MR. LATIN WELCOMES BABY GIRL HOURS AFTER DEATH RUMOUR

It’s less than 24 hours since comedic actor Bolaji Amusan popularly known as Baba Latin was rumoured dead and after making sure he made everyone know he’s alive and kicking, the actor has announced the arrival of his new baby.

Reports say Latin’s wife delivered the baby girl this morning in Dublin, Ireland.

The actor’s fans have taken to his Facebook Page which was flooded with condolence messages hours ago to congratulate him.

‘Congratulation on ur new born baby girl am wishing her long life in gud health nd wealth baba omo tuntun u are blessed’, a fan, Akanke Ruq’at Olaide wrote.

‘Congratulation my brother, on the arrival of your new bouncing baby girl. May God continue to bless and protect you and your family. I am so happy for you. Its well!!!!’, another fan, Olabanji Odumosu said.

Sources say Latin will head to Dublin to meet his family this Friday.

SEGUN ARINZE QUITS AGN LEADERSHIP

National president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Segun Arinze, has reportedly resigned, owing to internal wrangling, with immediate effect.

In a statement addressed to the AGN Board of Trustees, and purportedly signed by the actor, he is giving up his post as a result of the ‘sad development’ which marred the guild’s elections, which took place at Baden Hotel in Benin City, Edo state, on Friday April 27, 2012.

Confirmation is yet to be received from the actor, as repeated phone calls and text messages were unanswered at the time of reporting. However, it appears to be the outcome of the ‘drastic action’ he previously told NET he would take after consultation with the guild’s Board of Trustees (BOT), immediately after the botched elections.

The elections into various positions in the guild have witnessed various challenges over time, including three postponements and a court injunction halting its conduct, championed by factional leader, Emeka Ike.

Below is a copy of the said resignation letter;

‘ …In view of the recent happenings in the actors guild of Nigeria and the recently botched elections in Benin… It is indeed a sad development for AGN. In actual fact my tenure as president ended on the 9th of December 2011 but I stayed on as president in deference to the

BOT and the vast majority of our members who prevailed on me to oversee a successful transition to a new president through a free and fair election. The events in Benin on the 28th of April 2012 is now common knowledge. I know I constituted an independent Agnec that was supposed to be devoid of any electoral rancour or external influences. For my integrity and honour, I hereby resign as president of actors guild of Nigeria and it comes into effect immediately. I want to thank the BOT for all the support given during my tenure, the state chapter chairmen, my fellow presidents from other guilds in Nollywood, all AGN members and especially the media for their tremendous support and positive given during my tenure. I want to thank profoundly my wife julie for holding on during the challenging period of service to the guild.

I wish the guild the very best as we move forward.

Thanks and warm regards.

Yours faithfully

Segun Arinze‘

WHY JIM IYKE SHUNNED AMAA

Sources close to top actor Jim Iyke,who anchored the 7th edition of African Movie Academy Awards,AMAA held in Bayelsa State last year, revealed that he was listed as A-class actors to receive VIP ticket for the show that held at Eko Hotel and Suites penultimate Sunday.

He was said to have received his ticket as early as Tuesday and informed his close pals that he will storm the event in grand style with an entourage of seven men.

According to those who peddle the gist, gorgeous Jim Iyke declared his intentions towards AMAA on Wednesday, April 19 and was said to have gotten all his designer wears ready.

However, the actor was nowhere around the venue during that bright evening, allowing his Limousine ride arranged by the organizers of AMAA to waste.

It was disclosed that this Anambra State born actor who is usually associated with mood swings, called his friends on Friday morning and related to them that he will no longer grace AMAA.

When asked why, he revealed that he cannot face the press.

He insisted that if there is any way he will appear inside the hall without passing through the red carpet, he will attend the event.

As it is impossible to find himself in the hall without passing the longest red carpet ever seen in any event in recent times, the actor shunned the event. As gathered,Jim Iyke abandoned the award because of the bad image he garnered last year, especially his alleged N15million scam court case with an ex-girl friend.

The recent allegation that he was also beaten to pulp over a babe in Cameroun has not died down completely despite his very plausible denials.

NOLLYWOOD STAR RAMSEY NOUAH ON THE VERGE OF QUITTING ACTING

One of Africa’s brightest movie stars, Ramsey Nouah has disclosed that he is on the verge of bowing out of his cherished love, acting, after about two decades on the silver screen.

The actor made his breakthrough into one of the world’s biggest movie industries, Nollywood, after auditioning and earning a role in the television series, Fortunes, in 1991.

About two decades down the line and starring in several well-known productions, Ramsey Nouah wants to say bye-bye although many think he is still in his prime.

The actor made this astonishing revelation during an interview with Joseph Akahome of Nigerian Entertainment Today.

According to him, “I think I’ve had my fair share. To my fans and loved ones, I know they’ll always want to see me on screen, but as they say, it’s best to leave when the ovation is loudest. I want to leave a very strong legacy. I believe I have left a very strong imprint in that line. There’s no possible way you can mention ‘Nollywood’ without mentioning Ramsey Nouah.”

He however revealed that all is not lost as he will not abandoning the movie industry entirely.

Ramsey wants to spend the future behind the scenes: “Well, I’ll be going behind the scenes. I’ll still be acting a bit here and there, but it will phase out for directing eventually. For a while now, I’ve not really been on the screen, and that’s because I don’t want to act just because I want to be on TV.

