The Nation Newspaper

Category: Victor Akande

  • People feel I get roles because I’m light-skinned

    People feel I get roles because I’m light-skinned

    Budding actress, filmmaker and video editor, Christiana Martin, says multi-tasking is a way of life for her. For the love of the industry, the half German, half Nigerian sought knowledge at the New York Film Academy. She speaks with OVWE MEDEME on her sundry issues.

    AT OTHER TIMES, I DON’T GET A ROLE BECAUSE THEY FEEL I WON’T BE ABLE TO PORTRAY THE CHARACTER WELL BECAUSE I’M LIGHT SKINNED

    YOU just wrapped up Stormy Hearts production. What was the experience like?

    It was a lovely and fun experience. Everyone on set was amazing to work with. The producers made the whole production process a breeze. And the whole cast and crew was so easy to work with.

    What role did you play in the movie?

    I play the role of Ella.

    Did you find it challenging?

    It wasn’t that challenging except when I had to sing. I can’t vouch for my vocal cords.

    Are there similarities between the role and your real self?

    Not really. Ella has a different personality from Christiana.

    Aside Stormy Hearts, what other projects are you working on?

    I am currently in pre-production for my next project. It is a feature film. In time, I would talk more about it.

    This would be your first time in the cinemas. How does that make you feel?

    I’m actually feeling a bit nervous and excited. It’s a big deal for me, so I’m over the moon. When the producers called me about the movie, I think I did a back flip because I was so excited. I started reading the script immediately and it blew my mind.

    What drew you to the script?

    After reading the script, I found Ella’s character very interesting; especially with the risk she was willing to take to achieve her dreams. Even though she wasn’t sure what the future held for her, she took her chances.

    Is that something you relate with on a personal level?

    Not really. I’m more of a pros and cons lady. I evaluate every situation carefully before I make a decision. I do take risks but after very careful consideration.

    When did you decide to go into acting?

    That was in 2014. I was asked to do a cameo for a movie. After that experience, I decided to go all out with it. So I went to study at the New York Film Academy where I studied hi-def filmmaking and acting for film. I also studied video editing, although I’m still perfecting my editing skills

    Between acting, filmmaking and video editing, which is your first love?

    Acting is my first love. I love being in front of the camera. Playing a character that is the opposite of me as a person is quite intriguing.

    How did the Nigerian movie industry receive you?

    Well it hasn’t been an easy ride. But I am still hanging in there and things are looking up.

    Of all the movies you have done, which do you find most challenging?

    I haven’t gotten there yet. I am open to more challenging roles.

    Have you had any experience that almost made you give up?

    Yes I have. So many times I wanted to. But I kept pushing and putting up a positive attitude towards life and all its ups and downs. Nothing comes easy. If it did, there will be no value for it. Aside from studying, I have learnt so much from being on set.

    So far, how would you say you have fared this year?

    I am not one to toot my own horn. But I am thankful for where I am now. My first ever feature film was Scorned which I co-produced is being shown on major TV stations and is getting good reviews. It’s also a finalist at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival. And now, I am in a movie that’s going to a cinema. I have to say that I’m happy with where I am today. It’s not easy.

    As one who is of mixed race, have you experienced any form of discrimination?

    Yes. Most people feel I get my roles because I’m light-skinned. At other times, I don’t get a role because they feel I won’t be able to portray the character well because I’m light- skinned. As an actor there’s nothing you throw at me that I can’t portray. Sometimes people even feel I can’t speak Pidgin English but I am from Delta State. Pidgin is what we do. And I am thankful to Judith for giving me this opportunity.

    Did you grow up in Delta State?

    Yes I did, in Warri to be precise.

    What was growing up in Warri like?

    Warri is a nice place. I grew up with my elder sister and my mom.

    Is it as rough as it is constantly painted?

    Not at all. Some areas could be rough as with any State but generally, Warri is a cool place.

    Between Germany and Nigeria, where lies your allegiance?

    I am Nigerian.

    How much of your time does acting take?

    It’s not like it doesn’t take much of my time. But I know how to juggle my career and my personal life.

    Does it leave you time to take care of your family?

