STARS STORM LAFFWITHMCABBEY

A host of superstars including Korede Bello, IK Osakioduwa, Basket Mouth, Humble Smith, and Gordons put up a spectacular performance at the edition of MC Abbey’s show tagged ILaffWithMCAbbey at the Muson Centre.

The conventional show which was produced by Steve ‘Yaw’ Onu was hosted by the talented duo of Denrele and Ariyike.
The show kicked off proper as Seyi Law took the stage and immediately launched into performances of his hilarious jokes. He later introduced several comedians & Musicians onstage including Young MC, Odogwu, Laugh Doctor, Toby Grey & MVP who performed to the delight of the audience.

Then came a highlight on the night as a visibly excited MC Abbey made his grand entrance onstage after a wild introduction by veteran actor Patrick Doyle. Guests cheered as soon as they caught sight of the Grammar-filled comedian. Quickly he got down to business, taking the crowd to ecstasy with a 20-minute set.

The talk show segment was the next on cue as MC Abbey, Tee A, Lepacious Bose, Basket Mouth and IK Osakioduwa shared their most funny experiences ever, which also thrilled guests present.
Nikki Laoye then stepped out for a performance of her breakthrough hit 123, which was well received by the crowd. Immediately after came Splash, De-Don, Gordons and Forever for back-back performances.

Korede Bello was the next to perform and the Mavin Record artist delighted guests with hit songs such as Somebody Great, Mungo Park, Godwin, Romantic amongst others.
Korede bowed out for Humble Smith to wrap up the night with an energetic 4- minute set of his major hit Osinachi.
Guests present at the event include Former First Lady of Lagos State Dame Abimbola Fashola, Veteran Gospel Musician Sammie Okposo, Director, Heritage Bank Mary Akpobome, Alibaba, AY, Gbenga Adeyinka, Oscar and Titi Oyinsan and several others.

OPEN WEEK OF EXCITING PREMIUM ENTERTAINMENT
This must be one of the most rewarding times on television as DStv subscribers are being rewarded with access to a buffet of premium channels during the DStv Premium Open Week, which ends on April 21.

Filled with Hollywood and Nollywood stars to choose from plus a delicious mix of mouth-watering content ranging from exciting movies, adrenaline pumping sports, hit music, entertaining kiddies’ shows, intriguing documentaries and original home grown programmes which are only available on the Premium bouquet, the Open Week allows all active DStv subscribers on Compact Plus, Compact, Family and Access bouquets this treat to an appetising platter of 36 premium channels at no additional cost!

Explaining the strategy driving the DStv Premium Open Week, the Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe said, “MultiChoice’s key priority is to put our subscribers’ needs at the heart of everything we do. The DStv Open Week follows recent initiatives where the EPL, La Liga and Euro 2016 were made available to Compact subscribers at no extra cost and no price increases were active DStv subscribers will have access to a buffet of premium channels that will be served during the DStv Premium Open Week.

Ugbe added, “At MultiChoice, we understand that times are tough for our subscribers who not only want to experience the best television entertainment, but do so at a price they can afford. Our DStv bouquets allow subscribers flexibility in price and choice without compromising quality or variety. However, we also understand that our subscribers on lower bouquets would enjoy the opportunity to watch some of the content available on the higher bouquets.
“During this open week, they will have access to 36 channels that are typically only available on the Premium bouquet. They will also be able to catch some of Nigeria’s best home-grown talent on Africa Magic Showcase’s new shows; Hush and The Voice Nigeria.”

ISABELLA’S NEW TV SHOW
Africana Literati TV show aimed at reviving the reading culture with a focus on celebrating African stories and culture is coming on the Africa Magic Family channel on Saturdays with Isabella Akinseye, award winning essayist, writer and On Air Personality, as host.
Akinseye who started her TV career reviewing books on a weekly segment ‘Bookaholic with Bella’ on Silverbird television in 2009 gave up her corporate communications job at Nestle Nigeria Plc to focus on her company, Yellow Tamarind Productions.

Akinseye, who is a graduate of Education with English and Drama from the University of Cambridge ran the popular Bookaholic Blog with award winning essayist and writer, Temitayo Olofinlua while the pair worked at leading publishing firm, Kachifo Limited.

Akinseye said, “Africana Literati is making reading and learning cool. On each episode, culture critic, Dr. Wilfred Okiche reviews a book by an African author and budding OAP, Harri Obi handles the vox pop segment. I go back to my education roots on the ‘Back to School’ segment which focuses on spelling, pronunciation and African slang.”

LOUD WHISPERS GOES TO THEATRE
The weekly satire column ‘Loud Whispers’ on THISDAY Saturday has been adapted for theatre. The announcement was made recently by Betty Abang, whose production company Katunga is producing the play.

In a 20-man cast led by prominent Nigerian comedian Ali Baba, the stage play in a series of monologues with a blend of music and dance will address issues that have been discussed in the column. From the mundane to the unusual, the play will capture the comedic satire which Joseph Edgar analyse topical issues in the society.

The column, which also has a similar-named book written by the investor banker and theatre enthusiast, Joseph Edgar, will see the comedian Ali Baba in a genre crossing role, throwing light jabs at political and social actors, giving advice and passing commentaries whilst entertaining and holding the crowd spell-bound in the typical fashion that he is known for.

Produced by popular broadcaster, Olisa Adibua, Shina Peller of Quilox and Mofoluwake Edgar, and adapted and directed by the veteran thespian, scriptwriter and Artistic Director behind Quebic 4 Productions, William Benson, the play also features prominent thespians like Patrick Diabuah, Paul Alomona and Tony Okuyeme among others.
The play, which coincides with Worker’s Day, will be shown at the Muson Centre on May 1.

STEVE BABAEKO GETS A TASTE OF LUXURY
Chivas Regal recently celebrated the creative powerhouse and entrepreneur Steve Babaeko in an exclusive night of class and style. The event marked the CEO of X3M Group’s 20th anniversary in the advertising industry.
Expectedly, the event was a beehive of festivities – a one-of-a-kind gastronomy experience, live music performances and speeches – with appearances from celebrities like Ayeni Adekunle, Olisa Adibua, among others.
Through its ‘Taste of Luxury’ campaign, the luxury whisky brand celebrates outstanding personalities who have excelled in their fields of endeavour and touched lives in the process. Babaeko’s power strides in the industry are not unrecognised. His indomitable spirit of giving and the positive impact that this has had on the lives and careers of young professionals is worthy of celebration.

FRED AMATA ASSUMES PRESIDENCY OF DGN
Popular actor and director, Fred Amata was recently sworn in as President of Directors Guild of Nigeria at Ojez Lounge, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos in the presence of top-notch players in the film industry.
Anchored by pioneer president of the Guild, Mathias Obahiagbon, who was head of the inauguration committee, the ceremony started, after some preambles, with a valedictory speech by outgoing president, Andy Amenechi, who chronicled the achievements of his administration to include the establishment of an effective banking system, creation of members’ database and capacity building initiatives.

“We have run a race and set the pace. It is now time for someone else to take up our place to continue and improve our modest milestones,” Amenechi said.
He challenged the incoming exco to brace up to the challenges of new times, saying; “…please be informed that DGN can never be the same again. There is just too much awareness and accountability is the new mantra. Members will ask you questions and you must have plausible and progressive answers.”

NDA-ISAIAH ELECTED PMAN GOVERNOR
Journalist and music enthusiast, Solomon Nda-Isaiah who is the entertainment editor of the Leadership Newspapers was recently endorsed as Governor of the FCT Chapter of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN).
Nda-Isaiah who goes by the stage name, Original Orokoman, previously held the office of the deputy assumed the leadership of the musicians’ body following the resignation of Collins Adeyemi, the erstwhile governor.

The new governor promised to uplift the association for the benefit of all musicians adding that he was ready to put in his time, resources, energy and contact to see to the success of the association. He also stressed the need reconcile aggrieved members so that the great association could get back its lost glory.

“I contested as the chairman of PMAN FCT in 2014 but lost to Makossa Queen. I had wanted to lead the PMAN FCT Chapter because of the big plans I have for the Abuja music scene and musicians. But due to some factors, I couldn’t really achieve that at that point. But I later bounced back 10-years later to win the deputy governor position of the association. I am here on a rescue mission…It’s time to face reality. I don’t believe in talking too much, I believe in action,” he promised.
King Waleman set the mood at the colourful event high with one of his popular tunes ‘Garin Kano.’

AMAA 2016 GOES TO PORT HARCOURT
The prestigious pan-African reward system for the motion picture practitioners, African Movie Academy Award (AMAA) has found a new home in the garden city, Port Harcourt, capital of Rivers State, following very successful nine consecutive editions in Bayelsa State, one in Abuja, Lagos, and Port Elizabeth, South Africa respectively.
In a statement jointly signed by the state Commissioner of Culture & Tourism, Mrs. Tonye Briggs Oniyide on behalf of Governor Wike and the founder of the awards organisation, Ms. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, hosting the award this year will be the beginning of a partnership that will add immense value to the people of the state and the host city in particular as the government is determined to position Port Harcourt as a destination of choice in Nigeria and West Africa.

“We are repositioning Rivers State as a state ready for business to Nigerians and the rest of the world and our partnership with AMAA will become a veritable platform to attract tourists, global and Nigeria icons in business and the entertainment industry. We want to showcase Rivers State as a peaceful place where socio-economic activities thrive and also the hospitality of our people.
“There is a huge economy around entertainment and show business in Port Harcourt. While our state is known for her hydrocarbon resources, Governor Wike’s administration through the Ministry of Culture & Tourism through initiatives like AMAA wants the world to know and take advantage of the business opportunities that abound in Rivers State,” Mrs. Briggs said.

The commissioner also added that the state would soon unveil a calendar of entertainment and tourist activities that would create job opportunities for the teeming youths of the state.
Speaking on the new partnership with the state, the awards founder, Ms. Anyiam-Osigwe said it marks the beginning of a new phase in the journey of the continental awards that started 12years ago, “We are very happy with this development and express our gratitude to Governor Wike and the good people of Rivers State. We value this partnership and we promise that it will be a rewarding one for the government and people of this great state.”

This year’s awards will now take place on Saturday, June 11 and the nomination night where nominees into the 28 categories will be announced will hold on Wednesday, May 11. The previous nomination nights had taken place in Accra, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Banjul, Lilongwe, Ouagadougou and Los Angeles.