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Adaslim Show targets less-privileged Nigerians

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Entertainment personality, Adanne Ebele, popularly called Adaslim, is set to re-launch a new season of her TV show, The Adaslim Show later in the month. The programme which she says is an off-shoot of her first TV show, then known as Celebrities With Adaslim, is designed to cut across all strata of the society with an emphasis on the less privileged.

Ebele, who recently studied TV presenting at the Los Angeles Film School, California, USA says, “We have repackaged the concept behind the vision. The Adaslim Show is a television programme with a unique spin on entertainment and lifestyle, aimed to inspire and impact,”

On the idea behind the name Adaslim, the talk-show host, who studied Broadcasting, at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, said, “It used to be my nickname in the university and was simply because I was very slim as an undergraduate. I was initially uncomfortable with it because when you are younger you don’t want to hear that you’re slim; you want to be plump but when you get older you are glad you remained slim so I had to stick to the name.

“Also I wanted a name that would reflect a cross between Africa and the rest of the world; hence I used that name because it has the African touch. I did not want to go totally out of Africa and I did not want to be too African.”

Hoping to add value to the programme, the one-time Nollywood actress and producer, who was mentored by Nollywood icon – her godfather – Chief Pete Edochie, also notes that every celebrity guest on her show must be actively involved in some project or the other.

“A of the less-privileged guests on my show will get an opportunity to meet their celebrities. The celebrities who come on the show must have a project so it’s not all about what are you wearing or what are you driving; there is a lot more to it. It’s a 30 minute show designed to blow you out of your mind!”


Akiyesi denies rumour

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Nollywood actor Solomon Akiyesi has denied the rumour that he married three different women within four years. He also denied attempting to marry another woman in April 2013 when the supposed marriage was almost contracted.

He said, “‘Let me explain this, I was not going to wed anyone. It is not possible to wed another woman when you have a subsisting marriage. My wife…my ex wife and the woman I was purportedly marrying knew why we did what we did on April 13, 2013. But the story became so crafted to look like I was actually going to marry another woman.”

I will say yes to the right man –Ese Agesse

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Ireland-based Nigerian pop singer, Ese Agesse, opens up on her career and life abroad, JAYNE AUGOYE writes

Ese Agesse’s arrival on the Nigerian entertainment scene in the 1990s was initially hailed as a breath of fresh air. In no time, she had managed to worm her way into the hearts of many music fans across the country, who had fallen in love with her melodious songs.

For a while, Agesse’s popular hits, such as Fine pepper soup, Back to basics and Bendel Girl in Lagos dominated the local music charts before she relocated to Ireland in 2000. Afterwards, nothing was heard of her in a long time.

When our correspondent got in touch with the soft-spoken singer, whose once celebrated marriage to Nollywood producer, Kingsley Ogoro, had since broken up, she said that she was still actively involved in music.

Admitting that she initially refused to sing gospel music, though she said she became born-again in 1987, Agesse said, “I have not abandoned music. I still sing in the church and during Christian programmes. There is no way that I will abandon music. I am working on a few projects that are keeping me quite busy.”

Despite her breakup with Ogoro, it appears that the singer is still interested in marriage.

“If the right man comes along, my answer will be ‘yes’. Obviously, companionship will be my primary reason for remarrying. Although my children are all growing up, I have been a single mother for too long. I can’t regret having children or leaving the Nigerian music scene. Maybe I should have done things a little differently. But I am grateful that I am alive and well and can pick up whenever I am ready,” she said.

Agesse recalls the success of Bendel Girl in Lagos, which was her version of Sting’s Englishman in New York, with nostalgia, saying that she was inspired by her own background as a native of the old Bendel State (now broken into Edo and Delta States).

She says, “At heart I am a Delta (Bendel) girl and will always be. However that period when Sting came out with the song, it appealed to me and Sony Music, which was my record label at the time.”

In Ireland, one of Agesse’s happiest moments was when her daughter was crowned Miss Nigeria Ireland in 2011. Also, the singer had dabbled into politics, running briefly as deputy to the governorship candidate of a certain party in Delta State.

Regarding what she has been doing in Ireland to keep busy, she says, “Currently I am in charge of the Women of Love International, an NGO based here in Ireland. Our focus is on women and the girl child empowerment. We hold an annual event in Ireland to create awareness for the education of the average African girl child. We use the opportunity to reward people who have shown exemplary service to humanity. We have had both local and international recipients of the WOL International Leadership Award for Excellence.

