Veteran film maker, Tunde Kelani, was on a rare excursion to the Pencils Film and Television Institute last Tuesday where he had an interactive session with past and present PEFTI students as well as members of the general public who came from all over the country.

Over 600 stakeholders were treated to a screening of Kelani’s movie, ‘Maami’. He also gave a lecture on digital film making and answered questions from the audience.

According to the Managing Director of PEFTI, Biola Adenuga, the organisation felt honoured to have the ‘iconic TK’ at the forum.

“The event was fully recorded and would air on wapTV across Nigeria and Africa so that everyone who didn’t attend would be able to gain from the lecture. More details, clips and pictures would be posted on www.facebook.com/pefti,’ he said.

The Chairman of the Copyright Society of Nigeria, Chief Tony Okoroji, has described the death of celebrated artiste, Kefee, as a big loss to the industry.

Okoroji said in a statement that she was an embodiment of talent and a dogged spirit.

He said, “Kefee was such a great gift to our music industry. Her incredible talent, soaring voice and never-say-die spirit in a very difficult industry made her truly outstanding. Her song, ‘Kokoroko’, remains one of my favourite Nigerian recordings of the recent era. Kefee and I had a unique relationship. In difficult moments, she always sought my counsel. When she wanted to start her musical training in Los Angeles, USA, she asked for my written recommendation which I was so glad to give.

“I was informed that just before her last trip to America, she stopped by at the office, as she routinely did, to share some time with us and update her COSON records. Unfortunately, I was not there and it is very sad that I will not see Kefee again. I however take solace in the fact that she lived a fruitful life and as a true artiste, remains alive in her beautiful songs. My condolences to her family and the many fans of the Branama Queen.

The Board and management of COSON said it received the news of Kefee’s passing with shock. Fondly referred to as Branama Queen, she came into limelight with her hit track Branama in 2003. She went on to produce other hit tracks like Kokoroko and Sapele Water.

COSON’s General Manager, Mr. Chinedu Chukwuji, said, “I am yet to get over the shock I received with the news of Kefee’s passing on. I find it hard to believe how someone so young and vibrant can be here one day and is gone the next. She came around to the office only a few weeks ago, chatting and smiling. So, to hear this news now is so devastating. Kefee may have gone to be with the Lord but her music keeps her alive in our hearts. She will be greatly missed.”

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As people and institutions in different parts of the world prepare for the 80th birthday feast of the Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Lagos-based Thespian Family Theatre Troupe is set to produce two of his plays, Lion and the Jewel and The Trials of Brother Jero.

The theatre company that has recorded some impressive shows and proved to be one of the most consistent in recent years has thus assembled leading actors and emerging talents to do justice to the popular plays. For one, it is a time to see another side of seasoned actor, Toyin Osinaike, who now returns as the director Lion and the Jewel.

According to information from the group, the shows are billed for July 19, 26; August 9, 16, 23 and 30. Thespian says its choice based on the plays continued relevance to the socio-political situation in the country.

It adds, “Nigeria’s relentless pursuit of social change has been faced with shared concerns and views which have shown that critical initiatives are needed to tackle some of the problems which have continued to plague the nation and retard its progress. These issues have been identified by several commentators to include societal issues about power, tradition, culture, loyalty, deceit, double standard and hope. Thespian Family Theatre and Productions has carefully chosen both plays for performance to once again serve as a catalyst for the creation of social capital and the attainment of important community goals through the intrinsic messages of the plays.”

Its founder, Ayo Jaiyesinmi, notes that this is the principle that guides the group’s operations, apart from the need to revitalise thestage.

She says, “We have remained front liners in the doggedness that it is still possible to find essential spaces within which the performance arts persist as a critical force as a balanced agent for social change and development.”

As Thespian approaches it, The Lion and the Jewel focuses on several conflicts that Soyinka presents but does not attempt to resolve. It features star actors Soibifaa Dokubo – popularly known as ‘Waka – Bharia McNwizu of the AMBO Fame, Patrick Diabuah and the cast of the troupe. The statement from the company indicates that Osinaike, who has played Baroka in a couple of performances Lion and the Jewel, says it is an interesting task for him to direct the play for the first time and also challenging to throw in something unique.

The lead characters, Lakunle and Baroka, embody the contrary urges toward modernity and tradition. They personify the two sides of the major social and political issues in Africa during the last half of the 20th century.

On the other hand, Thespian views The Trials of Brother Jero as a light satiric comedy that interrogates at religious hypocrisy in the form of a charlatan, or fraud, named Brother Jero, who preaches to his followers at the Bar Beach area of Lagos. It quotes the director, Olufemi Oke, as being full of enthusiasm in his directorial styles and interpretation.

“I have only seen this play on stage once and it was directed and performed by my students in the Department of Creative Arts, University of Lagos. It is therefore an opportunity to create something original, unique and without external directorial influences. It is such an opportunity to give it the best in my interpretation and I know the calibre of actors we have in the TFT Troupe will sure bring out the message of the play.” The Trials of Brother Jero features Toju Ejoh, Ikechukwu Asonye, Lydian John, and a host of other Thespian Family Troupe members,” Oke says.

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Unlike what happened in the previous years, organisers of Big Brother Africa have thrown audition open for this year’s edition.

They are inviting any Nigerian from the age on 21 to an audition slated for Protea Hotel Leadway, Ikeja, Lagos on Monday, June 30 and Tuesday, July 1.

“We are very grateful and remain pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming response that the show has been receiving over the years. We look forward to the selection of our potential housemates coming in large numbers to auditions at the specified venues and take that chance at being the next Big Brother star,” says M-Net Africa Regional Director (West Africa), Wangi Wa-Uzoukwu.

