It was a day of glory for 19-year-old Iheoma Nnadi, representing Akwa Ibom State, who emerged the winner of the 2014 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria at a spectacular grand finale held last Friday in Bayelsa State.

Nnadi, a model signed to Boss Models in South Africa, beat 29 other contestants and won N3million cash prize, a brand new KIA car and a shot to represent Nigeria at the Miss World pageant later this year

The beautiful evening saw a bevy on ladies who put up their best performances, thereby making it somewhat tough for the judges comprising actress Osas Ighodaro, ex MBGN, Sylvia Nduka and former Mr. Nigeria, Bryan Okwara, to easily determine the winner.

Hosted by IK Osakioduwa and Yvonne “Vixen” Ekwere, the ladies gave a lovely mime in their cultural attires as they danced to Tchelete by Davido & Mafikizolo.

Other contestants who shone on the occasion were Miss Abuja (4th runner-up); Miss Osun (3rd runner- up); Miss Kwara (2nd runner-up) and Miss Edo (1st runner up).

There were scintillating performances by Seyi Shay, Patoranking, Lola Rae, Yeka Onka and Timi Dako.

At the well-attended 27th edition of the pageant, awards were given to some other lucky contestants.  They include:  Miss Delta, winner of  Best Costume; Miss Edo, winner of Miss Amity; Miss Kwara, winner of Most Charismatic and  Miss Kogi, winner of Miss Photogenic.

This year’s MBGN pageant kicked-off with a bang at the ultra-modern Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, with 31 gorgeous girls representing their respective states. Each of the ladies had scaled through zonal competitions to earn a place in the grand finale.

Consequently, the MBGN 2014 winner will represent Nigeria at the Miss World competition in London, UK; the first runner-up will represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe competition, while the second runner-up will represent Nigeria in the Miss Tourism International competition.

Over the last 27 years, the MBGN, which is organised by Silverbird Group, had produced winners who have excelled in all walks of life both in Nigeria and internationally.

I MET FRANCIS, MY HUBBY ON PALMCHAT (PART 1)

The morning rush hour was bad, very bad. I have been in Lagos all my life and I have seen traffic gridlock but that misty July Wednesday morning was simply soul wrenching. Not to say being stuck in traffic wasn’t my fault, you know what they say about giving excuses; especially if you are a corporate staff of a time-conscious org and you happen to have an appointment with the boss at 9:00 am in the same morning.

So, there I was stuck in traffic by 7:15am along Ikorodu road heading for Victoria Island. “My gosh…Gordon will kill me” I remember blurting out those over 20 times that morning. Mr. Gordon Kirchowsky is the Head of Operations of our multinational company with a branch in Victoria Island Lagos, Nigeria-My boss and I am the Human Resource Manager who is to make a power point presentation to Mr. G. Kirchowsky on the workforce restructuring that we had only recently concluded at the organization. The issues I was to present bordered on: Who was to do what…The experience, qualification and training required and I had just 15mins of the 1hour 30 minutes of the morning session to do that.

In all this, I couldn’t help reminiscing in the mist of my storm; “Francis is a perfect gentleman and yeah…it was high time I had a man in my life”. I bet those thoughts were out loud and it all started with a blind date on a mobile app (…did I say blind date, well yeah)….I will tell you,

( lol) dis gist plenty o.

To be continued.

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How time flies! That seems to be the general feeling among theatre arts practitioners, particularly in the Yoruba movie sector of Nollywood, as veteran actor, Adebayo Salami, famously known as Oga Bello, will be celebrating his 50th anniversary on stage from September 25 to 28.

According to the organisers, the three-day event will kick-off at the Agip Recital Hall of Muson Centre, Onikan Lagos, with a stage play titled Oloko Oba (King’s namesake), while a grand party will hold on Sunday, September 28, at Time Square Events Centre, Ikeja, Lagos.

The Kwara State-born actor and producer, said: “It feels good to look back and see how far I have come; so, it sure calls for celebration. The stage play is directed by Abiodun Abbey and it x-rays the story of a wicked king who derives pleasure in terrorising his people. He eventually finds out about a young man who bears the same name with him. So, he is upset and says the man should be beheaded. The young man in his wisdom saved himself by asking the king a simple question he can’t answer.”

The stage play, he said, is for 200 select dignitaries comprising politicians, brand executives, businessmen, veteran movie stars and the media. “The stage play will subsequently lead to the grand finale of the celebration scheduled to hold on Sunday September 28,” he added.

