Popular Nollywood actress, Juliana Olayode, popularly known as, Toyo Baby, has revealed why she stopped acting. Nigerians have disagreed with her as they said she stopped acting because she isn’t a good actress.
Toyo Baby rose to stardom after being featured in a popular comedy sitcom, known as, “Jenifa’s Diary.” During an interview, Toyo revealed why she had to stop acting.
According to her, she stopped acting due to kissing roles. She continued by saying that she’s only going to kiss her husband and not just kissing anyone. She didn’t condemn those who kiss in movies, but it isn’t for her anymore.
It was gathered that actor, Yomi Fabiyi has once again embarrassed actress, Iyabo Ojo moments after she slammed him with a N100 Million lawsuit for defamation.
Iyabo Ojo sued him because He spoke ill against her during the protest the actor organized yesterday for the release of Baba Ijesha, a veteran actor in the police net for defiling a minor.
In the placards, Yomi Fabiyi specifically told the police not to allow Iyabo Ojo and others dictate to them what they should do and that they should follow the law and release Baba Ijesha on bail.
On seeing this, Iyabo Ojo reacted with a N100 Million lawsuit against the actor who has also replied the actress.
In his response, He told Iyabo Ojo that she will not get any penny from him, and that she should rather save her money to eat and buy tiktok costumes else Lawyers will only extort her.
Nollywood movie producer and actor, Yomi Fabiyi has stormed Panti Police station, Yaba, Lagos State to demand the release of alleged pedophile, Baba Ijesha.
Fabiyi had earlier vowed to carry out a protest if the embattled actor, Baba Ijesha real name Olanrewaju Omiyinka was not released before the early hours of today, Wednesday, May 12.
In a series of videos and photos shared via his Instagram page, the actor and a handful of protesters were spotted with placards.
According to the actor who has remained sympathetic towards Baba Ijesha since his arrest, everyone in the country deserves a fair trial.
He said the denial of any bailable offense is a violation of one’s human rights.
Baba Ijesha was arrested a couple of weeks ago for allegedly sexually molesting a minor, who is the foster daughter of his colleague, Princess.
One of the key metrics that well defines a truly 21st century brand beyond profit making is its ability to connect with customers and stakeholders as a complete enabler, touching on vital aspects of their lives, creating exciting memories and enabling them to access more enjoyable and convenient lifestyle, in shopping, studying, working, traveling, family living, entertainment and aspirations.
Its ability to also give back to the community through tangible corporate social investment programs that significantly translate to improved living and not just mere formality and publicity stunts is also pertinent.
First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FirstBank) is giving a good account of itself in this regard not only as a truly financial powerhouse but also as a life enabler, helping Nigerians live better and achieve their dreams.
In retrospect, banking, decades ago, was essentially about providing financial services and products to merely aid customers’ financial transactions. However, the smart ones are indeed changing the game. Not only is the envelope being pushed to ensure that the unbanked are banked through financial inclusion offers even to the remotest villages, FirstBank has taken banking to another level. Backed by superior technology firepower and capacity, it is assisting not only adults but also Nigerian youths to live better and fulfil their dreams.
The Nigerian nation and the most populous black nation of the world indeed has a youths bulge as observed by many experts with a growing army of young and vibrant people below 25 years of age constituting over 60% of its 200million population! While an unrelenting rate of unemployment, weak economy, soaring inflation and despair appear to dominate the national mentality, many youths are finding solace in entertainment, breaking the ceiling with their creative ingenuity, shunning out award winning hits and in fact making global headlines in music and other entertainment offshoots like movies, comedy skits and contemporary dance.
Nigeria’s 29 year old singer, Damini Ogulu popularly called Burna Boy in March shocked the world winning the world’s most coveted Grammy Award in the Best World Music category during the 63rd annual edition in Los Angeles Atlanta while another 30 year old Nigerian artiste, Ayo Balogun aka Wizkid was also a co-winner in the Best Music Video category for Beyonce’s Brown Skin Girl. These young Nigerian global music icons were raised and honed their skills in the suburbs of Nigeria through home grown competitions and platforms.