“The fact that the fans truly adore the show is all the motivation we need to keep it fresh and that is always made possible by the enthusiastic and fun-loving young Africans who will answer to Big Brother. We are rearing to go and we know that this will definitely be another exciting season that is full of quality entertainment,” she adds.

MultiChoice Africa CEO Nico Meyer also says the company is always pleased to welcome each new season of Big Brother Africa onto its platforms, while applauding its success and ability to bring together audiences from all across the continent.

Meyer says, “The inclusion of Rwanda in this season is even more exciting as this displays that our reach and growth into the various sub-Saharan markets is going from strength to strength. We look forward to seeing further growth as well as the impressive social media presence that the show enjoys.

“If you are open-minded, bold and adventurous, that’s even better! Previous editions of Big Brother Africa have boasted huge cash prizes for winners and this it is no different as the prize money is USD 300000.”

Entries are open to Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Another set of Nigerians had an opportunity to have a taste of Dubai splendour on Monday 9.

These are winners of the Legend Dubai Promo held in Enugu a forthnight ago. Legend officials say they spoilt the winners with fun and excitement in addition to shopping for items worth N1m in one of the United Arab Emirate city’s biggest malls.

They note that on their arrival in Dubai, the lucky winners were treated to a whole day of desert safari. They visited different exciting spots.

“Their first stop was at the Falcon Spot where they learnt a few things about the falcon, from an expert falconer who also entertained them with exciting displays. Next was the Sunset Photo Spot where they had fun running up and down the dunes, taking personal photographs and watching the sun set in the middle of the Arabian Desert,” they note.

They add that the fun later moved to the Camel Spot where the winners enjoyed camel riding experience. They climaxed the day’s adventure at the Bedouin-style camp being entertained by a Belly Dancer while they enjoyed a three-course Arabic dinner.

“The next day, they embarked on the unique shopping experience at one of Dubai’s biggest shopping malls. One after the other the winners raced through some sections of the shopping mall, in 60 seconds, picking the range of items they could lay their hands on.

“The lucky winners expressed delight with their new but unique experience in Dubai and also expressed satisfaction with the items they picked,” the organisers add.

One of the travellers, Olusegun Ogunbiade, a carpenter who emerged a lucky winner from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, describes the Dubai experience as enlightening. He thanks Legend Extra Stout for changing his perception of life generally through the Dubai trip.

He says, “Legend has elevated my thinking. I now have a better estimation of myself. Something I never imagined will come within my reach, Legend has made possible free of charge. It was a VIP treatment right from my base in Port Harcourt down to Dubai.”

For Stephen Ajayi, a bus driver in Ibadan, Oyo State, the trip to Dubai was not all about the shopping; it was about the new insight the promo has given him.

He says, “I had never owned an international passport before. I have never travelled by air in my life let alone leaving the shores Nigeria. But Legend has made it all happen for me free of charge. I value the exposure and experience more than the items I picked.”

Also on the trip were Emmanuel Ogunje from Delta State, Kaduna-based Chinonyerem Eleleme, Peter Bonniface from Akwa Ibom, Enugu-based Romanus Nnamani and Jephtha Chukwuoti, a 21 year old student of Federal Polytechnic, Okoh.

Celebrated comedian speaks with JAYNE AUGOYE on what he does outside comedy

Among some Nigerian comedians with controversial stage names, Francis Agoda’s case is about the most curious. While some would bear Omo Baba and Funny Bone, his is I Go Dye, a term that sounds as if someone is craving for suicide.

But the comedian who says he discovered his talent at an early age interprets this differently. In an interview with our correspondent, although he chooses his answers perhaps too carefully than a journalist would like, he indicates that he is in control of almost every step he takes as a joke merchant.

His words, “My stage name is just an acronym that expresses my motivational background to inspire my generation. Some will mistake the pronunciation and attribute another meaning to it. But it actually means, ‘Initiative, Guide on Developing Youth’s Endowment (I Go Dye).”

Although the beginning was so rough for him that he was once evicted by his landlord and had to borrow a jacket to wear to his first show, things have changed dramatically for him. He is said to be building a luxury home in Benin, Edo State, at a height inspired by French Luxurious Castle – Chateaux de Reeves, for instance. But he would not tell you how much this has cost him.

He only says, “Well, a home is a home, just a place where one can get a little comfort. I don’t want to give a contrary estimate, but it has been so demanding. I believe, we all live in a civilised society today, and not much sentimental attachment should be accorded to even cars. It is not the value of a car that brings the true regards upon the individual. It is personal integrity and selfless attributes that inspire other people that actually bring fulfilment.

“Everything in life is all by God’s grace. Who is a man, in all seriousness? Nothing! It takes God’s favour to stay alive, let alone waking up to see the rising sun. Besides, no matter what any one assumes that he possesses, there is nothing new under the sun. So, why should anyone find it hard to accept that we are so ordinary in all standards? It is natural to keep that simple profile,” he explains.

Beyond comedy, Agoda says he is involved in civil engineering, noting that he runs Revamp Construction Company. Although he does not give details about this, he, however, rules out a trade that many of his colleagues are dabbling into – music. He responds with an emphatic ‘no’ to the question whether or not he wants to sing and probably produce albums like Gordon or Koffi.

On what makes a good comedian, he says, “It takes commitment and genuine interest in the profession to reach the zenith of it. Creativity and the ability to acquire experience in everything happening in your environment are crucial. Above all, natural talent is what actually makes it easy to achieve that desired attainment. But God has the final approval to anyone success.”

