Django Unchained ‘Slave Dolls’ Discontinued

After much uproar from the black community and moviegoers alike, the highly controversial slave dolls released in conjunction with the "Django Unchained" movie have officially been discontineed.

via TMZ

The controversial "Django Unchained" action figures have officially been DISCONTINUED … after several African American groups called fora boycott of the dolls … TMZ has learned.

Sources connected to the toy production tell us… shortly after advocacy groups like Al Sharpton's National Action Network and ProjectIslamic Hope spoke out against the figurines … the Weinstein Company (which produced the film) reached out to the toy company and told them to put the kibosh on the toy line ASAP.

We're told the toy company agreed, insisting they never intended to offend anyone … and halted production immediately.

Dj's Are Tormenting Chris Humphries

At this point the story of Kris Humphries and Kim Kardashian 's ill-fated 72-day marriage old news. However, the punchlines that followed can still be funny.

Case in point, Humphries can't even head from Brooklyn into Manhattan without hearing about it from the DJs at his favorite clubs.

According to the New York Daily News, Humphries went to a club called WIP on Wednesday night — after a 100-86 loss to the crosstown Knicks — and DJs Chuck Barrett and Scram Jones played consecutive Kanye West songs (West is currently dating Kardashian) specifically to anger Humphries. The forward was apparently quite forward with many of the women in the club but getting nowhere. That, combined with the West songs escalated into a situation.

"He took a bottle of Patron that he didn't pay for, putit in front of his crotch and dumped the entire thing on the floor, because he was wasted and tired of Kanye songs," a source told the Daily News. "Not only was he acting like he was peeing the bottle out,he insisted on staying."

Currently, Kardashian and Humphries remain in legal limbo in terms of their marriage, and will return to court early in 2013

Shakira And Boyfriend Pose Semi-Nude For UNICEF

Columbian born singer Shakira and her Spanish soccer player boyfriend Gerard Piqué have released a photo of them posing semi-nude.

This time it has nothing to do with any fashion magazine; the famous singer and UNICEF goodwill ambassador and Pique's motive was to invite friends and fans to join their online baby shower which took place on January 16, 2013.

At the baby shower, fans were inspired to buy gifts costing from as little as $5 to $37.
Proceeds will be given to UNICEF as they raise funds to help children worldwide.

Don Jazzy Sets Up Oil Company

James is the Chief Executive Officer of the company. According to their website, Mavin Energy is a 24hours door to door diesel delivery service which supplies diesels to homes, small/medium scale businesses, with also the intension to supply to public establishments, large industries, construction companies, power companies and both Federal/State Parastatals and Agencies.

Shocking Earnings Of Nollywood Stars

Quite a number of perks come with being a movie star in this part of the world. They includedesigner clothes, luxury cars and posh apartments.

Apart from their penchant for such status symbols, today's Nollywood actors and actresses are also seen asrole models, especially to the young and impressionable who dream of becoming stars some day.
But, judging by the results of a recent investigation conducted by Saturday Beats, it appears all that glittersis not gold, after all.

Contrary to popular opinion, the life of the average Yoruba movie star is that of constant 'suffering and smiling'.
In spite of the fabulous profiles and immense goodwill enjoyed by some of these celebrated screen gods and goddesses, the contents of their bank accounts are really nothing to be cheerful about.

Even the 'alarming' increase in the volume of home video films produced in Yoruba language ought to be sufficient to improve the bank balances of such celebrities. To make matters worse, many of them suffer from a financial disease known as 'Withdrawal Symptom.' In fact, it is no longer news that a good number are regular visitors to ATMs.

"As soon as money is paid into their bank accounts, youwill see them rushing to the nearest ATM to withdraw almost all the cash," an amused banker told Saturday Beats recently.

Certainly it is difficult to believe that no reasonably successful Yoruba actor or actress has ever been paid up to N500, 000 for a lead role in any movie. Half a million seems a fantastic sum by all indications.

Instead, the maximum fee payable to the best actor or actress has remained between N150k and N250k. Even many of the 'veterans' receive as low as N10k to appearin a film feature.