Born on May 9, 1953 in Lagos, he started acting in 1964 at the age of 11 with Young Stars Concert Group led by the late Ojo Ladipo. The group later transformed into Ojo Ladipo Theatre Group and then Awada Kerikeri Group.

However, in 1978, he literally picked up the mantle of leadership, following the death of Ojo Ladipo and he led the group until the early ‘90s. The group became popular with Awada Kerikeri, a TV drama that got many people glued to their TV sets in the 70’s.

The forthcoming event is being packaged by AO21 Media led by Afolabi Oyekoya.

As part of efforts to continuously maintain its share of the market, , Globacom, a telecoms company, has launched a new theme campaign tagged Go Ahead.

Go Ahead, which features 34 top showbiz celebrities, depicts the essence of the network and communicates the dynamism of its services in voice, data and fixed lines.

The celebrities who will feature in the campaign include: Saheed Mohammed (Funky Mallam), Morocco Maduka, Charles Awurum, Victor Osuagwu, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, Saheed Osupa, Daniel Amokachi, Daddy Showkey, Dele Momodu, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Sunday Omobolanle,  Aluwe,  Zebrudaya, Ovuleria,  Bolaji Amusan a.k.a MrLatin, Madam Ibidun Allison Amebo and  Madam Kofo Abiola, among others.

Four of the celebrities, John Okafor (Mr Ibu),  Bishop Ime(Okon Lagos), Chinwetalu Agu and Helen Paul were designated as brand ambassadors.

The 34 celebrities will be expected to positively motivate their fans from all strata of life not only to join the Globacom network, but also recommend its products and services to others in their circles of influence.

To connect the network to the ‘oldies’ are veteran entertainment stars, King Sunny Ade and Sir Victor Olaiya, both world-renowned masters in Juju music and Highlife respectively.

The 22 new faces, who have been appearing in television commercials as well as on billboards, lamp posts and fliers of the network, will complement the efforts of existing ambassadors, including Bisade Ologunde (Lagbaja), Bezhiwa Idakula (Bez), Bright Okpocha (Basketmouth), Jude Abaga (MI), Wande Coal, Chinedu Okolie (Flavour), Peter and Paul Okoye (P Square), Waje Iruobe, Omawumi Megbele, Funke Akindele (Jenifa), Chukie Edozien (Lynxx), Sammie Okposo and Ego Ogbaro.

The Go Ahead campaign encourages subscribers to believe in themselves and in the uniqueness of their talents, dreams and goals.

It was a night of glamour and suspense as the seventh season of the talent hunt show, MTN Project Fame West Africa, officially kicked off with the Opening Gala at the weekend.

Activities for the night were set in motion with standup comedian, Seyi Law, who took up the centre stage to do what he knows how to do best.

The event, which also served as the audition finals for the 18 contestants, saw dancer Kaffy and her Imagneto Dance Company thrilling everyone with their dance steps.

However, in a new twist, Bolanle Olukanni (winner of Search for Mo’s Co-host) joined Nollywood actor, Joseph Benjamin, as co-anchor of the evening.

The organisers announced music producer, Tee-Y mix; Kora award-winning artiste, Ade Bantu, and international act, Bibie Brew, as the panel of judges, while the faculty members include Joke Silva, Ms. Ige, Kaffy and Benneth Ogbeiwi.

Also, the top 18 contestants were introduced at the event. While Sola Ekundayo, Flourish Agu, David Olowojoba, Melvin Okolie, Taiwo Okunola and Deborah Ohiri had to perform to secure a place in the Academy, the others got automatic entry into the Academy. However, Deborah and Melvin had to leave the competition as the final 16 were ushered into the Academy.

Winner of the competition will go home with a grand prize of N5million, an SUV and a recording contract; the first runner-up will go home with N3million and a salon car; the second runner-up will receive N2million and a salon car and the third runner- up will get N2million.

Present at the event were MTN CEO, Mr. Michael Ikpoki; CMO, Mr. Usoro Usoro; Mr. Jibril Aku, Managing Director, Ecobank; media personalities and captains of industry. Also present were MTN Project Fame alumni: Ayoola, Olawale, Immaculate, Tolu, Oyinkansade, Madonna and Monica, among others.

•From left: Ikenna Ezenyirioha, Festival Manager; Afie Braimoh, Project Director; South African actress and AFRIFF Goodwill Ambassador, Xilole Tshabalala and Keith Shiri, Artistic Director, at the Tsogo Sun Elengani Hotel forDurban International Film Festival.

