Banky W eyes Mo’chedda

Though female rapper, Mo’Chedda, has parted ways with her record label, Knighthouse, she is however not to stay in the cold for long as she may soon be absorbed by Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment (EME).
While the Rogba Arimoro led management of Knighthouse did not state the reason why they had to let Mo’ Chedda go, a nosy bird squealed that it’s not unconnected to the rumour that she is in secret talks with Banky W, the face of new Coca-Cola campaign, who is said to be looking for a female artiste that will join EME.
Knighthouse released Mo’Chedda’s Franchise Celebrity, her debut album that contained her hit songs, If You Want Me and ‘K o Ma Roll’. She also won Channel O award for Most Gifted Female Video as well as MTV Base’s New Act in 2010.
However, as Mo’Chedda searches for new label, there is strong indication that she may join Banky W’s EME that houses Wizkid and Skale soon

Waje transforms, becomes Omawumi’s close pal

Taking up the role of a judge in the new season of the popular talent hunt TV show, Star Quest, has actually added shine to Waje’s 2012.
Just as Na the Way, the diva’s latest single that featured J-Martins is currently getting ample air-play, Waje is currently undergoing sort of fitness regimen that will see her giving models a run for their money.
We can authoritatively reveal that shedding excess flesh for a svelte figure has been on Waje’s mind since last year. Before the mild sickness that saw her losing weight, Waje joked on twitter last year about her twin-tower, which she claimed to be somehow heavy for her.
It’s, however, quite interesting that her closeness to Omawumi has become a topic being discussed in hushed tones in the entertainment circle. The two singing belles are dubbed arch-rivals in the music game, just as they are said to sound alike. The question now on many a lip is who the copy-cat is.
However, not only that Waje and Omawumi have become allies ever since the latter returned from the U.S where she went to deliver her baby, they even had a track titled Xmas Jollification, their first ever music collaboration released last year December. Apart from the duet, Omawumi and Waje are frequently seen at events together. The reason why Waje is in the musical video of Omawumi’s new single titled Bottom Belle featuring Flavour is not far-fetched

Seun Kuti revives Kalakuta Republic

It’s now 35 years ago that Kalakuta Republic, the communal compound that housed the family, band members, and recording studio of late Afro beat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, was razed. It would be recalled that on February 18, 1977, about 1,000 soldiers unleashed sorrow, tears and blood on the Kalakuta Republic located at 14 Agege Motor Road, Idi-Oro, Mushin, Lagos. It was razed down and Fela’s mother was reportedly thrown out of one of the windows.
However, to commemorate the ugly incident that has evidently found itself in the country’s book of history, Seun Anikulapo Kuti and Fela’s Egypt 80 Band  performed live yesterday, February 25, at the New Africa Shrine.
The show was very exciting with heavy pulsating Afro Beat vibes from Seun Kuit’s second album titled “From Africa with Fury” RISE plus some Fela’s underground repertoire amid lots of yabis and political commentaries on the state of the Nation from Seun.

Ara duets with 2face for Olomi Jowo

If you are one of those wondering about the whereabouts of Ara, the widely acclaimed Nigerian first female talking drummer of international repute, you can now heave a sigh of relief, as she has released a single to announce her grand return.
Of late the soul music diva and performer of note has been in the news when she was made the Ondo State Culture and Tourism Ambassador, Water Ambassador in Africa by Melody for Dialogue among Civilisations and Associations under the umbrella of UNESCO and UN.
Although, the wonder girl on the talking drum made a couple of cameo appearances in some top events held late last year and also has a couple of singles to her name, she no doubt is overdue for a debut album.
Interestingly, Ara who returned to Nigeria from the Grammy Awards on February 16 has dropped ‘Olomi Jowo’, a new single off her highly anticipated album. The new single which featured 2face Idibia is a remix version of the legendary Evangelist Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi’s old classic titled Olomi Jowo.
Excited about her musical duet with 2Face, the sweet-voiced Ara told Entervaganza that she had always loved the compositions of Ebenezer Obey even as a young girl and to have had 2face on the song is a double for her.
Olomi Jowo which audio and visual will be released simultaneously on the internet, TV and radio stations worldwide was produced by three of Nigeria’s popular producers, Samkleff, Zeeno Forster and Puffy Tee, and the video was shot by ace director, DJ Tee. Entervaganza also learnt that Ara had a terrible accident while driving to the location of the video shoot, she was lucky to have survived the road mishap

Knocks,jeers, as D’Banj opens up on fuel subsidy removal protest

It’s no longer news that Koko Master, D’banj had a successful show in the UK last Sunday February 19 but an interview which he granted Sahara Reporter, a couple of hours to the show has continue to earn him more jeers than cheers.
Apart from the disappointment written on the faces of most music enthusiasts, D’banj’s claim ignorance of the protest against subsidy removal has left him with more haters than lovers.
In the alleged interview, D’banj said, “I did not know anything that was happening in Nigeria during protests because I was working on my album in the UK.”
And when questioned why he did not join the protest in London, “I didn’t know anything that was happening in London about the fuel protest because I was working. I am not a politician! And everyone that knows me well knows I don’t like cold, so I couldn’t go outside,” D’banj supposedly claimed.
While some of the died-hard fans of D’banj still don’t believe he said this, those in the know thought he did misfire and owe most Nigerians who are buying his CDs and attending his shows, an unreserved apology.
“How can D’banj claim ignorance of a protest that claimed many lives, and which lasted for five days? He probably didn’t know how to lie or lack good public relation,” said a popular record label owner who spoke under the condition of anonymity.

