The Nation Newspaper

Category: Victor Akande

  • Wale Ojo completes directorial debut

    Shooting has ended for actor Wale Ojo’s directorial debut titled Don’t get Bad, get even.

    Shot on location in Cotonou, Benin Republic, the film, a comedy, stars Femi Jacobs, Deyemi Okanlanwon, Kenneth Okolie, Toyin Abrahams, Patience Ozonkwor, Jide Kosoko, Nancy Isieme, Ayo Adesanya, Said Balogun (who replaced Afeez Oyetoro), Jumoke George and a host of others.

    “Don´t get mad, get even’ is an intriguing romantic comedy that is extremely hilarious and entertaining and will surely cheer you up even in difficult or stressful situations,” says the executive producer, Raphael Dedenuola.

    The film tells the story of Jaiye and Juwon Kuti, two brothers whose relationship becomes estranged when the younger brother Juwon drops out of school to pursue a music career.

    It is a production of RGD Media Productions, which has roots in Germany, Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.

    Wale Ojo took to stage at an early age in London. And he is well known for his role as Bayo in the comedy television soap Meet the Adebanjos (2012-2014) which won a Nigeria Lite Entertainment Award in 2006 and an AMVCA nomination in 2015. His feature film debut was in the movie Rage (1999) in which he played a schizophrenic gangster and a cameo in Guy Ritchie’s first short film The Hard Case (1995). Since then he has appeared in feature films Johnny English Reborn (2011) and The Guard (2011). He has appeared in the popular television BBC series Grange Hill and the Heartburn Hotel as well as supporting roles in the Number One Ladies Detective Agency (2009) and The Philanthropist (2009).

    His first feature in his native country, Nigeria, was Phone Swap (2012) which bagged him an NEA award for Best Actor and other films include The CEO (2016), Ojukokoro (2016) and White Colour Black (2016).

  • Kayode out with new single, Duro

    An afro-pop singer, Kayode Obafemi, has released a new singer, ‘Duro.’

    The Nigerian, who is based in South Africa, is signed to Only For The Family, a company situated in Johannesburg.

    Kayode, while speaking about his new song, said Duro was inspired by his state of the mind at a time. He added, “I was very down and bothered five months ago. Then, the only place I wanted to be was the production studio because it is my comfort zone.”

    According to him, moving to South Africa was important for him to acquire some other professional skills in cinematography.

    “I feel I can make an impact from the Diaspora; we all know that the Nigerian entertainment industry is highly competitive. I released my first song in 2006 and there has been a lot of improvement since then.”

    Also, the English graduate of Obafemi Awolowo stated that he had always enjoyed the support of his parents, saying, “I could recall how my mother booked my first studio session. She paid N4,600.”

    The talented act, however,  have plans to work with Wizkid, Davido, Olamide , Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy, Wande Coal and Flavour in future.

  • MTN UNVEILS TOP MUSICALS, VISUAL ART FESTIVAL

    In its continued support for Nigerian arts and culture, MTN Foundation, on Thursday, announced its sponsorship of six critically acclaimed arts initiatives, including five musicals and a visual arts festival, due to be staged across the country in the 4th quarter of 2018.

    The shows include ‘Fela and the Kalakuta Queens’,  produced by Bolanle Austen Peters; Legends, produced by Gbenga Yusuf and Ayo Ajayi; Our Son, the Minister, produced by Bikiya Graham-Douglas; Simply Poetry by Dike Chukwumerije; Oba Esugbayi, produced by Joseph Edgar and Life in My City Art Festival taking place in Enugu.

    The sponsorships are as part of the Arts and Culture initiative of the MTN Foundation.

    Executive Secretary of the Foundation, Nonny Ugboma said at the press conference and project unveiling that “These productions represent the very best of Nigerian theatre, and we are humbled by their willingness to partner with us. Our sponsorships are guided by three key objectives – to re-tell Nigerian/African stories to our people; to promote our values and finally to empower skilled professionals to showcase their talent before a wider audience.”

