AMIDST criticism that has trailed The Hallelujah Challenge championed by Pastor Nathaniel Bassey, a couple of Nigerian artistes have aligned themselves with the 30-day worship session. The challenge, which began June 1, holds midnight for one hour and involves worship sessions streamed live via Bassey’s Instagram and Facebook accounts.

Several hash tags are used to follow the challenge but the most popular of them is the Yoruba phrase, Olowo Gbogboro, which translates to ‘the outstretched hand of God.’

Beyond joining the trend and tweeting or posting about it, some Nigerian artistes have actually decided to walk the talk by being a part of the challenge. A screenshot presently circulating on the internet shows that the likes of Ini Edo, P-Square, Rita Dominic and Omoni Oboli, witnessed the live streaming.

Oboli herself attests to this with an Instagram post which reads; “Isn’t God just AWESOME? The greatest miracle is the miracle of salvation. I know that many souls were saved today! Thank you father for answered prayers. Today I’m led to stand in the gap for my sisters that desire the fruit of the womb. May God answer everyone of you…SUDDENLY in Jesus name. We will all dance and celebrate with you in Jesus name.”

Ini Edo too, not only witnessed it but aided those who were hampered by lack of data. She posted a photo urging her fans to send in their numbers to receive airtime so they could be a part of the challenge.

“Airtime giveaway for @nathanielblow Hallelujah Challenge starts now and ends in exactly one hour. lets praise the Lord,” she posted on Instagram.

Also joining one of the live sessions, popular actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele-Bello made a request that has come to be regarded as touching.

“Emi naa Dolomo,” the actress wrote in the comment section. Translated to English, it means ‘I have become a mother’, which is a Nigerian nuance for asking for a child.

“Barrenness, miscarriage, delay in marriage. We shall see them no more,” she further declared in later comments.

Although the programme has met with disapproval from certain quarters, with some saying that Nigerians need to first change their attitude to move the nation forward, rather than indulge in prayers, the challenge is seen to be gathering followers. As at Wednesday, June 13, the programme had over 68,000 live viewers on Instagram with a similar figure on Facebook.

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After successfully exploiting the African and American markets, ONYC Hair, run by savvy Nigerian-born entrepreneur and business professional, Thelma Okoro, has announced that it will be expanding its collection.

Thelma, who is a passionate beauty expert with 25 years of experience, announced that the new offering will include a collection of wigs.

Launched in 2007, Thelma credits her business acumen to the principles bestowed upon her from her inspiration and mentor; her mother.

“Growing up in Nigeria hard work and determination were taught to us from a very young age,” says Thelma.

“I took those ideals and applied them to every facet of my life, especially my business ventures.”

A Microbiology graduate of The University of Abuja, Thelma says that her products minimize the effects of the harsh chemicals on women’s hair.

In addition to her degree with The University of Abuja, she is also a graduate of Helia D International Health and Beauty College and Spectrum Beauty Academy. In Thelma’s own words, she always had a deep love and passion for enhancing beauty. Her mother owned three beauty salons enabling her to be completely immersed in the “family business” since she could crawl.

“Given that I had such early exposure and grew up in an environment dedicated to increasing beauty, it only seemed natural that I would develop an appreciation for it and gravitate towards a career that would allow me to apply my God-given talent,” she says.

Thelma’s younger brother, US based Nigerian singer, Pardon C, is also making exploits in his chosen career; music. He recently clinched a mouth-watering ambassadorial deal with Nsquare Boutique, a leading fashion line owned by a Cameroonian.

So far, she has worked with an impressive variety of major corporate brands including cosmetic companies such as Estée Lauder, Lancôme, Chanel, Dior, YSL and M.A.C.

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Reported to have inherited a near comatose regulatory agency, Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Mr. Adedayo Thomas who assumed office in March, has approved the immediate redeployment of top management staff of the agency.

The exercise is coming on the heels of his restructuring strategy which seeks to strengthen the Board’s operations and reposition it for effective service delivery.

Thomas, as attested to by some staff of the agency, is poised to re-launch the NFVCB into the comity of result-oriented regulatory agencies of the Federal Government.