Ghanaian songstress, Efya, debunks drug rumour

For the past few weeks now, the Ghanaian entertainment scene has been awash with drug tales trailing Efya, a music star. While her detractors are insisting that she does drugs, her admirers have also risen up in her defence.
But the singer cum model who is known for her amazing energy on stage has said she does not do drugs but only smokes cigarettes.
“That’s the handiwork of back-bitters. I don’t think Efya is hooked on drugs,” said an insider who pled anonymity.
Efya was also quoted in an alleged interview saying that: “I have heard this over since the university but the thing is nobody has ever come out with any kind of solid evidence that I do drugs. I don’t use narcotics before my performance, after my performance, through my performance and during the day. I don’t do drugs.
“I don’t know why people say I do drugs, I smoke cigarettes and whatever I do outside is my thing and nobody can judge me on that. But the thing is I don’t do drugs. I am not going to let my fans down by doing drugs and I am going to be the biggest thing that has ever happened to Ghana.”
While Efya has spoken, would the doubting Thomasses let the sleeping dog lie?

Paul Play's low profile stirs speculation

While we've been told authoritatively that Paul Play Dairo, is now enjoying very good health, the quietness of the ace singer cum producer in the entertainment scene has left many with the notion that probably he’s still very sick.
Although, the tale bearer finds it difficult to give us the clue about Paul Play’s alleged troubled marriage, she did confirm that the scion of late highlife music legend, I.K Dairo, is in good health and currently handling a project for the popular TV show ‘Star Quest’.
You will recall that in 2009, the “Angel of My Life” crooner was reported to have taken ill in South Africa and was diagnosed of an internal ailment which attracted an instant surgery. He did bounce back in 2010 to drop a new album but was rumoured to have fallen sick again in the early 2011.
Moreover, as mouths are running that probably Paul Play has fallen on bad time, close palls insist that he is doing fine.
All efforts to speak with him proved abortive but SS scoop that he’s working on something fresh for the year.

Zuma Film Festival 2012 gathers momentum

Mr. Afolabi Adesanya

All is now set for the year’s edition of the Zuma Film Festival with the theme, The Human Story, Connecting People. This year’s fiesta promises to rock Abuja and its environs as it is expected to be a great leap from the previous three editions which also witnessed consistent growth and heightened participation profile.
These and other reasons have increased expectations of practitioners and movie buffs as they remain on the lookout for the biennial film festival.
As the sixth edition kicks off on May 6 in Abuja, March 6, has been set as the deadline for entries and submission of films to be shortlisted for screening and categories of awards for Zuma Film Festival 2012.
The highlights of the five days film festival include new movie premiere, Nigerian Film Corporation lecture and essay competitions, film/video exhibition, special tributes, film location expo, awards night among other side attractions for emerging talents and children.
Some of the 18 competitive categories that reward creativity and excellence include Best Director, Best Actress/Actors, Best Film in Nigerian Language, Best Short Film, Best Script, Best Cinematography, Best Foreign Film, Best Animation among others.
Speaking on the film festival, the Managing Director of Nigerian Film Corporation, Mr. Afolabi Adesanya, said, “The theme, The Human Story, Connecting People, is to portray the amazing intricacies of film as a potent umbilical cord that binds humanity in their creative activity and diversity and cement their complementary ethos, history culture and tradition.
“Aside competitive categories of awards, there are honours and lifetime achievement awards to deserving personalities who have raised the bar in motion picture practice. The jury members will be announced shortly to kick start the process.
“However, nothing sets the tone for this year’s event than gracious acceptance of the President Goodluck Jonathan GCFR, as the Grand Patron of Zuma Film Festival. This has further demonstrated Government’s appreciation of the film sector in her transformation strides”.

Tosyn Bucknor returns after ghastly auto crash

December 14, 2011 would for a long time remain indelible in the mind of the popular radio on–air–personality, Tosyn Bucknor. It was the day she cheated death as she survived an auto crash that had left her bed ridden for some time now.
Although, the return of the Top 90.9 FM’s big babe fondly, called Area Mama and Nigerian Broadcasters Awards Best Female Radio Presenter, is not news to her followers what is, is that the lively radio girl is now visible at events.
The Area Mama has been thrilling numerous listeners of Top FM since her return a couple of weeks ago. Tosyn is also one of the beautiful belles in a TV show called ‘3 Live Chicks’. While the new talk show which she will anchor with Rhythm 93.7 FM’s Toke Makinwa and former BEAT 99.9 FM’s Oreka Godis, is expected to hit the silver screen soon, she is said to be very busy with other projects at the moment

BEHOLD! The exceptional biking family

A family is often bound by many things. They also usually have their peculiarities. For the family of Ini Akpabio, it is biking. Their love for wheels ranks high in the family’s interests as reported by KAZEEM POPOOLA.
The Akpabios are not just an ordinary Nigerian family. They obviously share all the things most families do but what is more is their exceptional love for the wheels: bicycles and auto-bikes. The love for the wheels permeates the family from the youngest to the eldest irrespective of sex. Mr Ini Akpabio, apart from being the head of the family of five, is a business tycoon and a major stakeholder in the country’s tourism and hospitality industry.
A tall man who watches his weight despite his wealth, he is a power bike freak. Akpabio who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Nanet Group of Hotels revealed that he is an ardent lover of sports; a trait which runs in his family. His family, he said, is in love with sports hence their being physically fit. “We do a lot of sports together. We play basket ball, badminton and lawn tennis. I used to be very good in soccer. Right now, I play soccer with my children.
We are into what I call wheels. “We are very keen on anything on wheels. When my boy was about four years old, I used to ride with him from Maitama to Garki on my bicycle and when people saw us they would be screaming. We do a lot of bicycling even in the house. I am desirous to start an Abuja Bicycling Club” The hotelier added that he would be travelling with his wife and daughter this summer to Dubai and other six places for biking stressing that the tour would touch other six states in the United Arab Emirate.

