COURT GRANTS BABA SUWE BAIL, IF …

Actor and comedian, Babatunde Omidina (aka Baba Suwe), who was arrested on suspicion of being in possession of hard drugs, was today (November 1, 2011) granted bail at a high court in Lagos (Nigeria). The presiding judge, Yetunde Idowu, granted the actor bail, on the condition that no drugs are found in his system by Friday (Nov. 4).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EVE ESIN!

Today (October 17) is the birthday of upcoming actress, Eve Esin. She is an indigene of Oron in Akwa Ibom state (Nigeria). She attended Immaculate Conception Secondary School, Itak-Ikono in Akwa Ibom state. She  studied Theatre Arts at the University of Calabar. She started acting professionally in 2008, and she has featured in a number of Nollywood movies.

BABA SUWE: ALLEGATIONS NOT YET CONFIRMED

Veteran actor, Babatunde Omidina (Baba Suwe) was on Wednesday arrested by men of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency  (NDLEA) while attempting to travel out of Nigeria, on suspicion of having ingested hard drugs. Contrary to initial reports, the NDLEA has said that it is yet to confirm its suspicions.

PIX FROM US TOUR OF UCHE JOMBO'S DAMAGE

The much anticipated United States tour of Damage, the latest movie from Uche Jombo has kicked off in earnest. Already the movie has been screened in Staten Island (NY, USA), and at the Brooklyn Center in Minneapolis. Accompanying Uche on the tour are co-stars Kalu Ikeagwu, and Tonto Dikeh.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TCHIDI CHIKERE!

Today is the birthday of acclaimed writer, director and producer Tchidi Chikere. He is the last child in a faimily of ten, and he attended the University of Calabar. A multi-talented individual, he is also a singer, and songwriter. He has written and directed some of the best loved Nollywood movies.

NOLLYWOOD STARS STORM ABUJA FOR CHIKA IKE

Last Saturday (September 24, 2011), several top Nollywood stars stormed Abuja for the opening of a fashion accessories store, owned by their colleague, Chika Ike. The store, named Fancy Nancy Collections, is located in Valley Mall Plaza, in the Wuse area of Abuja (Nigeria).

MERCY JOHNSON GETS BACK TO WORK

Following her wedding and honeymoon, top actress, Mercy Johnson has returned to what she knows doing best - acting. This is contrary to speculations that she would quit acting, once she got married. It has been reliably confirmed that she is currently on set in Enugu (Nigeria), at work on a new film.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAIDE BAKARE!

Today is the birthday of Laide Bakare, one of the top actresses in Nollywood. She is best known for her roles in Yoruba language movies. She studied Theatre Arts at the University of Ibadan. She got into acting through a chance encounter with movie producers, who came to shoot a movie at her father's Ibadan hotel in 1998.

IT'S A BABY BOY FOR OPEYEMI AYEOLA!

Star actress, Opeyemi Ayeola Owolomonse recently gave birth to her second child. She had a baby boy at the end of September, in the UK. She took the industry by storm in the 90s, with emotionally charged performances, in movies such as  Kadara Mi (My Destiny), Adun Ife (Sweet Love), and Osuwon Eda (The Measure of a Man).

GET TICKETS TO "TWO BRIDES AND A BABY"

Two Brides and a Baby is one of the most eagerly anticipated films of 2011. It has already received 12 nominations at the Best of Nollywood awards, and it received rave reviews, when it was screened at the recently concluded Abuja Film Festival.

MAMA G, JACKIE APPIAH FOR NEW MOVIE

HekCentrik Productions, the makers of Africa’s first digital 35mm picture TWisTED, formally announced their next feature film on September 26th, 2011. The movie titled Turning Point, will feature Patience Ozokwo, (Mama G) Jackie Appiah, Igoni Archibong, Enyinna Nwigwe, Ebbe Bassey and Chelsea Eze.

RAMSEY, GENEVIEVE, INI IN NEW MOVIE!

Star actress Ini Edo, and veteran producer, Emem Isong, have once again come together to produce a new bockbuster. Following the successful premiere of their latest movie, I'll Take My Chances, it has being revealed that they are working on a new movie titled Weekend Getaway.

