Thursday 7 November 2019

At the 10th Cora publishers forum today at Lagos city Hall where publishers, writers and book enthusiasts deliberated on the way forward for the industry.

At the 10th Cora publishers forum today held at city hall Lagos island, where publishers, writers and book enthusiasts engaged in serious deliberation on the way forward for the industry. Entertainment parrot brings you pictures from the event. 













Friday 1 November 2019

NIGERIA FILM.COM AND MERFOT PROPERTIES ATTEMPT TO RUIN AMBASSADOR LANRE OMIYINKA ( BABA IJESHA) ARTISTIC CAREER THROUGH FALSE AND MALICIOUS ALLEGATION.


NIGERIA FILM.COM AND MERFOT PROPERTIES ATTEMPT TO RUIN AMBASSADOR LANRE OMIYINKA ( BABA IJESHA) ARTISTIC CAREER THROUGH FALSE AND MALICIOUS ALLEGATION.

The allegations of non performance and going to Ooni of Ife to beg for money written by Hope Efoghe and Blessing Okafor in Nigeria films.com is not only a smear campaign and well organised attempt on the personality and career of this God fearing comedian, one of the best in the Yoruba genre.
If the writer has taken the journalistic route of hearing from the other side (Baba Ijesa) and make attempt to speak with the property company on the allegation he would have a balanced report. First on the allegation of going to His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja the 2nd Ooni of Ife to beg for money. Here are the facts Ambassador Olarewaju Omiyinka Alias Baba Ijesha was born in Ile Ife and his recognized and highly successful son of Ife through his comedy exploits and has known his Imperial Majesty before Kabiyesi ascended the throne of his fore bearers and acknowledge the brotherly relationship between the Ooni and Baba Ijesha Ambassador Olarenwaju Omiyinka.
It is worthy of note that many programs and humanitarian concert hosted in the palace at Ile-Ife by the Oonrisa Oba Ogunwusi has Baba Ijesha as the M.C in most of this programs Baba Ijesha does this without collecting a dime we acknowledge this.
How then will the same man go to beg for money from the Ooni Adeyeye his brother will like to add that Mr. Olarenwaju Omiyinka aka Baba Ijesha got the Trophy advert while compering one of the Ooni’s program at the palace that the marketing manager of international brewery saw him perform and invited him over for discussion to help advertise the brand known as Trophy and he made a greater impact on the brand through his exploits in the adverts. The Ooni calls him whenever he wants and he responds to the Royal calling of his father the Ooni.

On the allegation of non performance in the MECFOT HOMES & PROPERTIES. It is more of disagreement over monetary aspects of the contract, right from when he made his grand entry in the Yoruba comedy genre with his superlative performances which are lased with laughter that hallmark of a good comedian is to make people laugh.
Lanre Omiyinka (Baba Ijesha) with over 45 films, several programs on radio and television is acknowledge as the most versatile comedian and the best in this time. How them can he (Baba Ijesha) be accused of non performance in a field where he has carved a niche for himself.  Lanre Omiyinka (Baba Ijesha) and MECFOT Property adverts Contract is more of disagreement over contract money payment, with the ARTIST Mr. Lanre Omiyinka aka Baba Ijesha telling them (MECFOT PROPERTY LTD) how much he is going to collect as fees for his appearance in the adverts and the company telling him how much they can afford which does not meet up to his expectation.
Seeing that the agreement didn’t work he ( Lanre Omiyinka) wrote them a letter where he said he ( Lanre Omiyinka ) cannot continue with the contract based on the fact that what is been offered as contract fees was not acceptable to him. The cancellation was peacefully done with the promise of still working together by the two parties, another lesser known artist went there ( Merfot Properties) and collected whatever lesser fees he was offered then the wicked lies against Baba Ijesha started.
Hope Efoghe and Blessing Okafor, Nigeria films.com should note in their campaign of  calumny that the management of the company still gave him an M.C job,  if he was accused  of non performance would he be giving such work by the same company and its directors, who swore with the name of God Almighty that they knew nothing about the wicked article which we understand as an attempt to tarnish the good will, admiration, and superlative career of Mr. Lanre Omiyinka which has enjoyed no controversy except the wicked campaign of calumny we urge Hope Efoghe and Blessing Okafor, Nigerian films.com  to always balance their report by giving fair hearing to the other side instead of publishing  falsehood.

Sunday 8 September 2019

ENTERTAINMENT PARROT INTERVIEW WITH AFRO MUSIC EXPONET AND CULTURE ADVOCATE SEUN OLOTA



ENTERTAINMENT PARROT INTERVIEW WITH AFRO MUSIC EXPONET AND CULTURE ADVOCATE SEUN OLOTA

Question1/ kindly introduce Yourself,
My name is Seun Olota. I’m simply un-apologetically a Nigerian, make music and have other interests (http://www.seunolota.com/index.php/bio/). I might have migrated from somewhere here though because we all are migrants and have done so in one way or the other over time. Nonetheless, this is the place that I’ve found myself; I just have to make good use of it. 

