Alleged smoking: Genevieve Nnaji caught in the act?

IF the rumour making the rounds is anything to believe, then, top actress, Genevieve Nnaji, has joined the league of female smokers in the Nigerian movie industry. Probably she’d succeeded at ‘keeping it a secret’ and had everyone ‘fooled’ that she’s been a good girl, Genny as fondly called by her fans was allegedly caught smoking by a top Nollywood director and producer, Charles Novia. In an excerpt from his memoirs titled “Nollywood Till November”, Charles shares his shocking experience when he unexpectedly bumped into the actress while she was busy puffing the smoke from her cigarette into the air. Excerpt from the Nollywood Till November below: “Our mutual professional respect for each other developed the more. I remember on the third day of recording, one night while shooting at a clinic in Victoria Garden City Extension, I came out for a bit of fresh air while the technical people were setting up for the next scene. Genevieve Nnaji Is A Smoker I saw Genevieve in a dark corner of the building, smoking a cigarette. ‘Whoops! You caught me’, she said, laughing. ‘You smoke?’ I asked, a bit surprised.  ‘Now and then. It relaxes me ’ she said.” With the gist already going viral, fans are indeed worried as to why their role model, Gene, would involve herself in such an act. All efforts to get her response to the gist proved abortive as she was unavailable as at press time.

Sammie Okposo invades Africa with new album

Few weeks after the release of his fifth studio album, the management of multiple awards winning singer and Globacom ambassador, Sammie Okposo is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the singer’s album is well distributed across African countries. This is aside the international deal signed with Oklahoma based record company, TMG Records to distribute the singer’s album across America, Europe and Asian countries. Okposo’s album which is being distributed in Nigeria by Tjoe distributions is moving units as we scooped the singer has been smiling to the bank ever since its release. The management of Zamar Entertainment, Okposo’s record label is however partnering with a variety of distributors across different countries in Africa. Currently, the album is being distributed in Ghana by Vineyard Productions who we gathered is one of Ghanaians most respected distributors. The deals with other distributors from Kenya, South-Africa, Cameroon and few other African countries are also in their last stages. The album is made up of 15 tracks to kick start The Statement Series. Other tracks on the album will be on The Statement Series 2 and 3 albums. The management of the artiste said the decision to reduce the number of tracks on the album is to enable the fans of the artiste to listen, enjoy and digest the music. The buzz created by Okposo’s album release concert especially via the new media, radio stations, TV stations and cinemas made it one of the most anticipated albums of 2012. Okposo who put pen to paper with Oklahoma based TMG (Tate Music Group) Records last year as the first black artiste on the label says the album is a must have by all music lovers.

Genevieve, Rita Dominic, Segun Arinze Storm 2Face's Birthday Bash At Rumours Club [Pictures]

Delectable Nollywood actresses, Genevieve Nnaji and Rita Dominic were spotted yesterday at Rumours Club, Ikeja, Lagos, which was the venue of the birthday bash organised in honour of 2Face Idibia by his friends. The duo were part of the guests who celebrated the 37th birthday of the young African music legend. Segun Arinze, Omawumi, Bovi and others were part of the guests present at the party yesterday. Asides being friends to 2Face, the highly talented make-believe queens are also colleagues and friends to wife of 2Face Idibia, Annie Macaulay. Genevieve and Rita are prides of Nollywood. Rita is the current AMAA best actress of the year.

