The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Showbiz

  • Classy, single mamas in showbiz

    IT’S no secret that Tonto Dikeh, Genevieve Nnaji, Kate Henshaw, Waje, Iyabo Ojo, Mercy Aigbe, Fathia Williams, Tiwa Savage, Shan Goerge, Ibinabo Fiberesima and Bukky Wright are single parents.

    Some of these women in showbiz,who are putting up a good show, making people happy didn’t plan to be single mothers; it just happened and the beat goes on.

    Over time, these mothers have made such a good job of motherhood and their careers that they are now seen as sources of inspiration by thousands of women who have to raise their children alone.

    As many mothers know, being a mother to a child and raising him or her from childhood to adulthood is not a joke. It is often a thankless job and also without pay. But it also has lots of bitter-sweet moments.

    Read also: Bukky Wright: APPRECIATION IS THE CURE FOR DEPRECIATION

    Nonetheless, these Nollywood mothers have kept it together while being in the spotlight, managing powerful careers, raising their kids, who are also in the spotlight and also managing to look hot while at it.

    So, in the spirit of the season, while we are still appreciating mothers, we want to give accolades not just to the celebs who are married but our sisters who do the job of two persons for the wage of one.

    We believe these single amazons deserve full compliments because they are doing an amazing job.

    We cannot even imagine how they find time for themselves in-between a heavy work schedule, parenting and still look amazing while at it.

    Say what you like about them- their relationship history and acting abilities, one thing is sure; these women adore and care for their children, they are successful in their careers and they always look classy and hot.

    Think motherhood is hard? Try doing it solo!

  • Celebs’ children in showbiz

    NOWADAYS, the children of celebrities grow up in the limelight under the watchful eyes of the public and through photos and videos that their celeb parents share on social media.

    But many of these sons and daughters of the famous are only known to us because of their parents’ deeds. Without their parents’ accomplishments and names, most of them won’t be known.

    But some celeb children are popular in their own right. Some of them are now as popular,  if not more popular than their famous star parents. Entertainment is the biggest sector where most of these ‘double celeb’ kids can be found.

    Some of them act in the biggest movies, walk the red carpet at topnotch awards ceremonies and have huge following. It appears that this famous superstar families have passed the talent on from one generation to the next.

    Examples include the late cinema icon Ade Love’s actor children; the late entertainment guru, Art Alade’s son Dare Art Alade; Paul Ik Dairo, the son of the late highlife maestro IK Dairo; Femi Adebayo of the Oga Bello clan and several others.

    So take this journey with us and let us meet these ‘double celebs’ who, in their own, right are as popular as their parents.

     

    Darey Art Alade, son of Art Alade

    Multi-talented artiste, Dare Art Alade, popularly known as Darey, is the son of the renowned legendary Nigerian entertainer and iconic Nigerian jazz music pioneer Art Alade. Art Alade was a Nigerian television personality and producer, who was the host of The Bar Beach Show, a weekly variety show on NBC-TV that aired during the 1970s. Darey has won many awards like the Headies award for Artist of the Year.

     

    Falz, Femi Falana’s son

    The multitalented artist is the son of renowned human rights activist parents, Funmi and Femi Falana (SAN). Falz’s rise to stardom is quite remarkable because he is not from a family with deep roots in entertainment. But the artiste, one of the industry’s hardest workers, is now a dominant face in music, movies and the arts.

     

    Kunle, Gabriel, Aremu, Moji Afolayan, Ade Love’s children

    Kunle, Gabriel, Aremu and Moji Afolayan are the children of the late cinema icon, Ade Love, who dominated the big screen in the 70s and 80s.  His children, Kunle, Moji, Gabriel and Aremu are stars in the movie industry. Kunle, a movie producer and director of note, is known to create blockbuster movies. The highly talented and sought-after four have made the world theirs just as their dad did.

     

    Fred, Zack, Ruke, Mena Amata, children of John Amata

    The Amata family is like a factory, which has produced some of the country’s biggest producers, actors and directors. The Amata brothers were born into the film industry. Their late, John Amata father was a famous Nigerian filmmaker. The Amata siblings, Fred, Zack, Ruke, Mena, have kept the family’s flag flying.

