Jim Iyke is 'delivered'!

Hmmm......what is this we are hearing? it appears  our “Nollywood Bad Boy” Jim Iyke is turning 'Born Again'! Over the last few days, his tweets have taken a spiritual turn and below are Jim’s “deliverance” photos at Prophet T.B. Joshua‘s Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), reportedly carried out today.....

Making a surprise appearance in The SCOAN, Nollywood superstar Jim Iyke entered quietly and unannounced, joining worshipers from around the world as they listened to the inspiring message from renowned Prophet T.B. Joshua.

As The SCOAN’s Wise Men moved through the congregation in prayer, the lightning of God located Iyke and it is said he was no longer able to control himself. Lunging towards one of the Wise Man as if to attack him, an evil spirit that had been tormenting the life of Jim Iyke manifested! The congregation in the auditorium and the overflow congregations shouted in surprise as they began to witness the deliverance of a man they 'knew'.

Jim Iyke, born James Ikechukwu Esomugha, is currently one of the highest paid actors in the Nigerian movie industry and cultivated the name “Nollywood bad boy” for himself. As one of the most successful actors in Nollywood, he has starred in over 150 films to date. He has launched his own film production unit, “Untamed Productions” and his own music label, “Untamed Records” with his very own album, “Who Am I?” He is also founder of “Jim Iyke Foundation”, contributing funds to children of the less privileged and children with physical challenges.

Among his movie awards are: The Teenage Choice Award, Best Actor In Nigerian Entertainment Award, African Achievement Award, Best Actor of the Year (Mode Men Award 2010), Sexiest Man In Nigeria 2008, Best African Actor (NET Awards).

s in his life, family, health, career and future.

.

Timaya will be live at the 2013 Nigeria Independence celebration in Atlanta, GA/ 27&28th Sept.

The 2013 Official Nigerian Independence Day Celebration. Atlanta, GA.

Nigeria @53

Day 1:
Official Independence Day Celebration.
Friday, September 27th: Queens International
6889 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Norcross. GA
> Ladies in FREE before 11pm!
Music by KING OLA & DJ ECOOL.
Hosted by SEAN J.

Timaya will be Live in The Building!! So you don’t want to miss that!!

–

Day 2:
REPRESENT NAIJA!
Saturday, September 28th: Cream Lounge
3249 Buford Hwy. Atlanta. GA
> Text “PassportATLto 313131 to RSVP!

Music by KING OLA, DJ FULLY FOCUS, DJ MIXMASTERDAVID, DJ DYME & DJ ALPO
Hosted by OSEI THE DARK SECRET.

"Keeping my Man" by Rukky Sanders premiers on Friday...

Actress Rukky Sanda is bubbling as she premieres her new movie ‘Keeping My Man’. She will be having a private dinner-like premiere at Wheatbaker, in Victoria Island (V.I), Lagos on Wednesday 25th September, 2013. Movie cast, celebrities and select guests will be present.

Meanwhile the movie opens in cinema nationwide, Friday, September 27.  Rukky will be leading other actors in the movie including Ramsey Nouah, Ini Edo, Monalisa Chindah, Alex Ekubo and Karen Igho to sign autograph, exchange pleasantries, give gifts to fans at Silverbird Galleria, V.I for an open premiere. 

In 2008, star actress, Rukky Sanda delved into movie production with ‘Lethal Woman’. The movie had mixed reviews. To some, it was a bang while to others it was a nay. Rukky didn’t stop there; she has gone on to produce over six movies.
‘Keeping My Man’ is the story of three women, Rukky, Ini Edo and Monalisa who thrive to keep the spark in their marriages. Zion (Rukky) and Tokunbo (Ramsey Nouah) are the seemingly perfect couple with excessive public display of affection. Maya (Ini Edo) looks up to them while Tamar (Monalisa) is the free-spirited woman who questions roles of African women in marriage. But all in all, nothing is as it seems. 'Keeping My Man’ explores the length couples would go, doing all it takes to keep the bliss years after exchanging marital vows. It is a story of love, deceit, grit and betrayal.

