The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Artistes

  • Artistes okay Western Lotto

    Ahead of its launch, leading Nigerian entertainers, drawn from the movie, music and comedy sectors, have signed up as emissaries of upcoming gaming brand, Western Lotto.

    Brand ambassadors for Western Lotto include musicians Tuface Idibia as well as Olamide Adekeye and actor-comedian Ayo Makun, famous as AY.

    Others are Nollywood stars Jide Kosoko, Dele Odule, Ramsey Nouah, Paul Obazele and Zack Orji.

    Western Lotto Nigeria Limited is a company licensed in Nigeria to operate terrestrial and online platforms for gaming activities including important international lottery brands, instant draw, indoor games, lotto betting and online scratch card games and the likes.

    Managing Director, Mr Femi Badero, said in a statement that Western Lotto would significantly alter the landscape of gaming in Nigeria and offer value-added services to customers and prospects.

  • Artistes okay Western Lotto

    Ahead of its launch, leading Nigerian entertainers, drawn from the movie, music and comedy sectors, have signed up as emissaries of upcoming gaming brand, Western Lotto.

    Brand ambassadors for Western Lotto include musicians Tuface Idibia as well as Olamide Adekeye and actor-comedian Ayo Makun, famous as AY.

    Others are Nollywood stars Jide Kosoko, Dele Odule, Ramsey Nouah, Paul Obazele and Zack Orji.

    The artistes would be part of the star-studded guest list at the Western Lotto launch today.

    Western Lotto Nigeria Limited is a company licensed in Nigeria to operate terrestrial and online platforms for gaming activities including important international lottery brands, instant draw, indoor games, lotto betting and online scratch card games and the likes.

    Managing Director, Mr Femi Badero, said in a statement that Western Lotto would significantly alter the landscape of gaming in Nigeria and offer value-added services to customers and prospects.

  • B.I.G: ARTISTES DIVIDED OVER EXISTENCE OF GHOSTS

    SOON to be released movie, Banana Island Ghost (B.I.G), has sparked a debate among Nollywood artistes on whether or not ghosts actually exist. In a discussion with some of movie casts, they had the opportunity to to air their opinion on the veracity or otherwise of ghost tales.

    For instance, when asked about her stand on the topic, Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju gave a strong No!

    “I don’t believe in ghosts. I am a Christian, so I don’t believe in ghosts. Banana Island Ghost is fantasy. We must begin to explore genres like that. We watched Beauty and the Beast. It is fantasy. Fairytale movies are all fantasy, they will never happen,” she opined.

    On the other hand, Akah as he likes to be called grudgingly admitted to the presence of ghosts in our midst. “I believe in the Holy Ghost, I believe that spirits are real and that the spiritual world is real. Yes, I believe that ghosts exist.”

    While disagreeing with the idea of ghosts, up and coming actress, Bimbo Ademoye gave an interesting analysis on why they do not exist.

    “No, I don’t believe ghosts exist… no. My ‘Nana’ passed, my grandfather passed and I haven’t seen them and we were really close. I would think they would come back and say hello to me. This is Biblical but everyone at the end of the day will be at the gates of heaven to receive judgement on judgement day, so I really don’t think anyone would want to come back and say “hello, how are you doing, how is earth treating you?” I would love to have a ghost though,” she stated.

    One actor who does not agree with her is Saheed Balogun. In his view, this is not a question for Yoruba man.

    “Just tell a Yoruba man that there’s a ghost at that junction there, you’ll see him running left. If it is a white man they will want to see. Me, I have never seen a ghost, but if you mention one now, I won’t see, but you will see me running. I believe that there are ghosts. All around the world, there is a name for it. For them to give it a name, it exists for real. So I won’t deceive myself, what does not exist does not have a name,” he said.

    Bringing a twist to the debate, Patrick Diabuah, who plays the ghost in the movie, was firm in his stance that ghosts do not exist.

    “I believe there are spirits, souls of the departed somewhere. But I don’t believe in the haunting kind. I believe when someone is gone, they are gone. There might be some other kinds of supernatural beings around, but ghosts as per my great grandfather coming back? Nah! I don’t believe in it. I have seen a ghost before though, in Rentaghost movie,” were his words.

  • Artistes turn up for ‘Stormy Hearts’ premiere

    IT was a gathering of the cream of the Nigerian movie industry as Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Judith Audu Fought, premiered her sophomore feature film, Stormy Hearts, June 1.

    Held at the Genesis Deluxe Cinemas, De Palms Mall, Lekki, Lagos Island, the premiere was witnessed by big shots in the Nigerian movie industry.