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Theatre lovers were last weekend treated to the stage performance of “For Colored Girls who have Considered Suicide at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

The play, an adaptation of American playwright Ntozake Shange’s award-winning work was directed by Wole Oguntokun.

Sponsored by Baileys Irish Cream and originally adapted for film by American film-maker, Tyler Perry, it tells the stories of seven women who have suffered oppression in a racist and sexist society.

The choreo-poem, a form of dramatic expression that combines poetry, dance, music, and song, directed by Keke Hammond, featured all-female cast drama comprising Funke Akindele, Bikiya Graham Douglas, Ade Laoye, Oreka Godis, Diana Yekini, Carol King and OsasIghodaro.

The seven women in the play were unnamed as they were meant to stand for the women who make up the rainbow. As such, they went by the names “Lady in brown,” “Lady in red,” and so on. Each told her own story which were all interwoven together. As the women tell their stories, they reflected on what it meant to be a woman of colour, what chances and choices they have.

Although the stories were tales of struggle, the play was quite uplifting. While the seven women grieved, they also celebrated their lives, their vitality, and their colourfulness. As the play wound to a close, the women recited, one at a time and then together, “I found god in myself/ and I loved her/I loved her fiercely.”

Speaking on why Baileys sponsored the event, Mr. Felix Enwemadu, General Manager, Diageo Brands Nigeria, said, “We sponsored this play to further reiterate our commitment esteemed to the advancement of womanhood in a unique way.”

Winner of the 2014 edition of the Maltina Dance All will go home with N10m.

The organisers revealed this on Saturday when the Season 8 of the show was unveiled in Lagos, amidst vibrant dance steps and reminiscences on the journey so far.

According to the Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries plc, Mr. Kufre Ekanem, the first and second runners up will get N3 million and N1m respectively – as against the corresponding N6m, N1m and N500, 000 the first, second and third positions attracted last year.

Established in 2007, the contest has produced the Onye, Opuwari, Ibiams, Adejobi, Ekubothe, Greens and The Briggs families as winners.

At the Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, where the event was held, Ekanem noted that the Season 8 was tagged “The Rhythm of Happiness”, meaning that consumers and other Nigerians would be encouraged to come up with their own Rhythm of Happiness Dance.

He said this edition would be the best ever.

“As we all know, the Maltina Dance All is the foremost experiential and sponsorship platform of the Maltina brand renowned for promoting togetherness with friends and loved ones. The TV show, which made its debut in 2007, has remained Nigeria’s first and only family dance TV show featuring families from various regions across the country.”

He added that the project was about the emotions, excitement, fun and the unbreakable bond that 10 families would showcase when they challenge one another by learning and performing various dance styles in the Maltina Dance All academy.

According to him, one of the unique traits of the show is that each edition comes with a different dance style.

“For instance, the theme for Season 5 was the ‘Biggest Maltina Dance All; Season 6 was the ‘Most Spectacular MDA’; and Season 7 was ‘The Evolution.’ This year, the spectacle will revolve around the ‘Rhythm of Happiness,” Ekanem stressed.

The show will be preceded by regional auditions which will start in Port Harcourt at the Atrium Event Centre between July 18 and 19; the National Theatre, Lagos, 24 to 26; and Abuja on August 1 and 2.

The Senior Brand Manager, Maltina, Mr. Adewole Adedeji, noted that building any brand was a very long journey.

He said, “We are glad with the evolution of the Maltina brand over the years and the impact it has made thus far. We are also very excited about what the Season 8 of MDA has in store for us.”

Popular Yoruba actress, Toyin Aimakhu, tells JAYNE AUGOYE about the challenges of managing the home front and career in this interview

Based on the trend in the Yoruba movie clan, some people have tipped popular Yoruba actress, Toyin Aimakhu, to become the ‘next’ Funke Akindele’ in no time. But that thought will remain just a wish as far as Aimakhu is concerned.

This is simply because the lady who cut her teeth in acting in 2003, as a Philosophy undergraduate at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, thinks otherwise. As far as she is concerned, she is not out to compete with the award-winning Akindele.

She says, “It is a privilege and honour to be compared with Aunty Funke Akindele because she had become a household name long before I came on board. She is also one of the few actors that have mentored me in this industry. So, it is a thing of joy to be compared to your small mum and sister.

“I can’t overthrow her because no one can overthrow me as well. People do have a right to their opinions but we all know that the truth is she is a fantastic actress any time, any day. So, she be my oga and I dey follow her for back.”

Aside from her strides in acting and a string of scandals around her in the last few years, one area where Aimakhu appears to be making headlines is in her union to fellow actor, Niyi Johnson. For instance, she recently posted a picture of her husband helping her relax her hair, thus giving the world a peep into their intimate experiences at home.

While she intended it to be a fun post, she says the comments it has attracted are not surprising to her.

“People will always have something to say,” she adds. “If my husband was beating me up, then some people pretending to be women right activists have their partners pummel them at any given opportunity. Some people want what you have but when they can’t have it they just ‘bad-mouth’ you. I sometimes read comments about me online when I’m bored because they crack me up.

“There’s no way I can ever stop putting out our pictures on social media because we are both in the industry. If people don’t talk about us, how do we   make money? How do we get jobs? Because he is a caring husband, the consensus is that I have jazzed him. I wanted my hair blown out because I wanted to fix a weave-on and he offered to do it. I have been using Ozone relaxer for ages and can’t stop using it because other kits do not work for me. They still have a lot to talk about because this is just a tip of the iceberg.”

Although the light-skinned, Edo state-born actress started her career starring in Yoruba movies, she says she still nurses a strong desire to break into Nollywood like some of her peers have.