While those that are constantly in demand or have won awards in the industry, such as the likes of Funke Akindele and Odunlade Adekola, earn a maximum of N250k per feature film, the rest are left with peanuts. Interestingly, an exception to this 'golden rule' is Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde. Saturday Beats investigation shows that she earns between N250k and N400k.

Another 'big earning' actor is Adebayo Salami, aka Oga Bello. It is said that he hardly receives part payment from any producer. Usually on location, he would demand his fee of not more that N150,000 before goinginto action.

The same is said about Omotola who does not budge until she or her manager has confirmed that a certain amount of money has been deposited in her bank account.
However, the so-called big budget film productions have never exceeded the N3m mark despite the fact that a lot of money goes into paying the crew and cast.

Money is also spent on production equipment, lights, costumes, makeups, transport, food, accommodation, generating plant sets, and other logistics/incidental expenses. That is also why most of the cast and crew are grateful when the filmmaker or marketer, who bankrolls the production, is able to hand them paltry sums of money.

"You can count on your fingers the number of individuals involved in the production who respectively got paid less than N50,000," a production hand says.

Also included in the budget are the editing suite staff, copies of empty VCDs to be dubbed, posters and film jackets to be printed, marketing and distribution.

Now we know why most of the highly paid or underpaidactors/ actresses are writing their own movie scripts and directing or producing their own movie projects, as well as saturating the market with volumes of half-baked home videos every week.

Bukky Wright was the highest paid actress in the Yoruba language genre before Funke Akindele broke her N150,000 per featured film record with Jenifa.

Omilade Babatunde, aka Baba Suwe, used to be the highest paid aactor until the much younger Odunlade Adekola, aka Cause Trouble, began to earn up to N250kper feature film. The other notable figures? Well, they are trying hard to catch up with Omotola, Funke and Odunlade.

Omotola, Adebayo Salami, Funke Akindele, Bukky Wright and Odunlade Adekola were unavailable for comment.

But prolific film producer, Kunle Afolayan, said, "I really don't know how much they earn now because I've sincemoved on to other major things."

Top actress, Lizzy Anjorin, found it hard to answer the question.

"Ha! That's a tough question that I don't have a ready answer for. Fees vary from one filmmaker to another. As for me, I bill per script and I don't appear in just about any film."

Saturday Beats sought the view of scriptwriter/actor/filmmaker, Femi Davies.
He responded, "You can't really get any top actor/actress that will proudly and honestly tell you thisis how much he or she earns per film. But for my years in the industry, I don't know anyone that collects half a million naira per film he or she featured in that's not a film produced by him or her. Things can only get better."

The story is not different in the Igbo or the Hausa language-speaking movie sector. We gathered that the actors/actresses who in real life drive fancy cars, live in their own houses, dress in the latest designer clothes, are the privileged ones who have been able to sustain and maintain their celebrity/star status by engaging in private business outside movies like car dealership, party/event planning, boutiques, supermarkets, hair dressing saloons, voice-over on radio/TV adverts, comperes at private and public functions, corporate brand endorsements.

My Woman Must Have All The Basic Curves In The Right Places - Don Jazzy

Many may have been wondering why at '30', as Don Jazzy reportedly claimed to be in terms of his age, would still be single with all the fame and fortune he has acquired.

Not many may also know that Michael Ajere, his real name, doesn't like the popularly 'lepa' girls even though many guys love such babes.

You can belt that, according to Don Jazzy, "there is no way any lady shaped like a broom can attract my full attention." a heart break for those 'lepas' flocking around Don Jazzy hoping he would settle down with them soon?

In an interview with Punch, Don Baba J, as Wande Coal fondly calls him, stated his ideal kind of wife while dashing the hopes of the 'lepas' around him informing them to look elsewhere as he does not have any plan(s) for them.

"With due respect to slim ladies, there is no way any lady shaped like a broom can attract my full attention. I'm sorry but that's the truth. My ideal woman must be God-fearing. She must have all the basic curves in the right places. The rounder and bigger her chest and backside, the better," the multiple award-winning music producer and MAVIN Records boss described his 'future wife'.

Jackie Appiah Hooks Up With Bobby Obodo After Divorce.