Music reality shows have also unveiled and nurtured music and entertainment talents like Timi Dakolo, Iyanya, Praise, Omawumi and other A-list musicians in Nigeria. This is why FirstBank’s intervention and sponsorship of a music and youths talents harnessing platform like The Voice Nigeria is strategic and instructive, and quite capable of helping to harness and nurture music and entertainment talents into celebrated musicians, make global stars of Nigerian youths, and truly help them achieve their dreams. Obviously, Firstbank has been a prominent force visibly empowering talents and the nation, and without the much-needed lifeline, many young talents would be taking to crime or other vices.
For over 127 years, the premier bank has been at the forefront of nation building; supporting through resourceful partnerships to build the Nigerian creative industry value chain which contributed 2.3 per cent (N239 billion) to Nigeria’s GDP in 2016 (NBS).
The bank’s support for the Voice Nigeria is also a demonstration of its commitment to contributing to the projected revenue of US$86m by 2021 from the Nigeria’s music industry aimed at promoting a diversified economy in line with the Federal Government’s diversification policy.
The bank assured that it has given voice to Nigerians for the past 127 years, and will continue to give voice to Nigerians by creating employment, economic empowerment in the country through its products, services and initiatives and it remains committed to strengthening the creative industry which is fast growing into a multibillion-dollar business, with potential to be a leading contributor to Nigeria’s GDP in the near future.
In fact, FirstBank has the network; reach and digital capability to enable the Voice. With its agent banking network across the nooks and crannies in country, it is helping in the search for the talent that will become a true inspiration to all.
True to the name, the Voice Nigeria has lived up to its promise, as it offers exciting and relaxing entertainment to families, music lovers, and other entertainment loving Nigerians who look forward to fresh seasons and episode of the well-crafted music program.
Now in its season 3, the Reality TV show has been a masterpiece in the last six episodes of the current season as viewers are serenaded by several awesome performances and display of raw talents on the show’s blind auditions which ended on Saturday, May 1. The episode ended with raging emotions, exhilarating sensations and blistering anticipation as the four judges – Falz The Bad Guy, Waje, Yemi Alade and Dare Art Alade had one final opportunity to forge their winning team.
So far, the coaches, hosts, producers and amazing talents have been a great delight to watch. They have been awesome with their good-natured banters, hilarious drama, top-notch fashion, electrifying opening performances, talent courting speeches, and chair turning and bell thumping spectacle. The optics is exciting! The expectation on the show has been so intense; you could cut with a butter knife. The coaches’ approach at winning talents over to their team has been fun and a fine blend.
There were no holds barred, as the judges were very warm, animated, upbeat, inspiring and full of energy. They were definitely not a team of avuncular examiners waiting to pass judgments. They brought much gusto and effect to the big stage! While Falz threw up his magical comic card severally, Dare maintained the cool dude posture while Yemi and Waje both brought on the alluring feminine appeal with Waje sometimes speaking in Igbo to convince a talent. In all, they fared well, each getting a fair share of talents to mentor and their combination depicted a perfect combo.
The talents on their part have not disappointed viewers. They came in different shades across both genders, with varying voice textures, mix and pitches – smooth, silky, velvet, shrill, husky, coarse or simply rough. And to the best of their abilities, they did justice to many songs, including some classic tunes and old hits. The creative fusion of multiple genres of music by some smart talents who beautifully delivered unique blend of music made good impressions which won the judges hearts. The awful looks on the faces of those who the judges would simply not behold, having failed to captivate their attention with the voice. The uncontrollable joy of those who got the bell ring and standing ovation and the incredible looks on their loved ones who came to show support. Not forgetting the jazzy presence and reassurances from the co-hosts including Toke Makinwa and Nancy Ikime which also complimented the soothing potpourri.
Interestingly, FirstBank made some smart moves on the show, with the bold inscription of “This is the moment you have been waiting for, Time to put You First”, clearly displayed at the entry of the contestant for the stage performance. This reinforces the bank’s thrust as an inspiration to motivate the talents and youths at large to excellence. It has also promised viewers mouth-watering prizes just by watching the show regularly and following updates on FirstBank verified social media handles.
Now that the Blind auditions stage has come to an end, it is game on! The next phase of the show is the highly anticipated Knockout Stage which starts on May 8. In this stage, the coaches will select the most outstanding talents to proceed to the battles. In this stage, there is so much to come and fans will certainly not be ready for all that is in store.
More than ever, the show’s fans are hopeful that the knockout stage will even be more entertaining but that will certainly not be a challenge with the dexterity of the handlers so far.