    Yes I have enough time to take care of my family. I am very good at multitasking.

    What are your plans for the remaining part of the year?

    Work Work Work. My next project is already in its pre-production stage like I said. And we are working hard to make sure we get it right. Scorned had great reviews. And we want to do something even better and fresh.

    Do you have any hobbies? What are they?

    I love to cook. I can cook all day. I swim and I write.

    Aside acting, what else are you into?

    I am also a movie producer and a video editor. After graduating from NYFA, my business partner and I started our own production company called The Filmsage Productions. It was under it that we shot our first feature film, Scorned where I played a rape victim. It was an experience.

    Does the profession give you time to develop relationships?

    Yes of cause. I have met a lot of lovely people. When you’re on set, it’s like for a moment you are all one big family coming together to create something extraordinary to ‘wow’ the world. And even after the shoot is done that friendship still remains.

  • I FEEL SEXY AT 31 –UCHE OGBODO

    I FEEL SEXY AT 31 –UCHE OGBODO

    NOLLYWOOD actress Uche Ogbodo who celebrated her birthday on May 17, 2017, while reflecting on her new age, revealed that she has let go the grief that has taken over her life for years.

    “I was hard on myself for years,” stated the mother of one, who made her Nollywood debut in 2006.

    “But I have decided now to sit back, marvel at my life: at the grief that softened me, at the heartache that has made me wiser; at the suffering that strengthened me. Despite everything, I still evolve, stronger and more determined. I am so proud of myself, proud of how far I have come and I’m still growing.”

    In another statement by the Enugu State-born actress, she said: “I swear you guys; 31 has never looked this good! You know since it’s my birthday I have taken time out to look in the mirror, and I found out that it’s not as bad as I thought it would be to turn 31. I mean I can still pretend to be five years or even 10 years younger than I actually am; I mean another year older and still as sexy after.”

    Uche’s journey into Nollywood began after her father voluntarily registered her with the Actors Guild of Nigeria in Enugu State.

  • Marketing Nigeria with KLM ‘Celebs Around Town’

    Marketing Nigeria with KLM ‘Celebs Around Town’

    Adekunle Gold is known to promote the African attire through his dress sense and music. Kunle Afolayan too, has undoubtedly promoted African languages, foods, attires and lots more in his award-winning films, just as AY’s hit movies are themed on how local characters triumph in foreign lands.

    AS KLM introduces journeys of inspirations to its esteemed clients through the “Celebs Around Town” campaign this summer, the Royal Dutch Airlines in partnership with Air France has showed its regard for the Nigerian market. Hence, driving this campaign for the entire Africa, are notable Nigerian entertainers whose experiences in some destinations in Europe and the United States of America will pave the way for others.

    Through anticipated interactions with their huge followers on social media platforms, these artistes which include singer Adekunle Gold, Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw, Kannywood actress Rahama Sadau, comedian Ayo Makun, aka AY, and rave-of-the-moment filmmaker Kunle Afolayan will be showcasing the most interesting sights and hang-outs in the cities they visit through video posts and live interactive sessions on KLM’s social media platform as well as theirs.

    The journey that begins on June 2, 2017 starts with AY who will be exploring London, to be followed by Adekunle Gold in Manchester; Kate Henshaw in Rome; Rahama Sadau in Berlin, and Kunle Afolayan in New York.

    In what seems like a reality show to debut on HipTV through daily recap of the celebrities’ holiday experiences, it is expected that this relationship with KLM and Air France will be explored maximally by taking Nigerian cultures to these destinations in a stylish way.

    KLM wants to be the most innovative customer-oriented carrier, hence the choice of these set of artistes who in the words of Arthur Dieffenthaler, Commercial Director, Air France KLM Nigeria & Ghana, embody innovations and style.

    He said: “KLM’s global ambition is to be the most innovative customer oriented network carrier in the world, hence we always aim to put our customers first.  In KLM Nigeria we have asked ourselves the question “How can we translate this into a Nigerian context?  In order to do this, we have selected five individuals who we believe really embody these ambitions.  They are innovative, and have a good relationship with their fans. I am sure this would be a unique experience not only for the celebs travelling but also for their fans”

    These artistes who I also have great regards for are tourism ambassadors in their own rights, and there is no doubt they will bring Nigeria to the front burner, as they interact with the world.