A statement signed by the Director of Administration, Mrs. Fatima Abdulkadir on behalf of the Board’s Executive Director specifies that Barr. Chiedu Okolue, a Director, is to head the Operations Department. He takes over from another Director, Mr. Cornel Agim who now heads the Licensing and Documentation Department.

Others are Mr. Ferdinand Abua, a Deputy Director and Zonal Coordinator who has been moved from Calabar to Bauchi in the same capacity. He takes over from Mr. Eddy Eddion, a Deputy Director, who got the marching order to sanitise the south west zonal office in Lagos, the hub of movie activities in the country. Eddion takes over from Mr. Terry Odey who has been moved to South-South Zone, Calabar.

In the same vein, Mr. Alonge Oyadiran, a deputy director and erstwhile Head of Ibadan Center has been moved to Abuja; Uwaezuoke Elizabeth, also a deputy director, has been moved from South-East Onitsha to Abuja; Ejike Joseph, a deputy director, has been moved from Abuja to Kano; Etuechere Martins, another deputy director now heads the Corporate Affairs section while Barr. Francis Nzekwu is the new head of Legal Services Unit; the erstwhile Head of Legal, Barr. Inwang Effiong is now the Assistant Director (Operations).

Consequently, Thomas warned against laxity among staff members, saying his administration will not tolerate such.

He enjoined management and staff to focus on service delivery and advised them to come up with proposals capable of turning the fortunes of the Board around.

According to him, his policy is geared towards streamlining the movie industry to contribute more to the nation’s Internal Generated Revenue (IGR), while also creating prosperity for practitioners.

He said the NFVCB under him will collaborate with relevant agencies and governments to drive a prosperous movie industry.

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With the aim of showcasing the different ways its brand can be enjoyed, Baileys is putting together a baking competition featuring Nigerian celebrities and budding bakers come Sunday, June 26.
Set to take place at the Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos, A-List celebrities, Funke Akindele, Waje, Alex Ekubo and Mai Atafo were recently unveiled as half of the teams of two competing in the ‘Baileys Bakefest’.
The other half of the teams, according to the organisers, comprises upcoming bakers selected on social media.
The four pairs were finally made public with Funke Akindele and Olusegun Adeyemi making up the first pair. Oluwayemisi Ariyo and Waje were the next pair to be announced while Tolu Samaiye and Alex Ekubo followed. Fimisade Osiyemi and Mai Atafo completed the fourth pair.
“This is only a tip of the iceberg” Baileys Brand Manager, Ufuoma Udjoh said. “Our aim is to demonstrate how indulgence can be enjoyed in more ways than one. The Bakefest is going to titillate your taste buds and leave you craving more”, she added.
The Baileys Bakefest is aimed at showcasing the different ways Baileys can be used in delicious treats such as cakes and cocktails.
According to Udjoh, it also seeks to spread the warmth and pleasure the brand stands for while suggesting the need to seize the day and be unafraid to live in the moment.
The event is supported by Beko, Nestle, Smile, Uber, BellaNaija, Accelerate TV, Her Network and Eat. Drink. Lagos.

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Stormy Hearts, a movie by Judith Audu-Foght has has been garnering positive response and the actress cum filmmaker is thrilled at its prospects.

Currently on tour in Benin City, Port Harcourt and Warri with co-star of the flick, Etinosa Idemudia, Judith describes the response she has been getting as delightful.

“The acceptance and love from our fans in Port Harcourt, Warri and Benin so far has been overwhelming. We were so happy that they enjoyed and appreciate the movie. It was so awesome that we sold out three shows back to back in Benin and it was such an amazing moment getting feedback and reaction from the audience. We are grateful to everyone that has supported the movie so far,” she stated.

A few weeks back, the movie was premiered before industry bigwigs. Among those who graced the event were Fred Amata, Bisola Aiyeola, Gabriel Afolayan, Salami Rotimi, Adeniyi Johnson, Famous Stylist Swank Jerry, Yaw, Tope Alake, Brutus, O.C Ukeje, Greg Ojefua, Theresa Edem-Isemin, Kunle Remi, Idowu Babalola, Babatunde Ogungbeje and others.

