Its Amaa Awards, Hello!

The AMAA Awards have come and gone and i do have my reservations. I did like the fact that the show was on live tv but the flaws were too many. I thought that maybe by now they would have set their priorities right and learn how its been done from the very best. I could even pardon so many flaws but the biggest joke was when Aki and Paw Paw entered as the anchors of the event, that point AMAA lost any serious attachment i might have to it, this people are kidding right? They didn't even connect with the audience and it was so silly the way they would dash in and pop in some dry jokes and some dull antics and dash out again. These people think people would always overlook abi? I know Ramsey and Stephanie okereke's entry was an intervention sort of cos that was what it seemed to me. The duo of Noah and Okereke didn't do badly but they didn't seem prepared enough and were just free styling.
The same technical problems was a tropical issue this year again, I don tire for these people o. Imagine when Patience Ozorkwor (Mama G) came to present an award and after looking calling out the nominees, she looked at the screen but nothing came on and it went on for what seemed like eternity and the audience kept mumbling, it was shameful, habah!
And whats up with that movie from Ghana, Run baby Run picking every award like other movies were not there, the movie had better be good cos the clips on screen didnt look appealing at all. That movie Mirror of Beauty won best music score, hmmm, okay.

The red carpet was another joke, the sound kept going on and off.
I hope they do get it right next time.

Happy me

I am somehow happy today, okay not somehow, i am happy. First i have written five papers out of nine in my exams and i have four to go, and i have done the tougher ones and i managed to knock them off, today was the most feared as the lecturer in charge of the course i had is a strict, die-hard sadist who derives joy in failing students. I do have high hopes that i would excel because i worked for it and so i deserve to pass.
That aside, tomorrow is AMAA AWARD, abi na UBA AMMA , donno why they have to do that, makes it look like they are re-branding. Anyways last years show to me was a flop, i hope they get their acts right this time and may the best man win.
What else?
Am so fatigued at the moment and everyone says i look like i haven't caught some sleep in days, its exams but yet i have been able to steal some few hours and update my blog plus sneak in and catch on the latest drama in nr. Isn't life wonderful? Anyways i have something special i would be sharing with you guys soon, just take a chill pill!
Idols east Africa second stage is on Sunday, and saw the clips, man someone fainted,idols na by force?I read like crazy for exams ooooooooo but then i still don't miss my favorite tv shows, the only thing i haven't done is watch any movie.
So much going on, so much drama, so much fun, you cant just beat it man! If you dont want to miss the special something, then just stay in touch. I havent started blogging, when i get my laptop then i cant start what plans of blogging i intend to, till then stay cool.

Naija Entertainment Chit-chat!

Actress Stephanie Okereke brings out her own skin care

Gist has it that the gorgeous actress now has her own skin range and this is definitely big deal at the moment. But some people say she is just the spokes person for the cosmetic range. Whatever it is, the fact still remains that this deal would have fetch quite a good deal and i use this means to congratulate her. Its good that after her accident and marriage collapse, she can actually move on and do big things.

Next.....

Actress Genevieve Nnaji set to launch Clothing Line

Seems these A-list Nollywood divas are getting busy these days. Stella is the face of Trend tv and also planning her talk show, stephanie landed this skin care deal, Genny is doing this.., Dakore is the face of amstel malta and also planning her tv show. I hear she would be launching her clothing line in a forthnight and it would be called "st genevieve", hmm, isnt that cool?

Annie Macauly Looses 6 months old Pregnancy

I heard she was attacked and kicked like a ball and lost the upcoming tuface in her belle. Eeyah, am just hoping that she would look before she leaps next time

Back by Popular Demand: Big Brother Africa 3 on DStv!

They made their voices heard and now African fans of M-Net’s blockbuster Big Brother Africa can get set for an all-new season 3!

In one of the biggest announcements that the African television operator will make in 2008, M-Net has begun calling for entries for an unprecedented third season of its reality super-series.

With the highlights, drama and excitement of season 2 still fresh in the minds of DStv audiences across the continent, and driven by its phenomenal success,

M-Net has moved quickly to begin work on BIG BROTHER AFRICA 3.

“Audiences clearly demonstrated their involvement with Big Brother Africa 2 by voting, texting the show’s dedicated channel, and downloading video clips,” says Joseph Hundah: M-Net Director of Operations for sub-Saharan Africa.

“With over 900 000 SMS messages received, over 14 million page impressions registered on the show website and over 4 million video clips viewed online, the incredible demand for Big Brother Africa 2 has motivated M-Net to create a third season.”

His comments are echoed by M-Net Director of Original Productions Carl Fischer who says, “Reality TV has proven its appeal with audiences around the world and in Big Brother Africa, M-Net has found an ultra-popular format that crosses boundaries with ease, that entertains broadly across age and gender groupings, and that audiences have shown an unwavering appetite for.”

Now, with BIG BROTHER AFRICA 3 set to launch on Sunday August 24, just hours after the 2008 Olympic Games ends, DStv audiences are in line to receive an extravaganza of great programming.

