KUNLE AFOLAYAN UNVEILS FUGURINE TO THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AT THE PALMS

By Niyi Tabiti/gistmaster.com
News Editor

When it comes to the business of movie, international film maker, actor and producer, Kunle Afolayan knows it like the back of his palms. It is no surprise, having worked with a bank and known to be creative, Afolayan would not have been anything less.
Recently, Kunle invited the Nigerian business community to the preview of his latest movie ‘Fingurine’ at Genesis Cinema located at The Palms, Lekki. Stars in the movie includes Ramsey Nouah,Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi,Tosin Sido,Omoni Oboli and Muraina Oyelami.
The event had representatives from various PR companies; advertising companies and conglomerates.Afolayan disclosed that the purpose of the premiere for business executives is to show them practical opportunities of showcasing their products through ‘subtle’ advertising and other means in movies.
There are various scenes in the movie; brands can be used to depict certain places. He thanked GSK makers of Lucozade Boost, MicCom Golf Hotels and Resorts, for using the movie as a platform to showcase their product and services.
We gathered that this sis the beginning of a series of premieres that would take place in Nigeria and various parts of the world.
Ramsey Nouah,Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi,Tosin Sido,Omoni Oboli are some of the lead actors in the movie.
The synopsis of Figurine (Araromire) shows that it is a story of two buddies and a girl…all down on their luck have their lives changed when one of them discovers ‘Araromire’ a mysterious fingurine in a n abandoned shrine which, according to legend bestows seven years of good luck. But no one told them about the next seven years…
A statement obtained by http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ from Golden Effect, the production owned by Kunle Afolayan described Figurine as a multi-cultural and contemporary feature highlighting the essence and efficacy of tradition, friendship, betrayal and love. It transcends both the ancient and modern day.

ABOUT KUNLE AFOLAYAN
Born into the family of legendary film maker, Late Adeyemi Afolayan (Ade Love), Kunle started his acting career from childhood and also helping is father in his film productions. A graduate of Business Administration, he later studied Digital Film Making at the New York Film Institute,USA.He produced the award winning movie,Irapada and also co-directed a short film titled Triangle of Needs with Catherine Sullivan, a notable American film maker.
Aside winning several awards, Kunle Afolayan has showcased his work at notable international film festivals such as London Film Festival, screening at Pan African Movie festival,Los Angeles,USA,Nollywood International Road Show,Iyalode Film Festival in Atlanta,Georgia,USA etc.

LANDORD INSISTS “PSQUARE MUST LEAVE MY HOUSE”

By Niyi Tabiti

Following their disagreement and what close sources regarded as rudeness on the part of Paul and Peter Okoye of the Psquare fame, the owner of their present residence insists they must vacate the residence or face the full wrath of the law. More worrisome was the fact that Jude, the elder brother of the singing duo was alleged to have also insulted the businessman.
Contrary to speculations that the duo of Peter and Paul Okoye of Psquare fame bought the house in Omole Estate, the Landlord has come out to say that it is a rented apartment. They paid 5.1 million Naira for three years but they allegedly went against the tenancy agreement.
The Landlord who has already filed a case against them in court, said he was shocked when he found out that they have broken down a wall in the house to make way for a studio without his knowledge. When he took it up with the twins, he alleged they insulted him so much, using so many unprintable names.
At the moment,http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com we gathered that the Landlord as change his mind over having the singers leave his home without much delay. “If they have money as much as they claim let them go and build their own house in choice areas like Omole or Ajah instead of insulting a man who has done so well for himself.If not,let them go and look for land in Lagos extension (places in Ogun State that is close to Lagos) such as mowe,ofada,Ibafo or Magboro” a source close to the landlord revealed to www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com this afternoon.

