Becca & 2Face Team Up On “Bad Man Bad Girl”

The highly anticipated collaboration between Ghanaian music star Becca and Nigeria’s very own 2Face Idibia is finally here. On “Bad Man Bad Girl”, the two superstars play on words and their vocal talent in such a way that will keep you hitting replay. Hopefully, we’ll be seeing the delayed music video soon.

Becca

There’s A Sweet New “Pryse” In the Chocolate City Mix

Chocolate City, the record label who brought us M.I, Jesse Jagz, Iceprince, and Brymo; is proud to announce that they have signed a new artist.

Up till date, Chocolate City has had an all-male cast as its line up. So, in order to placate the general public as well as add a feminine touch to the “conglomerate”, they decided to find a girl who possessed the qualities of a Choc BOI – Bold, Original, Innovative.

With her feature on the song “No-tis” (a cover of Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “Otis”) on M.I.‘s upcoming mixtape “Deux Illegaux de Musique – Illegal Music 2”, label heads, Audu Maikori and Paul Okeugo were wooed by her lyrical prowess. Accordingly, they decided to put her through the Chocolate City boot camp.

So, it seems Pryse (pronounced Prize), the aforementioned female, came through the boot camp unscathed and a much better artist because ladies and gentlemen, she is the Chocolate City‘s first signed female artist.

Pryse (real name Princess Esindu) was born and raised in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Driven to break into the music industry and encouraged by her family, Frontline Studio Port Harcourt owners, she went to study media in Nottingham, UK.

Pryse is a very talented Nigerian rapper and like her label mates, she’s ready to bring that fire with her music that will keep us both entertained and educated. Pryse lists the likes of Jay-Z, Drake, Lil’ Wayne and M.I. as direct influences to her craft and its no wonder she signed to Chocolate City.

When asked what it meant to be the first female signed to Chocolate City, Pryse had this to say:

“ I thank God I’ve come this far, and I’m just happy its finally happened, and I’m ready to put in the work, so let’s go. I’m ready to be a BOI (Bold Original Innovative).”

“We hope they hear/see in her, what we did” – Doosuur Tilley-Gyado (Talent Manager, Chocolate City).

Chocolate City announced that Pryse would be available for interviews from March 20th, 2012.

Top 5 Buzz Moments from the Lagos Premiere of Ini Edo’s “I’ll Take My Chances” – Dakore, Ini Edo, Mercy Johnson,Desmond Elliot, 2Face & Annie Macaulay

On the scene at the Lagos Premiere of Ini Edo and Emem Isong‘s new movie “I’ll Take My Chances“.
Find out what everyone was buzzing about at the star-studded premiere.
Ini Edo & Mercy Johnson on “Bump Watch”
Before the premiere, rumours were swirling that Ini Edo and newlywed Mercy Johnson were both pregnant and would be making their “baby bump debut” a la Beyonce at the 2011 MTV Awards. Alas, it wasn’t to be as Ini and Mercy arrived on the red carpet in figure hugging dresses and not a baby bump in sight. Why are people putting them under pressure, in Nigeria it seems as though as soon as you get married, you are expected to have a baby ASAP!

Ini Edo and Mercy Johnson

Dakore Reemerges!
Nollywood star Dakore Akande has been missing from the red carpet since she gave birth to her daughter in 2011. Movie fans were excited and surprised to see Dakore at the premiere of “I’ll Take My Chances”. Fans and media clamoured for photos of the star and as BN noted, the Yummy Mummy looked fabulous. Dakore attended the premiere with her brother, James Egbuson.

Dakore

 

 

2Face and Annie Macaulay made their first post-engagement event appearance
Frenzy is the only word that can describe what happened when 2Face Idibia and Annie Macauley arrived at the event. Fans and media immediately began taking photos and congratulating the happy couple.

Annie and Tu baba

 Desmond Elliot, sleek is the words that best describes this nollywood A list actor, the ladies never have enough of him.

Desmond

The Movie!
After all the red carpet chatter, it was time to set back, relax and watch the movie “I’ll Take My Chances“. Overall, the audience reaction was positive. Many remarked about Ini’s surprising level of dance skill and the scenic beauty of the landscape (the movie was shot in Akwa Ibom)

The complete red carpet report is on the way!

