AKON, PSQUARE, TIWA SAVAGE JOIN BANKY W FOR BIRTHDAY GIG!

Banky W’s surprise birthday party on Tuesday March 27, 2012 at The Grotto in Victoria Island, Lagos brought out a large number of A- list entertainers. With so much love from fans on twitter, facebook and elsewhere, and a guest list that included Akon, Psquare, MI, Tiwa Savage, Kel, Ini Edo, Skales, Toolz and others, the R&B giant and EME Chairman had a time of his life! “Even when I gbagaun, I don’t get half as many mentions as this ooh…. Thank you so much for the birthday wishes… God bless” the singer said to his fans on twitter, earlier in the day.

 Before The Grotto surprise party put together by his friends, Banky told journalists in Lagos he plans to dedicate more of his time to "helping young talents grow and do all I can to make the journey easier for talented young people out there trying to build a career in music". "As I grow older, it's becoming very important for me to play my little part in developing this industry; to play my own role in empowering our youths, and in extension, the nation. I'll be happy if I can help more and more upcoming talents escape the hurdles I passed through while coming up. Everyone sees Banky W, Wizkid, 2face, Psquare or D'banj - but people forget that for each one of us that makes it, there are dozens others who fell by the way side; most of them could have made it if only they got more support. I made it to where I am because of the love and support from the media, my label, fans, promoters and my family. I think it's my responsibility, to make sure I support those coming behind. That's what I've done with Wizkid. We're working on Skales now, and many more are on the way".


Banky W’s protégé WizKid was missing in action from his mentor’s "Lagos party", but he had a good reason- he was away in America having series of sit downs and focused discussions with prominent African-Americans and promoters ahead of the forthcoming EME tour. “Happy Birthday to my big bro, Banky W. God bless you more Wizkid wrote in a Twitter shout out to Mr W. Banky W's third Nigerian album titled R&BW is expected later this year.

click to enlarge image(s) 

 

Read More

Ini Edo’s premiere of I’ll Take My Chances

…full release slated for next year

A- List Nollywood star, Ini Edo who recently ventured into movie production with I’ll Take My Chances which she jointly produced, is set to premiere her latest work in Lagos. The actress who recently got her appointment with the United Nations renewed as the United Nations youth envoy on environment for another year is putting finishing touch to her preparation.

Anticipation is high and fingers are crossed in the entertainment and fashion capital of Nigeria, Lagos as the movie, I’ll Take My Chances comes to town.

Having enjoyed a very successful premiere in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, the banquet hall of the Meridien Hotel on the 24th September to be precise, the movie is now set to be premiered in Lagos and many celebrities, industry pundits, associates and well wishers are all expected to throng the venue of the premiere in grand style. Following the resounding success and acceptance it enjoyed in Uyo, more is expected when the premiere comes alive in Lagos.

The Lagos premiere of the movie which was jointly produced by the duo of Ini Edo and Emem Isong will take place sometimes in December this year.

I’ll Take My Chances centers on a medley of drama, dance, love and suspense, which is intended for people who are very passionate about dance and movies but not like the type often portrayed in most Bollywood films, but this time, it’s more Nigerian in perspective and philosophy.

The dance-themed movie boasts of an impressive cast that include the ever radiant Ini Edo, one-time Mr. Nigeria, Bryan Okwara, the president of ANTP, Jide Kosoko, Sam Loco Efe of blessed memory, Biola Williams, Lilian Ikpe, the dance sensation, Ashleigh Clark among others.

Directed by Desmond Elliot, a prolific actor, I’ll Take My Chances is a real departure from the frequently seen story lines in the movie industry as the content, style and philosophy behind it distinguishes it from most of the scripts daily churned out by directors and producers alike.

The movie tells the story of I.K, a young theatre arts graduate who majored in dance in the U.S., he hopes to stage a drama but lacks the funds to get through with it, and he also sought the help of his girlfriend, Giselle. However, I.K has to go for his youth service in a village in cross river and there he meets the beautiful Idara( Ini Edo). Despite their obvious differences, the two are drawn together but Idara harbours a secret. She has been selected to be the next High Priestess of Unek, a diety that is worshipped by her people through dance. Something will have to give as she is torn between her love for I.K and the path of destiny chosen by the deity.

