Oseyiza Oogbodo Blog

It’s no longer news that celebrated actress, Ibinabo Fiberesima, has lost her appeal not to be imprisoned over the accident she had several years back which resulted in the death of a medical doctor, Suraj Giwa. But her appeal court loss has been generating reactions, and the most touching of them is by her first child, who has written a letter that Nigerians should please pray for his mother and himself and his siblings at this critical point of their lives. “People of Nigeria,” began the letter. “This is Sean, first and proud son of Ibinabo Fiberesima. I write to plead with all Nigerians to pray for my mother. She is going through the toughest of times right now, and so are we, her family. I’ve been reading heartbreaking comments on her matter that ‘she thinks she’s above the law,’ ‘she doesn’t feel sorry for the family of the deceased,’ ‘she was drunk and deserves this punishment.’ “Let me get a few things straight with you now. My mother is the most humble woman I know. I was not

Entertainment personality, Alariwo Of Africa, is suffering from the ailment, varicocele. Simultaneously, his wife too is suffering from pulmonary embolism. They need the sum of N15m for medical treatment abroad. And in trying to help them, Ultima Studios, producer of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, the most popular family game show that airs every Sunday evening on NTA, STV, MITV, DBN and SuperScreen, featured them on its special edition, Who Deserves To Be A Millionaire?, and they played and won N2m. They granted interviews afterwards to Ultima’s Olu Akinlabi. Excerpts. In your own words, tell us about yourself and what you do. My name is Rotimi Martins. They call me Alariwo of Africa. I am a musician and a broadcaster. Entertainment is what I do, generally. I released my first album in 1998 titled Yawa Go Gas and I have released two more afterwards. In addition, I used to work at Eko FM. I also anchor events and I do a bit of comedy. This is the reason I am called the Crossover Kin

Sexy actress, Beverly Naya, has released a new set of pictures that have got her male fans salivating and made even many more men who were not her fans previously into her fans. In the pictures, released on her website, beverlynaya.com, which she just unveiled, she took sexy and chic to another level, so it’s no surprise have gone viral and broken the internet. Her release of the pictures, and website unveil, have come at the right time, as they are a combined step that will help her career go in the right direction for the rest of the year.

Wizkid Popular singer, Wizkid, is currently trending for his reported acquisition of a mansion in the city where

The ongoing saga of Emergency singer, D’Banj, is one that nobody can predict or see where it’ll end up. Just some years ago, he was the hottest urban singer in the country, but when he and his partner-producer, Don Jazzy, separated, the music loving public began to find fault with him. The songs he released after the unexpected separation met with severe criticism, and till date, criticisms trail most of his moves. Recently, he’s experienced some low points which aptly make it obvious that music lovers don’t really reckon with him that much anymore. For instance, late last year, his producer, DeeVee, alleged that celebrated rapper, Olamide, has been stealing lyrics from D’Banj. The public however didn’t care about the revelation as they are really feeling Olamide now so believed that D’Banj was only trying to trend through Olamide. Last month, at the birthday celebration of Ben Murray-Bruce, he embarrassed himself further by begging Jazzy publicly to do a beat for him. He then invited

Following the release of his ID Cabasa-produced Heroes, which had its visuals directed by Ayo Ray, Nessy Bee drops a fresh tune, the HTee mixed/mastered piece, Ori Owo. This new single of his is set to attain even greater success than his previously released Heroes which got due recognition on quite a number of stellar music platforms and likewise garnered massive airplay across radio stations with its visuals doing well on TV as well. And with Ori Owo as a strong contender to become a street anthem in the coming months as its lyrical content cuts across all ages and gender, watch out for Bee.

