TIPTOPSTARS

When this writer mentioned to an Ohio Naomi Achu fan that the Cameroonian Afro Hip-Hop and rap queen is at the verge of dropping her newest single, the former’s reaction was obvious. “I just cannot wait,” she simple said. She speculated further: “I don’t doubt Naomi’s ability in capturing my attention with her beautifully crafted pieces. This one will be another catchy single I can assure you.”

The weekend of November 29 to December 1 was a hectic one for international actress and now Cameroon-adopted movie icon Merlisa Determined. The USA-based artist spent these three days on location filming what has been described as a teaser for an up-coming hit movie to be produced by Kelechi Eke. “Oh my goodness, it went on so well,” Merlisa commented when we sought to know about the filming. “I enjoyed working with the entire team and I must say I’m so excited about this movie,” she went on. According to the producers, the introductory trailer for Unequally Created, the said movie, will be screened at the premiere of African Time, yet another Kelechi Eke film next year.

Unequally Created, project so painstakingly conceived and designed will be filmed in its entirety during the first quarter of 2014 on locations in Chicago and Africa, the producers hope. “I’m very focused on the movie, reason why I’m preparing myself, in every aspect to be able to deliver the best of me,” said the Caribbean-born actress who also told us she has a soothing passion for the story in Unequally Created. Also featuring in the trailer, directed by Kelechi Eke are child actress Neyliah Esprit (Merlisa’s daughter in the film) and Tasia Grant (friend). It should be noted that Merlisa Determined and Kelechi Eke are both nominees for the 2014 Festival of Arts and Cultural Expo Awards billed for Atlanta, in the best supporting actress and best producer/director categories respectively, from the movie False Engagement, another Kelechi Eke production. The movie is also nominated for the best drama category in the same awards.

Merlisa Determined first got involved with Cameroon when she played the lead female actress in Far, co-produced by Agbor Gilbert’s AGE and Mathew Eyong’s Cradle Rocks Productions Int’l and directed by Ikechukwu Onyeka. The movie will be premiere in Yaounde 2014.

Finally, December is here! This probably is what organizers of the maiden edition of the Cameroon Academy Awards (CAA), Sonnah are telling themselves. The highly publicized entertainment rendezvous is in serious gestation with organizers now spending sleepless nights to intertwine things. In Yaounde, where the event will take place, preparatory encounters are being held on a regular basis, since the Sonnah team got into the country. Led by CCA CEO, Akim Macauley, the Sonnah team has been meeting stakeholders including government officials. At the Cameroon Radio and Television (CRTV) Corporation, both parties discussed coverage arrangements and it was confirmed that Sonnah Awards will be broadcast live from the Yaounde Hilton Hotel on the night of Saturday December 29, 2013. That means the entire country will be mobilized for this great event. On its part, the Ministry of Communication (MINCOM) has pledged its support for Sonnah Awards. This pledge came via MINCOM boss Issa Tchiroma who granted audience to Akim and team at his Nlongkak office a couple of days back. Sonnah Awards is initiated to recognize and rewards talents in the area of music, movies, radio and television, fashion and designing and sports. CAA CEO Akim Macauley was guest on Afrikka Radio’s African Cocktail with Ernest Kanjo a couple of weeks back.