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Kunle Afolayan releases trailers of new film ‘Mokalik’ .. partners Netflix, Canon

Editor February 1, 2019 Entertainment, Latest Leave a comment

Prolific filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan has unveiled trailers for his most anticipated movie, ‘Mokalik’ (Mechanic).

The two trailers which dropped on February 1, 2019 by 2pm, were accompanied with three posters, setting the pace for another round of media buzz for his latest effort.

“Mokalik’ stars awards-winning singer, Simi, alongside other prominent actors like Femi Adebayo, Charles Okocha, Faithia Williams, Lateef Oladimeji, and comic actors like Wale Akorede (Okunu), Ayo Ogunshina (Papa Lolo) and Dayo Akinpelu (Alabi Yellow).

Mokalik movie trailer

The celebrated director is optimistic that the film will traverse commercial and artistic ends, having been provoked by the expectations of his diverse audience and fan-base across the world.

Afolayan who just returned from a meeting of his company, Golden Effects Pictures with Netflix in Amsterdam, Netherlands, disclosed that he is in talks with the world leading online streaming platform for the acquisition of ‘Mokalik’.

According to him, the deal with Netflix will include other works directed by him, including ‘The Figurine- Araromire’; ‘Irapada’; ‘Phone Swap’; ‘October 1’; ‘The CEO’, ‘The Bridge’ and the yet to released ‘Tenants of the House’.

“We are excited about having our other films, including ‘Mokalik’ on Netflix, as that will assuage our fans who have been sending messages from all over the world, complaining of not having access to our films,” he said.

For ‘Mokalik’ which was shot on EOS C300 Mark II, with Canon Cine lenses, the filmmaker says: “We are very delighted and grateful for the camera support extended to us by Canon Central and North Africa team here in Nigeria,” adding that, “EOS C300 Mark II – Stunning 4K quality and versatility allowed me as a producer to experience the creative vision in stunning cinematic details and provides footages, suitable for extensive post-production work.”

Senior Sales & Marketing Manager – B2C, Canon Central & North Africa, Mr. Amine Djouahra, expressed delight over the partnership, saying: “We are very proud to be part of this esteemed mainstream commercial and artistic movie, ‘Mokalik’, produced in Nigeria , one of the largest growing film industries in the world, and at Canon, we continue to listen to our customers when developing the product range to ensure our innovations meet their needs, enabling story tellers for creative filmmaking.”

Djouahra disclosed that Canon is looking at having a media screening of ‘Mokalik’ in Nigerai between March 19-21, 2019.

As part of the world slating for ‘Mokalik’, Afolayan, an Air France partner plans to have the film on several platforms including the French premium television channel, Canal+, which he said has showed interest in ‘Mokalik’ and ‘Odu’ (Capsule of Tales), a TV series in the works.

As Pavillon Afriques at the Marche du Film, Cannes Film Festival 2019, makes debut this May, Afolayan, on Thursday, was named Ambassador of the pavilion, and will be joining the showcase by other filmmakers from the continent by curating a Kunle Afolayan/Golden Effects Pictures retrospect. This is in addition to plans to get ‘Mokalik’ listed in the official selection of Cannes, among other major film festivals around the world.

A letter sent to the filmmaker reveals that Afolayan, having been listed as Ambassador on Pavillon Afriques – VIP page, is expected to wear a special ambassador’s tag during the event and function as a panelist on content sourcing, distribution and storytelling sessions among other roles.

Happy about the feats attained by the filmmaker, Commercial Director of Air France/KLM, Mr. Remco Bohre said: “Our partnership with Kunle Afolayan is another way of showing how excited we are, at Air France and KLM, about Nollywood and the Nigerian entertainment industry at large.”

‘Mokalik’ follows the career of an 11-year-old boy, Jaiye, from the middle-class suburbs who spends the day as a lowly apprentice at a mechanic workshop in order to view life from the other side of the tracks… When his father arrives to take him home, Jaiye has to make up his mind if he wants to return to school… or take on his apprenticeship full time.

Cocaine found in Chris Brown’s hotel room ‘was not his’ —Lawyer

Editor January 23, 2019 Entertainment Leave a comment

French police probing rape claims against American R&B star Chris Brown found cocaine and cannabis in his Paris hotel suite, his lawyer said Wednesday while denying that the cocaine belonged to the singer.

Brown’s French lawyer, Raphael Chiche, confirmed that the 29-year-old was found in possession of cannabis during his arrest at the luxury Mandarin Oriental hotel on Monday night over claims that he assaulted a woman a week earlier.

But the Grammy Award-winning singer had a note from his American doctor covering his use of the drug for medicinal purposes, Chiche said.

The cocaine found “was not his” and “belonged to those who had come to party in his suite on the night of January 20-21,” the lawyer added.

Brown, his bodyguard and a friend were arrested after a 25-year-old woman accused them of raping her in the Mandarin Oriental, where he was staying while attending shows during men’s fashion week in the French capital.

After being held for 24 hours the three were released without charge on Tuesday night.

Chiche said his client wanted to bring a defamation lawsuit.

“He says he had no sexual relations of any sort with the complainant,” Chiche said.

The singer, who denies the allegations, posted a picture on his Instagram account after his release that read “This B!tch Lyin’”.