When OUCH unveiled its 2016 collection recently, celebrities, entertainers, style influencers, fashionistas and other friends of the brand were on hand at the intimate event. The event, which doubled as the finale for the OUCHMan 2016 search, was hosted by the delectable Zina Anumudu and the dashing OUCH and Martini ambassador, Bryan Okwara. Speaking on the day, OUCH’s creative director, Uche Nnaji said, “The 2016 collection themed My Way is for the man who loves exclusivity in style. I am very happy to be associated with Bryan Okwara and Timi Dakolo this year and very proud of our new OUCHman. Award-winning musician and The Voice Nigeria coach, Timi Dakolo, was also announced as the new brand ambassador. The night of exquisite glamour and style was attended by a host of stars and media personalities that included Audu Maikori of Chocolate City Group, Adebola Williams, Noble Igwe, Ifeoma Williams, Victoria Kimani, Mai Atafo, Denola Grey, Shade Ladipo, Tewa Onasanya, Remi Adetiba, Swank

Hitlist N Cruzin, the TV entertainment programme produced and presented by Mursty Adinoyi, and which prides itself as the best entertainment programme on television, has proven that it’s truly the best by winning the Best Entertainment Programme on TV award at the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards. “I’m very excited that we’ve won the NBMA’s Best Entertainment Programme on TV category,” gushed Adinoyi, HNC’s producer-presenter, while speaking on the award. “Not only am I excited and happy, I’m also very thankful to God because without Him, it wouldn’t have been possible. “I’m very excited because the NBMA is a highly rated award, and it’s not an easy award to win, so winning it, and not just any category, but the best entertainment category, it means you’re doing something right.” Speaking further, he said, “I’m very happy because this award is just proof that all our hard work at HNC has not been in vain. HNC is one programme that a lot of research and effort goes into, and we know w

Kate Ekanem is a writer and a girl’s right activist. She also has the distinction of being the first Nigerian to participate in the Girls 20, an annual summit which is endorsed by the G-20. She was at last year’s summit which held in Turkey as a representative of the African Union, and she spoke with OSEYIZA OOGBODO BLOG on her participation and her mandate which she has to implement now she’s back in the country. Why did you become a writer? After my mother’s death when I was just two years old, and as the only child of my mother, I was mostly lonely, no one to talk to, and no one to call mine because my dad was mostly occupied with work, I grew fond of books. I was crazily in love with animated stories, and so, at age 5, I started writing short stories. It was a relief and a break from boredom. I created characters I could communicate with. With writing, I was never alone. What have you achieved as a writer? I wouldn’t say I’ve achieved much because I’m still growing and also worki

Introducing new and exciting UK-based afrobeat rising star, Young Josh - real name Joshua Osahenoma Evbota - with his brand new single, Baby Ooh, produced by RexxiePonDaBeat, and its accompanying music video, which was recently premiered on VEVO. Taking his inspiration from 2face Idibia and Wizkid, Baby Ooh is a fresh and captivating bass heavy afrobeat dance number laced with lush drums and horn arrangements over which Josh steps up to the plate, showcasing his smooth vocals and infectious flow, to great effect. Born in Edo State, Josh grew up in Madrid, Spain before moving to the United Kingdom to further his education. He began making music as a songwriter and vocalist in his early teens as a member of his church choir, writing his first single, Pretty Baby, at the age of 16. His second official single, Dance For Me, is already in the works.

HRM Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland, has commended the efforts of Otunba Gani Adams, Chief Convener, Olokun Festival Foundation, for his immense contribution towards the revival of the cultural heritage of the Yoruba race. He made this statement at his palace during the grand finale of the week-long activities marking the 30th anniversary of the Lisabi Festival. "I want to commend Otunba Gani Adams for his immense contribution towards the success of Olumo Festival for two days. He came there with about 10,000 of his men. He organised different activities which added colour to the event. He has been doing this consistently for the past three years. God will continue to bless you,” stated the Alake. The event which was graced by eminent sons and daughters of Egbaland also had Governor Ibikunle Amosun and his cabinet members in attendance. During his speech, Amosun too said, “I want to specially thank my friend and brother, Otunba Gani Adams, for supporting this festiv

Most Nigerian musicians, even the gospel ones, are most interested in becoming successful through their music. The term they use for their music success is that they’ve blown. Astonishingly, Tolulope Isaac, a gospel artist, tells OSEYIZA OOGBODO BLOG, among other amazing disclosures, that he’s not interested in blowing. Can you introduce yourself? I’m Tolulope Isaac. I’m a gospel artist, youth advocate, motivational speaker and entrepreneur. I’m multitalented, I’ll use that word. How are you able to combine all these things? How do you get the time for them all? Well, I’ll say God, I’ll say planning. I’ve had the opportunity to learn from people, my mentors, like Tolucci, and other brothers who have been able to combine a lot of things together. I’ve been able to watch them what they do and how they do it and I’ve benefitted from it. They say Jack-of-all-trades and master of none. Don’t you feel that applies to you? Oh well, that’s a lie. It’s a lie. Sometimes, the idea you have in

