"I Can Never Marry A Poor Man" - UCHE IWUJI

Have you ever met a lady that ditches her man not because she doesn’t love him but because he doesn’t have the kind of money to sustain her lifestyle? That lady is Nollywood star actress, Uche Iwuji. The beautifully endowed actress recently narrated how she jilted a lover on account of his poor financial status.

In her own words: "I broke up with him because he could not take care of my needs and I cannot see myself suffering or spending for a guy. If you want to marry me, I think you should be able to take good care of me. You don't need to give me everything, you don't need to give me the world. I Just want little, like take this money, go and do your hair. Take this money, travel, take a flight and all that. You need to show some concern, show me that you are a man. Let me see and feel the man in the house. You don't have to tell me you are a man, you have to show it. So why do I have to keep suffering over a man who cannot take care of my needs? My ex is loving but he's not somebody that can take care of my needs and that's why I broke up with him."
The above statement seems to echoe what her fellow colleague in the make-believe industry, Cossy Orjiakor once said when querried about her dream husband.
Cossy said: “He should be able to provide materially for me. I cannot marry a man who has to live off me.”
Well, reader, what do you think? Throw love to the dogs?

INI EDO, MIKE EZURUONYE Desert Location To Attend Glo Event

Information reaching Star Weekly! has it that two Nollywood stars, Ini Edo and Mike Ezuruonye, who are also Glo ambassadors, deserted a movie location and went for a Glo show in Lagos. This put the shooting of the movie in disarray as both actors play lead roles in the movie.

According to sources, Nollywood has been experiencing disruption and negligence from artistes who are Glo ambassadors ever since the telecommunication giant came up with the initiative.
Commenting on the actors’ behaviour, one of the people at the location said, “the movie sector must let them understand that the industry made them and not the other way round.”, while a co-actress who also plays a significant role in the movie, that ,“I don’t blame them; the producers should start putting them where they rightly belong, by making them less important than they are seeing themselves. They should be humbled, if that would put a stop to this rubbish.”

The Glo ambassadorship may have turned out to pose a dilemma for those star artistes so honoured – the reason being that they are compelled by the contract to honour Glo invitations to events whenever and wherever they are wanted, irrespective of whether they are shooting a movie or not.
This, we learnt, has been giving Nollywood producers sleepless nights as these are stars highly needed in their productions.
However, when contacted, both artistes denied, saying they never left the movie location.

MERCY JOHNSON's Fiance Bans Her From Facebook

Nollywood star actress, Mercy Johnson, may have begun to pay the price for her reckless and controversial lifestyles as her fiancé, Prince Odinosen, has banned her from using the social networking site, Facebook

Mercy, who already has a large fans base in her facebook accounts, has not yet said whether or not she was going to abide by the directive. Her fans are equally not happy about the development.
Star Weekly learnt that, according to the man, the ban remains effective till the couple have tied the nuptial cord after which he might decide to relax the rule. While some fans, who spoke to Star Weekly, expressed disapproval at the ban and wondered what would happened after the marriage, others said it was a step in the right direction as it would go a long way in taming the wild and adventurous actress..
The many crises which have tagged the skillful actress ‘Most Controversial Nollywood Actress’ have 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.

JULIUS AGWU Set To Hit London With Crack-Ya-Ribs Comedy Show

Nigerian comedy is coming to London this UK Bank Holiday Weekend. On the 29th of August 2010, Julius Agwu will lead a host of comedians and entertainers as they get ready to thrill and entertain the London audience at the Crack Ya Ribs Golden Jubilee Edition event. Its an All-Star lineup with many of Nigeria’s top comedic talent – Comedians on the bill include I Go Die, Seyi Law, Princess, Wale Gates, Teju Babyface, Senator, Helen Paul, Tunde Ednut, Dan D Humorous and Funny Bone. KC Presh, Anogiri and Jaywon also be there to get the crowd hyped with great music while DJ Abass and DJ Osa Jatt will keep the tempo up. There will be a special appearance by ‘Jenifa’ – Funke Akindele.