     

    Samuel Olasehinde, Pa Ajirebi’s (Kayode Olasehinde)’s son

    Viewers got to know this father-son duo through acting, which the Law graduate from Obafemi Awolowo University first auditioned for when he was just five years old. Clarence Peters, son of Sir Shina Peter

    Ace music video director, filmmaker and cinematographer, Clarence, definitely has his father’s genes- physical appearance and his mother’s love for directing. Clarence is the son of juju superstar, Sir Shina Peters, and screen goddess, Clarion Chukwura.

     

    Linc, Yul, sons of Pete Edochie

    Linc and Yul, are the sons of the popular actor and the dominant face in several epic movies, Pete Edochie. The elder Edochie became famous for his perfect translation of the protagonist of Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart”, which has been adjudged many times as one of Africa’s greatest novels.

    Linc Edochie, the elder brother of Yul, is a multiple talent- filmmaker, movie producer, actor, and supervisor.

    Since he became an actor, Linc has played roles in lots of the Nollywood movies and worked on the production of many Nollywood films.

    Fine-boy Yul, Linc’s younger brother, has starred in many hit movies. In July 2017, Yul Edochie joined politics and ran for governorship in Anambra State.

     

    Dr. Sid, Justus Esiri’s son

    Justus Esiri had more than 100 TV and film credits before he passed on in 2013. His son, Sidney Onoriode, widely known as Dr. Sid, a singer, songwriter and dentist, is making his mark in the music industry. Dr. Sid has been nominated for and has won several awards; just like his father did years before.

     

    Femi, Tope Adebayo, Adedayo’s Salami’s (Oga Bello’s) sons

    Femi and Tope followed in their father’s, veteran actor, Adebayo Salami’s footsteps. They are both A-list actors. Oga Bello, as their father is fondly called by many of his admirers, is one of Nigeria’s most successful and accomplished actors. Femi, a lawyer, is an actor, director, producer and Special Adviser to the Governor of Kwara State on Arts, Culture and Tourism. Femi began acting in 1985, the same year he featured in his father’s first movie, titled Ogun Ajaye. While is younger brother, Tope Adebayo, is also a successful movie director,who studied at the University of Ilorin.

    Sola Kosoko-Abina, Bidemi, Jide Kosoko’s daughters

    Sola and Bidemi are the daughters of superstar actor, Prince Jide Kosoko. Sola is an actress and director. Bidemi is an actress. Both of them are stars in their own right. The two women, who are both Theatre Arts graduates, have grown into beautiful, mature women and powerhouse actresses.

     

    DJ Cuppy, Femi Otedola’s daughter

    Businessman, philanthropist, and chairman of Forte Oil, Femi Otedola, wanted to raise his kids far from the world of showbiz but that wasn’t to be. DJ Cuppy schooled in United Kingdom, but that didn’t stop her from performing and later making her way up in the entertainment world. DJ Cuppy is quite popular on the music scene and has a large following on social media.

  • 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.

  • ONE YEAR OF SHOWBIZ UNDER PMB

    FOR over 20 years since the evolution of what today is called Nollywood, a home video phenomenon that kick-started another leg of the journey for the Nigerian motion picture industry; the fear of piracy, the monster that dealt a monumental ‘wreck’ on legendary comedian and filmmaker, Moses Olaiya, aka Baba Sala, has grown into an institution.

    But there appears to be a resolute resolve to tackle the menace head-on since Muhammadu Buhari took over as President of Nigeria on May 29, 2015. Thanks to the anti-corruption war of the present regime that has set the notorious Alaba market restless with the current prosecution of three suspected pirates.

    PMB had said on July 14, 2015, after receiving a briefing from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan and her Directors that, “Nollywood is making progress. We should work with them. Unless they are backed, they will be ruined by pirates who want to reap where they have not sowed.” This was barely two months after he took over from former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    There appears to be a systematic approach towards the cleansing of the entertainment industry which has been lacking in structure and other aspects of harmony. To this end, the PMB administration, in line with global standard, brought the entertainment industry under the Culture Ministry, with Alhaji Lai Mohammed as Minster of Information, Culture and Tourism. This is a demand which entertainers had long been clamouring for and one which was considered to be partly responsible for the stunted growth of the sector. Before now, the motion picture was the only sector in art, culture and entertainment that was under the Federal Ministry of Information, causing major disconnect between the industry and other sectors in the art. This is just as only the Culture Ministry is empowered to sign international treaties which are very needed for the continued growth of the industry.

