Category: Entertainment

IN continuation of its tenth anniversary tour, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, will witness an explosion of laughter today, November 24, as the Glo Laffta Fest hits the city. Announcing the date for the Abakaliki edition of the comedy, music and dance fiesta, the management of Globacom, said that the show will hold at the Nkweagu Ugbala Hall located in the heart of the city.

According to the statement, “residents of Abakaliki and the neigbouring communities will be treated to the ultimate in comedy and music. Among the special talents lined up to entertain the crowd is East Africa’s topmost comedian, Salvador from Uganda.”

Globacom listed other artistes billed to perform at the show to include Okey Bakassi, Bovi, Bash, Julius Agwu, Gandoki, Akpororo, 2CanTalk, SIM Card and Gordons, just as MI, Burna Boy, Waje, Chee d Voice, will be on stage to spice up the night with exciting music.

“Apart from providing quality services to our numerous subscribers, we want to use shows like Glo Laffta fest to thank them for their loyalty to the network in the past 10 years of our operation in Nigeria, the statement said. The company explained that the Glo Laffta Fest is part of the activities lined up for the 10th year anniversary of the company, adding that Nigerians in Enugu, Uyo, Asaba and Ibadan would take their turns to watch the show in the subsequent weeks.

FOLLOWING the release of his single, All Night, accompanied by a video under Maximillia 3 Entertainment, budding artiste Chibuzor Valentine Agu says that his album will drop in the month of December. Fondly referred to as Shuga V or Shugaboi by his contemporaries in the industry, the artiste says that he comes with an unquenchable craving for lyrical content and feel-good tunes as well as the desire to bring his compositional skills to bear.

The artiste who goes by the stage name, Mista Chivagu, holds a degree in Estate Management from IMT, Enugu. He describes his love for music as inherent, growing up under a father who was a chronic music lover.

“I have always been enveloped in the ambience of good sound, listening to the likes of the beetles, Elvis Presley, Jackson 5, Steel Pulse and, of course, the Abami Eda himself, Fela Anikulakpo-Kuti, and all these reflect in my forthcoming album,” says Chivagu.

Though keeping the title under wraps, Mista Chivagu revealed that the album includes other songs like Change Hand ft Timaya produced by Phyno, Traa (Go Loco), Good Time as well as My Song (Jeje), promising that it will appeal to the listening pleasure of music lovers in the genres of hip hop, dance, house, hip soul & RnB, which he is familiar with.

In 2012, his leaked single, Love U Da Gaskiya featuring Charlee Nathan, enjoyed massive play on some reputable radio stations and even made it to the MTN top 10 countdown and stayed up for some weeks.

The artiste who hails from the ‘coal city’ Enugu but grew up in the middle class part of Surulere Lagos says that professionally, he took the path of music in 2004 and since then has never looked back.

RECENTLY appointed Executive Assistant, Creative Entertainment and Tourism, under the Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Youth and Students Affairs, film director Dickson Iroegbu says that he has commenced the process of integrating Nollywood into the transformation agenda of the federal government. In doing this, he has rolled out a programme of action for the industry.

Iroegbu said that he has put plans in motion to launch a programme called Nollywood after 20 Years.

According to the filmmaker, the programme, which commences immediately after the celebration of Nollywood at 20, will involve all stakeholders irrespective of tribe or the division that has engulfed the industry in recent times. He, however, lamented the protracted crisis that has undermined the growth of the industry, stating that “it has not allowed the industry receive the accolade it deserves despite the patronage it’s getting across the globe.”

For him, the industry is bigger than the kind of patronage it’s getting currently from the corporate entities. “This is a programme that will drive the growing interest of government in the creative industry. Nollywood after 20 is a project my office is kick starting immediately after the celebration,” he added.

Speaking further, Iroegbu said that since assuming office, he has written to all the Guild heads introducing his new office to them. He has also expressed his willingness to work with everybody in the industry. “I am part of all the camps in Nollywood, but as it stands today, it has gone beyond cliques. That’s why I’m trying to reach out to everybody through Nollywood after 20.”

Iroegbu said the programme is designed to give the industry a needful platform to key into the federal government’s transformation agenda.

IT would appear that the season of weddings is in full swing as Aremu Afolayan, brother to seasoned actors Kunle and Gabriel Afolayan, is set to tie the knot soon. Arguably one of the most sought-after bachelors in the Yoruba Nollywood genre, the actor will be settling down with his US-based heartthrob, Olayinka Kafilat, on 8th December, 2013.

With that move, the controversial but skillful actor allays the fears of his fans concerning his preference for older women.

Aremu Afolayan, just like his brothers, is rocking the Nigerian movie industry, but one thing that sets him apart from them is his controversial persona which makes him the most criticised among them.

RISING actress and past Miss Delta State, Lizzy Gold Onuwaje, has an Individual Social Responsibility (ISR) and she has vowed to live up to it. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gbubemi Care Foundation, has revealed that in her little way, she is out to give back to the society.

