Actress, Funke Akindele, popularly known as Jenifa has reportedly welcomed a set of twins with her husband, Abdulrasheed Bello, popularly known as JJC Skills.
The news went viral on social media on Saturday morning after the actress shared some posts expressing gratitude to God.
The exact reason was, however, not disclosed.
She wrote, “Thank you Lord. Oluwa e tobi (God is great), Mo je oruko titun (I am now being called a new name).”
Congratulatory messages have continued to pour in from fans, close friends and family of the couple.
Funke and her husband got married in 2016 and the newborn would be their first together, although Bello has other children from a previous relationship.
Some of those sharing in the joy of the couple include media mogul, Mo Abudu, On Air Personality, Toke Makinwa and actress, Mercy Aigbe.
Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele, has been listed as a member of the cast of 2018 superhero movie Avengers: Infinity Wars, alongside international movie stars Robert Downey Jr and Chris Hemsworth.
According to popular movie review website, IMDB, where the actress’ name was published, she will be a member of Dora Milaje, a team of women who serve as personal bodyguards of the Black Panther, the spiritual leader of Wakanda.
While Akindele has yet to confirm the news herself, her name and picture can be found in the official cast for the movie and her appearance in it would mark the first time a Nollywood actress will be featured in a superhero movie.
Akindele also popularly known as Jenifa, rose to the fame following her role in popular United Nations Population Fund sponsored sitcom; I Need to Know, which ran from 1998 to 2002.
She has since been a wonder to watch especially with her ability to switch characters from the serious to the comic most fans recognise her to be, thanks to memorable turn as “Jenifa”, and her recent TV series, “Jenifa’s Diaries”.
Movie celebrities including Funke Akindele, Fred Amata, Saint Obi and many others met together at the Lagos office of the National Film and Video Censor Board(NFVCB) to inspect seized unauthorised works in the market.
During the news conference in Lagos, the executive director of National Film and Video Censor Board Adetayo Thomas explained that the tax force has been able to remove films with estimated market value of over 50 million Naira.
“In five days, the tax force was able to remove the Alaba international market film and video works not classified and not approved for distribution in Nigeria, from the premises not licensed being operated by a person not licensed to carry out the film and video business in Nigeria.
The tax force was able to remove films and works with an estimated market value of over 50 million Naira.”
In recent weeks, the board had rated an outrageous range of the popular Alaba market in Lagos where intellectual property is re-created without proper authorization.
Copies include some recent big budget cinema flicks such as ‘The Wedding Party’, ‘Jenifa’s Diary’, ‘Wives on Strike’, A trip to Jamaica’ and many others.
Speaking with Channels Television Funke Akindele expressed her sadness over movie pirated copies after so much work has been into it.
“We work so hard and at the end of the day, the products are being pirated, it is sad because we don’t even cover the money of production. I see Jenifa’s diary out there on the street, even the original copies we turned out for people to buy, they are not buying them because they are buying pirated copies.
“I am grateful the government is supporting now, we pray they do not relent, we pray they push harder to ensure that the pirates are brought to book.”
According to the newly amended National Film and Video Censors Board act signed into law by vice president Yemi Osinbanjo in march 2017.
“Convicted publishers of unauthorized works are liable for a maximum sentencing of up to three years with an option of up to three years with an option of fine of about five hundred thousand Naira.”
Filmmakers, however, believe that the sanctions should be improved upon and be made stronger.
Filmmaker Abdulahi Abdulrasak said, “The law against pirates is not fair, that is why most people are not discouraged in engaging in the act but we are also making some move to ensure that the law against pirates is amended to give them a stiffer penalty.
“The best thing is for us to continue with this process why we are also working on the area of getting the law against pirates to be improved upon and to be stronger.”
The Federal Government recently declared tax relief for investors in the creative sector to help speed up growth in the industry. Beyond this, stake holders believe protecting intellectual property is equally important in making in the industry attractive to prospective investors.
Nollywood superstar actress, producer and screenwriter, Funke Akindele has pledged to join the UNICEF course against the practice of female genital mutilation in Nigeria and Africa at large.
The multiple award winning actress whose television series ‘Jenifa’s Diary’, is currently trending, headlined the Meets Media series in Lagos where she pledged to be a resounding voice in the campaign against the barbaric act.
