Naija Talk Show & Gossip, Nigeria Nollywood

By Temitope David-Adegboye Twenty-one-year-old Feyijimi Sodipo, has been crowned as Miss Nigeria, 2010.  She succeeds Oluwadamilola Agbajor who won the crown last year at an impressive outing in Abuja.  This year’s grand finale held at the Expo Hall of Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, came alive with 20 beautiful young girls on stage in three different segments for the judges to choose. The judges comprised elite personalities that stand for high morals and education like Prof Ebun Clarke, wife of renowned Nigerian poet and writer, John P. Clark; Wunmi Ogunbiyi, Catherine Uju Ifejika and Derin Osoba, former first lady of Ogun State.  Sodipo, who represented Ogun State at the pageant, proved she is not only beautiful but very articulate when answering questions. She also wowed the audience and judges with her well crafted native outfit and phonetics.  The new queen, who was crowned by the out-going queen, Oluwadamilola Agbajor, is a student of Ge...

 By Vivian Onyebukwa African fashion was again on display recently at the Expo Hall of Eko Hotel and Suites. The designs were showcased by RaviSSant Mode Fashion, a fashion label that promotes African culture through fashion. Princess Latifat Lamoliate, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, RaviSSant Mode, says she is a designer with special interest in African fashion. She makes stylish and classy designs with Nigerian fabrics to meet today’s style demands.  Each designs of glamorous adire, aso oke and dainty organza exhibited at the show told a story of creativity, ingenuity and expertise. “To please my clients, I do both African inspired styles and Western/English styles. A lot of time I mix them to show creativity. I must confess that I love to work with the Nigerian fabrics. I make my designs and produce good quality. I work very hard to ensure I make a statement with every piece I produce. My outfit must reflect the name Ravissant (Ravishing...

 Lawful Nigeria, Cheston Agency Press, Enugu, 2011, pp. 118 By HENRY AKUBUIRO The author of the book, Lawful Nigeria, is a social crusader. He has witnessed the rot in our society, and the passion he has for an orderly, just, humane, peaceful and lawful society has motivated him to write this book, hoping that society would retrace its steps for the better.  Lawful Nigeria is a book in four parts: “Discovery Matters”, “Political Matters”, “Socio-Economic Matters and Relief Matters”. In each chapter, the author, Agwagom Vincent Chibueze, dwells on aspects of our social malady by engaging in philosophical thoughts oiled with poetic reflections, or what the author terms “overloading vibrations”. Using pictures, the author drives home his messages. He, in addition, incorporates famous quotes of great minds in the world to back his points.  The first part of the book begins with “God in Our Lips, Wickedness in Our Heart”, a prose poem where the author lamen...

By HENRY AKUBUIRO It was generally a robust year for Nigerian literature. Literature got a big boost from the establishments, new heroes emerged and publishing flourished for many Nigerian writers. In this yearly round-up, we bring you the literary personalities, events and issues that made the headlines in 2011.  Just as he did the previous year, former ANA President, Hon. Wale Okediran, continued the writers’ residency programme he initiated two years ago, graduating two fresh batches of resident writers. The first group, which finished their six-week stay at the Ebedi international Writers Residency at Iseyi, Oyo State, was made up of Emmanuel Ugochi and Igoni Barret; while the second group, which graduated in September, included Spencer Okoroafor and Anaele Ihuoma. The residency aims at encouraging creative writing through offering writers a place of seclusion for writers to polish their craft.  In May, two legendary Nigerian writers, Gabriel Okara and Chukwuemeka Ik...

 By Vivian Onyebukwa The year 2011 witnessed peculiar trends in fashion. Some fashion style such as mini and maxi gowns made a come-back. There was a great revolution in ankara. Colours, accessories and florals remained bold. Denim remained undaunted. It played a major role in fashion last year. There was craze in Brazilian hair and false eyelashes. Wedge, pump, platform, clog and ballet flats were the shoe trends to bead during the fashion year. Here is a review of fashion trends that rocked the world in the outgoing year. Mini dress  A favourite of the excessive ‘80s, the short, thigh-skimming mini dress saw a serious resurrection. This time round, it’s less about ruffles, frills, and embellishments, and more about a chic silhouette, classy colour, and an unexpected abbreviated hem. Ankara  The ankara trend has taken Nigeria by storm. But lately, the usage of ankara, a traditional Nigerian fabric, evolved to mix-matching different, contrasting prints of ankara. I...

