AfroPulp - October issue

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OCTOBER ISSUE

GOSSIP | INTERVIEWS | MOVIES | MUSIC

OMOSEXY RELEASES 2ND ALBUM!

Nadia Roma Buari’s H ntic Af ot fair

M3 n For sa, Wa MO nlo BO v, Ti Aw nny ard

ible r r e t in ent! G y r Ter or accid mot

Gha Nigena can’t rian ban acto rs d!

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Content Contents AfroGassip

Terry G In Terrible Motor Accident! Nadia Buari’s Hot Romantic Affair With Dede Ayew Asamoah “BabyJet” Gyan To Play His First Match For Sunderland Today What Could have Been “Behind” Michael Essien’s Long Injury Games Men Play: Ghanaian Actor MAJID MICHEL Lied!

AfroFashion

Kfa And Adu Rocks ‘N’kya is a womenswear label

AfroMusic

Tinchy Stryder Teams Up With Jay-Z M3nsa, Wanlov, Tinny For MOBO Award Congrats! Black Is Africa’s Best Disc Jockey Reader’s Mail, New Music: Sway Feat Gyedu-Blay Ambolley“Shepherds Pie Ayigbe Edem New Single Is Out! Listen & Download It Here Sala! New Promising Talent From Paradise Entertainment Akesifour Comes Back With New Album ‘Magic’

AfroMovie

TRINITY MOVIE SUMMARY Sinking Sands A Sting in a Tale Ghana can’t ban Nigerian actors, we’re important to them

From the Editor I am absolutely and utterly delightfed to be part of the very first issue of AfroPulp. This mark’s a new perspective of presenting entertainment news and information within the African community. AfroPulp will collate Gossips popping up on blogs and websites around the world, do interviews with Celebrities, review new releases of Music and Movies. I must stress that Afropulp is a light read for few of us who for one reason or the other cannot keep up with “filla” (rumour). Afropulp has deicide to bring this *filla to you at absolutely no cost and we are committed to providing our new readers with a broard coverage of timely and useful showbiz news. We will sincerely appreciate the continued support of contributors and reader alike. On behalf of the editorial board I would like to recognise and thank the contributors of www.ghanacelebrities.com, www.africanmoviereviews.com, www.modernghana.com, www.nigeriafilms.com, www.nollywooduncut.com, maestromedia. blogspot.com and any one who has not been mentioned but has help Afropulp lift off. Enjoy ! Alan - Tee Jnr

To advertise/contribute in future issues contact on

07943 887 884 /info@afropulp.com

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AfroGossip Terry G In Terrible Motor Accident!

The singer-producer was on his way home, after hanging out with friends in Ikeja, Lagos, when he ran into the road

Nadia Buari’s Hot Romantic Affair With Dede Ayew The hottest rumour currently making rounds in entertainment circles is that Nadia Buari, a movie-goddess of immaculate beauty, is in a love relationship with Ghanaian international footballer André Dede Ayew.

demarcation around Chemiron, close to Sunday Market, in Ogba. An eye witness tells us Terry was the one driving, and he was in the car with friends. ‘The car is gone’ our source says. ‘And Terry is in the hospital responding to treatment’. No word yet on where he’s being treated. His mobile phone is off, his BlackBerry inactive. And although his manager assures us ‘everything is under control’; we have cause to worry because he is either unwilling to offer details on the singer’s whereabouts, or he just doesn’t have the details. Two members of House of Ginjah who were riding with him are also believed to be undergoing treatment. The car- A Toyota Camry – is now lying at the office of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

Nneka On CNN Again, Twice In Just 3 Months

She has been spotted wearing this sparkling ring at a number of official programs and now Dede is said to be the one who gave her the ring and that the two would soon get married. “It’s my little secret. I’m not sharing that…,” was all Nadia Buari told myjoyonline when she was questioned about her new sparkling ring on her ring finger at an event. NEWS-ONE checks have revealed that though both Nadia and Dede are Muslims, she is about seven years older than him.

