Mercy Johnson is Google Most Se arched Celebrity in Nigeria.

    

One actress who made so much news in the year 2011 is delectable screen goddess, Mercy Johnson.

The year was really wonderful for the Kogi State born actress as she remained number one choice in Nollywood from Asaba, Enugu, Lagos, to Abuja and beyond,  gracing posters covers  and movie jackets.

*Mercy Johnson

In the year under review, she got married and was adjudged the best actress at the Afro-Australian Music and Movies Award (AAMMA) which is the only African award event in the whole of Australia and New Zealand. The award recognized Mercy Johnson as Africa’s Queen of the screen which is a symbolic recognition.

The award was held at the Emmore Theatre in Sydney, Australia. Though Mercy Johnson was regrettably absent at the awards due to mixed up flight logistics beyond her control,  another Nollywood star, Desmond Elliot received the award on her behalf.

The icing on the cake for  MJ as she is most fondly called by fans, is her emergence as the most ‘goggled’ Nigerian celebrity on the popular search engine,  Google.

According to Google statistics, Mercy Johnson was the most searched Nigerian celebrity on the internet. She was beaten to the third place by Facebook, the social networking site, which came first and 2go, a mobile messenger that allows one to chat with friends for free.

Apart from playing lead roles in big budget movies and acting in more than a dozen movies during the year, her controversial wedding in August made headlines.

The actress who made her movie debut in ‘’The Maid” years ago, has appeared in over 100 movies and has other notable awards to her credit.

Dbanj Booed Off Stage At The Koko Concert 2011

It was not surprising that the Expo Hall of the Eko Hotel and Suites, the venue of the annual Koko Concert organized by the Mohits was filled to its capacity last night, Tuesday, December 27, 2011 leaving scores of people standing and many more denied entry for the sakes of suffocation.

The main concert did not start until the late hours of the night owning to some technical problems that were being fixed inside the main auditorium. Though many seemed tired and angry with the delay, but the appearance of W4, the Wagba Kontrol crooner on the stage changed it all. It was followed by performance from Naeto C, Davido, Wizkid and UK based Nigerian artiste Dotstar who all wowed the audience before IK Osakioduwa who anchored the show introduced the Mo’hit family on stage.

Democratic Republic of Congo super star, Cabo Snoop was another great performer of the night; he performed some of his best hit songs like Pratakatumba and Windeck to the delight of his teeming Nigerian fans.

The audience, including celebrities went wild when the sexy and award winning sensational singer, Tiwa Savage came on stage clad in a shiny dark blue top and purple hot pants. She really brought the high expectations and excitement back; Tiwa intoxicated the audience with her first rendition, ‘Without My Heart’ which featured the Mohit head honcho, Don Jazzy. The crowd was on their feet all through before she sang another monster hit song – ‘‘Love me, Love me, Love me’ off her yet to be released album. In no time, both the young and old at the show lost decorum. Some trooped to the forefront of the stage while others stood on their seats, all in the name of getting a good glimpse of Tiwa Savage. She literally got the over 5,000 audience eating from her palm.

Unfortunately for a concert as big as Koko Concert, all the performance from the artistes were lip-synched even with the presence of a live instrument which however looked more as a make-over for the stage.

After 7 minutes of mini documentary of Dbanj on the big screen, some fans couldn’t wait to see the Koko-Master come on stage as they kept screaming his name in thousands. Without much ado, the camera was directed to the middle of the auditorium where Dbanj had been hiding for some time. Dbanj was decked in a gold colored shiny jacket over a T-shirt with a picture of his American label (G.O.O.D music) owner, Kanye West’s face on it, with black pants and brown shoes.

While the crowd was still basking in the euphoria of Dbanj’s appearance, he thrilled them with his song, Suddenly, with the backup of a live band, and the crowd kept screaming just like the Libyans celebrated the fall of the late dictator, Muhammar Gaddafi.

But the excitement was short-lived when Pop star Dbanj, who was the last headliner, unfortunately put up a disappointing performance. When Dbanj performance with the live band became obviously dull, the Deejay came back on stage once again and it was a mixture of drum set and his original recorded beats which he however continue to lip-synch to. Many anticipated more than what the Mo’Hits Vice President brought.