In doing that, the thespian revealed she will, on Thursday November 28, stage a debate competition for all government and private schools in Delta State, with the topic: The Systematic Poor Quality of Education in Nigeria is Based on Who- Federal Government or Educators?

The winner of the competition, the actress stated, will get a scholarship and brand new laptop. Runners up, she also revealed, will get brand new laptops and Android phones.

Judges, who will make guests’ appearances include Nollywood actor, Walter Anger, Eve Esin, Melvin Oduah, Uche Nwaezeapu and other Nollywood actors and actresses.

According to the actress, there will be maximum entertainment and refreshment at the event. Scheduled to start by 9am, it will hold at Kariot Hotel, Warri and the gate fee is free while an after party will hold at Palmgrove Niteclub.

Ibadan-based Nollywood actress, Sola Popoola-Adeyemi, may not be one of the popular faces in Yoruba movies but her foray into the industry dates back to 2004. The actress cum producer has since then worked with known names within the Yoruba sector of Nollywood. Among them are Toyin Adegbola, Rose Odika, who she proudly refers to as her mentors. In this interview with MERCY MICHAEL and LEKAN OGUNSUYI, Sola, who got married to her Germany-based beau last year, speaks about her marriage, regret, and endeavours. 

HOW did acting start for you? It all started when I was in school. I graduated from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye. Growing up, I used to watch the late Aunty Ireti Adekola. She has been my mentor. I like her so much and ever since I was young, I told myself that if I didn’t become a journalist, I’m going to be a presenter or probably I will become a nurse. So I gained admission to study Mass Communication which to me goes in the same line with acting. That is how it started. I went to meet Aunty Aishat Balogun and she said since I’m still in school I could join and still be going to school. This was in 2004 but I registered fully in 2006, the same year I graduated from school.

You are into the Yoruba genre of Nollywood where they are known to have caucuses. Which caucus did you join from the beginning?

There is this my Oga, his name his Segun Atewolara. He was the one I joined. He was the one that registered me then but later people called me to tell me that they have caucuses in the industry and that I should join any one of them. One day I went to our Secretariat at Imetu Ibadan. We had our Governor; we use to call him Baba Feso. Feso Oyewole, after he realized that I had joined for a while, said that he will introduce me to Chief Yeye Toyin Adegboola (Ashewo to re Mecca) and as we were talking she walked in. That was how I joined her and she has been my good sister and mummy since then. That was in 2006.

How was it learning?

It was quite challenging but quitting was not an option and because Toyin Adegboola is a very loving, caring and accommodating person, it made it easier. I spent three years under Segun Atewolara and I also spent three years with Aunty Toyin. After then I, became my own Boss. Now, I’m on my own but I am still in a caucus, Rock Foundation Caucus in Ibadan.

Who are those behind the caucus?

So many of them; they include Yeye Rose Odika, Presenter Governor Alhaji Mudashiru Ayobami (Bobo B), Elder Lanrewaju Odeajo, Uncle Dele Odule and others.

Some people say the English genre of Nollywood pays more in terms of remuneration while the Yoruba genre gives you fame. As an actress why have you decided to stay put with the Yoruba?

I’m an actress. I am not restricted to Yoruba movies alone. I actually do English soap-operas. I have done soaps like Together, Family Planning, Heart of Gold and so many of them. The truth is, English genre pays more for series while in the Yoruba genre, we do more of the barter trade. For instance, if Aunty Toyin wants to do her movie, I can’t bill her naturally.

How would you describe your journey into acting so far?

It’s been great anyway but as with anything you do in life, there are bound to be challenges. I’m not going to relent because acting is something I have passion for. It is what I love doing. Most of the challenges I faced, I believe I have overcome them anyway. It has been so great.

Which was your first movie?

The title of the movie is Eni Ikoko. It was produced by Baroye. That was in 2004.

After it was released and you saw yourself on TV, how did you feel?

I felt so good. That encouraged me more and I was determined to continue. In my neighbourhood, people started to refer to me as an actress and I became more excited. I felt absolutely happy.

How much did you earn for that job?

Nothing, I wasn’t paid anything for the job. For me then, it wasn’t about the money. It was something I had passion for and despite going to location and not being provided with accommodation or receiving any money, I continued.

In the midst of all the challenges was there ever a time you felt like quitting?

There was this particular movie we went to shoot at Jago, after Ibadan. When we got to that location, they needed a lot of crowd so they called me to act. One of the Production Managers told me to get dressed that I was going be in one of the scenes. When I came out, the Director asked me who brought me on set? Before I could say anything he said I should leave and that I wasn’t needed. Honestly, I felt embarrassed and for once, I felt like quitting.

How difficult is it for ladies to get roles in the industry?

I can say it’s difficult, at the same time I can say it’s not. It depends on some factors. We have caucuses, in my own caucus before they cast anybody, they cast me first. The truth of the matter is if they know that you are capable of delivering and they have seen your jobs, of course they will go for you.