“I am also working on my talk show called Life with Lady Esse. I wrote a mini book titled Life As I see It and the show is a spin-off this book as that is Volume One and I will continue writing from time to time.

Although she lives so far away, Agesse says she has always been in touch with developments in the music industry in Nigeria. “Well you can only expect things to get better. While we had great content in our days, now the younger generation have perfected showmanship and branding. I think that is great,” she says.

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All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

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My managers handle girls for me–Dammy Krane

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Fast-rising music act, Dammy Krane, tells JAYNE AUGOYE how he manages his career and female fans.

Hypertek Records signee, Dammy Krane – real name Oyindamola Johnson – clearly belongs to the new generation of artistes rocking the entertainment scene. At 20, this 2face Idibia protégé is the youngest of the reigning pack that includes Davido, Wizkid, Olamide, Burnaboy and Chidinma.

Since he embraced the limelight in 2012 he has dropped several hits like Ligaligali, Sabi Dance, My Dear and most recently Amin. On his recently released debut album titled The Enterkraner, the artiste explores the distinctive sound of the experimental 80’s Fuji music.

Owing to the very competitive nature of the Nigerian entertainment scene, the singer, who started out as a rap-artiste, says he is exploring a totally different genre of music.

“I have just come up with my style of music called 21st century Fuji music after finding out that rap is not my thing.There is no competing with Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy because I see them as motivators. I am not in a hurry to break into their league, that is why I am taking things slow and steady. My style is fuji infused with pop and RnB, largely, as influenced by my mum.

“She is an event manager and manager to some fuji artistes in the US. I am simply trying to carve a niche for myself. While everyone is trying to break even, they must remember we all can’t be number one,” he notes

During a chat with the singer who was born into a polygamous home, it was discovered that he holds his mother in high-esteem. Ask him to speak about her and he becomes emotional, “I recently re-united with my mother and she is very dear to me. I was just seeing her after a decade and when we hugged each other at the airport in the US last year, we were both crying. Onlookers who do not even know our story also cried along with us.

“The love is strong and you can tell from my songs that I do love her a lot. I love my dad as well, although he is based in Nigeria, he visits her from time to time in the US.”

Quite unlike his peers, DammyKrane, says he would never consider getting his body tattooed. He claims the strict upbringing handed him by his grandmother, has defined his personality today.

He says, “ Not staying with my mum helped me because my grand-mum disciplined me. That is one of the reasons why I don’t have tattoos and piercings because she will beat me up. Moreover, the same way you can’t scratch a Bentley, I can’t tamper with my body because I am a brand. I can’t take up certain business deals, shows or endorsements targeted at the youth or kids like a kiddies savings account with tatoos all over my body. That is why I call myself a business artiste.I don’t want people to accept me for my tattoos but for my music and my person.”

On how he manages the female folk, the singer who intends to return to school after initially abandoning his Microbiology course at the Redeemers University says, “With the help of God, I am able to handle them. More so, many of them have bad intentions but I don’t flirt. My management handles the girls for me because I am occupied. I don’t think I would want to have a child out of wedlock even though it takes the grace of God. One can’t really plan one’s life, but on my own I don’t think I won’t have a child out of wedlock.”

No question is out of bounds for the native of Lagos State, save for his earnings. Asked to him, he does not speak about his net worth. “You know I grew up with my grand-mum so I am very careful with the kind of information I give out because it is between me and my God. I am free-spirited yet spiritual but all I can say is that I am investing wisely. When I am booked for a show, my management handles the finance.”

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All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: editor@punchng.com

Bukky Wright, now a grandmother

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Despite rumours that her second union had allegedly crashed, actress, Bukky Wright is in a very joyous mood at the moment. This is because her son, Ojayy Wright, has just welcomed a baby girl with his girlfriend thus making the movie star a grandmother. She also recently attended her son’s graduation from Rutgers University in... [Read More...]

Skales, Saeon release new single

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Nigerian artistes, Skales and Pop singer, Saeon, have released their first singles titled Give It to Me and Dogado since joining Baseline Entertainment.

Skales’ track, produced by Kenny Wonder, is a fusion of Afrobeat and highlife while Saeon rides on Sarz’ beat to produce the catchy tune, Dogado. Meanwhile, Skales and his team will announce the winner of the Shake Body Fan Video contest on September 8. To participate in this contest, fans are expected to make a rendition of the Shake Body video and upload it on their website. The fan with the most views will emerge winner and win the sum of $10,000 star prize. Saeon on the other hand is currently working on releasing a four track EP in October.

