The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Who and what event to watch for in 2013

    Who and what event to watch for in 2013

    The year 2012 is one that would not be forgotten in a hurry by close watchers and players alike on the entertainment scene. We take a peek into the New Year, chronicling those who may likely make the headlines in 2013. Making up the roll-call in no particular order are a list of promising acts and the ‘usual suspects’ set to take the scene by storm. AHMED BOULOR writes…

     

    Olamide: Filling the void

    BARELY two years into his professional music career, Olamide Adedeji, known for his creative lyrics, has become a household name in the Nigerian music circles. His single titled ‘Eni Duro’ literarily catapulted into national prominence while he also seemingly filled the void left by DaGrin with his endearing lyrics delivered in Yoruba.

    Olamide’s road to fame is one for the history books, this time two years ago he was a regular kid growing up in the heart of Lagos Mainland, Bariga. Even though Olamide insists he is still that Bariga boy, a lot has changed in his life.

    A recording artiste signed onto ID Cabasa’s Coded Tunez Record label and managed by industry heavy weight Toni Payne, his rise to fame was not handed to him on a silver platter. Olamide’s hard work and pure unbridled talent are responsible for the artiste that we see today.

    In an industry filled with artistes delivering their lines in American accents, whether real or imagined, it is a relief to have at least one artiste we can call 100% Nigerian.

     

    King Sunny Ade: Set to usher good tidings with ‘My Year’

    IN a manner that looks more of a prophecy, newly crowned ‘music emperor’ King Sunny Ade is launching into the year 2013 with a new work which predicts a bountiful and rewarding year for Nigerians.

    According to KSA; “the work, titled ‘’My Year’, is packaged to bless my fans particularly and Nigerians in general, encouraging them to hold on to the belief that 2013 is their year of blessings and rewards in their individual endeavours.”

    A sneak preview into the collection indicates another major music piece from King Sunny Ade as he goes back into musical archives for arresting lyrics, technically crafted into moving proverbs of songs and danceable beats that had been his trademarks for years.

    Distributor of King Sunny Ade’s works, Mr. Ademola Joshua, said, “’My Year’ is an essential musical work to stimulate those who are looking forward to 2013 as a rewarding year.”

     

    Tiwa Savage: Tightens her grip  on the scene

    EVER since she dropped her endearing single, titled ‘Love Me Love Me Love Me’, sexy artiste Tiwa Savage has won for herself a glut of fans and admirers alike. She is a singer cum songwriter signed onto Mavin Records who seems poised to tighten her grip on the music scene which is equally littered with quality female vocalists.

    Currently working on her debut upcoming album, Tiwa’s career received a big boost when she was named Pepsi Ambassador- a role she shares with EME’s cash cow, Wizkid.

    She has collaborated with Chuck Harmony (Rihanna, Mary J. Blige), Warren ‘Oak’ Felder (Chris Brown and Jennifer Lopez) and producer So Sick, just to mention a few, on her debut collection.

    Weaving an eclectic collision of influences on her forthcoming piece, Tiwa says her album will be a blend of “songs in my native language and some straight up Soul and R&B cuts.”

     

    Tuface Idibia: Away and beyond

    WHILE faceless people were spreading rumours about his death, 2face Idibia was far away in a Los Angeles studio waxing a song. The rumour which came days after proposing to his girlfriend, Annie Macaulay, didn’t deter the musician as he went on to launch his celebrity hangout Rumours in G.R.A, Ikeja while also acquiring choice properties in Victoria Island.

    2Face Idibia is scheduled to return to the school circuits come 2013 after a six-year hiatus. Idibia will embark on a scheduled campus tour that would see him visiting various tertiary institutions in Nigeria for the first time in over six years.

    The tour was engineered to provide the artiste with a platform on which he could show gratitude and appreciation to everyone who played a part in making the 2face brand successful in the year 2012. In the year 2013, the ‘African Queen’ crooner seeks to foster a lasting relationship that will ensure continued association and cooperation in the future.

    Don Jazzy The godfather  of club hits

    THE recently was rated as the 36th “Most powerful celebrity in Africa” according to Forbes. Such is the stock of Michael Collins Ajereh (born November 26, 1982), better known as Don Jazzy.

    Jazzy is a multi award-winning record producer, singer-songwriter, musician, former CEO of Mo’ Hits Records founded in 2004 and current CEO of the Mavin Records label which he founded in May 2012 after his split up with childhood friend D’Banj.

    Don Jazzy’s first full credit production work was in 2004 on Tongolo for Nigerian singer D’Banj. He went on to produce D’Banj’s first studio album titled No Long Thing released in 2005.

    Jazzy’s appetite for a full-time career in music could no longer be satiated when, in 2004, he partnered with D’Banj to set up the Mo’ Hits label. Within two years, the prolific producer had wrapped up two albums (No Long Thing and Rundown/Funk You Up) with his former Mo’ Hits partner and was working on a third, Curriculum Vitae. By this time, he had already started becoming a household name with the trademark intro It’s Don Jazzy Again!

    In 2008 there were further production credits for the best selling album of that year; Jazzy repeated the trick with Wande Coal’s Mushin 2 Mo’ Hits, an album that was described as one of the best albums to ever come out of Nigeria.

    2013 will definitely be a busy year for Jazzy as he is set to make more hits for his signees on the Mavin Record stable such as Tiwa Savage, D’Prince, Wande Coal and Dr Sid.