    Having overcome this lacuna, the Minister had on February 5, met Nollywood stakeholders at a roundtable in Lagos, attended the 2016 Kannywood Awards and other forums where he emphasised on plans to set up the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and establish the Motion Picture Council of Nigeria (MOPICON). But these cannot be achieved without calling for a draft bill and revisiting old ones for relevant areas of review.

    NEA, he said, will ensure sustainable funding for all the genre of the arts while MOPICON is expected to enhance professionalism and create a channel of intervention for government’s good promises in an accountable and sustainable manner.

    “We are forwarding a copy of the draft Bill on the establishment of the National Endowment for the Arts to the Ministry of Justice. My plan is to fast-track the realisation of the NEA in order to guarantee sustainable development of the creative sector,” said Lai Mohammed.

    On MOPICON, which will regulate motion picture practice in Nigeria, he had since inaugurated a 29-man review committee with a view to fast-tracking its passage into law and paving the way for the establishment of the council.

    Why all these gradual recreation of a foundation for a seeming dilapidating sector? This is because the entertainment industry and other creative non-oil sectors are cash cows, and in the spirit of diversifying the Nigerian economy from ‘absolute’ dependence on oil, they must not be allowed to die.

    Consequently, the Minister promised to work with the stakeholders in the movie industry to tackle challenges such as piracy, distribution and exhibition, funding, and the re-organisation of the regulatory agencies.

    Not stopping there, the Ministry put together a 3-day summit on the theme: Repositioning Culture and Tourism in a Diversified Economy. This took place in Abuja from April 27th to 29th. The communiqué from that summit has provided enough for the government to work with.

    There is no gainsaying that these forums with Lai Mohammed were not the usual tea party and money-driven rendezvous that used to attract a crowd of entertainers to government. It is interesting to know that entertainers who attended the Abuja summit footed their bills, while the MOPICON committee sat without allowance.

    This is a pace-setting regime, and knowing that a proper development is only sustainable on the right kind of structure, this indeed is progress in motion. And like my 15-year-old son would say; ‘quality takes time.’

    Welcome to another 365 Days of PMB, Lai Mohammed and the creative non-oil sector.

  • 2015:Showbiz and the flashback circuit

    2015:Showbiz and the flashback circuit

    Theoutgoing year has been action-packed for the creative industry. It has been filled with boisterous sub-plots of business, politics and a potpourri of entertainment delight, which the sector represents. Entertainment Editor VICTOR AKANDE writes that of particular interest was the political transition in which musicians, actors and comedians played their parts, either as gladiators for political offices or ‘drum beaters’ for heavyweight politicians in the two leading political parties – the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Beyond the drama introduced into electioneering campaigns, the business aspect of filmmaking, got a a major boost, with the involvement of the Bank of Industry (BoI) this year. The bank funded  film projects with the introduction of an easy-access loan scheme tagged: “NollyFund”. The facility ended complaints that corporate companies shy away from investing in Nollywood, arguably the second largest producers of home video in the world.

    On the other side of corporate organisation’s stake in the entertainment industry are the various endorsement deals, sealed by actors and musicians for some brands.

    Agitation against piracy also took a dramatic turn in the course of the year, even as litigations, arising from power tussles in the leaderships of the different guilds and associations brought about twists of events.

    There are also singers and filmmakers, whose works trended in the course of the year – music that rocked the airwaves and movies that got critical reviews. Several others too were in the spotlight for awards and special recognitions.

    What about the saddest part of human nature? Of course, as it is every year, there were artistes who bowed out of the stage and will forever be missed by fans. A few others are bedridden, unable to pay their hospital bills.