Between Tonto Dikeh and Toyin Lawani

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Theirs is a case of friendship gone sour. The once inseparable duo of Nollywood actress turned singer, Tonto Dikeh, and celebrity stylist, Toyin Lawani, have been engaging in a cat and mouse fight on their Instagram and Twitter accounts. While people in the know confirm that there is indeed more than meets the eye, their recent fallout has left messy details of the secrets and friendship they once shared in its trail. The latest accusation from Lawani is that Dikeh owes her $15,000. The latter has also vowed to keep using the former’s picture for the promotion of her store and brand pending the offset of an alleged debt by the controversial Nollywood actress.

Did you know?

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Music duo of Nwachukwu Ozioko and Ali Obumneme popularly known as Bracket, were once a trio. The pair who met as undergraduates at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, shot into limelight after competing in Star Quest competition in 2002.


Mo’ Cheddah, Chidinma not a threat –Kanwulia

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19 year-old Nigerian-American singer, Kanwulia, is aspiring to become the next ‘big thing’ in the Nigerian entertainment scene. While she may easily pass for a daddy’s girl, the one time Nigeria Idol contestant, who is currently being managed by her mother, says she is set to give the likes of Mo’ Cheddah and Chidinma a run for their money.

At her media unveil held over the weekend at the Wheatbaker Hotel, Lagos and hosted by Project Fame music director, Ben Ogbeiwi, the budding singer interacted with a number of entertainers and also previewed her latest music video entitled, I Got You, to the audience.

During an interactive session, the Afro-pop singer said her diversity is expressed through her fusion of indigenous and western music.

Drawing inspiration from the likes of Davido, WizKid and Burna Boy, the singer who is currently studying at New York University in the US, spoke about how she intends to balance her studies and music career.

“ I will come home often to market my brand, release songs and videos from time to time. By the time the video receives some airtime and radio play, it will keep me relevant and in the news. My focus is to get my brand known and get to perform at shows. I don’t want to be just a recording artiste because my whole drive is performing on stage. Hopefully because I have my parents solidly behind me, I will balance everything successfully.”

Asked if she isn’t intimidated by the the likes of top female artistes, she says, “I don’t consider Mo’ Cheddah or Chidinma competition because they are all very successful in their own lane. Besides having age on my side, I am not trying to run or compete with anyone of them because I admire their style of music.”

I wasn’t credited for writing Goldie’s hit song – Reminisce

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Indigenous rapper, Remilekun Shafaru popularly known as Reminisce speaks with JAYNE AUGOYE about his journey to fame

Indigenous rap, no doubt, is one of the most preferred music genres in Nigeria today and Remilekun Shafaru, better known as Reminisce, is one of the poster boys, alongside the likes of Olamide and Phyno, leading a thriving campaign to spread it across the globe.

Famous for his versatility and the street appeal of his songs, Reminisce was the only rapper from Africa mentioned in TIME Magazine’s recent ‘One of the seven world rappers you should meet’ list.

He earned this recognition a few months after he had dropped his second album titled, Alaga Ibile. Many music fans, who had always known him as a very reserved and under-celebrated rap artiste in the country, were practically speechless with surprise when the news was broken.

Even Reminisce himself learnt of this single honour while travelling to neighbouring Ghana by air.

He tells E-Punch, “I got to know about the listing by TIME magazine on my way to Ghana. I didn’t influence it. I only saw a statement posted on Twitter by the chief executive of Chocolate City, Audu Maikori. I didn’t pay much attention to it and all the while, I wondered what business I had with the magazine. By the time my plane landed in Ghana, the congratulatory messages began to pour in. I don’t even follow those who sent them on Twitter. But, being the only African listed by Time Magazine is something else.”

For the light-skinned rapper, the road to stardom was fraught with challenges. At one point, he was forced to leave home because his father wanted him to become a medical doctor.

Recounting his humble beginning and how frustration almost drove him to quit music, the 31-year-old Samsung brand Ambassador says, “It’s true that I almost quit music four months before my fortune improved. I became a star around late 2011, after I released Kako Bi Chicken. The video of that song was released around the period that Nigerians were protesting against the removal of fuel subsidy. I had just become a father at that time and I realized that I couldn’t continue the same way.

