Entertainment Briefs
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NINE out of the thirteen judges that will review entries for the maiden edition of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, have been unveiled.
They are Laolu Akins, who has produced some top rated musical artistes in the country, Rab Bakari, Delani Makhalima, Christian Syren, Tabu Osusa, Kawesa Richard, Rita Ray, Oscar J.F Kidjo and Robert Esong Ekukole who will chair the panel.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, where the judges were announced, Kingsley James, country director of AFRIMA, noted that selected judges were some the most respected individuals in the African entertainment industry. The Nigeria co-producer of the programme expressed confidence they would bring in diverse experiences and expertise to the judging panel.
“What is most exciting is that we have a very diverse panel that will bring in their individual perspectives to the judging process. They are an accomplished panel with vast amount of experience in the music world,” James said.
Reacting to his nomination, Laolu Akins, one of the judges, said he felt privileged and I feel proud to be a part the jury for the AFRIMA awards, adding: “Obviously my contribution to the industry has been noted, so they feel there is something I can bring to the table.”
AFRIMA is being organised in partnership with African Union Commission in a combined effort to promote African music worldwide. The main awards ceremony will hold in Lagos on November 9, this year, where 32 categories will be competing for supremacy.
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Asiegbu Is Back!
AFTER disappearing from the screen for almost a decade, Ejike Asiegbu, a veteran actor, has finally staged a comeback to action, starring in a big-budget movie titled, “End Game.” Asiegbu, a former president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, is joining the likes of Desmond Elliot and Ini Edo on set.
Popularly called ‘The Godfather’, Asiegbu was busy, during his long absence, with the AGN politics, a body he headed as its president in an era which saw the then moribund body come to life. Later he was also appointed special assistant to the Abia State governor on entertainment. Thereafter, he became an Ambassador to an NGO advocating the rights and welfare of premature babies.
“I have been busy all these years. I missed my primary constituency — Nollywood. I missed everything about the industry; that’s why I have decided to stage a comeback because the pressure has been on me from family members, friends and fans across Nigeria, Africa and the world at large”, he said.
The actor whose acting career dates back to his starring in the television adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s tragic novel, ”Things Fall Apart”, said he reflected on the decision to stage a comeback to what he knows how to do best.
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Agwu Dreams Politics
JULIUS Agwu, one of the most renowned comedians in Nigeria, wants to run for the office of the governor of Rivers State in the 2015 election.
Agwu, who hails from Choba, Rivers State declared his desire to run for the post in a campaign poster that went viral on the social media with the inscription: “Our moment of Change! Julius Agwu for Governor — Rivers 2015.”
The question on the lips of his fans however is this: “What political party will Julius Agwu is contesting under?” That appears to be under the wrap for now. Perhaps to underline his seriousness he later told some journalists that he would want to contest for the position in order to contribute his quota to the development of the state.
— Aug. 25, 2014 @ 01:00 GMT
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