     

    Burna Boy: Blazing the trail

    HIS songs are said to be a break from the norm as he succeeded in changing the sound gear of present day Nigerian lovers of music who mostly love songs with heavy beat and low message.

    Burna boy showed why he indeed is the King of the Afro Fusion genre as he perfectly blends English with a bit of Igbo and Yoruba over the smooth sound of the house influenced beat produced by LeriQ.

    The Aristokrat Records signee officially dropped four singles off his forthcoming debut album L.I.F.E. (Leaving an Impact For Eternity) which will include successful singles such as ‘Like To Party’ and ‘Tonight’.

    Expect more singles from the six pack artiste who has got female fans excited about his music in 2013, leading to the launch of his debut album.

     

  • Egypt 80 band is more successful now than when it was under my father —Seun Kuti

    Egypt 80 band is more successful now than when it was under my father —Seun Kuti

    Seun Kuti has continued to promote the struggle of awakening the revolution in thecommon man on the continent through his consistent ability to churn out politically and socially charged songs. Under him, the Egypt 80 band which he inherited from his late father has also developed into an entity saddled with the responsibility of midwifing the Afrobeat evolution. The youngest son of the Afrobeat pioneer, Fela, who has succeeded in re-energizing the Afrobeat genre, spoke with AHMED BOULOR about a range of issues bordering on his career, his family and the state of the nation in this interview. Excerpts:

     

    WHAT’S your take about the federal government’s intention to have your grandmother’s face on the proposed new Nigerian currency?

    I think my stand on that issue is very clear; for me it is a forgone issue but I don’t think the federal government has any right to do that without consulting with the Kuti family, especially when her case is so peculiar knowing very well that she was murdered by agents of the federal government of Nigeria. They tend to want to forget that aspect and up till now the Kuti family has not received any apology, compensation and most especially justice for her death. The family has not been given any clue and no one has been held responsible for her death. She was such a great woman not just because she was Fela’s mother; she was the first woman to drive a car in Nigeria. My grandmother was the first African woman to visit China; she was a close confidant of Chairman Mao of China and she also fought for the right of females to vote in Nigeria. She was an icon for a lot of women and she also started the women advocacy rights here in Nigeria and for them to murder such a woman and not give any explanation or serve any justice and in turn want to paste her face on any currency is really rude. It shows that our present day government has no feeling for humanity or for people; they are power drunk.

    Just like your father, you have also failed to acknowledge the existence of God. What then do you believe in?

    My father believes in God oh! He is a traditionalist; Fela believed in African gods. I don’t believe in anyone at all; be it African or European. Basically I don’t believe in religion; I believe religion has caused more harm than good to humanity and it doesn’t really say anything. Religion is sometimes ambiguous and to me it is a divisive tool to humanity though I practiced religion when I was younger, but ever since I clocked 20 religion didn’t appeal to me any longer. It also largely has to do with the fact that I grew up with an uncle who is an atheist as well. There are books you can read even by Christians that reveal the other side of the coin; most people don’t understand the history of what they practice.

    But you do believe in nature?

    Nature is that thing that controls humanity and the environment; it is important to believe in nature and its sciences. I mean with things we can prove and things we can understand. I feel the world is complicated, beautiful and complex enough in its own right to bamboozle and awe us as long as we live. But the supernatural aspect of nature is what I don’t understand.

    Has your position on marriage changed?

    It hasn’t changed at all…

    What was your last tour of the UK like?

    It was fantastic! My first album did pretty well in the UK and the second one got me a whole lot of followers in the UK because of Brian Eno’s input. We have been booked to perform in the UK three times and the usual Afrobeat gig in the UK is a multi-ethnic gathering. I like it when I play in London because it is an integrated society; it is a place where you perform and get a variety of people from different backgrounds. I have my largest Nigerian fan base in the UK and when I have my shows in the Europe the tickets are usually sold out because people over there are very efficient with buying tickets.

    You’ll be a year older soon; January 11 to be precise. What plans do you have in the pipeline to celebrate?

    I don’t know yet but my godfather is going to throw me a party; I am going to be 30 and I have told him he is going to take care of stuff on my birthday. I don’t know the plans he has for the party but I am sure it is going to be something nice.

    Let’s talk about the tattoo you have on your back which is an image of your late father…

    I’ve had it for 10 years and when I had it, not too many people had tattoos in Nigeria. I had my tattoo when it was a taboo to have tattoos in this part of the world.

    Does Fela still live in you?

    Fela lives in the minds of Africans; and this is why I actually don’t believe in religion, because what it promises is not enough. It promises people that they will go to heaven and people in turn fight to get there; I wonder what kind of happiness one will have when he struggles to go to heaven only to find out that other people they love like their mother, father, brother or any close relative does not make it to heaven? Everybody in Nigeria is struggling to go to heaven and if they read their Bibles very well it is stated that only 144,000 people will make it to heaven. It is even stated that it is only the Jews that will make it to heaven; so I don’t know what the fuss is all about when it comes to religion.