“I almost quit music because I wasn’t making any money. You know, money controls the industry today, unlike the past when talent did.”

Reminisce owes his versatility in Yoruba to his father’s insistence that he must learn to speak the language. Often pitched against Olamide, the artiste, who studied Purchasing and Supply at the Kwara State Polytechnic, simply regards the latter as his ‘partner in progress.’

“Olamide and I have always complemented and supported each other’s career. We don’t see each other as rivals. We have been able to change the image of indigenous rappers and as sensible people, the only thing to do is to support each other and improve the genre. Only the fans can tell who is a better rapper. At the end of the day, the issue is not about who is better, but who is successful.”

The artiste, who once hawked second-hand clothes and shoes at the popular Yaba Market, adds, “I wrote the hit song, Don’t Touch my Body for late Goldie and was never credited. But, it is okay. There are many songs you write and don’t get credited for. I don’t really care about such things, neither do I like to complain or bear grudges. I don’t really want to reveal or speak about others.”

Reacting to the display of wealth by some of his colleagues on social media, he says, “I am a very reserved artiste. I am able to differentiate between Reminisce the artiste and Remi the family man. That is why I don’t promote luxury. There is nothing I need that I can’t afford, but I am not going to show off on social media. When artistes do such a thing, they appear superficial and unapproachable to their fans. Instead, I simply invest in people.”

Reminisce notes that loyalty is one virtue that is absent in the global entertainment scene. “One reason why I don’t have friends is because nobody is willing to see you take their spot. The moment you become a star, a lot of people will be unhappy. But they will smile with you,” he says.

Although the rapper, who was discovered alongside Jahbless, 9ice, Lord Of Ajasa and Olamide by ID Cabasa, was blessed with a second child early in the week, he appears to be in no hurry to walk down the aisle.

“Yes, we live together. But we have issues with commitment. I think we are not ready for marriage yet. We will formalize things when the right time comes. I am still planning my future because I am not going to be a musician forever. I will quit music, maybe after a decade. I hope to also study Political Science overseas because I want to go into politics (House of Representatives) at some point as well,” he notes.

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All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: editor@punchng.com

Kate Henshaw takes a break from the screen

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Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw, has said that she would take an eight-year break from acting to concentrate on her political ambition. Citing corruption as one of the key issues plaguing the country, she said her interest in politics stems from a genuine desire to serve the country and not for financial gain.

Henshaw, aspires to represent Calabar Munical/Odukpani Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, under the PDP platform.

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All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: editor@punchng.com

Did you know?

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Tosin Jegede, child star of the 1990s, ended a 25-year music contract with Polygram Records for her Leaders of tomorrow album, in March 2014.

She is currently the initiator of the non-profit organization, 1 child 1 book.

Jimmy Odukoya floats Firehouse Records

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Gospel singer, Pastor Jimmy Odukoya, popularly known as Pastor J, has announced the birth of his new records label, Firehouse Records.

The rap artiste, who is currently a youth pastor at the Fountain of Life church owned by his father, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, says he expects the label to play a major role in halting the exodus of gospel artistes to secular music.

The singer and performer also re-launched his career with a new single titled Mr. Wonder.“ The label will be working with SoundCore Media, a media and entertainment consulting firm headed by Mr. Tony Nwakalor, as a principal consultant to create a high value business strategy that will make the brand a force to be reckoned with in the Nigeria music scene. The label will in the long term provide an avenue for truly talented gospel acts to showcase their talent and yield the requisite financial returns,” he says.

In the last few years, the singer and has released a number of gospel themed, rap singles including Mr. Capable, which earned him the respect of music lovers.

Karen Igho resurfaces

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Ever since Big Brother Africa star, Karen Igho, announced that she was cancer-free in February after being diagnosed in December and later engaged to a mystery man in May, not much has been heard from her.

However, Igho has posted a couple of Ebola-awareness videos on Instagram and paid her respect to victims of the dreaded virus disease, including late Dr. Stella Adadevoh.

Harrysong’s ex girlfriend wants him back

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Five Star artiste and songwriter, Harrysong, has said that his ex-girlfriend, who dumped him shortly before he became famous, now wants him back.

“She said she couldn’t wait because other guys were interested in her case and her parents wanted her to get married quickly. So, I wished her luck and kept on hustling with my career in Lagos. The same girl has just called me to request a date. Apparently she’s still not married,” he says.