As the world eagerly awaits November 9 to16 when the much-publicised 4th edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) will come up, one remarkable move by the organisers to create a sense of harmony among filmmakers in the continent is the endorsement of notable South African actress, Xilole Tshabalala, as Goodwill Ambassador of the festival.

Tshabalala’s deal with AFRIFF was sealed at the ongoing Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), where she held talks with the AFRIFF team led by its artistic director, Keith Shiri, who flew into Durban from London.

The actress, whose short film, Through Her Eyes, is screening at DIFF, was apparently excited to join the team, having been eager to lend her voice to projects that promote Africa.

“I’m very excited as an artiste and as a female filmmaker.  Also, as an African, I am so happy about anything that brings Africa together and puts us on the world map. I’m just overwhelmed with joy for being a part of the AFRIFF team,” she said to reporters at the festival.

Consequently, the star of Mnet’s Jacobs Cross and SABC1’s soap, Generation, joins Nollywood actress, Rita Dominic, and American star, Lynn Withfield, who have both been lifting the banners of AFIFF, since their appointment as the festival’s ambassadors last year.

Interestingly, Tshabalala resumed duty immediately, talking to people at the ongoing DIFF about the qualities that differentiate AFRIFF from other festivals.

The actress, who has already marked the festival date in her diary, further added that it would be her second time in Nigeria, when she lands on November 8, a day to the festival’s opening ceremony.

AFRIFF holds at the popular Tinapa Business Resort in Calabar, Cross River State.  The event will feature daily film screenings, workshops, master classes, exhibitions, film premieres, glamorous opening and closing ceremonies. It will round off with an award night that will celebrate winning film entries as well as their cast and crew.

Tshabalala’s Through Her Eyes, a ‘Man’s World’-themed film will also be showing at the festival.

Although her first stint with Nigeria was in Abuja, she cannot wait to witness Calabar, a city she learnt is the tourism hub of Nigeria.

“From my experience of Abuja, I love the country and the people. I also love the fact that there are so many people in one place-so many Africans that we can just share our stories with. I love Nigeria from my experience of Abuja and I’m sure Calabar holds greater promises for me.

“When Chioma Ude, the founder of AFRIFF, called me, I had no choice but to jump at the offer-perhaps, it is also because it’s woman power.

“Yes, the festival is being run by an amazing woman. So, I just feel excited about an opportunity for me to share my experience and belief about the beauty of Africa. More importantly, I am excited because it will also offer the opportunity to show the world that we too can run a film festival without the West coming in,” she said.

Born in Vrede in the Free State, the 37-year-old actress is best known for her role as Julia Motene in Generation. She also played alongside her mentor, Thembi Mtshali, in The Crucible at the Market Theatre.

She enrolled at the National School of the Arts and graduated with the honour of best overall performer. She has worked on other television productions, including Justice for All, Scoop Schoombie, Isidingo, Secret in my Bosom and Soul City, among others.

Xolile, as she is simply called, has received a number of acting awards, including Duku Duku Viewers Choice award( 2003) and People Magazine Crystal Award for Best Soap Actress (2004), among others.

She took a break from acting in 2005 to attend the New York Film School, honing her skill as a film producer and director.

She played the role of Sister Zama in the seventh season of the SABC1 drama series, Soul City (in 2006) and played a guest role in the fifth season of the American drama series, NCIS, in 2007.

She starred as Mandi Mbalula, Mvelo’s (Yonda Thomas) father’s calculating accountant and second-in-command at Nobela Holdings in the SABC1 drama series, Fallen, in 2011.

She also starred as TT’s gorgeous wife Gugu, an ambitious player development executive who gives the casino’s high rollers whatever they want, but is unable to give TT the one thing he wants- a child- in the SABC3 drama, series High Rollers, in 2013.

Xilole is also popular for her campaign about naturalness, leading that line with braids and Afro-hairstyles alone.

The Miss Nigeria contest is one of the most viewed TV contest in Nigeria and its glory is worth every sweat. It begins with the individual fitness trainings then the auditioning, fierce rivalry, dieting (yep, you had me right), grilling by the press and finally when the hard work is done; the contest wraps up with the adulation from fans both far and near, lights, paparazzi and cover page endorsements.

Do you have what it takes to be the next Miss Nigeria? Ok before you say yes I do, here are the criteria for Nigeria’s top beauty:

Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 26 years old,

Participants must be Nigerian citizens,

Participants must not be married, must not be or ever been mothers,

Participants must not be pregnant,

Participants must be of good health and moral character,

Participants must speak fluent English.