After 16 days of world-class sporting action, viewers can tune in for 91 days of BIG BROTHER AFRICA action with the Finale scheduled for Sunday November 23.

As with season 1 and 2, in BIG BROTHER AFRICA 3, housemates from 12 countries (Angola, Botswana, Ghana, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe) will live together until, after several rounds of public voting, just one will walk away USD 100 000 richer!

With contestants from season 2 now continentally famous, the search is on for 12 new housemates. Do you want to enter Africa’s biggest TV reality series?

Go to www.mnetafrica.com

Anyone over the age of 21, who is a citizen of one of the 12 participating countries and in possession of a valid passport, can enter BIG BROTHER AFRICA 3. If you’re fluent in English, fun-loving, vocal, creative, original and articulate, then you should definitely enter. Remember that all entrants must be tolerant of views and lifestyle choices other than their own and must have the social flexibility to live in close proximity with others. The deadline for entries is Wednesday April 30, 2008. Once all entries have been received, a selection team will begin evaluating them and short-listing potential housemates, who’ll then undergo a series of medical and physical tests to check their suitability for show’s tasks and challenges. The 12 individuals finally chosen as BIG BROTHER AFRICA 3 housemates will have no contact with the outside world and will be watched 24/7 by audiences tuned in to DStv channel 198. All programming for Big Brother including the 24 hour channel (channel 198) will have restricted access through the parental guide functionality on the DStv decoder – so parents will be able control viewing of Big Brother. In addition to DStv channel 198, M-Net will also screen four 30-minute daily shows (Tuesday to Friday), in South Africa on AfricaMagic, and a late-night ‘Uncut’ show. Audiences can also look out for 60-minute weekly highlights, nomination and eviction shows. BIG BROTHER AFRICA 3 will be produced by Endemol for M-Net, and Channel O VJ Kabelo Ngakane will once again host the series, screened live from the Big Brother Africa house in Johannesburg. As with previous editions of the series, audiences will also be able to see Africa’s most creative musicians and performers take their turn on the Big Brother stage, which provides a unique platform to showcase African talent through its widely watched Sunday eviction shows. Special guests will also make their appearance in the Big Brother house throughout the series, many to promote relevant social awareness programs as in previous years whilst others will be celebrity visitors. As with Big Brother series around the world, of which there have been over 100 international versions, Big Brother Africa 3 promises more great entertainment for African fans. For now though, it’s your time to shine with just three simple steps. Get an entry, complete it and submit it. Who knows…you may be the next person to win BIG BROTHER AFRICA! To enter BIG BROTHER AFRICA 3, simply collect an entry form from your nearest MultiChoice office or go to www.mnetafrica.com and fill a form.

Hmmm, interesting that they are having a third season but am thinking isnt it too soon, but its all good sha. Am so looking forward to it and i hope its better than the last, the season 2 was a huge success so i knew they would have another just that i didnt suspect this soon, am so happy cos there is guaranteed entertainment for us dstv watchers and something to keep us glued to the tv again, something to keep taking about.

American Idol:The Phenomenon Continues

Television's No. 1 show, American Idol, returns for its seventh season when it premieres in January. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, the hit series empowers viewers to discover America's next solo singing superstar by voting for their favorites to win the coveted American Idol title.

Every year, tens of thousands of hopefuls from across the nation audition for a shot at stardom and a chance to be the next American Idol. The show's judges - Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson - winnow down the competitors to a select group of semifinalists who sing their hearts out each week for the studio audience and the television viewers. The judges have their say after every performance, but it's the viewing public that determines who will advance to the next round of the competition and who will go home. Voting via telephone and text messaging begins immediately after each performance show, and the results are announced during the following night's broadcast.

Themes such as country music, hits of the 21st century and Elvis Presley songs add spice to the performance shows, along with appearances and mentoring by legendary artists like Tony Bennett, Jennifer Lopez, Martina McBride and Bon Jovi. These guest performers not only share their expertise with the contestants, they enable audience members to experience a variety of musical styles.

They are seven left, its any man's game at the moment, wish them all luck.

BTW: The Idols East Africa hasnt impressed me with talents they have so far, looks like the show would be filled with semi-talents.

Drems do come true!

I strongly believe that dreams come true and i wish all those out there who wish for one thing or the other (including myself) that by His Grace it would all become accomplished, nothing is impossible with him and i know he has great plans for you and i, if you have a dream, nuture it, pray, believe in yourself, be dedicated to your craft, dont compromise and your time would not pass you by.

Its been tough for me, coping with school work and all, the life of a student isnt a small something. We would be staging our school play next week and its August Stringberg's "The father" and am playing the role of pastor. Its somewhat new to me and am enjoying every bit and moment, coping with daily rehearsals that could be time consuming is challenging though and after everything i hope it would be a success.

I wish everyone out there that wishes for something good and spectacular including myself good luck this season. Peace.

