AMAA 2015: Nigeria, S/A vie for honours

South Africa’s ‘INumber Number’and Mauritania’s ‘Timbuktu’ led the pack at the 2015 African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) night held last weekend in Los Angeles, US.
While ‘INumber Number’ had 12 nominations, ‘Timbuktu’ got 11. Other countries with high nominations include Nigeria, Ethiopia and Cote d Voire.
The usual suspects from Nigeria, Kunle Afoyan and Tunde Kelani, with ‘October 1’ and ‘Dazzling Mirage’ also made the list of nominees.
Other Nigerian movies nominated include Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen’s ‘1897’, Steve Gukas’ ‘A Place in the Stars’ and ‘Iyore’.
As it happened last year, Ghana’s Jocelyn  Dumas  (Silver Rain) and Ini Edo (While You Slept)  are pitted against each other for

Ayefele’s manager plans big for 50th birthday

Yinka Ayefele’s general manager, Prince Aderibigbe Adewuyi, has concluded plans to mark his 50th birthday in grand style, on July 6, dignitaries from all walks of life are expected to grace the colourful occasion.
The event, which will commence with a praise and thanksgiving session at Christ Apostolic Church (C.A.C), Gbaremu Centre,  will witness a special performance from his boss, Yinka Ayefele, Evangelists Bukola Akinade, (Senwele Jesu), Esther Igbekele, Kenny Ologoara among other gospel singers. Ministers of God expected at the event include: Prophet Hezekiah Oladeji, Pastor A.T. Williams, the host Pastor Claudius Olaiya.
 Afterwards, top celebrities and family members will later gather to celebrate with the renowned artiste

In entertainment industry, one person does the job of 10 people —Joy Okpebri

Joy Okpebri is the CEO of her dream job, S&J Media Plus limited, an audio visual outfit based in Lagos. In this interview with SEYI SOKOYA, the mother of two revealed why she dumped banking job for media production and her vision for a better media in Nigeria. Excerpts: 

Why did you venture into audio visual production business?
It was passion. I have always loved to do such because of my enthusiasm for creativity. I started the business from the scratch and during the process, I discovered that it was necessary to acquire virtually all the equipment needed to establish this kind of business. I soon reailsed that the finished  job we do outside is not usually encouraging. However, the whole story changed when we eventually expanded our office, as well as got the full equipment for both the audio and imagery. I would say the experience has been awesome since then. This development, no doubt, spurred my drive and also broadened my knowledge in editing and production. In fact, I have more comfort and joy in doing this, even in midnights. There has been testimonies and recommendations for our productions. All these are as a result of resilience and hard work, and also plus the fact that we have been able to take productions to another level. There had even been instances that many could not differentiate a wedding ceremony or conference from a movie production. This could only be achieved through  initiative.

ANTP update: Ashaolu against peace moves —Jimoh Aliu, I won’t respond in papers —Ashaolu

Recent peace moves made by a former president of the Association of National Theatre Practitioners (ANTP), Alhaji Jimoh Aliu, following the intervention of the Olowu of Owu, Oba (Dr) Olusanya Adegboyega Dosumu, Awororo II,   three weeks ago, has been rebuffed by Comrade Victor Ashaolu, President of ANTP, and his followers.
According to Aliu, peace meetings had been held in Lagos, Ibadan, Abeokuta and Osogbo, but with some hitches, especially the ones held in Lagos, Ibadan and Osogbo that were allegedly  disrupted by embattled Ashaolu and some of his followers. Ashaolu had reportedly written letters to security authorities in these cities, asking that they prevent the

Don't break up over petty excuses —Ruth Kadiri tells women

There seems to be more to Nollywood actress and scriptwriter, Ruth Kadiri than acting. Of late, she has been speaking out on failed marriages and why many women are still falling victims.
In a recent post that appeared like she was not happy with the continued rise of broken marriages, especially among actresses, the Edo State born thespian said the news of failed marriages she had been receiving makes her sick and wished that she could help many who had fallen victims.
The eclectic dresser cautioned those who encourage women to get a divorce just because they are having problems in their marital homes, warning that those women have no idea of what a failed marriage is. "All I hear are women advising each other to get a divorce when their marriages fail. I ask, what is your idea of a failed marriage?

I'm not in a rush to get married---Olu Maintain

Yahooze crooner, Olu Maintain, has revealed that he is not ready to get married unless he becomes very successful in his chosen career.
 The artiste who expresses that he is not in haste to get married, noted that he has a full insights and what it takes to become a husband as well as a father and that he would not want to rush, because of his vision for his ideal woman.