Phew! So girls are you ready for the Miss Nigeria 2014 contest?  Palmchat; a proud sponsor of this heart grabbing event, is bringing immeasurable fun experience to the fore. Would-be contestants (that is, those that meet the above criteriaJ) can register for the Miss Nigeria 2014 contest through their Palmchat on the Miss Nigeria Palmchat group!

What’s more? You can keep in touch with other contesting beauties; upload and share photos, videos and voice on the dedicated Palmchat group. Updates on the show will be posted live and you can follow the show every step of the way wherever you are.

Also note worthy, Palmchat will be rewarding dedicated Palmchatters who vote and comment on the Miss Nigeria live contest with gift vouchers and airtime credits.

So take a walk on the fun side of Nigeria’s No.1 reality beauty contest, sign up on Palmchat, register, post photos, get voted-be a star. Palmchat is Nigeria’s trending social platform with over 5,000 daily sign ups and 95 per cent active user rate; Come join us.

Indigenous telecommunication company, Globacom, has increased its repertoire of celebrity brand ambassadors, by engaging 34 more artistes in a new campaign tagged “Go Ahead’.

The campaign which depicts the essence of the network, has notable actor and Delta State Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Richard Mofe-Damijo, a.k.a. RMD and Sunday Omobolanle popularly known as Aluwe among the top Nigerian artistes recently enlisted by Globacom.

The ‘Go Ahead’ which also communicates the dynamism of Glo services in voice, data and fixed lines, encourages subscribers to believe in themselves and in the uniqueness of their talents, dreams and goals.

Also in the deal is legendary Chika Okpala, Zebrudaya alias 4:30 and his telly-wife, Lizzy Eveome, Ovuleria, both of New Masquerade series.

Others are Bolaji Amusan a.k.a Mr Latin, Madam Ibidun Allison known as Amebo, an actress in rested television series, Village Headmaster and Madam Kofo Abiola who, as an actress, is popular for her sculpting of sky-scraper headgears.

The campaign also features Saheed Mohammed, a.k.a Funky Mallam, Morocco Maduka, actors Charles Awurum and Victor Osuagwu, Fuji acts Wasiu Alabi Pasuma and Saheed Osupa, former Super Eagles striker, Daniel Amokachi and King of Galala Beats, Daddy Showkey.

While the likes of John Okafor (Mr Ibu), Bishop Ime,(Okon Lagos), Chinwetalu Agu and comedienne Helen Paul are designated as brand ambassadors, Chief Executive Officer of Ovation magazine, Dele Momodu and Delta State Commissioner represent the upwardly-mobile  new aristocrats on the list.

As brand representatives, the 34 celebrities are expected to motivate their followers, not only to join the Globacom network, but to recommend its products and services to others in their circles of influence.

Also, renowned Juju artiste King Sunny Ade and his Highlife music counterpart Sir Victor Olaiya are expected to connect the network to the evergreen entertainment stars who are still savvy on the buttons.

The stars who have been appearing in television commercials, on billboards, lamp posts and flyers of the network, will complement the efforts of existing ambassadors such as Bisade Ologunde (Lagbaja), Bezhiwa Idakula (Bez), Bright Okpocha (Basketmouth), Jude Abaga (MI), Wande Coal, Chinedu Okolie (Flavour), Peter and Paul Okoye (P Square), Waje Iruobe, Omawumi Megbele, Funke Akindele (Jenifa), Chukie Edozien (Lynxx), Sammie Okposo and Ego Ogbaro.

In its bid to checkmate cross-border trafficking of illegal movies, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), has entered bilateral relationships with the Ghanaian and Ugandan film authorities.

In one of such moves, the NFVCB has sent a list of censored Nigerian films to the president of the Ghana Cinematographic Exhibition Board of Control (GCEBC).

The document, according to Caesar Kagho, Acting Head, Corporate Affairs, contains 306 movies that were approved between January and June 2014.

The list revealed that 25 films were approved in January, while February, March, April, May and June had 66, 74, 44, 35 and 62 films respectively.

In a similar development, a three-man team of Ugandan officials were in Abuja last week, to understudy the regulatory operations of the NFVCB as a way of improving film regulatory mechanism in their country.

The group also observed the board’s field operations, as they move around some licensed movie distribution outlets in Abuja.

Kagho said “the initiatives are in line with the Patricia Bala- led administration’s efforts towards developing the Nigerian film industry and Africa in general.”