 

Are You Ready? Bobby Brown with New Edition alongside Banky W, Omawumi & eLDee set to light up the stage at “Live in Concert with the New Edition” in Lagos & Port Harcourt

The city that never sleeps - Lagos and the Nation’s oil rich city – Port Harcourt get ready to witness a power packed musical concert set to be the talk of town long after it is gone.

The show – “Live in Concert with the New Edition” will feature Grammy award winner Robert Barisford Brown a.k.a Bobby Brown. Bobby will perform both in Lagos and Port Harcourt alongside his pop musical group New Edition and a crew of 50 band members and associates for the very first time in Nigeria. Awesome isn't it???!!!

This show for all New Edition fans is being organized by Lagos based events solutions company – R28Events will also see some of Nigeria’s most sought after musical acts – 2Face, Banky W, Duncan Mighty, Omawumi, eLDee, Burna Boy and Modenine perform on the same stage as the pop group made up of Ronnie Devoe, Ricky Bell, Mike Bevins, Ralph Tresvant and Bobby Brown. The group will perform some of their hit tracks like “Candy Girl”, “Cool It Now”, “Mr Telephone Man” and many others.

Bobby Brown according R28 Events will dedicate this tour to his former wife – Whitney Houston. So order your tickets today as it promises to be music and solid entertainment at its best.

Or you gonna be  messed up for ever!!

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is GORGEOUS on the cover & Kate Henshaw is HOT inside – Check out the March 2012 issue of StyleMania Magazine

Love it!
The new issue of StyleMania Magazine for March 2012 kicks off their new monthly run as the magazine will now be served up fresh on your newstands each month.

What better way to introduce this than to hit us with an absolutely fabulous cover featuring superstar actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde.

Inside the magazine, we get to see beauty and style across the ages from 20s (newlywed Hauwa Mukan) to 40s (Kate Henshaw) and more.

Are you feeling this as much as we are?

Fashion Pages

For further enquires, subscription, advertising and back issues, call: 07058109821 or write to editor@maniamag.org

Once Again, Africa “Missing” at the Oscars! Winners & Red Carpet Photos from the 84th Academy Awards

If there was a theme at this year’s Oscars, it seems as though it was “vintage”.

We had  Hollywood veteran and seasoned Oscar host Billy Crystal back on the Academy Awards stage; Legendary actor Christopher Plummer won the supporting actor prize at the grand old age of 82 – entering the record books as the oldest ever Academy Award acting prize winner. Octavia Spencer won the Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her stellar performance in 1960s based “The Help“. We can’t forget Meryl Streep‘s triumphant moment as she picked up her third Academy Award, her first since the 1980s.

To sum it all up, a black and white silent movie “The Artist” won the major awards including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor in a Leading Role.

When the nominees were announced a few months ago, we were hopeful that an African film or actor would make the list but it wasn’t to be. What’s holding African cinema back from the international stage?

84th Academy Award Winners
* BEST PICTURE – The Artist
* BEST DIRECTOR – Michel Hazanavicius (The Artist)
* BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE – Jean Dujardin (The Artist)
* BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE – Meryl Streep (The Iron Lady)
* SUPPORTING ACTRESS – Octavia Spencer (The Help)
* SUPPORTING ACTOR – Christopher Plummer (Beginners)
* CINEMATOGRAPHY – Hugo
* FILM EDITING – The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
* ART DIRECTION – Hugo
* COSTUME DESIGN – The Artist
* MAKE-UP – The Iron Lady
* FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM – A Separation (Iran)
* ANIMATED FEATURE FILM – Rango
* ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY – Midnight in Paris – Screenplay by Woody Allen
* ADAPTED SCREENPLAY – The Descendants – Screenplay by Alexander Payne and Nat Faxon & Jim Rash
* VISUAL EFFECTS – Hugo
* MUSIC (ORIGINAL SCORE) – Ludovic Bource (The Artist)
* MUSIC (ORIGINAL SONG) – Man or Muppet, from The Muppets – Bret McKenzie
* SOUND EDITING – Hugo
* SOUND MIXING – Hugo
* DOCUMENTARY (FEATURE) – Undefeated
* DOCUMENTARY (SHORT SUBJECT) – Saving Face
* SHORT FILM (LIVE ACTION) – The Shore
* SHORT FILM (ANIMATED) – The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr Morris Lessmore
Red Carpet

