Boko Haram: Swell Christmas for forgotten victim as Prophetess Nonnie, others intervene

It was a swell Christmas for one of the victims of the Nyanya bomb blast when Women in Clergy, under the leadership of Prophetess Nonnie Robertson gave her reason to smile without her only child whom she lost in the bomb blast.

Recall that Madam Grace Omokoro Joe, was sometime in May, 2014 empowered by the same religious body where she was given several gift items including cash.

The woman who is also a widow told reporters that her only Son, Joel Olukayode, a graduate of Federal University of Technology was everything to her and that death wickedly snatched her away on the fateful day.  She said Joel was to resume his first temporary job in Abuja town the said day the incident happened.

She said " on the fateful morning, we had our morning devotion and I asked my Son to take at least a cup of tea, but he said he was okay, and I gave him my blessing. After 10-15 minutes that he left, the blast went off. I went outside to check if he was still there, but I didn't see him, so I quickly ran to the park, and on getting there, I saw my Son on the ground, dead. That was the last thing I could remember. He was my only child"

However, as part of their Christmas sacrifice to the nation and those who are continuously at the losing end of the Boko Haram war, Prophetess Nonnie and few other members of the Women in Clergy empowered the bereaved woman with different gift items, including bags of rice and some undisclosed amount of money.

(more after the cut)

Fashola to appear for the last time on CAL

The annual January 1st Change-A-Life TV special is coming up once again. This edition is the valedictory show for His Excellency, Barr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), the Lagos State Governor, in appreciation for his consistent support for Change-a-life over for the past 8 years. The show will be hosted by Funmi Iyanda, Founder of Change-A-Life, with Mr Dele Momodu, the Publisher of Ovation International as the co-host.

This year, the foundation will also recognize and acknowledge worthy organizations and individuals for their contributions towards making a change in the society in various areas of focus for the show.  Prominent and Life changing issues that occupied us in Nigeria during 2014 will be discussed by various stakeholders and organizations. In addition, the Foundation will launch its social community – The CAL Community - to provide a platform for sharing ideas about changing lives in the society. The CAL Community is part of a new direction for the Foundation going forward in the New Year. 

(more after the cut)

AMVCA full list of nominees

The organizers of the prestigious Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) announced the nominees for the 2015 awards on Wednesday the 10th of December 2014 in a special live show hosted by popular on air duo, Nick Mutuma of Mashariki Mix and Sika Osei of 53 Extra.
The awards proper is scheduled to hold in Lagos, Nigeria on the 7th of March, 2015.
Public voting is now open till the 28th of February 2015, go to the websitehttp://amvca2015-awards.dstv.com and vote for your favorite actors or movies.

Here is the Complete Nominees List:

Best Movie 2014

• Invasion 1897 - Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen
• Yellow Cassava - Zeb Ejiro
• October 1 - Kunle Afolanya
• A Place in the Stars - Steve Gukas
• Iyore - Frank Rajah Arase
• (more after the cut)

Audu Maikori blasts Arik

Arik air has always been criticised for their poor service. You'll remember some months ago when Banky w and other passengers staged a protest on their New York flight.
This time around Audu Maikori if Chocolate City is having non of it. He has started a #dont fly Arik Campaing. these are some of his tweets.
#DontFlyArik they don't use a schedule, they are simply led by the spirit...

#DontFlyArik they don't understand customer service. Loyalty programs or value for money.

#DontFlyArik until they understand that loyalty is earned not simply paid for..

2face speaks up for Chibok girls

2face Idibia is not happy at the way our politicians are treating the Chibok girls issue. He laments their preference for campaigns tan actually doing something about releasing the girls.
His tweet.

'Is it that they didn't kidnap any girls or what. No word on that level anymore only campaign things. Unbelievable #BringBackOurGirls'

Its time for me to go and marry - Denrele

Despite everything you have heard about him TV presenter Denrele Edun is all man. In fact the heavily decorated bloke is thinking of tying the knots soon. See his Tweeter post.

'How many weddings will I continue to attend this year sef?
Headin out to 3 weddings today!
I get d message already, Time for me to go marry!'

We should be expecting a bi news soon.

