Entertainers unite for Diamonds Awards for Comedy

Pic-Ladi Gombe, the host

All is now set for the maiden edition of the long awaited Diamond Awards For Comedy, being powered by Miss Ladi Gombe’s led Latsview Concept.
This first of its kind gathering that is aimed at recognizing and rewarding some of Nigeria’s finest rib crackers, especially those that have distinguished themselves over the years, holds on Saturday, December 6, 2008, at the Planet One, Maryland, Lagos, amid glamour, glitz and razzmatazz.

Pic-Julius Agwu

In the words of pretty Gombe, awards will be given in keenly contested categories like: Comedian of the year, Best new comedian, Best comedy show, Best stand up, Best comic act, Most creative and Best female comedienne.


Meanwhile, some of the big names already nominated and are jostling for these coveted crests include: Basorge Tariah, Okey Bakassi, Basketmouth, Victor Osuagwu, Nkem Owoh, Igo Dye, Gbenga Adeyinka, Tee A, Princess, AY, Julius Agwu and a host of other up and coming acts.

Odey, others for NFVCB licenses presentation

Pic-John Odey

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. John Odey, would be leading other dignitaries to the epoch presentation of licenses to distributors and exhibitors by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB).
The event holds today, Friday, December 5, 2008, at the Planet One, Maryland, Lagos.
The outing, according to Emeka Mba, the hard working honcho of the apex film regulatory body, is the first of its kind in the history of film and movie industry in Nigeria.
“It is a culmination of three years of hard work by the management of the National Film and Video Censors Board.
The process, which began with seminars, presentations, town hall meetings and road shows with stakeholders, is now complete with the selection of 36 national distributors and exhibitors and 80 regional distributors and exhibitors. The NFVCB in its effort to reform and properly regulate the movie industry in Nigeria initiated the distribution framework as a platform to build an industry of strategic national importance. The drive to build a sustainable structure and stimulate growth in the film and movie sector of the economy is the catalyst for this framework,” Mba stated.
He further added that they were at the verge of accomplishing the building of an industry of both national and international repute.
The ceremony is expected to attract participants from the legislature, government agencies under the Ministry of Information, corporate organizations as well as members of the public and the press. A workshop on film and media financing would also take place at the event, alongside video conferencing with three international resource persons.
The Hon Minister is expected to present the licenses personally as a way of encouragement and assurance of government’s support and interest in the sustainable growth of the industry

AMBO 4 thrills viewers on network TV

After a well-deserved long wait, the fourth season of the annual Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO), has finally made a debut on network television stations. The final ten painstakingly selected from over 20,000 aspiring movie stars, from regional auditions are expected to thrill and entertain TV viewers both within and outside the country, for 21 days, starting from this week.
The exciting show already airing on AIT, NTA and Africa Magic, began with a review of the previous editions of AMBO, featuring winners such as Azizat Sadiq, Bhaira Mcwizu and OC Ukeje. They relieved their experiences at the AMBO House.
This year’s winner is expected to walk away with N2.5 million cash, a brand new car as well as play the lead in a bestseller movie, expected to top Nollywood chart.
The lucky ten are: Tiem Okori, Chukwudi Ubido, Chioma Ezeani, Ajibade Omisade and Adewale Ojo. Others include: Nnenna Udeh, Fatima Sheidu, Solafunmi Sosanya, Tope Alake and Uche Nwokocha.
You can also follow the action on www.amstelmaltaboxoffice.com

Uche Jombo on the move again

Pic-Jumbo

On the move actress Uche Jombo, has done it again. The mathematician turned actress from Abiriba, Abia State, just breezed in from the UK, where she won the Best English Actress Award, at the recently held Afro-Hollywood Awards.
Since her arrival, the fun-loving thespian, has not stopped celebrating and spreading the good news within and outside her domain. Interestingly, some of her pals and colleagues are planning a scintillating post award bash for her.
We would definitely keep you posted on the details. However, she has assured that it is not going to be an all night groove.
Congrats.

