HOW TIGHT IS THE SMVA?

Story & Photos by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

Right now, I am Warri; Delta State for a wedding .I left Lagos around 6 am on Friday but didn’t get to my destination until 6 pm because of the terrible state of the Benin-Ore road. The couples called me Australia about a month ago and I agreed to cover the event.The babe is from Warri, Delta State (Na correct Waffy chic) while the guy is from Ijebu in Ogun State.
As a matter of professionalism, I couldn’t change the arrangement because we already agreed!
However, I sent someone to cover the SMVA on my behalf…once I get the pictures, I will post them.
Last night, I watched parts of it on television. I saw the way the Psquare guys and their brother, Jude jumped on the stage when they won awards. I also saw the trio of Eedris ,Tony Tetuila and Eddy Montana of Remedies fame, when they came on stage to perform.What came to my mind is 'retired but not tired'.Mayb, they should go back to Kennis Music so that they can get all the attention again.Thats crazy!
ards. They won the best Choreography and Best Video of the year. Now, I believe they won’t go and shout that SMVA is a ‘Yoruba’ hip Hop awards.Atleast from comment; they would realize that each award organizers has its own parameters for judging.Afterall, Soundcity is owned by Tajudeen Adepetu and most of the key people there are Yoruba.
What surprises me most was that Nas, American based international rapper performed with the same kind of dress he wore when I took his pictures at the Airport on Thursday. Is that his new identity?
Please, I will keep you posted when I get the photos.If you watch it live, please send comments on what you feel about the event.Thanks!
Pix 1-Nas at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport,Ikeja on Thursday

Pix 2- Sheila Okonji and another fellow outside the International Airport.

NAS ARRIVES NIGERIA THIS EVENING

Story by Niyi Tabiti

Chief Reporter

Nas, American top rapper stormed Nigerian this evening. He arrive the Murtala Muhammed Internationa Airport around 7 pm Nigerian time. He came in preparation for Friday's Soundcity Music Video Awards.The star had a slight delay at the airport due to logistics problem. http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ was at the airport and took some shots of the star but Nas couldnt make any comment on his arrival due to the delay.
I later found out that it has to do with the Hummer Jeeps that were supposed to come and convey him to his hotel room. When the two hummers finally surfaced, the car rental comany said they had no enough fuel. Sheila Okonji, the Nigerian born international artiste booking agent advised Nas against taking the risk of entering an hummer whose fuel is uncertain.If the jeep stops on the Third Mainland bridge...my people it won't be palatable. I took pictures of Nas but will post soonest.I couldn't load now!

To be on the safe side, Nas left in a Pathfinder jeep with other members of his entourage.Tic Tac from Ghana also arrived this evening.

In all, Soundcity Music Video Awards promises to be one of the biggest of its kind in Africa.Alot of artistes would be there. Who wins what and how? well...we will keep you posted.

AMAA 2008: NKEM OWOH, St. OBI, KENNETH OKONKWO, JOSTLE FOR BEST ACT

By Nioyi Tabiti

Chief Reporter

As the count down to Africa Movie Academy Awards, AMAA 2008 hots up, Nigerian actors appeared more favoured to win the Best Actor category.
According to a press release sent to www.niyitabiti.blogspot.comthis afternoon,top contenders on the list include Nkem Owoh in the film, Stronger than Pain, St. Obi (Check Point); Kenneth Okonkwo (African Soldier); Kanayo .O. Kanayo (Across the Niger) and OC Ukeje (White Water). Others are Van Vicker (Return of Beyoncé) and Kofi Buknor (Run Baby Run)

The Best Actress category are Stella Damasus Aboderin (Widow); Kate Henshaw-Nuttal (Stronger than Pain/Rivals); Dakore Egbosan (Caught in the Middle); Geneve Nnaji (30 Days/Keep My Will); Rakiya Atta(Across the Niger) and Jakie Apea (Princess Tyra).

Jostling for Best Director are Mildred Okwo (30 Days); Emmanuel Apea (Run baby Run); Frank Rajah Erafe (Princess Tyra); Izu Ojukwu/Kingsley Ogoro (Across the Niger); Bond Emeruwa (Check Point); Teco Benson (Mission to Nowhere); Ifeanyi Onueabor (New Jerusalem); Daniel Adenimokan (Black Friday/Onitemi) and Chris Etonue (Through the Fire)

The star prize of Best Picture will be contested by 30 days, Across the Niger, Princess Tyra, Mission to Nowhere, Run Baby Run, New Jerusalem, Through the Fire, and Check Point.