Viola Davis in Vera Wang

Sean "Diddy" Combs

Maria Menounos in Maria Lucia Hohan (with Mario Lopez)

Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace with Brad Pitt

Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji

Rooney Mara in Givenchy

Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad

Penelope Cruz in Giorgio Armani

Cameron Diaz in Gucci Première

Bingbing Li in Georges Chakra Couture

Glenn Close in Zac Posen

Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab

Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton

Natalie Portman in Vintage Christian Dior

George Clooney with Stacy Keibler in Marchesa

Giuliana Rancic in Tony Ward Couture

Tina Fey in Carolina Herrera

Sandra Bullock in Marchesa

Meryl Streep in Lanvin

Pictures: Beyonce baby's first outing with parents.

B carrying Ivy blue

beyonce, Ivy blue aand Jigga

The new parents were spotted heading out to lunch yesterday with their 7 weeks old baby with them... Blue Ivy must be thrilled having such parents a lot of Nigerians hope to shake one day.

Uche Jombo goes digital

Top actress Uche Jombo has gone digital as the first movie of her  “Damage Trilogy” started streaming live online since Thursday, February 23.

Jombo has often championed the digital distribution of Nollywood movies online as a logical step in keeping up with the high demand for these movies within and outside the shores of the country. This is the latest of such internet-centric initiatives.

“Damage”, a movie produced by Uche Jombo Studios is the first in a series of similarly themed trio of movies featuring, Tonto Dike, Kalu Ikeagwu, Basorge Tariah Jnr amongst other Nollywood stars. It  was shown all over the major cinemas across the country last year, as well as touring the UK and the United States of America.

The actress has taken a major step by making it available for Nollywood lovers across the world  to watch the movie online. “Damage speaks about social issues that affect audiences around the world and putting the movie online means everyone can watch and enjoy the movie from any country.” Uche Jombo said.

“Hopefully, audiences worldwide will be able to connect with the story that the movie tells”, she added.

Since its premiere last year, the movie has garnered a number of awards and accolades including “The Best of Nollywood Awards” amongst others.

I’m different off-screen – Ini Edo

Nollywood actress, Ini Edo, tells ’Nonye Ben-Nwankwo about her new movie, the African Film Festival vote rigging scandal and sundry issues

My new movie

My new movie is titled, I will Take my Chances. The movie is about the African culture. It is about love and the beauty of dance. I shot it in Lagos, Calabar and Uyo. I didn’t write it, I only produced it. The film will be shown in all the cinemas in the country this weekend. It will take a while before it will be released to the market on DVD. The major challenge we had during the production of the film was moving from one city to another. It is a huge budget movie. In my opinion, the most difficult aspect of the movie was the part that concerned dance. I used to think I was a very good dancer until we started rehearsing. Then I realised that dancing can take another dimension altogether. I lost self confidence at a point. I didn’t think I could do it. It was really challenging. We had to rehearse from 11 am to 4 pm every day, except Sundays. Putting the fund together for the movie was challenging, too. I told you it is a huge budget movie. It is not true that my state government gave me N40m for the movie. The movie is my project and Emem Isong’s project as well.

Why I delved into movie production

It started with Memories of My Heart. I saw the script and I liked it. I decided to continue with it. You can get bored if you stick to one thing. I decided to do something different and I enjoyed it. So I decided to continue with it. I will continue producing movies, though it is not going to be regular. It is not as if it is going to be a one-off thing. I have done a third movie. We just finished shooting.

 No regrets being an actress

I don’t regret being an actress. In fact, I feel I am actually blessed being in this profession. I love acting, despite the negative aspect that comes with it. I don’t think I would have loved to do another thing. But, sometimes, I am bothered by the things that are written about me, especially if they are not true. I have taken some legal steps before. That is the only way we can fight back. In all, I intend to be an actress for a long time. Even if I am not acting, I will be in the movie business.

