Toni Payne, Olamide Part Ways

The popular talent manager and estranged wife of popstar 9ice, Toni Payne has reportedly dropped young rapper oLamide from her Toni Payne Concept management outfit.

Sources say Toni Payne allegedly terminated the management deal because she had once or twice caught the young rapper performing at shows without her consent. oLamide was said to have been collecting performance fees also.

We’re told the last straw that broke the camel’s back was when the rapper was said to have attended a gig sponsored by Coca Cola alongside his record label mates at CODED Tunes after Payne had boycotted the show and instructed him not to go only to find out on Twitter that he indeed attended.

‘I don’t want to talk about it. I won’t say anything about it’, Toni Payne said when our reporter reached her on her mobile phone.

Several attempts to reach oLamide himself proved abortive as his phone was answered by a certain Labo who claimed to be his manager. ‘No comment’, Labo said when he was confronted with the matter.

oLamide who is signed to ID Cabasa’s CODED Tunes records and known for his street anthem ‘Eni duro’ released his debut work ‘Rapsodi’ in March 2011 and has received four nominations at the forthcoming The Headies awards.

In related news, Toni Payne has been said to have relocated to her new house in Magodo, Lagos.

Payne who used to live with her grandmother in Surulere area of Lagos is still furnishing her 2-bedroom flat which attracts a one million naira yearly rent.

Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner expecting baby No. 3

AThe latest talk of The Town: Ben Affleck and wife Jennifer Garner will welcome their third child, according to the Associated Press. The couple, who released a statement saying they’re “thrilled” about the news, have two other children: Violet, 5, and Seraphina, 2. Affleck and Garner have been married since 2005.

Mercy Johnson Goes Ahead With Controversial August 27 Wedding

It was all going well for Mercy…

Nigerian Entertainment Today can authoritatively tell you that Nollywood star actress, Mercy Johnson, despite the recent controversy surrounding her upcoming wedding, will still be getting married on Saturday, August 27, 2011.

In the last few weeks the actress has faced allegations of snatching her husband-to-be Prince Odianosen Okojie from another woman; to managing rumours of a pregnancy. Despite the whole drama, Johnson remains adamant on having her wedding. As at the time of this report, wedding plans were underway. Her close  friends tell us she’s going ahead with the big plans, even though she’s remained evasive, refusing to issue any statements.

But the controversial wedding will no longer hold at the Christ Embassy church headquarters, as earlier announced.

An insider at Christ Embassy’s head quarters situated at 51/53 Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, tells us that there is no way the wedding can hold in the church. Mercy we hear is not a regular member and even though the church doesn’t have a notice board for upcoming weddings, our source insists they have neither mentioned Mercy’s marriage during wedding announcements at service nor placed it in their Sunday Worship newsletters.

‘Anybody that wants to get married in the church will have to  attend the ‘Foundation school’ for new believers, become a member of the Pastoral Care Fellowship (PCF) for a month and then go for marriage counselling’, an insider at Christ Embassy who would rather remain anonymous tells NET. ‘It is only a committed member of the church that can marry here, I haven’t seen Johnson worship here. I strongly doubt if the church will allow her wed here especially with all the brouhaha surrounding the wedding ‘. NET also gathered that the church’s main office at Oregun is where all marriages are approved, so if there is a case where Mercy is a regular worshipper at some other Christ Embassy branch, she and Prince Odianosen will still have to go to the main church for marriage counselling.

But Mercy’s people tell us the reason she’s moving the wedding is because the church’s strict pastors refused to give her and her scandalized groom a clean bill of health – insisting a divorce letter must be produced before the wedding would be allowed.

We could not immediately confirm the new venue and it’s not likely she has given guests a new address.

Legally there will be consequences if Mercy goes ahead with the August 27 wedding with Prince Odianosen. If the husband-to-be does not legally divorce Lovely then he will be committing an act called bigamy which is filed under the Nigerian Criminal Code as an offence punishable by law. It also makes the marriage to Mercy null and void. Nigerian Entertainment Today reached out to Lagos based lawyer Festus Keyamo who, surprisingly, declined commenting. ‘I believe it’s a private matter. I reserve my comments, thank you’, he told us.

Publicist Bobby Taylor comments ‘I don’t think it will affect her career in anyway. It’s a sad situation, however I feel her Publicist is doing a great job in addressing the public. However she will have to address the public herself soon and can do that through her publicist’.

And talking about how the whole drama will affect Mercy’s career, some think it will slow her down while others think it can only be bad for a while before everything calms down, wedding or not. Speaking with Segun Arinze, President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), he says ‘It’s Mercy’s call, it’s entirely up to her. If the (other) woman says she has proof, well they’ll have to sort themselves. It’s a matter of settling themselves. She’s a professional and whatever happens in her personal life shouldn’t affect her career.’