Question2/ what genres of music do u play? 
Fusion-of African music experiences and stylesin as much as we are exposed to more global sounds now yet the African sound influence plays a dominant part in all. Overall, I want to make good music that stands the test of time and it dosen’t come by an overnight trip else it would a case of garbage in and garbage out and phase out in such split of the flight that brought it overnight.
Therefore if my music sounds like any of Igbo’s Kwokiriwo, Oduduwa’sBembe or Dundun, Tiv’sSwange or Hausa’s Arewa lingua tone; so be it. I own the sound the perceiver owns the nomenclature. Boxing art can be boring, tiring and killing. We are all influenced even unconsciously by art exposure that you run into unexpectedly and so boxing art particularly in its early stage in my view is not needed that’s why you start some writing with a figure in mind and you arrive at something completely different.

The question then becomes “how early is early?” It’s time that assesses that maybe in decades and other several scores of year’s measure. Artistsevolve with their sound over time depending on the available instruments,skills of players and the technology of its time.I have had so many flairs, influences and interests that made and make me give an ear to many people (both in the formal and the informal learning spheres of music) and so the choices of sound come with several neck ties.
Another question then arises whether art or music can be thought or not and the answer to this will have a double-edged sword cutting two mutually inclusive as well exclusive views. Art is what you have in-born (inherent) through experiences, interaction and the imbibed. Also there is that aspect of music that comes with formal or informal tutorship where some forms, techniques, structures, aesthetics, secrets, ethics and others are shown and explained to an individual. I am of the view that talent must be refined, groomed and developed else it remains a treasure in the debris of with mud among many un-needed particles and materials.
There is also that part where innate talent plays a role and regardless of how long and well someone was taught, the place of gift or calling (Àkọsílẹ̀ or Àkọmọ́) cannot be ruled out. And so, no matter how long a child was carried to danceor rocked with lullaby songs; if the child does not have that dancing motion within s/he just would not do the dance beyond the ordinary. Yoruba say “kíkọ́nimímọ̀,” that’s what I see about art generally.

Question3/what message is the center focus of your music?
There are several messagesor motifs.  At every point in time and for every topic, song or album there is a propelled message, idea, theme or issue of concern bordering on advocacy, sensitization, mobilization, reflection, assessment, meditation among others. Music means and administers different things to different people at different times. For example, the same music at some point in time can administer or be used for enjoyment by someone and at some other time by the same person for reflection or just as an escape route to avoid the immediate happenings around.
I hear views from different quarters that music should only be used to praise God for some die hard gospel fans and some otherAluta conscious persons music should strictly be for Aluta that is; defense, resistance and attack. History makes us understand that from time immemorial, music in Africa and around the world has played various roles and serves for worship, martial operations, games, moonlight stories, love sharing, wooing a lover, learning and education, preservation of history,projection of culture, ritual rites, entertainment, occupational identity, trade surrogateship, for prayers,martial activities and good-wish ritual pantomime that a hunter enacts wishing a successful hunting expedition before launching into the forest among many other uses and purposes of music.
The use of music varies dependingon the maker. Sometimes you are forced to sing for joy and sometimes against your wish your end up singing for peace or pleasure or succor.

Question4/ What is the name of ur. band and the title of ur albums ?
ExTaSi Gang and it’s made up of some creative men women who also are directors, recording artists and music scholars in their own rights yet jointly set on a sojourn. We have had long-term relationships of collective growth and drive and mutual and joyful parting as due to relocation, marital resettlement and natal needs for married women.  