*Vivian Ejike By Chioma Gabriel  She is one of the few established female Nigerian movie producers and script writers . She has done very well for herself in terms of professionalism, quality movie content and also the introduction of new talents into Nollywood, earning her several nominations and awards. With over 10 movies to her credit, the diva who said she stumbled upon film production has spent about 15 years in the business. This boss of Nollywood Distribution Company is one who has been very productively consistent in the area of her career. One of the movies she  produced is Silent Scandals, which got several nominations and awards. In this encounter with Esther Onyegbula , she talks about her challenges, her ability to fit into a male dominated field, her dreams, Nollywood, and the unending scourge of piracy. What would you say are the challenges you have faced as a movie producer ? To be honest with you, at the initial stage, before I was able to find my...

*Essence Singing sensation and Kennis Music act, Uwale Okoro popularly called Essence is set to make her debut in the movie industry any moment from now. The sweet-voiced music  star who was attacked few months back  in front of her Egbeda, Lagos, residence by three gunmen made this disclosure to HVP, while in a recent chat with her, in Warri, Delta State. Essence said, at the moment, a role is specifically being written for her in an upcoming soap opera. Hear her: “I am branching out  into acting.  Somebody told me that he is writing a role for me in his upcoming soap opera . I’m actually a thespian too. I studied Theatre Arts at Delta State University, Abaraka. I’m a legitimate artiste in every sense of the word.” The popular female singer said even though she is yet to know the kind of role she will be playing in the soap, she prefers to play challenging roles. For her, acting is part of music because “we also act while shooting our videos.” Essence m...

BY OPEOLUWANI AKINTAYO  After many attempts by pundits to guess what ex Soundcity OAP, Denrele Edun’s love life looks like, should we say he’s finally in love? Or how else would one explain the ‘crazily’ dressed OAP’s expression of love on Tweeter? Recently Showtime bumped into one of his many tweets, and guess what,  his tweets read like-he was actually expressing his ‘undying’ love for a female tweeter user by the name, Ifeagbetuyi. And from our findings, through her profile picture, this lady is indeed a chic. She’s hot and good looking. But from the look of things, Denrele might just be day dreaming as the lady in question doesn’t even find him attractive enough to reply his tweets of love! Denrele Edun : “@Ifeagbetuyi: @DENRELE_EDUN I LOVE YOUU!!! Why dnt u ever reply me?? ?:’(. I still Love you though ?”**Am I mad?Y wnt I??hw u jare?Whr u?* Our Sponsors

*Emeka When next you set your eyes on Emeka Ike, please endeavour to address him as a title holder. The popular actor was given a  Chieftaincy  title  as “a  Christmas gift” on Wednesday, December 28, by the traditional ruler of Egbonike, in Anambra State. The honour, according to the actor, was conferred on him in appreciation of the smiles he has put on the faces of so many Nigerians and the world at large through his acting prowess. Disclosing this good news to HVP, Emeka Ike said “ I was given a Chieftancy title on December 28,  by the people of Egbonike, in Anambra State. This is one honour I cherish so much.” Emeka Ike, who is described by many as one of the controversial actors in Nollywood hail from Anambra State. But in the words of the actor, “Ï am a Lagosian by birth and all my education was here in Lagos.” Our Sponsors

BY MOSES NOSIKE  It was a night of glitz,fun and glamour last week, when the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2011 (MBGN), Miss Sylvia Nduka launched her range of beautiful hair extensions. Her display of the hair extension on her head with her natural colour makes it unique. This year’s Christmas celebration was not complete without the launch of this product which  took place on the  Lagos Island. The launch was filled with pomp and pageantry. The beauty pageant, Nduka who was clad in a black and white dress, said it was her own way of creating a launch pad for herself.  “I had to travel all the way to Spain to source for human hair and our target audience are the young people in the society that is why the product is being launched during this festive season. I am wearing a wine version of the hair extensions now and so are my models. Speaking further on the hair range, popular TV Host of E Weekly on STV,Yvonne Ekwere aka Vixen said: “I like human hair so I c...