“We have gone for similar tours in England before mostly for biking exhibition. We equally hire bikes outside the country just to ride. It is a passion that we have,” Akpabio stated. The winner of the Argungun Motor racing stated that his family loves anything on wheels and hoped to pick up a less risky sport like golf very soon adding that he would be joining the Abuja Polo club soon. “I am into sports because I have the passion to lay my hands on many things. This manifests in all the sports that I do. I love to do the almost impossible things, and that is why I go into difficult sports most of the time,” he revealed.

Aside been famous with bikes, Akpabio is obviously one of the few who control the hotel industry in country as he has Nanet Hotel located all over the nation. Akpabio who is the National President of Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria (HATMAN) is also the Vice President of Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and he is passionate about his relationship with other people within and outside the hotel industry.
Soft spoken Akpabio started from a humble beginning. His dream of becoming an hotelier sprouted from his mother. She was a success in the restaurant business. According to him, the turning point came when he had to go to England to run a masters degree in International Hospitality and Tourism Management. That was when he felt that he could contribute to the growth of the Nigerian economy through tourism.
Prior to this, he had been interested in architecture and banking. “As a young person, one of the factors that might have made me go into this chosen career was the fact that my mother who is still alive had earlier on started business within the hospitality sector. “We grew up within restaurants, fast food set up and hotels which made us to understand to some extent what the hospitality sector could offer. It also exposed me to the educational aspect of the tourism sector. Maybe because ours was virtually a family business, there was the desire to go beyond the first generation,” he said. Akpabio also has relationship with the country’s film industry called Nollywood.
He explained that it was to fulfil his passion and heart desires toward encouraging tourism. This, he added informed the decision of Nanet Hotels limited not to just have a mere passing relationship with the movie industry. “If you look at the Nigerian entertainment scene, you will see a clear cut demarcation between the movie, music industries and the world of the comedians. All these areas need to be encouraged.
As a result, we decided to start with the movie industry visa- vis Nollywood. When the idea came, we formed a committee and decided to honour some very outstanding movie practitioners. Since then, we have discovered that there is so much to offer to the country even as an individual in government. One must not necessarily make all the money on earth before some helps are rendered. I have been able to honour different Nollywood stars in my hotel since the initiative started, at least, to begin to encourage the art; because I have a very strong passion for the art as well,” he said.
The hotel magnate intends to take the recognition to a higher level next year as plans are already on towards inviting international movie stars like Julia Roberts, Wesley Snipes, Samuel L. Jackson and all the major stars of Hollywood and Bollywood to also showcase them alongside Nigerian stars. He seems to be making plans for his retirement already as his first daughter is currently in his former university and department in England studying the same course. This, according to him is to keep the business running for a long time even after him.

I have neither friends nor enemies-9ice says

Abolore Akande, otherwise known as 9ice, needs no introduction. The Gongo Aso crooner in this interview with KAZEEM POPOOLA spoke about his career, life, new double album and other matters. Excerpts:
Why did you decide to release a double album? It is because I missed a year that I didn’t release an album. So we try to make up for that year and to meet up with the demand of my fans. I titled one Versus, because I did all the songs on that CD with various artistes. I did that in order to bridge the gap between pirated CD and the original mixed tape. Versus is more like a mixed tape but an album on its own because I went all out to do songs with the likes of P- Square, Wande Coal, M.I, Wiz Kid, Tiwa Savage among others. Basically, my fans had wanted me to have a collabo with them and instead of buying pirated CD, they will be opportune to get the original CD which I featured lot of other popular artistes.

Why did you skip a year without an album?
My last album, Tradition, took some time before it could be accepted, so we had to allow it reach its commercial success before dropping another one.
How many tracks do you have all together in the two albums?
I have 35 tracks.

Most music lovers are finding it difficult to brand your kind of music. How can one classify it?I would say my music is a fusion of words because it has elements of other brands of music in it. You can feel Fuji, Afro Beat, R’ n’ B, Hip- hop, Awurebe and a host of other genres of music.

Is there any possibility of your switching to other styles of music soon?
I cannot change my style for now because I have been able to gather a lot of fans who actually like my kind of music. Any plan to change the trend will cause catastrophe. I think I may have to maintain my style, though, I will keep blending with Afro beats, Fuji, Juju, Hip-hop and other types of music, so that it won’t be boring to people.
How did you come about the name 9ice?
The name was given to me while I was studying computer in my school days. I was in charge of the practical room where the students outnumbered the computer units available. So I would allow the students to come on Saturdays and Sundays to do their assignments. Whenever they came, they would offer me money but I would not collect, and they were always like “This guy is nice o”, as a result of that, they started calling me 9ice.