Speaking on her cinema debut, Rukky said she is hoping for the best. ‘Keeping My Man is the story that touches an issue bothering every young woman. You want to get married and keep the spark. You wants him to remain the guy who looks at you and you go weak…, . Every woman wishes to have the same intensity of love at the beginning years after marriage. Is this a possibility? That is one question Keeping My Man seek to answer’ The movie will be one of the comeback movies for leading Nollywood star, Ramsey Nouah who has been scarce in the movie industry.

DJ Switch, 2013 Glo X-Factor winner speaks on single motherhood

In a recent interview with Encomium Weekly, 29-year-old  Glo X-Factor winner, Obianuju Catherine Udeh popularly known as DJ Switch revealed that she has an eight-year-old child, whom she gave birth to three years prior to winning the Star Quest music show as part of the group Da Pulse. She, however, chose to keep the identity of her child’s father private.

When the single mum was asked about her relationship status, she said she is currently in a relationship with a man from the eastern part of Nigeria and they have been at it for three years.

Here is what she told Encomium weekly:

 ”He understands me, I understand him….We don’t pry into each other’s business but we always make out time to see each other.”

Credit: YNaija 

Alex O and Wife welcome new baby...

Alex O, Popular 90's pop star, and his actress/movie producer wife Oby Edozien welcomed a baby boy yesterday Sunday September 22nd 2013. Oby and Alex got married in 2011. Congratulations!

"Genevieve and I are not Lesbian partners", Ella responds

Some soft-sell magazines had before now, reported that Genevieve Nnaji and her Benin Republic actress friend, Ella Martins friend were lesbians and partners in the act.  Ella recently reacted to this, and reviewed to Gossippme blog that such a thing never happened between them. Her words;

"Genevieve is a very good friend of mine...we met way back in 2004 and we have been good friends since then. The story that we are lovers must have come from another female friend of hers. I am saying this because since 2004, there have been no such lesbian stories but suddenly it is coming up.
Towards the end of last year, I came to Nigeria and I stayed with Genevieve. Although we stayed under the same roof, we slept in different rooms...
during my visit that time,we both went to see a friend in a hotel in Lekki and people saw us going in. We later went clubbing that night with the friend and which I think is a normal thing for girls to club if they want to. But that was when the rumors got worse, that we went into the hotel to sleep with each other!!!

She said it’s not the first time the Press would label her a lesbian but she has developed a thick skin and so it doesn't bother her because she knows she is not a lesbian!

 Genevieve and I have known each other since 2004 and she really is a nice person if you get to know her. We talk on phone a lot and we discuss life's issues like normal girls do...she is a wonderful person.I guess it’s because she is a famous person that some undesirable elements want to tarnish her image...and mine too. The Press make things worse too. There was a time I performed with Tony Tetuila and there were rumors after then that we were dating. But I just want to emphasize here that Genevieve and I are not in any form of sexual relationship, we are only good friends".

Be careful what you repeat people....!

Courtesy: Ladun Liadi Blog

Kate Henshaw launches new memoir " The World of an Actress: My Story"

Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw, Yesterday Tuesday 17th September 2013,  launched her memoir – The World of an Actress: My Story at the Agip Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

According to her rep, the autobiography will introduce readers to Kate’s world, from her childhood to the present day.

For the event, Kate rocked a stylish black ensemble. Her sleeveless black leather top and black pencil skirt, was styled with a black belt to accentuate her waist, gold drop earrings, a pink clutch, a gold bracelet, a black strap watch and a multi-coloured pair of heels.

She finished the look with wavy locks, neutral lipstick and pink nail polish and I must say not bad for a lady in her 40's.

Kate’s industry friends including Funke Akindele, Rita Dominic, Joke Silva, Julius Agwu, Ali Babaand Susan Peters were present at the gathering.