    Among those who attended the event were Fred Amata, Bisola Aiyeola, Gabriel Afolayan, Salami Rotimi, Adeniyi Johnson, famous stylist, Swank Jerry, Yaw, Tope Alake, Brutus, O.C Ukeje, Greg Ojefua, Theresa Edem-Isemin, Kunle Remi,  Idowu Babalola, Babatunde Ogungbeje and more.

    Welcoming guests to the premiere, producer of the flick, Judith Audu-Foght, said that StormyHearts is a romantic movie that speaks to those who are going through one emotional struggle or another. In her words, the movie also seeks to address some of the struggles artiste go through in their quest for fame and success.

    Directed by Tope Alake, and written by Brenda Ogbuka and Chijioke Ononiwu, the movie stars artistes like Christiana Martin, Theresa Edem-Isemin, Eddie Watson, Kenneth Okolie, Fred Amata, Etinosa Idemudia, Kelechi Udegbe, Greg Ojefua, Rotimi Salami, Stan Nze, Debbi Ohiri, Tomiwa Kukoyi, Ogee Nelson, Omoye Uzamere, Stan Nze, Lydia Idiakulu Sobogun, and a host of other fantastic actors.

    In Stormy Hearts, Basi (Eddie Watson), a music producer, has a fight with his protégé, Kachi (Theresa Edem-Isemin), a talented singer, over her partying ways. She abandons him for Johnson (Kenneth Okolie), a bigger music producer in town.

    The breakup hits Basi hard. Meanwhile, Ella (Christiana Martin), a prostitute escapes from her abusive pimp, Goldigga (Kelechi Udegbe) to another city to start a new life. Ella and Basi’s paths cross and they develop a relationship that changes both their lives forever.

  • Artistes drum support for ‘Social Gist’

    Artistes drum support for ‘Social Gist’

    A new online platform dedicated to quality entertainment news, Social Gist, was launched last Saturday at Skymart Hotel, Ajah, Lagos.

    Welcoming guests to the launch, one of the visionaries of the projects, Moses Christopher said that the idea was to come up with something different.

    “We are different, that is why our slogan is “A Break from the Pattern.” We wanted to do something different, something out of the box. Everything we do rides on innovation. When we put network marketing together and fuse it with blogging what you have is Social Gist,” he said.

    Explaining further, Christopher stated that “Social Gist will not end up as a blog. It has bigger dreams than what it is today. Our vision is beyond what you see. We are here to empower young persons. We want people to have access to news. That way, they will be empowered.”

    Also speaking, publisher of the platform, Michael Chinedu said that with the influx of fake news sites in the Nigerian media space, Social Gist serves as a breath of fresh air for those who appreciate quality information.

    “We decided to do this because we feel that most of the news we have are underreported. And with the rise of fake news everywhere, we decided to step in and stop the tide.

    “We want everybody to know that this is something out of Nigeria. We are proud to be Nigerians. Our next agenda is to be on television screens, with TV programmes,” he added.

    Among the artistes who came to usher in the new platform were popular comedian, Mr Patrick and actress, Blessing Ofoegbu.

     

  • Artistes eye Ariyarepete semi-finals

    Artistes eye Ariyarepete semi-finals

    Artistes selected for the quarter finals of the Ariyarepet talent contest in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, and Ota in Ogun State have expressed the hope of making it to the semi-finals.

    From the selection held in both locations, five artistes were selected from the 10 that passed through the audition stage in Ado -Ekiti; with the same number selected from 11 artistes in Ota, as two contestants with the same scores in the audition were paired.

    In Ado Ekiti, three Fuji artistes, Omoyajowo Bukola, Alabi Ganiyu and Ogunleye Gbolahan made it to the quarter finals, while Ademola Adesoji and Tajudeen Olusola David qualified in the Juju category.

    In Ota, Ajani Azeez, Abiodun Oloto, Ismaila Afefe, all Fuji artistes; as well as Tayo Adex and Adeniyi Temitope, both Juju artistes qualified for the quarter final stage to compete with winners from other auditions in Akure on June 30.

    An elated Gbolahan said: “Qualifying to the next round is not enough for me. I need to enhance my skills to be better prepared.”

    Expressing his joy, Temitope said: “It is time to train more to get to the

    semi-final stage.”

    David said: “I want to make Ado-Ekiti proud when it comes to being crowned the winner.”

    Senior Brand Manager, Regional Mainstream Brand, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Funso Ayeni, said he was pleased to see such talent in young artistes who were determined to make Fuji and Juju music thrive among other genres.

    Also at the Ota audition was the Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Lager and Stout Brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Emmanuel Agu, who said: “ l  am delighted at the abundance of musical talent in the Southwest and through Ariyarepete, l believe there would be improvement. We can discover and nurture some great ones here.”

