Friday, 11 March 2011
We got married at 12am because we didn’t want to have a big wedding –Adaeze, Joseph Yobo’s wife
Adaeze Joseph-Yobo was the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2008. She got married to Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo, immediately after her reign. In this interview with Ada Onyema, she speaks on the controversy surrounding hermarriage, motherhood and sundry issues How is it like being a mother?
It is beautiful. I’m actually rushing home to my son because he is so used to me. It is nothing that I expected to be really difficult. I’m used to it now and I’m loving every bit of it.
How did you feel at the early stage of the pregnancy?
The early stage was very annoying. I didn’t know what was going on; my movements and moods totally changed. To me, it’s the most difficult time but after a while, I got used to it. The mood swing was the annoying part.
What is the comparison between now and when you were a beauty queen?
There is no comparison whatever. It is like one to 10 and moreover, I’m more exposed now. I respect my family and my mum. It is not easy to have two babies at home; my husband and my child. So, it is very difficult. You have to be understanding, take it step by step. It is so much fun to be able to have two people who respect me and expect me to be not necessarily like his mother because my mother always expect me to do my motherly duties. Now I take care of my son and my husband and I’m surprised at myself that I’m not frustrated. It is just God’s grace and I’m loving every bit of it.
How does it feel getting married to a footballer?
It is not bad as I thought it would be. There are so many events they go for that we have to go together. It is something very beautiful and I never expected it to be fun because everyone had always said you had to be careful of this and that; you can’t get married to this kind of people, but it’s been fun and I have no fear about the marriage.
Going into marriage at your age is always associated with some challenges. What are some of the challenges you went through?
I did not experience anything; I just fell in love with my husband and I got married to him. I give him my heart so I have nothing to lose. Also before then, no one had asked for my hand in marriage. I know God was behind it. So, there was no fear. Even when I got into the marriage, there were no challenges apart from the fact that I got pregnant immediately.
How about school?
Definitely, school is never a problem. I was at the New York Film Academy before I got pregnant. I have my diploma, so anytime I’m ready to go back, I will go back and start from where I stopped.
Do you always travel with your husband?
Internationally yes, but I don’t check in where he plays. I just leave him because it’s just two days, but now that I’m in Nigeria, I came with him for the match they had and when he left, I decided to stay back with my mum for a while.
We have had several celebrity marriages hitting the rocks. Was it one of the things you considered before getting married to Yobo?
I never looked in that direction maybe because I was naive. I never had that fear; my husband was ready to get married and we did.
Also, they call you names like gold digger because you married a footballer. Are you really one?
Yes, I know about all that. Everyone will always have something to say. What is not good about him and why can’t people say I got married to him because he has a good body or that he has a good sense of humour? Why would it have to be on the negative side? Why should I say yes to him because he is wealthy? That was the least thing on my mind. I don’t come from a poor home and I never lacked anything in my life. Funny enough, we never knew each other before we met; it was along the line that we started talking. I knew who Joseph Yobo was, but I couldn’t place the face with the name. We know how we met; what people say doesn’t matter. I can be a gold digger, whatever they want to call me.
Does it not bother you?
It doesn’t bother me. People who say that kind of thing have nothing to say. Having been in the limelight for awhile and at home taking care of my family and people are talking about me being a gold digger, that is their problem. It is just a stepping stone to another level in my life. So, if they want to keep talking about that, they should go ahead, it is not important. I don’t know why they won’t mind their business, they just sit at home and gossip about others.
Oh, so?
What time do I even have to know if he was actually that wealthy or not. I knew nothing about him. Everything went so fast, he was ready to settle down; he proposed and I accepted.
Oh, that could be the reason then?
But we dated for awhile though not that long and before I knew it, he was ready to get married to me, ready to see my family and that was it. Quite alright, it was like a movie, but they have their mind to think whatever they want. I just know that we’re the two people involved in it, so, I don’t owe anybody any explanation. With or without the money, I’m still going to love him and he is going to love me. By God’s grace, we will stand anything that comes our way.
So, how did you meet?
We met through a friend; we started chatting, and before I knew it, we got closer. When you find your man everything falls in place. I just dropped the crown and was ready to go into the world; because when I had the crown, my movements was restricted and that was the time I wasn’t even thinking about marriage. I was thinking about which school to go to, use my platform to do other things, go into whatever talent I want to go into.
How did he propose to you?
He proposed at the Heathrow Airport. I was in London and he came over and gave me an engagement ring there, but before then, when we met in Nigeria, he gave me a promise ring. I broke the news to my mum and we started planning for the wedding because there was no time. I got pregnant and we had to hasten everything.
So, you wedded at midnight because of the pregnancy?
No, I was already big. We did because there was no point doing a big wedding. At first, I was planning a big wedding, but after I spoke to him and he said we didn’t have to have a big wedding, I agreed with him.
We learnt your pastor advised against a big wedding.
It is our private life. We had already known that there was going to be a lot of people with bad mouth and that a quiet wedding will keep them away from our family. I just wanted to have a quiet wedding between me, my husband and God. I never imagined having my baby before my wedding; how would that look like? He wanted a partner, companionship and he wanted me. I don’t know how it happened. I’m as shocked as everyone, but it happened. My eyes were wide open when I got pregnant; and now that it has happened, he is my husband.
Another story had it that you are a home breaker by snatching Yobo from another woman.
I don’t know about that part of him being in a relationship. All I knew was someone called my mum from Europe to say they used to see him with so many women. As a human being, he would get angry, but I tried to let him know that I didn’t really care. They are trying to make me angry and I’m not angry; why would you be? Whatever they say, I still love him. If he was in a relationship, which he said he was not, and after a while, he proposed to me, that does not make me a marriage or relationship breaker because he was not married. We’re married now; he has a family and a companion. I don’t see any reason why I should go to court over that matter.
