our wives.”

    Napoleon said the year ending has some challenges because some members took ill. “But through our joint prayers, they are getting better. Our prayer is that we will not lose any member and their family. Our days on earth will be long and we will be progressive,” he added.

    He thanked members for their dedication and hard work, especially meeting their financial obligation.

    Admonishing the members and their wives, Pastor Don Okhuota of the Christ Embassy, Shangisha Branch, urged members of the club to accept Jesus Christ.

    “God doesn’t have interest in anybody who did not accept Jesus Christ into his life,” he added.

    He charged them to live according to God’s will if they desire progress in their club.

  • Love conquers all

    A broadcaster and daughter of an Inspector in the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Julius Ayodele Ajayi, Oluwabukola, has got married to Olatunde, son of the Chief Executive Officer of a Lagos company, Adelemo Properties Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Olalekan Adelemo, in Lagos. SEUN AJAYI reports

    GABRIEL Orooro Multipurpose Hall in Ikotun, a Lagos suburb, was decorated in pink and yellow. Guests shone in their traditional attires, many blended with the colour of the decoration.

    Guests came in their numbers to rejoice with Oluwabukola, a broadcaster with Supersport and daughter of an Inspector in the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Julius Ayodele Ajayi and her beau Olatunde, a business man and son of the Chief Executive Officer, Adelemo Properties Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Olalekan Adelemo.

    The event had Idowu Oladipupo (a.k.a 100John) as the Master of the ceremony and Eniola Lias Abiodun (a.k.a Queen Ayangbajumo) as the Alaga Iduro.

    Mr Tutor and his band entertained guests with music and jokes, ensuring there were no dull moments throughout the event.

    The hall was filled to capacity.

    The couple’s seat at the centre of the stage was decorated in white with lights across.

    While the bride’s family took to the left, the grooms were on the right.

    The couple’s parents were on the same outfit of brown lace with head gear and cap to match.

    The event started with the opening prayer done in Muslim and Christian way. Praise and worship followed.

    The event continued with the entry of the bride’s parent, Mr Ajayi and wife Mojisola. They were accompanied by some family members and friends. The groom’s parent, Alhaji Olalekan and wife Aderonke entered in the same manner.

    Families were introduced to each other after which they made their intention known.

    Olatunde, clad in a brown agbada, which had orange designs came into the hall in the company of his friends who were on white native. They prostrated to greet the couples’ parents and family members.

    The bride Oluwabukola came into the hall in the same manner as her husband. She wore orange lace buba and head gear to match with brown wrapper and blue shoe with blue neck beads.

    She and her friends knelt down to greet her parents and their family members.

    Soon after, Olatunde and Oluwabukola were presented to both families for blessing.

    Olatunde carried his wife in a show of love as he presented her to his and her families. They sealed with kisses.

    Oluwabukola described her beau as loving.

    “I like his character; even when I am angry, he will always find a way to calm me down, he’s nice, loving and always caring,” she said.

    Olatunde said he loves his wife, saying she is very caring.

    The bride’s father, Mr Julius Ajayi, described the day as a glorious one in his life, giving glory to God.

    He encouraged the couple to work hand in hand and support each other to be successful.

    The bride’s mother, Mojisola Ajayi urged the couple to stay together in love and allow nothing to come in between them.

    The groom’s father, Alhaji Olalekan Adalemo enjoined the couple to love and respect each other.

  • Don’t contribute money for me, says ailing actor, Olumide Bakare

    Don’t contribute money for me, says ailing actor, Olumide Bakare

    There are strong indications that veteran actor, Olumide Bakare, who is down with a heart ailment, is presently in the United States of America for further treatment and healthcare, E24-7 Magazine revealed yesterday.

    Efforts to get him on the phone in the last three days proved abortive.

    Report says the actor arrived the US Wednesday, and was received by his son in Pennsylvania.

    Bakare was quoted to have expressed appreciation to his fans and well-wishers, but maintained that he does not require financial assistance from anybody to foot his medical bills.

    This, the ailing actor noted, is not about being indispensable, but to caution his fans not to get swindled by unscrupulous individuals who might want to cash in on his present situation to cheat unsuspecting members of the public.

    The actor was reported recently to be recuperating in his Ibadan home, after he was discharged from the hospital.