While she says she has supported various campaigns, the actress acknowledged that female genital mutilation is indeed very serious and she is committed to ending it.
As Nigeria marks another Independence Day, stakeholders in the entertainment industry are encouraging Nigerians to remain positive in the tough times.
While some of the entertainers believe that the nation’s growth is stunted and there is hardly any progress, others insist on treading only the positive lane.
Sammy Okposo and Wife
Celebrities in the fashion, music as well as film industries have opined that although the economic situation of the country is not favourable, there could be light at the end of the tunnel if Nigerians remain positive.
Funke Akindele Bello
Funke Akindele, appealed to Nigerians to kick against war, violence and anything that could come in the way of peace.
“We hope that at the end of the day, we are alive to witness the change,” the actress said.
It was a star-studded, black carpet event at the premiere of AY’s new movie, ‘A Trip to Jamaica’, in Lagos.
Among those in attendance were fans, supporters as well as celebrities in the music, film and fashion industries.
The movie, which was a mix of Hollywood, Nollywood and Ghallywood actors, featured Funke Akindele, Nse Ikpe Etim, Chris Attoh, Dan Davids, Eric Roberts, Rebecca Sylvera, Paul Campbell and AY among others.
In 2014, comedian Ayomakun popularly known as AY, released his debut feature length film ’30 days in Atlanta’, which gained rave reviews and eventually became a box office hit, as the highest grossing film in Nigerian cinema.
Despite mixed reviews, the Robert Peters directed comedy, came back with the spin-off in 2016 ‘A Trip To Jamaica’.
AY, who is regarded as one of Nigeria’s highest grossing comedians, explained that he decided it would be a good idea to shoot the movie in Jamaica because he discovered after some research, that “Jamaicans love Nollywood movies, and we also love their culture, especially in the aspect of Music”.
He also said that as part of making it work, there were a lot of collaborations along-side the movie. Such collaborations he said were between Tiwa Savage and singer, Busy Signal, who created the official motion picture soundtrack for the movie.
Director, Robert Peters further explained the multicultural film, saying “we are trying to connect, trying to make a cross cultural movie and at the end of the day, it is aimed at giving our film a world view”.
AY also addressed concerns on piracy, a menace to which the ’30 days in Atlanta’ fell victim. He said certain measures have been put in place to avoid a repetition.
He, however, appealed to the government to take proactive steps to allay the fears of stakeholders in the creative industry.
Funke Akindele And JJC
Another interesting detail that crowned the event was the first time appearance of Funke Akindele, A.K.A Jenifa, with her singer husband, Abdul Rasheed Bello A.K.A JJC skills.
The couple, who had gotten married in a secret wedding, in London on August 23, 2016, finally came open in public for the first time during the premiere of the movie ‘A Trip To Jamaica’.
Reports say they chose a quiet wedding in London because neither of them wanted to be at the center of attention, having been on that lane before.
“The decision to do it quietly was right for us and we pray for the understanding of our close friends and fans at this offer of a lifetime moment,” the couple said.
The 2016 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) took place on Saturday, March 5 in Lagos.
The award, which held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos had several African celebrities appearing in style.
It was the best of African fashion as top stars climbed the stage to present and receive the AMVCA plaque.
The AMVCA rewards the most outstanding performances in African cinema.
The 2016 edition was hosted by seasoned media personality IK Osakioduwa and Minnie Dlamini.
