DAREY,JODIE, OTHERS TOP NMVA 2011 NOMINEES LIST

The much anticipated nominee list for the yearly Nigerian Music Video Awards (NMVA) is finally out. And for the first time since its inception, the organizers are scoring a first in the business with the introduction of two new categories of awards, Best Southern Africa Video and Best Western Africa Video to cater for our West and South African brothers and sisters.

Leading the pack on the nominee list is Darey and Jódie with four nominations each. The duo is closely followed by Goldie and Freestyle who have three nominations in the kitty. Others are Omawunmi, Sammie Okposo, Dipp, T.I.V and Tipsy with two nominations. This year’s award recognizes the upcoming acts and also music video directors with excellent videos. This year’s show in the words of Cally Ikpe organiser of the show promises all the trappings of a world class event.

“We cannot afford to take chances with our standards as the whole entertainment industry is also agog wit expectation and everyone is looking forward to the huge event.” And with the judges promising a transparent judgment based on merit, the gladiators are assured that only the best will be chosen for honours. In furtherance of the organizers believe for traditional values, this year’s event has been tagged ‘Celebrating Our Cultural Heritage.

And to add value to this year’s event, the Federal Ministry of Tourism had during the week endorsed the project as a viable national brand deserving all institutional and corporate sponsorship. It may interest you to know that this year’s edition of the award will be hosted by the Lagos State Government.

POLICE KILL SEVEN ALLEGED KIDNAPPERS IN AKWA IBOM

On Thursday, October 27th, 2011, Policemen in the Eket Division in Akwa Ibom State shot and killed seven kidnap suspects in circumstances that remain unclear.

According to source, the suspected kidnappers were executed by the police in cold blood, raising concerns about the legal powers of the police to act as investigators, prosecutors, judges and implementers of judgments.

Thousands of residents in Eket metropolis thronged the police station to catch a glimpse of the remains of the suspects whose bodies were displayed in the premises.

Is it that jungle justice is a part of the Nigerian system?

VETERAN MOVIE MAKER,TUNDE KELANI PARTNERS WITH IRISH FILM MAKER TO LAUNCH FILM SCHOOL

Nigerian ace film producer and director, Tunde Kelani is partnering with seasoned Irish filmmaker cashell horgan to float a new film training school AFTTA which stands for Advanced film and Television training Africa. The film school is set to elevate the skills of Nigerian film and Television professionals.A press conference was recently held to unveil the partnership.

"Training of professionals had been an adhoc exercise over the last decade in Nigeria because just a few have the time, resources or inclination to plan for longer-term training"Tunde kelani said at the press conference.

“With AFTTA, we are offering the level of advanced training that would normally only be available in other distant countries and otherwise could not be affordable,” Kelani said. Tunde kelani has directed Nollywood hit movies like Oleku,Thunderbolt ,Abeni, Agogo ewo, campus queen and many more.

Pusha T Denies Dissing Drake, Reveals He Passed On Jay-Z & Kanye West "Paris" Beat

Earlier this week, Pusha T chopped it up with HipHopDX, breaking down several controversial subjects at hand. Explaining why his Fear of God II: Let Us Pray EP is landing in retail (November 8th), the G.O.O.D. Music signee addressed suspicions that he fired shots at Drake on his freestyle “Don’t Fuck With Me,” stating that he “never referenced” the Young Money rapper and that he’s “way too good for that.”

He additionally denied ever knowing Ambassador Rick, who recently popped off at the Clipse member, and how he’s already contributed to four tracks on the G.O.O.D. Music compilation album. To top it off, Pusha Ton later revealed that he passed on the beat that eventually became Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “Niggas in Paris.”

Lil Wayne Downplays "Rebirth" & "I Am Not A Human Being" Sequels, Isn't Satisfied With Nicki Minaj

Lil Wayne had a lot to say this week. Following news that he would be releasing Rebirth 2 and I Am Not a Human Being 2, the Young Money honcho downplayed the records during an interview, stating that they’re “unimportant” compared with upcoming LPs from Drake, Nicki Minaj and Birdman. But he was quick to voice his feelings on the Harajuku Barbie, expressing that he’s “not satisfied with anything she’s done.”

Meanwhile, he also said that he’s never heard Jay-Z and Kanye West’s Watch the Throne - and probably never will - while producer Kane Beatz shared was it was like to work with Weezy. On top of it all, 50 Cent hopped on the bandwagon and questioned the sales of his platinum Tha Carter IV.

Wale Preps "Ambition," Speaks On Rick Ross' Health

With his new album Ambition dropping on November 1st, Wale offered the world a preview of his sophomore set, releasing a YouTube clip featuring snippets of every track on the album. For fans, he also gave away his new track “Slight Work,” featuring Big Sean and produced by Diplo.