Definitely an exciting lineup!
The event is sponsored by Afriqiyah Airways – The Official Carrier of Crack Ya Ribs
EVENT:
The Golden Jubilee Edition of Julius Agwu’s CRACK YA RIBS – London
DATE:
Bank Hol Sunday, 29th August 2010
VENUE:
TROXY, 491 Commercial Rd, London, E1 OHX
TIME:
Doors Open 6pm, Show starts 7pm prompt
TICKETS:
Standard, £25, VIP: £50.
TICKET HOTLINES: (24HRS) – See List of Ticket Outlets on the Event Flyer
DJAMEDIA: 07946 811253
FRANK: 07960 731983

PETE EDOCHIE: Why I Offer Kola Nut, Not Coca-Cola To My Visitors

Nollywood super-star, Pete Edochie, needs no introduction in the Nigerian entertainment industry. Starting his life as a broadcaster,  he fought in the Gigeria-Biafran Civil war, rose to the position of a director in the ministry before quitting what he has variously described as the drudgery of working in the ministry. He has exchanged that life with the excitement of life as probably the most recognized and famous actors in Nollywood.

Pete’s journey into stardom started on a massive high when he played Okonkwo in Nigeria Television Authorities production of Chinua Achebe's award winning book THINGS FALL APART. A role that made him the most recognized face on Nigerian nay, African television and has mostly defined his contribution to Nollywood.

If you pay a visit to Pete Edochie, don’t be surprised if he offers you Kola-nut instead of Coca-Cola Coke! The man is a complete vanguard of traditional values.

Hear him: “We are Ibos. In Iboland, we do not offer you Coca-Cola or Beer. Traditionally. we offer our visitors Oji (Kola) or palm wine. I am a titled man and I have to observe tradition and culture. This is who we are, this is what this generation is forgetting and that is why things are going wrong everywhere. The Oji represents the things that bind us; that is why it is called Oji which means 'Ojikotara' - that which glues us together. So when you give somebody Kola, it is an expression of the unity that we are advocating for.”

BABATUNDE FASHOLA: Political Star Par Excellence

Today, Star Weekly! celebrates Babatunde Fashola (SAN) the amiable governor of Lagos State who has shown that there’s still hope for Nigeria despite the hordes of bad leaders that have come to be our lot. Below are words of commendation from an independent organisation:


“Governor Fashola has demonstrated times and again his love for the people of Lagos state and he has communicated his policies and programme in a very transparent manner at different fora with Lagosians and people of Nigeria in the Diaspora. He has secured an understanding of the people to deliver on the dividends of democracy to Nigerians in the most populous city in Nigeria. With the results on the ground, he has demonstrated that governance is not business as usual to the satisfaction of Lagosians and Nigerians far and wide and for the first time in many years Nigerian have a state to be proud of because of this visionary and selfless leadership of Gov Fashola. He retains our confidence in the use and appropriation of taxpayers funds as deemed fit within the context of his development agenda and Lagosians are not fools not to notice the transformational influence of his administration at every corner of the state. Governor Fashola's administration has become a benchmark for progress and state administration and a blue print for modern day style of governance, proactive, responsive, responsible, moderate, creative, fair and approachable.”

For us at Star Weekly! it is Eko Oni Baje-o!

NADIA Dumps Michael Essien For Another Footballer

A couple of months after winning the Face of Devon luxury soap, a brand from Orange Drugs Limited, Nadia Buari is enmeshed in love scandal.

The star actress, who broke up with Ghana and Chelsea FC of England’s midfielder Michael Essien is said to be now involved with another football player Andre Dede Ayew. Dede was the captain for the Ghanaian 2009 world cup team.


Star Weekl! learnt that the ‘love birds’, who are muslims, are reported to have been spending private times together and the affair is blossoming. Like her previous relationship with Essien, where she refused to speak about it as it broke, only to later admit it – she has also refused to comment about the alleged affair.

There are also stories of a ring on her fourth finger just after the report of her break up from Essien was making the rounds. All she said about the ring was: “It’s my little secret. I’m not sharing that”.However, a source close to her recently said she is engaged to a Ghanaian based in the United States but not Dede Aye.

