"IJE" EXCITE MOVIE BUFFS

Just two months for its official release, IJE is currently causing ripples in the movie industry. At most hangout, usually visited by Nollywood stars, the movie seem to be the new topic of discuss. Most esepcially, tenacity of another "not so popular" producer, Chineze Anyaene to bring together Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola Jalade Ekehinde in the production. Well, in the past, there were rumours about a rift between these two actors, but, it seems Anyaene has proven that not of such ever existed. The movie is shot in Nigeria and America and stars Genevieve, Omotola and Clem Ohanaeze and other foreign acts.

"Ije" 'THE JOURNEY ..tells a tale of Chioma, a child growing up in the Nigerian countryside, who warned her restless sister, Anya, about the trappings of the American Dream. Now ten years later, Anya is accused of killing three men in a Hollywood Hills mansion—one of them her record producer-husband. Chioma travels from Nigeria to Los Angeles, and with the help of a young, unproven attorney, discovers that the dark secret her sister wants to keep hidden might be the only thing that can win her freedom." I'm still trying to get Omotola and Genevieve to speak on this milestone flick.

LOOKING THROUGH STEPHANIE'S NEW GLASS

The name Stephanie Okereke is not new in Nigeria movie industry- well as an actress, but, when it comes to movie production, she is a greenhorn. But, to say the truth, Okereke has not only surpass what most of producers churn out as films, she has carved a niche for herself with a top class movie.

Through the Glass may have been months old, but, many people are still awe at the production directed, produced and written by our own Stephanie Okereke. The flick wears and smells like a real Hollywood production; not only did it have Hollywood actor, Gareth Mckechine and others in the cast. This movie, has been showcased in many cinemas in Nigeria, the US, Ghana and Europe and so many people are still shocked that this masterpiece is from Nigeria. And predictably, (not sounding biase), it will surely cart home some diadem, when Africa meets for the Africa Movie Academy Awards in April.

Well, as part of her own way of giving back to the society, Steph, as I like to call, has decided to bring the school that really brought out the best in her to Nigeria- New York Film Academy. 

Del-York International owned by Linus Idahosa as managing Director and Stephanie Okereke as Executive Director is bringing the New york film academy to Nigeria and classes starts Febrauary and March 2010,

The good news however, it that Nigeria will be the first country on the continent to host the NYFA team to an intensive one month hands on training workshop on Digital filmmaking, Acting for film, Screenwriting, Editing, Producing/Development, and 3D animation and master courses exclusively designed for marketing communications executives(broadcast journalism). To make it more merrier, 370 people will benefit from this sponsorship that backed by Rivers State governement and Niger Delta Development Commission. To join in this please visit delyorkinternational.com for more details.

OJEZ HOST MORGON

All road leads to Ojez Nite Club, National stadium, surulere on Saturday 30th, 2010 as the management of the hippest hangout play host to executives members of the Movie Reporters Guild of Nigeria-MORGON.

The soiree will witness performances from different groups including the Ojez band and other up coming acts while D’lectura, Mr. Patrick and Dauda will be on hand to crack ribs.

According to the chairman, Ojez entertainment, Chief Joseph Odobeatu, the event is an evening to say a big thank you to MORGON. “Ojez want to specially say a big thank you to this able and resourceful guild; who have not only made us their partners but also help reposition the movie industry in their own little way. We are rewarding them with this great honour and gratitude,” he says.

Expected to grace the occasion will be president emeritus of Actors’ Guild of Nigeria, Ejike Asiegbu, the National president of AGN , Segun Arinze, top Nollywood stars, media gurus, arts aficionados and many more.

In his words, president of the MORGON, Azuh Amatus says the guild is really happy that Ojez is recognizing their efforts. “MORGON is happy to be honoured by Ojez and because we are partners, it shows the great things will be happening this New Year in both Nollywood and entertainment industry.

Ojez has been at the forefront of top rated grooves-making it the hub of entertainment especially Nollywood. In fact, it is now reputable for the convergence of top Nollywood stars; and that is why it is called – “Planet Nollywood.”

