MERCY JOHNSON WINS ACTOR OF THE YEAR

Nollywood star actress Mercy Johnson, yesterday won the Actor of the Year at The Future Awards, which took place in Lagos, yesterday. Competing with her for this award were fellow Nollywood stars, Ini Edo and Uche Jumbo. The award was accepted on her behalf by Genevieve, as Mercy was on set, and was unable to attend the event. Congratulatory messages have been pouring in thick and fast for Mercy J since last night. According to her, she was so excited by the news that she was unable to sleep. She said never in her wildest dreams, did she imagine she would win The Future Awards, and that it was a big honor for Genevieve to collect the award on her behalf. What can we say - without a doubt, this award is richly deserved. Mercy J - you've come a long way baby! Congratulations!

MERCY JOHNSON, INI EDO, OR UCHE JUMBO?

In the running for the Best Actor of The Year award in The Future Awards, which takes place today, are Mercy Johnson, Ini Edo, and Uche Jombo. By the end of today, one of these three talented actresses would have been declared as the Best Actor of The Year. The Future Awards is a Nigerian youth event, which is now into it's sixth edition. It will take place this year at the Landmark Village, Victoria, Island, Lagos. This year's event will have in attendance This year’s event will see performances by MI, Banky W, and Ice Prince. The keynote speaker for this year is former MD of Goldman Sachs and Minister for Finance, Olusegun Aganga. The event is billed for 1000 guests and it is strictly by invitation, although it will be streamed live on the Internet.

STEPHANIE OKEREKE - MY WEDDING IS ON COURSE

Nollywood star actress Stephanie Okereke has come out to deny recent stories, which have appeared in the media claiming that her wedding to Linus Idahosa is being resisted by members of Idahosa's family. A number of people have claimed that Idahosa's choice of Stephanie as his future partner is being strongly resisted by Idahosa's family, in particular the mother and the sister (Faith). However, in a statement released through her PR management, Stephanie has come out to say that these stories are unfounded and completely false. According to her, she has a very healthy relationship with the family of her fiance, and the wedding plans remain on course.

GIDEON OKEKE, NNEKA, AND JIMMY JEAN-LOUIS STAR IN RELENTLESS

France-based Nigerian director, Andy Okoroafor,  has released one of the most beautiful films to be produced by a Nigerian director in quite a while. The movie, titled Relentless features Gideon Okeke (Tinsel, BBA), Nneka Egbuna (soul singer), smoking hot Haitian actor, Jimmy Jean-Louis (Heroes), as well as Jibola Dabo. Relentless tells the story of Obi (Gideon Okeke), a Nigerian peace-keeping soldier serving in war-torn Sierra Leone, where he falls in love with a Sierra Leonean women named Blessing. Obi is devastated when Blessing is mutilated by child soldiers, and he is forced to kill her in order to put her out of her pain and misery. He returns to Lagos, and starts a security company together with his best friend Ola. Along the line, he lands a job to protect a politician, and about the same time he meets Honey (Nneka), a prostitute, searching for a missing friend who might have been a victim of ritual murder. The movie features incredible music from the likes of Tony Allen, Nneka, Keziah Jones, Bantu, and General Pype.

PAT ATTAH - I'M STILL VERY MUCH INTO ACTING

For some time now, many people have been wondering about the whereabouts of handsome Nollywood actor Pat Attah. Well, wonder no more. Pat Attah is currently based in Hamburg (Germany), where he is working on his debut album. Unknown to many, apart from being an actor, Pat Attah is also a musician. In fact in the 1990s, he had his mind set on a music career, before going into acting, thanks in no small measure to the influence of Ramsey Noah. Pat is an accomplished guitar player, and he performs under the stage name Pat Ata, alongside his band. Even though his album is yet to be released, he has performed in major musical concerts around Europe. These include the Hamburg Xmas Reggae Sunsplash, the Live Demo concert in Berlin, as well as the Black History Month concert in Hamburg (2008 and 2010). He was also featured by Nneka on a track entitled Something to Say, off her No Longer at Ease album (2008). Pat's voice is rich and mellow, and his music is a blend of Reggae and R & B.

