Organisers have announced readiness for the second edition of Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NEC), which made debut last year, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Stakeholders had hailed the initiative, which theydescribed as first-of-its-kind gathering of professionals and policy makers in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Apparently, organisers are fired by the prospect of the summit, that they have scheduled this year’s event for Wednesday, April 23, at the same venue.

“We’re back at Eko for the whole day on Wednesday April 23, with even bigger speakers, remarkable panelists and participants from across the country,” says Conference Chairman, Ayeni Adekunle in a statement.

Adekunle, a PR Consultant and Publisher of NET newspaper, revealed that notable Nigerian actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, has agreed to join other distinguished speakers at the event. He described the thespian as creative, active and inspiring.

“Also speaking will be pop icon, 2face Idibia, a pathfinder and leader in contemporary Nigerian music; Co-Founder of Jobberman, Ope Awoyemi; Revered Showbiz consultant, Edi Lawani; and Founder/CEO of Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), Peace Anyiam-Osigwe.

“Others include Nigerian comedian, Basketmouth; Digital Marketing expert and GM of Bytesize, Bukola Akingbade; Chairman, Editorial Board of NET and COO Q Networks, Chris Ihidero; award-winning journalist, Olumide Iyanda; broadcaster and entertainment executive, Olisa Adibua; and respected actress/producer, Uche Jombo.”

According to Adekunle, the theme of the conference: ‘Creating Pathways to the Future’, will be the focus of discussions at different sessions of the event, including Nollywood, social responsibility, information technology, music, media and business.

“Just like last year, our speakers and panelists are the best in their fields, with an incredible passion for the development of the industry,” says Ayeni, who added that NEC 2014 will also feature panel discussions and exhibition.

The papers, according to Adekunle are: Slaying The Collective Rights Monster (MUSIC); Whose Content is it Anyway? (Media); Using IT for Intervention (IT); The Desired Future (Nollywood); Why We Should Care (Social Responsibility) and Solving The Distribution Problem Once and for All (Business).

Organisers say although attendance to all sessions and exhibitions is free, participants must register at www.nec.ng, from Wednesday March 19 to April 19.

He said comedian Tee A will return as Master of Ceremonies and moderator of the event.

NEC is produced by NET Newspapers LTD, with support from HIP TV, Beat FM, Classic FM, Naija FM, Top Radio, City FM, MTV Base, BHM, AV Edge, EDS, Emblue, F316, ID Africa, First Class Incorporated and The Sodium Group.

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It was, undoubtedly, a moment of great joy on Saturday for R n B singer, Kehinde Oyebanjo, a.k.a Kayswitch, when his Liberian girlfriend, Meenakshi Monica Subramani, was delivered of a baby boy.

The elated artiste, who is the younger brother of sensational singer, D’banj, shared a picture of the baby on his Instagram page with the caption: ‘My gift from God. Too excited! More pictures coming soon.”

The post Kayswitch welcomes first child appeared first on The Nation.

For top Nollywood actress, producer and director, Blessing Effiom-Egbe, last Saturday will remain memorable, as the premiere of her critically acclaimed movie, Lekki Wives, held at the Hilton Ballroom, Manchester, amidst pomp and circumstance.

The cast members appeared in gorgeous dresses, designed by notable Nigerian fashion designer, Zizi Cardow.

Nigerian hip-hop artiste, Olamide, thrilled the guests at the event.

Lekki Wives, which stars Adaora Ukoh, Kiki Omeili, Katherine Obiang and Keira Hewatch, dwells on the drama, lifestyles and intrigues of married women who live in the highbrow Lekki area of Lagos, Nigeria.

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Top Nigerian entertainers from Nollywood and the music industry have extolled Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, for what they described as his achievements in the state.

The eulogies are contained in the cover edition of a new journal; Uncommon Transformation, a magazine published by Love Idoko’s Dream Pointers.

In the glossy edition, Ini Edo, 2face Idibia, Kanayo o. Kanayo, Uti Nwachukwu, and Desmond Eliot were full of praise for the state helmsman, whom they rated high in arts and entertainment, and general development of the state.

“He is the best thing to have happened to Akwa-Ibom state. He completely modernized the state and made it at par with what obtains in other parts of the world,” said Ini Edo, whose film, I’ll Take My Chances, premiered amidst pop and circumstance in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on September 24, 2011.

According to the actress, who is an indigene of the state, Akpabio “placed Akwa-Ibom in a place of pride and enabled us lift our heads high. In the area of entertainment where I am from, his contribution has been immense; the building of the Tropicana Entertainment Centre, the sponsoring of numerous arts and entertainment events too numerous to mention. His contribution has been awesome. Akwa-Ibom has indeed been uncommonly transformed. Not only has he done great things, but he has also set an example for others to emulate.”

In the opinion of celebrated actor, Desmond Elliot, the governor has truly empowered the people: “Though Akwa-Ibom State was created out of the former Cross- River State in September 1987, the potency and beauty of the state was never fully realised until its leadership fell in the hands of Barrister Godswill Obot Akpabio in 2007. As a non Akwa-Ibom indigene, albeit a Nigerian who saw Akwa-Ibom before 2007 and has seen the transformation since, I can evidently say that the leadership tenure of Governor Akpabio has richly empowered the people of the state. As a young person, I am truly inspired and spurred by governor Akpabio’s work to serve my people and be of better employ in the service of our country.