“I really wish to break into Nollywood but I haven’t gotten an opportunity to do so yet. I was actually called up by Simony Films to star in a film in Asaba, Delta State. But then I was too busy to make it to the set. Although I am satisfied being in the Yoruba movie sector, I am really interested in being in Nollywood and becoming a cross-over actress. It is not about the money for now but about my career and passion for the arts,” she says.

So, has marriage been all rosy for her? Letting out a smile, Aimakhu, who is the youngest child in a family of five, says she set her priorities right even though it comes with a huge price.

“I have lost some jobs as a result of my marital status but it is worth it because you can’t buy a good home or compare it to anything in this world. You can always get another job after you lose one. But once you lose your home it is difficult to get another good home.

“I take up controversial roles wisely and can no longer go the extra mile with male colleagues on set or take up bitchy roles. My husband can take up any role and he knows how to handle them. My man is very decent and does whatever he feels is right. After all, location is location while home is home,” she says.

With two projects, Alakada 2 and Eta due to be released before the year runs out, the actress, who produced her first movie titled Alajota in 2005, no doubt has a lot on her plate. Citing piracy as a spanner in the wheel of progress, she however declines to speak about her earnings. But one area that touches on her emotions is the issue of bad press. If for anything, there is one thing she wishes the world knew about her.

“It hurts me a lot when people who don’t know me only judge me by simply watching my movies. It is also painful when they say actresses are promiscuous. I feel terrible because I am not. But I thank God it is a lot better now as people can now differentiate between screen scenes and real life,” Aimakhu explains.

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Abuja-based Arojah Royal Theatre has concluded plans to stage August Strindberg’s play, Dance of Death.

According to Arojah’s Artistic Director, Jerry Adesewo, the two-part play is about a half-crazed married couple locked together in ‘splenetic’ isolation.

He states in a statement, “Edgar, a garrison captain played by Toba Oyewale, and his wife, Alice, played by Oluwaseun Odukoya, prepare to celebrate 25 years of married torment in the fortress they laughably call home. Half-starved and seething with contempt for everyone on the island, they fall with malign glee on Alice’s cousin, Kurt, played by Ebitchi Promise, who arrives to be the new quarantine master.

Since it was Kurt who brought them together, he becomes a weapon in their domestic warfare, as well as someone to confide in. But, contaminated by their viral passion, Kurt eventually beats a retreat leaving the pair in a state of exhausted reconciliation.

Courtesy of the Embassy of Sweden, Abuja and Ericsson Nigeria, the play directed by Jibrin Ahmed will make a tour of tertiary institutions is the Federal Capital Territory – the University of Abuja, Nassarawa State University, Base University and the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, Abuja.

Adesewo adds that Dance of Death will also be on stage in Abuja at the residence of the ambassador of Sweden, in Asokoro, on June 28.

He says the production of the Swedish play is his outfit’s new initiative aimed at generating audience as well as contributing to the globalisation process.

“This is just another of our effort in employing the theatre as a social force. It is called ‘Cultural Diplomacy Initiative’ and is intended to use theatre as a tool for cultural diplomacy,” he explains.

R‘n’B singer, Bankole Wellington, popularly called Banky W, will be hosted by CÎROC’s Blue Stone Vodka company at an international premier to be held at the Nikki Beach Club Ibiza, Spain.

Banky W, who would be hosted on July 10 at the world-famous party island, is one of the leading voices in the Nigerian music industry. He has been able to help and train upcoming stars and has to his credit the title of being the ‘Producer of Superstars’ under his belt.

According to a statement from the organisers, he has won different awards for his contribution to the growth of the music industry in Africa.

His awards include Channel O’s Most Gifted R&B singer, Soundcity’s Best Male Video, and Best R&B Single of the Year at the Hip Hop World Awards.

The organisers quote the artiste as saying, “I feel very privileged to be hosted by CÎROC Blue stone Vodka Company.

It’s an honour and I am proud to be representing Nigeria at this world class event. I’ve always said there’s no party like a Lagos Party, so I feel blessed to be able to combine that with the legendary VIP parties that CÎROC is known for.

It will be an experience of a lifetime and I’m looking forward to it.”

Silverbird Cinemas General Manager, Ayotunde Bababunmi, speaks with JAYNE AUGOYE on the outfit’s 10 years existence

If there is any institution where you can readily get the verdict on how well or otherwise Nigerian films have performed at the box office, Silverbird Cinemas is one of the first places to go. The reason is that it has been in business for 10 years, thus being one of the oldest and most consistent in recent times. And the company’s General Manager, Mr. Ayotunde Bababunmi, has much to say in this regard.

For instance, he does not mince words on which film has mostly succeeded at the cinema in recent years. According to him, Ije broke the box office records within a week of its cinema release.

“Asides the fact that we have had many fantastic premieres at our cinema, we witnessed a major Nigerian movie that competed favourably with the foreign movies showing at that time. That is Ije produced by Chineze Anyaeze. It grossed over N50m and the figure was not made up. Other Nollywood movies have the potential to make close to that or more but none has been close. Jenifa raked in over N30m .An indigenous movie can make a lot of money if the production is top notch. A few of them (producers) know that with a very good storyline Nigerians will watch it,” he says.

While some persons argue that the near-monopoly being enjoyed by Silverbird Cinema through the years has come under threat from the new wave of cinemas that are springing up in some strategic locations across the country, Bababunmi calls their bluff.

“It is possible for new players to come into the system but they have to sit down and do their homework well, because the standard we put in place over time cannot be compromised. That being said, the market is big enough for all.