Throughout this whole drama, one person who has remained silent is the man in question – Prince Odianosen. His wife Lovely, says an embattled Odianosen has been trying by all means to divorce her. She posted online pictures of divorce petitions and court summons sent to her father in Benin, Edo state on several websites over the past two weeks.. Our reporter paid the Edo prince a visit but was not granted access into his residence at Oluwadamilola Fashade Street, Omole Phase 1, Lagos. We however gathered from neighbours that he rarely leaves his home ever since the recent news became public.

Even though this whole situation is as uptight as it can get, this isn’t the first time something like this is happening. In 2005, actress Shan George was accused of marrying a certain Tony Nwosisi who was apparently married to another woman named Success. In 2008, a US-based woman named Ruth Okoro disclosed publicly that popular actress Ini Edo was the reason her husband Philip Ehiagwina dumped her in the states just to marry Edo.

Is Faze Broke?

Since the 2004 split of the successful talented pop trio called Plantashun Boiz, group member Chibuzor Orji – stage named Faze, has been the second most visible, trailing behind internationally recognised 2face. Despite releasing three albums claimed to have sold over six million units as at 2008, and a fourth in the works, questions are making the rounds about the vocalist’s financial and commercial state.

At a recent MTV/STV gathering where Faze made a surprise appearance. The ever-thin light-skinned singer spotted his usual casual Tee on jeans and a low cut rather than dreadlocks. And even though he didn’t say much on the red carpet, a few vigilant eyes couldn’t help but wonder what happened to the singer’s dreads. Did he shave it off cause the cost of maintenance had become a luxury? Far from that. Faze says his new look is one of the signs of the new career chapter he’s opening. Don’t be surprised if he changes his sound too…

Faze was first seen wearing not-so-cool dreadlocks in his string of late 2007 video releases. Then he pioneered the trend of South-African-shot Nigerian music videos in ‘Tattoo girls’, ‘Kpo kpo di kpo’ and ‘Need Somebody’, all from his sophomore released in the previous year.  All these following closely after his ‘Kolomental’ break. These were the premium hey-days that established the vocalist as an R&B giant headlining nearly every major gig in town.

By mid 2008 when he returned from a tour that included South Africa, the Kolomentalist had upgraded to wearing well-locked uber-cool dreads which soon became his signature. In high hopes of global domination, the then A-list star announced his new business affiliation with international music promoter Joy Tongo as he basked in the soaring status of his new single, ‘Originality’. It’s been years now and not much has been heard or seen of that business partnership. No big-budget shows. No foreign deals. No popular engagements. The result of this is narrow income and a steady decline of the singer’s rating.

A deal-gone-sour with Akon also did not help matters.

But now that Faze seems to be back and brimming with fresh excitement, we’re waiting, patiently, to see what the next few months have in stock for the singers’ singer

Wizkid Impregnates Undergraduate, Gets Baby Girl

EME Popstar Wizkid has fathered his first child at 21,

The beloved hit-maker and ladies man has been linked to many women – most times older than he is – and pundits had feared he could be heading the way of misdemeanour if care was not taken.

Now, as our investigations reveal, the young man impregnated an undergraduate named Sola several months ago, and the lady has since put to bed. Before delivering a baby girl for Wizkid two months ago, we’re told Sola who resides in Magodo, Lagos was studying in the University of Legon, Accra, Ghana.

This is not something his close friends and associates would want to reveal for now. And we’re told his parents and mentors insist they’ll wait until a DNA confirmation, before fully admitting the child is Wizkid’s.

At least two colleagues confirm to us, that the debutant allegedly fathered a child in June. Multiple sources who are familiar with the ‘baby mama’ and her family also tell us ‘it was widely known to us all when they were dating. And we knew when she got pregnant for him’.

Wizkid has been rumoured to date daring actress Tonto Dike even though they both continue to deny this. We confirmed from reliable sources back then, that Wizkid’s Honda Accord that was jacked by robbers, was a gift from Dike.

In an elaborate chat with a Nigerian Entertainment Today editor, Wizkid denies having a child. ‘No, I don’t. It’s just a rumour, I’m not thinking about that right now’.

In the interview held last week at Ogudu-GRA, in Lagos and published in this week’s edition of Nigerian Entertainment Today Newspaper, he continues, ‘ I really don’t want to find myself in that kind of situation, I’m all about my music now‘.

But our sources, who want to remain anonymous, insist Wizkid has fathered his first child..

Will Wizkid, whose real names are Ayo Balogun, follow in the footsteps of 2face Idibia (five kids from three women), JJC (three kids from three women), 9ice (three kids from two women, one of whom is still legally married to him), and the likes of Father U Turn, KWAM 1, KSA, and many other musicians who have children from multiple relationships? Or will he settle with his baby’s mother and make a home?