The movie is set to be at the cinemas from next year in all the cinemas nationwide.

Read More

A-LISTERS SET TO STORM UYO FOR INI EDO & EMEM ISONG

Come the 24th of September 2011, the Banquet Hall, in the City of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State will stand still as the smash hit movie 'I'll Take My Chances', jointly produced by Ini Edo and Emem Isong berths there with top of the crop celebrities in tow.

Billed to be a superlative event with movie stars such as Desmond Elliot, Monalisa Chinda, Uche Jombo, Jackie Appiah, Genevieve Nnaji ,the duo of Aki and Paw Paw as well as Patience Ozokwor aka ‘Mama G’ and a host of others in attendance.

The premiere which is being supported by Akwa Ibom State government will form part of the events lined up for the celebration of the Anniversary of the state’s creation. In line with this, dignitaries from all walks of life within and outside the state cutting across different professions such as media, entertainment, politics and the banking sector will all be part of the epoch making event.

Engaging the audience with his wits will be no other than the talented Basorge Tariah Junior who will compere the event. Also thrilling the guests will be the music sensations; Wande Coal and J-Martins.

According to one of the producers, Emem Isong, the dance-themed movie which parades stars like multiple award winning actress and new face of Noble Hair, Ini Edo, ex Mr. Nigeria, Bryan Okwara, Jide Kosoko, Biola Williams, Lilian Ikpe, dance sensation, Ashleigh Clark and the late Nollywood veteran, Sam Loco Efe will go to Uyo first because most of the film was shot there and depicts culture from that area and also as a show of harmony with the accommodating and supportive people of Akwa Ibom.

Also star actress Ini Edo had this to say on her role in the movie; “I had to work very hard to get into character because this is the first time I’m playing this kind of challenging role where virtually everything you do is dance and act at the same time. Aside that, as an executive producer, Emem and I did not leave any stone unturned. We gave it our all and I can confidently say, this is the biggest movie we’ve ever done in terms of budget, depth, and production inputs”.

Directed by one of the best from Nollywood, Desmond Elliot, the movie which is a medley of drama, suspense, dance and love will excite those passionate about dance as well as movies. I’ll Take My Chances is dedicated to the memory of the late Sam Loco Efe and the Premiere will also feature a short documentary on him.

Read More

I'll take my chances - Bryan Okwara, Ini Edo & others

This one was produced by Emem Isong and directed by Desmond Elliot. Preview clips from one of the movies CBEN Pictures was hired to shoot in Nigeria March thru May 2011 Shot with the New Sony F3 Camera.

Read More

INI EDO BEGINS UN WORK IN EARNEST

April 23 will always be ever green in the mind of actress and UN Habitat Youth Envoy, Ini Edo and those who accompany her to Dustbin Estate in Ajegunle Area of Lagos. The ‘ever green’ in the day has nothing to do with the fact that a day before was her birthday, it has nothing to do with the fact that she was discharged from hospital that morning, or the fact that her husband and team (comprising of management company, publicist and few family and friends) were with
her.

No, it has everything to do with the fact that the day was the first day she would be carrying out her responsibility as Habitat Youth Envoy for United Nation. And the day her life literarily changed. ‘I can’t believe what am seeing, I find it hard to believe this kind of place exist in Nigeria. My perception of life has changed’ she told media men on site. Her visit to LOTS Foundation at Dustbin Estate coincided with her birthday hence the gifts packs, t-shirts, food and gift items to the community leaders. But according to her publicist, Platform PR, theessence of the visit is not just birthday. ‘Ini was appointed alongside two others (one Nollywood actor and one Bollywood actor) as ambassadors of the United Nation.

Her responsibilities according to www.unhabitat.org are to promote socially and environmentally sus

tainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
Speaking on this new role Ini said ‘being named a Special Youth Envoy for UN is one of the most interesting moments of my life, I know this ambassadorial role is not going to be an easy task, but it is a call to responsibility. Beyond acting and making people happy on the screen, we need to learn to stretch our hands and touch people’s lives.

