Jim Iyke Arrested In Abuja Over Tinted Glasses

The Nollywood Star, James Esomugha better known as Jim Iyke was arrested on Wednesday, March 10, 2011 for failing to comply with government rules on the use of tinted windows on vehicles in the country.

Jim Iyke was riding in a Silver Chrysler Convertible car with number plate ‘S-5’ along with his personal assistant when members of the Nigerian Police Force and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) stopped him.

The Police were complying with the directive issued by the Minister of Police Affairs, Mr. Humphrey Abbah on Monday, February 28, 2011 enforcing the ‘provisions of prohibition of tinted glasses on vehicles’.

When ordered to step out of the car, the star actor refused. This prompted the police to forcefully remove the tints from the windows of the car at the scene. Iyke, who was obviously not happy with what was going on, caused a stir with the officers, attracting a crowd of on-lookers.

After much drama, an infuriated Jim Iyke had no choice but to follow the officers to the station. He was later released on recognition.

Forbes Lists Diddy As Hip-Hop’s Richest Man

American publishing and Media Company Forbes which is popularly known for its lists of the richest Americans (the Forbes 400) and its list of billionaires on Wednesday, March 9, 2011, named US rapper and entertainment mogul Sean John Combs better known as Diddy as ‘hip-hop’s wealthiest artiste’.

Diddy who over the years has successfully run his Bad Boy Records label imprint, has also ventured into other areas such as fashion (Sean John Clothing), movie production and most recently his Diageo joint-venture vodka brand Ciroc. All these plus other side ventures take the 41 year old to the top of the list with $475 million.

In similar fashion, Brooklyn MC Jay Z who has topped the list for the last three years, closely follows Diddy in second place with $450 Million. Other than his record sales that are close to 50 Million, Jay Z’s investments in his record label, fashion, cuisine and advertising have bolstered the rappers successful career.

The list continues with producer Dr. Dre in third place with $125 Million, while 50 Cent and Birdman tie at fourth with $100 Million.

Marketer Drags 2face to Court

Just when super star 2face Idibia is commanding an intense applause from Nigerians and Africans for making the continent proud as he featured on one of America’s notable TV shows ‘The Monique Show‘ last February, a marketing company called ‘Happy Boys‘ fronted by Bisi Bangbala is taking a business dealing that didn’t go down well between the two rather seriously.

Bangbala has alleged that he got involved in a negotiation with Mr. Idibia after he claimed that he would be making a duet with US R&B singer R. Kelly for his 2008 ‘Unstoppable‘ album.

NET gathered that Bangbala through his company (Happy Boys) opted to buy the album off 2face for an undisclosed sum with the hope of securing ROI (return on invested capital), especially because of the R. Kelly duet. However, just like many critics of the duet, the marketer claims he was disappointed by the so-called ‘R. Kelly duet’ – claiming it is questionable.

Bangbala was not satisfied with the finished product claiming Idibia did not do what he portrayed while the negotiation was on…

According to a report, having paid 2face’s Hypertek Records the agreed sum, the marketer was compelled to accept the album, but on the condition that 2face would produce another album to compensate for the loss.

Idibia went on to release his lastest album ‘The Unstoppable Int’l Edition‘ on his own label, working with other distributors. Sources say Happy Boys decided to let sleeping dogs lie; letting it all go by counting their losses and moving on.

However, we scooped that 2face’s new endorsement deal with telecommunications company Airtel, has energized the marketer’s commitment to recover his loss on the ‘Unstoppable’ deal.

He has reportedly threatened to spill out to the public and the Airtel management the ‘A-Z’ of how his unprofitable deal with 2face transpired unless Mr. Idibia refunds his money.

Speaking to NET on the case, which is already in court, 2face’s management (Now Muzik) confirmed the ongoing feud noting his camp has been served court papers.

‘The court papers have been served to Hypertek and do not contain any hit point. What they asked him for was that they did not know how the album was released. They said they were not party to the release and that it was released without their consent. We have been asked to wait for seven days by the court to determine what will happen next‘, Now Muzik boss Efe Omorogbe who refused to make further comments until the court case is determined tells NET exclusively.

Breaking News: Robbers Snatch Wizkid’s Car at Gunpoint!

EME act Wizkid is lucky to be alive, after armed bandits attacked him around 8PM on Saturday March 5, 2011 and made away with his car.

The 20 year old yet-to-debut hit-maker was reportedly riding with his friends (an unnamed lady, and Wande Coal‘s younger brother) in his Black Honda Accord i-VTEC when the incident happened.

Multiple sources tell NET Wizkid was on Ikorodu road, (in Lagos) on his way home, when the robbery incident happened.

‘There was an accident around there, and the robbers made away with several cars’ an inside source, who pleaded anonymity because the label was yet to make any announcement, tells us.

While Wizkid’s friends were let off, the robbers made the singer accompany them to Third Mainland bridge, where they dropped him off and left him stranded.

‘They took everything he had on him, including his mobile phones, so he had to trek all the way from third mainland bridge, back to the mainland’ a friend and associate tells us.

The car in question, we understand is the controversial Honda believed to have been a gift from his friend Tonto Dikeh.

GENEVIEVE FLIRTS WITH AY(THE COMEDIAN

TO SEE MORE PICTURES VISIT http://www.nextonlineinfo.co.cc/2010/12/genevieve-flirts-with-ay.html

Yoruba Movies Are Not Popular – Powerful Uche Jumbo

Uche Jombo has finally broken the silent. English and Yoruba Nollywood accord each other on who will respect who. . The eloquent English speaker spoke to THE REPORTER on the vexing issue, at the last BON award, after an ego flaunting incident had occurred between the Yoruba and English actors/actresses, who were at Ijebu- Ode and Abeokuta for the award ceremony.


“Organizers said I should speak on behalf of Nollywood.So I refused to speak at the thank-you dinner. I am too young to speak for this industry that is how I was brought up by the elders in the industry. I am not scared of speaking in public but I won’t allow myself to be pushed around. How could somebody just call me in the middle of an event to perform such a task I won’t allow such person to get to my tangent.”




You talked about the ego thing or the lack of respect that is between Yoruba speaking and English speaking acts. As long as I am concerned, the reverse is the case. This is because; I never watch their movies, since I don’t understand their language. The few I recognize, I greet them when I see them. But when most of them (Yoruba actors) see us (English Speaking actors) they always put up this attitude that says we must be the first to greet them. And so long as I am concerned, they do not respect us at all.” They think they are better than us. Our (English Nollywood) Industry is popular in other countries; theirs (Yoruba Nollywood) is popular only but in Nigeria, western part of Nigeria to speak out loud. Why are they so proud? I am not a hater but nobody should push me so hard; Said Uche.

2FACE UP FOR THISDAY AWARDS

The 16th annual ThisDay Awards has announced its nominees for honorary awards that will be dedicated to young entrepreneurs and change makers.

One of Nigeria’s biggest musical exports 2face Idibia, have been included in the ‘New Champions for an Enduring Africa’ category.

2face has garnered much success across the years with chart topping singles, bestselling albums, international features and multiple awards. He has successfully carved a niche for himself as the young and old have embraced his music wholeheartedly.

He will square off with other similar successful Nigerian ambassadors – UK born actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, MTV Base boss Alex Okosi, media entrepreneur Toyin Subair, award winning writer Chimamanda Adichie, and celebrated designer Deola Sagoe.

BANKY W TURNED DOWN CAMPAIGNING FOR POLITICIANS

Banky W has backed out for making campaign songs for any politician as he says he won’t be making any campaign song even after ” I was approached by a few politicians but I decided not to accept it because what is good for me might not necessarily be good for others”.

Talking about other collagues who have recorded campaign songs, he said: “… whether they were given money to campaign or not, it’s not my business. I have not been pushed to the point where I have no option, Without this, you’ll not see me campaigning for any politician. What is important to me is somebody that will bring about change in our country, Nigeria”

The singer informs that he might be acting in some movies soon.

