KORA organizers battle C’River State Govt

Pic-Ernest Adjovi, CEO KORA

It is no longer news that the contract signed between Kora All Africa Music Awards and the Cross River State government, for the former to host this year’s edition of the globally acclaimed event in the latter’s state has been experiencing some hiccups with litigation papers flying left, right and centre from both aggrieved parties.
However, what many, especially members of the public that have been following the unfolding drama, do not know is that there is a calculated attempt by some powerful people within the corridors of power, to kill the Ernest Adjovi-led award in Nigeria. This cabal, according to our reliable insider, aside frustrating the untiring efforts of Mr. Adjovi, who had successfully hosted the event outside our shores, in the past ten years, is also threatening to deal mercilessly with the international businessman, if he attempts to relocate the award outside its original domain.
He has also been warned severally through series of
SMS, usually sent to his phone. The source further stated that Mr. Adjovi’s choice of seeking an alternative business opportunities and the eventual opening up of a line of communication with the Lagos State government, to serve as his contractual partner, was done with the approval of its estranged partners.
Adjovi, maintained that the move was quickly initiated in order to salvage his integrity and business, since his estranged partners had serially refused and failed to carry out their own part of the contract, especially in respect of their obligation to provide logistic and contingent support in line with the Business Plan, contained in the contract papers.


Liyel Imoke, C'River State Gov

This insider, further alleged that Mr. Adjovi, through his lawyers had written several letters to his estranged partners on how best to resolve the matter amicably, but to his consternation, such letters were usually treated with unseriousness and nonchalant attitude, suggesting that his
estranged partners only intend to observe the terms of the contract in default, rather than performance. Even the request by Mr. Adjovi, through his lawyers, by further asking for a meeting in order to explore means of finding a peaceful resolution to the protracted dispute through the setting up of a Mediation and Arbitration panel, since their contract has a provision for that, was rebuffed.
This insider, also punctured the claim that Adjovi, illegally withdrew the hosting rights of Kora from his estranged partners, he insisted the withdrawal followed a due process, and was allowed under paragraph 18 of the contract. However, all our efforts to get the other party to react proved abortive. We will definitely keep you darling readers abreast, as more drama unfolds from both warring parties.

N.B-azuhamatus.blogspot.com is wishing our Muslim brothers and sisters a scintillating Eid Il Fitri, and a wonderful Oct 1st Independence Day celebrations to all Naijas' globally. One luv!

Top Comedian, Okey dumps Bakassi

Top-flight comedian cum entertainer extra-ordinaire Okey Mc Anthony Onyegbule, is currently angry, pissed and disappointed with the Federal Government of Nigeria, for ceding the Bakasssi Peninsula to the republic of Cameroon.


Pic-Comedian Okey Mc Anthony

And to prove that his anger is seething, the internationally acclaimed rib cracker recently came out to officially denounce and dump Bakassi, the stage name that has brought him fame and fortune.

The funny father of three, now wants to be known and addressed on and off stage as OKB.

He has even threatened to sue anybody that refers to him as Okey Bakassi, because according to him, old things shall pass away.

OKB’s close pals are even insinuating that he has concluded plans to drag the Federal Government to court, for giving away his “stage name”, without his consent.

Well, we are still looking for OKB, to ascertain if he is actually heading to the International Court of Justice, at The Hague, or our own Supreme Court.

More candle lights for Yinka Craig

Pic-Yinka Craig, late Nigerian veteran Broadcaster


Top entertainers from both the movie and music sectors are still mourning the painful and sad exit of top broadcaster, Yinka Craig, who died recently in a US hospital, after a protracted battle with cancer of the bloodstream.
In his condolence message, which was made available to us, Chief Tony Okoroji, the prime mover of the resuscitated Nigerian Music Awards (NMA), though regretted Craig’s demise, he however, described the late veteran broadcast as a very knowledgeable, incredibly talented and unbelievably warm Nigerian. “My heart goes out to his family and his countless friends and admirers around the country. We all will terribly miss him,” Okoroji lamented.
Also mourning, Mr. Elkanah Mowarin, entertainment entrepreneur and the president of INTARPPAN, said he was shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Craig’s death, adding that he would be greatly missed.
“ As a pioneer and first class broadcaster, presenter, producer and humorist, we will miss him greatly. Even in death, he remains a broadcast legend and icon,” said Mowarin, in a heavy heart.
When confronted with the shocking news, veteran actor, Olu Jacobs, could not utter a word; the tested thespian only prayed God, to grant his soul eternal rest, when he finally found his voice. Meanwhile, we reliably gathered that entertainers are planning something big for the late top broadcaster, as a way of immortalizing his good name and works.