As the crowd got more bored of his performance, the Koko Master continued to engage in pointless small-talks and complimenting his sexuality per time. In place of an enigmatic performance the audience had expected, Dbanj was too busy raining accolades on his brand, Genevieve, Kanye West, GT Bank and random ladies who she finds irresistible among the crowd. It got so annoying that some people began to leave.

When he realized the crowd was gradually leaving the main auditorium, he performed ‘Fall in love’ and dedicated it to Don Jazzy’s parents who were celebrating their 30th marriage anniversary on the same day.

The shocking news of the night was when Dbanj announced that people should not expect any ‘spectacular surprise’ as American rapstar, Rick Ross was not in Nigeria as earlier publicized due to the recent state of insecurity in the country. This triggered a massive exit from the hall as the crowd who were expectedly waiting for Rick Ross and possibly Kanye West to come on stage as a surprise package for the night felt highly disappointed.

Dbanj was booed off stage after he made the announcement.

Cross River to sue US rapper

The Cross River State Government has hired lawyers in the United States to sue rapper, Rick Ross, for breach of contract.

The government stated this in a BlackBerry Messenger broadcast on Wednesday morning.

Ross was expected to perform today at the Calabar Festival but failed to turn up for unknown reasons.

The BBM broadcast reads, "‎​Please be informed that Rick Ross has cancelled his performance at Calabar Festival after accepting full performance fee.

"The rapper, Rick Ross, has issued a statement cancelling his performance at the Calabar Festival, scheduled for December 28, 2011, for reasons not related to his recent surgery and seizures.  "The performer’s cancellation is unexpected and the reasons are unknown to Cross River State since he has confirmed receipt of his entire performance fee many weeks ago.

"Currently, Cross River State and its agents have retained counsel in the United States to pursue their legal and monetary remedies against the artist."

Actress and Upcoming Singer Tonto Dikeh Visits Dagrin's Tomb

Tonto Dikeh took time out to visit Dagrin's tomb, at Atan Cementry, Yaba Lagos. The famous indigenous rapper passed away in 2009 and was acknowledged as one of the best Nigerian rappers to ever live.

Musician African China Facing Financial Troubles, Decline In Album Sales

For months now, Chinagorom Onuoha popularly known as African China has been finding it difficult to believe what is going on in his music career.

His problems according to what we gathered have to do with the flop of his newest album titled “E Get As Body Dey Do Me” in the market.

The album released months ago, according to our source has not been receiving desired market patronage by lovers of China’s music.

They said the first 5000 copies(CD) of the work replicated on the week of its release since the month of April has been lying untouched on the shelves of many marketers whom the distributor, Globedisk Music supplied.

Another source also told us that the Abia State born act mean while, is not finding it funny at all,as they said that for sometime now that he has been lamenting to his close pal that what is happening to him might be spiritual although he has not mentioned the name of the person he suspects to be responsible for his latest woes.

OVATION RED CAROL TAKES LAGOS BY STORM

For some, the yuletide is a time to relax, share joyous moments with loved ones, family and friends, and generally have loads of fun. For others, it is a time for sober reflection, a time to focus on Christ and remember how he has enveloped the world with hope.

On Saturday, December 24, 2011, Ovation International magazine will combine these two faces of Christmas at a mega event tagged The Ovation Red Carol.

The Ovation Red Carol is sure to be the largest pan African carol concert this year. The star-studded event will feature celebrity performers and guests from across the continent.  It will feature the best and the brightest stars from across Africa.

The 2009 show held at the Expo Centre, Eko Hotel featured a 60-piece orchestra made of Nigerian stars like K1 The Ultimate, Olu Maintain, Alariwo, Daddy Showkey, Adewale Ayuba, Banky W, Amenze, D’Banj,Mamuzee, Zakky Adzee, Muma Gee, Kween , Infinity and OJB Jezebel. Of course flautist and PMAN President Tee Mac was music Director. In addition there was a fashion show, lots of comedy and a special appearance by the masked one Labaja!

This year, the show will certainly be filled with the kind of grandeur, colour and glamour that Ovation has been associated with over the years according to Chief Dele Momodu,  Publisher of Ovation Magazine.

