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| • Henshaw • Photo: The Sun Publishi |
Babatunde Omidina (Baba Suwe)
Filmmaker and comedian, Babatunde Omidina (popularly called Baba Suwe), is one of those whose circumstance highlighted the year under review. He was arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for allegedly being in possession of hard drugs on his way to France to anchor an event. The anti-drug agency remanded him in custody for three weeks after which the court set him free and ordered the agency to pay him damages worth N25 million.
Ben Murray-Bruce
A very dominant figure in the cinema business in Nigeria, he is president of the Silverbird Group, the biggest stakeholder in the cinema industry in Nigeria. For the group, 2011 was a year of consolidation on its achievements. Filmmakers throng Slverbird Cinemas for slots as they offer undoubtedly the best platform for movies.
Don Jazzy
The Executive President of popular record label, Mo Hits, won the producer of the year award in 2011 and is not slowing down one bit. Don Baba J, as he is fondly called in the industry, recently showed off his singing talent in a stimulating collabo with delectable Tiwa Savage. His label recently struck a deal with Good Music, another label owned by American artiste, Kanye West.
Denrele Edun
The athletic, enigmatic and energetic young man is a well known entertainer. Major red carpet events are incomplete without him. A former presenter with the popular entertainment channel, Soundcity, Denrele has proved that presentation is not his only talent, as he starred in the fastest grossing movie at the cinemas this year, The Return of Jenifa. He was recently signed on by South African music channel, Channel O.
Eldee
He is the Trybesmen Chief Executive that shook the public in 2011 when he starred in The Return of Jenifa, a film by Funke Akindele. Lanre Dabiri (real name) had a very good year as he was among judges at the Sprite Triple Slam. He also co-hosted the Hip Hop World Awards with Rita Dominic, and recently he released few tracks that are enjoying massive airplay.
Frank Edoho
The host of popular TV show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire? sponsored by telecoms giants, MTN, is one of the biggest names in the compere business. He shocked many fans last year when he separated from his wife, Katherine, citing irreconcilable differences. The story got many fans arguing on social networking platforms about the wisdom behind such idea.
Mercy Johnson
She is indeed one of the biggest newsmakers last year. The sultry actress got married amid murmurings about what should or shouldn’t be. She got married to Edo-born Prince Odianosen Okojie, atn one of the branches of Christ Embassy church. Recently, a soft sell magazine reported that the actress had gone blind. But it turned out a hoax and her publicist had a torrid time issuing rejoinders upon rejoinders to refute the story. The actress also recently graced the cover page of the popular Wow Magazine and the picture sent tongues wagging again. She was adjudged best actress of the year in faraway Australia, and declared the most ‘googled’ celebrity on the popular search engine, Google.
Nse Ikpe-Etim
The delectable actress had a busy 2011 in which she won many awards and nominations. She was recently crowned the Best Actress at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards, which took place in New York.
Mr Ibu
Unarguably one of the funniest actors in Nigeria, he starred in many comedy movies last year. 2011 was a successful year for him, as his wife recently gave birth to a baby girl after having six boys.
Odunlade Adekola
Unarguably the most sought after actor in the Yoruba movie industry; movie lovers can’t just have enough of this talented thespian. Little wonder telecoms giants, Globacom, appointed him an Ambassador. Life was so good for the versatile actor in the year under review.
Omawumi
She became popular through the reality music show, Nigerian Idol. Omawumi was delivered of a baby last year in the United States, but she wouldn’t disclose the father’s identity. She also starred in The Return of Jenifa. She recently did a collabo with her friend, Waje, a popular diva too. The effort is entitled Jollification, a fine Christmas tune.
Kate Henshaw
One of the highlights of 2011 was her failed marriage to erstwhile hubby, Roderick Nuttal. The union, which produced a baby girl, lasted 12 years. She clocked 40 last year. In terms of corporate endorsements, Kate is in a world of her own. She is the face of ONGA, a food seasoning.
Joke Silva
The veteran actress had a memorable 2011 when she celebrated her 50th birthday and also marked her 25th year in the entertainment industry. She and her actor husband, Olu Jacobs, also renewed their marital vows.
Linda Ikeji
Owner of the entertainment blogsite, lindaikeji.com, Linda has become the biggest competitor to Bellanaija in terms of entertainment coverage. Quality red carpet events are reported on her blog and it attracts huge patronage from sponsors and the public. The former model was very busy last year as she managed to keep the flag of blogsite flying, something that was very unpopular in the country few years ago.
