How I abandoned Tinsel for Nigeria Idol-Steve O

By JAMES EMMANUEL

Steve O

His long walk to prominence started in 2012 when he participated in the Nigerian Idol Music Reality TV show (season 2). Though Stephen Onochie, popularly known as Steve O. emerged third in the keenly contested show, his name has continued to ring bell, especially among music lovers.

  In his recent visit to the Isolo corporate head office of Entertainment Express, the Delta State-born Petroleum Engineering graduate of Federal University of Technology, Owerri, shared the story of his life, including how he left Tinsel set to participate in the reality show.  
  “I have always loved entertainment. I had to end my role in Tinsel when the call for Nigerian Idol came. My plan was to emerge winner and that was why I abandoned Tinsel. There are two things I know how to do well, and that is acting and singing,” he hinted.   
  Speaking on his debut album, Steve O avowed: “My first single entitled Asiko was well appreciated. At the moment, I’m working on my first album which will be dropping soon. I’m basically into gospel songs, Hip hop and R&B. On the other hand, I call myself a motivational singer; my songs are not the corruptible types. I cannot grant an interview without making mention of Jefferey Daniels; he is part of my success stories,” he said.

Steve O on stage

Steve O on the red carpet

Why I cry everyday-Nollywood Actress, Favour Oma

By JAMES EMMANUEL 

When she hugged the klieg light with her daring and very challenging role in a hit flick entitled No Money No Sex, her scintillating roles interpretation skill immediately stood her out in the league of fast rising actresses in Nollywood.

 Having starred in so many other movies including Swagger Conji, Official Housemates, Lion Heroes, Beauties of the Night, Sexy Ladies Court, among others, the Anambra state-born actress is currently the toast of many producers, who see her as one of the next biggest thing in Nollywood.
  Despite her recent giant strides, the Favour Oma is not resting on her oars. “I still have a long way to go. My eyes have always been on the top because I dream big. I believe I have the potentials to carve a niche for myself in Nollywood” she avowed.
  With an aura of self-confidence and maturity around her, Favour Oma who easily strikes one as someone ready to take on the world spoke wholeheartedly about her growing up, career, love life, among other attention-grabbing issues.

Briefly give us an insight about yourself

I hail from Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. Professionally, I started my acting career in the year 2011. By God’s grace, I’ve acted in over than 20 movies since then. Lots of people keep asking how was able to achieve that within the short space of time- I think it has been by the Grace of God upon my life.

How Andy Amenechi was reelected DGN president

                                                                   

Amenechi

  Members of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) have elected officers to pilot the affairs of the guild for the next two years. The members, through a well organized and keenly contested election held at Winnies Hotel, Surulere, Lagos, reelected ace movie director, Andy Amenechi as president.
  Other executive members who were reelected into different offices include; Chima Okereke, General Secretary; Elielotote A, Director of Finance; Isaac, Ikechukwu Kolawole, National Provost; Mike Isokhare, PRO; and Taiwo Oduala, Welfare Officer    
  Speaking shortly after the election, Amenechi, who is now in his second term in the exalted position avowed thus: “We recorded monumental success in the first term. Most importantly, we have succeeded in laying a solid foundation for the guild. Effort is being made to acquire a befitting secretariat, carry out trainings for members, and at same time review our 14-year-old constitution, among others.”  
As observed by EE, lots of matured minds and pioneers in the industry showed interest in the presidency but later agreed, after strategic consultations, that Amenechi should continue the good work he had started.

My untold stories-Nollywood actress, Blessing Patrick

By JAMES EMMANUEL
jemedia7@gmail.com

Blessing Patrick

  In the league of fast-rising actresses in Nollywood, Blessing Patrick stands tall!  She proved herself to the world as an actress to reckon with in her first movie entitled Daughters of Eve. Predictably, her amazing performance has continued to earn her numerous lead roles. In fact, within three years in the highly competitive industry, the Cross River-born act has dazzled in more than 20 movies, including Aso Ebi Girls, Vampire, Midwives, King’s Bed, Tears of a Holy Heart, Enter the Place, Masquerade Dancer, among many others.
 Expectedly, the sexy and fashionable actress recently grabbed three awards: Best New Actress, City People Entertainment Awards 2013, Best New Actress, Nigeria Media Nite Out Award 2013, and Gbedu Recognition Award- all within the past one year.
   In this encounter with Jemedia Reports, the graduate of Sociology and Anthropology from Enugu State University of Science and Technology shares the story of her life; she speaks on her prodigious talents, her dreams, pains, and her shape which she describes as ‘killer shape,’ among other interesting issues.