Of all the men in the whole world, why do you love Joseph Yobo?
I don’t know; I can’t explain it. Even when I walked into the marriage, my friends were asking me, ‘How can you stay with a man for the rest of your life?’ For now, I just closed my mind from any guy; any man I see is like a woman to me now. My man is the only man in my life and my husband is everything to me. I don’t know how it happened but after God, he is the next person in my life. I fell in love with him; it is not as if I was lost in love because I’m still in love with him. Every single day I have a reason to love him the more, though we’re not perfect, we are still learning. I think we were meant for each other because of how it happened and everything surrounding it. No matter how confused people might be, I love him.
How was your growing like?
My growing up was fun. I was very close to my dad. I grew up in Anambra State and I went to Redemption Primary School, Onitsha. I was at Vivian Fowler Memorial College, Lagos, for my secondary school and went back to Enugu for my senior secondary school. After this, I went for a diploma in law at the University of Abuja from where I went for the MBGN and I won.
What is your definition of style?
Style is feeling comfortable in what you wear without feeling sorry for it. Style is not just what you wear, it is the way you walk, talk, everything about you. For me, style is my shoe. I pick my shoes before I pick my clothes.
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Omotola Jalade Ekeinde was the synosure of all eyes
ACCRA, GHANA - UN Goodwill Ambassador, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde was the synosure of all eyes as she arrived Kotoka International Airport, Acrra Ghana on Wednesday, March 9th. . To the admiration of her fans, the Award winning actress looked slimmer and well toned in far contrast to pictures that emerged on the internet in February. Sources close to the Actress hinted that she hired a Personal Trainer and, took up rigorous training exercises to attain her new look.
Easily recognized as the Most sought after Actress in Africa, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde will be filming alongside Hollywood Actress Nia Long in "Ties that Bind". Written and Directed by the Award Winning Leila Djansi, the movie tells a story of three women from different walks of life bound together by a similar pain; the loss of a child. In a destined meeting in a small village in Kroboland, the women journey together to redemption, love, life and forgiveness as they renovate a dilapidated clinic for the villagers.
The star studded cast in the Movie include: Hakeem Kae-Kazeem, John Dumelo and the beautiful British TV Presenter cum Actress Ama K. Abebrese, to name a few.
"Omosexy" as she is fondly called has definitely earned our respect. She has proved to the nay-sayers that she is disciplined and capable of achieving whatever she sets out to do.
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Goldie: The misconceptions, the facts (I am heterosexual)
Since her emergence on the pop culture scene about four years ago, Oluwabimpe ‘Goldie’ Harvey has been asserting her musical dexterity. She is emerging into a creative singer who cut the picture of the bold, confrontational and sexually liberated woman. Her musical strength and depth are already showcasing her as a songbird which other female singers might have to emulate. With the mixed reactions to the 27-year-old award-winning singer’s musical style and outre outlook, also comes the misconception about her style, sexuality and wealth. On a bright Friday afternoon in her home in Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, Goldie tells E-Punch the facts, according to her.
Why do people think I’m rich?
And why not? Or, how else can a person living in the exclusive province of the wealthy and powerful be described? Goldie demurred, saying she is just comfortable like every other person. “The only difference is that I live in this part of town and it is because this is where I can afford. How am I living that others are not living? I eat twice or thrice a day like every other human being. I don’t have a fleet of cars or millions in my account. I don’t have a private jet either because these are the indices of wealth as far as I know.”
It is hard not to be drawn in by Goldie’s explanation, considering her unassuming, girl-next-door candour. Perhaps, because she was in her home and her turf, Goldie was without any celebrity affectations as she played host to E-Punch. In spite of herself, she comes across as brutally honest, and unpretentious.
Continuing, she says, “I have been a hard worker all my life and don’t forget that I used to have a thriving date-reminder services outfit (Harfil) before music took over. I don’t do any shady deals; I don’t even have the nerves to go through such. More so, fund comes in from a few properties and shares left by my mum.”
Goldie’s mum, Mrs. Olabisi Betty Filani, was a former Managing Director of defunct National Bank, while her dad, a native of Ikole-Ekiti, Ekiti State, retired as a director in Access Bank. She died in 1994 after a protracted battle with cancer. Goldie described losing a mother at the age she did as one of the most traumatic experiences for any kid. She was 11 then, and her closest sibling was seven.
I am heterosexual
One of the most profound and widespread allegations about Goldie is that she prefers the company of women to men. In her early days in the industry, she was alleged to be very close to self-styled rappertainer, Weird MC. Waving the allegation off, she says, “I was shooting the video of one of my songs when the director, DJ Tee suggested that Weird MC should feature in it. I was very happy because I have always admired her. She is one of the leading women in the industry and having her on my set was really very awesome for me. But she was very cool about it and had no airs at all. Naturally, I adopted her as an older sister.” She confided in E-Punch that indeed there is a man somewhere who makes her heart flutter but would not disclose his identity.
I am from Ekiti State, not a half-caste
Contrary to speculations, Goldie was born on October 23, 1983 at the Ikeja Medical Centre, Lagos, not abroad. Her parents were educated and very successful. They lived a sheltered, tripartite lifestyle that revolved round school, church and home. The first of four kids, Goldie’s education began at the Green Springs Montessori Primary School and then St. John’s College, Palm Grove, Lagos, where she said Christian Religious Knowledge was her favourite subject because she didn’t have to study too hard to pass it. In fact, by the age of 15, she already knew many bible verses.