Also speaking, 2face Idibia, whose path had also crossed with the governor’s, having married from the state says “Governor Akpabio is a blessing to Akwa-Ibom. The next person is going to have a mighty shoe to fill. I have been there several times and the transformation is truly uncommon. He is very humble and hardworking and may God continue to bless him. We need more like him in Nigeria.”

For Kanayo O. Kanayo, “Governor Akpabio has demystified governance by providing such uncommon infrastructure that can best be labeled “come and see”. He noted that through the effort of the governor, the state has become a tourist destination with stupendous hospitality.

Also speaking, winner of Big Brother Africa, Uti Nwachukwu says the governor has laid solid foundation for a better future for the state, commending the Akpabio-led administration for taking care of pregnant women free of charge.

The magazine also covers the near eight-year rule of Akpabio, featuring the governor in an extensive interview. Also published are interviews of the state Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, his counterparts in education and health, Prof. Atim Antai and Dr. Ememabasi Bassey.

Illustrated with colourful pictures, the magazine also showcases the food and culture of the state and other capital intensive projects.

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Award-winning artiste, 2Face Idibia, is leading an online campaign tagged #Blackrealvolution movement.

It is not clear yet, who the creator of the group is, but the talented artiste, who is regarded as one of Nigeria’s veritable musical exports, said the “#Blackrealvolution movement represents peace, love, unity, and other values” which he has strongly promoted through his songs.

“The #Blackrealvolution is about stirring up the spirit of consciousness and good tidings in Nigerians. The movement represents positivity, being our brother’s keeper and forming a united front against negative forces. I preach the message of love, peace and unity through my songs. And I have also written songs advocating for better leadership.”

2face, who is regarded as one of the most successful Nigerian musicians, said Nigeria can compete favorably with developed nations if its vast potentials can be properly harnessed.

“I believe in perfection, I believe in excellence. #Blackrealvolution is about being innovative and distinctive in one’s endeavours. It is about being real,” said 2face, while canvassing membership for the group.

“I can assure Nigerians that the experience will be one which they won’t forget in a hurry. The memories of the #Blackrealvolution movement will linger in the memories of Nigerians for a long time to come,” he said.

The movement, according to the musician, will be formally launched on Friday, March 28.

The post 2face joins movement appeared first on The Nation.

HAVING enjoyed the lyrical contents of Femi Kuti’s new album, No Place for my Dream, international singer, Alicia Keys, has described it as “Music that feeds you.”

The award-winning singer made this disclosure recently via her twitter handle, saying, “This album is so… Rocking it now! Inspiration abounds. Listen to the lyrics! Undeniable! #Musicthatfeedsyou”.

Last year, Keys released the well-received album, Girl on Fire, but the performer has been pushing into areas beyond music.

Keys and her production company, AK Worldwide, recently worked with Bento Box Interactive on “The Journals of Mama Mae & LeeLee,” a story-telling app targeted at young children.

Keys, who has also written music for and produced a Broadway play, Stick Fly, is the executive producer of a forthcoming coming feature film, The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete.

The singer, who recently released a line of shoes with Reebok, became BlackBerry’s New Global Creative Director in January, 2014.

In her new role, Keys is expected to work closely with app developers, content creators, retailers, carriers and the entertainment community to further shape and enhance the BlackBerry 10 platform, thereby inspiring creative use through its remarkable capabilities and functionality.

From music to books, films and apps, she will lead the charge of enhancing entertainment consumption and distribution through the power of BlackBerry 10.

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 A few months ago, Justice Nuagbe, a.k.a Ushbebe, got married at a well-attended ceremony. In this interview with OVWE MEDEME, the young broadcaster, actor and humorist talks about the happy moments in his life and other interesting experiences. Excerpts: 

HOW did your journey into comedy, acting and broadcasting start?

I won’t say it started one day; rather, I would say it is what I am trained to do. Basically, as a theatre artiste, I should be able to diversify into the different genres that have to do with my career line. Acting, for me, is something I have always wanted to do; comedy is something I do on a regular basis, but I studied a bit of radio presentation in the university. Professionally, it is something I only got to know about some two years ago. I am enjoying it very well now with Naija FM. Basically, it is a whole lot of verified sectors for me. Maybe when I venture into politics, which is where everybody wants to be, I will also be verified there.

But are you seriously considering going into politics?

What for? Of course, I will go into politics when politicians start giving me money. We are all politicians. When your wife asks you to do something or when your girlfriend asks you to buy her something and you dodge, that is politics. In the same vein, when we ask the government for our basic necessities, they dodge. So, it is the same politics and we all play it. Frankly, I will not be going into politics.

Would I be right to say that you sacrificed your comedy career for the life of an On-air personality (OAP)?

That is not true! If you know the number of jobs I do as a stand-up comedian, you will be shocked. You could say I am not on every comedy show as I used to be. But that is because I am now more of a corporate comedian than a street comedian – apology to anybody who feels offended. Besides, being a comedian comes in different forms. If I am not standing up, I am sitting down to do comedy. There is what we call situational comedy; there is stand-up comedy and radio comedy, which is what I do every day. So, it is wrong to say my career as a comedian is on the decline. Besides, my comedy show is coming up in May. That is to tell you that I am still a stand-up guy.

What is it about?

My TV show is called the Chronicles of Ushbebe and it airs on Ben TV UK as well as some other cable stations. Every day, I do stand-up comedy on it. What we are trying to do right now is to take the show from TV to stage, so it is called the Chronicles of Ushbebe Live. It is happening at the MUSON Centre, so it will give people a chance to enjoy all the different parts of me. There will be a stage drama, music and a whole lot of other stuff.

