Half of a Yellow Sun dumps Nigeria cinema, signs deal with online TV

After months of waiting for approval from the Censors Board without headway, The producers of The highly publicised movie, Half of a yellow sun, have decided to move on. They recently signed a deal with some online television stations to air the movie. Their release reads;

"The African online television service, PanaTV has signed an exclusive deal with
Soda Pictures, acquiring the rights to subscription VOD for one of the most
acclaimed films from Africa this year, Half of a Yellow Sun. The deal makes
PanaTV.com the first online television service to stream the film exclusively on its
platform in the UK.
And in a deal concluded with monterey media, PanaTV has secured non-exclusive
rights to stream Half of a Yellow Sun in the US along with a limited shared
exclusive pre-window.
The movie will be available for VOD in the US from June 29th and in the UK from
August 2014.
Says Mandy Roger, PanaTV's Head of Content: “This demonstrates that we seek out
high quality films for our viewers; expect to see more of such quality films and
content on PanaTV this year.”
“We are delighted that Half of a Yellow Sun will be streaming on PanaTV, and
believe it is a great home for the film to connect with audiences,” says Louise Rae,
Head of Home Entertainment at Soda Pictures.

Assemblies of God Church in crisis

Only God knows where we are going in this country. I just read a very sad article. I mean in the midst of all the political and religious tensions, there is also in fighting and violence in churches. Read on

 "The crisis in the Assemblies of God Church Nigeria, with its polarising effects, took a dangerous dimension, yesterday, as members of the two camps clashed leaving some people wounded.
An attempt by the faction loyal to the Assistant General Superintendent, Rev. Chidi Okoroafor, to hold anti-Paul Emeka meeting at Isiagu Street, Achara Layout branch of the church was the major cause of the clash.
The embattled General Superintendent of the church, Rev. Paul Emeka, and some top members of the church had engaged in a protracted dispute over issues relating to lack of accountability and conspiracy in the church’s leadership.
The anti-Emeka members of the church’s executive committee had slated a meeting yesterday to review the crisis that engulfed the church, following the purported suspension of the General Superintendent by a group in the church.

Drake to promote the new Blackberry phones

Blackberry has a new 3.5 inch phone coming out in November called the Blackberry Classic. The company is reportedly in talks with rapper, Drake, to help promote the phone. Blackberry also pre-announced another new phone called the Blackberry Passport. Blackberry users will soon have 240,000 more apps available to their smart phones. The company is partnering with Amazon, and the apps will be made available when the Blackberry 10.3 operating system update is released this soon.

Who is Alex Okubo Kissing? (Scandalous pic)

Now I want to be an actor. I mean kiss with random girls is really not a bad idea. Nollywood acts, Ebube Nwagbo and Alexx Ekubo were recently spotted cuddling and kissing passionately on the set of a Lancelot Imasuen movie. The two acts, who are lead roles in a new flick, The Other Side of A Coin, looked quite into one another and enjoyed a passionate kiss by the pool side.

Though tongues have been wagging about their closeness on the set, insiders maintained it was just their usual character of perfectly interpreting their characters.

The Launch of Africa Rising Campaign

Tope Oshunkeye, Brand Manager DStv, Efe Obiomah Public Relations Manager, GOtv, Bisi Animashaun, Brand Management and Adeolu Ojora DStv Mobile at the launch of the Africa Rising initiative organized by MultiChoice Africa in Lagos.