IT'S A BABY GIRL FOR DAKORE!

It is being reported that popular actress Dakore Egbuson has given birth to a baby girl in the United States. Dakore, has featured in movies such as Emotional Crack, Before Sunrise, and Daylight.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NIGERIA!

Our birthday shoutout today, goes not to an individual, but to a country - Nigeria. Nigeria gained independence from Britain on this day, 51 years ago (October 1, 1960). The film industry, which we now know as Nollywood emerged in Nigeria in the 1990s. Nigeria is the largest black nation on earth, and the home of Nollywood.

GENNY, RAMSEY NOMINATED FOR UK AWARDS

Genevieve Nnaji, Ramsey Nouah, and Majid Michel are just some of several top West African actors who have been nominated for awards at the 2011 edition of the Screen Nation Awards. The Screen Nation Awards was founded in 2003, and it celebrates leading professionals of African heritage from the UK and overseas.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KUNLE AFOLAYAN!

Today is the birthday of award winning actor/director, Kunle Afolayan. He is the son of the late doyen of Nigerian cinema, Adeyemi Afolayan, popularly known as Ade Love.  Kunle studied Business Administration at the Lagos State Polytechnic, and worked as a banker for 7 years before quitting in 2005 to go fully into film-making.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOKE SILVA!

Today is the 50th birthday of a star actress, screen icon, living legend and grand dame of the Nigerian film industry - the beautiful, the lovely, the elegant, the talented, the inimitable, the incomparable, the one and only, JOKE SILVA! She was born September 29, 1961 in Lagos, to Chief Emmanuel Afolabi Silva and Dr. (Mrs). Marianne Abimbola Silva.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIM IYKE!

Today is the birthday of star actor Jim Iyke. He hails from Enugu Agidi village of Anambra State (Nigeria). He was born in Libreville, Gabon to Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Esomugha. He is the only son He had his primary education in Gabon. He attended Federal Government College, Kwali, Abuja (Nigeria).

J.U.D.E - NOLLYWOOD MEETS BOLLYWOOD

In a long overdue collaboration, the two biggest film industries in the world (Nollywood and Bollywood) have combined forces to produce a one-of-a-kind movie. The movie, titled J.U.D.E was directed by Chukwuma Osakwe, with Parveen Kurma, and Gbenga Adesanya as assistant directors.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAJID!

Today is the birthday of Ghanaian superstar, Majid Michel, who has featured in quite a number of Nollywood movies. He was born September 22, 1980 in Accra to a Lebanese father and Ghanaian mother. He grew up in Accra, and he has nine siblings. He attended St. Theresa's Primary School, as well as Mfantsipim School.

GENEVIEVE AT LONDON FASHION WEEK

Star actress Genevieve Nnaji was in attendance at the London Fashion Week show of  iconic Nigerian fashion brand, Tiffany Amber. Tiffany Amber was launched in 1998 by its current Creative Director, Folake Folarin-Coker.

FUNKE AKINDELE'S FASHION MAKEOVER

Over the past couple of months, star actress Funke Akindele's dressing has undergone a remarkable change. She has appeared at outing after outing in stunning dresses, which few people have failed to notice. In this post, we chronicle the transformation of Funke Akindele into a power dresser and fashion icon.

"I'LL TAKE MY CHANCES" PREMIERES SEPT.

It's been announced at last - I’ll Take My Chances the much anticipated block buster, produced by Ini Edo and Emem Isong premieres in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State (Nigeria) on September 24th 2011!

LANCELOT IMASUEN TO RECEIVE MEDIA AWARD

It has indeed, been a good year for ace film director, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen (A Private Storm, Reloaded, Games Women Play, Emotional Crack). When he turned 40 this year, friends, family, and fans, all came out to appreciate him in various ways. He also wrapped up work on his latest movie, Adesuwa: A Wasted Lust

A PEEK INTO UCHE JOMBO'S CLOSET

Star Nollywood actress, Uche Jombo, recently granted Jara - a weekly variety show, access to her home. She gave the Jara crew a tour of her house, including a sneak peek into her closet. She also spoke to Jara about fashion and some of her recent outings. It was a revealing look at some of the perks that a star actress in Nollywood can enjoy after years of hardwork and perseverance.