“I only want to be associated with the kind of movies that are poised to take the industry to another level, which is where we are headed now. Plus, I want to focus on working behind the scenes.”

Apart from being behind the scenes, Ramsey born in Edo, Nigeria to an Israeli father and a Yoruba mother, said he will also be dedicating his time to humanitarian activities and charitable ventures.

“I started a project at one point in time, but due to circumstances I wasn’t able to see it through, so it didn’t see the light of day, but I’m working on that now and getting the resources together. Like I said, I grew up not having much, so I know the pains. Sometimes you want to help, but greedy people hijack it and in the end, the people who really need the help don’t get it.”

Born Ramsey Tokunbo Nouah Jr, in 16 July 1973, he has starred in several productions such as A Private Storm, Hidden Treasure, True Sacrifice, Last Faculty, Governor’s Wife, Dangerous Twins, and Figurinewhich earned him Best Actor in a Leading Role award at the 2010African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).

SEGUN ARINZE, HAKEEM RAHMAN FIGHT DIRTY OVER AGN MONEY

Segun Arinze and Hakeem Rahman are undoubtedly top actors; they both serve in the outgoing exco of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), as National President and National Vice President respectively.

The interesting thing about these actors is the fact no love exists between them, the genesis of which is a certain money allegedly given to the AGN by Oil and Gas Magnate,Ifeanyi Ubah of Capital Oil.

The 2 of them have continued to live like day and night for a while, avoiding to see each other one on one.

The latest gist on this fight between Segun Arinze and Hakeem Raham is that their cat and mouse relationship recently degenerated into a physical confrontation during the recently held AGN Day, at the National Theatre,Ignamu ,Lagos.

We learnt since their cold war started,they have not seen face to face until that fateful day.

Segun Arinze,after the event, made for his silver colour SUV to leave the venue, but almost immediately,Hakeem Rahman accosted him and roughly opened the car’s door.

The next thing, he started raining punches on him,asking him why he(Segun) has been sidelining him on all the monies accruing to the Guild as its National Vice President.

This attracted the attention of people around,including the AGN’S Board of Trustees(BOT) Chairman,Ifeanyi Dike,state and national officers present,members of the BOT amongst others.

Segun Arinze all this while didn’t fight back,saying he does not want to discuss the issue.

It would be recalled that things went awry between the duo over Ifeanyi Ubah’s largesse.

According to the story,Hakeem Rahman accused Segun Arinze of not giving him his own share of the money,and not including him,Segun’s Vice,among the few actors who went to Hollywood courtesy of the same Ifeanyi Ubah.

These,indeed,created a lot of controversies among members of the guild.

According to one of them,on condition of anonymity, the largesse was not properly shared,hence the anger among some executive members and senior actors,who were completely left out of the money.

It’s quite sad,unacceptable and unethical for our President,Segun Arinze,and a few of his cronies to embark on a frivolous trip to the US,with the whole money given to the Guild.What was their rationale for selecting those who went on that jamboree?

How much was kept in the AGN account? Nothing! I even gathered that they shared the remaining dollars among themselves.Is that good for the image of AGN?

It’s high time these people stopped running our noble Guilld like a private estate.They keep crucifying government officials for disobeying due process,yet they are the worst culprits.How can you embark on a jamboree with the millions you used the Guild’s name to collect without following due process? Asked this insider.

The Public Relations Officer(PRO) of the AGN,Mr. Abubarkar reacted to the allegation saying that the 20,000 US dollars was money donated to the Guild by Ifeanyi Ubah.

According to him the money was not meant for AGN,but for those who made the trip to the US,that is where they got it all wrong.That was why the man refused to give such money to the Guild because of these kinds of wahala

He further said each person had a BTA,and they were all given an equal BTA.Those who did not travel would not have part of the money just as I did not because I did not make the trip.

All of these were thrown at Hakeem Rahman and he confirmed that I fought Segun Arinze because of AGN money and not just over Ifeanyi Ubah’s donation

Someone very close to Hakeem,told us that the Guild is now waiting for Segun Arinze to step down,for him to properly and openly investigate him and his cabinet for allegedly misappropriating the Guild’s fund.

CHIDI MOKEME AND JEAN CHINWE OLUMBA TRADITIONAL WEDDING CEREMONY

Popular Nollywood actor, Chidi Mokeme, Saturday, April 21 performed his traditional marriage to lover, Jean Chinwe Olumba in Owerri, Imo State.

His church wedding is expected to take place in Lagos next week Saturday while the reception holds at Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

Congrats to Jean & Chidi Mokeme

MEN JUST WANT TO USE AND DUMP ME - RONKE OSHODI OKE

She is well endowed both mentally and physically. But not many people know that she’s brainy, they only rate her by the size of her bust. To tell the truth, Ronke Ojo became popular for her lead role in Ronke Oshodi Oke, a movie that parades her as a woman that can move mountain with her big boobs. Since then, movie buffs have not stopped calling her Ronke Oshodi Oke.
In a recent encounter with The Entertainer, the pretty actress, who has earned more laurels as a comedian, opens up on her love life, love for comedy and her yet-to-be-released Yoruba epic, Osun Sengese among other issues. Enjoy it.

What was your growing up like?
I grew up in a lovely family. We love each other and we are always there for one another. My father was once a Custom officer before he had problems. After the problems with the Customs, things were a bit rough at home but to God be the glory here we are today.
I played so many pranks as a young girl. My mom was a teacher and you know teachers are very strict so, she ensured that I was well disciplined.

