Tag: Nollywood

“Don’t vote with your conscience, vote wisely”- Tonto Dikeh advises electorates

Nollywood actress and politician, Tonto Dikeh, has advised Nigerians to vote wisely and not with their conscience.

The Nigerian election is gradually getting closer as many have been seen on social media campaigning for their favorite to win. In the wake of campaigning for their favorite, Tonto Dikeh has advised Nigerians to vote wisely for the best candidate.

According to the mother of one, most Nigerians do not have a conscience anymore so it would be better to vote for a better person who will lead the country well for the next 8 years for the growth of the country.

She wrote on her Instagram page: “Telling Nigerians to vote with their conscience is the worst thing to do because normally, we no get conscience. I would rather say vote wisely because the next 8 years of your life and the growth of this great country depends on your choice”

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Rivers State, Mr. Tonte Ibraye, had announced Nollywood actress (Tonto Dikeh) as his running mate for the 2023 governorship election in Rivers State.

This was contained in a statement posted by Tonte Ibraye in June, on his verified Facebook page.

The statement reads: “After a series of consultations with leaders of our party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State and the national level, I’m glad to announce Ambassador Tonto Dikeh as my running mate for the 2023 gubernatorial election in Rivers State.

“We are pleased to welcome her to the #RiversRescueMission2023 as we strive to improve the standard of living for everyone in our dear Rivers State.”

The actress had also taken to her official Instagram page to announce the news and thank the candidate for choosing her.

She said, “I thank Mr. Tonte Ibraye(@tonteibraye), the Governorship Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Rivers State for nominating me as his running mate.

“I’ve done like two films in 10 years, so you can’t tell me I’m still in the industry,” said the mother of one. I would always appreciate that it was the industry that my path started from, that my shine started from.

“It is something that I respect, but it’s not something that has been in my life for a while now. So even after the election, it is not something I plan on bringing back.”

February 20, 2023
Nollywood produced 340 movies in Q4 of 2022 –NFVCB

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) says the board received and censored 340 movies produced by the Nigerian film industry in the fourth quarter of 2022.

This is contained in a statement issued by Alhaji Adedayo Thomas, the Executive Director of NFVCB on Friday in Abuja.

This, Thomas said, represents all films submitted to the board from across the country.

“The report is for onward submission to the relevant Federal Government agency as an input for the compilation of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the fourth quarter (Q4, 2022).

“The report shows a decrease in the number of movies produced from 489 in the third quarter to 340 in the fourth quarter of 2022.

“118 of the films came in from Abuja censorship centre of the board, representing the chunk of the movies produced during the period under review.

“Followed by Lagos State with 115 movies as indicted in the report, Onitsha recorded 91, Kano nine and Benin four movies respectively,” he said .

The analysis by censorship location further shows that Jos recorded three films ,while Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Bauchi and Abeokuta did not rake in any film for the period under review.

“This clearly portrays the contribution of the film industry to economic growth in terms of direct and indirect jobs in the entire value chain in filmmaking.

“Our cordial relationship with the recognised guilds and associations in the industry has played important role, as we urge them to ensure that their members submit their films for censorship and approval.

“As a Federal Government agency committed to providing enabling environment for filmmakers, NFVCB will always ensure that uncensored and other unwholesome films do not find their way into the Nigeria market,” he added.

NFVCB is a Federal Government body that regulates the films and video industry in Nigeria.

The board is empowered by law to classify all films and videos whether imported or produced locally.

It is also the duty of the board to register all films and videos outlet across the country and to keep a register of such registered outlets among other functions.

February 20, 2023
Nollywood film producer, Kingsley Anosike, slump, dies in Kuwait

Kingsley Anosike, the National Vice President Association of Nigeria Movie Directors (ANMD) and husband to Nollywood actress, Chioma Chijioke, has slumped and died in Kuwait.

The Nollywood film producer and director passed away after he slumped during a football match in Kuwait on Saturday, February 18th, 2023.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) gathered that Anosike relocated to Kuwait in November, 2022 with the hope of setting up a studio in the country before his untimely death.

Just days before his death, Kingsley had celebrated his wife on Valentine Day.

Sharing a photo of them, he advised his fans to show love everywhere.

“Happy lovely Val Day from the unbeatable Family!! Show love everywhere you go. We love you all”.

Recall that Chioma, while celebrating their wedding anniversary, had posted on her Instagram page: “The most wonderful thing I decided to do was to share my life and heart with you. We may not have it all together but, together we have it all. A strong marriage rarely has two strong people at the same time. “He’s more myself than I am.