AMAA repositions with Town Hall meeting

In order to ensure hitch-free outings in the subsequent editions of the Africa Movie Academy Awards, the organizers recently gathered stakeholders and practitioners in the motion picture industry at a Town Hall Meeting dubbed: “Creating the platform of rewards”. The meeting held at the National Theatre, Lagos.

Pic-http:Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, AMAA boss

In her opening remarks, the honcho of AMAA, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, explained that so many measures have been put in place to curtail the lapses of the past editions. “We noticed that so many people come to the awards without invitations and these people end up causing problems for us. We also noticed that those we invite end up sleeping in the wrong rooms because their rooms were usually hijacked by uninvited visitors.” She further added that henceforth, they would be very strict in terms of accommodation, welfare, ticketing and transportation for the award ceremonies.
She also called on would be attendees, to always confirm their attendance, at least, one week before the event, to enable the organizers prepare adequately for all their needs.
Virtually all the stakeholders that spoke at the star-studded event unanimously concurred that the meeting was held at the appropriate time. They also hailed the organizers for a job well done and promised to cooperate with them towards making the next edition, which holds on Saturday, April 4, 2009, in Bayelsa State, a huge success.

Oliver de Coque goes home in a blaze of glory

...Gov Obi, Donald Duke pay last respect


Pic-Oliver's Body being borne by Ebony Undertakers during wakekeep at National Stadium, Lagos.

The quiet town of Ezinifite, in Nnewi South, Anambra State, erupted in a blaze of glory on Friday, November 14, during the final burial ceremony of Oliver De Coque, the undisputed king of Ogene brand of Highlife music.
Governor of Anambra, Peter Obi, Donald Duke, ex-Gov Rivers State, Sen. Annie Okonkwo, CHika Okpala and PMAN delegation led by Judith Nwachukwu, Vice-President led several dignitaries that graced the carnival-like-burial.
De Coque, real names, Sunday Oliver Akanite, died on Saturday, June 21, 2008 at the age of 61. He recorded and released over one hundred albums, during his successful singing career, spanning over three decades.
May his soul rest in Peace.

Censors Board nabs illegal film marketer

Pix-Emeka Mba, DG, NFVCB

The concerted efforts of the National Film and Video Censors Board, which is aimed at sanitizing the nation’s motion picture industry, is gradually yielding results. Cheering news at our disposal has it that the Operations Department of the Board, recently arrested one Mr. Ifeanyi Okongwu, for illegal release of a film entitled “Silver and Gold” into the Nigerian market.
The alleged culprit, also the CEO of Ceaser Movies, based in Ghana, confirmed during interrogations in the Board’s office in Ikoyi, that the movie, which was shot and produced in Ghana, was never censored and approved for release by the Board.
In his words,"the film was released into the Ghanaian market in February, 2008 after meeting all their regulatory requirements.
But despite repeated warnings from marketers, including Mr. Chuks Anyiam of Spyder Films, Okongwu, threw caution to the winds and secretly released about 5,000 copies of the movie into the Nigerian market illegally.
Gathered that he was later arrested by the Operations Unit of the Board, led by Mr. Peace Anjorin, following intelligence reports, and immediately handed over to the Police, after making useful statements to the board.
Meanwhile, the Board has also promised to leave no stone unturned in fishing out offenders in the industry. The Board also appealed to members of the public to desist from patronizing the said film, pending when its legally censored and approved.
According to a signed release from Mr. Ogbonna Onwumere, Okongwu, has been remanded in Police custody, pending the conclusion of investigation.

New celebrity joint, Aqua 27, opens

Aqua 27, a new celebrity hangout, which the owners boasted represent a fresh approach to night life, especially for fun-seekers hibernating on the Island, has opened for business with a blast.
Surprisingly, the newest joint in town is unarguably, Nigeria’s first floating soul lounge. “Aqua 27, prides on its exceptional standard of service, as it doubles as a restaurant during the day and a dancing bar at night”, hinted one of its prime movers.
Tucked inside the Chase Mall on Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, the serene splendour of Aqua’s astonishing décor does not disappoint, coupled with its high calibre of upwardly mobile guests.
It also boasts of vast open space, secured parking lot, high ceiling and crystal clear water fountain that passes nicely for a world-class painting richly combined to create a cool sanctuary aimed at helping to calm the frayed nerves of its patrons and clientele.
No doubt, Aqua, has become the celebrity preferred get away location for a night of tremendous fun and high networking in a relaxed environment.