With all that has been seen so far, it is difficult to believe that this is only the beginning; it is certain that there is so much more to come.
A Senior lecturer at Lagos State Polytechnic, Steven Anu’ Adesemoye has advocated for the propagation of Yoruba culture and language through the film industry and aid competition with other indigenous industries across the world.
Speaking at the Dallas International Yoruba Movies Awards official presentation held on April 25 at Ambiance Cafe in Ikeja, Adesemoye bemoaned the backstage role which the culture is subjected to by the film Industry.
He said, “The Yoruba film industry should not see its language of expression as a barrier to greater height. Instead, they should improve on their skill set in filmmaking to project the language and compete with other indigenous films across the globe”
He stated that the film industry has a cogent role to play in the preservation of Yoruba culture as it transcends geographical limitations. As a result, the language must be used appropriately to protect the originality of the culture.
In his words, “The only hope for the Yoruba nation in preserving the language is Yoruba film both home and abroad. People now learn how to speak Yoruba language through what they see in films across the globe.”
“Therefore, the industry players must pay more attention to the effective use of the language. Proverbs, idioms, anecdotes, etc must be constructed and disseminated. If we must protect and project Yoruba culture, the language must first be protected. Language is the key that opens the tradition and culture”, he added.
He frowned against the misconceptions in the usage of the culture. He further advocated for self-promotion of the cultural heritage. He encouraged collaboration and film tourism as tools which can help boost the industry’s impact in promotion of cultural value across the world.
“Gone are the days when foreigners are allowed to tell our stories to their satisfaction. Yoruba filmmakers must rise to the occasion by telling their stories the way they want the world to see them. Èsù is not Satan. Ifá is not an idol. A Pastor is not better than Babalawo. Let there be distinctive demarcations between Onisegun, Adaunse and Babalawo.”
“The world must see our real stories the exact way they should be seen. Thank God for technology that is helping the proliferation of Yoruba films across the globe. It is a ‘soft war’ as Femi Odugbemi rightly put it and we must take advantage of that to tell our stories and promote the citizen cinema”, he said.
“Collaboration is highly needed to achieve greater feats. All the sectional cliques and caucuses should be dismantled to give way to a formidable front that is capable of putting The Yoruba films on Netflix and award-winning Oscars. That’s the type of industry we are expecting and it is achievable in our time. Indians, Chinese, Korea, South Africa, etc have done it in their local languages, Yoruba films can do better.”
“Premium must be placed for Film Tourism. And amongst everything that is sellable to the outside world in the area of tourism, the only and surest commodity is our culture. We can export our culture easily through films. We can attract massive Tourists and earnings to our tradition and culture”.
“You can not sell seas and hills to foreigners because most of them have the same in abundance. But they don’t have Egungun, Eyo, Igunnuko, Ifa, Sango, Bata dance, Gangan, Kerikeri, Bata, Agidigbo, Ewi, etc. Yoruba films must start having a redirection to infuse our cultural values and heritage on their Central Dramatic Problems (CDP). That’s the new black oil.”
It must be recalled that the DIYMA Awards was previously held virtually on March 6 at Dallas by the popular sitcom couple, Mr. & Mrs. Kogberegbe to recognise the contribution of over 18 screen icons across different categories in the industry.
A senior officer at the Lagos State Police Command has confirmed to PUNCH Metro that a directive had been given for the release of Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju Omiyinka, aka Baba Ijesha, from custody.
The source said due to the ongoing strike by members of the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria, courts had ceased from sitting and the suspect could not be detained indefinitely without trial.
The source, however, said investigation into the recent allegation against Omiyinka revealed that he did not defile the victim, adding that when she was questioned, the victim confirmed the same.
The senior police officer stated, “There was no case of defilement, people are just talking out of sentiment. They are not talking from the point of law. We interviewed all parties involved in the case for three hours today (Wednesday).
“The mother complained that her child was at the age of seven when she was defiled and the child pointed at Baba Ijesha. But the case was not reported until she was 14 years and under the law, the case has become statute-barred.
“Regarding this new case, the CCTV footage has been assessed and nowhere was it captured that Baba Ijesha defiled her. The footage only showed him touching the victim’s body but it never showed him having any sexual intercourse with the girl. The girl also confirmed the same thing.