How long ago have you been acting?
This is my 14th year in the movie industry. I have been a lover of movie since I was very young. Then I was obsessed with India films on LTV 8. I also used to watch soap operas staring people like Yinka Quadri, Oga Fala and others. I have been a lover of entertainment and it has been in me right from childhood. During my primary and secondary school days, I was very active in the cultural group. After my secondary education, I made my intention to act known to Muftau Oladokun popularly known as Alaran and he welcomed it. I then picked up a form of N500 - the form used to be N1000 but I paid N500. It used to be Star Parade then at Fadeyi. It was a caucus of Muftau Oladokun (Alaran), Baba Ojoge, Baba Otolo, Lola Idije, Lekinson, Bose Olubo, and Oyinda, Kukute.

What kind of production were they doing?
It was home video, which is a bit different with Yoruba movies. You have to undergo training before you feature in any Yoruba movie. We had a rehearsal ground where we used to sing, dance and act just for you to have the idea of what you want to do.

What was the first production you did with Alaran Theatre Group?
I started with a stage production entitled, Ogun Ahoyaya. It’s a joint production, which involved all associations of theatre practitioners. The play was staged at the Eyo Festival. Initially, I joined the group because I could sing. So, when I got there they tested my voice and were satisfied with it and then said I could join them. I was fortunate because for a new person to start with a stage production is a very big task. The stage is not like a movie where the director will direct on what to do, it is far different from it.

Did you go through an audition?
It was not really an audition. I was just fortunate, it wasn’t audition; I was just fortunate to be part of the production. I played the role of Eletu’s wife. It’s a story of Lagos. Eletu was a character in the production and I played his wife. It was a play written by Prince Jide Kosoko and was directed by Leye Owolo.

How challenging was the role and were you paid for it?
Not at all, I was not paid for the role but it is what I love doing. I didn’t experience any stress, it was what I love doing because I like challenges a lot. After the production, we started doing some home videos. I featured in Shattered Dream, Died Wretched, Lagos Boys 1&2, and one or two soaps on NTA then that I couldn’t remember the names now.
Yes, they were all produced in English language.

Which role have you played that you’ll describe as more challenging?
Two roles. The first was about 10 years ago where I acted as an elderly woman. It was a film written by Uncle Wemimo and entitled, Kodun Kopo Kope (KKK). I played the role of Bimbo Oshin’s mother and we are mates, I was still young and very slim then. It wasn’t easy but I took it as a challenge because I like challenges. And to God be the glory becuase people like the movie. Then, my first comedy film entitled, Gbajumo. It was produced in 2005. The challenging thing about the film was that it was my first comedy role, and I was the producer of the film.

Did you write the story?
Yes, I wrote it but it was directed by Saheed Balogun, he gave me the idea and I wrote something on it. He was the major character in the film and also directed it. He did so many things while we were shooting the movie. He also encourages me a lot.

Apart from acting, what other things do you do? Are you also into business?
No, but I would like to go into business.

What do you do at your leisure time?
I am a very homely person, I don’t go out. I use my leisure time to stay at home and play with my family especially my daughter.

Divorce is very rampant in the industry, what is your reaction to this?
I wouldn’t say divorce is rampant in the industry; it is rampant in the world of today. That is what is going on everywhere. It is the problem of the modern day. If I am not an actress and I am not destined to have a settled home, I wont have it. If I am actress and I am destined to have a settled home, I will have it. Some people say that the nature of our job creates room for unsettled home. No, it is not so. It is because we are in the limelight. It is happening in every family. It is a naturally thing. As far as I am concerned, troubled marriage has got nothing to do with our profession. Any man that approaches me should know what I am doing and if you love me, you will love me with whatever that makes me happy. Marriage is like a contract that you are not expected to breach. If your partner is okay with you, then go on with it.

What makes you happy?
I am happy when I am on set. Whenever I am on set, I feel good seeing my colleagues and doing what I know how to do best. That is my happiest moment. I am very passionate about acting.

How are you coping with male admirers?
Talking about relationships, my brother, I have had my share of disappointments and heartbreaks. I discovered that some men just wanted to use and dump me but they didn’t know that I’ve leant my lessons, and I have learnt to move on unhurt.

What turns you off?
It is when people ignore me. For instance, I was in a bank recently and a lady came to hug me. I was on a queue and there is one thing about me, I don’t like raising eyebrow because as far as I am concerned, we are all equal in the presence of God. But I was there on the queue for 15 minutes and the cashier was just looking at me as if he did not know me. On getting to him, he stupidly said ‘even if you use eye shades we recognize you’ but I have been standing on the queue for more than 15 minutes and all the bank staffs pretended they didn’t know me, only to get to the counter and see them all laughing. I said ‘so you all know me and I’ve been standing there all this while’. It was embarrassing to me. Look, I use GTB and whenever I get into the banking hall, they attend to me quickly. I will even be the one to tell them to attend to other people before me, that we are all equal. Sometimes, people will meet me on the road and ask me to greet them first. It is funny to me because I don’t know who you are; it is you that knows me. You are supposed to say ‘hi’ and if I did not reply, you can then complain. If I get on the street and start greeting everybody, won’t they say I am mad? Some even abuse you that you are arrogant but I just smile on such occasions. If you are dealing with the public, there are some nuisances that you just have to ignore.