Interestingly, Wizkid’s leader Banky W, himself a bonafide ladies’ man and fun-lover, remains scandal-free; managing to stay away from controversies and making sure he doesn’t toe the line of illegitimacy.

Last Friday, the singer tweeted from his official Twitter handle (@wizkidayo) ‘Hey All.. Got sumthin to tell yall. In life, there are those times when you wonder about the wrong decisions you’ve made… This is one of those times for me.  I realize that I haven’t always lived up to everyone’s expectations from my loved ones to the immense love from my fans. I am sorry.  Please continue to pray for me.  With the help of my family and my EME big brothers, I am working on becoming a better man, a better artiste, a more responsible person with every one of my actions.

US FAN VOWS TO SLAP EDUCATIONAL ADVISOR OVER DON JAZZY

Mad love seems to be growing for Michael Collins, the producer-entrepreneur known as Don Jazzy, from everywhere.

Despite not being himself a performer, the gifted music-maker has recurited nearly as much fans as his partner, the entertainer Dbanj. And on several social media where he plays actively, he’s generally loved; almost revered  by ‘friends’ and ‘followers’.

And that love may soon be taking bizarre dimensions; as a Nigerian student Busola Bada tweeted through her twitter handle @Ms_BADA: ’If i get a retweet and follow back from @DONJAZZYMOHITS i’ll slap my educational advisor in the face.’

The young Nigerian student who attends Baltimore City Community College in the United States said on micro-blogging website Twitter in the early hours of Thursday, June 30, 2011. A statement which is beginning to attract both pleasing and unpleasant comments from her friends.

Well, it’s really hard to tell what she’s in love with – the music, the money or the fame? Many Twitter users in Nigeria have become beneficiaries of Jazzy’s generosity ; he’s given out recharge cards, cash, and only recently, iPad through his Twitter account.

It won’t be surprising to find many more fans like Miss Bada, who are willing to do the nearly-impossible just to show how much in ‘love’ they are with the Mohits leader…

Don Jazzy is President of Mohits records; and, through a recent joint venture partnership between Mohits and Kanye West’s G.O.O.D Music, is getting ready to launch a new phase in his career as an international producer, working with Kanye, Jay Z and other talents…

DON JAZZY OFFERS RAPPERS N.5M NAIRA THROUGH ‘BEAT COMPETITION’

Mo’Hits C.E.O and producer Don Jazzy seems to have a way with connecting with his numerous fans. He’s either giving out free call airtime on Twitter, making video calls with fans on Skype or hooking up with some at the store to give out gifts.

This time around, the G.O.O.D Music signee has taken it up a notch as he has decided to award anyone who has the best freestyle over an instrumental he created on Saturday, July 23, 2011, titled ‘Enigma‘. Naming the competition ‘DON JAZZY Beat Competition‘ the millionaire producer is using the popular music blog notjustOk as a platform to receive entries and will award the best recorded freestyle over ‘Enigma‘ $2000 (around three hundred thousand naira).

The social networks have gone bonkers as rappers have started recording and sending in their versions. Heavyweight rapper Modenine even joked about recording his version ‘I’m about murk this @Donjazzy Enigma beat for fun yall!!! I’m going in!!!!’, while popular rappers like Beazy and Cyrus Tha Virus and oLamide have recorded and released their versions.

Other notable contestants include: Rukus, Big T, Cyclone, Tesh, Pryse, Jerriey, Chibbz, Labzy Lawal, Teeklef, SplasJosh, Mataeo V and a whole lot of others.

Ovie Ofugara of notjustOk says by the time the competition ends, they’ll be more versions of ‘Enigma‘ than any other song released in Nigeria. There have been so many entries that the Don jazzy has decided to also reward the 1st and 2nd runners up. They’ll receive N150,000 and N75,000 respectively. ‘I’m proud of the rappers Naija has. I’m really impressed u guys are going in hard. Nice one guys. Keep the tracks coming o. #Enigma’, the producer tweeted.

As reported earlier, Don Jazzy was listed as a contributing producer and vocalist on ‘Lifted’, track number two off Jay Z and Kanye West’s ‘Watch The Throne‘ album. The song also features production from Kanye West and hip-hop veteran Q-Tip as well as vocals from pop star Beyonce.

JJC’S SHOCKER- ‘I HAVE 3 KIDS FROM 3 DIFFERENT WOMEN

The respected producer who recently moved back home after years of procrastinating shocked us when he revealed this week, that he’s fathered three kids with three different partners.

JJC, who was a mentor to Dbanj, Don Jazzy, Kween and many others, is still struggling to break into the mainstream in Nigeria; but he still enjoys some international recognition for his work with Big Brovaz – the  popular group he founded  and got signed to Sony Records.

