Niger-Delta-born gospel star, Asu Ekiye is seriously living his dreams in the nation’s entertainment industry.
Few weeks after returning from a very successful tour of the US, UK and some parts of Europe, he is in the news again.
Ekiye’s new album, Eniye, was adjudged the best cultural song at the recently held Kingdom Gospel Awards in Lagos. The accountant-turned entertainer also smiled home with another plaque for the best cultural gospel artiste, at the well-attended ceremony.
Amazingly, the promo video of the award-winning Eniye, which full album is expected to hit shelves nationwide in the next couple of weeks on the stable of Ossy Affason Industries, is currently ruling the airwaves.
And to celebrate the double honour, well-traveled Ekiye, from Bayelsa State, quietly launched two brand new Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV); for himself and darling wife. While Ekiye pampered himself with the latest edition of Avenza Cross Over, he specially chose a Hyundai Santafe for the mother of his children.
Speaking on the awards and cars, the amiable entertainer, who would soon embark on his annual Xmas tour, described it all as, “the goodness of God in my life.”
“It’s been a very wonderful and fulfilling year for me and my family. After the successful tours and recent awards, I decided to spoil myself and entire family with these two brand new cars. For me, it’s basically the prize for hard work, dedication and being focused.”
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Monday, December 5, 2011
When Matse goofed on air
Matse Uwatse, the ex on-air personality with Wazobia FM, now with Nigeria Info FM, a sister company of the former recently goofed while on air.
In fact, Uwatse’s sin was so embarrassing and unpardonable that most listeners that fateful day (last Friday night), angrily abandoned her station and migrated to other ones.
The award winning presenter that many listeners, especially youths look up to for direction and authentic information, went on air to say boldly that President Barack Obama of US and his wife, Mitchell, have three children, instead of two. And painfully, while being corrected by a male discussant on the programme, which had something to do with the issue of child spacing, Uwatse, who thinks she knows it all, refused to listen and insisted Obama’s wife just delivered their third baby. Maybe, the mysterious baby was sired somewhere in her village, in Delta State, South-south, Nigeria.
For Miss Uwatse’s information, the Obamas have two daughters, and not three, Malia, 13, and Sasha, 10. She even went as far as saying that the latest addition to the Obama’s family was delivered inside the White House. Haba Matse!
In fact, the last time a baby was sired inside the White House was during the era of the Kennedys in 1963.
As a serious and news oriented radio station, Uwatse and her team at Nigeria Info FM, should strive to be above board and desist from misleading the listening public on vital issues and information.
In fact, Uwatse’s sin was so embarrassing and unpardonable that most listeners that fateful day (last Friday night), angrily abandoned her station and migrated to other ones.
The award winning presenter that many listeners, especially youths look up to for direction and authentic information, went on air to say boldly that President Barack Obama of US and his wife, Mitchell, have three children, instead of two. And painfully, while being corrected by a male discussant on the programme, which had something to do with the issue of child spacing, Uwatse, who thinks she knows it all, refused to listen and insisted Obama’s wife just delivered their third baby. Maybe, the mysterious baby was sired somewhere in her village, in Delta State, South-south, Nigeria.
For Miss Uwatse’s information, the Obamas have two daughters, and not three, Malia, 13, and Sasha, 10. She even went as far as saying that the latest addition to the Obama’s family was delivered inside the White House. Haba Matse!
In fact, the last time a baby was sired inside the White House was during the era of the Kennedys in 1963.
As a serious and news oriented radio station, Uwatse and her team at Nigeria Info FM, should strive to be above board and desist from misleading the listening public on vital issues and information.
The Amatas’ matriarch goes home in a blaze of glory
The matriarch of the famous Amata movie dynasty, the late Mrs. Joy Omotoyinbo, 81, who died recently, was recently interred in Oyede, Isoko LGA, Delta State.
Prior to the burial, a well-attended Celebration of Life Service held in her honour on Tuesday, November 22, at the Banquet Hall, National Theatre, Lagos.
In a chat with us, emotion-laden Fred, said his dear and great mum would be greatly missed by all her children and grand children.
