The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Pete Eneh passes on

    Pete Eneh passes on

    VETERAN Nollywood actor, Pete Eneh is no more; Pete is a Nollywood veteran, he is a key stakeholder in the industry who died moments ago at Enugu after a struggle to survive a leg injury.

    According to sources, he died moments ago in Enugu after a deep sitted struggle to survive a leg injury. “He will forever be remembered for the role he played in trying to revitalise Igbo language movies and the seed of unity he planted in it. The burial arrangements will continue. We have contacted the family and will update everyone as the burial arrangements unfold.

    “Nollywood will make sure that he is remembered; he was a great disciplinarian and we at the Nollywood family is in a dark hour. We have contacted the family and we will update everyone as events unfold.” He added.

  • NANTAP honours RMD, Ali- Balogun, others

    NANTAP honours RMD, Ali- Balogun, others

    THE National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners NANTAP is currently holding its 14th National Convention this weekend at Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital. The convention which opened on Friday 16th Nov, 2012 at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, has as its theme; Taping into the arts, culture and tourism potentials in Nigeria.

    With Prof. Bode Sowande as key note speaker, the convention is expected to take stock of how the theatre industry can survive within the current economic realities in Nigeria.

    The high point of the series of events at the Convention will be the investiture of some practitioners who have distinguished themselves in this chosen career and also have served the Association meritoriously over the years, with the highest honour of Fellow of Theatre Arts (FTA).

    The event which is hoped to attract practitioners, theatre patrons and enthusiasts from across the country will take place this evening by 7:00 pm. Among the recipients are Messers Ben Tomoloju, the first NANTAP coordinator; Mahmood Ali-Balogun, the first President of the Association; Peter Tadeniawo Adekunle, Hon. Richard Mofe-Damijo, Mr. Biodun Abe, all former Presidents of the Association and also the Olowu of Owu, Oba Dr. Olusanya Adegboyega Dosunmu and veteran actress Alhaja Zainab Buki Ajai.

    The Executive Governor of Ogun State Senator Ibikunle Amosun will also be conferred with the honour of Distinguished Theatre Patron.

  • I love women because they’re like mothers—Gbenga Peters

    I love women because they’re like mothers—Gbenga Peters

    Gbenga Peters is the younger brother of AfroJuju musician, Sir Shina Peters.  Interestingly, Gbenga is the third of the Peters brothers who earn a living playing music. In this interview with ADETUTU AUDU, Gbenga, who recently returned from a sojourn in the US, talks about his debut album, his siblings and plans to take over the Nigerian juju music scene with another of his sibling, Yomi Peters.

    DO you agree with the belief that hip-hop musicians have taken the shine off Juju music?

    That is why I said my coming album will be a combination of everything .And that is one of the things that sets me apart from others. The album is going to be the combination of juju music, hip-hop, fuji, highlife and lots more. It is everything put together in one album, and that is one of the things that will make it unique.

    When is the album launch?

    The launch is going to be held here in Nigeria. It will be between now and the end of the month.

    When did you start doing music?

    I started doing music since 1986

    And how many albums do have to your credit?

    I don’t have any album yet. I have been a backup singer, and you know as a back-up, you will never think of making your own album until God says it is time. About 15 years ago, I began to think of coming out with an album of my own, but somehow, it had not been possible. I am ready to break that now.

    Why did it take you this long to come out with an album?

    It is because I didn’t really take it serious. But about a year ago, I met a guy who owns a studio in the US. He came to my store and I helped him out. He said to me, ‘why can’t you just come and check out my studio?’ And from there, I started doing foreign music.

    Since you produced in the US, do you think it will be the same with what people in Nigeria want?

    I wish you’d listen to the album, so that you will be able to figure things out yourself. It out it is up-to-date, and you know that it’s my first album. So I am not going to bring anything below expectation.

    Your brother, Yomi Peters, has said he is on a mission to Nigeria from his base in the US. What is your own mission?

    We have the same mission. You know that we have been ruling the juju industry together without any form of rivalry between us. Even when I didn’t have my own band in America, I played with him and everybody enjoyed our music.

    What link did the Peters families have with juju music?

    It is not just juju music. It is the combination of everything, including foreign music. We inherited music from our grandmother who was a choir mistress. The juju music is from our grandmother. After her, our mother and my brother continued from she stopped.