There are always pains behind fame, how have you been coping?
Irrespective of one’s status, there are always pains, and I think that is the price we have to pay for who we are. It’s for us to understand and appreciate life itself. Life can be beautiful and terrible as it is, that’s why we have the sky and earth; day and night.
You are very deep in the use of Yoruba proverbs in your lyrics. How do you come about those proverbs?
My step-mum taught me all the idioms and proverbs; she’s in her late 80s now. Her words always come in proverbs and many times, her sentence is never complete without proverbs. So those things stuck in me but I wasn’t making use of then until I decided to be creative and do something new. I then dug out the proverbs already inside of me, made use of them in my songs, and fortunately for me, people are in love with my style.
What’s the idea behind your new appellation, Bashorun Gaa?
I’m saying that I’m a warlord in the music industry, whether I’m good or terrible in the eyes of people, I will still be there because I’m the warlord! Without me, the industry would not go round because I have a stake and hold in it. That’s the idea behind Bashorun Gaa.
As a celebrity, how do you handle punches from the media?I think I’m one of the artistes, who people don’t really know very well. People say I’m a snub, terrible or bad boy. But I know when people get to know me; they will understand my kind of person. I’m the only artiste, who is the least affected by bad press because when you quest for fame then you should be prepared for the prices to be paid. Everybody has their own time to be thrashed in the media, 2face, D’Banj, among others have had their own taste of bad press, and if it’s my time to be thrashed, so be it. I am sure it’s the same people that will write good things about me tomorrow.
There was a rumour then that you went physical with a journalist. Why?
Not at all, even those who might have written or said something negative about me are always shocked whenever I greet them. The truth is that whether you like it or not, they are doing their job. How would you describe your kind of person? I’m calm, simple, principled and quiet.
What inspires your kind of music?My experience in life and environment.
Going by the way you sound, you must have seen the good and bad sides of life. Can you share one of your experiences in life?
There was a time that I sat for JAMB and scored 198 but couldn’t print it out immediately. Surprisingly, when I got back three weeks after to check, the score had reduced to 88. That caused a setback for me because I was very desperate to be admitted into the university. I had to resit the examination the following year.

What about the most precious moment in your life?
That was when I released Gongo Aso, although, Certificate, which was my debut album, was used to announce my arrival in the music scene. But when Gongo Aso became a hit that was when I could say I’m a musician because everybody loves it. That was one of the happiest moments in my life.

You must have stepped on toes and vice versa, who are your friends and foes?I neither have friends nor enemies; we are all business minded people. That is the way things are in the music industry, because you may need those who you call your enemy tomorrow. They are your partners whether in progress or in regression, they will be with you.

What do you want to be remembered for?I want to be remembered as an artiste who said “language can never be a barrier in music; you can use any language to cut across to different kinds of people and make an impact”.

It is said that your double CD sold two million copies the first week they were released, how far is that true?
The CD sold two million copies in the first two days of release and 8.5million in eight days. Now we are yet to get the exact figure from Tjoe, but just two months in the market, the album is doing just fine.

Are you now saying that Bashorun Gaa has beaten the record of Gongo Aso?When we released Gongo Aso, Afro Best, the marketer, didn’t tell us the exact number of CDs sold, but Gongo Aso is being played in Kenya, South Africa among other African counties. Now we can see how many copies have been sold and even for Tradition we could also monitor the sales but for Gongo Aso nobody gave us any data at all.
Had music been your childhood ambition?
Music has always been part of me but not what I wanted to do professionally. I actually wanted to be a lawyer and I’m still on it. I’m in school now. When I was at the Lagos State University (LASU) studying Law, I was wearing dread-locks kind of hair style and lecturers were always on my case telling me to cut the hair if I wanted to be a lawyer. I eventually cut the dread-locks but I was unable to pay my school fees, so I dropped out. That was the reason I left school.

Won’t your being back in school affect your music?No, I’m doing an online programme.
Is it just to have the certificate or you actually want to practise?
I will definitely practise; I may be doing entertainment law

Nigerian Showbiz personalities with the largest fan base on social networks

With technological advancement especially in telecommunications as occasioned by the internet, the world has actually become a global village. Nigerians nay showbiz personalities have keyed into the development. Hence the various social networks have become another arena for them to spread their wings and grow their fans farm.
Although, the fear of impostors has become the root of wisdom for many of these entertainers, hence the caution in which they approach and make use of the social networks like Twitter, facebook among others. This notwithstanding, the social networks can still be used to measure their popularity. While most showbiz enthusiasts may be thinking that the bigger the name on paper, the larger the fan base on social networks, our findings are quite shocking and proved otherwise.
 Due to the limitations of Facebook, we adopt Nigerian entertainers’ Twitter data in the range of a hundred thousand (100,000) fans and above and the following is arrived at: (Note: Since there is no restriction, number of fans on Twitter increase every minutes and here are the true figure as the time of going to the press).

Don Jazzy:
With 213,075 followers, the ace music producer born Michael Collins is the Nigerian showbiz personality with the largest fan base. Don Jazzy, as he’s fondly called, is very regular on Twitter, finds time to reply most of his fans and sometimes the president of the popular Mo’ Hits Records, shares recharge cards.
Wizkid:
That Pakurumo crooner, is fast growing in the music business, is like stating the obvious. While Ayo Balogun is now one of the most engaged rising music stars, it may interest you to know that Wizkid has over 192,042 people following him on Twitter. Wizkid is quite active on twitter.
D’banj:
The Koko Master has everything working for him at the moment. Apart from being one of the biggest music acts at home, D’banj is leaving no stone unturned to attain international recognition. Although, D’banj rarely twits, the acclaimed Entertainer has 166,287 fans on twitter.
Banky W.
Despite that it’s been a while since the Empire Mate Entertainment (EME) boss, dropped an album, Bankole Wellington is still maintaining the grip on his groove in the Nigerian entertainment scene. With the likes of Wizkid and Skales on his EME label, coupled with brands endorsement, Banky is a big boy. He’s very active on twitter and has over 159,787 ‘twifam’.
M.I:
The most incredible rapper born Jude Abaga, is one of the revered lyricists in the land. M.I as the pint-size rap music star is widely known not only to be doing well, his entertainment label, Chocolate City, which has Ice Prince, Brymo and Jesse Jagz, is also making waves in the Nigerian entertainment scene. Although, M.I is another inactive act on twitter, the number of his followers shows that he’s well accepted. M.I has 135, I92 fans on twitter.
Tuface:
Give it to him, Innocent Idibia a.k.a Tuface is Nigeria’s biggest export but losing the top spot for Don Jazzy left much to be desired. Tuface also rarely yarns on twitter but he has no fewer than 130,782 fans monitoring his moves on the popular social network.
Ice Prince:
The O le Ku crooner is one of the emerging music stars, who rocked the entertainment scene last year. ‘Everybody Loves Ice Prince’(E.L.I), his debut album, sold several millions of copies when it was released last year. With 111, 329, fans on twitter, it’s no doubt that Ice Prince is gaining the needed fame.
Genevieve Nnaji:
Genevieve is acclaimed to be Nigeria’s biggest screen siren at the moment. Although, there has been an alleged supremacy battle between her and Omotola Jalade, Genevieve floored all, as she emerges the Nigerian actress with the largest fan base. The ebony complexion screen siren is often on twit and she is pulling over 110,722 fans on twitter.
....to be continued.