Other categories and nominees are;

Best Actor in Supporting Role

· Mike Ezuruonye - (Black Friday/Mirror of Beauty)
· Fritz Bafour - (Beyoncé)
· Emeka Ossai - (Check Point)
· Chiwetalu Agwu - (Across the Niger)
· Ofiasuluagu Mbaka - (New Jerusalem)
· Sam Dede - (Mission to Nowhere)
· Kenneth Ifediba - (Check Point/Cash Money)

Best Actress in Supporting Role

Joke Silva - (White Water)
Ireti Doyle - (Across the Niger)
Yhama Brew - (Princess Tyra)
Patience Ozokwo - (New Jerusalem)
Binbo Akintola - (Cash Money)
Uche Jumbo - (Keep My Will)
Rita Dominic - (White Water)
Ebele Okaro-Onyuike - (Mirror of Beauty)

Best Up-Coming Actor

Hoomsuk - (White Water)
Kunle Fawole - (Cash Money)
Krossin - (New Jerusalem)

Best Up-Coming Actress

Uju Okeke - (Mission to Nowhere)
Yvonne Nelson - (Princess Tyra)
Portia Yhamahan - (Black Friday)

Best Indigenous

Iranse Aje - (Nigeria)
Ipa - (Nigeria)
Hafsat - (Nigeria)
Onitemi - (Nigeria)
Pabou - (Cameroon)

Most Outstanding Actor, Indigenous

Ayo Akinwle - (Iranse Aje)
Muyiwa Ademola - (Iranse Aje/Ipa)
Ali Nuhu - (Hafsat)
Yinka Quardri - (Ipa)

Most Outstanding Actress, Indigenous

Doris Simeon - (Onitemi)
Laide Bakare - (Iranse Aje)
Fatia Balogun - (Ipa)
Zainab Idris - (Hafsat)

Also out are other categories; Art Direction, Best Screenplay, Best Edit, Best Effect, Best Music, Best Sound, Best Costume, Best Cinematographer, Best Make-Up, Best Film by African in diasporas, Best Documentary, Best Short Film, Best Animation.

Final nominations will be out next week.

EMEKA TELLS GISTMASTER ' SEX SCANDAL ALLEGATION IS THE WORK OF MY DETRACTORS'

Story and photo by Niyi Tabiti

Chief Reporter

There is no doubt that one of the most talked about scandals in Nollywood right now is the one involving star actor Emeka Ike and one Phillip, based in the United States of America . Phillip who is now hooked to star actress, Ini Edo accused Ike of having sex romps with Ruth, his estranged wife.
When http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ sought the Ike’s view on the whole development last Sunday, he said it was a balant lie rather what happened was that his detractors were only trying to paint him bad.

"I won’t give credibility to one 419 boy somewhere who woke up one morning and gave one friend of his, some money to tarnish my image"
Ike also told http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ that as an international actor, he is a role model to several young people out there. He also told us that he would refrain from making further comment on the issue because it is not worth it.
Ike, who is also a proprietor of a primary and secondary school in Lagos, Nigeria, also used the opportunity to call on Nigerians to stop Movie Magic from showing Nigerian movies with flagrant abuse. According to him, the rate at which movie magic is showing Nigerian movies is affecting sales. ‘Most people call me and say they just watched my movie on the channel. How do marketers make money from sales when people can subscribe and watch as many movies as possible on that channel? Stop Movie Magic now.It is affecting our take home.Believe me, if care is not taken there won't be Nollywood agin in some few years to come” He screamed.
He also accused Movie Magic of making billions of Naira from Nigerian subscribers yet all they can claim to have done is to pay some producers a meager $700. “That is total rubbish”
On his views concerning the Ejike Asiegbu led Actors Guild of Nigeria,Ike told http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ that he would refrain from saying anything because of personal reasons. He, however, told us that there is need for a change in the association and the change would come very soon.

OOOOH...GISTMASTER!

Now, we believe that you can play a little role in making sure that we sustain the tempo of this daily celebrity news and photos online.What can you do? talk to me!