You will recall that a couple of months ago, Star Weekly! reported on the disapproval of Nigerian artists over the award of Face of Devon luxury soap to Nadia who is a Ghanaian actress whereas the makers of the soap, Orange Drugs Limited are based in Nigeria.

"How American Ladies Nearly Raped Us In The USA" - P-SQUARE

For the duo of Peter and Paul Okoye popularly known as P-Square, it would have been the greatest sex scandal of their lives if the overzealous American girls had succeeded in their plans of raping the musical stars right there on the stage, during a concert!

During the recently concluded musical tour of the United States embarked upon by P-Square, and which ended in New York City and had turned out to be a success, it would have closed on a sour note had the wild American girls who wanted sex badly had got hold of Peter and succeeded in raping him. The guy was saved by the timely arrival of the police to the scene.

P-Square had performed in seven major cities including Houston, Los Angeles, Minnesota, Oakland, Maryland, Canada (Toronto) and New York. Star Weekly! gathered learnt that during one of their shows Peter made a mistake of singing into the crowd. He paid the price as he was swooped upon by some overzealous girls, who almost stripped him bare, and there and then have sex with him.

Star Weekly! learnt that the handsome musician, who was named the Sexiest Celebrity by Silverbird Television, was quickly rescued by security agents but not until after the girls had made away with his shirts.

According to Peter, no word can describe the experience he had in the hands of the Americans. “I am yet to find the right words to describe the success of the tour and the experience I had in the hands of the American girls who wanted to rape me. But I am happy that the show was highly successful which prompted American star singer, Drake to approach us for a collabo,” Peter says. He added thus: “Aside the fact that all the shows were sold out, the passion shown by the fans, particularly the white girls, was incredible. I never knew the Americans love us that much. Surprisingly, they knew the lyrics of our songs and were singing along with us.”

FELA's House On The Verge Of Collapse

America is celebrating the art, music and life of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti with the award-winning Braodway hit Fela! The world is paying homage to the Afrobeat pioneer who died in 1997; rappers are borrowing tunes from his pieces and Afrobeat bands are springing up in different corners of the world. But back here in Nigeria, the only house the man built lies in a terrible shape and may soon collapse if urgent attention is not given to it.

The property on Gbemisola Street, Ikeja, Lagos is where Fela lived until he was hospitalized. Year after year, pundits have advised that the Kuti kids collaborate with a tourism company and turn the house into a tourist attraction of sorts – the Fela estate can generate huge income through this, and millions of fans from around the world who adore the man, his message and his music, would only be too happy to finally take a tour of his home – especially since the Shrine where he performed, is no more.

Elvis Presley’s Graceland home is still standing decades after he passed on, same for immortalized reggae star Bob Marley. It’s amazing how their families have turned their homes into a global treasure where millions come every year to watch and marvel; pay respects or simply have fun. In fact, if you visit Elvis.com, you can take a virtual tour of Graceland, with a live webcam showing you pictures of the estate. Furthermore, the property is available for school tours, wedding ceremonies, photo sessions et cetera. Guess who runs the show? A body called Elvis Presley Enterprises Incorporated!

Michael Jackson’s Neverland ranch is already a certified destination, and a sure income puller for the singer’s estate.

 In Nigeria, Fela’s children are milking his name and his materials, performing his songs and even reaping the dividends of some of his royalties but they’ve left one of the most important aspects of the man’s life to rot; what a shame.

DAVINA Under Pressure To Leave Her London Based Lover

Love can indeed work wonders. Nigerian star singer, Davina, and London boy, Eric Nwadinobi  have become inseparable items at the moment.Yes, news merchants hinted us that their new found romance is already giving Cornel Udofia,a close associate of Dabina, sleepless nights.

Star Weekly! gathered that Cornel helped Dabina found her way into the scheme of things as far as social circuit is concerned. He took her to virtually everywhere but since she found Eric, she has 'dropped' Cornel like a piece of worthless wood. "They are no longer on talking terms" disclosed a source.
Last Friday 13 August 2010, Davina was embarrassed by bouncers at Oriental Hotel.
They barred her from entering the VIP section of an event. "That was the kind of things she enjoyed when she had the likes of Cornel but now that she decided that she is now a star and her name opens doors, she continues to get messed up" disclosed a source.
We gathered that Davina, who met Eric three months ago, is now under pressure from the top notchers in the Nigerian entertainment industry who are frowning at the union.
Eric is a London based entertainment practitioner. He has acted in movies such as Spin (Produced by Ayo Shonaiya) and King of Jungle.

