Stephanie Okereke, Chaka Khan, Mo’nique, others for US awards

Pic- Mo'nique

It is no longer news that the organizers of the revered African Jewel Award, African Focus Incorporated (AFI), US, has picked Stephanie Okereke, an award-winning Nollywood actress, as one of the recipients at this year’s event. What is however news, is that the ravishing actress, would be jetting out early next week, for the prestigious award that holds on Saturday, April 25, 2009, at the Veterans Memorial Complex, US. Sexy Okereke will be honoured alongside other global stars and selected celebrities.
According to the organizers, Okereke's tenacity, wit, intelligence, grace and natural acting abilities has earned her a reputation as one of the best actresses on the African continent and in Nollywood, the third largest film industry in the world. A graduate of English and Literal studies, Okereke made her first venture into film in 1997. By 2003, she had already won the Reel Awards "Best Actress" for her role in the movie "Emotional Crack.” In 2005, she was a nominee for the Africa Movie Academy Awards [AMAA], as well as the recently held 2009 edition. On her way to AMAA, however, tragedy struck when she was involved in a terrible car accident that left her with a broken leg and burns on her face and hands. Okereke, with a fighting and determined spirit, bounced back and by 2006, she won the Afro-Hollywood Awards, Film Makers USA Award for Excellence with subsequent awards in 2007 for the Miriam Makeba Award for Excellence and 2008 Beyond the Tears
Humanitarian Awards for her work against rape and vesico vaginal fistula and HIV/AIDS.




Pics- Chaka Khan and Stephanie

Not satisfied with being just an actress and wanting to create a voice and other roles for African women in Africa's film industry, Okereke came to the United States to study film at the New York Film Academy at Universal Studios, Los Angeles. Armed with her knowledge, intelligence, determination and creativity, Okereke established her production company "Next Page Productions" and has recently expanded her portfolio to include the titles of director, writer and producer in her first feature Hollywood-Nollywood hybrid film, "Through the Glass," creating what she hopes is a preview of the direction and roles African women will embrace in the film industry. Amazingly, the film was up for nomination in this year’s AMAA, for the Best Picture category. Other distinguished nominees alongside Miss Okereke, at the forthcoming event also known as African Goodwill Awards, include: US born and Grammy award winning singer, Chaka Khan, Dame Patience Goodluck
Jonathan, Mo’nique Hicks, Hope Foye, apostle Frederick Price and few others.



Club Papas fetes Okey Bakassi

As part of the non-stop activities lined up for the just concluded Easter celebrations, the management and staff of Papas Entertainment, who are the proud owners and promoters of rave hangout, Club Papas, hosted top entertainer, Okey Bakassi to a lavish reception.
The well attended/packaged all night event took place on Easter Friday and had dignitaries from all walks of life, coming to felicitate with the amiable celebrant.
Bakassi, currently the Executive Assistant on Entertainment to the Imo State Governor, Ikedi Ohakim, according to Frank Okanigbo, the boss of the upscale hangout, was being hosted and celebrated for his immense contributions and support to the Nigerian entertainment scene.
Several Nollywood actors, comedians and musicians added verve and panache to the fun-filled gathering with their intimidating presence.
In his brief remarks, Bakassi, who now shuttles between Lagos and Imo States, thanked all for coming and further promised to continue with his good works for the nation’s entertainment industry.
He was also full of appreciations to Gov. Ohakim, for deeming it fit to appoint him into his government, pledging that he will never let the governor and the people of Imo State down, while discharging his duties.


Ejike Asiegbu return with NAYA

Top actor and the national president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Mr. Ejike Asiegbu in collaborations with the Movie Reporters Guild of Nigeria (MORGON) and Pontiffo, recently unveiled the Nollywood Actor of the Year Awards (NAYA), billed to hold soon.
Shedding more light on the event, Asiegbu, who is also the CEO of Forever Communications, one of the prime movers of the coming event, said the aim was to reward Nollywood actors and those working behind the scenes, who have also done well for themselves and the nation’s motion picture industry. “NAYA is purely a private initiative and has nothing to do with the AGN. It is being powered by Ejike Asiegbu, who happens to be the president of AGN, so in essence, it is my own personal project and has nothing to do with the guild,” he explained.
Several big names in Nollywood as well as other dignitaries all graced the recent unveiling of NAYA, which held elaborately at O’Jez Entertainment Centre, Surulere, Lagos, amid glitz.
Speaking further, elated Asiegbu also hinted that the Otunba Segun Runsewe-led Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), has agreed to partner and power the event proper, which holds in the last month of 2009, in Abuja. “NAYA promises to be grand and very inclusive”, further assures Asiegbu.


Emem Isong hits location again

Immensely gifted scriptwriter and filmmaker Emem Isong has hit locations again for another heart-wrenching movie from her ever-busy stable.
Tentatively entitled: Bursting Out, Isong, whose efforts in recently released movie, Reloaded, is still being applauded by movie buffs and critics, posited that her latest offering, would equally be a reference point within and outside Nollywood when completed.
Leading the pack of stars in the soon coming movie is sultry actress, Genevieve Nnaji, who is ably supported by Desmond Elliot. Others include: Nse Ikpe Etim, Michael Majid, Susan Peters, Amanda Ebeye, Moyo Lawal and a host of other up and coming acts.
Directed by youthful Daniel Ademinokhai, the movie tells the twisted story of love, betrayal and back stab. On why she went back to location so soon, Isong, whose another of her finished movie, Guilty Pleasure, is due for a nationwide release in the next couple of weeks, disclosed that the need to always satisfy the yearnings of her fans brought about the movie. “Producing quality movies has become a part of me and I won’t stop doing this for my teeming fans and followers”, she maintained. The duo of Uduak Isong Oguamana and Bola Aduwo screen played the script for Emem Isong, who also wrote the story.


D’ Heavens plans big for anniversary

After one year of bringing uninterrupted and high powered entertainment /night life to the people of Festac Town and Lagos State in general, D’ Heavens nite club, is set to roll out the red carpets for a successful and breathtaking anniversary.
Commenting on the forth-coming event, which is already serenading the Festac environs as well as patrons and members of the well-patronized hangout, Chief Chijioke Awalite, the honcho of the outfit, boasted it would be an unforgettable event.
In his words, D’ Heavens nite club is fully set and ready to host elaborately all those that have contributed immensely to its growth and success in the last one year.
“On Saturday, April 25, 2009, the whole of Lagos, especially Festac Town, would be agog for our first anniversary. It is going to be a nite of special entertainment laced with unending fun, for all those that are coming. We are expecting dignitaries from all walks of life, including the music, movie, comedy and fashion sectors. Special guests are also coming from outside Nigeria. There will also be some special musical performances from some of our musician members. A committee has already been set up for a successful outing”. We would definitely keep you posted as the management of the club unfolds more plans for the D-day.


HMAN lights up the music scene

New kid on the block, Humphrey Okeke came to national prominence, and albeit, the consciousness of music buffs as well as its practitioners with the hit song Ndoli-Ndoli. The good work also earned the talented crooner an access key into the Nigerian music scene.
However, after four videos from a yet -to-be-released album, an award and general acceptance from the industry, it is certain that the 24-year-old graduate of Igbinedion University is ready to debut. “I am ready to hit the Nigerian music scene with my album Ndoli Ndoli, which means struggle, but the message I was trying to pass is that this world is not perfect, just enjoy the little you have’ he hinted.
Born and raised in a Catholic family of eight children, H man started his musical odyssey as a member of the school’s choir while in St. Bridget College and from then the passion began to grow. ‘ I love music, music is my passion, and that is why I am not in it to make money, if you have a passion for some thing, you do it, not caring if it would bring in money or not’ he added.
Ndoli Ndoli, a 12 tracker, is due for release on the April 15, 2009. Expected to be distributed by UBA pacific music and Obaino music respectively, the album will feature songs like Ndoli, Ndoli, Scared of Love, H man Party and Thank you featuring MI. A song he dedicated to his girlfriend - Ambo 3 contestant- Uche Odoh.
Others include Uwadiwe- a song where he expresses his discontent about what is happening in the country, Mmemme, Money and Mama Africa featuring 9ice.
Also, the last in the chains of videos to be dropped before the release of his album, ‘Thank you’ was directed by DJ Tee, in Abuja, Nigeria, while Clarence Peter shot ‘Uwadiwe’.


NOLLYWOOD FACT:

Popular actor and AGN president, Ejike Asiegbu, was a one-time Students Union leader at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He was also a former aide to Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu.