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.