CASSANDRA ROWLAND DAZZLES NOLLYWOOD IN 'THE MONITOR'

By Perekeme Odon

Cassandra Rowland

The depth and range of female talent that is coming up in Nollywood is enormously impressive, and they deserve to have killer roles to take on. We are about to hit a real sea change with the kind of movies Nollywood is making, and fast rising filmmaker-cum-actress Onome Cassandra Rowland is up for the challenge.

Cassandra an entrepreneur actress and Mass Communication graduate from Nassarawa State University, Keffi may be far from a household name, but she has always wanted to be in front of camera and television. As a little girl growing up in Kaduna state, she had anticipated of grabbing some leading turns when the time comes. However, her first break as an actor was in 2010, though not a major role, but it was her first real baptism ushering her into Nollywood.

The last of four kids (2 boys and 2girls) as a child would always stage plays with her friends where she would act as Genevieve Nnaji, She highlighted: “As a child I wanted to be an actor, even when other kids would come up with professions like, law, banking, medicine and so on. I always tell them I want to be an actress like Genevieve when I grow up. Genevieve Nnaji remains a phenomenal goddess to me. There is just something special about herself and the way she interprets characters "

       

Cassandra finally looks ready to explode and making a giant stride in the next few months after a dazzling performance as ‘Jessica in her latest movie. “My latest movie ‘THE MONITOR’ produced and directed by Eazzy Ologe God's Power was a great booster for my acting skills. I played the lead role and acted alongside the eccentric actor Ninalowo Bolanle. It was quite challenging as my first big break to land a lead role and quite tough for me because I was a victim of rape, which led to an unwanted pregnancy. My husband abandoned me after finding out so I had to do a lot of crying.  I am so happy as it boosted my confidence”.

Cassandra Rowland

The Warri South actress loves improvisation and never allows personal issues alter her craft describes her acting style as intentional and thoughtful since she is methodical when learning a new character and likes to entirely internalize and externalize character development and characterization.

She went to talk about what happened on the set of ‘COOKIES POT’ directed by the whimsical actor/director LALA DAPO. “I had family issues and was not in the right frame of mind, but as an actor, you don't bring your personal problems to set because it won’t go down well with the director when he calls his shots. I had to put my personal problems aside, got into character and delivered the role”.

With Director Eazzy Ologe On The Set Of 'The Monitor'

Cassandra who adores factual human angle roles and stories that is captivating and answers topical questions to humanity believes she can change the narrative of how people perceive life by giving hope to humanity with her talent.

She believes the future is very bright, as she has started plan on bringing to live an entertainment talent show to showcase to the world. ” I see myself becoming a big brand in the future.  I have a story to tell the world through filmmaking. So look out world, Cassandra is coming”.

DStv, GOtv Raise Subscription Prices

By Hamzat

Pay television operator, MultiChoice is set to slash subscription price on its digital terrestrial television platform, GOtv, while increasing prices of bouquets on its digital satellite platform, DStv.

The price adjustment would take effect on August 1. When it takes effect, sources disclosed, subscribers on the GOtv MAX package would pay N3, 200 instead of N3, 800 currently being charged for the package. The new price regime would see prices on the five DStv bouquets go up slightly. 

The expected new price for DStv Compact is N500 higher than what customers currently pay, as the price goes up to N6, 800 from N6, 500.  Premium subscribers would pay N15, 800 instead of N14, 700 currently being paid, a difference of N1, 100. Compact Plus subscribers would pay N10, 650 as against N9, 900 currently being paid.

Prices of the two lowest DStv packages, Family and Access, are also to be similarly reviewed. Subscription for the Family bouquet would go up to N4,000 from N3,800, while that of the Access package would rise to N2, 000 from N1, 900. The company had not issued an official statement on the expected price adjustments as at the time of filing the report. In a related development, sports broadcaster, SuperSport, would from the start of the 2018/2019 season broadcast live all the 380 matches of the Italian league, popularly known as Serie A.

The matches of the league competition, which kicks off on August 19, would be available both DStv and GOtv platforms.  The development is sequel to an agreement reached between SuperSport and the Serie A.

DIRECTORS’ GUILD OF NIGERIA INAUGURATES NEW EXCO

By Perekeme Odon

It was another splendid day of fun and spectacle as the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria DGN inaugurates new Executive Members to mark the commencement of another two-year term of Mr. Fredrick Amata as President of the guild.

The inauguration of the eight-member executive, which took place on Friday 22, June 2018 at the celebrated cinema hall of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Obalende, Ikoy- Lagos, started at 12.30 pm amid topnotch filmmakers and stakeholders of the Nigerian entertainment industry present to witness.