“I WANNA MAKE IT PERFECTLY CLEAR…… THIS IS FALSE AND A WHOLE LOT OF CAP! (sic),” he posted next to the picture.

– Still under investigation –
The prosecutor’s office said the three men were still under investigation on suspicion of aggravated rape and a drugs offence.

The alleged victim told police she met Brown in a nightclub near the Champs-Elysees avenue with a group of other women on the night of January 15.

She then agreed to go back to the singer’s hotel, on the glitzy boutique-lined Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore.

Chiche said that his client was now free to return to the United States but would continue to cooperate with investigators and “will come back if he has to”.

Brown has been in the news more for his legal troubles than his hit releases in recent years.

In 2009 he was convicted of beating fellow singer Rihanna, his girlfriend at the time, who was forced to miss the Grammy Awards because of her injuries.

Brown was sentenced to five years’ probation and six months of community service for the assault.

In 2014 he pleaded guilty to assaulting a fan in Washington and two years later he was arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon following a standoff with Los Angeles police officers.

He is best known for his hits in the mid-2000s such as “Kiss, Kiss” and “Run It”.

(AFP)

Norway probes Jay-Z’s Tidal over streaming numbers

Editor January 15, 2019 Entertainment Leave a comment

Norwegian authorities are investigating claims that American rapper, Jay Z’s music streaming service inflated listening figures for albums by Beyoncé and Kanye West.

Norway opened an investigation into Tidal’s activities following claims that the company falsified streaming figures, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

An investigative report by Norwegian financial newspaper Dagens Naeringsliv last May claimed that 320 million streams on Tidal of Kayne West’s The Life of Pablo, and on Lemonade, an album by Jay-Z’s wife Beyonce, were bogus.

Norway’s National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime, Okokrim, confirmed on Monday it has launched an investigation into the claims.

DN’s report accuses Tidal of intentionally falsifying streaming numbers and consequently paying inflated royalties to Beyonce and Kanye West’s labels.

Tidal has repeatedly denied the reports. On Monday, the company issued a statement about the allegations and the Norwegian investigation, “Tidal is not a suspect in the investigation. We are communicating with Okokrim. From the very beginning, DN has quoted documents that they have not shared with us in spite of repeated requests. DN has repeatedly made claims based on information we believe may be falsified. We are aware that at least one person we suspected of theft has been questioned. We cannot comment further at this time and refer to our previous statement, which still stands.”

The statement referenced by Tidal is from company CEO Richard Sanders from last May, following the first DN report, in which Tidal said they “reject and deny” the story’s claims and said they had been the victims of a “data breach.”

DN’s revelations, based on an analysis provided by the Norwegian Center for Cyber and Information Security, claim that Tidal recorded more than 320 million “false plays” of songs from the two albums over short periods, a manipulation affecting more than 1.7 million users.

The paper said they obtained what they said was Tidal’s raw user data, which revealed suspicious listening pattering, including simultaneous playbacks of multiple songs by the same user or tracks being restarted every six minutes at the exact same second and millisecond of the song.

Okokrim’s chief public prosecutor, Elisabeth Harbo-Lervik, said the investigation, which was launched late last year, is “still in an early stage.”

In a story on Monday, DN claims at least four former Tidal employees have been interviewed as part of the investigation.

Norway’s copyright and music association have also filed complaints about Tidal, following DN’s investigation.

Jay-Z paid $56 million to acquire Tidal in 2014 from Wimp, the Norwegian company that developed the streaming service. During a presentation in 2015, he introduced fellow artists such as Rihanna and Alicia Keys as co-owners.

Beyonce and Jay-Z’s former protege West both launched their albums exclusively on the streaming platform in 2016, but Tidal failed to rival streaming competitors such as Apple Music and Spotify.

In 2017, amid rumours Jay-Z was about to sell Tidal to Apple, mobile carrier Sprint stepped in and bought 33 per cent of the company for $200 million.

NYSC demobilises Davido for violating service rules

Editor December 8, 2018 Entertainment Leave a comment

The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC has sanctioned popular artiste, David Adeleke, aka Davido, for violating camp rules during the mandatory three-week orientation camp.

For “absconding” from the camp during the orientation camp, the Corps had to “dekit” the artiste, which brought to an end his participation in the 2018 Batch ‘B’ Stream II in Lagos State, where he had been posted.

A source said that “The NYSC was constrained to “dekit” Davido for violating the rules guiding conduct and activities in the camp. As a matter of fact, he absconded because he was away from the camp without permission. That prompted the Corps to issue him a query which was sent from Abuja. So, he is no longer a serving corps member.”

The artiste violated many of the scheme’s regulations. Other NYSC bylaws violated by Davido include bringing vehicles into the orientation camp; disclosing official information; engaging in private practice; taking part in partisan politics and reporting late for duty.

However, it was also gathered that he may be remobilised for the scheme.

While replying to a post on Instagram during the week, the artiste had said that his NYSC programme had been terminated. He later deleted the comment from the post made by a friend.

Meanwhile, Articles 2 and 15 under the Code of Conduct subtitle in the NYSC Bylaws (Revised in 2011) state that every corps member shall not leave orientation camp without the written permission from the state coordinator, and every member shall not bring vehicles or motorcycles into the orientation camp.