“We can’t be everywhere even though we aim to be sighted in major areas of the county. We all know that Nigeria is one of the emerging markets and it will remain so for a long time. We are in advanced stages of opening cinemas in different African countries,” he tells our correspondent in his review of the first decade of the cinema’s existence.

He reels out the score card of the outfit to include satisfying the yearnings of the cinema-loving populace.

“We also plan to have a cinema by the first quarter of 2015 in Festac Town, Lagos, and we will also be commissioning our third cinema in Ghana as well. We make sure we don’t compromise standards because we are very proud of how far we have come. As we speak, the Silverbird Galleria is being renovated to meet the global standards which have since gone digital. We have begun our own conversion today to digital projectors down to the floor.”

Despite the role it is playing in the advancement of Nollywood movies, the outfit still receives some backlash from aggrieved producers, unhappy about what they allege to be the 80-20 sharing formula on proceeds of movies it screens. For instance, in a recent interview with this correspondent, actor-turned filmmaker, Desmond Elliot, alleged being paid only 20 per cent of cinema earnings.

Bababunmi, however, attributes such claims to ignorance on the part of some ‘uninformed’ producers.

He says, “The problem stems from the ignorant ones among these producers. Some producers, who want to be knowledgeable, ask relevant questions and understand the process completely. You will notice that those who complain still come back to us at the same time because we give our local titles more preference.

“Some release a movies and expect to make all the money from the cinemas. Overseas, if you spend $10m on a movie, you expect to make $3m from cinema, another $3m from the pay- to-view, another $ 3m from free-to-air and about $1m from DVD sales. You almost can’t make $10m from just the cinemas but if it happens in theatre release, then consider yourself very lucky.

“Our partners overseas know how much we rake in the first few days of release, so when you send the final statement, they are comfortable with it. These numbers don’t lie because there is a trend. When the Nigerian titles complain we simply ask them to study the trends. It is cheaper to declare what you made than cheat because the latter is too stressful.”

A popular saying has it that desperate times require desperate measures. This saying is true with regards to how the firm manages to curb activities of pirates, who have grown to be a ‘terror’ to many entertainment players.

Describing how the activities of the pirates are handled at his end, Bababunmi reveals that they simply resorted to investing in cutting-edge technology.

“We are proud to say that our products have been pirate-free. Even though they try to bring in their camcorder to record a full-length movie in the cinema hall, it is impossible to do so, except an internal person is involved and that is what we try to avoi,” he adds.

He shows the correspondent a laser-beam equipment which detects the slightest move of a would-be-pirate while a film is showing on the large screens. He says, pointing to the object, “With this, we can spot a pirate whether he is using a camcorder, pen or mobile phone. We have put these in place to guard against anyone trying to record anything.”

Like every business venture, the Silverbird Cinemas does have its own share of worries too.

“A major challenge we face is with the Censors Board and its classification. Where they rate a movie already rated 15 as 18, it reduces the number of viewers . When this happens, we cut out a lot of geography that can’t watch the film,” Bababunmi adds.

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The grand finale of the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature holds with fanfare, AKEEM LASISI writes

The suspense invoked by the short list of the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature simmered on Saturday night when the judges announced an Ibadan, Oyo State-based writer, Akin Bello, winner of the $20,000 competition.

His play, Egbon of Lagos, turned words into fortune for him, as it was adjudged the very best of the three plays – including Toyin Abiodun’s The Trials of Afonja and Othuke Othuke Ominibohs’ Drum Box – shortlisted.

It was a glorious night for Bello, as leading writers such as the Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka; Profs. J. P Clark, Femi Osofisan and Olu Obafemi rose to celebrate with him.

These were apart from dignitaries from other walks of life, who thronged the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos where the event held amidst reflections on the state of the nation, homage to literature and musical and dramatic performances.

But the programme sponsored by Globacom was that grand because it coincided with the celebration of Soyinka’s 80th birthday, which comes up on Sunday, July 13.

As a result, even Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, a graduate of Literature; a former Chairman of Punch Nigeria Limited, Chief Ajibola Ogunshola; popular writer, Odia Ofeimun; and celebrated lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), graced the occasion.

Bello was crowned by Wole Soyinka, assisted by the Mrs. Francesca Emmanuel-led board of the Lumina Foundation, Amaechi and Globacom’s Head of GloWorld, Titi Ebinisi.

Akin Belo’s victory will remind some observers of Nigerian literature of the fact that writers from the Ibadan axis have been having a real deal in recent years. For instance, in the past three years, at least three major have gone their direction.

While Rotimi won the 2012 edition of the Caine Prize with his novel, Bombay’s Republic, Tade Ipadeola won the latest edition of the Nigerian Prize for Literature with his Sahara Testament. Now, Bello has extended the winning streak with Egbon of Lagos shining through the 163 entries submitted for the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature, whose judges were drawn from Nigeria, Uganda, Mali and South Africa.

On how long ‘Ibadan writers’ want to rule the waves, only time will tell. But was, however, simultaneously excited and sober in his victory song on Saturday.

In his acceptance speech, he thanked the Lumina Foundation founded by Promise Ogochukwu the judges – drawn from and Globacom for making his dream a reality. But he also saluted the runner-ups, whose works, he noted were also inspiring.

Bello said, ‘For a long time, Nigerian writers have been forced to be living as beggars. But we thank God that things are changing. For me, this prize will help in moving ahead and inspire me to work harder.”

Born in Lagos in 1960, Bello was educated in Oyo, Ghana and the University of Ife, (now Obafemi Awolowo University) Ile-Ife, where he obtained a B.Sc. (Hons) (Pol. Science) in the 2nd Class (Upper) Division in 1975.