    Top movie persons/

    companies of the year

    With six cinemas added to the Filmhouse chain in 2015, it comes across as the biggest single investment of the year in nollywood

    Kene Mkparu with his Filmhouse Cinema and FilmOne Distributions Ltd has taken the front seat in cinema business in Nigeria. After the failure by Half of a Yellow Sun to deliver returns to BoI which funded part of the film’s budget, the management of BoI was encouraged by Mkparu, who did not only pay back his loan, but offset his bills two years earlier than expected. This year alone, the company has added six cinemas to its chain, and gradually expanding to other cities across Nigeria. Interestingly, IMAX studio also found its way into the Nigerian market courtesy of Filmhouse. The deal marks the first-ever IMAX agreement in Nigeria and West Africa. IMAX, an innovator in entertainment technology, headquartered in New York, Toronto and Los Angeles, with 943 IMAX theatres in 63 countries has no doubt found a visionary partnership in West Africa with Filmhouse which has since December 2012, focused on rolling out 25 cinemas within the country over a period of six years.

    To cater for every segment of the market, Filmhouse, it was learnt, has a plan for community cinemas which it may commence soon.

    October 1 opened more doors for Kunle Afolayan

    Although October 1 by Kunle Afolayan was released in late 2014, the maturation happened this year with evidence of remarkable harvests. On March 7, when the first major movie award show – the AfricaMagic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) – was staged, October 1 won nine awards, including Best Movie, from 13 nominations, and went ahead to make film festival circuit across Africa, Europe and America, including the Nollywood Paris Festival, France; Luxor African Film Festival (LAFF), Egypt and Pan African Film Festival (PAFF), Los Angeles. Within the last six months, Afolayan, who is preparing for his next movie, The CEO, has also bagged three endorsements from top-rated companies such as Air France, Adron Homes & Properties and Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN).

    Agitation against piracy may have existed for long, but the crusade gained an uncommon solidarity with Afolayan when October 1 was pirated. This led to a huge march to the Lagos State House of Assembly and the Governor’s Office on April 20.

    Undeterred, the filmmaker has gone ahead with his next production, The CEO, touted as the first pan-African movie by a Nigerian.

    BoI ‘s popularity soars with NollyFund, FashionFund, others

    The first notable recognition for BoI’s support for the creative non-oil sector of the economy came through an award from British Council. The award – Highest Support for the Nigeria Creative Industry, is a premium category of the annual British Council’s Creative Industry Awards.

     The bank was identified by British Council for its positive disposition to the showbiz and other non-oil sectors, by creating a creative department and encouraging film investors through accessibility and affordable loans. If the BoI has changed after that award, it has been for the better, as the bank soon launched a scheme known as NollyFund. It has an initial programme limit of N1 billion and a single obligor limit of N50 million for individual loans. So far, two filmmakers – Kunle Afolayan and Okey Ogunjiofor – got N50 million each for their films, The CEO and Queen Amina respectively. The movies are currently in the works. Approval has also been granted two others – Anyama, by Emem Isong’s Royal Arts Academy and The Three Wise Men by comedy merchant, Opa Williams.

    In August, the bank launched a FashionFund with a promise by the management to open a production hub for local manufacturing of fashion commodities.

    Sacking of Actors’

    Guild President Ibinabor

    After about three years of her reign as Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) President, Ibinabo Fiberesima, was sacked in March by a Lagos High Court. The court nullified the election that produced her in 2012. Justice James Tsoho said the election that ushered the actress into office was conducted against a standing court order, in a suit filed by St. Maradona Mikevine, who was National Treasurer in the factional exco, led by another actor, Emeka Ike.

    Mikevine, through his lawyer, Malcom Omirhobo, prayed the court to stay action on the election that brought Ibinabo into office, claiming it was conducted against a subsisting court order, restraining the conduct of AGN election. But, the Segun Arinze-led faction, which produced Fiberisima, went ahead with the election.

    Justice Tsoho ruled that the Incorporated Trustees of AGN acted with utter impunity in disobeying the court’s order.

    “It is not in doubt that the parties in this suit are entertainers but the business of court is a serious one and it cannot be turned into a legal play and for this reason, the election is hereby declared null and void,” the judge held.

    Justice Tsoho further ordered Ibinabo, who was returned for a second term in October 2014 to henceforth stop parading herself as the AGN president.