I don’t regret anything because I’ve moved on to greater things and living a brand new life,” said Nollywood actress Doris Simeon, who celebrated her birthday yesterday in the company of select friends.

Although she has not been in contact with her son, David, ever since her estranged husband, Daniel Ademinokan took him away to New York; where they now live with actress Stella Damasus, his purported new wife, Doris said she is putting all her worries behind.

“A brand new me has been born as I celebrate my birthday… and like it is written in the holy book, old things have passed away as new things are just by the corner,” she said.

Doris, who recently returned to set after a four-month break, said the bad times in her life only make her strong. “Yes, we have some sad times, bad moments in life, which most times want to slow us down, but like I always say, these moments and times help us and make us better people. I don’t regret anything,” she said, adding that the fact that she could witness another birthday calls for thanksgiving. “It’s a wonderful feeling, adding a year in good health and with a mind devoid of hate or pain, I can’t but thank God.

The actress who posted new sultry pictures on her Instagram page, also added her voice to the #BringBackOurGirls campaign, saying: “I want everyone to join me as I specially say a prayer for the missing Chibok girls. It’s sad, but we would continue to lend our voice and as I celebrate, I remember the girls again and enjoin everyone to do same.”

Looking forward, Doris said, “don’t expect me to make a movie anytime soon, but I will be featuring in productions by others. Aside the TV programme, Faaji Xtra, which I anchor, fans and industry peeps should simply watch out for something unusual and unlike me on the screen. I’ve shot some exciting movies and TV soaps and I’m still on some sets, so you would be seeing so much from me.”

It was mostly positive reviews as the movie “Half of a Yellow Sun” was screened in Calabar for its first review in Nigeria yesterday.

The fate of the four finalists in the ongoing maiden edition of Naija Street Champ, the new music talent challenge, will be known this Saturday, when the reality show resonates with a grand finale at the Eko FM Hall, LTV Studios, Agidingbi, Lagos.

Organisers said the event, which will take the form of a concert, would have the four finalists competing for the grand prize of One Million Naira and a three-year music recording contract, which includes an official album launch, nationwide tour and music collaborations.

Unlike some reality shows, Naija Street Champ is not a winner-takes-all, as the first and second runner-ups also stand a chance of getting a one-year music recording contract each, plus music collaborations with the over-all winner.

Speaking on the selection process of the ultimate winner, the project manager, Oladehinde Fajana, revealed that voting would still be open via SMS and online platforms until the last performance of the finalists at the grand finale.

He disclosed that the contestant with the lowest votes would be evicted on stage, leaving the top three finalists to perform their previously produced tracks.

Fajana further revealed that the winner will, among other criteria, be selected based on the musical growth and potential of the contestants throughout the competition, adding that the partner producers ID Cabasa, D’Tunes and Terry G would be the jury at the concert.

The four finalists are Sulaimon Idris (Dabreez) representing Surulere zone, Shanuolu Adesola (Sholz) representing Ipaja Zone, Rodney Brown Edemhanria (Rodney) representing Ikeja zone and Abimbola Olugbenga (Raptitude) representing Bariga/Akoka zone.

Fajana encouraged the general public to vote for their favorite finalists via www.naijastreetchamp.com/votes or by texting Winner and Contestant Name to 33140.

It was mostly positive reviews as the movie, Half of a Yellow Sun was screened to a sizeable audience at the Film House Cinema, Marina Resort, Calabar, yesterday.

The certification of the movie, which is based on the Nigerian civil war novel of same title by Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie, was initially delayed by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), which advised that some ethnic violence scenes be expunged.

Yielding the advice, the movie has been approved for release in Nigerian cinemas, and the distributors have fixed August 1, as start off date.

After the glamorous premiere in Calabar, it was obvious a good number of the audience loved what they saw. Mr. Zac Almeida, a technical director with EbonyLife TV, described the movie as exceptional.

“It was impeccable. As a TV expert, I can tell you that the integration between the old actual footage and new shootings blended perfectly. The directing was good. The story line was fantastic. I have been in Calabar for over two years and I can tell most of the local places the movie was shot. I was impressed,” Almeida said.

Although another viewer, Nonso Nwanah, believes that the film is not as exciting as the novel, he said the effort of the filmmaker was commendable. “It has good scripting and editing. Kudos to the director of photography also for a good job.

“It was a story well told. I would say it is not as good as the novel, but it is still excellent. Of course, there’s no way it can be exactly the same. But it was an excellent story and well presented,” Nwanah said.