How Chaz B died

BREAKING: Popular Rhythm FM OAP Chaz B Is Dead

Popular OAP Charles Bruce Chukuma, also known as Chaz B is dead.
The shocking news which was made known by  DJ humility on twitter, has also been confirmed on STV.
The beloved OAP rose to fame with his radio interactive show on Inspiration FM. His show allowed his listeners to call in to discuss and share touching life issues. He however moved to Rythm in April this year where he continued to touch lives through his show.
His sudden death has left  many of his fans in shock as he was said to have still been on radio yesterday. It was business as usual until when at a point during the show he excused himself, saying that he wasn't strong enough to continue the show, and told Chike his colleague to takeover. He signed out by saying:"see you on Monday".
Sadly, this afternoon, Silverbird television broke the news of his death.

Stars line up for Lasgidi allstars

MTV Base Ehiz, Cool FM OAP Shine To Host Lasgidi All-Stars 2014

...Wande Coal, Olamide, Cynthia Morgan, Rayce Join Line-up 

MTV Base VJ Ehiz and Cool FM OAP Shine  will both anchor proceedings at the forthcoming Lasgidi All-Stars concert billed to be stage on the 28th of November, at the Vantage Beach Resort, Lekki in Lagos.

The talented duo now joins an impressive line-up of artistes which boasts of established performers like Wande Coal, Cynthia Morgan, Rayce, Samklef, Erigga, K Switch, JJC, Fricker, PFWA 4 Winner, Monica Oga, iMike, Flex, Mr 2kay and Solidstar who are all gearing up to thrill music fans on the night of the event.

Last week, Wizkid, Olamide, Oritsefemi, Orezi and Kora Award winner, Chidinma were confirmed as headliners for the concert considered to be one of the biggest nights on the Nigerian music scene.

According to Ahmed Boulor, spokesperson for the concert; "fans and lovers of great music are in for an exciting time-out come 28th November. With Ehiz and Shine now confirmed as hosts of the event, it is surely going to be a memorable night-out considering the line-up of artistes set to engage the multitude of fans who will troop out to enjoy music of Nigerian origin." 

The executive producer of the concert, Akpor Donell Gbemre, says "More established artistes will be confirmed as performers in the coming days and that the stage, lights and sound equipments to be used for the concert will dazzle the audience of the show"

The company behind the show, 411 Entertainment is the organiser of the sold out Green White Green Carnival in 2009, which held at Oniru Beach, Lagos and been hosting its annual Allstars Concert Franchise since 2007. 

For more information and updates visit the facebook address dedicated to the concert on: fb.com/lasgidiallstars

Label owners meet

Official Spinlet top 10

Top 10 Singles
1
Golden Girl
Blackmagic
2
That Could Be Us
Ice Prince
3
My Darling
Tiwa Savage
4
Shout Out (Remix)
Banky W ft Tiwa Savage
5
Culture
Oritsefemi
6
Story
9ice
7
Money
Solid Star
8
Nfana Ibagha HDV
2face
9
Mr Fantastic
De Adshas
10
Badman
Durella

At Tim Westwoods reception in Lagos

Club Quilox, Victoria Island hosted numerous Nigerian celebrities who came to party with World Famous UK DJ, Tim Westwood

Celebs guests present at the club include; Alex Okosi, Sound Sultan, Tunde and Segun Demuren, D’Prince, Moet Abebe, DJ Humility, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, DJ Lamborghini, Baba Dee, Ice Nweke, Wale Ojo, DJ Xclusive, Dotun, Stephanie Coker, Tunde Ednut, Ajebutter and others.

 

The event, which is the last in the series of the Heineken Green Light parties this year, started with Akon’s official DJ, Benny D at Club Escape on the 4^th of October and also hosted Chris Brown’s official DJ, Babey Drew on the 24^th of October at Spice Route.

Why I left inspiration - Gloria Maduka

Gloria Maduka moves to bigger things

If you are a regular listener to On-Air personality and singer-songwriter Gloria Maduka, you may have noticed that she no longer fills her spot as On-Air Personality at the station. There have been talks about some bad blood between her and the station which led to her leaving the station; but as it seems, the multi-talented American-raised star has only moved on to bigger things. She claims there is no such thing as bad blood between her and Inspiration FM. She explains, "I will always be thankful to Inspiration FM for giving me a platform to showcase my talents. I worked really hard when I was with them and added as much value to the station as was possible within my capacity. It was a great training ground for me as they strive for excellent presentations." 