The articles, however, stated that any member found guilty of violating these provisions, among other provisions, will be liable to be decamped and sent out of camp.

Section 15 (ii) added, “Any member who brings vehicles or motorcycles to camp shall not be registered, and if already registered, shall be decamped.”

The NYSC Director of Information, Adenike Adeyemi, said in a response to an enquiry, that the Corps had communicated with the popular musician over his activities during his service year, however, did not say what punishment had been meted out to him for breaking several bylaws.

Davido’s enrolment for the NYSC had created a stir, as he became the cynosure of all eyes at the Iyana Ipaja, Lagos orientation camp when he arrived for registration in August 2018.

He had also posted pictures of himself in the NYSC kit on Instagram, as other corps members in Batch ‘B’ Stream II swarmed him at the camp. Just afterwards, Davido left the camp and began a series of violation of the rules of the service.

It was observed from his Instagram page that just after a few days in the camp, he travelled to Boston, Massachusetts, as he embarked on a tour of the United States.

He thereby violated the Section 2 of the bylaw, which says all corps members must participate in all activities in the camp.

It could not be ascertained if he did not violate the second law, which stated that corps members leaving the orientation camp should get the written permission of the state coordinator.

But the Assurance crooner did not stop at Boston, as he also visited Philadelphia, New York, Washington DC, Georgia, Minnesota, London, Sao Tome, Accra, Mayotte, Lebanon, UAE, among others.

Davido, within the period, was also actively involved in the electioneering of his uncle, Ademola Adeleke, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the Osun State September 22 election.

For weeks, the artiste shuttled between Lagos State, where he was based, and Osun State, where the election held.

But the NYSC law not only prohibited participation in partisan politics, it also said corps members should not leave their place of primary assignments without the permission of their state coordinators.

Davido’s manager, Asa Asika, declined comment, saying he does not speak to the press.

Police challenged to drop ‘Small Doctor’ ambassador

Editor December 6, 2018 Entertainment, Latest Leave a comment

NIGERIA POLICE SHOULD STRIP ADEKUNLE TEMITOPE (SMALL DOCTOR) OF HIS AMBASSADORIAL STATUS

Recently, Lagosians in particular and Nigerians in general were stunned into a state of shock by the reported arrest of Nigeria music star Adekunle Temitope (Small Doctor) by the Nigeria Police for threatening to shoot a law enforcement officer in the discharge of his lawful duty on the Lagos Abeokuta expressway and for illegal possession of firearms.

Just like in other parts of the world, celebrities, are often identified with unimaginable weird and gangster behaviours as exemplified by the hooligan conduct of Small Doctor in threatening to shoot an officer of the state with a gun, which is highly reprehensible and condemnable.

Notwithstanding the court exoneration of his unlicensed gun status as alledged by the police on arraignment, Adekunle Temitope had broken the law by his criminal conduct of threatening to shoot a law enforcement officer is by implication, a threat to shoot the government and people of Nigeria as represented by the authority of the state in the traffic officer.

However, one must commend the Lagos State police command for promptly arraigning the suspect in court and also the judiciary for promptly sentencing him to probation of one year of good conduct while granting him conditional bail bond.

But one area of the whole episode which drops a sour taste in the mouth and leaves one emotionally troubled, is the realization that Small Doctor is an ambassador of the Nigeria police which meant that he was supposed to project the image of the Nigeria police in good light to his teeming young fans, supporters and the Nigerian public, but unfortunately, by his crude and gangster conduct, he has proven beyond doubt, that he is not a fit and proper person for the role of an ambassador of a national institution, the Nigeria Police.

Adekunle Temitope (Small Doctor) conduct in threatening to shoot an officer of the law, is a reflection of his crudity, lawlessness, disdain and lack of respect, not only for the Nigeria Police force, but also for constituted authority of the state as represented by the traffic official.

Therefore, it is only appropriate and reasonable for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to as a matter of urgency, strip Adekunle Temitope (Small Doctor) of his ambassadorial status because his conduct is everything unambassadorial and the opposite of the civilized, courteous, friendly, responsible, responsive and law abiding image he is supposed to mirror of the Nigeria police.

One would also like to admonish Adekunle Temitope (Small Doctor) to seek psychological and emotional guidance and counselling on public conduct which is very crucial to the success of his music career that has just begun lest he go the way of others before him who allowed stardom and wealth to kill the Dream.

Thanks.

Ymours Sincerely,

Nelson Ekujumi.

Police arraign ‘Small Doctor’ for unlawful possession of firearms

Editor December 4, 2018 Entertainment Leave a comment

The Police have arraigned musician Adekunle Temitope, aka Small Doctor, for unlawful possession of firearms.

A credible source at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yaba, said the popular artiste was arraigned before an Ebute Meta Magistrate’s court on Tuesday.

Another source at the court confirmed the development.

The suspect was paraded at the Police command headquarters at Ikeja after he was arrested around Oshodi on Monday.

He was alleged to have threatened to open fire on a Police officer before he was arrested.

The state Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi, said Small Doctor had, in the past, fired shots and injured four people.

He noted that the injured persons were admitted to a hospital and vowed that the artiste would be made to face the law.