The 4th edition of Nigerian Entertainment Conference, NECLive, is set to hold on the 20th of April 2016, at Landmark Event Centre, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos. Organised annually by Nigerian Entertainment Today, NET, this year's conference is themed Entertainment Industry As Last Hope For Africa’s Largest Economy. At #NECLive4, some of Nigeria’s most important entertainment personalities and creative industry enthusiasts will provide genuine insight and share their best practices for the benefit of all. Previous editions of #NECLive have immensely contributed to shaping the direction of the industry. The ultimate goal of this year’s conference is to do even more. Slated to be hosted by Nigerian comedian, Tee-A, for the fourth consecutive time, the conference will have in attendance all the major players in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, as in previous years. Speakers and special guests will be announced in the weeks leading up to the conference. Interested participants can ho

A gospel artist, Daniel George, has described music as a soothing sound for the spirit that refreshes the soul and body. George, who recently launched his first album, The Greatest Name, at the main auditorium of the Divine Glory Christian Church, Ikeja, Lagos said God has been faithful to him. According to the 2007 graduate from the University of Ibadan, he grew up in a music family, and as such he understands the impact of music in the society. “Music is beyond just the combination of sounds that are pleasing to the ears, it is beyond the rhymes and rhythm, better put, music is beyond the way the song sounds or singer is packaged; though that is equally very important. Music is a soothing sound for the spirit that refreshes the soul and body.” The talented singer said the 8-track album which included hit songs such as Greatest Name, Save Me, Jesus Come, Obarijima, Chineke Nna, Praise Your Name, Nigerian and Celebrate were all composed to give honour and glory to the one true God. U

Edidot School, a private school tucked inside Badore, Ajah area of Lagos State was all excitement and fun recently when the school had its annual party tagged Fun Day Party. It was an elaborate ceremony that had live performances of notable Nigerian artists such as DJ Jimmy Jatt, 9ice, Jaywon, Emma Nyra, Koffi among other stars. The creme de la creme of Lekki-Ajah, top government officials, parents and guardians of large were also on ground to witness the glorious day of their children and wards. The party, which lasted for several hours, had a lineup of organized eventful activities ranging from swimming, comedy, bouncing castle, shopping, video games, drink train ride, movies and more. The children who had a fun-filled day couldn't stop asking for more as all invited artists added fun and razzmatazz to the admiration of all parents with their electrifying performances. Edidot’s proprietress, Reverend Edith Okubanjo, thanked all parents who supported the school in no small mea

Ibitola Ojoye-Adebayo is the author of the acclaimed books, Acceptance, and Acceptance: Into The Darkness. Based in the UK, she recently won the Diaspora Writer of the Year category at the Nigerian Writers Awards and she spoke to OSEYIZA OOGBODO BLOG about her writing aspirations. Why did you decide to become a writer? To be honest, it was by accident, it wasn’t something I planned. When I picked up a pen to just start writing was when things were not too well, I just got married, I just had a baby, my parents were there, but as a woman, I still felt a lot of stress, and there were a lot of things going on, and one day I was watching TV, and a women’s programme came on and they said to relieve stress, you had to kind of like put the feelings out. So I picked up a jotter and I started writing, and by the time I reached chapter seven of Acceptance, I started feeling better, and I put it to one side, and that was in 2007, and in 2013, I was getting married, and I just wanted to do someth