As we speak, she has moved on to the Cool family where she will be handling various programmes on almost all their platforms. She is already being featured on Morning Crossfire on 99.3 Nigeria Info between 5 and 10 am. She is also a co-anchor on The Blog and The Night Show on StarTimes Channel 196 from 3-4 pm and 9-10 pm respectively. She will also be featured on other programmes. She explains, "There are some other things in the pipelines, but I am not a fan of revealing anything until I am 100% certain. I appreciate my new environment tremendously. I had an encounter with Amin Moussali, my Managing Director, long before I got hired at Inspiration FM. So I was offered the job even before going to Inspiration FM. I was also once offered the position of Lead Presenter at another fairly new TV station but at the time, I did not want to abruptly leave Inspiration FM because I was fairly new. I know this sounds naive, but I can be that loyal; so I missed the opportunity. I remembered being really sad, but I knew God may have had other plans for me. I then got to a point where I was yearning for more. I am never comfortable with complacency and stagnation, so I began to feel burned out and was losing motivation. I was humbled by the applause from my bosses at Inspiration FM and from the listeners, but I knew I was ready to grow and explore more depth. I made sure I did my best until the very last day, however, because I believe you must always do your best wherever you find yourself even if you are no longer content."

Of her reason for leaving so abruptly, she adds, “I want to apologise to my listeners for not informing them before leaving Inspiration FM. I had asked for the chance to do so, but the chance never came. My resignation was quite sudden and it all happened so quickly. The last day I walked out of Inspiration FM was the same day I was already shooting promos for my TV shows at Cool TV. There is a lot expected from me here. It is safe to say I am now working and I love that. Growth comes from dedication and diligence.” 

When asked about her relationship with Inspiration FM, she said that there is no bad blood between her and the station. “They took me in when I got back from the US and I am sure I have represented them well. This move is for my (fans) because it affords me a wider platform to reach more people. I am still in touch with several people at Inspiration FM and I wish them the best.”

Prior to her exit, Gloria was nominated at the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards in two categories: Sexiest On-Air Personality and Outstanding Radio Program Presenter. She thanks God and her listeners for the nominations.

30 days in Atlanta review

hype that followed the release of the movie, 30 Days in Atlanta, can get a non-movie lover to go and see the film. Even before the release, it was put in for awards and it indeed won won four awards at the just concluded Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards (GIAMA) in Houston, Texas, USA. It had won Best Comedy at the Best of Nollywood awards a week earlier.

The film started in a crowded room where Majid Michael, an MC of an event, announced that Akpos (Ayo Makun, AY), the star of the movie had just won a trip to the United States. He was to bring along someone and he decided to go with his childhood friend and flatmate (Richard) played by Ramsey Nouah. They were to spend 30 days all-expense paid vacation in the United States. The movie moved on to their preparations for the trip. In other to speak with their loved ones while in America, they sent a laptop equipped with Skype to the village, a decision that would complicate matters in the future.

Their arrival scenes are unbelievably well done. The shots were clean and they had access to a large part of the airport. That is the first time a Nigerian movie has such an access in an American airport. From their arrival, they were given a house to live in and they later went to hire a car. All the shots were well taken and it will give viewers a rich viewing experience.

However, their arrival in the United States was followed by skits that were more of cliché. They were stereotypical stories of an illiterate arriving in a foreign land hence misbehaving; like when Akpos met a woman with a stubborn crying child, he stepped forward and warned the child that he would beat her if she was in Nigeria, or going to a bar and ordering for ogogoro, or meeting a friend who was doing an odd job in America but was believed at home to be in oil and gas business. It all looks like Osuofia in London is remade. But it is far better than Kingsley Ogoro’s effort. The skits are hilarious.

After the skits, a proper story starts to emerge. It turns out that the movie is a tale of love and disappointments. While Ramsey Nouah fell in love with a beautiful half Nigerian lady, AY was drawn to an older woman played by award winning American actress, Lynn Whitfield. Series of events led to AY being jailed for brandishing a broken bottle and both of them lost their women for other reasons. Love, however, found a way at the end.

The movie is probably the best Nigerian film made abroad. They spared no expense in props and location. They used a proper jailhouse, a proper courthouse, and a lot of other locations that would cost a lot of money and series of permissions to get.

