Utomi, NFC, NFVCB, AGN, AMAA, others shine @ Nollywood summit

Pic-Utomi speaking at the event

History was re-written in Nollywood penultimate week, when the Movie Reporters Guild of Nigeria (MORGON), the umbrella body of all the entertainment journalists covering Nollywood, gathered stakeholders from within and outside the industry, for an international summit.
Tagged: Nollywood Our Nollywood, the first of its kind event, primarily aimed at moving the industry forward, was chaired by Prof.
Pat Utomi, the cerebral Director of the Lagos Business School and former presidential candidate.
Utomi, also a Nollywood enthusiast, in his paper entitled; Nollywood and Business Opportunities, spoke extensively on how the industry could be moved to the next level, with the right business opportunities from stakeholders and practitioners.
In the course of his presentation, Utomi who spoke extempore, promised to set up a private film fund soon, as well as a private film village, arguing that they are huge business and investment opportunities needed by the nation’s motion picture industry, if it must be seen as a global money spinner. He ended his well-applauded speech by urging filmmakers to always promote our rich cultural heritage in their works, adding that the heart of social progress is culture.
Other speakers at the event include: Mr. Kene Mkparu, the first Black General Manager of Odeon cinemas, UK, now the managing director of Genesis Deluxe Cinemas. Mkparu, spoke on: Nollywood and the Global Film Industry. Mrs. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, the honcho of AMAA, delivered a riveting paper tagged: Repositioning Nollywood Through Film Festivals and Awards, while Mr. Ejike Asiegbu, the AGN president, spoke on: Nollywood and Entertainment Journalists: A Partnership That Works. However, the controversial and thought provoking paper of Mr. Adim Williams, vice president of AMP, generated so many crises in the capacity filled hall. It was tagged: Dwindling Fortunes of Nollywood: Who To Blame. Also, the representatives of both the DG and MD of the National Film and Video Censors Board and the Nigerian Film Corporation, delivered papers on: Nollywood and The New Distribution Framework and Government’s Good Intentions For The Industry, respectively. Several Nollywood stars and practitioners that spoke at the event commended MORGON, for coming up with the laudable initiative, which is currently setting agenda for discourse within and outside Nollywood.

What Ini, Dauda, AY, Anih have in common

Pic-AY and Mabel at Chris Okotie's Household of God Church,venue of the wedding

Well, with the above headline, you might be wondering what actually these Nollywood quartet have in common. For those of you still guessing, the answer is very simple. They are now happily married, thus becoming the latest and hottest husbands, wife and expectant daddies and mum in Tinsel town.


Comedian, Dauda and wife at Ojez' Restuarant venue of wedding reception

The duo of comedian Kingsley Ogbonna (Dauda) and Tony Anih, the president of the Screen Writers Guild of Nigeria, wedded their lovely wives on November 22, 2008, respectively.
Top actress Ini Edo, finally said “I do”, the traditional way, to her US based heartthrob, Philip Ehiagwina, in her Akwa Ibom state of origin on November 29. Same day, fast rising comedian, AY, walked down the aisle with Mabel, his sweetheart, at Kris Okotie’s Household of God.
The four nuptials are still titillating Nollywood. Also remember you are reading it here first that Dauda, would soon be a proud father. Reason? Chinyere, his lovely wife is heavily pregnant. Another top secret, AY, just bought a glittering Infiniti Jeep, with a customized number, for himself, as a special birthday gift. Can you beat that?

Editor's Note-Pics Later

Fantastic four jostle for crown @ Fame Academy

Pic-Annette Cookey,21, Nigerian is the last girl standing

It is no longer news that the best four contestants of the MTN Project Fame West Africa, have eventually emerged out of the fifteen lucky talents that slugged it out at the academy when it began over nine weeks ago.
The contestants, unarguably, had been through a very tough drilling process in the musical talent hunt show, before being reduced to the last four, already dubbed: Fantastic Four, from the initial five that remained the previous week, following the eviction of Nigerian born Abisola Aiyeola. Now the battle for the supreme prize would be keenly fought by the quartet of: Praise Adejo, Inyanya Mbuk, Nii Ankra, and Annette Cookey.

Pic-Nii keeps the Ghanaian flag flying


Performing before the massive studio audience, prior to the last eviction, the contestants were all too hot to handle as they thrilled the crowd with some of the finest movie soundtrack hits in the world. But these were not enough to take away the inevitable fact that one of the five contestants with the least votes from the viewers must be evicted from the academy that night. And surprisingly, the lot fell on Bisola.
Speaking on stage shortly after her eviction, sexy Bisola, whom many had earlier thought was good enough for the ultimate prize, expressed mixed feelings of pain and appreciation to the viewers, the organizers, and her faculty for bringing out the best in her. In her words, “it pained me, but at the same time, I am happy that I made it this far in the competition. To be sincere, I never thought that I could go this far and I am particularly grateful to the sponsors of the show, MTN Nigeria, and the organizers, for giving us this wonderful opportunity to build our God given talents. I have learnt a whole lot of things in the academy.”
The fantastic four however, reaffirmed their readiness for the final battle, holding this Sunday, December 7, 2008

Music group Safari, drags firm to court

For violating and infringing on the copyright of “One Day Ego Better” one of the wave making songs in its current work entitled Turn By Turn, the singing duo of Safari, has dragged the NLPC Pension Funds to court.
The embittered duo, who have already taken their case to the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN), are also demanding for I00 Million Naira, as damages, since the unending war started.
According to a reliable insider, the firm used the song extensively on radio stations across the nation, while promoting their products and services without the authorization of the copyright owners.
However, we tried reaching both warring parties, whom we also gathered might settle out of court, for their own sides of the story, but did not make any headway before going to press. That notwithstanding, we will definitely keep you darling readers posted as the show of shame unfolds.

Kefee set for album unveiling party

Pic-Kefee

Branama crooner, gospel-music artiste and the founder of the Kefee Peace Foundation (KPF), Irikefe Obareki Kefee has concluded arrangements towards the formal unveiling of her latest album, entitled Kefee: 5 Years of a Phenomenon.
The forthcoming event holds on December 14, 2008 at the upscale Niteshift Coliseum, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos. The sexy crooner and dancer is also expected to officially present to the public and the media, the Kefee Peace Foundation, at the occasion.
Part of the activities lined up for the day include: live performances by many of Kefee's friends and colleagues including Blaise, Bouqui, Emem, Sasha, Timaya, Dekunle Fuji, Rooftop Mcs, Nigga Raw, Segun Arinze, and a host of others.
Interestingly, her colleagues from other parts of Africa, especially: Kay & Halima Kiwanuka from Uganda, Sandra from Rwanda, and Ghanaian superstar, the lady Philipa Baafi, would further help to light up the day.
Invite for the event is already circulating within and outside the entertainment terrain.
Meanwhile, Kefee: 5 Years of a Phenomenon, would be released on the label of Branama Afrique, owned by the accomplished vocalist, and is her third effort, coming after Branama (2003) and its continuation, Branama Trinity (2005).
"The core message is of course gospel ministry; however, besides making people happy, I also wrote the songs for hearts that are hurting; I am hoping the lyrics would heal these hearts and put smile on the faces of those that will hear it."

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