*Oby Edozieh and Alex O The recent marriage between Nollywood star actress Oby Edozien and former Nigerian pop icon, Alex Okoroigwe a.k.a Alex O may have come as a surprise to many people.  But unknown to them, its a  relationship that has lasted for so many years. In fact the marriage which was consummated at a local registry in Lagos, was indeed the high point of a relationship that started in London several years ago. Revealing this in a telephone chat with HVP,  Alex O, a star artiste whose music ruled the airwaves in the early 90s said, “I met my wife in London some years back. I saw her at an event and immediately fell in love with her. We have been dating secretly since then.” According to the singer, what turned out to become a court marriage was supposed to be an introduction for the couple. He said he flew into the country on the same day  and walked straight to the registry for the marriage. Narrating his experience, Alex O said “the court mar...

*Uche By BENJAMIN NJOKU  Uche Elendu, a top Vivian actress shocked many people when she opted to marry her United Arab Emirates-based  fan. Today, against all odds, she’s not only a proud mother of a beautiful baby girl, the actress will be walking down the aisle with her man on January 7, 2012.  She speaks about her upcoming wedding and where she intends to observe her honeymoon with her man. How is Owerri? Owerri is cool, everybody is fine here, and we are enjoying the Xmas season. We learnt that your white wedding is coming up on the 7th of January. Yes, I’m preparing for my white wedding which comes up, as you rightly said on the 7th of January, 2012. My man is in town. All is set for the wedding and I ‘m believing God that the wedding will be a  success. This is the happiest moment in my life . And you have done your shopping already? Yes, I did my shopping early this month in the UK. Who is your Chief bridesmaid? Queen Okoye, of course. And ...

*Wizkid BY OPEOLUWANI AKINTAYO  Wonder kid,Whizkid who recently dropped new single and a club banger Pakurumo is set to wow his fans come the new year in 2012! Currently in the studio and in the company of his band members, Whizkid is getting ready for the release of another hot single. He would however not reveal the title of the new single. Contrary to the belief that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, the singer twitted on social network Twitter that “it’s all work and no play, as he’s at the moment busy in the studio’. *EME!..we dont play!  *RT @CaptDemuren: I thot we told u that we won’t stop… * RT @wizkidayo: Dropping new Wizkid music in jan! DontDull!!! Wizkid tweeted. Our Sponsors

*Osita  Some newspapers were agog with the recent marriage of Chinedu Ikedieze, aka, Aki  but that news is already becoming stale. The most current gist now is that Osite Iheme, aka,  Paw Paw, like his friend Aki has equally found love or so it seems. The reported romance however did not reveal the identity of the lucky lady but Paw-Paw was quoted to have admitted being in a serious relationship. Paw-Paw who was recently honoured by the Federal Government with a national honour has a knack for following closely the foot-steps of his screen ‘twin-brother’ Aki who was the first amongst the duo to receive  a national honour  and also the first to find love. The duo are reputed for their mischievour roles in movies and they are said to have acted in over 80 movies. Osita, Paw-Paw Iheme and Chinedu Aki Ikedieze are said to be doing very well materially. Deaconess Clarion Chukwurah?  Screen goddess Clarion Chukwurah was rumoured  to have been ord...