She recalled, “My childhood was very interesting but regimented. My Dad was a leader in church and very active too while my mum used to lead the choir. So, as their first child, I took very active roles in all church activities – drama, choir, bible classes and so on. Church was the only social life we had. On Mondays, we went for bible classes; Wednesdays were for prayer meetings and then one Friday in a month, we went for vigil. I never had toys or friends because my father thought they would lead me astray.”
How I was lured into music
Aside gospel music that surrounded her, Goldie was also weaned on the music of Celine Dion, Mariah Carey and Michael Jackson. Despite her father’s objection, Goldie found music her true calling because it is her medium to express all that she could not put into words and could not remain silent about.
On her own, she learnt the style and nuances of pop, even emulating Toni Braxton’s style of keeping her side burns oiled. “Everybody who knew me back then knew that I could sing because I was always singing in school or church; I’ve always had that artistic flair.” So, when she got to the UK where she was admitted to study Business Management at the University of Sunderland, she and a couple of friends formed an informal group which performed for friends and family. The group even did a couple of demos which never really made it out.
On her return to Nigeria in 2006, she concentrated on making money with Harfil. Then, she met renowned producer, OJB Jazzreel, who would produce her first single, Komole. This was followed by three other singles Spin Me, Nothing has Changed, and Shift, which all formed part of a compilation CD released in 2007. Through the turbulence, drudgery and seeming imperviousness of the music industry, Goldie held her own and this paid off as she was signed on to foremost music label, Kennis Music, in 2010.
A few months later, precisely in October, she released her debut album, Gold, which given Nigerians’ seeming apathy towards pop music, has been a critical success. The album exudes the audacity and flamboyance of Goldie, and has spewed a couple of provocative, smart, and infectious videos – You Know It which won the Best Female Video at the 2010 SoundCity Music Video Awards and the award for Best Use of Costume at the Nigerian Music Video Awards and Jawo Jawo. “There is more where that came from,”
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Thursday, 10 March 2011
Liars! How Mercy Johnson, Olu Maintain Deceived Fans With Marriage Tales
Most celebrity figures will likely face the difficult choice of being honest with their fans or altering the truth to suit them. All too often, these figures choose to tell those little white lies, but ultimately regret such decisions when they balloon into big publicity nightmares.
Just when many male fans of the talented-but-scandalized Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson, craved to get a chance to win an intimate encounter with her and take full autonomy of her incredible curves, a certain Edo-born prince named Odanosen Okojie supposedly got the ticket to Miss Johnson’s heart. The Nollywood star had no problem telling friends and fans that she would soon be leaving the bachelorettes’ club.
A traditional pre-wedding introduction was reportedly held at her family home in Ebira land (Okene, Kogi State) on Friday November 27, 2009, while the proper wedding was pencilled for April 2010.
We reported on Thursday, December 10 2009 that Mercy’s Fiancé was given a list of things required for the engagement and marriage as confirmed by a reliable source.
Days, months rolled by, there was no sign of wedding invitations from neither Mr. Odanosen nor Mercy Johnson’s quarters; but speculations didn’t stop in the media, with different newspapers giving different dates for Mercy’s wedding. Either ways the anticipation was still high.
In July 2010, the Kogi-born actress still confirmed to us excitedly in an interview that her wedding would hold before that year packed up; ‘I’m getting married but the date is not out’.
‘I don’t know why everybody keeps bringing up different dates. They should not worry. The wedding is coming up pretty soon, we are still organizing it. I am getting married. I’m engaged (with emphasis), they should relax’, she added.
‘He’s a good person. He seems to understand me. He’s a private person and for the fact that he understands me in my ‘silly’ nature, he’s awesome’, Johnson told us about her supposed fiancé during the interview. Interesting.
Where is this awesome gentleman and what’s causing the delays? Did she deceive her fans? Did the relationship collapse prematurely? Are they still together and working to execute the wedding or was it just a PR stunt?
However, Johnson, who is one of our favourite actresses of 2010, is not the only one that has ‘promised and failed’.
Many ‘celebrity lies’ were told in 2010. ‘Yahooze’ star Olumide Adegbulu better known as Olu Maintain also told a big lie about his union with a UK-based chartered accountant named Wendy Ajakaiye, whom he said he would walk down the aisle with, in the last quarter of 2010.
‘It is true; I am getting married very soon. Her name is Wendy and I met her in Los Angeles last year (2009) when I was out there recording. She was on holiday from the UK and coincidentally lodged in the same hotel on the same floor where I was staying. Her room was almost directly opposite mine. Instant telepathy ensued once I set my eyes on her. I knew she is the girl for me. She’s very beautiful, extremely intelligent, very career driven, tolerant, kind and very understanding’, Mr. Olu told City People Magazine in a June 2010 interview.
Those who are discerning about the happenings in the Nigerian showbiz environment would still recall that screaming headline on NET newspapers’ 2010 mid-June edition that read ‘WILL OLU MARRY THIS GIRL?’ It is March 2011; where is Olu Maintain and his supposed bride, Wendy Ajakaiye? Another lie or break up?
If all the former ‘Maintain group’ member needed at the time was publicity as his music career seemed not buying him spaces on the pages of newspapers anymore, then it must have worked well – no newspaper editor is interested in a non-newsworthy individual in his paper.
Meanwhile, most recently, Olu is being linked with another society lady Eunice Efole, but information is scanty as to the true state of her relationship as both of them have denied their romance speculations.
With celebs lying from both sides of the mouth, and their minders doing all possible best to conceal the truth, it’s not surprising that reporters are more desperate to get the scoop; digging deeper than ever before. Moreover, many now take statements from so-called stars with a pinch of salt.
When next Olu or Johnson announce they are hooked and settling down, would their fans take them seriously? Would the media think they are telling the truth? That would be Doubtful!
