PREY, Featuring OC Ukeje, Weruche Opia To Premiere September

Uzo Chikere

The long awaited movie 'Prey' which stars top Africa and British stars, is set to premiere this September, in London.

The thriller will premiere at the British Urban Film Festival on Monday, September 21, 2015.

A young woman, after a night out is stalked by a psychopath in a car park. It is an Alfred Hitchcock inspired film filled with suspense and horror.

'Prey' features Africa and Britain's top stars Weruche Opia, OC Ukeje, Steve Mace , Yvonne Hays and Azizat Saadiq.
Directed and Executive produced by Sunny King, written and co-produced by Edith Nwekenta, 'Prey' is produced by Stefano Moses.

Nnabuife Wins Gulder Ultimate Chase, As Biggest Poster Hits The World

With the re-enactment of its television reality show in an abridged version dubbed Ultimate Chase last week in Enugu involving about 123 journalists across Nigeria, Gulder lager beer presented the World’s biggest poster. The epoch-making poster measuring 5,367 square metres unveiled at the Michael Okpara Square in Enugu State broke the record for the existing largest poster measuring 4,793.65 square metres, which was displayed in India on June 27, 2015.

The unveiling of the Gulder poster to kick-start the 2015 edition of the Gulder National Consumer Promotion, was followed by the Ultimate Chase which saw contestant Chuka Nnabuife coming tops and driving home in a Hyundai Elantra car for his prowess. 

Mr. Chuka Nnabuife who works with National Light newspaper in Anambra, emerged the winner of first Hyundai Elantra car. Other journalists went home with consolatory prizes.  

Speaking on his feat Nnabuife said: “I feel highly rewarded by a brand that I have followed for over 21 years. Initially I never wanted to be a part of the Ultimate Chase but eventually I participated. Nigerian Breweries Plc., through Gulder, has continued to show why it is the biggest beer brand in Nigeria. I thank Gulder for creating this platform which I have benefited immensely from.”

The Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, was represented by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Barr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo who commended the Gulder brand for the feat. He said:  “Indeed, this is a very momentous feat and I applaud Nigerian Breweries Plc, makers of Gulder for choosing Enugu as the take off point for this milestone event. Enugu has also been one of the most lucrative tourist destinations for businesses. By implication, Enugu will also be in the Guinness book of world records for hosting this event. In Enugu, there is a continuous drive from government to provide adequate security for forward-thinking companies like Nigerian Breweries.”

Since its unique launch in 1970 as Nigeria’s first lager brand packaged in a brown bottle, Gulder has blazed the innovative trail, achieving milestones in the process.

The brand organized Nigeria’s first reality TV show, the Gulder Ultimate Search, while Gulder’s current packaging, is regarded as Nigeria’s most innovative bottle.

In his welcome address, the Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde, recounted Gulder’s momentous stride in the beer market and the company’s choice of Enugu as the rallying point. He stated that ‘‘since the commissioning of our second brewery in Aba in 1957, the South East has been a solid base for our operations and a veritable home to our brands. It is in continuation of this robust relationship with the South East that we are here in Enugu courtesy of Gulder the ultimate lager beer’.

Describing the largest poster as “The Gulder Ultimate Poster”, Mr. Vervelde said the feat recently achieved by Gulder is “an attestation to the Ultimate beer and the Ultimate Man who stands up to be counted with his beer.” Speaking further, he described Gulder’s feat as a glowing testament to Nigerian Breweries commitment to winning with Nigeria. He added: “This commitment covers all aspects of our investments, our footprint, our people and our socio-economic impact. As Nigeria’s leading brewing company, this feat showcases Nigeria Breweries Plc’s continuous commitment to expanding the frontiers of consumer promotion in the history of Gulder with over four million prizes to be won.’’

Speaking on the connection between the Gulder brand and Enugu, Mr. Hubert Eze, the Sales Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc. said: “The truth is that the Gulder brand has a lot in common with Enugu and Nigerian Breweries Plc.is at home in Enugu. So, when we want to break history, we break it at home and ensure that every corner of the earth salutes this feat.”

Barr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde, the CEO of Nigerian Breweries Plc., his wife, Mrs. Clementina Vervelde and Mr. Kufre Ekanem, Corporate Affairs Adviser, also of Nigerian Breweries Plc., all signed the poster, followed by numerous consumers present.   

COSON Week To Set Lagos On Fire From Nov. 1

Uzo Chikere

The front garden of the Opebi Lagos office of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), last Tuesday became a cynosure of views as celebrities gathered to witness the unveiling of the this year’s week-long COSON Week. kaleidoscope of colours adorned the place as several top music acts present lifted the event to disying heights. Among them were Raskimono, KSB, Mr. Raw Nwanne, Patrick Doyle, D’lyte, Baba Dee Fasassi, Queen Ure, Azeezat Allen, Princess Anne Inyang, Nollywood beauty Jennifer Eliogu, Ghanaian actress Ella Mensah and several others. Virtually every major media establishment in Nigeria was represented with cameras flashing left, right and center and cutely dressed damsels serving finger foods, barbecue and cocktails.