2face loses heart to Annie Macaulay

2face has at last proposed to one of his three baby mamas. She is Annie Macaulay. It was done on last Valentine’s Day. This act on Tuesday February 14, 2012, sealed the union that has produced a child. Tuface was reported to have proposed to Annie at Club 10, Victoria Island, Lagos. That’s not the gist though.
While fans, friends and colleagues continue to congratulate the rising star actress for being 2face’s choice, the development has reportedly not gone down well with his other baby mamas, who have two children each for him. Busy mouths, however, find it easy to point out that Annie contributed to 2face’s phenomenal rise to fame, over the years, the celebrated singer has not hidden the fact that he’s so much into Annie, and the love birds have been caught kissing in public many time. This show of affection, lousy mouths claim, is lacking in 2face’s relationship with mothers of his other children. And this is the reason many have envisaged Annie as Tuface’s future wife. Apart from the memorable moments they have shared, 2face reportedly confided in a close buddy a long time ago, that Annie is understanding, supportive and the ideal woman for him. Anyway, our fingers are crossed in anticipation of what happens next.

Tobi comes to Naija

In the last one decade, the country’s movie industry has witnessed a rapid growth in the quality of movies churned out by Nigerians; both at home and in the Diaspora. And guaranteed to lead the pack of movies that will rock this year is Tobi, a Nigerian movie shot on the streets of New York.
Tobi which has been scheduled to premiere in Nigerian cinemas on April 13 is produced by Emmanuel Ijeh. Former Mr. Nigeria, Bryan Okwara, described the production of the movie, as a remarkable feat for the producer and the nation as a whole. Okwara who has also dabbled into movies noted that the country is gradually getting the big picture adding that there was still so much to do in the realm of production and quality. One fact that Okwara and many Nigeria’s would attest to is the wind of change that has hit the nation’s movie industry in recent times. Tobi explores the consequences of what happens when 21-year-old Tobi (Mark Williams) bows to the dark side of gang pressure. A seemingly morally upright young man gets caught in a web of violence, guns, bloodshed, drugs, parental expectations and conflicting voices in his head. Interestingly, the bond of brotherhood also stretches the thematic window of choices and sacrifice. The director, Bethels Agomuoh, further bridges the gap between the Nollywood and Hollywood by shooting a Nigerian picture in the United States with a healthy blend of American and Nigerian cast.

Morning Safari on Progress FM is two

Talking about some of the familiar voices rocking the airwaves in Ekiti State and its environs, Dele Omoyeni will definitely take a font position. Not only that the humble presenter has garnered followers over the time, Morning Safari, which he anchored every Wednesday morning on Radio Nigeria’s Progress FM, has become mid-week’s tonic for the listeners of one of Federal Government owned FM radio stations located in Ekiti State.
How time flies, AW W was reliably informed that Morning Safari has grown in fans base on social networks like Facebook and Twitter, is two! Apart from one-on-one chats with the celebrities which Morning Safari is known for, it has the Unleash the Old School Music segment, Teasers, which focuses on major happenings in the society, and the Inspirational Quote of the Week. As Morning Safari gears up for another eventful year, it has gotten the endorsement of the of Onyeka Owenu, Ali Baba, 9ice, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Bimbo Daramola Waje, Terry G, Tiwa Savage, Julius Agwu, Clarence Peters, Wizkid, with Dare Art Alade among many other showbiz and society big-wigs. Wande Coal and Speaker of the Ekiti State House of assembly have been pencilled down as some of the special guests to be on the show for the second year celebration.

Kenny Saint Brown in trouble over Whitney Houston’s death

Entertainment scene was thrown into sad mood last Sunday morning when the news broke out that world famous singer, Whitney Houston, died. And most Nigerian showbiz personalities took to the social networks to express their shock over the sudden demise of the wife of ace singer, Bobby Brown.
Interestingly, Nigerian popular inspiration singer, Kenny Saint Brown, was not so lucky with one of her twits. KSB, as she’s fondly called, got herself in trouble when she likened her troubled marriage with Edward Asiedu Brown, to that of late Witney Houston and Bobby Brown.
“Irreplaceable Whitney Houston, Soulful n graceful. She inspired me 2 tango wiv a hiphop r/b singer. She inspired me to become Mrs Brown. Hmmn, Whitney became Mrs Brown nd lost her FAME n FORTUNE as she had prophesied I became Mrs Brown nd I too lost my Fame nd Fortune but I got a TURNAROUND cos I conquered my demons. I practised the WORD instead of DRUGs,” KSB twitted. While KSB’s rare confession continues to generate buzzes in the entertainment scene, it has been more knocks than kudos for her. Apart from calling her unprintable names, many did not fail to remind her that there was more to her crashed marriage than what she confessed. Although, KSB is said to have apologized, her revelation has borne different meanings.