Produced by Judith Audu herself, Stormy Hearts is Directed by Tope Alake, Written by Brenda Ogbuka and Chijioke Ononiwu.

It follows the life of Basi, a music producer, who has a fight with his protégé Kachi, a talented singer, over her partying ways. She abandons him for Johnson, a bigger music producer in town and the breakup hits Basi hard.

Meanwhile, Ella, a prostitute escapes from her abusive pimp to another city to start a new life. Ella and Basi’s paths cross and after much pleading from Ella they develop a relationship that change both their lives forever.

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Efe Ejeba, winner of Big Brother Naija reality show, last Friday released a new single titled Somebody.

This is the second single, following ‘Based on Logistics’ which he released after leaving the Big Brother house.

Released under his imprint, EfeNation, the song, produced by Duktor Sett, portrays Efe’s pidgin raps, an extension of the ‘Warri-ness’ which earned him massive support to emerge winner by votes.

Efe, a University of Jos Economics graduate was already pursuing music as  a career before he competed in the Big Brother reality TV show and won N25m am and a brand new SUV.

Achieving superstar status, Efe, an indigene of Delta State who grew up in Jos, Plateau State, was received by the Delta and Plateau state governors. And he was conferred as Nigeria Youth Ambassador.

The ‘Based on Logistics’ crooner also supports 1K1M, an initiative aimed at getting one million Nigerians to donate one thousand naira to treat 200 children with congenital heart diseases.

Efe’s fan base as a musician has soared as a result of participating in and becoming Big Brother Naija.

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In order to encourage women to go for cervical screening currently ongoing at the Optimal Cancer Foundation, Nollywood actress and fitness buff, Kate Henshaw, recorded herself taking the second dose of HPV vaccine and posted it on Instagram.

Though the actress said the vaccine is to help prevent women from the deadly disease, some comments on her post argued that the vaccine is meant for women under the age of 25.

However, a representative of Optimal Cancer Foundation, @azaahmangie, stated, “Yes we do give vaccines to women over 25. The research had been done already. Because women continue to be at risk throughout their life-time as long as they are exposed to HPV through sex. There is nothing magical about 25/26 or 27 (according to CDC). Age 26 was the cut-off age they used to recruit women for the efficacy trial – and this was purely out of convenience and for some epidemiological reasons. The Federal Ministry of Health (Nigeria) has recommended young girls and women should take HPV vaccines to help prevent cervical cancer.”

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The National Cordinator of Oodua People’s Congress,Otunba Gani Adams, has commended the National Assembly for its decision to examine the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference, with a view to adopting them.

According to Adams, who is also the Convener of Oodua Progressive Union, the future of Nigeria is in the hands of the lawmakers. He said: “We should stop deceiving ourselves, the future of Nigeria as an entity can only be guaranteed if the various yearning of all components of the Nigeria union have their agitations met”.

“It is only wise for the Federal Lawmakers to critically look into the set out recommendations of the Confab which I have the honor to participate so as to pacify everybody. Aside assurance of national peace, it will also aid the rapid development of the nation”.

By this action, the 8th National Assembly is on the verge of writing down its name in gold as the savior of the unity of Nigeria. They should move beyond paper talks and be proactive and adopt the needed agitations which will assure all to want to remain under the union called Nigeria.”

Adams said the recommendations have addressed the needs of the country, the judiciary, executive, local government and stakeholders.

He added: “The conference recommended that each state of the federation should have its Supreme and Appeal Court to fast track judicial process, it is therefore necessary that the lawmakers should take critical look into all the recommendations.”

He said the composition of the Conference was the best so far in Nigeria.

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Chi Farms Limited, a player in hatching and growing of poultry, catfish, cattle fattening, meat processing, frozen food production and distribution, has partnered the Nigerian movie industry, dubbed Nollywood to produce an ‘edutainment’ series that helps building the capacity of farmers.

According to the management of the company, it has started to shoot its first mini-series of eight episodes in Epe with a focus on catfish farming. The series will cover the daily struggles of a catfish farmer in running its business profitably.

The Chi Farms Aquaculture Customer Focus Team will provide practical solutions that help to maximize the profit of the catfish farming business.

