SEARCHLIGHT

Whether you folks like it or not, Dickson Iroegbu is gradually joining the league of popular and successful directors in Nollywood. But, if care is not taken, his burgeoning fame may soon fade away. This is because the rate at which he's been enmeshed in one controversy or the other is becoming alarming. Some weeks back, he was beaten to a pulp publicly by an upcoming actor called Omo Aje Butter in Surulere. And as if that was not enough, the purported star almost engaged Mamuzee brothers in another show of shame penultimate week at Ojez Restaurant and Bar, Surulere. It took the prompt intervention of people like Zack Orji to prevent Dickson and the twin brothers from exchanging blows.

•If gists reaching Searchlight are anything to go by, then star actress, Fathia, has tentatively dumped her hubby, Saheed Balogun. Some 'tatatos' who are close to the movie stars hinted Searchlight that their blissful relationship seems to have hit the rocks. Our source said that right now, Fathia is not under the same roof with Saheed and that her whereabouts is not even known to anybody.
Anyway, whether this is authentic or not, Searchlight will beam its light on it next week. Keep your fingers crossed.

•This may sound incredible, but Searchlight is currently doing a thorough investigation on it. The gist is still on the Yoruba movie industry, but this time around, it is between fast-rising female connection, Princess Dammy, and Yoruba actor, Akin Olaiya. The 'tatafos' who whisphered to Searchlight's ears, said that something intimate is germinating between them. In fact, they alleged that Dammy and the happily married Akin have been spotted on several occasions in Ibadan, where the actor resides.

•You folks should not be surprised when you see some Cameroonians doing a collaboration with Nollywood stars soon. Searchlight gathered that a Cameroon Showbiz icon, Manga Eric, is currenlty in Nigeria to arrange some things with their Nigerian counterparts before the main action. Top in the list of directors Eric has involved in the project is Emeka Nwabueze.

•It is certain that the memories of last Sunday's event will forever linger in the minds of star actors, Kanayo O. Kanayo and Joke Silva when a thanksgiving service was held for them at a church in Lekki Phase 1. The service was held in appreciation of the duo's success during the 2006 AMA Awards.