‘If you don’t have your PVC, you are part of Nigeria’s problem- Kanayo O Kanayo

The movie star made this known via a video shared on his Instagram page on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. “You and I have the power to save our country. No one can do it but you. Do not say your vote will not court. First, go and perform your civic responsibility of casting your vote. Going to vote is better than going to church or mosque. Do not misunderstand me,” he said.

“There is no In Jesus Name where they are voting that is why you have been saying In Jesus Name and these guys have been doing the same thing. There is no voting on social media. It is a physical exercise. If by now you have not gotten your Permanent Voters Card, you have become part of the problem of Nigeria. I tell you that.”

Kanayo O Kanayo joins the list of Nigerian celebrities who have been quite vocal about the need for Nigerians to get registered for the next general elections.

Other celebrities who have been quite vocal about voter education and registration include Peter Okoye, Mr Macaroni, Falz, Davido and Tacha Akide.

These celebrities have stood their ground about Nigeria getting it right in the next elections.

Some of these celebrities have even vowed to call out their colleagues who collect money from politicians to campaign for them.

While for some like Okon Lagos, they will be selling their votes to the highest bidder.

Popular Pastor gifts homeless veteran Nollywood actor Kenneth Aguba free accommodation

It was recently revealed that the veteran actor has been homeless for a while. Following the reports of the news, Chinyere who is the senior pastor at Omega Power Ministry reached out to the homeless actor, stating that the actor will be given accommodation in one of the ministry’s free estates in Rivers State.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=773298693847751

In a series of posts shared via the official page of the church on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, the veteran actor was welcomed to Port harcourt while his accommodation was sorted.

“The veteran Nigerian actor Kenneth Aguba who was recently found homeless has been found by the General Overseer of OPM, Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, he has been given an accommodation at one of the OPM free estates, he is now at the OPM free hospital for medical checkup. God is great,” the post read. Aguba went viral on social media after a Twitter user revealed that he had been living in a dilapidated building after becoming homeless.

Popular for playing comic and ‘red cap’ chief roles, Aguba has been in over a dozen Nollywood home videos.

Since the viral photos, the Actors Guild of Nigeria has come under intense criticism, with disturbed fans questioning the Guild’s mandate.

While the AGN is yet to react to Aguba’s viral photos, its national president, Emeka Rollas has made recent moves to address crowdfunding for veterans in distress.

Black panther star Chadwick Boseman $2.3 Million fortune to be split

The actor unexpectedly succumbed to colon cancer in 2020, due to his unforeseen demise, there was no will left behind to guide the family on how to handle his fortune.

Boseman’s estate was originally valued at $3,881,758, according to court documents, but after the large funeral bill and lawyer fees the amount came down to $2.5 Million plus $157,000 in cash.

The widow, Ledward-Boseman produced documents with an account of all expenses incurred following Boseman’s death, asking to be reimbursed. The funeral costs amounted to around $50,000 including the purchase of a piece of land close to the actor’s resting place at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, where his parents will be laid.

The actor’s company, Chadwick Boseman, Inc. allegedly owed a tax fee worth $51,000 and $900,000 was spent on a bond for a probate case. The remaining $2.3 Million will be split between the two parties with $1.15 Million each. It is said that the large sum in legal fees would have been avoided had Boseman drafted up a will. Taylor Simone Ledward and Boseman secretly tied the knot in 2019 three years after he was diagnosed with cancer. They had been together before the actor’s diagnosis. At the time of his death, Boseman had appeared in the Marvel high grossing superhero movie “Black Panther“, Black-American historic films ‘42‘, ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom‘, ‘Get On Up‘ and ‘Da 5 Bloods‘.

Funke Akindele and JJC Skillz’s marriage crashes

JJC Skillz made this known via his Instagram page on Thursday, June 30, 2022. Dear Friends and family I need to let you know that Funke and I have separated. While it lasted we shared a lot of things together and have created 2 beautiful children. The last two years have been extremely difficult for us,” he wrote.

“I know I have tried my best to fix things but I believe it is beyond repair now. 3 months ago and at Funke’s insistence I moved out of the house and apart from AMVCA have not been able to get Funke to sit down in an amicable manner to discuss the future of our relationship.”

The veteran rapper said he decided to announce their separation to let the public know they are already pursuing their individual lives.

“I’m making this announcement so that the public is clear that we both are pursuing separate lives. We still have issues that need to be addressed such as the custody and wellbeing of our children which is paramount as well as business interests which need to be disentangled but I have no doubt that these will be resolved one way or the other,” he concluded. Trouble in the Bello’s home first got to the public after the movie star’s stepson, Benito, dragged her on social media.

Benito revealed that all was not well in one of Nollywood’s most admired marriages.

He alleged that his stepmom, Funke, was a horrible person.

He made this known following reports of crisis in JJC and Akindele’s marriage.

Weeks later, Benito disclosed he was allegedly assaulted by his father.

According to him, they fell out after he was expelled for bringing alcohol to the school.

Benito gave a detailed account of how the music star repeatedly hit him inside the car as they drove home.

He alleged that he sustained bruises on his face, neck and ribs.

It didn’t end there as he dropped a bombshell about his father and step mum cheating on each other.

According to Benito,

Tonto Dikeh nominated as deputy governorship candidate of Rivers State under ADC

The announcement was made known by the governorship candidate of the party, Tonte Ibraye via his Instagram page on Friday, June 24, 2022. “After series of consultations with leaders of our party the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State and the national level, I’m glad to announce Amb. Tonto Dikeh ( tontolet )as my running mate for the 2023 gubernatorial election in Rivers State,” he wrote.

“We are pleased to welcome her to the #RiversRescueMission2023 as we strive to improve the standard of living for everyone in our dear Rivers State. Please join our press conference at 11 am today. #TonteTonto2023.”

The actress also took to her Instagram page where she thanked Ibraye for nominating her for the office of the deputy governor of Rivers State.

“I thank Mr. Tonte Ibraye(@tonteibraye), the Governorship Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Rivers State for nominating me as his running mate,” she wrote.

“We are looking forward to investing massively in social protection, creating a social value system for young people, increased women’s inclusion in our governance system, supporting small businesses and strengthening our traditional institutions to be active players in the drive to bring sustainable development to the good people of Rivers State.”

“I am glad to be a proud member of the #RiversRescueMission2023 Please get your PVC and join the movement. You are the Future and The future is now! #TonteTonto2023.”

Dikeh is a Nollywood actress who hails from Rivers State. She is a trained Petrochemical engineer from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology.

Veteran Actors who are aged over 70 and still active in Nollywood

While some say its age should be counted from 2002, when the sobriquet; Nollywood surfaced in The New York Times article by Matt Steinglass. Others argue that the age should be attributed to the release of the direct-to-video film of 1992, Living in Bondage.

Despite arguments and debates about the age of the industry that we may not necessarily be able to confirm, we at least know the ages of some of the industry’s veteran players.

Here is a list of five 70 plus Nollywood legends, active and still thriving in the industry.

1. Pete Edochie

The Nigerian actor is considered one of Africa’s most talented actors, being honored with an Industry Merit Award by Africa Magic and Lifetime Achievement by Africa Film Academy.

The 75 year old seems unstoppable as he is still bagging roles even at his age. He has starred in several movies and most recently, he appeared in Genevieve Nnaji’s Lionheart and Unroyal in 2020.

 

2. Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett

The 81-year-old veteran actor, journalist and presenter is a screen goddess who is still very active in the industry. She is a feminist and was the first editor of Africa Woman magazine in the 1970s. Recently, she appeared in Kemi Adetiba’s King of Boys 2: The Return of The King.

 

3. Adebayo Salami

Popularly known by his stage name Oga Bello, he is a veteran Nigerian actor, filmmaker, movie producer and director. At 70, the veteran is still very much active in the industry. Recently, he appeared in the blockbuster movie of his son Femi Adebayo’s Ageshinkole: King of Thieves.

