LONDON (AFP) - "Diana", a biopic of the late princess of Wales who died in a Paris car crash, was set for its world premiere on Thursday with its star Naomi Watts already defending her involvement in the controversial film.
The movie follows Diana's romance with London-based Pakistani surgeon Hasnat Khan, whom many friends of the princess say was her real love and the man she allegedly called "Mr Wonderful".
Based on Kate Snell's 2001 book "Diana: Her Last Love", the film suggests that Diana started dating Dodi Fayed to make Khan jealous -- a claim challenged by many close to the princess.
Diana died with Fayed when the Mercedes in which they were travelling slammed into a pillar in a Paris road tunnel in 1997 while being pursued by press photographers.
Ahead of the premiere in London's Leicester Square, Watts, a British-Australian actress who came to prominence in "Mulholland Drive" in 2001, admitted that she was taking a risk by accepting the role of the "People's Princess".
She was asked if she felt the film would offend Diana's sons, Princes William and Harry.
"Hopefully if they get to see the film, they will feel that we have done it in a respectful and sensitive way," she told BBC TV.
"We try to honour the depiction of her character in the best possible way."
But on Wednesday, Watts stormed out of a separate interview with BBC radio, apparently because a question offended her.
The surprised presenter, Simon Mayo, tweeted: "A first for me... as Naomi Watts walked out of an interview! She seemed a tad uncomfortable with the questions. Shame."
The film has been officially ignored by the royal family although its producer Robert Bernstein claims the royals gave some help in allowing filming in Kensington Gardens, where Diana would go jogging.
Some critics have noted that Watts bears little physical resemblance to Diana, and had to wear a prosthetic nose for the film.
She is the only established movie star in the film -- Khan is played by British-Indian actor Naveen Andrews, best known for his role in the TV series "Lost".
Watts claimed in an earlier interview that she "found herself constantly asking for (Diana's) permission to carry on" in the film, which is directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel.
"I felt like I was spending a lot of time with her. There was one particular moment when I felt her permission was granted," Watts told the Mail on Sunday, before adding: "That won't sound right in print, I know."
Khan, who still works in Britain, said he did not intend to see the film.
As if on cue ahead of its release, new conspiracy theories about Diana's death have begun circulating after police revealed they were investigating claims that a member of Britain's special forces was involved.
Scotland Yard said in August that detectives were checking the "relevance and credibility" of information they had received.
Reports said the claims came from the estranged parents-in-law of a member of the elite SAS. The soldier in question gave evidence at the trial of a former colleague who was found guilty of possessing weapons illegally.
Official investigations into Diana's death have concluded that the chauffeur of the Mercedes, Frenchman Henri Paul, was driving under the effects of alcohol at the time he ferried the couple from the Ritz Hotel across Paris.
Film depictions of the British royals have traditionally received a distinctly mixed critical reception.
"The King's Speech" starring Colin Firth and "The Queen" with Helen Mirren as the monarch were garlanded with awards.
But a 2011 made-for-TV movie about the romance between William and the-then Kate Middleton was described by the Daily Mail as "truly terrible" and "shoddily cast, poorly executed, badly edited".
Showing posts with label Entertainment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Entertainment. Show all posts
Thursday 5 September 2013
Monday 2 September 2013
Don Jazzy, P Square, D'Banj tops Forbes richest artistes lists
Channel O and Forbes Africa presents the top 10 most bankable/richest artistes in Africa. This list was put together using factors such as endorsement value, popularity, show rates, Sales, awards, YouTube views, appearance in newspapers, investment, social media presense, Influence and so many other factors. The list shows the African artistes making the most money in Africa.
Check out the top10 list
1. AKON – CEO of Konvict Music, opened doors with other African artiste
2. DON JAZZY - Producer. CEO Mavin Records, MTN, Samsung and Loyal Milk endorsement. D’Banj, Kanye West, Beyonce and Jay Z on production credits.
3. P SQUARE – Music Duo. Featured on Forbes Africa twice, sold out concerts, presidential guest in at least 5 African countries, they fly private jets…
[caption id="attachment_218222" align="alignnone" width="412"]
*Peter Okoye, Wizkid, Paul Okoye[/caption]
4. D’BANJ – Music Artiste. G.O.O.D Music deal, Sony Entertainment deal
5. WIZKID – Music Artiste. EME artiste, Starboy CEO, affiliation with Disturbing London, several international collaborations, highest paid Pepsi ambassador in Africa, ambassador of MTN
6. 2FACE IDIBIA – Music Artiste. 10million CDs and at least 7million digital sales, one campaign… associated with Guinness, Haven Homes, Airtel Worldwide and philantropist – 2face foundation
7. ANSELMO RALPH - Musically Artiste Samsung and Coca Cola ambassador, Perfume line, clothing label, multimillion dollar tour bus, Sony artiste.
