Gists in Nigeria

Mercy Johnson must be wishing she weren't a celebrity at thd moment. Or she could be wondering how she got herself involved with the word 'marriage'. What was meant to be her happiest day on earth, is fast turning to a nightmare. The latest? Well, 'prince''s legitimate wife ,Lovely, has produced their marriage certificate. That never meant the pictures she produced weren't enough evidence.
I hope the certificate you're seeing is the right one. If it isn't, well...
All the same, this drama isn't about to end. Watch this space.

Those who dream of seeing their screen idol, Frank Edoho, patch up his failed marriage would have to wait further. The reason is quite unfortunate, in the perspective of the fans. He is in a new relationship, and is said to be happy about it. The new lady, Sandra, is also happy.
As Linda put it, they are serious. So what happens to Katerine? She is also said to be in a relationship.

The late Joe Layode, a nollywood veteran, shortly before his death, accused nollywood of rejecting and forgetting their past heroes, and celebrating their new 'stars'. While it is open to debate, the case of another 'old generation' practitioner supports Layode's claims.
A lot of us may have forgotten New Masquerade, that comedy that made waves in the early days, but I'm sure every Nigerian born before the year 2000, remembers the name James Iroha. If not, then surely they know Gringori Akabogu. He it was that created New Masquerade, and acted as a servant alongside the now blind Davies Offor (Clarius).
While he may not accept to join nollywood, as most professionals do, it would be a shame seeing 'dee James' ,as my mother calls him, moving around the streets of Umuahia, not looking like a star he is.
What do you suggest entertainment industry should do to, and for, the likes of 'dee James'? 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' has been doing okay, but then what else?

So, Karen Igho finally won it. Again, a Nigerian has been recognised in this Big Brother Africa.
I've always seen this BBA as a waste of time, and the people involved, jobless. That might not be the truth, neither would it be the an opinion held by everyone. Therefore, watching it has been like chewing bitter kola for me. What they do might look interesting, but nonetheless worthless. However, when I managed to see it a few times, I made a conclusion on Karen. She is an ugly, lying, arrogant gossip. I don't know if she isn't, but it wouldn't change what I feel. But I also saw her as a daring, determined and confident lady, who never failed to recognise her ability. And these could win you prizes, like it has done now.
I therefore say a big congratulations to Karen. Nigeria's proud of you.

If what his tweets say are to be believed, then the funny 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' presenter isn't finding it funny, ironically. He was said to have tweeted, amongst other tweets, ''Hey ppl! just want u to know that I wld never do anything to hurt my family. But sadly, I am separated from wife & it’s irreconcilable!''
In fact, he was said to have suggested his beloved Katherine wasn't actually his type, or so it seems
''When I talk about what really went down, jaws will drop and then u’ll learn that if u want to get hitched, make sure it’s your soul mate!pls!''
In a world where the Social media, now known as the new media, especially twitter, has become an avenue where popular people say what they feel without even going on a press conference, or granting an interview, or releasing a press statement, Edoho knows so well what he was doing.
What a pity. Another fine couple with supposedly fine relationship have seen it hit the rocks.That is not to say their problem started today, but with this recent tweet, it seems...well, irreconiliable. What a pity!

It's not like gossip journalists don't have anything else to write, but they have so much been on Ini Edo's case that she would be wondering what she did wrong. Even in marriage, they haven't let her be. Either they think she uses juju, or they think she fought and stripped naked with her 'best friend' Oge Okoye, or she expresses her sexuality with her own gender, and lots and lots and lots.
It however seems her alleged affair with ex-speaker House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole has hit her hard. She has also denied it.
She has never dated the man. She is a married woman. The only time she ever saw him was on TV. Only Bankole's wife (and probably girlfriend{s}) has seen him 'there'. Any journalist that started such rumour is careless. If Bankole lavished the money so quoted on her, then she should be elsewhere not Nigeria, probably the Bahamas, having fun. She wouldn't even recognise the man if she ever saw him. She is married, for emphasis, and wouldn't cheat on oga Philip Ehiagwina, bla bla bla.
I do not know whether I believe her or not. I wouldn't have, since I am not her fan. But if I were to face it, then I believe her. I entirely buy into her explanation (whether or not I'm wrong).
She's a celebrity, isn't she? Let her face it.