“Thank you for being you, even at the most difficult time I will stand by you and I will choose you over again even in your mistakes and imperfections. I can’t love you less for choosing me over others, and making me your queen and number 1. Our love will continue to flourish even when people would want to pull us apart, we will always stand by each other because our love is endless, Happy Anniversary My King.”

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Anosike is an Award Winning Nigerian born Movie Producer and director, CEO of Unbeatable Family Movies.

February 20, 2023
“Naked scenes are crucial in films”- Nollywood actress, Ogunmola

Nollywood actress, Bolaji Ogunmola, has stressed that adult scenes are needed in most movies to tell stories better.

Speaking in an interview, Ogunmola noted that one cannot be telling stories about prostitutes or strippers, and they would be fully clothed.

In her words: “I think it is needed sometimes to drive home certain aspects of the character portrayed. One cannot be telling stories about prostitutes or strippers, and they would be fully clothed.

“If the stories require it; then, let them show it. When a film is very good, the sexual scenes are not the first thing people would remember. It would be about how the film made them feel.”

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) recalls that sometime in 2018, the actress asserted that people think she is not talented because she is curvy.

According to Ogunmola, her best childhood memories were her birthdays.

“I was very flamboyant as a kid and I loved to play dress-up. It’s memorable for me right now because I hardly celebrate birthdays anymore, unlike when I was a child.

“I had my elementary education at Philomena Nursery and Primary School, Ebute Metta, Lagos. For my post-elementary education, I attended Yinbol (Yinka Bolarinwa) College, Ibadan. I studied Business Management and Entrepreneurship at the National Open University of Nigeria, Victoria Island, Lagos. I also obtained a diploma in Acting from the Royal Arts Academy, Surulere, Lagos.”

On her journey into acting, she said: “I had an idea that I was going to be involved in the entertainment industry. I thought it was going to be music, but I couldn’t sing. Afterwards, I thought I was going to be a model, but I was fat. So, I suspected it would be film I was going to do.

“One day, I was in church and my drama team told me to act the role of Esther in a play. I eventually did and my acting was commended. That was when I knew that there was something interesting about acting. Till today, every time I go to that church, everyone remembers me as ‘Esther.”

Professionally, her first movie role in Nollywood was Uduak Isong’s “Okon Goes to School” which Lancelot Imasuen directed.

On how she got noticed in Nollywood, the actress said: “I think both my body and talent got me noticed in the industry. To be honest, you can’t just have a fairly good body and not have a bit of talent. You must have at least a bit of both otherwise, there would be a problem. You must be able to look good and also be able to act. If you have a Kim Kardashian body but can’t act, you won’t go far. However, I’d have to say that Sobi’s Mystic is my most challenging and daring job yet.”

February 19, 2023
“I wake up everyday apologizing to my child for having you as his father”- Tonto Dikeh tells ex-hubby, Churchill

Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh, has described her ex-husband, Olakunle Churchill, as a deadbeat father, saying she wakes up everyday apologizing to her child for having him as his father.

The actress, who is African Democratic Congress (ADC) deputy governorship candidate for Rivers State, said Churchill is the worst thing that ever happened to her Father’s bloodline.

Recall that Churchill had penned an emotional note to their son, King Andre, to celebrate his 7th birthday yesterday.

Reacting to his birthday note, Tonto Dikeh slammed him for only acknowledging his son on his birthday.

She noted how Churchill and his family claimed they won court case on child custody but they decided to leave the child for her.

Tonto revealed that she won the child custody battle with him and was given full custody of their son, hence, Olakunle Churchill’s anger.

She added that Churchill was ordered to pay for their son’s CS fees, but paid 4months fees because he had told the Court he was broke.

Tonto Dikeh revealed that she regrets having Churchill as the father of her kid as he is the worst thing that ever happened to her.

She stated that she wakes up everyday apologizing to her child for having him as his father.

February 18, 2023
“You are one of life’s most precious gift to me”- Churchill Olakunle pens touching note to son on birthday

Popular businessman and ex-husband of Tonto Dikeh, Churchill Olakunle, has described his son, King Andre, as he celebrates him with a glowing note on his birthday.

The little chap turned seven years today, February 17 and both his divorced parents have celebrated him in a sweet way.

His father took to his page to exult his son. He described King as life’s precious gift to him and added that he loved him dearly.

Churchill also said that he misses him terribly and longs to see him soon.

In his words: “Happy birthday my son, my prince, my flesh and blood – OMOTAYO KING OLADUNNI CHURCHILL. You are one of life’s most precious gift to me and I love you dearly.

“Just going down memory lane in thought of your birth gives me joy. You’re such a blessing to me and I’m forever grateful to the Almighty God for your life.