CHIOMA GETS ENDORSEMENT DEAL - INI TOO

After years of hardwork and sacrifice, actors and actresses in Nollywood are now reaping the rewards of their efforts and perseverance. Chioma Akpotha and Ini Edo-Ehiagwina are just two of the latest Nollywood stars to land new endorsement deals. Chioma Akpotha has signed an endorsement deal to promote Harpic toilet cleaner - a product of Reckitt Beckinser.

STEPHANIE OKEREKE'S TV COMMERCIAL

Stephanie Okereke recently signed an endorsement deal with Kaneka Corporation of Japan, makers of renowned hair fibre, Kanekalon. Under the agreement, she will be the brand ambassador of the company in Nigeria. As part of the agreement, the award winning actress will promote the company’s product and participate in marketing campaigns for the company.

UPCOMING FILM PREMIERES & RELEASES

There are still several major film premieres and releases being expected in 2011 and early 2012. These include movies from Funke Akindele, Ini Edo-Ehiagwina and Emem Isong, Leila Djansi, Blessing Effiom Egbe, Chinwe Egwuagu, and Paul Apel.

BEST OF NOLLYWOOD AWARDS: NOMINEES

The eagerly awaited nominations for this year's edition of the BON (Best of Nollywood) Awards, have been released. This year's nominations are a good mix of old and new actors, as well as English and non-English movies. Whoever the eventual winners are, the awards are sure to be interesting and keenly contested.

FUNKE AKINDELE SHINES AT NEA AWARDS

The recently concluded Nigerian Entertainment Awards, which held in New York, seemed to have been all about Funke Akindele. First off, the premiere of her movie The Return of Jenifa took place during the awards at the Thalia Theatre.  Secondly, she co-hosted the awards with popular Nigerian comedian, Julius "Da Genius" Agwu.

2011 NEA AWARDS: “AND THE WINNER IS …”

New York, NY - (Sept.6th, 2011) - Over the weekend, the city of New York played host to some of Nigeria and Africa’s finest in the entertainment industry, during the three day long Nigeria Entertainment Awards event. The event line-up included a welcome party, seminar, movie premiere, the official award ceremony followed by the after-party.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY YINKA QUADRI!

Today is the birthday of popular actor, director, and producer, Yinka Quadri. He is predominantly known for Yoruba movies. He was born on Lagos Island (Lagos, Nigeria). However, he is a native of Oro in Kwara State (Nigeria). He attended Saint Patrick Catholic Primary School, Lagos Island.

PICS FROM KUNLE AFOLAYAN'S "PHONE SWAP"

Location pictures from the new movie, being shot by Kunle Afolayan have been released. The movie titled Phone Swap, is a romantic comedy, starring Wale Ojo, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Chika Chukwu, Chika Okpala (Zebrudaya), Joke Silva, and Ada Ameh. The movie  tells the story of an arrogant business executive and a  fashion designer with a warm personality.

AKI AND PAWPAW LACE BOOTS FOR NOLLYWOOD

Popular Nollywood stars, Osita Iheme (Pawpaw) and Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki) are among several top Nollywood stars billed to trade tackles today, with their counterparts from the Nigerian music industry in a football match.

TWO BRIDES AND A BABY PREMIERES NOV. 17

The premiere of one of the most anticipated movies of 2011, Two Brides and a Baby has now been fixed for November 17, 2011. The movie is a romantic comedy written and produced by Blessing Effiom Egbe.

CELEBRITIES AT KATE HENSHAW'S B'DAY PARTY

Star actress, Kate Henshaw-Nuttall, turned 40 on July 19, 2011. Two days later, friends and family joined her for a birthday celebration at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island (Lagos, Nigeria). The occasion was attended by friends and associates of the accomplished actress, from all walks of life.

GENEVIEVE NNAJI SPEAKS ON MIRROR BOY

Actress, Genevieve Nnaji during the week revealed that she was fascinated by the simplicity of the story of Mirror Boy and the determination of the producer and director, Obi Emelonye to do something ‘special’ and the success of the movie in UK, Ghana and presently Nigeria has justified her choice.

