Azuhamatus.blogspot.com lands in Italy for Venice Film Festival

Pix-Yours Sincerely and Mr. Andrien Gbinigie, CEO, Atlantic Overseas

Although, the 65th edition of the Venice International Film Festival, Italy, finally kicked off Wednesday, August 27, in the beautiful city of Lido, Venice, amid glitz, grandeur and razzmatazz, your darling showbiz blog will report live from Venice, venue of the event, as we have concluded plans to storm Italy live.
The London office of Andrien Gbinigie’s led Atlantic Overseas Limited made the historic trip possible.
Revered as the world’s oldest festival and organized by the Venice Biennale since 1932, it aims at promoting and encouraging the awareness of all the various aspects of international cinema as an art. It also promotes the entertainment industry, in a spirit of freedom and tolerance.
Marco Muller, is the director of this year’s edition, while German born director, Wim Wenders, is the president of the international jury of this year’s Venezia, which ends on September 6.
Need we say more, watch this space!

WORDS ON MARBLE: Kene Mkparu, GM, Odeon Cinemas, UK, 'take' on Atlantic Overseas

What was it like in September 2007, when two Nollywood blockbusters Mission
to Nowhere and Mirror of Beauty stormed Odeon and Cineworld cinemas in the
UK?

“WHAO! IT WAS MASSIVE, HUGE AND MEMORABLE. IT WAS FUN MEETING TECO BENSON,
THE DIRECTOR OF ONE OF THE FILMS, SOME CAST MEMBERS AND THE FINANCIER OF THE
FILMS, ANDRIEN GBINIGIE, WHO IS ALSO THE CHAIRMAN OF ATLANTIC OVERSEAS. I
TAKE OFF MY HAT FOR HIM, BECAUSE HE INVESTED A LOT OF MONEY AND TIME INTO
THESE LAUDABLE PROJECTS AND ALSO DROVE NOLLYWOOD TO A GLOBAL HEIGHT, WHICH
IS WHAT WE NEED. FOR TWO WEEKS, NOLLYWOOD SPARKLED IN THE UK. NOLLYWOOD
NEEDS THE RIGHT FORMAT AND BACKING. FOR GBINIGIE, IT WAS NOT ABOUT` MOVIE ,
BUT LEAVING A MARK FOR NOLLYWOOD AND HE HAS LEFT A MARK FOR NOLLYWOOD. I
HAVE A PASSION FOR NOLLYWOOD AND WHEN I SEE SOMEBODY WITH SAME PASSION AND
DRIVE, I GO ALL OUT TO ASSIST. WE EVEN ADDED IRELAND AND SCOTLAND.

GBINIGIE HAS DONE WHAT NOBODY ELSE HAS EVER DONE, IN TERMS OF SUPPORTING
NOLLYWOOD ON THE GLOBAL SCENE, EVEN IN THE UK HERE.”
- KENE MKPARU

Culled from Saturday, August 8, 2008, edition of THE SUN NEWSPAPER - interview with
KENE MKPARU, GM Odeon Cinemas, UK.

Isong’s language movie, Uyai, set for release

Pic-Emem Isong

Lovers of quality language movies, especially those from Akwa Ibom and Cross Rivers States are in for a good time, as producer Emem Isong, is set to hit shelves with Uyai (Beauty), her latest movie.

With a very rich cast list comprising big names like:
Ini Edo, Desmond Elliot, Moses Armstrong, Fred Essien, Obey Etuk, Ini Ikpe and a host of others, the 75-minute-didactic movie, is already setting agenda for discuss among core filmmakers, especially those in the language genre.

Written by Emem Isong and Felix Odion, Isong, also directed the Ibibio language movie alongside Desmond Elliot.

Shot on location in Eket, Akwa Ibom State with hi-tech equipment, Uyai, is set for release in the next couple of weeks.

Giving an insight into the movie’s synopsis, Isong, who just breezed in from the U.S divulged that Uyai, thematically deals with the many mysteries of our daily lives and the clues to unraveling them “Globally, language movies are taking the front rows in production houses and we don’t want to be left behind in Nollywood. It is also another way of telling our own stories and bringing back our lost cultures and long forgotten traditional heritages, “posited Isong.