Question5/ Tell us some notable concerts of urs?
No particular one because they all come with different flavours, challenges, qualities, reception, hospitality treatments, memories, audiences, demands and encounters that make the man and his music. For example, in the days when I still do Piano almost as my major; someone walks up to me from the audience of a small crowd and engage me one-on-oneon music history, albums, collections and versions of titles that I rendered that night. Occasions like that have helpedme to discover more, gained more confidence (the re-enforcement effect) and sometimes get me to hear facts that mademe have self assessment on area to works on.
To some persons, their notable concert experience can be about financial reward while in some cases it’s not about the crowed but about the personalities in the audience. At other times you are just fulfilled to join a movement, support a worthy cause, promote a campaign or a project orby joining a solidarity cause. These bits form a whole bunchwhose experience combination I count on for future projections, actions and decisions. So, none is small to me- they form a whole at the long run.
For instance, I learnt about the personalities in the audience as opposed to the crowd in the 1990s when I began to run my band inJazzville.Jazzville had a standard where you can be refused entry regardless of your money-in-my-pocket if you don’t behave. It was a place where your money does not matter to the psyche of the management that ran the place. There was a notice close to the door that glasswarescan’t go beyond the point which means that if you had to see someone off, you can’t get beyond a point within the premises with your drink. Such places where respect to its respected customers and audiences are most valued beyond a customer’s I have my money-in-my-pocket arrogance that’s exhibited in most places today. And so, till the last person in the audience leaves the musicians played as it should be played.
Also about the respect for the audience or fans, I also recall the days with Peter King’s set that from sound-check the papa has started playing the gig. For a 7pm to 11pm gig the sound check starts from 5pm but PK will not sit down after the sound check by the time we were about to rest before the gig time, it was already 7pm to start the gig so we had to continue and PK plays till the last audience with the same vigour. These fragments formed part of the cherished experiences.  
Or will you talk about Fela who at his legendary and super-stardomic height would never took his fans granted with height of the show given even though he did it regularly in his club house. He would have his sound-check as early as 10am for aoutdoor gig that would hold in the evening or through the night meanwhile the so called trending stars today just want to get on stage and be throwing hands to show they are the boss in charge. 

Question6/what influenced u to take .music as a weapon in correcting societal ills?
I seem to be in mixed reactionto answering this take because it has become an over beaten notion and a cliché that music is a weapon even by people abusing the potency of it. Also the general chorus by some people with no logic behind their chorusing along withthe crowed that music must correct the ills of the societyand all that cliché. We are aware that presently babies are giving birth to babies and by calling babies I meant parent-babies having new-born-babies. I don’t mean child by age but child-like in thoughts and psyche. A situation whereby a man or woman in his or her 40s is physically wearing the 40s looks but baby-like mentally and in manners.
Be that as it may, whatever profession, trade, or occupation that one finds oneself be it journalism, music, art, law, medicine, engineering, business, manufacturing be the ideal or among the ideals. We have heard in the past of ancient kingdoms where famous men and women dessert the society by personal decision for failing the people or mis-appropriating their common trust or resources. That is the part of honour. By this, I believe values of an ideal state must be extolled by our actions and inactions in any endeavour or profession we find ourselves engaged with.  
There must be a method to one’s madness. Why you asked this is because a lot of people are beginning to drum other people’s mantras, doctrines, mission and vision statements, logos and or slogans without knowing their origin talkless of the rationale behind them. Extolling social values can be done in many ways and through different avenues from one’s lifestyle toour words, our encounters with other people and within our spheres of influence. Your sphere of influence is where the microphone, pen, music, theatre play, accurate measure for the customers purchase, care to clients and otherscome play their different roles and make impact.  
I have been influenced by the writings and works of many great menand women whose contributions to humanity have been profound. There are two major parties in a match or game namely, the spectators and the actors. The spectators standby, cheering, shouting, sweating and watching while the actors are on the pitch, field or in the ring playing the match. We are either of the two in different aspects of our daily living but being a spectator always is a waste of one’s chance living. It is like existing and not living or just consuming and nor producing and as it is often said, “if you are doing anything then you are taking too much space” on the earth. It’s a pity. Some peopledon’t even need as much space, time, resources or opportunity that some have to make an impact. I’ll therefore meaningfully engage my space.
My leanings on the works, writings, thoughts and discoveries of masters ha
ve influenced my music practice no doubt. Even if my music was only to document history,there will be teachings and corrections therein. For example, a song or a poem reminding people that there was a time when 1 Naira was equivalent to 2 dollars but now we have 1 dollars equivalent to 364 Naira. This in itself is a form of teaching for correction. There’s no need for a tiger to be announcing its negritude nor an adult to be demanding for respect from a younger person, it is earned per excellence not asked for.
However, the works of Yusuf Olatunji, Ambrose Campbell, Fatai Rollin Dollars, HarunaIshola, Rex Lawson, Roy Chicago, AdeoluAkinsanya, Oliver D’Coque, FelaKuti, Ebenezer Obey, Sunny Ade, Barrister Ayinde, OsitaOsadebe, TunjiOyelana, JimiSolanke, Bob Marley, Prof. LazEkueme, Prof. Abayomi Barber, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Prof. Bode Osanyin, Prof. Femi Osafisan, Pa Akisanya, GbengaAdeboye, Dr. Alaja Browne, Prof. Douglas Anele, DuroIkujenyo and a whole lot of many others whom I have encountered, studied with or under or worked with.