    The producers expressed their appreciation to the ICT brand for the partnership.

    According to Kevin, who is the producer of Life in my City arts festival, “Our event is unique in that it is pan-Nigerian and targets artists under the age of 35 and has been going on for twelve years. You can imagine our relief that MTN noticed our blood, toil and sweat in trying to empower young Nigerians to attain the height of their creative expression.”

    Also speaking, Joseph Edgar, Producer of Oba Esugbeyi said that “When we were working on the show, it was clear to us that for MTN to lend its support, it must be of great quality and have a wide impact on the larger society.  MTN has been very supportive in this regard and we are looking forward to a successful show run.”

    In the words of Ayo Ajayi, one of the producers of Legends the musical, which will be showing at MUSON Centre, “MTN is everywhere you go when it comes to Arts & Culture in Nigeria and I sincerely appreciate their support and sponsorship.”

    Fela and the Kalakuta Queens, which was the first of the productions, took place on October 14 as part of the Felabration celebrations. Other supported productions are billed to take place at various dates in October, November and December 2018.

    The Foundation had, early in the year, supported the public performance of world class theatre productions such as Saro and Wakaa the Musical, as well as the Eko Theatre Carnival.

  • STOUT BRAND SAYS FELA IS ‘THE LEGEND WE REMEMBER’

    For 21 years, the world has tried in different ways to celebrate the legacy of the late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

    The annual celebration of the music icon and political activist called Felabration provides the opportunity for fans to review what he stood for, and how valid and relevant is ideologies have remained to the socio political life of the society.

    As Felabration continues to bring to the fore, and teach people what the man stood for, by ensuring that we continue to fight the kind of battles he fought in largely better ways,

    To underscore this feat, Nigerian Breweries Plc, through one of its brands, Legend Extra Stout have identified with the legendary personae of Fela, and has joined sponsors of the iconic event, believing that by all ramifications, Felabration has become the most widely accepted of these platforms for celebrating all the great things that Fela stood for in the music industry.

    “The music fiesta brings back memories of a man with folded fists in the air, in bare torso, a partly painted face and signature tight trousers. Characteristic of the man, Fela, he greets a cheering crowd eager to hear him sing and have his queens move their energetic melanin bodies to the sound of his band. The crowd continues to cheer as he sings, and swings his body to different sides while stamping his left foot in rhythmic fashion, but those who know these stuff of Legends know that in those lyrics are clear messages for the people who need to hear them; “the brevity of a man willing to tell his story in its truest form and have fun while at it – that’s the man Fela was; that’s the Legend we remember,” say the brand promoters.

    Felabration was initiated by Yeni Kuti, Fela’s first child, in 1998, a year after his death, to get the world closer to the Fela spirit. This annual music festival runs for a week with different events from the concert to the dance and symposium. As the years go by, the festival features a different theme and continues to grow with more licenses signed across the world by fans of Afrobeats and those who truly believe in who and what Fela was.

    In the week of Fela’s birthday, which is when the festival is usually held, people will gather under the theme “Overtaking, Overtake”, a line coined from the 1990 hit ODOO – Overtake Don Overtake Overtake.

    This year, Legend Extra Stout brings excitement to the New Afrika Shrine and every other location in Lagos where people will gather not only to celebrate another edition of Felabration but Fela’s 80th birthday. For Legend, this is more than just an event sponsorship but an expression of the brand’s DNA and core values, which they say include, Authenticity, Courage and Freedom.

    Felabration provides the perfect opportunity for the brand to connect with young vibrant Nigerians who believe and have the courage to express their real selves.

    From October 15th until the 21st, fans will have the privilege to enjoy the rich taste of Legend Extra Stout as they celebrate Afrobeat and reminisce the stories Fela told in his days and how they are still relevant in today’s world.

