The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nollywood

  • Africa is famous for Nollywood, says foreigner

    •As ‘Nollywood and Lagos’ documentary screens

    For most foreigners who have heard about the exploit of Nollywood as the second largest producer of home video in the world, it was an opportunity to know how the film industry evolved from the pre-colonial era to what today, has become the leading motion picture industry in Africa.

    A documentary produced by Golden Effects for the Lagos Tourism tells it all in six minutes, to visitors at the Lagos State Pavilion, at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival.

    Tagged ‘Lagos and Cinema’, the documentary captured the huge impact that Lagos, the former capital of Nigeria and economic nerve of the country plays in the journey of Nollywood, a generic name for film industries from the Eastern, Southern, Northern and Western parts of Nigeria.

    Ahead of the showcase at 4pm on Saturday, a video presentation by filmmaker Kunle Afolayan and Celebrity politician, Desmond Elliot went viral, attracting producers, directors and fans of Nollywood to the pavilion.

    This came a day after the second edition of the ‘Lagos in Cinema’ journal was unveiled with pomp at the festival.

    The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Fola Adeyemi, opened the floor with a brief introduction. He noted that Lagos, for decades, has not been rivaled by any other state in Nigeria, as the most profitable home for film business in Nigeria, saying; “It is the roles and potential of Lagos as the base of the film world and tourism hub that we are bringing out. Lagos is the seat of Nollywood. Every great movie in Nigeria is usually shot in Lagos.”

    Thus, the television remote key set the mood for the six minutes narration, aptly and professionally pieced together.

    Voiced by Bimbo Manuel, the documentary features stakeholders like the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Steve Ayorinde; filmmakers Tade Ogidan and Kunle Afolayan among others, providing an insider’s account.

    The documentary captures film legends like Adeyemi Afolayan, aka Ade Love, Moses Olaiya, aka Band Sala, Hubert Ogunde, Ola Balogun and many others with their classic productions.

    Shedding light on the documentary, Afolayan and Elliot took the floor as the credits roll.

    According to Elliot, Lagos State has complimented its natural tourism endowment by providing skills to filmmakers to grow in their art. He said this has become easier today, as most young people, unlike before, get their parents’ support to train as actors or filmmakers.

    This was just as Afolayan explained that New Nollywood has had more opportunities to expand the industry. He said that skills and modern equipment used have brought back the cinema culture, and provided a somewhat escape from the problems associated with piracy.

    Giving the vote of thanks, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, Mr. Dele Balogun urged the guests to consider using a Lagos location for their next film projects.

    One of the guests, Jean-Antonio Duprat, a professor with the Institute d’urbanisme et d’amenagement de la Sorbonne, France, confirmed that indeed, Nollywood is going global, just as another guest, Monorom Youk, a French producer, noted that Africa is famous for Nollywood.

    The Lagos outing at the prestigious festival continues on Monday, with a Roundtable Session and a Lagos Day, where, as usual, networkings will blend with fun.

  • Nollywood growth phenomenal, says NFC

    The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) has described the growth and current state of Nigeria’s film industry, Nollywood, as phenomenal and incredible. Speaking at the opening ceremony of a two-day seminar organised by the Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigerian (MOPPAN) with the theme “Film Making: Opportunities & Challenges in Nigeria”, which took place in Kaduna,  on Tuesday, April 17 and Wednesday, April 18, Dr. Chidia Maduekwe, NFC’s Managing Director said that Nollywood has and remains Africa’s most prevalent movie industry with an average production of 50 movies per week and 1500 – 3000 films per year.

    Delivering a paper titled ‘Developing Quality Content for Television & Cinema in Nigeria’ Maduekwe said that the growth in film production in Nigeria can only be sustained through training and capacity building of practitioners in the film sector.

    “The film industry has continued to provide content for the cinema and television stations in the country, through the sustained activities of practitioners, who have been able to sustain the narratives as well as the expressions of the depth and breadth of not only Nigeria’s but Africa’s cultural diversity,” he said.

    Dr. Maduekwe listed measures being put in place to address the challenges of the film industry to include, the introduction of tax breaks for filmmakers; development of co-productions treaties, fast tracking of the implementation of Nigeria’s copyright law; sustenance of a robust Nigerian film industry; through the interventions of the Nigerian Film Corporation, curbing and fight against piracy and copy right infringement; promotion of effective marketing and distribution framework and most importantly, the transformation of the Nigerian Film Corporation to a Film Commission in line with Global, and Continental best practices.

