The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Amaechi approves N15M for OJB kidney transplant

    Amaechi approves N15M for OJB kidney transplant

    The Rivers state governor, Rotimi Amaechi has come to the aid of ailing music producer, Okungbowa Jezreel Babatunde aka OJB who is currently battling with kidney problem.

    The governor has promised to support OJB with fifteen million naira (N15M) needed for the kidney transplant.

    This was disclosed by the head of the OJB fund raising, NoMoreloss via his twitter handle. “Officials of the government reached out to us this evening, (Wednesday, June 3) promising to donate a $100,000. The presentation, they say, will be made on Friday (June 5). We are indeed grateful to the Governor and the people of Rivers State. Now we can finally have that surgical procedure.”

    An extremely excited NoMoreloss said, “We also appreciate the kind hearts of Nigerians who have made donations and those that supported us with prayers. We had a place in mind initially, but recently, there have been several suggestions from other people. We would be having a meeting by this weekend with all the concerned parties to decide which of the options is best. The donor is a family member, but for some reason, we do not wish to disclose the identity. All that matters is for him to have a successful operation.”

    He also added that “I guess it is no longer SaveOJB abi? So now I think it should be celebrateOJB hmmm?”

     

  • Tonto Dikeh responds to NDLEA arrest threat

    Tonto Dikeh responds to NDLEA arrest threat

    …Denies posting marijuana photos on Instagram

    Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh has responded to a potential arrest threat by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) by declaring that she has not received any summon to that effect.

    The marijuana pictures posted on Instagram elicited a flurry of invectives from critics and fans alike of the controversial actress and according to the spokesperson of NDLEA, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyejus the agency will see to it that action is taken on the issue.

    “Our attention has been drawn to the post quite frankly and I can tell you that action will be taken on it. The law is clear and NDLEA has been very clear on the issue. No one is permitted to sell, use, cultivate or encourage the use of Indian hemp in Nigeria. The substance is one of the banned narcotics in the country.

    “NDLEA Act Section 14 (b) states that any person who conspires with, aids, abets, counsels, attempts to commit or is an accessory to any act or offence referred to in this act shall be guilty of an offence under this act and liable on conviction to be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not less than 15 years and not exceeding 25 years.”

    Meanwhile the actress has launched a damage control campaign by stating through her publicist that the picture posted on Instagram is a misconception.

    “As much as I would like to ignore the current issue on hemp, I think I owe well-meaning people some clarification. It is so easy the misconception that can come from a picture- the genius of technology. If you cannot find me holding a wrap of marijuana then you may want to slow down on your assumptions. We shouldn’t use our platforms to spread half-truths.

    “A fan wrote those words with herbs on my birthday on Instagram, and I replied: “Thank you #teampoko”. Now how does someone else’s action become my crime? If I said those words (‘Mi smoke gaja mi smoke weed while my hatez smoke ma gossip’) I will stand by them but I didn’t, and just because it is convenient for people to believe the lies still doesn’t make it the truth. The whole thing is falsified by people who just love to have fun at other’s expense.

    “Let’s put some thought to some of the things we write. Don’t do cut-and-paste. The original pictures are there to see; but no! That is too boring to be the truth. We want the truth to be nasty and spicy for our enjoyment, even if it is a pack of lies. Visit my Instagram page and see if the original picture is the same as the ones being circulated”, she said.

  • MI, Elliot as added prizes for Legend promo

    MI, Elliot as added prizes for Legend promo

    WINNING a trip to Dubai was the least in her expectations, even then the message of her success coming from lover-boy actor Desmond Elliot added to her ecstasy. Roselyn Monday, the biggest winner of the Legend Real Deal Promo, was once again taken aback when Elliot added that she would be shopping for free in Dubai for gift items up to a million naira in value. She was shocked beyond words.

    “Oh, so you actually didn’t know the real worth of the prize? Well, you have just won the opportunity to be flown to Dubai, all expenses paid. While there, you will have a chance of shopping for gift items up to N1 million in one of the biggest shopping malls. Congratulations to you, and I hope you shop wisely.”

    She thought of hugging the actor – confused, she restrained herself and jumped up, just as the music blared.

    It was a night of scintillating fun and excitement in Festac. The music was upbeat while the comic performances were enthralling, keeping the delighted audience reeling with laughter. The event was the final raffle draw for the 2013 edition of Legend Extra Stout’s National Consumer Promotion, held at Eldorado Hills Bar, Lagos.

    The high point of the event was the sublime musical performance by hip hop artiste, MI.

  • WACKO JACKO drops new works

    WACKO JACKO drops new works

    •Says he is still single and searching

    FOR those who care to listen, Michael Ezechikwe, aka Nigeria’s Michael Jackson, always posits that he is not just a dancer but also a musician. He informs that he has 10 tracks that are all ready.

    “I have 10 songs that have all been waxed and I am just trying to promote the songs as much as I can. Videos for some of the songs will be shot soon and I’m working really hard to ensure that they are shot in good time,” he said.

