The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • In her golden age

    It was fun galore for guests, friends and relations of Alhaja Iyabosola Aramide Falilat Mustapha, also known as IYM, who came to share in the joy of her 50th birthday celebration.

    The event, which took place at the Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, drew guests from all walks of life, including traditional rulers.

    They defied the scorching sun to attend the event. Exotic cars lined the streets. The arrival of governors and other dignitaries were heralded by blaring sirens.

    The make-shift hall was filled as guests sat in clusters, wining and dining.

    The hall was well-decorated and well-lit. The red rug made the floor beautiful.

    The sonorous voice of Juju maestro Chief Ebenezer Obey filled the huge loud speakers.

    A Muslim cleric said the opening prayer.

    Ace stand up comedian Gbenga Adeyinka amused guests to no end.

    Artiste cum comedian Murphy Ray also known as Baba Afoyegbe made rib cracking jokes.

    Chairman on the occasion, Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, described the celebrator as a humble and God-fearing woman.

    Wife of Ondo State Governor Mrs Kemi Mimiko supervised the cutting of the cake, after the count of 10.

    Dressed in green lace material and silver head tie to match, and later red and gold lace and wine head tie, Alhaja Mustapha, accompanied by her husband, Senator Mustapha, acknowledged cheers from guests, family members and friends. It was also a kind of reunion for party allies and long-seen friends.

    The Onanugas, who are descendants of Oba Anikilaya, her extended family members, were not left out. The Mustapha clan was also well represented.

    In attendance were Governor Olusegun Mimiko; former governor of Ogun State Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Senator Florence Ita-Giwa; Chief Oprah Benson; Senator Ganiyu Solomon; Senator Iyiola Omisore; Akogun Lekan Alabi; Senator Sanusi Daggash; Senator Folashade Bent; Publisher, Global Excellence Mayor Akinpelu; Senator Gbenga Obadara; Chief Alani Bankole and others.

  • Bollywood actress Jiah Khan found dead

    Bollywood actress Jiah Khan found dead

    Bollywood actress Jiah Khan has been found dead at her apartment in the Indian city of Mumbai, police say.

    Khan’s mother found her body hanging at her home, police told the BBC.

    A post-mortem examination is being carried out to establish the cause of death and police say they are seeking information from her neighbours.

    The 25-year-old actress made her debut in 2007 opposite Amitabh Bachchan, and went on to act with stars including Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar.

    Jiah Khan was born in New York and grew up in London before moving to Mumbai for a career in Bollywood.

    Her death caused shock within the film industry.

    Fellow actress Dia Mirza said on Twitter: “RIP Nafisa (Jiah) Khan. You were too young and beautiful…”

    Bachchan also took to Twitter to react on his colleague’s death: “WHAT …!!! Jiah Khan? What has happened? Is this correct? Unbelievable!!!”

    Jiah Khan acted in Nishabd, starring Bachchan, and the psychological thriller, Ghajini, which had Aamir Khan in the lead role.

    Her last film was in the 2010 comedy Housefull, in which she played a supporting role.

    Jiah Khan’s “official” website says she was born in New York and brought up in London. It says she went to New York to study acting.

    She also featured in an advert for the animal rights group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

     

  • My next line of activity after MBGN is acting and …—Isabella Ayuk

    My next line of activity after MBGN is acting and …—Isabella Ayuk

    Sultry, effervescent, brilliant, lovable, people-oriented personality are all adjectives used to describe the Most Beautiful Girl In Nigeria 2012 (MBGN 2012, Miss Isabella Agbor Ojong Ayuk. In this exclusive telephone interview with OBAJI AKPET, the beauty queen bares herself out on her recent birthday bash at Clay Night club, Abuja, her experience as MBGN queen and her next line of activity in the movie industry with the block buster movie ‘Alok Monument, the pride within’. Excerpt:

     

    YOU recently turned 27, what can you say about it?

    You know, it’s been a great day, awesome. It’s added another year to me today. It’s been also a blessing to my life and everyone around me.

    How did you celebrate it?

    Well, it’s all about the celebration. So I have visited an orphanage home (Hope for Children Orphanage Home). That was like the first thing I did. I also had a body massage, facials and all of that. It’s been all about the celebration so I am trying to pamper myself, you know, and then other activities built for the evening as well will follow.

    Where did the celebration take place?

    I hung out with friends and family members at Clay Night Club (Abuja).

    What can you say about your achievement so far as MBGN Queen?

    My achievement, my reign (as Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria) has been wonderful. It has opened so many doors for me. I have been able to affect the lives of the less-privileged, as well as being able to do what I have always wanted to do, like embarking on several campaigns against typhoid fever. Under that my NGO provided free typhoid vaccines to people.