JOB VACANCY

As it prepares to hit news stands nationwide come next October, Star Weekly! is looking for correspondents in the following locations:
Port Harcourt
Abuja
Enugu
Kaduna
Kano
Interested canditates should mail their CVs to starnaija@yahoo.com within two weeks of this notice. Shortlisted candidates will be informed in the last week of September.

HELEN PAUL Attacked By Fans

It has been quite a challenge for fans of the comedienne, broadcaster and event host Helen Paul to see her as a married woman. The theatre art maverick got married earlier in the year but fans still mistake her for a kid, no thanks to her comic character on radio and her petite frame/stature.


Helen Paul, who is in her late 20s broke out as a ‘naughty’ comic character of Lagos based FM Station Radio continental 102.3. Her fans’ challenge has got her to suffer and bear the afflictions her utterances have got her into with fans who phone in and listen to her show.

“Many people don’t actually know the difference between you when on stage and on the street”, she complained recently. Trying to explain how it is all an act. “Some people, instead of just greeting you, go as far as slapping you and you may not be in the right mood to endure that“, She said. While some slap her, others treat her like a kid: “while some will just say ‘Hey tatafo, come here!’. Some even pull my ear, forgetting that I am not a kid”.

She concludes saying : “I shouldn’t be angry because it is a testimony to the fact that I have been playing my character well”

Did you know Helen Paul did backup vocals on PSqaure’s Get Squared album?

OMOTOLA's Hottest Movie Ever!

Have you seen Omotola's new movie flick? If no, then you aint seen nothing about the Nollywood actress. She's so bold and daring in this new movie that you would thank God for giving her the kind of husband she has. For, certainly, most married men can never tolerate their wives going that far.

The Movie, Mind Game, stars Nollywood Superstars Omotola Jolade Ekeinde and Van Vicker.

In this heart racing, conflict stricken, suspense cut drama, Betty (Omotola Jalade Ekeinde) gets entangled in her worst nightmare and all hell breaks loose one holy afternoon when she returns home from work unexpectedly to find her husband Richard (Van Vicker) in a compromising position with a friend of his in their study only four months after their wedding, during which he had deliberately avoided consummating their marriage.
Shocked beyond comprehension, she is torn between divorcing him and staying in the marriage.

OGE OKOYE Gives Bith To A Baby Girl In London

It appears this is the season of baby making for Nollywood star actresses. Barely a month after Mercy put to bed, another star actress has been delivered of a bouncing baby girl.


Sexy and beautiful actress, Oge Okoye has just been delivered of a bundle of joy, a girl. She gave birth last Saturday at St Elizabeth Hospital, London. The joyous mother, accordind to information from London, has been glorifying God for making her a ‘complete mother’-she now has a boy and a girl.

Star Weekly! learnt that the Nollywood versatile actress, who was born in London almost three decades ago, gave birth without any complication. The mother of two has been in London for months now for the ante-natal and series of medical check-ups.

The beautiful, fun-loving, romantic and very adventurous 2004 graduate of Theatre Arts from the Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka, Oge was sighted in a good mood in London last Saturday looking so radiant shortly after the delivery of the beautiful bouncing baby

Stanley Duru, the Nigerian born Amsterdam based husband of the star actress was said to be right at the hospital to help her wife carry the baby home.

While Oge was still carrying the baby in her womb, she was said to have enjoyed herself to the fullest with her husband, attending parties and interesting places together.

Oge has been off the movie scenes for more than 8 months.

Unveiling KAFFY's Duplex Of Dancers!

Remember the dance star who has twice been in the judges of Malta Guinness Street Dance Africa and is now one of the trainers in this year’s MTN Project Fame?


Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau are the real names of the dance queen popularly addressed as Kaffy. The Guinness Book of Record Best Dancer Bearer, who dazzled all and sundry a few years ago with her mesmerizing dance steps, has been busy in so many other ways.

