Why Tuface begged me to marry him -Annie Macaulay

The wife of the iconic African pop star, Annie Macaulay Idibia has opened up on why Tuface Idibia begged her to marry him.

In a revealing interview she granted Jara, a TV programme on Africa Magic channel on DSTV, the singer’s wife reconstructed the scenario of how Tuface proposed to her and why he chose her among the other women in his life. Hear her: “He called me up one morning that I should meet him in Lagos so that we can hang out. He said his friends are around and they want to take us out. So, I agreed to see him. I remember it was a particular friend of ours that was around that day, although I would not like to mention his name.
“And when I got to Lagos that day, he was like ‘let’s go to the club.’ When we got to the club, the place was totally empty. Obviously confused, I asked him, “baby, what are we doing here, it’s empty” and before I turned back, my brothers and friends showed up. I was so perplexed that I had to ask what everybody was doing around there and they said they heard we were there and they came.

“Just about few minutes after, Tuface picked up the microphone and I thought he was going to do all the normal hypes he does when he goes to the club. But he shocked me. He started saying things about how I have always been there for him since day one. How I have sacrificed alot for him. How I have cried and stood strong during his trying moments. The truth is, he said so many things I can’t remember now. He said so many wonderful things that sent me into another world and I couldn’t even hear the other things he said.
“I didn’t even know when he walked up to me and he said “Please, will you marry me?” And I was like, “Can you imagine? What’s going on here?” he was saying so many things that I can’t even remember. It all blew my head.

“Although, it has not been easy since we had our traditional marriage. The truth is, it is not easy to be married to a superstar but I still live my normal life. Right now, I feel 24 hours is not enough for me because I have my husband, my daughter and myself to take care of. It has really been crazy and God knows I have been trying my best. I wish I have more time to handle all of this.
“Just because of the lack of time, I haven’t been able do my normal acting jobs. I would still go on to do it soon because my husband is very supportive of my career and everything I do. As a married woman, I would be more selective with the roles I take now. I would do away from controversial roles but that doesn’t mean if I see a good storyline I wouldn’t do it.
“One of the reasons I would be careful with the roles I take up now is because I am married. And when you are married you have to be able to manage your career such that it won’t affect your home front. In any case, you need to learn some tips which will help you carry on in the marriage. But before that, you need to be sure that the man loves you as much as you love him. Even if it is not as much as you love him, but be sure he loves you. You also need to be patient. Men are like babies and babies are very annoying. You need to scold them but you should pamper them more. You need to work on yourself so that you can be proud of yourself. Don’t fake anything.

“Very soon, Tuface and I plan to do our white wedding and you will all be invited and even though it will be something quiet. We don’t want to make too much noise about it. We just want a beautiful and memorable event.”

Emerging comedians to watch in 2013

By JAMES EMMANUEL &
mbarachi chukwuebuka
Jamescode2000@yahoo.co.in

In Nigeria, a tension soaked clime where anger and frustration seem to have enveloped many, the business of comedy which was hitherto taken for granted has begin to blossom, making celebrities out of many and serving as means of livelihood for others.
In the past, event planners either cared less about comedy or had no business with it in their programme’s schedules. For those that dared give it a thought, it was either last in the order of priorities or entirely excluded.
Fascinatingly, the trend has changed. You either give a pride of place to comedy or risk a flopped event. With this unprecedented regard for comedy, rib-crackers have suddenly turned celebrities, becoming brand ambassadors, thereby living large, even larger than most movie and music stars.
In this list, Entertainment Express showcases 13 humour merchants who are gradually and stylishly taking over in the business of wit. With the level they have upped their games and stepped up their antes, they are tipped to wow in 2013 like never before.

Elder O
He was born with no spoon, not even a silver spoon. But when he burst sensationally onto the humour business, his awe-inspiring renditions immediately fetched him a spoon, a golden one.
In his words: “The truth is that I was born without any spoon. You know kids like us born without any spoon had to grow up looking for the spoons ourselves, whether gold, silver or plastic. Gradually, I located the plastic spoon, now I’m striving for the silver, hoping to end with the gold someday”.
With his presence in virtually all events in the city of Lagos, either as MC or Comedian, Elder O, whose real name is Ogechukwu David is gradually taking over the industry. The Bende, Abia State-born rib-cracker who prides himself as the youngest elder of Federal Republic of Nigeria is indeed a star comedian to watch out in 2013. His unique style of dressing-natively-and ability to hold his audience swaying in laughter stands him out in the league of comedians.