Tongues are seriously wagging that the beautiful actress, Jackie Appiah, who is said to have divorced her husband, is having a love affair with a Nigerian actor/activist, Bobby Obodo. Could Nigerian actor and activist Michael Bobby Obodo be the new man in her life, as the pair have been spotted together several times in Accra in the past few weeks?

With Bobby looking like Jackie's date on these outings,a source who told gistbank.blogspot.com of this goings said, "we first spotted the pair at D-Black's album launch (December 16) at the Movenpick Hotel, after which the two had a private meeting at the hotel's lounge over some drinksand other avenue in an uncompromising position."

Stella Damascus Vs. Ibinabo Fiberesima

Her grievance, according to information gathered by gistbank.blogspot.com, was on the actors who she was said to have called hypocrites, the reason is because of their nonchalant attitude when a help is needed for an ailing member.

She was nowhere near the artiste tribute and candle-light procession held at Ojez, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos in memory of the late veteran, Enebeli Elebuwa. The Nollywood diva, we gathered is still nursing some grievances against the leadership of the Actors' Guild of Nigeria (AGN).

When asked why she was conspicuously missing, former 'lover', actor and Commissioner for Youth and Tourism in the Delta State Government, Richard Mofe Damijo tried to defend her absence, saying that Stella is out of town, our source tells us otherwise.

Sources reveal that Stella had accused the AGN for being nonchalant about the welfare of its members. She single-handedly carried the crusade of the late Enebeli to the highest level by making sure she brought up his case to the attention of the Governor of Delta State, Emmanuel Uduaghan, who through his kind gesture, shouldered the whole expense of Enebeli's travel and treatment.

In her defense, the National President of the AGN, Ibinabo Fiberesima has described the death of the veteran as a big blow to the motion picture industry and continues to stress the need for members to take advantage of the special health insurance/ pension plan as part of the welfare package provided by the guild.

Kemi Omololu Spits Fire On Facebook!!!!

Kemi Omololu Olunloyo is a spit fire and her hobby is cooking up a storm on facebook. This 48yr old daughter of an ex governor recently boasted on facebook that she has ''glowing skin and breasts like a 25yr old''

Since her deportation from Canada back to Nigeria last year,Kemi now resides in her parents villa in ibadan and has been campaigning to be Governor of the state.

A few days back she used the 'F' word on all ibadan muslims for waking her up at 5am with their prayer noises and got badly cussed out and sworn out.

This is her recent post on facebook. It gets 'better' everyday with this Nigerian born ex pharmacist who has boldly posted on facebook that she 'Hates Nigerians'.

THIS IS HER RECENT FACEBOOK POST
''Pls ladies, STOP being Jealous of me. It's not even worth it. I OWN #Ibadan. Aunty Yemisi, pls tell them bitches!!

Pic: The day me and dad went to KFC. Now how many Governors go in a public fast food place? We keep it REAL!!''

Is Stephanie Okereke Pregnant??

Call her embodiment of talent and you are not far fromthe truth. The enigma, Nollywood diva, Stephanie Okereke-Linus, no doubt, is different from the rest. Ever since her marriage to the oil and gas big boy, Stephanie who has been enjoying all pecks attached to marriagehood is said to be carrying a foetus of the Idahosa's dynasty.

Keen observers and followers of Nollywood stars once asked the same question about Mercy Johnson and it turned out that she was indeed pregnant after all. This time, tongues are already waging about actress Stephanie Okereke who got married February 2012.

A few days ago, "Is Stephanie Okereke pregnant?" was the question on so many lips, the reason is because, she is being observed to be carrying some weight these days and looking fuller than her usual slim self in a cream and black combination dress that clearly showed a swollen midriff.

Stephanie Okereke and Linus Idahosa had a flamboyant wedding in Paris, France last year. Nollywood stars such as Genevieve Nnaji, Ini Edo, Monalisa Chinda, Susan Peters and others witnessed the wedding.

Well, we will dig further to know the true position soon.

Peter Of P-Square Escapes Arrest At USA

In the wake of today Peter Okoye(Psquare) said he risked being sanctioned by the police in the USA because he drove without having his official licence onhim at the time he was driving. Most of his fans quickly reacted to his post via the twitter when he mentioned it.