The theme song for this year is amazing with some of your favorites featured on the track. Ice Prince, Wizkid, YQ, Dipp, Waje, Ssp, Malaika to mention a few.

As a tradition a video is usually shot for the theme song.

“The Ovation Red Carol” which brings together acts from all over the continent on one stage.

Where else will you rather be this Christmas? The date will be on the 24th of December at the prestigious Eko Hotel.

According to Momodu “What makes this event unique is the idea of bringing together all our stars from different  countries,  different music genres and  backgrounds to spread a loud message of hope.

“Our primary aim is to show that despite all the economic downturn, the hardship and the deficiencies in the continent, there is still hope. Africa, in my opinion, is blessed with abundant talents in all facets, and with the right kind of political direction , we can be truly great. Nigeria and indeed, Africa is a land of opportunities. So we want to say to everyone, don’t despair, keep on keeping on, there is light at the end of that tunnel”

Christopher Okagbue Emerges Winner Of Gulder Ultimate Search 8

GUS 8 has come to an end .The Last six contestants were Kelvin Durst, Anthony Igwe, Tony Horsfall, Christopher okagbue, Fejiro Ejogbamu and Anastasia Azike, who is the last female contestant standing.

    Tony and Fejiro were evicted leaving the final four  .Christopher Okagbue emerged the winner and  walked  away with  N7M ,a brand new SUV and N500,000 wardrobe allowance for one year.Anastasia will automatically get N1M  for being the last girl standing.

How Rita Dominic emerged Arik Airline Best Actress

Was Rita Dominic desperate to win the newly instituted Arik Airline Awards category for Best Actress at the just concluded African International Film Festival(AFRIFF), or was it just providence?

Recall  that  Dominic accused Ini Edo of  manipulating the online voting result which led to the cancellation of the exercise, a week before the festival kicked off in Lagos.

But in a twist of fate, last weekend, the actress eventually emerged the winner of the same award.

*Rita

However, she won the award not by voting, instead through a lucky dip conducted by former Miss World, Agbani Darego.

At last weekend’s  AFRIFF awards night held at Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, BBA regular host  IK Osakioduwa  who anchored the glamorous event with Rita Dominic had called out the  ex-beauty queen, all for the purpose of selecting a winner of the award through lucky dip.  After all said and done, Rita Dominic emerged the lucky winner beating Stephanie Okereke, Omoni Oboli, Genevieve Nnaji and others who were also nominated for the award. But Ini Edo’s name was conspicuously missing during the lucky dip.

Interestingly, this happened to be the first time, where a winner would emerge in an international contest of this magnitude through lucky dip.  But for IK, the organisers decided to adopt that means as the sponsors insisted on  giving out the award to a winner, no matter the odds.

By winning the award, Rita Dominic will be flown to the Tribeca Film Festival, billed to hold in New York next year, by Arik Airline.

Apart from the Best Actress award, there were also winners in other categories of indigenous awards instituted by  the airline. They were ace-film maker, Mahmood Ali-Balogun, whose “Tango with Me” remains one of the best movies ever shot by a Nigerian, won the Best Producer of the Year, and actor Desmond Elliot who won the Best actor award.

Kenyan Jane Murago-Munene’s “The Unbroken Spirit”won the Best Documentary category while Le Parrian by Pale Sie Lazare won in the area of Best Animation.

The Viewers’ choice award, awarded in terms of feedback of the audience concerning movie screened in the course of the festival, went to The Education of Auma Obama while Niji Akanni’s Aramotu  lift the country at the event by winning the Best Feature Film prize,  considered to be the most coveted award of the whole lot.

The film beat such films as Lancelot Imasuen’s epic film “Ädesuwa’, “Better Mus Come’by a Jamaican  director, Storm Saulter, “Elza’s Happiness” directed by Marietter Monpierre from France amongst other films to cliche the prize.

The awards night was graced by a galaxy of celebrities across the world who dressed to kill. Mostly Nollywood super  actors and actresses were the cynosure of attraction at the event. Kate Henshaw, Genevieve Nnaji, Stephanie Okereke, Omoni Oboli, Ini Edo, Monalisa China, Nse Etim Ipe, Rita Dominic, Omoni Oboli, Uche Nnanna, Amaka Igwe, Celine Loaderand, Desmond Elliot, Kunle Afolayan, OC Ikeje, and a host of others.