Chi Farms said it uses the series as part of its large scale training effort for catfish farmers under its ongoing ‘Feed the Future’ initiative.

The series will also be made available online through social media and is expected to be aired on a major Nigerian TV channel.

Johannes Flosbach, Corporate Strategy and Business Development Chi Farms, said:  “Agricultural trainings must be as practical and hands-on as possible. Edutainment clips are a great way to reach large numbers of farmers even in areas where our Customer Focus Team cannot assist directly.”

The project is part of a larger strategic initiative by Chi Farms to create win-win models with smallholder farmers by providing fish feed, catfish juveniles and water testing kits in combination with certified trainings and regular technical assistance.

“Chi Farms produces highest quality of feed and juveniles. However, farmers need knowledge and understanding to choose the best quality product over the lowest price product” says Martin Middernacht, executive director at Chi Farms Ltd.

The project is supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In return Chi Farms has committed to conducting significant investments into the expansion of its feed milling and catfish hatchery capacities.

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Cast and crew of anticipated movie, ‘Banana Island Ghost’, aka BIG are all out for a publicity drive that prepares the mind of fans on what to expect, when the film hits Nigerian cinemas on August 4, 2017.

Speaking at a press parley on Sunday, Biodun ‘BB’ Sasore who wrote and directed the movie said; “It is a duo-protagonist comedy. We all know that the ability to make movies thrives on the ability to sell movies and Nollywood seems to thrive on comedy, but we didn’t want a straight comedy. We live in a global market and world over, comedy is changing and we wanted to be at the fore-front of that change.”

Co-producer, Tolu Olusoga described the team as a powerful one. “We knew what we wanted and what we didn’t want and we were not willing to settle. Nigeria is growing; gone are the days when you just shoot a movie in four days and put it out there, now people review and criticize. With the kind of cast and crew we have on BIG we would be doing a great disservice if we released something we weren’t proud of.”

“This movie for me is a fantasy because it has all other genres packed into it. I think everybody would find something in the movie to connect to because there is something in it for everyone. BIG is a daring movie,” actress Lala Akindoju added.

According to Patrick Diabuah, a thespian who also plays the male-lead said; “It wasn’t very easy for me at first, I am used to playing larger than life roles and exaggerating characters but on the set of BIG the cast and crew were very accommodating which helped me cross-over with ease though it isn’t my first movie. Banana Island Ghost will spur a lot of filmmakers to do the extraordinary and come out of their shell. Nigeria and Nollywood will think out of the box.”

BIG is a comedy movie that tells the story of a ghost that is scared to go to heaven because he doesn’t have a soulmate, who then convinces God to give him three days to fall in love. He is matched with the hilarious Chigul who would do everything to save her father’s house in Banana Island from the bank coming to reclaim it in three days.

The comedy is Chigul and Patrick Diabuah’s first lead roles in a feature film. Produced by Biola Alabi and executively produced by Omorinsojo Akinnola, the movie also stars Bimbo Manuel, Damilola Adegbite, Ali Nuhu, Dorcas Fapson, Tomiwa Edun, Uche Jombo.

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Few months after signing to trending Nigeria’s talent company, the Temple Management Company, TMC, Nigerian percussionist and Grammy award winner, Lekan Babalola is hoisting the flag of traditional religion through a new song dedicated to Ogun, Yoruba god of Iron.

Entitled ‘Mr. Lakaye’, the new song, according to promoters, is expected to satiate the appetite of his teeming African fans, which is in sync with the launch of his multi-city concert, tagged ‘Ebo’ (ritual) tour which kicked-off on June 17 at the Somerset Festival, England.

‘Mr. Lakaye’ was produced by Will Angelero, a New York/ United Kingdom-based Producer and has Lekan Babalola on the co-producer’s credit roll.

With a title inspired by the Ogun deity’s Oriki (signature eulogy),Babalola’s voice booms in Yoruba over a bouncing tune enriched with infectious electronic elements and complemented with his signature percussion sound.

A statement by TMC says the song will also be the sound track to the musician’s new art installation in honour of late American jazz artiste, John William Coltrane.