Below is the full list of winners on the night:
Best Art Director – Frank Rajah (The Refugees) Best Television Series Award – Ariyike Oladipo (Daddy’s Girls) Best Makeup Artist in a Movie or Series – Louiza Calore for Ayanda Best Short Film or Online Video Award – Oluseyi Amuwafo (A Day With Death) Best Writer for Movie and TV series – Trish Malone (Ayanda) Best Lighting Designer (Movies/TV) – Stanley Ohikhuare (Common Man) Best Cinematographer – Paul Michaelson (Tell Me Sweet Something) Best Sound Editor – Jose Guillermo (Cry) Best Picture Editor – Shirley Frimpong-Manso (Rebecca) Best Costume Designer – Uche Nancy (Dry) Best Local Language Movie/TV Series (Swahili) – Single Mtambalike (Kitendawali) Best Indigenous Movie/TV Series (Hausa) – Salisu Balarebe (Dandi Kowa) Best Indigenous Movie/TV Series (Yoruba) – Binta Ofege Best Indigenous Movie/TV Series (Igbo) – Paul Igwe (Usekwu Igbo) Best Documentary – Remi Vaughan (Faaji Agba) Best Supporting Actor In A Movie – Sambassa Nzeriba (A Soldier’s Story) Best Supporting Actress – Tunbosun Aiyedihin (Before 30) Best Actor In A Comedy – Folarin ‘Falz The Bahd Guy’ Falana (Jenifa’s Diary) Best Actress In A Comedy – Funke Akindele (Jenifa’s Diary) Trail Blazer Award – Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju AMVCA 2016 Industry Merit Award – Bukky Ajayi and Sadiq Daba Best Movie (Southern Africa) – Joyce Chavura – (Lilongwe) Best Movie (East Africa) – Elizabeth Miachael – (Mapenzi) Best Movie (West Africa) – Genevieve, Chinny Onwugbenu and Chichi Nwoko – (Road to Yesterday) Best Actress In A Movie/Drama/TV Series – Adesua Etomi (Falling) Best Actor In A Movie/Drama/TV Series – Daniel K. Daniel (A Soldier’s Story) The Best Director – Akin Omotosho (Tell Me Sweet Something) Best Overall Movie – Stephanie Linus (Dry)
Nollywood super stars, Funke Akindele – who rose to unending fame after her “Jenifa” movies hit screens nationwide and Stephanie Linus, who has been a screen diva for many years, are both working on new projects.
Channels TV’s Entertainment News correspondent – Mayowa Ogundele – can confirm that the two actors are working on Reality TV shows.
Funke Akindele, who attended the Genevieve Pink Ball fundraiser over the weekend, stunned in a Jovani earth-tone dress, with pink accessories to fit the “pink” theme of the party.
Asked what fans should expect as 2014 winds down, Funke Akindele dished about her new TV series, called “Jenifa’s Diary”, which has started filming. So for fans expecting another Jenifa movie, sorry!
“The Reality Show is just in pre-production” she said, adding that fans should expect a new movie by December.
As far as we know, the movie would speak against stigmatisation of those living with HIV/AIDS.
“I’m very passionate about people not stigmatising people living with HIV/AIDS… We want to say a big no to stigmatisation of people living with HIV/AIDS,” she said.
Meanwhile, Stephanie Linus, who had a dream location wedding in 2012 and never fails to gush about her husband, is out for young couples and wants to help them “have a fabulous time with one another”, with her own show.
If you guessed that “Make Me Fabulous” would be a great name for the show, you guessed right!
Her movie, Dry, will also go through a private screening in Wales, United Kingdom and should be released soon.
Asides that, Stephanie is working on a few movie projects, which are still under wraps, as well as a perfume line.
The traditional wedding between Sidney Esiri, popularly known as Dr Sid and Simi Osomo, took place at Ark Event Center, Lekki, Lagos on Sunday July 27.
The beautiful wedding was a fusion of Yoruba and Urhobo cultures.
Dignitaries and friends at the ceremony include Tiwa Savage, Don Jazzy, Toke Makinwa, Funke Akindele, Ice Prince, D-Prince, Banky W, Sasha P, Lynxx, Tania Omotayo, Toolz, Korede Bellow and others.
See some pics of guests and the couple at the wedding below.
GroomBrideThe Couple
GuestTiwa SavageGbemi Olateru-OlagbegiKorede Bello, Reekado Banks, AltimsDr Sid with GuestsSasha PTimi Dakolo, funke AkindeleDon Jazzy, D PrinceIce PrinceToolz, Simi OsomoTania OmotayoBanky W,LynxxStephanie CokerApril by KunbiDon Jazzy, D PrinceD Prince, Ice PrinceSimi Osomo, Toke MakinwaTimi Dakolo, TimayaToke Makinwa
Ntozake Shange’s 1975 collection of poems For Colored Girls was re-imagined as a play by ace director, Wole Oguntokun.