    Fela’s existence is in the memory he left behind; it is in his achievements and he impacted so much in the lives of many. That is what people should live their lives for but people rather live their lives fighting for God. It is written that God is all powerful and I wonder why people should pick up the battle axe and start fighting God’s battle. People need to live their lives in real goodness and ensure that they positively impact on the lives of other people. It should be about inspiring people to live better and that is the only way you can achieve immortality and that is what Fela has done. When you are around Fela, you are allowed to express yourself because Fela believed in true individuality. He might not necessarily accept your idea, but he respected the fact that you are human and you have the right to have your say. Fela lives in the minds of scores of many because he dedicated his life to the freedom of the African continent.

    Is your sister still part of your band?

    Not anymore! She quit when it was hard for her to balance music and her, but now she apparently is going to be the MD of the Kalakuta Museum.

    What was going through your mind at age 9 when you walked up to your father telling him you wanted to sing for him?

    I was actually 8 years old then; I was naïve then anyway. I grew up loving music at the Kalakuta Republic. I walked up to my dad then telling him about my desire to sing for him because I thought it was an easy job. I was always going on tour with my father and after he played at the Apollo, I thought to myself that music was all about having fun and getting paid for it. So I thought to myself that I wanted to sing; so I walked up to my dad and told him I wanted to sing. He asked me if I could sing and I answered in the affirmative; he asked me to sing a song and I did the ‘Sorrow, Tears and Blood’. He told me I could sing a bit and I had to just do a little bit of homework. He later told me to start rehearsing with the band and that was how it all started. Later, he requested that I opened the shows for him and the rest like they say is history.

    How hard is it being an Afrobeat artiste?

    It’s not so hard being an Afrobeat artiste in Nigeria because some people do not understand what Afrobeat is all about. They know Fela but they have forgotten the concept behind the genre. For most people, especially some Nigerian artistes, when they wear tight-fitting trousers and tap their feet on the floor everybody will say that person is an Afrobeat musician. Even present day pop artistes in Nigeria refer to themselves as Afrobeat musicians. But to an extent, being an Afrobeat artiste can be hard because it is anti-establishment and everything you do has to be established. There is no private sector participation in promoting Afrobeat music because people feel it is too critical of government and they don’t want to have anything to do with it. They’d rather spend money sponsoring hip hop events and concerts. It is time when artistes in Africa began to speak the truth about our people and it will be a dark day in Africa if we become free and music does not play a role in that freedom. It will be a shame on our profession because music has been in the forefront of revolutionary changes. That is what we lack in Nigeria because the elite are not on the side of the people.

    What’s the toughest part of following your father’s political and social ethos?

    I feel everyone should know and understand the advantages and disadvantages in whatever you venture into. Afrobeat is not Nigerian anymore, when I say that sometimes people try to criticise me as well. Afrobeat is now global; there are more Afrobeat bands in New York than the whole of Nigeria put together. People see the beauty and the relevance of my songs and they appreciate it just like the way they appreciated Fela’s music. Sometimes it is just prejudice because everyone has a preconception of who they think you are.

    How well is your sophomore album ‘Rise’ faring locally and internationally?

    I cannot determine the success locally because marketers have been stealing my money. They steal money too much in this country and I am tired of doing business here in Nigeria. I don’t like it when I feel cheated; as soon as we sold the initial batch we stopped production of the CD’s because the songs are going to be downloaded anyway and CD’s are becoming redundant. My music is on iTunes just in case anyone wants to buy it; internationally it’s getting the needed boost in terms of patronage and followership as much as expected.

    Do you think Brian Eno‘s and John Reynolds’ input on the album is creating the right impact?

    Of course it is; like I said, their impact more than doubled my market in the UK. I didn’t work with Brian Eno expecting an outcome of any sort because I know the quality that he brings to the table. I worked with him because I respect him as a producer and not because of the commercial and critical impact his input may have on the album. The album is revolutionary and it is a classic album; internationally ‘Rise’ is huge and we’ve toured the world twice already and my record company is now on my neck for a second album. They also want me to sign a new deal…

    How would you describe the evolution of the Egypt 80 band in the over 12 years that you have been in charge?

    I have been in charge for more than 12 years and time is the greatest enemy for anyone and for musicians especially. I believe the first evolution is first with the personnel; the Egypt 80 band is more successful now than when it was under my father.

    How do you mean?

    I am not saying that I am a better band leader than my father; Fela was more social than I am and he used to take money from the band to feed thousands of people. But whatever the band gets now is spent on the band itself. So everyone has a better salary and allowance than it was under my father because my father believed in being social. He spent his money on people and also spent to run the Kalakuta Republic. But I do not have any republic to run.

    If your father were still alive, what kind of man would you have evolved into?

    I would have evolved into an old man who thinks he is younger than everybody.

    How tasking is it to churn out politically and socially charged songs?

    Like I said earlier, Afrobeat is global and my lyrics are no longer about Africa because the whole world is connected. The austerity measures we had to go through in the past have now reared its head in countries in Europe like Greece and Italy. People cannot stand it and what we are going through in Africa is not peculiar to Africa alone. It might be a bigger degree as compared to the West but they are also feeling the pinch. In the West, they tax rich people for the amount of wealth they have and back here in Africa we try to give rich people more freedom with their finances. The drive for Africa should empower the people.

    How’s work progressing with your third album?

    It’s in the making and there’s not much I can say about it because it is not finished yet. We are fine tuning things now and recording will begin in February.

    Having waxed two albums, have you received any royalties for your works locally and internationally?

    I have not received any royalty here in Nigeria; but I am registered to SASEM in France and I have gotten huge royalties for my works.