Women & High Heeled Shoes

No one really knows why shoe infatuation is associated with the female gender. It is not like we make that much of a fuss over men and their Nike Jordan, so why pick on women and their shoes? For some, there is just something about slipping into a nice 4 inch strappy heel for a night on the town. Ironically, the shoes that women love so much are actually putting a toll on their feet, as well as the rest of their body. What is the culprit? Foot doctors and surgeons have been alerting the public for years now about the harm that shoes with high heels can cause. The worst of the bunch are the ones that present narrow toes. These can lead to health problems without a woman even knowing the damage they have done to themselves. Some cases even result in deformities of the foot that just will not go away. There is even evidence that suggests that high heels also cause arthritis of the knee, as well as other joint disorders. Who would have ever thought that a shoe could bring down your health? This has led to the efforts of numerous foot experts, who wish to bring better healthcare measures to women who simply cannot part with their shoes. Several orthopedic foot and ankle specialists have gotten together to approve a variety of products that will help in foot care. They will also assess which shoe selections are reasonable for the maintenance of knees, ankles and feet. High heeled shoes have been the leading cause bringing women to visit orthopedic doctors, who seem to be seen by these type of doctors four times more than their male counterparts. The constant wearing of shoes with high heels or narrow toes have led to a high incidence in corrective foot operations. This is what happens when women choose fashionable footwear over health and many of them aren't even aware that they are doing it. The results of repeated narrow or high heeled shoe wear of today's latest fashion trends have been compared to the Chinese practice of foot binding. Although women who endured this practice showed signs of joint problems, they never sustained any bone deformities. It is usually the front of the foot that reveals common foot problems. Years of wearing improper footwear lead to bunions or other infractions of the toe. These signs often surface in middle aged women. These problems are caused by increased foot compression and pressure when wearing narrow shoes or high heels. To avoid these foot problems, women don't need to discard their love of shoes, but instead make wiser choices when it comes to footwear. That means settling for a shoe that is light and comfortable and doesn't have a tight area for the toes. Also, women must stray from tempting selections with a high heel. In the long run, your feet will thank you for your efforts.

Ghana Fashion Awards To Award Most Fashionable Celebrity

As the quest to reward Ghana’s finest fashion industry players draws closer to that glitzy glamorous night in November, one of the biggest talking points over the last few weeks has been the addition of a new category that seeks to award, the country’s “most fashionable celebrity icon.” The category is being billed by industry connoisseurs as one of the most keenly contested and controversial categories in the 2nd edition of the awards scheme; and already fans all over the country have expressed many different opinions with a myriad of celebrity names popping up in the public nomination process which began on the 1 st August and is expected to close by end of September, 2012. Amongst the celebrities largely regarded by fans as fashion icons include the likes of big name acts such as Yvonne Nelson, Jackie Appiah, Nadia Buari, Nana Akua Addo, Yvonne Okoro , as well as international fashion icon, Menaye Donkor and Fashion 101’s Sandra Ankobiah amongst others. Also highly reputed for her fashion sense in the last year has been , Deborah Vannessa, who was voted best dressed celebrity on Fashion 101 , three weeks consecutively earlier this year. Amongst male celebrities however, shorter; names coming up include, John Dumelo, KKD,KOD, Prince David Osei, as well as Joy Fm’s Nathaniel Attoh, amongst a host of others. Other categories open for nominations in this year’s Ghana Fashion Awards, include Best designer of the year, Emerging designer of the year, Accessories Designer of the Year (Jewellery & Beads option), Contribution to fashion Photography, Model of the year, and Fashion Retailer of the year as well as Popular Make-up Artist of the Year, Contribution to Fashion communication & Media, Fashion contributor in Education & Mentoring, and Accessories Designer of the Year (Hair accessories, bags & shoes). Meanwhile organizers, Fashion Xpo, have revealed that the glitzy glamourous finale of this year’s awards will be at the plush new event centre, The Plaice, located beside the Round Pavillion at the Trade Fair Centre, La. Fashion Xpo’s Event Cordinator, Jennifer Richlove, has also disclosed that, an opportunity has been opened for all corporate organizations to advertise their products and services via ad-spots in the free Ghana Fashion Awards brochure which appeals to a cross market of fashion industry players as well as enthusiasts across the continent. From now till the end of September, the general public can still participate in the nominations process by presenting the name of their preferred nominees and category to nominations@ghanafashionawards.com The general public may also log on to the Ghana Fashion Awards facebook and twitter pages. http://www.facebook.com/ghana.fashionawards.5 http://www.facebook.com/GhanaFashionAwards https://twitter.com/GhFashionAwards https://www.ghanafashionawards.com

