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Tag: ALIBABA

  • N500m is small compared to what the entertainment industry can make- Ali Baba

    Nigerian comedian and entrepreneur, Ali Baba has once again reiterated the potentials embedded In the Nigerian entertainment industry.

    The revered entertainer made the statement in reaction to the claim of Davido, making 500m at his December 2017,’30 Billion Concert’.

    Ali Baba noted that the Entertainment sector is a gold mine that activates commercial activities in allied sectors.

    According to him:” This afternoon, at about 1pm, I got a message on my WhatsApp asking me to confirm if Davido can actually make the kind of money he claims to have made. I thought the sender was patronizing… or as we say in Warri “e dey use style find my mouth”. But this evening, I got another chat from a Banker, who wanted to know if the kind of money he is hearing could be made from a concert. I could not ignore this one. He is the Chief Risk Officer of a top 5 bank.

    “So, I took my time to mention how possible it is to even make more than the figure he has heard being mentioned. In 2007… I worked on an Entertainment, sports, hospitality and recreation R&D project with some great minds. That was 10 years ago. And after all information and surveys were gathered, we found out that between 5-8Billions… Yes billions… are spent between Friday and Sunday. 10 years on, from another survey carried out last year, its now over 15billion every weekend.

    “The financial dynamics can be dazzling. That’s showbizness. It’s unfair, or better put, a total waste of efforts to compare your career as a banker, doctor, lawyer, accountant, engineer and businessman, to that of people in the sector listed above. Usain Bolt for instance could make the profits of some banks just by taking part in 3 meets. Because the prize money, endorsements and investments, could amount to some cool dollars. Just convert that. Mayweather is another case in point. THE POINT PEOPLE MISS IS THIS…

    “The Entertainment sector is a gold mine that activates commercial activities in allied sectors. Sectors like, banking, security, hospitality, food and beverage, fashion, video & photo coverage, equipment rental, printing, advertising, branding, luxury market, marketing, legal, graphics, insurance, stage, engineering, medical, transportation, tourism, events management, comedy, broadcasting content, telecommunications, data consumption… and more. ZENITH BANK, GTB, HERITAGE, PEPSI, GLO… know this. And it can be a N200billion every weekend sector. We are far behind considering the potentials we have. So yes. N500m IS A TIP”.

    Nigeria’s economy still vulnerable despite recession exit – IMF

     

  • #TNG 7: Meet 7 most influential entertainment personalities of 2017

    Albert Einstein once said: “Try not to be a man of success, but a man of value”. 2017 has been quite an eventful year in the Nigerian entertainment sector. TheNewsGuru take a look at the 7 most influential entertainment personalities of 2017.

    The list comprises of singers, entrepreneurs and comedians who have in one way or the other added value to the Nigerian entertainment sector in 2017.

     

    1. Ali Baba

    Like a sage, Atunyota Akpoboriome a.k.a Alibaba continues to maintain relevance in the Nigerian music industry.

    Widely regarded as the king of comedy, Ali Baba has contributed immensely to the growth of the Nigerian entertainment industry. From creating a platform for budding comedians ( Alibaba’s Spontaneity) to mentoring established comedians, and making sure comedians profit from their craft, Alibaba’s stronghold on the comedy industry cannot be overemphasized. The showbiz entrepreneur recently starred in The Wedding Party Sequel.

     

    1. Wizkid

    Wizkid’s work ethic and drive has continually made him a regular feature when it comes to top African entertainers. In 2017, the self –proclaimed Star Boy beat Jay-Z, Cardi B, Kendrick Lamar and others to clinch the best international artist award .He was ranked 5th on Forbes and Channel O’s 2013 list of the Top 10 Richest/Bankable African Artists. Wizkid ended the year on a peaceful note, reconciling with his arch-rival Davido.

     

    DAVIDO
    DAVIDO

     

    1. Davido

    Though he was born into affluence, Davido keeps striving like he has nothing to fall back on. Though the singer was embroiled in scandals that threatened to ruin his career, he managed to soar over them all.

    In 2017, the self proclaimed OBO released hit songs like ‘If’, ‘Like That’ and ‘Fia’ which has millions of views on YouTube. The talented singer was responsible for Mo’ Hits reconciliation which took place at his ’30 Billion Concert’.Asides clinching awards, he made peace with his arch-rival, Wizkid.

     

     

    AY
    AYO MAKUN

     

    1. Ayo Makun

    Ayo Makun better known as AY, is one of the few Nigerian comedians who follow the path less travelled .From discovering comedy talents, staging successful comedy shows, AY ventured into film-making and still became phenomenal at it. His flicks, ’30 days in Atlanta’, ‘10 days in Sun city’, all testify to his amazing work ethic.

     

    1. Tiwa Savage

    When we thought her sad marriage scandal was going to slow her down, the Mavins first lady went back to the drawing board, changed her winning formular, to become the queen of Nigeria’s pop music. This year Tiwa headlined sold-out gigs, released an EP titled ‘ Sugar Cane’ and gave Nigerians something to smile about.

     

     

    SIMI

    6.Simi

    No one thought Simi was going to grow this fast, all thanks to her dedication, amazing vocal dexterity and her song writing prowess. Simi’s album made it to number 5 on Bill Board’s World Albums Chart in 2017

    The ‘Jamb Question’ sensation also had a successful concert tagged ‘See me’ Live In Concert, making her one of the most sought after Nigerian artistes at the moment.

     

     

    OMONI OBOLI

    7.Omoni Oboli

    2017 has undoubtedly been one of the toughest years Oboli has ever experienced. From losing her dad to being slammed with a lawsuit, Omoni has been in the eye of the storm.

    Against all odds, the svelte mother of three boys continues to rise like a phoenix refusing to be deterred. She is currently promoting the sequel of her movie, Wives on strike

     

  • Falz joins Segun Obe, Iyanya, others for Alibaba’s January 1st concert

    Nigerian rapper and actor, Falz has been listed as one of the artistes who will performing at Alibaba’s annual ‘January 1st Concert’ . Also slated to perform at the event are Segun obe, Iyanya, Tiwa Savage and Kenny Blaq.

     

    The highly anticipated concert will be an impressive upgrade over the previous editions as it is scheduled to hold at Eko Hotel Convention Centre, Lagos on January 1st, 2018.

     

    The comedian-actor assured fans online there are numerous segments of the concert; which have been specially put together for the utmost amusement of the audience. Numerous fans have since shared their enthusiasm following the initial announcement of the concert which was made on Instagram.

     

    Alibaba wrote: “The #January1stConcert2018 has actually added value to the celebration of the New Year. Until this concert, not many can think back to whatever they were doing to celebrate the past New Year day celebrations. Used to be an uneventful day after the crossover hangover wears off. Not anymore.”

     

    Alibaba moved on to share several other photos regarding the concert on social media, further instigating anticipation from thousands of fans, including branded BRT buses, necklaces, hats, tees and more.

     

    Alibaba has urged fans to take pictures of the branded BRT buses whenever they are spotted in public, post the pictures and tag him to stand a chance to win tickets to the highly anticipated concert.

     

    Recall that the 2017 edition of ‘January 1st Concert’ was a star-studded affair; featuring several unforgettable segments, including comedy competition for budding comedians ‘Spontaneity’ where the winner went home with a brand new car, another segment featured fast-rising fashion designers in a contest where they were required to design attires for some members of the audience and the winner went home with a brand new sewing machine worth N100,000 along with N300,000 cash prize; just to name a few.

     

    ‘January 1st Concert’ is produced by Bunmi Davies. The show debuted in 2015, and it has grown over the years to become one of the most anticipated annual events in the country, featuring the industry’s biggest names, which include comedians, music stars, dancers, and others.

     

    One Africa Music Fest: The Wizkid, Davido and Sarkodie connection

  • Kano people won’t welcome Buhari , If they were employed– Ali baba

    Ace comedian, Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, popularly called Alibaba has expressed his opinion over the rousing welcome President Muhammadu Buhari got during his two-day working visit to Kano.

     

    Recall that Buhari arrived Kano on Wednesday amid glitz and glamour to commission some projects.

     

     

    Alibaba, took on his Instagram to express his thoughts on the President’s visit.

     

    He wrote: “If 80% of these people were gainfully employed they will not be on the road welcoming Buhari. And it’s not about PMB.

     

    “Because these are backlogs of unemployed and unemployable citizens for over 20 years and counting. These are the types that will cast votes for you for an exchange of a 5kg bag of rice.

     

    “Why? Because they are down to their last hope, I tell many people.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BcbxjL2gQeL/?taken-by=alibabagcfr

     

    “A citizen who gets good primary education will be triggered to get secondary education. At worst they will do better at Vocational schools. But once there is no foundational education, as basic as A is for Apple and 1+1=2 and all elementary teachings, the brain is locked out of the growth process; because that basic education is what all other things are built on.