Nollywood actor, Yemi Blaq, is to headline Nigeria Carnival scheduled for Maryland, United States of America. This was disclosed at the unveiling ceremony of the carnival logo in Lagos According to the organizer of the event slated for July this year, Benson Akinkuebi, the nomination of Blaq as the face of the carnival “no doubt will help us to achieve the needed drive for the event. His choice, as a versatile actor and man of arts and culture perfectly fit into our projection for the carnival.” The carnival, he revealed, will be different from others because “we want to showcase the best of Nigerian traditional in the areas of languages, dressing, craft, music, dancing and many more in a more unique way, with in-depth analysis on how we find ourselves where we are today in the area of culture.” Continuing, Akinkuebi said, “We must not allow our culture to die, therefore we need to do something urgent to arrest the situation. That is why we are inviting corporate bodies, individuals on

Movie producer and director, Akin-Tijani Balogun, has disclosed his most ambitious plan as a Nollywood player, saying he wants to establish a film village. “My ultimate plan is to have a film village, a place that’s structured, designed to be a film village for complete productions, because movie is just one out of the several things we do. So I want to have a film village, a place where you can shoot a game show, a commercial, anything that goes on the screen.” And speaking on his financial status, considering that his counterparts in America’s Hollywood are extremely rich, he said, “Let me just say we are living the Nigerian way. What we are doing at least enables us to live and live well in Nigeria. Of course we know that if we do it outside, we’ll make much more.”

Cornell Udofia is one of the entertainment industry’s most riveting personalities. He isn’t an actor neither is he a singer. He’s however someone whom entertainers can’t do without. He’s a publicist, and a very successful one at that, having been a publicist for several big names that include Oge Okoye, Faze and Jim Iyke. And speaking with E-News recently on why he became a publicist, Udofia didn’t hold back. “I became a publicist because I was not happy with the level of publicity and projection artists were given by the press and media players so we decided to exploit the vacuum by going into it,” he explained. “Moreover, the gladiators themselves were not helping matters either by not understanding the fact that without packaging, an artist is incomplete. Most of them find it very strange and uncalled-for to engage the services of a publicist, image maker, manager and even designer who should handle their affairs, thereby making them able to concentrate and focus on dropping good s

One of Yoruba Nollywood’s most successful actors, Kunle Da-Silva, has revealed some of his experiences with movie fans. “I’ve walked on the streets and my clothes were almost torn to shreds. People will want to greet you. Imagine a scenario where people you see on the road, expect you to know them, and if you don’t greet them, they will just start accusing you, we buy your films, we watch your films, you don’t want to greet us. “But how would I know who watches my films at home? So you have to be very cautious when you are out, you have to smile and greet everybody. “At times, they will walk up to you and say, I’ve bought your movie, I must collect money from you. But they don’t know it’s not like that, so I don’t blame them. It’s the situation in the country. “People will want to collect money from you all the time. They’ll watch a movie that I’ve acted in several years ago, that I’ve collected my money even before going on set, I’ve spent the money, you’ll now see me and say because

With less than a month to the launching of Femi Solar’s album, Mercy Beyond, the Jasa gospel crooner is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a successful launch. MB, according to Solar, will be launched on April 10, and leading gospel singer and CEO, Fresh FM, Yinka Ayefele, will lead other prominent Nigerians to Genesis Suites and Hall, Challenge, Ibadan, Oyo State venue of the launch. Speaking further, he said fuji star, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, has been penciled down as the star artist of the day. “Pasuma is coming to rock the city of Ibadan. I can confirm that to you. He’s not the only one coming that day, but I don’t want to reveal the others now.” He added that he would present his latest video, Grace, at the launching which is to be an all-white affair. And explaining the choice of white dressing, he said white symbolises purity and peace, hence his decision to go with white. He insisted that he would not be toeing the usual path for the event, saying those who have been following h

As part of plans to keep the national community and the government updated on the successes of its year-long campaign, End Sexual Harassment and Bribery in Nigerian Colleges, the founder of Dream Project for Africa, Oluwabukola Michael Nelson, has declared his team’s intention to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2016 in order to present official documentations and reports from its campaign and researches that could boost government’s efforts at rebuilding the crashing educational system. He also explained that over the past year, since April 2015, DPA has provided free consultation worth N20m in logistics and human hour on behalf of the government and has contributed to resolving issues ranging from academic corruption to the fight against terrorism. “More importantly, we have been able to reignite the hope of Africans living abroad in coming back to their motherland to rebuild its walls,” said Oluwabukola. DPA will also be launching its second annual campaign which will f