Telling the truth will always be best for any celebrity’s career on the long run, because when the truth becomes known, it is not a pretty picture.
Until the Nigerian entertainment scene becomes a proper industry like Hollywood, with an ocean of ready-made and emerging stars and billions of fan-base, an industry where taking fans for granted is almost a sin – knowing the negative turn it can take on their careers, the lies and the dump PR stunts will not stop.
PREGNANT STAR, OMAWUNMI MEGBELE JETS OUT
Nigerian celebrity singer, Omawunmi Mgebele is now in the United States of America where she is expected to be deliver of her baby. According to Stella Dimoko Korkus, sources hinted that the Omawunmi left Nigeria sometime ago and she is believed to be in Atlanta, Georgia.
It would be recalled that Omawunmi became pregnant shortly after her romance with Dorkita Fabz, her boyfriend and producer crashed. She started dating a Lagos guy who is believed to be part owner of a Night Club.
The good news of the singer’s pregnancy was first reported by ThisDay Newspapers some months back. She also reportedly threw up at two occasions and also added some weight. Shockingly, Omawunmi also performed at events when her tummy was becoming obvious.
Omawunmi who is an award winning singer came into public view after she won the second place at the Idol West Africa music reality show put together by Elvina Ibru and her team. Omawunmi’s song “Wonder Woman” pumped up her profile as it became one of the most popular songs on TV and radio stations. Omawunmi also got the opportunity to perform for various brands, there raking in millions of Naira as performance fees.
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Sunday, 6 March 2011
CONFESSIONS OF A WITCH: WE HELPED DAGRIN SUCCEED
There have been Rumors all over the place about the late rapper Dagrin's involvement in some Fetish activities and so on spreading rapidly all over the Industry as soon as Dagrin died, These Rumors have been shut down by every reasonable stake holder in the Industry and has been peddled as Ridiculous and we totally agree But How then can a recent Youtube Confession by a Witch be Explained???
A Woman, had allegedly confessed to initiating Dagrin in a cult and made him blow up, She said members of the Cult includes Obasanjo and Babaginda and that they had to kill Dagrin cos he didnt fulfill his own end of the bargain
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Solomon Oyeniyi, popularly known as K – Solo, has worked his way to the top of music production in Nigeria today. When you talk about modern urban music in the country, only a few names are on top. Don Jazzy, Spankie, Terry-G and K-Solo are regarded as top of the crop. About 50 percent of hit songs today are produced by one of these four. K-Solo's expertise is plainly embossed on works of artistes like Timaya and H-Man. The dark-skinned producer is thankful for his sudden emergence in the league of top players. In this interview with Hazeez Balogun, K-Solo speaks on his life and music.
In the beginning
Like many musicians, K-Solo started his career from the church. From a tender age, he joined the church choir. This was where he fell in love with the art of music. He was fascinated by how the drums and other instruments were put together to produce good music. With this, he became determined to go all the way with music.
There was a problem though. K-Solo went into secular music, while his parents were pastors. They were supportive of him when he started with church songs, but when he went secular, they became apprehensive. This did not deter Solomon. He decided to take his destiny into his own hands. Unlike many other musicians in his shoes, K-Solo did not drop out of school. Instead, he found a way of making money through music to fund his education. ‘My parents were pastors and there was little money in the house, though they did not want me to do music, but I was determined.
Today, when I take money home; they are happy with me. “I have actually been nursing the music thing inside of me. But I didn’t know the way it was going to come through. I had a lot of fantasies for music. I have been pushing myself in it for a long time. I finally found myself in it through the church because my father is a deacon, my mother, a deaconess. Through that, I had the opportunity of playing musical instruments in church. So when I went to school, I mixed up with a lot of friends. We would go to shows, clubs and everywhere there was music. From there, I started moving further into music and I took it seriously.
I started playing music in clubs and shows. “At some point, I got to work with Benson and Hedges, when they used to have road shows, as their sound engineer. I moved up to a level that I sent myself to school because I was not born with a silverspoon. Before I left school, I was already deep into the music business.
“I started working as a studio engineer. I was working with Paul Play and that was when I produced my first major project Angel of My Life album in 2004/2005. That was how I started in the music industry for real because I had always been in the entertainment world.
Challenges
K-Solo is one person who works hard for everything he has. He never had support from anyone. However, he says that his career would have kicked off earlier after he finished work on Paul Plays’s Angel Of my life. However, he was disappointed as he did not get credit for the album which earned Paul Play a lot of international awards. “I was not given glory for the song, fair enough, it got me introduced to a lot of people.
“It was after that, that I left the studio where I was working then, to open my own studio, Sound Bakery, and that was where I produced Timaya’s album and those of Muma G, Felix Duke, Sunny Neji, Lord of Ajasa, Righteousman, Charly Boy and many others. Thereafter, I started fronting my own records called the ‘Igberaga Records’ meaning the ‘pride of a black man’. I had Klever Jay signed on my record label.
I faced a lot of challenges when I was growing in the music industry. The challenges that affected me most were putting in my best and striving to position an artiste, and at the end of the day, not being given any credit for the job. It took me a long time to to find myself out. I brought myself out when I produced Timaya. Right now, I don’t really have challenges. The challenge I have now is time. Now, a lot of people want to work with me and the problem is time’, he says
Personal album
Many music producers these days try their hands on singing themselves. OJB and Terry-G are good examples. K-Solo is also towing this part. “The thing is that if you are not a good musician, it will be difficult for you to do good music. There are many producers today that come to me for lessons. The edge I have over them is that I can sing very well. The kind of music I am going into is going to be the kind that speaks real morals. I call it ‘Afrocentric jazz’. I will be preaching morals but it is not gospel. My Way album is going to hit every market in Nigeria by the end of this month. I already have a video that is on promotion now. I did the video with Klever Jay. It is titled ‘Your Way’ and it is also one of the tracks in the audio album that is coming out end of April’, said K-Solo.
