The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Genevieve Nnaji races for cancer

    Genevieve Nnaji races for cancer

    LAST Saturday, Nollywood actress, Genevieve Nnaji joined other entertainment personalities, including Paul Obazele and P-Square’s Peter Okoye among others to race for a breast cancer awareness initiative.

    The recent public revelation of American star actress, Angelina Jolie of having undergone a preventive double mastectomy over Cancer, that killed her mother and of recent, her aunt seems to have aroused the need to fight the dreadful disease.

    Onari Duke, the former first lady of Cross River State, who has channeled her resources to fight the ailment through her Faith Hope Alive Foundation, gathered Nollywood stars for the five miles running excise around Lagos.

    The organisation, which recently dragged top Nollywood actors to campaign and create awareness on the need to intermittently go for medical checkups for early detection of the syndrome, is touched by the number of lives cancer has sent to their early grave.

  • Laide Bakare replies critics: ‘I know the father of my baby’

    Laide Bakare replies critics: ‘I know the father of my baby’

    AFTER weeks of keeping mum, actress Laide Bakare has decided to open up on the paternity issue surrounding the birth of her new baby. The actress in a statement made available by her publicist stated emphatically that she knows the father of her child.

    It would be recalled that shortly after news of her delivery hit town three weeks ago, her estranged husband, Olumide Okunfulire claimed that the new baby belongs to him and went further to demand a DNA test on the baby.

    “This is just to disabuse the minds of skeptics, as a first step. Nollywood actress, Laide Bakare, was duly married to businessman, Mr. Tunde Oriowo, aka ATM. These are pictures from the Nikkah ceremony that was held quietly in Lagos. Also, as the pictures speak, Laide Bakare was carrying Mr. Oriowo’s baby at the time. For the nine months that she was pregnant, during which the Muslim wedding was held, Laide was under the watch and care of no other man but Mr. Oriowo who played well his roles as husband and father. Therefore, there is no mistaking who the father of her newborn is,” the statement reads.

  • A lot of music producers will soon go broke —SAMKLEF

    A lot of music producers will soon go broke —SAMKLEF

    Samklef is perhaps one of the busiest music producers at the moment. But the award winning producer says he wants to concentrate more on his musical career in an attempt to further establish himself on the music scene. He revealed that much and more in this interview with AHMED BOULOR.

    HOW does it feel being married? Marriage has been a blessing because I got married to the right woman; I got married to my friend. Being married has taken me to the next level and I am glad I got married at the time I did. I used to be disorganized when I was not married; I lived in hotels when I had the money but marriage put a stop to all of that because I now spend my time and my money wisely. Now I have a home and I remember I lost my dad at the age of 11 and I became a rejected stone but I thank God for everything he has done in my life.

    Why did you feature her in your recent video titled “Suwe”?

    I featured her because of the title of the song; Suwe means game and my wife is my friend. What I do is showbiz and it is good you put your family in the eye of the viewer for positive reasons and not otherwise.

    How did you meet her; was it a planned meeting?

    Everything about my life is not planned; I didn’t plan meeting my wife. I met her in 2010 and we got married in 2011. I met her in front of her parent’s house and we got talking and what attracted me to her was her confidence. I was not really known as a popular producer at the time but I just had a name. We got close after that meeting and we got even closer to each other with time. She is my friend and we went through a lot together. Getting married to her is about the best decision I have made in my life.

    You have no regrets whatsoever?

    I have no regrets; I have developed a great deal and I am still relevant on the scene. After I got married a lot of people said I went quiet. I didn’t go quiet; I am still relevant as I have been working with various artistes. Marriage makes you peer ahead; I think of the future now and how I can remain at the top of what I do. Marriage has thought me how to manage and handle showbiz.

    Is there any particular reason you featured Baba Suwe in the video?

    When I penned lyrics for the song was the time when Baba Suwe was arrested for drug trafficking. I met with Olamide later on and we were putting lyrics together for the song and Olamide mentioned Baba Suwe and we thought it would be a good idea to have him in the video. The whole idea was further developed by Tiannah Styling’s and that was the reason why I gave her a mention on the video.

    How much did you pay him to be on the video?

    I wouldn’t like to disclose that to the public on the pages newspapers. That is between the two of us. He was free and lively on set and we all had a good time shooting the video.

    You have produced songs for artistes such as Wizkid, Olamide, D Prince and a host of other established acts. Why is hard for you to produce a hit song for yourself since you also double as an artiste?

