Tuesday 31 December 2013

Nollywood: 2013 in retrospect



2013 is an eventful year in the Nigerian movie scene popularly known as Nollywood. As usual, there was 
always something going on in the industry but those that got our attention are the scandals which were plentiful this year. Sadly as well, we lost some great actors and on the flip side, the industry also welcomed a lot of new faces as well. There were fights, make-ups, marriages, break-ups, awards, fall from glory and much more.
Asides these, the industry as a whole had a lot of breakthroughs in many ways. We had more films in festivals around the world. The government have started redeeming it’s pledge to the industry by allowing movie practitioners to have access to grants. The quality of our movies is improving with better equipment being used and well trained crew manning them.
Also this year, Nigeria actress, Omotola was named one of the world’s 100 most influential people in the world. She is the first Nigerian and first African actor to be rated so high. This has increased her profile around the world and it even landed her a Hollywood role, though a little role.
(more after the cut)

Daddy Showkey makes new moves

You thought the musician has faded off, well, Daddy Showkey is still up and running 
According to the C E O of 3sixty Degree, Bemigho Eyeoyibo, Daddy Showkey is coming live to perform at the  event tags 'New Year Dance'.
(more after the cut)

9ice ex-manager, Dehinde floats M4 Synergy management company

Upwardly mobile dude, Oladeinde Fajana has floated his artiste management company tagged M4 Synergy Limited.
The all round Entertainment company has two major arms that include an artiste management arm and event management arm.
Currently, the company which is run under the auspices of the experienced artistes manager, has in its kitty, popular rapper, Seriki, recording artist, Setty J and fast rising female act, Sukanmi.
Oladeinde is widely known for his impact and wealth of experience put to use while he managed top Nigerian music acts like Lord of Ajasa and Alapomeji star, 9ice.

Friday 27 December 2013

Gists and pics from THE HEADIES

The 8th edition of The Headies Awards, tagged “Save The Best For Last” closed this year’s activities with the best awards show in 2013. The annual event, which celebrates urbane music and hip-hop culture in Africa held yesterday, Thursday, December 26, 2013 at the Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos was hosted by sensational singer, Tiwa Savage and afro-pop artiste, Dr Sid. This year’s nominations proved to have the tightest competition so far with a selection of the hottest artistes in the Nigerian music scene battling for “The Headie”.
(more after the cut)

Wednesday 25 December 2013


Monalisa dragged to court

monalisa and lanre nzeribe
Nollywood actress, Monalisa Chinda and her lover, Lanre Nzeribe have been sued by Kevin Keshi, the former editor of Monalisa magazine.
Kevin is suing the lovers, their company and two police officers over the actress’ outburst in City People Magazine few weeks back.
This is from a release from Kevin's solicitors: “Compliments of the season. We are solicitors to Mr. Kelvin Keshi and write on his behalf. In view of the unbalanced report of City People Magazine not verifying information before publishing, in disregard of  some of the sacrosanct  principles of journalism of balance, fairness and objectivity, we hereby state our client’s case.
On Friday, our office, Megafield Solicitors filed an action against Monalisa Chinda, Lanre Nzeribe, his company, Lantana International Ltd., the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State and two police officers, whom Monalisa and Lanre have been using.”

AMAA names Lydia Forson ambassador


Ghanaian A-List Actress and one time African Movie Academy Awards winner of the Best Actress in a Leading Role, Lydia Forson  has been unveiled  in Lagos as the 10th anniversary brand Ambassador.
The unveiling event which took place at the African Sun, Amber Residence Hotel, GRA, Ikeja was a huge media event that had tens of journalists covering print, broadcast and online news media organisations.
An extremely elated Lydia who spoke from the heart said her relationship with AMAA started about 7years ago when she first attended the award in Nigeria out of curiosity when she was first nominated for the awards.
(more after the cut)

Tuesday 24 December 2013

D’Banj, Toolz, others join BRF on CAL show


The annual Change A Life (CAL) show is just a few days away, and regular viewers  have been wondering who will be joining anchor, Funmi Iyanda as she hosts the governor of Lagos State Babatunde Raji Fashola. If you are familiar with the show which holds every 1st of January you will know it involves discussions on topical issues and celebrities usually join in. It will not be different this time around, instead, it will be bigger. There will be D’Banj, radio presenters Matse and Toolz, Susan Eyo Honesty and others. Last year there was Davido, Ebuka, and Linda Ikeji.
(more after the cut)

Sunday 22 December 2013

Is D'banj broke? why he cancelled Koko concert

D’banj, the entertainer cum businessman who hosts the annual Koko Koncert has stated that there will be no concert this year. From close sources, the musician could not raise enough funds to host the show. he is said to have lost a lot of money from last year's Koko concert and did not want to lose more this year. His agents have been visiting various corporate organisations for sponsorship but were turned away. 
Last year, he spent over N150m to bring in Ameriacan star,  Big Sean, Tinie Tempah, Idris Elba and Pusha T. He also spent more bringing in  2Chainz in the June 2013 Edition. D'Banj has quickly debunked the 'broke' issue. On Twitter her had said that the show was cancelled because of the Mandela show organised by Ebony Life. 