8. SARKODIE – Rapper. Youth ambassador Ghana, Sark clothing, Samsung ambassador, fan milk Ghana ambassador.
9. ICE PRINCE – Artiste. Six million downloads, 2 studio owner, one foundation member, Plug N Play ambassador, Zamani foundation.
10. BANKY W – Artiste. Co owner EME, Samsung Ambassador, Philanthropist, multiple award winner.
Check out the top10 list
1. AKON – CEO of Konvict Music, opened doors with other African artiste
2. DON JAZZY - Producer. CEO Mavin Records, MTN, Samsung and Loyal Milk endorsement. D’Banj, Kanye West, Beyonce and Jay Z on production credits.
3. P SQUARE – Music Duo. Featured on Forbes Africa twice, sold out concerts, presidential guest in at least 5 African countries, they fly private jets…
[caption id="attachment_218222" align="alignnone" width="412"]
*Peter Okoye, Wizkid, Paul Okoye[/caption]4. D’BANJ – Music Artiste. G.O.O.D Music deal, Sony Entertainment deal
5. WIZKID – Music Artiste. EME artiste, Starboy CEO, affiliation with Disturbing London, several international collaborations, highest paid Pepsi ambassador in Africa, ambassador of MTN
6. 2FACE IDIBIA – Music Artiste. 10million CDs and at least 7million digital sales, one campaign… associated with Guinness, Haven Homes, Airtel Worldwide and philantropist – 2face foundation
7. ANSELMO RALPH - Musically Artiste Samsung and Coca Cola ambassador, Perfume line, clothing label, multimillion dollar tour bus, Sony artiste.
8. SARKODIE – Rapper. Youth ambassador Ghana, Sark clothing, Samsung ambassador, fan milk Ghana ambassador.
9. ICE PRINCE – Artiste. Six million downloads, 2 studio owner, one foundation member, Plug N Play ambassador, Zamani foundation.
10. BANKY W – Artiste. Co owner EME, Samsung Ambassador, Philanthropist, multiple award winner.
Saturday 31 August 2013
I needed a born-again woman in my life when I married
By Benjamin Njoku
Comedy merchant, Opa Williams, got married officially to his wife, Patricia, a pastor in Foursquare Gospel Church, Surulere, in 1994. But, before then, they had been living together as husband and wife for four years. Their marriage is blessed with three kids. The couple speaks on their journey into marriage....
How I met her
I got married officially on 24 September, 1994. Come next year, I will be 20 years in marriage, though I have lived with my wife for 24 years. I met her in my sister’s saloon in 1988.You know when a man meets a woman, the next thing is for them to strike a relationship. We became friends before we started staying together. She had her first child in 1990, two years after I met her. I told her then, if I’m going to marry her, you must become born again.
I wasn’t born again but I think I knew my weakness. I felt that if I’m not strong in faith, I needed somebody who will be strong in faith. I think that was what delayed our marriage in the first place. I insisted she must be born again before I would propose to her. Then, she was more of a church goer.
[caption id="attachment_158975" align="alignright" width="189"]
Opa Willaims[/caption]
Attraction
She was innocent, young and respectful. These were the things that attracted me to her.
Proposing to Her
I don’t think I proposed to her. One thing led to another. I just said to her ‘let’s go and see your family’. That was it. I didn’t kneel down with banquet of flowers and a diamond ring to propose to her. But I knew I was going to marry her. When I insisted she must be born again, that’s when it dawned on me that she was going to be my wife. We had been living together, even before we had our first child. I’m not influenced by the western culture.
20 years after marriage
I think tolerance and respecting each other’s space is what has been keeping us in marriage. I am a showbiz man, I hold a lot of meetings at odd hours, and she’s a pastor. We agreed to pursue our individual careers. She told me she has a desire to become a pastor. I encouraged her to go ahead and actualise her dream. But she must not disturb me when I am pursuing my own career. Our marriage has been built on tolerance and allowing each other to have his/her space. I respect her space as well as she respects mine.
How we live
Most times, I’m domineering because I have to dominate my house. And she respects my decisions. Sometimes, she makes her own decisions as well, and I respect them. I think problem sets in when one party wants to lord it over the other. Even though we are married, we have our different destinies. She has her destiny as a human being just as I have my own destiny. It is for her to fulfill her destiny just as it’s for me to fulfill mine. I will help her to fulfill her destiny and she will help me to fulfill mine. When my wife was setting up her school, she told me that’s what she wanted. I had wanted us to set up a farm. But she asked me to support her and I did. As a man, you must be in control of your house, but you must not oppress your partner. In fact, most times, it’s oppression and assertion of ‘my will and not your will’ that leads to the break up of most marriages.
I am waiting for him to join me in my ministry — Wife
I am children’s pastor at Foursquare Gospel Church, Surulere. I became a pastor in 2003. I attended a Life Bible College in 2000, and graduated in 2003. Our relationship started when I was living with my elder sister. I was very young then. Later, I got a job with Ibru Sea foods. He has been a source of encouragement to me. He is the kind of man that does not interfere in his spouse’s career. He gives you the chance to do whatever you feel would give you happiness. Because of this, I also encourage him in any project he wants to embark upon. I always pray for him and stand by him. I know God is doing wonderful things in his life and I have no doubt in my mind that one day, he will join me in my ministry.
Proposing marriage
I love him and accepted his proposal for marriage immediately. We had a child before we got married.
What I saw in him
He’s a very brilliant person; he’s full of love and caring. Those were the things that attracted him to me. When I lost my dad in 1988, I needed somebody in my life. I came to Lagos and was staying with my elder sister before I met him. Then, he was like an elder brother to me; he was not only giving me useful advice, but, also, he was there for me. As a matter of fact, I had no choice than to fall in love with him. When you are with him, and you are faithful and committed to him, he will definitely bend his back for you.
What I don’t like about him
Will I say he’s the opposite of what I am? I love him for that, because he complements my efforts. If he’s not the way he is, may be I wouldn’t have fallen in love with him.
Intimacy
He’s the type that doesn’t take his family for granted. He ensures I’m always happy. He is my best friend. We are very close to each other and that’s what marriage is all about.
Advice to young couple
Like what I used to advice my first daughter who is 23 now,. I always tell her that when she’s ready to settle down, she should marry somebody who will take her for whom she is; somebody who will love and cherish her. There are a lot of deceitful men out there. My husband was serious with me and that was why I married him.
Closeness to God
Before now, he was not a strong Christian. But, today, he has come to realise that it’s good to serve God. He goes to church regularly now. He has promised to dedicated more of his time to serving his Maker and I’m very happy for him. I have been praying for God to touch him.
Comedy merchant, Opa Williams, got married officially to his wife, Patricia, a pastor in Foursquare Gospel Church, Surulere, in 1994. But, before then, they had been living together as husband and wife for four years. Their marriage is blessed with three kids. The couple speaks on their journey into marriage....
How I met her
I got married officially on 24 September, 1994. Come next year, I will be 20 years in marriage, though I have lived with my wife for 24 years. I met her in my sister’s saloon in 1988.You know when a man meets a woman, the next thing is for them to strike a relationship. We became friends before we started staying together. She had her first child in 1990, two years after I met her. I told her then, if I’m going to marry her, you must become born again.
I wasn’t born again but I think I knew my weakness. I felt that if I’m not strong in faith, I needed somebody who will be strong in faith. I think that was what delayed our marriage in the first place. I insisted she must be born again before I would propose to her. Then, she was more of a church goer.
[caption id="attachment_158975" align="alignright" width="189"]
Opa Willaims[/caption]Attraction
She was innocent, young and respectful. These were the things that attracted me to her.
Proposing to Her
I don’t think I proposed to her. One thing led to another. I just said to her ‘let’s go and see your family’. That was it. I didn’t kneel down with banquet of flowers and a diamond ring to propose to her. But I knew I was going to marry her. When I insisted she must be born again, that’s when it dawned on me that she was going to be my wife. We had been living together, even before we had our first child. I’m not influenced by the western culture.
20 years after marriage
I think tolerance and respecting each other’s space is what has been keeping us in marriage. I am a showbiz man, I hold a lot of meetings at odd hours, and she’s a pastor. We agreed to pursue our individual careers. She told me she has a desire to become a pastor. I encouraged her to go ahead and actualise her dream. But she must not disturb me when I am pursuing my own career. Our marriage has been built on tolerance and allowing each other to have his/her space. I respect her space as well as she respects mine.
How we live
Most times, I’m domineering because I have to dominate my house. And she respects my decisions. Sometimes, she makes her own decisions as well, and I respect them. I think problem sets in when one party wants to lord it over the other. Even though we are married, we have our different destinies. She has her destiny as a human being just as I have my own destiny. It is for her to fulfill her destiny just as it’s for me to fulfill mine. I will help her to fulfill her destiny and she will help me to fulfill mine. When my wife was setting up her school, she told me that’s what she wanted. I had wanted us to set up a farm. But she asked me to support her and I did. As a man, you must be in control of your house, but you must not oppress your partner. In fact, most times, it’s oppression and assertion of ‘my will and not your will’ that leads to the break up of most marriages.
I am waiting for him to join me in my ministry — Wife
I am children’s pastor at Foursquare Gospel Church, Surulere. I became a pastor in 2003. I attended a Life Bible College in 2000, and graduated in 2003. Our relationship started when I was living with my elder sister. I was very young then. Later, I got a job with Ibru Sea foods. He has been a source of encouragement to me. He is the kind of man that does not interfere in his spouse’s career. He gives you the chance to do whatever you feel would give you happiness. Because of this, I also encourage him in any project he wants to embark upon. I always pray for him and stand by him. I know God is doing wonderful things in his life and I have no doubt in my mind that one day, he will join me in my ministry.
Proposing marriage
I love him and accepted his proposal for marriage immediately. We had a child before we got married.
What I saw in him
He’s a very brilliant person; he’s full of love and caring. Those were the things that attracted him to me. When I lost my dad in 1988, I needed somebody in my life. I came to Lagos and was staying with my elder sister before I met him. Then, he was like an elder brother to me; he was not only giving me useful advice, but, also, he was there for me. As a matter of fact, I had no choice than to fall in love with him. When you are with him, and you are faithful and committed to him, he will definitely bend his back for you.
What I don’t like about him
Will I say he’s the opposite of what I am? I love him for that, because he complements my efforts. If he’s not the way he is, may be I wouldn’t have fallen in love with him.
Intimacy
He’s the type that doesn’t take his family for granted. He ensures I’m always happy. He is my best friend. We are very close to each other and that’s what marriage is all about.
Advice to young couple
Like what I used to advice my first daughter who is 23 now,. I always tell her that when she’s ready to settle down, she should marry somebody who will take her for whom she is; somebody who will love and cherish her. There are a lot of deceitful men out there. My husband was serious with me and that was why I married him.
Closeness to God
Before now, he was not a strong Christian. But, today, he has come to realise that it’s good to serve God. He goes to church regularly now. He has promised to dedicated more of his time to serving his Maker and I’m very happy for him. I have been praying for God to touch him.
Sunday 21 July 2013
MBGN: How Anna Banner won
By Benjamin Njoku & Samuel Oyadongha
YENAGOA—Miss Bayelsa State, Anna Ebierie Banner, weekend, emerged the winner of 2013 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant with Imo State representative, Okwu Stephanie as 1st runner up.
Banner, 18, also won the best traditional costume award, beating other 31 contestants to clinch the crown at a ceremony held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.
Meanwhile, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has appointed Anna Banner as his Special Assistant on Culture and Tourism.
Anna Banner is meanwhile to represent Nigeria at the Miss World pageant later this year in Jakarta, Indonesia.
She has now taken over the reigns as the Most Beautiful girl in Nigeria 2012 winner, Isabele Ayuk.
The Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, at the event, also announced the new queen as the Ambassador of Culture and Tourism in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, contestants who made it to the Top 5 were Miss Imo, Miss Abuja, Miss Kaduna and Miss Adamawa.
In his speech, Governor Dickson called on investors to avail themselves of the numerous tourism potentials and investment opportunities in the state. “As a state, we consider it a unique privilege to have an array of important personalities and elegant young ladies in our midst today, just a couple of months after we hosted the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Awards, AMAA.