Can you talk briefly on your new epic, Osun Sengese?
It is my first traditional movie and secondly, I am a Christian and I know there is God. When I was in the US, I discovered that what we call rubbish here in Africa are the things the Whites treasure as gold. They adore it but we, the originator, abuse it. Our culture is dying gradually. So many things are wrong, the world itself is collapsing; everything is going upside down.
I was at Osogbo some few weeks back before I traveled to the UK with Yemi Elebuibon. I went for research together with Bayo Tijani, Seun Olaiya and Abey Lanre, the directors of the movie. We went there to do some research because the film we’re doing will make some people ask question. So, we wanted to perfect the film to an extent that even if they criticize us, there will be a limit. We also wanted to convince people that we know what we are doing. At Elebuibon’s place, we met an American and some people from Brazil, UK, France and so on. The most amazing part of it was that the American is a Babalawo (Herbalist), a white man for that matter. The one from France is Iya Mogba, they were all looking at my palms and prophesying my future.
That takes me to my film, Osun Sengese. It is a play that preaches against discrimination in our religion. And it also tells people that Osun was the first woman in Yorubaland that actually fought for women. She was the first female activist in Yorubaland. I did not know all these until I started doing research about the play.

When will it be out?
Well, let’s leave that to my marketer, Corporate Pictures.

How many movies have you written or produced?
Apart from Osun Sengese, I have written and produced 12 movies. I love all my movies but the one I love most is Ife Lakoja Ofin. I love the story line.

ACTORS GUILD ELECTION TEARS NOLLYWOOD APART, USING JUJU, THREATS AND INTIMIDATIONS

Perennially troubled Nollywood is currently experiencing another crisis ahead of the forthcoming national election of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), scheduled for Saturday, April 28, at a yet-to-be fixed venue.

Reliable information reaching ACTION!, has it that some candidates, their supporters and godfathers are already fomenting trouble and scheming on how to sabotage the forthcoming polls.

Shockingly, more daring ones, we further scooped are openly boasting of using Juju, threats and intimidations to scare away those candidates they perceived as stumbling blocks to their desired posts.

Recently, one of the contestants openly warned and threatened the electoral chairman, Sunny Mcdon, during a screening exercise.
Our source, who witnessed the ugly show of shame, said trouble began when the contestant failed to prove to the screening committee that the credentials he brought were his.

It took the intervention of other members to calm frayed nerves and extricate dazed Mc Don, from the firm grip of the rampaging contestant, whom we were told threatened fire and brimstone.

As it stands, many industry stakeholders and practitioners are doubting the April 28 date, based on the shoddy preparations on ground and the do or die attitude of some of the contestants.

Again, another insider confided in us that the non challant attitude of Segun Arinze, the incumbent president has not helped matters in the embattled guild. He’s been accused of non performance and running the affairs of the once vibrant guild aground with his self appointed cohorts and cronies. “His body language towards this election has been very abysmal,” maintained one of the key contestants.

The trio of Ibinabo Fiberesima, Steve Eboh and Emeka Rollas, are gunning for the plum office of President of the guild.

AMAA 2012 NOMINEES & WINNERS

Best Short Film category.

Nominees:
Jamaa - Uganda,
Look Again, Kenya,
Maffe Tiga - Guinea,
Braids on a Bald Head - Nigeria
Hidden Life - South Africa
Mwansa the Great - Zambia
Chumo - Tanzania
Young Smoker - Nigeria

Winner is Braids on a Bald Head


Best Documentary category

Nominees:
African Election - Nigeria/Germany
Beyond the Deadly Pit - Rwanda
Awa Ogbe: An African Adventure - Algeria
Dear Mandel -South Africa
White & Black,Crime & Colour -Tanzania
The Niger Delta Struggle - Ghana
There's nothing wrong with my uncle -Nigeria

Winner is : African Election - Germany/Nigeria


Best Diaspora Feature

Nominees:
Toussaint Loventure - France
Ghetta Life - Jamaica
High Chicago - Canada
Elza - Guadaloupe
Better Must Come - Jamaica
Kinyanrwanda - USA

Winner Is : Toussaint Loventure - France


Best Diaspora Documentary

Nominees:
The Education of Auma Obama - Germany
White Wash - USA
Almendron mi Corazon - Guadaloupe
The Life and Times of Winfred Hubert

Winner Is : The Education of Auma Obama - Nigeria/Germany


Best Short Film in Diaspora

Nominees:
John Doe - USA
White Sugar in a Black Pot - USA
The Lost One - USA

Winner Is: White Sugar in a Black Pot


Best Animation

Nominees:
The Legend of Ngog Hills - Kenya
Oba - Nigeria
Climate Change is Real - Kenya
Egu - Ghana
Nauliza Why - Kenya

Winner Is : The Legend of Ngog Hills - Kenya


Best Film by An African Living Abroad.

Nominees:
Mystery of Birds - US/Nigeria
Housemates - UK/Nigeria
Ben Kross - Italy/Nigeria
Paparazzi Eye in the Dark - USA/Nigeria/Ghana

Winner Is : Mystery of Birds - US/Nigeria


Best Achievement in Production Design

Nominees:
Somewhere in Africa - Ghana
Phone Swap - Nigeria
Otelo Burning -South Africa
Adesuwa - Nigeria
How to Steal 2 Million - Africa

Winner Is : Kunle Afolayan's Phone Swap


Achievement in Costume Design

Nominees:
The Captain of Nakara
Adesuwa
Rugged Priest
Somewhere in Africa
Queens Desire

Winner Is : Adesuwa

Achievement in Makeup

Nominees:
Rugged Priest - Kenya
State Research Bureau - Uganda
Adesuwa - Nigeria
Somewhere in Africa - Ghana
Shattered - Kenya

Winner Is: Shattered - Kenya


Best Achievement in Soundtrack.