    You once went Bungee Jumping and you also gave a hint sometime ago that you were thinking about Sky Diving. Have you attempted it yet?

    I have not had time for a holiday yet but as soon as I get some time off I will attempt it. I love extreme sports…

  • Fans wowed at Baddest Concert

    Fans wowed at Baddest Concert

    IT was a night of frenzied excitement penultimate Friday when some of Nigeria’s biggest superstars thrilled fans at the first-ever EME live-in-concert in Lagos tagged “The Baddest” which held at Oceanview Restaurant in Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The much anticipated concert saw Wizkid, EME’s First Lady, Niyola, and EME crooner, Shaydee sing the Nigerian national anthem, kicking off jaw dropping performances from EME all-stars.

    Led by EME Boss and R&B wonder, Banky W, the EME crew drove the crowd wild as they performed hit tracks from the “Empire State of Mind” album as well as individual hits.

    The crew went on to perform alongside other artistes such as Cobhams, Iceprince, Wande Coal, D’Prince, Olu Maintain, Samklef, Waje and Iceberg Slim.

    One of the many highlights of the epic concert was Wizkid and Davido’s performance. Both artistes came on stage and performed Davido’s monster track, “All of you”, to a pulsating crowd who could not get enough of seeing the two artistes on the same stage.

    Produced by R28, the event had some of the biggest names in the marketing, advertising and entertainment industries who came out to support the EME all-stars.

    Notable faces at the concert included Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Viacom International, Alex Okosi, Hennessy Cognac Production Manager Lere Awokoya, General Manager, Beat FM, Deji Awokoya, CEO Beat FM, Chris Ubosi, Brand Manager, MTN Nigeria, Kelvin Orifa, Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage, Sound Sultan and others.

    Empire Mates Entertainment has recorded numerous achievements this year and has made history yet again with another smashing concert to round off the year.

  • Bez,Omotola, Lynxx, others make the ‘‘Y! Magazine Best Dressed List’

    Bez,Omotola, Lynxx, others make the ‘‘Y! Magazine Best Dressed List’

    INSPIRED by the iconic Vanity Fair list of same name, the first ever Y! Magazine Annual Best Dressed List has hit the stands. Courtesy of the Y! style editors, the magazine selected the top 10 hottest men and women to rock the trends scene throughout 2012.

    “Certainly, some of these names will be controversial but great fashion is all about breaking the rules! This is our Best Dressed List after three months of spirited conversation and we’d like to think we chose people who have represented Nigerian fashion to the nth degree over the past year,” said Doyin Jaiyesimi, one of the team members.

    The 10 gentlemen who made the list are Lynxx, D’banj, Mai Atafo, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Nateo C, Adebayo Oke-Lawal, Bez Idakula, Uti Nwachukwu, Wizkid and Dare Art-Alade. Yvonne ‘Vixen’ Ekwere, Genevieve Nnaji, Eku Edewor, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Ugonna Omeruo, Tiwa Savage, Elohor Isiohor, Toke Makinwa, Linda Ikeji and Dolapo Oni are the 10 ladies who rocked the fashion world.

  • SHOWCAP 2012

    SHOWCAP 2012

    No doubt, 2012 has so far been an eventful year for the entertainment industry. It is a year that could be described as a defining moment, especially for the music and movie sector, owing to the numerous face-offs among practitioners who needed to get the rhythm of their associations and partnerships right, and on the other hand, between the practitioners and government, regulatory agencies and fund managers like BoI and NEXIM Bank, on the controversial USD200 million intervention fund. In this edition, VICTOR AKANDE attempts a review of the happenstances within the year.

    In the wake of fuel subsidy protest, entertainment doused the tension

    NATIONWIDE protest against increase in pump price from N65 to N120, followed the January 1, 2012 announcement by the president. In the midst of the tension and loss of lives, the active participation by music, movie and comedy stars could be said to have made the agitation long-lasting. The mood of the protesters, at the Ojota wing of the Lagos rallies, for example was carnival-like. The stars were not just there to express solidarity with the Organized Labour and Civil Society Groups, they also performed some of the classics known to criticize government dictatorship.

    Notable among the artistes were children of late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti; Femi and Seun, who took the crowd through the sing-along of popular tunes from, Zombie, Expensive Shit and others from their late father’s repertoire. Others were King Ayinde Marshal (K1); Yoruba Hip-hop lyricist, Abolore Adegbola Akande, popularly called 9ice; Ras Kimono, Sound Sultan, Jabbless, Ruggedman, Eldee, Omo Baba, Terry de Rapman, and Normoloss.

    Filmmakers and actors who were also spotted at the Gani Fawehinmi Park, venue of the protest, included, ace cinematographer, Tunde Kelani, award-winning filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, and star actors, Jide Kosoko, Bimbo Akintola and Ronke Ojo, popularly called Oshodi-Oke.

    Battle for life: of sicknesses and deaths

    The inevitable did strike, creeping into the entertainment industry, and snuffing life out of many on the scene. For these actors, death did not allow them to play as much scenes as they had desired on the stage of life.

    You would recall that in March of this year, Yoruba actor, Ishola Durojaiye a.k.a Alasari died following a motor accident on the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway. Popular for his herbalist roles in the movies, Alasari’s jeep had lost control when one of the tires burst on motion. He did not live to tell the story.