Question7/ what Is ur message to ur fans and music lovers and how can their getur .music ?
We thank and love you all for your tips, feedbacks, criticisms, leads and patronage. We have evolved not by our sole efforts but by a combination of many factors among which you can’t be left out. We are appreciative of your presence in our success stories because a production has not completed its purposeful production cycle after series of researches,man-power and talents inputsand material combinations to fabricate the product until it is used by the end-users or impacts the end user.The finally stage is where the end user sends a feedback to the manufacturer in relation to the satisfaction gained for the purpose of purchase or engaging with the product. This latter part is one of the vital parts of our brand and productions that make us revere our fans that we can’t rule them out of our success stories.
Thank you.

Question8/ How can ur fans contact u?
Navigate through-  www.seunolota.com









"WHAT IT TAKES": Is an expose on the difficulties aspiring Nigeria University Doctrine Programme Students undergoes in the face of their zeal, energy, enthusiasms, and excellent accademic pursuits which are marred by the Nigeria Factor.
"WHERE ARE YOU FROM": Tackles citizenship, indegenisation, inter ethnic marriages and youthful exuberance, it highlights the frustration and disappointment young Nigeria face in their quest to succeed in a place where their differences in background
Available at: GLENDORA IKEJA,
PATABAH SURULERE,
QUINTESSENCE IKOYI
TERRA KULTURE, TIAMIYU SAVAGE STREET, V.I
IN IBADAN, AT UI BOOKSHOP AND ALL BOOK SELLING OULETS

THIS BOOK IS AN ACADEMIC EXPOSITION ON URBAN LIVING WITH SPECIAL FOCUS
ON AFRICA AND THE ART(SETTING).... WRITTEN BY RENOWNED AUTHOR DR LOLA AKANDE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS ,ENGLISH DEPARTMENT... IT CAN BE PURCHASED FROM LAGOS ,CALL 08037195881,,ALSO FROM U.I BOOKSHOP, CALL OLAWALE ON 07069727757....


FROM SEGUN AWE AND AFRITONAS BAND
GRAB YOUR COPIES @ #500 EACH.FROM OUR ACCREDITED DEALERS AT:
• STEP UP MUSIC & FILM INTL,
IYANA IPAJA GARAGE SHOPPING COMPLEX, LAGOS
PHONE: 08063657414
• MAYEGUN RECORDS,
403 AGEGE MOTOR ROAD OSHODI LAGOS
• MUSCO RECORDS
NO 9 SAMUEL STREET VULCANIZER
BUS-STOP AKOWONJJO LAGOS
PHONE: 08060269766
• KBF RECORDS, INSIDE WORLD OIL BESIDE    
FANAWOLE CANTEEN, IWO ROAD IBADAN,
OYO STATE






Sunday 9 June 2019

I STARTED ARTS AT A TENDER AGE IMITATING MY TEACHERS SAYS MIKE OKORIE


I STARTED ARTS AT A TENDER AGE IMITATING MY TEACHERS SAYS MIKE OKORIE.

