COSON may resume war with broadcasters

The loyalty row between the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) and Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria (IBAN) may resume according to The Nation

COSON is accusing IBAN and BON of failing to live up to the agreement reached in May for the broadcast agancies to pay arbitrary charges to musicians through the society.

In a statement released to the media on Wednesday COSON urged  BON and IBAN to respect the royalty agreement.

Also read:COSON order hotels to pay outstanding music royalties

COSON said that  broadcasting stations in the country are still deploying music without paying the negotiated royalty.

In 2013, COSON filed law suits worth millions of Nigeria against some broadcast stations including AIT, Ray Power, STV, Rhythm FM, Beat FM, Classic FM, Naija FM, Smooth FM and Brila FM.

Also read:COSON seeks government support against piracy

The chairman of COSON Tony Okoroji believed that the matter will be steeled amicably.

Silverbird Galleria give conditions for refund

Silverbird Galleria says its cinemas will rather refund the money than allow parents bring children to a film show for adults.

Silverbird Galleria says that it complies with the rules and regulations of the Nigerian Films and Video Censors Board (NFVDB) regarding movies shown to the public.

Ehi Paul, a staff of the organisation who spoke on behalf of the manager of the cinema, said although the original owners of films had to first rate their products, the regulatory agency must review them before they could be shown by any cinema.

She added that the regulatory authority also censored foreign movies before giving approval for cinemas to show them.

On movies for children, Paul said the cinema had enough films for the underaged, adding that about four films were slated for children per week.

According to her, children are not allowed into the cinema to watch films meant for adults.

Oscar failed to take steps to avoid death - judge

Paralympian Oscar Pistorius failed to take steps to avoid the death of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, Judge Thokozile Masipa said in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Thursday.

"He failed to take any steps to avoid the resulted death," she said, reading out her judgment.

"I am of the view that the accused acted too hastily and used excessive force. In the circumstances it is clear that his conduct was negligent."

Masipa adjourned the judgment to Friday at 09:30.

Earlier, there was an short delay in the start of proceedings after the lunch break.

Pistorius's lawyer Barry Roux and prosecutor Gerrie Nel were seen leaving the courtroom and disappearing through the door to the judge's chambers.

Court resumed about 15 minutes later, but Masipa only spoke for several minutes more on negligence before she abruptly adjourned proceedings.

Steenkamp was shot in Pistorius's Pretoria home on 14 February last year.

During the trial Pistorius has said he thought an intruder was behind the door of the toilet in his Pretoria home when he shot through it. He fired four times, killing Steenkamp.

After the adjournment, Steenkamp's friend Marc Batchelor stood with her Johannesburg "family" the Myers and said how upset he was with how the judgment was going.

Steenkamp's friend Gina Myers was crying after lunch and was consoled by her family.

Earlier, Steenkamp's parents June and Barry sat straight, looking at Masipa as she spoke.

They left as soon as court was adjourned, flanked by their lawyer Dup du Bryun.

Pistorius left through the door used by Masipa while his family trickled out the main entrance.

During her judgment, Masipa said various questions had to be taken into consideration, including if a reasonable person would have foreseen the possibility that someone might be struck when Pistorius shot and someone could die.

She said it should also be taken into consideration if a reasonable person would have taken steps to guard against the possibility of killing another person.

She said in Pistorius's case the answer to both is yes.

The State had argued that Steenkamp's killing was premeditated.

However, on Thursday Masipa said there was not enough evidence for premeditated murder.

Masipa was still due to rule on whether Pistorius was guilty of culpable homicide, which is defined as the unlawful killing of a person without an intention to kill.

Pistorius is also charged with three contraventions of the Firearms Control Act - one of illegal possession of ammunition and two of discharging a firearm in public.

False ebola alarm lands actor in jail

Nollywood actor, Chris Bassey, is presently behind bars for falsely reporting his girlfriend has Ebola Virus, reports Pulse.ng 

The actor made a prank call claiming that a female passenger travelling on an Arik Air flight from Enugu to Lagos was infected with Ebola. 

He told the airline that she had escaped from quarantine in Enugu and was running away to Lagos.

The female passenger who is also his girlfriend tested negative  on arrival at the Lagos airport which led to his arrest.

According to his girlfriend, the actor made the prank call because they had a misunderstanding.

He may be charged to court on September 15 for disrupting Arik’s operations.

Desmond Elliot to direct Kenyan TV series

 Nollywood actor and director Desmond Elliot will be directing a 300-episode TV series in Nairobi, Kenya featuring a host of Kenyan actors, reportsInformation Nigeria

Desmond Elliot who also stars in the series  plays an investor who has interest in working with county commissioner of a remote area in Kenya.