Entertainment News (EN) visited members of the cast, Oreka Godis, Funke Akindele, Osas Ighodaro, Diana Yekinni, Ade Laoye and Carol King, who were busy perfecting their roles in time for show day.
Here’s a picture of singer, Waje, posing with the cast on show day.
It was the 2014 edition of the African Magic Viewer’s Choice Award, and some actors and actress went home smiling.
Below is a full list of winners and faces at the event.
Best Movie 2013 Obi Emelonye – Last Flight to Abuja Udoka Oyeka & Orode Ryan – Living Funeral Shirley Frimpong-Manso, Yvonne Okoro & Ken Attoh – Contract WINNER Michelle Bello – Flower Girl James Omokwe – Awakening
Best Movie Drama Obi Emelonye – Last Flight to Abuja Edwin Maina Kariuki – Nairobi Half Life Udoka Oyeka & Orode Ryan – Living Funeral Frank Rajah Arase – The Groom’s Bride WINNER Jumafor Ajogwu & Chris Eneaji – Murder at Prime Suites
Best Movie Comedy Uche Jombo – Lies Men Tell Shirley Frimpong-Manso, Yvonne Okoro & Ken Attoh – Contract Elvis Chucks – A Wish -WINNER Martins Onyebuchi Onyemaobi – The Fighter Martins Onyebuchi Onyemaobi – The Hero
Best Movie Director Obi Emelonye – Last Flight to Abuja Tosh Gitonga – Nairobi Half Life Shirley Frimpong-Manso – Contract -WINNER Udoka Oyeka – Living Funeral Frank Rajah Arase – Price Amil Shivji – Shoeshine
Best Actress in a Drama Stephanie Wilson – Living Funeral Veronica Waceke – Higher Learning Nse Ikpe-Etim – Journey to Self -WINNER Nkiru Sylvanus – Kiss And The Brides Ivie Okujaiye – The Volunteers
Best Actor in a Drama Juma Rajab Rashid – Siri Ya Mtungi Majid Michel – Somewhere in Africa Hlomla Dandala – Contract Majid Michel – House of Gold Tope Tedela – A Mile From Home -WINNER
Best Supporting Actress Valerie Kimani – Higher Learning Jazymn Batchan – Still Standing Liz Ameye – Living Funeral Lance Handabile – Love Games Tamara Eteimo – Desperate House Girls Bikiya Graham-Douglas – Flower Girl -WINNER
Best Supporting Actor David Mulwa – Higher Learning Ian Mbugua – House of Lungula Desmond Elliot – Finding Mercy -WINNER Bimbo Manuel – Torn Chris Attoh – Flower Girl
Best Actress in a Comedy Funke Akndele – The Fighter Funke Akndele – The Hero Funke Akndele – Return of Sheri Koko -WINNER Mary Ogbonna – Clinic Matters Jackie Appiah – Cheaters Yvonne Okoro – Contract
Best Actor in a Comedy Hlomla Dandala – Contract John Okafor – Return of Sheri Koko Osita Iheme – The Hero -WINNER Osita Iheme – The Fighter Chinedu Ikedieze – The Hero
Best Television Series Comedy/Drama Grace Kahaki Munthali – Prem Episode 2 Fred Phiri – Love Games Episode 6 -WINNER John Riber – Siri Ya Mtungi Paul Igwe – The Benjamins Benson Akindeju – Nowhere to be Found
Best Short Film Vincent Moloi – Berea Amarachukwu Onoh – Mother Tongue Amil Shivji – Shoeshine Walter “Waltbanger” Taylaur – The Wages -WINNER Enuma Chigbo – The Deadwood
Best Documentary Dr Gilbert Chigbo (Narrator) – The Deadwood -WINNER Sonia Maingi – Tumanka Goes to School Peter Murimi – Matatu: My Life, My Art Peter Murimi- Guardians of the Wild David Campbell – Shamba Shape Up
Best Indigenous Language Movie/Series (Swahili) Edwin Maina Kariuki – Nairobi Half Life Jordan Riber – Siri Ya Mtungi Ann Hamberger – Nina Njoki Muhoho – Mama Duka -WINNER Musa Venerable Mziba, Vagabond