    The NFC helmsman decried the dearth of skilled manpower for the industry, which has been inundated with thematic obsession and repetitive themes and storylines, poor funding windows, infrastructural deficiencies, poor marketing and distribution framework as well as lack of safety nets for investments in the sector.

    However, impressed by the objectives of the seminar and the enthusiasm exhibited by participants at the seminar, who were mainly MOPPAN members drawn from the 16 Northern States of the Federation, Dr. Maduekwe announced that the NFC will make the National Film Institute, Jos, available for the next training workshop/ seminar for members of MOPPAN.

    Earlier, the President of MOPPAN, Alhaji Abdullahi Maikano Usman explained that the objective of the seminar was to shore up the competencies of filmmakers in the pursuit of their profession. He expressed the appreciation of members of MOPPAN to the Federal Government of Nigeria and its agencies, including the NFC, BoI, NFVCB, NeximBank for the support and assistance extended to film practitioners in the country.

  • Nollywood, Hollywood plan annual exhibition of Nigeria’s best films

    “Nollywood in Hollywood’’, a collaboration between Nollywood and Hollywood to showcase Nigeria’s best films, is now to become an annual event.

    The organisers of the event revealed this as two Nollywood films – THE BRIDGE and ISOKEN – were showcased in Hollywood, Los Angeles, on Saturday night at The Eileen Norris Cinema Theatre Complex in Los Angeles.

    The screening of the two films brought to three the Nollywood films showcased in Hollywood, with the screening earlier on Friday of 93 DAYS, a film on Nigeria’s resilience during the Ebola virus outbreak in the country.

    The film – 93 DAYS – is a compelling drama of dedication, sacrifice, resilience and survival based on the true story of the people who risked their lives to stop the spread a catastrophic virus in Nigeria.

    The screening of the three Nollywood films, which started on Friday and continued on Saturday, was the first collaboration between Nollywood and Hollywood.

    This is also the first time that national film series, the foremost film programme in the world and the most historic of all of Hollywood’s cinema houses, are teaming up to bring a film series from Africa to Hollywood.

    Nigeria joined a select list of seven countries from around the world to be part of the prestigious national screening series, according to the organisers.

    THE BRIDGE was a film about inter-tribal marriage in Nigeria and the challenges associated with it, as it seeks to end the inter-tribal prejudices and strengthen marriages among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic nationalities

    Obadare, a Yoruba prince, and Stella, a young lady from a distinguished Igbo family, are a couple whose relationship is threatened by tribal prejudice and parental plans for their lives.

    When the couple secretly weds against their parents’ wishes, the consequence shakes the very foundation and sustenance of both families.

    Similarly, ISOKEN is a romantic comedy that explores cultural expectations, racial stereotypes and the bonds that unite families in touching, dramatic and comedic ways.

    Everyone in the Osayande family worries about Isoken, although she has what appears to be a perfect life – beautiful, successful and surrounded by great family and friends.

    However, she is unmarried at the age of 34, which, in a culture obsessed with marriage, is serious cause for concern.

    Things come to a head at her youngest sister’s wedding when her overbearing mother thrusts her into an orchestrated matchmaking with the ultimate Edo man, Osaze.

    Osaze is handsome, successful and from a good family, making him a perfect Nigerian husband material.

    However, in an unexpected turn of events, Isoken meets Kevin who she finds herself falling in love with and he just might be what she truly wants in a partner.

    The only problem is, not only is he not an Edo man, he is Caucasian.

    The screening was a question and answer series moderated by the Chairman of the African-American wing of the Directors Guild of America and an open air, post-screening Nigerian party on the historic Hollywood Boulevard.

    The film was co-presented by the American Cinematheque’s Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California and O2A Media Inc., the production company of Nigerian-American filmmaker, Ose Oyamendan. (NAN)

  • Piracy, bane of Nollywood, says Mr Ibu

    Award winning actor, John Okafor aka Mr Ibu, says the activities of pirates, has impacted negatively on movie productions in Nollywood.

    “The Nigerian movie industry is blossoming with a production rate of about 50 movies weekly, however the potential of the fast growing industry is hampered by impostors and pirates,” Ibu told our reporter in Abuja.

    Okafor said that the efforts put into writing and production of movies by actors and actresses are jeopardised by those engaged in piracy.

    He attributed the challenge of piracy in the industry to bad eggs in the post production stage who undermine the efforts of the artistes.