Mama G denies affair

Nollywood actress, Patience Ozokwo, aka Mama Gee, has finally reacted to the speculated affair between her and a Delta State-born politician, Michael Diden aka Ejele. The actress debunked the rumour and stated that she is not in any romantic relationship with any man at the moment, including the former Commissioner at Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), who is also a Pastor.
In a release, the actress  expressed anger over the speculation and explained that she has more important issues to handle than having a secret affair with an opposite sex. She also stated that as a blunt person, if such was true, she would have boldly presented the man in her life to the public.
“If I am sleeping with any man, it is not an affair because I am entitled to be married. It cannot become an affair because I am not married and my husband is dead. Secondly, I don’t have any man in my life and I don’t intend to have any man. I have friends and I am entitled to my own friends like you,” she told Nigeriafilms.com.
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Too late for a Coca Cola world Cup song

I bet you agree with me that it is too late for Coca Cola to be   a world cup song. I mean the world cup is almost halfway through and what is on the viewer’s mind right now is who is
going to win the cup. I was surprised when got a press release from the beverage maker this week.

The content reads,
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How to get auditioned for Big Brother Africa 2014

Last year's hopefuls

MNET has announced that the ninth edition of Africa’s biggest reality series, Big Brother Africa will kick off in September. The question now is, who will the new housemates be? Who will find their names and their faces hailed by Africans?

According to organisers, this year’s entry process is slightly different as potential housemates are invited to come in their numbers for auditions in their respective country venues. Auditions in Nigeria is expected to take place at Protea Hotel Leadway, Ikeja, Lagos on Monday, June 30 and Tuesday, July 1. 

“We are very grateful and remain pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming response that the show has been receiving over the years. We look forward to the selection of our potential housemates coming in large numbers to auditions at the specified venues and take that chance at being the next Big Brother star,” says M-Net Africa Regional Director (West Africa) Wangi Wa-Uzoukwu. “The fact that the fans truly adore the show is all the motivation we need to keep it fresh and that is always made possible by the enthusiastic and fun-loving young Africans who will answer to Big Brother. We are rearing to go and we know that this will definitely be another exciting season that is full of quality entertainment!” she adds.

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Actress, Mimi Orjiekwe prefers a rich cheating man.

An average actress will flare up when you suggest that they are all sluts. The truth is, most of them are. That is why they find it hard to explain how they get to build houses worth hundreds of millions of Naira in Lekki and other high-brow areas. Some of them don't even care what you think.
For actress, Mimi Orjiekwe, a rich man who cheats on her regularly is preferable to a faithful man, who is broke. The actress, who posted a picture on her Instagram page with the caption Ladies, a broke faithful man or a rich cheater simply replied by writing, A rich cheater..Cos a broke faithful man will still cheat someday! Meaning money is all she thinks of in a man.

Supporting Mimi’s claims, her colleague, Adaora Ukoh simply wrote, “No man can stay faithful…. COPY DAT…” after much bashing from fans Mimi later rephrased her decision saying, “Well I luv both..so far we luv each other.“

Mimi is allegedly engaged to one of her colleagues, Charles Billion and is yet to tie the nuptial knots despite the tail that the two had quietly sealed their union.

Omoni Oboli hacked, advises fans

So? you might asked, she woun't be the first celebrity to be cloned online. Almost every celebrity has has two or more fake social media accounts. 

The 'Nollywood' actress reveals that some people are using her “hard-earned name” to dupe some of her unsuspecting fans on Facebook, and other social media platforms.

The former Saturday Independent columnist warned her teaming fans to be weary of some people demanding money from them in various forms, stating that she will never ask them for such. She noted that the user of her parody account on Facebook even sent a message to her production coordinator, who ‘liked’ the fake page.

“People be wise,” she said. “This was just sent to my production coordinator who liked the page. I cringe to think of the people who don't have my personal number hence, can't call me to verify. I will never do this. If I do giveaways, I will pay the courier fees”

She also posted this on her official page, “Hey sweethearts, I have never done this before. Frankly, I just couldn't be bothered but this is getting out of hand. I have heard these scam artists have been using my name to do all sorts. From a school in badagry to all sorts of giveaways. This is not me. I have two FB accounts under Omoni Oboli. Please don't be a victim, I love you all. Be wise,” the actress warns.

How I escaped out of Kano - Amaechi (His detailed experience)

The gov of Rivers, Rotimi Amaechi in this release by his aide described how he escaped from the hands of state security.