AMBO set for season four

Pic-Azizat Sadiq, First AMBO winner

After successfully hosting the first, second and third editions of the annual Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO), reality TV show, which has equally produced three stars for Nollywood, Nigerian Breweries Plc, the organizers of the event, is set for the fourth season of the exhilarating and youth-friendly show.

Speaking at a crowded press conference, which held inside the premises of the brewery giant recently, Mr. Yusuf Ageni, the amiable Corporate Affairs Adviser of the multinational company, promised that this year’s AMBO, would be bigger and better packaged with plenty excitements and surprises.

“Registration has already started on our website, amstelmaltaboxoffice.com and would close on October 12, 2008, after which the nationwide search would begin in earnest”, he further explained.

Interestingly, the ultimate prize for the eventual winner of this year’s AMBO, is N2.5 million, a brand new car and a lead role in a Nollywood blockbuster.

AMBO, which has produced names like: Azizat Sadiq, OC Ukeje and Bhaira MC Wizu, in the previous three seasons, originally consists of three main elements, which run sequentially. First, is the TV reality show, which picks a winner from a group of aspiring wannabes, and closely followed with a movie that stars this winner in a lead role and lastly, the road shows, which automatically provides viewing experiences of the movie, to the esteemed Amstel Malta consumers across the country.

Imo Gov, Ohakim goes to the Coliseum

Always-on-the-move governor of Imo State, Ikedi Godson Ochinawata Ohakim, would be the next special guest at the Ikeja, Lagos based Niteshift Coliseum’s Grand House Reception (GHR), holding on Sunday, October 5, 2008.

The high profile gathering that would hold inside the Arena of the upscale hangout kicks off at exactly 6:30 pm and would be attended by patrons of the club and dignitaries.

Pic-Imo Gov, Ohakim

And as usual, Ikedi, is expected to mount the Hot Seat and entertain questions from the patrons and some selected members of the public, on his stewardship in the last one year, among other germane issues bordering on his plans for the good people of Imo state.

According to Ken Calebs Olumese, the Guvnor of the club, the event is strictly by invitation and the dress code remains respectable.

Olumese, further promised to entertain Ikedi and his guests with the traditional Niteshift Coliseum’s culture of excellence.

Emeka Jonathan aims higher in Nollywood

Barely three years in the industry as a director, lawyer turned filmmaker, Emeka Jonathan is gradually taking Nollywood by storm with his works and wisdom on locations.
Youthful Jonathan, also a soap director, started first as a model/TV presenter, and had presented quality programmes on network stations before embracing the art of moviemaking fully. And with over 15 quality movies to his credit, the Imo State born dude, who is poised to hit some eastern states, for his next big budget movie, maintained that his production outfit alongside its foreign partners are planning something very big for Nollywood soon.
“It’s a project that is very dear to my heart and that of my foreign partners, at the appropriate time, we would definitely unveil it. We want to make a bold statement with this project and further use it to move Nollywood higher in the comity of top movie making nations globally”, hinted the director of wave making Final Point, and several other hit works.

The Green and White groove rocks Lagos

Whao! All is now set for the Green and White groove, which is currently the talk of the town among Lagos socialites, celebrities and the glitterati.

Proudly being put together by Prime Time Entertainment and Encomium, the Magazine and Awards Company, the Independence Day prom, promises to be fun-filled and memorable.


The Nigerian National Flag

Holding at the upscale Planet One Entertainment and Events Centre, Maryland, Lagos, on Wednesday, October 1, 2008, with a very strict dress code of Green and White attires, the anticipated evening of high net worth gathering, is already causing ripples within and outside Lagos and its environs.

In fact, authentic info at our disposal, has it that party freaks, are already lobbying for the scarce invites, without which entry would be denied them at the gate.

And for a happier bash, Harp, the real beer, for real people, is solidly behind the historic event being jointly organized by the trio of Kunle Bakare, Dayo Adeneye and Keke Ogungbe.

D’Lectura shines @ Facet awards

Pic-D’Lectura

Hard work, commitment and ingenuity, especially on stage, finally paid off for fast emerging comedian and compere, Emmanuel Adigwe, famously known as D’Lectura.
The rib cracker’s efforts at helping to calm frayed nerves with his hilarious jokes, recently paid off with a well-deserved honour.
He was decorated with the Best Young Comedian award, by Facet, a youth friendly magazine on campuses. D’ Lec, as he is fondly called, floored four other of his equally good colleagues, to smile home with the coveted crown.
According to the organizers, the annual award celebrates talents in the society, especially among hard working youths.