    Are we going to see you a collabo with Sir Shina Peters?

    Why not if he wants us to do it. I mean I don’t have any grudge with anybody.

    There is this rumor making the round that the Peters brothers are not in good term. How true is this?

    I don’t know anything about that. But I talk to him once in a while. We don’t really have time abroad, because all we do is work. We don’t really have time for one another. But I can tell you that we don’t have any problem with one another.

    Have you started the promotion of the songs already?

    No, we have not started any promo for now. But the album has three tracks. The tracks are Mr. kado, Dokomu and another beautiful one.

    What is the difference between a back-up artist and the main-man?

    I think the difference there is that I will have to take care of everyone playing in my band as the leader. And that is where the problems lies, because if you have a band and you don’t take care of your boys, then you’ll have serious problems.

    How large is your band?

    I have a 12-man band.

    How tough is it maintain a band?

    I found it very easy to maintain my own band.

    You work together with your brother, Yomi. Won’t there be clash of interest?

    We are both Peters, and there can’t be any form of rivalry, because of the qualities of both albums. I have listened to his album, and he has listened to mine. Oh my God! I love it.

    Looking at developments in the music industry, do you think juju music can regain its lost glory?

    Yes, that is exactly what is going to happen. We are here to make sure that juju music rule the music industry again. And that is the reason we are releasing our albums the same time.

    Women flock around music stars. How do you handle your female fans?

    That should not be any big deal. You just have to be there, because you should not have any reason not to love anybody, like. Even Jesus says ‘love your neighbour as yourself’, so any woman that comes to our show, I accommodate them and there should not be any problem with that because they are like mothers to me.

    What is the secret of your long stay in the industry?

    The only secret is God. In life, you are supposed to know where you are going and where you are coming from. And that is the reason why I am always focused in everything I do. That is the secret behind my success.

    What crazy thing has a fan done to you?

    In abroad, what they do is to sign autographs. So many female fans will tell me to my face that ‘I love you’. They will even kiss me on stage, but it does not mean I should apply any meaning to what they did. Business is business all the time, and that is all.

    Have you ever signed autographs on a female fan’s body?

    Nobody has ever come to me to ask for such. But I don’t know if it will happen in the future. But if it happens, am not going to refuse it.

  • Ice Prince to host Channel O Music Video Awards

    OLEKU crooner, Ice Prince has been named as host of the 9th Annual Channel O Music Video Awards. Joining the Nigerian superstar is South Africa’s Bonang. It will be a fusion of the duo’s unique individuality as the awards event gets underway today, Saturday, 17 November at Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown, Soweto.

    Ice Prince began writing music in 1998 and later formed a group with a couple of his friends called the Ecomog Squad. They had a few performances as a group and split a year later.

    The Jos-raised artist has become a bonafide solo star across the continent over the past few years, primarily driven by the mega hit Oleku. The song, featuring Brymo, saw Ice Prince win Most Gifted Newcomer Video at the 8th Annual Channel O Music Video Awards and his current chart-toppers “Superstar” and “Magician (Remix)” featuring Gyptian have seen the artist earn a nomination for Most Gifted Hip Hop Video as well as Most Gifted Ragga Dancehall Video, respectively this year.

    “I feel really honoured and super excited, I think I am more excited than anyone who has ever hosted/co-hosted the show because it’s a huge privilege to be hosting the biggest award show in Africa,” says Ice Prince.

  • Skales, Wande Coal dazzle at the Club with Remy Martin

    FINE champagne cognac, Remy Martin, added a distinctive touch of class, quality and premium entertainment to the festivities over the weekend of Saturday 27th October, 2012 as the brand held its October signature party at the exclusive Club N-tyce, Victoria Island, Lagos with an eye-popping ensemble of superstars.

    On hand to capture every single moment of the fun and excitement were the brand’s media partner,s, TRACE Urban TV and The Beat 99.9 FM. Together with the premium brand’s iconic line-up for the party which paraded Mavin superstar, Wande Coal; E.M.E soldier, Skales; hot raves of the moment, D’pzle and L.A, along with one of Nigeria’s hottest DJ and hypeman, DJ Spinall and Shody.

