Hackers rattle Nollywood Star, Segun Arinze

Top actor and one of the newly married men in Nollywood, Segun Aina Padanou, famously known as Segun Arinze, is not a happy man at the moment.

Pic-A rattled Segun Arinze

Reason? We reliably gathered that some daring hackers (fraudsters), invaded his email site and tried ripping off some unsuspecting Nigerians.
Thank God, the multi-talented entertainer, was alerted before the sons of devil could cause any harm.
Ever since, Black Arrow, as he is fondly called, has been crying and shouting to the roof tops that people, especially his colleagues and fans should be very careful in dealing with anybody on any official issue concerning him. Visibly angry Arinze, has also disclaimed and discarded his former email address-segunarinze@yahoo.com, which was where the heartless hackers invaded.

Entertainers unite for new phase of Bayelsa concert

Pic-Ali Baba,Nigerian Comedian will be performing

Following the huge success recorded with the debut edition of the New Phase of Bayelsa concert, which was beautifully packaged by Icon Multimedia, the organizers are fully set for another bumper outing.
In the words of Jeff Botimi Amusu, popularly known as Talkative, who is the prime mover of the December 26, 2008, concert, they have concluded plans to make it the best and biggest show in the Niger Delta region, this year. Among the top names coming to thrill the good people of Bayelsa, at the Gloryland Cultural Centre, Yenogoa, include: VIP, Ali Baba, 2Shorts Gandoki, Gordons, KC Presh, god fada, John Okafor and a host of other up and coming acts.

Pic-VIP, Ghanian hiphop musicians will also add spice

Speaking further, Bayelsa State born Talkative, who will also be performing, argued that since over 7000 audience graced the debut edition, their aim is to double the figure in the coming show. “It is going to be a complete Xmas package, for the people of Bayelsa. We want people to relax and enjoy themselves in a conducive atmosphere, that is the whole essence of this concert”, he said.

Spider finally goes on air

Pic-Dare Fasasi aka Baba Dee will also show that he can do other things than sing


Whao! After a long wait, Spider, the star-studded soap from the stables of Apreel Ventures, is now on AIT network, and would be hitting other stations in the next couple of weeks. Spider, produced by Ariyike Oladipo, currently shows every Tuesday and Wednesday at 7.30 pm, on AIT. According to Mrs. Oladipo, who is also the producer of Dear Mother, the original arrangement was for Spider to be shown thrice in a week, but the plan did not work out, due to some technical hitches. “ Instead of waiting, we decided to hit the airwaves with the twice-in-a-week slot, hopefully, before the next quarter, we would make it thrice in a week, for the sake of our darling viewers.” She further assured that the soap, would change the face of home entertainment for the whole family, adding that her outfit is committed to churning out quality productions, which can compete favourably anywhere in the world.
Some of the leading names in the big budget production include: Akin Lewis, Memuna Abaji, Ronnie Dikko, Femi Branch, Jaiye Kuti, Dare Fasasi and a host of others.

South-East Nigerian actors hail Obama’s victory

Pic-Barack Obama, US President-Elect

For making history by becoming the first black to be elected US president, Barack Obama, has been hailed by the members of the Conference of Imo State Actors. In a statement made available to us and signed by its national president and popular actor, Charles Awurum, the body congratulated Obama and promised to commence a movie production soon on him.
“With Obama’s victory at the polls, US have shown that democracy is truly the government of the people, by the people and for the people. Let this be a lesson for other countries, especially Nigeria. We are also happy that with this victory, the white man has finally accepted the Blackman as his brother. We salute Obama and all Americans, for standing up for change,” Awurum, now based in the East stated.

Abuja erupts for two Nollywood movies

Today, in fact, this evening, the city of Abuja and its environs will be agog for the world premiere of two Nollywood big budget movies: When The Heart Lies and Reloaded.
The evening of fun and networking, tagged: 16 Stars, Two Movies and One Big Premiere, holds elaborately at the prestigious Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, at 6.pm.
As usual, dignitaries from the public and private sectors, as well as Nollywood stars and entertainers from the music and comedy scenes, would be gracing the premiere, currently serenading the Federal Capital Territory.
Meanwhile, in separate chats with us, both female producers of the flicks’ Vivian Ejike and Emem Isong, promised to make tonight’s grand gathering, a memorable one for all the invited guests.

