Naija Talk Show & Gossip, Nigeria Nollywood

By Samuel Olatunji Over a decade ago, Rita Dominic was a wannabe star. At a meeting over a decade ago, she told this reporter that she wanted to be all she could be. Shortly after, Rita emerged from the lot to become a bona fide star. A star whose stardom transcends the shores of this country; and ever since Rita has maintained this status and still evolving. Rita caught the attention of many when she was constantly paired with Jim Iyke in many love movies. She moved on to emerge a stylish star; doting the cover of movie jackets. For many, that was all there was to it and would ever be; but she went on become one of the stars, who telecommunication giant, Globacom, picked for its corporate endorsement. Recently, Rita announced the birth of her company, Audrey-Silva Company, an entertainment firm with bias for movie production, and hinted about a book on her, saying she would soon start production of her movie. Some took her seriously, while others believed it was business as us...

By Samuel Olatunji From Lilian Bach, Uche Jombo to Shan George, it’s been complaints galore for industry people, who choose to do business with Silverbird Distributions and Cinema. What is wrong? Do these people want free service, or is Silverbird using them to become the biggest player in the cinema business? Last year, a movie maker from abroad almost got physical with Jonathan Bruce at the cinema floor over what he described as unfair treatment. According to the filmmaker, whose movie did very well and was involved in self-distribution, Silverbird Cinema almost killed his movie with bad timing. “The slot they gave my movie was bad. Timing is key in this cinema business. It was as if they wanted me to fail. They gave all the Hollywood movies good timing and gave my movie and one other a time slot that made fewer people come to the cinema. And to make matters worse, they put my banners behind some Hollywood movie banners. I complained, but they took it personal and decided to yank m...

 By Tosin Ajirire The battle for the winners of ‘Batch B’ in the Gulder Ultimate Search is getting intense by the day. With the eviction of Mary-Wealth Ohwonda, Ibitoye Kikelomo Adewunmi, and Goodluck Ohio from the forest of Ososo in Edo State, things seem to be looking up for the male contestants. Not even Goodluck, the mobile policeman popularly called ‘Understanding Mopol’ by his campmates could withstand the rigours of the jungle.  Unlike in Batch A where three men and just one woman were evicted at this stage, there appears to be a more spirited competition from the male folks in Batch B. Currently, both sexes are tied with respect to the number of evictees. Two men, Kenneth and Goodluck, have been evicted so far while the same number of women (Mary-Wealth and Kikelomo), have suffered the same fate. Indeed, the Batch B trio of Goodluck, Mary-Wealth, and Kikelomo will be sorely missed by their campmates as they joined Kenneth Iheme, first contestant to be evicted, while ...

•Surviving child to testify against him From PETRUS OBI, Enugu Six-year-old Emmanuel Egeonu, the only survivor of the family of three set ablaze by their father, Alexander Egeonu on October 1, in Enugu has been listed among four witnesses to testify against the accused that has been charged to court for murder.  Mr. Egeonu was arraigned yesterday at an Enugu Chief Magistrate Court and charged with the murder of his wife late Mrs. Ifeoma Egeonu and three-year-old son, Udochukwu Egeonu.  Ifeoma, 27, who was set ablaze alongside her two children, Emmanuel (6) and Udochukwu (late), died Tuesday, few days after, Udochukwu died at the same National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu where they had been receiving treatment since October 1, when the incident occurred.  The seven-month pregnant mother of two was delivered of a premature  baby who died in an incubator.  Emmanuel, who had earlier been discharged from hospital was bound over as a witness alongside brother to his ...

Jennifer Iroh  By SAM ANOKAM Ekpereamaka Jennifer Iroh, another hitherto unknown name, would join the list of successful artistes in the country very soon. Iroh, who is the last and only female child in a family of six in her early 20s, better known as Niffer, confessed that she embraced showbusiness because that is what she has always wanted to do.  In addition, the beautiful, soft-spoken and very articulate singer, who revealed that she was inspired by Onyeka Onwenu and who, incidentally comes from the same village with Onwenu, has completed works on the first phase of her album project.  As the ‘pet’ of the family, her brothers still don’t give her any breathing space as they still look at her as a baby. “They still don’t believe that I’m old enough to take care of myself but I give them their due respect. I’ve been able to move on with my chosen career which is entertainment. I have, as a matter of fact, worked very hard and reached a level that can place me solid...