Star Weekly! gathered that Kaffy who has a duplex in Ajah area of Lagos, has since filled the place up with her dancers both male and female. The good thing about the house is that, the mother of one has made it a point of duty to stock up her kitchen with all kinds of food items for her dancers and visitors.
“She is being a nice boss to us. In fact, she has been responsible for our upkeep right from the very first day we all got here,” one of the dancers informed.

The dancers are said to have regarded the dance Amazon as their goddess who should be served with all humility. Kaffy has a guy, Musa, who runs things on her behalf whenever she is not around. She is always in company of the Musa guy who, we were told, often relates her of the activities of the ‘house’ whenever she returns from her outings.

"I Am Not Romancing Basketh Mouth" - IFEOMA OKEKE

Actress Ifeoma Okeke is really, really upset at the moment. Despite the fact that she’s yet to come to terms with the purported romantic affair between her and popular stand-up comedian, Bright Okpocha, a.k.a Basket Mouth, the busty actress has concerned herself with the aftermath of that allegation. The allegation made headlines in a number of soft-sell magazines in the country.


Star Weekly! gathered that the bad press has caused her not only her dignity as a woman but also, her plans to settle down in the nearest future. Since the publications hit the street, her fiance has suddenly transformed into a monster overnight.

According to her, “when my fiancé read the story, he called me on phone to lambast me thoroughly. He expressed his reservation about my continued sojourn in the industry. The story was only a confirmation to his earlier fear. At the moment, I’m having issues with him because he wouldn’t listen to me anymore.”

The soft-spoken actress expressed disappointment that BasketMouth is yet to react to the story since it broke out. “I was expecting Basket Mouth to refute the allegation but he never did.”

She vowed to stop at nothing to ensure that she gets her own pound of flesh from those rumour mongers who wants to tarnish her image.

She narrates further: “I don’t want to talk about this anymore, because I had expected Basket Mouth to come out openly to discredit the story but he never did. He doesn’t even know me and we don’t have any acquaintance whatsoever. That’s how bad it is.”

“The only contact we ever had was at his child dedication. A friend of the lady that had a child for him was my close friend too. On the day of that dedication, I accompanied my friend to Basket Mouth’s house, because her car was in bad shape. Even at the function, I did not go close to Basket Mouth, or say ‘hello’ to him. That was what got me into this mess. I left the place without any hunch on my back.”

INI EDO's Husband Threatens Murder Over Wife's Lesbianism Scandal

Mr. Philip Ehiagwina, husband of Ini Edo, has threatened to kill Michael Alonge, the journalist who blew the lid open on his wlfe’s lesbianism scandal.


Star Weekly! reliably informed you yesterday, of the latest scandal rocking Nollywood over the unholy love affair allegedly going on between Ini Edo and Tonto Dike, another Nollywood actress.

Philip was furious that such a report was written about his wife and while the reporter was trying to seek for an audience in order to explain the truth of the whole saga as regards the said story, he started yelling and said “you have to get your facts right about all these nasty reports you often write about my wife, if you can get your facts right, fine, I wont make any trouble but if you cant, I will come to Nigeria very soon, in fact, by tomorrow, I am getting my ticket, I will come to your house and TAKE CARE of you one-on-one.

" Let me tell you, I am the last born of the family of nine and I am from Edo. In fact, I am an Esan guy, I swear to you, I am coming home for you. I wont sue you at all so that you wont need to start begging, I am going to take care of you, I swear by the grave of my father that only death will not make me eliminate you, I am coming home for you soon….”

Michael Alonge had no choice but to issue a press statement, made available to Star Weekly!

In it, the embattled journalist stated: “In view of this, I, Michael Alonge is seizing this opportunity to inform the entire public, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Celestial Church of Christ and my family that if anything whatsoever happens to me or any of my immediate or extended family, Mr. Philip Ehiagwina, husband to Mrs. Ini Edo-Ehiagwina, Nollywood actress and Globacom brand Ambassador should be held responsible."

Star Weekly! will get you updated as events unfold.