Additionally, the Maybach Music Group signee spoke on his boss Rick Ross’ health, stating that he’s on the mend but that he “just needs to get some rest.”

50 Cent Calls Lil Wayne's "Tha Carter IV" Album Sales "Suspect"

Fif questions figures showing "Tha Carter IV" sold close to one million records during its first week. It took just one week for Lil Wayne's Tha Carter IV to reach close to one million copies sold this past September, almost hitting the numbers of its predecessor, Tha Carter III, which managed to top one million units during its first week. The album also broke Jay-Z and Kanye West's Watch the Throne iTunes record by selling over 300,000 units in just four days.

Although claims have died down suggesting Cash Money owner Baby may have purchased excessive copies of the album, 50 Cent told Global Grind that he's still suspicious of the numbers. "To be honest with you, Lil Wayne sales are a little suspect to me," he said. "Because it was trending 600,000 pieces that week. And they didn't do a million copies, it was like 900,000."

He conceded that Tha Carter III was a legitimately prolific album, but held his doubts about Weezy's latest. "Tha Carter III commanded that energy," Fif said, "but the last one that just came out, those numbers are funny." Lil Wayne nor Baby have responded to the comments as of yet. 50 is currently getting ready to release his fifth studio album, slated for December.

US Top 10 Most Popular Hip Hop Singles The Week Of 10/24/2011

1. Drake featuring Lil Wayne - The Real Her

2. Wale featuring Big Sean - Slight Work

3. Kid CuDi - Bigger Than You

4. Wiz Khalifa - Rich People

5. Joe Budden - Why Would I

6. Pusha T - What Dreams Are Made Of

7. Ludacris featuring Big K.R.I.T. - I'm On Fire

8. Mary J. Blige featuring Drake - Mr. Wrong

9. Wiz Khalifa - Dessert Bait Freestyle

10. Drake featuring Nicki Minaj - Make Me Proud

D’Banj’s copyright case: I was never arrested – Nigerian musician: Kelly Hansome

There have been reports by various media outfits that on October 24th 2011, Nigerian musician Kelechi Orji aka Kelly Hansome was arrested concerning the copyright of 2Face Idibia featuring D’banj “Feelin Good” Freestyle Remix.

Today, Nollywoodgossip contacted the American based musician who is currently in Nigeria and below is what he told Live Online With Delia.

“I was not arrested but was simple asked to appear at the local police station, which I did. If they said I was arrested, they should provide the arrest warrant. Anyway the issue is resolved and we are fine.”

We also spoke with Kelly’s manager and he says:

“Kelly Hansome’s lawyer was supposed to meet up with members of MO ‘Hits to resolve the issue of copyright, but instead the issue ended up at the police station. The lawyer was asked to request the presence of Kelly, which he immediately did and Kelly obliged. Kelly came down to the station with another lawyer sent by FESTUS KEYEMO (EFCC Official Lawyer). Kelly was asked to sign documents stating he will take down the song from the internet and elsewhere; this was after it was proven that MO ‘Hits have the legal rights to the said song. The issue is now resolved. Kelly Handsome was never arrested.”

Now you’ve heard from the people themselves. Let’s move to another topic.

THE SECRET PAIN OF OSITA IHEME A.K.A PAWPAW

Star actor Osita Iheme is arguably one of the best actors of his generation. He is widely known for playing the role of 'Pawpaw' in the film Aki na Ukwa alongside Chinedu Ikedieze. In 2007 Osita received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the African Movie Academy Awards. He is considered to be one of Nigeria's most famous actors. In a recent interview with Entertainment Express,Iheme opened up about deep pain in his heart, which has continued to stick out like a sore thumb.

He said;I lost my father in 1990 under a mysterious circumstance. I was very young then. I can’t really say much about him because I was still a baby when he passed on. From what I learnt, he was a trader who travels a lot and was into merchandising. He made sure that his children were well brought up. He raised us with a good moral upbringing and the fear of God. He was that kind of father. He was a tall man. I can’t say this was what killed him. He just went home and we were told that he was dead. Let me add that he was a chief in his community.

I took after him his composure and confidence. He has a mind of his own and he would tell anyone what is wrong to their face. I also took the ability to be independent and fend for myself from him. There was no father-figure except my mother. Everything that shaped my personality, I got from my mother. She was also busy playing different roles in our lives at the same time; providing our daily bread and all that. I miss the man because I remember stories my elder ones told me about how he would discipline them. On her part my mother was not an iron lady.

I can’t recall much on how he died, but I asked them what was wrong. I just remember my mother wailing on that particular morning calling my father, Lawyer Ndigbo, a name my late father earned for being a mediator in the community. Interestingly, I had a foreboding of my father’s death in a dream. In my dream, I saw that I lost my dad. When I woke up I shared my dream with them not knowing that it had already happened the previous night. We were living in Aba but my father died in our village. I can’t say that I am a spiritualist but God has a way of communicating with me through dreams.