“My mum was a great woman and a darling mum. All of us will miss her greatly. But my joy is that she has finally gone to meet her husband, who left her a long time ago.” Several friends, colleagues and associates of the Amatas are already in Delta State for the burial.
Prior to the burial, a well-attended Celebration of Life Service held in her honour on Tuesday, November 22, at the Banquet Hall, National Theatre, Lagos.
In a chat with us, emotion-laden Fred, said his dear and great mum would be greatly missed by all her children and grand children.
“My mum was a great woman and a darling mum. All of us will miss her greatly. But my joy is that she has finally gone to meet her husband, who left her a long time ago.” Several friends, colleagues and associates of the Amatas are already in Delta State for the burial.
Obi Emelonye shoots new movie with foreign crew
London-based Mirror Boy director, Oby Emelonye is in town lensing a new big budget movie entitled: The Last Flight To Abuja.
The lawyer turned filmmaker alongside his cast and crew members are currently in Lagos shooting after, which they would storm Tinapa, Cross River State and Abuja, for the concluding part of the action-packed movie.
According to Emelonye, who’s also working with some foreign cast and crew, the entire production would be shot on 3D format.
“The Last Flight To Abuja, is a proudly Nigerian movie and as the director I’m working with both Nollywood and foreign hands and that makes it an international movie project. After the huge success recorded with Mirror Boy, we have decided to take the game higher with this new project. Some of the cast in Hotel Rwanda and other foreign movies are working with me on this great work”, he disclosed.
The lawyer turned filmmaker alongside his cast and crew members are currently in Lagos shooting after, which they would storm Tinapa, Cross River State and Abuja, for the concluding part of the action-packed movie.
According to Emelonye, who’s also working with some foreign cast and crew, the entire production would be shot on 3D format.
“The Last Flight To Abuja, is a proudly Nigerian movie and as the director I’m working with both Nollywood and foreign hands and that makes it an international movie project. After the huge success recorded with Mirror Boy, we have decided to take the game higher with this new project. Some of the cast in Hotel Rwanda and other foreign movies are working with me on this great work”, he disclosed.
Delta State Gov., Uduaghan snubs stroke-afflicted veteran actor, Enebeli Elebuwa
Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uguaghan has come under heavy attack from some concerned actors and stakeholders in Nollywood, for snubbing and treating bed-ridden veteran actor, Enebeli Elebuwa with disdain during a weekend trip to Lagos.
An aggrieved insider, who divulged the ugly drama to EE, said Uduaghan was in Lagos over the weekend and had been scheduled to pay a visit to the hospital where Elebuwa, who is currently down with Stroke, was staying, but shelved the plan at the eleventh hour.
ACTION! gathered that due to security reasons from the Governor’s end, the actor was moved from his Yaba hospital to a more secured and closer one in Surulere, for Uduaghan’s visit to be stress-free, yet he went ahead to snub the actor.
“Even RMD, an actor and serving Commissioner in Delta State, was one of those that facilitated the transfer of Enebeli to the Surulere hospital. He also assured us that the Governor who was in Lagos throughout the weekend would come and see Enebeli, also a proud son of Delta State. We waited throughout the weekend, but Uduaghan did not deem it fit to come and see Enebeli neither did he send us any apology for not keeping to his promise. Enebeli, despite being ill, is an elder statesman and one of the most famous sons of Delta State and does not deserve such irrational treatment from his Governor, especially now that he’s down with Stroke,” lamented this concerned Nollywood veteran.
“All of us waited for the Governor, but he didn’t show up, after all the promises made by RMD, that Uduaghan was on his way to the hospital. It was not a fair treatment at all to Enebeli. This would not have happened if he was a politician or one of those wasting our resources at the corridors of power. As a revered entertainer Enebeli deserves some respect, even on his sick bed,” added another enraged stakeholder in Nollywood. We tried severally to speak with RMD, to ascertain what really went wrong with the proposed and over hyped visit of his principal to Enebeli’s sick bed, but could not reach the actor-turned-politician before going to bed.
An aggrieved insider, who divulged the ugly drama to EE, said Uduaghan was in Lagos over the weekend and had been scheduled to pay a visit to the hospital where Elebuwa, who is currently down with Stroke, was staying, but shelved the plan at the eleventh hour.
