The Place Initiates Gathering of Sexiest Ballers

Nseobong Okon-Ekong

Described as a gathering of the biggest ballers and the sexiest ladies in Lagos, ‘Models, Bottles and Ballers (MBB) – a concept from the stable of The Place – is set to berth in Ikeja for monthly gigs starting Saturday, September 10.

After a successful event that featured beautiful models and Lagos’ big spenders at The Place Lekki, the hospitality and entertainment outfit has decided to export the concept to its Ikeja outlet on Isaac John. This time though, due to popular demand according to its management, it won’t be a one-off but rather, a monthly party.

The Place means different things to different people. A brand that combines hospitality and entertainment effortlessly, for some, it is the fast food chain with the widest ranging and tastiest menu. For others, it is a collection of ultramodern clubs with unique club lights, exclusively cozy VIP corners and A-list guests.

Both sides of the coin are complementary; a variety of Nigerian-centric dishes are available 24 hours a day which makes it essentially a life-saver for night owls who need to replenish in the wee hours of the morning after the exertions that come with partying all night.

Franklin Okamigbo of Papas Entertainment manages The Place Lekki and has hosted multiple events including the debut of MBB. Popularly known as Frank Papas, it is difficult for him not to engage in a little chest-thumping, figuratively of course. Uche Chukwudi handles PR for The Place, among many other things. She says, you may think you’ve seen it all: crazy club nights, stylish rooftop parties, wild beach parties and much more. But MBB offers a night in Lagos that would blow your mind.

House on the Rock, Natives FilmWorks, Michelangelo Productions, Bolanle Austen- Peters Production Premiere 93 Days

House on the Rock Church, Natives FilmWorks, Michelangelo Productions and the Bolanle Austen- Peters Production are collaborating to host the Nigerian Premiere of the Nigerian produced Film – 93 Days, on Tuesday, September 13 at The Rock Cathedral, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos.

Starring Bimbo Akintola, Danny Glover, Tim Reid, Somkele Idhalama, Keppy Ekpenyong Gideon Okeke and other talented actors, 93 Days is a compelling story of dedication, sacrifice and resilience which celebrates the courage shown by the First Consultant Medical Team, the Lagos State and Federal governments and well-meaning organizations in combating the Ebola virus, which broke out in 2014 in Nigeria.

The movie tells the story of how a few sacrificed their lives at the frontline of the horrendous battle against the Ebola virus. Some lost their lives, but not without saving several lives. Noteworthy is the late Dr. Stella Adadevoh whose role is played by renowned Nigerian actress, Bimbo Akintola.
Working with her younger colleagues, her early detection of the disease in a patient and insistence on treating him contributed greatly to limiting the spread of the disease. This powerful movie has the central themes of triumph, heroism and a country’s determination to rise above storm.

One of the Producers of the movie, Bolanle Austen-Peters in her statement said, “93 Days is a masterfully crafted story of bravery and sacrifice and is definitely a must see. It showcases the best of Nigeria; it is powerful, gripping and an emotive piece. I am more than proud to have played a part in this project.”

The Lagos State Government’s rapid response and collaboration with other well-meaning organisations in combating the deadly virus earned the notable the theme-the power of collaboration. This movie tells the story of greatness and drives home the importance of unity in conquering and overcoming challenges.

Speaking on The House on the Rock Partnership with these notable bodies, the Senior Pastor of all House on the Rock Churches, Pastor Paul Adefarasin said, “House on the Rock’s mission is to work together with everyone that is invested in building a transformed nation, a better Nigeria, and this essence ties strongly into the courage displayed by Dr. Stella Adadevoh and her colleagues who brought hope to a nation that was being threatened by devastation, at the expense of their own lives. This is the kind of love and sacrifice that can truly bring transformation to all.”

AFRIMA UNVEILS NOMINEES FOR 2016 AWARDS
Nominees for the 2016 edition of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA were recently unveiled in Lagos. The adjudication process leading up to the announcement, considered 2700 entries received between May 20, 2015 and July 30, 2016.
There are 34 categories of the award. A new category, the ‘People’s Choice Award’ has been introduced to the reward platform which is being held in partnership with the Africa Union and the Lagos State Government.

Public voting for the nominees in the different categories of the awards opens on August 30. The calendar of events includes the Africa Music Summit on Friday, November 4, and the AFRIMA Music Village, an open concert-style festival featuring nominees and other music stars. The grand awards ceremony holds on Sunday, November 6.

FILMHOUSE PREMIERES HOLLYWOOD COMEDY
The Filmhouse Cinema, Lagos was lit with excitement at the premiere of the movie ‘Mike And Dave Need Wedding Dates’. The Hollywood comedy block buster features Hollywood stars like Zac Efron and Anna Kendrick from the ‘Pitch Perfect’ franchise and was directed by Jake Szymanski.
The movie premiere kicked-off with a lush red carpet segment where avid movie goers and celebrities posed for the paparazzis and shared their expectations of the movie.

One of such celebrities was the graceful Afro-soul singer, Aramide who in an interview expressed strong enthusiasm on the impact of what such collaborations with international distribution company could have on Nollywood.

“I think it will make our local film producers develop good quality content,” she said.
FilmOne Distribution Company acquired license from 20th Century Fox on rights to exclusively premiere and market the movie ‘Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates’ in Nigeria. The Assistant Manager, Marketing for the outfit, Ifeoma Nwonu, buttressed the significance of owning the rights to distribute and market major A-list movies.

“Our brand is ubiquitous so it provides a platform of contact to the Nigerian populace who are in demand of such cinematic products. It is also part of our efforts to encourage the theatre culture in the Nigerian society and promote the production of high quality local content for cinema.”
The premiere event was a collaborative effort between FilmOne Distribution Company and Amstel Malta.

MORELL RELEASES AURE
By King Akan

Morell who is popularly referred to as the King of the North drops visuals to his single ‘Aure’ exactly a year after its release. Morell who is popular for his hit single “Anti-social” which features Olamide welcomes us into his world by dropping this brilliantly executed video which is deliberately targeted to his fans in the North.

The video which was directed by creative genius Moe Musa is a body of art that has the charm of a Monalisa and the brilliance of a Picasso. Colourful is the simplest description that comes to mind as words seem insufficient to describe it. Shot in Kano, it prides in its rich cultural representation and reflection – the props, the costumes, scenery. When last did you see a Nigerian music video with horses or ancient buildings? No these things no longer exist, they are extinct, long been replaced by Ferrari’s, bottles of champagne, and girls of all sizes shaking their behinds. Yes it’s a love song. Yes there is a girl. But Aure video is different from your quintessential Nigerian love video. There is no rejection from in-laws or the lady in pursuit to later end in acceptance.

Originality is another word that comes to mind, even Morell’s dab in the video is fresh. The acting was also real, one would actually believe Morell and the beautiful model used were true lovers. There was a chemistry between them. For those that don’t know, Morell read Creative Arts and majored in Theatre Arts so it’s not hard to know where his acting skills came from.

When you are opportune to watch Aure video by Morell, these words will pop up in your thoughts: original, natural, and cultural. An obvious strength of the Aure video is its cultural abundance. Yes there are many videos which reflect our culture and tradition but none has been told in these narratives. What they lack is ideas; what Moe Musa and Morell boast of in Aure.

GREEN WHITE GREEN PREMIERES
On September 14, at the Isabel Bader Theatre in Toronto International Film Festival, a rebellious Nigerian film will be among the major highlights of the festival’s city-to-city programme.
Produced by the dynamic Rimini Haraya Makama, the film is a kaleidoscopic exploration of Nigeria’s history and evolution of violence, art and film told through the coming-of-age tale of aspiring artistes in Lagos.

Three young men from different classes find a common ground to escape the monotony of their parents’ generational demands and chase their creative dreams. In a satirical stab at the old straight to video Nollywood, Green White Green is a modern dramatic comedy that provokes the question, “What does it mean to be Nigerian?”

“I fought to make this film come to fruition despite many limitations,” says rising filmmaker, Abba T. Makama, the film director. “With this film, I wanted to express the experience of many young Nigerians who are lost inside a culture and history they are coming to grips.”
The film stars veteran actor Bimbo Manuel and Ifeanyi Dike Jr. among others.

ATUNDA RIDES HIGH WITH OLO OMIDAN BATA
Olo Omidan Bata, an artiste on Atunda Entertainment stable who adapts the clay pot to creative use as a percussion instrument is set to embark on a tour of some cities across Africa and Europe.
The young Nigerian act blazed the trail with her show of exceptional display on the three piece bata drum combining it effectively with her sensational singing and titillating performance that is accompanied by well – choreographed back up dancers.

Her unique style of performance has earned her accolades and huge following as she has over the years performed at a number of high profile corporate events across the country.

Her world tour begins on the Africa continent as she has been engaged as the star performer at the Made in Nigeria Exhibition holding in Abidjan, Cote d’ Voire on September 5. Next on the list is a visit to the Addis Ababa headquarters of the African Union (AU) to perform at the reception for world dignitaries attending the African Fashion show on September 15. The fashion event is being put together by AU in conjunction with the Legendary Gold for African Fashion.

This climaxes with appearance on the Paris stage as she performs for guests in October for a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) fashion show event in partnership with the Legendary Gold for African Fashion.

Olo Omidan Bata broke through a humble background as back up artiste to take on the act of bata drumming, which is one of the complex drums in Nigeria, especially South Western Nigeria where the instrument originates from. The three piece drum is the exclusive preserve of the male folks but Olo has perfected her performance on it to deliver on eclectic and exciting performance for her teeming audience.

THE LADY EKWE GOES ON TOUR
Anu, The Lady Ekwe, a Nigerian female performer who has distinguished herself playing on the wooden gong is set to travel out of the country for major high profile events holding across Africa and Europe. Anu is noted for blending perfectly her velvety voice with energetic performance and deftness on traditional instruments to deliver excitement.

Her global performance itinerary includes appearance at the Made in Nigeria Exhibition holding in Abidjan, Cote d’ Voire on September 5. Next on the list is a visit to the Addis Ababa headquarters of the African Union (AU) to perform at the reception for world dignitaries attending the African Fashion show on September 15. The fashion event is being put together by AU in conjunction with the Legendary

Gold for African Fashion.
Anu is also listed to ply her sensational and scintillating act on the Paris stage as one of the guest artistes in October for a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) fashion show event in partnership with the legendary Gold for African Fashion.
Anu is also a beauty queen as the former Sisi Oge and an Economics graduate from the University of Lagos.