    All I have been doing in the past was selling myself as a producer but it is a new era for me at the moment. I want to concentrate more on selling myself as an artiste. Besides, I started as an artiste; I just did the video for the song “Suwe” and people are surprised I could do that but first I did ‘The Rain’ where I showed my other skills. I have been showcasing my stuff because as a business man you need to sell your brand. I have come to discover that most producers don’t make money because there are no structures. A lot of producers will soon go broke because there are no structures; we need publishing companies that can help us get the money. Some artistes are making huge sums of money while producers are not making anything. I don’t blame artistes anyway because they are meant to give you what you are due by paying you your service charge. But when things are taken care of by a publishing company, then producers need not worry because they will get their due.

    How would you describe your evolution on the music scene?

    It has been mind blowing and what I did recently can be termed as spiritual. I am very spiritual; I believe everything that controls the physical is spiritual. I also believe in energy and frequency. Recent times have been like a rebirth for me because I collaborated with Terry G. A whole lot of people do not know that the first group I was part of was formed by Terry G. We used to do gospel music then; he later left the group to forge his own future while I was taking out time to discover myself at the time. It all started for me when I produced the hit song titled “My Life” for Durella. Skales heard about my expertise and he introduced me to EME where I did two songs for Wizkid titled “Tease Me” and “Don’t Dull”. I also organised the team that shot the video “Holla at you Boy”. So it is now a rebirth for me, I did a song titled “Display” with Terry G with whom I’ve surprisingly not been in a studio with until recently.

    What’s next for you?

    After my latest single “Display” I hope to drop another single very soon. I am also planning to shoot a video in America because I have been getting positive responses from fans. My album will be dropping soon and I am working towards its completion.

    How have you been able to remain relevant on the scene despite that fact that the digital age has brought laziness and lack of discipline among most music producers?

    That’s because I go to church and get inspired all the time. It is only in the church that you get to listen to soul lifting songs. I tell everybody that cares to listen that real music is from the church; it is only in the church that you get to listen to real music live. I am not just a fluke; I am a musician. I play the keyboard and the guitar; I am a full blown musician. The digital age has helped me to be more creative; I am versatile and there are lots of software’s that have enabled me to up my game.

    How do you combine video production, music production and your music career?

    I have people working for me and I try as much as possible to delegate responsibility. It is fun getting involved in video productions as well; I try as much as possible to give my best shot in whatever I do and I try not to do things for money.

    What’s your educational background like?

    I attended Air force primary school and later attended Tomori Comprehensive High School in Lagos. After leaving secondary school, I got enrolled into the street university where I had to forge a future for myself. I learnt everything I know today on the streets and I have a first class degree from the streets. I have never bought JAMB form my life and that doesn’t mean I am not educated.

    Did you ever think you were going to make money from music?

    I started making money when I was young because back then at the Air force base I used to get invitations to come and dance at birthday parties and I was given a token for my trouble. Music started for me when my dad died; I was lonely and sought things that could occupy my time. That was how I fell in love with music; I learnt to how to play the key board and later went to music school for one month.

    How challenging is it to produce a hit song?

    No song has been too challenging for me to produce; I don’t spend much time producing songs. The maximum time I have spent producing a beat is one hour. Sometimes I spend half an hour producing a song. I have not had to produce any challenging beat; I produced “Don’t Dull” by Wizkid under an hour.

    When should we expect your album release?

    My album is dropping between July and August…

    What’s the title?

    The album is titled Four Cardinal Points

    How close are you to God?

    God is my friend and my father; I talk to him as a friend. He is not a breed; I have a father and son like relationship with God. He knows what I am doing and he is in support of what I am do. The bible says the blessings of God added riches and added no sorrow.

    What’s in the pipeline for you in the near future?

    After my album release, I intend to embark on a European tour to promote my music next year. I am also working on a project for my son; it’s an animated super hero movie I am working on.

    Have your worked with any international artiste?

    I am working on something in that direction because I have friends trying to fix things for me over there. That will surely materialize when my tour begins in time soon to come.

  • Rolling Dollar: O’jez suspends monthly award

    Rolling Dollar: O’jez suspends monthly award

    POPULAR hangout for Nigerian celebrities, O’jez Restaurant, has put off its monthly award gig, as sign of respect for veteran Highlife musician, Fatai Rolling Dollar, who died last Wednesday.