ACTION! gathered that due to security reasons from the Governor’s end, the actor was moved from his Yaba hospital to a more secured and closer one in Surulere, for Uduaghan’s visit to be stress-free, yet he went ahead to snub the actor.
“Even RMD, an actor and serving Commissioner in Delta State, was one of those that facilitated the transfer of Enebeli to the Surulere hospital. He also assured us that the Governor who was in Lagos throughout the weekend would come and see Enebeli, also a proud son of Delta State. We waited throughout the weekend, but Uduaghan did not deem it fit to come and see Enebeli neither did he send us any apology for not keeping to his promise. Enebeli, despite being ill, is an elder statesman and one of the most famous sons of Delta State and does not deserve such irrational treatment from his Governor, especially now that he’s down with Stroke,” lamented this concerned Nollywood veteran.
“All of us waited for the Governor, but he didn’t show up, after all the promises made by RMD, that Uduaghan was on his way to the hospital. It was not a fair treatment at all to Enebeli. This would not have happened if he was a politician or one of those wasting our resources at the corridors of power. As a revered entertainer Enebeli deserves some respect, even on his sick bed,” added another enraged stakeholder in Nollywood. We tried severally to speak with RMD, to ascertain what really went wrong with the proposed and over hyped visit of his principal to Enebeli’s sick bed, but could not reach the actor-turned-politician before going to bed.
TIT-BITS FROM AKI’S WEDDING
-Crowd everywhere
An unprecedented crowd witnessed the wedding of Aki to his sweet heart, Nneoma. In fact, the mammoth crowd that came to catch a glimpse of the superstar, his wife and other Nollywood stars that graced the nuptials completely overwhelmed the combined team of security agencies at the venue. Some daring ones even climbed tree branches and roof tops in order to have a proper view of the talk of the town wedding ceremony. It was as if the whole Imo State emptied themselves into the open field venue of the event. Some guests also lost cash and other valuable items in the “crowd madness”, which completely left security personnel disorganized and frustrated.
-Three band stands
Three leading eastern-based musicians were contracted to perform live at the wedding ceremony. Among them were: legendary Maduka Morocco, Saro Wiwa and Koboko (Emeka Enyiocha’s younger brother). They all dished out melodious tunes to the admiration of the couple, guests and villagers. The overwhelmed couple later went round the three band stands to sweat it out with friends and well-wishers amid heavy security.
-Water tight security
A colleague of Aki who was in Mbano described the event as the wedding with the highest number of security operatives in the history of Nollywood. One of the policemen that spoke with EE, argued that some governors cannot boast of the security personnel present at Aki’s nuptials. From the regular police, to mobile officers, soldiers, plain clothe officers, SSS, even paramilitary establishments and local vigilante; they were all present at the wedding. Aki and his wife had over a dozen of these tough looking and gun-toting officers guarding them at all times, thus leaving no room for intruders.
-MC, Dauda, mobbed
Kingsley Ogbonna, famously known as Dauda who beautifully anchored proceedings at the grand wedding tasted the other side of stardom when fans mobbed him at the event. It took the timely intervention of security operatives for the comic star to be rescued from the firm grip of his die hard fans.
-Committee of Friends
A special committee of friends was set up for Aki’s wedding. The committee led by revered Nollywood producer and scriptwriter, Chidi Nwokeabia assisted immensely in the huge success recorded at the event. Other members of the group, who wore specially designed T-Shirts at the wedding venue, were: Charles Inojie, Steve Eboh, Sunny Mc Don and Emeka Enyiocha. They also ensured that their colleagues from Nollywood had a swell time at the nuptials.
-Only one Governor in attendance
Contrary to reports in some publications that three sitting governors would grace the wedding, only one of them eventually turned up at the event. Governor T.A Orji of Abia State was the only one that made it to Mbano. He was accompanied by his wife and some cabinet members. Edo and Imo Governors sent representatives to the wedding.
-Nollywood, not heavily represented
Although, it was a Nollywood wedding, but some of the big names people expected at the wedding did not attend.