According to TMC, ‘Mr. Lakaye’ is available on all digital stores to fans of the entertainer.

Babalola who spoke about his inspiration for the new song said, “I was born in Lagos, Nigeria, into a Yoruba family. As custodians of Yoruba tradition of Ogun, Oro, Obatala and Ifa, my family taught me first hand Yoruba art and culture. Ogun is the patron of my father’s family; the Babalola of Ajibesin compound at Ile-Ogbo, Aiyedire local government of Osun State, South West Nigeria today.”

The performer won the Grammy for the first time in 2006 for his work on Ali Farka Toure’s ‘In the Heart of the Moon’, receiving credit on three songs. He won a second Grammy in 2009 for his work on Cassandra Wilson’s album, ‘Loverly’.

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Singer Adekunle Gold who was among celebrities selected last month to be part of KLM’s Celebs Around Town tour to major tourist cities of the world is missing out on the Manchester leg of the tour.

This was disclosed by actor and movie producer, Kunle Afolayan, in a Faceboook Live video on Sunday though he did not provide any reason for the absence of Adekunle Gold.

“Actually, Adekunle Gold is supposed to be here but for some reason, he couldn’t make it, but I’m right here” said Afolayan in a Facebook Live post which he captioned, ‘Kunle Afolayan live in Manchester courtesy of KLM Nigeria, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.’

Afolayan has also been posting clips of his visits to sights such as Manchester United’ Theatre of Dreams on his social media handles.

Adekunle who is still promoting his debut album, The Gold Album, was supposed to have been on the Manchester trip, the fourth destination of the KLM tour. He, Afolayan, Adekunle Gold, Kate Henshaw, AY and Rahama Sadau were selected to visit different cities of the world by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

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As part of activities which marked the Children’s Day celebrations, Ultima Limited sponsored by MTN Nigeria had a special edition of ‘who wants to be a millionaire’ to children between the ages of 8-14 years of age.

This year’s edition featured brilliant children from different backgrounds who came to play for 10 Million Naira in scholarships.

Also worthy of note was Taiwo Bankole’s motivational session with the children.  The 21 year-old graduate of ‘Cell Biology and Genetics’ who graduated with a CGPA of 5.0 from the University of Lagos encouraged the children to always put their best foot forward in their educational endeavours.

Four fortunate students won the ‘Fastest Fingers’ race and made it to the Hot seat to win big.

David Udechukwu, a 10 years old primary five pupil of Shalom International School and 12 years old Oluwapelumi Ajumobi  of St. Anthony Catholic High School were the top winners of the edition. They each won One Million Naira in scholarships.

Also, 10 years old Ayomide Opemipo’s mother was full of pride as she watched her daughter win a whopping N500, 000 worth of scholarship in the Hot seat. Ayomide is a JSS1 student of Christ Redeemer Model Secondary School.

Lastly, Gabriel Ogoladejesu from Iganmode Grammar school also had quite an impressive play on the Hot seat. The 12 year old lover of basic science subject won N250, 000 in scholarship.

The very lively studio audience, made up of students from various schools also had a great time cheering their peers on as they played in the Hot seat. Some of them won learning aid materials like textbooks, dictionaries, etc in the ‘Audience play’ segment, while the rest were rewarded with goody bags.

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Though he studied Estate Management, he delved into music in 2012, SINGING Afro-Urban. Pepenazi who recently released a new single, ASE, spoke of his aspirations in this interview with Oreoluwa Filani

With many artists in the industry, how do you standout?

For you to standout you have to be super-versatile. When you listen to my sound, they are not similar, there is always a difference and that what makes an artist relevant as well, you have to be versatile, so I think for me to stay different I just based on my versatility .

A saying goes music is politics how do you cope?

It’s everywhere in every business, in everywhere in life or every stage of you trying to be successful there is what you all know as politics. It’s not just music alone.

Do you find yourself playing politics in music?