Waje wants you to leave her breasts alone

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It appears that pop singer, Waje, is tired of reading and hearing comments about her now famous breasts. The Globacom ambassador took to her Twitter account to blast critics and fans who cannot seem to take their eyes off her chest. Her tweet read, “Please, leave my breast aloneNo be you dey carry am, stick... [Read More...]

From lab to studio in search of fame

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Fast rising singer and saxophonist, Adegboyega Adeyemi, whose stage name is Adegboyega, is one artiste who takes pride in the originality of his works. The Physics Electronics graduate of the Redeemers University, Ogun State, says he has always been passionate about music, but had to satisfy his parents desire to see him conclude his formal education before taking to music fully.

“I never wanted to study Physics Electronics, but it was one bridge I had to cross, before I face my real path in life, which is music. Music is my thing,” he notes.

Describing his style of music as Afrocentric, the Ekiti State native says, it is a mixture of R n B, Pop and Afro beat, delivered through his Saxophone.

While he admits that the Nigerian music industry has become very competitive, Adegboyega, affirms that his uniqueness will set him apart from the crowd.

“The Nigerian music industry is loaded with lots of creative artistes and the competition therein is tense. But having realized the need to be unique in the industry, I picked up and learnt to play the Saxophone as an instrument just so I stand out from the pack,” he says.

Drawing some comparison between his works and that of his music idol, the Afro-Beat singer, Femi Kuti, he says, “My style deviates from his in terms of content and delivery. Femi’s music touches on social vices and it is simply conveyed in afro beat. Mine on the other has a lot to do with the current music trends.”

With his singles, Ale Kan Pere, Patewo and After Round1, currently receiving airplay, the artiste appears to have his future plans set out already.

He says, “If I succeed in music, I will set up a studio. This will enable me to record my music with ease and then my lifestyle will change drastically. Then I will go for girls, girls and girls! and then show the love to my family in appreciation of their support so far.”

I spent nine years in the university –A.Y

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Comedian Ayo Makun, popularly known as A.Y, speaks to JAYNE AUGOYE on his journey so far

It is no news that several Nigerian entertainers are fast diversifying into other money-spinning ventures for obvious reasons, just as a number of the screen stars have found consolation in endorsements by corporate organizations – especially telecom giants that include Globacom and MTN.

Not wanting to be left out in the trend, comedian Ayo Makun is set to open a club, lounge and restaurant in Lekki, Lagos, later in the month.

The facility is rumoured to have cost the Ondo State indigene about N200m. Perhaps because of the large amount involved, some people have noted that the comedian may be fronting for someone.

He is nervous when our correspondent takes him up on this. He says, “I don’t know about whether I spent 200m on my night club, so no comment. MVP is my baby and so those that are ‘rumouring’ should also provide the name of the person who I am fronting for. The setup cost is only revealed to partners and investors.

“ I did not just wake and decide to open a night club.

This type of investment is not the type that is entered into with sleepy eyes. We did a proper feasibility study of the market and saw that there is a viable opportunity for sustained business and that is why we decided to embark on this venture.”

A.Y originally started out as a personal assistant to fellow comedian, Ali Baba. He says long before he carved an identity for himself as a comedian, it was all about Nollywood.

“I was once a regular face in Nollywood around the 90s.I had been doing movies in the past but some people still think I have just begun starring in Nollywood. I starred in Live Wire alongside Jim Iyke and in Zeb Ejiro’s movie, Tears in Heaven among others. I am not new in Nollywood. Many do not also know that I studied Theatre Arts and majored in directing,” he notes

The funny man says he plans to release what he describes as his Hollywood-Nigerian movie, 30 days in Atlanta, as a way of contributing to the growth of the Nigerian film industry. The movie stars Ramsey Noah and Hollywood actress, Vivica Fox.

“The main idea was to recreate the Akpos character on The AY Show’s `Who Wants to Be a Billionaire Segment’. It is a comedy which chronicles the hilarious adventures of two cousins from Nigeria, who are given a 30-day holiday package to Atlanta,” he says.

Ask him which pays better, acting or comedy, and he says, “ I really do not know as I am in the process of finding that out. I am a businessman who needs to break into new grounds as long as it is in line with entertainment. That is why I have a place where they can come and relax after the show, while I give them satisfaction and value for their movie.”