Nollywood Actor Jailed For Gay Sex

A 28-year old actor, Bestwood Chukwuemeka, was on Monday sentenced to three-month imprisonment by a Karu Senior Magistrates’ Court, Abuja, for having sexual intercourse with another man through the an*us. The convict, who resides at Gidan Mangoro, had pleaded guilty to having engaged in homosexual acts. “I am guilty of the charge against me. I was under the influence of alcohol and I want the court to temper justice with mercy’’, he said. The police prosecutor, Mohammed Umar, had told the court that the convict committed the offence in August when the complainant was sleeping in his bed.Homosexual acts, the prosecutor said, was contrary to Section 284 of the Penal Code.The prosecutor said since Mr. Chukwuemeka had pleaded guilty to the crime he initially denied, the court should try him summarily. The Senior Magistrate, Nafisatu Buba, sentenced him to three-month imprisonment without an option of fine. “This would serve as warning to other youths who hide under the influence of alcohol to commit crimes,’’ she said.When he was first arraigned in early September, Mr. Chukwuemeka pleaded not guilty, saying, “I came back drunk from the night club and thought I was sleeping on the same bed with my girl-friend and I started romancing her.” At that hearing, Mrs Buba, had ruled that alcohol should not be seen as an excuse for committing the offence, but then granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum, with one of the sureties being a civil servant on Grade Level 09. However, when the case was heard Monday, the actor suddenly pleaded guilty, and Mrs Buba summarily tried him, sentencing him to three-month imprisonment.Homosexuality and lesbianism are seriously frowned at in Nigeria.In November, the Nigerian Senate passed a strict law banning same-sex marriage and public display of affection by gays in Nigeria. The bill – Same Sex Marriage (prohibition) bill 2011 – prescribes 14-year jail terms for convicted gays in Nigeria. “Persons who entered into a same sex marriage contract or civil union commits an offence and are each liable on conviction to a term of 14 years imprisonment,” the new law said. It added, “Any person, who registers, operates or participates in gay clubs, societies and organization, or directly or indirectly makes public show of same-sex amorous relationships in Nigeria commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a term of 10-year imprisonment.”

Eedris Abdulkareem releases Obasanjo-inspired track

Following the brawl which recently took place between ex-President Olusegun Obansanjo and foremost rapper, Eedris Abdulkareem, the rapper has fulfilled his promise to fans by releasing a new track titled Baba. Baba, according to Idris, was inspired by the war of words between Obasanjo and himself , when the ex-president made a reference to Idris’s Jaja Jaja. In this new single, the LaKreem/Kennis artiste sums up his opinion on the current state of the country. It would be recalled that following ex-President Obasanjo’s  statement during a forum organized by  Nigeria Leadership Initiative (NLI) on Tuesday, August 28, 2012, where he said that Abdulkareem’s 2004 hit track,  Jaga jaga, produced by Kennis Music, doesn’t portray Nigeria in a good light, Idris hit Twitter, where he made a reply. He called OBJ his ‘joy therapy’, also stating that Obasanjo can’t do without him. “It’s obvious that Obasanjo can’t do without me. I’m his joy therapy. Mr ex-president, Nigeria still dey jagajaga. In fact worst pass jagajaga”, @idris_Abdulkarm tweeted. He also went ahead to call Obasanjo a Boko Haram member and challenged him to let Goodluck rule in peace. “President Obasanjo if you truly love Goodluck as you claimed, why don’t you talk to your fellow Boko Haram members to let Goodluck rule in peace”. As if not enough, Eedris still went ahead, referring to OBJ as a mugu: “Mr ex-president, I heard you were talking about me in your last interview, hahahahahhahah. It’s obvious you can’t do without me. You are my mugu…”. Following the brawl, Eedris says he is inspired and will be recording a new song titled ‘Obasanjo na my friend’. “Watch out for my new single, Obasanjo na my friend…Obasanjo, thank you for making me a star. In fact, talk more about me. I’m inspired!!”, he tweeted.