NIGERIAN ENTERTAINMENT,MEDIA PRACTITIONERS HONOUR HITV BOSS,TOYIN SUBAIR AT OJEZ

It was tribute without end last Sunday as O’jez Entertainment Centre, National Stadium, Lagos, played host to founder and CEO of HiTV Nigeria, Toyin Subair, in its monthly O’jez Entertainment Forum in collaboration with the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN. From veteran broadcaster and arts patriarch, Ambassador Segun Olusola, highlife music promoter Chief Femi Eso, Nollywood stars Zack Orji, Charles Inojie, Ejike Asiegbu, Chidi Nwakeabia, Emeka Enyiocha, reggae music icon, Ras Kimono, hip hop superstar D’banj among many others, the packed celebrity restaurant, unanimously agreed that Toyin Subair, has done the nation proud with his modest achievement of setting up a proudly Nigerian pay TV station. HiTV’s joint initiative with D’banj, Koko Mansion, also received kudos and endorsement from all the celebrities as well as top personalities gathered at O’jez that evening. Billed to begin soon, Koko Mansion is a reality television show featuring D’banj being facilitated by HiTV. Koko Mansion revolves around the quest of 12 beautiful, talented girls that will live in a mansion for eight weeks, to become the ideal Kokolette (wife). The Mansion is situated in an undisclosed area in Lagos. Hip hop superstar D’banj will play a vital role in the oncoming show. In these weeks, the young women will be groomed and tested in various activities in order to determine the one with the greatest Koko Virtues, worthy of being a wife –a Kokolette. The winner will among other benefits, be crowned Kokolette 1, get a Chris Aires Diamond ring, a brand new convertible car, feature in his next music video You Don Make Me Fall In Love alongside N5 million in cash. Aside that, the winner will be D’Banj’s companion at public events both within and outside Nigeria. She would further emerge as HiTV’s Hi-Babe; that is, Beautiful.Ambassador Olusola described Subair as a “young and resilient Nigerian who has done the nation proud.” As the oldest in the gathering, he prayed to God to give him (Subair) more strength to achieve more successes in life. Amadi Ogbonna, Group Entertainment Editor, Vanguard newspapers, showered encomiums on Subair even as he traced his success story from when he was involved in active legal practice. The distinguished guest revealed he was humbled by the show of love for him. He said HiTV was set up sorely as “a catalyst. We wanted to prove that Nigerians can own and effectively run a pay TV as against the disinformation being passed by many people outside.” He said plans have being concluded in the United States, Africa, France some parts of Europe, to get HiTV signals. “We are grateful about that, because we are out to sell Nigeria positively to the world, our purely Nigerian channels, Hi Nolly, Nigezie are what the world will see and view us from a different perspective. And Koko Mansion reality show coming soon, despite what haters say, is going to redefine reality shows in Nigeria. We are not promoting immorality... I would rather enjoin all to wait and see it unfold.” Ejike Asiegbu, president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria reiterated the guild’s support for HiTV and Koko Mansion “because it is a Nigerian company and Koko Mansion is something fresh, that we are all looking forward to.” The evening was made more refreshing with the performance by D’banj and the Evergreen band that dished out refreshing highlife tunes.

-gistmaster.com

Other related stories on kokomasion- D’Banj,HITV takes kokomansion to France,Ghana ,Want to be part of the kokomasion with D'banj?Get your form now!

FROM CAPETOWN SOUTH AFRICA, DAREY 'ART ALADE' RETURNS WITH ANOTHER WONDROUS VIDEO- 'NO STARS'

With amazing vocal talents and unusual hard work, Darey Art Alade sure knows how to bring good music to the table. And with matchless and interpretative videos, he not only drives home his point, but also wins the hearts of Fans and Critics inside and outside Nigeria .
So it is no surprise that his new video ‘No stars’ is winning critical acclaim while the fans are doling out unanimous thumbs up.
‘No stars’ is a brilliant video’ Solomon Shonaiya, COO of Soul Muzik says. ‘it is a sequel to his hit single ‘Not the girl’. The video should continue from where ‘Not the girl stopped, and that is what we have done’
No Stars is the fourth track on Darey’s album ‘Un.DAREY.ted’. The cut comes immediately after the hit single ‘Not the girl’.
Darey explains ‘I had always had it on mind for ‘No stars’ to follow ‘Not the girl’, when the songs were being written which is why it comes immediately after ‘Not the girl’ on the album, I t just captures the whole picture of Darey after break up. If ‘Not the girl’ tells the story of break up, ‘No stars’ pictures the aftermath of break up’.
The video which features Carla, the same model in ‘Not the girl’ was shot in Cape Town, South Africa, and was directed by Mark Hofmeyer, Gwydion Beynon and Robert Hofmeyer of Odd digital Productions the same directors responsible for his previous videos ‘Not the girl’ and ‘More’.
The clips in ‘No stars’ have sequential significance Darey says. ‘There are pictures of me and the girl in the house, and every step I take, or everything I touch, there is an emotional attachment to it, even stuffs as small as a disc, a brush, or even the calendar the good thing is that the audience can relate well to the video as it takes them back to the good old days, merging it with some clips from ‘Not the girl’, and then brings us back to Darey’s state of mind’
With visually rich art design and a skillfully shot story line, the directors portray the story of a post relationship trauma. The video starts with Darey in front of the keyboard. After he gives a brief solo introduction, he goes around the empty house that used to belong to himself and his partner, but everything he sees reminds him of her.
The love and heart break chronicle in the sequel to his hit single ‘Not the girl’ ends with Darey still questing and waiting for his girl to return - all to no avail.

-gistmaster.com

WHO WINS GISTMASTER BEST DRESSED CELEBRITY IN 2009

By Niyi Tabiti

Thank you all to those who have been contacting us on the 2009 edition of our best dressed star. Loads and loads of suggestions have been coming our way and i must state that we on this side are more than happy that the world all over, our stars are appreciated. Last year's edition was fabulous.Omotola Jolade-Ekehinde, Rita Dominic,Genevieve Nnaji,Stephanie Okereke and Ini Edo were some of the names mentioned last year. People did not only vote, they also commented on why they would choose a particular star as the winner.
About 40 journalists, fashion designers and celebrities were also asked to go through a secret balot on their choice of best dressed actress.Rita Dominic emerged as the winner.GISTMASTER had a grand reception for her at Swe Bar!
Many thanks to our dear friend,Tosyn Bucknor-the small but mighty presenter,writer,singer,blogger etc...Tosyn,you are too much...oti po ju!Many thanks to Swe Bar.Ajibola Ayana Olubiyi,Otunba Olakunrin and others- you are wonderful,Tara Fela Durotoye,we love you...thanks for the support. I must never forget KU, a fan of this blog in America who sent some good stuff to be given to the winner. She brought the 'you can do spirit' into the Best dressed award by fufilling the promise she made to me via email. When I look back at the email, I just laugh.In her first email, she said "Niyi, i am going to send you some gifts for the winner. Send me your address.Don't think this is a kind of 419 or something..."
We sincerely thank the Nigerian press for their contributions. Encomium, Punch Newspapers, Champion, City People, First Weekly, News of the People, Global Excellence, The Sun Newspapers, The Nation, Vanguard Newspapers, Top Celebrities,Werunthings.com, Nicholas Anukanti of Style TV, Genevieve Magazine,Quest Television, Showtime Africa (Tee A baba, you are too much), Galaxy Television and others too numerous to mention.Ms. Kemi Otegbade of Heartlink,thanks for always being there. Mr.Kunle Bakare-publisher of Encomium-i call him the professor of celebrity journalism.Mr.KB!Thanks for all the workshops.We use to complain about those daily meetings but now it works,My oga, Mr.Azuh Arinze, editor of Encomium-I can't thank you enough.Tayo Odusanya, Ayeni Adekunle,Nonye Iwuagwu,Amadi Ogbonaya,Victor Akande, Godwin Onyemachi,Patience… and finally, I thank my wife,TEE for the support,Uzor Ngoladi, Seun Oloketuyi,Stella Dimoko Korkos, Bayo Adetu.I must not forget Gbenga Adeyinka, the comedian of the Federal Republic.And to all readers, I thank you all!
Bellanaija, Linda Ikeji,Boobsista, and all of you that supported us through your blogs and other means.
This year, we are also seeking your your love as partner in progress.WE are still on the drawing board and would soon be taking off. This year, we would be launching the best dressed campaign in other countries of the world and the winner would be hosted by fans in other parts of the world.Lets go, if you have any idea or support pls text, call , email...!
This year, the winner would not only face the largest convergence of celebritiy photographers, it would be one day of 'Hollywood' celebrity treat.
soon we would announce the sponsors of this year's edition.

Photo-Niyi Tabiti,Ajibola of SWE,Rita Dominic,Kate Henshaw and Anita Joseph at the reception for Rita as BEST DRESSED ACTRESS last year organised by Gistmaster