BENITA NZERIBE JOINS TWITTER

Nollywood Actress Benita Nzeribe has now joined the growing number of Nollywood actors and actresses on Twitter. Benita joined Twitter last night and her user name is BeniNzeribe. With this, she joins Stella Damasus, Rita Dominic, Mercy Johnson, Uche Jombo, Omoni Oboli, and a host of other Nollywood actors  on Twitter. Benita has starred in quite a number of movies. These include Cross My Heart, Endless Madness, Tears of a Saint, Treasure Hunt, and Games Men Play (video). Benita has not been active on the movie scene for some time now, and for many of her fans, this would be a great opportunity to reconnect with her and find out what she's been up to. I know I will.

MERCY JOHNSON NOW COMPLETELY BALD!

Aaaaaargh! My favorite screen goddess Mercy Johnson is now completely bald. The man responsible is none other than Michael Jaja, the director of the movie she is currently working on. In order to play the part of a widow in the movie, she has had to shave off all her hair. Nollywood fans will recall that this is not the first time that Mercy J will shave off her hair in order to interpret a role. She also shaved her hair off for the 2009 movie Before the Light, in which she played a cancer victim. The willingness of Mercy Johnson to continue to go to such lengths to interpret her roles continues to endear her to movie makers and fans alike. On the upside, the shaved head gives her an edgy, extreme look that is intriguing, refreshing, and still sexy (see pics below).

UTI BECOMES PRESENTER ON AFRICA MAGIC

Sir Uti (Uti Nwachukwu) winner of the 5th edition of Big Brother Africa is now a presenter on Africa Magic, the M-Net African Movie channel. He now hosts a half-hour program named JARA on the channel, together with comedienne Helen Paul. JARA is a half-hour program, which gives viewers an inside view of Nollywood. The program features interviews with the stars of the Nollywood, and also goes behind the scene to bring viewers events and happenings in and around Nollywood. According to M-NET Managing Director Biola Alabi, the M-Net felt that it was time for Africa Magic to have its own original production, which would profile Nigeria’s directors, producers, and stars - showing them at premieres, galas, awards shows and at work.

MAMA G, UCHE JOMBO BAG CHIEFTANCY TITLES

Everyone's favorite general in Nollywood - Mama G (Patience Ozokwor) is now a titled chief. She was honored with a chieftancy title on January 2 in Ngwo (Enugu State). She is now the Ada Eji Eje Mba 1 of Ngwo. A large number of dignitaries drawn from various walks of life turned out to honor her on the day.The veteran actress could not hide her joy at sight of so many of her colleagues from the movie industry and beyond at the occasion. The chieftancy title was conferred on Mama G in appreciation of her contribution to society through the entertainment industry. There is no doubt that Mama G is a talented actress, who is further endowed with a unique gift for comedy that has endeared her to many people the world over.

AN EVENING WITH YEMI BLAQ (UK)

If you are in the UK and interested in getting to know more about Nollywood or looking for a chance to get into  the Nollywood Film Industry - come down for "An Evening with Yemi Blaq (Top African Actor)" and discuss all things Nollywood.

Register your interest by sending an email to: info@starreps.com

More Stories

• BENITA NZERIBE JOINS TWITTER
• MERCY JOHNSON NOW COMPLETELY BALD!
• UTI BECOMES PRESENTER ON AFRICA MAGIC
• MAMA G, UCHE JOMBO BAG CHIEFTANCY TITLES
• BIG BROTHER IS BACK - REGISTER NOW!

BIG BROTHER IS BACK - REGISTER NOW!

The biggest reality show in Africa is back again. MNET has announced that it has started accepting entries for participation in the 6th season of its hit TV reality show, Big Brother Africa. Submission of entry forms will close on February 27, 2011. Applicants from only 14 African countries are eligible to participate. These countries are Angola, Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The show is scheduled to start May 1st. It will run for 91 days, and the winner will take home a cash prize of USD 200,000. All applicants must speak English fluently and possess a valid passport.

MAUREEN SOLOMON IS BACK

From all indications, Popular Nollywood actress Maureen Solomon is fully back to movie industry. For some years now, very little has been heard of this talented role interpreter, and many of her fans have been clamoring to see her on the screen again. The reason for her absence is not far fetched. She has been busy taking care of the home front, and today, she has 3 lovely kids. It now seems the mother of three is making a return to her calling, has she has starred in 5 feature films (yet to be released) in recent times. According to her, she went off the scene because she could not cope with the demands of acting anymore when she got married, but it now seems that she is back with a bang. Maureen has featured in movies such as Total War, Angel of My Life, Careless Soul, Final War, and Help Me Out to name a few. Welcome back Maureen.