Pic-Emem Isong, Producer

According to Ejike, the producer of When The Heart Lies, a total of 16 stars from both movies are already in Abuja, for the event. A feat she described as unprecedented.
“With this event, my partners and I, tend to set the pace and stand out from the mammoth Nollywood crowd, in terms of production quality and values. Personally, I constantly strive to achieve perfection in all my works, by investing heavily in state of the art production equipments, technologies, top rated Nollywood stars and good scripts,” explained the boss of Purple Pine production house.
Also speaking, Isong, who produced Reloaded alongside actor, Desmond Elliot, stated that the premiere, would help to reposition Nollywood and further entrench professionalism among core practitioners.
“ This event would no doubt raise the bar in Nollywood, and we chose Abuja, because it’s the nation’s capital. Both works are of international standard, and we also intend using them to sustain both local and global patronage for quality Nollywood productions,” said the multiple award winning filmmaker and scriptwriter.
They also disclosed that some leading musicians and comedians would spice up the evening of high net worth gathering with good music and rib cracking jokes.
Some of the leading stars in both movies include: Omotola Jalade- Ekeinde, Ramsey Noah, Desmond Elliot, Uche Jombo, Van Vicker, Rita Dominic, Ini Edo and Stephanie Okereke.
Others are: Monalisa Chinda, Omoni Oboli, Mbong Odungide, Enebeli Enebuwa, Paul Play Dairo and a host of others.
The duo of Lancelot Imasuen and Ikechukwu Onyeka separately directed the heart-wrenching movies at various choice locations within the Lagos metropolis.

U.S Dept of State, Gbinigie, Zulu, others laud SWGN

Several stakeholders within and outside the nation’s motion picture industry, globally known as Nollywood, have applauded the recently held one-week workshop of the Screen Writers Guild of Nigeria (SWGN).
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the epoch event, which was jointly organized by the US Department of State and SWGN, Mr. Andrien Gbinigie, a Nollywood enthusiast and Chairman/CEO of Atlantic Overseas, applauded the guild for its giant strides and enormous contributions to the development of Nollywood and the motion picture industry in general, over the years.
He further challenged them to do more despite inadequate funding, government’s non-chalant attitude and lack of international trainings and exposures, stressing that their role was very vital in the transformation of Nollywood.
Gbinigie, who was the chairman at the closing Dinner, was accompanied by his charming wife, Dr. (Mrs.) O.O. Gbinigie. He was thankful to the US Department of State, and Mary Lou Johnson-Pizarro, the Public Diplomacy Officer, for accepting to partner the guild and flying in the key resource person, Prof. Myla Churchill, from the New York Film Academy. He also thanked the other resource persons drawn from Nollywood and all those that made the event possible.
Gbinigie, who got a rousing ovation after delivering his closing remarks, urged the writers to further raise the standard of Nollywood stories, in order to reflect and highlight the good sides of our nation, while churning out their scripts.
Also speaking at the event, which was well attended, Pizzaro, hailed the organizers and told them to continue with their good works for Nollywood.
In her brief remarks, Prof. Churchill, who was visibly excited, said the workshop was very fulfilling and challenging. She also thanked all those that made her stay memorable and stress free, and told the organizers to always reach out to her whenever necessary. “It was nice visiting mother land,” she enthused.
In his speech, which was tagged: A Clarion Call To Nollywood, top filmmaker, Zik Zulu –Okafor, lamented the dearth of both public and private sponsorships in Nollywood, adding that the US government’s involvement, should be seen as a clarion call for those in both sectors, to immediately and urgently come and support the growth of the industry now.
The president of the guild, Mr. Tony Anih, in his address, thanked all the invited guests, for coming and further called for more creative collaborations between the writers’ guild and all the other guilds in the industry.

Miss Independence Nigeria makes a debut

If you consider yourself beautiful, brilliant and above all, have the guts to tour the 36 states of the federation, including Abuja and beyond, then this pageant is for you.
In the words of the packagers of the forthcoming pageant, fittingly tagged: Miss Independence Nigeria, limited numbers of forms are already selling nationwide. They also promised to take the eventual winner on an all expenses paid trip, to the UK and US, for two weeks.
“ A brand new car also awaits the winner alongside half a million Naira cash prize, during her one year reign. We are doing all these as part of our contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria, at 48. Therefore, it is totally different from the others and a proudly Nigerian initiative,” said Kanbi Owolabi, one of the organizers.
The event holds elaborately on December 20, 2008, at the Planet One Entertainment Centre, Maryland, Lagos, and it is being powered by Media Torch Limited.
For more info about the pageant, visit, www.nigeriamissindependence.com

Editor's note:The website appears to be undergoing construction. Check later. We shall keep you posted.Tnx

Actors Guild condemns Nkem Owoh’s rumoured death

Pic-Nkem Owoh

The national leadership of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), has strongly denied and condemned the on-going rumour that top actor and one of its leading lights, Nkem Owuh is dead.

According to Mr. Ejike Asiegbu, the national president of the body, the rumour is baseless, malicious, wicked and a calculated attempt to ridicule and bring into disrepute the names of AGN and Owoh.
He further warned those spreading the evil tale to desist from such idle talks, before the long arm of the law catches up with them and their sponsors.

Meanwhile, it would be recalled that the nation’s motion picture industry, globally known as Nollywood, was temporarily thrown into pandemonium a fortnight ago, with the wild fire like rumour that Owoh, currently the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), best actor, was arrested and beheaded, for drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia.

However, another version of the ugly rumour, has it that Owoh, from Enugu State, died in Europe, when the hard drugs, he had earlier ingested, ruptured in his stomach, while on transit.

*On set of Osoufia in London

Meanwhile as the rumour kept spreading and circulating throughout the nation and even beyond, the man at the centre of the storm, further compounded it, by refusing to publicly come out to deny the rumour.

Even the several calls and sms to his GSM phones, by most of his colleagues and fans were not answered or replied. Same for those made by most entertainment journalists.

The rumour, which has been on for over a fortnight, was however, doused when Asiegbu, finally got in touch with Owoh, who was in Abuja shooting a movie and maybe, obviously enjoying the unfolding drama that has further soared his popularity rating in Nollywood.

In the words of Asiegbu,” I can never doubt the character of Nkem Owoh. He is a man I have known for so long. He is equally, a respected member of AGN and I’m proudly telling the world that he is not dead or involved in drugs trafficking. Owoh is alive and kicking,” confirmed the popular actor.

Surprisingly, aside Asiegbu, Owoh, has blatantly refused to speak with most of his colleagues and entertainments journalists constantly dialing his phone numbers.

Even a reliable insider, argued that the engineer turned actor, is unlikely going to address the media and the nation on the issue. “ I don’t think Nkem Owoh will address the media on this issue”, Asiegbu, further confirmed.

Owoh, unarguably one of the highest paid Nollwood actors, became more popular when he starred in the lead role of Osuofia in London, one of the highest selling comic movies ever to have come out of the nation’s motion picture industry and from the stable of Kingsley Ogoro productions.

It is also important to note that Nkem’s case is not the first in the history of Nollywood; several big names had been linked with rumoured deaths and drugs related offences in the past.

Memuna Abaji returns in Spider

This definitely cheering news to the teeming fans of celebrated TV star-Memuna Abaji, now Yahaya. After a long break, the ever smiling thespian from Kogi State, is now poised to return in Spider, a soon to debut family oriented soap, from the stable of Apreel Ventures.
Mrs. Yahaya, now happily married to a Naval officer, would be playing the character of Agnes, when the soap hits network any moment from now. As one of the main characters in the star studded soap, her role is very germane to the entire plot of the story and as usual, she was exceptional in her delivery and diction.
She stars alongside equally good names like: Akin Lewis, Felix Omuni, Ronnie Dikko, Thelma Okoduwa, Femi Branch, Dare Fasasi and a host of others. The big budget production was produced and funded by Mrs. Ariyike Oladipo and directed by the trio of Pat Oghre, Kingsley Omo-Efe and Charles Inojie, while Lakemfa Jones managed the production.