“Today, I pray immensely that you grow to be the person God has predestined you to be and nothing in this world ever change your destiny.

“My not so little man! I want you to know that I miss you greatly and long to see you soon. You’re a shining star and your light can never be dimmed.”

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) recalls that Churchill’s relationship with the actress (Tonto Dikeh) seemingly started off as a fairytale romance when they first started dating.

The duo began dating in 2014 with the screen star teasing fans about the identity of her lover whom she dubbed Mr X.

At the time, Tonto constantly flaunted expensive gifts which she attributed to Mr X’s generosity and love for her. In 2015, after much hiding away from the public, Tonto unveiled Churchill as Mr X.

The duo got married on August 25 of 2015 but things came to an end in 2017. Their separation and subsequent divorce was a messy one as they accused each other of several things and called each other unprintable names.

Although they share a son King Andre from their failed union, the former lovers continue to remain cold towards each other with occasional jabs from either party at the other.

Churchill sued Tonto over the videos she released in 2019 on her YouTube channel. In the said video, the Rivers state indigene slammed her ex-husband as a cheat and alleged that he is an internet fraudster as well as a ritualist.

These allegations have prompted Churchill to slam her with a N500 million lawsuit. According to him, her ‘malicious statements’ ruined his political ambition, which he says she is aware of. He then went on to say that the actress should pay the sum of N500M for the general damages incurred by him over the malicious and false publications.

In the lawsuit notice which has him as the 1st claimant and Big Church Foundation as the second claimant, Churchill stated that the allegations are baseless and sponsored to tarnish and damage his image and political ambition.

This is not the first time Churchill is dragging Dike to court.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) also recalls that n January 2018, Churchill filed a suit against Tonto at the family court of the Lagos State Magistrate court. He was challenging Tonto’s decision to feature their son, King, in a reality show, “King Tonto”.

According to him, the aim of the show is to exploit his son for financial gains and expose the life and times of the little boy at a period when he cannot make a decision for himself. According to him, the production is entirely an adult content.

Due to the lawsuit, the show which was being produced by Linda Ikeji Media Limited could not be released or aired.

Tonto advised her fans to avoid relatives who hate and disrespect their parents.

Her Instagram post read in part:“Avoid relatives that hate your mom, and disrespect her. The truth is that if they can’t respect your own mother who you hold in high regard, their regard for you is superficial and fake. Anyone who vehemently dislikes you shouldn’t be anywhere close to your children. This life is deep and the heart of men is malignant.”

February 17, 2023
Tiwa Savage switches to acting, co-directs movie “Water and Garri”

Nigerian singer and songwriter, Tiwatope Savage, popularly known as Tiwa Savage, has announced her professional debut in the movie industry as she co-directs movie, “Water and Garri”

Recall that Tiwa Savage featured in a Nigeria series in 2009 titled “Shuga and played the role of Sade a mother of a young teenage boy.

The singer has bounced back with a new movie titled “Water and Garri” in a series of photos shared via her Instagram page as she expresses excitement about her debut acting.

She captioned her post: “This is about to be an ICONIC moment. My first lead role as an actor and Executive producer. Directed by the GOAT @mejialabi. Water And Garri the Film Coming soon”.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Tiwa Savage is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress. Born in Isale Eko, she relocated to London at the age of 11 for her secondary education.

Five years later, she began her music career doing backup vocals for artists such as George Michael and Mary J. Blige.

After participating in the UK edition of The X Factor and graduating from Berklee College of Music, Savage signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing in 2009.

Inspired by the growth of the Nigerian music industry, Savage moved back to Nigeria and signed with Mavin Records in 2012. She made an appearance on the label’s 2012 compilation album Solar Plexus.

Her debut studio album Once Upon a Time was released on 3 July 2013. It was supported by seven singles: “Kele Kele Love”, “Love Me (3x)”, “Without My Heart”, “Ife Wa Gbona”, “Folarin”, “Olorun Mi” and “Eminado”.

The album was nominated for Best Album of the Year at the 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards and for Best R&B/Pop Album at The Headies 2014. Savage’s second studio album, titled R.E.D, was released on 19 December 2015.

It yielded two singles: “My Darlin” and “Standing Ovation”. In June 2016, Savage signed a management and publishing deal with Roc Nation.

In September 2017, she released her debut EP Sugarcane. R.E.D and Sugarcane have both been nominated for Best Album at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards.

In November 2018, Tiwa Savage won Best African Act at the 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards, becoming the first woman to win the category. In May 2019, she announced her record deal with Universal Music Group and exit from Mavin Records.