I AM NOT PREGNANT - GENEVIEVE

Star actress Genevieve Nnaji has finally broken her silence over her rumored pregnancy. Speaking with Stella Dimoko Korkus, International Correspondent for National Encomium magazine, and avid blogger, she debunked the claims that she was pregnant. Evidently put out by these stories, she wrote of the rumors as the product of idle minds. According to her:

"I don't want to to dignify the one person's act of boredom with a response really, but the truth is that there's nothing to respond to. The months will tell the truth. I have heard worse lies concerning me, but at least this time it's good news even though though it's not true."

FIANCÉ'S FAMILY BATTLES STEPHANIE OKEREKE

Ever since CEO of Del-York international, Linus Idahosa publicly proposed to star actress Stephanie Okereke  at Jay-Jay Okocha's Club 10, last October, fans and friends have been waiting eagerly for announcement of wedding plans. However, reports have it that the delay in the announcement of wedding plans may not be unconnected to opposition from members of Idahosa's family. According to reports a visit by the couple to the family home of Idahosa in Lagos did not yield any tangible result. It is said that his mother may be a  major obstacle to the union of the two lovebirds. His sister is also said not to be too enthusiastic about the prospect of Linus getting married to Stephanie. However, the decision of the pair to get married remains as strong as ever, and one can only hope that love wins out at the end of the day.

RAMSEY NOAH, FUNKE AKINDELE, OLU JACOBS, NGOZI EZEONU STAR IN "THE PERFECT CHURCH"

The Perfect Church, a movie from the stables of Wale Adenuga is set to be premiered at the Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, on Sunday (Jan. 23). The movie reunites some of the best actors of their generation in Nollywood. These include Ramsey Noah, Funke Akindele, Olu Jacobs, Ngozi Ezeonu, Nobert Young, Hakeem Rahman, Jibola Dabo and Yinka Olukunga. The prospect of seeing these actors in a Wale Adenuga production is causing great excitement among movie lovers already. The movie was written by Ebi Akpeti, and directed by Bambo Adebajo.

DAKORE'S FAIRY TALE WEDDING

Its official folks - the sweet, delectable Dakore is now officially Mrs. Akande. Her wedding to Olumide Akande took place yesterday (Sunday, January 16, 2011) at the Guding Light Assembly, Parkview, Ikoyi (Lagos). Dakore kept Olumide waiting for several hours at the venue of the wedding, but my, wasn't it worth the wait. Dakore arrived at the venue of the wedding in a chauffeur driven stretch hummer draped in clementine orange bunting. She was led into the venue by her dad all sweetness and light in her A-line wedding dress- a dream in lace, chiffon, and precious Swarovski cystals. She was simply breathtaking, and dashing Olumide could not contain his pleasure as he smiled broadly. The church auditorium was a sea of orange and gold, the color code chosen by the couple for their wedding. The wedding itself was conducted by Pastor Wale Adefarasin, who delivered an uplifting message, in which he celebrated the love, which Dakore and Olumide had for each other. When it appeared that proceedings would come to an end without Olumide being asked to give his wife the traditional wedding kiss, he called the attention of the officiating ministers to this. That done, he was given his day in the sun, and he gave Dakore a deep sensual kiss that threw the church into a delighted uproar.

SHAN GEORGE - I HAVE NOT REMARRIED O!

Oops! Nollywood actress Shan George has come out to state that she has not remarried, and that she is still very much single (and searching?). You will recall that last week, several online publishers (including Nollywood by Mindspace) broke the story of her marriage, which have now turned out to be false. According to Shan, the pictures of her "wedding" which were circulated on the Internet, are actually from an upcoming movie entitled "Heartbreak. which will soon be released into the market.

HAPPY MARRIED LIFE DAKORE!

Nollywood star actress Dakore Egbuson marries tomorrow (Jan. 16th, 2011). Well wishers can sign this wedding card by leaving a comment to wish her well as she takes this big step in her life. Best wishes everyone!

HOORAY! - KIDNAPPERS RELEASE JOHN OKAFOR'S WIFE AND SON

Hip hip hooray! The wife of John Okafor (Mr. Ibu) and his infant son have been released by their abductors. John Okafor's wife and child were abducted on January 4th by unidentified gunmen in Enugu (Nigeria). The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N50 million ($333,000) for the release of Okafor's wife and child. After much pleading the ransom was reduced to N6 million ($40,000). As at January 7th, Okafor had only been able to raise N200,000 ($1,333) out of the ransom. However, Okafor's wife and child were on Thursday night(January 13) freed by their kidnappers and reunited with an elated Okafor.