Flight delays from Lagos and improper arrangements were cited as reasons for the not too visible representation of Nollywood superstars and practitioners at the wedding. Some also claimed the wedding invitation got to them very late.
-All Seasons Hotel, where couple and Nollywood stars lodged
Evangelist Myke Ikoku’s five star hotel, All Seasons was the choice haven chosen by the couple for their accommodation and relaxation. It was also the choice of virtually all the stars that graced the wedding. According to Ikoku, the couple and stars opted for his luxury hotel because of the special services they offer, especially in the areas of relaxation, security and comfort.
-After wedding bash
The post wedding activities continued with an all night after wedding shindig that held inside the posh nite club of All Seasons Hotel. The party was well attended with victuals flowing from all corners of the club.
An unprecedented crowd witnessed the wedding of Aki to his sweet heart, Nneoma. In fact, the mammoth crowd that came to catch a glimpse of the superstar, his wife and other Nollywood stars that graced the nuptials completely overwhelmed the combined team of security agencies at the venue. Some daring ones even climbed tree branches and roof tops in order to have a proper view of the talk of the town wedding ceremony. It was as if the whole Imo State emptied themselves into the open field venue of the event. Some guests also lost cash and other valuable items in the “crowd madness”, which completely left security personnel disorganized and frustrated.
-Three band stands
Three leading eastern-based musicians were contracted to perform live at the wedding ceremony. Among them were: legendary Maduka Morocco, Saro Wiwa and Koboko (Emeka Enyiocha’s younger brother). They all dished out melodious tunes to the admiration of the couple, guests and villagers. The overwhelmed couple later went round the three band stands to sweat it out with friends and well-wishers amid heavy security.
-Water tight security
A colleague of Aki who was in Mbano described the event as the wedding with the highest number of security operatives in the history of Nollywood. One of the policemen that spoke with EE, argued that some governors cannot boast of the security personnel present at Aki’s nuptials. From the regular police, to mobile officers, soldiers, plain clothe officers, SSS, even paramilitary establishments and local vigilante; they were all present at the wedding. Aki and his wife had over a dozen of these tough looking and gun-toting officers guarding them at all times, thus leaving no room for intruders.
-MC, Dauda, mobbed
Kingsley Ogbonna, famously known as Dauda who beautifully anchored proceedings at the grand wedding tasted the other side of stardom when fans mobbed him at the event. It took the timely intervention of security operatives for the comic star to be rescued from the firm grip of his die hard fans.
-Committee of Friends
A special committee of friends was set up for Aki’s wedding. The committee led by revered Nollywood producer and scriptwriter, Chidi Nwokeabia assisted immensely in the huge success recorded at the event. Other members of the group, who wore specially designed T-Shirts at the wedding venue, were: Charles Inojie, Steve Eboh, Sunny Mc Don and Emeka Enyiocha. They also ensured that their colleagues from Nollywood had a swell time at the nuptials.
-Only one Governor in attendance
Contrary to reports in some publications that three sitting governors would grace the wedding, only one of them eventually turned up at the event. Governor T.A Orji of Abia State was the only one that made it to Mbano. He was accompanied by his wife and some cabinet members. Edo and Imo Governors sent representatives to the wedding.
-Nollywood, not heavily represented
Although, it was a Nollywood wedding, but some of the big names people expected at the wedding did not attend.
Flight delays from Lagos and improper arrangements were cited as reasons for the not too visible representation of Nollywood superstars and practitioners at the wedding. Some also claimed the wedding invitation got to them very late.
-All Seasons Hotel, where couple and Nollywood stars lodged
Evangelist Myke Ikoku’s five star hotel, All Seasons was the choice haven chosen by the couple for their accommodation and relaxation. It was also the choice of virtually all the stars that graced the wedding. According to Ikoku, the couple and stars opted for his luxury hotel because of the special services they offer, especially in the areas of relaxation, security and comfort.
-After wedding bash
The post wedding activities continued with an all night after wedding shindig that held inside the posh nite club of All Seasons Hotel. The party was well attended with victuals flowing from all corners of the club.