2FACE’S MANAGER ROBBED AT GUN POINT

Efe Omorogbe, Now Muzik boss and manager to African pop act 2face Idibia was recently robbed of his car – a BMW X3 SUV (Grey BMW X3. Reg number: KR 526 EKY. Engine no: WBXPA73464WC36602

Chasis no: (same as engine number) and other valuables by gunmen on Monday night, December 5, 2011.

Omorogbe, a veteran writer and talent manager says he was driving back home along Ota road, when a vehicle overtook his and in a sudden twist another vehicle parked very close beside him and then, about eight men alighted from both vehicles and commanded him to come out  from his car.

‘I immediately came out of my car and was asked to get into the back seat. Four men got in with me’, Omorogbe told Journalists in a telephone conversation.

He was then commanded to stay face down so as not to see where they (the robbers) were driving to. ‘They asked me to tell them where the security key in the car was but I told them there wasn’t one. They didn’t believe me at first and hit me several times. They even threatened to kill me if the car stopped abruptly’, Omorogbe narrated.

After driving for about 20 minutes, they finally let him out not before stripping him of his shirt, trousers, wristwatch, wedding ring and shoes and then asked him to run into the bushes.

He came out several minutes later and saw a thousand Naira on the floor (Efe strongly suggests the robbers must have dropped it for him), walked to a nearby residence where he met someone who gave him clothes to wear and drove him to the police station near Ota Farms.

‘My wife drove down there and picked me up. They stole everything; my laptop, iPad, wallet, reading glasses, internet modem’, says Omorogbe .

‘I’m happy I’m alive’, Omorogbe says about the incidence. And when asked if it had been a deliberate robbery attempt on him, he responded by saying ‘No, I don’t think so, it could have been anybody’.

Actress Chika Ike Escapes Death In Ghastly Motor Accident

Sultry Nollywood actress, Chika Ike, has cheated death as she recently survived an auto crash that would have claimed her life.

The actress was said to be returning from a movie location with her driver when her wine colour 2010 Honda CRV car crashed and damaged beyond repairs.

According to the actress, who just opened a multi-million naira fashion store in Abuja, “I can’t explain how I escaped unhurt because everybody that came to the accident scene could not believe the occupants of the vehicle survived. I just thank God for the grace.”

It was  gathered that Chika is currently planning to hold a special thanksgiving service in her church.

Meanwhile, fans and colleagues of the actress have continued to send her congratulatory messages, thanking God for averting another calamity that would have befallen the motion picture industry.

Samklef Impregnates 200L Unilag Student

The news making the rounds is that ace producer SAMKLEF has impregnated a Unilag girl who is four months gone already. This is coming on the heels of settling dusts of Wizkid’s alleged love child with a Ghanaian University undergraduate.

Sources say that the girl whose name is given as Yvonne is a 200 Level, Banking & Finance undergraduate of Unilag.

It will be remembered that just a couple of months ago, it was reported by a couple of newspapers and online blogs that the producer had a secret wedding engagement. It is however unconfirmed if the pregnant girl is the same girl he was rumoured to be engaged to.

His publicist when contacted however said he'll be making an official statement on the issue soonest

UCHE JOMBO AND FOOTBALLER BOYFRIEND PUT WEDDING PLANS ON HOLD

Actress Uche Jombo and her long time boyfriend,Uche Ikechukwu are putting their wedding plans on hold, Ucke Ikechukwu a Nigerian born International football player and Uche Jombo a popular nollywood actress have been dating for some years now.

 Recently, the news about their wedding preparations was all over town.Gist merchants said Uche Ikechukwu proposed with a diamond engagement ring that Uche Jombo was showing off at every slightest opportunity.

, some insiders alleged that there is nothing like that. They also said that the two are no longer dating. "check Uche finger, she no longer wears the ring" one of the sources said.

Latest news also indicated that Uche Ikechukwu and his brother,Kalu Uche were seen at a club in Abuja recently and they had a nice time with ladies swarming around them.

CHINEDU IKEDIEZE CANCELS DECEMBER 10 WHITE WEDDING

Nollywood star, Chinedu Ikedieze popularly known as Aki has decided to cancel his talk of town white wedding slated to hold on 10 December 2011.Encomium's Associate Editor,Uche Olehi confirmed the latest news.