Nominees:
Otelo Burning - South Africa
Alero's Symphony - Nigeria
Adesuwa - Nigeria
How to Steal 2M - South Africa
Somewhere in Africa - Ghana

Winner is : Alero's Symphony (soundtrack done by ex-Plantashiun Boiz star, Faze)


Prize for Achievement in Visual Effects

Nominees:
Behind the Mask - Ghana
Somewhere in Africa - Ghana
Adesuwa -Nigeria
State Research Bureau - Uganda

Winner is : Adesuwa


Best Achievement in Sound

Nominees:
State Of Violence – South Africa
Otelo Burning – South Africa
How To Steal 2 Million – South Africa
Man On Ground – South Africa
Algiers Murder – South Africa

Winner: State of Violence - South Africa


Achievement in Cinematography

Nominees:
How To Steal 2 Million – South Africa
Othello Burning – South Africa
Rugged Priest – Kenya
Masquerades – Ghana
Man On Ground – South Africa/Nigeria

Winner: Othello Burning - South Africa


Achievement in Editing

Nominees:
Algiers Murder – South Africa
Man On Ground – South Africa/Nigeria
Unwanted Guest – Nigeria
How To Steal 2 Million – South Africa
Otelo Burning – South Africa
Alero’s Symphony – Nigeria

Winner Is: How to Steal 2 Million


Best Child Actor

Nominees:
Rahman Junior Bande (Greg) – Behind The Mask
Tsepang Mohlomi (Ntwe) – Otelo Burning
Reginna Danies (Jenny) – Bank Job
Benjamin Abemigisha & Racheal Nduhukire (Derick And Margaret) – JAMAA
Ayinla O. Abdulaheem – Zr-7

Winner Is: Tshepang Mohlomi (South Africa)

Achievement In Screenplay

Nominees:
Ties That Bind – Ghana
Mr & Mrs – Nigeria
How To Steal 2 Million – South Africa
Otelo Burning – South Africa
Unwanted Guest – Nigeria
Two Brides And A Baby – Nigeria

Winner Is: Ties That Bind – Ghana


Best Actress In A Supporting Role

Nominees:
Terry Phetto –How To Steal 2 Million
Ebbe Bassey –Ties That Bind
Empress Njamah –Bank Job
Ngozi Ezeonu –Adesuwa
Thelma Okoduwa –Mr & Mrs
Omotola Jalade Ekeinde – Ties That Bind

Winner Is: Terry Phetto – How To Steal 2 Million


Best Actor In A Supporting Role

Nominees:
Rapuldna Seiphemo (Twala) – How to Steal 2 Million
Fano Mokoena – Man on Ground
Hafiz Oyetoro – Phone Swap
Okechukwu Uzoesi – Two Brides and a Baby
Godfrey Theobejane – 48
Lwanda Jawar –Rugged Priest

Winner Is: Fano Mokoena – Man on Ground


Best Film

Nominees:
State Of Violence (South Africa)
Adesuwa (Nigeria)
Otelo Burning (South Africa)
Rugged Priest (Kenya)
How to Steal 2 Million (South Africa)
Ties That Bind (Ghana)
Man on Ground (South Africa/Nigeria)

Winner Is: How to Steal 2 Million (South Africa)


Best Nigerian Film

Nominees:
Unwanted Guest
Family On Fire
Alero’s Symphony
Adesuwa
Phone Swap


Winner Is: Adesuwa


Best Promising Actor

Nominees:
Neo Ntatleno (Oj) – State Of Violence
Ivie Okujaye (Alero) – Alero’s Symphony
Iyobosa Olaye (Adesuwa) – Adesuwa
Martha Ankomah – Somewhere In Africa
Thomas Gumede& Sihle Xaba – Otelo Burning

Winner Is: Ivie Okujaye


Best Film In An African Language
Nominees:

Chumo (Tanzania)
State Of Violence (South Africa)
Family On Fire (Nigeria)
Otelo Burning (South Africa)
Asoni (Cameroun)

Winner Is: State of Violence


Best Actress In A Leading Role

Nominees:
Nse Ikpe Etim – Mr & Mrs
Yvonne Okoro – Single Six
Ama K. Abebrese – Ties That Bind
Rita Dominic – Shattered
Uche Jombo – Damage
Millicent Makheido – 48
Kudzai Sevenzo-Nyarai – Playing Warriors

Winner Is: Rita Dominic – Shattered


Best Actor In A Leading Role

Nominees:
Menzi Ngubane – How to Steal 2 Million
Majid Micheal – Somewhere In Africa
Chet Anekwe – Unwanted Guest
Jafta Mamabolo – Otelo Burning
Karabo Lance – 48
Wale Ojo – Phone Swap
Hakeem Kae-Kazim – Man on Ground

Winner Is: Majid Micheal – Somewhere In Africa

Best Director

Nominees:
Adesuwa – Lancelot Oduwa Imaseun
Ties That Bind – Leila Djansi
Rugged Priest – Bob Nyanja
How to Steal 2 Million – Charlie Vundla
State Of Violence – Khalo Matabane
Man on Ground – Akin Omotoso
Otelo Burning – Sara Bletcher

Winner Is: Charlie Vundla For How to Steal 2 Million


Special jury Award goes to Akin Omotosho

HOLLYWOOD ACTORS MORRIS CHESTNUT AND ROCKMOND DUNBAR LAND IN NIGERIA FOR AMAA

The actors arrived Nigeria this afternoon for the 2012 African Movie Academy Awards which will take place this Sunday April 22nd at Eko Hotel, Lagos.