    Popular Abeokuta based actor, Pa Akin Ogungbe also departed this world last month. The veteran actor who was known exclusively for cultural movies died at the age of 78. It was also in the news how Nollywood actor, Pete Eneh died in Enugu. Eneh died following complications arising from the amputation of his leg. It was an irony, as the doctors looking after the actor at a private hospital opted for amputation in order to save his life. He died at Park Lane hospital in Enugu.

    The story of the passing away of Enebeli Elebuwa was not too different. It was a battle between life and death for a long while before the actor finally gave in at a hospital in New Deli, India. He was 65. His, was a case of stroke, for which he had undergone treatment at some hospitals in Nigeria before being moved abroad.

    Recall also, that actor of New Masquerade, the popular NTA drama series in the 70s and 80s; James Iroha popularly called Gringory also passed on in February at the age of 69.

    Other Nollywood personalities who have died within the year include, Ahmed Oduola, aka Dento who died in August of Stroke, Lekan Lekinson, a veteran Yoruba actor who passed on, on January 25, in Osun state, and Taiwo Bello, who died of cancer, few days after Prophet TB Joshua prophesied that the motion picture industry may lose a player.

    Still bedridden

    •Ifeanyi Dike

    CHAIRMAN, Board of Trustees of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Ifeanyi Dike, is still bedridden in India and seriously needs financial support to undergo another kidney transplant. The kidney he got earlier had problem. Thus, he is back in India for treatment and money is still currently being sought by his family, colleagues and friends.

    •Ngozi Nwosu

    Popular television acatress, Ngozi Nwosu of the Fuji House of Commotion fame is still ill. A ‘Save Ngozi Nwosu Campaign’ to get her back to her usual self is still ongoing. Of the N6 million needed to take care of her heart and kidney problems, reports say about N4.5 million is still required. The actress had appeared on Who Deserves to be a Millionaire to raise fund. She was supported by Seun Oloketuyi of Best of Nollywood awards and filmmaker Lilian Aluko. They won a million naira, bringing the total amount raised to N1.5million. As Ngozi battles for her life, she is still battling to debunk the rumour that her sickness may also be associated with HIV.

    Clash of the bigwigs

    THE NCC, COSON, MCSN triangle

    The war within the copyright management organisation (CMO) in Nigeria appears unending. One would have thought that 2012 would settle the rift involving the two major collecting societies (Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) and Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN). While the former is already enjoying privileges of being licensed by the Nigerian Copyright Commission, the latter is facing embattlement by the regulatory agency which recently raided its office, claiming it has no legal right to continue in operation.

    The battle, which has somewhat divided the industry is a case of two against one; COSON and NCC on one hand, and MCSN on the other hand. Those in support of the MCSN have continued to preach the free market enterprise module. But NCC insists that CMO is not like any other type of business.

    The crisis has continue to deepen, especially following litigation procedures by MCSN, one of which led to the freezing of a Diamond Bank account belonging to the Commission last year, on the order of a Lagos High Court presided over by Justice Olateru-Olagbegi.

    The latest in the series of judicial tussle is contempt of court action against top management of COSON for the recent distribution of N100 million as royalties to artistes. MCSN is claiming that part of the monies being distributed belong to artistes under its repertoire and that the court had ordered both parties to refrain from further action pending the resolution of the matter. But COSON had gone ahead to distribute the monies, especially since there was no official paper directed to it by the court, ordering a stoppage of the distribution.

    MCSN thus filed a contempt of court proceeding against COSON and its principal officers. But COSON is also challenging the jurisdiction of the court on the matter. The court then adjourned hearing of the contempt proceeding and the preliminary objection to it by the 1st Defendant (COSON) to February 8th, 2013.

    Movie Producers’ camp still in disarray

    EVER since the establishment of a parallel body Association of Nollywood Core Producers (ANCOP), the older faction, Association of Movie Producers (AMP) had its activities criticized. The recent being the much talked about ‘Nollywood at 20’ anniversary which AMP is preparing to celebrate next year. ANCOP has cried out that contrary to claims by AMP that the desire to celebrate the anniversary is the idea of the entire industry is false.

    ANCOP, through its president, Alex Eyengho described the ‘Nollywood at 20’ plan as a grand game of deceit.

    “All members of the so-called think-thank for the proposed Nollywood at 20 show are all political members of AMP. These guys should just stop being jokers and come out plain to state that it is an AMP programme. After all, ANCOP, last October held a hugely successful international forum on copyright with participation across guilds and associations. We did not pretend that the entire Nollywood was organizing it. Though Zik Zulu and his AMP made failed attempts to discourage stakeholders from attending the event, testimonies after the event shows that it is one of the best value-adding forum ever put together in Nollywood in the recent past”, Eyengho added.

    In the same vein, CEO of AMAA, Ms Peace Anyiam-Osigwe is in a war of words with Zik Zulu and the secretariat of the AMP over a purported text message said to be capable of tarnishing her image and that of African Film Festival (AFRIFF) which she has a stake.