Police arraign Nollywood actor over alleged robbery

Lagos – A Nollywood actor, Rasaki Olaniyi, 45, was on Tuesday arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for  allegedly robbing, Abayomi Arinde, of N2.6 million. Olaniyi of No. 7, Aduke Salako St., Agbado, Lagos, was arraigned on four-count charges of robbery, stealing, conspiracy and impersonation. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges. Prosecutor Sunday Aggoi said that the accused had on Sept. 5 at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, robbed Arinde of N500, 000, $10,000, three gold jewelries valued at N150, 000. Aggoi said that the accused also unlawfully locked up the complainant in one of the hotel rooms after robbing him. He said that the complainant was robbed of cash and goods totaling N2.6 million. The prosecutor said that the accused was apprehended by the hotel securities following alarm raised by the complainant. . Aggoi said that the offences contravened Sections 297, 296, 299, 270 and 378 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2011. The counsel to the accused, Mr Olusegun Ajanaku, urged the court to grant bail to the accused. The Magistrate, Mr Jacob Adegun, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N1million with two sureties in like sum. Adegun said that the sureties must reside in Lagos State and be employees of the State Government. The case was adjourned to Oct. 5, for mention. (NAN)

SHAN GEORGE ‘I am not dating Mikel Obi’

Shan George knows she is cannon for controversies and is unapologetic about it. Recently, she was quoted to have said that most married Nollywood actresses are not faithful to their husbands, that they keep numerous lovers. that allegation was said to have rankled a number of her colleagues who felt scandalized by such revelations. The mother of two boys said that offensive article misrepresented her statement and was motivated by the writer’s desire to cause unnecessary friction between her and her colleagues in the industry. “That was such a low blow. Why should it be my problem to know – not to talk about other people’s marriages and what they are doing or not doing? It is not my nature to make such judgment calls and most of my colleagues knew the writer of that piece was motivated by hate and not by the desire to help build the industry and the bond of friendship that exist in Nollywood. If you had attended my premier, you would have seen that almost everyone who is somebody in the industry showed up. Would they have done so, if they thought I was a loose cannon or that I take delight in disparaging other people? No, they  would never have done so! I forgive the guy who wrote that offensive piece.” Shan also used the opportunity to condemn in a strong term the recent news that circulated online that she was photograph nude. “I am really disappointed by the level of ignorance of some people in today’s world. I mean who low can they get. I went out with some friends of mine to mark my birthday and we were all dressed in swim suit-bikinis. There was no indecent exposure – we were just having fun. The pictures are all on the net. Yet someone after seeing the pictures – went and wrote that I was photographed nude. Can you imagine that? I can’t imagine if the writer cannot recognize someone wearing a swimming trunk and a naked picture. It is very annoying. I have morals and I would never pose nude – not for a million dollars. You know what I have come to see that in this industry: there are some people who are haters and instead of applauding your efforts, would rather take delight in painting you in colors that do not represent who you are. But I am glad that the majority of my fans worldwide know who I am.” Recently too, a picture of Shan was posted on line where she was seen seemingly cavorting with the top Chelsea soccer star, Mikel Obi, leading to  the speculation that she and Mikel wee dating. When asked, Shan was incredulous “This is really getting crazy. So I can’t even have a drink with someone – just innocently, without being linked romantically with the person? Mikel Obi is at a talented soccer player whose skills I appreciate. I am his big fan and when they won the Champions Cup last May, I was over the moon with excitement for him and his team mates. We met and had a drink in Lagos recently and that was that! Nothing romantic happened between us. I am not dating Mikel Obi and I hope some of these traffickers of lies can go have themselves some life.”

