Entertainment
2017: Memorable Moments In Nigeria’s Entertainment Industry
To many industry watchers, the Nigeria Entertainment Industry witnessed the good, the bad and ugly in the Entertainment. Industry in 2017. Judging by the biggest stories that made headlines and trended in the social like never before. The unprecedented secial tantrum ranges Surprisingly from the crash of Tonto Dike’s marriage to new concert venues, Davido reconciliation with Dele Momodu, clash and reconciliation with Wizkid, the final break up of P-Square etc.
Crash of Tonto Dike’s Marriage: Everyone was looking forward to a prosperous new year, but for Tonto Dike, the outgoing year kicked off on a sober note. News of a crack in her marriage started trending as early as January when she accused her husband of infidelity. The actress sparked further rumours as she took off the title wife and husband’s name, Churchill from her instagram profile. It didn’t stop at that, she went ahead to block his access to her for the sake of her emotional stability, after she called her marriage to Churchill a sham.
The story dominated the greater part of the third quarter of the year raising dust and doom and by June, the marriage finally collapsed like a pack of cards after Tonto’s family returned her bride prize to the Churchills, Signifying that the traditional marriage between their children has been annulled. While the drama lasted, bloggers feasted on it, as it trended like a wild fire on social media, it was one of the moments of the year.
Mercy Aigbe’s face off with hubby
Another great moment that made headlines and trended for sometime on social media was that of Mercy Aigbe and her estranged husband, Lanre Gentry Saga. The couple fell out after Mercy accused her husband of infidelity and physical violence which she said affected her sight and caused her to bleed internally for over three weeks.
This story trended side by side with that of Tonto Dike. But unlike Tonto Dikes, Mercy’s predicament however caught the attention of Lagos State Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Commissioner, Lola Akande, who reportedly dragged Mr Gentry to court on a three count charge of domestic violence, assault and threat to life.
The 52 -year old hotelier was later remanded in Kirikiri Prison in Lagos, after failing to show up twice. All the same, Mercy has moved on with her life.
Break up of P-Square.
News of the sad break-up of the Nigeria Hip-Hop twins, Peter and Paul Okoye of the P-Square fame hit the internet like a wild fire. The singing duo dominated the Nigerian music scene for many years and they have indeed carved a nitch for themselves when many thought they have resolved their differences, having been threatening for some years now to go their separate ways.
They took their fans by surprise as they announced their break up, leading to the end of P-Square till date. Their fans are clamouring for them to come together again.
They believe that strength as musicians lies in togetherness, but Peter seems not to give a damn as he demanded through their lawyer Festus Keyamo for the termination of the agreement as a group. Presently known as Mr P, Peter has since moved on with his life as well as Paul.
An indication that the group is no more was a snapchat video posted by Peter after a breakup on social media revealing that he was in Philadelphia on his own for a solo show without his twin brother Paul, my name is Mr P. Peter said, “As from today, guess what, it’s show time, I’m about to go on stage” this post came days after his brother, Paul wrote on instagram saying “Only a woman can come where there is peace and destroy it”. Before their final breakup, the Okoye brothers have been engulfed in war of words on the social media and this development has confirmed that there had been stains in their relationship over the years.
Dammy Krane’s credit card fraud.
Singer Dammy Krane also dominated the social media space throughout the month of June after he was arrested in Miami, Florida for multiple credit card fraud. The singer, whose real name is Oyindamola Johnson Emmanuel was arrested alongside another Nigerian, Ilochonwu Chukwuebuka Gabriel in Dade county, Miami and was equally defamed for identity theft. The news trended in the social media for sometime and made headlines in national dailies. But at the end, Dammy Krane reacted to his arrest via his twitter handle at Enterkraner, the singer told his 215,00 followers that in weird situations like this, you go start to see who is with you and who isn’t, no fake love”.
his claims. The story started trending on social media in October as accusing fingers were pointing at the pop star. The matter was made more serious following the death of another Davido’s friend DJ Olu son of popular oil Icon, Dapo Abiodun who was found dead in his car, few days after the clemise of Tagbo. The unfortunate incident however led to Davido’s cancellation of his appearance at last year’s Felabration. But at he end, the ‘Aye’ Crooner walked away a free man.
Davido and Dele Momodu
The reconciliation that happened between Davido and Dele Momodu at the ovation Carol held penultimate Sunday is monumental. The duo buried the hatchet to the delight of their respective fans after the singer dissed the publisher of Ovation magazine on a couple of songs. Dele Momodi went on stage while Davido was performing during which they shared a hug and were all smiles. It was one of the greatest moments of the year in the Nigeria Entertainment Industry.
The Ovation Magazine Publisher late posted series of photos with him and Davido on stage, in one of the photos he wrote “true reconciliation, great joy …. God bless the Momodu, family for that simple heart … we are a family “this comes as a result of Davido having a child with dele Momodu’s niece Sophia which led to their difference.
Davido and Wizkid reconciliation
Also worthy of note is Davido and Wizkid performing together on stage at Wizkid concert which held recently at the Eko convention centre in Lagos putting to rest the over reported supremacy battle between the superstars.
Burna boys alleged robbery attack on Mr 2.Kay
Singer Burna boy made the headlines late November after he was accused of ordering Mr 2 kays’ robbery attack at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. He was declared wanted by the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Edgal Imohimi after one of the suspects arreasted confessed he acted on the instruction of Burna Boy. But the singer was not deterred as he vowed to reveal the truth and face the allegations . He has since submitted himself to the police and the story trended for sometime on the social media making it one of the biggest most read story on the internet. He wrote” l’ve tried to remain silent because as you all know, plenty talk no dey full basket, but today we go use bucket pack am lies and politics have surrounded my name this past few weeks but today you will hear the truth and I will start from the truth behind the show’s postponement.
Entertainment
Ijaw Nation Day Festival Begins, Today
All is now set for the three-day cultural event tagged, Ijaw ‘Nation Day Festival’ expected to commence today, in Lagos State.
The fiesta is organised by Miebaka Aggo, a professional cyclist and an Ijaw son who is currently based in Lagos State.
Aggo, who disclosed this to The Tide Entertainment yesterday, said that the cultural event which is organised annually, serves as a reminder of the Ijaw culture to the ijaws residing in Lagos State
’For the cultural festival is to show the Ijaws in Lagos our tradition, so they don’t forget,’ he said.
According to him, the fiesta will feature cultural displays such as masquerades, Ijaw dance performances, boat regatta and traditional wrestling, arts and crafts displays and musical performance.
Meanwhile, preparations are ongoing to host a traditional sports festival this year end in Bayelsa Sate or Rivers State of the Niger Delta region.
‘“The traditional sports festival will be held in Niger Delta this year end or early next year. It is a big budget,” he explained.
He mentioned that the organisers are hopeful of sponsorship from companies and well-meaning individuals in the region.
Sports to be contested for include
1. Wrestling
2. Swimming
3. Canoeing
4. Draft
5. Aquathlon(run, swim, run respectively)
6. Triathlon (bike, swim, run)
“However, 5 and 6 are borrowed Olympic sports that favour our region because we can swim, but the major sports to expect are wrestling, swimming and canoeing,” he said.
Nancy Briggs
Entertainment
Life And Times Of Goddy Oku
“In his book, ‘The Wings’, drummer-turned-guitarist, Manford Best, wrote extensively and glowingly of the pivotal role Goddy played in his music career, in the face of his (Manford’s) natural challenge”
On Friday, January 19, 2024, Chief Tony Okoroji, the Chairman of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Chief Uche Emeka Paul, Sir Angus Power Nwangwu and other members of COSON were in Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government Area, Anambra State to pay the last respects of COSON to Engr Goddy Ogomegbunam Oku. Describing Oku as an “iconic musician…long-term motivator of the music industry…leader of the Hygrades, proprietor of Godiac Studios…a great man and a true genius”, Chief Okoroji draped the casket with the flag of COSON. To perform this rite of passage, Okoroji flew in from Lagos, Paul flew in from Abuja, Nwangwu drove in from Enugu and other members arrived from various states reflecting the esteemed regards Goddy Oku commanded in the COSON family. My experience with Goddy Oku and those of others as contained in the following dirge epitomise the essence of Okoroji’s graveside oration. Goddy was really a “long-term motivator of the music industry”.
During the Nigerian civil war, my family took refuge in Umuchima, down the valley at the outskirts of Orlu, Imo State. One evening, my father returned from Orlu with a message from my friend, Emeka Ifejika, that Biafra Army Officers Training School (BAOTS) was setting up a pop band and they were searching for a bass guitarist. Goodness gracious!!! I was the bassist of The Hardnuts, my defunct teenage band in Port Harcourt; so, I saw it as the opportunity to avoid conscription, which had intensified at the time. Very early the next morning, I sneaked through the back into the sprawling scenic compound of Bishop Shanaham College, Orlu, which housed BAOTS and, as God would have it, I met Goddy Oku. For three hours, he drilled me on bass guitar playing, basic chord progressions and eventually accepted me as bassist/vocalist of the proposed band. An identity card and a “Pass” were quickly prepared to enable me return to Umuchima the next day, pick up my personal effects and report for duty.