    So for my achievements, everything has been good and I thank God for this. I have also been able to set up my own business. So it has been wonderful and a dream come true.

    Can you tell me what the experience has been like wearing the Most Beautiful Girl crown?

    My experience, well, first of all, I need to let you know that everything that has happened to me in life is an experience. But my experience as the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria has been awesome.

    Your days are counting down as the MBGN queen. In no time you shall be handing over the most coveted crown to whoever merits it, what are the preparations for the beauty-studded event?

    Eh…, I really don’t know how much to prepare because SilverBird is doing all the preparations, I’m only going to come and do the handing over of the MBGN crown to the most lucky girl. So I’m just waiting for that day. But be that as it may, the 2013 edition is really going to be a spectacular one.

    After MBGN, what is going to be Isabella’s next line of activity?

    My next line of activities, a lot! I’m just about rounding up my Masters Degree. I hope to also expand my business as well as get involved in a lot of other things that are on the way… I will keep you guys posted.

    We’ve been following your updates on Facebook and we have also confirmed this from the producers of the movie, which you are going to part of this year, titled ‘Alok monument, the pride within’; can you give us an insight into the production?

    Yes, Alok, the pride within’movie shoot is really going to be an interesting movie; not just interesting but educative too because it is going to showcase a lot about where I am personally from. That is why I am seriously involved in it.

    What is your role in the movie?

    In the movie, I’m going to play the lead role, which is … (Chuckles) I don’t really want to comment deeply on it because I’m not in the capacity to do so yet.

    So what is your preparation like for the movie?

    For the movie, cameras will be rolling shortly before I hand over the MBGN crown. As for my preparation to be on set, I just saw the script not long ago. I’m trying to put myself into my character in the script, so we can come out with something very good that Nigerians will like.

    You are treading the same path as former MBGN queen Regina Askia. What is your major push into acting?

    It’s not like acting is one of my thing, the producers of the movie just came to me and they were like, “oh we went to Cross River State Tourism Bureau” and when they read the story, they told them to look for me, that I will be the righ person to play the role, since I am from there and I have an idea about the Alok monument story. So I am just giving it a try. Acting, in the real sense of it, has never been part of me, so let’s see how it goes.

    After this role, are we to expect more of you in the Nigerian movie industry?

    Definitely, I hope so, but first of all let’s see how good I will be in this.

    Apart from acting, what other things do you have penchant for?

    Apart from acting, I am involved in charitable work; I have an NGO, so I am really involved in that too. That is what I have deep passion for.

    Tell us a little the NGO?

    Venessa Manyo Foundation is established in memory of my late sister. It engages in creating self-shelter for the less-privileged and providing empowerment for widows, giving education and health support as well. That’s what the NGO does.

    What will be your parting words to your MBGN would-be successor and your fans out there?

    My advice to my successor is ‘just take it one step at a time’, take it as it is. Wearing the crown doesn’t really matter, what matters is what you are wearing it for. You just need to impact on people’s lives while you are there, don’t forget that.

    To Nigerians out there, to all those who love me and prayed for me, I say a big thank you. May God bless you all.

  • Chocolate City opens shop in Kenya

    Chocolate City opens shop in Kenya

    ONE of Nigeria’s leading recording and entertainment companies, Chocolate City, has announced the commencement of operations in Kenya, one of the key markets for music and entertainment in Africa as part of recent pan-continental expansion.

    Chocolate City Vice President M.I made the announcement in Lagos, saying the Kenya launch will happen this weekend.

    ‘The official launch of Chocolate City Kenya label – a part of the Chocolate City Group -will be coming up at the prestigious Museum Hill in Nairobi, Kenya,’ M.I said.

    ‘Our aim is to create a platform for the growth and expansion of East African music and foster more mutually beneficial collaborations with other African sub-regions,’ he added.

    The label has already signed Kenyan act Victoria Kimani who features M.I on her sophomore single Oya.

    “Victoria Kimani is amazing, she’s got a great vibe and ready to work, she’s very hard working and she’s just good,” the label VP says of CC’s first Kenyan act.

    The label’s Kenya launch will also see the official unveiling of a partnership between Chocolate City and Adrenalive – the organisers of The Mingle which will feature the birth of new music festivals, concerts, and art culture in East Africa. The inaugural event from the series of concerts dubbed Boobaataa Festival will be in July.

    Billed to perform at the event are M.I and Victoria Kimani who will be supported by some of the hottest talents in Kenya. Top Chocolate City executives will also be in attendance.