    Over the years, Legend Extra Stout has brought fanfare to music lovers with previous editions of Felabration and the Real Deal Experience. Fun seekers coming to celebrate the Afrobeat king can do so in a relaxed environment where they can feel the richness of the Nigerian music and the amazing taste that Legend Extra Stout brings. Fela is a legend and will always be celebrated as one.

    Fans are expected in Lagos from around the world to honour the marks Fela made in the world music scene, as well as the inspiration he has given to younger talents coming out from Africa. In July, French President, Emmanuel Macron paid a visit to the Shrine to honour Fela, and there will be no surprise if he and other prominent persons like him join in the October celebrations, which will feature a symposium, debates, art exhibition, dance competition and a music concert.

    Some of the acts who have performed at the music concert include Femi Kuti, Asa, King Sunny Ade, 2Baba Lucky Dube, Nneka, Awilo Longomba, Lagbaja, Wizkid, Burna Boy and many more. A lot of fans will be looking out for moments like Wizkid’s electric performance with Femi Kuti in 2017.

  • EX BBNAIJA HOUSEMATE AHNEEKA HITS JACKPOT

    Former Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) contestant, Iwuchukwu Maryanne Ahneeka, known as Ahneeka has been unveiled as brand ambassador of Plenty Millions Lottery.

    The excited celeb shared the news on her Instagram, lauding the brand as the most rewarding attribute.

    She said: “Excited to work with Plenty Millions Lottery. The only lottery in Nigeria to have paid 5.5 million naira jackpot win to an individual. Look forward to intimating you all on the premise of Lottery in Nigeria and hopefully finding our next winner”.

    The lottery outfit on their social media handles on Instagram also confirmed the appointment of Ahneeka, saying, “PlentyMillions National Lottery is happy to announce Big Brother Naija former housemate, presenter and actor, Ahneeka as its brand ambassador.

    “PlentyMillions is very excited to work closely with Ahneeka to educate the public about the benefits PlentyMillions Lottery including opportunities to WIN life changing Jackpot amounts and how lottery proceeds are used by the National Lottery Trust Fund to develop our communities.”

  • Oga Bello produces series for StarTimes

    Veteran actor, Adebayo Salami popularly called Oga Bello, has produced a 26-episode Yoruba series titled ‘Alagbara’, for pay-TV Company, StarTimes.

    The series, which is currently undergoing post-production edits, according to the thespian, “is a beautifully crafted indigenous series that sheds light into lives of different men from all walks of life and how they are controlled, manipulated, influenced, and reshaped by the women in their lives.”

    Oga Bello disclosed that the partnership with StarTimes on this project was borne out of his desire in promoting the Nigerian culture through the production of educative and enlightenment movies and series that cut across everyone living in this society.

    The television drama stars top actors like Ronke Ashodi Oke, Toyin Adegbola, Yemi Solade, Femi Adebayo, Sotayo, Dele Odule, Bukky Arugba among others.

  • CAGED IN THE CREEKS: Irish Director in Nigeria for Nollywood action movie

    Multiple award-winning Irish director, Terry Mc Mahon, best known for his acting role in Batman Begins and writer/director of Patrick’s Day, is billed to be in Nigeria today, October 20,2018, for the production of a Nollywood movie titled ‘Caged In The Creeks’.

    Written by Leke Akinrowo of Riveting Integrated Entertainment Limited, (producers of the popular stage play, The Walking Stick), ‘Caged In The Creeks’ has been touted as Nollywood’s first authentic action flick, to be directed by Mc Mahon who will be in the country until October 30, 2018.

    Mc Mahon, whose other writer/director credits include ‘Charlie Casanova’, will also be meeting with top Nollywood practitioners to discuss casting and other collaborations which will take place during the production.

    ‘Caged In The Creeks’ is a story about international terrorists and local militants coming together to threaten the wellbeing and fate of the country, and how the main character, who happens to be a former United States marine, forms an alliance with a former Nigerian army captain and ECOMOG veteran, to save their loved ones entangled in the web of intrigues, and save the country from a catastrophic plot being hatched by the international hoodlums.