Yvonne Nelson débuts as producer

After years of successful spells as an accomplished actress, highly controversial but talented  Ghanian actress, Yvonne Nelson, is trying out her luck as a film-maker. Her first effort which has been translated in a wave-making flick ‘Single and Married’ is hitting the cinemas in Ghana and Nigeria before the end of the month. The Ghana première is set for September 22nd at the Accra Silverbird Cinema while the Lagos one comes up on September 28th at same Silverbird Cinema in Lagos. From the trailer and the power-packed cast it appears Yvonne has done right by her self even though this will be her first experience as a producer. The storyline explains happenings in marriage, with greater focus on how most men eternally crave to love and be loved. The movie told the suspense-filled story of Jay, played by 2011 Pan African best Actor Chris Attoh, a top league real estate contractor; Kim (Yvonne Nelson) ex-model and fashionista and a contemporary housewife; Raymond (Kweku Elliot) an accomplished sculptor; Paula (Nadia Buari) a stuck-up lawyer; Ranesh (Kofi Adjorlolo), a 69-year-old multimillionaire and Vida (Tana Adelana), a woman just in it for the money. The lives of these six characters were inter-woven in a comic but thrilling plot of love, lust and lies. The very essence of their personalities was tested and at the end of it all, marriage became just a game everyone played. It also starred Eddie Watson, Anita Erskine, Efya, Tiffany and it was directed by Pascal Amanfo.

Kissing and smooching on set? Yes, what’s wrong with it? – Princess Chineke

Princess Chineke, a former beauty queen-turned-actress is like a girl next door; cool and charming. The fair complexioned actress is one of the emerging hot faces to behold in Nollywood at the moment. She’s currently living out her dreams as she grooms models in her agency, Beacon Models.  She will stop at nothing to tell you that she has a passion doing what she’s doing. In this encounter, she tells Showtime Celebrity that there is nothing wrong with kissing  and smooching while on movie set. I have not been regular even though I came into the industry in 2003. I left instantly and returned in 2005, when I did my first soap opera titled Tarima. I was more into modeling then, and thought that acting was the same thing as modelling. Following the horrible experience I had as a starter in the industry. I didn’t want to make a career in acting because I had the fear  that it wouldn’t be rewarding. But my fear was immediately dispelled when I did my first job and got a part- payment of N18,000. As a student then, it wasn’t a bad business  But then, my mum at a point insisted that I must graduate first and foremost from the university first before pursuing my dream. So, I had to focus on my studies until I graduated in 2006. In 2007, while I was waiting for my call up letter to proceed to the National Youth Service, I accompanied a friend to a movie location, where I was instantly hijacked and given a role to play in that movie. My face adorned the poster and I didn’t  see it as a big deal. I had done some modeling jobs in the past that showcased my face on billboards. But when I later discovered that it was a good beginning, I went for more roles. I did broadcasting in FRCN Training School, and I also did some business management courses after which I went to the New York Film Academy. During that period, I travelled to the United Kingdom and Germany for film seminars. At the end, I realised I wanted to pitch my tent in the entertainment industry. And that was the more reason I attended the Film Academy between 2009 and early 2010. I didn’t return to the industry until last year. When she was asked about her view on Kissing on set she said, It’s a make-believe as long as it lasts. Yes, it has to be real, but I wouldn’t go naked for any price. There is nothing wrong with kissing and smooching on set. She added I have featured in many movies and soap operas such as Ladies Cult, Tarima, Papa Ajasco, Bola’s Place, Echoes, Heroes and Zeroes, Rebound (shot in USA), Cut in the Middle,Where the Heart Lies, Courtesy of Vengeance, and Prize of Stardom. Also, my recent movies include; I did Last Flight to Abuja, Lady Gaga, Greatest Betrayal, Price of Stardom, and Adure, among others. I think Adure was challenging. Her kind of roles? She said I love to play roles that stand me out; a role that is challenging and uncommon. A role that will unveil my talent to the world. I also love motivating roles which I think I played in last flight to Abuja. Her driving force? She said My driving force is the fulfillment I derive from what I’m doing for a living. I  earn more income in modelling than in acting, but what is keeping me going in the industry is that feeling of fulfillment I derive at the end of every movie production. I love acting, I love watching myself on TV. Funny enough, my parents are in support of my acting career. They love what I am doing for a living. I kept my own part of the bargain by getting my B sc. before launching out. They sponsored my trip abroad to seek for more knowledge in acting. She said Singing is also part of her I have always been a singer, I do gospel music. But at the moment, I want to concentrate on my acting career until I am able to add music to it. I don’t think the famous actresses are snobbish. I just think if you meet them on set when they are trying to concentrate, they would not really listen to you because of the work at hand. I have had such experience with Omotola, we were on a set together and she was minding her business, obviously trying to concentrate. But when we met again at the hotel we both stayed, she was friendly to me.