    The Micheal Jackson wannabe also revealed that he is still single and searching for the right one. “I am still single and searching at the moment; I want to be great in life. It is not the amount of children and wives that you have that makes you great anyway. Nelson Mandela has just one child and he is one of the greatest men alive. I want to be a great man like him and other things can come after that,” he said.

    On why he mimics the late Micheal Jackson, he had this much to say: “The reason why I mimic him is because we both look alike. There is a resemblance between him and myself. I also like Michael because he is a unique artiste and so many people want to be like him.

    “Michael’s death has also put me on the spotlight as a lot of people want to know me. Some magazines in Nigeria, London and Japan have featured me in articles in the past,” he disclosed.

  • P-Square memorises Michael Jackson’s in new video

    P-Square memorises Michael Jackson’s in new video

    THE talented duo of Peter and Paul Okoye, popularly known as P-Square, officially released a new single and video titled Personally. The video is part of P-Square’s effort to honour the late Michael Jackson, a music icon who had immense influence on their music career.

    Four years after MJ’s death, one of the most popular entertainers he mentored (P-Square) have dedicated the big-budget music video of their new single to his memory. Shot in Lagos and co-directed by Jude Engees Okoye and Clarence Peters, Personally is another video that showcases the dexterity of P-Square.

    According to the duo, “this video is dedicated to our mentor, legendary pop icon, the late Michael Jackson, who still inspires us personally.”

    The video also brings back the memory of Peter and Paul Okoye as members of the now defunct Smooth Criminals and MMPP dancing groups in Jos, Plateu State. The groups majorly mimed and choreographed MJ’s songs and dance routines. With Personally, P-Square have brought the old buzz and steps back.

  • Lagos to sponsor Afolayan’s historic movie

    Lagos to sponsor Afolayan’s historic movie

    •As filmmaker scouts for Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti’s double

    FILLING a gap created by the dearth of historical movies in Nollywood, young filmmaker and son of the late Yoruba movie icon, Ade Love, has secured the support of Lagos State government to produce his much talked about documentary feature. Kunle Afolayan, one of the few Nollywood filmmakers who have enjoyed corporate sponsorships for movie projects, has come to be identified with award-winning flicks, and his next project, entitled October 1, may just be another blockbuster.

    The producer of Irapada, Figurine and most recently, Phone Swap, is excited that Lagos State is leading the way of corporate support needed for the huge budget movie.

    He said the support is coming through the office of the governor, as part of his initiative for ‘Project Nollywood Update’, headed by Deputy Chief of Staff, Ms. Moji Rhodes.

    A N2 million budget film, Afolayan revealed that actors already confirmed for the production include popular TV presenter, Sadiq Daba, notable Yoruba comic, Kayode Olaiya (Aderupoko) and some British actors.

    The audition for the movie which took place at his Golden Effects Productions outfit on Ladipo Kuku, Ikeja, Lagos on June 6, 2013 had over 1000 hopefuls reading for different characters in the movie.

    The filmmaker himself is expected to act in the movie, which has been scheduled for locations in Lagos, and Ilaramokin in Ondo State, and shooting slated for July. It was also gathered that the filmmaker is still in a frantic search for an elderly actress who fits the personae of late Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, mother of the legendary Afrobeat King.

    Reports say Toyota Nigeria and Nigerian Breweries Plc may be keen in coming into the project which is fully in pre-production stage.

    A psychological-thriller, October 1, pictures September 1960, with Nigeria on the verge of independence from British colonial rule. It tells the story of a northern Nigerian Police Detective, Dan Waziri, who is urgently despatched by the colonial government to the trading post town of Akote in the Western Region of Nigeria to solve a series of female murders that have struck horror in the hearts and minds of the local community. On getting to Akote, more murders are committed, and with local tension high and volatile, Waziri has a race on his hands to solve the case before even more local women are killed. Matters take a turn for the worse, however, when Waziri discovers that his prime suspect is none other than the highly influential, university-educated son of the King of Akote, Prince Aderopo. Intelligent, good-looking, charismatic, witty and daring, the prince proves to be a most complicated adversary for Waziri. Set against the backdrop of the national celebratory mood of the impending Independence, Waziri and Prince Aderopo indulge in a game of cat and mouse as they try to outwit each other… leading to the climatic end in which the life of a popular local female teacher and village belle, Tawa, is held in the balance. Waziri has to race against the clock to nab the prince, save Tawa and solve the crime before the British flag is lowered and the Nigerian flag is raised on October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day.

    A visionary young Nigerian filmmaker, Afolayan was recently at the centre of a hit documentary series on the Yoruba heritage entitled Isedale. The work, which provoked thoughts about Yoruba Kingdoms and culture among AfricaMagic audiences, proved a success when the channel moved the series to prime-time.

  • Star Trek: M.I pays tribute to Dagrin, MCLoph

    Star Trek: M.I pays tribute to Dagrin, MCLoph

    FROM his tribute performances in memory of DaGrin and MCLoph to his hit tracks like, One Naira, Money, Chairman, among others, Mr. Incredible, as M.I is otherwise called, lived up to expectation at the Star Music Trek concert in Owerri, last weekend.