STAR NOLLYWOOD ACTOR, PAWPAW ACQUIRES N7.5M LR3 SUV

Popular Nollywood actor, Osita Iheme well known as pawpaw has acquired a new automobile.

The actor, who is the one of Aki and Pawpaw duo, recently bought an LR3 Land Rover SUV.

On Sunday, April 15, he took the wonders on wheel to the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Righteous Parish, Ogba for dedication.

The car, as we learnt, worth about 7.5 million naira.

Last year, his other half, Aki, married while some speculated that pressure is mounting on him to do likewise

NOLLYWOOD ACTOR JIM IYKE BUY CARS WORTH N16M

Even after the arrest of Baba Suwe, actors have continued to hammer and show no sign of stopping soon. Jim Iyke took delivery plymouth prowler convertible (photo below) and another a camero SS convertible 2011 in silver straight from the USA to resell. Jim Iyke claims the cars were worth 16M ($104k), although from my quick research you could get the fairly used form around $70k, but hey its all good.

I am very happy for him. also Jim Iyke is set to launch a N90M mall in Abuja soon (in about 2 weeks time), the mall is called 'JI's untamed closet't.

PS: The prowler is owned by only two people in all of abuja and jim is the only one with a camero convertible while another lebanese couple own a camero but a couple.

Nice one bruv

SAIDI BALOGUN,MERCY AIGBE,BIMBO OSHIN & OTHERS ON TOUR IN US

Yoruba movie actors and actresses as you read this are on tour of the United States of America.

They left the shores of the country penultimate week.

The movies stars are currently on tour and poised to thrill their international fans with scintillating stage performances at President Obama’s country.

Mercy Aigbe will also begin shooting of her new movie in the states alongside her other actors and actresses who will also feature in the blockbuster project.

Their trip to the US especially for Sanyeri(Adeniyi Afonja),Eniola Badmus popularly called Gbogbo Big Girls,Bimbo Oshin,Kunle Adegbite,Murphy Afolabi is expected to give fillip to their ratings and careers as Yoruba movie stars.

UNMASKING THE NOLLYWOOD CABAL

Well,not a cabal really but perhaps a clique.

We are talking about Globacom Ambassadors from the entertainment,especially Nollywood,who have formed a kind of cartel.

These actors and actresses who were found worthy and honoured by Globacom as brand ambassadors are well respected in the industry as a result of this very feat.Hence,they seem to be at the apex of Nollywood right now and have formed their own little world where they do everything together.

It can only take you to also become a Globacom Ambassador in order to break into their clique.

Consequently,to most of these guys,it seems Globacom is the best thing to have happen to their lives since butter was discovered for bread and they have been watching each other’s backs in order not to run afoul of the terms of contract.

A lot of them wish it is a lifetime contract.

Checkout the list of Nollywood artistes that are Globacom Ambassadors

Ramsey Nouah ,Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha ,Ini Edo ,Rita Dominic ,Uche Jombo ,Mike Ezuruonye,Funke Akindele ,Kunle Afolayan ,Odunlade Adekola ,Monalisa Chinda,Desmond Elliot,Nonso Diobi.

ACTOR JIM IYKE IN INJURY CONTROVERSY

Star actor and Nollywood’s ‘bad boy’ Jim Iyke was reportedly at the receiving end of an altercation that left him severely battered, prompting a surgical operation in the UK recently.

The actor was said to have received this ‘treatment’ in a Cameroonian town called Limbe where he was part of the cast taking part in a movie there.

According to sources, and unconfirmed media reports, the actor, in company of an un-named movie producer had gone to a local hang out spot to unwind after the day’s business, but was prevented from relaxing by fans, mostly females who were all over him once they recognised him.

Things however took a different turn when an army personnel, angered by the fact that Jim Iyke had taken advantage of the situation to flirt with his lady friend, approached him. We’re told a scuffle ensued in which the actor emerged all bloodied and bruised.

A source who has worked with the actor on various occasions confirmed the situation.

‘I know he (Jim Iyke) was involved in a fracas that left him in bad shape lately. I think he let his arrogance get the better of him that day, a costly mistake he would have by now realised considering the fact that he was dealing with someone trained to kill with or without weapons. I don’t know for a fact if he was flown to Britain for surgery though‘.

However, debunking the story that a lady was involved in the saga, the actor’s lawyer, Esther Uzoma, speaking in court during the actor’s on-going share scam trial, stated that he was inadvertently injured by fans who mobbed him upon realising who he was in that country during a video shoot.

She was explaining the reason to trial judge Azubuike Okeagu, why he wasn’t in court that day (Tuesday March 13, 2012) since he was receiving treatment at a hospital.