Entertainment Parrot Interview with Mr. Michael Okorie (Secretary Eko Gond (Guild of Nigeria Dance)
E.P: Let’s know you
Ans: I am Michael Okorie, am a theatre artist, I have a B.A in Creative Arts from the University of Lagos and an, M. A. from the same institution, Am a versatile artist, I dance, I act and choreograph, I direct an also involved in project management, am also a radio presenter with, Unilag Fm, we have a radio program on Unilag Fm known as “KONKERE EXTENSION with Tunji Sofimirin. And “ON STAGE” it is a one hour program it’s thirty minutes based on theatre, music, visual arts and the remaining thirty minutes we discuss things that germainue (that affects) theart and the environment.
Also in “ONE STAGE” brought back things that are related to the arts to the radio weather you have perform as a dancer, musician etc we bring you back on stage, we have a section which we call book reviewed where I have to review a book every week also a radio drama sketch where me and my team do radio drama sketch presentation. Also I and my friends set up Trouper’s Arts Production myself, Tobi Odunsi, Wahab Babatunde, Olumide Ogunfowora, Wale Ayodeji (Yaro) we came together in 2008 before Wale left to form the Kings and Queens Concert in Bariga and he always says it is an off shoot of the Troupers arts production.
E.P: The radio program on Unilag Fm with Tunji Sotimirin what is the name?.
Ans: The radio program is KONKERE EXTENSION and the time is every Sunday from 2:00pm to 3:00pm.
E.P: With your vast experience in the arts does it really pay your bills?
Ans: Arts em, it is difficult to really answer that, Arts as it is in this, clime, you do a show and put all your energy into it, but it does not give you the desire pay, yet you keep doing what you are doing people would come and see it and it would open bigger doors you understand you do a show they pay you ten three naira after several months of rehearsals some or two people would invite you to other production after watching in the last one and you could collect like two hundred thousand like my Oga Segun Adefilla always says that “Art is the selector of its own. If you are for the art you are in it whether no money or there’s money but certainly am sure it pay bills.
E.P: The passion for the arts where does it come from?
Ans: I think I started arts from a tender age, I starts in the class imitating my teachers, it grew from there to when I was in secondary school, 1996 I joined a group called STANLITE theatre group from there I and my guys in 1998 joined the Crown Troupe of Africa led by Segun Adefila I was there for another ten years training yes the passion keep growing by the day because as youth we serve as mirror to the society. If our arts does not speak what we do how does it now effect the change we desire, you perform today at the street. People see you and adore you tomorrow you go to the state house or palace people see you perform you can imagine when I join the Crow Troupe of Africa in 1998, in 1999 we perform for Obasanjo during his immigration and over forty presidents watch us perform- that is what. The acts can do for you.
E.P: Any new project by you?
Ans: Last year I was the project manager for FELABRATIONS.
E.P: Is it for the entire FELABRATIONS both of African Shrine and Freedom Park?
Ans: Yes the entire Felabrations Festival because I was project Manager, the job was too much, it was over whelming but, this year we are two now in fact the meeting we had today was on Felabrations; so basically I am into project management I don’t depend on one aspect of the arts. I am involved in Multi-casting. So for anybody that have a difficult project at hand they should call me I will set up a team and handle it successfully if I am not on stage I occupy myself doing project management for people.
E.P: In terms of concert, stage management e.t.c.
Ans: Yes, yesterday I was at museum centre after my radio show to act in a play called” Queens for Domingos” written by Abioiwa Ikomu and directed by Victor Essien so you have to show off your time to attend rehearsals and to all those thing am involved in artistically of course you know am the secretary Guild of Nigeria Dance Lagos State Branch (Eko Gond)
E.P: How do you see government altitude to the arts?
Ans: Ah government altitude is appealing you know been privilege to travel to foreign countries, if only our government acts so nobody would ask us if acts put food on our table or pay our bills because in normal clime, there are certain many devoted to the arts, so what you do is write a proposal take it to there and get it done but it is not so here only the rich have access to funds you knows if you don’t have money you can’t do the theatre they have forgotten the rudiments of theatre you know theatre is about instilling discipline into our society, in fact theatre is next to the military in terms of discipline. It is a item discipline professional to be, so our government need
to change their thought.
E.P: It is said that theatre mirrors the society they are with good collaborative effort govt. can use the theatre as a collaborative way to a re-orientate the society?
Ans: (Cut in) Yes but for the lack of commitment by the government you know the politic and always bring own in order to take the money.
E.P: So what is your appeal to the govt.?
Ans: My appeal to them is that they should please o, for example the money for campaign has not been circulated as expected because you package it and give it to one company instead of the smaller production companies who would have benefited from it but because of man know man my husband know one minister, my husband is a Lawyer, I know the president e.t.c. and they show change those of us that are nobody, so my appeal is that they should look inwards, the government of Lagos is trying by building Six theatre halls in Lagos. He is Ere swaying the young production compassions but he alone can’t do it, his effort is like a little drop of water in an ocean. I am appealing to everybody to rally him and put the necessary amenities in place we can forget about oil. If production is going on in the country every week like we have recently after the Ogun Drum Festival we load the Lagos Dance Festival another art festival in Osun State we went to another one in Imo State with this engagement people any the society would be vibrant. People would return to the 80’s after Festac when theatre was at it peak, theatre halls were filled up but the halls are empty these days – theatre people are leaving the job because of lack of government support and the enabling environment. The private ones are trying like the Oxgen Concept, the Troupers Arts. E.t.c but it is not easy.
E.P: In five years time where do you see yourself artistically? We know everything is in the hands of God.
Ans: In five years time things been equal although am not a Nollywood fan but with my experience in the theatre (20years) now. I want to give it a try because unlike stage productions where you do three straight in a months of serious rehearsals- it is only you do one show if you do three in a months. You must take that show around, so in the next five years I want to be in one of the top movies and everything been equal I would like to start my Ph.d.
EP: What is your Message to your fans?
Ans: I want them to be positive, to be positive about our country not to lose hope about this country do is going to take the wicked ones our, think positive in everything you do

"WHAT IT TAKES": Is an expose on the difficulties aspiring Nigeria University Doctrine Programme Students undergoes in the face of their zeal, energy, enthusiasms, and excellent accademic pursuits which are marred by the Nigeria Factor.

