Nigeria’s Ayobami ‘AY’ Makun and Omoni Oboli will make their debut in a Hollywood animation film, “Elliott: The Littlest Reindeer”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that though the characters AY and Oboli would voiced in the film scheduled to premiere on Dec. 14, remain unknown.
The Christmas-themed film also features Hunger Games star, Josh Hutcherson, Dead pool actress, Morena Baccarin, Jeff Dunham, Martin Short and John Cleese.
The animation follows Blitzen- one of Santa’s sleigh pulling reindeers- announcing his retirement on December 21, giving a miniature horse three days to fulfil his lifelong dream.
The horse has to earn a spot on Santa’s sleigh during the North Pole try-outs in time for Christmas Eve; Elliott and his friend Hazel set out to prove that no dream is too big if you believe in yourself.
NAN reports that AY, who is also a veteran comedian, earned a Guinness World Record recognition for his 2018 film, ‘30 Days in Atlanta’ as the highest grossing film in the territories of Hollywood and Bollywood.
Similarly, Omoni is a seasoned actress and filmmaker, uses films such as ‘Wives on Strike’ and its sequel to address societal issues.
Nigerian actress, filmmaker and latest author in town, Omoni Oboli, turned forty yesterday . The philanthropic role interpreter spent her day with the children of Makoko by launching her feeding outreach, Sister Lizzy’s Kitchen.
Sister Lizzy’s Kitchen is an Omoni Oboli Foundation initiative in memory of her late mum which aims to feed 500 children every week.
In the same vein, the role interpreter also unveiled her book yesterday to mark the occasion of her 40th birthday. The book is titled ”The Stars Are Ageless”.
According to Oboli: “You can now add author to my name!!!Been working on this baby for a while and she’s finally here! Thank you Lord! 40 sure looks good on me!”
Nigerian celebrities have continued to react to the gruesome murder of singer, Zainab Ali-Nielsen, popularly known as Alizee.
Omoni Oboli, a Nollywood actress has urged women facing domestic violence to flee the marriage and runaway with their children as nobody is worth dying for. Oboli stated that marriage is not the only great achievement in life.
TheNewsGuru recalls that Alizee and her daughter, Petra, were allegedly murdered in their Banana Island, Lagos home by her Danish husband, Nielsen.
In an interview session, Madaki Gift who is the younger sister of the deceased confirmed that she heard the casualty screaming for help before she was killed.
The audio of the interview which was exclusively obtained by TheNewsGuru.com reveals that, there was no obvious altercation between Alizee and her husband before the killing took place, as she reportedly served him dinner before they went to bed.
Oboli in her reaction to Alizee’s death wrote: “I’m so heartbroken! What a waste! Why the innocent baby girl as well? I’m sick to my stomach! I decided I had to make #WivesOn Strike THEREVOLUTION because I was sick and tired of hearing about domestic violence. I used the tool I had, my voice which is film to shed light on a very scary topic! I followed closely a case early last year and this is what I told the victim who thankfully, narrowly escaped with her life. ‘My dear, marriage is great I know, I’m in it but it’s not the only great thing in life.
“Life has plenty purpose outside of marriage. Once there’s any form of violence (and I’m speaking for both male and female) run for your life! Forget about what people will say! You can only hear them if you are alive. Believe me, no marriage is worth dying for and nobody is indispensable! Don’t listen to society! Flee!!! If you have kids, take your kids and run!!! Do not ‘stay for the kids’! Even if you survive, they will grow up to hate you for it! Don’t teach the next generation by your actions or inactions that domestic violence should be condoned or tolerated!’
” Marriage nor be by force abeg! If you can’t stand the heat, leave the kitchen! If you can’t stand someone anymore or they offended you, leave them before you will say devil pushed you to kill them!
“See my brother, my sister, run!! We’ve gotten many messages from people who were touched by our movie and who now have the courage to speak up and seek help. Please don’t die in silence. Talk! Shout! Cry!
“I don’t know what happened in this case but if this man truly murdered this beautiful woman, his wife and his own child may God and the law take its full course! We are watching!
