Gbolahan Adio ... Gutsy movie producer

Gbolahan Adio would be seen as a rookie by few people who are not conversant with the Yoruba genre of Nollywood. But the Ibadan, Oyo State born movie maker, who is popularly known as Majester, is a veteran.
Besides being a foundation member of the Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP), the umbrella body of Yoruba genre of Nigerian movie industry, Majester has over the years proved his dexterity in front and behind the camera. Recollecting his foray into the movie world, he says: “I started with the likes of Hubert Ogunde and Ade Love in 1973 and I featured in Ayanmo, Aiye, Taxi Driver, Efunsetan Aniwura among other popular old films.
I actually released my personal movie titled Eru Agba in 1988. Since then, I have produced close to 10 films which include Ha Gbolahan, Owo Mugun, Ogiri Alapa, Damilare among others.” He further revealed the likes of Lere Paimo and late Ishola Ogunsola aka I show Pepper, as his mentors.
While it seems Majester has taken a back seat in movie production, the bold and blunt actor has appeared in countless old and new flicks, and he remains one of the forces that cannot be ignored in industry. On how he come about the name, Majester, “That was coined from my real names and I would like people to figure it out,” he enthused. Reacting to the popular believe that he’s arrogant and gutsy.
“Yes, I am gutsy but not arrogant; it’s just that people always mistake somebody who is principled for being rude. People are found of turning your unique way of life against you,” he explained.

Singers turned actors, The good, the bad and the ....

They are either raves of the moment or once-upon a-time stars in the music industry yet they have had a stab at the make-believe world with varied results. SS takes a look at these various musicians who have one time or the other in their career delved into acting, their performance and how they fared
Faze
Call him a new entrant in the makebelieve world, you may not be wrong. Not many people are in the know of the popular R’ n ‘B singer born Chibuzor Richard Oji’s acting skill, until he was cast for a role in a new movie titled Alero’s Symphony , where he played a character known as ‘Love Child’. Although, those who have seen the movie did not rate Faze badly, movie critics are anxiously waiting for Faze to further display his acting prowess in more challenging movies.
Rating:
Fair. Faze got the look and vocal. His carriage to give life to character in movie is in doubt but critics believe that Faze will improve with time.
Tuface
It’s no doubt that Innocent Uja Idibia is the first among the trio that made up of the defunct Plantashion Boiz, to lay claim to fame in the acting world despite his solid grip on his groove in the music industry.
Virgin Prostitute is the title of the flick, which Tuface as he’s widely known, needed to announce his arrival in the make believe world. Although, SS gathered that the multiple award winning singer had also featured in another movie that starred Liz Benson, his busy schedule as a singer has kept him away from movie locations.
Rating:
Bad. 2face is no doubt blessed with good frame that is suitable for movie roles, his vocal delivery is best for vocal booths instead of movie sets. Moreover, the Nigerian music ambassador lacks the carriage and composure of a good actor.
Dele Taiwo
The funky Juju creator stunned all with his amazing character interpretation in a Yoruba movie titled ‘Omo Minister’. Although, the movie that was gathered to be Dele’s first movie, has not won the Juju music sensation more movie scripts, it’s unarguable that Dele Taiwo is a born actor. While he’s still struggling to get his rhythm back musically, some movie buffs are wondering why Dele is killing The good, the bad and the .... They are either raves of the moment or once-upona- time stars in the music industry yet they have had a stab at the make-believe world with varied results. SS takes a look at these various musicians who have one time or the other in their career delved into acting, their perfomance and how they fared. his acting talent.
Rating:
Better. Dele has the skill, carriage and his delivery is wholesome.
Saheed Osupa
The Fuji music wiz kid did join the league of singers turned actors when his numerous fans least expected. The shining Fuji music stars dazzled his fans and foes when he took a lead role in Onimoto, Agbere Oju among other popular home videos, which had seen him battling with other established actors. Rating: Fair. Saheed has the attitude, good delivery but he sometimes overacts and this gives him out as an actor, who is learning on the trade.
Wasiu Alabi Pasuma
The gifted Fuji music crooner is more prominent in home videos than any of his peers, who are also peddling the acting trade. The ‘Orobokibo’ exponent has featured in lots of Yoruba flicks and this had greatly reflected in his rise and rise in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Aside his unique voice, Pasuma is a power dresser. He has displayed his acting prowess in GSM Lomo, Aja Meji, Jomi loju among other popular Yoruba home videos.
Rating:
Fair. Pasuma got the look, the carriage and attitude but not that sensational when comes to delivery.
Jide Chord
This is another Juju music sensation, who has surprised all with his excellent delivery on movie set. Though, Jide Chord is one of the abroad based Nigerian artistes, who have retraced their steps back to Naija, Pink Lady is the title of the home video that showcased the chubby cheeked musician as a fantastic actor.
While Jide has also featured in a movie titled Oni Ni but has not been appearing more in films, he’s one of the singers, who are naturally blessed in acting.
Rating:
Better. Jide possesses the required qualities needed for the motion pictures. He’s vocal, got the attitude and very natural in his delivery.
Sunny Neji
Although, his active involvement with music began at an early stage, Sunny Neji’s involvement in cultural performances as a teenager was what harnessed his acting skill.
‘Mr Fantastic’ made a quick one in the make believe world a couple of years ago, when he featured in one of the popular home videos, which title is still sketchy as at the time of going to the press. While Sunny keeps making waves in the music industry, he never hides his desire to take more roles in movies.
Rating:
Good. He’s fair in his line delivery and quite vocal.
K-1 De Ultimate
He plays classical Fuji music and Wasiu Omogbolahan Ayinde’s consistency over the years best explain the reason he’s been crowned King of Fuji music. K-I De Ultimate as he’s fondly called has also shown that he is not a writeoff as a singer cum actor.
Iyawo Alhaji ,Opin Irin Ajo among other Yoruba home videos, are what K-1 needed to prove that he can give likes of Jide Kosoko, Yinka Quadri,Ogogo and host of other movies stars, run for their money. Rating: Fair. K-1 got the looks, has the carriage but obviously very weak in his delivery.
Abass Akande Obesere:
His lewd lyrics coupled with his energy sapping dancing steps are enough reasons why most movie buffs could not wait to see the self acclaimed paramount King of Fuji handling a movie role. ‘Oba Asakasa’ as he’s also fondly called did not disappoint them as he made his debut in the movie industry in 2008 with a movie titled Ito (Urine).
Today, the repentant lord of lewd lyrics has appeared in a few number of home videos.
Rating:
Fair. Obesere is not as bad as movie critics may think. He’s got the swagger most especially if he handles a musician’s role but his delivery is below average.
......To be continued