    Since the last quarter of this year, the AGN has no leadership, and there has been no visible effort to reconcile the warring parties to pave the way for another election.

    Big Brother African forced suspension

    Controversial African reality TV show – Big Brother Africa (BBA) – did not hold this year. It could have been the 10th edition of the continental event. Although, Endemol, producers of the show, said the show will only happen at the country level, there are indications that lack of sponsorship forced organisers of the event to put it on hold indefinitely.

    The show has never enjoyed consistent sponsorship by a brand.

    It last edition in 2014 tagged: Hotshots Edition was won by Tanzania’s Idris, while Nigeria’s Tayo Faniran emerged runner-up.

    Gulder Ultimate Search too…

    Adventure’s reality show – Gulder Ultimate Search (GUS) could not also hold. Its last edition, being the 11th  in the series, held in 2014 and Chinedu Ubachukwu from Anambra State won.

    Afrinolly as Movie Innovative Company of the year

    There have been several ideas on how to advance Nollywood in terms of quality and returns. But, such ideas had always ended up as mere discourse at films fora.

    When the idea of a Mobile Application for Nollywood films began, the promoters soon realised the state was not just ripe. Apart from the task of having to change the psyche of the Nigerian youth, who constitute greater percentage of mobile phone users, to add Nollywood films to their repertoire of foreign videos, they soon learnt that Mobile Application for local films in Nigeria remained in the realm of an enduring and strategic process.

    Chike and Jane Maduegbuna dabbled into this idea, perhaps as a starting point for a bigger vision. They have been nursing their big ideas as a business. At the same time, they see themselves as agents of change. That way, they earned the confidence of corporate nigeria, cultural organisations and other creative support agencies.

    To date, the brand has moved from Afrinolly Film App to Short Film Competition; exceptional Google rating and prizing; partnership with Durban Film Mart, a co-production and finance arm of Durban International Film Festival (DIFF); talent partnership with Ford Foundation; approved studio for BoI’s Nollyfund project and potential Secretariat and foreign business contact for Nollywood.

     The latest in the company’s kitty is an AfrinollyApp, which is targeted at curbing the high rate of piracy of intellectual property. The App market was launched at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in Lagos in November.

    Celebrity brand ambassadors Peter of P-Square as face of Olympic Milk

    For the first time, the pop duo singers, Peter and Paul Okoye, known as P-Square, who have been dominant Globacom ambassadors, broke the record when one of them, Peter Okoye became the face of Olympic Milk. He is also running a Globacom-sponsored reality show tagged: Dance with Peter.

    D’banj unveiled as Slot

    Ambassador

    Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, popularly known as D’banj, was named in February as the official African Ambassador for Ciroc Nigeria. Seven months after, D’banj who doubles as Nigeria’s Agriculture Ambassador, was named a Brand Ambassador for Slot, a known player in the phone marketing business.

    D’banj, born on June 9, 1981 is a singer, songwriter, harmonica player and businessman. He has won several music awards, including the awards for Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2007, Artist of the Year at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2009, Best International Act: Africa at the 2011 BET Awards, Best-selling African Artist at the 2014 World Music Awards and Evolution award at the 2015 MTV Africa Music awards.

    Don Jazzy as Johnnie

     Walker Ambassador

    Music producer, Don Jazzy of Mavins Records, also got an endorsement as a global ambassador for Johnnie Walker. Don Jazzy was unveiled as Johnnie Walker ambassador owned by ‘Diageo’ on September 16. He also became brand ambassador for Konga, MTN, Loya Milk and Samsung.

    Tiwa Savage is for Konga

    Mavin Records chief Don Jazzy and artiste Tiwa Savage are the newest ambassadors for Nigerian online retail store Konga. Omawumi Megbele was the first celebrity ambassador of the retail shop. She is also an ambassador for MTN, Maggi, as well as Forte Oil, Pepsi; which was renewed alongside Wizkid. Not left out is Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, who also signed the Konga deal, following her recent endorsement of P&G’s Pampers deal and Scanfrost appliances.

    Odunlade Adekola

    returned as Glo ambassador

    Popular Yoruba actor Odunlade Adekola was not left out as his contract with Gobalcom Nigeria was renewed. In 2013, the actor was one of Glo’s ambassadors, but according to reports,  his contract was not renewed due to unclear reasons.