Speaking at the event, Kate who has been involved in various charities including Project Women, National Cervical Cancer Protection Council and The Global Initiative for Peace, Love and Care said “I intend to raise the much needed funds to support the charities with the proceeds from the sale of the books. Nollywood has lost many lives since we started , because I am somebody who loves to keep things, I hope with this book, I will take you down from where we are going.”

21 Year Old Nigerian woman wins Muslim world beauty pageant

21 year old University of Lagos student Obabiyi Aisha Ajibola, beat 19 other beauty hopefuls to emerge Muslimah Queen 2013. Ajibola won the exclusive beauty pageant for Muslim women which took place today Wednesday September 18th in Jakarta, Indonesia. She received 25 million rupiah ($2,200) and trips to Mecca and India as prizes.

The contestants were all required to wear headscarves, covered from head to foot. They were judged on their looks, how well they recited Koranic verses and their views on Islam in the modern world, in front of an audience of mainly religious scholars and devout Muslims

This pageant was actually staged as a retort to the Miss World pageant holding in the same country. The organizers said they wanted to create an awareness within the muslim female community that there is a better form of beauty than the one being portrayed by the Miss World. They said the pageant is Islam's answer to the glamorous Miss World Pageant. Congrats to her!

2013 Exquisite Lady of the Year Awards- Nominations

The nominees for the 5th edition of the Exquisite Lady of the Year Awards (ELOY) has been announced.

The awards show which kicked off in 2009 was launched by the Exquisite Magazine led by its publisherTewa Onasanya.

The awards show is scheduled to take place on Sunday 17th November 2013 at the Red Carpet Events Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

It promises to be a fun. See who made the list this year and vote for your favourite.

According to the ELOY Team, the criteria for the awards focus on the character of the individual, her ability, achievements and how her work impacts the Nigerian society, through direct and indirect leadership, service, commitment, achievement, integrity and character.

The 2013 Exquisite Lady of the Year Awards (ELOY) Categories

Film Actress of the Year

• Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha (On Bended Knees)
• Ini Edo (Weekend Getaway)
• Damilola Adegbite (Flower Girl)
• Kate Henshaw (The Assassin’s Practice)
• Rita Dominic (The Meeting)
• Tonto Dikeh (My Life, My Damage)
• Linda Ejiofor (The Meeting)
• Beverly Naya (Weekend Getaway)
• Eku Edewor (Flower Girl)
• Ireti Doyle (Torn)
• Keira Hewatch (Murder at Prime Suites)
• Jackie Appiah (Cheaters)

Fashion Designer of the Year

• Vonne Couture
• Elegante by Tiannah Stylling
• Maki Oh
• Revamp
• Moofa
• Ella & Gabby
• Mademoiselle Aglaia

Female Movie Producer of the Year

• Uduak Oguamanam (Desperate House Girl)
• Uche Jombo Rodriguez (Lies Men Tell)
• Michelle Bello (Flower Girl)
• Rita Dominic and Mildred Okwo (The Meeting)
• Emem Isong (Mrs Somebody)
• Blessing Effiom Egbe (Lekki Wives)

Ladies In PR and Management

• Bukky Kabiri-Whyte, The Bobby Taylor Company
• Joy Isi Bewaji, PRofound
• Ono Bello, PR Uno
• Wunmi Bakare, World Business Public Relations
• Oma Areh, WildFlower PR
• Tayo Afolabi, World PR,
• Bidemi Zakariyau, Le Style Fusion
• Moriam Musa, Morsi PR
• Bola Aduwo, Dream Flite PR
• Serah Donald, Sarah Donald PR and Management