    Fondly called ‘Agidigbo Master’, Dollar, who was a platinum member of Ojez and an in-house artiste, died of lung cancer at 85. The next edition of the O’jez award was billed for Sunday June, 30 but Chief Executive Officer of the outfit, Chief Joseph Odobeatu said the award had to be cancelled as a mark of honour for the fallen legend.

    “We cannot be celebrating while a key member of the O’jez Entertainment Awards had just passed on. Baba Fatai Rolling Dollar was not just an artiste who had performed for over a decade on the O’jez stage, he was family to the O’jez group,” Odobeatu said.

    He expressed grief over the demise of the artiste, whom he said he had been acquainted with for over 12 years. “Fatai Rolling Dollar had been with us from inception of O’jez at Iwaya Road outlet down to National Stadium. He has been performing every Friday and every last Sunday of the month for over a decade now…it’s a big loss for us at O’jez and a bigger loss to the Nigerian entertainment industry and the entire country in general. He was a personal friend, a father and close confidant. This is a man even with his fame and age, remained very humble till his demise. I feel pained but also seek solace in the fact that he came, made his mark and left in a blaze of glory. The industry will surely miss him”.

    Ododeatu promised that his outfit would play an active role in the 40th day burial rites, and assist family of the deceased with its widow’s mite. “When all this is done, we will organize a special tribute night where only FRD’s music will be performed by younger Highlife musicians. Our entertainment consultant, Moses Ebong has started working on that initiative.”

  • D’banj acquires $25, 000 suit

    D’banj acquires $25, 000 suit

    INTERNATIONAL superstar, D’banj who has been appointed as the Hennessy Artistry artiste for 2013 and also recently became the Goodwill ambassador for the Bank of Industry, has continued to rise in stardom despite his split from erstwhile partnership, Mo’Hits Records.

    He has continued to command huge sums of money in endorsements, appearances and performances thus ranking him among the highest earning Nigerian artistes. In a recent newspaper interview, he confirmed he wears the same wristwatch as American rapper Jay-Z, valued at $50,000.

    This increasing earning power has also led to an increase in spending as D’banj just took delivery of what is known as the Suit of Money. Designed by Okunoren, Nigeria’s leading clothing brand, the Suit is made of actual One Hundred Dollar bills and cost a whopping $25,000, which is approximately N3.7 million. It was entirely sewn by hand in London but was then taken to Italy for the specialized Milanese buttonholes to be done at the same factory used by Tom Ford.

    His new song titled Blame it on the Money, featuring Snoop Lion and fellow Good Music act Big Sean goes further to emphasize his wealth where he states he is unapologetic for being rich, set to become one of the major anthems this season. His DKM concert features International rapper, 2Chainz as well as another surprise guest.

  • Felabration in Movement of the People

    Felabration in Movement of the People

    THE 2013 edition of Felabration, a concert which celebrates the life and times of Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti is set to hold soon. As is traditional, this year’s theme is tied around the title of one of his best known songs, Movement of the People (MOP), which incidentally was also the name of the political party formed in 1979. MOP (the song) is in two parts-MOP 1 and MOP 2.

    The choice of this theme, as revealed by the Felabration committee, connects with one of Fela’s legacies as the only Nigeria musician to have a cult-like following. Even with his death 16 years ago, he still remains the only Nigerian entertainer with that reputation.

    Movement of the people as a vehicle of social engineering was a progression from Young African Pioneers, another mass movement platform initiated by Fela. It document Fela’s belief in inspiring a potent mass movement of people that could effect the type of changes he advocated on the African continent.

    This episode of a mass movement of people on a look distance walk was re-enacted at Fela’s death in 1997. Nigerians from all walks of life paid their tribute to a man they admired for various reasons by waving alongside his casket from the Tafawa Balewa Square Onikan-Lagos to Fela’s Kalakuta Republic in Ikeja Lagos where his remains were buried.

  • N3bn grant: Filmmakers demand full involvement

    FOLLOWING Federal Government N3 billion proposed grant for the Nigerian motion picture industry, the need, it appears, becomes necessary for filmmakers to be a part of decisions on disbursement modalities. Hence on June 18, 2013 some members of the industry, under the aegis of Nigerian Motion Picture Experts Group (NIMPEG) convened a summit with discussions touching other areas of concern. These include professionalism, code of conduct, broadcast licensing, regulatory agencies, distribution and exhibition of films and audio visual rights society among others.