"After visiting Governor Kwankwaso, myself and other dignitaries, made for the Aminu Kano Airport where our chartered aircraft was parked. Immediately we entered the airport buildings preparatory to boarding the plane back to Abuja, authorities locked all the doors to the complex, holding me and my colleagues hostage. The Kano governor called the airport commandant that we should at least be allowed to leave the building but the commandant refused saying he had an order from above not to let us out. We had to force one of the doors open to get away. After we escaped from the airport, we devised a means of hurrying out of Kano for fear that we might be attacked by thugs sponsored by the federal government. So we quickly got a car, bought fuel and started driving towards Abuja. (more after the cut)

Nestle, PZ, others back Funmi Iyanda’s NGO

On children’s day, the television icon, Funmi Iyanda gave children from Change a Life(CAL), her NGO a special treat. The event was held at the Mende Town Hall in Maryland, Lagos. Also at the event were children from Elyon International School and Shining Lord schools. It was also a moment for the scholars and Iyanda to lend their voices to the Chibok kidnap. Even before the event started, they rallied around the venue with placards inscribed with ‘#Bringbackourgirls’

The event kicked off with a welcome speech from Ms. Sekinat Ayeyemi, the Development and Communications director of the NGO. Then came a pep talk from Dr. H.O Erinoso, she lectured the kids on personal hygiene and cleanliness. Later the scholars were treated to different events including dancing competitions and singing competitions, and various games and engaging activities. They were also treated to snacks and meals supplied by Nestle, Fan Milk and Cakes from Absolute elegance, PZ Wilmar Foods, Promasidor, Golden Penny foods and Viju Milk .

To end the experience, the children and some parents in attendance were given an exclusive viewing of Tunde Kelani’s masterpiece, Maami courtesy of Mainframe Productions. After the viewing, they were asked a series of questions about the lessons from the movie. Winners went home with Shoprite gift vouchers worth N10,000 each.

(more after the cut)

Police wrestles with civilian on the street of Lagos (pix)

A reader just sent this to me. Sad!!!

Actress Bisi Ibidapo Obey to open sex shop

Controversial actress, Bisi Ibidapo Obe has stirred the public hornets with her decision to open a sex toy store!
Reports indicate that the controversial actress, who allegedly had a daughter for ex-lawmaker, Dino Melaye, decided to launch her sex toy store after much yearning for the store in her neighbourhood, Magodo GRA, Lagos.

However, Bisi told friends that her sex toys store wouldn’t be limited to trading in sex toys and catering for adult needs but also provide kiddie’s underwear, adult underwear, perfumes, lotions, scrubs and other beauty accessories for the general

Omotola’s works on third album with Sound Sultan

Nollywood star, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde has been spotted at the Sound Sultan’s music studio known as the Ninja Temple Studio.
Insiders disclosed that the actress had visited the music studio with two of her kids and had a brief discussion with the immensely talented singer before leaving.

Sources at the Ninja Temple Studio hinted that the Nollywood queen had visited the temple to talk on a possibility of working with the music producer and singer on her new singles.

Omotola and Sound Sultan’s friendship is said to date back to the actress’ sojourn into the world of music.

Ibinabo's respectful but vicious reply to Clarion Chukwurah

The AGN president just sent this in. You might remember, veteran actress, Clarion Chukwura recently condemned her over her visit to the president among other issues. This is Ibinabo's response, and it packs a punch.

My Dear Chief Clarion Chukwurah,
I bring you peace and warm felicitation from the leadership of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), a Guild that I would like for the purpose of emphasis to re-describe as the only umbrella body for Screen Actors in Nollywood, with a conservative estimate of over five million members spread across 35 states in Nigeria including FCT Abuja.
I bring you greetings from the leadership of a Guild that has in the last two years been repositioned as the pride of its members, Nollywood and the foremost Guild in the continent of Africa.
I was away on a short vacation when my attention was drawn to two publications (one an open letter and the other an interview) credited to your very respected self, where you cast a lot of aspersions on myself and where you resorted, because of your inordinate ambition to become President of the Guild, to feeding the general public with deceit and falsehood.
Ordinarily I would not have replied you openly, because I personally do not join issues with my colleagues- whether junior or senior on the pages of the paper or on social media. Besides, as President, I should be seen to be uniting Members of the Guild and not causing disaffection, as your unfortunate outburst set out to do.
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Choirs battle at Choirfest

Last week witnessed the kick off of the first ever challenge for choirs across the country. according to organisers the programme is to give an opportunity to choirs and gospel groups to display their musical skills and also compete on a very high level. The contest will be multi-denominational and will accept entries from different church denominations.

(more after the cut)

You can now rent films on DSTV

Last week, MultiChoice officially launched a movie rental service for Nigerians. The service is called BoxOffice and according to what we gathered, it was aimed to provide subscribers of DSTV with the ultimate in home television entertainment. BoxOffice allows subscribers to rent and watch the latest blockbuster movies in the comfort of their homes, right on their DStv Explora decoders.

The major advantage according to the tv house is that Box Office will solve the problem of piracy for Nigerian movie makers. if movie makers give their movies to DSTV to rent to viewers on DSTV, it does not need to go through marketers anymore and will no longer be sold on the street. It will only be on Box office. That ways copies cannot be made illegally.

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Husband’s woes trails Laide Bakare

Certainly, these are not the best of times for popular actress, Laide Bakare, as she seems to have been caught in the web of the face-off involving her husband, Alhaji Atanda Orilowo, also known as ATM, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over a multi-billion Naira estate project in Lagos. The fraud mess is over a N2.5b
Her husband had threatened to go to court to put a stop to the intimidation by EFCC and settle all the issues once and for all, but it seems the man was just bragging. He has not been seen and the anti-corruption body say Alhaji Orilowo is on the run. They’ve now been empowered to take over his properties.
For the wife, actress Laide Bakare, things have turned from a happy luxurious life as she dreamed to a crises filled one. It gets worse, EFCC had got an order of court, a forfeiture on the properties of Orilowo. After placing the order on his filling stations, EFCC is now set to shut down the boutique that belongs to Laide Bakare since it is regarded as one of Orilowo’s property.

Nollywood pays respect as Amaka Igwe passes on

On Monday night, Nigerian film-maker and Nollywood icon, Amaka Igwe died in an Enugu hospital. She was 51 years old at the time of her death. She was doing pre-production preparations for a new Igbo soap opera in Enugu when she suffered an asthma attack and was immediately rushed to the hospital. She finally passed on after several interventions to resuscitate her failed.  She was in the company of her husband when she died.
Mrs Igwe is survived by her husband of 21 years, Charles Igwe, three children, an aged mother, siblings and a large extended family. Before her death, Amaka Igwe (nee Isaac-Ene) was an accomplished writer, producer, director, entrepreneur and teacher. Her numerous works are deemed classics, and are models which other producers create their works after.
Though she had been producing for some time, her genius was first discovered when she wrote and produced the award-winning TV soap opera 'Checkmate' and it’s off-shoot 'Fuji House of Commotion'. Igwe was also well invested in the media, she was the founder of BoBTV Expo, the founder and CEO of Top Radio 90.9FM, Amaka Igwe Studios, and the newly-launched Q Entertainment Networks. She also produced RattleSnake and Violated, two of the best-selling Nollywood movie of all time.
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Breaking!!! Half of a Yellow Sun banned

After much anticipation for the film, Nigerians might not get to watch Half of a Yellow sun after all. I can confirm to you that the Nigerian Film Sensors board has forbade the film for being aired. So it will not be on cinema, Tv, or even on CD. The board did not give reasons for the ban but I can bet that it has to do with the hot and steamy sex scenes in the movie. At one point, a 'live' breast was shown in the movie. Before now, there had been anticipation that Nigerians will not buy the sex scenes, but no one thought of NFVCB ban. So it's official, no Half of a Yellow sun for now.

Press release from producers reads:

Shareman Media, the Nigerian producers, and FilmOne Distribution, the Nigerian distributors, of the feature film, Half of a Yellow Sun, announces as follows:

"The highly anticipated release of Half of a Yellow Sun in Nigeria has been postponed due to delays in obtaining certification from the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board for the public release of the film.  Subject to obtaining the certification of the Board, the film is now rescheduled for release on 2nd May 2014."

femi Sowoolu gives daughter away

Femi and daughter

Veteran broadcaster, Femi Sowoolu went with her daughter today to the marriage registry. The couple were clad in casual clothing while Sowoolu was looking dapper as usual in a suit. We gather that a big wedding is on the wway

Why??? Actress Ufoma Ejenobor changes her name

At exactly the age of 33, Nollywood actress, Ufuoma Ejenobor wants to be regarded and addressed as Ufuoma S McDermott. The actress made the announcement while thanking friends, fans and colleagues for the out pour of felicitations as she turned 33 on Wednesday, April 23, 2014.

“And let me officially say… I will from henceforth be addressed as Ufuoma S McDermott. Thanks again. I pray he preserves us another year. Mwah,” she said. 

“It sounds rather cliché when one takes to social media to say thanks for goodwill wishes. Please understand how overwhelming it truly is, yet how impossible to physically tell each and everyone a personal thanks which is deserving. The calls, sms, prayers, putting up pics, the on air calls, messages. …God bless y’all. May his favour never leave you. The day went quick with a full body scrub, steam, massage, facials, blowdry, manicure and pedicure at @totalbeautydermacentre Then watched KNOCKING ON HEAVEN’S GATE by Emem Isiong and @iniedo who happens to be a bday mate. Now these two things I strongly recommend this week. Get relaxed and see this movie. By the way, big ups to Majid, Blossom, Ini and the lead actress. .. Plus Desmond in directing. Its was BriLLianTTTTTe?” she wrote.

American gospel guru McClurkin set for Nigeria

Donnie McClurkin, Micah Stampley, Samny Okposo, Mike Aremu are some of the gospel artistes that will perform in songs at the forthcoming Word Conference of The Rock Church. These artistes will perform during the concert organised to take place on Saturday evening.

The House on The Rock Church, convener of the popular gospel music concert, 'The Experience', will host its maiden edition of The Word Conference at its headquarters, The Rock Cathedral from Wednesday 23rd to Sunday 26th of April 2014. The conference is an addition to the series of activities by the Church in its effort to bring the ‘Word’ to the people. The theme for the conference is ‘Dominion'.

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Terry - G takes to the streets

Naija Street Champ Debuts

Naija Street Champ, a new music talent hunt challenge aimed at discovering new street music solo talent has debut in the Nigerian entertainment scene. Naija Street Champ Challenge is an initiative of Unmissable incentives Limited. The competition is an open-mic music competition that allows young people ‘free-style’ to beats.  It will tours Lagos major neighbourhood in search of new solo singing talents working with renowned music producers; D-Tunes, Terry G and I.D Cabasa.

Speaking on the event,  the General Manger, Unmissable incentives Limited, Mr. Kayode Idowu disclosed that the challenge aims at discovering best street solo singers in the country where the winner is determined by both the public and music producers. Idowu stated that the Naija Street Champ challenge will provide a springboard for launching the career of street singers and bona-fide singers.

To enter for the competition which is opened to young and aspiring music talents between 18 years and above, interested contestants can enter for the competition by downloading a beat on the challenge’s website at www.naijastreetchamp.com and fill an audition form after obtaining a registration PIN at N1, 000 at Zenith Bank branch. After, the completion of the form, the contestants will be required to submit the form and receive a confirmation message. The winner of the Naija Street Champ challenge will go home with One Million Naira (N1,000,000.00)prize money and a 3 year contract deal.