Odogwu
Sylvester Obialor otherwise known as Odogwu is another star to watch this year. His audio CD joke compilation featuring MC Abbey and De Don is on the verge of being released to the public.
The University of Abuja graduate of Business Administration has received endorsements of colleagues and fans as one of the most promising talents. It is a common secret in the industry that he is a joke-spinning machine who many resort to for inspiration.
This is why he has been a favourite choice for organizers of corporate shows such as the recently held Coppa Lagos among others.
Every week, he keeps date regularly with fans at upscale hangout, SS Lounge, Victoria Island.

Enenche De Comedian
Abuja based Benue-born comedian-cum-activist Enenche Ononyilo Peters popularly known as Enenche De Comedian is another promising act capable of recording breakthrough in 2013. The Chemistry graduate of Benue State University, Makurdi came to national limelight when he mimicked Chris Oyakhilome in Vol. 14 of Opa William’s Nite of a Thousand Laughs.
His natural sense of humour is mixed with the flavour of an educated entertainer. He can readily convert everyday’s happenings to “stomach tearing jokes” which leaves his fans in the state of uncontrollable ecstasy.
Youthful Enenche won the PAMSA awards 2012 - Comedian of the Year. His audio CD-Laughter of Hope with Enenche-according him, is set to hit market any moment from now.

Benjy D Joke
With his irresistible jokes and stage management ability, Onwume Benjamin, popularly known as Benjy D Joke has maintained a steady rise to stardom. In 2012, he proved his mettle, wowing audiences beyond expectation. Even in the face of serious competitions, the popularity of the Delta State-born budding comedian has continued to soar. His recently held an event tagged Laugh for Change, which attracted audience from far and near. Indeed, the Mass Communication graduate of Lagos State Polytechnic is a star to watch out for this 2013.

Mr. Makati
Five years after abandoning football for comedy. Papa Pass Pikin, as Ejike Richard is fondly called is another rib-cracker that is gradually becoming a household name in the business of comedy.
Perhaps, when he left football for the gutsy ride in comedy little did he know that a fortune awaits him. Today, his name comes aloud in major events within and outside Lagos, a testament that he has distinguished himself. He currently rocks at XFactor Lounge, Surulere, where he thrills as the in-house comedian.

Acapella
Young and witty Acapella is stylishly becoming a top rib-cracker in Nigeria; he can thrill and titillate any audience, irrespective of age or socio-cultural background. His rise to fame started on September 25, 2008, when he emerged winner of AY Open Mic Show. Known for his originality, the Imo State-born act is indeed among the next biggest things in the comedy industry, as he has already been eulogized by celebrated comedians like Gbenga Adeyinka.

MC Filosopher
He is the brain behind the popular comedy audio CD entitled Philosophy of Laughter, and was once the cynosure of all eyes when he emerged winner of the coveted AY Open Mic Show. According to the Isiukwuato, Abia State-born promising act, passion and determination are the ingredients of success. This he believes has catapulted him to limelight, and would keep him afloat in 2013.

Danni B
Groomed by his elder brother, Sheddi Baba, Danni B is one of the newest rib crackers set to rock 2013. Currently under the tutelage of Comedian of the Federal Republic, Gbenga Adeyinka, the Kogi State born entertainer is always a delight to watch.

Rugged Pastor
Born Ubi Emmanuel, this Rivers State born comedian is new and in hot demand. He constantly shuttles between Lagos and Port-Harcourt while plying his trade. The University of Port Harcourt, Theatre Art graduate is also an OAP. He will definitely raise the bar of comedy this 2013.

MC Obeleife
What he lacks in physique, he is doling out in comedy. This petite entertainer is an embodiment of laughter and is set to thrill this 2013 with his jokes and jibes.

MC Rhoda
Bold and brainy comedienne, MC Rhoda seems to be the only fast rising female act in the comedy industry. Born Rhoda Olofua, Rhoda MC boasts of being the most talented female comedian in Nigeria and the only female comedian in Delta state where she hails. “The fact is, I am the only female comedian in Delta State. I have all it takes to make sick and frustrated people to forget their sorrows by laughing. All aspect of me is comical”, she boasted in a recent phone interview with Entertainment Express.
Her “Season of Laughter” comedy audio CD is gradually becoming a street anthem and a major Sound beat that brightens the gloomy faces of Delta State residents. Currently, the 24-year-old Delta State based act is shooting the video of her comedy album which according to her will add glitz and glamour to comedy in Nigeria.