    Kate Henshaw showed a trait of what is to be expected, spotting an Ankara top, during the unveiling of this initiative to the media at the Air France Office, Lagos, on Thursday. Hausa language actress Rahama is every bit a Northern Nigerian diva whose elegance oozes with style. Adekunle Gold is known to promote the African attire through his dress sense and music. Kunle Afolayan too, has undoubtedly promoted African languages, foods, attires and lots more in his award-winning films, just as AY’s hit movies are themed on how local characters triumph in foreign lands.

    In tasking them to do more for Nigeria at this time when our tourism industry is in dire need of patronage, they should market our fabrics in the best possible ways and help to identify notable Nigerian food spots and entertainment rendezvous for potential travelers.

    In addition to the tourist attractions in these cities, we would like to see who the Nigerian artiste making us proud in some of these cities are, who the Nigerian entrepreneurs in Europe and America are, and so on and so forth.

    In bringing these cities to their numerous fans, they should showcase the impacts of Nigerians and Nigerian communities in those cities as well.

  • I LIKE TELLING STORY WITH VISUALS –VICTORIA KIMANI

    I LIKE TELLING STORY WITH VISUALS –VICTORIA KIMANI

    MUSIC artiste Victoria Kimani has explained the concept behind the short film on her forthcoming video, ‘Fade Away’, a single, featuring Donald Indenial, from her new album ‘Safari’.

    With a teaser on what to expect of the video, the singer was heard talking about sinning against the society, but in that sin, she also realises perfection, with the power of freedom fighting within her soul.

    The video is set in the Solitary Isolation, Kalulua, Southgate, which is expected to be a changing home for some.

    Speaking on the video, she said, “I like storytelling, especially through visuals,” and on the video of ‘Fade Away,’ she assured that “the music video is dropping soon.”

    Born in Los Angeles, but originally from Kenya, Victoria Kimani is signed to Nigerian-owned Chocolate City record label.

  • MUSING: THE BRAGGARTS IN SHOWBIZ

    BOASTERS, showoffs, bigmouths, loudmouths, windbags, egotists, impostors, and the lots abound in showbiz industry.  But is this part of what the business is: Fantasy, make-believe, and drama without drawing the line?

    Charismatic actor Segun Remi, aka Chief Kanran, has been royalty in several movies, but I guess he wakes up every morning smelling the coffee; that way, he keeps up with reality of his life. He is not ashamed to walk the streets an ordinary man. His life is a total contrast from his carriage on screen.

    Some celebrities have been busted lately for boasting on social media with other people’s wealth. The latest in line is Shad Moss, aka Bow Wow, who was said to have stolen a picture and lied about flying a private jet. It turned out that nothing about the jet was private. The photo appears to be from a VIP transportation service out of Fort Lauderdale. But Bow Wow, before boarding the plane, captioned the photo: ‘Travel day. NYC press run for Growing Up Hip Hop. Let’s gooo. I promise to bring you the hottest show EVER.’

    A fellow passenger on the same commercial flight was the first to bust the singer’s claim. ‘So this guy lil bow wow is on my flight to NY,’ the user tweeted. ‘But on Instagram he posted a picture of a private jet captioned ‘traveling to NY today.’ smh.’

    Bow Wow was later reported to have said that he didn’t actually say that he was flying on that particular jet; but his defense was considered weak by several social media contributors to the matter.

    The case is similar to some Nigerian celebrities who have made a fool of themselves in their bid to create a buzz around themselves.

    First, in recent times, was actress Oge Okoye who shared photograph of ex-beauty queen and reality television star, Kenya Moore’s pets on her page on January 19, 2017 with the caption: “Yiipeeee!!! My new babies just arrived.”

    Busted by the real owner of the pets, the attendant backlashes thrown at the Nollywood actress on social media are as though the thespian stole a thing in the real sense of the word. It is quite shameful how a celebrity would try to sell a perception of affluence that is false, whether or not she can afford it.