What is the life of an entertainer like?

Apart from the fact that people would submit to knowing you when they see you on the road or probably want to snap pictures when they see you on the road, the life of an entertainer is a bit different from the regular life. This is because you are on your feet trying to stay relevant, while doing your business. For some people, being relevant is all about snapping nude pictures of themselves and posting them on the Internet.

For some others, it is having ‘beef’ with their fellow artistes. However, for some of us, it is all about doing good jobs, every day, so we are either standing up to work or we are on the road looking for partners to help grow the business. It is a whole lot of stuff. For an entertainer, I feel it is irregular because you have to be at odd places and you have to do a lot of explanation to your spouse. That is why if you are not married to somebody who understands your business, you won’t have a smooth sail. But if your partner understands the nature of your business, it helps you to build a bigger brand. It goes without saying that if you are happy at home, it helps your job outside. If anybody tells you that entertainers are the same with every other person, the person is lying.

As a married man, doesn’t your job schedule affect your home?

We try to create a balance because it is only good for you not to put it in the face of your spouse that you are an entertainer. Some people do it a lot. You need to reach an agreement. Make them know beforehand, even if it is impromptu. Women like it when you call them up to say you will be running late because of some specific reasons. That is how it is for the business. So, it is a general thing to try to first understand this before you expect your spouse to understand the business that you do. Another thing is if your spouse is in love with what you do, it is not a problem. But if your spouse has a problem with what you do, it is a big problem. So, if you happen to come home late, she will want to complain. But when she understands that it is what pays the bills, even if she is working, she will put herself in your shoes. If she sees your comedy and it makes her laugh, she needs you to do more of that. Go home and make her laugh. Don’t go home and vent your frustrations on your spouse. That is why balance is key.

How did you meet her?

I met my wife sometime in 2009. She is a friend to Elenu’s wife.

Was it an instant attraction?

I liked her at first sight, but she was busy with someone else then. I didn’t expect her to leave her relationship to start dating me because I am a funny guy. She just liked me as a friend, so I waited until she was free.

You didn’t have to kill the other guy, did you?

No, the guy has a move (laughs). We don’t kill. I believe that what is yours is yours. We only waited for the right time to do it and it came.

A few months into your marriage, how would you describe life as a married man compared to when you were single?

My brother, it is not funny! The truth is that marriage is interesting. It is sweet on one hand because now you are legally allowed to do your thing. On the other hand, you now need to size up who comes around and how they come and all that. You need to run things through your wife before you do them. But before now, you were someone who used to be on your own and used to have friends come around. Those are the things you need to adjust. These first few months are adjusting periods for both of us because we never lived together until we got married. Our church will not allow that.

So, which will you prefer: the life of a bachelor or that of a married man?

I still prefer being married because it keeps you focused and makes you more organised. As a bachelor, you don’t care about things. I don’t think there are bachelors that know how to manage their lives. When a wife comes into your house, it becomes a home. Then, you will know how dirty you used to be.

Which of all your creative endeavours fetch you more money: radio, stand-up comedy or TV?

Stand-up comedy or MC pays more because I like to refer to it as pay-as-you go. You don’t have to wait for invoice to clear! Once you deliver the jokes, you are done.

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TWO months after movie producer, Lancelot Imasuen, gathered friends, colleagues and the media in Lagos to mark the centenary of the death of Oba Ovonramwen with his big budget film, Invasion 1897, the Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Eheneden Eradiauwa has concluded plans to pay a royal visit to the area where Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi was taken to and later died while on exile in Calabar.

Prince Eheneden, whose pet project, Benin Royal Dynasty Trust, has endorsed Imasuen’s movie, said that part of the reason he wants to visit to Calabar is to meet with the traditional ruler of the area as well as to implore the community’s dance troupe to accompany him to the United States, where he has been invited to be the guest speaker at this year’s edition of the annual Arts and Culture Expo/Award, holding in Altanta.

The dance troupe, according to the prince, will be expected to mount a cultural display at the two-day event that will reflect the culture of the area that played host to Oba Ovonramwen, while he was on exile in Calabar.

On the film, the Benin crowned Prince who was Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Italy, Norway, said, “Besides the Royal Dynasty Trust, I will throw my weight behind that kind of film because it is telling the story of the Benin kingdom from the perspective that the international community ought to know about. The trust is endorsing the film.”

Interestingly, “Invasion 1897” will premiere at the event, which will also showcase the culture heritage of the Benin kingdom.

Invasion 1897 parades an international cast, including famous British actors, Rudolph Walker and Charles “Chucky” Venn, and the top Nollywood actors, Charles Inojie, Paul Obazele, Segun Arinze, Mike Omoriegbe as Oba Ovonrawmen and the late Justus Esiri in a cameo role.

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SUPERSTAR rapper, Olamide has been rated by MTV Base as its channel’s artiste of the month for March.

Broadcasting on DStv Channel 322, the renowned music platform picked the young artiste based on his meteoric rise as a rap artiste and his smooth blend of Yoruba and English lyrics, for which he continues to grow an impressive fan base.

Starting from the streets, Olamide came into spotlight in 2010 with the hit single, Eni Duro. Likened to the late Dagrin, Olamide’s acceptance by teeming fans has attracted a number of artistes who have featured him in their songs.

The artiste, who was recently a co-host on MTV Base’ weekly music chart, Official Naija Top Ten with MTV VJ, Ehiz, will be featured on the channel throughout the month of March. As a mark of endorsement, MTV Base has put the music video of Olamide’s Turn Up on high rotation.