TAKE ME IN EXCHANGE FOR MY FAMILY - MR. IBU

These are certainly not the best of times for Nollywood actor and humor merchant John Okafor (Mr. Ibu). Certainly the abduction of his wife and infant son, which occurred  in Enugu on January 4, is no laughing matter. In a desperate attempt to secure the release of his wife and child, he has offered to trade places with them. The kidnappers are currently asking for a ransom of 6 million naira for the release of his wife and child. Mr. Ibu says he currently has only N200,000 out of the ransom demanded. While fellow Nollywood actors have sympathized with his plight, no one has given him any concrete financial assistance as he struggles to raise the ransom demanded. It is very disheartening that after the massive public condemnation, which followed the abduction, the kidnappers are yet to release their hostages. We pray that God will touch the hearts of the men responsible for this terrible act, and cause them to release Mr. Ibu's wife safe and unharmed.

I DON'T WANT ANY SCANDALS THIS YEAR - FUNKE AKINDELE (JENIFA)

Nollywood actress and Glo ambassador Funke Akindele (Jenifa) has come out to say that she does not wish to be involved in any scandals in 2011.She has also said that she hopes that unpalatable stories about her will not be published in the media in the year 2011. In 2010, there were persistent stories in the media linking her with another actor, Femi Adebayo. Speaking on this issue she has stated that Femi and herself are just professional colleagues, adding that he is already married, and it is her intention to get married to her own man.According to her, Femi Adebayo is a gifted actor and colleague in the industry, and her feelings about him do not go beyond that. Meanwhile, she refuses to be distracted as she prepares to roll out even more productions in 2011.

AREMU AFOLAYAN RETURNS FROM DUBAI - COMPLETES FILM

Aremu Afolayan, actor and son of the late doyen of the Nigerian film industry, Aderemi Afolayan (Ade Love), has just breezed in from Dubai. Apparently he was in Dubai, to put finishing touches to his upcoming movie Ina Fitila (The Cryptic Lamp). He started working on the movie last year, and he was in Dubai to finish the production of the movie. Apparently Aremu not only inherited his father's good looks, but also his creative talent. The handsome thespian reportedly acquired a BMW 7 series car with the vanity plates OMO AREMU. Hmm, things seem to be looking up for this young man.

OH NO! ROBBERS ATTACK MR. NIGERIA - SHOT 7 TIMES

It is just emerging that model and rugged macho man Kenneth Okolie, who is the current Mr. Nigeria, and who was second runner up at the Mr. World 2010, was ambushed and shot seven times last week by a gang of armed robbers. According to reports, the attack took place on Tuesday (January 4), along Festac Road (Lagos) in the evening. Some of his attackers rode up to his car on a motorcycle, while some were already positioned on the street ready for the ambush. They shot in the air to scare people off and proceeded to dispossess Kenneth of valuables worth close to N350,000 ($2300). The robbers took their heels when residents of the area began to raise the alarm, but not before shooting Festus seven times, leaving him by his Prado jeep bleeding profusely. Luckily the injuries which Festus received were not fatal. He was quickly rushed off to the hospital by kind-hearted residents of the area, where 6 bullets were removed from his body.

FINALLY - SHAN GEORGE GETS MARRIED

Popular Nollywood actress Shan George is now a married woman. She got married in a quiet ceremony, which was attended by just a few people. She is said to have opted for a low key marriage because she had been advised to be less open about about her private life if she wanted her marriage to last. This will be her third marriage. She first got married in 1985, when she was just fifteen years of age. She had two children for her first husband, whom she left in 1991 when she was 21. She later met and married Anthony Nwosisi. This marriage too did not last. Let's hope that this will be third time lucky for her. Shan George is the star of films such as The General's Wife, Made in Heaven, Outcast, My Sweat, and London Fever.

DAKORE QUITS ACTING FOR MARRIAGE

Delectable Nollywood actress seems set to finally quit the silver screen. The reason for this, is her upcoming marriage to Olumide Akande who is the first son of multi-billionaire business mogul, Harry Akande. Reports have it that the family of her fiance have made her promise to quit the silver screen in order not to run the risk of attracting any negative publicity. Dakore is said to have agreed to this demand in order to preserve her relationship with her fiance Olumide, whom she has been dating for more than 4 years now. The wedding has been fixed for January 16th, and to say that it is eagerly anticipated would be an understatement. Here's wishing the couple the best on the day.