Small Doctor recently created a controversy after singing at an event of the All Progressives Congress.

He had sung one of his hit tracks, ‘Ye ma sun (stop sleeping), which many said was targeted at the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

But the singer’s manager denied the claim.

The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Chike Oti, as of 2.30pm, said Small Doctor’s arraignment for unlawful possession of firearms and threatening violence was ongoing.

One Lagos Fiesta to draw two million participants – Ayorinde

Editor December 3, 2018 Entertainment, Latest Leave a comment

At least two million direct participants and 90 million viewers worldwide are expected to take part in this year’s edition of the flagship Yuletide end-of-the-year revue of the Lagos State Government, One Lagos Fiesta (OLF) holding from the eve of December 24, 2018 till the wee hours of January 1, 2019.

The State’s Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Steve Ayorinde who said this while addressing a press conference on Monday at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Ikeja to formally announce activities for this year’s show, said necessary arrangements have been firmed up to ensure another hugely successful outing.

Ayorinde, who briefed the media alongside senior officials of the State Government, some a-list artists billed to perform and representatives of sponsors, said the OLF would hold in five locations simultaneously across the State in line with the tradition adopted in the last four years, adding that it was gratifying that the event had become the biggest end-of-the-year entertainment brand in Africa as it provides an unparallel platform for residents and visitors, both old and young, to relax and enjoy themselves in a secured environment.

“The One Lagos Fiesta draws parallel with other international cross over events in the world especially in the countdown night of December 31, and with the unique features associated with the fiesta, it is anticipated to attract over 2million direct participants across the State and over 90million viewers via live television and live streaming on social media,” Ayorinde said.“As a Government, we are encouraged by the noticeable achievements recorded as a result of hosting this event and we are taking advantage of this year’s edition to fete millions of Lagosians who have supported this initiative running for the 4th consecutive year.

He said considering the strategic position of Lagos as the economic and socio-cultural hub of Africa with vibrant expression of art, it had always been the tradition of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration to use such instrument as springboard to drive development and market the State’s potentials to domestic and foreign investors who would, in turn, contribute meaningfully towards making Lagos Africa’s model megacity.

Tagged ‘A December to Remember,’ the Commissioner said there would be live music concert, which will feature trending DJs and MCs and performances by popular Nigerian artistes and musicians running from 6.00p.m till 12 midnight across the five venues in Agege (Agege Stadium), Victoria Island (Bar Beach/Eko Atlantic City), Badagry (Badagry Grammar School), Epe (Epe Marina Waterfront) and Ikorodu (in Ikorodu Town Hall).

Other festivities, according to him, are kiddies corner, which would run from 12.00p.m to 6.00p.m with various activities like bouncing Castle, Rodeo Bull, Carrousels, among others, as well as cultural performances, stage plays and talent hunt, otherwise known as Lagos Grows Talent, a grassroots’ competition which provides a platform for youths to compete using their talents in the areas of music, dance, comedy and other creative activities.

Ayorinde also announced the introduction of a raffle draw as part of this year’s fiesta for the purpose of winning a brand new saloon car, courtesy of one of the partners, CIG Motors.

Giving details, he said: “The competition is open to only residents of Lagos State who are up to 18 years of age and are in possession of a valid Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC). Every individual that resides in Lagos and wishes to participate is a potential winner of the vehicle.

“Entries will open on Thursday, 6th December and close on Wednesday, 26thDecember 2018, and entries will be submitted strictly online through the OLF website, while the winner is expected to emerge through a raffle draw which will be conducted on the 31st December, 2018 at Eko Atlantic City venue. There are other consolation prizes to be won.”

While thanking all the sponsors for supporting the vision of the present administration to scale up the entertainment and tourism potentials of the State via the OLF platform, Ayorinde also encouraged Lagosians and visitors to take advantage of the fiesta to experience and savour the attractions it brings whilst enjoying the fun that is available in all the venues, just as he assured that adequate measures have been put in place for security, traffic management, sanitation and health concerns to ensure safety of lives and property throughout the course of the fiesta.

Some of the a-list artistes expected to perform at this year’s OLF include Olamide, Teni, Slimcase, Mr Real, Humblesmith, Blackky, Mr P, Dr. Adewale Ayuba, Saheed Osupa, among many others.

Garba Shehu: First time I met Ikeogu Oke, he told me we won’t meet again

Editor November 27, 2018 Entertainment Leave a comment

Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, says Ikeogu Oke, award-winning poet, saw his death coming.

Oke died on November 24 in a hospital in Abuja from an undisclosed ailment.

Oke, 51, was a celebrated poet who won the 2017 NLNG Prize for Literature.

Shehu said he met Oke in person two weeks ago for the first time, and that the poet told him it would be their last meeting.

“I join millions of our countrymen to mourn Ikeogu Oke, the prize-winning poet. I met his person for the first time two weeks ago. Before then, Femi had spoken very well about him,” Shehu wrote.

“I told him that I read his recent writings and he asked me if I had been impressed by them. When I observed that he looked unwell, he told me about his recovery from a recent surgery. Throughout the meeting, he was warm and affectionate.

“I don’t know what others will make of his telling me at that time that I and him will not meet again. To this, I protested and assured that we will meet again and again.