    Kunle Afolayan set

     to drive Peugeot

    Ace filmmaker and actor Kunle Afolayansigned a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN) on December 23 as the brand’s new ambassador.

    The deal was in commemoration of the company’s launch of Peugeot 508 model at the NAF Conference Center and Suites, Ahmadu Bello Way, Kado, Abuja. Afolayan’s deal with PAN came five months after he signed a deal with Air France. The partnership has link to his next movie, The CEO.

    Patoranking, Akpororo

    calls for Airtel

    In June 2015, Foston Musik reggae-infused pop artiste, Patoranking bagged a new endorsement deal from leading Telecommunication brand, Airtel Nigeria, as brand ambassador. Also on the bill this year was popular Comedian Apkororo, joining the likes of 2face Idibia, Phyno, IK Osakioduwa, and few others as Airtel Brand Ambassadors.

    Ireti Doyle promotes Fairy

    Multiple award-winning actress and celebrated TV personality, Iretiola Doyle, who over the years has become a brand on her own, was confirmed as the face of Fairy. In the ongoing promotion of the ‘Fairy’ dish-washing liquid, produced by Ariel. Doyle was unveiled as the new face of ‘Fairy’ dish washing liquid early in the year.

    Funlola Aofiyebi-

    Raimi lands Mamador

    Popular Tinsel actress Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi landed a big one in the course of the year. She was recently named as the brand ambassador of Mamador Oil, produced by PZ Wilmer.

     Lepacious Bose

    poses for Ezslim

    Lepacious Bose, who is still celebrating her new achievement on losing weight, through her new status was named the ambassador for Ezslim, a new product to help loss weight. The comedienne/actress as reported, got the endorsement following a tedious routine consideration. Lepacious Bose is a trained lawyer turned actress and comedian.

    Omoni Oboli becomes brand ambassador for Nunu Milk

    With the re-launch of Nunu Milk, Nollywood actress/producer Omoni Oboli, was named its brand ambassador. The mother of three has promised an exciting experience during her contract with the company.

    In 2010, Omoni Oboli won the award for Best Actress – Narrative Feature at the Los Angeles Movie Awards and the award for Best Actress at the Harlem International Film Festival.

     Seyi Shay joins Pepsi team

    Seyi Shay joined the award winning train of music artistes WizKid and Tiwa Savage as Pepsi Brand ambassadors. The singer took to her social page to share the good news, which she stated, could not be achieved without her fans’ support.

    Yemi Alade is Bland

    2Glam face

    On November 5, 2015, award winning afro-pop star Yemi Alade was unveiled the face of online Jewelry retailer – Bland2Glam. The collection is an exclusive range of exotic costume jewelries inspired by the career and personality of Yemi Alade.  Alade a songwriter, composer, actress and entertainer, popularly known for chart topping songs, is currently signed to Effyzzie Music Group and she has shared stages with both local and International artistes across the globe.

    Gulder unveils new

    brand ambassdors

    In August, the trio of Yemi Blaq, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and Ill Rhymz, were unveiled to the public as the new brand ambassadors of Gulder, a popular beer from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc. The ambassadors were unveiled at this year’s edition of the Gulder Ultimate promo event in Enugu, Enugu State.

    Football legend Kanu Nwankwo screens for StarTimes

    Super Eagles ex-skipper Kanu Nwankwo signed an endorsement deal with StarTimes Cable TV. The digital TV entertainment platform announced the appointment of the world football icon and superstar as its new brand ambassador in Africa. With the official announcement of a three-year partnership deal; Kanu has become the new face of StarTimes PayTV across 12 African markets where it presently operates, including Nigeria, Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa, Kenya, DRC, Uganda and others.

    Others that became brand ambassador this year are: Dare Art Alade – Essential Traveller, Mr. Ibu (comedian) – Glo, GOTV, Patience Ozokwor – Dettol, MTN, Nkem Owoh – MTN, Afeez Ayetoro – BAJAJ , Helen Paul – Haier Thermocool, Kunle Coker – OLX, among others.