New documentary thrills Bayelsans

Pic-Timpre Silva, Gov Bayelsa State

A new documentary shot with high definition cameras for the Bayelsa State Government, which would be unveiled at an elaborate ceremony on Independence Day, October 1, 2008, at the Government House, is already thrilling the good people of the oil-rich state.

The docu’s unveiling, would also coincide with the 12th anniversary of the Timipre Sylva’s led state, and further attract indigenes and friends of the state from far and near, especially those in the Diaspora.

Shot and packaged by Third Eye Media, the production outfit of top Nollywood film director, Tarila Thompson, a proud son of the state. We further gathered that the docu would be broadcast on network and cable TV stations, immediately after the unveiling.

Aside being educative and entertaining, it will also highlight the socio-economic contributions of Bayelsa State to the nation, since inception alongside Sylva’s giant strides as its helmsman.

Globacom goes on Rock n Rule with Naija stars

Pic-D'Banj set to thrill at Glo's Rock N Rule

After a well-applauded nationwide success with Campus Storm, primarily designed for Naija youths on campuses, telecommunications giant, Globacom is back on the groovy scene again to further entertain youths with Rock n Rule. Interestingly, some leading Nigeria musicians, comedians and a few of their counterparts from neighbouring Ghana, have been sensationally selected to power and electrify this nationwide tour. Headliners like: D’banj, Sammy Okposo, Sunny Neji, Mode 9, Pasuma and Original Stereoman would be thrilling and tantalizing fun seekers round the nation. Other performing acts include: Sani Danja, Ego and Ghanaian top female act and MTV Base award winner, Becca. The campaign, which is expected to take off soon, would also have on its moving train, renowned comedians like: Okey Bakassi, Basketmouth and a host of others. Of course, Africa’s best disc jockey, Jimmy Jatt, would also be on board the exhilarating tour, to rock Nigerians non-stop
on the wheels of steel. In the words of Bode Opeseitan, Glo’s Head, Public Relations, they aimed to provide enough opportunity for Nigerians to relax and dance to good music from some of the best acts that this generation is blessed with. “ There will also be several competitions that will provide our young boys and girls between the ages of 18 and 25, an opportunity to show their skills on the runway. A pageant for Mr. Rock n Rule and Miss Rock n Rule will hold in the course of this tour… With this tour, we promise an exciting time for our youths across this great, diverse and richly endowed nation,” Opeseitan added.

Atlantic Overseas supports AMP Secretariat

Pic-Paul Obazele, AMP President

Few months after donating office equipment to the newly commissioned National Secretariat of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Atlantic Overseas Limited, the brand name now synonymous with quality movies and empowerment in the Nigeria’s motion picture industry has added another feather in its cap by initiating another giant stride.
The kind gesture, according to the Chairman and CEO, Atlantic Overseas Limited who is also the Life Patron of the Movie Reporters Guild of Nigeria (MORGON) and one of the patrons of AGN, would assist immensely, to immediately jump start the association’s Secretariat Fund. “The donation would ultimately assist and help galvanize AMP, to secure a befitting National Secretariat, just like AGN. Aside churning out quality movies that can compete favourably anywhere in the world, Atlantic Overseas, is also willing to assist Nollywood Guilds by empowering them for a sustainable growth that would be beneficial to all stakeholders”, he submitted.
Meanwhile, several stakeholders and practitioners in Nollywood have hailed and praised Atlantic Overseas, for the bold step, they however, urged other corporate organizations and highly placed individuals to emulate Atlantic Overseas, by following in their footsteps.
While speaking on the significant gesture, Mr. Paul Obazele, the national president of AMP, who received the donation on behalf of his association, said the gift was a morale booster for the entire members of the body and Nollywood in general.
“We cannot thank Atlantic Overseas enough. Personally, I’m happy and will keep praying fervently for God to continue to provide and protect Atlantic Overseas and its directors. We are also using this opportunity to call on other well meaning Nigerians and corporate bodies to emulate Atlantic Overseas”, Obazele maintained.