Also read: Desmond Elliot releases new comedy flick

Unfortunately, the commissioner, played by Gerald Langiri, is corrupt  and tides soon change as Elliot’s character falls in love with his niece, a young doctor in a county hospital.

The series will be aired on local channels in the country in the next few months.

He   attended the  Colorado Film School in the United States of America  earlier in the year through the  Nollywood Project ACT initiative, to study film making.

Also read: Desmond Elliot goes back to school

Desmond Elliot  has featured in over  two hundred films and a number of television shows and soap operas, he is a brand ambassador for telecommunications giant Globacom.

Maheeda goes on Australian tour

Controversial singer Maheeda is presently touring Australia.

The musician who is currently on  her Naija Baddest Girl Tour, held a concert on Saturday in Melbourne.

Maheeda during her stay in Australia visited radio stations and television stations to talk about her brand of music, and uploaded it on her Instagram page.

Also read: Legalize prostitution in Nigeria - Maheeda

She also got to meet members of the Nigerian society living in Australia.

The former gospel singer, came into limelight not for her music but because she relishes posting nude pictures online

Also read: Maheeda is married?

In a recent interview in July she said  that since prostitutes are everywhere it will be better if it were legalized.

MOVIE REVIEW: Finding the other half of a yellow sun

Seeing a book being adapted into film, is one of the coolest things for people who don’t like reading.

The reader experiences the parts not shown in the film and the cinema goer experiences the parts the screenwriter allows him or her to witness on screen.

Also read:Half Of A Yellow Sun rakes in N280 million

I have read and watched Half Of A Yellow Sun, and my excitement and dread were both entertained in this two hour visual feast.

To enjoy the movie it is better to disassociate it from the book, to avoid being disappointed(this is for people who have read the book before watching the film),but if you have not read the book then please enjoy the film.

Biyi Bandele centers this Chimamanda Adichie epic  on four major characters Olanna, Odenigbo, Kainene and Richard.

Ugwu, whom has a central character in the book is sent to the sidelines in the film, while Odenigbo’s radicalism and the strong political opinions of his inner circle are greatly diluted, I repeat don’t read the book.

Also read: "Half of a Yellow Sun" encounters roadblock in Nigeria

I was grossly offended that none of the lead characters were picked from Nollywood. It goes to show what even Nigerians think about its movie industry.

Onyeka Owenu, Wole Ojo,Tina Mba, Genevieve Nnaji, Gloria Young and Zack Orji,  were some of the popular faces representing the Nollywood front.

While lead characters Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anika Noni Rose, Joseph Mawle and Thandie Newton were ‘imported’ to give the film an international feel but losing the Nigerian touch (after all it’s a story about Nigeria).

Lets start with what the movie got wrong. The accents of the lead characters were just wrong, except for Richard(Joseph Mwale) who is Caucasian.

Also read:Pirate versions of Half Of A Yellow Sun hit Lagos 

When Thandie Newton who plays Olanna opens her mouth to speak Igbo or sound Nigerian, it makes one cringe, Chwetel Ejiofors accent swung between Nigerian and something from another English speaking African country.

When Olanna says ‘Kedu’ an Igbo word for ‘how are you’ it just comes out all wrong, and sounds nothing like it.  The film makers were obviously lazy to put these international stars through the rigors of getting the accent right. This will certainly not happen in Hollywood.

I must confess Genevieve Nnaji’s was flattened by the talents of Chiwetel Ejiofor, Onyeka Onwenu, Thandie Newton and Anika Noni Rose that rose high into the talent galaxy.

These are the glaring negatives of the film, but on to the positives of this masterpiece.

First of all it surpasses most Nollywood films in terms of production, research and  high attention to details during the shooting, this can be seen by the length of the closing credits.

The main players put an awe inspiring performance and emotionally connect with the audience, even though the script does not do justice to the book.

Onyeka Onwenu gives a stellar performance in her malicious mother-in-law role, and the  well timed news clips from the real events used as book marks for transition in the  movie are a major plus of the film.

The truth be told, I enjoyed the film by blocking out the book from my head, but  felt that the end of Half Of A Yellow Sun still left me hanging out to dry.

The movie is worth watching if you love a good romantic story, and want to see a properly executed project.

Chidi Mokeme unveiled as host for GUS

Nollywood actor, Chidi Mokeme has been unveiled as the host for the 2014 Gulder Ultimate Search, reports Nigerian Entertainment Today(NET)

The media personality who hosted the reality show in  20004, 2005 and 2012, 2013 makes a return in the 11th edition in 2014.