I was abandoned by my father and raped by my stepfather — Maheeda

Controversial gospel- turned hip-hop artiste, Maheeda, has revealed that she was raped at the age of 11 by her stepfather.
The sultry actress, who took to Twitter and  Instagram to reveal the news, took the occasion of Father’s Day to express her feelings.
According to Maheeda on her Twitter @MaheedaNigeria, she did not see the need to celebrate Father’s Day because it was not worth it.  Happy Father’s Day? Which father? The father that left me from five months old? Or the stepfather that raped me growing up? F*** the Father’s Day! Not for me, keep your wishes,” Maheeda said.
She continued: “My father left me when I was five months old and stepfather started his nonsense from when I was 11 years old.”

Ice Prince, Ladun Liadi bag endorsement deals with Skye Bank

Chocolate City rapper, Ice Prince and blogger, Ladun Liadi have been unveiled as brand ambassadors of one of the new genertion bank in the country, Skye Bank in a new campaign to get celebrities talk about how they made it from the zero stage to becoming heroes.
Already, the advert for their new campaign is running on national dailies and as well as top radio stations. Confirming the new deal, Ladun shared the good news on her blog, saying:

Nicki Minaj no longer on AfroCandy’s mind

United States-based actress, Judith Okpara Mazagwu, popularly known as AfroCandy, has decided to ignore Nikki Minaj for now following the response of her fans to the message she posted on social media recently in which she accused Jamaican-born US-based Nikki Minaj of stealing her style.
Using one of her social media handles to launch an attack on the Grammy award winner, AfroCandy wrote: “I’ve had this outfit for a while, but was waiting to loose weight before I could wear it, then I saw Nicki Minaj wearing a similar outfit and I said to myself ‘mmmh, this bitch is stealing my style.”
She wrote that fans “words gave me a lot of confidence, even though I hear it all the time.

Ambode, others for Opelope Anointing anniversary

The Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, is expected to  lead some dignitaries to celebrate with gospel singer, Evangelist Dunni Olanrewaju, a.k.a Opelope Anointing as she marks 15 years anniversary of the hit song that turned her musical career around.
The anniversary celebration, which is organised by the Opelope Anointing Foundation (OPAF), will also be attended by Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan, Chief Ogundola as well as members of the OPF such as Revd Mrs Idowu Philips, a.k.a Mama Rainbow; Dr. Lagun Adesanya JP; Mother Cel. Magaret Adebanjo; Mrs Omolara Adelekan; Dr. Mrs. Omotunde Ojikutu; Dr. Mrs. Bisi Daniel and Pastor Ajani Olutade, among others.
Set to hold on July 7,2015 at the Christ Apostolic Church (C.A.C), Isolo Road, Mushin, Lagos, the anniversary acitivities will include free medical check-up, free drugs, eye test and other health related services, as well as a live performance by the celebrant, Mrs Olanrewaju.

Stop comparing me with Dagrin —Olamide

YBNL (Yahoo Boy No Laptop) owner and rapper, Olamide is currently  peeved with some of his fans who would not back down on their resolve to keep comparing him with the late rapper, Dagrin.
Olamide, who has never hidden his admiration and respect for Dagrin since the Wa Gba Kindo crooner's death some years back, poured out his mind in a series of tweets during the week.
The father of one, while responding to the purported claim by his fans who insisted that he would not have become rich and famous if Dagrin was still alive, is said to be in London currrently for a show. The unhappy rapper said those who keep comparing him with Dagrin should stop and find something more valuable to do with their time. His first tweet read: "Niggas should stop comparing Olamide with Dagrin, Remi or Chinko. I think they need to find another option".

Toke Makinwa keeps mum on broken marriage

On-air-personality (OAP), Toke Makinwa is keeping sealed lips on her marriage, which is currently in the eye of the storm.

Toke is not a new name in the media industry as she wormed herself into the minds of many through her job. She has equally weathered through some turbulent moments and when she appears to have got her groove back, things appear to be taking a new twist in her marital life.

Some of her fans are currently calling for the head of her husband, Maje Ayida, over alleged infidelity with his ex-girlfriend.

There were even reports that Toke and Maje might have fallen apart amid the growing specualtions. Since the news of the break up surfaced with many sending consolation words to Toke. Some even attacked her, linking her marriage crisis to her busy schedules and some have decided to stay aloof while the drama unfolds.

Neither Toke nor her husband has talked about the crisis since it broke out last week on social media, specifically on twitter with some people already claiming that it could be another publicity stunt.

Wizkid ports to Glo

One of the most successful hip-hop artistes in Nigeria at the moment, Wizkid (Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun), has called it quits with MTN as he quietly signed up with Globacom.

Sky Entertainment can authoritatively inform that Wizkid signed a multi-million naira endorsement deal with Dr. Michael Adenuga’s Globacom two weeks ago.

Official confirmation was difficult to obtain at the weekend as both parties are kept the deal close to their chests. However, a source privy to the deal confirmed the development to Sunday Tribune.

