Kantis blog: December 2016

Friday, 30 December 2016

NIGERIA's FASTEST RAPPER "LIFEBONE" wins G-X FOUNDATION RAPPER 0F THE YEAR AWARD (2016)

LIFEBONE "Edet"

On 22nd October, 2016 new Nigerian born Rap sensation "LIFEBONE" was crowned as the G-X Foundation Rapper of the Year 2016 at Calabar the Cross Rivers State Capital. Leisure Quest correspondent in Calabar had a chat with the young music star who is eager to get on the International stage based on his unique ability as one of the fastest living rap stars in this part of the world.

Lifebone

Edet, Emmanuel Monday was born in Cross River State, he started rapping when he was about six years old and taken on his hood the name "Lifebone". Edet commenced early schooling at the University of Calabar Nursery School and still ended up attending the University of Calabar where he is in his final year, about to graduate with a B.SC degree in Agriculture (specialized in Soil Science). LIFEBONE has performed in many competitions and predictably emerges as the winner. He is believed and recognized by many, as the fastest rapper and free-styler in Nigeria. His genre is hip-hop and rap. He rhymes and doles out fast-paced verbal rhythms comparable to the likes of Eminem, Tupac and Kendrick Lamar. Simply put LIFEBONE is good at thrilling his audience without barriers of age, sex or numbers.

The young star says he will be grateful if global quality Hip-hop music is brought back on an even re-invigorated scale to Nigeria.
LIFEBONE's major musical releases are " Paper chase"2009, "Big dreams" 2015, Hook up Ft.Bless and flamezy, 2016. And others yet to be released in the year 2017.

Lifebone resides in Calabar and can be contacted on +234 8062 55 6919

Written by Eloho Ikede

Queen Blessing Ebigiesson

 The best part of every good deed is when the recipient says THANK YOU. 

In recognition and appreciation of the numerous philanthropic activities of the QUEEN BLESSING FOUNDATION alongside the efforts of the founder (Blessing Ebigieson) in carrying Nollywood to the International Stage, a Special Award was presented to her foundation on Christmas Day, 25th December, 2016 at Auchi in Edo State. The Star Studded event was the MISS AFEMAI BEAUTY PAGEANT  was organized by Amidat Illegar. Queen Blessing Ebigieson a.k.a the Black Queen, received the  prestigious: MISS AFENMAI ACHIEVERS AWARD on behalf of the QUEEN BLESSING FOUNDATION  for the non-profit organization's outstanding contribution to widows  & less privileged  in Edo state and Nigeria. 

In her response to the honour bestowed on her, The Multi-Award winning movie producer/director/actress Blessing Ebigieson said she is particularly happy about this award  because it is her  first award in Edo state which also happens to be her home. 

Uche Iwuji, Queen Blessing Ebigieson and Hon. Chief Blessing Agbomhere

She  used the opportunity to thank the organisers of the award for honouring her foundation and  congratulated other award recipients such as Hon.Chief Blessing Agbomhere amongst others, saying the awards they received were well deserved rewards for their positive efforts in bringing joy and relief to humanity. Miss Ebigieson also thanked all the patrons &matrons of Queen blessing foundation, praying that God Bless every single one of them and their loved ones. 

See more Pictures:

Amidat Illegar presenting an award to Hon. Chief Agbomhere

Written by Eloho Ikede 

Picture and Information credit: Queen Blessing Ebigieson President / founder Queen Blessing foundation  (QBF) www.queenebigieson.com

CROSS RIVERS FIRST LADY HOSTS FASHION DESIGNERS IN CALABAR ON DECEMBER 22, 2016

Dr. Linda Ayade, Cross Rivers State First Lady

Fashion designers and enthusiast based in Cross Rivers State of Nigeria are getting excited in preparation for their hosting by the wife of the State Governor, Dr. Linda Ayade on Thursday,December 22nd, 2016 at the Transcorp Hotel Calabar. The platform is promises to be a huge opportunity for these fashion designers and models to showcase their colouful creations. The event will also feature an industry session for them to market their brands. The event initiator/wife of Cross River Governor, Dr. Linda Ayade has said.