I’m just an artist in my own lane. There are a lot of people that will be like: where did you come from? What platform did you come from? Who is your god-father?  And I told them that I’m just doing my thing everything you see I push back to be, all my intellectual property, funds, finance, no one will come out of the sky to say: I contributed to your property. Those are the necessaries but when it comes to playing politics, I don’t do that. I maintain my own lane. You won’t find me where I’m not called, I always go to where I feel my presence is needed, where is worth it.

What are your inspirations?

Looking at where I started from, the people, my background, I’m that boy that was giving birth to in Surulere-Aguda, it was a mixed up because we had standard, the low standard, the middle belt [giggles]  and we were in between the low and middle belt, one thing our parent always tell us is: you are different ,you standout ,your state might not be too rosy but you are different  And that what it’s been, you know I look at people situation and there is this down casting feelings that, I can get better, I can do something better, It’s just me improvising and working on myself.

Are you married or in a relationship?

Not yet but I’m working on one and in the main time focusing on business.

Have you had weird experience with female fans?

Definitely! It’s part of the craft, I was at Unilag and that was when I dropped Illegal I was on stage performing and I noticed the girl she held on my boot, the timberland I was wearing, it was normal to me, very normal until she went up below the groin and I was like…[giggles] but you know you just have to be very professional you don’t have to react harshly. People slide into your DM and say nasty things: I just want to be the mother of your child. Some people even say unrealistic things like: I don’t mind to be your second wife or your third wife.

What inspired ASE  lyrics featuring Tiwa Savage and Masterkraft?

For everything we do, we pray and say a prayer to it, we lay our hand on stuff and we want that thing to prosper, we have to pray and when we pray, we lay an amen to it and as you work you want to eat or what the reason you work when it’s not bringing what you want that fair seed, that source of income that we see. So ASE is something everyone can relate too :IKAN TI BA DA OWO LE ASE,KI AYE MA GBOGUN TI MI ASE. 

Which of the featured artist would you like to work again?

Definitely Olamide, we have a synergy. I was on two of Olamide’s album – The Baddest Guy Ever Liveth and Street OT. And yes Tiwa savage. She is very talented, an amazing song-writer.

How is the relationship between you and Ecletic entertainment been?

It’s been awesome, working since 2011 to 2017. There was always downside, we had to break-up to make-up. if you are in a business and there are no set-backs, then something is wrong, you guys are not been truthful to yourself but for me I have kept it super professional.

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The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, W. Stuart Symington, has urged the country’s creative sector to tell stories that put Africa in a positive light.

The ambassador was speaking at a meeting with key stakeholders in Nigeria’s entertainment industry which also had the US Consul General, F. John Bray present.

Organised by Temple Management Company (TMC), the event held last Saturday at the US Consul-General’s private residence in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The ambassador pointed out that intellectual property, not oil, not gas was the true strength of the Nigerian people.

“I have travelled the length and breadth of this great country, from Maiduguri to Lagos, from Kebbi to Calabar, and there are fantastic stories to tell. You are all in a unique position to carry the torch for this continent,” Symington said”

Also speaking, Temple Management’s CEO, Idris Olorunnimbe, acknowledged the US Consul General’s foresight in recognising the increasingly influential role of the burgeoning creative sector.

“This has been a fruitful evening,” Olorunnimbe said. “Many of the Ambassador’s words foreshadowed the reasons why Temple was set up in the first place. We simply have to tell our own stories.”

Present at the meet and greet were Joke Silva, Eddie Lawani, Ade Bantu, BBN runner-up, Bisola, OC Ukejie, Falz, Phyno, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Rukky Sanda and Yinka Davis, playwright (Heartbeat) and screenwriter (The Wedding Party) Tosin Otudeko, Iyanya, Darey Art-Alade, Jeff Akoh, Sound Sultan, Bovi and a host of others.

Some of the highlights of the event include a spectacular performance by ex-MTN Project Fame winner, Jeff Akoh, accompanied by an acoustic band.

Young artist, Fola David, renowned for his speed painting skill, created an illustration of the famed Lagos statue of the “Three Wise Men,” popularly referred to as ‘Ere Meta.’

Guests were transfixed as the artist crafted the piece upside down!

The Temple Management Company later presented the portrait to the US Ambassador on behalf of the creative community.