“He then requested me to join him in a photo and thereafter, he embraced me and said goodbye. Few deaths have shocked me as this one. May God give his family the fortitude to bear this loss.”

Interestingly, Oke had posted his epitaph on Facebook two months to his death.

He had simply written, “My Epitaph. Here lies a man who loved virtue and art, And gave to both his fortunes and his heart. Ikeogu Oke (1967 – ).”

OBITUARY: Ikeogu Oke, the exceptional wordsmith who wrote a poem for 27 years

Editor November 26, 2018 Entertainment Leave a comment

Among the army of poets that Africa boasts of, Ikeogu Oke is one of the new generation wordsmiths whose repertoire of poems will captivate the mind of the most critical aesthete.

A writer and former journalist, Oke died of an undisclosed ailment at the National Hospital in Abuja on Saturday.

The 51-year-old was well known for his fervour and love for the arts, which he developed an interest in, as far back as 1984, when he was in his late teens.

His poetry and short fiction have been published in the US, UK, Nigeria and India since 1988 when his talent started blooming.

As an opinion writer, Oke contributed articles regularly to TheCable where he kept readers wanting for more.

Some of the articles he wrote for TheCable include ‘The merit of the PDP apology’, ‘A president and a heartbreak nation’, and ‘Appreciating the cash snake’.

Oke was largely inspired by the likes of Chinua Achebe, late Nigerian literary icon, and Niyi Osundare, a seasoned poet.

Here are some highlights in the life of the illustrious poet whose creativity burned brightly for all to see.

RECOGNITION FOR HARD WORK

In his career which spanned over three decades, Oke churned out quite a number of masterpieces which earned him due recognition.

In 2010, Nadine Gordimer, winner of the 1991 Noble Prize in Literature, selected ‘Salutes without Guns’, Oke’s second collection of poems, as her book of the year for the Times Literary Supplement.

Four years later, Oke was among four Nigerian poets whose works were picked to be featured in ‘The Second Genesis: An Anthology of Contemporary World Poetry’.

The poems of Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, Uzor Maxim Uzoatu, a very close friend of Oke, and Obari Gomba were to be included in the publication.

Perhaps one of his most talked-about work is ‘The Heresiad,’ which earned him the top spot at the 2017 edition of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Prize for Literature.

The book, which was the sixth written by him, is described as an operatic poetry- written in drama and songs.

He was presented with a cash award of $100,000 for clinching the NLNG prize.

In a subsequent interview with Premium Times, the poet said the idea behind the poem was birthed in 1989 but the writings were only completed in 2016.

“I started writing the poem in 1989. In four years, I had a solid manuscript on which I worked intermittently down the years,” he said.

“After sending it to the publisher, I wrote six extra lines. I then called the publisher with a request to insert the new lines into the poem. He protested, understandably, explaining that he was almost through with the typesetting.

“But then, he relented after further persuasion and I updated the manuscript with the new lines and resubmitted it to him. This was in 2016. So it was 27 years from 1989 when I started the composition to 2016 when I wrote the last lines that I put in the poem.”

‘POETRY A SACRIFICIAL ART FORM’

Not one to be drawn by the allure of money, Oke believed that poetry is a sacrificial art form that is self-gratifying and adds value to people’s lives.

The wordsmith believed that poets that seek material gain above the value of their work end up being disillusioned.

In his acceptance speech after winning the 2017 NLNG prize, he said of his career: “I am happy to be addicted to it as shown by my refusal to be swayed by such concerns (material gain).

“I have invoked the poem here hopefully to arouse the contemplation of how one’s resolve to pursue one’s dreams in spite of such concerns is the best decision that can lead to a fulfilled life.”

STRONG NARRATIVES CLOAKED IN BEAUTIFUL POETRY

“If the land of our fathers

stabs us like adders

are we still obliged to love it,

to nod our assent to its blind conceit,

and cultivate patriotism

in a loveless acre

massed with rocks?”

“It’s not in caution that man’s safety lies

Or in timid silence when he ought to speak.

An end awaits the valiant as the weak.

Even the dumb dies.” — From the poem, ‘Where I Was Born’.

Oke’s narratives were often brutally honest, speaking to real life issues, yet beautifully expressed in a musical form.

As a guest at the Abuja Writers’ Forum in 2011, Oke had said although life’s experiences are sometimes harsh, it can be depicted in writing without undermining the beauty of poetry.

“We can’t stop writing out of anger about our condition, or what we experience. The only thing is that we need to be conscious of making the product beautiful, because poetry is beautiful.”

‘PHOTO-POETICS’ AS A NEW ART FORM

In an interview with Modern Literature in December 2017, Oke said he has two works—a novel and a collection of poems in the offing.

He had also revealed plans to explore a new form of poetry which he called ‘photo-poetics’.

“I have completed a novel, New Jerusalem, and a new poetry collection, One Hundred Love Poems, in a form I call decades, by which I mean a poem of ten lines in a loose combination of free and bound verse. So there are one hundred decades in the collection. All love poems. Both have yet to be published,” he said.

“I am currently experimenting on a new genre of poetry I call photo-poetics, simply defined as a blend of photography and poetry.