A widely travelled man with a richly diversified work experience, he is currently an Executive Director of a non-governmental organisation in Ibadan. He was the chairman of the Oyo State Chapter of the Association of Nigeria between 2008 and 2012.

Before now, Bello had published three novels and a poetry collection. Egbon of Lagos is his first play. In the assessment of the judges, the play is an interesting story of trials and tribulations with a contemporary and universal theme.

Although Soyinka could not help commenting on contradictions in national politics, especially as he lambasted the soldiers that attacked civilians in Lagos on Friday, following the killing of a soldier in an accident, he commended the organisers of the award and Globacom. He noted that the award was organised independent of him.

In a goodwill message read on his behalf, Globacom’s Chairman, Dr. Mike Adenuga, said the company was involved in the project because it linked literary and socio-cultural growth to the overall development of society. Besides, it regards Soyinka, around who the prize is built, as a worthy hero.

Adenuga said, “Globacom is delighted to be part of the successful execution of the project, which honours one of the world’s biggest literary giants, Professor Wole Soyinka, and seeks to promote excellence in the literary arts on the continent of Africa.

“As a teacher, role model, social activist and advocate, Professor Wole Soyinka has directly impacted millions of lives on the continent of Africa and beyond. We are deeply honoured to be part of a project like this, which celebrates this living legend and seeks to encourage the coming generation to aspire to attain such academic excellence in the literary world.”

Like Soyinka, renowned professor of International Law and Jurisprudence Prof Akin Oyebode, called for more than sober reflections in his keynote address. Saying Nigeria is at a crossroads, he said the constitution bequeathed to the country by the military had outgrown its usefulness. According to him, the outdated legal document and bad leadership have taken shine off the country’s profile.

Oyebode added, ‘A clueless and confused leadership is the worst thing that can befall a nation.”

Such a critical intervention was, however, softened by musical and dramatic performances by the Bez, Steve Rhodes Orchestra and Crown Troupe of Africa.

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Just as stakeholders in the Nigerian publishing industry await the final decision of the Federal Government on the issue of taxation on books, the pioneer chairman of the Nigeria Book Fair Trust, Mr. Dayo Alabi, has called on government to remove existing duties on printing materials and machines so as to open up the printing industry for competition.

In an interview with our correspondent, Alabi listed a number of steps that government must take in order to remedy the situation.

He said, “Government should help local printers by removing all duties on all printing materials so that printing in Nigeria can be competitive. It can also ensure that the right infrastructures that will aid printing are in place. It can find a way to subsidise power, which is a very important factor of production.

“I am saying this because irregular power supply is a big problem to printing in this country. It is bad enough when a printing house spends almost N1m on diesel every month. So you see, the blame is not on publishers. It is the environment that is the problem.”

Alabi, who is also a leading publisher in the country, said that books currently sold in the market are better produced and look better than they used to be in the past.

Noting that the quality of the books and the finishing are better, he said, “I think it is because most publishers in the country get the books printed and packaged abroad nowadays.”

He said that Nigerian publishers are forced to print books abroad because it is by far cheaper than what they can hope to get in the country.

“It is cheaper to print outside Nigeria than in the country. It is cheaper to print in countries like India, China and Malaysia. And the quality is always much better than what you get in this country. Outside Nigeria, you may even get a credit facility and required to pay back in three months. On the contrary, no printer here will give you a credit facility.

“You see, some publishers will always go outside to print books if the price and quality is better than what they can get in Nigeria. Why do we take crude oil out of the country to go and refine and bring back as petrol to sell to consumers? We have refineries in Nigeria, but it is either they are bad or they cannot cope with the volume of production. It is because it is cheaper and more convenient to refine crude oil abroad. The same thing applies to publishing or printing,” he said.

The former NBFT chairman kicked against any move by the FG to impose tax on books, adding that such an act would be tantamount to breaking the United Nations protocol on books, which Nigeria is a signatory to.

He said, “Here in Nigeria, the same old argument prevails. Government says it has suspended the tariff on books till the end of September. It says that printers and publishers should sit down and sort out the problem. But this is wrong because government cannot be a signatory to a protocol of the United Nations which says there should be free movement of books all over the world and yet, go ahead to impose tax on books. It is morally wrong. By signing that protocol, Nigeria has made it a law. So it cannot make a law and break it.

“If government imposes that duty on books and it complains that people are not reading books, then it will make it more difficult for people to read books. Printers have forgotten that it is not every book imported into the country that is published by Nigerian publishers.

“No Nigerian publisher is publishing medical books, for instance. Therefore, imposing duty on medical books amounts to killing medicine. No meaningful engineering books are published in Nigeria. So, if government imposes tax on engineering books, it means that it does not want anybody to study engineering any longer. How then will the country move forward when books are not made available to the people?

“Almost 95 per cent of books used in tertiary institutions in Nigeria are imported. They are not published in the country. So it is good for government to sit down and look at things properly before taking decisions.”

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Judging by the growing acceptance of social media, what was once considered ‘secret’ can go viral in no time. Hence, a simple fashion blunder that was once simply overlooked may just affect an artiste’s perception and career in the long run.

These thoughts were re-echoed by celebrity fashion entrepreneur, Familusi Akin-Babajide, during the inauguration of the FAB shop located in Ikeja, G.R.A, Lagos, on Saturday.

While fielding questions from journalists at the event, the host who has clothed notable entertainers   said, “Most celebrities consider themselves role models and they need to be perceived as such and even though this may range from how they act, speak and carry them. If they can pull a good look every time, they may be regarded as being more disciplined and consistent ?”

FAB added that the latest outlet aims to become a hub for African designers to reach fashion lovers in Lagos while also providing marketing support for emerging fashion design talents from Africa.