The casting was on point as well. However, it would take some time to understand the synergy between the two major actors. AY was the funny one while Nouah was the serious one. You would ask yourself; how can two opposite characters be friends in the first place? But it worked. It also had top-notch actors on parade. Rachael Oniga, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Desmond Elliot, and award winning American actress, Vivica Fox.

The diva said about 30 Days in Atlanta: “It was fun for me to play a character that is kind of bossy. And the comedy was just fun. I think Lydia has put a spell on Wilson AY played by Akpos. He is hilarious. He makes me laugh. He’s got excellent comedic timing and I definitely hope that America gets to see the film because he’s got a bright future in front of him. I’ll love to work with him again.”

Technically, the film was well done though there were some glitches here and there. For example, the audio was not good in the scenes where they went to visit their uncle, Wilson, who has a domineering wife. However, the rest of the movie was hitch-free. All the magic was put together by Director, Robert Peters.

On the whole, it is clear that a lot of money went into the production, and AY, the producer might not recover all he has spent, but he has sent a strong message with this effort that a good quality comedy film can be made.

There is consolation for him though; he kissed Lynn Whitfield in the movie. It won’t be a surprise to see this film win at major awards like AMAA and AMVCA. This is another major milestone for AY.

Femi Kuti joins Chocolate City

Femi Kuti just signed on with Choc city, same label with Ice Prince and MI. below is their official statement

"International entertainment label, Chocolate City has announced its signing of 4 time Grammy nominated Afrobeat superstar, Femi Kuti, to an exclusive management deal. This signing comes in the wake of Femi Kuti’s 7th studio album release- No Place for My Dream.

Femi’s first record was released in 1995 by Tabu/Motown, followed by the release of Shoki Shoki under MCA four years later, which garnered widespread critical acclaim. In 2001 he collaborated with American Artists, Common and Mos Def in a project “Fight to Win” and soon after went on tour in the United States with Jane’s Addiction. 

(more after the cut)

Chimanda Adechie to feature on Beyonce's Album

   This is big. Nigeria's number one writer at the moment, Chimanda Adechie will be on Beyonce's new album. Don't know what she will be doing on it, since she does not sing. or does she?

On-air personality, Deji Falope marries in calabar

Bez to record with Beyonce's percussionist

Singer and instrumentalist Bez as revealed that he will be doing a song with Beyonce' percussionist. He tweeted this.
'Headed to Houston TX to record Horns, and Marcie  (Beyoncé's percussionist) blessed the album with her unique skills'

How Linda Ikeji lied on gov Amaechi

When the issue of Linda ikeji and her consistent plagiarism led to the block of her blog, I decided not to comment in any way. In fact I was supporting her as a fellow blogger even when I was not in support of her act. This is despite the fact that some of my hardwork end up on her blog.
I had always known that she is not qualified to write news and actually knows nothing about news gathering or writing nor is she trained to do so. But blogging is not journalism but merely someone's personal views on subjects. It is part of a growing pop culture that sees social media: blogs,Facebook and Twitter as synonymous with real news. This sadly is a wrong notion.
Whatever Linda Ikeji and other bloggers including myself publish are just our views and should not be regarded as hard facts.
But I believe bloggers especially those with large followership owe it to their readers to publish facts. Many these days mask fiction as fact just to attract readership.

I was sad on Friday when a friend pointed to me an article on Linda's blog lindaikeji.blogspot.com/2014/10/gov-rotimi-amaechi-insults-nollywood.html?m=1 .

She categorically stated that governor Amaechi of Rivers state insulted Nollywood actors whom he himself invited to porthacourt for the Best of Nollywood awards.
I was at that event and nothing of such happened. The governor was talking about the sad sate of the country saying many of Nigerians including movie actors are doing what they do out of necessity. He even sited himself as an example.

Linda was not at the event so I'm surprised how she knows about what happened at the event more than those at the event. She must 'as  always' got her information from another blog and had done no other research or questioning to get hard fact. She just went ahead to publish a statement taken out of context.

Linda should by now have learnt her lessons. And put more effort in into what she puts on her blog. Many of her unsuspecting readers by now will believe that the governor actually insulted his guests.

I would like to see action taken on this latest goof of hers.

KING SUNNY ADE, ALI BABA AND DAVIDO TO HEADLINE TYME OUT WITH TEE A IN LAGOS.

Multiple Grammy nominee and juju legend, King Sunny Ade (KSA) has been confirmed as the headliner for this year’s Tyme Out with Tee A Lagos Concert.