Instead the the actor would having a private wedding ceremony now slated for December 2011. According to latest information on the wedding, it would be a very strict by invitation only for only very close family members and some high profile personalities.

  The wedding of the star actor to Neoma is one of the most talked wedding ceremony.At the traditional wedding engagement,which took place on November 26 was well attended by Nollywood stars and important personalities.Those that graced the traditional wedding included Chief T.A Orji, the governor of Abia State, Uche Jombo, Uche Elendu and others.

MERCY JOHNSON FIGHTS PRODUCER OVER BLINDNESS RUMOUR

Star actress Mercy Johnson is not happy with a producer who in the cause of promoting his movies went to town with the rumor that Mercy is blind. In the last few days the latest news about Mercy Johnson indicated that she was blind.

 Mercy is pissed by what she described as baseless information being circulated by a producer who in a bid to sell his movie dabbled into irresponsible publicity stunts. Mercy was blind in the movie not in real life.

 Also gathered that Mercy also fingered one of her detractors as the person behind her death rumor.

  A statement by the publicist for Mercy Johnson Okojie reads

"As at the time of writing this, blogospheres and entertainment industry is washed with rumor that star actress, Mercy Johnson suffered blindness and experienced a terrible accident that led to her death.

This rumor has no resemblance or iota of truth. Mercy is on a movie location in Lagos and getting set for her trip to Australia in a matter of days.

After diligent investigation, we discovered the rumor started as a result of a publicity stunt initiated by producer of a movie where Mercy’s character lost an eye. Another part of the rumor was started by detractor whose only goal is pull MJ down by all means.

It is despicable to note that these rumors were strengthened by writers who did not crosscheck before posting on their blogs, platforms or newspapers. We decry this act of insensitivity and irresponsibility especially as it affects family, friends and fans.

We appreciate family, friends and fans that have taken time to call out of concern and love and we wish to let them know that mercy is hale and hearty.

We implore bloggers and writers to kindly cross check reports on mercy with us to avoid using their platforms to promote falsehood and abate inappropriate ‘’PR stunts’’ by those who want to sell their movies or those whose goal is to pull others down at all costs"

 Mercy is alive not dead!

Ait`s 15th anniversary

The Chairman of DAAR Communications plc,High Chief Raymond Dokpesi has called on the media regulatory authorities to create a Conducive atmosphere for private media establishments to thrive. Dokpesi, who bared his mind on AIT’S breakfast magazine Programme Kaakaki on Thursday, said the broadcast environment i s unfairly skewed in favor of the public broadcasters. He said inspite of the challenges, DAAR Communications is ideally positioned to continue its quality broadcasts to Nigeria and the rest of the world. Dokpesi’s comments come as Africa Independent Television begins the countdown to its 15th anniversary celebration on Tuesday December sixth.

"You Men Always Roam Around" - Angry Kate Henshaw Laments Failed Marriage

In a recent interview, Kate spoke on her separation from her husband, being from a broken home herself and compares her marriage to that of Jennifer lopez and Dami moore -

''Onga it's a brand that I have grown to love and like I said in some of my previous interviews, I didn't know anything about the brand until I took up this appointment. Now it's a brand I love and have convinced a lot of people to try.

    I was just picked. I didn't compete with any one; the MD just called me and asked me if I could take up the appointment.

    My husband just talked about me; he told them his wife could help boost the brand and they decided to give it a shot.

    I don't know if he is complaining since it was him who added to my duties. If he is; it's a pity, because I have come to love it more than anything else.

    I have a feeling that he does… this feeling of you are not always around… and when you are, it's either you are attending one event or another. I feel it; I sense it. I know it's tough, but hey, looks like I can't help it.

    If he wants to be taken; he is a free person. My dear, marriage is not a bondage o. If he decides to roam around, well… in any case, you men always roam.

    The society always blames the woman, but I believe that every woman should be independent; but let me tell you something, if you want a person to stay when the person does not want to stay, there is nothing you can do about it. You can only do your best and leave the rest to God. I believe every woman should be working or doing something instead of just sitting at home. God forbid, if anything happens and you don't have anything to fall back on, too bad, you will be lost. I have come to a stage now that all I do is to make myself happy and do what I think is right. People will always talk, no matter how good you are.