BUJU BANTON FOUND GUILTY IN COCAINE TRAFFICKING CASE

Jamaican Reggae/Dance hall artiste Buju Banton on Tuesday, February 22, 2010 was found guilty by a Florida Jury on cocaine conspiracy charges.

Banton whose real name is Mark Myrie has been on trial since December 2009 on accusations that he was a conspirator in a drug deal which involved two other men. This is his second trial.

The 37 year old singer whose 2010 ‘Before The Dawn’ album just won him a Grammy Award for the ‘Best Reggae Album’ now faces up to life imprisonment as sentencing has not yet been announced.

Banton made his first appearance in 1992 and has so far released 10 albums.

Fela! Makes Appearance In Lagos

There’s good news for every fan and follower of the late Afro-beat king and activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, as the hit Broadway about the life, times and music of the great Nigerian performer is set to hold in Lagos, Nigeria. Simultaneously, history is being made as this will be the first time a Broadway show will be performed in this region of Africa.

FELA! The Broadway musical which has won three Tony Awards will be performed in Lagos from Tuesday, April 5, 2011 and will run for the next five days at the Eko Hotels New Expo Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

FELA! which also opened in London’s Royal National Theatre for a three month sold-out run, received three Oliver Awards for a brilliant performance. This included the award for ‘Best Actor’ role played by US born Sahr Ngaujah who is of Sierra Leone descent.

As reported here on NET a few weeks back, a screening of the musical was shown at the New Afrikan Shrine, Lagos on Sunday, February 6, 2011.

The musical in Lagos is being produced by a Nigerian production company, Broken Shackles in conjunction with Lagos State Government.

The much talked about Champagne Conversations debuted yesterday Sunday, February 27, 2011 at the Pool side of Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos. With musi

The much talked about Champagne Conversations debuted yesterday Sunday, February 27, 2011 at the Pool side of Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.

With music provided by Shuga Band and DJ Jimmy JATT, the event was filled with an atmosphere of style, class and beautiful music as guests were stylishly treated to a grand evening.

The host of the show was R&B star Darey and popular faces who attended were Nollywood acts Kate Henshaw, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Monalisa Chinda, Rukky Sanda, and Annie Macauley, musicians Jaywon, Mo’Cheddah, KSB, Goldie, Praise, Timi Dakolo, Emem Ema, TWO, Femi Adeyinka, Essence and Djinee.

As some sort of amusement, a huge custom-made bottle of Moet & Chandon was kept afloat in the middle of the giant size swimming pool. Later on that night, everybody was taken by surprise as they saw a young man (later on found out to be the R&B singer, Praize), dive into the swimming pool to bring out the huge bottle. He then popped it open and poured everyone a glass.

Other notable people who attended are Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, ChiChi Nwoko, Denrele, Olisa Adibua, Yinka Oyedeji, Michelle Dede, Bolanle Okhiria, Gbenga Adeyinka (1st), Tee A, Segun Demuren, Jide Adediran, Toolz, Joke Jaiyesimi, Kingsley James, Tamilore Kuboye,Ayo Animashaun, Misi Molu, Dola Bamgboye, Cherry Eromosele, Steve Babaeko, Bayo Omisore, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, AY, Cecil Hammond, and Linda Ikeji.

M.I Acquires Range Rover Jeep

Less than two months ago that Chocolate City rapper M.I Abaga bought a white C Class Mercedes Benz, he surprised his minders when he unveiled another automobile weeks back – a white Range Rover jeep.

M.I reportedly acquired the brand new car few weeks ago, adding it to the two cars already in his garage.

‘He just bought a new white range a few weeks ago. I can’t remember the date exactly’, his manager, Lola tells NET on the phone.

The short black boy (as M.I is fondly called) who upon the release of his second album ‘MI2‘ has continued to garner local and international acclaim, seems determined not to lax in his quest for super stardom.