Branch Manager of Film House Cinema, Glory Okwuoha, said: “I can say the movie is fantastic. It’s a good love story of two sisters caught in the outcome of the Nigerian civil war.

“The quality is good and we expect it to do well. So, we encourage the public to try and see it. It will be open to be shown in all cinemas from August 1.”

Despite having scenes that cut across various cities in the country, the movie was shot on locations in Calabar, Creek Town and the Studio Tinapa.

Three movies by Nigerian filmmakers are among the huge line-up of screening at the ongoing Durban International Film Festival.

Although the big one, Half of a Yellow Sun, had aroused interest based on huge publicity and its affiliation with the British Film Institute (BFI), B for Boy by Chika Anadu and Gone Too Far by Bola Agbaje also made interesting outing with their thought-provoking themes.

Half of a Yellow Sun, which will be released in Nigeria on August 1, was sold out during its first showing last Friday at Suncoast, one of the several venues dedicated to screenings at the festival. The movie, a feature directorial debut by Nigerian/British playwright, Biyi Bandele, has continued to generate interest, going by its account of the Nigerian civil war, as re-enacted in Chimamanda Adichie’s book from which it was adapted.

B for Boy, on the other hand, is the also the feature film debut of a burgeoning filmmaker, whose shorts films AVA, was listed in the short film corner at the Cannes Film Festival in 2010. The film explores the phenomenal desperation for a male child among Igbo men in Eastern Nigeria, and how vulnerable a character like 38-year-old Amaka played by Uche Uwadili becomes in the hands of her mother-in-law.

The fever pitch is the threats and sense of insecurity in the marriage, where the man could opt for another woman.

The practice, as portrayed by Anadu in this movie, leaves no option of adoption, and one can only tell what woes will betide a childless woman in such tradition.

Although a regular Nollywood storyline, it comes across as news to the diverse audience at the festival.

Bola Agbaje’s film, Gone Too Far, is a fully BFI-sponsored movie, and so goes the credit – never portrayed as a Nigerian film.

A British film by Nigerians, Gone Too Far, explores racial disparity among blacks in a white man’s land.

Directed by Destiny Ekharaga, the film features British-Nigerian teenager Yemi (Malachi Kirby) who is ashamed to let his peers know that his just-arrived, socks-and-sandals-wearing Nigerian brother Ikudayisi (OC Ukeje) is his biological brother.

The underlining message in the comic film climaxes with an exposé of the folly of denying one’s identity in a bid to feel British among fellow Africans, even when the British don’t see them as one of their own.

Another remarkable presence of Nigeria at DIFF is the AfriNolly Showcase, a short film collection by a mobile application company that also grooms young African filmmakers through cash prize competition. The company is run by Mr. Chike Maduegbuna and his wife, who were both in attendance at DIFF.

Eighteen-year-old aspiring actress, Bola Suru, has emerged winner of an online acting competition overseen by star actress Genevieve Nnaji. She beat two other finalists, Michael Akan and Chioma Okoye, to the prize of an exquisite makeover and VIP dinner with Genevieve, courtesy of Amstel Malta.

The competition, Act The Part, is an activation for the Amstel Malta brand, which the actress has been contracted to promote.

The deal had required fans to act any role from a selected movie of their choice in just two minutes and upload on the Amstel Malta website.

Announcing Bola, a university admission-seeker, as winner of the competition, Genevieve said the wannabe exhibited undeniable acting skills which shot her to the frontline in the contest, amidst thousands of contestants who sent in videos re-enacting a role from a Nollywood movie of their choice.

The aspiring actress could not contain her joy when she received the news. “I have practically been praying about this since I emerged one of the three finalists. My sister actually found out about the competition and encouraged me to be a part of it. I am so excited about this,” she said.

Apart from winning the competition, hanging out with Genevieve is a dream come true for young Bola. “Genevieve inspires me so much and I really can’t wait to meet her and ask all the many questions I need answers to as it concerns acting as a career,” she said excitedly.

Bola came tops for re-enacting a role from the movie, Broken Heart. Michael’s re-enactment of his role from the movie Ije, which features Genevieve Nnaji, earned him the second position, while Chioma came third for her role in Mirror Boy.

Going memory lane, Genevieve said the passion displayed by the contestants reminded her of her days as an aspiring actress. “I started off my career at the age of eight, so seeing young talents very keen on what they do gives me so much pleasure because I can relate to that really well. I’m very thankful to Amstel Malta for this amazing opportunity and I look forward to meeting Bola Suru. We are definitely going to have a fun day together,” she said.