The new executive was elected on April 13, 2018 after a successful convention / AGM in Abeokuta, Ogun State tagged ‘DGN-OGUN Nollywood Fiesta 2018’ from April 11-13 2018; with an official theme of “Bringing Nollywood To Rebuild Ogun Standard”, and hosted by the Ogun state Government.

Mr. Fred Amata being sworn in by Barr. Adebisi Oridate

It will be recalled that the Abeokuta election returned the administration and leadership team of Mr. Fred Amata who are Mr. Uchenna Agbo (former Assistant National Secretary, now National Secretary), Mr. Tony Akposheri (Financial Secretary) and Mr. Osita Okoli (Provost).

(L-R) Ugo Prince Res, Uchenna Agbo & Fred Amata

In order to fill up other vacant positions, a by-election was conducted in Lagos on June 22, 2018 and Mr. China Mac Collins Chidebe emerged Vice President, Mr. Perekeme Odon (Public Relations Officer), Mr. Prince Cres Ugo (Assistant National Secretary) and Mr. Daniel Chukwueze (Welfare Officer).

The swearing-in / oath of office ceremony was administered by Barr. Adebisi Oridate of Babatunde Ogala Esq, a Notary Public of Nigeria; who swore in the President and other executive members.

(I-R)Fred Amata & Mac Collins Chidebe

(L-R) Tony Akposheri, Daniel Chukwueze * Perekeme Odon

In his inaugural speech, the President Mr. Fred Amata thanked every member for standing by him and staying true to the guild’s agenda and policies. " First of all, I am cherished to be here to express my immeasurable gratitude to the support and trust given me. It is a remarkable honour to be chosen by my colleagues once again to lead our noble guild, and I critically look forward to taking on the challenges facing our members and industry. Today, DGN has spoken – and spoken unwaveringly. So let me speak decisively in return." Amata said in a statement.

A Cross Section Of The Executive Members

He went further to state that “Not only am I thankful for your support, but also for all the candidates who offer to serve the guild and seek solutions for internal and external problems. With your trust, I will work tirelessly on your behalf to help address challenges, and to secure lasting and meaningful improvement to quality. Thank you for the election. I promise you, as president I will do my very best to listen and ensure transparency. ”

DGN Executive Members

The President also used the event to inform members on progressive development on amending the constitution before the August deadline. He highlighted on the need to create more departments and committees in providing services, information and resources to DGN members; and finally illustrated on the many challenges in the guild, but believe we can overcome them if members rise above politics to do what is best for the guild.

Swearing In Of The Executives

The President thanked DGNEC 2018 championed by Barrister Tunji Bamishigbin as Chairman, Mr. Tony Anih (Secretary), Mr. Sam Azubuike, (Member), Mr. Ken Njoku (Member), Mrs. Tope Oshin (Member), Chief Ogie Ogedengbe (Member), Alhaji Abdulkareem Mohammed (Member) for their continuing service to the guild and wish them the best for the future.  

(L-R) Tony Akposheri, Aniedi Awah Noba & Perekeme Odon

Dignitaries present at the event are Lagos Zonal Director, Nigerian Film Corporation, Mr. Simon Inegedu, DGN first and former President, Comrade Mathias Obahiagbon, Frankie Oite, Aniedi Awah Noba, Eazzy Godspower Ologe, Isdore Chikere, Ejike Onyeukwu, Harrison Andem, and lovers of Nollywood.

'LIFELINES WITH MIMA' DEBUTS ON TV

By Perekeme Odon

A new respite is here for lovers of TV show as 'Lifelines with Mima' makes it debut across selected television networks in Nigeria and the UK.

Mima

The family oriented and topical TV show deals with our everyday societal and family issues that create values and mutual respect for one another. This beautiful TV show shot in Mima’s Mansion, private Jets and a hospital, combines the dramas of everyday clients of Mima coming to her with their various encompassing issues, intrigue, amusement, tears and emotions, big fights and arguments and most of all a very practical approach to educating people on how to deal with these critical issues.

Mima (R) with Segun Arinze (M)

The Purple Lifeline Connections show stands out as it moves away from the conventional TV show norms that are just about talk, rubbing and covering up issues. ‘Lifelines with Mima’ goes into specifics of unmentionable subjects and present them through high definition and quality production values. It is a show that puts family at the center and focuses on their values, strengths and relationships. It informs your decisions and behaviors as a member and influences everyone's roles and how they interact with the environment.

With Larry Koldsweat

Celebrity guests who have appeared on the show are John Okafor (Mr Ibu), Saeed Mhammed aka Funky Mallam, Klint D’ Drunk, The Maverick Charles Oputa aka Charly Boy and     Segun Arinze. Others include Francis Duru, Larry Koldsweat just to mention a few.