Letter to Mr. President

Dear Mr. President, let me start this letter by wishing you a happy New Year, although, belated. I also want to thank you and your kitchen cabinet for not increasing fuel pump price this 2013, unlike your wicked and callous New Year Day’s gift to long suffering Nigerians in 2012, which nearly brought down your unpopular government.

Nkem Owoh picks a new lover

Prof Pat Utomi Champions a New Distribution Structure for the Nigerian Entertainment Industry.

When persons of Pat Utomi’s caliber comes out to say they are venturing into any business of endeavor we generally will expect the best, and with this new distribution structure it is no different. Set to be launched in the first quarter of 2013, February to be precise, the structure proffers real solutions to many challenges faced by the entire industry.  

Observing that, the wrong use of technology helped promote piracy Pat Utomi, together with Peter and Paul Ikhane employed the right use of technology to build the distribution structure which allows anyone from anywhere in Nigeria to pre-order (purchase) an entertainment product (CD or DVD) via a dedicated online store (www.exodus-cdstore.com and via their mobile phone) and the product delivered. 

After 5 years of research and development of a reliable “delivery network system” built by them and getting a number of replicating partners abroad onboard, Nigerians will finally say good bye to sub-standard CD and DVD packaging. The “delivery network system” is capable of delivering standard CDs and DVDs anywhere in Nigeria for less than half the price it will take a courier company to deliver an envelope within a city.

One would expect that with all of these services: easy purchase of entertainment products via www.exodus-cdstore.com and via mobile phones, delivery to buyers and high quality packaging the distribution structure will only be affordable by the rich? Surprise to say that, the price for a DVD will be as low N650 and for CD, it will be as low as N450.

The distribution structure is being test run with a couple of products at the moment. Products available for purchase on www.exodus-cdstore.com now are IJE: The Journey and Krazy Comedy by Owen Gee.

This, certainly will be one of the biggest things that will happen in the entertainment industry in 2013 and for the fact that Pat Utomi is part of this, we sure do will expect the best.

Written by: Franklin Obi.   

Untold story of how South South Governor wrecked Ruke Amata's marriage .The Omoni Oboli's connectio

One of the biggest sex scandals in the history of Nollywood is currently unfolding and the man at the centre of it all is a randy and serving governor in one of the South South states.

In fact, it is being alleged that the governor whose State is very close to River Niger, shamelessly wrecked the eight year-old marriage of Ruke Amata to Gilda, which has produced three children.

Headies winners at a glance

Best Pop Single – Iyayan (Kukere)

Best R n B Singer – May D

Best Rap Single – Vector ft 9ice (Angeli)

Best R n B/ Pop Album - P Square

Best Street Hop – Chuddy K

Best R n B Pop Album: Ice Prince

Best Vocal Performance (Male) – Wande Coal (Private Trips)

Best Vocal Performance (Female) – Tiwa Savage (Love Me)

Best Collaboration – Sound Sultan ft Excel and Flavour (Orobo)

Revelation of the Year – WizKid

Recording of the Year – Brymo (Ara)

Best Label Head – Banky W

Producer of the Year – Ty-Mix (Super C, Naeto C)

Lyricist on the Roll – Vector (Angeli)

Next Rated – Davido

African Artist of the year – Sakordie, Ghana (Azonto)

Album of the Year – P Square (Invasion)

Best Music Video Director – Jude Okoye (Chop My Money)

Song of the Year – D’Banj (Oliver Twist)

Headies Hall of Fame – Femi Kuti

MTN rewards artistes at Headies, co hosts music veterans

Foremost telecommunications company in Nigeria, MTN alongside Hip Hop World, organisers of the annual Hip Hop award, recently rewarded Nigerian artistes for their tremendous and continuous re-invention of the music industry that has placed Nigeria firmly among the best.

Held on October 20, 2012, at the prestigious Eko Hotel & Suites, the award witnessed a large attendance among who are the crème-de-la-crème of Africa music industries and top corporate heads.

Angel Ufuoma storms US for Dr. Bello’s world premiere

Emerging actress and one of the new faces in Nollywood Angel Ufuoma is currently in the US, for the world premiere of Tony Abulu’s star studded movie-Dr. Bello, at the Kennedy Centre, in Washington DC.