The source revealed that Wizkid was almost going with MTN following intense pressure from the

Patoranking prays to God for healing

There are indications that Alubarika crooner, Patoranking is ill. Though it could not be confirmed as of press time the nature of his illness.

The Afro pop singer might have thrown his fans into confusion during the week following a post on his Instagram page which suggested that he might have fallen ill.

The post read: Lord, look upon me with eyes of mercy, may your healing hand rest upon me. May your life-giving powers flow into every cell of my body and into the depth of my soul, cleansing,

PMAN launches biometric cards for members today

Happy times are here for members of Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN)as it is set to return to the mainstream of Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Following the judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction in favour of the establishment of an interim care-taker executive committee, led by Mr Pretty Okafor, plans have begun to build PMAN as a respected and reputable entertainment Union.

It will be recalled that On the 13th of March, PMAN unveiled an intended Biometrics Card which is designed to be the starting point of a broader scheme that will ensure significant level of protection for Nigerian musicians’ commercial rights. PMAN started the innovative initiative with a symbolic anti-piracy Walk involving a coalition of Nigerian entertainers, which held on Friday and will now launch the bio-cards today.

The event which is sponsored by a telecommunications company and four banks will hold at Planet One, Maryland, Ikeja.

According to its interim president, Pretty Okafor, “Nigerian musicians and their colleagues in other entertainment endeavors have been earning far below the commercial value of the works they produce due to a variety of factors that border around absent infrastructure, poor institutional and policy environment”.

He said the leadership of PMAN, on the strength of the court judgment awarded in its favour last year, has done a comprehensive assessment of Nigeria’s entertainment business landscape, the outcome of which informed the introduction of a multi-purpose identity card to Nigeria’s music industry.

Funke and I are just friends —Femi Kuti

Afrobeat superstar, Femi Kuti has shut down rumours doing the rounds that himself and his ex-wife, Funke, are back together.
He revealed: ‘Funke and I are just friends, we have both promised not to let divorce disturb out integrity, Yes, we have a son, and the good thing is that your generation loves good news, while in our days, bad news is news.”
Affirming that he was still in talking terms with Funke Kuti, he said ‘Funke and I still talk,as we found a way to work it out.
When asked if his son Made wanted them back together, he said “Made cannot have a say in this, he

Seyi Shay joins list of entertainers with upfront and personal management deal

Top female artiste Seyi Shay has joined a list of top entertainers who have gone into business with top entertainment agency Upfront and Personal Management Company.
The “Jangilover crooner was present at the UPGMC headquarters in Lagos during the week with C.E.O Paul Okoye to sign a contract, which makes Upfront and Personal her official agents with immediate effect.
Following a succession of hits like “Murda”, “Crazy” and “Jangilover” since the past year; Seyi Shay has been identified as one of the talents to emerge at the top of the pecking order in 2015. It is believed that the deal with Upfront and Personal will go a long way in boosting her career locally and internationally.

It is season of babies in Mavin Records

Just a few weeks after Mavin Records artiste, Dr Sid and his wife welcomed a baby girl,  another Mavin Records artiste also known as D Prince has fathered a baby boy.

The Mavin musician took to Instagram to share his bundle of joy who was born in Atlanta, with his fans, using the caption, New Daddy Avenue.

Iyabo Ojo proves critics wrong, celebrates with underprivileged

Sultry actress, Iyabo Ojo has finally proved critics wrong that her non governmental organization, (NGO), Pinkies Foundation is strictly aimed at helping the needy and also to give a facelift for the underprivileged and women in the society.
The actress alongside members of the foundation over the weekend visited the Family Vocational Institute for Disables, a non governmental organization, NGO situated at Ijoko, Ogun State to put smiles in the faces of the underprivileged as part of the activities to celebrate the 4th anniversary of the foundation in a memorable way, contrary to several allegations that it was a group that pimps ladies for wealthy men in the society, including politicians as well as a group of lesbians.

List management raises the alarm on Wizkid’s hacked account

The Chief Executive Officer of List Entertainment, Mr Sunday Are, has admitted that Wizkid’s email account has been hacked.
Are said that the accounts namely: Starboybooking@gmail.com , ayobalogunwizkid@gmail.com , and wizkiddayo@gmail.com , were discovered to have been used to send fraudulent emails to business partners and other associates of the artiste. “The email accounts are no longer under the control of Starboy and his management, all mails received from it should be disregarded”, he said.

What I will do with Majid Michel---Habibat Jinad

Award-winning actress cum movie producer, Habibat Jinad has not restricted herself to acting, she is  currently making a head way in broadcasting disclosing that she enjoys the experience a lot. She speaks with SEYI SOKOYA about her life as a single mother and her acting career.