SEGUN ARINZE AND EMEKA IKE IN WAR OF WORDS

There seems no end in the sight to the rivalry between prominent  Nollywood actors Segun Arinze and Emeka Ike. The two men have been at loggerheads following the election, which produced Segun Arinze as president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria. The result of this election was challenged from several quarters in the AGN and serious efforts had to be made to broker peace within the organisation. Unfortunately, a faction of the AGN went on to carry out another election, which produced Emeka Ike as President. However, the BoT of the AGN chose to recognise Segun Arinze as the duly elected president. Since then things have not been easy between the two men. Recently Emeka Ike came out to advise the FG not to deal with the AGN under the leadership of Segun Arinze. In a quick reply, Segun Arinze opined that Emeka was confused and misinformed. Emeka Ike is has already dragged the AGN to court in an effort to get himself declared as the rightful president of the AGN. Emeka Ike was banned last year by the AGN for misconduct.

SYLVESTER MADU DUMPS ACTING - NOW FULL TIME PASTOR

Sylvester Madu, a popular Nollywood actor with a reputation for playing tough characters has quit acting for good to become a full time pastor in one of the parishes of Christ Embassy Church. His parish is located at Eric Moore Rd in Surulere (Lagos). Today, his image is very different from that of the bad boy characters, which he was known for. Almost always, formally dressed, he even engages in door to door evangelism. Some of the movies, which he has starred in Sound of Poverty, Power of Trust, Scent of Passion, Margaret Thatcher, Holy Cross, and The Sheperd. The loss of the movie industry is the gain of the Lord's vineyard I guess. Thanks for the memories Sylvester.

TONTO DIKEH AND OMOTOLA STORM THE RUNWAY

Top nollywood divas, Tonto Dikeh, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and Laide Bakare all took to the runway alongside music stars and professional models in charity event, "Gaga for Fashion." The show was a music and fashion extravaganza held at the Shell Hall of the MUSON Centre (Lagos). The show was put together by AGLAIA, an upcoming Nigerian clothing line. The show featured music and movie celebrities modeling  colorful  and creative pieces from various collections, with quirky names such as "Aunty Give Me Cake", "Bimpe in Wonderland", and crazy casuals.

OSUOFIA LOSES MUM, KOK TOO

NKEM OWOH LOSES MUM, KOK TOO

Top Nollywood Nkem Owoh, popularply known as Osuofia has recently lost his motheri. She passed away on Friday, Jan 7th after a brief illness. Speaking on the passing away of his mother, Nkem Owoh said: "my mother died after a brief illness in her late 80s. She lived a good life and will forever be remembered." In another development, the mother of star actor and AMAA Best Actor of The Year (2006) Kanayo O Kanayo (popularly known as KOK) also passed on.  KOK's mother passed away at the age of 87. According to KOK, burial arangements will be announced soon. May their souls rest in peace.

IS GENEVIEVE PREGNANT FOR D'BANJ?

For some months now, rumors have been making the rounds that star actress Genevieve Nnaji is pregnant for Dapo Olabanjo (aka D'Banj). This story has simply refused to go away, and now a soft sell magazine - News of The People has blown the story into the open by publishing a headline story - "Pregnancy Tale Trails Genevieve. Genevieve initially denied being involved with D'Banj , but the cat was let out of the bag when she appeared 'with D'Banj  at the birthday party of the duo of P-Square, and again at the MTV awards. As to whether Genevieve is truly pregnant for D'Banj, well time will tell. Watch this space.

MR. IBU'S FAMILY KIDNAPPED!

In a sad development, the wife and child of top Nollywood actor and comedian John Okafor (aka Mr. Ibu), as well as two of his in-laws, were on Monday (January 3rd) abducted. The family were abducted in Enugu, while driving home. According to reports, they were driven of by masked men, in the car which John Okafor's wife was driving at the time. The car was later abandoned by the kidnappers, and the two in-laws  (a boy and a girl) were also left to escape.

Nollywood, Our Nollywood - Eucharia Anunobi

Let me seize this opportunity to wish Nigerians and my numerous fans happy New Year. I pray and hope that this year would be a good year for Nollywood and its millions of fans around the world.

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde's Incredible Gift

Omotola in Sierra Leone

Star Actress and singer, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde a.k.a Omosexy is no doubt a humanitarian by heart. The award winning movie diva who is also a UN ambassador spent the holidays showing love to the less privileged.