In his words 'I drove 2day without my drivers license. Peter don't try it again.Dis is Yankeee #selfwarning'

Peter gave himself a free warning though, next time he might not be so lucky.

Tonto Dike Star In "The Illetrate"

Many have come to conclusion that after Nollywood actress, Tontoh Dike ventured into the music industry that it would be the end of her reign as a screen goddess, alternatively, her current flick, The Illiterate where she starred with Ken Erics and Yul Edochie has put an end to such believe.

This movie which has made its position as the Nollywood home video of the rave was shot in Enugu, while produced and directed by Sylvester Madu. Not only did the stars invest their long acquired experiences, but it took them so much challenge into interpreting the characters that made the movie a stellar one.

For one of the major casts, Ken Erics, he sees the movie as one that will go a long way into being in the minds of viewers, especially their fans who upon critics would stand by them for the quality time and efforts they invested in the movie.

In his words: "What make a movie are good story line, character interpretation and quality production. If I must tell you, The Illiterate possesses all these in it. I could remember that I was sick while at the location of this movie, still on that I saw what is required on everybody, then I gave my best".

Interestingly, the Nollywood dude confirmed Tontoh Dikeh as his most preferred artistes to work with, following her role which he said endeared him to do more, "she is one actress every actor would want to act with. She gave up everything to make sure we get the real character we played. Even when I was sick, she did everything to make sure I recovered. In fact, she really challenged me, and also complemented my effort," he said.
Meanwhile, the actress turned musician has been on the state of controversy following her new released two singles, "Hi and Its Ova." For those who don't know, Tonto is making effort to shoot the musical video of her two songs and she is not discouraged by those who have scorned her.

Speaking, the screen diva responded to critics on her new choice of career by saying, "when my song came out, they blamed me for singing without listening, and then they listened and then blamed the producer. But give them time they will blame themselves for ever criticizing the cute songs. Both songs were the most popular songs by an actor/actress. They also have the records of being the most downloaded songs released by any music artist in West Africa (My guess is right,'' Tontoh charged.

Why I Dedicated My Awards To AY--Comedian, Elenu Reveals

After winning the third edition of AY Open Mic Challenge in 2006, Akinlami Babatunde Julius, popularly known as Elenu, has been on top of his game. His captivating and rib cracking jokes have raked millions of naira into his account and it has soothed many sorrowful minds.

While speaking on why he dedicated his recently won Modemen and Dynamix All-Youth Awards to top comedian, Ayo Makun, otherwise called AY, who he sees as his mentor, the graduate of Computer Science from the University of Benin, said "one because he is my boss; two, because he is my prudent and dependable mentor; and three, because he felt my jokes when nobody hyped me."

In 2012, the fast-rising comedian made some achievements which included relocating his mum to a more posh apartment, buying a new car and crowning the year with engaging his girlfriend,
Chinwe Anyanwu, an International Studies and Diplomacy graduate of Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Edo State, in a marriage proposal.

Iroko Tv Boss Buys N8Million Jeep For Wife

The man at the helm of affairs at iroko TV, Jason Njokuhas bought a Range Rover Evogue for his actress wife, Remmy Mary. The couple got married in 2012 in Festac, Lagos, with some Nollywood stars in attendance.

Jason posted on his Facebook page with the written note 'new toy for my wife Mary Remmy. Happy 2nd anniversary.'

Mary is an ambassador of her husband's iroko TV platform. She was made its brand ambassador along with other top stars like Patience Ozokwo, John Okafor amongst others.

Mike Ezunroye, Desmond Elliot To Star In "The Unforgivable"

When the roll call of extra-talented actresses are called, not only in the Yoruba movie industry, but in Nollywood as a whole, one name that will never be missing is Dayo Amusa. Not only blessed with huge acting talent that wows many, but Dayo is also a beautiful lady that can melt the heart of the toughest army general.

The actress has now gone ahead in stepping up her game, especially in the Yoruba film genre with the introduction of two of Nollywood's big-wigs; Mike Ezuruonye and Desmond Elliot, in her newest movie entitled 'The Unforgivable'.