*Roy Roy Egekwu is the first runner up in the just concluded MTN Project Fame season 4 competition. He is a graduate of University of Benin, popularly known as UNIBEN. He studied Education Economics  and Statistics and graduated in 2007. Before the competition, he worked at Mega plaza in a Communication Company called Moon Walker at the Lagos Island as a Customer Service official. In this interview with FLORENCE AMAGIYA, Roy talks about his experience in Project Fame season 4 and his life today and his rise to fame. Excerpts Well, I didn’t feel bad  losing the big prize to Monica although we all went there to win. Monica is a fantastic singer. She is a wonderful person and singer and l respect her a lot. Project Fame season 4 had the best singers in the history of MTN Project Fame. Actually, everybody on that team was fantastic and I think it was very hard for the judges and the voters to even pick the winners. I give it to Monica because she deserves it. People s...

*Tuface Nigerian R & B sensation,Tuface Idibia, made a special appearance at the farewell party, held in honour of Mr. Jacco van der Linden, outgoing Marketing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc. Tuface acknowledged the great works of the outgoing Marketing Director while he rendered a medley of some of his hits. He was supported by the Diamondz Band, past winners of the Star Quest, Nigeria’s first and only band based musical reality TV competition. However, it was a rendition of his classic hit “African Queen” which delighted the audience, at the pool side of Oriental Hotel. The song was a special request from Gbenga Adeyinka, who anchored proceedings at the farewell ceremony. Tuface’s appearance at the farewell ceremony was his second appearance for Nigerian Breweries Plc. the musical sensation was the headlining act at the ‘Hat Trick’ event, organized by Nigerian Breweries Plc a few weeks back. In his response, Mr. van der Linden, the outgoing Marketing Director, than...

*Rehearsal time at the Nigerian ido Like they say, ‘the honeymoon is over in the Etisalat sponsored Nigerian Idol. The final 30 contestants that will vie for the ultimate Nigerian Idol crown have been selected and beginning from this weekend, they will be showing the judges and viewers the stuff they are made of that qualifies them to become the next Nigerian Idol. As usual,  the selection as shown on television on Christmas Day, was a blend of fantastic music and nail biting suspense as Nigerian idol aired its group stages. With the show now in its sixth and seventh episodes, it presented to viewers the elimination of the top 100 contestants as they were pruned to 30 in a keenly contested series of performances that was summed up in the following words by peter Bode, the director of the show, “the group stages are always a mixture of emotions. “It is sad to see a lot of these talents go because they represent the best 100 from around the country, it is however rewarding t...

*Skales By Opeoluwani Akintayo  While Nigerians were busy celebrating the Christmas, upcoming act, Raoul John Njeng-Njeng, a.k.a,  Skales, was thanking God for saving him from an accident which almost claimed his life. The accident happened moments after the rapper and his friends left the Elegushi beach, Lekki where he’d partied at a Christmas carnival. Skales with three others riding in a friend’s SUV on the Lekki express-way got into trouble while attempting to avoid a pothole,  ran into a ditch. The vehicle was said to have somersaulted several times, injuring Skales and two others, while the forth occupant of the utility vehicle a certain T-shirt maker, fondly called Syntillate (Gafar), was reported to have died as a result of injuries sustained from the crash. Gafar has since been buried according to the Muslim rites In his post on social network page, Twitter,  Skales twitted ‘Tank God 4 life….God is 2 merciful…he has neva failed!!! He saved ma...

*Muma gee and Prince Eke We are excited that this December, it is the turn of beautiful traditional singer, Muma Gee to be married. Muma Gee’s glamorous wedding to Prince Eke, took place in Rivers State. Unknown to many people, Gulder beer played a very important role in their love story. Online publications made out that the couple met shortly after the Celebrity edition of the Gulder Ultimate Search where Muma Gee and actor, Emeka Ike were participants. After  the reality show sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc,there were speculations in town that Muma Gee and Emeka Ike had something in common. Rumour had it they started dating right from the location of the Gulder Ultimate Search. Muma Gee denied that there was any such thing between them. As part of ways to douse the tension the rumour might have caused between Emeka Ike and his wife, Muma Gee went to visit the Ikes at their home. It was there she met Prince Eke, Emeka Ike’s best friend. Initially, Muma Gee said she...