Idols East Africa

Idols is back again on our screens (not talking about American Idols) but the African version or should i say Eastern and Southern african version because if you say African then Nigeria, Ghana, Togo and the rest should be involved but since they already had Idols west Africa the last time, i guess they just wanted it to be fair as to go round. As usual the auditions are rib-cracking with lots of talentless people fooling off to millions of viewers.

I havent been impressed by the auditions so far though, its as though there are very few talented people in east africa especially the kenyan and tanzanian auditions, i just hope the rest of the countries gets better as this is low compared to what the west african version offered just that the large chunk of talents there was from naija (wetin u expect?). They just have loads of people with aweful voices and most of those they pass are just "semi good".

And the judges, hmmm that one is another day story ooooh, i actually think the Scar guy is trying too hard to be harsh, like not smiling and all, thats not the way to do it, even Simon Cowel smiles and laughs when he sees someone with talent, this guy needs to loosen up a bit and stop this hard squeeze he gives his face before he wounds himself. They say he is a hip-hop sensation in Botswana, well i dont know him and so i think he is trying too hard, the rest two judges are cool especially Angela, that girl is perfect in my eyes and i like the way she talks, she knows what the show is about and she knows why they are there. The presenter Lebo is cool and seems he has had loads of experience and in my books is far better than Mike Majic (the host of Idols WA), mike is a cool dude too and he tried but am sure Lebo would pull this off better.

Its still the audtions stage and it cant get any funnier......

for more details visit www.mnetafrica.co.za/idols

Random musings

I haven't done a movie review in a while and thats because i haven't seen any movie, i haven't been propelled to see the junks that have been released in recent times and its pity cos nollywood is seriously nose-diving. Nollywood has a whole lot of problems that range from indiscipline, lack of trained and equipped hands, no well structured distributions network, too many "i too knows" and most of all "ignorance". Many of our "so called" producers and directors are lounging in ignorance and they wouldn't admit it, everyone thinks he has arrived after doing a movie or two and do not even care to learn the ropes properly, a production assistant could wake up one morning and decide to become a director and feels since he has been on 20 movie sets, he knows what the abc of directing is. I am tired of complaining about our movie and i do expect some decent movie at least with the right budget. The sad part is we do have those with the money to invest (marketers) but their approach to things are unethical and disturbing and not so healthy for the growth of the industry.
In my view shooting a good Nigerian movie starts from a good script, now we have millions of nigerians and thousands of creative, innovate and yet to be discovered writers who would love to have that big break but instead a producer who battles to even speak good English thinks the episode that happened in his village last would be a good screen-play for a movie and then these movies even seem to soap-operaish, there is a difference between writing for the screen and television. And then we have very few good directors in nollywood, i could count the directors who to me have what it takes, apart from the likes of tade ogidan, tunde kelani, Amaka Igwe, Izu Ojukwu and the likes most of what we have are still learning from those that are learning.
We have so many talented directors who are trying to make a mark in hollywood and their creativity would be a plus for nollywood but the truth is even if you employ their services, some of them would find it hard shooting on low budget, adapting to Nigeria's film shooting system and so on. The distribution is the biggest problems as i don't know why with so much population and also buying population nollywood has been able to gather, there is so much left untapped and pirates are having a field day, it even seems the practitioners are not bothered as they are less concerned about what happens to the movie after two weeks sales which is why they break the movie into so many parts. Apart from onitsha, aba, iweka road and idumota, i doubt if there are other states where these marketers operate in other cities, even the African countries that love Nigerian movies end up buying from the pirates, there are so many of such like that.
I could go on and on about the 'all what not" of nollywood and what should be done but that would be left for another day, i just felt like pouring a little of my mind and i do hope to do a movie in the nearest future and do things right. True we have good actors and some terrible ones who should be selling okrika in the market, true we have some good potentials and i hope that in the years to come, more well equipped and trained people would invest their wealth of knowledge and experience in nollywood. Above all am proud to be Nigerian and i have hope that things would get better if only we learn to do things right.

All too soon..

Alot has been going through my mind in the last two months, this period i have lost an uncle, a friend, and two friends' father. Looking back at the way everything happened makes me shiver at how flexible this world we live in is and how things could change so fast before your very own eyes. I have tried to put all the sad episodes behind me and move on with life but its not easy at all. I have asked myself so many questions but got no answer.
I have resolved to living a life that is worthy of celebration after one's exit and i know i would love to be remembered for great stuffs when am no more, not that am wishing for death but life is unpredictable, i do hope to live till a hundred years sha (don't we all). Today is the 8days of my late dear friends and his mother wants to cook for all his friends, it still hasn't struck to me, i still feel like i am in some deep slumber and might wake up any minute. But like they say God knows best.
My prayer is that God grants all these people i have lost eternal rest and peace and their families the fortitude to bear the loss (AMEN).
Thanks guys for dropping by and i would update as soon as am back, been so not myself all along.