Asamoah “BabyJet” Gyan has proved worth Sunderland

September 8th, 2010 | By Gossipa The first time Nneka was featured on CNN somewhere in July on African Voices, some people thought it was just a random pick and her luck brought her there. I thought otherwise and knew it was her talent which got her there. Nneka has been featured (interview) again on CNN , giving her two appearances within just 3 months. In the interview, the talented Nigerian singer throws light on growing up in the rough Niger Delta area of Nigeria, living in Europe (Germany) and her music. Nneka is scheduled to soon join rapper Nas and Damian Marley on their Distant Relatives

Ghanaian International Asamoah “BabyJet” Gyan who signed a 4year deal with Sunderland for 13 million pounds about a week ago is set to play his first match today for his new club. The young striker “cum” musician will be featured today against Wigan Athletic at 3pm. All eyes will be on Asamoah Gyan as he is the highest bought player since the inception of Sunderland FC. No one pays millions and expect a minimal performance. Let’s wish Asamoah Gyan Good Luck at Sunderland, more goals to his legs and then we will have more dance to enjoy….

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AfroGossip Michael Essien’s is on Fire IEssien struck either side of a bizarre Salomon Kalou goal to maintain Chelsea’s immaculate record, easing past the Hammers without the injured Frank Lampard. Without the prolific midfielder – currently sidelined after undergoing a hernia operation – Essien was given license to roam forward behind the three pronged Chelsea spearhead and made an instant impact, rising unmarked in the box to head home a Didier Drogba corner.

finish and more then deserved his second, highlighting his potential as a long term successor to the ageing and perhaps deteriorating Lampard. Sleek interlinking across the Chelsea midfield resulted in a cross from Paulo Ferreira meeting the head of the unequalled Essien as he put the final gloss on a magnificent individual performance.

Tottenham are poised to add Champions League winner Sulley Muntari to their ranks before Tuesday’s transfer deadline. The Ghanaian midfielder has fallen down the pecking order at Inter Milan since the arrival of Rafa Benitez and the club have welcomed any interest in him. Inter know they are unlikely to recoup anywhere near that initial fee as they understand the 26-year-old’s status as a fringe player may drive the price down. They would likely accept a bid of around a third of that.

The early breakthrough set the tone for the remaining 88 minutes of football but the Blues never really got out of second gear. Ramires, making his full debut for the Stamford Bridge unit was largely a spectator as an efficient, if unspectacular Chelsea left ex-coach Avram Grant rooted to the foot of the table. Essien though, was different class. The Ghanaian bossed the game from start to

Games Men Play: Ghanaian Actor MAJID MICHEL Lied! Hearts were broken when the actor announced that he had received a threatening sms telling him to stay out of Nigeria else he would be sorry. The actor was quoted saying because he feared for his life, he would stay away from Nigeria . Sad right? Well I have good news for you! Well, the word is going round and it seems this actor deliberately fooled Nigerians and gave us a bad name after all! According to olofofos who spotted him departing Nigeria on Monday august 9, 2010 (after attending the premiere of bursting out where he played

Sulley Muntari might play for Tottenham

a major role alongside actress Genevieve Nnaji )cried out ”Majid lied, when we saw your write-up begging those who sent him the sms to leave him alone, Stella we knew the truth had to be told like it is. Majid was not threatened, he made it all up and his reasons had to do with the fact that he wanted out of Nollywood movies for a while because of the part 1,part 2,part 3 syndrome: This is the authentic reason and nothing else”. Please if you know this actor who got his original claim to fame via Nollywood movies, tell him he needs to apologise to Nigerians for the cheap stunt he played on us all. Will Majid take my advice to apologise? Our forefathers say ”A man who is advised and he takes it, is still a man who acts from his own free will”. Source: dimokokorkusstella. blogspot.com

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AfroGossip Fiancé warns nollywood star, mercy jonhson to stay off facebook This may not be a good story for the fans of the controversial actress, Mercy Johnson who have been connecting her on the largest friendship networking site popularly called facebook. Reason being that, their goddess, mercy, has been seriously warned by her fiancé, Prince Odi to stay off facebook till they tie the knot. For those fans, you are to be informed that your star actress, Mercy

Jim iyke’s sierra leonean lover, sally, tested hiv positive

That the gangling Nollywood actor, Jim Iyke is controversial in nature can not be contested. His fights, arrogance, women battering, to mention a few, during his teenage period, testified to the man he would grow up to be and he has wonderfully displayed this traits at adulthood, especially as an actor and one of the well to do dudes in the entertainment industry in Nigeria. Jim’s secret lover, Sally, a Sierra Leonean based in Essen in Germany,

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has not been on facebook for almost one year now. The reason is that, her fiancé, Prince Odinosen has warned her that she should stay off facebook if she truly wants to be married to him. The many crises which have tag the skillful actress ‘Most Controversial Nollywood Actress’ has become an issue to the extent that the sisters and other relatives of her fiancé are said to have all supported their brother’s stand over the Facebook issue. If you ‘re one of the people that love to chat with Mercy Johnson on facebook, know for sure that the profile picture is of Mercy but the words therein are of Prince Odinosen, his fiance. is reported to have been tested positive to the dreaded disease, Human Immuno-deficiency Virus popularly referred as HIV. The highly controversial actor, Jim Iyke, before now, information at our disposal reveals, has been involved in a lovey-dovey with this married Sierra Leonean without the knowledge of the public until the affair now became a mumbo-jumbo. Sally, we learnt, having got entangled in an illicit affair with Jim Iyke during one of his visits to Germany, couldn’t resist the crush she had on him. She became so attached to Jim to the extent that whenever Jim was in town, she would lie to her husband that she needed to travel out of town, whereas, she would be locked in a hotel room with the brand Ambassador, Jim. In return of such good gesture, Sally, many times, would come to Nigeria to see her friend, Success, who is based in Lagos, but would sneaked out to see Jim without Success getting to know. The relationship between Jim and Sally, www.nigeriafilms.com gathered, later became public knowledge when the husband got wind of his wife’s adulterous moves with Jim and the quite but rich dude asked her to leave his house. The whole matter later became so complicated when

the wife, Sally, told the husband that she was already carrying a baby for him. The paternity of the baby was declined by the husband and that, we learnt, marked the beginning of her woes. After a lot of persuasions from friends and family, Sally, after she had been delivered of the baby, we gathered, opened up that Jim Iyke was responsible for the pregnancy and that he’s automatically the father of her baby. She further explained how she visited Jim in Nigeria three times without the knowledge of her husband or her friend’s, Success. During the pregnancy period, rumour has it that, Sally contacted Jim in Nigeria to intimate him about the pregnancy only for Jim to have distanced himself immediately from her and warned her never to come to him or even call him for any reason again. Now, the baby is alive, an alleged split-image of Jim, but the sad tale about this whole story is that, Sally has now been diagnosed to be HIV positive and there is strong indication that Jim Iyke himself is likely to be sharing same status with Sally. Call it triple tragedy for Sally and you are not far from the truth. Effort to reach Jim Iyke to comment on this matter was aborted.



AfroFashion KFA AND ADU ROCKS KFA & ADU are 2 lines owned by Morenikeji Agoro, and based in Surulere, Lagos, the fashion brand that started not too long ago,first was the KFA LINE and followed by the couture line which is ADU has already become household fashion brands and counts many celebs as clients, located at Bode Thomas, the brands has become the new buzz!!amongst those who recognize and appreciate good tailoring and exquisite style, and her particular niche is her unrivalled finishing.