Bello Osagie comes to Chocolate City

That Chocolate City, the upwardly mobile entertainment firm that is home to music stars like Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, Brymo, MI among others, has gained ground in the Nigerian music scene, is stating the obvious. Apart from the fact that all the artistes on the Chocolate City Group (CCG), which comprises of Chocolate City Music, Chocolate City Media and Chocolate City Movies, have proved their dominance in the music game, the group has become a name to be reckoned with in the Nigerian music industry.
It has since 2005 continued to set standards in the entertainment industry around Africa, selling over 35 million albums till date and winning a slew of local and international awards including the global award for music business i.e. the International Young Music Entrepreneur of the Year (IYMEY) by the British Council in 2007 In its bid to strengthen its grip on the reign, CCG recently reconstituted its board naming renowned entrepreneur Mr Hakeem Bello Osagie as its chairman while Yahaya Maikori, Paul Okeugo and Audu Maikori become board members. Bello Osagie who until recently served as the Chairman of the board of directors of the United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), holds an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School, a Law degree from Cambridge University and an M.A. in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Oxford University.
For over three decades, he has been a key player in the Nigerian economy through his participation in several businesses in the private sector particularly in the energy, finance and telecommunications sectors. Currently he sits as Chairman of Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Ltd (‘EMTS’), a mobile telephone operator that operates in Nigeria under the ‘Etisalat’ brand as well the Abuja Investment Company. Speaking on the appointment of Hakeem Osagie, Chocolate City Group’s CEO, Audu Maikori said, “As Chocolate City enters this new phase of global expansion and rolls out next generation services for its artistes, clients and media partners we are very pleased to welcome Mr. Hakeem Bello Osagie an entrepreneur par excellence who shares our passion and vision of creating a world class entertainment brand. “He will bring to Chocolate City years of vast international experience, relationships and a uniquely successful track record in global business excellence plus invaluable guidance as we execute our objective of building the leading entertainment brand in Africa,” Maikori concluded.

Why Mariam Arewa quits CBS

Before she eventually called it quits with Continental Broadcasting Service (CBS), owners of TV and Radio Continental, Mariam Oluwakemi Arewa, was a darling of most followers of the Ikosi, Ketu, Lagos based electronic media. Her beauty and style of presentations also got her a couple of jobs with some advertising agencies.
However, until Marian resigned from CBS, she anchored entertainment programmes and news on TV and Radio Continental for three years, 2007 to 2010. Although; rumour is being peddled that there is more to her leaving than meets the eye, the pretty model cum presenter has decided to break the silence. She told AWL that she quitted TV and Radio in order to pursue her dream. “I thought it wise to take on a new challenge and for that to happen I had to leave CBS and establish Biz Connect, my own outfit which I formed with a group of friends,” she said. She further explained that the motive behind the initiative is primarily to help small and media scale business reach out to their target audience through adequate coverage and broadcast of the product. Mariam capped it that her resignation wasn’t due to frustration from the management of CBS but she had to follow her passion of owing a TV content. Mariam’s Biz Connect is due for LTV 8 and other TV stations soon

How ex-singer, Olumide ‘Justyles’ slumped and died!

It’s quite shocking when news filtered in that Olumide Fafunso, the ex-singer and member of the defunct musical group, Wavelength, is dead! Although, the easy going dude has been buried (Thursday February, 16, 2012) families, friends and colleagues still don’t believe that Olumide is gone!

Justyles, as he was fondly called, showed no sign of sickness on Monday morning of February 11, but unfortunately the father of two did not leave to see the next day. We reliably gathered that Olumide returned from Lagos State Polytechnic, where he was working as an Assistant Registrar, with one of his colleagues. They were even said to have chatted for sometime before he sent this friend of his on errand. Sadly, it was unconscious body of Olumide that his friend met on the floor when he returned shortly.

He was learnt to have been rushed to three different hospitals but he was rejected. Before they could get him to General Hospital, Olumide was already foaming in the mouth and he died few minutes to the midnight.

He was born Jan 1974, survived by his mother, brothers and two sons. He graduated from university of Ado Ekiti.  He joined forces with Culbeed Music Boss, Olukolade Ajayi a.k.a Ron k to form the defunct musical group, Wavelength. Before the group was disbanded, they had a hit song titled 'Yin Oluwa' that featured Azeezat and Zdon. The musical video of Wavelength’s ‘Yin Oluwa’ was nominated and won several many awards. May God give the family the fortitude to bear the lost?

MAY HE GENTLE SOUL REST IN PEACE    

Sarah Ofili Haunted by nude pics

The pretty fiancée of famous Nigerian rap act, Ikechukwu, is definitely a drop-dead gorgeous babe, who will make cover of newspapers and magazines. But SS can authoritatively reveal that the wave making model is not happy about the way two of her old pictures are being used by an online magazine.
According to the gist, Sarah is being reported by the online magazine to have gone topless for Kelechi Amadi Obi, one of the top photographers in Nigeria. Although, SS reliably gathered that the sexy beauty therapist did not deny the fact that she is the one in the picture, she is, however, said to have felt very bad when her telephone line was bombarded with calls to verify the authenticity of the picture. Sarah is said to have not regretted taking those shots but miffed that they were her old pictures being packaged like new. “What a morning already, my phones have been bugging about some pictures of me on blogs. Oh my Lord!!!!! It’s f**king old pictures of 07 stop with d f**king headlines “Sarah Ofili goes topless,” She tweeted.