    Following deliberations of the practitioners, the summit observed that the proposed fund is grossly inadequate to reposition the industry. It further observed that the appointment of members of the ministerial committee is undemocratic and does not reflect the wishes and aspirations of the industry.

    A communiqué issued at the end of the deliberations stated; “The release of the guidelines for accessing the capacity building fund has no input from the industry and its elected leaders contrary to the agreement reached with the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister for Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

    “The guidelines are unprofessional and inconsistent with global best practice. It is an abnormality for Assessors to be anonymous as it denies applicants the opportunity to assess their assessors and where necessary challenge the decision of the board. Additionally some members of the committee have vested interest in training. There is therefore a Conflict of Interest.”

    Consequently, it stated, the Summit rejects the guidelines on accessing the three hundred million naira capacity building tranche of the N3b Presidential Intervention fund.

    The summit was attended by representatives of the various guilds and associations which include Film & Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria, Yoruba Film & Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria, Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Association of Movie Producers, Association of Nigerian Theatre Practitioners , Screenwriters Guild of Nigeria , Creative Designers Guild of Nigeria , Coalition of Nollywood Guilds and Associations , Nigerian Society of Cinematographers , Nigerian Society of Editors and the Actors Guild of Nigeria.

  • Alaafin, Owa Obokun, others honour Third Eye publisher Akanni-Aluko at daugher’s wedding

    Alaafin, Owa Obokun, others honour Third Eye publisher Akanni-Aluko at daugher’s wedding

    Last Saturday, Adekemi, daughter of business mogul and publisher of the defunct Third Eye newspaper, Chief Akanni Aluko, exchanged marital vows with her heartthrob, Christopher Tolaore, son of the late Colonel (Dr) Atalabi. OSEHEYE OKWUOFU, who witnessed the event, reports. 

    Hundreds of eminent personalities within and outside the country thronged the home of famous publisher and businessman, Chief Akanni Aluko, last weekend in honour of newly married couple, Agnes Adekemi and Christopher Tolaore. The wedding programme, which commenced penultimate Thursday at the Ilesa, Osun State home of the bride’s father, Chief Akanni Aluko, saw hundreds of invited guests from Oyo, Lagos, Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau and Kano states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory in attendance.

    The Thursday programme, christened the traditional engagement of the couple, included the acceptance of bride price and the consent of the bride’s parents to giving their daughter’s hand out in marriage. The scores of dignitaries who attended the event included the juju maestro, King Sunny Ade and members of his musical band, who entertained the guests. Others in attendance were the wife of former Oyo State Governor, Rashidi Ladoja, Alhaja Mutiat; wife of the late Ibadan politician, Chief Lamidi Adedibu, Alhaja Bose; Prof. Solomon Kadiri; Prof. Salako; Prof. and Mrs. Ogunbiyi; Chief Olusola Gilbert and wife; Chief Olu Abiola; Chief Martins Sesan; former Registrar, University of Ibadan, Chief Mrs. Moji Ladipo and the Ogiyan of Ejigboland, Oba Omowonuola Oyesosin and some of his chiefs.

    All the large canopies erected were filled to the tilt by guests. The bride’s parents, Chief Aluko and wife, Kofoworola, were in joyous mood as they obviously enjoyed every minute of the event. They sat in the front row opposite the groom’s family members. The bride price, which included a copy of the Holy Bible, was accepted before the audience with applause as they pronounced the relationship valid. There were traditional songs, accompanied with performance by dancers from Emure Ekiti, Ekiti State, the home of the groom’s parents, which ushered the groom and his friends to the stage. There was plenty of food and assorted drinks for guests.

    At the St. Mary’s Catholic Cathederal, Oke-Padre, Ibadan, where the marriage was solemnised last Saturday, the church building was filled to capacity. Among the dignitaries at the church were the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III; the Ogiyan of Ejigboland, Oba Omowonuola Oyesosin; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana represented by High Chief Eddy Oyewole; the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran; wife of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, Alhaja Mutiat; wife of the late Chief Lamidi Adedibu, Alhaja Bose; the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Azeez Arisekola Alao; the Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida; Chief Pery Aluko; members of the University of Ibadan community; the business community and politicians.

    The church service, presided over by the chief host, the Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan Diocese, Arcbishop Alaba Job, was full of counsel and admonition for the new couple. The premises of the church were filled with assorted cars. The couple was ushered in with praise songs provided by the choir. All eyes were on the couple who thrilled the congregation with their dance steps.