Being a music producer
To be a producer, you will study music in one way or the other. It takes a lot to be a producer. In Nigeria now, we have a lot of people that call themselves producers because definitely in every profession, you will find the false prophets. I studied Music in Studio 991 in South Africa. I studied Sound Engineering and, in a way, it is affiliated with music. And before you can get into sound engineering, you must know some rudiments of music, which I already had before I got there’.
Relationship with Timaya
The truth is that I believe very much in young talents. I don’t joke with them. Like I told you, Angel of my life is my song, I produced it, but my glory was taken from me. But Timaya is someone I brought up from the scratch. I went to a talent hunt in Port-Harcourt and I noticed him. I knew he was going to win the hunt but he lost his voice that very night. I did not give up on him. So I took him home. In fact, my wife was the one that was feeding him. So you see, it is more than just work with me and Timaya. I brought him up, and today he is a success
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My greybhair is my Secret - Waje
How did your journey into the industry begin?
Like most artistes, I started from the church choir. I attended late Bishop Idahosa’s Church and I was the youngest in the choir then. Later, I joined the praise team. People kept telling me I had a unique voice. I believe that this has helped me till now. This was eventually boosted when I met P-Square at a show in University of Nigeria, Nsuka. I was one of the performing artistes. They listened to my song and encouraged me. A few weeks later, I went home and saw the video of their song “Omoge Mi”. I did a remake which I called “Bobo Mi”. I sent it to P-Square and they loved it and put it on their “Busy Body” remix album. They invited me to feature in the “Do Me” track of their Game Over album. I was on J Martins’ albums, I’ve worked with Banky W, Omawumi and Kel’s.
You must have made a lot of money from these duets
I am not thinking about the monetary gains but rather on how to influence my world positively. Every career is like a baby born, you need to nurture the baby until he/she grows up to be sent on errands otherwise you kill the baby. I am still working hard to make my name prominent in the industry. I still need to make several financial commitments that would help me move my albums and career forward.
If money does not motivate you, how do you intend to push your career through?
At my age, do you expect me not to work? I am a director in a private school in Lagos. Besides, I invest and re-invest on my music career. So I have money to do all I want to do with my career
But you have a big man somewhere you lean on.
Why would you say that? Is it a must that girls should depend on men? I can never depend on any man. What men know how to do best is to disappoint and fuck you up, why should I depend solely on a man? I believe in God, He has never let me down.
Why did you now sing secular music instead of gospel?
My own definition of gospel is a message of peace and hope. A message of the love of God. God knows that I have not disappointed Him. Consider our programme for the motherless babies. Are we not preaching hope, are we not telling them God loves them? Is that not a gospel? It is not until one tags herself a gospel singer before one fulfils God’s purpose in life. Irrespective of people’s perception of me, I am on course. I'm not a gospel singer for personal reasons and won't sing to glorify the devil for any reason.
But most of you sing only to entertain, not to teach morals?
How morally upright you are will reflect in your songs. If you are a loose fellow, it will also reflect in you songs. I am what I sing and what I sing is me. For Waje, I respect morality and I will defend modesty and decency anywhere.
What is your take on nudity?
Nudity is alien to our culture. I’m an African, a child of God, so I detest nudity the way God would.
Some entertainers only profess hatred for nudity but embrace it in your videos. What do you say to this?
I can’t speak for others, but for me, I cannot be part of any project that is sexually explicit. If you see my video, you would know my style and my stand. To be candid, entertainers do most things to satisfy their audience and if no boundary is drawn, one may end up derailing. I am of the opinion that a woman’s body is sacred and must be honoured. I like to represent girls. In a certain way, I'm a feminist. Let's face it, in everything that happens in this world there is a woman behind it, good or bad, but you have to find a way to channel the good part of it as a woman.
Does your grey hair not distort your age?
I am not the one who put it there. I grew up as a teenager to see grey hairs on my head. It was somehow embarrassing because I thought my friends would laugh at me, but I later discovered it’s a special mark. It connects me to the only female singer who has the same in Nigeria, Onyeka Owenu. Though I have not worked with her, but I am connected to her. I look up to her as a role model. So, my grey hair is my secret.
Is there any name that must not be missed out if you are to write your autobiography in a sentence?
Yes. Late Archbishop Benson Idahosa. He was the one who sponsored my secondary education because he was impressed by my performance during a church service in his church. That day, the person who was supposed to lead the praise songs was not around and I decided to hold forth for her. I was singing when Bishop Idahosa walked into the auditorium and that was how my journey began. He put me in the praise team and adopted me as his child. He took care of all my expenses throughout my secondary school days.
How relevant is your education to your music career?
Like many Nigerian students, Mr. JAMB really posed a serious threat to my dreams and aspirations. Instead of studying music, I ended up studying Social Work at UNN. I would love to work in any humanitarian agency or in an NGO.
How was the house experience at Zain/MTV Africa’s Advance Warning competition?
It was full of fun and challenges. More than 20 artistes were invited. I was afraid when I meet the likes of Kel, Terry G, MI and Pype at the competition. I thought I didn’t stand a chance among these heavyweights because I was relatively new compared to most of them. That Durella beat me in the finals made me feel very bad. In fact, I cried like a baby because I had planned what to do with the prize money.
With your physical endowments, how are you coping with advances from male admirers?
I know I am endowed with feminine assets, but then I am single and not searching. Frankly speaking, I haven’t seen my type of man in those who are coming. My ideal man must be very confident, principled, responsible and God fearing. But I have been polite to those that have been showing face. I believe in due time my own man will come.