‘Your worship, I wish to bring to your notice that my client, James Ikechukwu Esomugha, known as Jim Iyke, is presently in hospital, as it stands presently, he is not fit to stand his trial as the constitution requires … He was mobbed in Cameroun when he went for a video shoot last week‘.

This is not the first time the actor, whose real name is James Ikechukwu Esomugha, has been in the middle of a scuffle case.

In 2009, he was allegedly beaten by soldiers in Katsina, and then made to continue work in a movie after he threatened to leave for reasons bordering on contract terms.

He is currently involved in a share scam case in Abuja, after having allegedly duped one Hajia Abiba Abubakar of the sum of 15 million naira purportedly representing 15 per cent stake in his music label, Untamed Records.

The case has been adjourned for hearing to April 17, 2012.

TOP ACTOR JOSEPH BENJAMIN LAUDS GENEVIEVE NNAJI

Talented actor-cum-model Joseph Benjamin is no doubt the rave of the moment in the Nigerian movie industry, where he holds sway as a formidable force.

The talented thespian recently emerged winner of the Most Stylish Actor at the City People 7th Fashion and Style Awards.

In a recent interview, the handsome thespian lauds Genevieve Nnaji and reveals his sudden rise to success .

I will always give credit to Tango With Me,the one I did with Genevieve although I did a couple of movies before that.It was a great move for me and that really put me on the map so to say.

I got an invitation to read for a role by director Mamud Balogun,apparently he had an idea of the kind of character he needed.He showed me the story and I simply fell for it because it was something that bordered on our everyday life that a lot of people shy away from

Asked,what was it like for you acting with Genevieve;he said It was a great experience and my first time of acting with her.She is very amazing and down-to-earth.

She is professional and she brought out the best in me.

A lot of people think she is a snob and egocentric but that’s a complete opposite of who she really is.She is a thorough professional in what she does that made it a lot easier for me.

ACTOR JUNIOR POPE SURVIVES ATTACK

Talented actor Junior Pope Odonwodo is one of the movie acts making waves in the Eastern part of the country.

The popular actor narrowly escaped death on Monday,12th March after he had an encounter with some hoodlums on his way to a location.

It was gathered that the fast-rising actor was on his way to Enugu for a movie shoot when he was way laid by robbers along the Owerri-Port Harcourt Expressway but he was lucky enough as he took to hiding with some of the other lucky commuters who foresaw the operation and cleared off the road while they fled into the bush to hide from the hoodlums.

The criminals had a filled day robbing innocent passengers and motorists of their money and valuables,and causing heavy traffic along the Expressway while they shot sporadically in the air.

According to the actor,they remained in hiding until the operation ended but he also narrowly escaped being hit by a stray bulklet.

DANIEL ADEMINOKAN SPEAKS ON MARRIAGE BREAK-UP TALE WITH WIFE, DORIS SIMEON

Some weeks ago, Nigeriafilms.com brought you a reports on a break-up rumour between Nollywood actress, Doris Simeon and her husband, Daniel Ademinokan.

In the break-up tale, controversial actress, Tonto Dikeh was allegedly fingered to be the major cause of the strain in relationship between Doris and Daniel. Tonto has since dissociated herself from the rumour.

Coming from the heat the rumour has generated since the story broke, Daniel Da Bishop, as Daniel is also called, has finally opened up on his alleged marriage problem with Doris.

In an un-edited statement retrieved by Nigeriafilms.com, Daniel stated, "I want to use this medium to express my gratitude to people who have been very supportive in the course of my career.

Also, a big thank you to people who have encouraged me through thick and thin and most especially the loss of my dad.

Without you guys who go out there to see the films I make, there would be no point even making the films in the first place. God bless you.

I know that a lot has been going on in the media as regards my private life and I have seen countless accounts of events that I know absolutely nothing about. (Including prophecies that I now work with the minister of Culture and Tourism).

I want to make it clear that I have not granted any interview or discussed anything with anyone as regards issues happening to me privately. I know the challenges that come with my profession, fully understanding the fact that whatever we do is constantly under the scrutiny of the public.

However, I am also human and I am entitled to my privacy. I made it clear that people hacked into my emails, Facebook and twitter accounts to communicate with certain individuals. I have set the record straight with the parties involved.

I understand the level of love and support I have received from numerous fans and friends. At this time I just want to focus on the things that are most important to me.

Feel free to communicate with me as regards work and friendship but if it goes beyond that into the issues that i consider are private...I will not entertain it.

We know how the press works and most of them have made us understand and see their highest levels of incompetency by writing stories that link me with a colleague that I respect but do not even talk with.

Do we continue to believe the words of people who have constantly lied to us just to sell papers and make their blogs popular or do we just go about our businesses and let God sort his children out?

Once again thank you all for respecting my privacy. The best you can do is to remember me in your prayers. God bless you all and may God's Favour never cease from your household.

HELP! SOUTH AFRICA IS KILLING NOLLYWOOD - EMEKA IKE

EMEKA Ike, I am sure you are aware of the crisis currently going on between South Africa ana Nigeria, where 125 Nigerians were deported for using fake yellow fever certificates. Does Nigeria deserve this kind of treatment from South Africa?

Nigeria doesn't deserve this treatment. Talking from history, the role Nigeria played in the fight against apartheid. You know that we played the ace role in the war against apartheid. Our former leader, Olusegun Obasanjo and musicians like Sony Okosuns, Onyeka Onwenu and many others cried against apartheid. I remember how three months salaries of Nigerian civil servants were pooled together and taken to South Africa to fight apartheid.