“I’m so excited that MTV Base has decided to celebrate my work. It’s a big privilege to be honoured by a huge platform like MTV and it can only get better,” Olamide said during his interview on “Spotlight on Olamide”.

“Olamide is a perfect choice for the much sought-after ‘Artist of the Month’ slot in Nigeria. He’s already topped the MTV Base Original Naija Top 10 twice this year, and he’s enjoying heavy rotation on our channel. Olamide’s story represents the promise that the typical Nigerian artiste and youth hold and MTV Base is proud to be celebrating him this month,” said Head of Marketing and Communications at Viacom Africa, parent company of MTV Base, Colette Otusheso.

Otusheso revealed that the channel is also focusing on Olamide through a series of themed programmes about the artiste. These he said will be broadcast across Africa, every Thursday in March, on MTV Base, from 7PM.

The programmes include Olamide: 54 Seconds, Olamide: Top 5 Tips; Spotlight on Olamide; My Mixtape & Videography: Olamide; and The Truth: Olamide.

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ALREADY, tension is mounting in the ongoing Nigerian Idol reality show, which is in its theatrics, otherwise called the boot camp stage.

A nerve-racking and highly emotional phase, fans laugh to the mannerism and obvious desperation of 64 contestants as they compete for the next stage of 30.

While it may be difficult to know the group out of the eight that may scale the hurdle, one group stood out with a performance that not only earn the loudest applause from the crowd, but also got a pleasant comment from the judges.

“Well done and good job,” said Dare Art-Alade, one of the three judges on the show.

The group had sung the hit song, Runaway, by Styl-Plus, delivering a stellar acapella version.

However, another group of eight took up a trending Nigerian song, but could not impress. The song, Great Nation, was performed, also in acapella by Vicci, Blessing Isaac, Daniel Buba, Onyinechukwu Udodi and others, but Blessing Isaac didn’t hit the last note right, and the judges, especially Dede Mabiaku, booed the performance, calling it a disaster.

There are other interesting sides to the show that airs every Saturday and Sunday on HIP TV, STV, Startimes Channels, DRTV Warri and CRBC Calabar.

For instance, a Nigerian make-up artiste returned from the United Kingdom for an opportunity in the Nigerian Idol show.

Adebola Adeyoye, a.k.a V.E.R.A (Voice Every Race Accepts), decided to come back to her roots to showcase her vocal talent through the platform.

“I have studied a lot of people in the industry like Tiwa Savage and Omawunmi, and I believe I have what it takes to get to where they are today,” she said at the venue of the Lagos auditions.

Singing Big White Room by Jesse J, V.E.R.A stole the hearts of the judges with her soulful version of the song. “I am just going to affirm that you have been the best voice here today and give you a golden ticket,” said Mabiaku.

There is also an award-winning producer/singer Ayo Faboro, a.k.a Dr Frabz, who was unveiled as a new music director on the show. Frabz’s turf will be to separate the wheat from the shaft in the Top 30 rounds, during which the competition will be tougher.

The guy who runs an independent music production company called N’sayne Entertainment has produced smashing hits such as Chuddy K’s Slow Slow, Shank’s Too Late and Weird MC’s Riranwo, among others.

”I expect that we will be able to help the best of the contestants to shine this season,” said Dr. Frabz.

The show continues this weekend. According to the organisers, a dramatic cut of the Top 64 to Top 30 is the next thing in line.

The post Nigerian Idol: Aspirants kick for Top 30 spot appeared first on The Nation.

HAVING enjoyed the lyrical contents of Femi Kuti’s new album, No Place for my Dream, international singer, Alicia Keys, has described it as “Music that feeds you.”

The award-winning singer made this disclosure recently via her twitter handle, saying, “This album is so… Rocking it now! Inspiration abounds. Listen to the lyrics! Undeniable! #Musicthatfeedsyou”.

Last year, Keys released the well-received album, Girl on Fire, but the performer has been pushing into areas beyond music.

Keys and her production company, AK Worldwide, recently worked with Bento Box Interactive on “The Journals of Mama Mae & LeeLee,” a story-telling app targeted at young children.

Keys, who has also written music for and produced a Broadway play, Stick Fly, is the executive producer of a forthcoming coming feature film, The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete.

The singer, who recently released a line of shoes with Reebok, became BlackBerry’s New Global Creative Director in January, 2014.

In her new role, Keys is expected to work closely with app developers, content creators, retailers, carriers and the entertainment community to further shape and enhance the BlackBerry 10 platform, thereby inspiring creative use through its remarkable capabilities and functionality.

From music to books, films and apps, she will lead the charge of enhancing entertainment consumption and distribution through the power of BlackBerry 10.

The post Alicia Keys lauds Femi Kuti over album appeared first on The Nation.

THE much-publicised Calabar International Jazz Festival returns with a sophomore, which organisers say will light up the coming Easter celebrations in grand style.

Although the last Calabar Christmas Festival provided a measure of Jazz music, with Jamaican-born gospel music icon, Chevelle Franklyn and renowned Nigerian saxophonist, Mike Aremu, leading the excitement at the Millennium Park, this stand-alone show is the organisers’ promotion of the exclusive genre.

The Calabar Jazz Festival, according to Mr. Nzan Ogbe, Special Adviser, Governor’s Office, is a direct result of the success of the jazz concerts held during the annual Calabar Christmas carnival.