‘I came to Lagos with two pants, two shirts’-Basorge

To the average television viewer, Basorge Tariah is the comedian who is full of mischief. But in this interview with Reality Entertainment, he comes out in full plume as a comedian, actor, journalist, scriptwriter, producer, director and dancer.
What is the secret behind your success in Nigeria’s entertainment industry?
I’ve been in the industry for quite a while. Art is about performing and talent is very common. That’s why we see talents sprouting out from everywhere. But, when talent is not harnessed by skill and competence, which is either acquired through education or a long period of service in the arts one falls apart. Basorge has harnessed his common talent with skill and competency. I am schooled and trained. I’ve been there for over 30 years and this has given me enough experience to operate and be successful for the rest of my life. I have also gathered such a virtue or attribute through humility, simplicity and reality. Fame is not what I celebrate but a career which I have found myself, that’s why I am doing it right.

How would you link comedy with acting?
Comedy cannot be divorced from acting because acting has two major genres, tragedy and comedy. And comedy could be sub-divided into very serious deep comedies, like using the words abstract comedy. This falls in the various movements from early centuries, like enthusiasm, Dadaism, surrealism and through these we’ve written plays like farce.

Now by extension, these are in drama forms. But stand-up comedy has been well differentiated as a single entertainer but it is not different from drama. This time, it’s like a monologue. You stand on stage, tell the stories all by yourself and you enact the roles all by yourself. For example, if I am depicting or mimicking a doctor, lawyer, parent or young girls on the street, I don’t play it as a story or discussed issue but I also act some of the roles and mannerisms.