Why i slept in a gatemans's shed - Sean Tizzle

DSC09102
Sean Tizzle is the golden kid of 2013, his ‘Sho Le’ tune released in 2013became a massive tune from Nigeria all the way to the UK, he has since then released 5 more songs to similar success and acceptance. From Sango to Imo to London to Malaysia, it has been a busy year for Sean and his team (Difference Ent).
Decked in white Versace print shirt and a Difference Ent hat, Hiphopworld Online sat with him and he talked about the trying times, going to church, heartbreak, success, his album and more.
Starting music
I used to be in a band, 2B1; 2 brothers and a friend I used to be a rapper but I switched to singing when I found my voice. Got my first deal in 2009 then moved to working with Dtunes and we are here
(more after the cut)

Friday 20 December 2013

Omotola raises funds for homeless


Top actress Omotola Jolade-Ekeinde is known both for her acting prowess and her charity works. At the moment, the mother of four children is campaigning to raise funds for Zion Motherless and Widows Home. In a statement, she calls on all generous Nigerians to contribute financially to help the downtrodden people living in this home.
"I'm trying to raise funds for them. It’s called Zion Motherless and Widows Home. I'm hoping someone will inspire me and start this ball rolling. Waiting for the first donation that will match mine. Give and let give,’’ she said, promising to announce what transpires after wards.
In her last campaign, the actress changed the lives of 20 widows in Nigeria through her foundation.


The truth about Saidi, Fathia’s feud

It is no longer news that the simmering feud between ex-spouses and colleagues Fathia and Saidi Balogun is back on the boil. The truth however is that the stories being circulated contains mostly half-truths and has nothing to do with what is really going on between the two. The story is that the two actors are in court over the right to the name ‘Balogun’. As you know, Fathia after seven years of divorce continues to use Saidi’s Balogun’s surname. But indications from both of them show  the issue is not quite what it is touted to be.
What probably escalated the matter is the press release earlier sent out by Fathia which reads, “Our attention has been drawn to media reports where Saidi Balogun claims that he knows nothing about the media reports that he is in court with our client Fathia Balogun. We will like to put the records straight.”
(more after the cut)

Why Ladies send me nude photos – Alex Okubo


Alex Ekugbo is a young actor who is steadily becoming the most popular face in movies these days. last year, he was named the most promising actor. By this year he is featuring in both movies and television dramas. Asides his talents, what also works for Alex is his good looks and a body the ladies will die for. I caught up with him recently and he talks about how he made it thus far and his views about women who fall head over heels for him.
(read on after the cut)

MISS DOMINICAN REPUBLIC wins EXQUISITE FACE OF THE UNIVERSE in Lagos

The Exquisite Face Of The Universe 2013 world finale, which took place yesterday, Thursday December 19, 2013 had over 30 beauty queens from different countries around the world converge in Lagos for the Exquisite Face Of The Universe crown.

Miss Dominican Republic, Rosa Emilia Jayvier beat thirty one other beauty queens to the Exquisite Face Of The Universe 2013 crown after a thorough selection process based on beauty, body, confidence and mannerism. The panel of judges included Wife of MD/CEO Nigerian Breweries Plc., Clementine Vervelde, Founder & CEO of Positive Runway, Justina Mulale, Tony White, Sola “Mr Mahogany” Oyebade, Executive Director, Unicorn Foundation Ghana, Kris Lutterodt Azu and Group Managing Director, Stallion Group Automobile, Nigeria.

 (more after the cut)

Klever Jay out with 'Peperenpe'

AFRO pop act, Klever Jay, has released a new song, Peperenpe.
The fast rising singer, who recently signed a multi-million-naira deal with Black Wall Street/ Avatar, the record label based in Abuja, released the single on December 16th, 2013.
“Peperenpe is a party song that would lure my fans into the dancing floor. It is a song that I have been brainstorming since. It is a love song. I know it would go a long way. I have lots of respect for my fans that listen to my song often. My new management is trying to make sure I am at the forefront of every event currently. That is what gave birth to Peperenpe. My fans would enjoy it”, Klever Jay said.
Before Peperenpe, the KoniKoni Love singer had dropped Omoaye earlier in June. The video was also released in August this year.
For the short period the song hits radio air waves, it has been the toast of every radio D js and club houses in Lagos.