    Next, Limpopo crooner, KCEE, was being called out on social media for posting stacks of dollar bills belonging to an American with username @vvs_uno. He captioned it ‘No time, God I give you praise. Just for one day #desire #mrromantic #romanticcalls.’

    And when the real owner came calling, saying: ‘Screenshotting my money pics…thirsty an lame just go get ah bag @iam_kcee’, fans of the singer began to express their disappointment, wondering why KCEE would lift the picture and repost it, suggesting to his fans that this is how much he makes in a day.

    With this unfortunate trend, one cannot but wonder if showbiz is all about showmanship; and if showmanship is all about falsehood. As it is, theirs appear to be a case of the ’empty’ drum making the loudest noise.

    Music artiste, Innocent Idibia, aka 2Baba is arguably the richest Nigerian artiste, but with near zero habit of public display of wealth.

    The singer is said to possess two properties in Lekki worth over N400 million. The CEO of Hypertek, an entertainment company and record label, also owns Rumours Lounge in Ikeja and Festac, Lagos among other business interests.

  • BANKADESUA: FIRST NOLLYWOOD FAiRYTALE MARRIAGE

    BANKADESUA: FIRST NOLLYWOOD FAiRYTALE MARRIAGE

    Thank you for agreeing to be my wife – Banky W

    I’m sorry it took me so long to realise it was you –Adesua

    I’m not sure what the future will bring, but I’m completely sure that I am ready to face it with you by my side

    LIFE imitates Art far more than Art imitates Life” is an anti-mimesis philosophical position that has just played out in the love story of new celebrity couple; Nigerian singer, rapper, label owner and actor Oluwabankole Wellington, aka Banky W and award-winning actress Adesua Etomi whose marriage engagement was announced on May 3, 2017 – a surreal mix of fact and fantasy – earning the excitement of many.

    As the two entertainers become man and wife today, following a traditional marriage at the bride’s Lagos family house in Maryland, Ikeja, the reality of a relationship that, though planted sparingly, sprouted from the duo’s interpretation of a couple’s characters in the biggest Nollywood box office earner, The Wedding Party, will remain a reference point for a long while, and perhaps, a comparison to the usually controversial-eroding celebrity marriages in the entertainment industry.

    Just as many doubted the authenticity of the engagement, which had a suspicious timing, knowing that the couple were on the set of The Wedding Party’s sequel, veteran colleagues of the couple, including Richard Mofe-Damijo, Mo Abudu, Sola Sobowale and Kemi Adetiba among others were on hand to dismiss the possibility of a marketing stunt for the star-studded film.

    “For these top celebrities sending congratulatory messages, the news of the engagement must be real,” people say, assuring themselves that their intelligence is not being taunted with another marketing stunt.

    “It’s actually real guys,” said Obi Asika on a social media forum. Just as Richard Mofe-Damijo asserted; “Very real. …Been working with the couple. Both are my peeps.”

    “It’s like the first real fairytale engagement in Nollywood that I can remember. Others before now were folk tales by moonlight,” quipped Charles Novia. He added: “Two ‘Ajebutter’ lovers in the entertainment industry getting engaged. That’s a Fairy Tale Engagement. Retro the past ones we know through the years; it’s either ‘Ajekpako’ meets ‘Ajebutter’.

    The groom could not convince anyone less, with his two-part social media epistle. Here is how he put it:

    “Dear Susu, …I knew pretty early in the process that I wanted to spend forever with you. Prayed about it fervently. But it took you FOREVER (okay fine… maybe a year and a half or so) to see things my way. But I kinda knew all along… I was just waiting for you to catch up.

    “In that time, I got engaged to you in my “Made For You” music video… and then by coincidence, we both got cast to get married in “The Wedding Party” movie… But all the while we were the very best of friends. I guess, in our case, real life will now imitate art.

    “I’m not sure what the future will bring, but I’m completely sure that I am ready to face it with you by my side. I pray that God continues to build me into the kind of man that you deserve. I love you Susu.. I feel safe and at peace with you. You mean the world to me. Thank you for agreeing to be my lover and best friend. Thank you for agreeing to be my wife.”