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AfroFashion N’kya ‘N’kya is a womenswear label established in 2007 by London based designer Sheila Boateng. Our collections include a range of dresses and separates that reflect the fusion of two very different cultures to create an explosion of unique style and colour. Based in London but deep rooted in Ghana, Western Africa, N’kya prides itself on being able to create pieces that are unanticipated and exciting. N’kya’s signature is the use of African fabrics exhibited throughout the collection in the forms of dresses, tops, skirts etc and is mostly mixed with a variety of fabrics such as chiffon and satin. www.nkyadesigns.com +44 79404 70323

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AfroMusic

OMOSEXY SET TO RELEASE 2ND ALBUM! There has never been any doubt about the fact that OMOTOLA JALADE EKEINDE the very sexy mother of 4, also known and called OMOSEXY is one damn good actress, with over 300 movies under her belt, she’s one of the few in that industry famously called NOLLYWOOD that has conquered it and made a name for herself, one of the most recognised internationally with several projects abroad and most recently the critically acclaimed IJE-the journey movie that opened to a lot of reviews recently. The very delectable mom is already preparing for world music domination, after the not so fantastic review of her first album-GBA, she has now finished work on the sophomore album titled-’ME,MYSELF & EYES’ and the album is going to be launched at the very beautiful Eko Le Meridien come 24:09:2010 and that’s not the only news 2 days after OMOSEXY would be leading a cast of other top stars at a CHARITY CONCERT set for FANTASYLAND, Ikoyi, its the budding music star’s own way of giving back to the society and the less priviledged, the event is tagged ‘GIVE & LET’S GIVE’ and its in support of OMO T’s OMOTOLA YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME (OYEP), so come 26:09:2010 everyone is invited to send atleast something in for the less priviledged. by maestromedia

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AfroMusic

Tinchy Stryder Teams Up With Jay-Z Fast growing British/Ghanaian rapper, Tinchy Stryder has reason to celebrate after signing a megadeal with JAY-Z. The wee British rapper is now a business partner with US music mogul Jay

M3nsa, Wanlov, Tinny For MOBO Award M3nsa,Tinny, Wanlov join other top African acts to compete for this year’s MOBO Award for Best African Act. The nominations were announced recently and Tinie Tempah, N-Dubz, Professor Green, Plan B and Dizzee Rascal received the most nominations at this year’s awards in association with Lebara Mobile. Celebrating its 15th year, the MOBO Awards has helped champion the extraordinary rise of urban music over the past two decades from niche to now leading the UK charts, and will celebrate the cream of British artists from the past year at its star-studded ceremony in Liverpool, on October 20th. South London rapper Tinie Tempah, leads this year’s nominations having exploded onto the music scene in

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and his label Roc Nation, in a new enterprise called Takeover Roc Nation. According to The Sun newspaper, it is a music label and entertainment company and is Jay and his label Roc Nation’s first European venture. It will release records with Sony Music and tickets with Live Nation. Jay hailed the deal as “inspiring”, while Tinchy was almost as happy as when he scored for my Soccer 6 team last week in a celebrity tournament at Charlton Athletic’s ground The Valley. He said: “Jay-Z is my music and business inspiration and to go into business with him is a dream come true.” The pair shook hand over the deal in Manchester, where Jay raised a toast and welcomed Tinchy to the business. Tinchy also got to meet Jay’s missus, Beyonce, which confirms he is practically family.

Congrats! Black Is Africa’s Best Disc Jockey Ghana’s number one Disc Jockey, DJ Black has been adjudged as the second best DJ in Africa. This was announced on MNet’s show Studio 53 Extra. DJ Black, real name Mr. Kwadwo Ampofo came second to Nigerian’s IK. The program which lasted for several hours saw another Ghanaian DJs, Kwame and YFM’s Sammy Forson placing fifth and tenth respectively. Ebenezer Anangfio Jnr.