Presently working on her new movie; ‘I’ll Take my Chances’, it is giant strides all the way for Ini in 2011.

click to enlarge image(s)

Read More

Bowling for Boobs -- a success

Saturday 29th January 2011 at The Dome Entertainment center Abuja was the day many Nigerian celebrities used their celebrity status to raise funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer. The event is the brain child of STAND UP FOR CANCER NAIJA, an NGO focused on the fight against breast cancer. The red carpet was lit up by celebrities like Uti, Ini Edo, Uche Jombo, Julius Agwu, Bryan Okwara, Coco Couture, James Lulu (bag designer) and many more.

Many media houses within and outside Abuja like, Studio 53 extra,Jara on Mnet, Sound City, Spice tv, Hot Fm, Bella Naija, Rhythm 94.7,wow magazine and many more, turned up to lend their support to the noble cause. Celebrities like Ini Edo, Uche Jombo and Uti Nwachukwu came with their team of bowlers to contest against each other in a bowling game and the winner had to square up against the best of Abuja bowlers, team uche won the bowling game.

When asked what her take was on the fight against cancer Uche Jombo said cancer had been happening to people she never knew until she met the lady that inspired her movie "Holding Hope"

“What we came here to do today is something real. Do you know there are people in very remote areas that when they examine their breast and see a lump, they’ll say it’s something spiritual; it’s the devil, but in reality it’s a cancer lump. Such women are the ones we’re really trying to reach out to” Ini Edo on her part said cancer is a disease that takes away from every woman and needs to be stopped.

Mrs. Ada, a breast cancer survivor spoke on the need for all, including men to constantly examine themselves for possible traces of lumps as that remain the best and easiest way to detect early signs of the disease.

Caleb Egwuenu the Project Director of the Stand Up To Cancer Naija the host organisation talked on how more awareness is needed in the grassroot, he reiterated the fact that those in the grassroot are they reason the event Bowling for Boobs was organised.

In her vote of thanks, the Media Director of Stand Up To Cancer Naija Ms Debie Magnut said she was so happy that the celebrities took time out of their busy schedule to attend the occasion. She called on more celebrities to join in the campaign which will be held subsequently in Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, Johannesburg, London, Calgary and Houston.

click to enlarge image(s)

Read More

Ini Edo Gathers Stars For Movie Premiere

After enjoying a successful career in the movie industry that saw her emerge as one of the most sought-after and respected actresses, Ini Edo has achieved a new feat as she premiered her first movie, Memories of My Heart on Friday 15th October 2010.

The star studded premiere of the movie which had superstars and movie industry heavyweights like Richard Mofe Damijo, Fred Amata, Segun Arinze, Zik Zulu-Okafor, Desmond Elliot, Emem Isong, Uche Jombo, Tonto Dike, Monalisa Chinda, Patience Ozokwor, Mike Ezuruonye, Annie Macauley, Chidi Mokeme, Susan Peters in attendance commenced with interviews and photo snaps on the Red Carpet; then cocktails and networking followed suit. Guests were thereafter ushered into the screening room.

The event that started a little behind schedule with an opening prayer had the National Anthem performed by Stella Damasus.

Then, RnB star, Slam performed a special track where he sang a song incorporating Ini’s name.Ini swayed to the music with her parents, siblings and husband, Philip Ehiagwina joining her.

Stella Damasus then came up and did a beautiful rendition of a love song that heralded the audience into the screening.

After the screening, the movie received a thunderous applause. Ini then gave a speech thanking everyone and called up for curtain call and recognition.

'Memories of my Heart' which stars prominent actors and actresses like Ramsey Nouah, Ini (herself), Uche Jombo, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Koffi Adjorlolo, Monalisa Chinda, Desmond Elliot tells the story of Halle who has attended several auditions but has been unable to get a role. She finally gets her chance when she claims to be Bankole Da Silva’s fiancée, an oil magnate she’s never met. She’s given the role on the condition that Bankole funds the movie. Halle now struggles to get out of the web she has spun for herself . Just as Halle gets Bankole’s attention, Bankole suffers a terrible accident leaving him with amnesia. Dr. Dammie nurses him back to health and into her waiting arms. As the relationship deepens, Halle re-appears on the scene throwing Bankole into a state of confusion.

With Desmond and Emem Isong behind the production of the new flick, Royal Arts Academy Production, a brain child of Emem Isong, Desmond Elliot and Uche Jombo has continued to prove that it is a movie production outfit of class with movies like Holding Hope and Bursting Out in its kitty.

Read More