Imo glows for Chinedu Ikedieze’s (Aki) wedding
The traditional wedding (Igba Nkwu) of Nollywood superstar Chinedu Ikedieze globally known as Aki, has come and gone, but the memory of the one day carnival-like ceremony will remain indelible in the minds of Imo State indigenes, especially the people of Mbano, where Aki’s wife, Nneoma hails from.
Originally billed for 12 noon, the star-studded event, which held elaborately at the expansive St. Theresa’s Catholic Church Field, Obolo Isiala Mbano, finally commenced around 3.p.m., when the bride and groom drove into the venue in a long convoy of high-end automobiles. The latest couple in Nollywood were chauffeur driven in a stretch and dark-coloured Magnum. The capacity filled venue erupted in cheers the moment Aki, who was swathed in an all Igbo attire with a matching black cap and walking stick alighted from the car with his darling wife, who also looked angelic and elegant in her traditional Igbo ensemble.
It took the timely intervention of a combined team of security operatives that included regular police, mobile police, soldiers, plain clothe officers and some para military establishments to calm and control the teeming crowd that surged forward to catch a glimpse of their star and his beau. In fact, controlling the mammoth crowd eventually turned out the biggest task of the day for the security agencies present at the talk-of-the-town wedding, because they later became helpless and totally confused towards the end of the very grand occasion.
Although, the arrival of Abia State Governor, Chief T.A. Orji and his wife alongside some members of his cabinet further revved up the ceremony, which was beautifully anchored by famous comic actor, Kingsley Ogbonna (Dauda) and chaired by Chief Kingsley Megwarah. However, the icing on the cake was the presence of over 20 Nollywood stars that came to felicitate with the couple in Mbano. And the villagers as well as those from the neighbouring communities came out in droves to see their favourite entertainers live.
Some even went as far as climbing trees, high fences and roof tops in order to have a clear view of the proceedings, which one of the village elders described as, “historic and memorable.”
Surprisingly, what would have amounted to a tragedy was miraculously averted when some young villagers fell from a tall tree after one of its weak and over loaded branches caved in. No casualty was recorded, except for minor bruises and injuries.
Interestingly, the high point of the turbo-charged event, which paraded three live bands, was when the visibly elated Mr. and Mrs. Ikedieze hit the crowded dance floor and rocked separately to the tripartite music of legendary Maduka Morocco, youthful Saro-Wiwa and ebullient Koboko.
The gyration reached a crescendo when Aki’s colleagues from Nollywood joined them on the dance floor and stylishly surrounded the newly wed by forming a ring around them, to the admiration of all. They also sprayed the couple with various denominations of Naira notes while performing this scintillating exercise amid cheers.
Meanwhile, prior to all these activities at the open field of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, a reliable insider squealed to EE, that both families had met and performed the traditional marriage rites behind closed doors at the bride’s family house.
The only rite they performed at the field was when Nneoma was given the palm wine to take to her husband, which she did romantically amid applause.
In his remarks, Governor Orji, who hailed Aki, for being a great ambassador of Abia State and Nigeria, urged the couple to put God first in whatever they do. Orji, who flew in from France specifically for the nuptials, also thanked all those that came from far and wide to rejoice with them, adding that the marriage was the will of God and must be fulfilled.
Top Nollywood actress and producer, Uche Jombo, in her goodwill message, wished the couple the best of marital bliss and many years of happiness. “As a sister and colleague, I’m wishing Nedu and Nneoma a happy married life alongside many years of happiness and long life. It was a great outing and I enjoyed and cherished every moment of it”, she says with a bold smile.
Aki’s soul mate and best man at the event, Osita Iheme, famously known as Pawpaw, was full of praises to God Almighty for making the wedding a huge success. He also hailed his colleague for taking the bold step, while praying God to bless the union with all the good things of life that comes with marriage.
The newest husband in Tinsel town, Aki, whose wife also read Mass Communication like him, in a chat with EE, said he was overwhelmed with the phenomenal success his wedding witnessed.
“My brother, sincerely, I’m still speechless and overwhelmed almost 24 hours after my wedding. I thank God, my wife, family, In-laws, my Governor, colleagues and all those that made my day grand at the wedding. God bless all of you immensely”, he prays in a cracked voice.
