Entertainment

Ovation Carol 2018: The Charity Fiesta that Shook the World

Published

7 years ago

December 21, 2018

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

For 11 years running, the Ovation brand has been in the forefront of organising a charity concert aimed at setting up entrepreneurs, honouring distinguished Nigerians and providing unrivaled entertainment at the one stop show better known as Ovation Carol with a constant theme of ‘It’s all about Hope’.

DJ Cuppy thrilling the guests

This year’s edition was not only an exception, but went more steps further in size and magnitude, drawing to the Convention Centre of the Eko Hotels and Suites a crowd of fun lovers, captains of industries, political big wigs, religious leaders, entertainment buffs and the general public.

Dream Boi performing on stage

Kicking off at shortly before 8pm with a superb red carpet reception, the show made an early promise of tantalising the guests as portrayed by the lavishly decorated hallway with the paraphernalia of the Ovation brand and past hits of the Ovation title. Guests were indeed in for a pleasant time.

Reverend Mother Esther Ajayi & Olori Naomi Ogunwusi

With an array of A-list performers, budding artists, fashion gurus, the magnificent duo of Tee A and Daala Oruwari as anchors, and all comers, things came to glorious start. The glorious voices of the mega choir made the statement that the night has nothing to do with as usual. The members of the mass choir gave out the best of Christmas songs, taking the audience to crescendo after crescendo. It was a moment of high spiritual ecstasy. No one was in doubt that it was actually ‘Christmas in Lagos’.

Mrs Bolaji Momodu, Sinach and a guest

The pulsating performance was followed by an extreme high praise and worship session led by Big Bolaji. If there was another prompting the people; that was it. The hall was charged and electrified. No one could remain on their seat. Shouts of euphoria continued to reverberate in the hall that was filled to capacity with a spill over outside.

Then one another, the best of Nigerian artists began to do what they know best how to do, including an international group from Sierra Leone. From Sammy Okposo to Sinach to Burna Boy and Adekunle Gold, the people couldn’t but ask for more. There was splendid shows from Falz the Bahd Guy, Yinka Ayefele, Teni, Tweeny among many others.

The major highlights of the night were the induction of three notable Nigerians into the Ovation Hall of Fame, and recognition of entrepreneurs who were supported with a million naira by the Esther Ajayi Foundation the previous year as they tell their success stories. The inductees are the Proprietor and Founder of Henry Alex Duduyemi Memorial College, Chief Alex Duduyemi, Chief Fatoye and the elegant Stallion, Chief Onyeka Onwenu.

In his speech, the Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Bashorun Dele Momodu heaped praises on the noble Nigerians for their contribution in making better the lives of people, especially for shinning the light of success in his own path.

The CEO of BISCOM, Prince Bisi Olatilo, was on hand to supervise the cutting of the Carol cake, which involved the entire Momodu family, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adewusi, Ojaja II, Reverend Mother Esther Ajayi and her Husband, Dr Ademuyiwa Ajayi and their children.

The show provided enough to eat and drink also featured a fashion show where fashion expert, Simi Ajayi, unleashed her beautiful designs on the runway.

Among many notable Nigerians that graced the occasion were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adewusi, Ojaja II and his beautiful wife, Olori Naomi; CEO of Eleganza Group, Chief Razaq Okoya and his wife, Shade Okoya; Founder of Love of Christ Generation (C&S) Church, London, Reverend Mother Esther Ajayi and her husband, Dr. Ademuyiwa Ajayi; Mr. Bayo Fatusin, Chief of Staff to the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Wale Jafojo; CEO, UT Financials, Mr Ade Adebajo; Iyalaje of Apapa, Princess Toyin Kolade; Minister of Transportation, Rt Hon Rotimi Amaechi; former Managing Director of First Bank, Mr. Bisi Onasanya, Chief Olu Okeowo, Senator Tokunboh Afikuyomi, Comrade Ayodele Adewale, Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Coalition Party, Dr. Nicholas Felix, Chief Onyeka Onwenu, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Social Democratic Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, former AIG of Police, Mr Tunji Alapinni and a host of others.

The fiesta was sponsored by the Esther Ajayi Foundation, a body dedicated to the provision of assistance to as many that are in need. The Foundation has reached out to over one million lives in 2018 in fulfillment of its promise the previous year on the same platform.

Entertainment

Globacom-Sponsored African Voices Changemakers Features BBN Host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu

Published

6 days ago

November 30, 2025

Eric

Nigerian media personality and Big Brother Naija host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, is the guest on CNN International’s acclaimed magazine show, African Voices, this week. The 30-minute show, sponsored by telecommunications leader, Globacom, gives viewers an in-depth look at Ebuka’s journey and impact.

Born on July 14, 1982, Ebuka first entered the spotlight as a contestant on the inaugural edition of Big Brother Naija in 2006. Since then, he has become the show’s longest-serving host, captivating audiences with his charisma and style.