    He said winners from the quarter finals on June 30 would compete at the semi-final stage scheduled for July 7 in Abeokuta with the grand finale to hold on July 14, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    Winners in both Fuji and Juju categories will each clinch N1 million and a recording deal.

     

  • 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.”

  • ARTISTES LAUD KONFAMD APP

    ARTISTES LAUD KONFAMD APP

    KONFAMD, a new mobile phone application has received the blessing of some of Nigeria’s biggest entertainers.

    Among them are Wande Coal, Comedians Ebiye, Mc Makopolo, OluwaDolarz, amongst others, who were present during a press conference held in Lagos recently to announce the launch of the mobile app.

    The entertainers described the app as a springboard that will help grow their brand by giving them more visibility and increased following.

    Speaking during the launch, Managing Director, KonfamD Limited, Tolu Ojosipe stated that the app will combine commerce and entertainment in one platform that will enhance the lifestyle of its users.

    “KonfamD is changing the mobile digital space as we know it. The platform will not only help grow our entertainment sector by providing a platform for Nigerian musicians, comedians and other artiste to showcase their works and grow their brand, users of the app can watch entertaining, hilarious and informative skits on the app, and get paid for watching sponsored Ads skits,” he said.

    Ojosipe further stated that the KonfamD app will provide information on suitable merchants to patronize.

    “The app comes with a user category which has an M-directory that will help users locate and experience the services within their vicinity with a single click. In this section of the app, users get a list of already subscribed businesses and can read, share and write reviews of Restaurants, Clubs, Bars, Salons, Spas, Laundry, Movie Theaters and much more, all within their immediate location,” he added.

    KonfamD User app also provides amazing discounts at the outlets that are in partnership with the app. Partners that have already tapped into the app include Tastee fried chicken, Hardrock café, Shaunz bar, City walk, Mint by green and many others.

  • Artistes turn up for Cobhams’ album launch

    IT was a day of glory for music producer, Cobhams Asuquo on Sunday March 12, 2017, at the Civic Center, Victoria Island, Lagos, as he launched his highly-anticipated debut album at an exclusive high-profile command performance.

    Tagged ‘For You’, the album release was witnessed by corporate executives, artistes, Christian community leaders and captains of industry.

    The duo of Fome Peters and Edaniels, both talented artistes, set the tone for the evening in separate live performances. Their brief performances provided the tempo for what was to come.

    Dressed in white tuxedo with black collar outlines, Cobhams was ushered on stage by compere, IK Osakioduwa amidst loud ovation. He was led to the stage by his beautiful wife, Ojuola Asuquo who stepped aside once Cobhams was seated by his piano. From that moment, it was about the music.

    With lyrics displaying on the giant LED screen, Cobhams complemented with his full band and background vocalists. He opened with the first song on his album, Make Our Hearts and continued flawlessly with other tracks.

    A highpoint of the concert was the ceremonial unveiling of the album which was performed by Atedo Peterside, chairman of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc and Cadbury Nigeria Plc and his wife Mrs. Dudu Peterside.

    Among those who graced the launch were Sammie Okposo, Falz, Waje, Omawumi, Toke Makinwa, Seyi Shay, Yemi Alade, Timi Dakolo, TY Mix, Paul Okoye, Kamal Ajiboye, Gloria, Elvina Ibru and Nosa. Other eminent personalities at the occasion include Atedo Peterside, the chief launcher, Dr. Tony Rapu, Adesuwa Onyenokwe and former First Lady of Cross River state, Mrs. Onari Duke.

    After the unveiling of the album, the artiste will commence an album tour on Sunday, March 28 at the Pistis Centre, Lekki.

  • Artistes thrill in ‘Love at COSON’

    AS its own way of marking Valentine’s Day, the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) last Tuesday opened its Opebi Lagos office to guests as it held the maiden edition of its lovers’ gig.

    Tagged Love at COSON, the gig featured a mix of activities including the cutting of a Valentine cake, barbecue on the grill, some small chops and a bit to drink, and a whole lot of dancing with Deejay Marine manning the wheels of steel.

    Artistes who were on ground to entertain guests to good music included Azeezat, known as the Queen of Love, the delectable Stella D’Lyte, Kasi, aka the June 12 Girl, Gwilz, Dolzi, Kul-GP, Ghanaian born KizKheli, as well as Rub-a-dub Master, Ras Kimono who had an unplanned wow moment on stage.

    It was dance – agog when the Chairman of COSON, Tony Okoroji, hit the stage with his TOPS All Stars to do a live version of his new song, Happy Music.

    According to Okoroji, Love at COSON was designed to reduce the stress of the ever hard working staff of COSON, give those members of COSON and friends of the society in the media and elsewhere who did not plan their own individual Valentine parties, a chance to also enjoy happiness on a day dedicated to love and happiness.