Category: Entertainment, Fashion and Lifestyle

 

Ifedayo Agoro, simply known as Ife, Founder of Diary of a Naija Girl, has revealed that she broke off her engagement two months to her wedding because she did not want to get married for the wrong reason.

 

DANG is an online community that strategically inspires engagement through creative storytelling to and about Nigerians.

 

Ife made the disclosure while reacting to a post by an X user who said that a person does not have to get married when she knows it was not right, adding that some people normalised breaking off engagements if doubts set in.

 

According to her, calling off her wedding two months before the ceremony despite paying for the hall, popular comedian, and weddi

 

She said that she had returned everyone’s Aso Ebi money because she was getting married for the wrong reason and she could not continue with such marriage.

Ife wrote: “Broke off my engagement two months to the wedding.

Hall paid for, popular comedian paid for.

 

“Part payment for popular musician paid for.

 

“Vera Wang wedding dress paid for.

 

“Broke things off without thinking of all that and returned everybody’s Aso Ebi money.

 

“I was getting married for the wrong reasons and I just couldn’t continue.

 

“I made one of the best decisions of my life.”

 

According to Ife, it was a difficult moment in her life, but insisted that she had to take the bold step seeing that things can end badly.

 

Ife, who further responded to a fan’s question on what she perceived as wrong reasons, said nobody imposed it on her to be married at age 30.

 

She added: “Because I was going to clock age 30 and I don’t know who put it in my head that I had to be married at that time or it would be socially unacceptable to be unmarried at 30.

 

“When I complained to an older friend that it did not seem right because not only was I not in love but I had no rest in my spirit.

I didn’t fall in love inside the marriage but to never let 30 pass me by.

 

“So I stayed, despite the fact that he was a pathological liar and extremely untrustworthy.”

 

Ife is also content and media strategist with vast experience across content creation and curation, content marketing, creative writing and media production.

 

She is a purposeful storyteller and a community builder who has successfully created a growth-centred platform where empowerment, inspiration, advocacy, people and ideas are celebrated.

By Taiye Olayemi

Nollywood actor, Chidi Mokeme, has commended the establishment of BRS Studios, a platform to enhance film content, deepen distribution and improve creativity in audiovisual works from Africa.

BRS Studios was established by Joy Odiete, Founder of Blue Pictures Cinema; Nollywood actor, Ramsey Nouah and renowned filmmaker, Chris Odeh, recently in Lagos.

Mokeme, in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos said the initiative was insightful.

He described it as the right tool to further entrench the African cinema which is blessed with abundant talents.

“The platform will definitely take the industry further, because it will allow creatives the opportunity to explore their imaginations unrestrained by resources and logistics.”

He said that the partnering companies had clearly stated that the joint venture would serve as a special vehicle to push projects of greater proportions while pursuing their individual businesses and specialties.

He noted that the trio were bringing their different experiences and expertise in scriptwriting, directing, production management, as well as marketing to create a world class audio-visual outlet out of Africa.

Also, renowned filmmaker, Charles Novia, said Nollywood was in need of such collaborations to enable it attain the desired heights.

“We have been stressing the need for this kind of partnership in the industry. I am happy that BRS has set the stage rolling in this regard.

“I would not be surprised to see others copying this initiative under various guises and names; the fact remains that this is good for Nollywood,” he said.

Film producer, Uzodimma Okpechi, enjoined the team to give the platform the commitment it deserved so that the set goals would be realised.

Ramsey Nouah, with over three decades of acting and more than 200 movies to his credit, owns Ramsey Films and has directed the remakes of classics like ‘Living in Bondage – Breaking Free’ and ‘Rattlesnake’.

Joy Odiete, the producer of ‘Gone’, ‘Money Miss Road’ and ‘Owambe’ amongst others is the brain behind Blue Pictures, a renowned local and international independent film distributor/film sales agent.

She has been a sub distributor to Warner Brothers Pictures, Walt Disney Pictures, Black Sheep Entertainment and other independent studios in the U.S., UK and South Africa for over 19 years.

Chris Odeh has almost 20 years experience in the film and TV industry. He has also produced over 15 films, including Rattlesnake – The Ahanna Story, Choke, Nneka, the Pretty Serpent, Aki and Pawpaw, Love, Lust and Tokunbo, amongst others

He is the Senior Producer of Sozo Films and Ramsey Films, and a consulting producer for Play Network Studios, Blue Pictures, Take Out Media and Urbane Productions. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Music Promoter assures Nigerians of value addition to music industry

 

By Adewale Owoade.

 

Babawale Agboola, the Chief Executive Officer of Purified Entertainment Company, a music promotion organisation, says his organisation will promote songs with morals and add value to the music industry.

