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.

Enyiocha, Elendu find life partners

Pic-Emeka Enyiocha, quitting Bachelorhood

Whao! The long list of bachelors and spinsters plying their trades in Nollywood is gradually decreasing. Well, meet the latest husband and wife in tinsel town. First on the list is Eastern Nigerian based actress, Uche Elendu. She has found true love in the arms of Walter Nku, and they recently tied the knot, the traditional way, in Isiukwuato, Abia State, on October 26, 2008, at Elendu’s family home. Interestingly too, in the same Isiukwuato axis, top actor and Nollywood hunk, Emeka Enyiocha, has finally found true and everlasting love in the cozy arms of a yet to be named lady. And their traditional wedding holds this November 1, at the lucky girl’s family home. Already, colleagues of both stars in Nollywood, have continued to make the double nuptials, the talk of the town.

Tony One Week set to rock Abuja

Abuja, the nation’s seat of power and government is currently poised to play host to Gyration master Tony One Week and pals, on the occasion of his tenth anniversary, as a complete and successful entertainer. Tagged: Tony One Week @ Ten, the grand finale of the two-day extravaganza, holding between November 15 and 16, climaxes at the upscale Transcorp Hilton Hotel. According to One Week, now permanently based in Abuja with his family, the event opens on November 15, at the Old Parade Ground, with several artistes performing in a show put together for him by Nigerian Breweries Plc. “The main show where ten comedians, musicians and Nollywood stars, would separately thrill the fun loving people of Abuja, especially my teeming fans, holds the next day at the Transcorp. We are also expecting several dignitaries from both the public and private sectors at the event”, disclosed the act, who is currently in the studios fine-tuning his latest effort.
Meanwhile, info at our disposal has it that One Week’s colleagues in Lagos, have concluded plans to further light up the event with their intimidating presence.

Censors board, NFC, AMAA, others shine @ Abuja film festival

Pic-Duker, Festival Director

No doubt, the fifth edition of the Abuja international film festival, has come and gone, however, what remains unarguable, is the fact that some corporate entities, in both the public and private sectors, added glitz and panache to the four-day event with their intimidating presence and support. Leading the pack of government parastatals with giant stands at the market section of the festival, was the Emeka Mba-led National Film and Videos Censors Board (NFVCB).
In fact, their stands and colourful banners, especially those announcing the newly introduced Framework Distribution Policy, were truly a sight to behold. Mr. Afolabi Adesanya and his entourage from the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), Peace Anyiam-Osigwe and her team from AMA Awards, as well as other corporate bodies, participated actively at the festival.
However, aside participating, the above bodies, also supported the festival with good will messages. Tagged: The Future of Nollywood, this year’s theme, according to Mr. Fidelis Duker, the Festival Director, was imperative because the future of Nollywood depends on all practitioners. “I am also of the view that they must show a genuine resolve, to chart a new course that will guarantee a bright future for the industry…”he posited.

Green and White groove still reverberates

Almost a week after, the Independence Day soiree jointly put together by Encomium, the Magazine and Awards Company in collaboration with Prime Time Entertainment, is still generating positive remarks and issues, especially among newsmakers within and outside our shores.
Aside the array of music and comedy stars that thrilled non-stop at the razzmatazz and fun filled evening of high net worth gathering, Nollywood stars, also added panache and poise with their presence. Of course, assorted foods and choice liquors flowed endlessly at the Harp Lager Beer powered prom.
Speaking on the significance of the star studded and gracefully attended ball, tagged; The Green and White Groove, Mr. Kunle Bakare, the amiable honcho of Encomium and style aficionado, explained that the essence was to celebrate Nigeria at 48. “If at this age, we cannot celebrate ourselves, nobody can do that for us. And by doing this, we are also showcasing the good aspects of our nation
to the world. This country belongs to all of us, and if we don’t help to reposition it, nobody will do that for us…” he explained.
Meanwhile, other elated guests that bared their minds to us, thanked the organizers, for staging a world-class birthday bash for Nigeria at Independence. They also looked forward to another scintillating and memorable outing next year.

Editors Note-Pix later