  • Forever together

    Acting Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Otunba Jide Adebayo has given out the hand of his daughter Anuoluwapo, in marriage to her beau Mr Eyitayo Adedayo Akanfe, in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, writes KRISTY EJIKEME

    For the Akanfe and Adebayo families, December 7 will remain etched on their minds. That day, Anuoluwapo, daughter of Acting Managing Director of News Ageny of Nigeria (NAN) Otunba Jide Adebayo got married to Eyitayo Adedayo Akanfe in Omu-Aran in Kwara State.

    The ceremony was preceded by the traditional engagement at the Government Secondary School, Omu-Aran’s Hall of Fame, the previous day.

    The use of the school premises was a home coming for its Old Boys Association (OGSSOBA) of which Adebayo, the Otunba Gbadero of Olla land and Otun Gbobaniyi of Omu-Aran, is an active member.

    The engagement was characterised by the rich culture of the Igbomina.There was drumming and dancing with rendition of traditional songs by different traditional women groups.

    The couple’s marriage was solemnised at the 2nd E.C.W.A. Church, Agamo, G.R.A., Omu-Aran.

    The congregation sang: “It is so sweet to trust in Jesus,” as Otunba Adebayo led the bride into the church auditorium to join the groom.

    Rev. Samuel Adewumi pronounced them man and wife to the congregation’s delight.

    The groom unveiled his bride’s face before they both exchanged their wedding rings and marital vows.

    After the recessional hymn: “Blessed Assurance”, guests were entertained at the Omu-Aran City Hall.

    The wedding got a royal flavour with the presence of the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Oladele Ibitoye, and his wife, Olori Omowunmi. Members of the Olomu-in-Council were also there.

    Otunba Adebayo, a former Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture in Kwara State, his wife and in-laws attracted many guests from far and near.

  • Copyright war: Reps fault NCC

    Copyright war: Reps fault NCC

    The House of Representatives has faulted the decision of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) for failing to recognize the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN) as a royalty- collecting society for musical works.

    The lawmakers are proposing a review or reform of the Copyright Act because, as a regulatory body, NCC has shown itself to be biased and compromised.

    During the consideration and adoption of a report yesterday, following the investigation of the NCC by the House Committees on Justice and Judiciary, the lawmakers mandated the Copyright Commission to open the door for the registration of other qualified organizations as collecting societies.

    The report was presented by the Chairman of Committee on Justice, Ali Ahmad.

    All the recommendations of the report were adopted by the lawmakers at the Committee of the Whole chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha.

    The recommendations include: “That, given the state of the law and available technology, the NCC is not justified in refusing to register MCSN, one of the two de facto collecting societies as alternative body in the music industry in Nigeria.

    “That the Musical Copyright of Nigeria (MCSN), having satisfied all the requirements of the law, should be registered by the Nigerian Copyright Copy Commission (NCC) forthwith.

    “That the continued refusal to register the MCSN is casting NCC, a regulatory agency, as having been compromised and pursuing only the interest of a particular section of the industry.

    “That the NCC should be urged to rise above board, in order to be seen as fair and just.

    “That the NCC should revisit the application of other organizations that applied to it for license as collecting societies for performing and mechanical rights in musical works, with a view to determining whether or not, based on the provision of the Copyright Act and its regulations, they presently qualify for license as collecting societies, regardless of the existence or non-existence of a licensed collection society for musical works in Nigeria.

    “That in considering applications for grant of license under the Copyright Act and its regulations, the NCC should desist from giving consideration to extraneous matters.

    “That the Committee on Justice should liaise with the Attorney General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice, the NCC, the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, the Nigerian Law Reform Commission and all stakeholders in the copyright sector with a view to carrying out a review or reform of the Copyright Act and its regulations in order to, amongst others:

    “Align their positions with the provisions of the Constitution of the country, clear any inconsistencies, ambiguities or vagueness relating to registration and licensing of multiple collection societies.

    “Make operations of the NCC transparent and accountable to the citizens, particularly Article 5 of the Berne Convention, the Rome Convention and WIPO Copyright Treaty’ to which Nigeria is a signatory and

    “Make the Act and its regulations acceptable to stakeholders and Nigerians, generally.”

  • Tiwa Savage, Femi Kuti, D’banj, others for Music Meets Runway

    Tiwa Savage, Femi Kuti, D’banj, others for Music Meets Runway

    With a promise of a lifetime experience for guests, organisers of Music Meets Runway, Le Reve Event, have released a list of artistes who will thrill at this year’s event.

    According to the organizers, some of the sensational acts who will add colour and panache to the event scheduled to hold at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday, December 21, are Femi Kuti, Tuface Idibia, D’banj, Wizkid, Ice Prince and Tiwa Savage.

    They will be supported by female acts such as Seyi Shay, Lola Rae and Toni Tones.

    Popular On-Air Personality, IK Osakioduwa, will host the event, while international model and icon, Alek Wek, will be joined by international fashion designer and fashionista, Angela Simmons, as presenters at the fashion fiesta.

    The event is supported by Le Reve Pieces, Ciroc Vodka, Sovereign Trust Insurance PLC, ZARON, M-Net, Ebony Life TV, Beat 99.9 FM, 97.3 Classical FM, 96.9 Cool FM, Fascinating Nigeria Tourism, Cold Stone Creamery and Bella Naija.

  • I’ve cancer, says Karen Igho

    I’ve cancer, says Karen Igho

    In the eyes of many, she is very controversial. But the 2011 winner of Big Brother Africa, Karen Igho, can sometimes be down-to-heart, if she chooses to.

    On Wednesday, December 18, Karen, who is known for her enhanced boobs, disclosed that she had cancer. Following the staggering revelation, her fans have since been worried.

    Igho had taken to her twitter handler to break the news and the response that followed was unprecedented.

    According to her, “I have cancer. Are you guys happy?” While many fans blasted her, thinking she was merely seeking attention, others expressed sympathy, asking for words of prayer for her. They stated that what she dreaded most had caught up with her. However, she has since pulled down the post.

    It will be recalled that she once said that her enhanced boobs were a corrective measure to traits of cancer. “My boobs were never a strategy. When I discovered that I had lumps in my breasts, I removed them and had the boobs job done to prevent any further occurrence,” she had said after her victory in the reality show.

    There are several touchy stories about her, including the revelation that her dad died of AIDs. The first of 10 kids, her mum was separated from her biological father when she was two years old.

    Although Karen said her mother is her role model, she grew up living with her grandmother in the village in Delta State.

    According to her, she met her biological father for the first time when she turned 14 and he died few days after their reunion.

    Since the curtains drew on the Big Brother Africa Amplified Edition on July 31, 2011, Karen has continued to stay relevant as a celebrity engaging in news worthy activities, including partnering with breast cancer prevention initiatives, HIV intervention projects and children orphanages.

     

  • Music meets comedy at Rhythm Unplugged concert

    Music meets comedy at Rhythm Unplugged concert

    It was one of the few shows where tickets were completely sold out, leaving late buyers stranded.

    Harp Rhythm Unplugged, it appears, got more than it bargained for, with a lineup of artistes that seemed too irresistible for music lovers.

    Traffic in and around Eko Hotel and Suites, venue of the concert, last Sunday night, posed great difficulty. The several packing slots at the venue were completely occupied, leaving many more at the mercy of ‘hustlers’ who sourced space for guests at a price, thereby filling up all sidewalks and roadsides.

    Organised by Flytime Promotions in partnership with DataBox Technologies, the show, which was streamed live on MeetOrbit.com, was anchored by Nigerian comedian, Bovi, and visiting American artiste, Wyclef Jean.

    As many continued to make their way into the hall, the show began with Bovi, treating guests to situation comedy that resulted in tears-induced laughter.

    I Go Safe, another stand-up comedian, complemented Bovi’s jokes with a one-off session, which he used to advantage.

    Interestingly, the show, which featured a potpourri of activities, introduced another set of entertainers. This time, it was the energetic dance group called Dance Na De Main Thing (DNMT). A sight to behold, the group’s creativity went from beautiful choreography to snippets of hilarious dance drama carried out with beautiful attires.

    Never- say-die artiste, Sound Sultan, rekindled memories of 15 years ago, when his hit song, Jamgbajantis held sway. The popular song, with its satiric video, had criticized bad governance of both the military and civilian leaderships.