“So, in law, it is a case of indecent assault and not sexual harassment, and it is open to bail. So, can we continue to keep him when the offence is subject to bail and when there is no court sitting? That is against his fundamental human rights and the police do not work on sentiments. Directives have been given out for his release on bail.”
The Men’s Club (TMC), Africa’s highly anticipated online series powered by the United Bank for Africa’s Lifestyle and Entertainment channel, REDTV, has emerged the winner of Gage’s Awards’ Web Series of the Year 2020.
Following a thorough audit by the organisers of the awards, TMC which was nominated alongside four other popular online shows, clinched the highly coveted award, and was announced as the winner in an elaborate virtual event which was held on Saturday, April 24th,2021.
Now in its third season, TMC is one of the top hits from REDTV, producers of other popular shows like Our Best Friend’s Wedding, Inspector K, Assistant Madams, RedHot Topics, Hotel Boutique and a host of other entertaining content.
The Men’s Club has enjoyed a huge following since its launch in 2018, taking viewers on a roller-coaster ride with Africa’s hottest screen men – Ayoola Ayoola, Efa Iwara, Daniel Etim and Baaj Adegbule. Their adventure filled with love, friendship, fear, betrayal and Romance has had viewers clamoring for more. The show also stars top actors like Sharon Ooja, Mimi Chaka, Folu Storms and features some of Nollywood’s finest legends like Sola Sobowale and Shaffy Bello.
Executive Producer, REDTV, Bola Atta, thanked the organisers of the Gage awards for the recognition as she elaborated on the mission of REDTV since it was birthed five years ago. She said, “REDTV was set up to support Africa’s creative industry. Developing and nurturing talent is what we are most focused on as we make available opportunities for creative people across the continent. We do this through the creation of compelling and positive stories about Africa and Africans’.
Acknowledging UBA’s continuous investment in REDTV and in SMEs, Atta who is also the bank’s Director of Corporate Communications, said, “REDTV was birthed by the United Bank for Africa, to support the youths and the creative sector in Nigeria and across the African continent and for over five years we have been creating employment through entertainment. At UBA, we aim to empower talented and creative professionals in the pursuit of their dreams whilst they contribute to economic growth.
She disclosed that the online platform will be launching more pan- African content in the next few weeks, which she stated, will further connect African talent to the world, providing the best in entertainment and storytelling to its teeming fans.
Organisers of the awards, said the aim of the Gage Awards, which is in its second year, is to recognise institutions that have added value towards making the internet a haven for the development of African content.
REDTV is a fast-paced lifestyle channel that puts Africa on the global stage. Proudly powered by UBA, the network aims to entertain and inform through rich and engaging content that feature the very best of Africa focused on fashion, news, music, sports, drama, travel and much more.
REDTV collaborates with the most talented visionaries and creative minds who dare to believe in a New Africa, putting together content that reflect its vision.
L-R: Fela Ibidapo, Divisional Head, Corporate Communications of Heritage Bank Plc; Jasmine Howson-Wright, Winner of “Rita Dominic Acting Challenge;” Chioma Okafor, 1st runner-up; Rita Dominic, Foremost Nigerian Actress/Co-Founder of the Audrey Silva Company and Josh Anowi, 2nd runner-up, during the cheque presentation to the winners of the first “Rita Dominic Acting Challenge,” powered by Heritage Bank, held yesterday in Lagos.
Heritage Bank Plc has further reiterated its commitment to the growth and development of the creative and entertainment sector by supporting the “Rita Dominic Acting Challenge.”
Heritage Bank in collaboration with a foremost Nigerian Actress and Co-Founder of the Audrey Silva Company, Rita Dominic launched an acting challenge for aspiring actors to recreate a scene in a new film “La Femme Anjola,” produced by the later.
Respectively, the winners carted away cash prizes- ; the Prize winner, Jasmine Howson-Wright received N1million, Chioma Okafor, 1st runner-up got N300, 000, whilst the 2nd runner-up grabbed N100, 000 consolation prize for the recreating a scene from La Famme Anjola in the acting challenge.
Speaking at the presentation of the cheque to the winners, the Divisional Head, Corporate Communications of the Bank, Fela Ibidapo explained that as the institution’s name implies, Heritage Bank has continued to make efforts in supporting creativity, ideologies and talents like these, where arts are used as a tool to promote cultural awareness and to help younger Nigerians form a strong sense of National identity.