 

4. Kareem Adepoju

The legendary actor, producer, and writer, popularly known as Baba Wande is still active at age 72. He was the star of the 1993 and 1994 classic, Ti Oluwa Nile and Ayo Ni Mofe. Baba Wande has maintained relevance till date. Some of his most recent movie credits include Fate of Alakada and Oba Bi Olorun.

 

5. Lanre Hassan

Iya Awero as she is fondly called is another

No one wants to intentionally make a bad movie – Stella Damasus

The veteran actress took to her Instagram handle to share a heartwarming video detailing how much work goes into Nollywood films and the sometimes, non-constructive criticism they get online.

So I’ve gone online a couple of times and I hear people criticizing the Nigerian movie industry, criticizing our films and condemning it,” Damasus said in the Instagram post.

Not even constructive criticisms but really negative things and it hurts me because they think it is easy to get a bunch of people together, get crew, get cast, get them to different locations, shoot morning to morning, suffer.

I don’t think anyone wants to waste time and money and intentionally make a bad film. We do our best with the little we have. We try, we push and that’s why we still have a thriving industry today, because of the hard work.”

Damasus’s video in solidarity with Nollywood has expectedly been well received by filmmakers who took to her comments section with positive reactions.

The actress is unarguably one of the very few vocal voices in the industry that indiscriminately promote Nollywood content.

Meanwhile, the actress recently launched a YouTube monologue series tagged ‘In The Chair’. The series debuted with a monologue about sexual abuse.

A ‘Game of Thrones’ sequel based on Jon Snow is in development at HBO

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the live-action spinoff sequel is in early development. The report also confirms that GoT star Kit Harington would return to reprise his role as Jon Snow.

News of the newly announced series comes amid the highly anticipated prequel ‘House of the Dragon’ based on the Targaryen civil war that took place about 300 years before events portrayed in the blockbuster fantasy drama. The prequel finally debuts on HBO Max on August 21, 2022.

Since the series wrapped in 2019 after eight seasons, Harington has made a number of onscreen appearances with the most prominent being on Marvel’s 2021 ‘Eternals.’

The actor was twice nominated for an Emmy for his portrayal of Jon Snow.

In addition to the live-action, THR also reports that a ‘Game of Thrones’ stage play is in the works. The play “would revive iconic characters and explore the origins of Robert’s Rebellion,” THR revealed.

Nollywood actor, Moses Armstrong, arrested for allegedly raping minor

Popular Nollywood actor and singer, Moses Armstrong, has been arrested by men of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for allegedly defiling a 16-year-old girl.

The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, confirmed the arrest during a chat with Qed.ng.

Rollas described the case as “a very serious one”.

He said it is being handled by the First Lady of the state, Martha Udom Emmanuel, through her Family Empowerment and Youth Re-Orientation Path Initiative. The AGN president added that the organization will not condone such a crime.

Rollas said: To get involved with a child as young as 16 years is not something I and the association I represent would stand for.

“This is a very sad development involving a member of ours, but I wouldn’t want to comment any further on this case.”

Armstrong, until his arrest, was a Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel.

He lost his wife and colleague, Rita Armstrong, in 2018.…

Osas Ighodaro lands international award nomination for ‘Rattlesnake’

Ighodaro was nominated alongside seven other African stars including Ijeoma Grace Agu, for the ‘Best African Actress’ category of the Septimius Awards formerly known as NVIFF in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Confirming the nomination, the actress shared a post on Instagram from what appears to be her stunning look to the award ceremony.

She captioned the post: “Thank you so much for my nomination @septimiusawards for Best African Actress for my role as Amara in ‘RattleSnake: The Ahanna Story’. It is a true honor! A gift of a role that keeps on giving. Nollywood to the World!” 

The prestigious Septimius award is held to celebrate “independent talent, supporting visionary films and bringing together all elements of film-making and storytelling, which includes fiction, non-fiction, animation, television series and scripts. We showcase a wide range of genres from Drama to Documentary.” The 2022 edition held between June 6-7, in Amsterdam.

Meanwhile, for Ighodaro, the nomination follows her Best Actress win at the recently held 8th AMVCA for her role as Amara in the Play Network Studios remake.