"WHERE ARE YOU FROM": Tackles citizenship, indegenisation, inter ethnic marriages and youthful exuberance, it highlights the frustration and disappointment young Nigeria face in their quest to succeed in a place where their differences in background


Available at: GLENDORA IKEJA,
PATABAH SURULERE,
QUINTESSENCE IKOYI
TERRA KULTURE, TIAMIYU SAVAGE STREET, V.I
IN IBADAN, AT UI BOOKSHOP AND ALL BOOK SELLING OULETS.


THIS BOOK IS AN ACADEMIC EXPOSITION ON URBAN LIVING WITH SPECIAL FOCUS
ON AFRICA AND THE ART(SETTING).... WRITTEN BY RENOWNED AUTHOR DR LOLA AKANDE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS ,ENGLISH DEPARTMENT... IT CAN BE PURCHASED FROM LAGOS ,CALL 08037195881,,ALSO FROM U.I BOOKSHOP, CALL OLAWALE ON 07069727757....

FROM SEGUN AWE AND AFRITONAS BAND
GRAB YOUR COPIES @ #500 EACH.FROM OUR ACCREDITED DEALERS AT:
• STEP UP MUSIC & FILM INTL,
IYANA IPAJA GARAGE SHOPPING COMPLEX, LAGOS
PHONE: 08063657414
• MAYEGUN RECORDS,
403 AGEGE MOTOR ROAD OSHODI LAGOS
• MUSCO RECORDS
NO 9 SAMUEL STREET VULCANIZER
BUS-STOP AKOWONJJO LAGOS
PHONE: 08060269766
• KBF RECORDS, INSIDE WORLD OIL BESIDE
FANAWOLE CANTEEN, IWO ROAD IBADAN,
OYO STATE

Sunday 12 May 2019

FELABRATION HAS GONE GLOBAL SAYS THEO LAWSON


ENTERTAINMENT PARROLT INTERVIEW WITH DR. THEO LAWSON, THE DESIGNER BEHIND AFRICANS BUSSIEST CULTURAL HUB, THE FREEDOM PARK (FORMALY HER MAJESTY COLONIAL PRISON) AT HOSPITAL ROAD, LAGOS ISLAND, NIGERIA.


E.P: What’s your relationship with the freedom park?
Ans: Em I was fortunate to be the architect that was blessed to design and build this place and further blessed by the govt. of the time to oversee the running of this place as an art space. So basically I work out of Freedom Park, am an Arthect myself I practice and given the opportunity to turn around and over see this historical space.
E.P: With the great work exhibited here by turning this place (the freedom park) into a complete cultural centre is there any other beautiful innovation of yours art wise?
Ans: Let’s take it like this, first the freedom park was develop on three main axis one is to create a green space with Lagos island which was designed to look like the it Hyde park or central park in New York, to have a space where people can come, relax and enjoy nature also as you know this historical space was built on the grounds of the old Lagos prison (Her majesty Prison), it is a place where people can come and trace the history of Colonial prison with special reference to the old past and these are not only what we do, what we have done is to open the door of freedom park to the arts community in an environment conducive to their workings, we have an arts aspect, in museum for them to bring their inputs into the air space, so the arts community give and perpetuate the life of this place.
E.P:     Thank you very much sir
Ans:     (interjects entertainment parrot) I miss your question.
E.P:     Yes
Ans:     You where asking if there is other development of yours like the freedom park?
E.P:     Oh yes
Ans:     Well the only one that is successful after this place is Fela’s house which we turn into a museum, we are also working on Funmilayo Ransome Kuti’s  house in Abeokuta, that has been with the support of the Kuti family, other projects which we have done like the HEROES PARK IN ADO EKITI after we signed the contract there was a  change of government likewise we have submitted a proposal to the Osun State government but either its budgeting issue or serious financial commitment but we were invited by several state governments after they saw the freedom park, other works of ours are Bauchi State museum, The Motherland Performance Center, University of Lagos
Anniversary Park. 
E.P: So what is your relationship with the Felabration festival having known you as an interregnal part of the F.O.C?
Ans: I assumed chairmanship of Felabration in 2017, felabration just gone through some issues then with LA face after the 2006 felabrations, I was asked to join the committee for technical support initially I was made the chairman since then we have been trying to grow it with infusion of new ideas like the schools debate, symposium and as a global events felabration has grown into other countries and other interested parties making felabration a global events to bring FELA to the consciousness of the  world, so generally I have been involved in committees like creative’s etc. year in year out.
E.P: This year we saw Massive involvement in the Felabration festival across the world, how do you put this into place in terms of its global image?
Ans:     Fela’s music is known was worldwide, Paul Maccarthy knows Fela, Steve wonder knows Fela, a lot of musician know Fela and are influenced by his music. Fela died prematurely way back 21years ago, he was a musician who was not ready to compromise his stand for any commercial or financial success, he was an idealist musician who stood for what he believed in, and in school I knew somebody that says that an African doing an African thing is Fela while I schooled in England, so Fela gave me a good ground likewise many people one way or the other fela influenced them, a lot of the international guys are influenced by his music, they are overwhelmed of his instrumentation.
We locally appreciate his lyrics, we have his massage, seen it every day and you will notice that Fela died 21years ago, so even in death Fela is still straying up issues, he is still affecting our culture and, there is nothing surprising in the world coming and to celebrate his birthday. So it a big milestone that is what the world is celebrating.
E.P: Sir some of our state government and local government are proposing of building arts auditorium across the states to encourage performance arts, what is your massage to them? Especially with the success of Tera Kulture, Muson centre etc. (to entertainment parrot)
Ans: You used Tera Kulture and Museum centre as reference points. You don’t have steady high (electricity), in most of this  place where there are  proposing the establishment of the theatre auditoriums, you have to consider the air conditions system? And the theatre they are building is it for the masses where there will be charging #1,000, #2,000 etc. so how can you break even, the problem we across is we end up with white elephant projects. My approach is to look for where theatre is been practice in the streets, playing  grounds give them microphone, give them sound system to Display their theatre when it is in good order but encourage the college theatre industries to grow, look at campus square situated in Lagos Island, it is a major opportunity, also look at the football field here in campus it is locked up all the time, it is only opened when they want to host executive football matches, football, events of the V.I.Ps, also there is a playing field around the third mainland bridge where kids play football, give them a store room where they can change costume, so it  is about minimal intervention but you are developing talents. So that’s my take?