Ochendo returns with Da Cornerstone

Comic actor turned Dancehall/Ragga crooner Macsmith Ochendo, has concluded plans to release his overdue debut effort on shelves within and outside our shores.
Entitled: Da Cornerstone, the eight-tracker effort was produced by Marvelous Benji, and would be launched soon at an elaborate ceremony.
Speaking at a recent media parley, the Anambra State born gangling entertainer, disclosed that the music video of the beautiful work, would soon hit the airwaves.
“ I started this project a long time ago, but had to take a break, when it started clashing with my acting career, but thank God, I am fully back on the microphone and doing my own thing my own way.”
Dreadlocks donning Ochendo, also dismissed the rumour going round that he has abandoned acting for music, insisting that he is happy combining both.

Naija’s first actuality show set to debut

Do you want to be the future president of Nigeria? Well, if your answer is yes, then you can truly make it happen by being part of the first ever Actuality show that would soon make a debut on Nigerian TV stations. Tagged: If I Was President, according to the organizers, it was designed to create the right model of leadership for young people, not only in Nigeria, but also throughout the African continent and beyond. “We would try as much as possible to bring out the competitive edge among the contestants as they deal with decisions and choices that will reflect and bring to bear, their leadership traits. It will be a viewers delight”, they promised.
Proudly put together by Saints Media and Stripes Creative Media UK, the show, further aims at creating an enabling environment where it can be meaningfully utilized to inspire and bring about social development.
To participate, you must be between 18 and 35, while finalists would be selected from an audition that will be carried out across the major geographical zones of the country. For more info, visit www.ifiwaspresident.co.uk

Editors Note: azuhamatus.blogspot.com is really sorry for the lull in the past two weeks. We are however back with full force and good to go! Compliments of the season-The Crew

Hackers rattle Nollywood Star, Segun Arinze

Top actor and one of the newly married men in Nollywood, Segun Aina Padanou, famously known as Segun Arinze, is not a happy man at the moment.

Pic-A rattled Segun Arinze

Reason? We reliably gathered that some daring hackers (fraudsters), invaded his email site and tried ripping off some unsuspecting Nigerians.
Thank God, the multi-talented entertainer, was alerted before the sons of devil could cause any harm.
Ever since, Black Arrow, as he is fondly called, has been crying and shouting to the roof tops that people, especially his colleagues and fans should be very careful in dealing with anybody on any official issue concerning him. Visibly angry Arinze, has also disclaimed and discarded his former email address-segunarinze@yahoo.com, which was where the heartless hackers invaded.

Entertainers unite for new phase of Bayelsa concert

Pic-Ali Baba,Nigerian Comedian will be performing

Following the huge success recorded with the debut edition of the New Phase of Bayelsa concert, which was beautifully packaged by Icon Multimedia, the organizers are fully set for another bumper outing.
In the words of Jeff Botimi Amusu, popularly known as Talkative, who is the prime mover of the December 26, 2008, concert, they have concluded plans to make it the best and biggest show in the Niger Delta region, this year. Among the top names coming to thrill the good people of Bayelsa, at the Gloryland Cultural Centre, Yenogoa, include: VIP, Ali Baba, 2Shorts Gandoki, Gordons, KC Presh, god fada, John Okafor and a host of other up and coming acts.

Pic-VIP, Ghanian hiphop musicians will also add spice

Speaking further, Bayelsa State born Talkative, who will also be performing, argued that since over 7000 audience graced the debut edition, their aim is to double the figure in the coming show. “It is going to be a complete Xmas package, for the people of Bayelsa. We want people to relax and enjoy themselves in a conducive atmosphere, that is the whole essence of this concert”, he said.