    From Jagbajantis, the artiste went into Ajo dabi ile, a song which decries incessant migration of the country’s productive youthS to foreign land. With his six-man band and skillful dancers, he had used his usual graphic illustrations to had verve to his act. Sound Sultan, it could be said, led the way for a proper live performance at the event, ushering Wylef to the stage, amidst great cheers from the crowd.

    A few minutes of banters between Bovi and Wyclef added to the fun, as the American tried a few words of Pidgin. It was obvious how much the visiting artiste cherished entertainment. He confided in the crowd on this, saying, “Politics is not sexy, so I’m back to my entertainment business.” The entertainer had tried his luck in the American politics, but could not find headway.

    He wanted to know more about Tonto Dikeh whose music, he observed, made 4.5 million downloads on the Internet. But Bovi didn’t think that the downloads amount to fame. He told Wyclef that the actress cum singer could also get as much deleting as her number of downloads in a day.

    Next on line, Tony Tones, a photographer, surprised many with her music and dance prowess. She soon departed the stage for one of the finest female acts, Waje. The sonorous-voiced diva opened her session with a tribute to the late Nelson Mandela. Thereafter, she did her regulars, wrapping it up with the dancehall hit track, I Wish.

    Acclaimed queen of hip hop, Sasha P, came up next, as the first artiste to mime her songs. The rapper was coming back on the music scene after a while, and she tried to teach the crowd the chorus of Recognise, a new song she just dropped last Monday. It was obvious she has lost grip on her fans base-the crowd did more of listening than reacting to her performance.

    Bearing the new nickname of Eja Nla, D’banj’s slot began with his look-alike brother, K Switch, storming the stage with a backup singer. With same mannerism, he whetted the appetite of the eager crowd with three songs before the Kokomaster, as he (D’banj) is fondly called, got on stage.

    Spotting a blazing red jacket, red shoes and a pant laced with red, the ovation for the showman got louder as he sang his hit track: Top of the World. He closed his act, singing the daring song, Don’t Tell Me Nonsense.

    When Tuface Idibia came on stage, everyone knew live music had resumed. Without the complement of erotic dancers, Tuface held sway as the foremost live music performer who does not require a Dee Jay’s playback from his CDs. The crowd went wild for his True Love track, with which he started his show.

    Other artistes, who performed at the show, included P Square, Wizkid, Davido, Banky W, Burna Boy, Iyanya, Olamide, Dr. Sid, Omawumi, KCEE and DJ Jimmy Jatt.

    Other artistes, who also performed, were I Go Dye, Gordons, Seyi Law, Buchi and Apororo, among others.

    It was the longest show of the year, wrapping up around 5:30am, the next day.

  • Harrysong’s Tribute to Mandela, most downloaded caller tune

    Harrysong’s Tribute to Mandela, most downloaded caller tune

    • Free concert for the deceased holds today

     Blazing the trail among dozens of tribute songs released in the aftermath of Nelson Mandela’s death is Tribute to Mandela, a free memorial single released by Nigerian singer-songwriter, Harrysong.

    The song, according to an official figure released yesterday, has amassed a record of one million downloads in 24 hours.

    “Mandela, we love you and we wish not to let you go,” is a line in the song that eulogizes the late South African anti-apartheid icon, which is being offered for free download.

    Pundits say the rising singer’s cut, which is available solely on MTN, Nigeria’s dominant telecoms player with over 56 million subscribers, has recorded over two million caller tune downloads so far, smashing all records.

    The song was released on Wednesday December 11, six days after the death of the freedom fighter, who spent 27 years in jail before emerging the country’s first black president.

    Dozens of Nigerian musicians will gather today for a massive tribute concert in honour of the late freedom fighter.

    The show will be convened by Mo Abudu‘s Ebony Life TV in collaboration with some top Nigerian stars.

    Tagged “The Legacy Lives: A Tribute Concert”, the event, which is being planned by Funmi Victor-Okigbo of No Surprises Events, has been scheduled to take place at the Ocean view Restaurant, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Expected to perform at the show are music and comic acts, including D’banj, 2Face Idibia, Darey Art-Alade, Burna Boy, Ikechukwu “Killz”, eLDee, Tiwa Savage, J Martins, Timi Dakolo, Niyola, Zaina, Mo Eazy, Waje, Omawumi, Mike Aremu, Engager, Chioma, DJ Babus, Julius Agwu and Rocksteady.