Kleenmates partners Nollywood for global gains

Unknown to many, youthful Joshua Ifeanyi Ezekwe, the honcho of Kleenmates limited, the outfit behind creative environmental solutions, is also a proud Nollywood filmmaker with over a decade experience.
He regularly combines the art of film/documentary productions with his close to two decades experience in facility maintenance. Surprisingly, the graduate of History and holder of an MBA, in management, is also a seasoned human resources manager and administrator constantly working with some of the biggest names in Nollywood.
The well-traveled filmmaker has also attended courses in Basic Health and Safety Programmes in the UK and other parts of the world. The wealth of experience gathered over the years, he intends to put into practice and also inculcate in Nollywood practitioners and stakeholders for optimum results in the industry. Currently, the producer of Janiscence, a TV programme on health, safety and the environment on network stations, he is also an ozone expert and a UNIDO consultant.
In a brief chat with us, Ezekwe, disclosed that they are already working on a movie script for Nollywood, on the ozone layer and how to maintain safety standards in Nollywood.
“The aim of all these is to assist Nollywood in making movies on global issues and topics that would further widen our scope of acceptability in the hierarchy of leading movies making nations globally. And towards achieving this goal, I’m currently shooting a world-class documentary for the Federal Ministry of Environment, on the Ozone layer. We intend taking it round the world for premieres”, he hinted.

At the Mamuzee’s all white thanksgiving

Pic-Mamuzee twins

Mamuzee, the wave making singing twin brothers, over the weekend invited their colleagues and pals to a special thanksgiving at their church. The worship, originally meant to be a quiet and casual thanksgiving in the presence of the Most High, was later hijacked by their entertainers’ colleagues, and turned into a music-comedy concert with several acts mounting the pulpit to thrill. Among the comedians that cracked the ribs of worshippers at the all white-attired service were: Victor Osuagwu, MC Abbey, Wamilele, Seyi Law, Dauda, Jedi and a few others. While Daddy Fresh, Mumagee and a host of others rendered some inspirational gospel tunes. The high point of the service, which held at the Eko Hotel and Suites temporary hall of Victory Inheritance Ministries, was the electrifying performance of the Mamuzee brothers, who are also, the adopted sons of Dr. Jonathan Goodluck, the Vice President of Nigeria.
Several Nollywood stars also graced the spirit filled service.

Viewers hail new Censors board media campaign

Whao! Barely a week after hitting the airwaves, TV viewers, especially movie buffs are already hailing and commending the Emeka Mba led National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), for coming up with the laudable initiative.
Tagged: Mr. Clueless and Advocate, the five-in-one mini-series, is now showing constantly on several network TV stations. Most viewers who spoke with us, further praised the apex film regulatory body, for using some of t big names in the industry, in the campaign.

Pic-Tajudeen Adepetu, Sound City Boss joins in the commendation

Meanwhile, aside viewers, stakeholders and practitioners are also applauding Mba and his creative team for the wondrous work.
In the words of Tajudeen Adepetu, the honcho of Consolidated Media Associates, producers of Soundcity and Televistas, the new campaign would further help to restructure Nollywood. “Mba and his team are doing wonderfully well for Nollywood, and we are proud of them at the Board. The campaign is the best initiative for Nollywood at the moment,”
he enthused.
The titles in the new campaign currently rocking the airwaves are: Pirates of the Naija, Distributor vs Producer, Video Club Palava, Ride to Cell and To kill or Not to kill. According to Mba, the new campaign would help the board, in its war against piracy and the illegal distribution of movies.

Myke Records’ boss bereaved

pic-Myke Ikoku

The amiable boss of Myke Records and chairman of All Seasons Hotel, Owerri, Imo State, Evangelist Myke Ikoku, is at the moment sad and bereaved. Ikoku, who is also the honcho of Obiron Group, recently lost his darling mother, to the cold and wicked hands of death.
Aged 80, the late Mrs. Rhoda Ugochi Ikoku Ikpoh, died on Friday, October 17, 2008, and would be buried in her country home, in Nkwerre, Imo State, on Saturday, November 22, 2008.
Lamenting the irreparable loss, Ikoku, said his late mama, was a good woman who also epitomizes the virtues of womanhood. “ Mama was very industrious, religious, easy going and generous. In fact, a true Christian… we were so close that she died in my arms. My prayer is that God grants her soul eternal rest,” he said in an emotion-laden voice. Meanwhile, Ikoku’s friends from all walks of life, especially those in the entertainment and hospitality sectors, are helping him to organize a carnival like burial for his sweet mother.