Also read: Gulder Ultimate Search XI heads to Anambra

Chidi Mokeme was announced a host on September 6 during the selection of the 14 finalists at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island Lagos.

The popular actor hosted the 2004 and 2005 editions before, fellow actor,  Bob Manuel Udokwu, was used as host, until 2012 when Chidi Mokeme returned.

Also read: Gulder Ultimate Search makes cinematic debut

The 28-day reality show holds in Aguleri, Anambra State between September 19 and October 16.

The winner will get 10 million naira cash prize and an SUV.

Dorobucci video reaches one million hits on Youtube

The smash hit single from  the Mavin Records Dorrobucci has hit over one million views on Youtube.

Mavin boss, Don Jazzy shared this milestone on his Instagram page.

The song features Dr Sid, Tiwa Savage, Korede Bello, Reekado Banks, D’Prince, D’ija and Don Jazzy.

Also read:Charles Novia slices Dorobucci video to size 
The song was released on May 1 this year while the video came out on  July 23.

The song presently has 1 049 470 views

The song has provided a new street vocabulary, and is used as a prefix for most words.

Chris Brown says jail made him more mature

Chris Brown claims his "maturity level has risen" since leaving jail.

The Loyal hitmaker, who was released on 2 June after spending 108 days behind bars for violating his probation after he allegedly made threats about using guns while seeking anger-management treatment in rehab, admits it was "a humbling experience" and made him realise he is "human like everyone else".

The 25-year-old star told Billboard magazine: "I'm just more appreciative of the things I'm blessed with and the things I do: music, being able to take care of my family, being able to see my friends and family."

He added: "[I had to feel] like this happened for a reason. There was a purpose. Maybe I was out of control too much. Or I needed something to humble me to the point where I get it."

The singer, who was sentenced to time already served after pleading guilty to assault in Washington DC earlier this week stemming from an incident last October, says he spent much of his time in jail "drawing, sketching most of the time, biding time".

He added: "I missed my dad and mom, all my cousins...seeing people's faces and smiles...seeing people who were just encouraging and positive."

Chris, who has rekindled his relationship with Karrueche Tran, still considers himself a role model even though he admits he isn't perfect.

He said: "No one is harder on me than me.

"I have been moving forward and hope that I am not defined by just a few moments in my life but all of the moments that will make up my life."

He added: "As far as my mistakes in life, that's being a role model, because people can see my mistakes and learn from them."

Bieber assault charge dropped over limo incident

Prosecutors said on Monday they have dropped an assault charge against Canadian pop star Justin Bieber in connection with an incident involving a Toronto limousine driver.

The withdrawn charge stemmed from an early-morning incident late last December, when Bieber and five other people were picked up by a limousine from a Toronto nightclub. Police alleged Bieber, 20, hit the limo driver several times on the back of the head. The charge made headlines just days after Bieber was arrested in Miami on street-racing and other charges.

Prosecutors said the assault charge was withdrawn because there was no reasonable prospect of conviction.

"It was the right decision based on the evidence and we're pleased," said Brian Greenspan, Bieber's lawyer. "It's our belief that no one assaulted the driver."

Greenspan said the withdrawal of the charge follows a thorough review of the evidence by a responsible prosecutor. Bieber is relieved and ready to move on with his career with one less diversion, Greenspan said.

Bieber is due in an Ontario court 29 September to fight new charges.

Police said last week that Bieber had been arrested Aug. 29 on charges of dangerous driving and assault following a collision between a minivan and an ATV that led to a fight with a photographer. Greenspan said Bieber was near his home town of Stratford, Ontario, on a "peaceful retreat" with actress/singer Selena Gomez that "was unfortunately disrupted by the unwelcome presence of the paparazzi".

Police said there were no injuries as a result of the collision, but could not say whether there were any injuries from the altercation.

Bieber had earlier been photographed on an ATV vehicle with Gomez, his on-and-off again girlfriend.

Just days before the Ontario incident, Bieber's car was hit from behind by a vehicle driven by a photographer in Hollywood. Bieber later tweeted: "I don't have a problem with Paparazzi but when they act recklessly they put us all in danger."

Last month, Bieber pleaded guilty to misdemeanour charges of careless driving and resisting arrest seven months after his arrest in Miami Beach for what police initially alleged was an illegal street drag race. In a plea bargain, he agreed to an anger management course, a $500 fine and a $50,000 charitable contribution.

