Entertainment
AGN Condemns Kidnapping Of Members …. As Nkem Owoh Regains Freedom
The National President of Actor Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Segun Arinze has condemned the kidnapping of Nollywood stars stressing that it is not only a criminal act but an embarrassment to the Guild.
He maintained that in the past few months two of their top actors, Peter Edochie and Nkem Owoh have been kidnapped and later released after series of appeals and described the situation as very unfortunate.
The president who stated this recently following the release of Nkem Owoh by his abductors on Sunday, said the actor was kidnapped early last week along the Enugu/Port Harcourt expressway while the kidnappers demanded N50 million ransom. With the release of the Nollywood King of comedy, people are anxious to know whether some money was paid before he was released, or they released him unconditionally as the AGN has earlier demanded, but so far, there is no concrete evidence about the condition of his release.
One name which readily comes to mind when Nigerian movie especially comedy is mentioned is Nkem Owoh. Ukwa as he is also known who is an engineer by profession later veered into acting with memorial Hospital, a popular soap opra that was aired on NTA in the later part of 1980.
Apart from having written and produced hit comedy flicks like ‘pam pam,’ ‘yogo pam pam,’ sawani ,’ Osuofiason 1&2 etc, the King of comedy has also featured in numerous films such as ‘Akidi’ Ukwa,’ ‘Police Officer,’ “Omugwo,’ ‘Agaba’ ‘Osuofia in London,’ ‘Return from London’ and ‘ I go chop your dollar among others.
However, the movie that earned him African movie Academy Awards’ (AMAA) best actor of the year 2008 is stronger than pain. The same movie that gave Kate Henshaw the best actress of the year award at the AMAA.
Meanwhile his kidnap and release has elicited reactions from showbiz personalities and the general public. According to Mr Ceaser Kagho, Zonal co-ordinator National film and video censors board (NFVCB) Port Harcourt, the incident is very unfortunate stressing that kidnapping of Nollywood stars has assumened an alarming proportion in the country and something must be done about it to forestall future occurrence.
Veteran actor, Columbus Irosoanga said “I don’t know why Nigerian artistes should be kidnapped because they are not well paid, so how can they pay the huge ramson demanded by the kidnappers” It is rather unfortunate, they should be the ones to donate money to the artistes and not the other way round.”
In his reaction, the National president of video Club Owners Association of Nigeria (VCOAN) Hon Rex Akah noted that Nkem Owoh is a hardworking man, struggling to feed him self and his family, he is not a politician nor has he embezzled government money, why should they leave the corrupt politicians to harass an innocent man who is struggling to make ends meet. I pray that God should forgive them for they don’t know what they have done.
Popular businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest, has said that his relationship with singer Davido is beyond money and gossip.
He stated this in a recent interview with BBC Igbo.
“Davido is my friend. He is my in-law; he married Chioma who is from Imo State where I hail from.
“So the relationship I have with Davido is beyond money and gossip,” he said.
DAILY POST reports that Chief Priest disclosed via his Instagram page that his outfit for the wedding of the singer, Davido and his wife, Chioma, in Lagos on Tuesday cost seven million Naira.
The socialite recently appreciated Davido for not “discarding” Chioma.
He stated that the DMW boss has made Imo State proud by choosing to marry from the state.
Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has lent her voice to the ongoing anti-tax hike protests in Kenya.
The Tide’s source reports that Kenyan youths are marching against tax hike in widespread demonstrations tagged ‘RejectFinanceBill2024.’
Five people were shot dead and dozens wounded after police clashed with protesters who stormed the parliament building in Nairobi on Tuesday, according to Amnesty Kenya.
Reacting via her X handle on Tuesday night, Simi declared her support for the demonstrators.
She stated that “it is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights.”
The singer wrote, “I stand with the people of Kenya. It is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights. Godspeed and Strength. [Hash tag] RejectFinanceBill2024.”
In a series of other posts, she wrote: “Wow. When you’ve had enough, the fight is almost inevitable.
“African leaders- have not you done enough?
“I can’t wait for the day Africa is not a weapon fashioned against Africans. All of this amazing Black power and human resource, but the majority are not likely to thrive unless they run.”
Famous Nigerian Afrobeat singer, Davido was spotted among other top artistes at Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour concert in Atlanta, Georgia.
Asake’s performance at his sold-out show at the 17,000-capacity State Farm Arena in Atlanta began on August 16, 2024, and is set to run for 10 days.
In a trending video on social media, Davido appeared backstage with American rapper Quavo to support Asake during the live performance.
Other musicians in attendance included Nigerian hitmaker Zlatan and American rapper Russ Millions.
The Tide’s source reports that Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour is set to cover six U.S. cities, where he will headline notable venues including Madison Square Garden in New York, the Toyota Center in Houston, and the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Asake’s tour comes just days after the release of his latest hit, ‘Lungu Boy,’ which features several superstars, including Wizkid, British rappers Central Cee and Stormzy, Travis Scott and Brazilian singer Ludmilla.
‘Lungu Boy’ set a new record for the biggest opening week on Spotify Nigeria, garnering 18.9 million streams in its opening week and breaking the previous record of 14.4 million streams held by Davido’s ‘Timeless.’