INI EDO In Lesbianism Mess With "Shayo Actress"

Another lesbianism scandal has hit Nollywood, this time with no less a person than the star actress, Ini Edo, who is married to the US based Philip Ehiagwina.

Though the fact that her marriage to Philip has crumbled is yet unconfirmed as it was reported recently that she's facing a hard time with her marriage due to childlessness while another report has it that she just got a new wonder-on -wheels from the husband as a gift when she visited him in America a couple of weeks back; but another scandal has emerged and it has to do with lesbianism.
Ini Edo was allegedly caught pants down with Tonto Dike, another Nollywood actress while on location in the Eastern part of the country. They were said to have both got drunk such that they threw all caution to the wind and engaged in the ungodly act.

The report has it that, Ini Edo and Tonto, ever since they spent that night together, have also been seen together around Alpha Beach, Lekki/Ajah area of Lagos, in circumstances that suggest there was more to it than ordinary friendship.
Tonto Dike resides at Abraham Adesanya in Ajah .
Star Weekly! gathered that her excessive drunkenness and reckless lifestyle have earned her a name, “Shayo Actress”, in the vicinity where she resides.

"I Want To Feature In African Movies" - CAROLINE CHIKEZIE

Caroline Chikezie, a Nigerian British born actress, has indicated her love for African movies, and says she's ready to feature in any one of them if given the opportunity.
. Caroline, 5 ‘10’, was born on February 19, 1979, in London, to Nigerian parents. .
A household name in the British film industry, she is probably most famous for playing the role of ‘Sasha Williams’ in the British teen soap, As If, from 2001 to 2004. She has also played Elaine Hardy in the British television drama, Footballers’ Wives.
She appeared as Lisa Hallett, a member of the secret organisation of Torchwood who had been transformed into a half-human half-Cyberman in “Cyberwoman,” an episode of the Doctor Who spin-off series Torchwood. She also starred as Nasuada in the movie Eragon and as Tamara, a fellow demon hunter, in the third Season Premiere of Supernatural.
The youngest of four children, Caroline was raised in London by her mother. Her father made regular visits to the UK.
According to information available to Star Weekly! Caroline went to a private Catholic girls’ school in Forest Gate in London, but spent weekends at the famous Italia Conti stage school.
“I was always singing and dancing around the house, and in the beginning, my parents thought it was quite cute because I’d put on little shows for their friends. But when it started to get serious, they were not amused," she said.
According to her, the ambition to make a career in the UK movie would have come to nought, if the antics her parents had employed to dissuade her from pursuing her career when she was 14 years old had materialised. Her family were so appalled by her career choice that they tricked her into leaving the UK. They were determined to midwife her into the medical profession after her father, who runs a hospital in Anambra State in Nigeria, planned and packed her off to a strict boarding school in Nigeria.
Twelve night on, the talented actress has not only stamped her name into the British entertainment industry but is now bent on featuring in African movies.
Nollywood producers, over to you.

Exposed At Last: Why OSITA IHEME (PAWPAW) Missed The National Merit Award

A couple of weeks ago, the federal government of Nigeria honoured Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki), one of Nollywood star actors, with a National Merit Award. Most Nollywood fans were not happy that his colleague, Osita Iheme a.k.a Paw-paw, did not receive the same award given the fact that they share the same amount of popularity in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Well, facts are now emerging as to why Pawpaw missed the award.
A woman who wouldn’t want her name in print, after reading Aki’s award story, has narrated an incident that happened early this year, which is believed to be the reason Pawpaw could not be accorded the same honour.
Star Weekly! learnt that Paw-Paw snubbed the woman’s husband while the latter was trying to introduce him to their state Governor for possible recognition.
According to the woman, “I and my hubby sighted Paw-Paw at the Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Lagos. My hubby quickly called on our state Governor and notified him of his intention to invite Osita to come to our state to perform, and also to draw him close to the government.
“But surprisingly, when my hubby advanced to greet Osita, he snubbed him outrightly. My hubby is a very wealthy man, well-connected and kind-hearted. He felt so bad on that day. Don’t blame the government, Aki might be better off than Osita.”
However, when contacted, Paw-Paw, who said he would have loved to share in the award, denied knowledge of such incident, saying “I’m not aware of it.”