Ope Banwo sues airline over Dagrin

All is not well between Mr Ope Banwo, the managing director and chief executive officer of Stingomania, and the management of a popular foreign airline. The Stingomania boss alleged that the full length of Ghetto Dreams, the movie produced to celebrate the life and times of late rap music act, Dagrin, was played on over 71 international routes of the airline.
Ope also claimed that the video content and soundtracks were played in the airline’s office which also uploaded a trailer and exhibited a poster of the movie on two of its websites. The Stingomania boss is learnt to have sued the airline operator to the sum of one billion naira over the infringement of the company’s rights over the movie. Mr Banwo sued for N1, 000, 000, 000 (One billion) as compensation, extra N5, 000, 000 (Five Million Naira) as the cost of prosecution while he also requested for the court to mandate the Defendants to publish apologies in three national newspapers, on the Defendants’ websites and in their in-flight magazine.
The court has granted the exparte order while the matter is adjourned to the 12th of March, 2012 SS also got the hint that Justice Adah of the Federal High Court sitting at the Ikeja Judicial Division, Alausa, Lagos, granted an exparte order restraining the Airline Operator whether by themselves, agents, privies, management, directors, pilots, flight crew and others from infringing or continuing to infringe the copyright in any audio, performance, soundtrack, cinematograph rights and audiovisual musical recordings of the plaintiff, Ope Banwo, as well as his literary rights particularly as contained in his work being the movie titled ‘Ghetto Dreamz’

Is it Biblical to ordain women pastors?



Star actress Ucharia Anunobi recently ordained as pastor

 Controversial Overseer of Elijah Faith Assembly, Prophet Chinonso Aniebo, ignited a ripple of opinions recently, when he described as unbiblical ordaining of females as Pastors. Consequent upon this, your favourite Sunday Mirror sought the opinion of other ministers and Christians alike on the issue. Their views are presented here by Tai Anyanwu
 Pastor Ugo (Household of Love Church, Lekki)

In the first place, when Jesus was talking to us, he said that we are the ones that make the distinction.
He was teaching about the woman that was caught in adultery and the disciples told him that Moses said if a woman is caught in adultery she should be dealt with. And Jesus said that Moses wrote that law for people of his generation because of the hardness of their hearts. Before God, we are all the same. When we stand before God, he doesn’t see us as distinct per se by gender. The Bible tells us of women ministers, we have them in the Bible. And when Paul began to talk about controversial issues that everybody seems to be standing on, that is regarding the Corinthian Church, it was a peculiar thing. It was peculiar because the Corinthian Church was a church located within a seaport town; and the women were the ones that ruled the men. It was as if they were usurping authorities. That is why he said no woman should speak in church. If you read that scripture in context, you would notice that he was actually talking about them having a covering; the covering he was talking about is the husband.
So, I believe women that are called by God should be ordained and allowed to function in church. Let’s go back through history, we had great women of God like Catherine Coalman that were greatly used by God. In fact, she had a very strong understanding with the Hoy Spirit. That woman’s ministry has touched lives that people are still functioning by the grace that God released upon her that she transferred unto generations. So, if such people should not be allowed to speak in church, I believe that we are limiting the move of the spirit of God; because God can choose to call who he will and empower them to function in the church. Those who argue against ordination of women ministers would tell you that the Bible says they shouldn’t speak in the church.
In fact, some say they should not even speak in public and that they should sit down and when they get home, if they have any question they should ask their husbands. But the question I also want to ask them, scripture talks about Simon that has seven daughters that prophesy. It is there in the Bible. Who gave them the gift of prophecy? If you read the book of 1Corinthians where the Bible talks about the gift of the Holy Spirit, God is the one that enables gifts. So, if they are gifted, does that mean that we should now limit them and not allow them to function in the church?
If you read the book of Ephesians, the Bible makes us to understand God’s gifts for the edification of the body, for the building up of the saints. That means that the gifts are put in the body of Christ to build the church to maturity.
Pastor Victor Mukwuzie (St Joseph’s Church, Lekki)

The issue of women and the gospel has always been a controversial one; even prior to the ordination problem. Some churches don’t ordain women pastors; some do depending on the leading they got. One thing about God is that we know in part we prophesy in part. So, if a church receives a revelation to ordain female ministers, I don’t have any problem with that. We have seen women of God that did us proud in the Bible. Even in our world today, we are seeing women of God, God has used mightily. So, if God leads any minister to ordain female ministers, why not? I don’t have any problem with that, as far as it is Godly ordained. I see the argument against female ministers as just a gender thing. It is just a gender superiority kind of take that women should be left to play their womanly role of being supporters, help mates and not to take the leadership position. I see it as just a gender kind of thing than even spiritual. They look at it more from societal perspective of the role of a woman than what God is saying.
When God poured his spirit he poured it on both male and female. He did not say because you are a man you will have higher grace than a woman. We have seen women manifest even greater grace than men. It is all about this gender talk and men’s superiority complex; and I see most men that are too critical about it as being scared of the challenge the women pose if they should be allowed to take their position. The portion in the Bible where men usually claim that women should not speak in church has been misinterpreted and wrongly applied. But my question is when God poured his spirit, did the Bible record anywhere that God poured more spirit on men than on women? On the day of Pentecost, they all spoke in tongues; they prophesied alike.
And if you look at Christianity itself, you discover that there are more women in the church than the men. And so, if women are more in the church why should we deny them the opportunity of speaking at the highest ground. It is just male chauvinism; they don’t go too spiritual; it is more of what the society expects.
Pastor Oloruntimilehin Daramola (JP) (Founder of Omnipotence Mission of God)
The Bible says that no woman should speak in the church. A woman can be a pastor but, I do not agree that a woman should mount the altar to speak in the church. We don’t agree that women should minister from the altar; because the Bible says so. When we say that, many women would condemn, tackle you and refer to Debora in the Bible. They have not understood that portion of the Bible well. Debora was chosen to lead not as a warrior. There is a difference between the President of a country and the Chief of the Army Staff. She was appointed as honorary leader; go to the Bible.
Evangelist Helen Dimaku (Grace and Glory Church)
Women should be ordained as pastors if they are called by God. But they must be authorised by male pastors according to God’s leading.
Stella Majomi (Redeemed Christian Church of God)