2010, earning himself a staggering 4 nominations for Best Newcomer, Best UK Act, Best Video and Best Song in association with PRSforMusic for his number 1 single “Pass Out”. To celebrate the 15th anniversary

these categories will be selected by specialists in these areas as part of the music panel. Meanwhile the MOBO Tour is set to hit six of the UK’s hottest cities over six days between 13th

of the MOBO Awards in the UK, this year’s Best UK Act in association with Lebara Mobile, Best International Act, and Best African Act will all start off with 15 nominations each, giving talent the chance to be voted into the ultimate top 5 within their chosen category. All of this year’s categories will be voted for by the public with the exception of both Best Jazz Act and Best Gospel Act – winners in

October and 19th October 2010. By arrangement with Coda and SJM, the tour will be headlined by DJ and Boy Better Know frontmant, Skepta. The chart-topping emcee will take to the stage alongside a host of fresh, new urban talent. Also on the line is Aggro Santos, Donae’o, Scorcher, Mz Bratt, Jodie Connor, Maverick Sabre, Rough Diamondz, and Angel Author: Ameyaw Debrah


AfroMusic P-Square Win Kora Award In Burkina Faso Reader’s Mail, New Music: Sway Feat GyeduBlay Ambolley“Shepherds Pie “Sway teams up with Ghanaian High Life Legend Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, affectionately known as the “Simigwa Do Man” to bring to the music community “Shepherds Pie” Sway had grown up to the sounds of Ambolley and upon a visit to Ghana tracked down the legend only to find out he was also a big fan of Sway’s!!!! Without haste they got into the studio and recorded this Sway/ Jayso’s produced dance floor filler ”Shepherds Pie” “

Ayigbe Edem New Single Is Out! Listen & Download It Here … Denning Edem Agbeviadey known in showbiz circle as Ayigbe Edem has just released his latest single ‘Too Much’. It was produced by Sammie Blacc & Hammer and Mixed by Kaywa.

Wave-making Nigerian singers, Paul and Peter Okoye, popularly known as Psquare, have made their country proud by emerging the Artiste of The Year at the 8th KORA All Africa Music Awards held in Burkina-Faso on Sunday. The twin brothers are now N150 million richer as the award attracts a cash prize of $1 million. Nigeria’s Psquare beat other artistes like Black DiamondSenegal, Paul G- Angola and Amety Meria of Burkina- Faso to win the coveted prize. The award plaque and prize were received by an aide of BurkinaFaso’s president on behalf of

Psquare who was unavoidably absent at the event. As at time of the event, the Danger crooners were in London performing at a concert, having commenced their tour of Europe few days earlier. Speaking with nigeriafilms.com on phone from London yesterday, Peter said the award was a welcome development, adding that the group would not rest on its laurel or disappoint its fans. “We will dedicate the award to God, then our fans all over the world. They’ve been showing us love and massive support, and we promise to always give them the best,” Peter noted. nigeriafilms.com gathered that the success of Psquare at the award was due to the fact that they are hot cake in all African countries. Source: nigeriafilms.com

Akesifour Comes Back With New Album ‘Magic’ New Album The 10 songs album contains songs like ‘Magic’, ‘Angel Eye Me De’, ‘Not A Player Featuring Leshuno’, ‘Swagger Featuring Chief’, ‘Shoddy Featuring Kalanjo’ among others. The album is already available in all leading music shops and malls in the country. Launch Date 25th September 2010 has been set

for the album launch at Vienna City in Adabraka. After, similar thing will be replicated in Takorai, Kumasi and final party inside Tema. The duo is signed on Speech Production. They worked with sound engineer MO4 in the Top Records Recording Studio.

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AfroMusic Dawuni was in England at the invitation of the Liverpool National Museum to participate in the 2010 ‘Slavery Remembrance Day’ and to perform at the legendary Limetree Music & Arts Festival.

Rocky Meets Former British Prime Minister John Prescott Ghana’s International Reggae Star, Rocky Dawuni, concluded his visit to England after a twomonth music tour of Europe with a meeting with the former Deputy Prime Minister of England, Lord John Prescott, and world renowned environmentalist, David Bellamy, in the English city of Hull.

