The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • OJB’s surgery successful

    OJB’s surgery successful

    Veteran music producer, OJB Jezreel’s kidney transplant surgery was successful.

    He has since been discharged from the Columbia Asian Hospital, India where he had been admitted for the operation.

    The multi-talented music guru spoke through a release, expressing his appreciation for the supports of his fans.

    The statement below:

    Dear fellow Nigerians.

    Greetings from far away India !I am sure this note from me will catch you with a little surprise. I have been reading a lot of news about ME being published on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and different Blogs by my good friends.
    I thought I must take out a quick moment and let you know that I am officially discharged today from the hospital, after a successful Kidney Transplantation Surgery, by God’s Grace. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Nigerians for your prayers & good wishes, without which all this would not have been possible.
    I also take this opportunity to thank my friends, fans and family for all the love, prayers and good wishes for a Speedy Recovery!! Be home with you soon…
    Thank you once again sincerely,
    Your very own OJB Jezreel.

     

    Congratulations to OJB.

  • November date for Madonna’s nude photos

    November date for Madonna’s nude photos

    I’m Going To Tell You A Secret is a must-see for every fan, even only to see how much Madonna has changed (in a good way) since 1990,” is an hype line of a 2005 documentary, directed by Jonas Åkerlund, on American singer-songwriter, actress, Madonna Louise Ciccone, but the popular Williams Shakespeare’s maxim, ‘The evil that men do lives after them’, may just be a smear on whatever new lifestyle the singer may have adopted.

    Madonna’s old pictures, where she had modeled naked are up for grabs for collectors, with November 9, 2013 already fixed for the auction date. The multi-talented artiste has enjoyed the celebrity status since she was a little girl, but started off by posing nude at age 18 for photographer Herman Kulkens.

    The photos from the shoot were acquired by Penthouse founder Bob Guccione, who died of cancer in 2010, and are now owned by Jeremy Frommer, who bought Guccione’s entire estate from his creditors last year. Though he’s best known for his legacy at Penthouse, Guccione was also founder of Omni, a science fiction magazine, which ran from 1978 until 1998.

  • Studio, financiers clash over Nigerian British actor’s film

    Studio, financiers clash over Nigerian British actor’s film

    Nigerian-born British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor is trending with an unusual attention, following the premiere of two movies in which he played lead. The movies; Half of a Yellow Sun, the motion picture adaptation of Chimamanda Adichie’s Orange Prize-winning book and 12 Years a Slave, a historical drama on the autobiography by Solomon Northup, have been fetching the actor rave reviews after they were premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, Canada last month, with the latter pitching him as an Oscar candidate.

    There is a stir between Paramount Pictures, the studio-right owner of the film, which belief that executives at Plan B breached the company’s deal with the studio by failing to offer Paramount a chance to finance and distribute the movie. Plan B is the production company of the movie run by popular Hollywood actor Brad Pitt.

    Ejiofor’s predicament, as the hero of the film implies that his chances may dim, should the clash between the two outfits persists. The actor may have his bet on two latest flicks, but 12 Years a Slave, a Steve McQueen’s film about a free black man who was kidnapped in Washington, D.C in 1841 and sold into slavery, has upstaged the Nigerian-Biafran war story which Adichie’s book tells, grossing $3.4 million so far at the box office.

    There are indications that despite the long-standing relationship between Brad Pitt and Paramount Pictures chairman Brad Grey, there is a tense confrontation underway between the studio and Pitt’s Plan B production company over the awards contending film.

    Sources say, according to the arrangement, Pitt is free to accept roles in films at other studios and take a producing credit without cutting in Paramount. But the studio’s position is that Pitt’s company must give Paramount an opportunity to come in on projects that Plan B develops. Paramount is said to be contemplating what steps to take, if any, in the wake of this alleged breach. Grey is said to believe that he was deliberately misled about the project, not by Pitt but by Plan B executives.

    Grey co-founded Plan B with Pitt and the star’s former wife, Jennifer Aniston, in 2002. Pitt became sole owner in 2006. The company has had a deal at Paramount since 2005.