Stephanie Linus and husband welcome 2nd child

The movie star shared the big news via her Instagram page on Tuesday, May 31, 2022. “A Princely Arrival With thanksgiving and gratitude to our Heavenly Father, we are delighted to share with you the announcement of the birth of our second son whose arrival has immersed us with unspeakable joy,” she wrote.

“Indeed, the Lord has blessed us beyond measure and our hearts are filled with eternal gratitude. Glory be to His name. Stephanie & Linus.”

Congratulations to the couple from all of us at Pulse.

Stephanie and Linus are one of the most influential celebrity couples in the country.

History will not forget their flamboyant wedding ceremony that took place in Paris in 2012.

The wedding was attended by close friends, family and scores of movie stars.

The ceremony was officiated by popular Nigerian pastor, Johnson Suleman.

The couple welcomed their first child, Maxwell Enosata Linus, in 2015.

You can’t win with the Nigerian audience – Biodun Stephen laments

In an Instagram post shared on Sunday, May 29, 2022, the filmmaker shared the near-impossibility of satisfying the Nigerian audience.

When you tell comedic stories, they complain…e no just make sense. When you tell juju stories; see how they are projecting us. When you tell romance stories, this love no dey realistic. When you tell dad human angle stories; Abeg nobody wan dey cry. When you tell stories to just entertain; which kain nanzenze be this; when you tell dramatic stories; too dry sef…” Stephen wrote.

With the Nigerian audience, you can’t get it right, you can’t win. So dear filmmaker or actor; put your best foot forward, and know with ya chest say you gave the film your all,” the director continued.

While it is unclear what inspired the rant, two of the filmmaker’s films – ‘The Wildflowers’ and ‘Strangers’ are currently in cinemas.

Both directed by Stephen, ‘The Wildflower’ premiered last weekend and has so far made N11 million in box office while ‘Strangers’ is getting set for a Houston, Texas premiere this June.

Starring notable talents including Zubby Michael, Toyin Abraham, Deyemi Okonlawon, and Lateef Adedimeji respectively, the titles released in cinemas weeks apart.

Meanwhile, Stephen is reportedly back on set filming a new season of ‘Picture Perfect’ series for Iroko TV.

Court nullifies NBC’s amended code

The court sitting in Lagos, on Thursday May 26, declared the proposed code illegal, null and void and ‘ultra vires’

According to the court presided over by Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, the NBC does not have the power to “prohibit exclusivity on and compel sub-licensing of privately acquired rights to television content as such is against the constitution and the copyright act.”

Recall that the controversial amendment was heavily criticized by notable filmmakers and Nollywood influencers.

IrokoTV boss Jason Njoku tweeted: “Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in making exclusivity illegal, compelling sub-licensing of content and regulating price, are effectively turning private enterprise in state property. Interference distorts markets. If implemented, this 100% destroys PayTV in Nigeria.”

The lawsuit nullifying the code was filed by filmmaker Femi Davies who claimed that the Code violates his intellectual property rights.

Davies argued that if allowed, the amendment would destabilize the growth of content making industries and discourage true craft.

The NBC, on the other hand, insisted that the amendment was done in a bid to initiate growth and to protect “local operators, promote creativity and maximize local content via the anti-trust provisions contained in the amendment.”

Ray Liotta dies at 67

According to multiple media outlets, Liotta was on set filming the movie ‘Dangerous Waters’ before his shocking demise.

The American actor was best known for playing Henry Hill, a mobster in Martin Scorsese’s 1990 gangster film ‘Goodfellas’

Liotta was notable for roles like Ray Sinclair in Jonathan Demme’s ‘Something Wild’ (1986). The role earned him his first Golden Globe nomination.

The actor went on to star as baseball player Shoeless Joe Jackson in the Kevin Costner-starrer ‘Field of Dreams’ (1989) and as the corrupt cop Matt Wozniak on the 2016-18 NBC cop drama ‘Shades of Blues’ alongside Jennifer Lopez.

Actor Morgan Freeman has been banned from Russia

Although many people around the world consider him to have the voice of God, with a booming baritone that may save or damn a movie, this did not stop the Russians from naming Freeman in a list released by the Russian government of more than 900 Americans who have been banned from entering the country for being “anti-Russian.”