Ice Prince
One of the artistes currently signed on Chocolate City record label, Ice Prince Zamani had his fair share of events last year even though he lost his mum during the year. His hit tracks Oleku and Superstar were talk of the town and won several awards. His album launch was also a hit as many celebrities thronged the venue. He was reported to have bought a Range Rover sport jeep.
JARA TV
The M-Net Africa Magic channel produced its first ever original series, JARA. JARA is hosted by Nigeria’s popular and sociable Big Brother All Stars winner, Uti Nwachukwu, and comedienne Helen Paul. JARA is packed with fun, news and information direct from the thriving heart of Africa’s busiest film platform.
Tiva Savage
One of the hottest divas on the country’s music scene, the songwriter and singer’s physical appeal has an impressive stage presence. Last year was definitely one of breakthroughs for the talented singer, as she made her presence felt in the industry with hit tracks like Love Me, Kele Kele Love and the recent song with Don Jazzy, Without My Heart, which is enjoying massive airplay.
Alasari
Many Yoruba movie lovers are very familiar with this name. Ahmed Durojaiye was a prolific actor and filmmaker, a darling to many in the Yoruba genre. His death was a rude shock to many last year. He would surely be remembered for the roles he played and the movies he produced and directed.
Ashley Nwosu
His death was one of the losses of the year under review. He died at the age of 54 after a protracted battle with liver-related illness. A very prolific actor, he was a toast of many in Nollywood.
Sam Loco Efe
Sam Loco was a household name in Nollywood. His role in the very popular sitcom, Everyday People, where he starred as ‘Chief’, was something his fans would not forget for a long time. This hero of Nollywood passed away last year while directing a new movie in Owerri, Imo State. He featured in several films and was known for his versatility, style and panache.
Bellanaija
If you want to read news making the rounds in and outside Nigeria, particularly breaking news in the secular, entertainment and other social happenings, this blog is the place to visit. It is one of the positives of 2011.
Clarence Peters
Son of the popular Afro-juju creator, Sir Shina Peters, and movie icon, Clarion Chukwura, Clarence is undoubtedly one of Nigeria’s finest video directors. He owns the record label and studio, Capital Hills Records, and has some notable acts under his management such as Da Suspect and others. Clarence shot over 30 music videos last year alone, and seems to have some kind of partnership with Kennis Music.
D’banj
Christened Dapo Oyebanji, D’Banj rose to fame and fortune when his first song, Tongolo, hit the airwaves few years back. He hasn’t looked back since then. The Mo Hits vice president further confirmed his A-list status in 2011 when he did a groundbreaking collabo with the East Coast rapper, Snoop Dogg, in Mr. Endowed Remix. The track ultimately opened greater doors for the Koko Master as he won several awards at Channel O Awards last year. He later signed on to Kanye West’s label, Good Music. West also performed with him at the Koko Concert, which took place in London in 2011. As if that was not enough, he bought himself an Aston Martin car, which doesn’t come cheap.
DJ Jimmy Jatt
Cool DJ Jimmy Jatt, as he calls himself, is the most recognized disc jockey in the Nigerian entertainment scene. The year under review was a very good one for him as he anchored most popular shows in the country.
Davido
When you listen to the songs of this Babcock University undergraduate, you probably would not believe it came from an upcoming artiste. He is so composed and his lyrics are as appealing as they are exciting. His debut track, Back When, in which he featured Naeto C, showed that he is bound for fame and fortune. He has another song now, Ema dami duro, that is ‘jamming’ most social functions.
Chocolate City
Owned by Audu Maikori, the popular record label did very well last year. It parades a host of superstars in the class of MI Abaga, Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz, and Brymo. Its platform made the duo of Ice Prince and Brymo the toast of all when the hit track Oleku was launched. The song won awards for the label and artistes, and became an anthem of sort.
Darey
The son of legendary music icon, Art Alade, Darey, as he is popularly called, came into the music industry with tracks like Young Man and Fuji Music few years ago. Many gave up on him, tagging him a terrible singer, but he did not allow the critics to deter him. From stints at COOL FM and the Project Fame in South Africa as a participant, Darey went through some defining processes, and now his songs are talk of the town with award-winning tracks I Like The Way You Are and the Hausa tune, Ba ni kidi. He also anchored Project Fame West Africa and co-presented the Gulder Ultimate Search in 2011.
Duncan Mighty
Duncan Mighty had his fair share of humble beginning. The Port Harcourt First Son, as he calls himself, made it big last year with hit tracks like Obianuju and Port Harcourt Boy. He became the darling of radio presenters and DJs as his songs are constantly on the airwaves. He performed at major social functions last year and only recently bought a Rolls Royce Phantom reportedly valued at $300,000.
