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Top Nollywood Actor and Movie Producer, Yomi Fash-Lanso, recently had a chat with PorscheClassy Media where he took time out to talk extensively on the importance of the Afro-Heritage Broadcasting and Entertainment Award (AHBEA) and the challenges related with the annual ceremonial event.

Yomi Fash-Lanso who doubles as the African Coordinator of the event says the award was borne out of the necessity to celebrate and honour entertainers in film, music, broadcasting and all other arms of entertainment in Africa.

In his words, Yomi Fash said “Though the award was created solely for those who have spent 20 years and above in the industry but there are cases of exception for those who have equally performed very well as entertainment practitioners and good role model void of scandalous reputation.

He spoke further on one of the aim of the award, which is to use the AHBEA award platform to educate and sensitive young African descents in diaspora, so they will know that back in Africa, good things are happening in contrast to what they’ve been taught over the years.

Excerpts of the interview below:

1. Tell us more about the AHBEA award Initiave?

Ans- Afro-Heritage Broadcasting & & Entertainment Award ( AHBEA) idea was borne out of the necessity to celebrate and honor and celebrate entertainers in the film, music, broadcasting and all other arms of entertainment in africa. AHBEA is put together solely for those who’ve spent 20 years and above in the industry. But there are exceptions for those who’ve equally perform very well as an entertainer and a good role model void of scandalous reputation. Equally AHBEA will be using these great African entertainers platform to educate and sensitize young Africans in diaspora so they’ll know that back in africa good things are happening in contrast to what they’ve been taught over the years.

2. What is in store for the 2017 Edition?

Ans – Because of the success we’ve been able to achieve in a short while we’re left with no choice than to explore all available avenues to make 2017 edition classical. We’ve been able to seal partnership deals with ‎some US based entertainment company and energy generating company which I know will further expand and promote AHBEA and what’s it stands for. Equally we’re in discussion with some african companies that wants to expand and promote their products beyond africa using AHBEA platform. By 3rd month in 2017 we’ll be rolling out our line up programs for AHBEA 2017

3. Who will your awardees be for 2017?

Ans – Like it is and it’ll be every year , AHBEA 2017 award recipients will be drawn from all over african countries. The committee saddled with that job are already working on possible recipients as we talk.

4. What were the challenges you experienced during the last edition?

Ans – We give thanks to Almighty Olodumare (God) that made 2016 Edition a success despite the sudden down fall of naira which hike up travel tickets from #350k to #850 – #750k for economy class. And to say we had to ferry more than 50 passengers not to talk of securing 4 night accommodation at 3 different 5***** hotel. Let me say a big thank you to those that came to our rescue in terms of finance, mobility and support. As I speak we’re owing well over $50,000. But like every passion driven idea, No Retreat No Surrender

5. You recorded a high success at the last edition, what are your plans to make the 2017 edition differ to the previous ones?

Ans – When you do any business‎ event like what we’re doing you’re bound to record some lapses which may not be known to your guests and we’ve recorded where short comings came from despite the huge success achieved thus our determination to improve better. To further see that all issues concerning lapses were addressed I as the AHBEA Coordinator for Africa stayed back to have a meeting where everything was analyzed and painstakingly addressed. We promise to make AHBEA 2017 record another huge success with guest having more fun and entertainment than before.

6. Most of the guests at the 2016 edition were extremely excited to see some of their adored celebrities like Odunlade Adekola, Dayo D1 Adeneye, Kunle Afolayan, Ella Mensah e.t.c hope you also have the plans to bring more of their celebrities to them in 2017, without recycling?

Ans – What we do with AHBEA is not bringing known faces alone but stars that have been in the industry for 20 – 30years above. Some of them this generation have forgotten their immense contribution to the growth of the industry before the birth of Videotape Movies which is so so sad. We celebrate and honor them so that the new generation of entertainers will know them, discuss with them and tap from their fountain of knowledge and craft. People were head over heels to see Sadiq Daba, Pete Edochie, Liz Benson, Bimbo Manuel in flesh when their pictures came up for AHBEA 2016. That is to tell you the magnetic feel AHBEA has generated.

7. Any challenge the project is experiencing at the moment?

Ans – ‎With the present situation of nigeria economy and global financial dullness one cannot expect not to suffer some impacts but we’re grateful that we enjoy immeasurable support from IDCL, Lagos state ministry of culture and tourism, IBD Investment, Ajilesoro Investment, Socopao Investment, AdronHomes and Prosperities etc. But with a lot of partnership proposals we’ve received so far, we believe the sky will be the beginning for AHBEA.

8. What is your criteria for choosing the recipients?

Ans – AHBEA is not by Vote nor by nomination. It’s strictly by careful selection of names of entertainers who’ve been in the industry from 20years above. But exception for those who’ve perfect their trade with pure excellence and commitment.

9. Is AHBEA award only meant for Nigerians? Because i noticed a Ghanaian writer addressed it as such during the last edition.

Ans – Maybe the writer was not at the press conference months before the event or he/she wasn’t really following the news about AHBEA well enough. We got a recipient from Ghana who was present at the event and we equally got a recipient from south Africa who couldn’t make it because of his very tight schedule. Let me state here that it’s a herculean task getting intouch with our target entertainers because it’s not by vote or nomination. Some of the entertainers managers or agents are difficult to deal with thus making it very difficult to get penned recipients contact and details for further discussions on time. And in that kind of situation we use our initiative. ‎Next year we’ll be covering Cameroon, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Kenya, South Africa aside Nigerian to mention but few.

10. Would there be more added categories at the forthcoming edition of AHBEA awards?

Ans – We have the Legends & Icons category for now with the posthumous to honor our late colleagues in the industry which happens to be the first of it’s kind in any award event put together outside africa. So maybe in few years to come we’ll infuse Lifetime Achievement Category which will come maybe once in 5years or as deemed fit by the committee.

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Dapo Opayinka: UK-Based Bilingual Nollywood Actor Bridging Cultures Through Stage And Screen

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Dapo Opayinka stands as a shining example of a UK-based bilingual Nollywood actor whose personal brand is grounded in versatility, cultural authenticity, and a deep commitment to storytelling.

Trained at the renowned London Drama School, Dapo’s career began on the theatre stage where he honed his craft under the spotlight of British-Nigerian productions.

He brought charisma and depth to his performances as Mallam Gaskiya in Ola Rotimi’s satire ‘Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again’ and as Gbonka in the Yoruba tragedy ‘The Gods Are Not to Blame’.

His role as Etieno, a Kenyan freedom fighter in Lydia Ollets’ ‘Darkest Hour to Victory’, showcased his range and ability to embody characters with historical and emotional gravity.

As a UK-based actor with deep Nigerian roots, Dapo has successfully crossed over into the dynamic world of Nollywood.

His on-screen credits include critically acclaimed titles like ‘Basira in London’ with Eniola Badmus, TY Moore’s ‘Captivated’, and popular streaming releases such as ‘My London Slaves’ and ‘Sista Sista’.

He also starred in the TV series ‘Apostle Do Good’, produced by Toyin Moore and aired on the UK’s first Black entertainment channel, Ben TV on Sky, where he played a lead supporting role that endeared him to a diverse audience.

Known for his impeccable command of both English and Yoruba, Dapo is also a charismatic Master of Ceremonies, making him the go-to host for diasporic cultural and entertainment events across Europe.

Beyond acting, Dapo is a storyteller in the truest sense; an emerging filmmaker who has produced four independent films: ‘The Actor’, ‘The Passport’, ‘Amuwa’, and ‘Apeje’.

Each of these projects reflects his vision of creating socially relevant, culturally rooted stories for global consumption. His current pre-production work on ‘The Telepath’ promises to push creative boundaries even further.

Dapo’s latest screen appearance in the forthcoming film ‘Ireke Movie’, which had a private viewing at the Cannes Film Festival, is poised to take his brand global ahead of its 25 July 2025 worldwide release.

He is not just acting in films; he is helping shape the very identity of UK-based Nollywood.

His growing reputation as a respected creative voice within the diaspora positions him as a key figure in the next generation of African cinematic storytellers abroad.

Dapo’s experience, bilingual fluency, stage presence, and production portfolio make his brand distinct and indispensable.

“As a performer and filmmaker, I believe our stories deserve the world stage. My aim is to connect the African experience with universal emotions through characters that feel real, relevant, and respected,” says Dapo Opayinka.

With a growing body of work and an unrelenting drive to elevate African voices, Dapo Opayinka is not only a UK-based bilingual Nollywood actor. He is a cultural bridge-builder, creative entrepreneur, and bold voice in the future of global African storytelling.

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Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa Endorses Laffmattazz, Says Ondo State Is Safe For Tourism And Entertainment [PHOTOS]

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The Executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Lucky Aiyedatiwa has endorsed Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends.

Governor Aiyedatiwa who received Gbenga Adeyinka, the Grand Comedian of the Nigeria (GCON) on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, expressed his endorsement of the show and said the state is happy to host Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends at the FMT Events Center, Ala Quarters, Akure on Thursday, June 12.

Governor Aiyedatiwa while pulling his weight behind the comedy event, disclosed that Ondo State is a safe haven for tourism and entertainment, thereby promising to work with the organisers to reel out a successful show.

The ‘Sho Le’ crooner, Sean Tizzle will lead the repertoire of musical performances including Oyomesi, Abbey Awesome, Lekzido, Ruby, Miko Fridan and JP3PLE2.

Talented comedians on the bill are; Omobaba, Bash, Erekere, Baba Alariya, Kojah Kage, ATM, Chi Young, General Olak, Dr Spencer, Dr Arotele, MC Stylo, Taichi, Prince Phelar, Jingle, Wisdom the Mimic Guy, Honda Stevo, Odogwu, Iparipate, Emzuma and Ofak.

According to Gbenga Adeyinka, Red Carpet starts by 3 PM while the main show commences by 4 PM. “Tickets are available online at (https://www.funzweb.com/events/laff-mattazz-about-time-akure-158) and https://shorturl.at/FfVZP. Physical tickets can be purchased at Madigrazz Lounge, (Akure Mall),

Iya Saheed Alamala, Isolo Street, Akure, Madison Restaurant, Akure-Owo Road, Alagbaka and Vintage Royale, Off Airport Road, Oba Ile,” he said.

The show themed ‘About Time Tour’ is powered by FIRS, ODIRS, Omni Blu Aviation and supported by Ondo State and Eleganza Industries.

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UPDATE: Portable Remanded In Kwara Prison Over Inability To Meet Stringent Bail Conditions

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Controversial singer, Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has been remanded in the Oke Kura Correctional Centre in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, over his inability to meet stringent bail conditions imposed by an Upper Area Court in the state.

This follows the singer’s appearance in court on Monday on the charges of defamation of character levelled against him by veteran Fuji musician, Okunola Saheed, aka Saheed Osupa.

The ‘zazoo-zeh’ crooner, however, received bail of N1 million and other stringent bail conditions, including providing two sureties in like sum.

According to the court’s directive, one of the sureties must be either the Chairman or Secretary of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, while the other must be a property owner within a Government Reserved Area in Ilorin, supported by a valid Certificate of Occupancy.

Report says the case was documented under First Information Report (FIR) 117(1) CPC, and filed by the State Intelligence Department of the police following a petition dated March 21, 2025, by Osupa.

The petition said Portable made a live broadcast on Instagram, where he allegedly defamed Osupa, claiming the complainant was envious of his success and attempting to destroy his reputation.

In the video, Portable was quoted as saying, “This man dey try bring down my shine! He be like person wey dey chop snail with shell—him no get sense. Osupa carry tortoise for stomach. When Apple Music and Spotify want to drop money for me, na him remove my song from the platform, make I no see money (sic).”

Osupa maintained that Portable’s remarks were not only defamatory and damaging but also intended to incite public hatred and disturb the peace.

It was submitted to the Kwara State Police Command, and its men arrested the street-pop singer who confessed to the allegations while being interrogated.

According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the petition accused Portable of several serious offences, including criminal defamation, threats to life, incitement, character assassination, conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, as well as the use of abusive and offensive language.

“In view of the weight of these allegations and the supporting evidence presented, the command secured a valid arrest warrant from a Magistrate Court sitting in Ilorin.

“Acting on this warrant, operatives from the command proceeded to Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Sunday, 13th April 2025, where the suspect was apprehended at about 19:25hrs. He was immediately brought to Ilorin for further investigations.

“Upon his arrival, the suspect’s statement was taken in the presence of legal representatives from both parties,” the statement read.

However, the Investigating Police Officer, ASP Adeniyi James, confirmed that Portable was charged based on a directive from the police authorities.

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