CITY PEOPLE HONOUR STAR ACTOR EMEKA IKE AND ACTRESS,FUNKE AKINDELE TODAY

Story and photos by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

The management of City People Magazine, this afternoon, hosted Funke Akindele and Emeka Ike, the best actor and best actress respectively of the 2008 City People Awards in Lagos.
The ceremony took place at the City People Magazine corporate headquarters near Charly Boy Bus Stop, Gbagada.
They were presented their awards last week with several others but today is a grand reception to celebrate their achievement.
Star actors,actresses and comedians such as Bukky Wright,Saheed Balogun, Emeka Ike and Gbenga Adeyinka the first were at the ceremony.Others include Funsho Adeolu, Ada obi,Ireti Osayemi,Biola Okeowo, Ope Olusaya,Iyabo Ojo,Mercy Aigbe,Alariwo of Africa,D Don,Lola Shittu,Mandy and others too numerous to mention.
The awardees were very happy at the turn out of people at the grand reception for them.They thanked Mr.Seye Kehinde, publisher of City People magazine and their fans for the recognition.
Emeka said he was on location somewhere in Lekki but had to put everything aside to be part of the fun.
Bukky Wright, who got a mouthwatering endorsement dealwith an Indian company sometime ago turned out in the Indian outfit.Ireti Osayemi was not bad as she shows off her backside and legs in a short gown.Ireti's friend got alot of people turning their heads with her backless top. Iyabo Ojo was also hot in her outfit!

www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com captured the wonderful moment for your delight.

Pix 1- Actor Saheed Balogun and Ope Olusanya

Pix 2- Funsho Adeolu,Bukky Wright,Funke Akindele,Seye Akindele,Emeka Ike, Ireti Osayemi,Adaobi and Gbenga Adeyinka the First.
Pix 3- Bukky Wright,Funke Akindele and Ireti Osayemi
Pix 4- Emeka Ike
Pix 5- Bukky Wright

YET ANOTHER CARNIVAL IN OKOYA'S HOUSEHOLD AS LANRE FORMALLY WEDS SOPHIA

Pix 1-Demola Olota
Pix 2-Bisola Dejonwon
Pix 3- Osile of Egbaland,Oba Adedapo Tejuosho (Middle) and Okoya's first daughter who married his own son,Lanre.
Pix 4- The Couple
Pix 5- Okoya thanking some high society women who came to celebrate with his family.The Eleganza boss even gave some 'something'.If my eyes serve me right, he gave them money.
Pix 6- Biola Okoya and Senator Florence Ita-Giwa.Biola describe Ita-Giwa as her second mum.

Story & Photos by Niyi Tabiti

Chief Reporter

Nigeria’s top celebrity men and women, once again, gathered at the residence of Chief Rasaq Akanni Okoya for another talk of the town shindig. The event took place yesterday.
This time around, the Chairman of Eleganza Industries pulled notable citizens together for the wedding ceremony between Risikat Sophia Onifade and his son; Lanre.The ceremony took place inside Okoya’s magnificent Oluwa Ni Sola Estate, Ajah.

The event is coming barely three months after the Billionaire himself formally married Sade, his youngest wife and mother of four of his children at the same venue.
Dignitaries at the event included former Minister of Industires,Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande,Wife of former Lagos State Governor,Chief (Mrs.) Oluremi Tinubu, the Asipa of Lagos, Chief Ahmed Onibudo,Prince (Dr.)Samuel Adedoyin,Bola Awosika,Wife of former Minister for Petroleum,Mrs.Nike Agunbiade-Etiebet,Madam Kofo (Abiola Atanda),The Osile of Egbaland,Oba Adedapo Tejuosho,Olumide Harry Akande,Senator Florence Ita-Giwa and several others. Of course the Okoya’s were also well represented.
Right from the First wife,Alhaja Kuburat,Bola,Biola,Aina,Sade,Bimbo,Taofeek,Hadiza and their cousin Bisola Dejonwo and her mother Alhaja Wosila Okoya-Badmus,it was fun galore.
Demola Olota was on the band stand and he thrilled the guests.

Sophia is an half -caste and she has been with Lanre for some time. The two believe this is the best time to formalise their union.

The Chief Bridesmaid was Katia Kumar while the Best Man was Adeniyi Akadiri. The Bride Maids list included star actress,Dakore Egbuson (In fact she caught the bouquet and Olu Harry Akande later told http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ not to worry because marriage may come sooner than expected.

Others are Safiya Ibrahim,Sola Adewunmi (daugher of Chief Niyi Adewunmi, the top aide of Chief Mike Adenuga of Globacom),Abebi Akerele and Vicky Monyah.

On the groom side, we had the likes of Olumide Osoba (son of former governor of Ogun State,Aremo Olusegun Osoba),Lare Ajagun,Shobuleola Ogunlesi,Olayi and Idris Okoya.

We gathered got her gown from Milano in Italy.Sophia's hair was doine by Supreme Salon.Guess what?Taofeek Okoya, the groom's brother did the decoration (The guy is also into doll making)