The pretty and cerebral Cambridge trained lawyer, featured in the movie alongside some heavyweights including Hollywood based Isaiah Washington and Vivica Fox.

M-Net, Africa Magic partner TAVA 2012

This year’s The Audio Visual Awards (TAVA), which is holding soon, recently struck a partnership deal with Electronic Media Network Limited-owners of M-Net and Africa Magic Channels on DSTV.

It was with great pleasure that the media conglomerate announced that it has thrown its weight behind the fourth edition of TAVA, as a sponsoring media partner/contributor.

At the colourful signing ceremony, the new partner disclosed it was teaming up with TAVA, in order to raise the bar for African content makers to attain perfect pictures and perfect sounds.

“TAVA is uniquely different from every other award in that its focus is geared only towards enhancing the quality of our productions and the celebration of Africans at home and in the Diaspora behind those great films. It is the new frontier in production excellence; it is the only way to go if African film makers want to compete and excel in a world where the rule remains global pictures and universal sounds, that’s why we are here to encourage them with TAVA,’’ stated Okey Ogunjiofor, the head honcho of TAVA.

This huge platform, we reliably gathered equally offers TAVA and her sponsors an unlimited visibility, mileage and penetration to well over 19 African Countries and even beyond.

Uche Ogbuagu loses mother

Since the recent demise of Ezinne Lovenda Ajukwa Ogbuagu, the mother of top comedian and Special Assistant to the Imo State government on entertainment, Uche Ogbuagu, entertainers in the country have joined fans and family members in commiserating with the bereaved rib cracker.

According to Ogbuagu, his mother died at the age of 75 on Monday, March 19, 2012, after a protracted illness at Artemis Hospital, New Delhi, India.

Nollywood actor, Charles Awurum while commiserating with his colleague, regretted that Ajukwa died when they expected her to celebrate his son’s recent appointment as the Imo State Government’s SA on Entertainment/Chief Comedian.

The deceased was a devout Christian Mother with the Glorious Bible Church, Aba. Abia State.

Her burial has been fixed for Friday, May 4, 2012. She was survived by two daughters and an only son-Uche Ogbuagu.

Nollywood reverberates for Stephanie Okereke’s Paris wedding

•Jonathan expected as special guest

The Nigerian motion picture industry globally known as Nollywood is currently agog and reverberating as the countdown for top actress Stephanie Okereke’s wedding to boss of Delyork International, Linus Idahosa begins.

The classy and rare wedding invite, which we exclusively got, comes in a cream colour with ‘Stephanie and Linus 2012’, stylishly and boldly crafted on it with two standing lions as the dominating insignia.

The inside of the beautiful card with a gold plaited special guest number, simply read:

“Stephanie Okereke and Linus Idahosa together with their parents-Mr. and Mrs. Chima Okereke/Mr. and Mrs. Linus Ogbomon, request the honour of your presence at their marriage, on Saturday, April 21, 2012, 3.p.m. Abbaye Des Vaulx De Cernay 78720 Cernay-La-Ville, Paris.”

Beneath the above details, guests were also told to don black tie, for the international nuptial, already dubbed: Nollywood wedding of the year, by colleagues and industry watchers.

A reliable insider also hinted that aside the presence of Nollywood stars and Idahosa’s friends and associates in high places, that it is very likely President Goodluck Jonathan, who sees Stephanie as one of his adopted daughters, would grace the historic wedding with his wife and a large entourage.

Meanwhile, several leading names within and outside Nollywood are still lobbying and scrambling for the rare invites available for the wedding.

In an exclusive chat with ACTION!, Miss Okereke, who began a revolution in Nollywood with her blockbuster-Through the Glass, confirmed that preparations are already in top gear for the D-Day, April 21.

The special guests for the wedding are currently thronging the Embassy of France, in Lagos and Abuja, respectively to process their short stay visas and other documents needed for the historic nuptial.

Yoruba Movie Academy Award storms Ogun State

The maiden edition of the Yoruba Movie Academy Awards (YMAA) will be proudly hosted by the Ogun State Government. It is aimed at honouring and celebrating creativity in the Yoruba movie industry.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Chief Olu Odeyemi revealed this while also reaffirming the significance of the Yoruba movie industry in the development of culture and tourism in the state.

