Entertainment

The Glamour, the Glitz, the Fanfare of 2019 Ovation Carol

Published

6 years ago

December 27, 2019

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

If the world was one big pack of entertainment and intelligentsia combined, it would have been called Ovation Carol.

The Convention Centre of the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos was not just a beehive of activities, but a convergence of all that reflects glamour, glitz and funfair when the biggest annual event of the year, Ovation Carol was hosted.

Recreating the stupendous attraction and more for which the show has been known for over the years, the 2019 Carol went a nudge further to make the surging crowd feel more at home.

Parading A-list artists and special guests, the 13th edition of the fiesta kicked off with the best of red carpet display. With beautiful array of designs depicting past editions of Ovation International Magazine and memorable moments of the group, the runway of the red carpet was practically set on fire. It was one moment when fashion styles climbed one another in unspoken challenge of who is better than the other. While known industrialists turned up on the expensive agbada attire and native accessories, the very young up and about folks could not help but expressing themselves in the best of modern designs and designer wears.

Rev. Ademuyiwa Ajayi & Rev. Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi

There were on displays beautiful all covering gowns, cleavage and lap revealing attires as well as makeups of diverse colours and aroma. In fact, it was a night of absolute parade of honours.

Kick starting the show officially was the magnificent performance of the highly rated over 50-man Hymnodia Choir. The rendition was out this world, and it graciously ushered in, not just the event for the night but theglorious season of Christmas. Theirs was a performance that set the stage for the wonderful evening that ensued.

With ebullient comedian and television presenter, Okey Bakassi as Compere, the crowd was in for a night of wonders.

Mr Rotimi Amaechi

Declaring the night open, the chief host and Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Bashorun Dele Momodu, told the cheering audience to brace up for the best times while delving down memory lane on the journey of Ovation as an entity and Ovation Carol as ‘one of the reasons Lagos is the most important city in Africa’.

Bashorun Momodu’s welcome address was followed immediately with remarks from the event sponsor and Founder of Esther Ajayi Foundation, Reverend Mother Esther Ajayi. Her invitation was heralded by a loud ovation, signifying her acceptability as a woman of passion, whose stock in trade is giving.

Delivering her speech in company of her husband, Reverend (Dr.) Ademuyiwa Ajayi, the renowned philanthropist acknowledged the good works Ovation Group is associated with and paid special tributes to the CEO as a man of integrity and reputation. She called on all who are in doubt of her source of wealth to come on board instead of dwelling in gossip, adding that her Foundation will continue to sponsor the Ovation Carol for the next 10 years, at least.

Yomi & Oyinkan Badejo-Okunsanya

Then the stage was declared open for eye popping performances. One after another, top and upcoming performers took their turns and wowed the audience to a frenzy. There were the likes of the rave of the moment and Grammy Nominee, Burna Boy, who almost brought the roof down, right from the moment he was announced, through to the his performance and even at departure. He got everyone on his feet and screaming. His acceptability was phenomenal and completely out of the ordinary.

In the same vein, kid sensation, Rema gave a sterling display of what makes him the toast of the ladies and the young ones. With bubbling moves and dexterity, he took the stage by storm, prompting the audience, especially the female folks to throng the foot of the stage in spite of security resistance. Everyone wanted to have a feel of him.

Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi

Teni Makanaki’s appearance on stage was greeted with enthusiasm by as many that ‘want to be a billionaire’. She literally commanded and control her stage like it was second nature to her. During the performance of ‘wait for me’, Teni practically dragged ‘one fine bobo’ up stage, and proposed to him, asking that he let her be his girlfriend. The young man, who turned out to be Wahab Okoya, the son of billionaire businessman, Razak Okoya, could not however, respond to her love advances. He just stood still, taking pictures, ignoring Teni’s seductive moves. But the crowd was greatly thrilled, and expressed their delight in screams, claps and various body movements.

The never a dull moment show shot up more stars like the original Badoo, Olamide whose skills in crossover sounds enlivened the audience the more as well as Rude Boy, the ever vibrant elegant Stallion, Onyeka Onwenu, Mike Okri, Sax expert, Mike Aremu, Aramide and the gospel sensation and ‘Nara’ crooner, Tim Godfrey.

Otunba Funsho Lawal

The high point of the evening was the presentation of awards and induction of prominent achievers into the Ovation Hall of Fame.

The first to be inducted was ace photographer and the real Mr. Do All, Sunmi Smart-Cole.

Reading the recipient’s citation as the award was presented, a former aide of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Rueben Abati, noted that Smart-Cole practically conquered the field of photography, became a barber and rose to become the Managing Editor of a frontline Nigerian newspaper, the Guardian.

The 78 years old Smart-Cole received his award from the Minister of Transport, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi in company of the Chief Executive Officer, Ovation Media Group, Bashorun Dele Momodu.

In his response, Sunmi Smart-Cole, while expressing his gratitude to the company, noted that through photography, he has been privileged to have exhibitions in five continents, travel to 28 countries as well as gain fame.

The next recipient was Afro juju originator, Sir Shina Peters, who couldn’t hide his joy at the award.

The award was presented to the ace singer by top academic, Prof Wale Adebanwi in the presence of Dr. Rueben Abati and CEO, Ovation Media Group, Chief Dele Momodu.

Expressing his appreciation to the Ovation Group and Chief Momodu, Peters exclaimed ‘I’m fulfilled’.

Concluding the awards for the night was the Director, African Studies Centre, Oxford University, Prof. Wale Adebanwi

The trio joins the likes of former President of Ghana, HE John Dramani Mahama, Founder of Esther Ajayi Foundation and prolific giver, Reverend Esther Abimbola Ajayi and Chief Alex Duduyemi as inductees of the Ovation Hall of Fame.

Inductees into the Ovation Hall of Fame are selected after careful consideration of achievements and roles in giving back to society.

Among other dignitaries that attended the event were former FirstBank’s Group MD, Dr. Olabisi Onasanya, Chairman, Eleganza Group, Chief Razak Okoya and wife, Shade Okoya; Minister of Transport, Rt Hon. Rotimi Amaechi; Princess Toyin Kolade, Chief Olu Okeowo and wife, Reverend Esther Ajayi and husband, Rev (Dr.) Ademuyiwa Ajayi; Police PRO, Dolapo Badmos, former Ogun State governor, Aremo Segun Osoba; Chief Oyekunle Alex-Duduyemi, Dr. Cecilia Ibru, Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, Dr. Rueben Abati, Ambassador Tonye Okanlawon and wife, NFF President, Amaju Pinnick; Mr. Steve Ayorinde, Mr. Dayo Adedayo, KICC’s Pastor Femi Faseru, Prince Damola Aderemi, Prince Wale Osiyemi, Prince Iyiola Ayoade, AIG Tunji Alapini (rtd) and wife, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya and wife, Senator Tokunboh Afikuyomi, Otunba Funsho Lawal, Prince Bisi Olatilo, and Mr. Bisoye Fagade.

Mike Okri

Mr. Bisoye Fagade

Mr. Amaju Pinnick

Mr. & Mrs. Oshinibosi

Mr Dayo Adedayo

Mr. Dayo Adeneye

Pastor Femi Faseru

Onyeka Onwenu

Olawunmi Ajayi

Olamide

Okey Bakassi

Mrs. Kemi Adewunmi

Mrs. Dolapo Badmus

Mr. Sunmi Smart Cole

Mr. Steve Ayorinde, Mr. Michael Effiong & Kufre Ekanem

Mr. Lanre Ogunlesi

Rude Boy

Rtd AIG Tunji Alapini & wife, Ibipo

Princess Toyin Kolade

Prince Wale Osiyemi

Prince Damola Aderemi, Prince Iyiola Ayoade & Mr. Ralph Lewu

Otunba Funsho Lawal

Sir Shina Peters

Sir. Olu Okeowo & wife. Lady Ajoke Okeowo

Teni

Tim Godfrey

Mike Aremu

Michael Ajayi

Lady Maiden Ibru

Fire Boy

Erelu Abiola Dosunmu

Bashorun Dele Momodu

Burna Boy

Chief Oyekunle Alex-Duduyemi

Dr. Cecilia Ibru & Ms. Tejeri Ibru

Dr. Reuben Abati

Ade Ajayi

Amb. Toye Okanlawon & Dr. Oluwafunmilayo Okanlawon

Aremo Olusegun Osoba

Entertainment

Tribute to Jimmy Cliff: Last Lion of Reggae Crossed the Rivers

Published

6 days ago

December 14, 2025

Eric

By Prince Adeyemi Shonibare

The wind blows soft across the hills of Jamaica, and the world feels it — a tremor of sorrow, a sigh of history, as Jimmy Cliff, the last Lion of the Reggae Mountains, crossed the great river at eighty-one.
He was the troubadour who sang survival into existence. The freedom-fighter who turned melody into movement. The dreamer who taught the world that:
“You can get it if you really want, but you must try, try and try.”
And try he did — from Somerton to Kingston, from Kingston to the world.

THE JOURNEY — FROM SOMERTON TO THE SUMMIT

Born James Chambers, a young boy humming tunes to the morning breeze, Jimmy Cliff stepped into Kingston with nothing but ambition and spirit. He recorded “Hurricane Hattie” at sixteen, and the island took notice.
He rose like sunrise — slow, steady, unstoppable. Reggae, ska, rocksteady — he touched them all, carving a golden road across Jamaica’s musical skyline.

Then came the explosion that stamped his immortality.

“THE HARDER THEY COME” — A REVOLUTION ON SCREEN

With the 1972 classic The Harder They Come, Jimmy Cliff did more than act; he preached struggle and hope for the entire world.
His voice cried out: “The harder they come, the harder they fall.” Oppressed people everywhere heard their story.
In “Many Rivers to Cross,” he poured a lifetime of pain, faith, and yearning:
“Many rivers to cross, but I can’t seem to find my way over.”
Yet he always crossed — and showed humanity how.

THE MAN WHO SANG FOR HUMANITY

Jimmy Cliff lived with the soul of a pilgrim, a man who believed that peace could ride on melody. He travelled far, performed wide, raised children with pride, held philosophies that blended faith and freedom.

He sang of unity in “Wonderful World, Beautiful People,” reminding humanity:
“There is a place where love is flowing freely.”
His life proved that music could make nations kinder and people braver.

AWARDS, HONOURS, AND ETERNAL RESPECT

Jimmy Cliff earned the world’s applause:

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Grammy Awards

Jamaica’s Order of Merit

Worldwide tours and universal reverence
A catalogue woven into the soundtrack of global culture
But his deepest legacy lies in the millions who found hope in his voice, who stood tall because he sang:
“I can see clearly now, the rain is gone.”

THE LAST LION OF THE REGGAE GENERATION

With Marley gone, with Toots, Peter, Bunny, and Gregory gone, Jimmy Cliff stood as the final elder — the last lion roaring from reggae’s original pride.
He carried the flame when others dimmed. He carried the memory. He carried the movement. He carried the message.
And now he has crossed the last river — the one his own lyrics foresaw.

TRIBUTES FOR A TITAN

“Jimmy Cliff was a bridge between struggle and joy — a global treasure.” — Jamaican Prime Minister
“He sang the world into courage.” — Global Entertainment Guild
“Reggae has lost its last first-born. The music will never forget.” — International Music Legends Alliance

Though gone in body, the stage curtain remains open for the last lion who crossed all the many rivers after finally finding his way.

Jimmy Cliff is gone. But Jimmy Cliff can never die.His voice lives in street corners where youth gather, in radios crackling across African markets, in festivals, in freedom rallies, in every soul that ever felt hope rise from a song.

His own words now carry him across eternity:
“There’s a river that must be crossed, and I must cross it.”

He has crossed. The Lion rests. But his roar echoes forever.

One love. One legend. One Jimmy Cliff.

Entertainment

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

Published

3 weeks 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

3 weeks 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