By NKECHI CHIMA-ONYELE Whenever handsome men in Nollywood are talked about, Chigozie Atunaya features prominently. He’s fair in complexion and looks like prince charming. But this budding actor is not only about good looks. He’s a great actor, who interprets roles given to him well enough.  In this interview, Atunaya revealed how he attended a seminary and all about his acting career. You wore dreadlocks when we met earlier. Now you’re wearing a low cut. Do you have dreadlocks or what?  Actually, that is not my kind of hairstyle. I wore it for a movie production entitled, Lady Gaga, produced by Simony Productions. I believe, as an artiste, you are obliged to change your looks once in a while, for creativity. But as a person, I prefer looking simple in low cut. However, I don’t mind wearing any hairstyle that fits movie role I am playing. After shooting the movie, I always remove it. People watch us on screen. Some may not know that one’s true character is quite different fro...

UNITED IN PAINS  From JAMES OJO, Abuja The joy, which heralded the birth of twin baby boys into the Sani Peter family of Ejule-Ofante village, in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, 15 years ago has been replaced with gloom and despondency. First, their father was killed 11 years ago, in an auto crash, when they there just four. Now, the twins, all boys, are at risk, as they have been diagnosed with chronic kidney failure. They are undergoing dialysis at the National Hospital, Abuja and waiting when kidney donors will emerge to replace their damaged organs in order to remain alive.  For the traumatised family, the arrival of donors has been a long wait, as the only volunteer of one kidney later bolted, after agreeing to a fee and the trip to India for kidney transplant. Also, the twins and his mother going to India, with the donor, seems to have retreated, following the disappearance of the man who agreed to donate his kidney.  Lamenting their fate one of the...

Forced to pay N357m landing slots By UCHE USIM Arik Air, one of Nigeria ’s flag carriers designated on the London route by the Federal Government has given graphic details of how the United Kingdom government, in a bid to protect its carriers, tactically drove it out of the Abuja-London route.  The company also said the unequal playing field is in total disregard to the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) binding both nations.  Speaking at a press briefing to announce its discontinuation from the Abuja-London service on Friday, the Executive Chairman of Arik Air, Sir Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide said the BASA deal between Nigeria and UK gives each country 21 frequencies each to fly into each other’s main airports unhindered.  “Out of 21 slots each country enjoys unhindered, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have utilized theirs’. BA enjoys seven daily frequencies out of Lagos and another seven out of Abuja to London , while the remaining seven is utilized b...

•Francis Arthur Nzeribe From IKENNA EMEWU, Abuja Age and time might have slowed down the pace of the maverick Senator Arthur Nzeribe, but the vehemence of his conviction remains ablaze as usual. From the way he fumes, not minding the situation of things, about the prevailing developments in Nigeria, he remains himself, unfazed, undiluted in sharp criticisms and unrelenting in what he believes in.  Until this encounter with Senator Nzeribe last week, in his Abuja home, you would not have known that of all his qualities, he could pass for a prophet and one with stunning foresight about the happenings in the nation.  About 22 years ago, he wrote a book, Nigeria: Seven years after Shehu Shagari; Who next; What next? In 1990, when he published the book, it is possible many Nigerians never saw the malady of corruption the extent he did. However, most astounding are the solutions he proffered to the crises.  As he spoke in this interview, making constant references to the bo...

By EMMA NJOKU The Nigeria Football Federation yesterday rose from its emergency congress to announce the sack of Samson Siasia as coach of the Super Eagles bringing to an end weeks of wide speculations about his future as Nigeria’s coach.  Siasia was fired for failing to qualify Nigeria for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations. In the contract he signed, the ex-international, as part of his terms of reference, was expected to guide the Nigerian team to the semi-finals of the 2012 Nations Cup.  Although the nation’s football ruling body did not announce a replacement for Siasia yesterday, it disclosed that the Technical Committee would meet on Tuesday to come up with recommendations to that effect while the Executive board would sit on Wednesday to ratify and make public the new Super Eagles Manager.  Prior to yesterday’s emergency congress of the NFF, the names of former Super Eagles’ captains, Stephen Keshi and Sunday Oliseh had dominated the headlines in the sporting med...