Sequel to the successful debut, organisers have announced this year’s lineup of top-rated artistes, who will be doing three nights of fabulous performances.

The list includes Hugh Masekela, Liquideep, Jimmy Dludlu and Micasa Music (South Africa), Timotha Lanae (USA), Gwyn Jay Allen (UK) and local superstars Dare Art Alade, Yinka Davies and Kunle Ayo.

Masekela, who was last spotted in Nigeria at the maiden edition of Bayelsa International Jazz Festival, is certainly a veteran to look out for. The South African trumpeter, flugelhornist, cornetist, composer and singer, had dazzled the crowd with his variant vocals, dramatic pitch, trumpeting prowess and hilarious dance steps.

Interestingly, the government of Cross River State continues to push its tourism potentials, boosting its annual leisure calendar with the festival by promoting the classy genre of jazz music.

Incidentally, like minds, such as popular music channel, MTV base and Mo Abudu’s Ebony Studio have renewed their partnership with the state government to stage the show for the second time.

“We’re happy to be broadcasting Calabar International Jazz Festival once again. It brings a different edge to MTV Base and provides our audience with an eclectic mix of music and great live performances from artistes who deserve more exposure,” said Alex Okosi, Senior VP and Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks Africa, at a press briefing in Lagos on Tuesday.

Mo Abudu noted that, “The Jazz Festival is another great reason for people to visit Calabar. It’s a fantastic addition to Nigeria’s live music scene and we are looking forward to profiling such a fascinating lineup of artistes.”

According to the organisers, the event, which holds at the Calabar Cultural Centre, will feature other daytime activities. One of the events, Music Meets Photography, is expected to bring some Nigeria’s creative photographers with an audience seemingly addicted to being ‘snapped’, against a backdrop of live jazz and local music. In the same vein, art lovers will be able to visit a gallery of beautiful paintings and sculpture curated by Terra Kulture in the large and imposing lobby.

Taking place from April 18th 20th, the show features Timotha Lanae, Jimmy Dludlu and Salvadore Sango on Friday; Dare Art-Alade, Micasa Music and Kunle Ayo on Saturday and Liquideep and Gwyn Jay Allen on Sunday. The big ‘masquerade’, Hugh Masekela and Yinka Davies will perform on Easter Monday at a private show.

Through a huge publicity, organisers are selling the festival as the backbone of a great Easter weekend break for Nigerians, who look forward to escaping the hectic city life in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. The city of Calabar has a reputation for being the cleanest, greenest and one of the safest state capitals in Nigeria.

The post EASTER RAVE: Calabar agog for Jazz music concert appeared first on The Nation.

VETERAN actress, Patience Ozokwor, has called on African filmmakers to embrace indigenous language in their movie productions.

The actress made this call in Kumasi, Ghana, where she recently went to shoot a collaborative film between Ghana and Nigeria titled Mama Africa.

According to her, “I am glad that things are changing in Africa, where Ghana is taking steps to use and trade in its local language through movies. Bollywood is second when it comes to movie-making in the world. They use their local language to shoot, which tells you that it’s not bad for an industry to use local language to shoot movies.

“When one makes mistakes in English, the whole country laughs at one. But we forget it’s not our language. It’s the white man who forced us to learn it. So, if Africa needs to grow, one of the things we can grow with is our language,” she said.

The post Patience Ozokwor calls for indigenous movies appeared first on The Nation.

Bayray McNwizu, a graduate of philosophy from the Lagos State University, Ojo, came into the Nigerian movie industry, otherwise called Nollywood, after she won the Amstel Malta Box Office reality show (Season 3). In this interview with MERCY MICHAEL, the ever-busy actress speaks on her career and life as a single mum, among other interesting issues. Excerpts:

WHAT are you currently working on? I can’t reveal it yet. But usually, the first stage is where the cast members get to meet one another before the work begins.

Can you mention the other actors on the set?

I have been told it must be hush-hush.

You seem to be very busy these days. You were in Caged and Visit; yet, you will be going to Ghana for a job soon.

I came back to the industry fully in 2013 after my mum passed on. I have been moving from one location to another ever since. However, I thank God because that is what every actor prays for.

Many think your strength lies in doing sitcom. How will you react to this?

No! It is not true. I always look at the script and if I like it, I will do it. Super story was done in 2011, which is almost four years now. But then, it means that I must have done the work pretty well for people to remember it. In Emerald, you could see the diversity in characters. In Emerald, I played a gold digger, but in Egos, I was just a normal teenager. However, Tales of Eve is a tele-movie and not just a series.

So, why are you always spotted for TV roles?

It will interest you to know that for Tales of Eve, I almost didn’t get that job. I remember I was working on the Visit and a friend called me and said I had to be at a closed audition. It was supposed to start at 9.00am, but I didn’t get there until 1:30pm or thereabouts. But I think God just wanted me to play that particular character. It tells a very touching story of Nigerian prisons and what female prisoners as well as those on awaiting trial go through. When I saw the script, I didn’t consider whether it would be a series or sitcom. I didn’t even consider if it would help my career, but I was only interested in how it would help millions of women out there. Of course, I was delighted to play the role.

What was your most challenging role in the movie?

Well, every role I play is challenging. But in that particular work, there was so much modulation. As you know, I played a teenager, a young adult and a prisoner. I mean, there were days I felt like, ‘Oh, my God…’

How were you able to fit into a 15-year-old girl?