Omoni Oboli by AVE’s is a ready-to-wear or prêt-à-porter brand. The pieces are designed to sell off-the-rack. Standard sizes are sold in finished conditions, distinguishing the brand from made to measure or bespoke clothing tailored to a fit a particular body frame.
The focus of the brand is simple everyday cuts and styles that are trendy and easy to wear. The collection features bold floral prints, loose fits and a few tapered trousers.
In collaboration with the fashion expert, Ayo Elizabeth Olaogun, the creative director of Ayo Van
Elmar (AVE), who has gained several years of experience in the fashion industry, and has a fashion education background from the University of Applied Arts in Vienna, the brand launched in June 2017. Just released her third collection modelled by Sharon Ojong, the fashionista who has built an impeccable repute in creative communications and brand consultancy,
Omoni Oboli by AVE conveys the message that her fashion line is for women of all sizes and shapes. Supporting Nigerian businesses and thus growing the Naira, each piece is proudly made in Nigeria, and fabrics are sourced locally too. The brand believes that looking forever young and effortlessly chic doesn’t always cost a fortune.
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.
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.
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
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.
AYO MAKUN
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.
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
Nollywood actress, Omoni Oboli is crowning the year with a bang with her second installment of one of Nollywood’s highest grossing movie, Wives on Strike. The movie titled ‘Wives on Strike: The Revolution’ is now showing across cinemas Nationwide.
Wives on Strike: The Revolution is a family movie which follows the chronicles of the women’s fight against domestic violence, after one of them was beaten to death by her husband. This leads to yet another strike by the women against their husbands, forcing their hands to stand up for what is right.
The movie addresses domestic violence in such a way that you will laugh but be left clear headed that it is our collective responsibilities to stand against domestic violence.
Speaking with the writer, producer and director of the movie, Omoni Oboli, she said; “I am excited about this movie in such a way that I can’t wait to start getting feedbacks. This is a movie that addresses a very sensitive issue in a way that everyone can relate to. This is very dear to my heart; I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did making it.”
The movie stars talented actors like; Ufuoma McDermott, Uche Jombo, Kenneth Okonkwo, Julius Agwu, Chioma Akpotha, Omoni Oboli, Toyin Abraham, Chigurl, Simply saka, Odunlade Adekola, Sola Sobowale, Elvina Ibru, and others.
‘Wives on Strike: The Revolution’ is now showing in every cinemas across the Nation and also at Silverbird Cinemas, Liberia for lovers of Nollywood in the Country.
Sensational Nollywood role interpreter, Omoni Oboli escaped a fire outbreak in her home earlier today. The filmmaker took to her Instagram page to recount how the air conditioning unit in her room caught fire and spread to other parts of her room.
Recounting her testimony, she said: “This God is too good! Magnify the Lord with me my people! Still shook but I’m constantly in awe of my King! God loves me. Nobody can tell me otherwise!
“Since after the series of incidences that happened earlier in the year, I sometimes have panic attacks so my darling ever dependable @tomesadeoye abandoned her room and has been sleeping in mine. I’ve been nursing a very bad cold for days so I took night nurse to enable sleep.
Power went off at some point in the night and Tomi who usually can sleep in heat, got uncomfortable and couldn’t sleep. I on the other hand didn’t notice because I was in a drug induced sleep.
“Around 5am, power came back on and Tomi happily fell asleep. She hadn’t slept for long when she started perceiving something, she opened her eyes to see the AC engulfed in flames. She screamed at me to wake up. I saw the flames and screamed ‘The blood of Jesus’. Ran into the bathroom to get water but I didn’t think I was fast enough, so I abandoned it cos I realized the AC is right by the door and if it gets any worse, I wouldn’t be able to leave the room.
“I told Tomi to call the editor (I have an editing suite in my home and we are editing WOS so the editor moved in) she screamed his name and he came rushing upstairs. We all ran downstairs to get the fire extinguisher, couldn’t operate it and proceeded to turn off electricity from the circuit breaker. Tomi went back up and screamed that the fire was a lot worse.