“Ideally, in photo-poetics the photograph and the poem are so complementary that the poem relies on the photograph for its full comprehension; if you take away the photograph, the meaning of the poem unravels somewhat.”

If his dreams are anything to go by, Oke’s death would not put an end to his vision.

His young daughter who inherited her father’s creative abilities — and many others inspired by him — would “carry the torch” and make sure his dreams become a reality.

The Cable

With $83m, Katy Perry beats Beyonce, becomes highest paid female in music

Editor November 21, 2018 Entertainment Leave a comment

Katy Perry came from ninth place in 2017 to unseat Beyonce as 2018’s highest paid woman in music, according to Forbes.

The business magazine estimates that Perry, 34, earned $83 million in the period spanning June 2017 to June 2018.

It wrote, “Perry played 80 dates on the world tour for her fifth album, Witness, during that period, grossing more than $1 million per night, as well as earning more than $20 million for her work as a judge on American Idol.”

Beyoncé, 37, who was Forbes’ 2017 highest paid woman in music, fell to third place ($60 million) as her recent On the Run II tour with husband Jay-Z fell mostly outside of their scoring period.

Commenting on Beyonce’s performance, Forbes said, “After she and husband Jay-Z welcomed twins Rumi and Sir to the family in June 2017, Queen Bey had a quiet year, by her standards.”
Meanwhile, Taylor Swift, 28, rose from third place in 2017 to second this year (80 million dollars). Many of the dates on the global tour for her sixth album, ‘Reputation’, will count towards the 2019 rankings.

Swift recently left her long-term record label to sign with Republic Records and Universal Music Group, the financial terms of which have not been made public.

This year’s list contains many of the same artists as 2017 including Celine Dion, Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez among them – and one outlier: Russian-German star Helene Fischer, in eighth place.

Fischer, 34, is a singer in the schlager style, a sentimental German pop tradition that shares themes with country music.

Her self-titled eighth album debuted at No 1 in the Austrian, German and Swiss albums charts in May 2017.

It has been certified nine times platinum in Germany and Austria, where it has sold more than 1m copies.

Forbes states that her appearance on the list, with earnings of $32 million is largely due to a successful tour that brings in “seven figures per stop”.
Meanwhile, there were plenty of female musicians who had lucrative years but didn’t quite make the list.

Among them are Ariana Grande, Mariah Carey, Selena Gomez, Madonna, Halsey and Janet Jackson, all of whom tallied double-digit millions.

Lagos radio presenter Tosin Bucknor found dead

Editor November 20, 2018 Entertainment Leave a comment

Oluwatosin ‘Tosyn’ Bucknor, an on-air-personality with Inspiration FM, has died aged 37.

Tosyn, as she was popularly known, was found dead by husband, Aurelien Boyer, a French national, when he arrived at home from work on Monday night.

“A graduate of Law from the University of Lagos, Tosyn was born with sickle cell anaemia which prompted her to start These Genes Project to help people with the condition,”.

In November 2015, Tosyn and Aurélien Boyer had their traditional wedding, surrounded by family and friends in Lagos, followed by a white wedding in France.

Tosyn previously hosted the morning show at Top Radio FM.

She started her on-air-personality duties with Tee-A at Eko FM. She was also an intern at Cool FM where she hosted the Fun Hour Show on Saturdays.

Tosyn joined Top Radio after her youth service in 2009 as the only female handling a morning show.

In her lifetime, Tosyn Bucknor was nominated for several awards, including Future Awards, ELOY Awards, and Best of Nollywood.

Read

Following news of her death, fans and colleagues alike have taken to social media to express their shock.

@Poojamedia wrote, “Goodnight Tosyn Bucknor! You changed the energy level on Radio & made so many people fall in love with the profession. Your energy was infectious. Areeaaaaaaaaa mama. RIP. Pooja Cares!”

@Busayo_cole tweeted, “”Aaaaaaaaaarea, guguru morning.This was one woman who made me fall in love with morning talkshows. Ace Journalist and an ardent Manchester United fan.

“RIP Tosyn Bucknor. You’ll be remembered forever. Thank you for the pleasant memories you left behind.”

@Vjadams said, “Ahhhh I’m heartbroken.. RIP TosynBuknor”

@Bahdosky tweeted, “To think I still saw Tosyn Bucknor last month. This is not a palatable news for me. May God Almighty grand all her loved ones fortitude to bear this great loss. RIP to an angel.”

Until her death, the OAP who also doubled as a Vlogger, was an employee of Inspiration FM where she hosted her own morning talk show.

Tosyn’s father, late Segun Bucknor, who was a popular musician and journalist, died in 2017.

NAN

Banky W eyes Lagos House of Reps seat

Editor November 11, 2018 Entertainment Leave a comment

Nigerian singer, Olubankole Wellington, with stage name as Banky W, is gunning for a seat in the House of Representatives.

He has declared interest in the Eti-Osa Federal Constituency seat in Lagos and he is campaigning, as a member of the Modern Democratic Party, to snatch the seat from the ruling All Progressives Congress in the next February election.

The musician made the announcement at the debut convention of the Modern Democratic Party (MDP) in Lagos. He said he was aware it would not be easy to run given who he would be running against.