    The famous actor, however, said that he would not be deterred by the actions of ‘unscrupulous’ individuals or groups.

    Okafor, who has over 350 movies to his credit, urged everyone involved in film production and management in Nigeria to strive to protect the industry while it is still possible.

    “Despite being a manager of football players and also trying my hands in boxing, acting in Nollywood is what I am destined to do.
    “If it dies my destiny as well as many others will die,” he said.

    Okafor is considered to be one of Nigeria’s most talented comic characters.

    His humorous acting is often characterised by stupidity, hilarious imbecility and a sharp disconnection from reality.

    Some of his movies include Mr.Ibu, Mr.Ibu in London, Police Recruit, 9 Wives, Ibu in Prison and Keziah.

    NAN

  • ‘Wives on Strike’

    ‘Wives on Strike’

    The movie Wives on Strike: The Revolution caught our attention right here in the hoods, the crithood, when we heard a number of people went to the cinemas to see it. Most came out of the hall saying it was quite funny and exciting to see. This aroused our interest and it became inevitable to see what the buzz was all about. Now the question is, was it worth all the buzz? Or may we say it was just as expected?

    An Omoni Oboli’s film that features a number of familiar Nollywood faces, as expected didn’t fail to leave up to the expectation of cracking the ribs of the audience in the cinema hall, as it is a comical piece that eclectically blended in elements of Satire, Agitprop and most emphatically, that of Theatre for Development. Yes, theatre! The storyline and the manner of presentation, takes its roots from famous plays as The Wives Revolt by JP Clerk, Our Husband has Gone Mad Again by Ola Rotimi, Lysistrata by Aristophanes and a host of others. Is the concept new? No, It is not to stage, but quite renovating to film. However, it takes nothing away from the message that challenges the present socio-political issues, which remain a predicament to our society.

    This movie is a connotation of the negative effects of domestic violence and the extent to which it has eaten deep into the society. Therefore, it poses a radical opposition to these actions through the courageous revolution of women, who go on strike, by restraining from sexual activities with their spouse till their demands are met by the government, with the expectation that measures are put in place for the protection of the abused, alongside getting justice for the bereaved. The theme of this movie is a sensitive one that brings light to the harm of domestic violence, giving a practical imitation of a real life situation where a man kills his wife in the process, painting a picture of the eventualities if not handled with the proper attention deserved. This further leads up to the theme of women empowerment in the society by encouraging the idea of running for government portfolios, as it is believed that for a problem to be solved it has to be understood by the people at the helm of its affairs.

    The movie is fast paced, never a dull moment as the character’s actions and dialogues provoke laughter easily out of the average audience, but could come across as a bit slapstick to people familiarized with the concept that tried to be portrayed, as it has endlessly been explored on stage over time. Never the less, it was a great attempt as the adaptation of this concept from stage to film was nothing close to a failure.

    A sterling performance from Toyin Abraham, still was quarter to being an overkill, luckily embellished with many funny expressions that got us laughing hard enough to almost not notice. The director’s vision was clear, delivery from actors was top notch as expected, sound effects and sound tracks were on point, although, not necessarily all needed. The plot build up was adequately aligned with the revelation of the message leading inevitably to the resolution. A number of pure natural reactions in many aspects of the movie, making it as true to life as possible; most especially the epic reaction the husband had towards his wife wanting to run for government office; it was quite funny and relatable.

    Now, to the questions asked earlier, just maybe it was worth the buzz, but then again it was as expected. One thing we can conclude on is that it is a great attempt at a movie that lays emphasis on a social problem and even proffers a solution in an attempt to initiate a social change. That being said, this is our Verdict: This movie is a must see and it is absolutely hilarious, while still being instructive and educationally oriented.

     

  • Humjo: Why we can’t produce nude films in Nollywood

    Humjo: Why we can’t produce nude films in Nollywood

    ACE Nollywood producer/director, Humphrey Ojonugwa Ottuh, popularly known as Humjo has declared that Nigerian cultural values will not allow its producers to make nude films, just as he promised TV viewers and movie goers exciting times. He was speaking on his forthcoming TV series titled ‘Tuki’ and the movie, ‘A night with my son.’

    Humjo said stardom and cultural values are intertwined, hence upcoming acts craving to be celebrities at all cost, must respect the values and norms of our culture. He blasted actresses who are willing to act nude roles. According to him, extreme intimate love roles and nudity are not part of our culture hence Nigerians waiting to see a nude film from Nollywood will have to wait for a long time to come.