“As a bank, we look for creativity, ideas and talents to support. We are called Heritage Bank for reasons, which involves putting our money where our mouth is, being that art and entertainment space are platforms where we considered being opportunity for us to leverage our supports.
“It is a privilege that we are here today to celebrate the movie and the success achieved thus far and to the winners” he stated.
He assured that the bank would always be driven by cultural heritage in delivering distinctive financial services to create, preserve and transfer wealth.
According to him the bank is proud of the entertainment industry and will continue to stand by operators in it by supporting them and watch them grow.
The Foremost Actress, Dominic thanked Heritage Bank Plc for believing in her dreams and for helping and recognizing the need to support young talents in Nigeria.
“I have been eager to make my dream a reality, luckily Heritage Bank came on board to partner with us this year. I consider this as a fantastic opportunity to get my lifelong dream to have actors,” she said.
According to her, the acting challenge is an opportunity to help young aspiring actors to find their feet in the industry because of how difficult it can be in the industry.
She noted that there were enormous aspiring talents to harness; as it was difficult to nominate the winners amongst participants in the Rita Dominic Acting Challenge.
She advised the winners to remain unwavering, focus their eyes on their visions and goals if they desire to succeed in the entertainment industry.
R-L: Fela Ibidapo, Divisional Head, Corporate Communications of Heritage Bank Plc; Jasmine Howson-Wright, Winner of “Rita Dominic Acting Challenge” and Rita Dominic, Foremost Nigerian Actress/Co-Founder of the Audrey Silva Company, during the cheque presentation to the winners of the first “Rita Dominic Acting Challenge,” powered by Heritage Bank, held yesterday in Lagos.L-R: Fela Ibidapo, Divisional Head, Corporate Communications of Heritage Bank Plc Chioma Okafor, 1st runner-up of “Rita Dominic Acting Challenge” and Rita Dominic, Foremost Nigerian Actress/Co-Founder of the Audrey Silva Company, during the cheque presentation to the winners of the first “Rita Dominic Acting Challenge,” powered by Heritage Bank, held yesterday in Lagos.R-L: Fela Ibidapo, Divisional Head, Corporate Communications of Heritage Bank Plc; and Josh Anowi, 2nd runner-up of “Rita Dominic Acting Challenge” and Rita Dominic, Foremost Nigerian Actress/Co-Founder of the Audrey Silva Company, during the cheque presentation to the winners of the first “Rita Dominic Acting Challenge,” powered by Heritage Bank, held yesterday in Lagos.
South African police are currently investigating how superstar rapper, AKA’s fiancée, Nellie Tembe, fell to her death at Cape Town’s Pepper Club Hotel in the early hours of Sunday.
AKA, real name Kiernan Forbes, and Nellie got engaged in February this year. In March, he paid lobola to Nellie’s family, describing her as ‘the love of his life’ when he announced their engagement on social media, Newzimbabwe reports.
According to reports, Nellie fell from one of the upper floors of the hotel to the intersection of Loop and Bloom streets in the Cape Town central business districts.
A statement from the Tembe and Forbes families confirmed her untimely passing.
The statement read, “It is with the deepest regret that we, Tembe and Forbes families, confirm the untimely passing of our beloved fiance, daughter, sister and daughter-in-law, Anele Tembe (22). Anele tragically passed on in the early hours of this morning, Sunday 11 April 2021.4.11.
“We are still in shock and are dealing with our emotions as she was an exceptional and gifted young woman with so much life ahead of her. She had a sweet nature about her and was always nurturing those around her.
“Her fiance, Kiernan Forbes, is currently inconsolable and is surrounded by family and closest friends. At this hour of our grief, we humbly request that our families be given privacy and time to heal.”
Speaking to the media, Pepper Club General Manager, Efi, said, “At 7:30 am, we got a call that there has been an incident. We called the police subsequently. What I can tell you is that there is an investigation; it’s a young girl age of 22 and at this stage, the police is still investigating.”
Western Cape police spokesperson, Captain Frederick van Wyk, said investigations were still underway.
“Cape Town Central police are investigating an inquest case after an incident at a hotel at about 7:45 AM at the corner of Loop and Bloem Streets in the Cape Town CBD. The body of a 22-year-old woman was found deceased.”