Oil magnate and business mogul, Femi Otedola, is a very happy man at the moment. It is not about his bulging bank accounts or the appreciating stock of Forte Oil. It is about the success story of his daughter, Ife a.k.a. DJ Cuppy, who graduated from one of the world’s most prestigious institutions, King’s College, London, on Monday.

Otedola is no doubt a proud father on account of the new feat attained by his brilliant daughter, who as a student is already making a lot of impact in the music and entertainment industry. And what is more, Ife graduated with a Second Class Upper in Business Management.

And the 21-year old disc jockey is not relenting on her oars. She has already secured admission into New York University for her Master’s degree programme. She will be moving to the United States in a matter of weeks to get busy again with lectures.

Close watches of society must have noticed the absence of Sade Okoya, one its regular faces. A few years ago, the beautiful wife of Rasaq Akanni Okoya, the Aare of Lagos and founder of the Eleganza Group of Companies, was the star of the social space in Lagos. Together with her husband, a veteran socialite, her presence was guaranteed at important social events around the city.

But things appear to have changed for the society woman. She seems to be sparing less time for social events since she took charge as the Managing Director of her husband’s chain of businesses. And with her touch, the Eleganza Group is back in full throttle; better and bigger. The company resumed production early this year with several new products added to its stable.

Sade, a mother of four, has been busy reviving and re-branding the company to make sure that Eleganza expands its horizon in Nigeria and beyond. Chief Okoya had told the media during a press briefing early this year that the group was undergoing massive re-engineering and that his youthful wife would play a very prominent role in the new scheme.

It was a day of lavish entertainment as The Bay Lounge won the hearts of residents of Lekki and its environs during the finals of the World Cup competition.

The relaxation spot put together an entertainment package, Bay Lounge ‘Grill and Chill’ World Cup Finals Weekend Special that had rave reviews.

For three days, a first-class entertainment bouquet comprising mega screen activation, music concerts, DJ play, comedians and grill master were on hand at the Lagos-based entertainment venue.

A number of leading musicians like Pure & Simple, Adeh, Segun Atoyebi, Femi Leye and Jaya as well as comedians Larry J, Linchung and MC Pashun thrilled the audience.

The Bay Lounge ‘Grill and Chill’ World Cup Special was supported by Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc., Inspiro Productions, Metro FM, Smooth FM and Classic FM.

StarTimes  has said that its partnership with the Nigerian Television Authority has spread digital broadcast signal to 32 states of the federation.

The Managing Director, Star Times Nigeria, Mr. Joshua Wang, said this in Abuja at the Beijing TV Drama Broadcasting Exhibition in Africa.

He said the company would soon be taking the signal to 16 cities spread across the country.

Wang said that the move would increase the digital television coverage of Nigeria to 80 per cent.

He expressed confidence that by June 17, 2015, the company would have achieved 100 percent coverage of Nigeria.

Also speaking at the introduction of Chinese drama series in Abuja, Chief Executive Officer of StarTimes Pan Africa, Xue Jin, said the six drama series would promote universal values shared among young people all over the world via Star Chinese 2 Channel on StarTimes.

“I hope that the drama series, running up until December, will lead to more collaboration works between the Chinese entertainment industry and its Nigerian counterpart,” Jin said.

Her name might not ring a bell, but any Nollywood movie buff will recognise Tunbosun Aiyedehin’s acting talent in such productions as Champions of Our Time, 30 Days, Two Brides and A Baby and Lekki Wives. Indeed, she is a delight in movies. OVWE MEDEME recently met her on the set of a short film, A Day with Death, where she talked about life as an actress, among other issues.

How did your journey as an actress start?

I have been acting for over 10 years now. I have acted in Champions of Our Time, 30 Days, Two Brides and A Baby and Lekki Wives. I have also been a part of the stage production titled Heartbeat by Tosin Otudeko. He has run it for two seasons and I must say we have had a large and appreciable audience.

Why did you choose to be an actress?

I don’t know. I probably didn’t look at the negative side of it. It is something I have done forever, as far back as my primary school days. It just grew up with me. It went with me to the secondary school and then it played along with me to the university. And for a God-given reason, I won the Best Actress of the Year for two years, in a row, in the university. It was honestly just a plaything when I joined a theatre group in my department. For some good reasons, I got recognised. I honestly wanted to go in for Theatre Arts. I remember hearing some funny comments like: “You want to go and spend four years of your life jumping on stage?” So, I switched courses and I decided to do what I thought was viable, something commercial. So, I studied Business Administration and specialised in marketing. Having gone through that stint of drama on the campus, I think that just pushed me on. I got to meet Uncle Olu Jacobs by the stroke of luck. He told me to talk to his wife because she needed somebody for something she was working on at that time.