These days, women are coming out to do it. I think it is okay; so far as it is in line with the word of God, and they are not there to compete or see themselves as equal to men. If it is about the word of God I think it is okay. They should be encouraged. Maybe those people that are against women serving on the altar of God are still following the Old Testament that expects that women should be inside. That they majorly count men and see the women as minority but it is no longer like that again.

Sani Danja puts fans in Valentine’s mood

That Sani Danja, the gifted actor cum singer has not been grabbing headlines for his roles in movie of late, is not to say that the leading face of the Hausa genre of the Nigerian movie industry has not been working.
The Glo Ambassador for some time now has been cooking tone and tunes together for his much talked about album ‘New Guy In Town’. And as the Saint Valentine’s Day is just three days away, the musical video of Girl That I love, one of Danja‘s love songs in the album, has been released. Call him a trail blazer, you may not be wrong because, Sani Danja is the first African artiste to appear on The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and he has acted, produced and directed over 600 Hausa films which include Manakisa, Kwarya tabi Kwarya, Jaheed among other Kannywood box office hits. Sani steadily climbed the ladder of success armed with hard work, determination and sheer talent. The natural born entertainer and a very good dancer at the early age of 12, is blessed with a sonorous voice that never seizes to thrill his numerous fans.

Beat, Naija FM set for Ibadan

Gbemi

To realise its ambition of spreading its reach across the federation, Megalectrics Nigerian Limited, owners of Beat 99.9 FM, Classic 97.3 FM and Naija 102.7 FM, is set to storm Ibadan, Oyo State with Beat and Naija FM.
Although, detail of when the radio stations will actually take is still sketchy, it has been revealed that they would be located very close to the Government House in Agodi GRA. Beat and Naija FM are said to be currently shopping for the finest voices in the industry that will give the needed face to the stations in Ibadan. While the likes of Olisa Adibua, Tolu Oniru a.k.a Toolz, Gbemi Olateru- Olagbegi, Osam, OTB Godwin, Sam a.k.a Original9jaboi, Efe Dafe among others have over the time earned Beat and Naija FM listenership in Lagos and its environs, the task of getting the best hands for Ibadan has been Herculean. Beat FM which will be celebrating its third year anniversary very soon is quite popular among the elite while Naija FM, known for its indigenous style of broadcasting, celebrated its first year on airwaves last October

Tamara, others shine in Dormitor y 8

Tamara Eteimo, the winner of the 2011 Next Movie Star reality television show, has been cast as the lead character in Dormitory 8 (D8), a situation comedy series revolving around the day to day existence of eight undergraduates of fictional ECOWAS University. In the new season of the soap, the Theatre Arts graduate of the University of Port Harcourt plays the role of Ibinabo, a cunning, spiteful, egoistic, pretentious and avaricious student who relies on men for her needs.
Shot on locations in Ogun State, some of the finalists in the recently concluded 2011 Next Movie Star like Tomiwa Kukoyi, Aisha Alli-Balogun, Vivian Egbon, who incidentally were first, second and third runners up respectively; and a host of others feature prominently in the soap which will start airing in April. D8, which now in its fourth season, is directed by cinematographer and voice over specialist, Dotun Taylor.
Sola Fajobi, the executive producer, says, “Dormitory 8 is a family drama series; it’s funny and exciting and each episode touches on the lifestyle of students and still teaches didactic life lessons. It is an experiential showcase of the wits, twists and happenings around the campus while communicating how students live together in one common hostel despite coming from different backgrounds.”
Speaking on her role, Tamara said: “Acting a bitchy, thieving girl was really very tough because those were qualities I do not possess ordinarily. I grew up with very strict, religious parents. However, I had to shed my natural toga of a good girl to adorn the garb the producers wanted me to adorn. It was tough but I’m sure I gave it my best shot considering the accolades the director heaped on me.”

Sola Rogers confesses love for female soccer

Sola Rogers is one of the very few sports presenters with Continental Broadcasting Services (CBS) owners of Radio and TV Continental. The undying love of the bubbly presenter could be traced back to his teen days, and his passion for broadcasting world was further intensified by his meeting with Channels TV’s Joke Rogers, his best friend turned wife.
Sola, the anchor of Fan Zone, the football oriented programme, has truly set the pace through his in-depth reportage on domestic and foreign soccer leagues. The ever happy football enthusiast also traced his journey to the air-waves, back to when he was at Eko FM with late DJ Mikebluemoon alongside Bola Brown and Obiwan, between 2002- 2005. While revealing his vision of setting up a music label and entertainment outfit, S.R as fondly called by friends and colleagues, mentioned his p a s - sion for female soccer. Sola further stated his plans with other sport reporters to restructure the arm of soccer in the country that has suffered series of setbacks, through developmental programmes meant to discover and harness talented female footballers.