[caption id="attachment_405038" align="alignnone" width="412"]
Mr Ben Bruce of the Silverbird Group and MGBN 2013 winner Anna Banner[/caption]
“For us, playing host to these historic events within a space of just four months gives credence to the fact that Bayelsa is fast growing to become the next tourism hub of the country. It also speaks volume of the restoration of government unwavering commitment to the promotion of gender equality as illustrated in the national gender policy of our great country.”
Chairman of Silverbird Group, organisers of the pageant, Mr. Ben Murray-Bruce said the essence of the competition was to bring about unity among ladies with different cultural and social backgrounds. According to him “all 32 delegates worked tirelessly with one common goal, although we can only have one winner, I see everybody who has come this far as an individual who possess great value and have exhibited a great level of competence.
“In over 25 years, we have produced beautiful ambassadors who have represented Nigeria at various international events.”
YENAGOA—Miss Bayelsa State, Anna Ebierie Banner, weekend, emerged the winner of 2013 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant with Imo State representative, Okwu Stephanie as 1st runner up.
Banner, 18, also won the best traditional costume award, beating other 31 contestants to clinch the crown at a ceremony held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.
Meanwhile, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has appointed Anna Banner as his Special Assistant on Culture and Tourism.
Anna Banner is meanwhile to represent Nigeria at the Miss World pageant later this year in Jakarta, Indonesia.
She has now taken over the reigns as the Most Beautiful girl in Nigeria 2012 winner, Isabele Ayuk.
The Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, at the event, also announced the new queen as the Ambassador of Culture and Tourism in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, contestants who made it to the Top 5 were Miss Imo, Miss Abuja, Miss Kaduna and Miss Adamawa.
In his speech, Governor Dickson called on investors to avail themselves of the numerous tourism potentials and investment opportunities in the state. “As a state, we consider it a unique privilege to have an array of important personalities and elegant young ladies in our midst today, just a couple of months after we hosted the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Awards, AMAA.
[caption id="attachment_405038" align="alignnone" width="412"]
Mr Ben Bruce of the Silverbird Group and MGBN 2013 winner Anna Banner[/caption]“For us, playing host to these historic events within a space of just four months gives credence to the fact that Bayelsa is fast growing to become the next tourism hub of the country. It also speaks volume of the restoration of government unwavering commitment to the promotion of gender equality as illustrated in the national gender policy of our great country.”
Chairman of Silverbird Group, organisers of the pageant, Mr. Ben Murray-Bruce said the essence of the competition was to bring about unity among ladies with different cultural and social backgrounds. According to him “all 32 delegates worked tirelessly with one common goal, although we can only have one winner, I see everybody who has come this far as an individual who possess great value and have exhibited a great level of competence.
“In over 25 years, we have produced beautiful ambassadors who have represented Nigeria at various international events.”
Wednesday 10 July 2013
Seyi Shay to grace Big Brother eviction
Lagos - She’s toured with P.Diddy and Beyonce, collaborated with Justin Timberlake and 2Face Idibia – and now Seyi Shay will work her magic on the Big Brother stage during Sunday night’s live eviction
Born in London to Nigerian parents, Deborah Oluwa-Seyi Joshua - better known as Seyi Shay – has been performing since she was 6 years old. She got her break with the London Community Choir and hasn’t looked back, performing around the world and collaborating with some of the hottest artists in the world.
She signed her first record deal in 2005, wrote and produced three songs for the Konami Game soundtrack, “Crime Life” and wrote You Will See for Mel C – all this, aged just 18.
Shortly afterwards, she auditioned for British Pop/R&B group From Above, winning the role of lead singer.
Their debut album ‘Breaking From Above’ lent its name to their MTV reality show, which was broadcast in more than 166 countries around the world. The band supported Beyonce on her “I Am” UK tour in 2009/10 and 2011 and presented an MTV EMA Music Award to Bruno
In the same year, Seyi wrote ‘White Lies’ for international selling rapper, Chipmunk and has since toured with the likes of P. Diddy and Beyoncé in the UK and written for and worked with a number of industry heavy weights like Justin Timberlake, Brian Michael Cox,2Face Idibia, Bilal, Chipmunk, Rob Knoxx, Rob A, Harmony and Cameron Wallace.
Don’t miss Seyi Shay working her musical magic on stage this Sunday on Big Brother: The Chase - and don’t forget to vote to keep your favourite housemate in the game!
The housemates in danger of eviction are Selly, Melvin, Annabel, Cleo, Natasha and Pokello. Voting is open right now and closes at 06:00 CAT on Sunday morning.
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