“The growth of African fashion lies in the ability to create wealth for the creatives. At FAB we realise that we may have done well in exposing raw talents from out of Africa to Africans and the rest of the world but now need to actively participate in helping to create a sustainable structure for the industry, an industry I have been in for 13years.

“In a few weeks we will be formally unveiling, in conjunction with our partners at Maximum Digitals Limited and GVANS Integrated Services, a new restaurant and lounge – Maghefa Restaurants and The FAB Lounge.’

Photography is set to return to the centre stage as the fifth edition of the LagosPhoto Festival has been unveiled.

Although it is basically about exhibiting inspiring photographs that define Nigeria’s most commercial city, the festival sponsored by Etisalat incorporates a competition which, many observers are likely to note, captures an interesting feature of the new media.

In reflection of the theme ‘Mastering the Selfie’, photographers are expected to submit “selfies” based on monthly themes Fashion, Nightlife, Architecture and Celebrity. The organisers said submitted images would be uploaded to the Official LagosPhoto Mobile App, powered by Etisalat, where the public can view and vote on the competition.

Speaking at the unveiling event at the African Artists Foundation, Ikoyi, Lagos, Director, Brands and Communications at Etisalat Nigeria, Enitan Denloye, noted that the company will also be hosting the most prestigious exhibition of documentary photography worldwide WorldPress Photo. This exhibition will be bringing together award-winning photographs from around the world, and it will create an opportunity to exhibit previous years’ best press photography in the world as well as provide capacity building opportunities for local photographers.

Denloye, said that the company is committed to supporting the Arts, promoting excellence, nurturing talent and providing a platform for people to express themselves and communicate their ideas.

She said LagosPhoto was the first photography festival in Nigeria that used the power of photography to bring stories that capture individual experiences and identities from all over the world.

“We are delighted to have another opportunity to support creativity in Nigeria. Etisalat sees this platform as an identification of the growing Arts and Culture industry in Nigeria, and our partnership with LagosPhoto reinforces our commitment to celebrating our culture and creative talents. We are reiterating our commitment to keeping our customers connected to unique experiences that connect with their lifestyle,” he said.

Also, Director LagosPhoto Foundation, Wunika Mukan, said the 2014 LagosPhoto Festival would examine contemporary photographers working in Africa who toe the line between photography and truth, by incorporating conceptual practices that expand traditional photographic approaches and techniques. The 2014 theme Staging Reality, Documenting Fiction according to Mukan, will also explore how photographers imagine different futures and charter fictive worlds using photography as a catalyst to explore the changing realities of Africa today.

Just six months after ‘kingdom music’ artiste, Obiajulu Ugboh, dumped her teaching career and hugged entertainment, she is already sharing the stage with established acts like Tuface Idibia, Oritshefemi and Jaywon. Ugboh recently performed at the SpinClub Entertainment’s EasterJamz Festival in Ikeja, Lagos, alongside the big names.

But the budding gospel pop singer attributes the big break to the grace of God and a resolve to do what she loves best.

“It feels great to live your dream. For me, to perform on the stage with a legend was a plus for me. I believe you can’t be fulfilled without leaving your footprints on the sands of time. I am happy to be here whether the money is coming in or not,’’ she says.

With a ‘funky’ stage name, BeeCee hopes to soar higher as she takes her ‘kingdom music’ to unlikely places. Already, Redefinition, her debut album, is rocking the airwaves with three videos. It is loaded with 12 tracks and songs such as Baba Gidigba, Ibuchi and How Great You Are.

Ugboh says her inspiration comes from life and a flair for dancing. The mother of two says her lyrics are inspired to change the indecent mindset among many youths.

“The target is creating a healthy alternative. I put on my television and all I see is sex. As a kingdom artiste and a mother, I needed to create an alternative. Kingdom artistes are not giving out a cleaner alternative. That is the gap I want to fill,’’ she asserts.

But even with such a noble calling, the Political Science graduate of the Delta State University says it is not easy to break into the church circle. As a result of her pop leaning, the acceptance was not automatic.

She says, “It was about the mindset. Here I am with a brand of music that is not so regular. If you are not singing the regular kind of music, it will not be readily accepted in churches. There is a myopic view that kingdom music must follow a pattern. But we need fast, danceable kingdom music to replace the secular indecent lyrics around. Usually, you find indecent music being played even at Christian parties. Christians also celebrate and need fast-paced kingdom music to fill that gap.’’

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Children join seasoned artists to capture the Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, at an exhibition marking his 80th birthday, AKEEM LASISI writes

An exhibition of paintings capturing various aspects of the life of the Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has opened at the Freedom Park, Lagos.

Coming as part of the Legend Series created by Olu Ajayi, the exhibition is part of the Open Door Series and International Cultural Exchange celebrating the 80th birthday of the legendary writer.

It had earlier travelled to Abeokuta, Ogun State, where it also engaged students of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic who painted portraits of the laureate based on their perception of him.

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, members of his cabinet and many other stakeholders had witnessed the opening of the series held at the Cultural Centre, Kuto Abeokuta.

The Ogun State Government is a major sponsor of the Open Door Series powered by Alhaji Teju Kareem-led ZMirage, Lagos.

But the current phase of the exhibition in Lagos is presenting works of veteran artists such as Ajayi and Emmanuel Adejumo. They capture Soyinka in different moods, even though his physical features have a way of giving him out no matter how maverick the artist is.

But if the elder artists’ impressions will make the art enthusiasts reflect more about Soyinka’s personality, drawings by some pupils from Osogbo, Osun State are likely to amuse many visitors to the exhibition. In their ‘creative innocence’, they sketch the subject in ways dthat present different shades of his eyes, hairs, beards and more. The few lines that some of the pupils drop alongside the drawings, however, show that they understand and appreciate Soyinka’s essence as a leading writer and human rights champion.