The event, is being packaged by the first lady's non-profit organization: Mediatrix Development Foundation (MDF) in partnership with Citenigeria.com, Africa’s lead tourism exposition platform.

In a statement to the media signed by Mr. Fred Abua, her Special Assistant on media, the wife of the governor said the event is aimed at supporting the tourism niche that Cross River is known for.

“This platform seeks to showcase the viability of the fashion industry in the state and an opportunity to exhibit the essence of the building a garment factory in our state,” the statement said.

Dr. Linda Ayade making a presentation at a social event

On his part, Mr. Peter Ofuka, the CEO of Citenigeria.com said apart from showcasing, the event shall also allow for fashion designers to display and sell their brands to an expanded event attendees, most of whom are visitors to the state.

While he urged fashion designers and enthusiast to turn out en masse and judiciously taking advantage of the opportunity to showcase their best to an international audience.

The event is said to hold with sponsorship by Lafarge, Africa’s giant in cement manufacturing; while Cross River Studios, House of Lavender, Mynx Events are great supporters of the event.

Models from Leisure Quest Fashion

Helen Essien

Blessing Chukwuma

As at press time, several fashion designers have already enlisted for the event and preparations including auditions for models have already been concluded. This will be the biggest opportunity of its kind to hit the city of Calabar.

Written by Eloho Ikede
& Obaji Akpet

NOLLYWOOD'S FINEST @CRMA 2016

Array of Nollywood's finest: Collins Ejike, Gloria Hanson, Udolisa Uzoma, Sedater Saviour, Karo Benedict and Ikenna Obidozie

Since 2013, Cross River Movie Awards (CRMA) has been convened yearly in Calabar by Mr. Eric Anderson, a former chairman of Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Cross River, he is as an actor and at the same time the Special Assistant to Cross River Government on Tourism Development. CRMA has consistently maintained its pitch as foremost state movie award across the African continent. On Sunday 11th December, 2016 the event came alive again.

The 2016 edition of CRMA had several remarkable innovations in place that may eventually change the scope and nature of award shows in general. The day started with a brief tour of the serene city of Calabar by the guests and award recipients led by their amiable host Mr Eric Anderson. At exactly 2pm the Dry Run for the 2016 Calabar Carnival Commenced along all major streets of the city to the cheer and excitement of everyone present.

While the Pre-Carnival Activities were still in full gear, information came in that Segun Arinze, Mosses Amstrong and the rest of the expected Nollywood Veterans had arrived. Everyone the moved on to the Transcorp Hotel to welcome them and exchange warm greetings and photo opps.

Segun Arinze Arrives

The hours came rushing by and before anyone noticed, it was time for the red carpet and the main event.

Eric Anderson

It was such a wonderful experience as popular old and new stars of Nollywood such as Segun Arinze, Fred Amata, KP Ekpenyong, Shan George, Nonso Diobi, Bimbo Akintola, Moses Amstrong, Bishop Imeh, Gloria Hanson, Sedater Savior, Saheed Apanpa, and several other film makers in Nigeria made efforts to be physically present and enjoy the event just like the previous 3 editions.

This time, on like previous editions, CRMA recorded an influx of a shortlist of 45 films, while 100 film makers were nominated in 20 mouthwatering award categories. While four honourary awards were rolled out to Fred Amata, Bimbo Akintola and Segun Arinze.
The just conclude much talked about movie award ceremony, which took place at Transcorp Hotel Calabar recently, saw Desmond Eliot, among others carting home 'Best Director' in a movie titled 'Knocking on Heaven's Door.'