Mumbai (India) – First, Lady Gaga wore a dress made of meat. Now, how about one made of lettuce? Indian animal rights activists have asked pop star Lady Gaga to pose in a lettuce dress and embrace vegetarianism during her visit to India this weekend, where she would be part of the star-studded unveiling of the country’s first Formula 1 race. Lady Gaga, who famously wore a meat dress at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards, would be performing at an invitation-only show in a five-star hotel in New Delhi after the race on Sunday. In a letter to the singer’s publicist, PETA India said it hoped she would honour India’s reverence for animals by turning vegetarian for the duration of her visit and posing for photos in a lettuce gown to promote the importance of not eating meat. “If she agrees, we’ll make her a dress entirely of lettuce and held together by pins and threads. It will be a full length gown, and we’ll make sure it looks sexy,” said Sachin Bangera of PETA India. The dress would be c...

By Charles Mgbolu  Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo aka D’banj is at the peak of his career and unlike other artists who begin a gradual fade on attaining this point, D’banj has proven without doubt that he is just beginning. Like the extremely talented artist that he is, his songs have been able to completely transform his financial destiny for good. However, like every true romantic tale, Dbanj still searches for the love of his life. In march last year, he was enshrouded in the biggest mystery ever to rock the Nigerian entertainment industry. The story began with the rumour that the Fall in love crooner was dating Nollywood superstar Genevieve Nnaji and gossip tabloids had fed on it like flame. The alleged relationship had in a matter of weeks moved from rumour to ‘reality’ when the Fall in love video was released in May and both “love birds” were involved heavily in the video to the extent of sharing white hot kisses. And as if that wasn’t enough, Dbanj was reported to have granted an in...

BENJAMIN NJOKU  Last Friday,  the ancient city of Benin, Edo State capital came alive with songs and dances as the remains of the legendary actor, Sam Loco Efe was laid to rest. Sam Loco died two months ago, in Owerri, while on a movie set. His final burial last weekend marked the end of an era for a man who lived and touched many lives through his creativity. Until his death, the legendary actor was one of the finest and most gifted humour merchants this country ever produced in recent times. The actor’s funeral rites almost brought the ancient kingdom of Benin to a standstill, as it equally climaxed the week-long activities that preceded the actor’s final journey home. From Oba Akensua II cultural centre, Benin, where Sam Loco’s body was laid-in-state for few minutes, to Baptist convention, along TV Road, Benin, where a funeral service was conducted in his honour, it was a celebration of the life and times of a man who brought laughter and joy to many homes ...

Kelly Handsome and DBanj BARRING any unforeseen circumstance, the alleged copyright infringement case Afro hip hop superstar, D’banj was planning to institute against fellow artiste, Kelechi Obinna Orji aka Kelly Hansome, may have been settled out of the court room. The star’s media company, Media Image Managers that broke the news of the now settled rift last week, in another statement, confirmed the latest development. Mo’ Hits (D’banj’s record company) had alleged that the D’banj’s song, I’m Feeling Good, was leaked in the process of recording and it finally found its way into Kelly Hansome’s hands that quickly did a ‘remix’. The statement reads thus: “Do take notice that Mo’Hits Records Limited is the lawful owner of rights to the recorded material (I’m Feeling Good) being touted by one Kelechi Obinna Orji a.k.a. Kelly Hansome or persons acting for him. Mo’Hits Records Limited has not granted the said rights to Mr. Hansome or to anyone else. Mr. Hansome’s possession and offeri...

Banky W. & Dineo With O-Access presenter Dineo Moeketsi and Banky W have been confirmed as host of the 2011 Channel O Music Video awards. The South African O-Access presenter and multi award-winning Nigerian artist are set to bring glamour and huge amounts of swagger to the event that is being broadcast Live from the Sandton Convention Center on Friday, November 11. Since beating stiff competition to take the role of O-Access presenter last year, Dineo’s profile has risen with speed. In 2010,  this multi-talented presenter and performing artist earned her first supporting role in the South African drama series, Soul City 10, as well as cameo appearances in the comedy City Ses’la and the soon to be released Winnie Mandela movie starring Terrence Howard and Jennifer Hudson. A singer, songwriter, producer, entertainer and MC, Banky W  whose appearance this year on L-Tido’s smash hit “It Aint My Fault” has significantly broadened his appeal across the African continent. Fr...