Spider finally goes on air

Pic-Dare Fasasi aka Baba Dee will also show that he can do other things than sing


Whao! After a long wait, Spider, the star-studded soap from the stables of Apreel Ventures, is now on AIT network, and would be hitting other stations in the next couple of weeks. Spider, produced by Ariyike Oladipo, currently shows every Tuesday and Wednesday at 7.30 pm, on AIT. According to Mrs. Oladipo, who is also the producer of Dear Mother, the original arrangement was for Spider to be shown thrice in a week, but the plan did not work out, due to some technical hitches. “ Instead of waiting, we decided to hit the airwaves with the twice-in-a-week slot, hopefully, before the next quarter, we would make it thrice in a week, for the sake of our darling viewers.” She further assured that the soap, would change the face of home entertainment for the whole family, adding that her outfit is committed to churning out quality productions, which can compete favourably anywhere in the world.
Some of the leading names in the big budget production include: Akin Lewis, Memuna Abaji, Ronnie Dikko, Femi Branch, Jaiye Kuti, Dare Fasasi and a host of others.

South-East Nigerian actors hail Obama’s victory

Pic-Barack Obama, US President-Elect

For making history by becoming the first black to be elected US president, Barack Obama, has been hailed by the members of the Conference of Imo State Actors. In a statement made available to us and signed by its national president and popular actor, Charles Awurum, the body congratulated Obama and promised to commence a movie production soon on him.
“With Obama’s victory at the polls, US have shown that democracy is truly the government of the people, by the people and for the people. Let this be a lesson for other countries, especially Nigeria. We are also happy that with this victory, the white man has finally accepted the Blackman as his brother. We salute Obama and all Americans, for standing up for change,” Awurum, now based in the East stated.

Abuja erupts for two Nollywood movies

Today, in fact, this evening, the city of Abuja and its environs will be agog for the world premiere of two Nollywood big budget movies: When The Heart Lies and Reloaded.
The evening of fun and networking, tagged: 16 Stars, Two Movies and One Big Premiere, holds elaborately at the prestigious Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, at 6.pm.
As usual, dignitaries from the public and private sectors, as well as Nollywood stars and entertainers from the music and comedy scenes, would be gracing the premiere, currently serenading the Federal Capital Territory.
Meanwhile, in separate chats with us, both female producers of the flicks’ Vivian Ejike and Emem Isong, promised to make tonight’s grand gathering, a memorable one for all the invited guests.

Pic-Emem Isong, Producer

According to Ejike, the producer of When The Heart Lies, a total of 16 stars from both movies are already in Abuja, for the event. A feat she described as unprecedented.
“With this event, my partners and I, tend to set the pace and stand out from the mammoth Nollywood crowd, in terms of production quality and values. Personally, I constantly strive to achieve perfection in all my works, by investing heavily in state of the art production equipments, technologies, top rated Nollywood stars and good scripts,” explained the boss of Purple Pine production house.
Also speaking, Isong, who produced Reloaded alongside actor, Desmond Elliot, stated that the premiere, would help to reposition Nollywood and further entrench professionalism among core practitioners.
“ This event would no doubt raise the bar in Nollywood, and we chose Abuja, because it’s the nation’s capital. Both works are of international standard, and we also intend using them to sustain both local and global patronage for quality Nollywood productions,” said the multiple award winning filmmaker and scriptwriter.
They also disclosed that some leading musicians and comedians would spice up the evening of high net worth gathering with good music and rib cracking jokes.
Some of the leading stars in both movies include: Omotola Jalade- Ekeinde, Ramsey Noah, Desmond Elliot, Uche Jombo, Van Vicker, Rita Dominic, Ini Edo and Stephanie Okereke.
Others are: Monalisa Chinda, Omoni Oboli, Mbong Odungide, Enebeli Enebuwa, Paul Play Dairo and a host of others.
The duo of Lancelot Imasuen and Ikechukwu Onyeka separately directed the heart-wrenching movies at various choice locations within the Lagos metropolis.