Naturally, I’m quite small; so, by the time they braided my hair and gave me a short dress, I really looked very small and vulnerable. I was like, ‘Whao! Is this me?’ I had a wonderful makeup artist. She was always on point. I pray she wins an award because she was dedicated from the first to the last day. As a result, I’m sure I pulled it off well.

Could you tell me about the movie, The Visit?

It was produced by KOGA Studios, the producers of Heroes and Zeroes. One day, a director friend of mine called and asked me where I was. I told him I was in Calabar for the film festival, by the way. So, he said, “Please, see me when you are done there.” So, I went to see him and I was given a script, which I read. Then, he said he would like me to be part of the project and I was delighted. I hear there hasn’t been a four-man cast before in Africa. We were just four: Nse Ikpe Etim, Blossom Chukwu, Femi Jacobs and me. It’s a mad film and you need to see it. There has even been a lot of buzz about it. I am pleased to be part of this production and I hope you will all like it when it comes out.

When will it be premiered?

I don’t know exactly when it will be premiered, but it will be within a couple of weeks. We wrapped it up on December 15, 2013. So, I’m sure within a short while, it will be premiered.

Is it a romantic comedy?

Hmm! It’s a bit of romance. It is the story of married couples in real life and what they go through behind closed doors. Everyone thinks it is rosy, so they want to get married. But when they are in it or the doors are closed, they find out it is not as rosy as they think.

But why is love becoming really intricate in this generation of ours?

I think people just don’t want to get married for marrying sake these days. They don’t want to jump in and jump out, thereby going through divorce and the extra-baggage it brings. Everyone is trying to “shine their eyes” before getting married, as they say. I mean falling in love is a beautiful thing, but people want to be secured in their relationships. One wants to be sure the person one is going into a relationship with is a friend whom one can trust and not someone who will stab one like the guy who was convicted a few days ago. So, people just want to be able to trust one another other. That is really very rare nowadays. But if you have that, please keep it because it is hard to come by.

How is it like keeping the family business going, since your mum passed on?

Whao! That’s a deep question! Keeping the family business is still on course. Things are not the way they used to be. But that was her era and we are praying to God for the grace to make things better in our own era, so we can make her proud wherever she is. So, that is the way things are now.

What is it like being the ‘mother hen’, so to say?

I am not the ‘mother hen’ o! Everyone is grown-up and responsible (laughs). When we all went through that kind of a loss, we saw that we needed one another. Of course, I am there to be the firm hand, but she raised us to be very responsible; so, I really have nothing to worry about.

How do you feel being an orphan?

I guess there is a reason for everything. I guess I can also comfort other people who are just losing or who may lose their parents. God has given me the strength to tell them that it’s actually going to be okay. There is always a reason for everything. I wish I didn’t have to go through that. It has happened and I’m grateful for the grace to have gone through that and not lost my sanity. Of course, it’s a very painful process.

Was that the first time you worked with the other actors on the set?

It was my second time with Nse, but it was my first time with Femi and Blossom.

So, what was it like working with them?

Femi gets to play my husband in the Visit, so you can imagine. We had very crazy moments, actually. Almost every night, we were together, reading our scripts because it was a four-man cast. We wanted to bring our A-game on. That was because the attention span was very short and if you were going to be talking, people would get bored. When people pay good money to see a good movie, you have to bring your A-game on. So, it was challenging for every one of us. You know, you cannot afford to be slack because Nse is bringing her A-game, just as Femi and Blossom. Every character is very important to the story itself. It was very tasking. And in the end of the movie, we knew that we had done justice to it. I’m sure you will love it.

While it seemed you were laid back in your career, did you think of quitting?

Absolutely not! I say this with all humility all the time that I was born to do this job. It gives me so much fulfillment and joy. If I’m having this kind of joy working, then, it’s the grace of God absolutely. But I had done a lot before…. I did like three movies with Emem Isong. I did Rebound, Kiss and Tell, Water Fall and Super Story. Then, I took a break and later returned. But now, you are complaining that I’m doing a lot.

For me, I’ve always had God’s backing. I’ve always asked for His grace. Even when I make a mistake or I don’t do the job well, I just ask Him for His grace and pick up myself again. I miss my mother so much. She was always there to say, “Yes, you made a mistake, but get back up and do it right.” All I can say is that I have a passion for my job. As you know, no one can break a man who has a 100% passion for his job.

Why did you study philosophy instead of theatre arts, if you knew you had it in you?

That’s a good question. I’m actually angry with my mother for that. The reason is I wanted to read theatre arts, but my mother put her feet down that I wasn’t going to study theatre arts. So, when I finished and wanted to come back to my passion, she was like I must work and earn money. So, I worked for her and earned money; and that was how I was able to buy audition forms and go to different states for auditions. So, it wasn’t that I just woke up and won AMBO 3 and everybody just said, “Wha!”

What prepared you for the AMBO?

I think it was determination. I was tired of hearing no from every audition and I knew that Amstel Malta Box Office was a guarantee that only the true winner would emerge. So, when the third audition came, a friend of mine, Ijeoma Agwu, also a fantastic actress, got me the form, brought it to me and I filled it out. The rest, as they say, is history.

What is your dream role?

Any role I look back and say, ‘Whao, my goodness! That character became me.’ So, that is my dream role. When I get feedback from a member of the public that I changed his or her life or that I helped his or her marriage, then I know I have done a good job. What I am basically saying is that every character I choose becomes a dream character because I try to pour myself into that character and give that character a real life.

If our movies have helped some marriages as you pointed out, why is it that many are not successful in their marriages?