‘I belong to ... nobody’: Funny ways Nigerians reacted to PMB’s quip

A salient quotation from the inaugural speech of President Muhammadu Buhari’s has generated many reactions from Nigerians. SEYI SOKOYA presents some of the interpretations and how Nigerians have twisted it to create comic relief.

It is no longer news that the advent of the social media has had a great impact on Nigerians as they associate, network, interact and connect on its many platforms. Research has revealed that Nigerians on the social media are exceptional when it comes to creativity.

Kosoko, 9 others take acting to prison

Beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s initiative to support stakeholders of the movie industry, Project Nollywood, in the Yoruba movie sector, have quickly settled down to study at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. R gathtered during the week that the 10 beneficiaries, Jide Kosoko, Yinka Quadri, Sola Kosoko, Fathia Balogun, Abiodun Olanrewaju, Toyosi Ileyemi Solape Olatubosun, Yinka Olaoye, Sunday Alabi and Tope Olaiya, had completed their registration exercise and have started attending classes in Cinematography, Directing, Producing and Editing.

What election campaign cost 2face Idibia

Now that the elections have been concluded, some artistes are counting their financial blessings while some are lamenting their participation in the national exercise. At the finale of the 2Face Idibia led Vote, Not Fight Campaign! which was held on Tuesday, at Primal Hotel at Ikeja, the general consensus was that the campaign was a success, though various speakers cited the minimal incidence of violence across the nation during the general elections unlike elections as a major success story. A research carried out by the National Democratic Institute showed that the campaign reached 68 million Nigerians through the media.

Why MTN dropped Shina Peters, Timaya, Sean Tizzle, D Prince, others

Facts emerged during the week as to why telecommunications company, MTN, decided not to renew the contracts of some of its ambassadors.
For more than four weeks, fans and friends of some of the artistes on the bill of MTN had been worried about the silence of the company over the contract renewal of its brand ambassadors.
It was exclusively revealed two weeks ago that about eight ambassadors on the bill of MTN might not get their contracts renewed.

Why Islamic music has changed —Queen Seidat

Known as the Queen of Zikir in Nigeria, Queen Seidat Almubarak is one of the leading female musicians promoting Islam. The mother of two speaks with SEYI SOKOYA on her music success story, the new face of Islamic music and the secret of her beauty. Excerpts:

Could you let us know how you discovered your talent for music?It all started from Islamic school. My father was a popular Islamic scholar and I started from his tutelage. My mother is also a devoted Muslim (eleha). They sup­ported my dreams, I am grateful to them for that and the path they put me through. I am the first Islamic musician to take Is­lamic music outside Nigeria.

Ebelechukwu wins beauty pageant

Ebelechukwu Chinelo Enemchukwu, a 32-year-old corporate executive and a mother of three, has emerged the first edition of Mrs United Nations Pageant in Nigeria, carting away US Dollar price money, a branded car and the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the world finale scheduled for July in Kingston, Jamaica.
The event which was held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja is aimed at giving women the opportunity to come together in a pageant setting regardless of their background, to build relationships with other men and women who are working diligently to leave a positive impact in their communities.

Comedy job, best decision ever —MC Shem

Ayodele Aguda, popularly known as MC Shem, is an event compere and a comedian. The rib cracker, in this interview with SEYI SOKOYA speaks on his sudden rise in the comedy industry and achievements. Excerpts:  
You have carved a niche for yourself in the comedy industry with your brand.  Could you recall how you sojourn into the industry?
 I started in the church just like a lot of other acts in the entertainment industry, though I still go to the church. I started from the drama group, often taking funny roles and later moved up to doing comedy. I anchored lots of events in the church as well; it became more serious when I gained admission into the higher institution, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba to be precise.

At last, Mirah Miguel confesses dating Ketchup

Ketchup, who is presently out of the country, has confirmed that he is in love with Mirah and that they are both enjoying the relationship.
The Big Brother Africa (BBA) season 9 contestant, Mirah Miguel, had earlier  spoken up on her break-up with her ex-lover and housemate during the contest, Luis Munana, just as she revealed that she had no regret with the recent private moment video with her new Nigerian lover, Onyido Nkemjika, popularly known as Ketchup. She recently posted the video and a selfie on the social media which went viral during the week. 
 In a chat with Sky Entertainment, the model said that she would not exactly call it a private moment, so she did not feel like there was anything

F.E.M.I leaves Kennis Music

Femi Adeyinka a.k.a Capital FEMI, R n B crooner, has announced his exit from Kennis Music after his recording contract with the entertainment company expired.
Femi, the younger brother of comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka, after expiration of his contract weeks ago, had the option of renewing his contract with Kennis Music, but decided to move on, according to some sources, following some irregularities and circumstances that saddled his relationship with the label.