*Mercy Johnson One actress who made so much news in the year 2011 is delectable screen goddess, Mercy Johnson. The year was really wonderful for the Kogi State born actress as she remained number one choice in Nollywood from Asaba, Enugu, Lagos, to Abuja and beyond,  gracing posters covers  and movie jackets. In the year under review, she got married and was adjudged the best actress at the Afro-Australian Music and Movies Award (AAMMA) which is the only African award event in the whole of Australia and New Zealand. The award recognized Mercy Johnson as Africa’s Queen of the screen which is a symbolic recognition. The award was held at the Emmore Theatre in Sydney, Australia. Though Mercy Johnson was regrettably absent at the awards due to mixed up flight logistics beyond her control,  another Nollywood star, Desmond Elliot received the award on her behalf. The icing on the cake for  MJ as she is most fondly called by fans, is her emergence as the most ‘...

*Sunny Neji Popular pop highlife star and Oruka crooner Sunny Neji, is a man in pain. He is so angry at the humiliation meted out to him by men of the Nigerian Police Force that he decided to twit and share his experience on Facebook. Following his post published herein, our reporter MUKOSOLU NZOM had a brief chat with the Ogoja, Cross River State born star. Excerpt: I saw what you up loaded just now, what happened? Some policemen in uniform stopped me and started searching me as if I was a criminal. And where did this happen? It happened around the toll gate axis on Lagos Ibadan express way by 7-UP area, between 10 and 11 of that faithful morning. The officer in-charge of the team was one Inspector Katsina…and they were driving a convoy Hilux truck How did it happen? I was asked to stop and I did. And they started treating me as if I was already guilty of something. The inspector kept ranting about how they’ll deal with me if they found anything incriminati...

By Ben Efe and Jacob Ajom Those who had tears generously poured it out as hundreds of athletes, friends and fans were united in grief at the National Stadium yesterday as they paid their last respects to late Sunday Bada who laid-in- state on the very National stadium tracks, which brought him local and international fame. Coincidentally it was at the same National Stadium he had his last moments with fellow athletes before he took ill and died suddenly on December 12. Eminent sports personalities and athletes could not hide their emotions as they file past the remains of the former Olympic and All Africa Games hero. And they spoke of their regrets at the death of a man who gave so much to the sport as an athlete and administrator. Adesumbo Bada, widow with daughter Temilola and other sympatizers at mainbowl of National Stadium during the lying-in-state of late Sunday Bada's remains. Moments later Bada’s corpse was loaded back into the casket and wheeled into the Nigeria Po...

...As Passion Four tops them again By SOLA BALOGUN 2011 Carnival Calabar Queen, Miss Emem Udonquak, flanked by Cross River State Governor, Sen. Liyel Imoke (R) and wife , Mrs Obioma Liyel Imoke,beside of the star prize of the contest shortly after presenting the queen with the car keys at the grand finale of the event in Studio Tinapa, Calabar. It was another song of victory for members of the Passion Four Band during the just concluded Calabar Carnival in Cross River State capital. The band clinched the first position in the yearly street party, having presented the best and most colourful cultural float, which interpreted appropriately the theme of Endless Possibilities in the adult category.  Trailing Passion Four Band was Seagul Band, which was rated second best in the overall adult category. Also coming third in the same category was Masta Blasta Band. Meanwhile, Seagul Band had its queen and king coming ahead of other bands while the same band was rated be...

 By OBAFEMI ADESANYA Oba Mudasiru Ajibade Agoro, Olufoworesete II, is the Ranodu of Imota, Lagos State. In this interview, the monarch bares his mind on his ascension to the throne, his religious beliefs and other matters. Excerpts:  My ascension to the throne  All things work together for good to them that believe. Everything worked perfectly together for good for me in this regard. Because of my active participation in the socio-political set up in Imota and its environs, I was elected councilor in the old Ikorodu Local Government Area.  This call to service exposed me to all the developmental projects initiated by the people of Imota. The people started watching my activities as a philanthropist and lover of the grassroots.  During the reign of Oba Lawrence Adebola Oredein, I was made a chief so that I could bring in some of my peers to contribute to the running of the affairs of the town. That was it. The installation was even against my wish as a per...