The un-Free man when it comes to visiting Russia, was blacklisted (ironically on a list full of whites) due to his role in the creation of a video slamming the Russian government’s involvement in the United States’ 2016 presidential election.

The Stand by Me star directed and narrated the video, which was released in 2017, and also features fellow actor Rob Reiner.

Reiner, naturally, was also on the ban list.

President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, former U.S. Secretary of State and First Lady Hillary Clinton, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg along with three deceased U.S. Senators, including John McCain, were on the list.

Regarding the McCain and the other deceased senators, this could be Russian President Vladmir Putin’s way of ensuring that, in this world or the next, he will find you like Liam Neeson promised in the movie Taken.

“In the context of responding to the constantly imposed anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and in connection with incoming requests about the personal composition of our national ‘stop list,’ the Russian Foreign Ministry publishes a list of American citizens who are permanently banned from entering the Russian Federation,” the list reads.

“We emphasize that the hostile actions taken by Washington, which boomerang against the United States itself, will continue to receive a proper rebuff. Russian counter-sanctions are forced and aimed at forcing the ruling American regime, which is trying to impose a neo-colonial “rules-based world order” on the rest of the world, to change its behavior, recognising new geopolitical realities.”

Freeman will soon be starring in a movie called “A Good Person”, which Putin would probably rename “A Good Person to be on the Ban List”, but

Warner Bros. denies considering replacing Amber Heard in ‘Aquaman 2’ over domestic violence

Hamanda testified in court that Depp’s allegations played no role in the production considering her replacement for the film’s sequel. While Warner Bros. did consider replacing Heard, it was over a lack of chemistry between lead star Jason Momoa and the actress.

According to Hamanda, the studio delayed on its choice for several weeks as they considered whether to recast Heard’s character Mena. He said: “They didn’t have a lot of chemistry together.

“Editorially they were able to make that relationship work in the first movie, but there was a concern that it took a lot of effort to get there.”

The executive further revealed in his testimony that the production eventually created it using movie magic and the film score.

Variety reports that Heard was paid $1 million for the first ‘Aquaman’ and $2 million for the sequel. Her lawyers have argued that she should have been able to negotiate for more money despite the sum being consistent with her original contract.

They claim that the backlash from Johnny Depp’s allegations cost her that opportunity in a bid to claim losses. Heard is seeking $100 million in a defamation counterclaim against Depp.

The estranged couple have been in court for six weeks sharing shocking details of their toxic 15-month marriage.

JJC Skillz’s baby mama continues to drag him, says son took up smoking habit from him

She made this known via her Instagram page while reacting to a photo of Benito smoking.  “The biggest problem here is that Abdul is a long time drug user who has constantly smoked dope in front of all his children which has been a long-standing dispute between us both,” she wrote.

“These children look up to their father and follow his example. It’s been a big problem for me and his mother.”

The post has since been deleted.

Mella hasn’t stopped dragging her former partner since Benito called out the music star’s wife, Funke Akindele on social media.

Mella accused JJC Skillz of inflicting grievous bodily harm on their son.

“While you parade yourself on social media pretending with fake piety to be the main character in an aspirational story, the son that you assaulted and inflicted grievous bodily harm upon is still recovering from his physical injuries and mental trauma,” she wrote on IG.

Benito later revealed why he was allegedly assaulted by his father.

According to him, they fell out after he was expelled for bringing alcohol to the school.

Benito gave a detailed account of how the music star repeatedly hit him inside the car as they drove home. He alleged that he sustained bruises on his face, neck and ribs.

Benito became a social media sensation after he alleged that his stepmom, Funke Akindele was a horrible person.

He made this known following reports of crisis in JJC and Akindele’s marriage.

His mother later released the photos of JJC and Funke’s twins.

According to her, it was a retaliation for exposing her family.

Kehinde Bankole reveals what it takes to be successful in Nollywood

The Netflix ‘Blood Sisters’ star, in an Instagram IG live session hosted by Kunle Afolayan, opined that it requires a level of brainwork to make it big and stay relevant in the industry.

