Encomium’s black and white ball rules Lagos

Fashola’s Lagos literally stood still penultimate Sunday evening when Encomium, the magazine and awards company hosted its long awaited Black and White Ball, amid grandeur and pizzazz.
Held at the spacious and upscale KFA events place Lekki, the high-octane soiree, was well attended by dignitaries from all walks of life.
The grand gathering, which had victuals flowing from all corners of the well-decorated hall eventually climaxed with the presentation of the 900-page, three part, all gloss, feel good compendia dubbed: a decade of encomium.
The presentations were separately done by the duo of Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, the amiable wife of the Lagos State Governor, who was unavoidably absent.
In line with the organizers promise, glittering Limos were also positioned at strategic places to ferry distinguished guests, stars and celebrities to the red carpet session for photo calls and cocktails.
Live music, was of course supplied by singing couple, Tunde and Wunmi Obe (TWO), who enthralled the guests with tunes from both the old and new schools. Julius Agwu later came on stage to thrill with some ribs cracking jokes. Femi Segun anchored the event.


Jedi set for D’G’s Pikin


Self- acclaimed Well- Fed-Comedian of the Federal Republic; Jedi is poised to dazzle Nigerians, especially his teeming fans in a hilarious show tagged: Jedi live in D’G’s Pikin.
According to the act and his team at Musicom Entertainment, its going to be a two-in-one event that would feature his album premiere as well as comedy performance. Other entertainers billed to mesmerize alongside Jedi on the D-day include: Nomoreloss, M.I., Jafextra, Eldee, Sound Sultan and 9ice. Others coming on board are: Dekunle Fuji, Mike Aremu, Kenny Saint Brown, Tosin Martins and Bouqui.
Comedians also willing to help give the event a big boost with their rich repertoires of jokes include: Ali Baba, AY, Basorge Tariah, Emeka Smith and Gosporella.
According to Jedi, the comperes for the evening are the duo of Teju Baby face and Tee A, and the event, which holds on May 10, 2009, at the Magnolia Hall, City Mall, Lagos Island, promises to be fun-filled and memorable.
The strictly-by-invitation gathering is currently enjoying generous mention in the media as well as Jedi’s Face book.



Heavensgate clocks five, expands


Unknown to many, Heavensgate, the Christian –oriented soap from the stable of Zulu Films Production is already five years on air and still waxing stronger.
Making this known to us recently was its writer, producer and director Mr. Zik Zulu-Okafor.
Elated Okafor, said the divinely inspired project, which hit the airwaves on Sunday, April 4, 2004, on STV, has successfully weathered the storms and ran for five years, with financial support solely from the City of David Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Now back with a bigger, better and repackaged episodes of the family drama, which dwells on all aspects of our daily lives, cerebral Okafor, is now calling on corporate sponsors to buy into the project.
“After five years of sponsorship from the Redeemed Christian Church of God, we now want the corporate world to be part of this project by endorsements, sponsorships and advertisements. They should be part of this story, which is watched and applauded with testimonies all over the world. I will also remain grateful to the late Pastor Eskor, who accepted this project whole heartedly, when we started five years ago”, he said.
Speaking further, Okafor, also a renowned filmmaker in Nollywood and the former president of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP), disclosed that Heavensgate would soon be on other network stations as well as some reputable cable stations, adding that it was professionally and dispassionately shot for the whole family and cuts across religious inclinations. “Its not your usual Christian drama, Heavensgate is a unique Christian soap, with the sole aim of winning souls for Christ”.
Currently on STV every Sunday night, Heavensgate with over 170 episodes also boasts of an intimidating cast list. Among the leading names are: Fred Amata, Alex Usifo-Omiagbo, Monalisa Chindu, Enebeli Elebuwa and a host of others. “We are out to let viewers know that Heavensgate is the scent of a storm laced with several conflicts, he posited.”


Chichi dumps acting for writing


Few years after temporarily quitting Nollywood, Chichi Okoroaftor, the sweet faced starlet who dazzled in flicks like: Sweet Mama, Evil Altar, Ass on Fire, King Of My Village, among others, is gradually carving a niche for herself in the literary world.
The 23 year old English and Literary Studies undergraduate of the Abia State University, as you are reading this, is getting set to publish her first set of collection of poems.
Amazingly too, she is on the verge of rounding off works on her two books, entitled: The Vacant Throne and Abiana. The two works according to her, are dramas, and would be coming out soon. “I’m also into prose as well, but these days, I’m beginning to get more involved with poetry, because it allows me to express myself in a special way, she enthused.
Pretty and soft spoken Okoroafor, who disclosed that she started writing while in Primary Four, said she looks up to great names like: Odia Ofeimun, Niyi Osundare, Flora Nwapa and a few others. “These great names inspire me a lot and my dream is to follow in their footsteps in my literary odyssey. I also want to be a force in the literary world someday”, she maintained with smiles.
Okoroafor, who loves reading and writing is also a member of the editorial board of Igba-ELSA, her departmental publication, where she contributes regularly.
Though temporarily out of Nollywood for now, she however, hopes to bounce back, after obtaining another post graduate degree in Law, based on her passion for the wig and gown profession.


Wake boosts the entertainment scene


With the sole aim of discovering and harnessing the hidden talents that are abound in the Nigerian entertainment landscape, as well as exploring all avenues to project and showcase these talents, Wake Entertainment recently opened its corporate doors of showbizness to Nigeria and the rest of the world. Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the prime movers of the new outfit, briefly told the story of the company. In their words:
“Wake Entertainment Limited is an entertainment and events company, which was founded in 2009. The name was coined out of the first two letters of its promoters - Wale and Kelly. Wale Ponnle is the Proprietor, while Bob Kelly Williams is the General Manager. Our objective at Wake Entertainment is to discover and harness hidden talents that abound in the Nigerian entertainment industry and explore all avenues to showcase these talents. And our mission statement is to contribute meaningfully to the Nigerian entertainment industry by introducing new ideas that are commensurate with today’s international trend. We want to become the reference point when it comes to events, music and artistes’ promotions and management. Also, at Wake Entertainment, we provide a variety of services to help those searching to expand entertainment possibilities, whether it is assisting industry professionals or supporting individuals for their own career development. We
handle Artiste Management and promotion, stage management, road management, event coordination, pageantry, among others. We also have plans to feature a portfolio of specialized businesses that create and deliver original content for live and televised entertainment, which consists of live events, the sale of merchandise at live events, television programming and pay-per-view, and video-on-demand programming”.
Continuing, the duo further revealed that in their effort to showcase talents, they have an African tour lined up towards the last quarter of the year. “The tour, according to them is intended to span through some African regions namely: Western Africa, Central Africa, Eastern Africa, Northern and southern Africa. The objective of this tour is to make known the richness of our Nigerian music and the availability of so many hidden talents here in Nigeria. Also it is to support the government in its effort to re-brand the image of the country. This tour will feature alongside, some popular Nigerian artistes and some foreign artistes to spice up the event.”
To further underscore its seriousness in the nation’s showbiz terrain, the outfit recently signed Tiani and Champion Kunle, two up and coming singers, on its debutant label. While Tiani is a Hip-hop act, Kunle is deeply rooted in High life music. The videos of both works would soon be hitting the airwaves alongside their full works.

Editor's Note - Sorry Pix coming Soon. Tnx