     

    “Look at the pictures, you see popularity… I see thousands who can be used by anyone who has plans that will not benefit this country. Let’s begin to educate the child. The educated child will understand policies.

     

    “The educated child will become a good citizen. The educated child will grow up to contribute to Nigerian economy. What do I know Sef? Shebi I am just a comedian?”

     

     

    Alibaba promises $10m opportunity for African tech start-ups

  • Alibaba promises $10m for African Tech Start-ups [Video]

  • I prefer a dancing senator to one that can’t control libido- Alibaba

    I prefer a dancing senator to one that can’t control libido- Alibaba

    Ace comedian. Alibaba has reacted to the viral video of Osun West senator-elect, Ademola Adeleke celebrating his victory at the just concluded senatorial by-election. In the video, Adeleke can be seen dancing excitedly as he is hailed by onlookers.

    Alibaba in his Instagram post said he prefers the senator’s dance to the antics of other senators who are wife beaters. He puts it this way:” So this Senator dances and that is your problem? What have we become? The Senate is filled with people who were elected through undemocratic processes. Some married under aged girls. There are those who left their state broke but left as billionaires. Wife beaters. The Distinguished Senator who still owed their workers before becoming senators. There are the ones that cannot even read talk less of contributing to legislative processes. Some cannot even string 3 sentences together.

    “Let’s not even talk about unbecoming characters. A few are upright in those hallowed chambers… but will the downright ugly let us feel the beauty of their thoughts? Naaaaa. Look at their history. What have they contributed to the Nigeria that they want to legislate for? BEN BRUCE chose entertainment. He stuck to it. And we can see the things he did. By himself. Mention others who are comparable to those ideals of “elected because of contributions to the growth of Nigeria?” FORMER GOVERNOR is no contribution. You used state money. And we are fixated on someone’s dance steps”?

    The revered showbiz expert also condemned Senators who enrich themselves with public funds and also have strings of girlfriends.

    Hear him:”I would rather he danced. At least I can see it as his weakness. What of the thieves that enrich themselves with public funds? Oh, it’s not a dance. A dance is sooooooooo grave. How dare he dance. But it’s ok if he has strings of girlfriends that are brought to his private party regularly? What has his dancing got to do with the laws he would make?

    “I would rather one Senator that dances than one that threatens to sleep with people’s wives! Or a senator who cannot sing the National Anthem! Or has more money than his working life can justify! Or one that knows teachers and pensioners have not been paid for over 6 months but collects his allowances and his salary unfailingly every 23rd of the month… plus community development allowance for projects we don’t see. This is how I see it, he can dance all he wants, as long as he is a Senator in that hallowed chambers. That’s all. So please… let him dance”

  • Broadband: ICT stakeholders call for National Fibre provider

    Broadband: ICT stakeholders call for National Fibre provider

    Stakeholders in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector have called for a National Broadband Fibre provider to further deepen broadband penetration in the country.

    The stakeholders made the call at the Broadband Summit 2017 organized by BusinessDay Media Ltd in Lagos on Friday.

    The Chief Executive Officer of Spectranet, Mr David Venn said that there was the need for the National Broadband Fibre provider so that Nigerians would benefit from the broadband revolution.

    Venn said that voice calls through mobile phone had changed everything but the next phase was broadband.

    He said that broadband would have greater impact on the lives of Nigerians, hence the need to ensure it got to every part of the country.

    According to him, the challenges hindering broadband penetration should be addressed.

    “Nigeria needs a National Broadband Fibre provider. There is need for carriers to be able to get broadband to the hinterlands.

    “The cost of international bandwidth has changed demand for broadband in the last two years.

    “The Nigerian Communications Commission must sanitise the sector of anti-competitive issues,” he said.

    The Managing Director of Vodacom Business Nigeria, Mr Lanre Kolade said that the economy was biting hard on all the operators.

    Kolade said that the Tier II Telecommunications operators were struggling to survive.

    He said that there was need for a level playing field as such would stop anti-competition in the sector.

    According to him, the Tier I operators cannot be everywhere hence, the need for the smaller operators to go to the smaller areas and deploy business strategies that will work.

    “For this to happen, anti-competition should be addressed.

    “To deepen broadband penetration, there should be data centres across the country so that the rate at which our traffic goes outside Nigeria will reduce,” he said.

    The Chief Transformation Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr Bayo Adekanmbi, said that there was high demand of broadband by Nigerians; but no adequate infrastructure to deliver high speed internet to them.