Day Nadia Buari went wild in Abuja

Nadia Buari, the Ghanaian multi-talented actress who imprinted her presence in people’s hearts for her sensational role in ‘Beyonce’ is a drop-dead gorgeous whose beautiful façade and happy demeanour is well known. To imagine that charming, smiling face actress going livid with anger is almost as alien as seeing a lark busting into tears but the sexy mulatto did nearly got out of turn last week in Abuja when a cab driver reportedly  played a fast one on her. The story has it that the said cab driver, seeing that Nadia is a Johnny-just-come, tried to gyp her by inflating fares exorbitantly, not knowing that the actress, as foreign as she looks, knows her way around the capital city. An argument is said to have ensued between the two over what should be a fair fare for the journey. “Early morning temptation-this cab driver wanted to dupe me and not so much about the money, but its just the principle and then he yelled and  insulted me when I declined” Nadia later  confirmed the incidence on her twitter account. “ Honest to God I felt like grappling and beating the shit out of him(if I could), because instead of him to be bucolic about it, he was rather yelling at me. Just had to keep my cool and ignore him, because in the end  he wasn’t worth my fury. Dear God, thank you for the spirit of stoicism, because  I would have hurt him” she added.

I don’t have any problem being Zach Orji’s son, says Leo’nel

HAVING finished his degree program from the University of Bradford, United Kingdom where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies/Television, Leo’nel, son of legendary Nollywood actor, Zach Orji, is now ready to pursue his dream in music. His two hit singles, “Baby Joor and Rockstar” are already making a remarkable impact in the music scene weeks after its production. “I just finished shooting the video of Rockstar and its being given a fair playtime on both local and satellite TV stations across the country, same with the audio version of the two singles. Radio stations are excited with the songs and they play it religiously daily. It’s indeed a sign of some progress”. On why he shunned acting, a turf his father made his fame and fortune, Leo’nel said “Music has always been what I wanted to do even though my dad tried to encourage me to go into acting by giving me scripts when I was much younger. I actually was to play a lead child actor role in a big movie that my dad was the lead actor, but somehow I could not bring myself to do it because acting is not in me.

Onyeka Onwenu releases new video

Two years after she released her last album, legendary Songstress, Onyeka Onwenu has reassured her fans that she is not done with music yet, as she releases  a new single “Falling In Love,” from her upcoming  compilation album, The Legend. Directed by Tolucci, the video which is not all gospel contains 13 songs and it’s being sold for N1, 000. It   explores the christian perspective of Jesus as the groom and the church as the bride. The video opens with a drama between a bride and groom who were about to be joined together by a pastor in a holy matrimony. Blushing with happiness, the pastor goes ahead with his sermon of love, encouraging them both to love each other till death. He pronounces them to husband and wife as he asks the groom to kiss the bride. Then Onyeka enlightens with a pop-like verse, calling to a remembrance, the professed undying love couples had for each other at the beginning of their union. I’m falling in love, over and over again…you are all I have, Jesus…, she sings.  With a blend of English and Igbo, Onyeka delivers the message of salvation and at the same time, professing her love for God.