Did I hear actress Kate Henshaw is preparing for he 40th birthday? 40? Unbelievable! I sincerely felt she was like 32 or 35. Did I say 35? No way.
The issue is obvious. Just like Shan George, who looks 20 but is well into her 40s, Kate is taking proper care of herself. She even looks younger than the likes of Ini Edo. She even looks younger face-to-face, than she appears on screen.
This is wishing her all the best in everything. She is an enbodiment of beauty and nice attitude. All the best to her.

Now, this is unbelievable. Christy Essien-Igbokwe, the queen of music, is gone, at just 51. I really am a fan of this lady, so I'm in a very bad mood. Rest In Peace mama.

Chinyere Wilfred...

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde's husband has spoken on his wife's alleged infidelity
''I am very proud of my wife’s accomplishments and I join other well wishers and millions of her fans to toast her success. I’m a little surprised that instead of Nigerians celebrating her appearance at the Grammys and her, being the first Nollywood star to walk the red carpet; they are busy spreading tales and rumors that do not exist.

Truth be told, I was not angry with my wife when I saw the picture. Why should I be? I know who I married, how self-respecting she is and also the nature of her industry. She is an actress for God’s sake, and it is not out of place for actresses to appear in scenes that may look a little out of place for a married person.

The key thing is that my wife respects her marital status, and in our 15 year marriage, she has been the best woman any man could aspire to have. In spite of her stardom, at home, she is my wife. She cooks for me, takes care of the home and above all, is a great mother to our lovely children.

I sincerely would implore her fans not to buy into rumors and speculations about her marital life, because I, the husband the one that is lucky to have her as my wife is so proud of her and I continue to thank God for bringing her into my life. I could never have asked for a better wife than her” 

Enough said. Now I expect her to be left alone. The one whose opinion matters most has spoken.

I remember Stella Dimoko-Korkus (I'm sure you know her) once revealed actress (?) Stephanie Nene Oforka was pregnant for footballer Kalu Uche. I also remember her saying later that Uche called her and was angry. In fact, he denied knowing Stephanie, and even said anyone who had her number should give to him, so he would know her. He even said he was single and still searching.
It was therefore a huge surprise when I saw, through Stella, that Kalu Uche just got married to the same Stephanie, and she is even pregnant.
Some people might call Uche a liar, but I would not blame the young man. It's just his nature. I've always known him as a low-keyed kind of individual. Therefore I am not surprised he got married the way he did (Okay. Now, I just contradicted myself). In fact, I expect his younger brother Ikechukwu, who is even much more low-keyed, to tow same path. May be, by the time we find out, his wife must have had 5 kids.
All the same, congratulations to Kalu. Happy married life. As the Abiriba people (where he comes from) would say, 'kaa'.

Unbelievable! So I'm now big enough to be interviewed? Check this out...copied it out from the site my interview appeared,

Writing comes with its challenges, but not when Kelechi Udensi is involved. He sees it as a hobby. In this interview, he tells us about his love for writing, and nollywood

You use the name Yusuf, yet you are Igbo. Why?
(giggles) It has to do with my time in the north. I'm so used to the northerners . They did not  want to use my name wrongly, so they gave me Yusuf. It's funny, really, because a lot of people have asked me this same question. I am no northerner. I must have stayed in Kaduna for a while. I love the norherners. I even have a little knowledge of Hausa language.

So where are you from?
I am from Item, in Bende Local Government in Abia State. I am the first son, but the second child from a family of three. I am in my twenties. My parents are very much alive and kicking. They are doing well, and proud of me.

How did you develop your love for writing?
I cannot just say, because writing is something I love doing. It looks like something I developed from my mother's womb. Therefore, saying I developed my writing skill out of something is a bit unfair.

What motivates to write?
A lot. The decay in the country. The infrastructural, moral and academic decays in the society, in my state, would make even the softest of hearts to go into political criticism. No matter what, I am prepared to make this country great, with my contribution.

You haven't told us about yourself.
I graduated from Abia State University. I did Mass Communication. I attended the legendary and prestigious Government College Umuahia. I used to be very popular then in school, because I was so good in acting and debate. I still am.