Well, I don’t know what you are talking about. Don’t put me in trouble. I’m sure if you give anyone of us a chance, we will change a lot about ourselves and make our marriages work. In fact, we will like to be better friends and do so many things. In reality, you cannot change the other person or change the circumstance around him or her. But you can only try your best. I do believe that when people go into marriages or relationships, they really go with good intentions. But there are so many surrounding factors. So, you have to make up your mind and agree that this thing already exists, so what are you going to do about it? Are you going to give up or are you going to wait through the storm?

What are the challenges of being a single mum?

I give you guys ‘hi 5′ because you are doing a great job. Really, it is not easy. Children are very delicate. Children are always a joy. I’m glad to have had mine when I had it. But again, with the kind of job I do, it’s very tasking. But whether you are selling pepper or jetting round the world, we still face the same challenges. So, you have to thank God for His grace. You have a child, but some people don’t have. That is number one gratitude. Well, they are not going to be children forever; they are going to grow up. So, you have to endure. It’s a process. So, I really don’t have any complaint. I’m a sexy single mum (laughs).

He is three years old now; so, are you planning to groom him to be an actor?

His father wants him to be an aeronautical engineer, but my grandmother wants him to become a pastor, so she calls him Pastor Elijah. Again, his great grandmother wants him to be a reverend. So, how many things is he going to be? But I don’t want to make that mistake as some of us did. I’m sure my mother had the best intention; she wanted me to be a lawyer by all means. She was a lawyer. A brilliant and hard working one, but I knew I wasn’t cut out for that at all. That used to cause an issue between her and me. So, I just want him to do whatever he likes – I know he likes music a lot and he asks questions a lot. He’s very persistent, just like his dad. It’s nice. I try to groom him. I don’t know what God has created him to do, so I’m just watching out for him.

You speak nice about his dad. Why are you both not looking at tying the knots?

I don’t know! Who knows what the future holds? Of course, there is no ‘beef’ between him and me. Absolutely not! We are good friends. At the end of the day, you have to look beyond whatever difference you and your guy has. You have to think about what kind of child you want and how you want him or her to view marriage and relationships. So, we have to sacrifice that for the good of our son.

How easy was it to come to terms with being friends with him? I’m sure you had plans of living together for the rest of your lives.

It’s still not easy. That is why I am glad speaking with you because your newspaper has always been a reputable one and I can speak frankly knowing that it’s exactly what I say that will get written down. This is why I have not talked about this issue before. Of course, we had great plans; we wanted to get married; we wanted to do everything together, but things didn’t work out. But who knows? Let’s just start from being friends now and take it one step at a time.

Perhaps, if he reads this interview, he may want to come back to you.

Well, but then (pauses)…I wouldn’t blame him because there are so many proposals. When you go to my Facebook page and Twitter, I receive proposals from different male admirers every day. I don’t know how some of them got my BB pin. Some of them are really persistent and such things can get to one. It can make a man jealous!

So, if you probably weren’t an actress, you would have been married?

I wouldn’t say that. I’m just saying that it demands a whole lot more from us as actresses. Then, trust is very important. It is not just about the person trusting you; but you, as an actress, have to also learn to be very humble to your husband, boyfriend and even your friend. You just have to take it easy. God has given you a gift, but it is not just for you to flaunt it and feel like a superstar; rather, it is for the benefit of others.

Obviously, you are not a bitter single mum probably because of your job.

Your job can actually make it worse because you don’t get enough time to rest; as a result, that can tamper with the balance of your mental state. But again, what is the point? My mum passed on, but the clock didn’t stop. It’s almost one year and people are still living like nothing happened. So, is it really worth it? But you know, you have to allow yourself to feel angry that it didn’t work out; you have to allow yourself to grieve about it. But again, you have to make a conscious effort to move on, become friends and forgive the next person, whether they’ve hurt you or not. You have to really get your life together because life is for the living. And for me, I’m a spiritual person in the sense that I like to meditate a lot; I like to read and explore the world. Then, when you are a busy person, there is really no time to be bitter. I love my job; I love my kid and I am living a good life. There are times that I have down moments; but as I said, I always pick up myself and move on. That’s one of my secrets. I pick up myself again and thank God for all He is doing for me. It is important.

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NOLLYWOOD’S diminutive duo of Chinedu Ikedieze( Aki) and Osita Iheme ( Pawpaw) will headline entertainment stars who will cheer the Super Eagles during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

They will be supported by eight other Nollywood stars whose identities are yet to be released.

According to information, both stars, alongside the eight, will receive the sum of N138.4m to cheer the Nigeria’s national team.

Consequently, it is reported that a number of Nollywood stars are currently making frantic calls to the National Assembly in the bid to benefit from the largesse.

It will be recalled that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) recently announced that it had set aside the sum of $800,000 (about N138.4 million) to sponsor 10 Nigerians in the entertainment industry to cheer the Super Eagles during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

In the financial plan presented to the National Assembly, the NFF had revealed its decision to invite the duo of Aki and Pawpaw and eight other Nigerians in the entertainment industry for the world football fiesta in June.

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In line with the desire to make the nation’s music industry better, the management of Now Muzik has announced the duo of Tony Oneweek and Kosiso Henry Onwuekwe, alias K-Slim, as new additions to the outfit.

K-Slim expressed confidence at the new development. According to him, “Now Muzik is among the biggest names in the industry. I am very sure they will do everything possible to make my career a great one.”