    Adekanmbi said that the nature of broadband was holistically different as it was more of a long term project as the issue of cost was critical.

    He said that infrastructure to deliver broadband should not be taxed; to ensure delivery to last mile at an affordable cost.

    The Chief Executive Officer of Ntel, Mr Kamar Abass said that to deepen broadband penetration, the industry should consider infrastructure sharing as active engagement on it was still lacking.

    Abass said that there was the need for more spectrums to deliver broadband to Nigeria.

    The Chief Executive Officer of MainOne, Ms Funke Opeke said that broadband was an enabler of economic growth.

    Opeke however said that recession had changed the dynamics of the broadband industry.

    She said that the industry depended on importation of its infrastructure and there had been the challenge of foreign exchange.

    According to her, the country must pull itself out of oil dependency and broadband is the step toward economy recovery.

    “There is need to know we can create more power houses like Google, Facebook, Amazon, Alibaba, among other to develop the economy,” she said.

     

  • How RMD Inspires Ali Baba

    How RMD Inspires Ali Baba

    In a time where young entertainers are ignoring the wisdom of their forerunners, ace comedian Ali Baba has poured encomiums on one of Nigeria’s leading actors, Richard Mofe Damijo who continues to reinvent himself as a revered actor.

    Ali Baba took to his Instagram page sharing 20 things he has learnt from RMD over the years. He began by asking a series of questions.

    “”What makes you relevant? What gives you that consistency that keeps you in reckoning in an industry where your career is a time capsule that can be swallowed up by generational shifts? How do you go away from an industry for 8 years, come back into the industry and continue like you never left? How do you own a space and only you can fill it? What is it that some are not doing right, even though they are busy in the industry? What are those things that hinder your relevance in an unforgiving atmosphere where you slip and your career goes to sleep?”

    The Nigerian king of comedy later outlined 20 things he has learnt from RMD

    Hear him:”These are a few things I have learnt from this man @mofedamijo. It would take an hour to teach but let me mention some. 1. Know yourself. 2. Identify your strengths. 3. Reduce your weaknesses. 4. Understand the industry and know where the bodies are buried. 5. Continuously improve you. 6. Talent is not enough. 7. Be a good person. 8. Be dynamic. A stagnant river is as good as a dry well. 9. Apply your talents in every way you can. 10. Take care of you. 11. Put your best in anything you do. 12. Be soooooo loved for the things you do so well and when you falter, those value propositions will stand in for your failings. 13. Be sooooooo good that you inspire your competition. Be their target to surpass. 14. Let your work speak for you. 15. Be ready to share your experiences with protégés so that they can add what you know to what they know and be better -Amaka Igwe 16. Be as real as they come. 17. Build lasting relationships. Network and connect with people and institutions that will enhance your value. 18. Cut off people who don’t add value. 19. Opportunities don’t knock anymore. If it doesn’t knock, book an appointment. If opportunity is busy, gate crash. 20. Make sacrifices. With these few points of mine, I present the man #RMD… living legend” he said.

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BT3cjs3AuVu/?taken-by=alibabagcfr

  • What Alibaba did for Efe will shock you

    What Alibaba did for Efe will shock you

    Big Brother Naija 2017 winner, Efe Ejeba is still basking in the euphoria of his victory.

    The budding rapper recently visited Nigerian king of comedy, Alibaba who supported when he was in the Big Brother house

    Alibaba gifted him a Remy Martin XO, estimated to cost $164.99 .

    Check out pictures from his visit below

     

     

  • #NECLive5: Biggest shows in Nigeria are organised by comedians’- Alibaba

    By Kehinde Ajose

    Nigerian King of comedy,Alibaba on Wednesday said Nigerian comedians are the one organising the biggest enetertainment shows in Nigeria.

    Alibaba who made the statement during his presentation at the Nigerian Entertainment conference, #NEClive, said the biggest commedy show costs N150m.

    The biggest shows in Nigeria are organised by comedians .The biggest comedy shows cost about 150m naira. Why do you think musicians don’t organise their own shows? It is because they make money and spend it on themselves” Ali Baba noted.

    Now in its fifth year, the conference, NECLive which is the umbrella conference for the entertainment industry in Nigeria, provides an opportunity for strategic discussions, and a marketplace for ideas, products and services.

    The organisers say this year’s edition will focus on how Nigerian entertainment, and indeed entertainment from Africa is finding renewed favour with fans at home, and the world over.