Project Fame unveils mouthwatering packages

Pic-Dare Art-Alade, Presenter 2008 MTN Project Fame

No doubt, the eventual winner of this year’s MTN Project Fame, which opens on September 29, 2008, amid glitz and razzmatazz, would go home with some mouth watering Xtracool prize packages that include, a brand new 2008 Toyota Rav4 SUV, the sum of 2.5 million Naira and a life changing international recording deal. Other runners up in the talent discovery and musical entertainment development reality show, being powered by MTN Xtra Cool, would also smile home with fantastic prizes at the end of the day. While, the first runner up, would win a Toyota Corolla series, and the sum of 1.5 million Naira, the second runner up, would drive home a Toyota Yaris, with the sum of 1 million Naira, stashed inside the auto’s trunk. MTN, in its magnanimity would also present the sum of One million Naira, to the fourth winner. Meanwhile, the lucky 15, that would be housed in the Project Fame Academy, for a period of three months, would receive voice, dance and
performance trainings from experts in these fields. They would further be tutored on what it takes to become top rated music icons and ambassadors.
Speaking on the project, which is expected to run in some free to air TV stations across the country, Mr. Kola Oyeyemi, the GM, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, explained that the programme presents huge opportunities to harness the abundant musical talents in the country, as well, as serving as a youth empowerment programme. “It has a transformative impact on the selected youth… it also provides an opportunity for total entertainment aimed at discovering and nurturing youthful talents,” he added.

Atunda serenades with new dance troupe

A new dance troupe that would make notable names like Umoja, Sikulu and the rest of them go green with envy was recently unveiled on the Nigerian entertainment landscape with applause and accolades. Ajo, from the respected stable of Wanle Akinboboye’s led Atunda productions was presented to a select audience of arts aficionados and entertainment journalists recently. The dance drama, which traces the rich history of the African people, before, during and after colonialism, was equally written and directed by Akinboboye. Ajo, which many pundits and critics believe would make a good export, usually opens with a picturesque scene displaying the richness of African cultural and political lives pre colonialism. It further mirrors the lives of the royalty and that of the ordinary folks in cultures as diverse as Edo, Fulani and Zulu. Ajo, in the words of most of the guests, is a much-welcomed arrival on the Nigeria’s arts and entertainment scene, and can
compete favourably anywhere in the world.

Ejike Asiegbu battles Tony One Week

Pic-Ejike Asiegbu

Top thespian and the national president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Mr. Ejike Asiegbu, has threatened through his lawyers to slam a N50 million law suit against one of his colleagues in the entertainment industry, Tony One Week.

One Week’s sin, according to Ahamefula Njoku and Co., solicitors to Asiegbu, was the “libelous and defamatory statements” he made during a recent interview, he granted a national daily not (The Sun).

Asiegbu’s lawyers further argued that the said publication has brought their client into public odium, ridicule, hatred and lowered his esteem
among his friends, family, professional colleagues and further damaged his distinguished career, which spanned over a period of two decades.

And for peace to reign supreme between them, embittered Asiegbu through his lawyers is demanding a public apology in three national newspapers and a whopping N50 million, as compensation for the damages arising from the said publication. They have also threatened to sue, if One Week, fails to comply 14 days after receiving the letter tagged “Urgent and Important”.

While reacting, Abuja based One Week, who contested and lost the AGN presidency to Asiegbu, maintained he had not received any letter from Asiegbu or his solicitors. “I’m waiting for their letter; I have not seen any letter or summons from any quarters, besides I am very busy here in Abuja”.

Top Naija acts headline Globacom’s new kick

Pic-Mike Adenuga, Globacom honcho

Leading Naija music acts like: D’banj, P-Square, Ego, Sammie Okposo and others recently endorsed and lent their sonorous voices to the new and fast spreading signature tune from Globacom, tagged: We’ve Got People Talking.
Mr. Joachim Atunwa, Glo’s Director of Advertising, at the recent presentation of the second leg of the theme campaign, which held at the upscale Mike Adenuga Towers, Lagos, explained vividly what the new celebratory expression was all about.
In his words, when Globacom hit the 20 million subscribers base, which also coincided with its fifth anniversary. “We felt we had an obligation to celebrate a dream realized – the dream of empowering Nigerians from all walks of life and across geographical zones to talk”, Atunwa pointed out.

We further gathered that “We’ve Got People Talking” is Glo’s way of acknowledging how its activities since August 2003, have had profound impact on the lives of Nigerians, be they workers, businessmen, students and children in their daily conducts.

It was also learnt that these music icons, some of whom are Glo’s ambassadors, and have wide acceptability across the country, were recently flown to South Africa, to put finishing touches to the song, which Globacom, would soon flood the air waves with, in order to celebrate its achievements and acceptance in the country, over the past five years.