Don’t see acting as a career you can come into when all other careers are not working for you. (Perhaps), you have been told that doctors and lawyers are more professional than actors, so you decided to start acting because you couldn’t cope in other fields,” the actress said. “Acting is not just about looking good; it involves a lot of intellectual work. You have to think on your toes, otherwise, you would become irrelevant.”

Being able to sustain relevance is the real work, being able to make it pay your bills. Stumbling on fame doesn’t happen like that for people every time, like the case of Olajumoke the bread seller. There are people whose stories are like that but it’s usually one out of every five hundred,” Bankole continued.

Bankole has received multiple accolades online for her performance in the newly released Netflix original series ‘Blood Sisters’.

The award-winning actress starred alongside Ramsey Nouah, Kate Henshaw, Gabriel Afolayan among others in the star-studded title directed by Biyi Bandele and Kenneth Gyang.

Disney debuts official trailer for ‘Rise’ movie on Giannis Antetokounmpo

Starring real-life brothers Uche Agada and Ral Agada as Giannis and Thanasis respectively, the Disney film follows the lives of the Antetokounmpos, an immigrant family from Nigeria struggling to make a life for themselves in Greece amid daily threats of deportation.

While Charles (Dayo Okeniyi) and Vera (Yetide Badaki) Antetokounmpo sail their family’s daily storms, Giannis and Thanasis would play basketball with a local team. The boys soon discover their great Basketball talents rising to world champions.

Production for the Akin Omotoso directed film kicked off last year with Disney announcing in October that Giannis would serve as executive producer for the Bernie Goldmann produced title.

I am thrilled and honored that Disney+ is bringing my family’s story to people all over the world,” the Milwaukee star said.

My hope is that it will inspire those in similar circumstances to keep the faith, stay true to their goals and not to give up on striving for a better life.”

The official synopsis for the trailer reads: “After emigrating to Greece from Nigeria, Vera and Charles Antetokounmpo struggled to survive and provide for their five children, while living under the daily threat of deportation.

With their oldest son still in Nigeria with relatives, the couple were desperate to obtain Greek citizenship but found themselves undermined by a system that blocked them at every turn.

When they weren’t selling items to tourists on the streets of Athens with the rest of the family, encouraged by their father, the brothers would sneak away to play basketball with a local youth team.

Latecomers to the sport, they discovered their great abilities on the basketball court and worked hard to become world class athletes. With the help of an agent, Giannis entered the NBA draft in 2013 in a long-shot prospect that would change not only his life but the life of his entire family.”

A two-time NBA MVP, Giannis is currently one of the most celebrated Basketball stars of the decade. In 2021, he led the Milwaukee to a championship.

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Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra bring baby home after 100 days in intensive care

The couple released a joint statement via their Instagram pages on Sunday, May 8, 2022, as part of activities to mark Mothers Day. “On this Mother’s Day we can’t help but reflect on these last few months and the rollercoaster we’ve been on, which we now know, so many people have also experienced. After 100 plus days in the NICU, our little girl is finally home,” part of the statement read.

“Every family’s journey is unique and requires a certain level of faith, and while ours was a challenging few months, what becomes abundantly clear, in retrospect, is how precious and perfect every moment is.”

The couple expressed joy over their daughter’s journey home for the first time since her birth.

“We are overjoyed that our little girl is finally home, and just want to thank every doctor, nurse and specialist at Rady Children’s La Jolla and Cedar Sinai, Los Angeles, who were there selflessly every step of the way,” they added.

“Our next chapter begins now, and our baby is truly a badass. Let’s get it MM! Mommy and Daddy love you. Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers and caretakers in my life and out there. You make it look so easy. Thank you. Also… there is no one I’d rather do this with than you. Thank you for making me a mama @nickjonas I love you ❤️.”

The couple welcomed their first child together back in January 2022.

Priyanka and Nick started dating in early 2018. By July of that same year, Nick proposed to the actress.

They went on to wed in a lavish three-day celebration in December 2018 and hosted four more wedding