This is what stand-up comedy is all about. It’s also about acting; the only difference is that the stage actor has basic stage skills in relation to other actors. A stand-up monologue comedian may not be taught, but can stand on stage before 2,000, 3000 people and make them laugh.
What about acting, itself?
Acting is simple. It’s the enactment used as a simpler word for the lame man to understand. It is playing the role of an imaginary character, a character that does not exist but has likelihood, attributes and lifestyle of someone that exists. The actor is like having the skill to pretend, behave, and act like someone else other than himself. I can only say that everyone is an actor, because at every point in time, we’ve all lied, pretended but some of us are master in art of acting because we’ve read and focused upon it as a career. I have a very rich experience from all the facts of life. I’ve been up and down. I’ve mixed with people who are impoverished and people with affluent culture. So I can easily interpret my role because I have the character traits, the nuance and idiosyncrasy of these various sets of people.

Where can one place you in the entertainment circuit?
I cannot be placed anywhere but can be placed everywhere.

How would you explain that?
I see myself as one of the true versatile artistes in Nigeria. I am a stand-up comedian, actor, comedian in movies, journalist, scriptwriter, producer, director, actor-director in serious movies; dancer and I majored in Choreography. Basorge is just an art man and a person you call a complete entertainer. I managed singers, I write songs and I set standards in everything I do.

Which one of these many talents really shot you into the limelight?
I would rather say dancing. I started dancing in 1983 with Jump Play and National Dance Championship. I was the best dancer in Nigeria and winner of the Rivers State zonal competition. Mention a few of your works in the area of acting. I’ve done works like Domitila, Hit and Run, Scavengers, Black Arts, Full Moon, My Guy, Warri Connection, Campus Tales, Eye-Witness, The Assignment, Playing Games, The Runs, and so many others that I cannot recollect.

People tend to believe that you’ve joined the bandwagon as a stand-up comedian?
I cannot join the bandwagon; I am a leader in the industry. I represent the old school; I represent those who actually started the stand-up comedy in this country.

How do you unwind?I love watching movies, playing with my kids. Sometimes I read, take a drive and listen to good music.

With the emergence of young, vibrant, upcoming stand-up comedians, do you foresee anything?
I foresee growth, but at times people get scared because the industry is saturated. It’s because they are not serious and they don’t want to work hard. Let one million comedians come, so that we would be able to select those who are serious and those who are hardworking. It’s about a lot of things. It’s about presentation, education, grace, culture and style. It takes time to develop all of that. You can be very funny, but you may lack the grace, culture and articulation to stand before an audience.

What is your watchword?
Humility! Be very humble, open and truthful because truth represents God. I came to Lagos much unprepared. I came to Lagos with two pants and two shirts and I am here today with a family. I am also growing in the business. I know this is not possible without God and people. So, I remain humble for life.

Do you have any regret?Why should I regret? What if I’d remained the way I was a couple of years back, and I’m here now at least “they talk am hand dey reach mouth and if you look well self e be like say my leg don dey touch my mouth.” Good life has made it possible enough; comedy has made it possible for me to exist! So why should I regret?

If you claim to be one of the very first set of people to commercialize stand-up comedy, how would you place Ali Baba?
Thank God you said one of the people, you can put Ali Baba as one of them. You can also add Mohammed Danjuma , Okay Bakassi, Yibo Koko. These are my contemporaries.