NIGERIA ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS: SCHEDULE

The 2011 edition of the Nigerian Entertainment Awards is scheduled to kick off in New York in a couple of days. Anticipation is high among nominees and Nollywood fans to see who will emerge as winners of the various awards, which are up for grabs. Following is the schedule of events for the event.

STEPHANIE OKEREKE IS THE FACE OF KANEKALON

Lagos, Nigeria— Kaneka Corporation of Japan, maker of renowned hair fibre, Kanekalon, has signed an endorsement deal with Nollywood’s A-list actress, Stephanie Okereke, as its brand ambassador in Nigeria.

UCHE GOES ON TOUR

Uche Jombo recently took her latest movie, Damage on a tour of the UK. The movie was screened in London, and Coventry, to appreciative audiences. The UK tour followed the successful world premier of the movie, which took place in Lagos (Nigeria). Several top Nollywood stars lent their support to the UK tour of Damage.

CELEBRITIES AT MERCY JOHNSON'S WEDDING

The wedding of star actress, Mercy Johnson, which took place on Saturday (August 27, 2010), was attended by the cream of Nollywood as well as a host of other celebrities. The roll call of guests included Genevieve Nnaji, Stephanie Okereke, Michael Ezuruonye, Jim Iyke, Emeka Ike, Chika Ike, Shan George, Segun Arinze, and many more.

MERCY JOHNSON SAYS THANK YOU!

After a successful and colourful traditional wedding of star actress Mercy Johnson and her heartthrob Odianose Okojie on Friday August 26, the couple further proved to the world that their love has triumphed as they proceeded to Christ Embassy Church on August 27, 2011 to further cement their relationship.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OPEYEMI AYEOLA

Today (Aug. 29) is the birthday of a true Nollywood queen - Opeyemi Ayeola Owolomonse. Opeyemi Ayeola Owolomonse is a naturally talented actress, and a fan favorite, especially among lovers of Yoruba movies. She studied Accounting at Lagos State University (Lagos, Nigeria).

MERCY JOHNSON MARRIES IN STYLE

Star Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson finally got married to her heartthrob, Prince Odianosen Okojie, yesterday (Saturday, August 27, 2011). The wedding ceremony took place at the headquarters of Christ Embassy church, in Oregun (Lagos, Nigeria). The couple were joined together in holy matrimony by Pastor Tom Obiazi.

UCHE JOMBO’S DAMAGE GOES TO UK

One sure testament of a good movie is that it has no geographical limit and ‘Damage’ the movie by actress and producer Uche Jumbo has proven this to be true.

LILIAN BACH PREMIERS "ELETAN"

Nollywood diva Lilian Bach premiered her long awaited blockbuster ELETAN on Sunday 21st August at the Silverbird Galleria, Lagos (Nigeria). The  event was attended by various  stars  in the entertainment industry. Guests who attended the premiere, were welcomed, not on a red carpet, but on a one-of-a-kind  Afri carpet.

STELLA DAMASUS GRACES PREMIERE OF "ZR-7"

Star actress Stella Damasus, was one of several celebrities, who graced the premier of the new movie, ZR-7. The premier took place at the Oriental Hotel in Lekki, Lagos (Nigeria), on Friday, August 12, 2011. ZR-7 is a boarding school adventure movie set in Nigeria.

"THE RETURN OF JENIFA" PREMIERES SEPT. 3

The premiere of the highly anticipated movie, The Return of Jenifa (TROJ), will at last take place in New York, on Saturday, September 3, 2011. The movie is produced by star actress and comic talent, Funke Akindele, popularly known as Jenifa.

KALU IKEAGWU - MC AT NAFCA AWARDS

NAFCA Awards - (Aug. 24, 2011) - Kalu Ikeagwu will perform Master of Ceremony duties at NAFCA, Nollywood & African Critics Awards in Raleigh, NC, September 16 - 17, 2011 at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel, 700 Emperor Blvd., Durham, NC 27703. .

RITA DOMINIC - FROM KENYA WITH LOVE

Shooting will soon be completed on a new film, titled SHATTERED, which stars Rita Dominic in the lead role. The studio behind the movie is Nairobi-based Dream House Productions. The producer of the movie is Carol Nguta, and the director is Gilbert Lukalia.