Endorsements galore for SONIFES

Pic-Chuks Akamadu, CEO SONIFES

To ensure a befitting outing, several reputable associations in the nation’s entertainment industry, have endorsed and thrown their weights behind the forthcoming and maiden edition of the Songs of Nigeria Festival (SONIFES). Already, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN), had in separate letters, conveyed their unflinching support, for the forthcoming music fiesta. They all hailed Afrocultour Limited, the organizers of the festival, on the laudable initiative. In his goodwill message, Mr. Ejike Asiegbu, national president, AGN, maintained that the event is capable of changing the negative perception of the nation’s image. According to Chuks Akamadu, the honcho of SONIFES, the flagging off ceremony/unveiling of the festival logo holds on Saturday, September 20, 2008, at the Exhibition Hall of the National Arts theatre, Lagos.

Citi Vendors partners Nollywood

Inzpire, a new and exciting UK based magazine that is aimed at promoting the achievements of Nigerians, especially the leading lights of Nollywood and those in the Diaspora would soon hit the global newsstands.

In a chat with us, Mr. Lawrence Izuegbu, its London based publisher, disclosed that the highly inspirational magazine would be elaborately launched in Nigeria and the UK in the next couple of weeks, after which they would storm the US.

Speaking further, Izuegbu, who is also the honcho of Citi Vendors, also revealed his new deal with Nollywood. “I’m also in town to kick start a new TV programme, Diva’s Dynasty, with some of my good friends in Nollywood. It would be syndicated all over UK, Europe and the US. My outfit is solidly behind it and we intend making it the authentic voice of Nollywood and its numerous achievers.”

Chidinma, others for London African Music Festival

Pix-Chidinma Okafor(middle) with Cuban violinist, Omar Puente and Percussionists, Lekan Babalola

Nigerian born female gospel act Chidinma Okafor would be leading other Nigerian musicians to this year’s edition of the annual London African Music Festival holding at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, between September 5 and 7, 2008.

Performing along side Okafor at the sixth edition of the revered concert are some other international artistes from across Africa. They include: Hossam Ramzy, Mad Professor, Omar Puente, Modeste Hughes and Lekan Babalola.
Others are: The South African gospel singers, Cheb Nacim, Claude Deppa, Horns Unlimited and Kanda Bongo Man.

Okafor, who sings fluently in Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba, is expected to declare the event open with core African gospel songs.

It would be recalled that pretty Okafor had also been on tour of several European nations in the past.
G29 Music owned by Mr. Franklin, is packaging the summer festival for Chidinma and her band.

Emeka Mba visits The Sun

Pic-Emeka Mba

Mr. Emeka Mba, the Director General of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), paid a courtesy visit to the management of The Sun Publishing Limited penultimate week, with some senior members of the board. Mr. Tony Onyima, the Executive Director, Operations, received the handsome honcho of the fire spitting regulatory body, on arrival. Mba, whose visit spanned more than an hour, explained in details to the management of The Sun, what his board was all about, their challenges, battles and concerted efforts at repositioning and sanitizing the nation’s embattled motion picture industry. Before leaving, the soft-spoken DG, also spoke on the on going skirmishes with the leadership of the movie marketers, plans of resolving it and basically, the way forward for Nollywood and its practitioners. In his words, all hands must be on deck to salvage the industry and thus move it to the next level. “And that change we have come to make with the
support of all stakeholders, including the media, for the good of the industry”.
Keep a date with us, for the full interview.