Battery allegation: Colleagues, stakeholders reject Adibua’s apology

Although, it is no longer news that Olisa Adubua, one of the famous -air personalities, was embroiled in fisticuffs with a junior colleague, simply identified as Adewunmi Oyekanmi, numerous fans and friends of the chubby cheeked presenter are still stunned with the unpalatable report that was broken on the internet a couple of days ago.
While Olisa, who seems to have eaten a humble pie, had tendered a letter of apology and the battered boy had no choice than to accept, it may interest you to know that some of Olisa’s colleagues from other TV/Radio stations and stake holders, who spoke to SS in confidence, are still very bitter and want him to be brought to justice.
In case you don’t know, it was reported that Olisa severely battered Oyekanmi, one of the employees of Naija FM, the sister station to BEAT FM and Classic FM, for sleeping on the office couch. An excerpt from Olisa’s apology letter reads, “I am deeply regretful of what transpired and have taken full responsibility for my actions.
I have privately apologised to my colleague, the team that I work with and I am taking this opportunity to apologise to the public at large. Despite being at the centre of a media feeding frenzy, I’ve been silent in order to allow the organisation, to which I am affiliated with and at whose premises the incident occurred, to carry out its investigations and come to a conclusion.
“While the events have been distorted, I am very apologetic about the situation. However, any kind of loss of control is not excusable and I have since tendered an unreserved apology to ‘Dewunmi.
I have always preached against violence, so this is a time for some reflection. Again, I apologise and I thank ‘Dewunmi for accepting my apology. “For more than 20 years now, I’ve operated in the electronic media sector without a blemish but by this action, I have let myself down and most importantly I have let family, friends and the millions of people who look up to me, down.”
“That’s unfair, what if the boy died? That was not his first time; Olisa needs to learn his lesson in a very bitter way!” a popular TV/radio presenter exclaimed. “Yes, Olisa’s excesses need to be checked and this is the time.
Apology is not enough, we are waiting for the final decision of the station management,” said a CEO of a popular entertainment channel on TV.

Battle of names ends, as MC Basketmouth changes name

With recent lamentation of Ernest Essien, the popular standup comedian otherwise known as MC Basketmouth, it’s undeniable that the Akwa Ibom State born humour merchant has decided to let go the stage name, which has been a discord between him and a known colleague.
SS reliably gathered that the chubby cheeked comic act, took over Facebook fan page on August 31 2011, to officially announce his change of name.
“Brethren, it has pleased the Lord to give me a new name, so officially I will no longer be addressed as MC Basketmouth again but Ernest Essien for now,” he wrote. Surprisingly, Ernest’s, revelation attracted more knocks than kudos from his numerous fans, who condemned his action.
Some were gathered to have accused him of been intimidated by Bright Akpocha a.k.a Basketmouth, who is believed to be more prominent in the industry’.
After much interrogation by his fans, Ernest Essien, who has won a couple of awards for his excellent stage delivery finally opened up, “It was the Holy Spirit who said I should change my stage name and I trust him for my upliftment.” Anyway, what do you think about this development?

Hubby denies Azeezat

If what a lousy mouth is chirping into SS ears were true, then what would have caused a man to deny his celebrity wife?
This best explains the bad tale currently trailing Seyi Allen, the handsome husband of popular singer, Azeezat. According to the scoop, a lady presenter cum singer, who we gathered to be desperately in need of a career manager met Seyi, and management deal was placed in view.
Azzezat’s hubby was alleged to have told the girl that he manages Azzezat music career not marriage.
The bubble bust when the babe, who is from one of the South West states, decided to find out how influential is Seyi in the Nigerian entertainment industry. She was said to have gotten the shock of her life when it came to her know that Seyi is married to Azzeezat .
While the efforts   to get Seyi’s reaction on this rumour before going to press proved abortive, fans of Azzezat had risen up in her hubby’s defence. They are claiming that the girl is one of those who want to ruin Azeezat

Reality .1 Entertainment: Charly Boy adopts Vina of BBA

Reality .1 Entertainment: Charly Boy adopts Vina of BBA: The much anticipated Charly Boy Show Live tagged Battle of the Gifted might have come and gone, but the event that was held at Thisday dome ...

Charly Boy adopts Vina of BBA

The much anticipated Charly Boy Show Live tagged Battle of the Gifted might have come and gone, but the event that was held at Thisday dome in Abuja, last Saturday left some memorable moments that would linger for long. While the battle between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Justice Oputa left many people with something to talk about for some time, the discovery of new talents in music, comedy and dance.
However, Area FADA, surprised all when he openly adopted Vina of Big Brother Amplified (BBA) fame. Charly Boy declared his intentions to personally ordain the creative and radiant Vina, who was one of the finalists at this year’s edition of BBA, into the Charlyboy School where countless celebrities in the entertainment industry today got their first ever break through.
AreaFADA had asserted that he had adopted Vina as a daughter and would be willing to support and direct her in order to add to her confidence to be able to stand against all the huddles that might arise at the course of her journey into the world of fame.
“As far as I know, I have got one winner and that’s Vina. I respect her sense of humility and intelligence. It’s people like her that we crave for in the Charlyboy College and in the entertainment industry. She doggedly went through different huddles at the course of the competition; she was real with an African face and value. I see a star in the making” Charlyboy concluded.

