Kenyans mourn as popular promoter, Kevin ‘Big Kev’ Ombajo dies

Popular Kenyan promoter, Kevin Ombajo is gone to the cold hands of death. Reports has it that he has been  very sick for a while now.

Kenyan president, Uhuru Kenyatta, is among many who have expressed sorrow following the passing of show promoter, Kevin Ombajo, on Saturday, July 29, in a Nairobi hospital.  

 Before his death, Ombajo had undergone more than eight brain surgeries and had at least 14 tumors removed since 2006 when he was first diagnosed.

The founder of True Blaq Events then lost his sight in December 2016 as a result of subsequent surgeries. At the time, he had stated on his Facebook page, ‘The doctors call it optic atrophy. They say the optic nerves dried up.’

 Ombajo, who was popularly called Big Kev, succumbed following a long battle with a recurring brain tumor. And Kenyatta was among the first to pay condolence to Big Kev, saying, ‘Saddened by Big Kev’s passing. Against all odds you prevailed again and again.’ Other personalities have since joined in leaving a message to show their pain at his loss.

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Police arrest 42 homosexuals in Lagos hotel

Not real photo

According to Punch, no fewer than 42 men allegedly involved in homosexual acts have been arrested by the police. It was learnt that the suspects were rounded up at a hotel at Weigh Bridge in Owode Onirin area of Lagos State on Saturday.

SUNDAY PUNCH learnt that the hotel, Vincent Hotel, where they were caught in the act had been sealed off.

A resident of the area, who gave his name only as Tunji, said policemen from the Owode Onirin Division swooped on the suspects around 3.30 pm.

He said, “There have been reports that the hotel harbours homosexuals. They were there this afternoon when policemen struck. About 40 of them were caught in the act.”

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Olarinde Famous-Cole, confirmed the arrest.

He added that the suspects had been handed over to the state task force for prosecution.

He said, “It is true. About 42 suspected homosexuals were arrested and the hotel has been condoned off  while investigation continues. They are in custody of the Lagos State Task Force and will be charged to court soon.”

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Comedienne Helen Paul Reveals Unbelievable Details About Her Trip To Thailand

Popular Comedienne and actress, Helen Paul visited Thailand some months back. She shares fond memories of her trip to the Asian country with Punch's BUKOLA BAKARE. Enjoy the interview.

When did you visit Thailand and why were you in the country?

I visited Thailand last year and I was in the country for a private event that I had been invited to, so I won’t really be able to disclose the details. Nonetheless, I had fun during my trip.

How long did you stay there?

I was there for three days and I made the most of my brief stay, even though I was basically preoccupied with work.

What were some of the things that struck you on arrival in Thailand?

One of the things that I found very fascinating was the airport; it’s very big and clean compared to what you would see in other places. The fact that Thais were also speaking their native language, which is also known as Thai was quite commendable too and it drove home the point that they are very in tune with their culture.

Since you couldn’t speak their language, how were you able to effectively communicate with the locals?

The good thing was that I had two attendants who served as translators for me during my stay. They could speak English fluently, so I was able to overcome the challenge language would have posed.  I also observed that although most Thais could speak English, they speak more of their native language.

In terms of food, what were some of the dishes that you tasted during your visit; did you find any Nigerian cuisine on the menu?

For the most part, I had to make do with Thai food during my stay-they had rice but it wasn’t anything compared to what we have back home in Nigeria. Similarly, their spaghetti was also slightly different from ours. I also ate a bit of chips and fish and drank tea too but sadly, there was no regular beverage and I really missed that.

When you introduced yourself as a Nigerian, what was the reaction of the people, did they take a second glance at you?

Not at all; from my own perspective, they saw me as friendly and quite playful because I went there to represent the country so I had to put my best foot forward at all times. They liked me anyway and that was really heart-warming.

In terms of comparison, how would you compare Thailand to Nigeria?

Do you recall how you spent your typical day, did you find time to visit some tourist locations?

 I didn’t have time to do that because I went there strictly for work-related purposes so I couldn’t really unwind much but I would like to visit the country again at some point and this time around, I would definitely go there with my own food, if they will allow it at the airport.

What kind of tips can you offer travellers from your own experience?

When you are visiting a country, you must realise that their food may not augur well with your taste buds so be prepared to taste something different from what you are used to in your home country. Then, you must make sure that you travel with your first aid box intact with drugs including pain killers and drugs to fight constipation because if they don’t speak your language, they might not be able to understand what you want for your body should you fall ill. You must also travel with your Bible or Koran as the case may be. More importantly, always Google to find locations and sites on the Internet to make your trip hitch-free. These are just a few things that will help any traveller.