  • For some Glo music contestants, N24m is the ‘X Factor’

    For some Glo music contestants, N24m is the ‘X Factor’

    THE tall dream for some music wannabes who have been auditioned for the X Factor music reality show, being championed by telecommunication company, Globacom, is to someday be in the spotlight and be celebrated as successful commercial artistes. The desire from one man to another is, however, a matter of different strokes, and others are just out for the instant prize of N24 million that the competition is staking on the will-be winner.

    A few comments here and there from aspirants during the Lagos audition of the show at Dream Studios, Omole, Lagos last weekend explain the dispositions of the ardent contestants who have their eyes fixed on the cash money. Mrs. Pat Omohie, forty-nine year-old mother of three daughters from Delta State who doubles as a musician and actress by profession, says she has her eyes firmly fixed on the money prize. Mrs. Omohie, who currently stars in a popular Television soap opera, Tinsel, with a music album entitled “keeper of my head” to her credit, hopes to win the X Factor singing competition to help boost her musical career which she said is currently at a “struggling level”. She, however, hopes that the prize money of 24 million will go a long way to make a difference in her life.

    For twenty-one-year-old orphan, Victory Udoh from Akwa Ibom, a student of a French School in Benin Republic, Glo’s N24 million will transform her life. “I will dedicate the win to the memory of my late mum who died of cancer just four years after our father died,” she stated. According to her, “since our mother died, paying my school fees has been my greatest problem. But as very determined person I hope to win the prize money to lift my siblings from suffering and also establish my singing career,” she said after her auditions.

    Twenty-seven-year-old Edo-based Chichi Agu is also in the competition for the prize money. After qualifying for the next round, she declared excitedly: “If I win the N24 million, I will use the money to improve my singing career and also open a dancing school because I love dancing a lot.”

    On what she intends to gain from the auditioning, she stated, “I hope to learn from the judges and professional instructors that will be there to sharpen our skills in the house.” Chichi is not new to singing auditions as she had before now participated in other singing reality shows including Glo Naija Sings, Peak Talent Show, Nigerian Idol, and Amstel Malta Box Office.

    In the same vein, a physically challenged singer, Sly Kelly, aged 29, said he would use the money to transform his status in life. “I am fully determined not to allow my disability to discourage me. Like every other person here, I hope to make a difference if selected and if I win, I will also use part of the money to assist other talented singers who have one disability or another.”

    Another physically challenged contestant, Sir Ben Joe, said he would invest the money in promoting his musical career. He added that he would also spend part of the money on the good things of life.

  • Wizkid promises to rock ‘Ghana Meets Naija’

    Wizkid promises to rock ‘Ghana Meets Naija’

    WITH back to back hit bangers taking over nightclubs, radio and television stations all over the continent, Wizkid is probably one of the most sought-after acts, and fans cannot wait to chant along with him at the 3rd edition of Ghana Meets Naija musical concert.

    EME/Starboy superstar, Wizkid, is promising to bring his ‘A-game’ to the Accra International Conference Centre and deliver what he refers to as ‘one of the biggest performances of my career.’ Armed with an array of hits which include the likes of The Matter, Samba (Beat of Life), Baddest Boy, and a few others, it should not be too difficult for the ‘Starboy’ to rock the crowd with other Nigerian acts like; Burna Boy, Timaya, R2Bees, Samini, D-Black, Raquel and E.L, among other artistes.

    According to organizers, this year’s concert will be bigger, even more spectacular and is sure to give music fans an experience to truly relish.

  • Don Jazzy, D’banj flourish apart

    Don Jazzy, D’banj flourish apart

    THE market appears big, and every party seems to be enjoying a fair share ever since they broke up as the Mo’hit group in 2012.

    The opening of 2013 edition of Big Brother Africa-The Chase was headlined by Don Jazzy’s new group, Mavin Crew. On the stage in Johannesburg, Don Jazzy, D’ Prince and Wande Coal sang to the delight of the excited crowd, even as the first lady of the group, Tiwa Savage was having a swell album unveiling concert in Lagos.

    But the partnership between Don Jazzy and D’Banj remains, despite the seeming irreconcilable differences that forced them apart. In a couple of weeks to come, D’Banj’s DB Records will be coming out with its first release, and guess what? Jazzy will be adding his producing ingenuity to the works. The album is thought to be the most anticipated compilation of the year, giving the credentials of the artistes involved. The compilation is expected to feature label acts Kay-Switch and J-Sol alongside a myriad of local and International superstars. DKM (D’ King’s Men) may be hosting the likes of Big Sean, Snoop Lion, Fally Ipupa, 2Face, 2Chainz (USA), Olamide, Naeto C and Ikechukwu among others.

