Pic-Otunba Mike Adenuga, CEO, Globacom
The recent plan of telecommunications giant, Globacom to endorse and make some top Nollywood stars its brand ambassadors is currently causing ripples in Nollywood. And according to our reliable insider, if not properly managed, might tear Nollywood apart and probably pitch the Otunba Mike Adenuga led organization against some leading practitioners in the nation’s motion picture industry.
We further gathered that some of the complaints put forward by most of the aggrieved practitioners, who are also popular names, was that Glo’s selection process was heavily biased, smacks of tribal sentiments, devoid of due process and totally against global best practices. “It is a known fact that some top officials at Glo, only hand picked their actors and actresses friends in Nollywood, while others made the list based on tribal sentiments and favouritisms. If you look at the controversial list thoroughly, you will agree with me that some of those chosen, as ambassadors do not have any business being on the list, let alone representing Nollywood for Globacom, especially now that we are re-branding Nigeria.
We are not saying that Glo must use all Nollyywood stars as their ambassadors, all we are asking for is that the selection process should be very transparent and devoid of ethnic colourations or favouritisms. Even some qualified stars earlier chosen were later dropped without concrete reasons, and we suspect foul play.
We are using this opportunity to call on Glo to immediately rectify this anomaly and save Nollywood from further disintegration,” disclosed this popular practitioner in Nollywood, who wants to remain anonymous. Trust us to keep you darling readers posted, for more fireworks, while also waiting for an official response from Glo.
Funke Akindele still waxing stronger
No doubt, rave of the moment actress cum producer Funke Akindele is definitely living her dreams and at the same time, having a blast in the nation’s motion picture industry.
The Jenifa star recently landed another big one by gracing the cover of this month’s edition of True Love West Africa, a leading female magazine.
Amiable Akindele, whose monster-hit movie, Jenifa, has four nominations for the forthcoming African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), had her life-changing story and pictures splashed on six pages of the all-gloss magazine. In the riveting interview Akindele, a trained lawyer, (will she ever practice?) spoke on a wide range of issues and concluded that the good Lord has been good to her and her flourishing career.
31-year-old Miss Akindele, who is also a scriptwriter, is however optimistic that 2009, would definitely be a good year for her and her thriving career, adding that marriage prospects would be a welcome development, but with a caveat, “ I’m taking my time”.
Oby Edozieh breezes in
After close to a month in the UK and the US, for vacation and business, top actress and producer Oby Gold Edozieh, finally breezed into town early this week. Miss Edozieh who confessed to us that her trip was successful, memorable and fun-filled, further stated that she over stayed because of the several activities lined up by the foreign partners she worked with, while the trip lasted.
Looking trim and sexy, the actress from Anambra State, is also back to add finishing touches to her latest film, Show-stoppers, billed to hit shelves soon.
Since her arrival, the leggy actress has been busy shuttling in-between locations for piled up movie jobs as well as other engagements and activities. She hopes to hit location soon for a new movie from her stable. We would definitely keep you updated as soon as Edozieh, who is very much single, unveils more of her hidden plans, in the coming weeks.
D’monarchs set to rock again
The singing blood brothers of Chijioke Stevenson and Chibueze Chris Ngige, better known as D’monarchs, began their blossoming career professionally in 2002. The crooners who are relatives of the immediate past governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chris Nigige, however, dropped their debut album entitled: Right On Time, in 2005, though with little impact.
Ever since, their budding career in the music industry has continued to attract attention and accolades from industry watchers and practitioners.
D’monarchs, who are also neck deep into RnB and Hip-Hop songs, are currently in the studios working tirelessly for their new and second album. According to the duo, the work, an II tracker, due for a nationwide release is entitled: Nte Ade Ete (Nothing dey happen), alongside the musical videos.
Speaking on their incursion into music, they argued that it flows naturally and that they believe so much in it. “We believe so much in music, unfortunately our parents never wanted us to go into music, but we stuck our ground, despite their opposition. Our first album did not fly very well, but we have gone back to the studios to correct those mistakes in our second album, which is coming out soon.”
The also hailed Dr. Ngige, the former governor, for delivering democracy dividends to the people of Anambra State, while in office, adding that he remains a huge source of inspiration.
Language and cultural TV show debuts
A new and insightful cultural TV reality show has been unveiled by Deepside Entertainments, with the aim of helping to promote the rich Nigerian cultural heritages and rich languages. Packaged as First Nigerian Languages and Cultural Mastery Fiesta (NILACUM), the organizers said it is their own way of discovering and encouraging talents among Nigerian youths.
“There are great talents in our country and many of them especially our youths are lying fallow and undiscovered. They end up roaming the streets and doing nothing”, argued the honcho of Deepside Entertainment, Mr. Victor Uzoma.
Lending her voice to the forthcoming show, the Director, Corporate Affairs of the proudly Nigerian entertainment outfit, Mrs. Oby Kushimo said the reality show would enhance friendly relations among all the tribes of the nation to foster peace and national unity. Continuing, she said that participants would register online while they would get response via e-mail and SMS.
At the end of the registration exercise, all the short listed participants would be housed for intensive languages and cultural elements lectures. “They would be trained on various Nigerian languages, cuisines (local dishes), cultural dances, history, ethnic fashion and more,” she added.
Expectedly, winners will go home with fantastic prizes as well as sponsored local and international tours. The maiden edition of the reality show would also feature music, drama and comedy.
It comes up in the second quarter of the year and has been endorsed by the Lagos State Government as well as top brands and Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
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