Wednesday 11 December 2013

Why alternate energy might not work in Nigeria



by Hazeez Balogun

The search for renewable energy is becoming a global quest. All over the world, the cost of energy is constantly on the rise. In the US for example a gallon on petrol has risen from $1.77 five years ago to $3.30 right now. Another reason for the ‘alternative’ search is the realisation that Carbon emissions is the major cause of global warming, and it’s effects are being witnessed across the globe. 
Hence, people, organizations and nations continue to look for ways to cost effectively develop or implement alternative energy solutions that would work side by side the regular or existing sources of energy and in some cases become complete replacements where energy is generated, stored and utilized independent of the typical grid.

(more after the cut)

Why super star actors are scarce in movies




Nollywood, despite it’s many faults, is a growing industry. It is indeed the world leader when it comes to the number of films been churned out on a daily basis. Go to Idumota on any given Monday morning and you will be shocked to hear the number of new releases in the market on just that day.
What makes the industry tick is the actors who act in these movies. In the brief life of the industry (20 as some see it), many super stars have been made while many other have disappeared from the scene. Nigerian actors now live the life of their counterparts in Hollywood. They are ‘worshiped’ by their fans. They are treated like royalty wherever they go. They get the best seats at any event, they don’t queue up in banks or airports. The more popular you are the more invincible you get.
(more after the cut)

Tuesday 10 December 2013

David Ademinokan sends damning mail, later denies it


 On Tuesday, ex husband of actress Doris Simeon sent a mail to Box office which was also copied to many other media houses. In the mail he accused Doris of using her media ‘Sugar daddies’ to haunt him. He also denied claims by Doris that he did not allow her to see their son David.
Excerpts from the mail goes, “After all the lies she told in court am I still supposed to just be granting her every single request and need? She lied that she has not seen David and I since 2011. This is the same girl that came to Abuja twice to see David and I. The same girl that I flew to Lagos to see personally and privately to discuss David’s custody. This was in January. We also met in London in March when I went to shoot a music video. I have pictures to prove it. I even gave her money to shop as well. It was in London she told me about her new affair with Wale. I didn’t crucify her…
… I've refused to speak to her since because she cannot be killing me on both sides. If she wants to talk and dialogue, she should get outta court and stop messing me up in the press with her media sugar daddies. If she wants to stay in court, I don’t have a problem with that. She should leave me alone and do according to the court rulings. That means she should leave me alone till July.”
(more after the cut)

I wont battle Jimmy Jatts for $1m- Humility

Rhythm 93.7 FM’S DJ Humility says he’s not fit to engage respected jockey DJ Jimmy JATT in a supremacy battle.
Humility, a wildly-popular jockey and entertainer is performing with the legendary DJ Jimmy JATT at the Lagos edition of Club Ultimate this weekend.
The media is already awash with news of a pending battle between both performers. But the duo plays it down, during a session at the BHM office early this week.
‘It will be disrespectful for me to say I’m battling Jimmy JATT. That’s not possible. We’re just going to have fun and make the fans happy’, Humility said.
Jimmy, who remains one of the most revered DJs in Africa, in a career that has spanned over three decades, says he’s also not planning to engage Humility in a battle. ‘I wont be battling anyone, even if there’s $1m on the table. I’m just getting ready for the gig of the year, and I want my friends to come out and party with me, Humility, DJ Caise, Neptune and many others.’
The DJs will join other star performers for the Lagos edition of Gulder #ClubUltimate holding this weekend at Oceanview in Lagos.

EFCC Chairman, DUFIL MD speak at BJAN conference


The Executive Chairman of Economic And Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC , Ibrahim Lamorde has indicated his interest to speak at the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria, BJAN, conference with theme: Repositioning Centenary Brand to Align with Modern Ideals scheduled to hold in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital.
The conference which holds between 12th to 13th December, 2013, will have the EFCC chairman speak on the topic Cyber Crime and Management of Nigeria Image alongside other speaks from the financial and manufacturing sectors.
The conference which is first in its series will have the following papers delivered: Technology and the future of Nation Building and Business Development by Victor Edoja, Head, Corporate Communications of Zenith Bank Plc, Growing the Economy Through Excellent Financial Services Management by Nduneche Ezurike, Head Corporate Communications of Mainstreet Bank.
Others topics Include: Retaining Youth in an Old Brand by Folake Alli-Mumuney, Head, Marketing Communications of First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Branding National Diet, Building a Bonded Nation by Tope Ashiwaju, Public Relations Manager of Dufil Prima Foods Limited and Repositioning Nigerian image through effective Implementation of local content and manufacturing by Anthony Chiejina, Head, Corporate communications of Dangote Group.
(more after the cut)