Who is Waje?
Aituaje Ebele Iruobe are my names and was born about three decades ago in Sabongida Ora in Edo State. My dad is from Edo, while the mum hails from Onitsha, Anambra State. I grew up in Benin and attended Word of Faith Group of schools. Waje means laughter in Sabongida Ora. But right now Waje means Words Aren’t Just Enough. I need to sing.
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My foray into acting 45 years ago –Ajai-Lycett at 70
To say that veteran dramatist and actress, Mrs. Taiwo Ajai-Lycett is happy at 70 is indeed an understatement. Ajai-Lycett, who joined the septuagenarian club recently is rolling out the drums at different venues in Lagos to mark her birthday. Having put in over 45 years to a career which spanned stage acting, teaching and directing, the talented lady has indeed come a long way.
A woman of many parts, Lycett, who stumbled on acting at the Royal Court Theatre in London said it was accidental and that she was discovered by a Director during a rehearsal.
Lycett had actually travelled abroad to study Law but events turned round and instead of Law, she studied Management and several other art-based courses which broadened her scope and made her one of the finest theatre practitioners in Nigeria today.
Lycett had her early education in Lagos and was a pupil-teacher before proceeding to the UK in 1960. She attended the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London, City Literary Institute, (City Lit) and the Dance Centre, Floral Street, Covent Garden, London studying acting, music, voice, singing, ballet, modern and contemporary dance. She was trained as television producer and presenter at the London School of television production.
While in London, she combined working with schooling. She attended the Christine Shaw School of Beauty Science and Cosmetology, London, the North Stafforshire College of Technology (now Keele University) and graduated with a Higher National Diploma. She had also worked at Klyon’s Tea Shop in the City from 1960-62 and studied at night schools and at Pitman’s College. Aside that, she worked at the United Kingdom General Post Office, Graham Street Headquarters.
Lycett was for many years the weekly presenter for the BBC’s magazine programme, Calling Nigeria-broadcasting from Bush House, London. The programme was then produced by Florence Akst. John Gordon and Gwenneth Henderson. She was also on the children programme, Play Away for the BBC.
For her immense contributions in her fatherland particularly, Lycett was honoured with Order of the Niger (OON) award by former President Olusegun Obasanjo during the Nigeria’s 47th Independence Day anniversary. Aside that, she was also honoured in the same year with the Heritage and Honours Award of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria.
Lycett is a fellow of the Society of Nigerian Theatre Artists (SONTA) and has received Outstanding Role and Enviable Accomplishment Award (1997); the REELS Merit Award (1999); the Amazon Award for outstanding contributions to nation building (2002) and award for service as a mentor in the FATE programme for Aspiring Entrepreneurs, (2001). She also got the Lagos State Government’s Merit Award in recognition of her Meritorious service towards the Advancement of education in the Alimosho Local Government, (2005); Tiwa ‘n’ Tiwa- Lagos State Television and Broadcasting Corporation; Recognition-Main Film and Television Productions and Opral Awards, among others. She is proud of her son, Debo.
In a chat with Daily Sun, Lycett spoke on her career and her birthday.
How I started acting
I became an actress by accident. I had a friend who was rehearsing a play so I went to visit. They were rehearsing Wole Soyinka’s Lion and the Jewel. It was the first time it was going to be staged. I was sitting in the foyer of the Royal Court Theatre in London and the Director William saw me and came to me. He asked what I was doing and I told him I was waiting for someone.
He told me about the production and asked if I would love to be part of it. I told him I had never done anything like that before. Eventually, I was invited to the production and I played the role of a village girl. After I was discovered, I did a lot of studies in Acting. Whatever I did then, I made sure I was trained. That is the sort of thing I am planning to do now in Nigeria. To see if the actors would want to do something serious about their career. Performance is not just about entertaining people, it is also about informing and educating them. You cannot achieve that if you don’t get educated. You have to understand that you don’t know much, you need to learn everyday.
Legacies
A life of discipline and cooperation with one another, of skill and with tolerance of one another. Cooperation is the most important in life because we learn to work together in the interest of everyboy not just to be looking after oneself alone but to share with people.
Taiwo Ajai-Lycett Foundation
The idea is to set up a foundation which can organise workshops to train writers, directors, stage managers, playwrights, actors, costumiers, make artists generally on the art and craft of the theatre. When they acquire the skills, they would be able to make meaningful contributions to Nollywood. By this, Nollyhood would be more enduring, and the quality of what we are doing will be higher and attract international awards such as Oscar awards in Hollywood.
Acting profession
I went to England to study Law. I did not intend to be an actor but I was discovered. I was discovered in the sense that I went to see a friend who was rehearsing a play and the Director saw me and asked if I wanted to join the production. As soon as I started, people came to watch me perform and started giving me work. Later, when I received the training I knew I belong to the theatre really. Today, I have done quite a few things on stage and television.
Between film and live theatre
Theatre has moved on now. It makes part of visual art more accessible to a greater number of people. In those days, if one had an idea and couldn’t afford the right kind of camera, it would be the end. But today, one can buy a camcoder and make sparkling, brilliant films, so it makes it easier for talents to be groomed and develop.
Besides people run after films and video because they are more visual. They also think that it is more popular. Ironically, it is from the stage that the artiste learns the skills that are more enduring and where the audience feel the action. But anywhere in the world, there is more money in films than on stage. This is because more people are watching films and videos than stage.
People are buying the video, they are buying the films and money is acruing to producers and the artistes. But for live theatre, only a very few go to watch. The stage builds up a family of viewers and theatre attendants. This is because the theatre teaches not just actors, it teaches people also. It is culturally superior.
Becoming a professional actor
You’ve got to train, you’ve got to work on your body and your voice above all because you are communicating with your voice. It is not enough to have a voice and think that you can speak English, you’ve got to be well read too.
As a mentor
I have been acting for the past 45 years. I set up Taiwo Ajai-Lycett Foudation to pass on what I have for the younger ones.
Regrets
There is none. I never lived with regrets. I don’t regret being an actor. It is a wonderful thing. If you live your life well, if you do your work well and work very hard at it and you train yourself what it means is that you will get appreciation, you will be respected by people.
Turning 70 years old
I am so happy. This is the very best time of my life. I want to thank everyone for making my life worth living, for turning my life into an inspiration for some other people to be encouraged. I cannot quantify this and I cannot thank everyone enough for the honour. Now, if I die tomorrow, I know I have lived.
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AMAA 2011 Nominations: The Complete List
The Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) has unveiled its nomination for its 2011 awards.
The prestigious award ceremony has gained recognition with six past editions and will be held in Yenegoa, Bayelsa on Saturday, March 26, 2011.
This year’s nominations list shows a huge variety of awards unlike its previous editions as categories like ‘Best Diaspora Documentary’, ‘Best Make Up’, ‘Best Nigerian Film’ have been included.
Nigeria’s presence is heavily felt as Nollywood star, Genevieve Nnaji has been nominated in the ‘Best actress In a Leading Role’ category for the movie ‘Tango With Me‘. Omoni Oboli has also been nominated in the same category for the movie ‘Anchor Baby’ and director Lonzo Nzekwe in the ‘Best Film for African Abroad’ category for the same movie.
Other popular Nigerian nominees are Tina Mba, Antar Laniyan and Jeta Amata.
Here is the full nominations list:
Best Short Film
Bougfen – Petra Baninla Sunjo (Cameroun)
Weakness – Wanjiru Kairu (Kenya)
No Jersey No Match – Daniel Ademinokan (Nigeria)
Duty – Mak Kusare (Nigeria)
Bonlambo – Zwe Lesizwe Ntuli (South Africa)
Zebu And The Photofish – Zipporah Nyarori (Kenya)
Dina – Mickey Fonseca (Mozambique)
Allahkabo – Bouna Cherif Fofana (Togo)
Best Short Documentary
Symphony Kinsasha – Diendo Hamadi & Dinta Wa Lusula (Congo)
Naija Diamond (Feature On Dr. Rahmat Mohammed) – Nform Leonard (Nigeria)
After The Mine – Diendo Hamadi & Dinta Wa Lusula (Drc)
Stepping Into The Unknown – Rowena Aldous & Jill Hanas-Hancock (South Africa)
Yeabu’s Homecoming – Jenny Chu (Sierraleone)
Best Documentary
Kondi Et Le Jeudi Nationale – Ariana Astrid Atodji (Cameroun)
Headlines In History – Zobby Bresson (Kenya)
Co-Exist – Adam Mazo (Rwanda)
State Of Mind- Djo Tunda Wa Munga (Congo)
Naija Diamonds- Nfrom Leonard (Nigeria)
Best Diaspora Feature
Suicide Dolls – Keith Shaw (Usa)
Tested – Russell Costanzo (Usa)
Nothing Less -Wayne Saunders (Uk)
The Village -Wayne Saunders (Uk)
Best Diaspora Documentary
Stuborn As A Mule – Miller Bargeron Jr & Arcelous Deiels (Usa)
Momentum – Zeinabu Irene Davis (Usa)
If Not Now – Louis Haggart (Usa)
Motherland – Owen Alik Shahadah (Usa)
Changement – Chiara Cavallazi (Italy)
Best Diaspora Short Film
Cycle – Roy Clovis (Usa)
Under Tow – Miles Orion Feld (Usa)
Habitual Aggression – Temi Ojo (Usa)
Little Soldier – Dallas King (Usa)
The New N Word – Sowande Tichawonna (Usa)
Precipice – Julius Amedume (Uk)
Best Film For African Abroad
Anchor Baby – Lonzo Nzekwe (Nigeria/Canada)
In America: The Story Of The Soul Sisters- Rahman Oladigbolu (Nigeria/Usa)
Mirror Boy – Obi Emelonye (Nigeria/Uk)
Africa United – Debs Gardner-Brook (Rwanda/Uk)
Best Production Design
Tango With Me
Viva Riva
Hopeville
6 Hours To Christmas
Maami
Best Costume Design
Inale
Yemoja
Sinking Sands
Aramotu
Elmina
Best Make Up
Inale
Sinking Sands
A Private Storm
Viva Riva
A Small Town Called Descent
Best Soundtrack
Aramotu
Nani
Who Owns Da City
Inale
A Small Town Called Descent
Best Achievement In Sound
Sinking Sands
Shirley Adams
Izulu Lami
Viva Riva
Tango With Me
Best Cinematography
Soul Boy
Sinking Sands
Hopeville
Shirley Adams
Izulu Lami
Best Nigerian Film
Maami – Tunde Kelani
Aramotu – Niji Akanni
Tango With Me – Mahmood Ali- Balogun
Inale – Jeta Amata
A Private Storm – Lancelot Oduwa Imaseun/Ikechukwu Onyeka
Best Film In African Language
Aramotu – Niji Akanni (Nigeria)
Izulu Lami – Madoda Ncayiyana (South Africa)
Soul Boy- Hawa Essuman (Kenya)
Suwi – Musola Catherine Kaseketi (Zambia)
Fishing The Little Stone – Kaz Kasozi (Uganda)
Best Child Actor
Sobahle Mkhabase (Thembi), Tschepang Mohlomi (Chili-Bite) And Sibonelo Malinga(Khwezi) – Izulu Lami
Eriya Ndayambaje – Dudu In Africa United
Jordan Ntunga – Anto In Viva Riva
Ayomide Abatti – Young Kashi In Maami
Benjamin Abemigish a- Zebu In Zebu And The Photofish
Shantel Mwabi – Bupe In Suwi
Best Young Actor
Yves Dusenge (Child Soldier) And Roger Nsengiyumua (Footballer) – Africa United
Samson Odhiambo And Leila Dayan Opou – Soul Boy
Edward Kagutuzi – Mirror Boy
Donovan Adams – Shirley Adams
Junior Singo – Hopeville
Best Actor In Supporting Role
Osita Iheme – Mirror Boy
Hoji Fortuna – Viva Riva
Mpilo Vusi Kunene – A Small Town Called Descent
John Dumelo – A Private Storm
Desmond Dube – Hopeville
Best Actress In Supporting Role
Mary Twala – Hopeville
Joyce Ntalabe – The Rivaling Shadow
Marlene Longage – Viva Riva
Tina Mba -Tango With Me
Yvonne Okoro – Pool Party
Best Actor In Leading Role
Themba Ndaba – Hopeville
Patsha Bay – Viva Riva
Jimmy Jean-Louis – Sinking Sands
Ekon Blankson – Checkmate
Antar Laniyan – Yemoja
Best Actress In Leading Role
Idiat Shobande -Aramotu
Omoni Oboli- Anchor Baby
Manie Malone – Viva Riva
Amake Abebrese- Sinking Sands
Denise Newman -Shirley Adams
Genevieve Nnaji – Tango With Me
Best Director
Soul Boy – Hawa Essuman
Shirley Adams – Oliver Hermanus
Viva Riva – Djo Tunda Wa Munga
Aramotu – Niji Akanni
A Small Town Called Descent – Jahmail. X. T Qubeka
Sinking Sands – Leila Djansi
Best Film
Viva Riva – Djo Tunda Wa Munga (Congo)
Sinking Sands – Leila Djansi (Ghana)
Aramotu – Niji Akanni (Nigeria)
Soul Boy – Hawa Essuman (Kenya)
Hopeville – John Trengove (South Africa)
A Small Town Called Descent – Jahmil X.T Qubeka (South Africa)
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Thursday, 3 March 2011
“How I Met And Fell In Love With Holland-Based Big Boy, Funsho Odufuye–Yoruba Actress, Anita Julius
Q. Many of its people are surprised at his decision to marry on January 29, 2011. What led to his decision despite just coming increasingly popular in the Yoruba movie industry?
A. It is not something I planned, because I have no life too seriously. I believe that everything in life takes time. When I met my husband, I noticed the features I was looking for in a man who would be my husband. Fortunately, he propose to me to waste time. So I decided to marry the right man at the right time.
Q. Can you tell us where and how you met?
A. We met in Holland. When I went for a short vacation. That was 3 years ago. We started as friends first, because I was in a relationship then. So we talked a lot but we kept our relationship. After some time we had problems with our relationship at different times. It came at a time, I could trust him, so I told him about my troubled relationship. One thing led to another, then we started dating. Despite the fact that he began to travel to Nigeria twice a year.
Q. So when did he propose to you?
A. Proposed late last year. It was after then we had our traditional family introduction in September 2010.
Q. What convinced you that it is a material husband?
A. He is the man whom God has created for me. I met many men in my life, I have seen so many relationships. And most of my friends are guys. I have no friends. I have about a bunch of guys as my friends from my college days. I saw many things in him. I appreciate and want him as my man.
Q. Many families do not like his son to marry actresses. How are your in-laws react to you?
A. (Laughs) My in-laws are the best in the world. They love me, they love me, cherish me and they respect me. I have no problem with them.
Q. Where is your husband from?
A. He is from Ijebu-Ife in Ogun State.
Q. Are you going to dump acting after you get married?
A. No, I will not stop acting. You know I have other things to do aside acting. I'm in another business and I run shops, I also model for ads. My husband is aware of it.
Q. Tell us a little about her husband.
A. What do you want to know about my husband?
Q. Your fans deserve to know the man you married?
A. Do not worry, you will know after the wedding. He is simply Funsho and sell cars in the Netherlands and Nigeria.
Q. How many children do you want to have?
A. I would like as many children as possible. Even if it is 10 children (Aya me gbe)(meaning I am able to raise 10 children).
Q. You mean you can raise 10 kids?
A. Yes of course. As long as God permits.
Q. What caused the failure of the previous relationship?
A. It was caused by the normal thing in a relationship. But not all relationships end in marriage. I don’t think it is a crime if relationships don’t work. We did not fight but after several years I discovered we are not compatible. And the relationship was not working. So we went our separate ways.
Q. Your decision to marry at a time like this, might affect your career. How do you want to go about this?
A. I'm not the party type. I'm single and I pay attention to my business. So I do not think that getting married will affect me or my glory.
Q. What name will you be bearing?
A. I'm going to be a well-known Anita Funsho (laughs).
Q. Does the man bears his name?
A. He does not follow his name.
Q. How are your parents' taking the marriage plans?
A. My parents are so happy. This is because people see me as a non-serious person but my marriage was a surprise to many people.
Q. In what form will the marriage take?
A. Saturday, January 29, 2011 is my traditional wedding guests and reception takes place immediately by the grace of God
Q. Are you moving to Holland to join your husband after marriage?
A. I would not go. I will be in Nigeria taking care of the house, but my husband shall be coming home often. I will also travel to Holland often to visit him.
Q. So how are you coping with your condition?
A. (Laughs). I thank God.
You do change cars regularly. How do you do this?
My husband deals in cars, so before they are sold I use them.
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