He also stated that developing the Yoruba movie industry was in line with the new dawn tourism agenda of the administration of Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

The Yoruba Movie Academy Awards is scheduled to hold at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta as part of the celebrations to mark Governor Amosun’s one year in office.

“It is noteworthy to note that Abeokuta is fast becoming the movie capital of the Southwest as plans are also underway to build a world class movie village towards the attainment of this historic objective,” the commissioner declared.

All roads will lead to Abeokuta in May, as the world will witness the first ever Yoruba Movie Academy Awards that will parade style, glamour and panache. A major attraction at this world-class event, which is being powered by Laface Entertainment and Zmirage Multimedia, is the traditional red carpet moment.

Two Nollywood actors die … AGN mourns

Nollywood, which is currently battling with mysterious and incessant deaths, recently lost two more of its talented actors.

Emmanuel Effiong better known as Ratoka, following his exploits in a movie with same title, we exclusively gathered died on Wednesday, April 11, 2012, after a protracted liver related illness.

While, elder Manafa, one of the veterans of the industry, who hailed from Aguleri, Anambra State also died recently.

Both thespians we were told passed on within the spate of two weeks this April.

In his late 30s, Ratoka was reportedly buried the following day at a cemetery in Ikorodu, Lagos amid tears and wailings from family members, colleagues and friends.

The corpse of Manafa, who was believed to be in his early 70s, had since been deposited at a mortuary in his hometown, pending when the family will announce the burial plan and arrangement.

Ratoka, a lanky mulatto was of mixed parentage courtesy of his Nigerian mother and a Lebanese father, who allegedly abandoned the deceased and his siblings when they were still young.

Ratoka, also sparkled alongside another promising act, Charles Waran, in Mark of the Beast, one of the earliest Nollywood horror/anti Christ movies shot several years ago.

Confirming the sad news, the Lagos State Chapter Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rising Ibeh, called on God and good spirited Nigerians to continue praying for the troubled industry.

“We received the sad and painful news of both deaths with so much shock and tears. We cannot question God, but will continue to pray for His mercies and intervention in Nollywood.”

Also speaking, youthful movie director and the producer of forthcoming TV comedy series-Two is a Crowd, Chima Okoroji, prayed God to grant their souls eternal rest.

“No matter what happens we won’t stop seeking the face of God in Nollywood.”

AMAA holds April 22, brings Hollywood stars to Lagos

In a bid to organize a world class event, the organizers of the annual Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) recently unveiled plans towards making this year’s outing better than the previous editions.

One of such is the announcement that popular Hollywood stars like: Morris Chestnut, Lynn Whitfield, Maya Gilbert and Rockmund Dumbar will be in the country as special guests as the ceremony holds.

At the media parley which held during the week at Ikeja, Lagos, the organizers assured that there will be plenty of music from Nigerian star, 2face Idibia, Vivian, a music star from Senegal as well as Nigeria’s internationally-recognised star, Bukola Elemide popularly known as Asa.

Surprisingly, the awards will hold in Lagos for the first time in its eight-year journey.

Speaking at the gathering, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, founder and CEO of AMAA, said the choice of Lagos was due to consideration of logistics. The awards had, since its inception in 2005, been hosted and sponsored by Bayelsa State.

“We are happy to have Lagos State Government and Airtel on board and other sponsors like Arik Air, Lufthansa, Bayelsa State Government who are still behind us. It is a big year for AMAA as we turn eight and there will be lots of films from several countries in the world and other areas of excellence for which AMAA is known, Peace said.

Wangi Mba Uzoukwu, head of Brands and Communication of Airtel who represented the telecom company’s CEO, said: “We are delighted to partner with AMAA as it is a platform for us to contribute to the growth of the African movie industry. The coming together of the two brands is significant in many ways and goes to show the interest of Airtel as a brand that connects with its customers.”

Speaking further on why the awards was moved to Lagos, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe maintained that the enlarged space and increased security that Lagos provide makes it a better location. She said there was pressure on them to move the award out of Nigeria so that other people can feel it, noting that out of the 180 nominees; only 48 were Nigerians, while others came from other African countries or the Diaspora. This, she said, was the reason the nominees party moves around each year to enable other nations feel it as an African affair.

The awards proper holds on Sunday, April 22, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, with Haiti-born Hollywood star, Jimmy Jean- Louis as host, he will be assisted by O.C Ukeje.