“Idris (the editor) and Paul (my gateman) started carrying buckets of water and soap upstairs. By this time, they couldn’t even get into the room because the fire was too much. They started pouring water from the door.
I want to say that we definitely had angelic assistance because in less than 10 mins, they put out an electrical fire with water and soap! I know God sent His angels ?? ?
“God has been too good to me this year! I’m so unworthy of His grace upon my life. I’m so unfaithful yet He remains faithful! I bow before your majesty my Father. All that I am, all I will ever be, I give to you Lord. Thank God for our lives. If we had woken up just 3 minutes after we did, we would not have been able to leave the room. #ChildOfGrace”
When you think of women who are blossoming in Nollywood, you cannot ignore Omoni Oboli. Omoni’s first ever movie was premiered in Aso Rock, since then she has been taking giant strides in the pursuit of her passion.
The actress who recently premiered her movie, My Wife and I has revealed why she would take up a sex scene in a movie.
According to her:” I will act a sex scene If you are not showing my body. There are artistic ways to shoot a sex scene. I have shot sex scenes in my own movies without showing body parts, but you knew what was going on. If you are not going to see body parts I will do it, but If you will see body parts, I won’t” she said in a chat with journalists.
When asked what is it like kissing in a movie, she said:” Kissing in a movie for me is just part of the job, so it’s not about best kiss or not. It’s just part of the job, you kiss the person and then you move on”.
The acclaimed filmmaker also said she gets movie ideas from the things that happens around her.
According to her:” I get movie ideas from the things around me. A lot of things that has happened to me find their way into my movies. Things that has happened ten years ago, twenty years ago”.
Svelte actress and filmmaker, Omoni Oboli has revealed that she cannot kiss an actor with mouth odour. The Okafor’s Law actress known for her brilliant role interpretations, said she is particular about fresh breath.
In her words: ”No o, I won’t kiss him o! Everybody knows that I am very particular about kissing scenes. So before we begin, I always say you need to find out if the actor’s breath is fresh”.
She further added that If the actor were to be someone she is comfortable with, she will give him mint
“If the actor is someone I am comfortable with, like Ramsey, Desmond Elliot or someone else, I prefer to give them mint, and tell them, young man, let’s help ourselves.We both don’t want to be smelling each other’s breaths. I always make sure that their breath is fresh, we would both freshen our breaths because I will not want to offend anyone, if you know what I mean”.
Omoni began her formal movie career with her first movie role in Bitter Encounter, in 1996, where she played a secretary. She then went on to play the lead female character in three major movies; Not My Will, Destined To Die and Another Campus Tale. After enjoying a brief career in 1996, Omoni left the movie industry to complete her university education. She got married immediately after school and didn’t return to the industry until a decade later. She has several notable screenplays to her credit, including her film: Wives On Strike as well as; The Rivals, a movie she co-produced with her friend, won the prize for Best International Drama at the New York International Independent Film & Video Festival.
Nollywood actress, Omoni Oboli is yet to recover from the death of her dad. The revered filmmaker has stated that the experience was one of the worst experiences of her life.
According to her:” I received the news of my dad very badly. I got a call that he had been in an accident. I then spoke to him when he became conscious. He assured me that he was okay, but I got another call a few hours later that he had passed on. It’s definitely one of the worst experiences of my life. I don’t know if I’ll ever get over it”
When asked If former Nigerian President , Goodluck Jonathan has contributed to the growth of her career, she said:” Being Mrs. Elliott was my directorial debut, and I had applied to show the movie to the president and he obliged. Anything that gives you publicity for your movies prior to the cinema release is definitely always welcome by any serious filmmaker. It was a great honour and a beautiful boost to my career as a filmmaker. To launch out that way was definitely the very thing I needed then and I’m thankful for it”
Omoni began her formal movie career with her first movie role in Bitter Encounter, in 1996, where she played a secretary. Her next was Shame. She then went on to play the lead female character in three major movies; Not My Will, Destined To Die and Another Campus Tale. After enjoying a brief career in 1996, Omoni left the movie industry to complete her university education. She got married immediately after school and didn’t return to the industry until a decade later.