For Efe Omorogbe, Head, Now Muzik, it is a matter of presenting good music to music lovers all over the world. “Tony Oneweek and K Slim have materials that we enjoy intensely and we are proud to present them to the world. Tony Oneweek is solid, tested and trusted. K Slim is fresh and promising. Our expectations are high. We will, as always, activate the support mechanism and go for it,” he said.

It will be recalled that when Tony Oneweek released his album, Gyration Master, in 1998, it was massively received by music lovers, especially tracks like Everybody gyrate, Onwa December and Okocha.

Last year, he released Ife Di Mma, featuring 2face Idibia. The track is an infusion of gyration, highlife and Afrobeat.

The outfit already has 2face, J. Martins, Romeo and Rocksteady in its portfolio.

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Last-rising actress, Ivie Okujaye, has disclosed that she is targeting N30 million in box office sales for her debut movie, Make a Move, which is scheduled to be released nationwide on June 6.

“I heard Nollywood movies haven’t had it so good at the cinemas in recent times. Even cinema houses seem wary to give Nollywood movies much attention and space. Make a Move is set to redefine that. Our target is to sell as much as N30million from the box office-that is our minimum target. I know it is a daunting task, but be assured that we will make that figure and earn some respect back for Nollywood,” the actress stated.

According to Wale Adebayo, popularly known as Sango, Make a Move is the kind of story every young person can relate to. It is a story of self-belief, doubt and fight against an unfavourable environment.

The film tells the story of two sisters who find dance as an escape route from a non-pleasant past. They must dare to make a move to get to the land of their dreams.

Themed along music and dance, the flick stars 2face Idibia, Omawunmi, Majid Michel, Tina Mba, Wale Adebayo, Ivie Okujaye, Beverly Naya, and popular VJ, Denrele Edun. It is directed by Niyi Akinmolayan.

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A fro-beat legend, Femi Anikulapo-Kuti, has thrown his weight behind the BlackREALvolution Day coming up on Friday.

Kuti, a multiple Grammy nominee, described the BlackREALvolution movement as a non-partisan and peace-advocating group of individuals seeking an end to the oppression emanating from governments and organisations.

“I lend my voice to the BlackREALvolution movement. Though I am one of Africa’s most respected and notable musicians, I have thrown my weight behind some struggles that seek to support the masses and the down-trodden of the society. I have always advocated non-violence and peace. Music is my only weapon and it is my medium of support for the BlackREALvolution movement,” he said.

The first-ever gathering of the BlackREALvolution movement holds on Friday at the Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island, Lagos.

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Niyi Bandele’s Half of a Yellow Sun, an adaptation of Chimamanda Adichie’s book of the same title, will be showing in all Nigerian cinemas on Friday, April 25, courtesy of FilmOne Distribution.

The movie made its first outing last September at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Canada. Though it enjoyed 70 percent finance from Nigeria, it was promoted at the festival as a British movie.

The film gave the lead character, Chiwetel Ejiofor, the Best Actor’s award at the recently held British Academy Film and Television Awards (BAFTA).

Shareman Media, the Nigerian producer, and FilmOne Distribution, the Nigerian distributor of the feature film, have announced that sequel to the Toronto premiere, the film had gone to Europe, premiering at the BFI London Film Festival.

According to them, the movie will also be released in cinemas in Australia from March 27, in the UK from April 11, and in the US in the early summer.

Other stars in the movie are Thandie Newton, Genevieve Nnaji, Onyeka Onwenu, O. C. Ukeje, Zack Orji and Anika Noni Rose, who led the supporting cast.

Set in 1960s Nigeria, Half of a Yellow Sun is an epic love story, weaving together the lives of four people caught up in the turbulence of the Nigerian civil war.

Shot in the Tinapa Studios in Calabar and other locations in Creek Town, Half of a Yellow Sun is said to possess a technical quality that demonstrates the possibility of high quality production in Nigeria, with the appropriate budget and technical input.

The Nigerian premiere, according to Filmhouse Distribution, is sponsored by Etisalat, Wheatbaker Hotel and Arik Air.

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Paul Okoye of P’s Square, on Saturday, got married to his long-time friend and mother of his son, Anita Isama, at the popular Aztech Arcum Event Centre, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The elaborate traditional wedding, which was witnessed by family members, friends and celebrities from various sections of the nation’s entertainment industry, will remain the talk of town for a long time.

Anchored by popular standup comedian, Julius Agwu, it was aired live on television, as Hip TV was reportedly given exclusive rights to cover the wedding.

It will be recalled that Paul and Anita had earlier had a pre-wedding shoot at Raddison Blu, Victoria Island, Lagos.  During the shoot, Paul and Anita reminisced on their first meeting.

“We’ve married since. It’s just now that we want to make it official. We’ve known each other for 10 years. That was when I was in my final year. She was a Jambite then.  I’m glad that we are finally doing this. She gave me a lovely boy, who is everything for me. I’m happy that I am finally settling down,” Paul revealed.

Anita also confirmed that they were involved in a lot of mischief in school.  According to her, “It was fun and exciting. We had plenty adventures back in school. But we had to wait for the right time when we are both ready,” she said.

Among the dignitaries at the colourful ceremony were Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Tourism, Chief Edem Duke, Bisi Olatilo, Kenny Ogungbe, D’banj, Banky-W, Sound Sultan, Ice Prince, Pasuma, J-Martins, Phyno and Darey, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Ejike Asiegbu, Uche Jombo, Funke Akindele and Ini Edo, among others.

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