New Film, New Controversy

One movie that is presently attracting lots of attention on social media sites is the latest work of Blessing Effiom, Nollywood script writer, actress and producer titled: Two Brides And A Baby slated for release any time soon.

This is as a result of the alleged uncanny resemblance between the movie’s story line and the fate of Mercy Johnson recently. Johnson weathered bad publicity shortly before her marriage ceremony was held following the emergence of a woman named Lovely Okojie, who claimed to be legally married to Prince Odianosen, Johnson’s husband. Moreover, Keche, the female lead role played by Keira Hewatch, bear a strong resemblance to Johnson. This led many people to conclude that Effiom cashed in on the Johnson’s story to reap rewards.

Some even argue that it could have even been Johnson who surreptitiously decided to make a movie out of the situation in order to state her side of the issue.

 However, Effiom has come out to disprove the theories. “This story has nothing to do with Mercy Johnson. I wrote Two Brides And A Baby long before we heard about her plans to wed. Besides, I started working on the story and we started actual pre-production work six months ago and Mercy’s wedding took place just two months ago,” she said. Rather, she created a plot to tell the story of the sad truth that occurs everyday. “People are hurt everyday by the betrayal of their spouses or lovers and some fragile women have committed suicide in the process. I wanted that man, that woman, to see what emotional torture goes on behind the scene when such drama happens. As a filmmaker, my contribution to the society is that of advocating for change through my work,” she said.

The movie stars U.C. Ukeje, Keira Hewatch, Kalu Ikeagwu and Stella Damasus in lead roles while the plot centres on an about-to-wed couple who struggle to cut through a web of misfortune that they encountered few hours to the wedding.

Tonto Dike’s $2,000 Tatoo

Tonto Dike,  nolly-wood  actress, is  not new to controversy. The Ikwerre-born lady has had to contend with allegations of chain-smoking to disturb others on set, fighting with Van Vicker, a Ghanaian actor, on location.

Now, she is in the news again, but this time, for a mammoth tattoo she engraved on her entire back while in the US for the tour of Damage, a movie produced by Uche Jombo, another Nollywood actor. She had left the shores of this country earlier in October for the United States for that purpose but decided to make good use of that opportunity to decorate her body. She stopped over at a massage parlour to get this excruciatingly painful body imprint. The massive tattoo cost not less than $2,000.

Dike seems to be in love with tattoos. Sometimes ago, it was reported that she had 57 tattoos on her body including another big one on her tummy. Since she posted this latest picture however, it has been generating comments from her friends on twitter and other social networking sites online.

Dike joined the acting league in 2006, after emerging as the first runner-up in the Next Movie Star reality television show. Since then, she has featured in more than 50 movies.

Aiyeola Set to Return

 To TV Acting
For many years, Opeyemi Aiyeola reigned as the undisputed queen of the Yoruba-speaking arm of Nollywood. Hardly would a movie be released without her face prominently adorning the movie jackets as the lead actor. Later, she disappeared from acting circles after her marriage to Olayiwola Owolomose, a lawyer and UK-based businessman in 2007, after which she relocated to London, to live with her husband and raise a family. Aiyeola is happy her wish has been fulfilled as she is now blessed with Samuel Eriminuoluwa and David Oluwasemilore, two sons within three years.
After successfully having them, she is now relishing a return to the screen. “I have taken my time off work, off social life for family. God has been faithful, so it’s time I got back on the work track, take care of my kids, my husband and also build a life for myself in the United Kingdom as well. Now, I want to move on and plan my life very well,” she said. Even though it has been long since she stepped aside from acting and so many other young and beautiful actors have emerged, Aiyeola is unfazed because everyone has got his or her place in the world. My place can’t be taken by anyone.”  As a part of that, the proud mother of two also has a project that she is working on. “I’m still keeping it under wraps for now. But, very soon, I will roll it out,” she said.
Also, her fans in the country should be ready to get glimpses of her from time to time as Aiyeola also plans coming back to Nigeria to build a life for herself here also.

Banky W’s Big Date With Channel O
More good news are certainly coming from Banky W’s quarters. The artiste, born Bankole Wellington, has recently been announced as a co-host of the 2011 Channel O Music awards billed to take place in South Africa. The guy is proud of this achievement. “It is truly a great honour for me to be chosen as this year’s host. Channel O has been one of the greatest platforms for African artistes over the years, and the award show is always a spectacular event; the show has a history of raising the bar and setting the standard for events on our continent, he said, adding, “I’m so proud to be a part of it. I’m very excited about the opportunity, and I hope and pray that I do a great job as anchor. I plan on working with the team to ensure that this year’s show is the biggest and best celebration of African music that we’ve had to date… Let’s go!” says a happy Banky W. Winners are always selected by votes from online voters or via short messaging service, SMS. Voting for this year’s edition ended, Friday, October 28.
Banky W. will co-host the event alongside Dineo Moeketsi, a South African actress, television presenter and voice over artiste live from the Sandton Convention Centre on Friday, November 11. Banky W and the South African O-Access are billed to bring glamour and excitement to the event.
Banky W. is a singer, songwriter, producer, enter-tainer, master of ceremony, entrepreneure and philan-thropist whose appearance in this year on L-Tido’s hit song   It Aint My Fault has significantly broadened his appeal across the African continent.
From his first record, “Undeniable: The EP to 2005’s R&B and soul-heavy ‘Back in the Buildin,’ and 2009’s  The W Experience,’ Banky W has proved his musical genius. He also co-owns Empire Mates Entertainment, EME, one of Africa’s fastest-rising record labels, overseeing the careers of young and talented Nigerian artists like WizKid and Skales.