ORANGE DRUGS: Why We Chose A Ghanaian For "Face Of Devon" Luxury Soap

In view of the barage of criticisms coming on the wake of its choice of Ghanaian star actress, Nadia Buari as the Face of its latest luxury soap, Devon, the Management of Orange Drugs Limited, a big player in the Nigerian beauty products industry, has come out to defend itself.
Towards last December, Nadia Buari, the Ghanaian actress was all over in the Devon Luxury Soap calendars. It didn’t dawn on anybody that she is the Face of Devon. People took her for just a mere model for Devon Luxury Soap calendar.

Precisely three weeks ago, Orange Drugs did the ultimate. Nadia Buari was unveiled as the Face of Devon soap to a cross section of Nigerians from a variety of endeavours. Top business chieftains, actors, actresses, musicians, fashion exponents, and media executives were in attendance. Politicians were also there.

Nadia is the latest product endorsement catch. She is the brand ambassador of the newest luxury soap in Nigeria called Devon.

But, the choice of the Ghanaian star actress did not go down well with fans of Nigerian movie stars. Questions were asked: “ What is Orange Drugs up to? Why would Orange Drugs import a Ghanaian actress to promote its soap in Nigeria? Does it mean no Nigerian actress was found worthy enough to be the Face of Devon? "

In a swift reaction, the management of Orange Drugs has come out todefend their choice.Its Marketing Communications Consultant, Mr. Ingram Osigwe, Managing Director, Full Page Communications, recalled that between 2001 and 2003, four big Nollywood stars: Pete Edochie, Samanja, Jide Kosoko and Saint Obi were the brand ambassadors for the company’s Boska analgesic brand. The marketing Communications expert cited another two instances. Lilian Bach was sometime ago the Face of Delta soap for two years, After Lilian Bach, was another big star in Nollywood; Carol Ekanem, she was also once the Face of Delta soap.

The Full Page Communications Chief Executive explained, “Our dream is to build the brand into an international brand. A brand that will not only appeal to Nigerians, but also other African countries. It may interest you to know that we have been in Ghana for over six years. And from Ghana we are moving to other West African countries like Togo, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, Sierra Leone and the Gambia.”

And to his critics he said pointedly with no regrets, “Devon is a beauty soap and beauty is synonymous with pretty women, you must surely have a particular model that is naturally endowed with the features of the brand and has the capacity to extend the brand benefits and messages, you want to give to the public. So to us, Nadia was just the square peg in a square hole in what we are looking for.”

Benedicta: Vote For The GIRL CHILD Now!

Only a couple of months ago, Nigerians were shocked to hear that a “respectable” senator in the National Assembly had wedded a grossly under-aged Egyptian girl. Even though there was a public outcry against that crime against the Girl Child, the society has since almost forgotten. But, it’s a crime.

It’s against this and many other such crimes that Benedicta Attoh, an Ambassador of “Because I Am A Girl” campaign, is fighting; and she needs all the votes on facebook (yours included of course) to win this cause.
Hear Benedicta: “Many girls are not so lucky as me. For most young girls, the experience of a forced marriage is one of domestic violence, pain, frustration, anger resentment and even death. For some, the wounds never heal, for others the scars never fade but for all survivors, the memories never die".
Benedicta needs your vote to win the final place in the Vodafone Ireland Foundation World of Difference competition which funds outstanding individuals to work with their chosen charity for a year.
Speaking with Star Weekly! yesterday, optimistic Benedicta said voters should go to:  CAST YOUR VOTE HERE!


and cast their votes.

Benedicta Attoh is a Director of the Africa Centre, Ireland, and a member of the Louth African Women’s Support Group. She is the Dundalk branch Coordinator of the Integration of African Children (IACI) in Ireland, a multicultural youth club. She was an Advisory Board member of the NCCRI Synergy North/South Intercultural Initiative from early 2005 until her appointment as Development and Awareness Officer in June 2006.
So readers, what are you waiting for? Help save the Girl Child. Go There NOW and VOTE!

Omotola's New Sexy Fotos

SAMDAVE Hits Town With EXPRESSION SUMMIT

There is no gainsaying the fact that the gospel music genre of the Nigerian entertainment industry has been polluted by musicians who are not really out to preach the gospel but to exploit the avenue for quick wealth. Some of these musicians even go to the extent of doing things that their secular counterparts would consider too unholy.