Ginevive Nnaji, Osita Iheme, Mariam Usman, Olu Jacobs, Kanayo O Kanayo, Aliko Dangote and Joseph Yobo By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor and Benjamin Njoku  LAGOS — President Goodluck Jonathan has listed 364 Nigerians to receive the 2011 national honours. Business mogul Alhaji Aliko Dangote who topped the list with the award of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, GCON becomes the first individual outside government to receive the nation’s second highest national honour. The GCON has mostly been awarded to Vice-Presidents, Chief Justices of the country and Senate Presidents. Dangote is ahead of Speaker Aminu Tambuwal who is getting a CFR, Commander of the Federal Republic alongside the Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke and a number of military and security chiefs. The newly appointed Head of Service of the Federation, Alhaji Isa Sali, former First Lady Mrs. Victoria Gowon and a handful of former military chiefs were also recognized by the President...

Though Steven Tyler has openly admitted to abusing drugs in the past, he assured the world this morning that his recent bathtub slipping incident most definitely did not involve a relapse. As he explained on NBC's Today show, he only "started to get sick," and then "just fell on [his] face." But while it's understandable that some would question his sobriety, we're far more concerned with the completely wild nature of this entire story. Not only did the 63-year-old lose a few teeth and have his eye stitched back together, but the guy had it in him to hit the stage the very NEXT day. And while we haven't been to an Aerosmith concert, we're confident the band brings a bit more energy to their shows than say, John Denver would .

Guess what, Twihards: Breaking Dawn Part 1 is just over three weeks away from hitting the big screen. We expect you're getting your pillow and sleeping bag ready to camp out before the flick's November 18th premiere by now. While you're packing, check out this hot new clip of Edward (Robert Pattinson) and Bella (Kristen Stewart) on their first night as husband and wife. It's the latest snippet to be released from the film, and it's steamy. The scene shows Edward carrying Bella over the threshold for their first night as newlyweds. It ends with the new bride asking for a few "human minutes" before they go swimming. "Don't take too long Mrs. Cullen," her hubby replies, in the sexiest vampire voice imaginable. Squeal! 

By Gabriel Enogholase BENIN – ALLEGED kidnappers of the late Benin-based musician, Mr. Bayo Ade, were among eight suspected kidnappers and 11 armed robbery suspects paraded by the Police in Edo State, yesterday. Edo State Commissio-ner of Police, Mr. David Omojola, who addressed journalists in Benin, said two of the suspected kidnappers (names withheld) were arrested over Bayo Ade’s kidnap. It will be recalled that late Bayo Ade, kidnapped on September 10, was on his way to perform at the birthday ceremony of the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion. He was later killed by his abductors and buried on October 22 in Benin. The Police Commissioner said one of the suspects, a 68-year-old man, was the alleged armourer for the gang along with his three of his sons (names withheld) who were still at large. He said one of them had abducted one Patricia and collected N1.2 million ransom for her release. He was said to have thereafter threatened her with phone calls and collected recharge ca...

By Akinsola Omidire Encomiums were showered on Moses Olaoluwa Olusanya Adejumo popularly known as Baba Sala regarded as the father of modern Nigerian Comedy. He was honoured in Lagos by members of the National Association of Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) Lagos Chapter which organized second edition of it’s Living Legend Series 2 at the National Theatre. Iganmu, Lagos. Olaiya’s honour came barely three months after Barr. Fred Agbeyegbe was inducted as the first Living Legend by the association.  The event which was compered by Yemi Solade and Feyikemi Abiodun - Ogunyinka also feature Oba Sonuga gave traditional prayers.  Baba Sala as he is widely known was ushered in amidst drums and praises in Yoruba language. He was accompanied by his wives Tayo and Funmi as well as his first son Rev. Dele Adejumo with a standing ovation by the audience.  Reputed for his brilliance, intellect and artistry which are his hallmarks for getting to the zenith of his chosen theatre profe...

By JOSFYN UBA, ubajosfyn@yahoo.com Since the establishment of the one of Nigeria's glamorous modeling contest five years ago, Nigeria's Next Super Model competition initiated by Mrs. Joan Okorodudu, it is clearly evident that the platform has given many young girls a veritable spring board to a better life.  Ndifreke Idio, young and vivacious model on the stable of ISIS Models is undoubtably one of the beficiaries. Her decision to just tag along in a casting session for models in a fashion show during the commissioning of the TINAPA project in Calabar spurred her interest in modeling career. Today, Ndifreke Idio, an Accountancy graduate from the University of Calabar has grown to become one of the hot models literally burning the runways. She tells her story in this interview with Daily Sun.  Can you give me a sense of how it all began for you?  Without sounding immodest, I would say that my journey into the modeling industry took such a brief period. It all began i...