Catholic priest veers into Reggae music

Pic-Black Curate

Whao! To many, especially the zealots in the Catholic faith, what you are about reading might be zany or wacky. In fact, a big contradiction, which has been the reaction of many, to the idea of a Catholic priest on stage, as a Reggae artiste. And truly, that is the unquestionable path Reverend Father Remigius Orjiukwu, has chosen to follow. Ordained in 2001, the European based priest who also holds a Ph.D, in Philosophy and currently pursuing another one in Comparative Religious Studies, is out and making waves with his debut effort entitled Mama Rise. And to further prove how deep he has gone, the priest who goes by the stage name, The Black Curate, even went as far as Kingston, Jamaica, the birthplace of Reggae, to produce his 13 tracker effort. In his biography, which was made available to us, the black curate confessed that his venture into the realm of Reggae music is an attempt to exploit the not yet popular possibility of a subtle, but deep
cutting method of evangelization. “The central topics of my lyrics are freedom, love and the question of meaning, sometimes wrapped in the framework of socio-political critiques. My target is the youth. My goal is to give them, and all who are attracted to my music that, which I wish to give…”

Entertainers unite for Lagos EIT fair

Reliable information reaching us has it that several entertainers in the music, movie and comedy terrains are gearing to spice up the first ever Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) trade fair and exhibition holding from August 22 to 31, 2008, at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Race Course, Lagos.
Aside the presence of Nollywood stars who are expected to help promote and project the image and mileage of the exhibition, stands had also been specially erected, for musicians and comedians coming to thrill.
Powered by SM and LB Consulting Limited and aimed at revolutionizing the electronics and information technology industry in Nigeria, the fair would also afford manufacturers, producers, marketers and agents alike, the opportunities to showcase the best and latest brands of their goods and services in those sectors.
In a chat with us, Mr. Hillary Etokhana, one of the organizers, also divulged that the fair has been duly registered with the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).
“Aside bringing together all the major players in the electronics and information technology under one roof, another unique thing about this fair is that when the other sections close for the day, the drinks and foods section will come alive and run throughout the night with loads of entertainment from the nation’s foremost entertainers. There will also be live performances for the whole night”, he added.

Top entertainer, Okey Bakassi breezes in

Pic-Okey Bakassi

Senior comedian and pioneer actor Mc Anthony Onyegbule globally known as Okey Bakassi, recently breezed in from Canada, where his wife and children are currently residing. The entertainer, who has been away for over a month, we reliably gathered, spent quality time with his family, before jetting in. Another insider, based outside our shores, also revealed that Bakassi, while relaxing and holidaying in the North American country, quietly sneaked into Europe, to tidy up some mouth-watering deals. In fact, they further squealed that he thrilled at some shows and pocketed a good amount of foreign currencies. We spotted him over the weekend at a popular celebrity hangout, in Surulere, Lagos, gisting and having a blast, after a well-deserved rest.

Fatai Rolling Dollars thrills @ O’Jez

Pic-Fatai Rolling Dollar

Octogenarian highlife crooner Fatai Rolling Dollars is gradually creating a new fans base at Ojez, tucked inside the national stadium, Surulere, Lagos, where he performs every Friday night. These days, there is no gain saying the fact that the well loved and attended weekend gig, is usually incomplete without the “Wonkere Si Number Wa”, exponent mounting the stage with his trademark guitar and sexy female dancers. The grand old man of highlife, who usually jams with the in house band led by Chijioke, is always a delight to watch on stage. And despite his age, Baba, as his fans and admirers fondly call him, has never disappointed. Commenting on his verve and gusto, at almost 83, the honcho of the outfit, Anayo Odobeatu, who recently installed a soundproof – lister – generating – set, for a more conducive and noise free atmosphere, confessed that Baba’s strength, on stage overwhelms him. According to the crooner, his energy comes from God, who
has endowed him with a good health.

Controversies trail Gulder Ultimate Search V

Pic-Michael Nwachukwu,GUS V Winner

If indications emanating from some sections of the public are anything to go by, then the Gulder Ultimate Search V, which recently held in Agwu hills, Enugu State, may fast be loosing its appeal among the Nigerian viewing public, especially the youths.
It is no longer news that Michael Nwachukwu became the fifth Ultimate Man, after unearthing The Lost Chronicle, thus taking over from last year's Dominic Mudabai.
He went further to exchange the treasure for N7m cash prize, a brand new SUV and N500, 000 wardrobe allowance at an elaborate event witnessed by several dignitaries.
The final episode of the show started with three hopefuls: Frank, Michael and Linda, the last Woman standing.
Linda was however, unlucky as the guys edged her out. For being the last Woman, she got N2m extra prize.
Nevertheless, questions of stage management have been consistently raised, especially on the last scene. The tension-soaked final search had Frank emerging first at the scene, but wandered about thoughtlessly while, Mike treaded with caution and relied on his intuition to eventually discover the Lost Chronicle.
While some observers believed that Mike deserved the top prize, critics however, are alleging that his knowledge of the location of the treasure was stage-managed. This school of thought also added that Mike’s show of joy upon discovering the treasure was too mechanical and spurious.
Many have also frowned at the presenter’s style of presentation, saying he was too domineering and bossy. In fact, most viewers are even rooting for the return of Chidi Mokeme, whom they argued dazzles viewers endlessly.