    End of the road: of Marriages and Breakups

    •For Zaaki Azzay and wife, Hadiza, the flip side of love is infamy

    If the popular Yoruba proverb that says Ija de, l’orin dowe (sweet melody reeks of unpleasant lyric during quarrels) is anything to go by, then the crisis currently rocking the eight-year old marriage of torchlight styled musician, Zaaki Azzay and his wife Hadiza, has left so much to the imaginations of the public. Not only has Hadiza washed what could be called an accumulated dirt of eight years in public, she has painted picture of horror that suggest her desire to end the union. Apparently pressed with bottled emotion that threatens to explode, Zaaki, says his allegiance at the moment is to his lawyer who forbids him from any comment on the issue pending the decision of the court on the divorce and custody of the three children the marriage has produced. He however managed to get him to talk to us on telephone. But how awry things can turn? We serve you three interviews, one of which spell’s love, when the going was good for husband and wife, or so it seems, in this report by Victor Akande, Entertainment Editor, Mercy Michael and Innocent Duru.

    Daniel Ademinokan and Doris Simeon

    THE couple has been rated the best in Nollywood, until it became obvious they were just making up their perfect couple status. Now separated, Daniel is still in the custody of their son, David. In the center of the break-up was Tonto Dikeh, until attention shifted to actress and widow, Stella Damasus who is a close friend and business partner of Daniel. Daniel who had since relocated to Abuja, is said to be living with Stella Damasus at the moment. Doris is said to be fighting to get her son back, if not her husband. Stella has reportedly claimed that her relationship with Daniel is purely on business and not as speculated by some people.

    K-Solo and wife, Kikelomo

    THEY were joined together as husband and wife in November last year, but by May of this year, their marriage had hit the rocks. K-Solo’s wife, Kikelomo Akinkunmi claimed the marriage ended because her husband was a gold digger who also assaulted her frequently. She claimed to have lost her pregnancy as a result of the assault. The couple are said to have met on social network platform, facebook.

    Don Jazzy and Dbanj

    IT was a bomb, when the musical group, Mo’hits, perceived to be the most celebrated and successful musical marriage in the history of Nigeria’s entertainment industry ended abruptly. The end of Mo’hits was brought about by the irreconcilable differences between the two honchos of the label; award-winning musician, D’Banj and his producer cum partner, Don Jazzy.

    Don Jazzy has since gone ahead to establish his own music label which he called Mavins, while D’banj is getting on with D’ Koko Master (DKM) Records, signing on Davido, and his new contract with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D Music.

    Psquare and May D

    SQUARE Records, the label of sensational due Peter and Paul of PSquare fame dropped Akinmayokun Awodumila, aka May D. He was the first artiste to be signed on their record label.

    Jude Okoye, broke the news on Tuesday, August 21, 2012. He said the decision to part with the artiste was based on irreconcilable differences.

    It was however gathered that May D wasn’t happy at Square records. Sources say the label wasn’t doing much for his career.

    However, Square Records shot two videos for May D ‘Soundtrack’ and ‘Ile Ijo’ which were both directed by Clarence Peters.

    Duncan Mighty and Chris Aires

    AFTER two years of partnership, popular jeweler Chris Aires and Port Harcourt singer-producer Duncan Ikechukwu Wene Mighty went their separate ways. Aire and Duncan Mighty had signed a business agreement in May 2011, to further the career of the dance-hall act and to form the Niger Delta Music and Art Project (NDMAP). It was not clear if all dreams were met before separation.

    Mo’Cheddah parts ways with managers

    For rapper-singer, Mocheddah and her management company, KnightHouse, it was a mutual separation. The parting occurred shortly after the artiste graduated from the university. Very popular in South Africa, Mocheddah said she was ‘moving on to search for other opportunities’. She however noted that she will still maintain a close, but personal relationship with KnightHouse; the label that discovered and nurtured her to stardom.

  • Pasuma thrills at Fuji Slam

    Pasuma thrills at Fuji Slam

    FROM the stable of Grand Oak Limited, Regal Gin brings Fuji Slam, as Alhaji Alabi Pasuma entertains consumers of the brand to the best of live Fuji Music in this year’s Fuji Slam.

    Held at New Afrika Shrine, Lagos, the audience was entertained with lots of Fuji Music by different artistes before Alabi Pasuma mounted the stage.

    Category Manager of Grand Oak Limited, Mr. Abiodun Ayodeji said Regal Fuji Slam is the brand’s way of rewarding loyal consumers while at the same time entrenching Regal Dry Gin with the core target consumers.

    “If you look at the South West part of the country you will find out that they love music and the kind of music they love is Fuji hence, we latch on this as a platform to promote the brand. Regal Dry Gin has been in the forefront of promoting indigenous musical forms and entertainment programmes in the media,” he said.

    Ayodeji added that currently, Regal Dry Gin sponsors Lagbo Regal on 14 radio stations across the South West because of the love people in this part of the country have for Fuji Music.

    Brand Manager, Olufemi Falomo, say that the brand has always communicated on the platform of enjoyment and satisfaction in close conjunction with Fuji Music. “Thea event serves as a platform for brand to bond with her consumers. It is the link between the brand and the consumers where people can actually come together and interact,” he said.

  • N4.5m Still needed to save Ngozi Nwosu

    N4.5m Still needed to save Ngozi Nwosu

    THE drive to save Nollywood actress, Ngozi Nwosu is taking a slow pace as plans to save her are yielding little results. As the last count, N4.5million is still needed to save her life.

    Sources handling the “Save Ngozi Nwosu” campaign have informed that about N1.5million has been realised at the moment which is still N4.5million less of the N6million needed to save Ngozi’s life, which is presently hanging on the balance.