Female On Air Personality of the Year

• Lolo, Wazobia
• Uche, Top Radio
• Temi, Cool FM
• Khadijah, Top Radio
• Omalicha, Rhythm FM
• Titi Oyinsan, Inspiration FM
• Maria Okanrende, Beat FM
• Fade Ogunro, Beat FM
• Joyce, Beat FM
• Gloria, Inspiration FM
• Toke Makinwa, Rhythm FM
• Mercy, Cool FM
• Tolu Adeleru-Balogun, Nigeria Info

Female Promising Artiste

• Pryse
• Victoria Kimani
• Chidinma
• Seyi Shay
• Emma Nyra
• Temi Dollface
• Lola Rae
• Ms. Jaie
• Ruby
• Yemi Alade

Stylist of the Year

• Toyin Lawani
• Bola Animashaun
• Zed Eye
• Ezinne Chinkata
• Yolande Okereke
• Veronica Ebie-Odeka
• Lucy Phil-Ebosie

Brand Ambassador of the Year

• Tiwa Savage – Pepsi
• Omawumi – Mortein
• Kate Henshaw – Samsung
• Waje – Glo
• Toolz – SNAPP
• Adora Oleh – SNAPP
• Dolapo Oni – SNAPP
• Yvonne Nelson – Zaron
• Stephanie Linus – So Clean
• Funke Akindele – Vitafoam

Beauty Brand

• Zaron
• Sleek
• House of TARA
• BM|Pro
• Lise
• MUD (Make-Up Designory)
• Natures Gentle Touch
• black|Up

TV Presenter of the Year

• Dolapo Oni (Moments with Mo, Ebony Life TV)
• Eku Edewor (53 Extra, Africa Magic)
• Zainab Balogun (Ebony Life TV Now and The Spot, TVC)
• Lamide (The Spot, TVC)
• Layole Oyatogun (Page 3, STV)
• Morayo Afolabi-Brown (Your View, TVC)
• Yeni Kuti (Your View, TVC)
• Helen Paul (Jara, M-Net Africa Magic)
• Tope Mark-Odigie (Your View, TVC)
• Ini Thompson (Travel Show, Channels)
• Esther Ugbodaga (Business Morning Daily, Channels)
• Olaide Alabi (Your View, TVC)
• Sanzy Eke (Your View, TVC)
• Labi Olayorin (Entertainment Splash, TVC)
• Maupe Ogun (Sunrise Daily, Channels)
• Temitope Fagbemi (The World Today, Channels)

Promising Female Blogger /Online Editor of the Year

• Ladunliadi.blogspot.com
• Olorisupergal.blogspot.com
• Neks2u.blogspot.com
• That1960chick.com
• Styljunki.com
• Onobello.com
• Laizalounge.com
• Thirdworldprofashional.com
• misspetitenigeria.blogpsot.com

Make-up Artist of the Year

• Joyce Jacob (Joyce Jacob Beauty)
• Editi Udofot (Edee Beau)
• Elaine Shobanjo (ShoMaya)
• Dolapo Olafidiya (Pweety Perfect Makeovers)
• Pamela Adigwe (Facesetters)
• Ololade Fanimokun (Facetalk)
• Mariam Obaz (Prettylooks)
• Erica Arubayi (Labelle)

Female Friendly Company of the Year – To be chose by Exquisite

Food Manufacturing Company of the Year

• Dangote Foods
• Golden Penny
• Indomie
• Ayoola
• Honeywell
• Bua

Female Accessory Designer of the Year

• Dot
• Etta Rose
• Mak Nisy
• Obuke Accessories
• Emi Sara
• Mona Mathews
• Zashadu
• Ariaba
• Madame Coquette
• Tote
• Joel Lani

Female Retailer of the Year

• Mango
• Max
• WoolWorth
• Mr Price

Household Goods Manufacturing Brand of the Year

• Samsung
• Scanfrost
• LG
• Panasonic
• Haier Thermocool
• Chigo
• Chico

Recognition Awards - To be decided by the ELOY Board

To vote, text “ELOY” followed by “Nominee” to 35070 or email “Nominee” to eloy@exquisitemag.com

Media partners include Encomium, BellaNaija, WoldPR, Maestro’s Media, MorsiPR, Cool FM, Wazobia FM, Genesis Deluxe Cinemas and Nigeria Info

Credit: BellaNaija

Naija Celeb gist....