Ace comedian and master of ceremony Alibaba, and the sensational hit maker Davido also join King Sunny Ade as guest performers at the highly anticipated concert.

The lavish event will hold on Sunday, November 16, 2014 at the prestigious Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos.

D'Banj blasts woman for insulting him on Tweeter

D'banj was performing in the US when he must have read a very insultive tweet from a female fan. She thought dbanj was to perform at another event and was disappointed that he did not show up.

Here is dbanj's response, " Why u insulting me Madame . Did I tell u I will perform , did u see me tweet or confirm ,? Pls be careful before u open ur mouth , Do ur research and get the right info OK? I was at the World Bank in DC fighting to Eradicate Poverty all week . No be ur fault sha .RT @PrettyUgo: @iamdbanj is f**kd up. He didn't want to perform at the Nigerian parade. @BankyW I hope u will not disappoint."

BON awards postponed

Best of Nollywood awards that was slated for Saturday has now been postponed according to organisers.

The publicist to the event had this to say. "On behalf of the organisers of the Best of Nollywood Awards and the Rivers State Government, we regret to announce the postponement of the Best of Nollywood Awards 2014 initially slated to hold this Saturday, October 11th, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The sad but unavoidable postponement is borne out of exigencies beyond the control of our hosts and us. 
The awards ceremony will now hold Thursday, October 16^th."

Hackers lock down Linda Ikeji

Celebrity blogger Linda Ikeji yesterday exposed those behind the hack of her site. she even posted a name and picture of the culprits. According to her, the hackers had been trying to put down her site for a long time and have been pressuring google to put the site down. She also said her success and her recent purchase of a state-of-the-art SUV had got the hackers angry and they have resorted to bring her down.
These claims must have hit a nerve on the hackers as they seem to have finally succeeded in bringing the site, www.lindaikeji.blogspot.com down. if you go to the site, it will tell you that it does not exist.

Mansard to actress rescue

Lekki Wives star, Kiki Omeili has lauded Mansard Insurance over the company’s swift response to her experience with burglars that burgled her car and went away with her car’s brainbox few days back.

The Married But Living Single and Footprints actress tweeted her experience in the hands of the burglar as well as the swift response of her insurance company, Mansard.

(more after the cut)

Joan Rivers dies. Her legacy

The comedian was taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital last week after going into cardiac arrest during a routine procedure at Yorkville Endoscopy on the Upper East Side. She was placed on life support this week, before being moved out of the ICU earlier Wednesday.

A prolific television presence, Rivers created and hosted Live from the Red Carpet for the E! Network from 1996 to 2004, and later returned to anchor Fashion Police, during which she doled out biting critiques of celebrity style. 

(more after the cut)

Fire guts Big Brother house. Show postponed.

Yesterday, the Big BrotherAfrica house was ablaze as fire from an unknown source guts the building in South Africa. This comes just a few days the commencement of the show. The 30 days event was meant to take place on Sunday the 7^th of this month. The news has been confirmed by Multichoice and Africa magic, the producers of the show.

A press release sent by the media house reads, “M-Net and Endemol SA advise that due to a devastating fire at the Big Brother house on 2 September 2014, Big Brother Hotshots will not launch this Sunday (7 September) as scheduled.  The cause of the fire at this stage is unknown and investigations will commence as soon as it is safe to do so.”

While speaking with a representative of Africa Magic on phone, we got further confirmation on the fire. He revealed that they are currently looking for an alternative to the burnt down house. “At this stage M-Net and Endemol are urgently looking for an alternative Big Brother house in which to film the production, however as this production has highly technical infrastructure, camera and edit requirements an alternative is not immediately available.  Every effort will be made to find a solution as quickly as possible to ensure that Africa’s biggest reality show will continue,” the rep said.

For now, we don’t know the extent of the damage the fire made but we have confirmed that no one died or was injured in it. Millions of Dollars worth of equipment was however lost in the inferno.

This is not the first time that AfricaMagic has been faced with fire just days before a major event. Just this year, their Ojota, Lagos studio went up in flames just five days before the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards(AMVCA). But that event was not postponed as no recording for the AMVCA took place in the studio. Another Africa Magic staff hinted that Big Brother might be moved to Nigeria after the fire since Nigeria hosted a successful Big Brother Nigeria some years ago.