Meanwhile, Lagos State is already agog for Aki’s white wedding, which holds on December 10, at a yet-to-be fixed venue.
Originally billed for 12 noon, the star-studded event, which held elaborately at the expansive St. Theresa’s Catholic Church Field, Obolo Isiala Mbano, finally commenced around 3.p.m., when the bride and groom drove into the venue in a long convoy of high-end automobiles. The latest couple in Nollywood were chauffeur driven in a stretch and dark-coloured Magnum. The capacity filled venue erupted in cheers the moment Aki, who was swathed in an all Igbo attire with a matching black cap and walking stick alighted from the car with his darling wife, who also looked angelic and elegant in her traditional Igbo ensemble.
It took the timely intervention of a combined team of security operatives that included regular police, mobile police, soldiers, plain clothe officers and some para military establishments to calm and control the teeming crowd that surged forward to catch a glimpse of their star and his beau. In fact, controlling the mammoth crowd eventually turned out the biggest task of the day for the security agencies present at the talk-of-the-town wedding, because they later became helpless and totally confused towards the end of the very grand occasion.
Although, the arrival of Abia State Governor, Chief T.A. Orji and his wife alongside some members of his cabinet further revved up the ceremony, which was beautifully anchored by famous comic actor, Kingsley Ogbonna (Dauda) and chaired by Chief Kingsley Megwarah. However, the icing on the cake was the presence of over 20 Nollywood stars that came to felicitate with the couple in Mbano. And the villagers as well as those from the neighbouring communities came out in droves to see their favourite entertainers live.
Some even went as far as climbing trees, high fences and roof tops in order to have a clear view of the proceedings, which one of the village elders described as, “historic and memorable.”
Surprisingly, what would have amounted to a tragedy was miraculously averted when some young villagers fell from a tall tree after one of its weak and over loaded branches caved in. No casualty was recorded, except for minor bruises and injuries.
Interestingly, the high point of the turbo-charged event, which paraded three live bands, was when the visibly elated Mr. and Mrs. Ikedieze hit the crowded dance floor and rocked separately to the tripartite music of legendary Maduka Morocco, youthful Saro-Wiwa and ebullient Koboko.
The gyration reached a crescendo when Aki’s colleagues from Nollywood joined them on the dance floor and stylishly surrounded the newly wed by forming a ring around them, to the admiration of all. They also sprayed the couple with various denominations of Naira notes while performing this scintillating exercise amid cheers.
Meanwhile, prior to all these activities at the open field of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, a reliable insider squealed to EE, that both families had met and performed the traditional marriage rites behind closed doors at the bride’s family house.
The only rite they performed at the field was when Nneoma was given the palm wine to take to her husband, which she did romantically amid applause.
In his remarks, Governor Orji, who hailed Aki, for being a great ambassador of Abia State and Nigeria, urged the couple to put God first in whatever they do. Orji, who flew in from France specifically for the nuptials, also thanked all those that came from far and wide to rejoice with them, adding that the marriage was the will of God and must be fulfilled.
Top Nollywood actress and producer, Uche Jombo, in her goodwill message, wished the couple the best of marital bliss and many years of happiness. “As a sister and colleague, I’m wishing Nedu and Nneoma a happy married life alongside many years of happiness and long life. It was a great outing and I enjoyed and cherished every moment of it”, she says with a bold smile.
Aki’s soul mate and best man at the event, Osita Iheme, famously known as Pawpaw, was full of praises to God Almighty for making the wedding a huge success. He also hailed his colleague for taking the bold step, while praying God to bless the union with all the good things of life that comes with marriage.
The newest husband in Tinsel town, Aki, whose wife also read Mass Communication like him, in a chat with EE, said he was overwhelmed with the phenomenal success his wedding witnessed.
“My brother, sincerely, I’m still speechless and overwhelmed almost 24 hours after my wedding. I thank God, my wife, family, In-laws, my Governor, colleagues and all those that made my day grand at the wedding. God bless all of you immensely”, he prays in a cracked voice.
Meanwhile, Lagos State is already agog for Aki’s white wedding, which holds on December 10, at a yet-to-be fixed venue.
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