I’m neither a fake nor ordained bishop---Lord Bishop

Despite his HND in Accountancy, B.Sc.in Economics, Ph.D. in Financial Management, MBA in Marketing and Membership of the Charted Instituted of Cost and Management Accountants (ACMA), gospel artiste, Atomode Benjamin, popularly known as Lord Bishop did not hesitate to dump all for the work of God. In this interview with SEYI SOKOYA, the Kogi State-born artiste reveals his success story and his take on the gospel industry. Excerpts: 
 What is your take on Nigeria’s fast growing gospel entertainment industry?
 I feel so excited and happy. We have slept for so long and allowed the secular industry to rule. I’m glad we have woken up and above all stepped up our game from what it used to be.

Aftermath Skiibii's death rumour: Five Star music sacks manager

Following the heavy criticisms that greeted the Five Star Music label over what some people described as publicity stunt for their recently signed artiste who was said to have collapsed and died in the early hours of last week Friday.
To the extent that the social media was awash with the news of Skiibii's demise with popular artistes such as MI, Wizkid, Olamide, Iyanya among others sending condolence messages on twitter and Instagram, lamenting the unfortunate death of the promising young singer, who had just released a new track, Sampu.

Islamic singer, Omotayebi shines at City People awards

Alhaja Aminat Babalola-Balogun popularly known as Omotayebi, who recently emerged as Amira –woman leader– of Islamic Musician Association of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, emerged the best female Islamic singer of the year at the just-concluded City People Entertainment Awards, held last Sunday at the Time-Square event place, Ikeja, Lagos.

The ceremony witnessed the attendance of popular figures in the entertainment industry including: Olu Jacob and his wife, Joke, M.I Abaga, Femi Adebayo, Oge Okoye, Odunlade Adekola, Mercy Aigbe-Gentry, Iyabo Ojo, Victor Olaitan, Lil kesh, Praiz, Rukayat Gawat, Madam Kofo, Juliet Ibrahim, and many others.

Delta Yawdah: Pat King brings Bob Fitts, Panam Percy Paulto Asaba

The city of Delta State, Asaba will be set agog on Wednesday, August 26 as top gospel artistes will invade the city with songs of praise and worship to mark this year’s Delta Yawdah gospel event. 

The annual concert tagged: “Delta Yawdah” meaning Delta Praise brings the best of music ministers to the oil rich state. Gospel stalwart, Panam Percy Paul will lead the contingent from Nigeria to the venue of the event, Dome located at Okpanah Road, Asaba in Delta State.

First lady of gospel music in Nigeria, Sinach, will also mount the stage on the night to thrill dignitaries and worshipers with her hit songs. Other singers are the anointed trumpeter, Nathaniel Bassey, Reggae singer, Buchi, Traditional singer in Igbo, Chioma Jesus, Chocolate City inspirational singer, Nosa.

I may get married again —Doris Simon

Actress Doris Simon is not shutting her heart to love totally. After separating from his ex husband, Daniel Adenimokan, who is allegedly in a sizzling romance with Stella Damasus, Simon has revealed that she has not closed her mind finally against love.

Skales signs deal with MTN Pulse

John Raoul Njeng Njeng, popularly Skales has signed an endorsement deal with telecommunications company, MTN as an ambassador for MTN Pulse.

The artiste flew into the country from a UK tour to sign the deal. He joined Falz and Tekno who were previously announced on the deal.

“We have a long way to go and we are just starting, 2015 is the year to show just that. I am glad for the critics, my team and the supporters. You brought me here,” Skales said.

Latest on Baba Sala's health: UCH writes off his medical bill

The Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State, Professor Temitope Alonge, on Thursday, disclosed that the health institution had written off the medical bill of veteran actor, Moses Olaiya a.k.a Baba Sala.

 Professor Alonge made this known when he paid a visit to the ace comedian on his sick bed, according to the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Deji Bobade.

Mercy Aigbe distances self from Facebook accounts

Nigerian actress, Mercy Aigbe-Gentry has distanced herself from spam Facebook accounts operated by impersonators in her name on the social network.

It was brought to the thespian’s notice that fraudsters who pose as her representatives have robbed unsuspecting followers of the actress of valuables and other personal belongings with the intention of fixing a date with the actress.

Speaking on the development, the award wining actress disclosed that she operates no Facebook account and urged

Yemi Alade shines at Coke Studio Africa, collaborates with top Kenyan acts

Just after being crowned the Best Female Artiste in Africa at the 2015 MTV Africa Music Awards, “Nagode” and “Johnny” singer, Yemi Alade is back on Coke Studio Africa TV Show for the second time. This year, Yemi has been paired with top Kenyan acts representing afro pop genres on the Coke Studio TV show which is set to premiere soon.

Yemi Alade, worked on a Coke Studio Africa collaboration with Sauti Sol, the successful Kenyan music group, which recently attracted international media attention after having President Barak Obama danced to their song

Why I floated an online TV---Tunde Kelani

BY SEYI SOKOYA

As part of his plans to curb the tide of piracy in the movie industry, popular filmmaker, Tunde Kelani, has joined the league of online TV owners, as he announced the launch of a web-based and mobile online television on recently.

This development is also in relation to his effort in contributing to the film industry and also stream rich African content for viewers globally.
The video channel tagged: “tundekelani.tv” was officially announced by the veteran movie producer, just as it is the online platform will usher viewers into a refreshing viewing experience of the past and present works of TK, as he's fondly called.

Baba Sala hospitalised, in stable condition

Veteran Yoruba comedian, Pa Moses Olaiya Adejumo, was on Monday, rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, by his relatives. He was said to be suffering from age-related ailment.

UCH’s spokesman, Mr Deji Bobade, who confirmed that the 80-year-old artiste regarded as the father of Nigerian modern comedy was on admission in the hospital, said he was, however, stable and under good medical care.

Bobade, who would not confirm what was exactly wrong with the ailing comedian, however, assured that he was in good hands.

Olaiya, popularly called Baba Sala, was born in Ilesha, Osun State, Nigeria, on May 18 1935. He started his career as a highlife musician with the Federal Rhythm Dandies group in 1964 and was a mentor to juju legend King Sunny Ade who worked as his lead guitarist.

Why I prophesied that Sijuwade will become Ooni, Ebenezer Obey reveals

Evergreen music icon, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi is one of the beneficiaries of Ooni Okunade Sijuwade’s large heart. In this exclusive interview with SEYI SOKOYA, the music legend went down memory lane from his first encounter with the Ooni from the 60s till date and what he gained from the relationship. Excerpts:

I want my fans to feel my beauty, endowment, Habibat Jinad reveals

Actress-cum-broadcaster, Habibat Jinad, has revealed that the motive behind her newly filtered pictures which have generated lots of reactions  was not to send a bad signal or negative impression to the public, but for people, especially her fans to have a glimpse of her beauty and her God-given endowment.

Skiibii Mayana is alive, Five Star Music insists

Contrary to reports that went viral on social media platforms in the early hours of Friday that the recently signed Five Star Music act, Skiibii Mayana had died, one of his label mates, Harrysong  has confirmed that the pop star is not dead.
The death of Skiibii had spread like wild fire on Friday with many musicians, friends and fans already sending condolence messages on the social media to the his family and record label.

The social media was awash with the death of Skiibii who was said to have collapsed and died inside his house on Friday morning when he was preparing to go out. A picture of his lifeless body inside his living room also surfaced, fuelling the rumour that Skiibii had indeed died.
Several calls were put through to Skiibii, Kcee, Harrysong and even their manager, Soso Soberikon, but none of them picked to the calls.  Some hours later, Harrysong later refuted the death story, saying Skiibbii was alive and responding to treatment.

Ayefele acquires N150m customised musical equipment

Still basking in the euphoria of the successful take-off of his recently licensed radio station, Gospel tungba creator, Dr. Yinka Ayefele, MON, last week, took delivery of new modern musical equipment worth N150 million from Turin, Italy.

My father not a womaniser —Ajigijaga’s son

The eldest son of the late actor, Mufutau Rasheed a.k.a Ajigijaga has dispelled the rumours doing the rounds that his father died of poverty and was a womanizer, Sky Entertainment learnt.

Rasheed who is a fast-rising Fuji musician, stated that his father, until he passed on, was doing fine in the industry despite living in a rented apartment with a car, but was still doing fine without complaining.

Ooni's transition: Nigeria has lost a great monarch, Obey says

Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi described the ancestral call of the late Oba Sijuwade as a rude shock, adding that the entire nation will greatly miss the royal father.

“Nigeria has lost one of its greatest monarchs. To Nigerians, we have indeed lost a father and to the Yoruba race, we have lost an important royal father who is the first born of Oodua according to the history,” he added.

Popular actor, Abija cries to Nigerians for help

Popular Yoruba movie star, Tajudeen Oyewole, a.k.a Abija, has called on Nigerians to come to his aid so as to regain his fading stardom which is gradually affecting his life negatively.  

It was gathered that Abija's situation became worsen when he almost lost his life in an auto crash eight years ago which also led to his absence in film making. Report also had it that the many challenges of the popular "warlord" actor in movies has led him to begin to live from hand to mouth. 

The respected actor in a recent interview in one of the national dailies, lamented over his present situation and has called on Nigerians for help in other to actulaise his remaining dreams, adding that, “I want Nigerians to help me in my career. I need sponsors. I am not a greedy person. I believe in Allah. People interestingly call me Alhaji, although I am yet to visit Mecca. The only car I own was condemned in that accident. As I speak, it probably would have been towed away by government agencies.

Kenny K’ore, Monique, Senwele Jesu others for Feast of Worship

Kenny K’ORE, Monique, Big B, Evangelists Akinade Bukola a.k.a Senwele Jesu, Kehinde Oyebanji (Omele) and The Effect among others have been named the headliners of the  2015  edition of the ninth annual Feast of Worship (FOW) live concert of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Agbala-Itura, Lagos State.

Lala graduates from OAU, says his fully back into acting

Actor, Muyideen Oladapo a.k.a Lala who has been missing in action in the Yoruba speaking movies is back in the game after completing his degree course in Theatre Arts at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Africa Meets Reggae concert to hold

The second annual Africa Meets Reggae and World Music International Festival will parade top stars in reggae and world music.

The  event which will hold on 27th and 28th of November, 2015 in Lagos State, will feature live performances at the National Stadium in Lagos and also an indoor event at Ember Creek, Ikoyi.’ 

Speaking at a gathering of top reggae stars in the music industry at Ember Creek, Ikoyi, the convener, Victor Essiet, said that the African Meets Reggae is an annual event in Los Angeles, USA.

“We decided to get the franchise  for Africa and now all is set to hold the annual event in Lagos. “This year’s theme is ‘Voice of the Voiceless and it will hold in two parts in order to satisfy and cater for all lovers of reggae music in Nigeria and other West African countries.

Ketchup returns with Pam Pam, signs with new record label

Following the success of his last single “Enjoy Yourself” produced by J-Fem, dancehall artiste, Onyido Nkemjika, popularly known as Ketchup, has released a new track  “Pam Pam”. The song was produced by the fast-rising producer, Orbeat.
Ketchup won the Best stage performance – AEA in Malaysia 2011 amongst.

“If you think “Enjoy Yourself” was a good jam, you definitely need to listen to this new work. The song has a compelling melody that gets you bumping or moving a part of your body right from the start to finish of the song,” Ketchup said.
Ketchup who recently signed to a new music label, 606 Music, after taking some time off the music floor due to a dispute with his former record label has revealed the real reason why he parted ways with his former label.

Ketchup said “I took a brief hiatus from the game following an administrative issues with my former label which eventually led to the death of the label. My mother was the pillar that sustained me during this period and it was her prayer and positive confessions into my life that brought

P Square to perform at NBA conference

Peter and Paul Okoye, also known as Psquare will be performing at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) annual general conference.
The event which marks the 55th annual general conference of the legal practitioners' association will hold at the International conference centre, Abuja, FCT.

KSA revealed: What my aborted US tour cost me

King of Juju music, Sunday Adeniyi, a.k.a KSA is man who believes God has blessed his life and always wants to give back to the people as much as he can. Weeks back, his United States (US) tour was aborted due to what the US embassy described as technical problem. He shed more light on the cancelled trip in this exclusive interview with SEYI SOKOYA. Excerpts:

Buga to dazzle at WYC

JESSE King, popularly known as Buga and his Villagers’ band have been billed to perform at the World Yoruba Conference (WYC) in Vancouver Canada, which holds this month.

How Ajigijaga died

The Yoruba movie industry was on Friday thrown into mourning following the death of one of its popular actors, Muftau Adio  Sanni Abdulahi, popularly known as Ajigijaga as well as Broken Bottle.
He was said to have died in the early hours of Friday at the age of 60. Ajigijaga, Sky Entertainment gathered, might have died from complications arising after surviving a motorcycle accident (okada) two weeks ago at his Alagbado residence.

COSON week: COSON, HipTv partner

COPYRIGHT Society of Nigeria (COSON) in partnership with Nigeria’s leading entertainment television channel, HipTv, has set the ball rolling for the forth coming COSON Week scheduled to take place from November 1 to 7. It promises be series of events that have been described as the ‘world cup’ of Nigerian entertainment.
 Speaking during the week at a working meeting on the COSON Week held at the COSON office in Lagos, COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji, assured supporters and lovers of entertainment that right machineries had been put in place to deliver an experience of a lifetime. “At COSON, we have assets that no other organisation in Nigeria has. Practically every big name in the music industry in Nigeria is a member or affiliate of COSON. From Sunday, November 1 running into the early hours of Sunday, November 8, there will be seven spectacular events to titillate every segment of the Nigerian society: Christians,

Opelope Anointing holds Festival of Praise today

GOSPEL singer, Evangelist Dunni Olanrewaju, a.k.a Opelope Anointing, will lead other gospel artistes to entertain dignitaries who will converge on Christ Apostolic Church, Opelope Anointing Praise Centre, Liasu Road, Ikotun, Lagos, in a 12-hour annual praise festival today.

JJC, Kate Henshaw in 'love' tangle

Singer and leader of the defunct JJC & 419 Squad, JJC Skillz has featured Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw, in his hit track titled, “See Us Now”. The actress and the music star who recently concluded the shoot for the musical video of the song in which they shared lovely and romantic moments together, may be facing love tangle charges from their fans.