Obasanjo did everything possible to end apartheid. He even went to the extent of suggesting the use of Juju. We are our brothers' keepers. We are concerned about our brothers. But Nigeria as a country is not a nation yet, we are not even a country. We keep reforming and rebuilding. Many of our structures are not in place yet. Many of our legal structures are not in place. The constitution itself is not yet in place. People keep complaining. There are lapses where people can pick advantages from. That is the reason South Africa as a country as a nation is taking advantage of our lack of structure. There are traitors and betrayers among us. It's deplorable, we don't derseve it.

With South African businesses everywhere in Nigeria, and having taken over our economy, do you think we can easily pay them back without hurting our economy?

Because we call Nigeria a Free Trade Zone, we fail to enhance our potential. I am trying to register my company in the UK and the US so mat I can shoot movies in those countries. I have to go through processes. I have to go through rigorous processes. I have to register my company and pay my tax. But here in Nigeria, any idiot can come from South Africa with a camera and equipment to shoot any nonsense. Because we don't have any structure in place to accommodate this. It is the same man-knows-man arrangement and that's the bane of Nigeria. We run everything, even the economy of Nigeria, based on man-knows-man. Few people have used this to ruin and cripple Nigeria. This problem has enabled other countries to come to Nigeria to milk us dry. There is a lacuna and they are taking advantage of this lacuna.

They are not helping our economy. They are destroying it. Our economy was better before they came than what it is now. Do you know that these countries are taking taxes from their Nigerian workers and they are not remitting it to the appropriate channel? Where are they keeping those revenues? We should investigate this. These foreign countries are more criminals than Nigeria. But it is the fault of Nigerians. It is an arrangement by some traitors and betrayers m this country. Someone can bring somebody from any country to Nigeria to invest in our economy without any legal process. I tell you, Syria can come to Nigeria tomorrow and take over our economy. It is possible. They come and take Nigerians for granted. That is the structure, that's the arrangement. The arrangement of man-knows-man. They come, and our so-called businessmen will tell them: "Don't worry, we know how to handle them." Who are those people that leave Nigerians in penury and leave them wretched and refuse to give them the benefit they deserve? Now, we are in a situation where pension money is being deducted from their salaries and at the end of their working years, it is not being given to them. Where are these monies? They take it to their own countries to revive their own failing economies.

Let the Federal Government find out, MTN, G4, DSTV, Multichoice and whatever names they call themselves, our government should investigate them. hey have succeeded in ruining our economy and leaving our people in total penury. Now, they have destroyed Nollywood. They are not selling Nollywood they are selling South Africa. They are not selling our own businesses, they are selling their own businesses. They have succeeded in using our own channel to sell their own and they have abandoned our own for theirs. How come our trade law is not being protected to enhance our welfare? It is shame on Nigerians! You see, people from war-torn countries that we are supposed to feel sorry for, come to our country and we give mem cars with drivers. It's sad to see Nigerian graduates becoming drivers for technicians from these countries. We keep playing second fiddle to these countries. It is so sad. Many Nigerians who work in these companies don't get their pensions when they retire, even nobody cares if their salary is being paid.

We need to reverse and revisit our trade laws. We need to know the rate of employment being created by them and how many Nigerians are benefiting from them. What is the credibility of the staff they brought from their countries compared to the Nigerian staff here? You can bring in a technician from South Africa to MTN and you pay him heavily while Nigerians working m the same company are being paid stipends. We need to be ashamed ofthis. That was what made me to fight for the Actors Guild of Nigeria. Do you know they don't even show Nollywood in South Africa? South Africa is a well organised nation; it is the fault of our leaders and business men who allowed them here in the first place. South Africa has robbed us of our Nollywood. It has crippled Nollywood. Now you don't see Omotola anywhere, you don't see Genevieve anywhere. Is it not a shame that a set of people struggled to lift Nollywood to the high esteem and a bunch of people are showing their works without any royalties being paid? And nobody is complaining. Nobody can complain because we have some traitors who are feeding fat from the situation.

VETERAN ACTOR CHIWETALU AGU THROWN OFF AIR NIGERIA FLIGHT FOR CAUSING COMMOTION!

He may be an actor by profession but what transpired aboard the flight he was scheduled to fly in on February 2,2012,from a Lagos flight was not a script from a scene he was about to shoot !

According to eye witness report, Chiwetalu Agu came on board the flight in Enugu,but the flight was delayed in Lagos due to bad weather,so the plane arrived late in Enugu.

Unfortunately,the systems were down in Enugu,so they were doing manual boarding. This caused a lot of seat duplication and Chiwetalu was also affected.

The lead crew told him to wait so the issue could be sorted out. She even wanted him to wait so that she could upgrade him but alas the actor got impatient and started pushing the lady, screaming that he couldn?t wait any longer.

And the lady warned him to desist from pushing her or he might not be allowed to fly. All the plea fell on deaf ears.

The actor was joined by other passengers, and that was how the noise got louder and all the people shouting in the plane were warned of the implications of their actions.But Chiwetalu?s voice rose so loud that the pilot was forced to call in the airport security and as they whisked the actor away, all the other noise makers suddenly kept quiet and didn?t move an inch when they were given the option of following Chiwetalu out of the plane.

The actor kept screaming at the top of his voice that he would never fly Air Nigeria again.