Thank you very much 










"WHAT IT TAKES": Is an expose on the difficulties aspiring Nigeria University Doctrine Programme Students undergoes in the face of their zeal, energy, enthusiasms, and excellent accademic pursuits which are marred by the Nigeria Factor.













"WHERE ARE YOU FROM": Tackles citizenship, indegenisation, inter ethnic marriages and youthful exuberance, it highlights the frustration and disappointment young Nigeria face in their quest to succeed in a place where their differences in background






Available at: GLENDORA IKEJA,
                     PATABAH SURULERE,
                     QUINTESSENCE IKOYI
                     TERRA KULTURE, TIAMIYU SAVAGE STREET, V.I
                     IN IBADAN, AT UI BOOKSHOP AND ALL BOOK SELLING OULETS.


THIS BOOK IS AN ACADEMIC EXPOSITION ON URBAN LIVING WITH SPECIAL FOCUS

ON AFRICA AND THE ART(SETTING).... WRITTEN BY RENOWNED AUTHOR DR LOLA AKANDE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS ,ENGLISH DEPARTMENT... IT CAN BE PURCHASED FROM LAGOS ,CALL 08037195881,,ALSO FROM U.I BOOKSHOP, CALL OLAWALE ON 07069727757....



FROM SEGUN AWE AND AFRITONAS BAND

GRAB YOUR COPIES @ #500 EACH.FROM OUR ACCREDITED DEALERS AT:

• STEP UP MUSIC & FILM INTL,

IYANA IPAJA GARAGE SHOPPING COMPLEX, LAGOS

PHONE: 08063657414

• MAYEGUN RECORDS,

403 AGEGE MOTOR ROAD OSHODI LAGOS

• MUSCO RECORDS

NO 9 SAMUEL STREET VULCANIZER

BUS-STOP AKOWONJJO LAGOS

PHONE: 08060269766

• KBF RECORDS, INSIDE WORLD OIL BESIDE

FANAWOLE CANTEEN, IWO ROAD IBADAN,

OYO STATE



Sunday 24 March 2019

WOLEX KELLY AFRO HIP HOP MUSICIAN SPOKE TO US ON HIS UPCOMING MARCH 31ST MUSICAL CONCERT IN AKURE THE ONDO STATE CAPITAL.


WOLEX KELLY AFRO HIP HOP MUSICIAN SPOKE TO US ON HIS UPCOMING MARCH 31ST MUSICAL CONCERT IN AKURE THE ONDO STATE CAPITAL.
EP: Let’s get to know you and your kind of music.
Wolex Kelly: My is Wolex Kelly, am an afro hip hop artist
E.P: Any Album from you?
Wolex Kelly: I don’t have an album yet but I have more than 10 singles out already.
E.P: Tell us about your show coming up on 31st March, 2019 and why your fans should honour you with their highly esteemed presence.
Wolex Kelly: Wolex Kelly and friends party (vol. 2) will come up on 31st of March, 2019 at Sunshine Hotel and Holiday Resort (Popularly known as” JAJA HOTEL” located at Oda Road, Ilekon (Jaja Junction), Akure Ondo State. It will start by 2pm till mama calls by God’s grace am expecting a lot of artist, comedians and deejay’s in the building. This is not the first show or event. I will host in 2014 I did. Wolex Kelly and friends party (Vol. One) in
Lagos. I did Wolex Kelly  all listening party in Lagos too. And so on but I must say the truth those precious events was wow, now I and my crew have decided to take this forthcoming show “Wolex Kelly” friends party Vol. 2 out of Lagos to Akure Ondo State and am sure at the end of the party it will be wow. Am expecting  the following artists Queen K, Skytee, Feranbanks, Mc Whyte, Mc Gbenga, Gold Master, Desmond, Fred D. Comedian, Suoru Abidemu of MITV e.t.c.
Special Guest: Sweet Steve, Adeolu Gboyega (Orange fun) am expecting music lovers to come and celebrate with me.