    DJ Spinall had the crowd rocking wildly all night, as one after the other the stars took the floor and gave a wonderful account of themselves. Not surprisingly though, the most remarkable performances on the night were those of Mukulu crooner, Skales closely followed by that of multi award-winning sensation, Wande Coal.

    According to Thibault Robert, Remy Martin’s Senior Brand Manager, getting the superstars to come party on a Saturday night during the festive period was a coup the premium brand was proud to have pulled off. “We just wanted to go the extra mile for our loyal consumers and all fun lovers who turned out here tonight. We’re glad we could put a smile on everyone’s faces that was present, and you can be sure that next month’s party is going to be even better,” he concluded. The next At the Club with Remy Martin party is scheduled for 30th November, 2012 at The Place Lounge, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

  • Gloria Doyle joins Freiheits

    FREIHEITS Communication Limited, an outfit positioned towards music video production has officially signed on gospel singer, Gloria Folakemi Doyle as its first artiste. At the signing ceremony held recently, Chairman of the outfit, Dele George said that the company is also working on other artistes.

    Stating reasons why he signed on Doyle, George said that the management of the production outfit saw her previous works and were satisfied with it. Freiheit Communication, he said, is working on artistes that they believe have the potentials to soar high and take their place in the industry.

    In the words of Managing Director of the company, Olufemi Ajibode, Freheit has come to stay. “In the last seven years of the existence of the company, we have done a lot of promotions on musical video productions, e-liberary where people can listen to any kind of music, have them on their phones or flash drive,” he said.

    Doyle who agrees that she is fully set to take her new album to the next level also said she is ready to work and cooperate with Freiheit to ensure that she achieves the mileage and success she has envisaged.

  • Star gives more prizes to consumers

    THE excitement continues as Abuja is the next city to feel the groove as premium lager beer Star, berthed in the Federal Capital territory with the Star Time To Shine Promo draws.

    The event, which was held at the Courtney Gardens, Abuja, saw winners of cash prizes; LCD television and other mouthwatering prizes emerge in the on-going promo. The event also saw the emergence of two more car winners.

    As usual, Crystals, winners of Star Quest 2012 were on hand to thrill the audience with exciting music. Their performance was certainly the best since they began touring the country with the Star Time To Shine Promo contingent thrilled the audience with some of their hit songs.

    Also present was hilarious comedian, Gandoki, who sent the audience reeling with laughter with his jokes. The ace comedian continued dishing out jokes after jokes to the delight of the audience and they simply could not get enough of him.

    Then it was time for the draws. The Star Time To Shine draws, which were held for consumers of the lager beer in Abuja and other neighboring States, saw winners of N20, 000 and N30, 000 cash prizes announced to the public. Interestingly some of the cash prize winners were amongst the audience at the event. The winners of the grand prize of two brand new Toyota Corolla cars were also announced on the night. Innocent Eze and Adekunle Babatunde were announced as the winners of the brand new cars.

    The next edition of the draws will be held in Abeokuta at the Hot Spot bar, MKO Staduim, Abeokuta while the final draws will hold in Lagos.

    Innocent Eze and Adekunle Babatunde, the brand new Toyota Corolla car winners became the fifth and sixth winners in the Star Time To Shine Promo. Other winners include Ifeanyi Ejike, Oluchi Otame, David Nwankwo, Augustine Odachi and Ese Okarei.

  • Money Drops train hits Port Harcourt

    PREPARATIONS are in full swing for the commencement of the new television game show, Money Drops. The train had been to Lagos, Abuja and this weekend, it will halt in Port Harcourt for auditions.

    There was an impressive turnout as people came in their numbers to try their luck. Produced by Endemol and billed to air on Africa Magic Entertainment, Money drop is a game show that has been staged in the USA, UK and Singapore.

    Couples get a certain amount of money to play with then they get multiple choice questions. However amount of questions they get right at the end of the show, if they get to the eighth question, they take all the money left.

    Ikechukwu Odu and his wife Sophia were at the audition in Lagos and they said they had a nice time. Sophia said she was informed about the show by her sister in UK and she decided to give it a try.

    “It was really nice, challenging and very stimulating. I am not happy that we did not get to the end of it but it is something new and I hope we get called to the second stage. It would make us read more. We thought we were quite versatile seems we are getting rusty. My sister in the UK told me about it and since she couldn’t make it she sent me the link. I told my husband but he was reluctant. I had to drag him into the elevator. Now he is happy he came. The game is about team work but we would not blame each other if we lose. It can not affect our relationship. Sophia said.