Censors Board launches new media campaign

Pic-Emeka Mba, DG, NFVCB

For a better, more organized and structured industry, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), the apex movies regulatory body in the country, recently launched its latest anti piracy media campaign. Tagged: Mr. Clueless and Advocate, the five in one mini series, is expected to hit network TV soon.
Speaking at the unveiling, Mr. Emeka Mba, the honcho of the board, explained that the series would further help in the fight against piracy and unwholesome practices in the industry. He also called on stakeholders and practitioners to support the board towards achieving the objectives of the new campaign, stressing that its now time for change in Nollywood.
Moreover, several filmmakers that spoke at the evening, also commended Mba and his team, for all their good works and initiatives. They also unanimously agreed that piracy, is the cankerworm killing the progress of Nollywood, and it must be collectively tackled, if the industry must be moved to the desired next level.
Mba, also charged the public and stakeholders, to join them in the unending fight against the illegal distribution of movies, especially now that the framework distribution policy, is on ground. The titles in the mini series include: Pirates of the Naija, Distributor vs Producer, Video Club Palava, Ride to Cell and To Kill or Not to Kill.
“ People should act responsibly, because movies matter’, Mba admonishes.

Naija stars glow @ Channel O music video awards

Pic-Son of the Soil, Ikechukwu and Buddy, Naeto C at the awards

The flag of the Nigerian music industry was further hoisted higher in faraway South Africa, at the recently held annual Channel O Music Video Awards, which saw some of our stars smiling home with diadems at the glamourous outing. Among the acts that made us proud at the event were: Ikechukwu, who won the Best Male Video, P Square, carted home the Best Duo and Video of the Year respectively. The other duo of KC Presh, won in the Best Hip Hop category, while M-Trill capped it for Naija, with the laurel, for Best African, West.
Commenting on the event, Ade Adefeko, Head, Corporate Communications, Multi Choice Nigeria, described it as heart-warming, adding that it did not come to him and millions of other Nigerians as a surprise, based on the abundant talents in the country. “Their creativity will always find expression and recognition anywhere in the world”, he pointed out.
Also speaking, Yolisa Phahle, the General Manager, Channel O, argued that the awards have helped to improve the quality of video productions and open doors of opportunities for several African acts and their kinds of music.
Meanwhile, other acts from different African countries also won awards at the event.

Censors Board loses officer to gunmen…

The entire management and staff of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), alongside Nollywood, are currently mourning the gruesome murder of one of its staff and also praying for the survival of the one currently on danger list at the hospital.
The affected staff, Mr. Kala’agi Nikanors and Mr. Lawrence Onoja, operating from the North Central zone, were attacked at different locations.
Nikanors, the Centre Head, Makurdi, Benue State, was attacked by yet- to- be identified gunmen in his Makurdi residence at night and shot in the head, at a close range. He eventually died on his way to the National Hospital, Abuja. A woman video club operator, in Minna, stabbed the Niger State, Centre Head, Onoja, on the chest. Confirming the ugly incidents, the board’s Director of Administration, Mr. Coleman Uba, said Nikanors sad and sudden death was a big blow to the apex film regulatory body and prayed God to give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. Onoja, we also gathered, is recuperating in a private hospital with stitches round his wounded body.
The national leadership of the Film and Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (FVPMAN), in a release signed by Mr. Emma Isikaku, its national president, condemned the dastard act and further called on the Inspector General of Police, to immediately fish out the heartless killers. “This is not what we need to see at this time that the board is repositioning and restructuring the industry for progress,” Isikaku posited.