A Law graduate of the University of Abuja, Ebuka also holds a Master’s degree in Law from the Washington College of Law at American University, Washington, where he specialized in Intellectual Property. Beyond reality TV, he has anchored notable programs including Rubbin’ Minds on Channels Television and the Glo Show.

The episode highlights Ebuka’s impressive fashion collaborations with designer Mai Atafo, the cultural stories behind his signature style, and his passionate advocacy for young boys across Nigeria.

The show which runs on Saturday on DSTV Channel 401 at 8:30 a.m. and 12.00 noon is repeated on Sunday at 4.30 a.m. and 7 p.m. The repeats continue on Monday at 4 on the morning belt and at 6.45 p.m. the same day and at 6.45 p.m. on Tuesday. The edition will be repeated next weekend at the same time slots.

Entertainment

My Character in “Sinnners” Reflects Deep Ancestral Reverence, Connection – Starlet Wunmi Mosaku

Published

1 week ago

November 29, 2025

Eric

By Samantha Ofole-Prince

She received a British Academy of Film and Television Arts award (BAFTA) for playing a grieving matriarch in the heartbreaking drama “Damilola, Our Loved Boy.” She captivated audiences as Ruby Baptiste in the horror-drama series “Lovecraft Country” and was the sidekick to Idris Elba’s character in the fifth series of the BBC crime drama “Luther.”

Wunmi Mosaku’s latest role as a spiritual healer and Hoodoo conjurer is earning her rave reviews.

In “Sinners,” the supernatural horror film directed by Ryan Coogler, Mosaku, who is known for her roles in “Loki” and “Deadpool & Wolverine” and the film “His House” is much more than just the estranged wife of Elijah “Smoke” Moore (Michael B. Jordan).

“Annie is Smoke’s protection, his comforter. She’s his mother, his teacher, his friend and his lover,” says the Nigerian-born British actress whose performance has been widely praised for its emotional arc and authenticity. In playing Annie, she steeped herself in research ensuring she not only perfected the Southern American accent required but arduously rehearsed with Jordan as their on-screen relationship is central to the film’s core.

“We had a couple of weeks of rehearsal and shared our story, our lives, our hopes, our dreams, our fears, the things most precious to us. And so, we built a level of trust and openness and safety to really explore that love, that grief, the differences. I think that’s kind of the fastest way to get to trusting your scene partner and being free is just to open up, and that’s what we did.”

An original tale that takes place in a single day, “Sinners” follows identical twin brothers, Smoke and Stack (both played by Michael B. Jordan), who return to their Mississippi hometown to open a juke joint. While they plan to start a new life, they soon find themselves battling a group of vampires who attack their establishment, forcing the survivors to learn how to fight and defeat them.

Her character’s expertise in Hoodoo proves crucial in helping her companions tackle the vampires. She provides spiritual and intellectual guidance for the group. It’s a role which also allowed Mosaku, who was born in Zaria, to explore her own heritage as a Hoodoo expert Dr. Yvonne Patricia Chireau, an authority on Africa based religions and spiritual traditions served as a consultant on the film.

“There is this reverence for our people, who we are and where we’re from, and I was excited by the depth and the quality of the writing when I read the script, and I learned so much from Annie. The onset conversations Michael and I had, and those I had with the community, truly inspired me. I hope the film reminds people to stay connected with their ancestors.”

With music, humor, drama, suspense and history, director Ryan Coogler (“Creed,” “Black Panther,” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”), who also wrote the screenplay, has created a modern cinematic masterpiece.

Samantha Ofole-Prince is a U.S. based journalist and movie critic who covers industry-specific news that includes television and film

Entertainment

Don Jazzy Names Top 5 All-time Afrobeats Songs, Albums

Published

1 month ago

November 1, 2025

Eric

Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy, has unveiled his list of favorite Afrobeats songs and albums, spotlighting the classics that propelled the genre from local streets to international acclaim.

In a RollingStone Africa interview, the producer paid homage to the Mo’ Hits era he co-built with D’Banj, while crediting pioneers who shaped the sound.

His top songs include 2Baba’s African Queen, which he said opened global doors for Afrobeats and Wizkid’s Ojuelegba for its authentic storytelling.

D’Banj’s Fall in Love earned praise as a continental anthem from Mo’ Hits, while 9ice’s Gongo Aso was lauded for blending Yoruba tradition with pop.

Davido’s Aye rounded out the list for its Highlife-infused energy.

For albums, Don Jazzy singled out Wande Coal’s Mushin 2 Mo’Hits, which he produced as a timeless masterpiece.

He also named 2Baba’s Grass 2 Grace, Wizkid’s Superstar, D’Banj’s The Entertainer, and Aṣa’s self-titled debut as foundational works that influenced today’s stars.