Asked about how he is managing his size,he said As for facing discrimination on account of my size, I have never allowed that to happen. I don’t allow what people say to dictate how I see myself. Like I said earlier, I am a strong-minded person and I don’t allow certain things to bug me or weigh me down. I also try to surround myself with positive people. I wouldn’t even give anybody the chance to kill my spirit anyway.

I am already thinking of marriage and it will happen very soon. I don’t know the person yet. I can only say that there a couple of them in the picture who I am considering. But as a young man, I have somebody whom I confide in. It is not about the size or shape but I believe that when I find that person I will know her. Yes, I am still searching. In fact, I am 100 percent still searching. The gist that somebody broke my heart sometime ago is untrue. Love has been kind to me.

MC Loph and Sister Buried

The late rapper, who died on September 14, 2011, with his only sibling, in a ghastly car accident, was buried yesterday Friday Oct 28th, 2011, at his family’s compound in Ugwuaro, Anambra State.

Denrele Edun Joins Channel O

The former Soundcity VJ has joined the South Africa based music station as a VJ. Channel O recently selected new, vibrant and talented VJ's from all over Africa to join their team. Denrele Edun was picked from Nigeria. Others are: Flavia Tumusiime (Uganda), Jokate Mwegelo (Tanzania), Joey Muthengi (Kenya), Stefen ‘J.Town’ Menson (Ghana) and Maya Wegerif, (South Africa)

DAY 17: Baba Suwe To Appear In Court November 1

The last two and a half weeks have been quite entertaining for Nigerians who have followed the NDLEA/Baba Suwe drama. Without paying a dime to buy or rent his movies, we have enjoyed every bit of a comedy series that doesn’t look like its ending soon.

Let’s do a short recap: On Wednesday, October 12, 2011 Baba Suwe (real name Babatunde Omidina) was reported in several papers to have been arrested by the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on suspicion of possession of hard drugs believed to be Cocaine while attempting to depart Lagos for Paris on a 10pm scheduled Air France flight AF3051. He was immediately taken into custody and placed under ‘observation’ where the NDLEA said he ‘tested positive to Drug Ingestion’.

The news of Baba Suwe’s supposed ‘arrest’ spread like wild fire and even made its way to foreign online publications like BBC.com and Yahoo News. Trust social networks like Facebook and Twitter to have already made the news a trending topic. It wasn’t the first time a Nigerian actor would be detained over the suspicion of possession of hard drugs but Baba Suwe is practically known by everybody. The search for hard substances in his excrete soon became a global concern.

The NDLEA through their rep Ofoyeju Mitchell later on disclosed to the general public that they never arrested the actor but that he was only detained by their officials. ‘There is reasonable ground for suspicion and the actor is currently under observation’, Hamza Umar, NDLEA Airport commander disclosed. As of the sixth day in NDLEA custody, the actor had excreted three times but nothing was found.

Today makes it 17 full days in detention for a now embattled Baba Suwe and tongues have started wagging. Some believe that that the actor should have been released after his third day in custody but a Federal High Court on Friday, October 21, 2011 approved the request made by the NDLEA to further keep the accused in custody for 15 more days. The request which was made through NDLEA’s lawyer, Theresa Asuquo was granted by Justice Okechukwu Okeke.

Reports also say that a 29-paragraph affidavit presented by an NDLEA intelligence officer, Femi Johnson Osifuye and a CT scan result issued by a consultant radiologist from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Dr. Subhash Vijayvargiya further suggested that Baba Suwe has ‘large amounts of drugs’ in his body.

The NDLEA also made known to the court that Baba Suwe while under observation refused to eat, claiming that he eats only once in three days. Hence they reason for keeping him longer.

This however didn’t stop a ‘Fundamental Rights Group’ to drag the NDLEA to court and even sue them for N100M (One hundred million Naira). On Tuesday, October 26, 2011, a fundamental enforcement rights suit was filed at the Lagos high Court, Ikeja presided over by Justice Yetunde Idowu. Justice Idowu ordered the NDLEA to produce Baba Suwe in court on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 in suit for the enforcement of his ‘fundamental rights’.

Baba Suwe’s son, Adesola Omidina in an affidavit before the court made it known that his father told him that he eats thrice daily and has excreted eight times so far. The affidavit further stated that his father has been a diabetic patient for over five years and is in danger of death.

However, the NDLEA say they are still observing. ‘We are still investigating, thank you’, Ofoyeju told Nigerian Entertainment last week. The 15-day custody will end on November 5, 2011.