THIS BOOK IS AN ACADEMIC EXPOSITION ON URBAN LIVING WITH SPECIAL FOCUS
ON AFRICA AND THE ART(SETTING).... WRITTEN BY RENOWNED AUTHOR DR LOLA AKANDE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS ,ENGLISH DEPARTMENT... IT CAN BE PURCHASED FROM LAGOS ,CALL 08037195881,,ALSO FROM U.I BOOKSHOP, CALL OLAWALE ON 07069727757....












FROM SEGUN AWE AND AFRITONAS BAND
GRAB YOUR COPIES @ #500 EACH.FROM OUR ACCREDITED DEALERS AT:

• STEP UP MUSIC & FILM INTL,

IYANA IPAJA GARAGE SHOPPING COMPLEX, LAGOS

PHONE: 08063657414

• MAYEGUN RECORDS,

403 AGEGE MOTOR ROAD OSHODI LAGOS

• MUSCO RECORDS

NO 9 SAMUEL STREET VULCANIZER

BUS-STOP AKOWONJJO LAGOS

PHONE: 08060269766

• KBF RECORDS, INSIDE WORLD OIL BESIDE

FANAWOLE CANTEEN, IWO ROAD IBADAN,

OYO STATE


MUSIC MAKES ME SO HAPPY AND FREE SAYS POSKII POSKII  

ENTERTAINMENT PARROT INTERVIEW WITH MR. ADE ADEBAJO STAGE NAMED “POSKII” A NEWBREED MUSICIAN WHO JUST RELEASED HIS NEW MUSIC COMPOSITION.


E.P: Lets get to meet you.
Ans:  I am Ade Adebajo “Poskii” a public health professional with great love for music, happily married with Kids.
E.P: What influence your choice of music?
Ans: Music makes me feel so happy and free from the inner mind, I don’t even feel I am working.
E.P: What genre of music?
Ans: I play basically classic Highlife and folk songs.
E.P: Tell us about your new album
Ans: MOODS EXTRACTED” is to bring music to the “mind” of listeners and not only the HANDS AND LEG’S especially as it concerns the younger generation.

E.P: Where can music lovers and your fans purchases or download your new musical composition?
Ans: My music is available for download on online stores iTunes, Amazon, Deezer, Spotify and so many other online radios
E.P: who are those that influence your choose of music?
Ans: The late Ambrose Campbell and my father.
E.P: What is your message to your fans and lovers of good music? Because we (Entertainment Parrot have listen to the new work and can attest that it is highly loaded and soul full.
Ans: My fans are encouraged to listen to music for the mature minds which is a bit away from a lot of trending songs our there. Thanks @entertainment parrot










THIS BOOK IS AN ACADEMIC EXPOSITION ON URBAN LIVING WITH SPECIAL FOCUS ON AFRICA AND THE ART(SETTING).... WRITTEN BY RENOWNED AUTHOR DR LOLA AKANDE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS ,ENGLISH DEPARTMENT... IT CAN BE PURCHASED FROM LAGOS ,CALL 08037195881,,ALSO FROM UI BOOKSHOP, CALL OLAWALE ON 07069727757....













GRAB YOUR COPIES @ #500 EACH.FROM OUR ACCREDITED DEALERS AT:

• STEP UP MUSIC & FILM INTL,

IYANA IPAJA GARAGE SHOPPING COMPLEX, LAGOS

PHONE: 08063657414

• MAYEGUN RECORDS,

403 AGEGE MOTOR ROAD OSHODI LAGOS

• MUSCO RECORDS

NO 9 SAMUEL STREET VULCANIZER

BUS-STOP AKOWONJJO LAGOS

PHONE: 08060269766

• KBF RECORDS, INSIDE WORLD OIL BESIDE

FANAWOLE CANTEEN, IWO ROAD IBADAN,

OYO STATE
                             FROM PRINCE BOLA OYIN ADEJOBI GRAB YOUR COPIES