    In his sermon, Bishop Emmaneul Badejo of Oyo Catholic Diocese enjoined the bride and the groom to be faithful to each other in fulfillment of their marital vows. He reminded the husband to honour his wife, while the wife should also have deep respect for her husband.

    Speaking on same sex marriage, Bishop Badejo said: “Catholics all over the world should rise up to fight against same sex marriage. It is a fight that must be won because the act is a gross sin against God, and we should not allow it in the sanctuary of the living God”.

    At the venue of the reception, Jogor Event Centre, Ring Road, Ibadan, the musical band of Wale Zion entertained the guests. It was full of fun. Everyone ate and drank their choice food and wine. The bride’s father, while thanking God for His mercies upon him, said: “I feel very high and my spirit is once again alive. I feel I am waking up from slumber. God has touched my life positively and He has given me all these great things you are seeing.

    “I thank God for His mercies, His blessings and provisions for me. I also thank all those who gave me massive support both here in Ilesa and in Ibadan. May the Almighty God continue to replenish them.”

    The Owa Obokun of Ijesaland took the audience by surprise when he led his chiefs to the floor to dance. The entire hall exploded with applause as they watched the monarch doing it the royal way.

  • Lagos film board gets new Executive Secretary

    THE Lagos State Government has appointed Mr. ‘Dele Balogun as the new Executive Secretary of Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board (LSFVCB). Balogun who was formerly an Assistant Director in the Office of Head of Service, replaces Mr. Dapo Awobotu who retired from the film board in February this year.

    Balogun holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication and a Master’s in Public and International Affairs which he obtained from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and University of Lagos, Akoka respectively.

    He has had private and public sector experiences in different capacities, spanning a period of twenty-three years which transcends journalism, marketing, advertising and public relations. He is a member of some professional bodies including the Nigerian Institute of Management, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and Nigerian Union of Journalists.

  • Impressive film line-up for 34th Durban

    THE Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), South Africa, has entered its 34th year of celebrating the beauty and diversity of global cinema. From July 18 to 28, the festival, a major gathering of filmmakers from Africa will bring festivities to the city with over 250 screenings in 11 venues across.

    DIFF is being principally funded by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund. The event offers a comprehensive workshop and seminar programme that facilitates the sharing of knowledge and skills by film industry experts. Organizers say this year’s outing will showcase 72 feature films, 48 documentaries and 45 short films.

    This year’s opening film is the ground-breaking African-noir work Of Good Report by Jahmil XT Qubeka. Telling the story of a serial killer obsessed with beautiful young girls, the film expands the language of African cinema. The festival’s closing film acknowledges Angela Davis, an important figure in the African diaspora, with the film Free Angela – and all political prisoners, directed by Shola Lynch.

    Some of the South African films expected to be showcased include Layla Fourie, The Forgotten Kingdom which is set in Lesotho, Felix, about a young township boy intent on following his dreams of being a musician, and The Good Man, an intriguing look at a globalised reality.

    However, there are some cinematic gems, dealing with significant issues around life on the continent including Tall As The Baobab Tree, (Senegal), Yema, (Algeria), Virgin Margarida (Mozambique), The Battle Of Tabato (Guinea-Bissau, Portugal), Something Necessary (Kenya) and It’s Us (Kenya) among others.

    This year DIFF acknowledges the wide diversity of sexual identities being explored on contemporary screens, no doubt a reflection of a global trend towards a broader dialogue around sexual difference. The selection of both documentaries and features include Dennis Cotes’ drama Vic+Flo Saw a Bear which chronicles the relationship between an ex-convict and her younger female lover, Valentine Road which provides a sociological post-mortem on the death of a young transgender boy, and The Future in which a young girl becomes a sexual companion to a blind former action hero. Then there’s Pussy Riot – A Punk Prayer, about the infamous Russian girl group, I Am Divine a biopic about the gender-bending singer and artist Divine and Born This Way, about the lives of gay and lesbian people in Cameroon.

    Also, the 6th Talent Campus Durban will bring together the creativity of 50 selected filmmakers from 18 different countries in Africa, chosen from over 450 submissions, who will take part in a series of masterclasses, workshops and industry networking opportunities during the festival.

    Organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) the Durban International Film Festival is also supported by National Film and Video Foundation, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism, City of Durban, German Embassy, Goethe Institut, Industrial Development Corporation, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture, and a range of other valued partners.