But Ajayi, who recalled that the Legend Series had featured the likes of Professors Bruce Onabrakpeya and J.P. Clark, believes that there is always a connecting factor even when people look at Soyinka from different perspectives.

“There is a relationship between the ways people see him,” he said. “Whether it is adults that are giving their impressions or children, however they see him, you would still be able to say, ‘This is the man.”

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Controversial Nollywood actress, Susan Peters, speaks on recent events in her career, writes JAYNE AUGOYE

Besides her acting career, Susan Peters is no stranger to controversies and what some people will call bad press. One of such came to the fore two years ago, after a photograph of the budding actress in which she posed with her recently-acquired Blackberry Porsche, valued at N500,000 at the time, found its way onto the Internet.

Although the Benue State-born thespian became a pawn for online critics at the time, ironically, it did boost her profile in the long run.

The dark-skinned actress says, “When you decide to go into an industry that is in the open you should be ready to receive backlashes. You should learn to ignore some and then really need to respond to others as well. I just try to manage myself because people will talk. anyway. It means that there is something I am doing that people are noticing.

“There are a whole lot of people in the industry who are not being talked about. The only bad thing about the backlashing is that when someone goes on Google to try to know you better, and all they see is the gossip, it gives you a bad name.”

Some months ago,a group of Nollywood practitioners, under the auspices of the Actors Guild of Nigeria paid a courtesy visit to President Goodluck Jonathan at the Aso Villa, Abuja. Peters, who says she was privileged to have made the controversial trip, recalls the episode saying, “In this industry, they say no publicity is bad publicity. We take it as it comes. They said we collected money, which is not true. We funded our trip and were only given accommodation and three-square meals.

“Everyone funded their trip themselves and came from different locations. I, for instance, was on set at the time but just flew in for the meeting and it came out well. If we had not gone as a group, they wouldn’t have listened to us. I was inside the state house and even had a handshake with the President. When I came back I had to touch everything in my house to tap the anointing. Shaking the president’s hands was a major achievement for me.”

The actress who admits that acting has opened doors for her is not a regular face in many Nollywood films. In fact, critics appear to be at a loss as to how she manages to bag awards locally and overseas. She explains, “I am of the opinion that movie roles destined for you will always come your own direction. I am not picky although they have classified us as cinema actors.

She also throws her weight behind the AGN President, Ibinabo fiberisima, who has indicated interest in running for a second term upon the expiration of her tenure in September.

“We (AGN) are still standing tall, no matter how they see it. Maybe they are complaining because she is a woman. The notion that women should always be at the background is at play here. The fact that she is a woman who is making a whole lot of difference, they (critics) are unhappy about it, but I am. Because of her strides, the Federal Government has given us a land in Abuja to build our secretariat. If a leader delivers, he or she deserves another tenure.”

For now, Peters, who was a first runner-up at the Most Beautiful Girl on Kaduna Polytechnic Campus in 1998, says she wants to produce her own film titled Don’t Cry for Me, which she bought off a script-writer. The movie scheduled to premiere sometime in August features Peters starring alongside Uti, Joseph Benjamin and Beverly and Melvin, of Big Brother Africa fame.

She defends her decision to venture into moviemaking saying, “I decided to go into movie production because that way I will be able to correct a lot of things that I would love to do in my own movie. But I will be going back into directing very soon.”

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Eleven authors have been shortlisted for the 2014 edition of the Nigeria Prize for Literature.

A statement from the Nigeria LNG, organisers of the prize, lists the writers thus: Abba, John Friday​​-​Alekwu Night Dance; Adaofuyi, Patrick Ogbe​-​Canterkerous Passengers; Cole, Soji​​​-​Maybe Tommorrow; Edema, Paul​​​-​A plague of Gadflies; Idada, Jude​​​-​Oduduwa, King of the Edos; Momodu, Onshore Ruth​-​No fault of mine; Ogezi, Attah Isaac​​-​Under a Darkling Sky’ Okoh, Julie​​​-​Our Wife Forever; Solanke, Ade​​​-​Pandora’s Box; Udoka, Arnold​​ -​Akon; and Ukala, Sam ​​​- ​Iredi War.

It adds that the list was presented by the Chairperson, panel of judges for this year’s prize, Prof. Charity Angya, professor of Theatre and Drama and Vice-Chancellor, Benue State University, after two months of intensive scrutiny. Other members of the panel of judges include Prof. Ahmed Yerima, a past laureate of the prize and professor of Theatre Arts, Redeemer’s University, Mowe, Ogun State; and Prof. Akanji Nasiru, a professor of Performing Arts, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State.

The Nigeria Prize for Literature has since 2004 rewarded eminent writers such as Gabriel Okara (co-winner, 2005, poetry), Professor Ezenwa Ohaeto (co-winner, 2005, poetry) for The Dreamer, His Vision; Ahmed Yerima (2006, drama) for his Hard Ground; Mabel Segun (co-winner, 2007, children’s literature) for her collection of short plays Reader’s Theatre; Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo (co-winner, 2007, children’s literature) with her book, My Cousin Sammy; Kaine Agary (2008, prose); Esiaba Irobi (2010, drama) who clinched the prize posthumously with his book Cemetery Road; Adeleke Adeyemi (2011, children’s literature) with his book The Missing Clock; Chika Unigwe (2012 – prose), with her novel, On Black Sister’s Street and Tade Ipadeola (2013 – poetry) with his collection of poems, The Sahara Testaments.