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A group of professional filmmakers, actors, and film scholars under the aegis of Ibadan Film Circle (IFC) has described a recently released video of the burial ceremonies of late actress, Moji Olaiya, as unethical and wicked, alleging profit as motive of its producers.

Entitled ‘Canada to Grave’, the video, produced by Gbenga Adewusi’s Bayowa Films and Records company for his online streaming site, Yoruba Swag TV, IFC,  in a statement made available to the media, said it finds disturbing,  the action of Mr. Adewusi, an independent film marketer, who allegedly made a production of the recording of the burial of the late ace actress, with the intention of selling and profiting. The group therefore calls on other practitioners, including members of Theater and Movie Production Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), Association of Nigerian Theatre Practitioners (ANTP), and official regulatory bodies such as the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), and members of the public to join in condemning what it describes as “the wicked opportunism of Bayowa Films and others who are in league with such a heartless production.”

Meanwhile, Adewusi who got wind of the IFC’s statement is spoiling for war,  claiming that the IFC is misunderstanding his intentions.

In a message to some members of the association, Adewusi is demanding retraction and apology, failure to which he will press legal action.

He wrote: “I never release or plan to release any recording on VCD/DVD. My recording was showing on my Yoruba Swaga television channel 310 on CONSAT and YOUTUBE. If you don’t stop this malicious propaganda and write an apology I will take legal action against you.”

But the group is of the opinion that whether or not the video is for sale via VCD or DVD,  Adewusi still makes money by streaming the video on YouTube.

Adewusi however claimed he contributed immensely to the burial ceremonies, thus,  IFC cannot accuse him of profiting from its outcome.

He said: “If you don’t know go and ask the chairman and members of Moji Olaiya burial committee. I contributed a lot to the  farewell service of song and tribute night and none of you bad ‘belle’ people attended.”

According to the statement signed by IFC ‘s Administrator, Mr.  Niji Akanni on Tuesday, there are no indications that the grieving family of the late actress is aware of the alleged intention behind the documentary, ‘ Canada to Grave’.

“There is no indication that the grieving family of the late actor is aware of this production; neither is there any indication that the production is going to be only for charity or support purpose,” said IFC.

“By this act, Mr. Adewusi’s company has done something provocatively unethical and criminal worthy of sanctions by all stakeholders in the Nigerian creative arts industry. In its entire concept, the project is obnoxious and dehumanizing, just as the “documentary” is inappropriately titled – absolutely spiteful, vulgar, careless, sarcastic and gloating, as if Ms. Olaiya’s predicament was self-inflicted and therefore worthy of jest.

“We ask “who sells a film on the burial of a colleague, and where is Mr. Adewusi’s sense of decency and respect for the dead?” It may be argued that very little thought went into the making of the ‘project’, but we aver that so much deliberate but selfish thought went into the production.”

Continuing, UFC said,  “We believe that, unless otherwise determined by her immediate family, the video of Ms. Olaiya’s burial is legally the private property of her estate. It is absolutely distasteful and brutally wicked for an enterprise like Bayowa Films, its owner(s) and collaborators to engage in acts which tend to show them as reaping from the sweat, sorrow and tears of others.

“IFC condemns Bayowa Films production of Olaiya’s burial ceremony for commercial purpose.

“IFC is committed to contributing to the education of the film sectors of the Nigerian creative industry. We use this opportunity to reject the idea of free but uncivilized market practices where anything goes, where professional decorum is only secondary to the scramble for wealth,” it stated.

The Nation,  last Saturday, had described as uncreative, the title of the said video.

Adewusi has been under huge criticism in the social media since the release of the video.

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Exploring the rich Africa’s heritage and culture of food and confectioneries, Biola Alabi’s food and travel docu-series, has set off on an exciting journey in Season 4.

“For many years, a rich African story has been preserved in our food, and we can only experience this history by tasting it,” said Alabi, CEO of Biola Alabi Media. “In Season 4, Bukas & Joints travels to Kano, Calabar and through Badagry in Lagos, goes to Cotonou and makes a final stop in Ghana. Bukas and Joints is set to show viewers fantastic spots and places that are creatively preserving the African taste and also serving a significant part of Africa’s history, one that tells of the unwilling journey of our fore-fathers across the trans-Atlantic many years ago,” she added.