Best Indigenous Language Movie/Series (Hausa) Yasin Auwal, Umar K, Mazugal – Wana Gari 1& 2 Hafizu Bello – Bakin Kishi Abba Muko Yakassai – Habib -WINNER Nasir Sa’ad Gwangwazo – Runan Jakara Mikail I. Bin Hassan – Kurman Gari
Best Online Video Stacy McDermott & Neville Ossai – Jungle Jewel: The Short Film Mary Kaiyare – Deceit Stanlee Ohikhuare – Kpian’s Premonition Dorothy Ghettuba, Oyunga Pala – Next Big Host Amarachukwu Onoh – Mother Tongue -WINNER
Best Writer (Drama) Shirley Frimpong-Manso & Hertey Owusu – Contract -WINNER Patrick Yaadar & Andy Boyo – Off The Hook Akpor Kagho – Living Funeral Fatima Jabbe – Battered Pascal Amanfo – Single & Married
Best Writer (Comedy) Jigi Bello – Flower Girl -WINNER Jahmal Holland – Still Standing Ohis Udofia – Kuti’s Career Palace Patrick Onyeka – The Place Seun Arowojolu – Squatterz
Best Cinematographer James Michael Costello – Last Flight to Abuja Christian Almesberger – Nairobi Half Life -WINNER Idhebor Kagho – Living Funeral Imoh Umoren – Have a Nice Day Themba Masondo – Taxi Ride
Best Art Director Barbara Minishi – Nairobi Half Life -WINNER Ken Attoh & Shirley Frimpong-Manso – Contract Shirley Frimpong-Manso – Apples Miniseries Part 1&2 Kyle Quint – Siri Ya Mtungi Frank Rajah Arase – The Piece
Best Sound Editor Sola Awoponle – Ilari Obi Emelonye & Luke Corradine – Last Flight to Abuja -WINNER Jordan Riber – Siri Ya Mtungi Carl Raccah – Journey to Self Maurice Kings – Murder at Prime Suites Paul Apel – Blue Flames
Best Video Editor Ben Nugent & Obi Emelonye – Last Flight to Abuja Austin Faani Ikechukwu – Battle for Wealth Shirley Frimpong-Manso – Contract -WINNER Chucks Madu Success – Oga On Top Jack Esterhuizen – Love Games Episode 25
Best Lightning Designer Don Izuchukwu – Brother’s Keeper Godwin Daniel – Living Funeral Ifeoluwa Balogun – The Benjamins Mohammed Zain – Nairobi Half Life -WINNER Eric Aghimien – A Mile from Home
Best Costume Designer Adeola Ramonu – Adebola Omo Oba Doreen Estazia Noni – Siri Ya Mtungi Catherine Kibugi – Sumu La Penzi Episode 5 Ruth Ndulu Maingi – Lies That Bind Episode 2 Season 2 Chiemela Nwagboso – The Kingdom – WINNER
Best Make-up Artist Elayne Okaya – Nairobi Half Life -WINNER Olabimpe Cole – Lekki Wives Alex Gakumo – Sumu La Penzi Episode 1 Season 1 Michael Wawuyo – The Felistas Fable Rehema Samo – Siri Ya Mtungi Israel Moses – A Wish Rosemary Obika, Redemption
New Era Award Movie – Rita Dominic – The Meeting – WINNER
Trailblazer Award – Michelle Bello – WINNER
Industry Merit Award – Pete Edochie – WINNER
Monalisa Chinda and Uti NwachukwuYemi Alade and Alex EkuboToke Makinwa and Ibinabo FiberesimaWajeJuliet Ibrahim and IK OgbonnaEbuka Obi Uchendu and Chidi MokemeChika Ike
Genevieve NnajiYvonne OkoroIK Osakioduwa and wifeChinedu Ikedieze, Osita Iheme and John OkaforOsas Ighodaro and Tomi OdunsiRita Dominic, Mercy Aigbe and Uche Jumbo
Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele is said to be expecting twins.
Nollywood superstar actress, producer and screenwriter, Funke Akindele has pledged to join the UNICEF course against the practice of female genital mutilation in Nigeria and Africa at large.
was a star-studded, black carpet event at the premiere of AY’s new movie, ‘A Trip to Jamaica’, in Lagos.
p To Jamaica’.
The 2016 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) took place on Saturday, March 5 in Lagos.