    What about Omotola (actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde)? Her husband is a Nigerian and she is travelling all over the place. She runs an NGO and a music career that puts her on the move… there are so many other people and it doesn't matter the race; if a man is a good man and he is confident in himself, he will let you be what you want to be. Because that is what completes both of you; that is what makes both of you happy; bringing whatever you have been able to make to the family.

    What about J-Lo (Jennifer Lopez) and Mac Anthony, they have split up. After six years of marriage. I don't know for whatever reason but you and I know that she is busy and he is busy and I know that she is busier than he is. May be there is an effect there; may be some kind of threat or insecurity. But that's the fact, when they part ways they are not enemies, each person wishes the other person well and life moves on.

    That's how marriage and divorce should be. There shouldn't be any rancour especially when children are involved. I mean, my mum left my dad and hey, it hasn't affected me… sorry, it did at a point but I have moved on.

    About my daughter, I feel really guilty most of the time for not being around her, but good enough, she seems to understand. And the little time that we spend together, I try to make quality out of it. We talk at length; we go to the cinema and do all sorts together. She does understand that this is the nature of my job. There was a time she came home and asked, mummy are you on twitters? And I said yes, then she said one of her friends in school said she follows me on twitters. And I said oh, that's embarrassing but you know she is so grown up now and her speech so profound.

    My daughter is lonely…, she is sometimes. Because even her dad is busy; he works and travels and that is what you get when both parents are the busy type. But I try during the holiday season to create a family time by trying to let go what ever trip that is not so compulsory.

    My low moment is such that since I have turned forty, I should try and spend more moments with my daughter really. I think about this a lot and it bothers me. And I intend to effect that change. As she is growing up before you know it, she's gone to boarding house and I won't be seeing her as much. Before you know it, she is already 20 and she is going to her husband's house and I hardly know her… I intend to spend more time with her''.

Asaba Girls Hold 2face Idibia Hostage After AY Live Show

Asaba girls, who thronged to watch a show by stand-up comedian, AY, live at the Grand Hotel, Asaba, the Delta State capital, on Saturday held music star, Tuface Idibia, hostage when they openly struggled over  whom to embrace him.

It took furious work by security agents who were on hand to rescue him from the riotous girls.

It was observed that the much awaited AY live show in Asaba left thousands of its residents rolling over with laughter, including the state Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, with the ladies adding their own twist to the general fun.

An eyewitness said that amidst standing ovation, Tuface had come on stage and he was accompanied with loud shouts from the Asaba female admirers who called him the ‘greatest’.

But it was when he tried to leave the stage that the whole hullabaloo started. The girls were said to have herded him into a tight corner with several of them rushing to embrace him, but security agents had to fight them off and shepherd the music star to safety.

Confirming the story, Tuface said the girls obviously admired him and his work, adding that all of them said they would marry him. He, however, gave God the glory for giving him the inspiration and love from his admirers.

Its a Hard Life: BlackFace Naija Evicted From Home In Alausa, Squats In AJ City

This is definitely not a good time for Blackface who was once in a musical group with Tuface and Faze.  According to reports reaching us, Blackface was few weeks back sent packing out of his rented apartment in Festac. We learnt when his landlord couldn’t hold on to his numerous promises of paying his house rent, the man had to bring in security men from Alausa who later forced the artiste to evacuate the house. According to the landlord, Blackface is said to have owed a total sum of N1.4M. The former singer is said to have moved in with a friend at Ijegun Waterside. It will be recalled that, his wife also left him early this year after he, Blackface could no longer meet the needs of his family.

We pray the Lord step into his situation and restore his lost glory.

Akon Dispels Death Rumour: “No I'm Not Dead! I'm Alive…God willing, I’ll Live 100 More Years”

Akon Dispels Death Rumour: “No I'm Not Dead! I'm Alive…Godwilling, I’ll Live 100 More Years”

Akon took to twitter earlier today to dispel rumour making waves online about his death.

He tweeted, “No I'm not dead! I'm alive and well, planning to live 100 more years god willing! Thank u all for being there! I love u sincerely!”.