Andrews Liver Salt, a major sponsor of the show believes that “Africa’s rich and tasteful delicacies carry a lot of history that should be celebrated and explored. Partnering with Bukas & Joints is a great way to show these important parts of Africa’s history.”

According to Alabi, “Season 4 of Bukas & Joints will go beyond the food and interact with the rich stories and heritage rooted in the places visited.”

Hosted by Olisa Adibua and watched by more than 25 million households, the show which also enjoys sponsorship from Grand Pure Soya Oil, Suppy Cubes, Kilimanjaro Restaurants and Bournvita, screens on the continent’s largest broadcast network AIT, every Sunday by 7PM. It also airs on the African Channel in the US and on DSTV’s Africa Magic Channel.

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America’s showbiz couple; Kim Kardashian and Kanye West have engaged the services of a surrogate mother in order for them to have another child.

The couple who already have two kids are earnestly wishing for a third child, for which they are willing to pay USD45, 000.

The decision to have another woman carry Kim’s pregnancy stems from a condition – placenta accreta – which makes another pregnancy life-threatening.

It is said that the couple have found a surrogate through an agency, and she would be paid in 10, $4,500 monthly installments.

If there are multiples, the surrogate gets $5k for each additional kid. If the surrogate loses reproductive organs, she gets $4,000.

Kim and Kanye are also required to deposit $68,850 with the agency.

Some of the terms of contract for the surrogate is that she is required to refrain from smoking, drinking and drugs during the pregnancy.

Reports say she has also consented to restricted sexual activities in the weeks leading up to the pregnancy, including foregoing sexual intercourse for three weeks following embryo implantation.

Also, the surrogate cannot go in hot tubs or saunas, cannot handle or change cat litter, apply hair dye, drink more than one caffeinated beverage per day or eat raw fish.

The agreement provides that Kim and Kanye “assume the legal and parental responsibilities for any child … that may possess any congenital or other abnormalities or defects.”

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In line with preparations for his 50th birthday celebrations, popular actor Saidi Balogun promises an interesting outing involving A-list celebrities, and corporate bodies in a four-day function, scheduled to hold from July 4 to 7.

“I feel successful even after being in the industry for a fulfilling 35 years and more. For me, 50 marks the end of my first half and the beginning of the second half, I ended the first in a big way, I am starting the next in a bigger way,” the actor commented.

Giving a breakdown of his plans, the actor explained that, on Day 1, he would be visiting the accident victims at University Teaching Hospital, Ibadan, and then later delivers a public lecture at the Theatre Arts Department of University of Ibadan.

“Day 2 is scheduled to be an evening with Saidi Balogun, Corporate bodies and stars, with two segments, anchored by comedian Ali Baba and Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed respectively, with Gbenga Adeyinka the 1st and Kate Henshaw as MC with Denrele on the red carpet,” he said.

On Day 3, the actor said he will be visiting the Remand Home and Nigerian Prison; while on Day 4 which is the grand finale, he will have Joke Silva and Omobaba as anchors, just as Fuji artiste, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, aka K1 de Ultimate will be performing to guests at the Grandeur Event Centre, Oregun, Lagos.

The actor said he is inviting friends and well-wishers to come celebrate with him.

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Protégé of late highlife crooner, Orlando Owoh, Surebanty, last Thursday, dropped his latest single entitled Final Say.

Produced by Seaman and mastered by Swaps, Final Say boasts of collaborative features from Jahbless, Samklef, Sheyman, Morachi and Side one.

Surebanty, a native of Abeokuta, Ogun State who trained as a Science Laboratory Technologist at the Lagos State Polytechnic, is best known for his creative fusion of African dialects into hip hop rhythms. His love for Orlando Owoh has inspired him to create a style that is uniquely blended with Afro-sounds.

His last job was a cover of Sexual Healing by late soul singer Marvin Gaye.

“My experience in the music industry and life inspired the song and title,” said Surebanty.

“I particularly wrote and sang the song to make people understand that no matter what they are going through, it’s God that has the final say.”

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