“It is with the greatest sense of humility, purpose and destiny that I humbly announce to run for the 2019 Federal House of Representatives.

“I am under no illusions that this run will be easy considering who we are going up against, this is almost impossible.”

NAN reported the award singer picked the slogan ‘Hope 19’ and entrusted the election process on ‘hope’.

“You see, my entire life has been a story of just dreaming dreams, praying about those dreams, setting goals and working until they come true. I can live with trying and failing, I can’t live with not trying.

“They said we don’t have the money to run, we say our strength lies in our numbers, they said we dont have the structure, we say we will attempt to build it, they said ‘what if you lose’? I say what if we win?”

“So why we may not have a godfather we do have God, vision, intellectual capacity, integrity, right intentions and last but not least, a whole lot of ‘Hope’.

“At the end of the day, ‘Hope’ may be all we have, but I believe it is all we need.”

Wellington added that the richest people in Nigeria live in the constituency, therefore Eti Osa is vital to the development of Nigeria.

“Eti Osa houses many rich people in Nigeria, therefore for Nigeria to work Eti Osa must work.

“We want to fix Nigeria, But we must begin by fixing our communities.

“Our generation needs a realistic rallying point, we need to begin in communities, earn our way into the system and up the ladder”.

Banky W joins some entertainers and celebrities who have declared to run for public offices in the 2019 general election including Kanayo O, Kanayo and Shina Peller.

Nigerian beauty queen separates from husband

Editor November 1, 2018 Entertainment Leave a comment

Anita Iseghohi, winner, Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) 2004 and businesswoman, has announced her separation from husband, Tom Iseghohi.

Anita was married to Iseghohi, a former managing director of Transcorp Plc, for nearly 15 years. They share three children.

She posted the announcement on Instagram while expressing `a heavy heart.’’

“Following our almost 15 years relationship as well as a lot of recent thought and careful consideration, I have made a difficult decision to separate from my husband.

`We are still a family and will always be loving, dedicated parents to our three lovely children.’’

Tom and Anita met before her reign as MBGN.

Following a registry ceremony in America, the couple had their society wedding in Lagos in 2008.

Anita has reverted to her maiden name, Uwagbale.

Wizkid allegedly paid N245.9m to perform at wedding

Editor October 30, 2018 Entertainment, Latest Leave a comment

Nigerian pop star, Wizkid, has joined the list of highest paid artistes in the world following his performance at a royal wedding in India.

The artiste is said to have performed during a royal wedding at one of the world’s top private residences, Umaid Bhawan Palace in India.

He was reported to have been paid 50 million Rupees ($681,200, N245.9 million) to give a live performance, and he got Indians dancing to Soco, Fake Love and more.

According to a post made by @AfricaFactsHub, the Nigerian pop star has joined the rank of the highest paid artistes in the world after being paid such a huge amount:

“Wizkid becomes one of the Highest Paid Artists for Bookings in the World, as he performs at a Royal Wedding at one of the world’s top private residences, Umaid Bhawan Palace in India.

“He was reportedly paid 50 million Rupees ($681,200, N245.9 million).’’

Meanwhile, Wizkid who confirmed his trip to India on his Instagram on Tuesday, stated: “Thank U India! Met some amazing people, performed at an amazing wedding and created some amazing memories with my boys.”

Fela Kuti’s Son, Seun Nominated For Grammy

Editor October 28, 2018 Entertainment, Latest Leave a comment

Afrobeat singer, Seun Kuti, has been nominated for the 61st Grammy Awards.

Born Oluseun Kuti, the 34-year old who is one of the sons of Afrobeat originator, Fela Kuti, shared the news on his Instagram page on Saturday.

He revealed that his album, Black Times, has been nominated in the Best World Music Award Category. Seun is the youngest male child from Fela and his equally late dancer, Fehintola.

Seun’s older brother, Femi Kuti has also been nominated for four times for the Grammy awards in the World Music category in 2003, 2010, 2012 and 2013.
Black Times released by Struts, has been adjudged the most accomplished and honest album yet from Seun who shot into music since 1997 at the age of 14.

“Black Times, he said ‘is a true reflection of my political and social beliefs,
“It is an album for anybody who believes in change and understands the duty we have to rise up and come together. The elites always try to divide the working class and the poor people of the world.

The same oppression felt by workers in Flint, Michigan is felt by workers in Lagos and Johannesburg.”Backed by the experienced Egypt’80 Band he inherited from his late father,Fela, Seun delivered Black Times in raw, undilluted Afrobeat, taking critical shots at the African political elites and spurring the poor, incapacitated masses to take up the challenge and dismantle the forces of oppression.

In the title track, Black Times delivered in 9:30 minutes of extended play, he featured guitar wizard, legendary Carlos Santana. The album also have the signature of American pianist and multiple Grammy winner, Robert Glasper.

Black Times delivered in fiery tones talks to power in Africa, Europe and America with more than vested interest and aim to exploit the people.

The 61st Annual Grammy Awards, honoring the best achievements in Musicwill be held on February 10, 2019, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, USA.

Whizkid, Tiwa Savage send tongues wagging in new steamy video

Editor October 24, 2018 Entertainment, Latest Leave a comment

Nigerian singer, Tiwa Savage, says her relationship status was not a community project in response to rumours of a romance between her and musician Wizkid.