How old are you?
(laughs) I'm not a girl who hides age. I entered and left secondary school in 1996 and 2002 respectively. Make out the age yourself. (general laughter)

You said earlier you are good in acting. Why haven't you joined Nollywood?
Seriously, a few producers have approached me for a role, but I had been busy then. My blog, my writings have been taking my time. Im also furthering my education. I also work. I equally have a drama group in Kaduna. Now, I am very ready for any movie role. I want to be involved in a movie. I want to make the best out of this industry. I want to help make this industry great. That is my dream.

Do you think you can make it? One of your friends once revealed you are very thorough when business is involved
But if you do not take your business serious, that is a problem. I do not know who told you that, but he/she is obviously right. If no producer is thorough in nollywood, then there is a problem

Who are your role models?
I have a lot. John Grisham makes me happy. I love Chinua Achebe, both as an old boy of my secondary school and a writer. Who wouldn't liked Soyinka? I like Chimamanda Adichie too.

Nollywood?
Uncle Pete Edochie is my role model, so is Bob-Manuel Udokwu. For the ladies, Chinyere Wilfred is my main sister. I love her a lot. I do not know why. I hope to act with her soonest. I sure do.

In recent weeks, media suggestions have been rife that pretty, sexy and curvy actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde is involved in an affair with a certain Dr Taiwo Afolabi. The actress, as expected anyway, has since moved to deny such claim, and has actually vowed, or promised, to sue wherever the story came from at the first place.
This is not the first time she would be linked with men, anyway. I'm a bit surprised at the frenzy this particular one created. Okay, she is married with kids. But as a public figure, and as pretty as she is, I expected nothing less.
I do not believe the story, and other hogwash written about some public figures. However, some of them shouldn't be met with any surprises. I believe much more would be written about more actors. They should get used to them, no matter how true or false they may be.

I have decided to fall in love with Madam Patience Jonathan, the first lady of Nigeria. Remember I vowed to dislike her for ever embarrassing my hero, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State. I also promised to hiss because she told Abia people to accept the fact their non-performing governor would be re-elected, whether they voted or not. Other statements credited to her in the past have made me not like her. But I've changed my mind.
First, and not necessarily the major reason, her husband is a man we all love. I can't love a man's head, and ignore the legs. So we must accept her.
Again, I have reasons to believe she has turned a new and better leaf. I told friends not to expect that much from her in the first term, because I felt she was actually using her short term in office as a learning process. Now she's back, she must have changed.
Also, championing the entry of women in politics has always been her dream and she has been actualizing that. Now, they love her.
The days of 'umblerra' and 'fellow widows' seem a thing of the past. Madam GEJ has come to stay, and stay she will. Our support wouldn't wane for her.

Ghanaian-born loverboy and movie actor, Majid Michel may not be having the best of times in his family at the moment. A certain Zeina Cisse has been informing all internet sites that Majid put her in the family way. According to her, Majid has accepted the pregnancy and would divorce his wife to take care of Zeina and the expectant baby.
While Majid's interpretations in movies and his close friendship with Jim Iyke would make this story look so believable, it also sounds funny.
Majid, who loves media attention and the glamour that comes with it (even if it aims at showing he's better than Van Vicker), has always tried to deny being a loverboy, and has claimed he loves his wife and kids a lot. That is no reason to believe he didn't put any mistress in the family way. And he's yet to even come out to confirm or deny the allegation.
However, these days, movie people seem to be targets for desperate ladies ready to tarnish the images of married celebrities.
Until Majid comes out to either confirm or deny this claim, we would only speculate. And my own is simple. My hunch tells me Zeina is just a desperate lady, trying to bring a probably not-so-innocent Majid down.
As I said, only Majid's words would prove me right...or
wrong!

Kanu Nwankwo is a legend, clear and simple. An epitome of decency himself, Kanu has achieved a lot.
As he retires from football, he would never be forgotten. Just check out his testimonial.
He is a success story, and we all celebrate him. Congratulations King Kanu!