    Another participant, a South African, Christine Plaatjies, said the game makes a person more knowledgeable.

    “I am a General Manager of a hotel. I heard about the game show because it was taking place in my vicinity. I did not know that because we are not staying in South Africa we can audition here for the South African Money Drop Show. It was fun and very knowledgeable because I learnt a few things on general knowledge. We would love to make it to the next round. If I win the money, my friend and I would set up a business here in Nigeria.” Christine mused.

  • Nigeria’s Got Talent semi-finals heats up

    WITH just three semi-finals talent hunt show, contestants in talent hunt show, Nigeria’s Got Talents have put on a display of the amazing range of dance routine across Nigeria. The Pebbles set things rolling with a professional ballet performance to 2face Idiba’s Omo T’osan – the first time many in the audience were seeing that merging of two influences,

    “You guys have displayed to us that Nigeria has it all. Your level of seriousness, professionalism, and creativity was amazing,” judge and actress, Kate Henshaw gushed.

    The Expendables, all the way from the Garden City of Port Harcourt, brought the audience back home. “Dance is our life, what we do, how we express our feelings. Dance is what we were born to do. We are glad that we have been given the privilege to do what we love and we hope Nigerians will take us to the finals, so we can dazzle them with extra-ordinary dance moves.”

    There were also the singing talents, like 11 year old Toke Salami, who blessed the audience with gospel classic, Ijoba Orun and Azuka Ekazue, who sang an old time classic from Boys II Men, End of the Road.

    From dance to singing, juggling to fire-eating, Nigeria’s Got Talent has shown each weekend that there is much more to look forward to. The semi-finals continue next week and viewers still have the power to save their favorite talent.

    Hosted by Andre Blaze, the judges for the season are radio host Dan Foster, actor Kate Henshaw and entertainment entrepreneur, Yibo Koko. The Airtel-sponsored first season of Nigeria’s Got Talent began to air on 16 September and will run until December 2012.

  • Kokomma: The indignity of man

    •Starring: Ini Ikpe, Ekere Nkanga, Belinda Effah, Ifeanyi Kalu.

    •Written and Produced by: Uduak Isong Oguamanam.

    •Directed by: Tom Robson

    •Language: Ibibio and English

    •Review by: Olaitan Ganiu

    SYNOPSIS: Belinda Effah plays Kokomma who has to hawk plantain to support her family. Being a pretty girl, men always want to give her the ‘real banana’ instead of buying the plantain she sells. At some point, she was sent to Lagos by her poor mother to save her from men who chase after her and to also work as a housemaid not only because her mother could not take good care of her and sponsor her to school but also, her father was a policeman who never received bribe while alive.

    Getting to Lagos, she was welcomed by a wealth family (Ini Ikpe and Ekere Nkanga) who employ her as a house help. To cut the story short, the man of the house indulges in sexual exploitation, luring the poor girl with money and gifts.

    One day, he traps the young girl, rapes and dis-virgins her. As the story always goes, after satisfying himself, he returns to his senses and starts pleading with her: “I didn’t know you still a virgin, I thought you were just playing hard to get. It’s the work of the devil. He got into me. I wouldn’t have done it.”

    Kokomma couldn’t not alert her madam, Margret because she doesn’t want to be accused of being a witch or beast sent to her destroy a beautiful home.

    On other hands, their only son Nsem (Ifeanyi Kalu), comes home from abroad was totally emotional about Koko. He does everything to make the housemaid happy. He relieved her of some house work, he shows his caring and loving side and even helps her through JAMB as the poor girl plan to write the exams.

    The house went on fire, when Kokomma was notice to have gotten pregnant and was threaten by Margret to point out who is responsible. The real shock was when her husband was pointed out as a rapist leaving father, mother and son in different tents.

    Conclusion: After seeing the movie, Kokomma some people will be tempted to feel disgrace for the male gender. An emotion laden movie, Kokomma brings the randy nature of man to bear. According to report in Sexual Behaviour of male, 54 percent of men think about sex every day or several times a day, 43 percent a few times a week or a few times a month.