 Marriage and acting

I have been able to hold on to my marriage. It depends on how you set your priorities and not get carried away by the whole thing. You should know when to be somewhere and when not to be in another place.  I just create a balance between my career and my life. My husband is based in the United States of America, but we see each other all the time. He just left Nigeria in January. I will be in the US soon. It is either he is here or I am there. I don’t think I will quit acting. I might divert to other areas that have to do with the movies. Talking about the scandals, my husband knows me more than any other person. Sometimes, when they say things about me, we are together at that moment. He will look at me and ask if I am the same person that people talk about. He knows what I can do.

How my career started

I was still in school when I attended an audition.  I was doing a diploma programme in theatre arts before I went to get a degree in English. The audition was interesting. So, when I finished my two-year diploma programme, I went back to acting. I didn’t think I was ever going to get this big. But then, I am always optimistic and I think positively. Although I didn’t expect it, I knew I was going to be successful.

Parental support

My parents weren’t that supportive. It wasn’t what they wanted me to do. They wanted me to be a lawyer, which was what I wanted to be initially. My parents weren’t comfortable with it because I had to do a lot of travelling and it was affecting my education. But they accepted it later.

Rivalry among actresses

I always try to be

Ini Edo

AFRIFF scandal   

I was in America at the time the African International Film Festival called for votes in the Best Female Actress category. I did not influence or rig the votes.  I didn’t even know what was going on then. A few days before the whole drama started, a friend phoned me from Nigeria and asked me if I wasn’t aware of what was going on and that my colleagues, who were also contesting in that category, were canvassing votes. So I had to go to the social media and I started canvassing votes and I moved on. The next thing I heard was that I rigged the votes. On my Facebook page, I have well over 30,000 friends and I canvassed votes.  I felt bad when people started saying that I influenced the votes. It was an unpleasant accusation and I felt really bad.

My relationship with Rita Dominic

You said you heard that a colleague of mine started the rumour that I rigged votes. Well, I am not going to talk about it. I have nothing to say to that.  And it did not affect my relationship with Rita Dominic. Why should it?

My vision

I want to leave a mark behind.  I want to be able to make films that people will be proud of. I want to make movies that can compete anywhere in the world.  I want to move my foundation a step forward. I want to have children. I need a platform where I can do what I have always wanted to do. I have always been into charity work.

Endorsement deals

You don’t go out to look for endorsement. There is something people don’t understand about me. I am not a forceful person. I am not desperate. I am highly blessed and I get blessings from everywhere. Anything that is mine comes to me. I don’t believe in hustling or struggling for anything. If it is yours, it will come to you.

Coping with male fans 

I’m comfortable with them. I exchange pleasantries with them. You know it is not very easy for them to reach out to us.

The real Ini Edo

Most people don’t know I am down to earth. I am just a regular girl. Most people find it difficult to differentiate me from the person they see on the screen. I am a regular person. There is a big difference between the person in the movies and the real me. I am just like the girl living next door.

Must watch Video: Flavour's wife to be, getting sexy on cam.

Questions have been asked by Dannydigitcommand-pr on what Beverly Hills was doing in this video. Many thought she was displaying for her man, Flavour, until female sounds were heard underneath, and such thoughts were wiped away in a jiffy. The good thing about this video is that it give one the opportunity of knowing more things about this lady that pictures could have swallowed; things like her real height(that must have been her charm all this years in getting the right guys; her straight legs, curves and many other things that accentuates her sex apeal to the point of being driven to the limelight. Dannydigitcommand-pr have nothing to say other than GO GURL!!!

9ice gets online degree in preparation for real politics

Abolore Adegbola Akande better known by his stage name 9ice has made his political intention known to all and sundry that by 2015, he would be going into politics. 9ice as he is called is a south-westerner from Ogbomosho in Oyo State but he grew up in the district of Bariga in Lagos.

9ice got his first break in March 2008 edition of the Hip Hop World Awards held in Nigeria, and won the Revelation of the Year award and the Best Male Vocal Performer. A month later at the first SoundCity Music Video Awards, 9ice was nominated in the category of Best New Artiste. 9ice’s biggest single is titled “Gongo Aso”.

9ice before his break in the entertainment industry was forced to drop out of school for lack of funds, but he is currently taking an online course in Public Administration at the Minneapolis-based Capella University. He planned to bag a law degree before the year 2015 in preparation for his political ambition.