The Syndik8 Records‘ crew is out in New York shooting videos... We hear Lynxxx and Nedu are cracking up on the streets of NY.

Rising starlet, Beverly Naya, The young British-accented Nigerian actress has been out in Atlanta on the set of her new movie.

Ice Prince we also hear, is in New York.The BET Award winner, who is slated to drop his “Fire Of Zamani” album this month has shot   the visuals for his new single, “I Swear” featuring American Rapper French Montana in a video directed by JR Saint.

Back here in Nigeria, Nollywood sweetheart, Monalisa Chinda just turned a year older. She celebrated her big day with a nice quiet soiree that was attended by the likes of Ene Lawani, Kate Henshaw, Segun Arinze , Joseph Benjamin and others.

In other news, D’Banj, the main man, was rocking a pair of Buscemi 100MM Mid-Top sneakers to the Nokia Lumia party in Lagos. The Birkin-bag inspired sneakers are priced at a whopping $785 and include such luxurious materials as Italian tumbled leather, calfskin lining and 18k Gold plated hardware.

See the effervescent Eva Alordiah looking absolutely fabulous in some traditional wear. Guess she's tapping into her more feminine African woman side from Low cuts, to half hair and now....Mama Africa! ride on!

First it was her birthday celebration last week, Now Waje is Amongst Kings... Oba Erediauwa, Prince Omoregbe Erediauwa and wife of Oba all welcomed Waje in a recent trip to Benin where we hear she was blessed and presented with presents.

MBGN Anna Ebiere roots for the Miss World Crown in Jarkarta, Indonesia while having a bit of fun!

Our Lovely Most beautiful Girl in Nigeria, Anna Ebiere, is in jakarta Indonesia where the 2013 edition of the Miss World contest will be holding.....

the MBGN is getting set to “battle” with over 131 beauty queens for the coveted Miss World Crown at the grand finale which will be on Saturday 28th September 2013

The 18 year old beauty has been busy mingling and catching up on scheduled events.

From basking in the sun to a competitive sports challenge, from dinning at a luxe restaurant to feeding animals, BN Beauty has got you covered with all the action from Jakarta.

Photos after the cut. Girl, You really stand out! Make us proud!

DearArtiste BestOfLagos calls for Nominations! support your Star!

The #DearArtiste #BestOfLagos concert is an opportunity created by #DearArtiste and NTYCE LAGOS , to showcase young talented musicians and provide a regular platform where they can be noticed.

Performance at the #DearArtiste #BestOfLagos concert is live, with the young artistes on stage displaying their abilities to deliver an entertaining set with a live band.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE!

Prospective Artistes must be nominated by their fans via twitter, eg: #BestOfLagos – @(artiste’s handle) cc @DearArtiste. The more nominations you get, the more your chances of being considered.

10 Artistes who get through the nomination process will have their songs put through a voting process on www.dearartiste.com. and five (5) performers will be selected!

so get your fans and start tweeting now!!

For inquiries follow @Dearartiste @4LaH, @BlackVoltaire and @Dxsnipe

Funke "Jenifa" Akindele toLaunch new perfume line....

Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele popularly known as Jenifa is going into a new line of business as she is  set to launch her new perfume line called ‘Jenifa perfume’ she follows in the line of other entertainers who have turned some of their brands  into household names.

 the date for the launch is yet to be released but we have a sneak peak of her perfume.

Here is what the perfume is supposed to look like :

Wha'ddya think?

Yemi Sax and Wife welcome baby

Welcome to the world, little Master Sax!

Congratulations to Nigerian saxophonist Yemi Sax and his wife Shotalayo Adeosun. This morning, the couple welcomed their first child – a baby boy.