With Dona Dyke (Donatus Nwadike) on drums and Goddy on lead guitar/vocals, we became The Silhouettes, a power trio that played side-by-side Sunny Nwamama of “Umunwanyi ji ukwu achodi” fame. That was at a time Jimi Hendrix Experience, James Gang, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Cream, Grand Funk Railroad and other Power Trios were hip in Europe and America but hadn’t emerged in the West African music scene; so, our ensemble was peculiar or odd, if you prefer.
One day, Warrant Officer Murphy introduced a young man by name Justus Nnakwe (JU-Xperience) to Goddy and appealed that he (Justus) should be taught an instrument. Within two weeks, Goddy drilled Justus and transformed him from a complete neophyte to a rhythm guitarist. Eventually, JU had his first outing and The Silhouettes morphed into a four-some at an event for the Commandant of BAOTS, Colonel Tim Onwuatuegwu. Thereafter, Goddy groomed a singer whose entry gave the band a greater body and earthy sound. At the end of the civil war, I returned home to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, cofounded The Blackstones Band in January 1970 and chased the stars until 1972 when societal and family pressure leashed me back to school in the United States where I consistently earned pocket change thru playing guitar; the trade in which Goddy Oku groomed and gowned me.
Goddy mentored numerous artists in his days; the list is virtually endless. Sonny Okosuns, John Kerry, Nelly Uchendu, Panam Percy Paul, Chris Okotie, Felix Liberty, Felarday, Clement Amaechi and a host of others. Kenny Koburn (KK) once reminisced on how he broke bounds in high school to watch The Blackstones perform at Golf Course Hotel, Owerri in the early 1970s. Enamored by the performance of the bassist of the band, KK said he dropped out of school and headed to Enugu where he was tutored to play bass guitar by Goddy Oku. Subsequently, KK co-founded Founders Fifteen of Port Harcourt. In his book, ‘The Wings’, drummer-turned-guitarist, Manford Best, wrote extensively and glowingly of the pivotal role Goddy played in his music career, in the face of his (Manford’s) natural challenge. Before his demise, Prof Frank Onyezili (Frank Zilly of The Fractions) narrated to me the crucial role Goddy played in his music career before he returned to school. Goddy it was who played the classical guitar interlude in “Igede” by Celestine Ukwu. Arguably, “Igede” stands out as the first instrumental music in the Highlife genre and one of the most memorable songs of Celestine Ukwu.
Over the years, Goddy and I maintained contact and I visited him periodically. We even planned that he’d do one week with me in Port Harcourt and we’d embark on a musical pilgrimage to Abak, Akwa Ibom State to visit Emmanuel Ntia of Solo Hit fame, but that didn’t come to fruition. However, when JU came home in April 2021, I hopped into Enugu on the 13th and the three of us spent one night of reminiscences. We put two mattresses on the floor in Goddy’s parlor and played guitar and talked all night. We relived our collective experiences and walked through the engagements we played during the civil war. It was a memorable night.
JU Xperience, Goddy and
The next morning, April 14, 2021, we took a group photograph without realising that that would be the last time we’d see each other. First, JU sailed to the great beyond in far away China and now Goddy is gone; a rather grim reminder of my sitting at the “Departure Lounge of Life”.
May the creative soul of Godfrey Ogomegbunam Oku rest in the Bosom of God, Amen.
Jason Osai
Entertainment
TB Joshua:This Is Why Victims Do Not Speak Up -Seun Kuti
Seun Kuti has weighed in on the ongoing controversy regarding late Nigerian Prophet, TB Joshua, and states that the vilification of victims is why they do not speak up.
Seun Kuti does not believe that all people who do good things are completely good people.
“I don’t care if he took your family to space, you aren’t everybody,” he said.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the singer aired his views on the issue on Wednesday, charging “religious people” to “do better.”
“Eyin Elebi. Once person someone shares money and rice for people, he is a good person automatically,” he said.
”When this man was alive, he was sooo powerful that his criminal negligence, according to state coroner in Lagos led to the death of 84 people and he didn’t spend one second in police station and you want some young women to come and do what?! When Timis wife came out, you all turned a married woman to a prostitute like magic! That’ is why victims do not speak up!! E du Betta, religious people!!”
Going further, he slammed people who defend the late prophet on the grounds that he helped them one way or another, stressing that the experience of some is not the experience of all people.
In his words, “I don’t care if he took your family to space, and he was good to you, you are not everybody! Because a politician helped one person he would prove to the world that the man is a ‘good person!’ News flash- YOU ARE NOT EVERYBODY!!!”
The late prophet and his church have become the subject of controversy after a three part documentary produced by the BBC, highlighted the negative experiences of ex-Synagogue Church of all Nations members, who called the church “a cult”. Some women also accused TB Joshua of rape, forced abortions, child abuse and overall abuse. These claims have become a topic of discourse ever since with some siding with the church and others choosing to believe the victims.
However, the church has denied all the allegations.
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