The Glitz at the BON Awards (with pics)


After two postponements, the anticipated Best of Nollywood Awards took place in Asaba on the fifth of this month. With all the wait, much was expected from the awards and at the end of the day, the organisers came out with a successful outing. The event held at the Dome event centre. The first thing that will catch your eye is the very long red carpet that led to the venue. Organisers had promised that they will attempt to break the world record for having the longest red carpet at any event.
Greeting guests to the event is a traditional troupe which continuously sang traditional tunes till the event proper started about 9:30pm. The Master of ceremony was Gbenga Adeyinka The First who also doubled as a comedian as he cracked joke after joke, loosening tension of nominees who are yet to know if they will win or not.
Opening the event officially is the Commissioner for culture and tourism in the State, Richard Mofe-Damijo. In his speech, he regarded Delta State as the home of Nollywood. He said this while sighting the recent influx of movie makers to the state and the large number of movies churned out from the state week after week. Representing the Governor was the deputy governor, Professor Amos Agbe Utuama (SAN). In his own speech, he thanked best of Nollywood for bringing the awards to Delta State saying that Nollywood is steadily becoming a major revenue earner for the country and has the potential to overtake oil. 
There were other performances by comedians and musicians as well. Capital F.E.M.I was on stage with his hit blues songs also were Comedians include; I go Dye, Don, Igos, and I go save. There was a special appearance by the Afro juju creator, Sir Shina Peters.
(more after the cut)

Saturday 7 December 2013

BWE says Davido is stealing their songs and artiste

Davido and Joshbeat

Record label, BWE say that Davido and his HKN label have been stealing their song recorded by their producer Joshbeatz. and are even trying to steal the producer from them. Below is a release by the label.

"Our attention has been drawn to the false and  persistent claim by members of HKN Music that young music producer - Joshua Boafo  a.k.a JOSHBeatz, is signed to HKN. 

(more after cut)

Wednesday 4 December 2013

Kendrick Lamar heads for Nigeria


American rappers, Wale and Kendrick Lamar have been billed to make appearance and performances at the maiden edition of Rap, Rhythm and Rhymes.
With the debut set for Lagos, Nigeria on December 27, 2013,the Maybach Music Group star and Top Dawg Entertainment would be serenading several Nigerians with their popular tunes alongside top rated Nigerian musicians at the Eko Convention Center on Victoria Island, Lagos.
(more after the cut)

Multichoice take subscribers to Brazil



Multichoice, On Monday announced that it will be rewarding viewers this yuletide season. The promo, they say will run from now to April 2014 and it will see 60 lucky subscribers selected through a supervised draw to win tickets to Brazil where they will not only visit some iconic cities but will also have the rare opportunity to visit the Telemundo studios and interact with their favourite TV personalities.
Speaking at the launch of the promo, Martin Mabutho, General Manager, Marketing and Sales said that though the promo is for the festive season, it will be extended far beyond the yuletide season in celebration of MultiChoice Nigeria’s 20th year of uninterrupted quality entertainment.
“In our 20 years of innovation we feel the need to reward our subscribers throughout the festive season and beyond and this is why the promo will run from November to April. The promo is open to all current subscribers and potential DStv subscribers on the premium bouquet.”
Explaining Brazil as a choice destination for the promo, Mabutho said that there is presently a lot of focus on Brazil as it is the destination everyone will be talking about come 2014 for all the good reasons.


Knocks for Sanyeri’s after wedding


On Sunday, Yoruba actress, Mukaila Olaniyi Afonja got married to his heartthrob. The event was more like a formalisation since the couple have been living together for almost eight years now and even has two children to show for it.
The wedding took place at the Anchor event center in Ikeja. In attendance were Nollywood actors, Dignitaries, family and Friends of the couple. The event was a rowdy event was a big disappointment as there was no coordination. There were not enough seats for guests and there was no clear procession.
A fellow actor said that the wedding must just be a ploy by the actor to raise quick money. He pointed to the  Ankara actors were asked to pay N20,000 for. The Akara which was supplied to the actors were of low quality. “I could buy the Ankara for N2500 by my self,” the actor said.

To also confirm that the marriage was a money raiser for the actor, Box office can confirm that the actor had a deal with a marketer called EXEL for N1m to sell video of wedding. This is not uncommon for celebrities though.