9ice however did announce his intention to contest for the House of Representatives in 2015, but did not mention the state or political party under which he would contest. He was married to Toni Payne, but they are separated at the moment. We advise our star to be fast about the law degree because time waits for no one.

Scandal: Nollywood director in ‘mess’ with upcoming actress

Popular Nollywood director and producer, Nonso Ekene Okonkwo who is based in Asaba, Delta State capital, may need a divine intervention to save his hard earned reputation from being dragged to the mud.

Our  scooped during the week that one of the up and coming actresses, Boma Tubonimi Arinyedokiari, also based in Asaba, has accused the popular director of extorting  the sum of  N105,000,00 from her, in addition to threatening to deal with her in the event of her backing out of the “a six- year contract which she  entered with him.”

Surprisingly,she continued, ” upon my arriving Asaba,  the director told me I had to operate from  his house. Later, he informed me about an agreement that would expire in six years time. I objected to it, arguing that six years contract was too long a time. Unfortunately, I didn’t know how I was influenced to sign the contract.”Narrating her ordeal, the light-complexioned actress, who hails from Rivers State  said  the director invited her to Asaba, on  the pretext that she was going to act in a new flick that was about to be shot then. But unknown to her that, the man had a different plan altogether.

According to Boma’s allegation, Okonkwo wants to be collecting 40 per cent of whatever she earns from her sweat for six years.

She narrates further: “I did some works for  him, which I have not been paid till today. At the moment, he has collected the sum of N105,000,00 from me. The incident happened since November, last year. Now, he is threatening to deal with me because I do not want to be part of that agreement again.”

Another Dagrin or Just Another Yoruba Rapper? Introducing… Fizzy Mayur

Fizzy Mayur coined his moniker from his real name, Hammed Mayowa Fisayo. According to him, the Ogun state born rapper did not go seeking the streets, rather, the streets sought him.

With Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Sade Adu as his key role models in music, he attempts to craft his art with a touch of sublimity for a young man of his age, laced with a mind-boggling street savvy unusual for a middle class youth.

In seemingly no time, Fizzy Mayur‘s fluid rap style and street vocabulary got him noticed in his locale, Abeokuta. Soon after, in 2011, he dropped two singles under the stable of Eclipse Beatz Records but they remained underground.

More recently, he got the attention of the very talented producer, Frenzy, who has worked with the likes of P-Square, Rooftop MCs and Illbliss just to name a few; and signed a management deal with Photon Entertainment.

Under that label, he has released two singles, “Ikira” which was produced by Frenzy and “Lahdehin”. Both are songs filled with street slang and a lot of wordplay most especially in Yoruba. What do you think? Enjoy!

Download Fizzy Mayur – Ikira
Download
Download Fizzy Mayur – Lahdehin
Download

Celebrity Birthday: 'Beautiful' Ebube Nwagbo

Ebube Nwagbo

Today (Feb. 24) is the birthday of popular actress, Ebube Nwagbo. She is from Anambra State (Nigeria). She grew up in Warri, and she is the eldest child in a family of six. She attended Nnamdi Azikwe University where she studied Mass Communication. The first movie in which she featured was Arrested By Love(2003). Since then she has gone on to feature in over 40 movies, some of which are Lord of Marriage, Midnight Love, Good News, Angel in Hell, andWho Laugh Last
 Dannydigitcommand-pr wishes you a fulfilling happy birthday !! cheers

VIDEO: AKON Confirms The Signing of Wizkid, 2face & P-Square on Channel O

Well, there you have it. It looks like 2face, P-Square and Wizkid have finally put pen to paper on separate deals with Akon’s “Konvict Muzik” imprint. This revelation was made by Akon on his interview with Denrele for the “Volt Extra” TV Show on Channel O. We currently don’t know the nature of the deals but no matter how you look at it, this is good news. Hear it from the horse’s mouth below.

Sexy Photos of Beverly Heels “Flavour N’abania Fiancee”

Hot photos of Flavour N’abania Fiancee, Beverly Ngozi Ukaegbu aka Beverly Heels. She is from Mbano, Imo state and she currently resides in Houston, Texas. They recently got engaged on valentine’s day and also expecting a child...