Exclusive interview with Kunle Afolayan

October 1 will open new chapter in my life –Kunle Afolayan

Kunle Afolayan is a celebrated Nigerian movie producer. His works like Figurine and Phone Swap, have received accolades from movie critics all over the world. He is about to release his latest work, October 1 and a book on his earlier works, Auteuring Nollywood, was launched recently. Senior Correspondent, Hazeez Balogun, was at his Lagos office recently and below is the chat they had together

You had a private screening of your yet to be released movie, October 1. What informed that decision?

It was for those who usually do not go to watch movies; we give them the opportunity to see the film first. Also, it is a means of making additional money to complete the film. The premiere proper will be on October 1 2014.

•Afolayan

Is that a new way of making money with movies?

When you have sunk in a lot of money and you are heavily in debt, you have to come up with initiatives on how to make your money back. The conventional distribution channels in Nigeria are hopeless and the only guarantee structure is the cinema and the number is growing and so there are hopes there. The DVD market is out of it and the internet situation here is not stable enough to encourage streaming. We have expended over N200 million on that film, so even if we release it on all the screens in the country, we can’t make the money back. So we had to come up with ways of making the money back. I appreciate the effort and support of all these corporate organisations. Leadway has also shown interest

Tell us about your book?

Well, I do not want to take the glory because it is not my book. The book is about my works, but it is the intellectual work of my brother, Dr.Shina Afolayan of the Department of Philosophy, University of Ibadan. When I was working on Figurine, he came around and saw all the sleepless nights we put into it and I gave him the rough cut to see. He said ‘Kunle, even our father did not go this far with movies when he was doing it’. I and my brother are two different people so it came as a surprise when he said he wanted to write a book on it. Then he started talking to his colleagues and film critics outside Nigeria. It took about four to five years to put the whole work together. This is the first time there a book is written on a film maker and his work in Nigeria.

(more after the cut)

Exclusive interview with Africa Magic new boss

Nollywood will keep on improving – Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu

Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu has been in the brands and marketing circles in Nigeria for a long time. After years at British Ameriacan Tobacco(BAT), she moved to Coca-Cola and later Airtel Nigeria. Earlier this year, Wangi took over as the Regional Director, Africa Magic, West. Senior Correspondent, Hazeez Balogun was in her office recently and she speaks about her plans for the company and the Nigerian entertainment industry as a whole.

You took on the position in March, It is not a small seat, how has it been running such a large organisation?

Thankfully, I had been in the company for over a year before I assumed the position. I try to take everyday as it comes and not see the seat as big. You towards your goal, and you get it and here I am. It has been interesting and challenging at the same time. You know it is not easy stepping into a system that is already doing quite well, you have to make sure that you have something you are adding and nothing falls or slips away. It is easier to set up something from scratch but more difficult to build on something that exists.

There are many people who will be looking at the organisation before I joined and how the place was run and they will be looking critically at me and will be comparing. That is natural, but so far so good, I thank God.

(more after the cut)

Uti not so impressive as ‘The winner is’ hits the air

As the television show ‘The winner is’ commences, it has quickly gained a lot of followership. Organisers say game show is an intense Three months packed with electrifying performances as well as nail-biting decision making which will all be delivered on the stunning ‘Star The Winner Is’ stage.

With contestants going head to head, showcasing their vocal prowess in duel battles all aiming for a spot in the semi-finals and finale, the season premiere did not fall short with the likes of 23 year old freelance musician Sonia Ebhota, Joy Siakpere who sings in restaurants for a living and Augustine Owviri who dreams of being a fashion icon.

(more after the cut)

GUS opens desks at malls

As registration deadline the Ultimate Search draws near, organisers are ensuring that they are leaving no stone unturned to make sure that the maximum number of participants take part in the auditions.  While interested individuals are required to register online the show has also made it possible for interested participants to register with the assistance of specially trained personnel.

On Saturday the 26th and Sunday the 27th of July, they will hold special activations at the Ikeja City Mall, Lagos. This will afford interested members of the public the opportunity of physically registering for The Ultimate Search 11; thereby bringing them an inch closer to winning the ultimate prize of N10 million and a brand new SUV.