 

Agboola made this known while unveiling the company’s new artistes in Ibadan.

 

He said that the organisation is committed to empowering, promoting and bringing out new talents in young Nigerians who are determined to succeed in life.

 

“We are using our platform, Purified Entertainment Company to empower young Nigerians that are talented in creative arts, we are also using the platform to nurture their talent and ensure that their passion becomes a profit-making entity to them.

 

“Be rest assured that our doors are opened to talented artistes that are hardworking and ready to pursue their careers in showbiz.

 

“Today, I’m glad to inform this honorable gathering of the newest additions to our quality entertainment brand, with the unveiling and official signing of two artistes into our record label family.

 

“The duo of David Preye Konwei popularly known with his stage name Davidainojadu and Adediran Mayowa Feranmi with stage name RAVE.

 

“Having certified the terms and conditions of our record label and the rules of engagement of Purified Entertainment Company, we officially unveiled as our newest signed artistes,” he said

 

According to him, the door of his company is open for any talented artist that wants to showcase world what God has deposited in him as far as music is concerned.

 

“They can come in, our team is on ground, if you know you’re a talented artist and you know that you’re going to stand out, you’re welcomed to the family.”

 

Speaking on behalf of the new signees, David Konwei said they wre ready to face the task ahead by giving the world distinct and exceptional music. (NAN)

By Taiye Olayemi

The Evergreen Musical Company has begun the construction of a musical museum in Ikeja, Lagos.

It’s Managing Director, Bimbo Esho, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, said the museum upon completion would be called “Evergreen Music Heritage Foundation”.

Esho said that the museum would help to upscale the promotion of music of yesteryears with sound moral values.

She said the idea was to also bequeath to future generations a strong philosophy on music while appreciating the sheer artistic genius of Nigeria’s renowned musical talents, many of whom had been forgotten.

According to her, the project was birthed following the collaboration between Chief Femi Esho, Founder of Evergreen Musical Company and Dr Daniel Olukoya, Founder of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry.

She said the edifice would accommodate a music museum, music library, gallery showcasing head burst of artistes, display of over 1,000 pictures of Nigerian musicians from 1914 till date.

She explained that there would also be relics of the musicians’ costumes, old musical instruments, an event centre for music concerts, cinema theatre, recording studio and so much more.

According to her, Olukoya, an ardent lover of good music had been of huge financial support to the project.

She noted that the founder of Evergreen Musical Company would remain the chairman of the foundation while Olukoya had been selected as the Patron.

“The project is a massive one, it is a historic landmark project that will stand the test of time and outlive all of us.

“Dr Olukoya has been more than supportive to our cause. He has been magnanimous and we remain eternally grateful to him for his love and support for this dream. But there’s still plenty of work to be done.

“This magnificent edifice is situated at Oyedele Ogunniyi street, Anthony Village, Ikeja, Lagos. We are still calling on all music enthusiasts, lovers of Nigerian music all over the world to come support this dream.

“It will be a contribution to a legacy that will be sustained for generations to come, all of the enduring morals and intrinsic values that our music of yesteryears taught us, all of which is lacking today.

“The edifice is a place the youth can come to enjoy quality music and research into the past musical history of some of Nigeria’s most accomplished musicians of the 50s, the 60s down to the 90s,” she said.

Esho said that the construction should be completed before the end of the year. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

 

Flowerbudnews

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade’s well-taken 42nd minute penalty separated nine-time African champions Nigeria and reigning champions South Africa in their Women’s Olympic Football Tournament qualifying match at the MKO Abiola National Stadium on Friday night.

 

Chinwendu Ihezuo was upended in the box just minutes earlier as the Super Falcons broke forward once more, and the Spain-based Ajibade made no mistake in heaving the ball past Kaylin Swart.

 

Returnee forward Ihezuo was a real pain in the neck for the Banyana, as her pace unsettled their rearguard several times, but Nigeria failed to make hay from dead-ball situations before and after Ajibade’s strike.

 

In the second half, the Banyana took over the midfield with Linda Motlhalo, Refiloe Jane and Nomvula Kgoale showing pace and invention, but Osinachi Ohale and Christy Ucheibe in the Nigeria central defence closed them down now and again.

 

Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was called upon to make a world-class save midway into the second half, when Jermain Seoposenwe fired a belter from 20 yards after a good pass from the precocious Thembi Kgatlana.

 

Substitutes Esther Okoronkwo and Rinsola Babajide added some spark to the Super Falcons’ foreline, but they could not get past the outstanding Kaylin Swart.

 

Attention has immediately shifted to Tuesday’s return leg at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, where there is still so much to play for with the Falcons only a goal up in the fixture.

 

The Banyana will fly back to Johannesburg on Saturday morning while the Super Falcons will fly out of Lagos on Sunday night.