    “We are a well-cultured nation and there are things we don’t do with our body publicly,” said the Kogi State born producer/director.

    Speaking on his works due to release, Humjo said, “We had very talented actors and brilliant crew on both projects. Viewers should look forward to exciting times with these jobs.”

    On how he feels on set, Humjo who came into the industry as an actor but got attracted into the production area by veteran actor cum producer, Ernest. Obi, said, “I’m always happy when executing my job. This is the only job that put food on my table.”

    He however said he gets more fulfilment from directing.

    “Directing gives me more joy and satisfaction,” he said.

    “Somebody has to be behind the camera, if l’m not there, someone else will be there. I find myself there and l’m happy with what l’m doing.”

    On how he secures funding for his projects which is a big problem in the movie industry in Nigeria, he explained that sometimes he works with executive producers, who fund their movies. “Some come with their own producers while l direct. Independent producers also come in. Sometimes l do finance movies myself.”

    Humjo also called on the regulatory agencies to impose sanctions on the number of foreign films that can be shown on local TV stations as was done in the music industry years back, where it was made mandatory for radio and TV stations to play 70% of Nigerian music. He said the move brought a huge turn around and boosted the music industry in all fronts.

    “If same can apply to our movies, it will boost sales and viewership,” he said.

  • Nollywood welcomes RIEL

    Nollywood welcomes RIEL

    A new entertainment company with interests in film, theatre, music, television, publishing, events, promotion, artistes’ management and arts’ distribution, Riveting Integrated Entertainment Limited (RIEL), has been launched.

    The launch which took place recently at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos was attended by some top Nollywood actors and actresses.

    According to its founder, Leke Akinrowo, a former staff of Chevron, RIEL, as an entity, is committed to producing entertainment offerings which meet international standards, and these can be seen from the few products the company has showcased so far.

    “For instance, our stage show, ‘The Walking Stick’, is intended to be a reference point when it eventually gets staged in February 2018,” he said.

    Also speaking, Engineer Afobali Oladele, Senior Pastor, The Christian Brethren Church (TCBC), in Lagos, described RIEL as derivate of ‘Gabriel’; the Angel of GOD that see visions as a man of GOD.

    “Images are so compelling and seductive that they have revolutionized communication as depicted in Ki Lo Fe and Trapped in the Creeks; a movie; The Walking Stick, a stage show,” he said.

    Nollywood actor, Nobert Young, also said that Akinrowo should not be deceived into thinking that everything he needs would simply fall on his laps.

    “In our industry, things are not as rosy as they appear on our TVs. The striking realities are quite far from that. However, I wish you the very best as we welcome you on behalf on the entire Nollywood,” Young said.

    Akinrowo, who worked with Chevron Nigeria Limited for 21 years, is a graduate of Dramatic Arts at the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife. His inspiration for the entertainment world was inspired by Theatre Arts students’ open-air performers of the University of Jos he encountered while trying to gain university admission.

    After his mandatory National Youth Service in October 1990, he had a stint in the entertainment industry with Chuck Mike’s Collective Artists as an ad hoc staff up till 1991. He later co-formed Tempo Productions led by Felix Okolo.

  • JAIYE KUTI: Why it is difficult for actresses to keep their homes

    JAIYE KUTI: Why it is difficult for actresses to keep their homes

    Jaiye Kuti is a household name in Nollywood with various movies and awards to her credit. In this interview with ADENIYI ADEWOYIN, the cross-over actress speaks about her career and how she manages her family. Excerpts

    The first time I called you, I remember you said you were on your way to pick your kids at school. Ordinarily, one would think you have house helps to do that for you. Could it be that you don’t trust house helps with your kids?

    Well, luckily for me, I have a mother that is very energetic. I had to go and bring her to the house because leaving her back in the village is not worth it.  I have a mother that is just in her 60s. I know that the school is not far from home and I know that she can stay and actually do the things that I would do. I don’t really encourage house helps and sometimes I feel bad about them.

    But most of the things I will do in my house, I employ people do to them for me, like cleaning, because I have a big house. I pay people like every weekend to just clean, and mop everything. Then the rest of the job are very simple things to do – just to cook and wash plate and I can clean my room myself and of course take care of the house. My children are growing; they can take care of the room. So you have to train them too.

    Are you saying it’s not actually because some house helps might be dangerous?

    No it’s not because they can do anything. That does not even come to mind but I just know that for me I don’t want to raise strangers. That is just the way I want to run my own affair. I want my mum to raise my kids because she’s not busy where she was and she is better doing it than somebody who is a total stranger.