It is at the backdrop of this ugly trend that SAMDAVE Music World, a Lagos based music production, education and consultancy brand, stepped out with its Expression Summit, an event that brings practitioners and experts in the music industry together for the purpose of moving the industry forward.
Now in its third year running, the 2010 edition, tagged "Effective Musicianship" and held last Saturday at Chapel Of His Fullness auditorium in Egbeda, Lagos, brought music experts from some of the nation’s leading Ivory Towers to mentor participants on how to purify the Nigerian gospel music and move it forward.
Amongst those that graced the occasion were Sheyi Kehnny from Unilag; Tolu Aregbesola of the Association of Nigerian Musicologists; Kunle Pinmiloye aka K’Stick, a versatile drummer from Obafemi Awolowo University; Laolu Lawal, a choir trainer with Fountain of Praise, Lagos; Femi Adesanwo, , a Unilag trained musicologist; Ajose Samuel, a music director; and Kunle Shobowale, convener of the summit wh himself is an accompolished music director with an international certification.
Speaking with Star Weekly! At the venue of the event, Kunle Shobowale, who is also the CEO of SAMDAVE Music World, said the Expression Summit, apart from purifying the industry, was also aimed at teaching all those involved in gospel music how to perfect their acts and raise the profile of the industry.
“Music is not just about singing or playing instruments. A lot of things go into it; and one of the objectives of this Summit is to teach practitioners how to go about it,” he explained.

GUS Celebrity Show: My Eviction Was Genuine - Bob Manuel

Bob Manuel-Udokwu’s eviction from the on-going Nigerian Breweries sponsored Gulder Ultimate Celebrity shocked many of his fans and followers.The manner he was evicted was even unconvincing as critics believed his eviction was staged managed. But the Anambra state-born actor of repute was quick to dispel rumours of any sell out, insisting that he lost because it was simply not his day.
Excerpts:


Was your exit stage managed?
No. my exit was not a stage managed affair. My eviction goes to show that the programme is credible. It also indicates that no matter who is involved, there is no favouristism. The rules of the show must be obeyed.
Now let’s get back to my eviction. It was obviously not my day and the outcome of the day’s event, I accepted and moved on. It wasn’t a planned thing as you are assumed.
My experience should be a lesson to our politicians to move ahead when they lose elections. When you lose, you should do so gracefully and your reputation stays intact.

Significance of GUS
The significance of the Gulder Ultimate Show lies in the fact that you bring in several celebrities in an unfamiliar terrain and show them off in a different light where all comfort and razzmattaz of their lifestyle are removed. And in the process, you are able to capture for public consumption their weaknesses.
It is also good for reflection that life is not a straight road. Sometimes, the road is rough and sometimes it is smooth.
But what matters is the fact that when you win, you maintain discipline and savour your victory with consideration for the losers. That on its own is the real spirit of sportsmanship.

Conduct of Chioma Chukwuka
Somehow, we expressed our inner feelings when we are left in such a deserted environment but again, nothing is beyond people in entertainment industry. Chioma should have let people know what she had in mind and what she wanted to achieve in the jungle. It might be her own strategy to achieving her goal. The same thing is applicable to Muma Gee.

Emeka’s ambition
Deep down inside of me, I don’t really attach anything to what was seen on TV. We have a society where people love to speculate and so they have the right to assune anything may have happened on set. As I said it’s a speculative society we live in.

GUS project
The project is a good innovation. If the organisers make it an annual event, people would wish to see the way some of our celebritie are deprived of comfort. The whole show is a plus for the Nigerian Breweries PLC and the Guilder brand.

MTN PROJECT FAME WEST AFRICA III Auditions Begin Today

The auditioning of contenders for the much awaited MTN Project Fame West Africa Season 3 finally kicks off today in three locations. According to a release by the organisers, the annual star hunt, which has attracted much followership due to the prospects and recognition accorded the winner, will screen participants from Enugu, Kaduna and Ghana regions.

Star Weekly! gathered that this edition of the event promises to take the excitement a bit higher in order to discover the next music star.
Last year, 26 year old undergraduate student of Ambrose Alli University, Mike Anyasodo, emerged winner of the Season 2 of the contest. On Sunday 28th of September 2009, Mike fought off tough competition from his fellow final 5 contestants: Liberian Nicholas Buigar, Madonna Robinson, Tomiwa Sangonuga and Krimi Johnson. The 2nd season of MTN Project Fame commenced two months earlier and the contestants were groomed for stardom by the academy’s team of coaches and advisers. They performed each week for the televised broadcast as contestant after contestant was eliminated from the competition.
As his star prize, Mike received a N2.5 million cheque, a Toyota RAV 4 and a 1 year recording contract. Nicholas Buigar, the first runner-up, won N1.5 million and a Toyota Corolla; Tomiwa Sangonuga, the second runner-up won N1 million and a Toyota Yaris, while Krimi Johnson, the third runner-up got N1 million.
This year’s edition, according to the organizers, will be a lot more exciting and fun-filled.