By Taiye Olayemi

John Oluwatoke, a gospel artiste, has urged his colleagues in the entertainment industry to take deliberate steps in raising funds for charitable causes.

Oluwatoke, the Creative Director of Jeremiah Music Company, made the call while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Lagos.

According to him, the artistes, being social influencers in the society, can take advantage of their status to raise funds to assist the less privileged at this critical period.

He said to also help Nigerians manage the situation well; artistes could come up with music relaying messages of hope to encourage everyone.

“Here are some ways I believe gospel artistes can help the government cushion the harsh economic effect on the masses.

“First, by using their music and influence to raise awareness about the challenges facing the masses and encourage people to come together in solidarity.

“Also, by sharing messages of hope and comfort, gospel artistes can help alleviate the stress and anxiety that often accompany economic downturn.

“Gospel artistes can also use their platform to raise funds for charitable causes and support those in need. We are really going through difficult situations; inflation everywhere,” he said.

Oluwatoke, a graduate of Peace and Conflict Resolutions, described himself as a gospel afrobeat singer.

“I currently have my gospel, inspirational and dance songs actively streaming on audiomack and other global music platforms,” he said.

Speaking on what inspired him to embrace music, Oluwatoke said, “I can’t say what inspired me really but all I can say is when I was a child, I usually joined my parents singing in our family devotion and from there the love and passion for music grew.

“And then I started playing drums and other musical instruments and went to a music school to learn more before going to the university.”

The artiste who had produced a series of songs and musical videos online said he had also featured in many concerts.

He hinted that he was currently working on a live recording concert, slated to hold April 28, in Lagos

He disclosed his desire to collaborate with international artiste, Justin Beiber, and some other local artistes.

“I released a song last year titled “Momajojo” , which became an anthem in churches and it also enjoyed lots of airplays and good feedbacks.

“But the prominent event is our annual music concert tagged “OMPP- One-love mega praise party” channeled toward giving to charity,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

By Taiye Olayemi

Goge Africa, a culture and tourism promotion platform, has celebrated its 25th anniversary with colourful and interesting cultural presentations, as well as fashion and arts exhibitions.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Goge Africa was founded on Oct.1, 1999 by Isaac Moses and Nneka Isaac-Moses.
The celebration, held in Lagos, also featured a contest for the Face of Goge Africa (FOGA), aimed at showcasing the richness of Africa’s creative in fashion, art, and modeling talents on a global stage.
The contest had 25 African youths, aged between 18 and 25, compete for FOGA, after series of screening.
After going through series of intellectual examination, fashion parade and other categories of contest, five winners emerged.
Sandra Kaba from Liberia won a trip to the Gambia, courtesy of Gambian Tourism Board while Adebowale Victoria won a ship cruise to the Bahamas, courtesy the Royal Caribbean.
Also, Adewale Mary bagged one million Naira cash prize, courtesy Goge Africa Foundation; and Nwagu Eustess-Malcolm will benefit training at the London Fashion Week, sponsored by wife of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, founder Nigerian Fashion Week London.
Another winner , Emeruem Emeka will enjoy an all-expense paid trip to The Gambia, to be sponsored by the Gambian Tourism.
Nneka Isaac-Moses, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) expressed her joy for the remarkable achievements recorded since inception of Goge Africa.
She said FOGA was deliberately created to help empower African youths in gaining entrepreneurial skills.
She said the platform received applications from six countries: Burundi, Togo, Ghana, Liberia, Gambia and Nigeria.
She said another phase of the contest would be held soon, as a modeling runway agency in America has also demanded the service of two black Americans who would emerge Face of Goge.
“This is the inaugural event for Goge Africa 25th anniversary celebration. I feel so fulfilled that we have been able to create the platform we have always wanted to.
“Success is when we have successors. We have created FOGA platform to help African youths so that they do not struggle so hard and suffer the way we did.
“We shall groom the five winners to become professional models and provide training to them in areas of media and tourism promotion.
“All the contestants that made it to the finals shall enjoy mentorship from us as well and training opportunities,” she said.
Also, expressing his joy, Isaac Moses, said, “I feel so elated and fulfilled that now we have hope for young Africans not to struggle like we did.
“We are on the right trajectory and I will like to appreciate MTN, Access Bank from Angola, Dr Angela Adamu, President of the Association of Spouses of Nigerian Ambassadors (ASNA) and other individuals that gave prizes. The goodwill is so ennormous.”
NAN reports that celebrities in attendance at the event included renowned Nollywood veterans like Sola Shobowale, Joke Silva, Fred Amata, Keppy Ekpenyong, Emeka Ossai, Adenrele Edun, top government functionaries and international delegates. (NAN) (nannews.ng)