No actress would claim to have experienced bad press the way Rivers' State-born actress Tonto Dikeh has. She has been called a lot. Today, she appeared in a night club without her panties. The next day, she's in lesbian acts with other actresses. Yet other days, she's flirting, stealing, fighting, stuck on drugs and backbiting. But even a baby still in the womb (or so it seems) knows she is never all these written about her. If she were, then it would be a disaster.
Early this year, she received all manner of insults from the viewing public, the media and colleagues over her role in a then yet-to-be-released movie, 'Dirty Secret'. The movie trailer looked horrible. Even myself, a well-known 'Thomas', whose watchword seems to be, "seeing is believing", felt irritated. She defended herself. She said she was being professional and just acting her role. Anyone who didn't like it, then "f*** you real hard". That even made things worse. She was hated more. But I took a different view. This girl, I felt, was trying to defend herself and the frustration was so much she did it all the wrong way. I was proved right when I saw the so-called 'controversial' movie. Controversy, it stirred. But not really because of Tonto, but a desperate-to-act Muna Obiekwe and old but uncaring Jibola Dabo. Tonto was vindicated. Again, the critics didn't stop.
They said she never grew with a mum and that was why she acted the way she did. But I remember her revealing once, in her early Nollywood days, that she lost her mum early BUT was well taken care of by her step-mum. Saying she never had motherly training, in fact, is a clear indictment on her step-mother, which is unfair.
Next, they said her dad disowned her. How true does that sound? Whenever she grants interviews, she never forgets to put family in. I remember rumours then about Cossy Orjiakor being disowned by parents. It turned out they were actually her number one fan. Comparing Cossy with Tonto would be very very unfair, though.
Again, she celebrated her birthday lately, and with the less-privileged. Her haters ignored that. What they tackled was her age. They said she wasn't 26, as she claimed, but 28. What difference does it make,anyway? The day I met her, I felt she was younger, may be 25 or 24.
Until Nigerians understand movie role interpreters aren't necessarily what they act, then actors would still suffer like Tonto. No wonder a parent would say, "no way. You would never act. They are usually wayward." While we can't deny there are bad-behaved actors, generalising it would be harsh. It irritates me to note that actors would always expect questions like, "how did your parents take it when you decided to be an actor?", in an interview, as if they've decided to become Revrend Fathers and Sisters. Why don't they ask that when they want to join Banks and Oil Companies?

''Why is she still in the Big Brother House?''
''Ah, Uti Nwachukwu was better. Karen isn't representing us well''
"She's ugly!"
"She wants to join Nollywood? Give me a break!"

I am not a big fan of that boring, time-wasting and highly unimportant (in my opinion, as a serious-minded individual) Big Brother Africa. The day I tried to see it for a few hours, obviously for lack of anything important to see, I didn't enjoy it. No, I'm not being old-fashioned (even if I were, who cares). I love entertainment, and whenever I have the chance, go to parties and red carpets. I just do not like BBA.
Whichever way, I'm going to see this Karen girl, and construct my own opinion...not that it matters.

The last time I set eyes on Ngozi Nwosu, the 'peaceful Peace' of Fuji House of Commotion, she was struggling with the likes of Ada Ameh, Ngozi Ezeonu and Iyabo Lawani on who would get bigger. So big was she that she looked older than her age. I felt bad for my sister from Arochukwu, in Abia State.
When a jobless reporter from Sun Newspaper revealed she had HIV, or is it cancer or kidney failure, I felt bad. I prayed, prayed and prayed...until I saw her again.
Not that I didn't expect it, but she looked ten years younger and had lost all fat. I almost 'chyked' her *wink*. She revealed she had been exercising, and told us she had no ailment.
"At a point, I started asking myself whether I was really sick...I don't know why he (the reporter) crashed what I've taken years to build..."
Take a bow, sis. I can't wait to see her, tongue-in-cheek, compete for roles with the likes of Omotola and Genevieve.

Remember that wrestler of those days called Macho Man?That wrestler who always had several run-ins with Hulk Hogan and Rick Flair?That wrestler that always came to the ring with pretty girl(s)?Well,I was terrified to hear he died recently.He was involved in a car crash,aged 58.
What a pity! His customary shout 'ooh-yeah!' still reverberates on my head.But what is it that always makes these wrestlers die in controversy?In 2007, Chris Benoit committed suicide after killing wife and kid.He was 40.Eddie Guerero died of heart attack in 2005 after series of drug and alcohol problems.He was 38.Curt Hennig popularly called Mr Perfect,in 2003,and at 44,died of cocaine overuse.In 1999,33-year old Owen Hart died after he fell from an apparatus in a ring.
Macho Man(whose real name is Randy Savage) would surely be missed,as always.May his soul rest in peace,Amen