Produced by Dayo, the flick was directed by Desmond, who is becoming one of the fastest-rising directors in Nollywood, while Jovibabs and Olumide Daniels wrote the movie.

'The Unforgivable' parades stars like Dayo Amusa, Mike Ezuruonye, Bukky Wright, Desmond Elliot, Faithia Balogun, Bimbo Thomas, Iyabo Ojo, Niyi Johnson, Bidemi Kosoko, Lawal Aisha, Titilayo Shobo amongst others, while it introduces new acts like Ibironke Ashaolu and Wale Alabi.

The suspense, intrigue, informative and educative filmcentres on Damola (Mike Ezuruonye) who is blinded byhis pride to see and accepts the undiluted love given to him by his wife, Sewa (Dayo Amusa), who sacrifices everything to make her home and satisfy her husband.

On the other side of the wall is a well cultured Richard (Desmond Elliott), who doesn't have the courage to express his feelings and affection towards someone heloves.

So, how did 'The Unforgivable' come about? Who stepped on the other's toe that made it difficult to forgive? 'The Unforgivable' will provide answers and many more when it finally hits the cinemas soon.

I Don't Know Who To Marry - Pawpaw

Osita Iheme popularly called Pawpaw is a talented pint-sized actor that rose to fame with the 2002 hit movie 'Aki Na Ukwa' alongside his screen twin brother,Chinedu Ikedieze known as Aki.

Since then, the two have been friends and have virtually been doing things together until Aki chose to marry before Pawpaw, which has put reportedly pressure on him to follow suit.

In a recent interview with Entertainment Express, Pawpaw disclosed that picking a wife among the female fans and friends he is blessed with is his major challenge. Hear him, "the challenge is that I do not know whom to marry. I'm not really searching per se, of course, I have many female friends and fans.

Some of them intimate, but picking the person I will spend the rest of my life with is what is delaying my settling down. God will help me decide soon, because with Him all things are possible."

Stereo Man Tells Us About The Tragedy Surrounding His Wife Death

When Sunday Osakuni popularly known as Ekwe Originnal Stereoman set out to concort an affair with the mother of his child, little did he know that the relationship would land him into trouble and ultimately into prison.

Perhaps, if the musician had hearkened to the advice of the elders to be careful of 'talent-killing women', he wouldn't have found himself in a terrible situation when his 'wife' suddenly died.

In a rare encounter with gistbank.blogspot.com, the Delta State-born artiste opened up on the event that led to the death of his 'wife', his arrest and detention, and then eventual release. Ekwe also recounted his experiences with his in-laws and how some prominent lawyers had backed him up. Excerpts :

How was your growing up ?

I was very stubborn when growing up. I grew up in Warri and you know that Warri is tough. There, everybody wants to make money overnight, children inclusive. Everyone wants to wear good clothes and live good life without working for it. I attended four different primary schools and four different secondary schools. After staying in a secondary school for some time, some of us would say, 'this school no dey size me again o', then we will leave for another one. I was very stubborn but as time went by, I talked to myself and I changed.

Your wife died, what actually happened?

What happened was that the woman had a baby for me several years back and we were not together for two years, suddenly she died. The family started accusing me, that I was the one they suspected, that I was the one that killed the girl.
I have been out of prison for some months. Right now, I am going out to perform in an event. I've always been travelling and coming in since I was left off the hook. I am okay now.

How were you exonerated ?

We thank the Lord. The Federal Ministry of Justice defended me and I am out now. Aside this, Festus Keyamo was there to safe me. Yeah, a lot of lawyers fought for me because I didn't do anything to her. They all backed me up in the case but thank God I am free, I have no case to answer.

Everyone knew her as your wife, why then saying she's not your wife?

No African man can tolerate a woman who doesn't have good character. We had separated for long and we weren't living together for two years. I didn't marry her legally. We had a relationship and from there she got pregnant. When she had the baby she started claiming that she's my wife. I am from Niger Delta, any woman that is not submissive we don't keep her at home. I told her to leave, that I didn't want her again. I didn't set my eyes on her for long until when I heard that she died. Then I was in Holland during Easter time. They now said that I was the one that killed her. That's how the case started. I went there to identify with the sister that this corpse was my former woman. That's how I got to State CID in Panti, Lagos.