How did you feel when your name was announced as the Best New Actress, City People Entertainment Awards 2013?

I felt so blessed. I felt as one who has God by her side. The truth is that God is really by my side, watching and supporting me. I wasn’t that surprised when my name was announced as the winner for that category because when I was nominated for the award, I went into serious prayer and fasting and God answered my prayer. The truth is that my journey in Nollywood has remained the way God planned it. I pray; I work. In all, I always tell God to let his will be done. So the award was part of God’s will for my life.

ZIK ZULU- OKAFOR WINS AMP's ELECTION

http://e247mag.com/columns/the-reporter/item/3197-zik-zulu-okafor-wins-amps-election-gets-second-term-in-office

Baby factory saga: Men now get paid for impregnating young girls

Shocking stories keep popping up on daily bases. Another baby factory has been uncovered in Ilu-Titun in Okitipupa council area of Ondo State by the state command of the Nigeria Immigration Service. Among those nabbed by the anti-trafficking detectives of the command included five pregnant women, five nursing mothers, five babies, two of which are less than a month old and eight men whose duty it was to impregnate the women-and are being paid!

  The world is fast moving to its end. People are trying to promote evil at all cost in the name of having a baby. I am of the opinion that DNA test should always be conducted between mother and their children so that this latest evil will be put to rest. If there is no buyer, there will be no seller. Some of these buyers even go as far as testifying in the church that God has finally blessed them with a child. Again, those young men hired to impregnate the girls, are they working on full-time or part- time bases?

Pat Utomi, Jimi Agbaje, Queen Blessing to celebrate Valentine's Day with widows

                                                                     By JAMES EMMANUEL

Queen Blessing

  In the spirit of giving back to the society, Nollywood actress, Queen Blessing Ebigieson in collaboration with Olukoga Support Foundation is set to empower impoverished widows in Lagos State and further treat them to an evening of fun, music, and comedy on February 14, 2013 at Ikorodu West LCDA Compound , Agric, Ikorodu, Lagos, by 9am
  Speaking to Jemedia Reports, the sexy actress-cum-producer who runs a foundation christened “Queen Blessing Foundation” noted thus: “I set up the Foundation about five years. I see it as a means to extend a hand of fellowship to widows and the less privileged in the society. The foundation is all about widows and I know that as I have chosen the widows, automatically, I’m getting to the children.
  “Last year’s edition held in Edo State and it was a huge success. This year’s edition will be bigger considering the fact that it’s a team effort. Each of the women will be going home with six yards of Ankara. Sewing machine and monetary support would also be giving out to some to enable them start up petty businesses. Awards will also be giving to some distinguished Nigerians. High profile personalities like Jimi Agbaje OON, Prof. Pat Utomi, Bishop Cletus Bassey, and Hon. Fatai Olukoga who is the chief host, among others,” the star actress of Lori Ere,Borokini, etc said.

Tochukwu Ugafor…Asandrea Collections at its best!

            

               

             Tochukwu Ugafor is a Nigerian designer who knows how to do his job very well and puts smile on his client faces. The Creative Head of Asandrea Collections in Festac, Lagos, started at a young age with his aunt who is a fashion designer. To groom himself on the job, the Economics graduate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and native of Anambra State went to School Of Fashion, Aba to study fashion designing. The uniqueness of his designs speaks volume and this has made clients to yearn for more.

                     On what triggered his interest in fashion designing, he says, “Well… I grew up seeing my aunty make outfits and I used to help in her then.  I would like to say my passion for fashion and God inspired me to take it up as a career. I have been designing for a very long time however I decided to go into it full time in 2010 after my NYSC.” 

My untold stories –Nollywood actress, Nonye Marvis

                                                                                    By JAMES EMMANUEL

Nonye marvis

At a close encounter with the multi-talented Nollywood actress, Nonye Marvis , what comes to the mind of a movie-buff is that she is pretty, sexy and daring.
   “I believe I have a lot to offer the industry. My dream is to go beyond Nollywood. I desire to act in Hollywood and I know it will soon come to pass,” the sparkling actress said. Ever since she hugged the klieg light in 2011, the burgeoning career of the Imo State-born starlet has continued to witness an upward swing in Nollywood.
  In this hearty chat, Nonye opened up on her Nollywood Odysseys, love life, among other germane issues.