Which other travel destinations would you love to visit?

I like Ghana and I always love to go there. I am always scared of going to Europe because of the way people talk about it. I cannot speak ‘big English’ so I’d rather avoid the place and go to Ghana which is in Africa.

In terms of infrastructure, road networks and transportation in Thailand, what were your observations?

I wouldn’t really be able to say much in that regard because on arrival, someone came to pick me from the airport and took me straight to my hotel. However, I would say that the routes which I passed were quite neat and nice. In terms of the customer service in the hotel, I think I prefer our own hotels because the people there can speak my language. Language barrier sometimes poses a problem, particularly when you come in contact with some people who cannot speak English on a trip. However, Thailand is a beautiful place to visit.

Did you buy any keepsake during your trip?

No, I didn’t. Perhaps next time when I visit, I’ll keep that in mind and pick up something.

How would you rate the entertainment industry in Thailand?

I noticed that the Nigerians over there were really welcoming and they were happy to see me because they don’t get to see much of our entertainers. Thankfully, with the advent of social media, they are able to keep abreast and sort of have a good leverage to know what is happening back home on the entertainment scene. I wasn’t really keen on looking into the Thais’ form of entertainment though but from their newspapers, I still saw more of their culture which is what makes Nigerians different-we know about our culture and also seek to discover other cultures as well.

… and the fashion scene?

The people I interacted with were very fashionable but you just can’t compare the Nigerian fashion scene with what is obtainable in other places. With all sense of pride, apart from the US, you would always think of Nigeria and the fashion content available in Africa. We are highly rated on the continent, if not number one, as far as fashion is concerned.

You mentioned earlier that when next you visit Thailand, you would go there with your own food…

Yes, I’d like to go there on my next visit with my own food because I missed my garri and amala during my last trip.  I spent only three days so there was really no time to explore that much in the food department.

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Man crashes $260k Ferrari one hour after purchase

New report going round NET has it that an undisclosed man in Britain has survived a major crash in his Ferrari, an hour after he bought it. CBS news quoted Local police as calling the man’s survival a “miracle escape.”

South Yorkshire Police posted Twitter photos of the smoking, wrecked car, saying it “went airborne (and) burst into flames” beside a highway in northern England.

The Ferrari 430 Scuderia, worth about $260,000 new, ended up a burning heap in a field. The police said in a Facebook statement that the driver “only had minor cuts and bruises” after Thursday’s smash, but they also detected “a sense of damaged pride.” The force said the driver, not identified, told officers: “I’ve only just got it, picked it up an hour ago.”

 Police urged local drivers to take care on the roads.

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No man funds my lifestyle-Angela Okorie

Recently, actress Angela Okorie has been having the time of her life, travelling around the world. This has prompted some to insinuate that a big man somewhere must be sponsoring Okorie’s enviable lifestyle.

Angela is very angry at such comments,telling Punch before she became an actress she was making good money as a model and singer. She said

 “It is very annoying and insulting to say that a man must sponsor me before I can travel out of the country. Before I came into the movie industry, I was a model and singer and I was making good money from that. Even as an actress, I have appeared in a lot of films and my services are still very much in demand. I am also involved in some other things as well. For anybody to now say that I’m living off anybody is the height of being dumb. Everything I am today is by the grace of God and my sweat. I am a very hard-working and independent person. I know what I want and I constantly go for it. I don’t need anybody to sponsor me,” she said.

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Our Bedroom Game Is Great - Opa Williams Talks Being Married For 30-Years

Opa Williams  who is well-known for show business in Nigeria, has revealed  the secret to his successful 30-year old marriage.

Speaking with Vanguard, Mr Williams talked about his wife Patricia, saying their marriage has remained intact due to their strong bedroom game.

In his words:

 "My marriage is stronger now than it was 30 years ago. It’s when you don’t understand why you need a partner in your life that you feel bored in marriage. .
.
Experience has shown that when the chips are down, your spouse will be the only standing beside you. If you feel bored with your spouse, then you are bored with yourself. .
This is because your spouse actually is you in the opposite sex. If you are angry or mad at your spouse, you are mad at yourself because your spouse is just you. Whether you like it or not, you need her just as she needs you.

Bedroom secret is what has taken our marriage this far; the lights out, the colour of the bed sheet and all of that. I’m not going to reveal that secret but it’s what has kept our marriage going."