In July, Bieber pleaded no contest to a misdemeanour vandalism charge for tossing eggs at a neighbour's house in Los Angeles. He agreed to pay more than $80 000 in damages, meet a number of other conditions and was sentenced to two years' probation.

Bieber catapulted to fame at age 15, and then earned nominations for two Grammy Awards for his 2010 full-length album debut My World 2.0. Sales of his latest records have fallen off.

The Ascension tops iTunes Nigeria

Musician 2face Idibia’s  The Ascension has becoming the highest selling album on iTunes Nigeria, reports Hiphopworld

Nigeria’s king of Pop Music also recently featured on the “World” section of the Billboard Charts.

Also read:2face’s album breaks into American Billboard

There are seventeen tracks on the album, which took him over two years to record.

The album features American artists; Bridget Kelly and Sean Wayne, rappers; Vector and Iceberg Slim.

It also has HyperTek label mates Dammy Krane, Rocksteady and Victor Uwaifo.

Also read:2face holds sixth album listening party

America based Billboard Magazine  listed 2face Idibia’s latest offering  The Ascension as the 12th top selling albums for the week at the beginning of August.

M-Net’s Big Brother Africa looking globally for a new house

Following a devastating fire which destroyed the Big Brother Africa Hotshots house at Sasani Studios in Johannesburg yesterday, M-Net and Endemol South Africa are frantically working on finding a new camera house which could be elsewhere in Africa – or in the world!

Big Brother Africa Hotshots, the 9th season of the voyeur reality format show was supposed to start this Sunday at 19:00 with a live event, after which cameras would have tracked the antics for 24 hours per day for 91 days on two DStv channels and with highlights shows on the AfricaMagic Showcase (DStv 150) channel.

A destructive fire caused the cancellation of the start of the show and threw the Endemol South Africa produced show into chaos. With 56 cameras and special one-sided glass panels destroyed, a frantic search started to find a new Big Brother house – possible one elsewhere in Africa or on another continent the contestants and crew would be transported to.

“M-Net and Endemol SA have a full team working on an alternative venue for Big Brother Africa,” Caroline Creasy from MultiChoice Africa tells Channel24. “This includes a globalreview of Big Brother houses that may be available for the production”.

“At this stage no final decision has been made on the venue or the possible timing,” she says.  “The team is working around the clock to find solutions to get the show on-air”.

A huge logistical  nightmare is looming for the show if its able to secure a new house. The productions staff already had a massive headache securing visas for pan-African contestants following abrupt changes to South Africa’s visa regulations which first saw Ghana and then the contestants from Sierra Leone and Rwanda dumped from the show.

Moving house will mean not just a move for the contestants but also the South African crew and producers and a new round of visa applications and changes, as well as the shipping of some technical equipment.

Joan Rivers is out of intensive care

Joan Rivers has been moved out of intensive care.

The 81-year-old comedienne, who was placed in a medically-induced coma after she went into cardiac arrest and stopped breathing during minor throat surgery last Thursday, has been transferred to a private room at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, but is still on life support.

The Fashion Police host's daughter, Melissa Rivers, updated fans on her condition on Wednesday, saying: "My mother has been moved out of intensive care and into a private room where she is being kept comfortable. Thank you for your continued support."

Sources previously insisted Joan is "on the road to recovery," despite rumours Melissa is in "denial" about the severity of the situation.

An insider said: "It's a slow process, but she's on the road to recovery. She's getting better. Don't believe all this ridiculous speculation.

"All these reports about doomsday are not true."

Production on two Fashion Police episodes has been halted following Joan's health scare.

A spokesperson for E! recently said: "We will not be producing a Fashion Police this week or next as we await Joan and Melissa's return in front and behind the camera. E! will be airing two E! From Fashion Week specials that will deliver the latest news and information from the highly-anticipated event."

Flavour not ready to walk down the Aisle | Sandra Okagbue shows off baby bump

Flavour N’Abiana may be expecting his first child with model and former face of Delta Soap Sandra Okagbue but he may not be ready for married life just yet…if the reports are to be believed.
Last week we reported that the pop star was expecting a baby this month with the model and that they would be tying the knot soon as a result of their baby joy.
However Linda reports that the Adamma singer is not ready to wife Sandra right now.
A source close to Flavour was quoted with saying
The last thing on Flavour’s mind right now is marriage. She said he’s responsible for the pregnancy and Flavour has accepted it but as for marriage, don’t hold your breath.
Gone are the days when people got married just because the woman gets pregnant..this is 2014 baby!!! 
Meanwhile check out Sandra's growing baby bump below: