TONYA MERRITT IS PLANNING BIG FOR NIGERIAN ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

Story & photos by Niyi Tabiti

Chief Reporter

On Thursday 24 April 2008, I met Dr. Tonya Merritt, the American born booking agent for music mega stars such as Missy Elliot, 50 Cent, Snoop Doggy Dog, Beyonce and others. She is also a reputable event planner.
Thursday was not our first meeting. I actually met her the second time she visited Nigeria in2006.Tonya’s first time in Nigeria was when she came alongside International stars for the first This Day Music Festival in Nigeria. The American lady found the people hospitable and ever since, she bumps in and out.
We came in close contact the second time she was in the country. One actress who happens to be a friend gave me the link and I followed it up. We met at her Hotel in Ikoyi and I hadher first ever interviewin Nigeria. It was a wonderful experience as Tonya also introduced me to her business partner (at that time), Mr. Jimmy Ogunniyi (Ogunniyi is a Nigerian based in the US).Tonya, a doctorate degree holder in Business Administration with concentration in Marketing, told me she has a great passion for the Nigerian entertainment industry. She also said she would be very glad to make her contributions by setting up a company that would give hidden talents in the country international exposure.
Tonya and Ogunniyi hinted that they were planning to hold the Black Sexy Party at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island. I wasat the event and it wasa blast!
The interview was published on 1 January 2007 in Daily Independent Newspapers. By then, Dr.Tonya had left for the United States but she saw it on the internet. Tonya called and we chatted on the phone. She told me she loved the publication.
Jimmy Ogunniyi was also very happy and he called me to meet him at his Eko Hotel and Suites. He told me that he loved the ‘language’ I used. Then, he informed that they would be glad if I can work as their media consultant. Jimmy happens to be a thorough fellow. So, I had to work all through the night. Sometimes, he would tell me that I had to stay at the hotel and I had no choice so that work can move very fast. We had mention in all the media.
One night, we went to a club at Ikoyi and he told me “Niyi, do you know that you can report clubs, red carpets or even Tea alone and you can be a millionaire?” He stressed that in the US there are journalists who reports just one area and they are being paid well for what they do unlike Nigeria where journalists report so many areas without becoming an authority in one. It was a great discussion until I lost contact with Dr.Tonya Merritt and Jimmy Ogunniyi.
On Thursday when I went for the UBA/AMAA Nominee party for sickle cell foundation, the last person I was expecting to see was Tonya. I was there doing my work as usual when someone pointed at me with a smile ‘dancing’ on her lips “Do you still remember me?” I look up and screamed “Hey, Dr.Tonya!”
She gave a hug and believe me I will cherish that.

She was looking like a true celeb in that mind blowing outfit.Trust, she is planning something big soonest. Don't let www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com let the cat out of the bag yet.

I promise you will be the first to know.

UBA,AMAA RED CARPET CEREMONY FOR SICKLE CELL FOUNDATION

Story & Photos by Niyi Tabiti

Chief Reporter

On Thursday 24 April 2008, UBA Plc led by suave and articulate banker,Mr.Tony Elumelu, the title sponsor of this year's African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), put together a colourful ceremony to support the Sicle Cell Foundation.The red carpet ceremony tagged 'AMAA nominees party for sickle cell Foundation' is part of efforts aimed at raising funds for research and people suffering from the ailment.It is also an awareness campaign so that people can stop stigmatising people with SS.

The Sickle Cell Foundation is led by Professor Olu Akinyanju.A man known for commitment and integrity since he has been championing the campaign.They used the opportunity to raise money from invited guests at the ceremony.

Celine E. Loader, the Divisional Head,Brand and Corporate Communication,UBA plc conveyed the message of her Group Managing Director, who was unavoidable absent at the ceremony.She assured that her company would continue to be committed to meaniful humanitarian causes. Peace Ayiam-Osigwe,the President of AMAA was also excited at the turn out and she promises that her organisation will not relent in making sure that more awareness is achieved in the area of Sicke Cell.

Expectedly,the Lagoon Restaurant,Victorioa Island, venue of the event was packed full of 'fine faces'.www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com captured some of it here!

The event kicked off around 7 p.m and those that thrilled us with their peformances on stage included Gbenga Adeyinka The first,Koffi and music star, faze.

WHAT A SUPRISE!

Story & photo by Niyi Tabiti

Chief Reporter

When I went for the African Movie Academy Award press conference on Tuesday 22 April 2008, I had it at the back of my mind that some foreign experts and visitors would be there as usual. So, it was not a surprise when some of them were introduced as Americans.Shortly, after the conference, there was an interactive session between journalists and the organizers. So, I met this American lady. She speaks so fast and my ‘ears’ were running a race after her lips. Thank God, I heard everything she said. There was no ‘I gonna’, gonna’ like one of my friends in the United States will always say.
She told me that she is an African American from the United States of America (USA) and that she hails from Los Ageles, California. So, I asked of her name and she brought out her complimentary card. Guess what? Her name reads ‘Asantewa Olatunji’.I was shocked. She saw the surprise look on my face and her lips beamed with a smile. Yes, we are African American. Our forefathers were taken from here to the States durning the slave trade” she explained.
“I know about the slave trade issue but why are you bearing Olatunji”, I asked curiously.
Looking at me straight in the eyes, she told me there are lots of African-Americans who still bear their native names in the USA.
“Our forefathers were taken there durning the slave trade but we are not completely lost when it comes to our origin. I am of Ghanaian and Nigerian descent. That is why I bear Asantewa, a Ghanaian name and Olatunji from Nigeria. A lot of us are now in search of our roots”
Asantewa is very passionate about Africa. She told http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ that she has been studying the Africa traditional religion for long. I am not saying people shouldn’t be Christians or Muslims but they should also be interested in their own African religion.
Asantewa is the General Manager of Pan African Film Festival in the United States (http://www.paff.org/).
We later shifted our discussions to personal issues. I asked what she would be wearing for AMAA.She laughed and hollered that it would be a surprise. I persisted and she told that it could be a dress by Ahneva Ahneva, an American fashion designer who lives in Nigeria.
She became more excited when I asked if she was married. She pointed in the direction of her husband, Ayukobabu, who was present in the hall. We went out the building and they posed for photos for www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com

Photo-Asantewa and her husband, Ayukobabu on Tuesday 22 April 2008

AFRICAN MOVIE ACADEMY AWARDS (AMAA) WILL NOW HOLD IN ABUJA INSTEAD OF BAYELSA STATE

By Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

The much talk about African Movie Academy Award (AMAA) will now hold in Abuja, instead of Bayelsa State. Peace Ayiam-Osigwe, President of the AMAA announced the change in venue at a press conference this afternoon.The event has been slated for Saturday 26 April 2008.
This is necessary because of the present political mood of Bayelsa State, the host of the biggest movie award in Africa in three consecutive years. The nullification of the election of the Governor of the state, Chief Timipre Sylva and upcoming election in the state are some of the reasons why the organizers believe the award should hold outside the state.
Peace announced that it was a collective decision taken by the board of trustees, UBA Plc the title sponsor of the ceremony and other stakeholders. She, however, told the press that Bayelsa State is still very much involved in the ceremony.The only difference is that it wont hold on their soil.
The Award holds this Saturday at the congress hall of Transcorp Hilton hotel, Abuja. Everybody involved, from the UBA to the Bayelsa government and the board of trustees of AMAA are making sure the award have the usual razzmattazz.On that day, the world will focus on Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

“Since guests are arriving from across the globe for the awards, it is necessary to be cautious even if we as Nigerians would not find the situation uncomfortable or threatening. Right now the state is preparing for an election and we want them to be focus on issues at hand. Again, it might not be appropriate to hold the awards at the same period of electioneering campaign. Last year we avoided holding the awards during the election, which was why we decided to hold it before the election. So, there is nothing new moving the awards from election period.” She said
She, however, assured that the organisers are going to put up a good show at Abuja such that participants would not miss the Bayelsa hospitality.
She also noted that as an academy, it represents the Pan African award, and as such do not represent Nigerian award. On the nomination exercise carried out in South Africa, Anyiam said it is important for AMAA to do the nomination in South Africa as it is part of the whole Pan African voice. “It is made up of the whole of Africa and those in Diaspora,' she added.

Pix 1-Peace Ayiam- Osigwe (middle) adressing the press

pix 2-aA cross section of Nigerian journalists durning the interactive session

pix 3- 'Lets stand up for Amaa"

pix 4-Bayo Odusami populrly known as Howie Tee of KISS EVENT saying the closing prayers.

POMP AND CEREMONY AS EJIRO GBOGUNREN WEDS OLUMIDE OWODE IN LAGOS,NIGERIA

Story & photos by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter


Miss Ejiro Gbogunren and Mr. Olumide Nurudeen Owode legally assumed the status of husband and wife on Saturday 19 April 2008 when they were joined at the Marriage registry, Ikeja, Lagos. The newest couple in town came from their base in Australia for the wedding.
The ceremony was witnessed by several important personalities from far and near. Remember, we brought you photos from the traditional wedding engagement, which took place in Delta State (the home state of the bride).The groom is from Ijebu-Ife in Ogun State.These are some of the photos from the event.Gist later!

LOLA OMOTAYO CONFIRMS SHE IS THREE MONTHS PREGNANT FOR PETER OKOYE OF PSQUARE

By Niyi Tabiti

Chief Reporter

Lola Omotayo has confirmed that she is indeed pregnant for Peter Okoye of Psquare, one of Nigeria's most popular hip hop group.

She confirmed the pregnancy story in an interview published in this week's edition of Encomium, a leading soft sell magazine in Nigeria.Peter also confirmed the gist too.He, however, said he is not ready for marriage yet.

http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ gathered that Lola, a staff of top marketing outfit,FK:G2 owned led by Biodun Shobanjo is very happy about the pregnancy and she is ready to go any length to take of it.

As regards marriage,Lola went philosophical.In her words "There is so much that completes a woman and marriage is not it.I've never focused on that.I'm not afraid to be alone.I pray, I am not going to end up alone for the rest of my life,I want a life partner.But the tag,marriage is not something I think is the ultimate.I would take my time rather than rush into marriage only top later discover that it is not what to expect.And Peter as well is dealing with his won career and he wants to focus on that and you know,maybe in a year's time,I'd be ready to get married and if he's not,then we may get to go our seperate ways.The truth of the matter is that mnarriage is not in the picture for me now"

Lola is 35 while Peter is still in his 20s.Lola believes love is the ultimate and not the age difference bewteen them.

They kicked off the relationship about three years ago.Since then, they have been together.Recently, the issue of another girl coming into the picture almost caused them to seperate.Now, Lola believes she has to take charge of her man by making sure she attend functions more often with him these days.