    12 Years a Slave is off to a strong start at the box office, grossing $3.4 million so far in limited release and shooting to the top of most Oscar projectors’ best picture lists.

    Fans are worried that ‘Grey’s hunger for an Oscar’ may take down the touted best film of the year by lawsuit-type threats.

    “Shame on you Paramount and Grey; Paramount did not want to finance this film as they saw a loser; now that it is a winner they begin this crap,” a fan said online, adding that, “ had 12 Years a Slave flopped, there would be no complaints from Paramount.”

    “It seems that it has taken the Studio all of this time to summon their indignation and outrage over this so called exclusion from the production process,” said another movie buff.

    McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave led the field as nominations for the 23rd annual Gotham Independent Film Awards were announced last Thursday. The film, which offers a searing look at slavery in the American South, claimed three nominations; best feature, best actor for Chiwetel Ejiofor and breakthrough actor for Lupita Nyong’o.

    The story is praised by reviewers for its willingness to reveal the dark side of the antebellum U.S, posting a 97 percent freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

    As the next American leading award, Oscar comes up on Sunday, February 24, 2014, the world is waiting to see if Ejiofor will lift the Best Actor laurel.

  • Michael Jackson’s doctor set free

    Michael Jackson’s doctor set free

    Late Michael Jackson’s Physician, Conrad Murray, who was jailed on account of the pop singer’s death, has been released from prison. The former cardiologist was convicted in 2011 of involuntary manslaughter for giving the pop superstar an overdose of a powerful anesthetic as a sleep aid. Murray was released from prison yesterday morning, after serving less than two years of the four years jail term.

    Murray’s release stems from a change in California law due to prison overcrowding and the October 2 ruling in which concert promoter AEG Live, which hired Murray to care for Jackson, indicated that the doctor was not at fault in the pop star’s death.

    Murray whose license to practice medicine was suspended or revoked in three states has denied wrongdoing throughout his incarceration. Reports say his lawyers have petitioned the state of Texas to reinstate his license.

  • Rock legend Reed dies at 71

    Rock legend Reed dies at 71

    United States singer and former Velvet Underground frontman Lou Reed has died at the age of 71.

    Known for tracks including Perfect Day and Walk on the Wild Side, Reed was considered one of the most influential singers and songwriters in rock.

    BBC says the Velvet Underground became renowned for their fusion of art and music and for collaborating with Andy Warhol.

    According to the Associated Press news agency, Reed’s literary agent said he died of a “liver-related ailment.”

    Andrew Wylie said the musician died at his home in Long Island, New York, on Sunday morning and had not been well “for a few months.”

    Reed’s former Velvet Underground bandmate John Cale wrote on his website: “The world has lost a fine songwriter and poet… I’ve lost my ‘school-yard buddy.”

    Other stars paying tribute included The Who, who tweeted: “RIP Lou Reed. Walk on the peaceful side.” Iggy Pop said it was “devastating news.”

    An admitted hard drinker and drug user for many years, Reed had a liver transplant this May after suffering liver failure.

    “I am a triumph of modern medicine,” Reed posted on his website on June 1.

    The Velvet Underground never achieved commercial success during their 1960s existence, but their influence on music in later decades was widely recognised.

     

     

  • Lagos, Ogun support ailing Pa Kasumu

    Lagos, Ogun support ailing Pa Kasumu

    Help has started coming the way of ailing actor Kayode Odumosu, who has been down with heart and liver ailments and needs N12 million for treatment abroad. The Ogun State government on Saturday, gave a lifeline of N2 million, following an earlier donation of N1.5 million by the Lagos State government last Friday.

    After exhausting his savings on the ailment, which had resulted in partial stroke, and near loss of his sight and voice, the actor’s family had turned to the public for help. Jide Odumosu, the actor’s son, told The Nation that money realised from public contributions initially is about N1.5 million, of which N1 million came from a Commissioner in Lagos State. He said total money received so far is N5 million, with N7 million more needed.