Tiwa Savage sings in English and Yoruba; her music is a blend of Afrobeats, R&B, pop and hip-hop. Her contributions to the Nigerian music industry have earned her several achievements.

She has been involved in youth empowerment and breast cancer screening projects and has raised funds to build schools in Nigeria.

February 16, 2023
Nollywood actress sent to prison for spraying Naira notes granted bail

A Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday admitted a Nollywood actress, Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, charged with alleged tampering and spraying of the redesigned Naira notes to N5 million bail.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) preferred two counts charge against Omoseyin, who was arraigned on Monday, before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke.

The charge bothered on spraying and stepping on the newly designed naira notes.

The defendant, 31, was alleged to have tampered with N100,000 new notes, by spraying and stepping on same during an occasion in the Lekki area of Lagos

She, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

In his rulling on wednesday, justice Aneke admitted the defendant to bail and one surety in like sum.

The court held that the surety must be a public servant, and must have a landed property within the court’s jurisdiction.

The surety is also to produce three years tax clearance.

In addition, the defendant was ordered to deposit her international passport with the court’s registrar.

He adjourned the case until April 3 for trial .

According to the charge, the defendant was alleged to have committed the offence on Jan. 28 at the monarch event centre in lekki.

The prosecutor, Mr S.I Sulaiman alleged that the defendant engaged in spraying and trampling on the newly designed naira notes, while dancing at an occasion.

The offence contravenes the provisions of section 21 (1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007.

Recall that the defendant was arrested after a video of her spraying and stepping on the new notes at a party went viral.

Trial will resume on April 3.

February 15, 2023
“Bunmi and I met when I was a nobody”- Nollywood actor, Bolanle shares his love story

Nollywood actor and movie producer, Bolanle Ninalowo, has opened up on how he met his wife, Bunmi, in the shopping mall when he was a nobody.

According to the actor, in an interview, he was 24 years by then when they bumped into each other at the mall.

He disclosed how the two families; his family and his wife gave them their full support because their relationship was similar situation to theirs. Bolanle eulogized his wife describing her as a jewel and a treasure.

In his words: “Bunmi is my treasure from God. Only God can bless a man with such a jewel. I saw her in a mall 19 years ago and it’s never let go ever since despite our shortcomings. You can say I recognized a blessing at first sight. Our families were very supportive. Our relationship was quite similar to that of our parents, having met each other in their youth as well. They gave us their blessings and supported us whole-heartedly”.

“Bunmi and I met when I was a nobody. I was just 24 trying to discover myself and my goals in life. We have been together since I had just a kobo and now still together as a blessed family. Though their constant display of love and affection towards one another might give the illusion of an all-time rosy love story, that isn’t the reality—and the two never fail to make this known. The duo, blessed with two lovely children, had suffered separation for two years but have obviously emerged stronger, leading a love life that makes them a constant reference point.”

On how the 19 years journey has been, Bolanle, who is a proud father of two, said: “There is no shortcut to anywhere worth going in life and you simply can’t have a destination without a journey. Ours has been a testimony so far. We’ve been through thick and thin but found ourselves and meaning to each other; hence our success as a couple today.”

February 15, 2023
“I will never leave your side”- Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels vows to Ned Nwoko

Veteran Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels, has assured her billionaire husband, Ned Nwoko, of loving him till eternity, singing “I will never leave your side”.

In a romantic video, the actress sat beside her husband and asked him to listen carefully while she sings for him.

She went on to sing the popular song “who’s your guy” by Spyro, while assuring him of her loyalty with the lyrics ‘I will never leave your side’.

While singing that part, she looked at him straight into his eyes and pointed at his face. Her husband’s reaction however made her smile.

Reacting to the video, @sheefell said: “I will marry for money so that my kids will marry for love. Wisdom will kill me??.”

@favourite gurl wrote: “Not me smiling hopelessly. This love sweet abeg.”

@Victoria added: “Love sweet oh abeg who get big zaddy with plenty cash ? ??.”

@Rossy Cassy reacted: “You see he face wen she say na only me walai?.”

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) recalls that the couple had their traditional wedding ceremony on Sunday, May 26, 2019, in Aniocha Local Government Area, Delta State.

The marriage to the former House of Reps member, Ned, no doubt became a thing of public attention.

Even though there is a major age disparity between Regina and her husband, Ned, the two have never been shy to publicly show their affection.

Regina is not one to shy away from social media; hence it was not long before she initiated her husband into the fierce world of celebrities where nothing is hidden.

The politician married the actress as his 6th wife which sparked a conversation about the age gap between them.

Regardless, the lovers are living their best life.

February 15, 2023