Speaking about his journey to the top, AY takes a trip down memory lane. He says, “I don’t like talking about this. But, yes, I spent nine years in the university but not as a failure as some people may assume. But I had to set my priorities right. It was tough I had to joggle so many jobs to make ends meet. I also had to cater to my siblings and I was a victim of different circumstances on campus.”

With many celebrities venturing into politics, does AY nurse a plan like this? “You do not put your hand in the mouth of a lion because you see your colleagues doing the same. Those who have indicated interest in vying for political positions must have weighed the pros and cons before deciding to do so. I have also weighed the pros and cons and my ministry has not moved to that site yet.”

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All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: editor@punchng.com

Matt Max silent on romance with Efunkoya

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Video music director, Matthew Aina, popularly known as Matt Max, appears not to be in the best of moods since he tied the knots with his girlfriend, Eniola Efunkoya of Awele Beauty, in August.

Ever since the news of the marriage was made public, the video director, who is alleged to have quit his long-time relationship with a certain Martina to wed his bride, has been faced with several allegations and controversies.

However, evidence put forward by one Abayomi Cole, who claims to be still legally married to Aina’s bride, has since brought about a new twist to the entire episode.

When E-Punch contacted the director who has shot music videos for Dbanj, Timaya, Kay switch and Danny Young in the past, he said, “It is entirely the business of whoever is accusing me off snatching his wife. I am not going to comment on it. If anyone is alleging that I snatched his wife from him, I refuse to give cheap publicity or glory to such a person.”

When asked if he recently got married, he said, “I remain silent.”

Meanwhile, he recently took to his Instagram account saying, “Come rain, come shine, together forever, nothing can ever come between my jewel, Awele Beauty and I. She is my queen and the most beautiful girl in the world.”

Anxiety over pirated copies of $10m Nigerian film

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Pirated copies of Half of A Yellow Sun are spreading unabated in parts of Lagos, JAYNE AUGOYE writes

Pirated copies of Nigeria’s most anticipated film, Half of a Yellow Sun, which started selling on the streets of Lagos a few weeks ago, seem to have found their way to other parts of the country.

Although copies of the film, which is still awaiting official approval for sale in the market from the Nigeria Film and Video Censors Board, have been sighted in some major cities around the country, investigation shows that the bulk of the sales is concentrated in Lagos.

In fact, about two days ago, a Lagos resident told our correspondent, on condition of anonymity that she purchased neatly-bound copies of the movie from a top supermarket in the Surulere area of Lagos.

Also, on Tuesday, a concerned member of the public lamented the trend on his Facebook page.

He wrote, “The film ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ is being hawked on Lagos Island, especially in traffic hold-ups. The film hasn’t even been distributed in DVD format yet! Where do these Alaba boys get these things from? Somebody’s multi-million naira investment is going up in flames because of some idiot’s greed!”

When our correspondent contacted, Mr Kene Mkparu, whose outfit, FilmOne Distribution, is the official distributor of the movie, he declined to comment on the issue.

But a source c connected with the producers of the movie, said, “We are aware that the movie is being pirated all over the state and we have already put out a public paid announcement to this effect.”

When asked how the producers intend to tackle the ugly development, he declined to speak further.

While this is not the first time that piracy will be rearing its ugly head in the Nigerian film industry, movie buffs have been trying to figure out how pirates managed to get hold of the movie, which cost the producers about $10m to shoot.

Earlier, the producers of ‘Half of A Yellow Sun’ had announced that the film set a new box office record in Nigeria. The record came from showing the movie in 15 cinemas across Nigeria within three days of its official release in August, with Lagos cinemas topping the charts.

In a message posted on his Facebook page, the director of the movie, Biyi Bandele, had said that ticket sales of the film accounted for over 50 per cent of total box office takings during the exhibitions.

He wrote, “Half of a Yellow Sun beat Marvel/Disney’s ‘Guardian of the Galaxy’, starring Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper and Zoe Saldana to achieve this feat. Exit polling shows audiences are happy with the film and word of mouth should gradually spread.”

Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandie Newton, Anika Noni Rose, Joseph Mawle, Onyeka Onwenu and John Boyega, among others, ‘Half of A Yellow Sun’ was first premiered at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival in Canada and released in the United States before it opened in Nigerian cinemas earlier this month.

Before now, the delay in the official approval of the film was the subject of a long-drawn controversy between the producers of the film, the author and the NFVCB.

Copyright PUNCH.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: editor@punchng.com

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