Omotola in court over breach of contract

Top Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde who just back from  Jamaica where  she  reportedly finalised  some juicy contracts, has engaged the services of popular Lagos lawyer and human rights activist, Festus Keyamo to defend her in a case of  breach of contract filed against her company, Redhot Concepts Limited by an up and coming lawyer, Keshi Elvis who holds brief for Megafield Solicitors. According to the lawyer, trouble started when the latter failed to honour the contractual agreement they entered into in 2010. He said all entreaties he made to Omotola and her company to honour the agreement hit brick wall, a situation which prompted his decision to  seek redress in court. Narrating how he met Omotola, the young lawyer said   one Isaac  who was his younger brother ‘s colleague in his  office introduced him to the actress some  two years ago (February, 2010. ). Isaac had hinted his younger brother that Omotola was  in dire need of a young and vibrant lawyer to  handle her briefs. According to Isaac, Omotola’s former lawyer wasn’t handling her briefs satisfactorily and it was on this  premise  that  Elvis was introduced to the actress. The lawyer stated further that “Omotola’s number was made available to me and after  series of telephone discussions, we scheduled an appointment in her office. Then, she was having issues with Africa Independent Television, AIT following a programme on Kakakii, where Omotola was said to have travelled to the United States to carry out breast enlargement.” “I wrote a letter to the management of DAAR Communications, owners of  AIT and Raypower 100.5. The  matter was eventually resolved via retraction on the same programme and a letter of apology tendered by the company’s law firm representing Jumoke Alao.” “ Impressed on how I  handled the matterwith AIT and other assignments, the actress  entered into contractual agreement  with my firm, where I insisted that my annual retainership fee would be N500,000. She negotiated for N200,000 per annum retainership fee. I prepared an MOU and after studying it, she invited me on 22nd or 23rd of February, 2010 for the execution of the MOU.” he recounted. Meanwhile, in the memorandum of Understanding signed by Omotola’s company  and the lawyer, Keshi explained that the actress agreed to pay him  the sum of N200,000 annually as his retainership fee in addition to paying him also a professional fee as well as out of pocket expenses incurred by me while  handling her  brief which she did not honour. “Both parties, without coercion,  signed the agreement. I have since carried out all instructions from Redhot concepts through Omotola”Elvis said. According to the young laywer, since  the MoU,was endorsed,   he  has  only received a cheque of N50,000 from Omotola. He has gone to court  to demand for the balance of his retainership agreement for 2010 (N150,000) and the retainership agreement for 2011 ( 200,000) as well as fee for services rendered between this period which amounted to  N1,150,000. “In February 2012, I wrote Omotola  where I terminated our agreement, with a letter of demand.. She ignored me all this while.” However, in a counter affidavit from Omotola’s counsel, Festus Keyamo ,  and which was made available to WG, the actress agreed  owing the complainant the sum of N350,000, and not N1,150,000”as he claimed. The case came up yesterday, at the Magistrate court 1, Ikeja, Lagos. Meanwhile, efforts to contact Omotola over the telephone to get her own side of the story proved abortive as her  cell phones were switched off.