In an interview with City People last week, JJC, 34, admits he’s not married ‘because it has not happened yet’. ‘I have three kids from three different ladies. The first  is 14, the second is 11 and the last is 6.’

Continuing, he says ‘I was falling in and out of love; and i like peace, joy and happiness. I’m not the woman type because most of my time is spent on music – hence the reason for my problems with women. i’m married to my music and that sorts of gets in the way of love…’

Working with his former group ’419 Squad’, JJC has won numerous awards including: the ‘Best African Group‘ category at the KORA All Africa Music Awards in 2004. His resume also boasts working with world class artistes like; Jamelia, Lemar, Jennifer Lopez, Liberty X and Genuwine.

LOVE-STRUCK TIMI DAKOLO MAKES BEAUTIFUL NOISE

I like it when people are not presumptuous. It may not make commercial sense in our music clime but, it kind of sits the singer comfortably in any gathering. This is what Beautiful Noise will do for Timi. If you’re like me and you’re tired of auto-tuned tracks, let me introduce you to an auto-tune-free album! Ring the bell.

Since Timi Dakolo was unveiled to us in 2007 on the West African Idol stage, his vocal uniqueness has remained that uncommon husky tinge perfect for serenading the listener when applied to simple or complex love lines. Beautiful Noise shows one that the debutante is well aware of his strength as he stays in his comfort region, experimenting very little.

The 12-track album includes an intro, a re-mix and five collaborations.

Apart from his three earlier released singles, ‘Let it Shine’, ‘Heaven Please’ and ‘There’s a Cry’, every other song is themed around love and so titled. Between making promises to The woman I (he) love(s) and writing her a befitting ‘Love Song’ on Tracks three and seven respectively, Timi remains in his comfortable R&B environment. He screams ‘I Love You’ again in Track four just before asking ‘Is it Over’ on Track six where he gets a beautiful assist from newcomer Joan Ekpai who sounds almost like gospel singer Lara George.

Elvis Larri helps deliver beautiful danceable mid-tempo music in the tenth track where Ghana-born Timi speaks a bit of Yoruba. In a fashion that brings back memories of Late Jaiye Aboderin-led Synergy’s only released recording, Elvis and Timi sing ‘So beautiful’. However the track could have been better named ‘Lekeleke’ or ‘Ololufe’, words which were used repetitively throughout the track.

On Track seven, producer extraordinaire Cobhams sings and raps to Timi’s first official party anthem titled ‘Raise the roof’. With beat, sequence and production facsimile to Darey’s ‘The way you are’ (equally produced by Cobhams), the duo do a good job, creating a much-needed detour from the love overdose.

The album closes with a remix of ‘I love you’ where Jesse Jagz lends his rhyming prowess, waking up the song and bringing a fresh dimension to delivering love songs.

Beautiful Noise is a good diversion from the up-tempo saturation we have dropping on the radio every other day. It runs the risk of getting boring though unless you’re such an introvert. I’d name I love You, Raise the roof, So Beautiful and I love You remix as album-breakers without which I wouldn’t have survived listening to the entire album, but for the sake of review.

Altogether, it’s a safe album.

DON JAZZY OFFERS OVER N1.2 MILLION IN OLIVER DANCE COMPETITION

For over three weeks, Mohits Records boss, Michael Collins a.k.a Don Jazzy ‘Enigma Music Competition created so much buzz on and off Twitter, getting so many artistes all creative and yet again he is in the news offering over N1.2 Million naira ($7,500) and other consolation prizes for a Dance Video Competition to D’ banj new song, Oliver. Mohits Records have stated the call for fun videos from either individuals or group dancing to the Oliver song, which the Mohits crew themselves made a fun video to on their official website dancing energetically to tunes radiating from the gigantic sound system behind them.

According to Mohits Records’ official website, ‘following the success of the #Enigma competition we at Mo’Hits Records have decided to give a chance to people with different kinds of talent – Dance, Comedy or anything Entertaining…’

Don Jazzy gave away N560, 000 naira ($3, 500) in the Enigma competition where he created the beat and released on Twitter for artistes to sing over. However, unlike the first contest which has three places, this one has five positions; 1st place gets $2, 5000, 2nd place to grab $2, 000, 3rd $1, 500, the 4th position to get $1,000 and finally in the 5th position $500. He also stated that top 10 entries will be part of the Official Oliver video and top 50 to get a free Koko Mobile Handset.

Ranking as the first Nigerian to get over 100, 000 followers on Twitter, Don Jazzy has emerged as a strong brand himself. And just as the mad-rush flooded the streets, facebook and twitter at the release of Enigma, we bet this again would keep many so busy.