    Pa Kasumu, as the actor is fondly called, explained to our reporter on Friday, what the N12 million needed would cover: “There is need to prevent a repeat of stroke, because that is usually very fatal as the doctors said. The N12million is a total package, covering traveling expenses to an Indian hospital, accommodation and treatments, which have been estimated will cost about N50, 000 every month. Physiotherapy too costs about N40, 000 every month…”

    Odumosu said they received a call on Friday to come to the Lagos State Secretariat in Alausa, where they were presented with a cheque of N1.5million on behalf of the state government.

    A large crowd, including government officials and colleagues of the actor, attracted more crowd as the Ogun State government’s donation was being conveyed to the actor at his Mushin home on Saturday.

    The team, which was led by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Taiwo Adeoluwa also include Commissioner of Tourism and Culture, Yewande Amusan and the governor’s personal physician.

    Adeoluwa said although there was no formal request from the actor and his family, the governor decided to help following media reports on the actor’s travail.

    The SSG who said he was making the donation on behalf of the governor, described Pa Kasumu in good terms. “Wherever and whenever we see anybody who is one of us, particularly people like you who have made your marks and helped to put Nigeria and Ogun State on the map, we are more than happy to identify with you and assist you,” the governor’s representative added, urging colleagues and well wishers to rally round the actor for more support.

    Pa Kasumu, who thanked the Ogun State government, requested more help from individuals and corporate bodies. “Though I cannot speak very well now, I want to thank Governor Amosun for this. I want the government to take me out of this noisy area,” he said.

    Some of the actor’s colleagues on the occasion included Dele Odule, Bolaji Amusan (Mr. Latin), Yomi King, Olaide Bakare and Yomi Fabiyi.

  • Wizkid, P-Square out of EMA race

    Wizkid, P-Square out of EMA race

    For the second time in a row, Nigerian acts competing in the African category of the Europe Music Awards have been thrown out.

    MTV, the organisers announced that South African Pop Duo, LCNVL has been voted as Best African Act, the position throws Ayodeji Balogun aka Wizkid and Paul and Peter Okoye of the P-Square fame out of the competition.

    Last year, Wizkid and Dapo Oyebanjo (D’banj) were the contenders from Nigeria, who did not also make it.

    For the last six weeks, MTV gave fans around the world the chance to vote for their favourite hometown artistes to help them win the ‘Best Act’ title in their respective market. LCNVL will now move on to the next phase of voting to try to secure a spot to represent the region in the Worldwide Act category at the 2013 MTV EMA which is taking place on Sunday, November 10, at the Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam. The show is expected to be broadcast live to Nigerian audience on MTV DStv channel.

    This year, 186 of the world’s hottest musical acts have enjoyed the MTV EMA spotlight as nominees in the Worldwide Act voting competition. These artistes span genres from Mandopop to indie-rock and Afrobeats to electro-house and hail from 126 cities and 29 small towns across 51 countries.  The other contenders, who had been in the running for the Best African Act award, were Mafikozolo and Fuse ODG.

    LCNVL, the brainchild of twin brothers Brian and Andrew Chaplin have been South Africa’s most successful pop act of the last five years, selling over 100,000 physical albums, winning the South Africa Music Awards (SAMAs) for Best Selling Album and Best Newcomer, and touring the world, playing with the likes of Justin Bieber, Taio Cruz, Mike Poser and Jason Derulo. Starting today, LCNVL will now go head-to-head against Yo Yo Honey Singh from India and Ahmed Soultan from the Middle East for the chance to be one of the 10 finalists to reach the last round of the Worldwide Act category.

    Reports say Miley Cyrus, Robin Thicke, Snoop Dogg, Afrojack, Imagine Dragons, The Killers and Katy Perry are all set to perform at the 2013 MTV EMA.