Homosexuals are killing Nollywood – Mr. Ibu

Nollywood comic actor, John Okafor, who made quite an impression in his break out role in the 1997 movie, Agony, has raised the alarm over what he called the rising incidents of homosexuality in Nollywood. The 52 year-old actor famous for his hilarious roles made this disclosure in a recent online interview with GoldenIcons TV in Houston Texas, US. Okafor was not afraid to freely express how he felt about any given subject as asked. He noted that the Nigerian movie industry was being plagued by twin viruses – piracy and homosexuality. Mr Ibu, as he is fondly called, said, “I am sorry if my friends are involved. It is a virus and it is killing our industry. If there is any way in this world that people can make them stop it or kill it, please do it. God will punish you, because God did not advise you to do it. God designed woman and dashed us for free,” he stated. This is not the first time that the actor who once worked as a refrigerator-technician, factory worker and photographer will be outspoken about this issue. In past interviews, he has been quoted as strongly opposing it. In another recent interview he said, “I have had experiences, but I would prefer not to mention names at this moment but to let sleeping dogs lie. If you are one, as I always say, and you don’t want to let go of that act, keep doing it but God is watching because the industry is getting spoilt. We are not happy. It’s not in our culture, just like nudity because it’s not acceptable here. It is foreign. “We should be able to learn from our mistakes. Well, right now, I am just pleading for divine intervention. Look at our films these days. You go to the market, you’ll see them being sold like (sausage roll). Some don’t even get to the market because of the sexual appetite of some of the people who shot the movie. The evil spirit operating in them will not allow it make progress or go far. It is sad I tell you.”

I'M A PROUD SINGLE MOTHER - WAJE

Since she first captured attention after featuring on PSquare’s 2008 hit track Do Me, Nigerian RnB singer, Waje, has gone ahead to make a name for herself. This includes being the voice behind the chorus on Banky W’s Thief my Kele and M.I’s One Naira. Despite being an active player in the male-dominated music scene such as ours, the leggy singer continues to hold her own. Surprisingly, she attributes her staying power to support from the female folk. “I was brought up to be strong. There were times I felt as if I couldn’t make it. It is that strength that pushed me the extra mile. In fact, whatever I am afraid of, I put behind me and push. I have also learnt to sing out my experiences and that of others. That is how my songs like So Inspired were born,” she says.
In an industry where stars are quick to keep certain aspects of their private life, far away from the prying eyes of the public, the singer is open about the fact that she is a single mother. “There is nothing to hide. I am a proud mother. I have a strong support system that helps me in my role as a mother. I don’t look at them as limitations, they are challenges that can be overcome. Genevieve Nnaji, is a strong woman who has built a solid reputation for herself globally. She is also a single mother, I respect that a lot,” she says. For Waje, no question is out of bounds, save for her love life. However, in between the chat, she reveals that she is die-hard romantic especially when it comes to the matters of the heart. “I am romantic o! You will know from my songs. I believe in ‘happily ever after’, in true love and all that goodness!” she adds with a wide smile. Lately, the singer spots a svelte look-one that has led to critics saying that she is under pressure to look and dress a certain way to remain relevant in the industry. With the wave of a hand, Waje debunks the claims as mere talk. She says, “I used to be relaxed and a little biased about my appearance. As I have grown as a musician so much has changed. I have come to the full realisation that I am a brand with moral, social and commercial value. I have to live up to that, there are a lot of young girls today that need to see that hard work and confidence will get you where you want. I have to embody that. I have to be able to stand at par with contemporaries across the world. I would love to stand beside a Beyonce with confidence.” In a little under five years, she lists a major highpoint of her career as the joy derived from the fact that the saying ‘Soul music would not be appreciated in this part of the world’, has been disregarded. “Even, I have been surprised by the response to my music. It has been like a movement,’’ she quips. Despite the trappings associated with being in the spotlight, she says she cannot regret the gift of being famous except the fact that there can be too much intrusion into ones privacy at times. Fresh from the performing at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards in the US, Waje admits being humbled by the level of appreciation of her music across the shores of Nigeria. “When I did So inspired, a woman called me crying whilst saying that the song told her story. In New- York recently, I performed I wish and all the ladies were singing along. The support of women has brought me this far and I’m grateful for it,” she recalls. With a debut album scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2013 and a number of singles currently enjoying airplay across the country, the singer, who has a degree in Social Work from the University of Nigeria, says she is not in a hurry. “This is deliberate, it is because I want the material I present to be perfect. There are also other surprises, my lips are sealed for now but people should expect so much!”