D'Banj Gets N15 Million From Star Trek

Mo’Hits Records leading light and kokomaster, D’banj, is certainly living life to the hilt as the ongoing Star Trek has seen his bank account richer by a whopping N15 Million – thus making him the highest paid Nigerian artiste, official reports have revealed.

According to a reliable source close to an Ikeja-based events packaging firm that also handles artistes’ contracts, D’banj at present receives highest performance fees and features more in most high net worth shows in the land.
Star Weekly learnt that the Fall In Love crooner was paid close to N15million for three slots in the ongoing Star Trek, a cross-country concert organised by the brewing giant, Nigerian Breweries Plc.
We gathered that D’banj is being trailed on the rich list by award-winning twin pop group P-Square, who received around N12 million for three slots in the ongoing concert, followed by Wande Coal, whose performance fees for three cities show hovers around N11million.
The source revealed that D’banj was paid close to N10million for his brief performance at recently held ION International Film Festival in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and he has been scooping more shows which fetch him more dough to ascertain his status as one of the richest artistes in the country.

A Harvest Of Nominations For Kefee's KOKOROKO

There’s no denying the fact that one of the songs currently ruling the airwaves in Nigeria is Kefee’s “Kokoroko”.  Many people were thus not surprised that she was nominated for four different categories in this year’s Hip Hop Awards. Kefee described her nomination as a great development.

Kefee’s Kokoroko featuring Timaya, was nominated in the Song of the Year, Best Pop Single, Best Vocal Performance (Female) and Best Collaboration categories.
Branama Queen as she is fondly called, is currently enjoying wide acceptance in Nigeria and some African and European countries.

The Afro-pop singer grew up singing in a small Niger Delta town, Sapele and since the release of her first hit, Branama, she has remained stable on the music scene.
According to her, “I am elated beyond words. This is a monumental achievement, only made possible by an unwavering fan base of which I am so proud.”

Muma Gee Takes Her Music To New Heights

Muma Gee is somebody you could rightly call an Amazon in the Nigerian entertainment industry. After an impressive outing at this year’s inaugural edition of the Gulder Ultimate Search Celebrity showdown, the Afro singer has returned to her musical career.


Her new work, Woman in Question, was completed and launched at the Niteshift On Monday, May 3, 2010. After she was officially evicted from the show, she instructed her marketer, Iyke De Don, to start pushing out units of her new album into the market.

Each unit, beautifully packaged in a yellow CD jacket, contains an 18_track audio CD and a five_track Video CD.

Some of the songs are Accra Boy featuring VIP of Ghana, “Girl Power” featuring Frenzy and also produced by him, “Joli” which Terry G produced and also featured in. “Scream” was produced by Cobhams Asuquo and “African Woman” is a collabo with Batman Samini of Ghana.

The album is actively themed to reflect the African Woman and her position in the society and her immediate family. Woman in Question is released under Muma’s label, Mgee Records. The singer plans to embark on an African tour after the new release.

Omotola To Release New Album By July

We have always known her as an actress and she has in her kitty many awards . Even when she released an album five years ago, we all refused to see the music side of her. Now Omotola, the sexy actress is back with new singles, new video and a new tagline, the music diva.


Yeah, that is the new path the accomplished actress wants to toe. With a formidable team and redefined pop beats with eclectic contributions from producers, Omosexy the diva might finally earn her due respect in the music world.

The album which will be released on July 17 and 18 will make the actress go on a nationwide tour and perform for selected audiences. She has been rehearsing with her band for the past two weeks and working on her stage delivery and dance steps.

The album is titled With Me Myself; and all eyes will definitely be on the diva to see how far she would go on this sophomore album. The album has over 12 tracks.

I Fought Patience Ozokwor Because She Called Me A Prostitute - Mercy Johnson

A few weeks ago, movie loving Nigerians were amazed to hear that two of Nollywood star actresses, Mercy Johnson and Patience Ozokwor aka Mama Gee, engaged in physical fight while on a location for a movie in Asaba. And, speaking to the press, Mercy Johnson said she fought the older woman because she (Mama Gee) called her a prostitute.

Narrating the ugly incident, Mercy said that Patience Ozokwor was given a revealing clothe to wear on that location, apparently to depict a character in the movie that was in the making and Patience allegedly refused the outfit, stating that she is not Mercy Johnson, not an ‘ashawo’.
“I’m not a prostitute. I don’t like the name. I told her I didn’t like it," Mercy stated.  According to her, the faceoff was escalated when Mama Gee refused to stop calling her by unpleasant name.