The occasion however, provided the opportunity for throwing light on the plan and direction of the COSON Week for this year the organisers’ leading light, Tony Okoroji revealed that it would hold from November 1 to 7, 2015 during which Lagos will be on “fire” due to the fact that it will explode with seven mega entertainment events in seven different enchanting venues in the city for what he decribed as seven magical days, with each of the seven events having its own unique theme, style and presentation. With the buzz, the questions have kept coming: “November 1 to 7, what exactly will happen in Lagos, where, when and how?” 

Some of those questions were finally answered with a dazzling display of pyrotechnics as the formal unveiling took place of COSON Week 2015 which has been trending heavily on social media as ‘the World Cup of Entertainment in Nigeria’ and ‘the Olympic Games of Showbizness’.

From the details provided, the COSON Week will take off on Sunday November 1 at the magnificent KICC Prayer Dome in Maryland Lagos. The beautiful dome with unparalleled state of the art installations will host ‘COSON in the Church’, an unsurpassed red carpet show featuring Nigeria’s best known and most talented gospel singers. The nightingales and the entertainment industry’s glitterati will rub shoulders with the nation’s most renowned ministers of the gospel at a national day of music and prayer which will be broadcast live across the world.    

The COSON Week will climax on Saturday, November 7with ‘COSON Storms the Beach’, a spectacular open air beach concert featuring a roll call of Nigeria’s ‘A’ list stars with unbelievable fireworks. The stars will storm the beach with thousands of their fans in funky beach wear for an unmissable Music Explosion for the happening guys and gals; mamas and papas and the entire family. All roads in Lagos on that Saturday will lead to the tantalizing Atikan Beach Resort, off Abraham Adesanya Estate in the Aja area of Lekki, venue of the never before witnessed massive beach party.

In between COSON in the Church and COSON at the Beach, there will be five other enchanting events to titillate residents of Lagos and those from other lands who wish to join them to enjoy the week of fun.

The COSON Lecture will hold on Monday, November 2 at Lagos Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja as Nigeria’s best brains come together for an Intellectual Property Feast;

COSON in the Streets will happen across the streets of Lagos on Tuesday November 3 when a rainbow of Nigerian stars give meaning to the dignity of labour, cleaning the streets and thrilling the citizens with a dazzling roadshow on the move.

On Wednesday, November 4, the nation’s crème de la crème, dressed to kill, will walk the green carpet and enjoy the finest entertainment and the choicest dinner money can buy at the MUSON Centre, Lagos as they honour the musicians of Nigeria at the five star COSON Green Ball.

The COSON All Stars Table Tennis Blow Out will explode on Thursday, November 5 as Nigeria’s top stars serve, smash, cut, spin and do battle on the board at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.

On Friday, November 6, the Expo Hall of Eko Hotel & Suites will host the               

COSON Song Awards, an award event like no other. The epic! The only way to describe it is wow!

Chairman of COSON and key driver of the COSON Week Tony Okoroji, further reassured that no one will attend the event and not remember it for the rest of his life, adding that “in everything we do, we make every effort to be creative and original. While we study what others are doing, we do not recycle what is out there. We set the trend”

Explaining that the planning and logistics of the COSON Week are mind boggling, Okoroji therefore called on all those partnering with the organisers; sponsors, advertisers, artistes, broadcasters, designers, technicians, among others to get on board immediately as there wass no time to waste any more. Pointing out that it was the time to jointly make history.

Change Evoking Shock, Surprise

I am surprised that some Nigerians are shocked about the appointment of Lawal as the SFG as well as the appointment of another northerner as the head of Immigration Service. The move to finally northernise the federal government by an absolute president has just begun. This is certainly a one horse show. Those who voted for this change must not complain. It is change from democratic liberalism to democratic absolutism. Change here is replacing every position occupied by Southerners with Islamic Northerners. Change is indeed here.

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

Orezi Hopes Ruling Waves With New Album Sept.

Uzo Chikere

Rapidly rising act, Orezi Esegine Allen caused frenzy as he announced the release of his new album this September.

The artiste revealed that the hotly anticipated LP will be titled “The Gehn Gehn”, and will house collaborations from artistes around the globe.

Orezi who has shown his undeniable talent and hit making abilities with back-to-back hits; What Is The Need, Rihanna, You Garrit, Shoki and most recently ‘Shuperu’ is one of the most consistent entertainers in around presently. Ahead of the LP, Orezi is teasing music lovers and fans with footage from the studio session of ‘Big Something’.

The blazing number which will be housed on The Gehn Gehn was produced by Popito and features high-life royal Flavour and afro hip-hop titan M.I.

Speaking on the album, Orezi said, ''I am now ready to drop the album, because it is hot. Every other artiste planning to drop an album in September should be advised because from September till next year, Orezi will rule the club houses, the streets and airwaves. My fans can never be disappointed. We are working with a reputable marketer to make sure it is widely spread.

I am really grateful to everyone that has supported me since day one till date and I bless the name of Almighty God that maketh things come to pass. I am really grateful, and just to add, expect great and unique hit songs. Genres covered on the album are afro-pop, R&B, dancehall, ragga, dance, afrobeats and hip-hop, it is blazing."