    Allaying all doubts, he said: “The timing of this may make some people think this is promo for another video, or a movie. It isn’t. Ironically, everyone who has seen us together in art, or in life, always insists that we have amazing chemistry. I guess you can say we have been hiding in plain sight. I fell in love with an Actress. Now my life is a movie. In February of 2017, I asked Adesua Tolulope Oluwaseun Etomi to be my wife. She said Yes.”

    Fans may not be privy to Adesua’s yah in the real sense of it; not that scripted line from ‘The Wedding Party”: Her actual expression, her state of ecstasy or if she betrayed her calmness by jumping at Banky W’s proposal, but one could read between the lines as published in her social media post.

    “Our friendship opened my eyes to a lot of things. Opened my eyes to the type of man Olubankole is and WHAT A MAN. WHAT A MIGHTY GOOD MAN. Olubankole, Your Heart is pure and good, to the very core. You are proof that God is real; you are proof that what’s on the inside is greater and so much more powerful than what we see on the outside and you are the evidence of what I hoped for. I bless God for entrusting my heart in your hands because I know it’s safe. You are everything I prayed for and so much more.

    Thank you for praying with me, fasting with me, always making time for me, laughing with me, and caring more about me than yourself. Thank you for being kind, loving and full of Integrity. And I’d like to say one more thing. I’m SO SORRY that it took me sooo long to realise that it was you. It has always been you. It couldn’t have been anyone else.

    In February 2017, you said you couldn’t be without me and asked me to be your wife and I said YES because I can’t be without you. It will be an absolute pleasure and one of the greatest blessings of my life to walk the path of life with you. Thank you for being who you are. My goodluck charm, my King, my lover, my bestfriend. I love you till eternity and beyond. No, This Is not a movie. Future Mrs. W.”

    At a time when holes in celebrity marriages are blamed on too much media exposure, some entertainers are a bit worried for the couple. “I just pray that the public display will eventually not end in shackles. With all the marriage drama happening on social media, one begins to wonder if it isn’t better to keep private love matters private,” one said.

    “We can only pray for them and hope for the best. There are exceptions to every rule,” replied another.

    “Yes o. Prayer must follow oh, because the devil walks around like a roaring lion seeking whom to devour. When we put our businesses out there, (private or otherwise) we should be ready for war; spiritually and otherwise. Devil dey fight marriages wella,” the former concurred.

    However, for ‘Editor in Chief and Publisher of Genevieve Magazine, Mrs. Betty Irabor, the present media hype is just a spur-of-the moment, as the couple have a history of keeping their private affair private.

    She said: “So happy about this new trend where celebs spring engagement and wedding surprises. I hope the trend catches fire. Less shared the better!”

    Indeed, Bank W’s best friend and husband of celebrity OAP, Tunde Demuren attested to their maturity with privacy. “He asked. …She said yes” Love you guys!!! Congrats Susu&Bubba. This was tough keeping coded for so long,” he said on Instagram.

    Corroborating this, Nigerian hip-hop recording artist and entrepreneur, Chukie Edozien, aka Lynxxx, described it as the biggest secret he has had to keep. “Officially the biggest secret I’ve ever had to keep in my entire life! Congratulations brother! It’s been a long time coming!”

  • Some Nollywood couples who met on movie set

    Some Nollywood couples who met on movie set

    Iretiola and Patrick Doyle
    IRETI and Patrick Doyle met while working at the production company. Patrick Doyle then was a broadcaster and Ireti’s boss at that time.

    Isaac and Nneka Moses
    ISAAC and Nneka Moses met on the set of a movie in 1996. With their show Goge Africa that showcase Africa rich culture, which take them to different continents, the couple now share an uncanny resemblance.

    Chris Attoh and Damilola Adegbite

    NOT left in the love nest are Chris Attoh and Damilola Adegbite, who also met on the Tinsel series. The couple played the roles of Kwame Mensah and Telema Duke respectively. They got married in 2015.

    Chacha Eke and Austin Faani

    CHACHA Eke got married to her scriptwriter cum director husband, Austin Faani. They met on the set of ‘When Kings Decide’ in 2013.