    Mc Mahon, in 2005, played the role of bad Swat Cop in ‘Batman Begins’, starring Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes, Gary Oldman, Cillian Murphy, and Morgan Freeman.

  • ‘Red Table Talk’ returns to Facebook Watch

    Facebook has announced a return of the first season of ‘Red Table Talk’, featuring Jada Pinkett-Smith, Willow Smith and Adrienne Banfield-Norris.

    As the show returns to Facebook Watch with new episodes on October 22, the first two episodes will premiere with Will Smith joining Jada, Willow and Adrienne at the red table discussing Will turning 50, taking a look back at his life thus far and much more.

    During this season of ‘Red Table Talk’, which is nominated for a People’s Choice Award (Day Time Talk Show of 2018) Jada, Willow and Adrienne will welcome guests including Leah Remini, Ellen Pompei, J. Cole, Justin Baldoni and more. All new topics will be brought to the red table including, mental health, forgiveness, divorce, race and domestic violence.

    Viewers are expected to join the conversation with the Facebook community in the ‘Red Table Talk’ Facebook Group; for the new episodes, the group was asked what they want to hear, which will be discussed through each theme.

    Jada Pinkett Smith, her daughter Willow Smith, and mother Adrienne Banfield-Norris; three generations of women with three very different points of view, reveal their personal experiences and thoughts about the most compelling issues facing all of us today.

  • Cheeky chizzy: Why I featured D’banj on Lemonade

    Nigerian pop singer, Chisom Ifeachor popularly known as Cheekychizzy has revealed why he featured D’banj on his latest single, ‘Lemonade’.

    In an interview with The Nation, Cheekychizzy said the ‘Emergency’ crooner was the first to hear the song while it was in the making and after completion of production works.

    According to Cheekychizzy, the multi-award winning pop star connected to the song while they were in the studio.

    He said, “D’banj happened to be in the studio with me and to my amusement, after listening to the song, it wasn’t difficult to get him to jump on it because he loves it.”

    On what inspired ‘Lemonade’, Cheekychizzy said at the time he made the song, he was enjoying a lot of facilities. Hence, the vibe came like an inspiration to do something musically creative.

    “Lemonade happens to be my favourite drink. So in this context, I was saying the girl is my lemonade. And there was a part I said -‘Wakanda na for there they make her’. That was me saying she’s an African. You know the traditional lemonade? Homemade lemonade that’s the exact lemonade I meant.” Cheekychizzy said of his song’s storyline.

    Cheekychizzy disclosed what he’s been up to in recent times. He said he’s been working and tying loose ends after working on Dbanj’s latest album which was the major project he worked on from 2016-2017. He added that after the project, he started working on his projects, dropped a couple of songs, which are ‘Confess’, ‘International Local’.

    In the course of the interview, Cheekychizzy disclosed that all is set to drop the visuals for Lemonade. He said, “I am dropping the music video of Lemonade soon and all I will say is that it is electrified.”

    The DB Records artiste, songwriter and music producer, charged Nigerians and his fans at large to stay alert as he has a lot of songs to drop for their delights.

  • Timaya prays for fans at Felabration

    Midway in his energetic performance at Felabration at the New Afrika Shrine on Wednesday, hip hop star, Timaya stopped to thank and pray for his fans.

    Kneeling on stage to thank them for making him a star since he started 14 years ago, the artiste who is also known as the Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa then asked his fans to raise their hands while he prayed for them.

    “Every spirit of failure, every spirit of poverty, in your family, among your friends, from your mother side, from your father’s side, Holy Ghost,” he prayed, to which the tumultuous crowd gave a roaring “Fire.”

    He then urged the crowd; “Tell your neighbour poverty is not my portion” before he lunged back into singing.

    And apparently in a move to demonstrate how well he has been financially blessed, Timaya threw some cash into the crowd, a move that was quickly discouraged by the organisers of the concert.