Some Crew members of the outstanding movie "Knocking on Heaven's Door" receiving awards

Other film practitioners who one awards at CRMA for the same film include Emem Isong and Ini Edo as 'Best Producer,' Majid Michel as 'Best English Act (Male); Best Female Act (English) went to Adesua Etomi; while Jacob David and Eleazu Shola converted 'Best Lighting.'
On the other hand, Nice time Bassey Bassey in movie title 'Ikpong Eyen' clinched Best Supporting Female Act Indigenous; Emma Etokudo in 'Okuk Nd' went home with Best Supporting Male Act (Indigenous); Best Female Act Indigenous went to Sheyi Ashenkun for the role she played in 'Dada Onipaki;' and Olaide Almooruf won Best Best Male Act indigenous for his role in the same film.
Furthermore, Clarion Chukwura was adjudged Best Supporting Female Act English for her role in 'Apaye'; Ken Chukwu in movie titled 'Juju' took home Best Supporting Male Act English.
Sophire Obi for the movie 'The Storm' was adjudged the Best Screenplay; while Ogonna Julius Uba carted home two awards as Best Makeup Artist and Best Costume, still for 'The Storm.' While Onaji Onchie and Chuks Madu Success went for Best Special Effects and Best Editing in the same movie.

Onaji Stevens: Award for Best Special Effects

For Best Cinematographer, Sjay Ephraim for movie titled 'All for the money' slayed it. And Kay C. Joy for 'The Confessor' went home with Short Film category. Also, CRMA rolled out merit awards to Segun Arinze, Fred Amata and Bimbo Akintola.

Middle: Egor Effiok. DG Callywood

The Amiable D.G of Callywood: Egor Effiok was also present at the event and had opportunity to make a grand speech in which she encouraged movie producers and actors to always take advantage of the vast and abundant natural landscapes of Cross River State as their preferred movie location. She also analyzed the aims and objectives of the Cross River State Government in setting up Callywood.

The event also featured exciting musical performances, comedy acts and violin rendition by a child was barely 8 years old in appearance.

See more exciting photos of the entire day and night activities of CRMA 2016:

Breakfast with the Stars

Fun in the Bus Ride

Karo Benedict, Fred Amata and Nonso Diobu

Eric Anderson gives final instructions to the working crew

Udolisa Uzoma, Sedater Saviour, Karo Benedict and Collins Ejike

Udolisa Uzoma and Leisure Quest Publisher: Eloho Ikede

Keppy Ekenyong, Nonso Diobu and other stars

More guests more styles

Veteran Nollywood Actress Shan George and Eloho Ikede

Sedater Saviour in the outfit that stole the show

Karo Benedict and Gloria Hanson.

Udolisa, Collins and Onaji Stevens

Eke Solomon and Nonso Diobu

Written by Eloho Ikede & Obaji Akpet.
Travel Arrangements by Eric Anderson & Sedater Saviour
Special thanks to the Government of Cross River State.

CALABAR 2016: THE CRMA MEGA STARS ARRIVE

Nollywood Veteran and Mega Star: Keppy Ekpeyong

With a few hours left before flag-off, the 2016 edition of the prestigious CROSS RIVER MOVIE AWARDS (CRMA) is set to open with the biggest array of names in the entertainment industry all coming together to grace the occasion. It has been confirmed that most of the big names expected at the event, started arriving since late Friday evening all through Saturday. Others touched down at the Calabar airport this morning, Sunday, December 11, 2016.

Prolific Nollywood Actor/Producer and Director, Fred Amata with Magnus Edet. Fred is the President of The Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN).

Leisure Quest can confirm that the following members of the industry are already on ground in Calabar:

Ubong Bassey NYA (DGN)

Kepy Ekeyong

Fred Amata (President DGN)

Magic Movies CEO/Marketer

Sedater Saviour

Collins Ejike

Gloria Hanson

Ikenna Obidozie

Eke Solomon

Precious Saviour

Karo Benedict

Udolisa Emeka.

Child Actor Joel Benard

Other big who are also expected at the event are: Pete Edochie, Kunle Afolayan, Liz Benson and a host of others.

Leisure Quest Press team also arrived Calabar late on Saturday evening. Yes we are all on ground and will continue to give our readers and Nollywood Fans real-time updates as the event unfolds.

The Event Initiator Mr Eric Anderson has said that adequate sitting arrangements have been made for guests with tickets ranging from N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira only) for a special table of 8 and popular-side seats for N2000 (Two Thousand Naira Only) which are currently on sale at the Transcorp Hotel, Calabar.