  • Fans ‘wild’ for RMD in Houston

    Fans ‘wild’ for RMD in Houston

    Razzmatazz for the second edition of Nigerian run Golden Icons Awards (GIAMA) Houston, United States, began with so much ecstasy when host of the show, Ramsey Nouah landed in a helicopter. The show was said to have leveraged on the success of its debut edition to deliver other A-list thespians from Nollywood, including Richard Mofe-Damijo, Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism. Niger ians in the United States had travelled from their various domains to be part of the show, which has been described by many as ‘out of Africa’.

    In recent times, it is not commonplace to have RMD attend an award ceremony organised by his countrymen, but it was gathered that there were so much positive reviews of the first edition of the show, which was hosted by actor Desmond Elliot.

    Getting RMD to attend the show didn’t also come easy. Strong indications emerged that it cost the organisers close to $10,000 in logistic, to get the actor, who was also being honoured with a lifetime achievement award, to attend. The actor, known for his class and style, was said to have flown in the First Class cabin of a Virgin Atlantic; his regular airline and stayed at Hilton Hotel. But for the seclusion and crowd control at the show, fans clamour for the actor was said to be overwhelming.

    The attention was no less for the superstar host, who arrived in grand style. Reports say the helicopter, which was originally scheduled to land on the red carpet was, due to safety and permit issues, diverted to the nearest street. From there, Nouah was said to have been escorted to the Stafford Centre in a Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

    Fans were more elated when he hit the stage with James Bond themed opening number. The star-studded event featured several highlights, including rib-cracking jokes from comedians AY, Seyi Brown and Jedi  who kept the crowd screaming for more. Other side attractions of the day were Dance performances to P-Square’s Personaly, Alingo and special music performance by the Refuges.

    Highlight of the show was the honorary award presentation to RMD and filmmaker Lancelot Oduwa Imaseun who got the honorary directing achievement award.

    Winners in the main categories of the show included Ghanaian actor Adjetey Annan who won the Best Actor for The Hunters and Ireti Doyle as Best Actress for Torn. Kunle Afolayan’s flick, Phone Swap won him the Best Director laurel while Mike Ezuruonye and Ini Edo were named ‘Best Acts’ in the male and female categories of the ‘Viewers’ Choice Award’ .

  • UK-based Nigerian filmmaker honoured for Jand Hustle

    UK-based Nigerian filmmaker honoured for Jand Hustle

    EHIZOJIE Ojesebholo, United Kingdom-based Nigerian filmmaker and producer of Jand Hustle, recently won the Efere Ozako Best Experimental Film at the 10th edition of the Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF 2013).

    Jand Hustle is a documentary-comedy about a Nigerian called Jimmy Bendel, who travelled from West Africa to East London in search of greener pastures but finds out things are not the same as he had read about or heard from people who had travelled abroad.

    Artistes that featured in the movie include Rachael Oniga, Kevin Hallett, Onoh Kallista, Oyinka Yusuff, and Okechukwu Chima. It was co-produced by Funmi Adesanya (UK), Ibironke Ojesebholo (Nigeria) while Associate Producers include Vitor Okhai, Cheah Kar Mun, Yejide Akomolafe and Oliver Aleogena.

    Ojesebholo holds a Diploma certificate from Sound and Audio Engineering, (SAE), London and a Degree in Filmmaking from Middlesex University, London and he is a member of Directors Guild of Great Britain.

  • Two singles from Gogowe

    YEARS of Gogowe’s fondness for music have come full circle as the upcoming artiste recently announced the arrival of her new singles Waka and Sun Mo Mi featuring prominent rapper, Vector.

    Currently a protégé of popular singer, Udoka Ogumanam, a.k.a Slam, and music producer, George Nathaniel, who manages her affairs, Gogowe explained that her songs are a culmination of an unflinching belief in her lyrical abilities. Describing her style as a blend of R&B and Afro pop, the artiste attests that her long list of role models includes Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Tiwa Savage and Omawumi.

    She says that she is inspired by her family and friends as love is also a prominent feature of her songs, which will feature ten of such tracks in her initial album for release this year.

    Gogowe added that Waka, which she singlehandedly wrote, is inspired by confident women, while its twin ambitions are to empower womenfolk while adding to their confidence.