    Though some good Samaritans have been responding to the call to save the ailing actress from dying, much is still expected from others and her colleagues especially to get the needed N6million urgently because doctors claim she has to be quickly flown abroad in order for her to regain her health.

  • Making the most of corporate endorsement in Nollywood

    THE stars have clearly begun to align for Nollywood. Like the beautiful bride, corporate suitors it seems, have turned out in a duel for the hands of some of Nollywood’s brightest stars. It gets better, many are renewing cool deals.

    How much is Monalisa Chinda’s smile worth? According to industry sources, Vita500, a new energy drink from South Korea shelled out N30 million for her face on the energy drink. She was also the face of the Rivers state cultural fiesta and Glo sweated millions it has been reported, to have her as their ambassador. Monalisa’s face is every photographer’s dream and her smile conjures the memory of spring. Monalisa should insure her face.

    Perhaps, no corporate entity has demonstrated proven commitment to Nollywood in terms of endorsement than Globacom Nigeria Limited. The telecommunication giant at the last count has appointed close to a dozen Nollywood A-list thespians as ambassadors according to information on their website. In an industry long abandoned by corporate Nigeria, Globacom serves as a refreshing alternative.

    The rave seemed to have caught on. MTN Nigeria, the company with some of the most creative advertisements in Nigeria, in the past treated Nollywood with courteous indifference. But recently, Nkem Owoh and Patience Ozokwor have featured in the company’s advertisements. Perhaps the days of the cold shoulder are over.

    The use of film stars in the marketing of products is not the exclusive preserve of Nigeria. If anything, we seemed to have taken a page out Hollywood’s playbook. Gwyneth Paltrow has been tapped to be the latest ambassador for Swiss watch brand Baume & Mercier. Natalia Portman will also be the new face of the Miss Dior Cherie. Sylvester Stallone has been chosen as the brand ambassador for luxury pen manufacturer Montegrappa and popular martial arts film star Jet Li has been announced by Swiss Hublot timepieces as their newest brand ambassador.The use of famous faces as brand ambassadors is not just limited to the use of actors and actresses. Corporations have been known to appoint as brand ambassadors sports men and women who have proven their mettle in the field. Rafal Nadal is a brand ambassador for Georgio Armani.

    The use of artistes as brand ambassadors by corporations is with the objective of linking their product to a winning athlete or personality to enhance their image and boost sales revenue. Corporations use these popular artistes as validation for their products and hope to transfer their goodwill and star power so as to influence the fortune of their offerings.

    Most endorsement deals are designed to offer mutual benefits to both the star and the corporation. Nevertheless, there have been some endorsement deals that went south. At the height of his fame, Tiger Woods was the world’s highest earning golfer and corporations were falling over themselves to have his face on their products until some recent misdemeanors came to light.

    Ambassadors of countries usually represent the values of such nations. Hence their personalities are expected to be demure, their actions reasoned and their lifestyles lofty. Similar standards are also expected of brand ambassadors. So beyond the hype and the effect on the bank balance, brand ambassadors must live the values represented by the products they endorse. O.J. Simpson was fired as brand ambassador of Hertz when he was charged with double murder.

    It is also pertinent that celebrities who sign the dotted lines in endorsement deals study the content of the contractual agreements and look out for clauses in small print. Most of the deals are worded in such a way that the contract forbids them from other deals or restrict their use of close substitutes to the product they are endorsing. Release terms and other conditionality should be negotiated properly to avoid a conflict of interest. It also makes good sense to seek legal opinion

    When effectively utilized, these endorsement deals can benefit both the artiste and the industry at large. On a personal level, it provides a source of income and boosts the popularity of such artistes especially when the terms include billboards and advertisement in the broadcast media. Endorsement deals like the Glo ambassador provides an avenue to network with those who call the shots in other industries and can be a platform to push innovative ideas for film sponsorship especially those that require a huge budget. When properly harnessed, this could help foster a good relationship between Nollywood and other industries.

    •Isaac Anyaogu, writes and edits feature film scripts

  • I am not in haste to get married —Niyola

    I am not in haste to get married —Niyola

    Eniola Akinbo is the only female act in Empire Mates Entertainment, a top rated record label. Known as Niyola, the graduate of English language from the University of Lagos with knowledge of aviation and tourism is also furthering in the field of journalism. She says that she has plans to do something big in the media someday. This female act speaks with DUPE-AYINLA OLASUKANMI about her passion for music, plans for the New Year among other things. 

    WHAT is Niyola up to at the moment?

    We just finished work on the EME concert held this month so every other thing was put on hold for the concert. But I will be dropping a couple of singles next year.

    How prepared were you for the concert?

    I was prepared. I had to prepare everyday with my other label mated including the dancers to make everything a success.

    A live show is different from studio work, how do you guard against disappointing your fans?

    I believe every artistes’ dream is to perform on stage someday and be able to live up to the expectations of their fans. I prefer stage performances to working in the studio. The reason is that I get fulfilled and I am able to connect with people on stage. They get to see me perform and then I can read their reactions and tell if I am getting across to them. It is quite unlike working in the studio, recording and then just passing on the work to them. That is why I had to rehearse. I almost broke my back to make sure that I got it right. The EME concert was something really big with all the team.

    What are your plans for next year?

    I am about releasing a single thought at the moment I cannot really give a particular name. I would be dropping a lot of singles. I don’t know which will be coming first but definitely I will be dropping one or two in January 2013. I would also be releasing videos as well before the actual album drops.