Iphy hits shelves with Ifeoma, jets out

This piece of information would definitely warm the hearts of music lovers, especially the daily increasing fans base of Iphy, the fast rising and contemporary gospel crooner. After several postponements and delays, the Onyeka Onwenu sing-alike, has sensationally hit shelves with her debut effort.
Entitled Ifeoma Di’niru, the eight-tracker effort, is being marketed and distributed nationwide by Joemicky International Limited in collaboration with other leading music marts.

Pic-Cobhams Asuquo, visually impaired but multi-talented producer produced the album

Meanwhile, it would be recalled that Iphy Okoli, who is currently in the US, promoting her new work and at the same time networking for enticing foreign deals, had earlier launched and premiered the scintillating video of Ifeoma, at a star studding event, in Lagos. However, prior to embarking on the US trip, the singer, had already went on a successful nationwide tour, which was well publicized in the media. According to her management team in Nigeria, the newly released work is doing very well in the market and enjoying rave reviews on the airwaves too. They further divulged that Iphy, whose latest album, was produced by multi-talented Asuquo Cobhams, would lense the remaining musical videos of the beautiful work, over there, before coming home, to play in several lined up yuletide shows.

Nollywood Stars jostle for Face of Nollywood

Pic-Nollywood Stars


The big question on many lips within and outside Nollywood, especially movie buffs, is who becomes the new Face Of Nollywood? Already, ten A-List stars are jostling and scheming for the coveted crown of the most popular name and face in our own tinsel town.
These finalists currently slugging it out, in no particular order, include: Genevieve Nnaji, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Bukky Wright, Emeka Ike and Patience Ozokwo. Others on the exclusive list are: Saheed Balogun, Ini Edo, Richard Mofe Damijo, Stella Damasus and Ramsey Noah. And on November 16, 2008, at the prestigious International Conference Centre, Abuja, Total Television, the organizers of the historic event, would present the winner to the world, in a colourful ceremony that would be chaired by Alhaji Aliyu Modibbo, the ex-FCT Minister.
Interestingly, amiable Modibbo, has also joined the Actors Guild of Nigeria and other corporate organizations and individuals, to endorse the forthcoming event.
currently energizing Nollywood. In the words of Ifeanyi Ikpoenyi and Chike Bryan, both coordinators of the event, a lot of fantastic prizes await the winner and all the other participants as well as the voters. “The event is aimed at celebrating Nollywood and its leading names and brands,” they both chorused.

Rolling Dollars, others, ignite Ikeja City Awards

Pic-Ageless Fatai Rolling Dollar


All is now set for the third edition of the annual Ikeja City Awards holding on November 7, 2008, at the upscale Balmoral Hall, Ikeja, Lagos.
According to Solkem Entertainment, the organizers of the event, several entertainers in the music, movie and comedy sectors have indicated interests to be part of the evening. In the words of Sola Olugbemiro, the boss of the outfit, they would be giving out recognition awards to all those that have contributed immensely to the development of Lagos, especially the Ikeja axis. He further disclosed that veteran highlife artiste, Fatai Rolling Dollars, would be the star attraction of the night and he would be supported by several other acts. The event, which would be anchored by Wale Adebayo of the epic Sango fame, would also reward and recognize some entertainers that have distinguished themselves over the years.

Gbenga Adeyinka returns for Star TV game show

Leading entertainer and the most pronounced Comedian of the Federal Republic (CFR), Gbenga Adeyinka, The First, is set to bring lots of excitement, verve, fun and unbridled razzmatazz to this year’s edition of the Star TV Game Show, as its host. The exhilarating show, which is open to the consumers of Star lager beer, who are also 21 and above, will run from October 15th to December 15th, 2008. Speaking at a recent press conference, which held at the company’s premises, Mr. Tony Agenmonmen, the Marketing Manager, Lager, Nigerian Breweries Plc., explained that the show would produce three instant millionaires every week. “This means that at the end of the eight-week-show, we would have created 24 new millionaires in Nigeria. There will also be instant cash prizes on the show and an opportunity to win free entry tickets to this year’s Star Mega Jam, this December, he said.
Agenmonmen, further added that the show has also been designed to reward viewers at home, especially lovers of the iconic lager with various cash prizes and gift items. And for those wishing to be part of the show, he advised them to visit: www.star-nigeria.com and see if they could be one of the new lucky millionaires in the making.