Lord Prescott is a former MP of Hull, the home of slavery abolitionist William Wilberforce. He visited Ghana during his tenure in office as Deputy Prime Minister to Tony Blair. The meeting was organised by ethical trader, David Murden on behalf of And-Albert Foundation to discuss a proposed concert involving Rocky Dawuni to focus on development and conservation initiatives beyond the bicentennial commemoration of the abolition of slavery. Environmentalist David Bellamy someday”, sometime in a manner you won’t fancy. It is also like a rumour which spreads like dust. The rumour in town is that Ghana Music Awards 2010 biggest Sarkodie will no longer say ‘It’s Dunwills Entertainment’ in any of his songs again.

Sarkodie ‘slaps’ his manager in the face When I attend programs/events/ shows, what I choose to blog on is my prerogative (even my boss understands) so deal with it and continue reading. To begin with, I’m doing this article based on my own curiosity. The saying ‘the people you meet on your way up, are the same people you meet on your way down the ladder’ is etched in our minds. This follows us everywhere we go. “Behaviour is like pregnancy, no matter what; it will pop out

and David Murden, through their work with And-Albert Foundation, have been actively engaged in development projects along old slave routes in Northern Ghana. In another development, Rocky Dawuni’s proposed concert for September 25th in Accra, Ghana, has been postponed to next year to coincide with his annual Independence Splash concert on March 6th, 2011. Dawuni’s current album, ‘Hymns for the Rebel Soul’, has garnered rave reviews and massive airplay in the US, Europe, Africa, Asia and beyond. The Ghanaian star played a huge free concert at the Levitt Pavilion in Los Angeles upon his return to the US on September 5. ghananation.com complete his second album but the reply was negative.

All efforts to contact Sarkodie have been unsuccessful. Sarkodie has refused to pick our calls to either denied the rumour or explain what is going on. I guess he would prefer a press release after this article than I am reliably informed that Sarkodie talking to us. ( He did that the other has parted ways with Dr. Duncan of time too..) Dunwills Entertainment, a guy who picked him up from the underground On the other hand, when world and gave him the opportunity GhanaCelebrities.com contacted Dr. to see a microphone. Duncan on the telephone, he refuted the allegation in a manner that It seems like Sarkodie’s triumph suggests that indeed all is not well at the GMA is beginning to have with his relationship with Sarkodie. an effect on him. According to He said ‘It is not true, there is nothing GhanaCelebrities.com close source, like that, but when something like the rapper didn’t only tell Dr. that comes up, I will let you know”. Duncan to step aside but he has shunned his boys. Sarkodie “shunned” his own homeboys such as “Yaa Pono” when The source said, Sarkodie went he climbed to fame (the latter stated ahead to record an album, he calls this on a radio interview some ‘Rapholic’ without his manager’s months ago). Now, it seems he has consent. It doesn’t look clear why but proceeded to slap his own manager earlier on, we were chipped with in face too.. Hmmmm! the information that, they contacted ghanamusic.com Akon in America for some money to

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Afro Movie

Out Now The combined production houses So ladies and gentlemen save your money from the many rubbish releases, some of the very best are coming soon - its been long in waiting, cos we almost done with first half of the year and nothing that great yet, but dont worry your wait will be worth the wait and thats the promise I have been giving. Be excited, be very excited.

Sinking Sands Producers: Turning Point (Leila Djansi) Starring: Chris Attoh, Jimmy Jean Louis, Ama Abrebrese, Yemi Blaq, Doris Sackitey, Grace Nortey, Valarie Kessie To say that we are so excited about this upcoming Leila Djansi production is an understatement. The trailer and storyline for this movie holds so much promise for becoming a production that will take African Movies to the next level. Sinking Sands appears to be an original that stays true to the simple complexities of the African lifestyle without attempting to pander to a western audience. How many times do we hear the story of relationship dynamics changing after marriage with a partner frequently becoming abusive? The storyline of Sinking Sands is universal so the ability to narrate in a traditional and earthy manner will enable the movie to be uniquely african but yet resonate with viewers globally.

The video imagery looks amazing (even by international standards) with perfect color balancing and cinematic photography captured to steal your breath. The scene at the river with the bent palms framing the fishing (or whatever

they were doing) couple is incredible and is bound to become one that many will imitate. This movie is full of promise. Enough said, We hope it lives up to expectations.