We hear the bouncing baby was delivered at 12:50 AM. at St. Georges Hospital, Lekki, Lagos.

The doting dad also went on Twitter to share the good news. He tweeted; “The happiest day of my life. Biggy Biggy bouncing baby boy for me. Thank u my wife and thank u the creator of heaven and earth.”\

See below cute photo of the baby:

Iyanya hangs out with R-Kelly

Nigerian stars are sure mixing up in the international circles these days; We had Psquare rubbing shoulders with Rick Ross to D’banj and Kanye West and others.

Now, Kukere master, Iyanya  was recently spotted with R.Kelly. The king of R&B and the king of ‘Etighi’ met at a club in Atlanta, USA yesterday night during a party.

Pictured with them is popular Lagos-based business man Ahmed Ohwubetin.

Nigeria Entertainment Awards 2013 - List of winners

Yesterday Sunday 1st September 2013, the 8th annual Nigeria Entertainment Awards took place at the NYU Skirball Center for Performing Arts, New York City, USA.

The show was hosted by comedian Basketmouth. It kicked off with a performance by Mish and the Calabar dancers.

Artistes who performed on stage include Iyanya, Emma Nyra, Niyola, Phyno, Ajebutter 22, Dammy Krane and Sean Tizzle.

Taking home some of biggest nods were Rita Dominic for best actress in a film, Olamide’s YBNL for album of the year, Iyanya‘s Kukere for hottest single of the year and Ice Prince for best rap act.

Phyno and Olamide closed the show with their hit song “Ghostmode”, which took home the award for best collaboration.

Below is the full list of winners:

Best Album of the Year
YBNL – Olamide

Hottest Single of the Year
Kukere – Iyanya

Best New Act of the Year
Burna Boy

Gospel Artist/Group of the Year
Sammy Okposo

Best Pop/R&B Artist of the Year
Davido

Best Rap Act of the Year
Ice Prince

Music Producer of the Year
Spellz

Music Video of the Year
Ghetto – Shank (Patrick Ellis)

Most Promising Male Act to Watch
Endia

Most Promising Female Act to Watch
Emma Nyra

Eastern African Artiste or Group of the Year
Navio

Western Afrian Artiste or Group of the Year
Sarkodie

Southern African Artist or Group of the Year
Zahara

Best International Artiste
JJC Skillz

Best Indigenous Artiste/Group
Olamide

Best Collaboration 
Ghost Mode – Phyno Feat. Olamide

Best Lead Actor in acFilm
OC Ukeje (Alan Poza)

Best Lead Actress in a Film
Rita Dominic (The Meeting)

Best Supporting Actor in a Film
Ali Nuhu (Blood and Henna)

Best Supporting Actress in a Film
Tunde Aladese (Confusion Na Wa)

Best Film Director
Tunde Kelani (Maami)

Best Picture (Film Producer)
Last Flight to Abuja (Obi Emelonye)

Best TV Show
Big Brother Africa

Best Pan African Actor
John Dumelo (Letters to My Mother)

Best Pan African Actress
Nadia Buari (Single & Married)

Best World DJ
DJ Bayo (UK)

Best Comedian
Basketmouth

Best Entertainment Promoter
Coko Bar

Best Radio/TV Personality
Freeze of CoolFM

Best TV Personality 
Labi Layori

Best Entertainment Blog
NotJustOk

Best Radio/TV Personality
Freeze of CoolFM

Best TV Personality 
Labi Layori

Best Entertainment Blog
NotJustOk

Courtesy: BellaNaija

Waje celebrates birthday.....

Nigerian songstress, Waje celebrated her birthday yesterday night at Sailor’s in Lekki, Lagos. The party had in attendance her close friends, music industry colleagues and many more.

Notable guests were Omawumi, Tiwa Savage, Sasha, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Toke Makinwa, Kaffy, Mai Ataifo and Noble Igwe.

More pics after the cut...