(more after the cut)

Coup scare as Airforce men take over Lagos Airport

It is sad that the military still do as they like in this country especially intimidating civilians. Yet threats like Boko Haram are ignored. People at the Muritala Airport in Lagos were taken by surprise when they were made to relive the days of military coups in the country. 

Read on

I did not believe in my music – Burna Boy

Burna Boy, real name Damini Ogulu, hails from Mbiama in Ahoda West Local Government Area in Rivers State. When he hit the Nigerian music scene with his first two single, he captivated everyone with his unique blend of Nigerian hip hop, reggae and Highlife. Though the three genre and worlds apart, Burna is able to pull it off, and win millions of fans in the process. He is soon flushed with fame and fortune. In this chat with Senior Correspondent, Hazeez Balogun, he talks about his life and music.

You were nominated at the concluded MTV awards, that was your first international nomination, how did you feel being recognised on such level.

Funny enough I was on the toilet seat when I heard it. I was doing my thing on the toilet when I heard my name being mentioned on the television. I came as a surprise to me at the time, but I was thankful that I was nominated, even if I did not win, I was recognised and that is all that matters.

Your L.I.F.E album was the freshest music in a long while. When every artiste is singing almost the same tune, you came out with something new. Did you ever think your style will be accepted?

To be sincere, I never believed that the album would have been a big success like it is today. When I got convinced was on the first day it was released it sold 50,000 copies, and that was when I started believing in the album, and also believing that Nigerians were ready for my kind of music. Before then, I was sceptical about the whole thing.

(more after the cut)

Finally!!! Ibinabo confirms marriage tales

It all sounded like a terrible rumour during the week, when the ex beauty queen and the president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria(AGN) Ibinabo Fiberesima was said to be engaged and will soon be married. A picture even surfaces of her sporting an engagement ring which is covered fully in diamond.

Box Office reached the fair complexioned actor expecting her to dispel the tales as mere rumours. Instead, she confirms that she is idead hooked to be married. Ibinabo Fibersima says she is excited walking down the aisle at 43. And like every bride-to-be, Ibinabo is quite ecstatic and feel blessed with her man’s proposal.

“It’s my first wedding ooo. We are soul mates and I am totally convinced that he’s the one,” Ibinabo blushed as she confirmed the reports of her engagement. In the exclusive chat, Ibinabo further said, “God has answered my prayers again, I’m blessed, that is all I can say. I can’t reveal the identity but yes, he’s my University days love. We would be tying the knot in Portharcourt, Nigeria.

Royal Fathers Welcome Ultimate search

As entries for the 2014 edition of the Gulder Ultimate Search (GUS) themed ‘The Mission’ pour in on the online registration portal, the traditional rulers in Aguleri Kingdoms in Anambra State, the host community for the 11^th edition of the Ultimate Search have welcomed the gesture extended to their community and equally pledged their unalloyed support.

The Royal Fathers expressed their joy and support for the Show to be hosted on their soil, during courtesy visits to their Palaces by the GUS Team to officially inform them of the choice of Aguleri as the host community for the GUS this year.

Air Peace clears air on ownership

It is absolutely insulting of the person of our respected Barr. Allen Onyema and, outrightly sad and disheartening to those who know him very well for any sane person to insinuate or allege that he is a front for anybody in whatever guise. We cannot forget, in a hurry, Allen’s disobedience of a presidential order because he never wanted to enrich himself unjustly. I shall address this in this write-up later.

Allen is a success story and a role model for all in this country. His success is a testimony to the power of integrity in all human endeavour for he is an epitome of integrity.

Since he delved into the turbulent business of aviation through his floating of Air Peace Airlines, a business he created to give jobs to the teeming unemployed citizens of our country, so many stories have trailed this enviable vision of his. The allegations range From the ordinary through the bizarre and to the absurd! Who is really afraid of this Airline?

His humility is immense and this, more than anything else, is a major contributory factor to the unfounded allegations that he is fronting for anyone using Air Peace. His adversaries could not imagine that a man is very solid yet not loud. But those who know Allen would testify that he had, since 1992, been very successful in business, real estate and law practice.

By 1995 when some of his detractors were still unsure of their future, Allen had already owned vast estates in Lagos and other cities in the country! This was before he veered into the business of Nonviolence Conflict Management with which he contributed majorly to the peace we have today in the Niger Delta.