    And recently, when D’banj, who has just won an endorsement as ambassador for Bank of Industry (BoI) hosted a few Industry friends at the BHM Lounge on Tuesday May 28, he rendered a private listening as to what ‘DKM’ is all about.

    Now, the launch of the ‘DKM’ album will be one ceremony too many: D’Banj will, along the concert, be pouring Champaign for his birthday. Therefore come June 23, the entertainer will raise the roofs of the popular Eko Hotel and Suites in a concert that will feature live appearances from some of the finest stars around the globe.

    It’s going to be his 33rd birthday, and the entertainer says you can only expect the best of performances from him and his friends.

  • 2face Campus Connect ends in Lagos

    2face Campus Connect ends in Lagos

    AFTER an exciting musical road show in Benin City, Port Harcourt, Enugu and Abuja, the Campus Connect gig train, featuring 2face and his friends came to a wrap in Lagos last weekend.

    The last leg of the show which took place at the Indoor Sports Hall of the University of Lagos took performances to the very height of energy, as displayed by Nigeria’s hip hop super stars, with a huge response by students of the institution.

    Sponsored by Amstel Malt, a Nigerian Breweries plc brand, which had Nigerian’s Afro hip hop singing sensation, Innocent Ujah Idibia headlining the show that featured other talented musicians like Ranson, Money B, Hype M.C, Efa, Young Grace, 2Sec, Rocksteady, Damy Crane, Sheyi Shay, Rough Coil, Vector, Solid Star, Phyno, Sound Sultan and winner of Amstel Malta Show time in 2012, Same.

    The show offered interactive music renditions which drew endless applause and joyful moments from crowd. The mammoth crowd, comprising students from University of Lagos, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos State Polytechnic and Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education Lagos defied the heavy downpour to enjoy music performance by Tuface and friends.

    The audience, it could be said received 2face with uncontrollable chants of excitement. Apart from churning out some his iconic music tracks, the artiste also pepped up his performance with energetic performances from chorographers.

  • Beverly Osu talks love, relationship

    Beverly Osu talks love, relationship

    ONE of Nigeria’s representatives in BBA 8 and ex-fiancée to rapper 2shotz, Beverly Osu, was asked if she would fall in love in the BBA House and she had a few words expressing her feelings about love and the whole idea of dating.

    “I was in a relationship with this guy and I was close to marrying him, but I broke up with him just because after ‘fighting’ with my parents over him, and with my friends too, I found out that he had not a single feeling for me neither did he love me at all so I had to break up with him. After that scenario, I didn’t take every guy that tells me he is in love with me very serious. I don’t take them seriously.

    “Guys are usually after something and when they get it, they’ll leave you the morning after,” Beverly concluded.

  • Monalisa’s publicist opens up on her and Lanre Nzeribe

    Monalisa’s publicist opens up on her and Lanre Nzeribe

    FOR those still in doubt that ravishing beauty, talented actress Monalisa Chinda has picked up the pieces of life, dusted it well and hard to be with her dream man are definitely not her fans. Hear it from her publicist: “The first time I met Mr. Lanre Nzeribe, Monalisa introduced him thus: ‘Egor, meet my best friend’. It didn’t take me long to realise what she meant. From the bottom of my heart, Lanre is one of the most responsible men I have ever met, the gentleman kind who’d open the door for his lady or hold her hand up the stairs to prevent her from tripping. He treats Lisa with so much love and respect and those that are close to them can testify to this. I’ve been so happy for Lisa, because being a witness to what she had suffered in the hands of her former marriage, this relationship is just a blessing from God, says Egor Effiok.”

    It’s been two years since the relationship started between the two love birds. In case you are wondering if it’s altar-bound, Egor says, “Their relationship recently came to the public domain at Tamar’s star-studded birthday party, and since then, insults have been heaped upon them in all colours. How long will they continue to hide their relationship? Did they kill anybody and aren’t they entitled to be happy?

    “Now, concerning the stories about who and who Lanre dated in the past and so on, please stop for a minute and calculate how many years ago that was. I have an uncle that was a playboy in his younger days and today he is a pastor, a model husband and father. He is just two years younger than Lanre, but because he isn’t in the public eye, if you see him, you’d greet him with respect and address him as ‘sir’. A lot of you are insulting a big man that isn’t even your mate and judging him on his past just because he is in the public eye. I don’t care about his past; this is definitely not the same Lanre Nzeribe of then. You guys should stop the bullying and insults or else God will judge you.”