Did you suspect any foul play in her death?

Something happened and you suppose to feel bad about it but the family didn't want to understand it in that way. They wanted to kill me; they wanted to put me in jail.

What is your relationship with her family?

I don't have any relationship with her family right now because I don't really care about them.

Before her death, when the going was good, how was your relationship with her?

My ex always called me 'honey'. It's always like that with women but the man wey dey house naim know wetin dey inside. Woman na woman. They will still misbehave. But what you do is straighten her head up.I call it 'spiritual coding'. You talk to her, advise her, and pet her. I am not too good at womanizing. Elderly musicians have always advised me to be careful about women because, according to them, they have the spirit that could kill my talent. So, I took their advice because they have been there before me. I tried to learn from other people's mistakes.

What about your baby, the child she had for you?

I love my baby though it has been long I saw her. They can let me take care of her. They are with the baby. I don't even know where they are right now. It's not that I don't want the custody of my child, but they are fighting me.

Why should they think that you're the one that killed her?

I don't know. Maybe because we are not a couple anymore. They felt I'm the one that killed her but they are mistaking. Even people that marry legally do divorce let alone when you talk about casual relationship. A woman had a baby for me but her character was not good and I asked her to leave, is that a bad thing ?

What is the lesson you have learnt from the situation?

I have learnt quite some lessons. In life, we learn everyday. What happened to me I don't pray it happens to another person. I have learnt a lot of lessons from it.

We don't hear about you any more, why?

I traveled out of the country, I just came back. As you can see , I am busy now by the grace of God, I am going to drop my hip hop and R&B albums very soon.

Are you coming with something different?

Yeah! Something very different. Just watch out for the albums, they are going to be released by February and March next year.

When did you start your music career?

I started music from the early age of 17. As a child, I was a cultural dancer. I used to sing traditional songs and later discovered that I could sing reggae. I went from reggae to hip hop and to African dancehall style, that's how I started.

Was there any time you wanted to quit music?

I have never had such in mind. I am a fashion designer and tailor by profession but music is my inspiration which I enjoy doing most.

What is the source of your inspiration in music?

It is my ability and agility. I don't think alcohol or Igbo (India hemp) and cocaine can give anybody inspiration. It is an in-built thing. You can as well take anything, but for me, I don't believe in that.

Can you allow your child to play music like you?

Yes, that's my prayer.

How many women do you have in your life now?

None.

What is your impression about sex?

Sex! If I want to have sex, I can have sex, that is it.

How frequent do you do that?

It is when I want to do it. Spiritually, sex doesn't give any inspiration. It is either diminishing your career or…

Are you a spiritual person?

Of course, surely I am. Every human being is spiritual before physical. What we don't know is bigger than what we know or see in physical life.

Did your parents try to discourage you from playing music?

It was a tradition in those days. They wanted me to be good to their own understanding. They never wanted me to play music because they thought most musicians smoke marijuana and live reckless life. But when they saw that I had good talent and the money was flowing they played along with me.

What has music changed in your life?

I made money and I am still going to make more. I am highly excited that I got talent. Today, I am successful by the grace of God.

What is your advice to those that look up to you?

My advice is that everybody must respect God and live a straight life. That is all I can say.

We Were Challenged By Michael Jackson’s Huge Achievements - P Square

Peter and Paul, the Okoyes sensational twin singers are sure ruling their world, with four albums to their credits, these Igbo guys have skyrocketed themselves into the echelons of international artistes. In a recent interview, they revealed:
''it started like a dream but today, we thank God all the glory because it has become a reality.

When we started, we had late Michael Jackson as our mentor. That was why in one of our songs titled, Busy Body which we released about 12 years ago, we tried to copy Michael Jackson's dance steps.

Then, our fans used to call us, Paul and Peter. He influenced our musical career. We were challenged by Michael Jackson's huge achievements in the world of music.

We said to ourselves, if Michael Jackson could do all of these, we could equally do better. So, we tried our best and by the grace of God and our fans, we have realised our dreams.''