D’Lecetura prepares for more grooves

Pic-D'Lectura

Fast rising comedian, Emmanuel Adigwe popularly known as D’Lectura is getting ready to take his game several notches higher with the addition of two other shows to his bouquet.
Azuhamatus.blogspot.com exclusively gathered that apart from Lafta 101, the show that has brought him fame and fortune, the petit comedian is set to add a monthly gig tagged Relaax with D’Lectura and Friendz and Miss Ifo, a beauty pageant, designed for daring young ladies.
Like Lafta 101, the soon to debut shows are expected to hold in Akute and its environs, a border enclave juxtaposing Lagos and Ogun States.
“As a resident of Akute, I feel its my duty to bring quality entertainment to my environment”, he gushed.
The third edition of Lafta 101 has now been scheduled to hold on Sunday, October 5, 2008 at Bunnys Plaza, Akute, Ogun State.
Meanwhile, several A-list artistes have been lined up to add colour and verve to the show. They include: rave of the moment 9ice, W4, Sound Sultan, I Go Dye, Klint de Drunk, Mandy, Lepacious Bose, Gordon and a host of others.

Tarila Thompson’s new deal with Bayelsa

Gov Timipre Sylva


Pioneer actor and action filmmaker Tarila Obrebai Thompson is currently holed up in Yenogoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, filming a big budget documentary on the oil rich State and its hard-working helmsman, Timipre Sylva.
Entitled, Bayelsa: A State in Motion, the 80 minutes self sponsored project, being shot with hi-tech equipment specially brought in from the US, would also highlight the few privileged think tankers working with bowler hats donning Sylva, towards taking Bayelsa to the next level.
According to Thompson, who has several hit Nollywood flicks to his credit, the well-scripted and painstakingly shot documentary would run on network and cable stations, as well as local TV, when completed.
Meanwhile, plans are on for the sneak preview of the work, which is slated to hold at the Government House, in the next couple of weeks, amid glitz and grandeur. The governor whom Thompson has dubbed Sylvanomics, alongside his executives, some legislators and few of his senior aides, are expected to grace the epoch preview, which is already gathering momentum within government quarters.
An insider that had seen the project, while its being edited in the studios, hinted that it was mind boggling and very awesome. “It captured in details, the strides of Sylva in the last one and half years in all areas of good governance.
“It is a comprehensive documentary and we have been shooting for the past four months. When its finally out, the earlier impression about Bayelsa and the governor would immediately change”, added Thompson, also an indigene of the State.

Sheddi Baba plans TV show for orphanages

Pic-Prof. Paul Ojeih, sponsor of the show

A new reality TV show aimed at discovering the abundant talents inherent in children spread across the various orphanages in the country is about to make a debut. Tagged: Talents from the Orphanages, the new concept is the brain child of comic actor Sheddi Baba and would be proudly supported by Prof. Paul Ojeih’s led Iris Medical Foundation.
Shedding more light on the unique and humanitarian project, Baba, the self-acclaimed funky Mallam from Igala, Kogi State disclosed that they would visit, record and showcase the immense and untapped talents of children from different orphanages and homes for the less privileges in the country. “We would be looking at gifted children in the areas of acting, singing, comedy and dance.
We also want to give hope and bring smiles to their faces. Its our own little way of telling them that they are thought of and are always on our minds. We also want the world to see and applaud the hidden talents in these unfortunate children”, Baba pointed out in an emotion-laden voice.