OMOTOLA, GENEVIEVIE SHINES IN "IJE"

Nollywood is really in a rev this year. With the likes of Stephanie Okereke, kunle Afollyan, Emem Isong, Uche Jumbo, Desmond Elliot, Vivian Ejike shooting and churning out A-class movies, the industry world is moving on the right path to real success. However,  movie buffs are soon to experience another top rated movie with the name- Ije. It cast some Hollywood stars. The pictures, production and delivery makes it a must watch. Though, not yet in Nigeria, this blogger was opportune to see the promo and can say, don’t blink or you glide. To relish in what to expect:
VISIT YOUTUBE PAGE FOR OTHER VIDEOS http://www.youtube.com/user/ijethejourney: Ladies and Gentlemen the official Trailer of IJE. Share this with everybody and spread the word. Directed and Produced by: Chineze Anyaene Produced by: Paula Moreno Director of Photog...raphy: Keith L. Smith Starring: Genevieve Nnaji Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde Cast: Odalys Garcia Ulrich Que Jeff Swarthout Clem Ohameze...

BANKY W, OTHERS SUPPORT YOUTHS

He is smooth and handsome, but beyond these qualities, he has a large-heart. Banky W has joined forces with rapper, Ice Prince alongside ace photographer, Kelechi Amadi-Obi and Nollywood actor, Femi Ogedebge to hand admission letters and scholarships to 10 young people for a 2 months course in graphic designing at a creative institution in Lagos last week.
The event which was held at Nandos in GRA, Ikeja was organized by Abinibi Creative Academy, a growing institution driven with a bid to develop and raise world class talents in graphic and digital arts.
According to Banky, “I believe an idle man is the devil’s workshop and so I see this as a move to keep these young people busy with something positive and profitable”. He also used the medium to call on other celebrities to support any activity that will change the lives of people in our society.
In a chat with photographer Kelechi Amadi-Obi, he said “everybody knows the world is now a global village and all the activities therein are programmed by internet professionals and I believe Nigeria can birth same, so we should support and encourage our youths for they are the leaders of tomorrow
Abinibi Creative Academy is spearheaded by James Alabi - a zestful young man who believes that Nigeria has loads of gifted young people who need to know how and where to develop their talents. He appreciated all the celebrities who came out to sponsor the students saying “they did well by paying the fees of the beneficiaries in full. ACA is equipped with professional tutors who will impart the needed knowledge into these students and they will come out to ‘transform’ the world with their acquired skills”

9ice AND TONY PAYNE SEPERATES

This is really sad news, Gongo Aso crooner has seperated from his wife, Tony Payne. Though, nobody could tell us what actually happened, a press release made avaible to me by his publicist, Ayeni Adekunle says the couple who tied the knot July 17, 2008 at Surulere Local Government registry say they want a minor break. I want to leave it here...Excerpts of the Press release

PRESS RELEASE FROM 9ICE’s PR Company

January 8, 2010
It’s a brand new year of opportunities and possibilities; and we’ll specially like to thank you for your love and support for 9ice and his label this past year.
That 9ice has grown from an upcoming singer-performer, to become one of Africa’s most promising exports, is not just as a result of his talent, hard work and can-do spirit; but because the media in Nigeria (print, broadcast and online) have been extremely kind to him and his music.
Unfortunately, we may have some sad news for you.
9ice and his beautiful wife Toni Payne; with whom he tied the knots almost two years ago; are separating.
The couple have agreed to separate for a while, even though they continue to remain good friends and business partners.
Their baby Zion will reside with Toni for now.
This is a very very tough decision for the couple, and it’s a tough, even trying time for the young partnership we all admire so much. And they’re even the more constrained to make this announcement; knowing it will shatter many of their fans, and admirers inside and outside the country.
But they have both agreed to be responsible about the development, and make public what is necessary, to avoid unnecessary speculations, and rumours.
And it is their wish that we all respect their privacy at this period.
Neither 9ice nor Toni will be granting any press interviews on this matter.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

My fellow followers, this year, may your heart desires be met. All that you seek may you find. Doors shall be open for you. Pray that this blogger be well and alive to give you the latest information in the entertainment scene... Pray for all our entertainers...because without them, this blog won't fly...so entertainers...this year thread softly...May the peace and grace of God be rest on you. Amen.
Asuquo James (esq)