    Gloria Anozie and Norbert Young

    TILL date, the couple has continued to wax stronger in their marriage, which is over a decade. In an interview, Gloria Anozie was quoted to have attributed her successful marriage to the fact that she sees her husband very often. The duo got married in 2002.

      Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva

    NOTING that patience and understanding is the key to a successful marriage, veteran actor Olu Jacobs, who is married to his heartthrob of more than two decades, met her while casting for one of Wole Soyinka’s novel – Jero’s Metamorphosis – at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos. The rest is history as they are always seen in each other’s company at events.

    Gbenro Ajibade and Osas Ighodaro

    THOUGH there had been reports that Gbenro and Osas, might be having issues with their marriage, both cast members on popular Africa Magic TV show, Tinsel, got engaged in 2014. Gbenro played the role of Soji and Osas was Adanna on the show. They got married almost a year later in the United States.

     

     

  • TWP: Table turns for Kemi Adetiba

    If, like others are saying, she was asking for a ‘whistle blower’s’ kind of share from the proceeds of the Part 1, I agree she may be asking for too much based on the strength of her relative naiveté. After all, a directorial input didn’t sell the movie. If truly the producers were not impressed with her, as the D.O.P was said to have done more of the directing…

    There are several wedding party stories around the place, and comedy has not got those stringent rules that see imperfections with the ‘welder eyeglasses’. ‘The Wedding Party’ is about bits and pieces of happenstances that one can easily relate with and with the kind of actors in the Part 1

    JUST as Kemi Adetiba was about stepping into the euphoria of being the director of the highest Nollywood Box Office earner, ‘The Wedding Party’, the dance rug was pulled from her feet.

    The movie, which is in its second installment, has another director – Niyi Akinmolayan.

    Fans of Adetiba think this is a dangerous thread to bring another director aboard a sequel, who may have to struggle with the fluidity of the story, and I ask; what story? What fluidity?

    There are several wedding party stories around the place, and comedy has not got those stringent rules that see imperfections with the ‘welder eyeglasses’. ‘The Wedding Party’ is about bits and pieces of happenstances that one can easily relate with and with the kind of actors in the Part 1, the actors can jolly well play themselves. If Akinmolayan happens to ‘call’ it like Adetiba, then we may have a repeat of some of the gaffes, because it takes a director who is worth their nerves to ‘cut’ the shot when Ali Baba decides to overstretch his wits.

    God knows that what I saw in ‘The Wedding Party’ was a hazy directorial input by Adetiba who experimented with that film as a first time feature length film director.

    I have heard of warnings against changing a winning formula, but this could apply to the marketing strategy deplored for the film and not of its artistry.

    ‘The Wedding Party’ is our best commercial pride, no doubt, but it remains, in my assessment, a creative opportunity that rode on great business idea.

    However, if the producers decide to take this sequel a notch higher, it won’t remove anything from a great business template. It can only add up. If Adetiba’s shortfall is one of the reasons she is being shortchanged, then, Akinmolayan needs to prove a point. Yes, because even though he has some ‘good’ serious dramas to his credit, this is all about romantic comedy.

    If, like others are saying, she was asking for a ‘whistle blower’s’ kind of share from the proceeds of the Part 1, I agree she may be asking for too much based on the strength of her relative naiveté. After all, a directorial input didn’t sell the movie.

    If truly the producers were not impressed with her, as the D.O.P was said to have done more of the directing, while an EP was said to have directed on the last few days of shoot, why would they want to pay her more?

    Although the issue of contract levity came to mind, this may not be the case, as the director couldn’t have predicted that the movie will turn a hit, and eventually earn a second installment.

    However, because I love gist of this nature, I’ll rather put my speculations on hold, in the hope that very soon, Adetiba would have the courage to tell us the real reason her journey with the series has to end abruptly; especially now that the real marriage between lead actors; Banky W and Adesua Etomi might earn the producers a stocked bullion van.

    She told LIB, “there’s really nothing to it, I’m still very good friends with the house, I speak to them every day. I don’t want to make a statement right now; I’m still very close to Mo Abudu there’s no phony business going on. A statement will be out soon though.”