How real are the stories of sexual harassment in the industry?

I can’t really say much about it. Truth is, there is no industry where there is no sexual harassment but because we are in the limelight, we are usually the subject of discussion. Sexual harassment in the industry is not as bad as the media try to paint it. I am in this industry and I can tell you that you don’t need to compromise yourself to get roles.

Have you had any such experience?

Just once in all my years in the industry. That is exactly what I am trying to say. It is not by force. In my own case, I didn’t go for that. They called me and promised to give me the lead role. When I got to the location the Director made some advances in exchange for the role I was to play. I refused and left the location. I ended up not taking the job.

Can you date a movie Director?

I have never dated any movie Director and I don’t think I will.

Can you date a colleague in the movie industry?

No, I cannot date anyone in the industry because I’m married. Actually I have a lot of admirers in the industry but dating is not by force, it’s by choice. I initially wanted to date someone in the industry but when I found out he had dated a friend of mine before we met, I changed my mind and turned down his offer. Since then, I never dated anyone in the industry.

How many movies have you produced?

I have produced two movies; the first was Ayo wa miri in 2011. I was the Executive Producer but the movie was produced by Odunlade Adekola. I also produced Fagba Jale in 2012 which starred the likes of Sanyeri, Aunty Rose Odika, Kelvin Ikeduba, late Bisi Komolafe, Oreoluwa Jokotoye among others. The idea is to release one movie annually. The plan for this year’s movie is still ongoing and it will be released even if it remains a week for the calendar year to go.

You must be wealthy, starring in several movies and producing two of them yourself?

(Laughs)I am not rich but I can tell you I am a little bit comfortable.

As an actress, the trend of marriage crash in Nollywood is no news. What can you say is the cause of these break ups.

I cannot speak for anyone. Sometimes the choices we make determine everything. As celebrities, the media tends to exaggerate, paint stories and blow them out of proportion. In life, prayer is the key to everything. God’s direction is important when one is ready to settle down. In time of marriage crises, the God factor will also help. As for me Oluwasola, divorce cannot be my portion.

Is it now a popular thing for actresses to hook men staying abroad?

I told you initially that I can’t speak for anybody but for myself alone. I don’t know why it has been something hovering around the industry. To me, it’s God’s plan and doing. It is what you demand from God that you get or something bigger. I make my own choices. The way I met my hubby was peculiar. Thank God we met and things worked out fine for us.

If your husband asks you to quit acting, will you?

He won’t do that but I love my marriage so if he demands it from me, I will call quit just to make him happy.

How convenient is it for you staying far from your husband?

It is very convenient since we trust one another. I accepted him even when I know he won’t always be around. He comes around often; the plan is to join him very soon.

If you weren’t into acting, what would you be doing?

I would have been a nurse. My passion are acting and nursing. I have an Aunty who I envy so much every time I see her in her outfit. She’s always clean and I do tell her one day it will be me in those clean outfits. There is no correlation between nursing and what I read in school but it is what I have passion for and it would have been my alternative if movie hadn’t worked out.

What is the major challenge young actresses face in the industry?

To me it’s not really a challenge; most young actresses in the industry are not contented with what they have. They want to have big boobs, extra bums, toned skin and all. It’s not a good thing. As for me I love myself the way I am.

Do you have any regrets?

Growing up, I had some bad experiences as a girl; I would have loved my present husband, Odunayo Adeyemi, to be my first love instead of the guy I met then. The thought alone somehow saddens me but I thank God I got over it.

Can you act in a pant and bra if the role calls for it?

No I can’t. Although I’m an actress but it’s optional. They will ask if you can do it, so it’s by choice. There was this incidence in one movie when they asked me if I can kiss and I said no. We shot the movie and I didn’t kiss. Personally I don’t like kissing and I don’t like it when I am asked to kiss in a movie. I can’t kiss in a movie.

If you can’t kiss in a movie, how do you play romantic roles?

I can act romantic roles but when kissing and wearing pant and bra is involved, I simply tell the Director I can’t do it.

Was meet your abroad based hubby married and separated or properly divorced when you met?

He was never married to anyone at any point in time until we met; the way we even met is unexplainable.

What stands him out from other men?

What stands him out from other men is that he cares a lot about me and he loves me silly.

Are you fashionable?

I can’t really say I am fashionable, I just like wearing and using good stuffs. I can’t say I love a particular label. I love using foreign stuff, my perfumes, pants and tops, I get them from the UK, my shoes from America and I get my bags from Germany. I love German bags

Seven years in the industry, your face does not really resonate to a lot of people. Why is that?

I will get there. It is a general belief in the industry that it is turn-by-turn and I am sure mine is on the way

What are your plans for the future?

I hope for a very good future with my family; my husband and kids living happily together. I hope to be a good wife to my husband. A good mother to my children and a lovely girl to my parents also a good citizen to Nigeria.