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I Regret Not Being A University Graduate - Reminisce

Popular Nigerian rapper Reminisce, has revealed one of his biggest regrets in live.

Speaking with Sunday Beats, the ANGELINA crooner, said he regrets not graduating from college despite having a successful music career.

“For anybody who wants to make a career out of music, you have to be sure that you are skilled and that it’s something that you can do sustainably; if not, go to school. Either ways, it is important to go to school, whether you go into full-time music or not. I actually regret not being a graduate.”

On keeping his private life private,  Reminisce said,

“I always keep my private life private as I believe that I have the right to my privacy. There is a very big difference between Reminisce, the artiste, and Remi, the family man. I thank God because I’m comfortable and I don’t need validation on social media. I don’t have to put everything I own on social media so that people would know that I have arrived. Inasmuch as I’m not beging anybody for food, it’s all good. Instead of flaunting material things, I prefer to invest in people.” On future plans:

“I am interested in politics and I see myself becoming a politician in future. One is not going to do music forever and I need to plan my life properly. I also love to engage in business, so I see myself doing a lot of that too.”

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Nigerian Singer, Adekunle Gold Reveals His Ideal Woman

Adekunle Gold opened up on his deal with YBNL, his ideal girl and of course his music, during an interview with Sunday Scoop. Hear him below.

On his music: “It is my personal resolve to keep making clean music. I am not under any pressure whatsoever to change the type of lyrics I sing. I like to pass across messages with my songs. Music is supposed to be a vehicle for social change. If you notice, my songs often dwell on topical issues that people can relate with and learn from. A true hit song is one that people can still enjoy many years after it was recorded. But some songs that were released just last year are no longer relevant or appealing, and that is because they are shallow and not in tune with the times,” he said.

 On his love for African print: “I am a proud African and it’s up to me to showcase my culture and let people know more good things about the continent. Whenever I travel, foreigners admire my outfit and some of them even request for the type. It is the way we treat our things that outsiders would also perceive it. I want to implore everyone to give priority to our local products.”

On how he met YBNL boss, Olamide: “I met Olamide when I was called upon to design the YBNL logo. I also did some other works for members of the label. After I sang Sade, Olamide heard it and liked it, so we had a discussion and he offered me a deal. I gladly accepted.”

On his type of woman he likes, Adekunle said, “My ideal girl is someone who is a go-getter. She must know what she wants and be prepared to work for it. I don’t like people who are too laid-back and don’t even have plans for their lives.”

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People Meet Me On The Street And Expect Me To Start Performing - Mr Ibu

Nollywood star, John Okafor aka Mr Ibu, has revealed the price he has had to pay for fame.

 In a new interview with Sunday Scoop, the Nollywood actor said he has situations where people meet him on the street and just expect him to start performing.

 “A lot of people think I’m stupid and foolish because of the roles I play in movies. At times, when I have something meaningful to say, people don’t take me serious as they think I’m cracking jokes. People also think that I’m an illiterate but that’s not true. I come from a humble background and I struggled a lot while growing up. My parents weren’t well-to-do so I had to hustle to get whatever I wanted by myself. We were basically living from hand to mouth and our situation was quite pathetic. However, despite our lack, I still considered education as a priority and I always had it at the back of my mind that I would keep learning. I attended the Institute of Management and Technology for my tertiary education though I was a part-time student.” Continuing, he said, “Due to lack of funds, there were times I had to stop schooling, but I always continued after sometime. What a lot of people don’t know about me is that I’m a deep thinker and I like to meditate on issues. For example, I have a lot of plans for Nollywood and I hope the government can pay more attention to this sector. Nollywood has helped to propagate Nigeria’s culture across the world, and even in far flung countries where you wouldn’t expect, they have seen Nollywood movies there. That should tell you that Nollywood is too important not to be taken serious. The industry really needs proper structures. It is not about running to the government and begging for money. Some people would just collect the money and share it among themselves; and that’s part of the reason the industry is still where it is. We have to step up our game as there are many things that can be gained from Nollywood. Entertainment is big business and it can even generate more money for the country than oil if it is well handled.” 

 On his most awkward moment with a fan, he said,   “I have had a lot of awkward moments with fans. Because of the comic roles I act in movies, some people expect me to be in that jovial mood all the time. And when some people see me physically, they would be hitting me as a style of greeting. Some could just meet me somewhere and ask me to start performing for them there. On some occasions, this gets to me but I remember that they are my fans and they are just showing me love, so I take it in my stride.”

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