Wizkid and Tiwa Savage set tongues wagging with the release of the steamy video, Fever, on Wednesday.

Tiwa on her Instagram page @tiwasavage said, “Your relationship does not need to make sense to anyone except you and your partner. It’s a relationship, not a community project.”

Some Nigerians, especially on Twitter, took the video as a confirmation of the long-standing relationship rumours between Tiwa Savage and Wizkid.

One of her Instagram followers, Emmanuellaobaje, wrote: “Haba Tiwa you are old enough to be Wizkid’s mom, which one is being a bestie with someone old enough to be your son… ”

The reactions also threw jabs at the erstwhile relationship between Tiwa Savage and her ex-husband Tunji Balogun aka Teebillz, especially as he had debunked the rumours in September.

NAN reports that after Teebillz and Tiwa Savage split in 2016, dating rumours between her and Wizkid intensified with several heartfelt posts about both of them flying around various social media platforms.

Although Wizkid has never openly dispelled the rumour, Tiwa Savage has denied it on several occasions.

However, the ‘Fever’ video has heightened the suspicion.

See video below:

Veteran Yoruba actor, Ajimajasan, is dead

Editor October 18, 2018 Entertainment Leave a comment

One of the comedians who dominated the stage at the same time with the late comic actor, Moses Adejumo, popularly called Baba Sala, Ola Omonitan, has died at the age of 80.

Omonitan, who was popularly known as Ajimajasan, died at his home in Ibadan after a protracted illness.

The comedian had been admitted at the University College Hospital, Ibadan for age-related ailment a few weeks ago but was discharged on Monday.

Public Relations Officer at the UCH, Deji Bobade, told our correspondent that the family brought him to the hospital early on Thursday but the doctor who attended to him confirmed that he was dead.

He said, “Ajimajasan was receiving treatment at the hospital ward for a few days but he was discharged on Monday. He was bought back early today (Thursday) but after being examined, the doctor told the family that he was brought in dead.”

The late comedian was a regular feature at the then NTV Ibadan comedy show series several decades ago competing for fame and popularity with Baba Sala.

Among popular comedians who worked with Ajimajasan theatre group are Ayo Ogunshina, popularly called Papalolo, and Kayode Olaiya, whose stage name is Aderupoko.

JUST IN: Veteran comedian, Baba Sala dies at 82

Editor October 8, 2018 Entertainment, Latest 3 Comments

The doyen of Nigerian comedy, Elder Moses Olaiya Adejumo, popularly known as Baba Sala, has died at the age of 82.

Baba Sala reportedly died in Ilesa on Sunday evening and his body has been deposited at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex Annex, (Wesley Guild Hospital) in Ilesa

Baba Sala was born in 1936 in Ilesha. His media assistant, Mr Isaac Hastrup, confirmed the death of the ace comedian. He said Baba Sala died of old age related ailment.

Baba Sala, regarded as the father of modern Nigerian comedy, alongside other dramatists like Hubert Ogunde, Kola Ogunmola, Oyin Adejobi and Duro Ladipo popularized theater and television acting in Nigeria.

He is a prolific filmmaker. Significantly, Baba Sala started his career in show business as a Highlifemusician, fronting in 1964 a group known as the Federal Rhythm Dandies where he tutored and guided the jùjú music maestro King Sunny Adé who was his lead guitar player.

Some of his notable works include Orun Mooru (1982), Aare Agbaye (1983), Mosebolatan (1985), Obee Gbona (1989) and Diamond (1990 Home video).

Others are Agba Man (1992, Home Video), Return Match (1993, Home Video), Ana Gomina (1996, home video, ) and Tokunbo (1985, TV).

More to follow…

BREAKING: Bill Cosby sentenced to three to 10 years in prison

Editor September 25, 2018 Entertainment, Latest Leave a comment

Disgraced US television icon Bill Cosby was sentenced to three to 10 years in prison by a judge on Tuesday and branded a “sexually violent predator” for assaulting a woman at his Philadelphia mansion 14 years ago.

The 81-year-old, once beloved as “America’s Dad,” is the first celebrity convicted and sentenced for a sex crime since the downfall of Harvey Weinstein ushered in the #MeToo movement and America’s reckoning with sexual harassment.

Convicted five months ago of drugging and molesting Andrea Constand, a former university basketball administrator, he showed no reaction when Judge Steven O’Neill handed down the sentence in a court in Norristown, Pennsylvania.

(AFP)

Ras Kimono’s manager, Efemena Okedi dies barely a month after burial

Editor September 23, 2018 Entertainment Leave a comment

Shock and disbelief greeted the music world this morning as news filtered on of the death of Efemena Okedi, the manager of late Ras Kimono.

It was learnt that Efe who had managed Kimono for some years and doubled as his live in lover died in the early hours of Sunday at her Magodo Isheri home in Lagos.

She had taken charge of affairs during the late reggae musician’s elaborate funeral a few weeks ago.

This was her last post on facebook on September 3rd 2019

“Words are not enough to say thank you

?to everyone that have stood by us, May death and mourning be very far from you all in Jesus name. God bless you all , we deeply appreciate. #raskimonolives #june10

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