Bukky Wright To Celebrate 15th Year Of Acting In Four Countries

Not too long ago, Nollywood star actress, Bukky Wright hosted friends and family to a private but posh birthday party at her Magodo residence and just when friends are relishing their experience, the mother of two is set to roll out the drums again and this time she is celebrating her 15th year on stage as an actress.

Those who think her private birthday party was posh will probably gasp in awe if they know the extent to which the mother of two plans to celebrate. Reports made available to Star Weekly indicate that she will be celebrating in four countries namely: Nigeria, Ghana, Republic of Benin and South Africa.
She will be hosting fans and friends and unveiling new projects. As a way of giving back to society, she plans to rehabilitate some schools and donate furniture and first aid boxes to them.
The date of the event which is being put together by Kemi Otegbade-led Heartlink will be announced shortly. ‘Speaking on her journey so far, the actress said ‘I am grateful to God for being faithful, he has been good and has been with me through thick and thin. I thank God’.

Star Weekly Hits News Stands In Nigeria Soon

The management of Kimekwu Communications Limited, publishers of Star Weekly magazine, has announced that the weekly soft-sell will soon be on the news stands across Nigerian major cities.
Star Weekly is the first soft-sell in Nigeria to comblne Entertainment, Sports and Brands as a unique selling point.
Some of the beats  in the 44-paged weekly include:
1. CAMPUS STAR
2. CELEBRITY GIST
3. NOLLYWOOD
4. MUSIC AND COMEDY
5. HOT STAR INTERVIEWS
6. POLITICAL STAR
7. SPORTS ( 8-paged pull-out of international and local sports)
8. BRANDS AND MARKETING
9. STAR AUTO
10. STAR PROPERTY
11. FASHION, BEAUTY AND STYLE
12. BRANDS AND MARKETING (2)
13. STAR GIST
14. YOU AND YOUR STAR (Inspirational)
15. STAR LITRATTI
16. FOREIGN STAR
And lots more! Watch out. On the news stands!

Majek Must Not Die!

Who will save the Rain Maker from the shackles of near destruction?

Once, it was rumoured that he was dead. But, it turned out to be a mere rumour. The rain maker was still very much alive. But behind every rumour, there is an atom of truth. People had spotted Fashek twice at O'Jez, looking very emaciated, sick and poorly dressed. It was obvious this “Prisoner of Conscience” needed an urgent help.
The last time he was at O'Jez, several of his fans were crying openly over his sorry sight, in fact, some fans that could not withstand his pitiable sight left the venue immediately.

Almost a year after, the situation is the same, if not worse. Majek needs the urgent help of public spirited individuals and philanhtropisys to be able to put himself together again and take up his musical career once again.As one writer once stated, this is not the time to apportion blames or crucify the once cerebral crooner, for what he has done wrong, it is the time to rescue and rehabilitate him and possibly revive his dead career. We also hope his State government is reading this.

Recently, some musicians raised alarm over the deplorable state of Majek and called on humanitarian organisations and the government to come to his aid. But up till the time of writing this story, nothing has been done. Concerned Nigerians say PMAN should swing into action now and act very fast, instead of waiting for his condition to deteriorate to a point of no remedy as this is the time to show love and care to one of their own, currently on the verge of losing it all.
Apart from his physical appearance, the Prisoner of Conscience crooner's mode of dressing is not as sparkling as it used to be.

Majek was said to have run amock while in the US, an allegation he denied. He was also said to have been hooked on drugs and alcohol, among other things.

Speaking through some of his friends, especially Rutheousman, during his rumoured death, the Rain Maker said ”I am alive, my new album will put the records straight.” That’s over a year now and those who have seen him recently said there’s need to step out and help him.
Majek Fashek (born: Majekodunmi Fasheke) attracted international attention, in 1987, when his self-penned tune, "Send Down The Rain," seemed to coax a rain storm that ended one of the worst draughts in Nigeria' s history. Labled a "prophet", Fashek went on to become one of Africa's greatest reggae-influenced performers. His debut solo album, Prisoner Of Conscience, released in 1988, sold more than 200,000 copies in Nigeria alone.

Born in Benin City, Fashek inherited his love of music from his mother, an Edo woman who raised him following the death of his father when he was eleven years old. A businesswoman, who supplied concrete to road contractors, she inspired him through her participation in traditional religious ceremonies where the Olokun rhythms were used to accompany worship of the river goddess. As a youngster, Fashek played maracas during the ceremonies.

While he developed an early interest in the music of Jamaica, Fashek was equally drawn to the music of Indian cinema. Learning to play guitar while in secondary school, Fashek joined a band, Jah Stix, and began playing in clubs in Lagos.

Fashek, whose name means "power of miracles, the high priest does not live", had a very close involvement with the late music icon Fela Anikulapo Kuti.