    Music buffs from neighbouring cities of Abia, Enugu, Aba and Nnewi defied the threatening rain, roving the Hero Square, venue of the show, and dancing excitedly till the early hours of the next day.

    The Owerri, Imo State leg of the show featured other star acts like JMartins, Mr. Raw, Wande Coal, Phyno and Crystals of the Star Quest fame. The impressive crowd event could have attracted a population in five digits, with the enthusiasts refusing to leave the concert venue until the very last note.

    Rave of the moment Azubuike Chibuzor Nelson, better known as Phyno, was undoubtedly the star of the night, delivering over 25 minutes of non-stop hits from his growing repertoire, including AmanchiKwanu, My Cool and Ghost Mode, delivered with his unique infusion of the Igbo Language, Pidgin and English. The crowd could not but ask for more. “I’m humbled by the love and appreciation,” he said after his performance.

    Black Diamond, Wande Coal’s performance was, as one fan aptly put it: ‘simply off the hook.’ Belting out a medley of his greatest hits including You Bad, Bumper 2 Bumper, Rotate and The Kick, the Mavin Records artiste brought an enormous amount of energy with him to the stage.

    Mr. Raw returned to Owerri last weekend, with a rich set that justifies claims he’s one of the greatest acts from the South East. Backed by a 7-man band, the rapper connected with fans in ways words cannot capture, enjoying himself as much as the fans, and bringing back memories of some of his greatest classics over the years such as Obodo, Aragagbandiara, Spiritual Konji and more.

    Even then, JMartins brought his fans close to tears, as he interrupted his powerful set spanning Touching Body, Good or Bad, Yoyo and more to bring Chukwudia, a handicapped fan, up to the stage to dance.

  • FUNKE AKINDELE is envoy for Qlichy.com

    FUNKE AKINDELE is envoy for Qlichy.com

    WITH every business hinging its face on a popular celebrity, fast growing online business networking platform Qlichy.com has announced cross-over actress, Funke Akindele, as brand ambassador. She was presented to a section of the media on Saturday at a ceremony which held inside the premises of The Quadrant Company in Ikeja, Lagos. Her presentation came on the heels of a successful official launch in April and a town storm campaign in May by the brand.

    Qlichy.com is a multi site business portal, news service and e-commerce platform which is linked to the Interswitch platform for payment purposes. Qlichy.com offers access to platforms like Bizpoint, Talkpoint, Salespoint, Playpoint and Thoughtpoint for businesses and consumers to meet and interact.

    Akindele, who said she admires the thought process behind the initiative, added that it will empower a wide range of people.

  • WAP stakes N200,000 on showbiz talents

    WAP stakes N200,000 on showbiz talents

    ANOTHER platform for fame and fortune awaits kids and adults in the much talked about Nnena & Friends and wapTV talent hunt show. The competition which is staking a cash prize of N200, 000 on the would-be winner will get participants to compete in the areas of Singing, Dancing, Playing Musical Instruments and Stand-up Comedy.

    Wale Adenuga Productions, organisers of the show, are optimistic that the show will give participants the much-needed opportunity to also get discovered and earn nationwide exposure while displaying their various talents to the world.

    Holding at D’Pencils, Ajao Estate, Lagos, the Nnenna & Friends Talent Hunt for kids between the ages of 6 and 15 holds on Saturday, July 20, while the wapTV Talent Hunt for youths between 16 and 30 years is billed for July 27, 2013.

    Organisers say participation is free and the events would be fully recorded and aired on wapTV on Channel 116 of StarTimes across Nigeria and other African countries.

  • UNILAG ‘NO SHOW’: Wizkid clears air

    UNILAG ‘NO SHOW’: Wizkid clears air

    DAYS after a near-detention incident at the Zone 2 Command of the Nigeria Police, Onikan where Wizkid was invited to explain why he allegedly collected N500, 000 from some University of Lagos students and then failed to appear at the show, the Starboi CEO has come out to clear the air on the issue.

    Speaking recently at a press parley, the hot-in-demand artiste said: “For a while now, we’ve been having cases of people communicating with people who operate fake accounts of myself on various mediums. It is true that I was invited by the police to state my own side of the story which I have done and further investigation into the case is being carried out. We’ve had cases where people chat with fake Wizkid manager on social media and fake Wizkid accounts have also been set up by unscrupulous persons. These people have been going about spreading falsehood and collecting money in my name.

    “I just want to let people know that there is a process of getting me to perform at shows or concerts as the case maybe and anyone who doesn’t go through the right process is surely dealing with the wrong person. Everybody knows that if you want to contact me for a show you have to go through EME or my manager, Godwin Tom. I do not charge anybody directly for my services, that’s the job of my manager and anybody that is negotiating with me with an account perceived to be mine on social media without going through the right process is dealing with the wrong person,” he said.