Legendary filmmaker, Eddie Ugboma is on the march again! 31 years after the death by letter bomb of ace journalist, Dele Giwa, the 75-years-old moviemaker is wrapping up plans for the shoot of one of the most controversial and unsolved murders in Nigeria.
“Over the past 12 years, I have carefully investigated the details and now I am set to roll the cameras. All my films till date are epic. From Oyenusi to Death of A Black President and Oil Doom, I have addressed national issues. It is my style. That is the reason I have not shot a film since 2008. My films are big budget movies.
“Nigerians should watch out for another epic movie from me entitled, Who Killed Dele Giwa? which would be shot at a cost of N186m. Before I embarked on this journey I had done over 12 years research. I spoke with Gani Fawheimi before he died. It was a contentious issue at Oputa Panel as well. I have also spoken to a former governor and two ministers. It will be shot in four major countries, the script is ready,” Ugboma revealed.
Ugboma says that one of the reasons he chose to embark on the project was that there were many questions surrounding Dele Giwa’s death begging for answers and Nigerians need to be educated because it is part of our historical background. Ugboma added that the only thing standing between him and his latest project is funding.
How we doled out N1b to artistes in five years -Okoroji
Once upon a time, it was unthinkable that Nigerian artistes could ever get royalties for their musical works but today, thanks to the work of COSON under the leadership of Tony Okoroji, they are now smiling to the bank.
Five years after it was founded. COSON has doled out a whopping N1 billion to Nigerian artistes. This much Okoroji revealed to TS Weekend during the unveiling of G-Wilz, the latest act on his record label, TOPS.
“If you want to eat omellette you must break eggs. I have a very good team. I couldn’t have done it alone. It has taken so many years and battles and hard knocks but I felt it was something I needed to do,” Okoroji said.
He added: “We sacrificed money, time, energy and even our careers to achieve it. Today, I am happy that COSON is very stable. It is not yet Eldorado, there is still a lot of work to do. We have acquired a new office with cutting edge technology to administer copywright across the world. A couple of years ago, this was tought to be impossible. We have consistently distributed royalty since we came on board.”
So, how much has COSON distributed over the last five years? His response: “In terms of distribution, we have doled out close to a billion naira. Remember that COSON is not a profit making body. All the money we collect goes to the artistes minus administrative costs.”
What is the secret to his success? “I drive on a full tank of faith. Napoleon Hill says there is nothing a man can conceive that he cannot achieve,” Okoroji concluded.
Ambode’s deft move
That Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is truly determined to make Lagos State the Centre of Excellence through the arts is not in doubt. Ever since his administ
ration came on stream, it has been one milestone after the other.
Said a source: “This is nothing short of revolutionary. Last year December, the governor mentioned two historical monuments he would love to save: the National Theatre and entertainment gallery for movie and music makers.
“And while the industry is still thanking the governor, he has promised to also salvage another abandoned national monument, the National Stadium. He believes that these monuments must be salvaged because of their relevance to the culture and history of Lagos State.
“The governor is keen on keeping history alive no doubt. His dream is to drive the economy of Lagos through tourism and entertainment,” the source stated.
Muri Thunder unites
fujidom
The late fuji icon, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister must be smiling in his grave. The act he appointed as the Aremo of fuji music, Muri Thunder, recently hosted the entire fuji music industry during the 8th day fidau prayers for his late mum.
Indeed, it could be described as a throwback to the good old days when it was all peace in fujidom and the big names in the genre stood by each other and supported each other.
The entire fuji music industry was on ground to commiserate with Muri Thunder and his family. It was a roll call of who is who in fujidom as the likes of Pasuma and Osupa were on hand to commiserate with the musician and his family during the ceremony which was officiated by one of the most influential Imams in Nigeria.
Speaking, a guest said: “This is awesome! Nobody would have believed this was possible, but today, Muri Thunder has united fujidom. Ayinde Barrister must be smiling in his grave.”
Daimyo Jackson for Mega Talent Show
All is set for the commencement of a talent competition in Nigeria organised by Universialdigital.com. Tagged ‘Mega Talent Show’, the platform will offer youngsters an opportunity to showcase their creativity before a blend of international and local judges.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos, initiator of the programme, Marc Wilson stated that the programme will climax with three mega concerts to be held in Lagos and two other major cities in Nigeria. He said the show is aimed at encouraging robust collaboration among Nigerian acts and their international counterparts; as well as fishing out new talents and nurturing them to become future superstars.
A statement from the organisers reads thus: “The event will headline raving international pop star and Michael Jackson’s protégé, Daimyo Jackson and feature Nigeria’s Germany-based pop maestro, Marc Wilson. We are also hoping to bring onboard Rhiano Macfarland; German Dance floor megastar, AK Swift; and a frontline Nigerian act to be unveiled soon among the judges.”
Among others, the winner goes home with a package which includes a cash prize, a music video and 20 European tours. He or she will also have a collabo with the trio of Daimyo Jackson, Marc Wilson and a soon-to-be-mentioned frontline Nigerian artiste.