    How do you balance work and home being a very busy person who is not always around?

    You are not in my house so you can’t tell if I am not always around. I came from home to this place.

    But each time I called, you were either at one movie location or somewhere else working…

    That’s because you always call when I am shooting. It’s quite tough and I must confess that is it not easy to manage because there are times that I stay on location for a whole month so you can see that reason why I said that my mum has been a great help and thank God I have a man that quite understands.

    Are you saying your mum cooks for your husband while you are away and he is comfortable with it?

    No, my husband is not a child and my mother cannot look after my husband. Instead, my husband looks after everyone because my mum is aged. But for food, we know how to arrange that.

    I saw your latest movie Oro Mi (My Wealth) and I thought it should have made it to the cinema because of its story line; how did you come about the story?

    Actually, a woman told me the story of herself and I would say that I just tried to put like 40% of what she told me in the movie. Every day, people would say there is nothing new under heaven but my brother; there are things that I have seen that I had not seen before. Look at that story, she had three kids and they actually wanted to kill her. God just made it in a way that she didn’t die because if she had died, you won’t even know that those children are not these people’s children. So I have not seen anything like that and they didn’t even know that she’s also from a rich background. But you know, when you are kidnapped you cannot help yourself in anyway. Although there is a little bit of fiction but that is how the story goes.

    Jaiye Kuti

    How has the feedback been since the release?

    When it was first released, I was supposed to get a complimentary copy but I didn’t which means it sold out. It’s a very successful job and very successful in terms of returns to me.

    In terms of returns, I don’t know how the home video market operates but are you guys making as much money as the cinema movies?

    No, definitely we are not. Some movies are actually not making money in the cinema; people will just go and say what is this and with all the noise you will just find out that the movie is not interesting.

    Are you considering the cinema in the nearest future?

    I have three movies shot after Oro mi and Olori Amolegbe. Then I have two that I want to do again and one of it has to go to the cinema. The movie is actually epic and it is something that talks so much about our culture. Such a movie will take a lot of money because of all the costume which also includes the Igbos because we want to show our beautiful culture. We have beautiful cultures that we don’t even need to wait for people to come and celebrate with us but because of the ways and manners that we do them, it is otherwise. Imagine when they say they are doing Odun Sopona but as a Christian I won’t go for such, likewise Muslims. And it is not that some of these things that we have are not beautiful like the Osun Osogbo that they do but the ways and manners we have attached it to Orisa and voodoo, nobody will come and celebrate it with you.

    This is how much we have sold ourselves; we have so much dumped ourselves into the bin that it is only God that can help us out.

    Having started your acting career with soap opera down to home videos; which one pays more?

    For me it is the soap opera that pays more.

    How?

    When I do movies in a month I know how much I realize and I compare it to what the soap opera will give me in a month. If I make one million in a month with soap opera, I am likely to make about 600/700 thousand in home video.

    You sound like you are not affected by movie piracy…

    I have never been affected by it… I don’t know oh , dem no dey pirate me. My first job, Ewon Laafin, was screened at cinema Odeon in Italy. So, when I came I had been able to make some money before I released it into the market. So when pirates were stealing or eating it, I didn’t know, same as when I made my other movies. So I don’t know if they are stealing or not because it didn’t affect my budget of how much I want to collect from my marketer. But of course, there’s no way it won’t affect you because where you are supposed to make more money, you are making less.

    For someone like you who is well doing in her marriage; what do you think could be the cause of some celebrity marriage breakups?

    For me, it is God’s grace that has kept mine because it is not easy for us as artistes, especially females, to stay in a man’s house. When you love this job and you are asked to pick between your husband and this job you will say it is this job oh! This job has a demon in it that once you are in love with it you can’t leave it. It would give you so much joy that you will think your husband cannot live up to give you that happiness. But as for me I will say that I am just lucky because if I am to be asked now if I can leave this job for my family, ah, I will beg my husband oh! Don’t even say it because I won’t know how to leave this job honestly.

    Are you saying you can leave your family for the job?

    I am not saying I will leave my family for the job but I am telling you how devilish, how so passionate you can get with this job that it would come in between two people and you will not be able to make a choice.

    Do you kiss in movies?

    Yes now but not tongue to tongue or French kiss. Do you want to send me out of my husband’s house? Let me tell you something, if I should do a tongue to tongue with anybody, it would be with someone I can have an affair with naturally because I won’t even kiss you if you are not up-to the standard of somebody I can date. But I won’t do a tongue to tongue kiss because I have my own rules and regulations.

  • Nollywood actress’s car stolen

    Nollywood actress’s car stolen

    Coming at a wrong time of the year, Nollywood actress, Maureen Okpoko, on Sunday, lost her car.

    The actress said the Toyota Corolla, parked in front of the house in Surulere, Lagos, was stolen in the early hours of the day.

    The actress on her Facebook wrote, “What a sad beginning of the month of December; my car was stolen in the early hours of the 3rd of December, 2017.

    “Trying to think straight; the joy of the Lord is my strength.

    Speaking with The Nation, the actress disclosed that her spirit has been asking her to leave her present residence but said she could not achieve that, as she was duped in earlier in the year, while trying to get a new apartment.

    “I am very low in spirit,” she said.

    “My spirit has been speaking to me about this place. I would have moved out, but I was duped while looking for an apartment. The car was parked outside and nobody saw them as it was taken away.

    “But we have reported to the right authority”, she added.

    The actress has been getting consolatory messages from her friends and family.

    In 2016, she was nominated for Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

  • Atiku ‘s defection from APC, UNILORIN fake admission list dominate Google search

    Atiku ‘s defection from APC, UNILORIN fake admission list dominate Google search

    The defection of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) and the University of Ilorin fake admission list dominated searches on the internet search engine, Google, this week.

    Mr Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Anglophone West Africa, disclosed this in a dispatch on Thursday in Lagos.

    According to him, this week’s top trending search terms on Google Nigeria were dominated by both foreign and national new items.

    “Abubakar, on Tuesday resigned from the ruling APC and plans to seek the opposition Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) presidential ticket to run for President in 2019.

    “In his statement of resignation, he cited maltreatment by the party and the failure of the party to live up to the expectation of Nigerian youth as one of the major reasons for his resignation.

    “Interested Nigerians raced to Google search to read his full statement of resignation,’’ Kola-Ogunlade said.

    The Google manager said that the University of Ilorin came on the search light when a fake admission list was circulated on the social media.

    “The management of UniIlorin has urged candidates seeking admission into the institution for the 2017/2018 academic session to patiently wait for the release of the authentic admission list by the Institution.

    “The university in a statement on Tuesday said that its attention had been drawn to a fake admissions list currently circulating on social media, and urged students not to fall prey to admission fraudsters.

    “The institution has directed students to check their Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board ( JAMB ) portal for admissions’ updates.

    “Concerned students raced to Google to search for more information about the anticipated admissions list,’’ he said.

    Kola-Ogunlade said that the rhythm and blues singer, Bankole Wellington and wife, Nollywood actress, Adesua Etomi trended when Banky W mistakenly posted picture of his naked wife on social media.

    “On Nov. 25, R&B singer, Banky W and Nollywood actress, Etomi tied the knot in a ceremony held in Cape Town, South Africa.

    “A day after, Banky W wanted to give a shout-out to his fans, by showing them their honeymoon lodge and Zebra right outside his bedroom window but, unknown to him he posted an image on social media which had his naked wife in the background.

    “The image went viral before the mistake was noticed. Banky W deleting the image has not stopped fans from searching for more details, making ‘Banky W’ a top trending search term on Google,’’ he said.

    On the international scene, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle engagement got people’s attention online.

    “The Prince of Wales, Charles announced the engagement of his second son, Prince Harry to his American girlfriend, actress Meghan Markle on Monday at Kensington Palace.

    “The happy couple who will tie the knot by spring next year granted their first interview as an engaged couple to the BBC, where Prince Harry described how he proposed to Meghan.

    “Since the announcement, controversy has arisen about Meghan’s background, which made her name a top trending search term on Google this week,’’ he said.

    Kola-Ogunlade said that the Brazilian professional footballer, Robson de Souza, commonly known as Robinho, was sentenced to nine years in prison after being found guilty of gang rape.

    He said that the Brazilian striker was sentenced by a court in Milan for being one of a six-people involved in the assault of a 22-year-old woman at a Milanese nightclub in 2013.

    Kola-Ogunlade said that Robinho’s current club, Atletico Mineiro, had declined to comment on the sentence, stating they would only speak through the team’s lawyers, if necessary.

    The news of Robinho’s sentence has made his name a top trending search term on Google, he said.

    Google Trends launched in May 2006, allows one to see how popular, search terms and its demography have been over time on Google.

    NAN