    While we wait for Adetiba’s reaction, let’s take a look at Akinmolayan, and how he is about to boost his profile with a movie associated with commercial accomplishment.

    Akinmolayan’s directorial debut film, Kajola, an action/sci-fi was a disaster but a very courageous attempt. The director himself recounted how he could have committed suicide from the loss and attendant shame. His ally described his resurrection ordeal, saying, “After Kajola, perhaps Nollywood’s most infamous cinema outing, he came out of a suicidal spell and kept pushing.”

    He has so far done ‘Make That Move’, ‘Falling’, ‘Out Of Luck’ and ‘Arbitration’. But none of them is a hit.

    If you’ve seen all these films, you’d find the guy likes to experiment, as they are not run-of-the-mill.

    For Akinmolayan, it is a career on the move, and one wonders if this new experience won’t change his orientation forever. In the case of ‘The Wedding Party,’ I am looking forward to a romance of art and commercial. He might just be that Midas touch, if words by his promoter are anything to go by.

    He said: “Niyi is such a freaking nerd, soaking in info about every aspect of filmmaking. He’s one of the few filmmakers I’ve heard eloquently talk about story & sound & lights & symbolism, et al because he’s always researching, watching video tutorials & taking courses.”

  • Artistes thrill Asaba residents

    Artistes thrill Asaba residents

    ASABA, the Delta State capital, recently hosted the Glo Mega Music Nationwide Tour last Saturday as A-list artistes thrilled guests to topnotch entertainment.

    Held at the Event Centre Dome located on Okpanam Road, the roll call of the artistes at the concert included the Na-who-I-go-ask crooner, Omawumi, Afro pop diva Yemi Alade, exceptional highlife power house Flavour, the inimitable, Peter and Paul Okoye of PSquare, the monarch of the streets, Olamide aka Badoo and the rave-of-the-moment Igbo ethno rapper, Phyno.

    The duo of Mercy Johnson Okogie and the Ghanaian Juliet Ibrahim anchored the show with flair while the quartet of ageless Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD),  Patience Ozokwor (Mama G) and Victor Osuagwu put in a cameo appearance.

    Earlier, before the show took off, Mercy Johnson, Juliet Ibrahim, Victor Osuagwu and RMD engaged attendees at the entrance by signing autographs for guests whilst posing for selfies with their fans.

    Budding artistes within Asaba and its environs such as Perezi, Young Swags, H-Culture, Brown Ray, Notorious Set Zon and the guitarist, and Chika Madu kick-started the show while up and coming artistes.

    Omawumi gave account of herself with a curtain-raising performance and she was followed closely by the bubbly Yemi Alade, who thrilled attendees with her ingenious stage craft and delightful songs.

    N’abania sensation, Flavour ignited the show as he gave the crowd an over- dose of melodious hit songs at the show.

    The crowd became even more ecstatic when Africa’s most popular twins, PSquare landed on the stage and dished out a rich menu of music, choreography and dance drama.

    Shakiti Bobo exponent, Olamide Badoo, was in his elements as he took the show towards its zenith.

    Welcoming guests, Globacom’s National Sales Coordinator, Mid-West, Mr. Augustus-ndu Offor, said that the concert was a “way of appreciating our customers for their abiding faith in the Glo network over the years.”

  • DJ REAL WASHES FEMALE PANTIES IN THROWBACK PHOTO

    DJ REAL WASHES FEMALE PANTIES IN THROWBACK PHOTO

    POPULAR street disco jockey, DJ Real aka Emir of Alaba, celebrated his birthday on Thursday with a throwback picture of him washing female panties with a headphone on him.

    The self-appointed king of street DJ and official in-house DJ of Eko FM posted the odd picture with captioned: ‘djreal001 + 1’ on Instagram.

    The post has, however, got his sending funny responses to him.

    “Back then when baba still dey wash pant,” a fan commented.

    Another fan posted, “HBD baba ton foh pata. May God keep you for us. Only real recognise real.”

    DJ Real is famously known for dropping street mixtapes and also promoting up and coming acts.