    How many tracks does the album boasts of?

    I really can’t say now, because I have so many names in my head now. You know how creative our work is, when you have something now, something better many come up tomorrow. I am still recording at the moment, so I have not picked which of the songs would be in the album yet. But I am just dropping singles only, until I am sure that I want to drop an album too.

    As a woman of many parts, why put in so much energy into this particular aspect of your life?

    I have so many talents if I am allowed to say that myself but music is what comes naturally. I like to dance and act. I studied journalism. I have a thing for the hair too but none of these things can compare to music. I have tried other jobs and businesses but I end up being depressed. Music is one thing that I feel I was born to do. I would not function right if I do any other thing apart from music. I can not do anything without humming a song.

    As one who studied journalism, would you have done well in that field too?

    Everything I do, I will excel because I always put my best in it. At some point in life, you have to focus; you cannot be jack of all trade like they say. It does not mean that you cannot do all at the same time; it just means that you have to make a choice at one point. Music is what I have decided to specialise on.

    When did you start music professionally?

    I started sometime around the year 2004.

    Why did it take you so long to be heard?

    It didn’t take me that long. I was doing music and then I took a break, but that was with Westside Records which had Faze, Lara George and others. At that time, I did release an album but I left immediately after because my contract was due. I had to decide what I really wanted to do so I took a break from music until last year when I decided to come back.

    What was the response to the first album like?

    The few people who knew I had an album accepted it. A lot of people didn’t know I dropped an album because I left immediately it came out. I was not available for the promotion of the album but the video and singles I dropped got great acceptance and I performed them at a whole lot of shows. Even though I don’t think it was the best representation of me, I think I still did well at that time. I revolved and I am still revolving.

    how did it fare on the shelves?

    I can’t tell, because I did not keep track. I really don’t want to talk about it because that is in the past. Let’s talk about now.

    Do you still have rights to those songs?

    Yes, I still have them. They are my songs. What I am saying is that this happened about four years ago, and it is in my past.

    Are you going to have some of them in your new album?

    I was on a different record label and that is why I say it is in the past and that was for the record label.

    You mentioned that you love to make people look good. Do you still do that?

    Music is a full time job, so I rarely have enough time to do music, let alone other jobs.

    How do you have time to relax, having a tight schedule?

    Some days ago we shot Banky W’s video for about three days and after that, I had to get up to go for rehearsals. Music is not a joke for people who think it is. In a normal job, you know you resume at eight and close at five. But for music you work in the middle of the night, during the day and all round the clock. Because it is what I love to do, it is great for me.

    Is there no other life outside music?

    This is the life I have chosen so this is the only life I have though the job requires that I go out. Sometimes it could be that a fellow artiste is doing something and I need to go show my support. That is why I say that music is a whole business. It is an entire lifestyle that is full time.

    Are there plans in your busy schedule to settle down?

    I will do that when the time is right. Do you have a man for me? At least they are not sharing husband on the street.

    Is it true that female celebrities have challenges getting a man?

    That is because they believe that we have everything. I don’t think getting married is all about money, there is more to it. I will only get married for the right reasons, for reasons that I love and whoever I intend to marry. I would want to spend the rest of my life with him. I am not going to get married because the society is pressurising me to, or I think my age is right. The rest of my life is a long time to want to spend it with the one I love.

    Tell us about your beauty?

    I don’t do anything to it. It is just God. I think it is logical that if you take care of your body, your body would take care of you too. I try not to over work myself. I am not one of those people who pay too much attention to what they have to apply on the skin. I think God has blessed me with a good skin and once in a while I just do body polish or use natural stuff but it is not an everyday thing.

    Why EME Records?

    They choose me, I did not choose them. As at that time, they were the one out of all that came to me to know where they were going. Their plans seem to almost fit with what I wanted to do for myself. I wanted people who would understand my style, voice and vision. I wanted people who want me to sing for the world because that is what I want to do. Good music is good music anywhere in the world. If it requires that I sing in Yoruba or any other language, I will. I felt that EME already had that. I mean the structure and vision. That was their aim and that was why I agree to join.

    As the only female, what is your relationship like with the others?

    I come from a very large family, twelve in number. I have 10 siblings and I am the last so it is not a big deal. I am not the type who make friends base on gender. A human being is a human being whether female or male. I see them as people not as guys and a part of my family because they treat me like family. They love me and I love them.

    What do you do when you are not working?

    I love to read and sing though I do not read as much as I would love to.

  • Van Vicker pranked on The Big Friday Show

    IN the spirit of the season, The Big Friday Show comes with two studio guests on this week’s special episode, – EME boss Banky W and rapper, Olamide.

    Shaking things up a bit, the BFS crew took the special edition a notch higher by having two up and coming artists Ruby and Kmos who were given this week’s studio task to carry out.

    On this week’s Celeb Surprise segment, a lucky Glo subscriber Ifeoma Anene surprised her friend Chi Chi with comedian and Big Friday Show host; Basketmouth right on the set of the Big Friday Show.

    This week’s Celeb Prank was on movie star Van Vicker, while Dr. Love was also there to give his advice on relationship issues. As is customary, the show also had the Vlog segment with Stephanie as she lets guests in on all the juicy details in the world of entertainment. The other segments in the show include the Ask/Reply segment and the weekly Glo presents Big Friday Show Countdown.