With Klint D' Drunk

The Host of the show Mima is a trained counsellor and relationship coach who gives guidance on personal, social, or psychological problems and also been through thick and thin in topical and life issues.

With Saeed Muhammed aka Funky Mallam

‘Lifelines with Mima’ shows every Saturday at 10.30pm on AIT and every Monday at 7.30pm on Ben TV in Europe with more stations coming soon. Trust me, it promises to an exciting time for passionate TV viewers from Purple Lifeline Connections. Watch out...

DGN INDUCTS GODSPOWER EAZZY OLOGE

By Perekeme Odon

With DGN President, Fred Amata

Delta state born Isoko filmmaker Godspower Eazzy Ologe has come of age in the make belief business, and so excited about his newfound status with the Directors' Guild of Nigeria DGN led by Mr. Fred Amata.

Eazzy on set

The young filmmaker never withholds his joy after the blues and tours of the Directors' Guild of Nigeria DGN Nollywood convention, induction & election fiesta which took place on April 11-13 2018 in Abeokuta, Ogun state where he was inducted alongside over 50 inductees, including female filmmakers like Stephanie Okereke-Linus, Omoni Oboli, Hilda Dokubo, Kemi Adetiba, Blessing Egbe, Remi Ibinola, Ibinabo Fiberesima and Judith Audu-Forte into the Directors Guild of Nigeria DGN as a registered filmmaker in Nigeria with certificate issued.

With John Okafor & DGN Provost, Mazi Osita Okoli

Eazzy as he is popularly called started from the ranks and files of filmmaking in 2005 as a production assistant and later trained to be a script supervisor in charge of movie continuities in the Nigerian film industry tagged Nollywood. His continuity works includes 'Dating Games' produced by Chico Ejiro, 'Searching For Husband and 'Stop' produced and directed by Damijo Efe Young. He is also the assistant director of 'Black Cat Angels', & many more.

Eazzy on Set

The Ughanusi primary school & Ughelli Secondary School ex student is fascinated with the production of animations, dance drama & television series.

According to the alumni of Delta state Polytechnic, Ozoro, "My vision in the motion picture business in Nollywood is to contribute creatively to the growth of industry  by making good films for Nigerians and African homes ,and cinemas, but still plead with our government to create that enabling environment for filmmakers to strive and work better'.

With Charles Inojie aka Mr. Johnson

He is currently on various locations directing and filming with Nollywood A-List actors in far away Asaba, Delta state. 

Watch out for Godspower Eazzy Ologe as he tries to contribute immensely to the Nigerian movie industry with his creative team and crew.

Eazzy @ Work

Eazzy @ Work

BDEX BOUNTY: A Rise To Stardom

By Perekeme Odon

Bdex Bounty

Reggae Afro-Fusion Dancehall artiste Abidemi Amoo aka BDEX BOUNTY is a sensational dancehall reggae artiste and musician in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Bdex professionally started off his music career as an R n B and Afro Pop artiste in 2007 under the stage name B’DEXTROUS but later discovered a very strong root with dancehall reggae music as he grew in his craft, and created a niche around the genre with fluent patois blended with accentuated African/Nigerian dialect (Yoruba).

The University of Ilorin Statistic graduate who has a dexterity for playing the guitar like a man ringing a bell is confident, versatile, bold and comfortable with any musical beat and style that come his way, ranging from Dancehall Reggae, Afro Pop, R n B, Hip-Hop and all kinds fusion to mention but few.

Bdex Bounty

A chance meeting with Bdex Bounty at the weekly gig of Reggae Everywhere Movement put together by B’Clean French at Festac, Lagos, he said, “ I believe I have what it takes to rule Africa as far as dancehall reggae music is concern. I am only waiting for time and chance to meet and manifest me to the testimony world”.

Bdex Bounty, whose versatility is mostly centred on reggae music, has recorded over 10 songs to his credit with some covers inclusive since 2007. Some of his songs are “Only Desire” (2008), “Magic Carpet Ride” (2013), “Facts From Figures” – Akon's “Mama Africa” cover (2014), Jubadi (2015), “Mi Ting” – Burna Boy's “Soke” cover (2016), “Mi Nuh Worry”(2017) and some other cool and bluesy tunes.

Bdex Bounty

The late 80s born and Lagos brought up Bdex Bounty only needs a little chance to become another positive virus in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Currently, Bdex is rocking the airwaves in Lagos state and beyond with a cover single of Ed Sheeran’s  “Shape Of You” titled “Shape Ah Yuh”.

Bdex can also reach by fans and bookings on Instagram/Twitter @bdexbounty and “BDEX BOUNTY” on Facebook.