Briefly give us an insight about yourself

I’m Chinonye Marvis, the seventh child in a family of eight. My dad is a businessman while my mum is a trader. I hail from Orlu in Imo state. I studied Biochemistry at Imo State University. Basically I would say my growing up was fun. My elder ones were very protective and grew up that way.

I want to go global with my new single-Melomania

By JAMES EMMANUEL

  Pop artiste, Melomania is set to thrill fans and music buffs with the recent release of his first official single entitled “Listen to the music”. With a fan base that cuts across all age brackets, the Imo State-born emerging act says his music and style is not only unique, but far different from what is currently obtainable in the Nigerian music scene. 
  Born Chukwuemeka Okorie, Melomania is gradually becoming an in-demand artiste and song writer who is set to rule the Nigerian airwaves with his groovy songs.
   Priding himself as a skillful artiste with unique style, the budding artiste noted thus: “I have waited for so long before dropping this single; this is simply because I wanted to come out with something different. The beats and lyrics are rich and enjoyable anytime. I think deep while composing my lyrics,” he said.
Describing his kind of music, the Mass Communication graduate of Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, stated: “My music is a fusion of Pop, Hip hop, R and B and reggae.  I didn’t just wake up and decided to drop a single; I started from the choir many years back. At a point I also joined a music group in Owerri called Zion Trend.  That shows that music as a career has been my childhood dream. I also write songs and play some musical instruments including guitar, bass, etc.”
Melomania who is currently planning collaboration with Tuface in his forthcoming album is inspired by a number of showbiz impresario, including, Bob Marley, Tuface, D’Banj and Ice Prince. “In fact, I was inspired into music by Bob Marley’s works,” he disclosed.

OC Ukeje: Africa’s king of the screen

By JAMES EMMANUEL
jemedia7@gmail.com

If the maiden edition of Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards which held in March 9, 2013, at the 5,000 capacity hall of Eko Hotel was a yardstick to measure actors’ successes, then Okechukwu Ukeje, fondly called O.C., is an extraordinary talent who excelled with distinction.

At that prestigious award ceremony, Ukeje did not only emerge as the Best Actor of the Year, his uncanny knacks for roles interpretation was also exceedingly celebrated by both the organizers and keen observers of the Nigerian movie industry globally known as Nollywood.

That was not his only achievement in the year under review. He also carted away many other movie related awards including ‘Best Actor in a Lead Role’ at the Best of Nollywood (BON) awards which held on Thursday, December 5, in Asaba, Delta State.

Others include ‘Best Actor Award’ at the Nollywood Movies Awards which held on Saturday, October 12, where he was rewarded with a brand new Nissan car; AMAA; and the coveted prize for Entertainment and Talents at the Future Awards which held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, among many others.  

“Winning the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards was a humbling experience. I had really powerful people to contend with in my category; people that are really good at what they do. This is Africa and I know I just have a few movies in circulation; it is just really wonderful to know that the viewers know I am good enough,” he joyfully said shortly after the AMVCA.

With a unique combination of good looks, an acting prowess and a great voice, Ukeje has set himself apart as an effervescent actor to reckon with. He stands tall with his phenomenal rise, large fan base, cult-like followership, and off course, the anticipated recognitions from industry stakeholders. No wonder he is the first actor to be named person of the year by Nigeria’s most authoritative voice on entertainment news- Entertainment Express.

More trouble for homosexuals, as Jonathan signs bill banning same sex marriage

Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan has approved a bill banning gay marriage and same-sex partnerships that sparked international condemnation, his spokesman said on Monday.

“I can confirm that the president has signed the bill into law,” Goodluck Jonathan’s spokesman Reuben Abati told AFP, without specifying a date but adding that it happened earlier this month.

Abati said Jonathan signed off on the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill 2013 because it was consistent with the attitudes of most people towards homosexuality in the west African nation.

“More than 90 percent of Nigerians are opposed to same sex marriage. So, the law is in line with our cultural and religious beliefs as a people,” he added.