How did that influence your career?

I saw aunty Joke and it was an avenue to meet the right kind of persons who could push one to that spot that one desires. Gradually, one door just opened after the other. Being with aunty Joke was a training ground because I was actually going through pure office work. But in-between, there were some little opportunities here and there. I must say I got pretty good remarks. I just kept focusing on that place I wanted to go to. I honestly didn’t realise at that time that there were two sides to life. There is always a positive and the negative side to all things. I didn’t look at it that way at all. It is a passion.

Are you at your destination yet?

Oh, no! I am not there. I see a very bright light somewhere. I see it and I have told myself a lot of things. I have heard a lot of things. I just keep telling myself, ‘Nothing good comes easy. Hang in there and you will get there.’

Where is there?

That point where the fame, the glamour and the name get to the viewers and they say, ‘Oh, I know her’. But you see, it is not about getting there with mediocrity. But it is getting there and thumping your chest and saying, ‘Yes, I worked to get there; I deserve to be there.’ And you know that God pushed you to that point. Honestly, there is nothing one can do, if God doesn’t have a hand in it. You can gamble and do all sorts and it may be short-lived. But if God has a hand in it, you will get to that point.

Would you say you have been given the recognition you deserve?

At this point in time, I must say something. We are many on this platform. We are of a humungous number on this platform. So, I think being distinct is what would make you get there. As I said earlier, I have heard a few comments and I pick stuff from those comments. So, I know those things to do, in order to push myself to that point where I can say the recognition is around the corner. But because of the population, you have to earn it seriously. You could earn it using those means that the others said they used. But I am sorry; at this point in time of my life, I have learnt something. I have become ‘Belgium’; so, there is nothing ‘tear rubber’ about me. It won’t work. I am just working; I am happy doing what I do and I will get to that point of recognition.

Do you feel threatened by the surge of talents in the industry?

I do not feel threatened. I have too much confidence in myself. I am extremely proud of who I am right now. I am glad I have the type of training I had. I am glad with where I started from. Acting-wise, I am sure that there is no door I want to open that I cannot kick opened with my legs.

Given that you studied Business Administration, did you seek any formal training in acting?

Honestly, I didn’t. I sought more formal education in speech. Speech had actually started with me from my primary training. It was part of the syllabus. It just went on; and finally, I got attached to the right person who, as I said, just made it easy to go on. The first thing aunty Joke said, when I was going to get the job, was that she liked the way I spoke. So, that just went on. Of course, as an individual, you don’t just sit down; you have to train yourself. That was how acting came about. It was a natural thing.

What role are you playing in this production, A Day with Death?

I played a character called Margaret, a very wily old woman.

Was it easy adjusting to that character?

When I read the script initially, it looked like a piece of cake. But I knew at the back of my mind that it wasn’t going to be an easy shoot. I looked at the character from the beginning to the end. She just seemed to be the one who was going to blab English Language all through. She is either talking to someone or doing monologues. And I told myself that this is a mouthful for a character. I have always had this thing at the back of my mind that if it does not involve nudity, if it does not involve anything X-rated, if it just for us to speak English and play out a character, I ask for grace to pull it through. So, I saw it and I said, ‘Ok. It is a lot of work, but I will push it.”

How would you describe your experience on the set?

I thank God for the hardworking crew and the director. Honestly, you don’t want to know where I have been. I thank God for my colleagues. If you don’t have a strong cast that can push at your tempo, it really draws you back. With all of that synergy coming from both ends, sailing through was fun.  It was like an energetic role. I must commend my darling character, Kulapo, again. She knew where to just put that extra hand in for me.

What is the most challenging role you have played?

It probably would be this one. It initially used to be where I played the wife to a chief judge in the movie, 30 Days, where his character was assassinated in the presence of the family. You know what reaction a wife would give to that when one sees her husband being murdered in her presence. It used to be that, but I must say that Margaret in A Day with Death was a challenge. I actually heard that my director wanted to shoot a scene in the rain. But God, in His infinite mercy, did not allow the rain to fall. It was a merciful something (laughs).

For you, what is the next big thing?

That is my little secret. I don’t want to give it away. I never wanted to give it away and I don’t think I want to do that now. I just want to keep that in my own shell.