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Afro Movie So you can’t get value for your money in Nigeria?

wrongs are made right, the brain-drain will continue.

My brother, forget patriotism now, there are no infrastructures on ground in Nigeria to give you any financial value for now. Is it electricity?The ministry is not doing much in terms of making locations available. For instance, you can’t just use major tourist centres to shoot movies in Nigeria. It’s not like that in countries that have harnessed the potentials in movie productions for their economic growth. Do you think I will be allowed to use any part of Aso Rock to shoot a movie, while Americans used to have access to the White House until producers started constructing make shift White House? The Krugger Park in South Africa is available to movie producers, can you say same for Yankari Games reserve?.

Do you think the retaliatory $2,500 slam makes sense?

Do you have such opportunities in Ghana?

Ghana can’t ban Nigerian actors, we’re important to them—Segun Arinze RECENT reports had it that Ghana’s movie association slammed a thousand dollar levy on Nigerians who want to shoot movies on their soil. Did you expect this from them? There is nothing that shouldn’t be expected from this industry or any other because there is a lot of interest. But the truth is that there is no ban from anywhere at all. It is not true that Nigerians have been banned from performing in their country.

It’s not true that Ghanaians have imposed a levy on Nigerians who now want to produce their movies in the country or use their locations in movies? What they are asking is a form of protection levy. Protection from what? Not protection from, but protection of. They are trying to protect the interest of their own people in the industry. Lately, a lot of Nigerians have been flooding Ghana to produce their movies and over there, you are given value for money.

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There is a standard in Ghana. Movie is big in the country, even in Nigeria, but we don’t have enough support from government. We have shouted ourselves hoarse on the problem of piracy, yet we’ve not seen anything from our government. To even think they are only to formulate policies that will improve the industry, and also put in place enforcement agencies, are the reasons they are heads of parastatals. As abundant as oil is in this country, it is well regulated. That’s why they can say this much comes in, that much comes in, and punishment is meted out on bunkerers. But a bigger and long term money spinning resource than oil is being neglected by those who have access to power and they are not seeing it. The money from entertainment will turn this country around if our government shows just a little interest.

Still on protection, are you trying to justify our neighbours $1,000 levy? If we had the infrastructures, do you think Nigerians would be taking their movies to Ghana? It costs millions to produce a movie here, even with stress, but much less over there and the quality of job is twice what you get here. Following the ban report, the information minister in Ghana called me last week to say it was not true that they had banned Nigerians from using Ghana as locations in their movies. That call tells me that the country is benefitting from our roles in their nation’s development and that their leaders are close to the people. How can a minister know what we face when he doesn’t get close to us? Until a lot of

Retaliatory, no. It’s only a coincidence that the pronouncement came, at that time, but as I talk to you, not everybody agrees to that amount yet. I think COSAN came up with that, so I won’t talk about it because I don’t know enough. I only know that they are our brothers in the industry, we can’t destroy the relationship we’ve been building with them.

Talking about relationships, how has marriage been? I don’t want to talk about it.

Are you not happy, proud to be married? Oga Tade, I have made up my mind not to discuss my personal life again on the pages of papers.

A simple yes or no will do. Are you sure you are happy to be tied to a woman? Smiles. Think whatever you want, I’m not talking.

That you are illegally occupying the number one seat of the Actors’’Guild of Nigeria deserves a sealed lip too? Who says it is illegal? The BOT conducted an election that produced me as the president. That’s the snag. Your colleagues are protesting the manner of your emergence, saying that the BOT has no right to conduct elections. They don’t know the constitution well. They are allowed to steer the affairs of the guild in a manner fit for its perfect running, especially in a time of crisis.

With Emeka Ike emerging on the other side, would you say the crisis is over? There is no crisis in AGN, I am the president, Ike is an impostor. He’s my guy though, we are cool. When last did you hear from Funke Akindele, you guys were the hottest couple then. Funke is living her life, I’m happy she’s moving up fast. Greet her for me when you see her.



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