At first, it was said that the Airline was owned by the First Lady, Her Excellency, Dame Patience Jonathan with Allen as a front. Along the line, the former Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah’s name came up. The rumour was everywhere while Allen has never met, in his life, both women. Timi Alaibe was also named as the owner of Air Peace. Now, it is Kingsley Kuku, with the writers stating that “we can now tell you authoritatively that the Airline is owned by Kuku and not Patience Jonathan”! The last May not have been heard, more names are expected.

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AMUF 4

Exclussive pix!!! Nadia Buari gives Jim Iyke lap dance

For staying by her side, Ghanaian actress, Nadia Buari spoiled her loverboy, Jim Iyke with an erotic dance. While putting out her movie Diary of Imogen Brown across 3 cities in one weekend, the Nollywood bad boy was all supportive and everywhere with Nadia Buari and to reward his faithfulness and support, the actress rewarded her fiance with a lap dance in a night club.

The event, which was filmed by the iFactory crew for Jim’s reality TV show, Jim Iyke Unscripted, is said to be one of the high points of the premieres of the Diary of Imogen Brown.

Why Fred Ade Williams had to die - Africa Magic boss reveals

If like me you were shocked that the key actor in Tinsel Fred Ade Williams died in the soap opera, there is now an explanation for his death. To get answers on why Victor Olaotan, the man who have played Fred Ade Williams for over 4 years had to leave the show, I had to go to the head honcho. I was with the head of Africa Magic, Wangi, Mba-Uzoukwu. I could not help but ask her the big question, why did Fred die? she gave this reason, 

"People come and go in dramas. If he did not die, some people will also complain. He is human, he had faced many health conditions and he kept surviving it. This time he was shot, if he survived a gunshot as well, people will start asking if he is superman or Die hard. The feedback we got after he died was so much but it was good for us to get such feedbacks." 

I won’t trade intelligence for ignorance, Ibinabo replies Ibu

During the week, Comic actor John Okafor popularly known as Mr Ibu has asked AGN president Ibinabo Fiberisima to drop her ambition of running for a second term. According to him, about 90% of the association members do not want her as their leader, with many court cases being instituted against her. He says she is still adamant to rule because she is gaining something. His statement continues to get responses from the industry.

"Going for a second term is making the anger in people expand. It is better for her not to come again. She should leave the office and allow another person to try. No progress at all. I am not part of it. As I speak with you, Ibinabo has about two to three court cases. We are tired, we want another person. We should try a new person, let's see what he or she would do. About 90% of the people she is ruling say no, but she insisted. Why? Because she is gaining something," Ibu said in an interview.

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Pilot clears air on Rukky Sanda affair

After a picture of the two holding hands at an event went public, there have been talks that Rukky Sanda and IRS pilot, Jamil Abubakar are in a serious relationship. Other pictures of the two have continued to surface online. It was almost sounding like another case of an actress snatching another woman’s man since Abubakar already has a partner. But the pilot has responded to the whole insinuations, he cleared the air with a release saying that he is jut friends with Rukky.

“I am not dating Rukky Sanda. Rukky is my friend, she is like a sister to me. She is an amazing lady and I’ve come to respect her a lot,”  said Abubakar, who is also the son to the Inspector General of Police.

He said further, “The truth is that she has her own date and not me, we just happen to be close. Sometimes, we attend functions and go to eateries together. I guess some overzealous bloggers and media practitioners are just trying to blow things out of proportion, they should learn to get facts before publishing. If one is having an affair, it shouldn’t be something to hide if it’s true. Rukky has the same perception about our friendship as I do. The thought of this rumour actually cracks me up,” Jamil said.

Unbelievable, actress Uche Ogbodo walks out of relationship heavily pregnant (in infidelity mess)

Nollywood actress, Uche Ogbodo has walked out of her engagement to Ato Ubby barely 10 months after the lovebirds got engaged traditionally. This could have not come as a surprise since many of such break up happens in the movie industry. The surprising aspect is that the actress is heavily pregnant while she was breaking up with her fiancé.

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MTN to launch Music App

Africa's most valuable brand and leading ICT Company, MTN Nigeria is
set to redefine and revolutionize the entertainment industry in
Nigeria with the launch of its Music+ App. An unconfirmed source says
the company has perfected plans for the launch expected to hold in
July. It is rumored to be the biggest thing that would happen in the
music industry in Nigeria this year as they intend to pull out all the
stops on this one.
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