Anxiety over KSA’s health

With the latest information at our disposal, we can authoritatively reveal that that there is no cause for alarm as King Sunny Ade’s failing health is concerned.
Although, an inside source claimed that the living music legend is hale and hearty, many people were shocked when the rumour hit the town that the King of world beat is seriously sick. It was even got to a point that some, who could not get through to the Juju maestro, were having negative thought running through their minds.
While the current state of health of KSA is still been discussed in hushed tones, concerned fans are gathered to be clamouring for special prayers for the Juju King. However, this will be the third time that alarm will be raised over Sunny Ade’s health. We are wishing him good health and long life.

Alex O set to return with Oby Edozie

Those who have been wondering about the whereabouts of Alex Okoroigwe , the gifted R’ n’ B music star simply called Alex O, should be on the lookout, as he set to make a return with star actress, Oby Edozie.

Although, it’s not news to those who have heard some of the sound tracks of Oby’s cancer movie titled ‘Save our Soul’, it may interest you to know that Alex O , who got us dancing back in the days with Pretty women, one of his old classics, sang and produced the sound tracks of the film. SS can also authoritatively reveal that the South Africa based Alex O has ventured into movie directing and production.

And he will be handling the post production of the musical video of Oby’s movie soundtrack, which will be on all the TV stations across the country very soon. While some people have seen Alex and Oby’s musical romance as a welcome development, the latter numerous fans are gathered to be waiting in anticipation to see the musical video and hear the former singing again.

Alex, who was back in the days known for Jerry curl hairstyle is also into animation and music composition. He is the C.E.O of DigiAudioVisuals, an entertainment firm based in S.A.

Bisi Ibidapo-Obe suffers heartbreak!

The sexy star actress, Bisi Ibidapo Obe, is not new to making the newspapers and magazines headlines for the wrong reasons. Her low profile in the movie scene had since sent mouths running that probably she has had enough of controversies, which have been rocking her love life.
Unfortunately, if the rumour currently bandied about is anything to go by, then, the screen goddess, who is more prominent in the social scene than film locations, might be living her role in the movies in real life.
While gist is flying around that probably Bisi, who hit the limelight with the popular flick titled ‘Olabisi Omologba Logba’, is secretly making wedding arrangement, a bird in the know squealed that the beautiful belle is currently nursing a heart break.
Bisi, you will recall, has been severally linked with different showbiz stars and society big-wigs in the past but at the end of the day, it’s either the story turned out to be a rumour or the romance suddenly crashed like badly arranged pack of cards.
Like one of the sweetest romances turned sour, an insider insisted that Bisi is not in best of mood, as she was alleged to have been dumped by new lover boy, who was reported to be seeking her hand in marriage. “That’s rubbish allegation! Has Bisi announced her engagement to anybody? It’s not true,” one of Bisi’s close allies disclosed, as Bisi refuses to comment on the rumour making the rounds.

NBC Hammers D'banj's Oliver Twist!

If the gist making the rounds at the moment is anything to go by, then Oliver Twist, the new single of Koko master, D'banj, has gone under the hammer of Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
NBC decision to ban Oliver Twist may not be unconnected to the few vulgar lines in the song, which is currently rocking the airwaves. More so, an unconfirmed report has it that the airwaves regulatory body has issued a report to all the radio stations to stop playing the song or face the wrath of NBC.

Although, D’banj, who is still far away in UK, is yet to react to the new development, fans and close allies of Mr Endowed are now crying foul play.

Ras Kimono Drops new album after many years of hiatus from music scene

Famous Rub-a -Dub master, Ras Kimono has drop new album after many years of hiatus from the music scene and  and this is authoritative. The album titled 'Matter of Time' hits the music shelves. ..