YIBO KOKO ENSURES LOVE, TEARS, ORIGINALITY ON NIGERIA’S GOT TALENT

It was all smiles, tears and joy for Patrick Mathias a.k.a. Password last Friday evening at the oriental hotel as he was crowned the ultimate prize winner of the MTN SongStar contest with Don Jazzy. For a moment, he was choked with emotions unable to sing even when he was asked to.
 
The gods really favoured Password for his name was added to the wild card a night before the event as an afterthought according to Don Jazzy.
 
Of all the five contestants who made it to the finals, Password won the coveted prize of the Digital Music Mobile App  competition not just  with his vocal chords but with his charisma. He endeared the crowd with his gentlemanly manners. He performed John Legend’s Ordinary people and Bruno Mars’  Just the way you are.
He was awarded with a brand new Porsche Cayenne and a recording deal with Don Jazzy.



Source: Thisday Entertainment News

Talents Emerge At Calabar Festival

In its continuous bid to galvanize the untapped energies of young persons in Cross River State state into useful ventures, the state government through the annual Calabar Festival has created another platform  to boost the entertainment industry.
 
Tagged, “Calabar Got Talent”, one of the many activities in the ongoing festival calendar, the event  targeted at discovering budding talents and nurturing same to stardom.
Not even the early down pour could stop the teeming crowd from identifying with the artistes in what has now become a ground for the discovery of new talents.
 
For these budding talents, the festival has become a springboard to stardom.
It also offers them opportunity to win scholarship.
A new comedian, rapper and dancer were discovered in a keenly contested show.. The delighted audience  at the Millennium Park, played the role of judges.
 
Established Nigerian home grown artistes like Teego, Uncle Eddie, Naughty Jay and another Calabar Festival discovery, Pikin added so much fun and laughter to the evening.



Source: Thisday Entertainment News

I don’t want to charm too many women – Sound Sultan

 

Lanre Fasasi a.k.a Sound Sultan discusses his career and also sheds light on his personality

You have been on stage for 12 years but you are not as aggressive as some of your colleagues.

It is not the aggression that matters but outliving one’s first performance.  I am happy that after 15 years, I have been able to remain relevant and I am still getting invites to perform at shows.    It is really important for us to bear in mind that humility sustains a successful career.  If you say I am not aggressive, that is because I am just being humble.

  

How was your tour of the United States of America?

  It is very hard to do concerts   internationally— there are lots of heavy-weights involved in the business. You need sponsors too. Right now, I’m trying to put a DVD together.

What inspires you when you are writing songs?

I look at my situation; I look at the immediate environment and try to talk about everything that has happened now and in the past.  I have a wonderful memory, I remember things easily.

You appear like an extremely shy person

Yes, every artiste has that, even the international ones, but I have come to realise that I cannot extend my shyness to making money.  I was an introvert but I am not that anymore. Now, I am an extrovert and I make money with aggression.

Do you sometimes feel intimidated?

No. There is no way I would feel intimidated because I always have something to say. But when I am alone and just being me, not Sound Sultan, I just want that privacy for a little while.  My approach is that if you don’t have anything to say, then keep quiet. People have made a lot of mistakes from talking without thinking.

What puts you off about people?

I can’t stand fake people.  Some youths feel they should behave like white people, it is so bad that  they cannot even identify with their parents sometimes, but I feel  people should  be proud of who they are.

What was your parents’ reaction when you opted for a career in music?

 My parents supported my brother and I 120 per cent. All they said was that we should make sure we go to school.

Apart from Baba Dee, who else was your role model when you were growing up?

When I was growing up, role models were very hard to come by, unlike now ,when there are so many players in the game, even though some people are still very stingy with their knowledge and experience. Back then, you could hardly come around a star, you would just be looking at them from afar.  But having Baba Dee  as my brother  was  a leverage,  he was already  several  steps  ahead of me  and he had already seen the game in different lights. He was going for competitions then and I was always backing him up.   I also had a lot of influence from Fela, Wyclef Jean, Tracy Chapman, Shade Adu and a few others. I never listened religiously to any artiste in those days but I always made sure I took a healthy dose of each artiste. I did not take too much so that the musician’s style would not reflect in my music.

What has fame done to you?

 I know a lot of young guys get carried away easily when they come into the scene newly. I giggle when I see that because sometimes you get tired of certain habits. I don’t know how long they can put up with such acts before getting tired.  I have related with international artistes and I have seen how wealthy they are and still, how grounded they are. I was level-headed before I met Wyclef Jean in 2010 but after that meeting, I became more level-headed. Whenever Wyclef, a multiple award-winning musician, calls me to inform me that he would be in Nigeria for my show, I am amazed at his modesty. Meanwhile, you would be begging Nigerian artistes to come to your show.

Where did the name, Sound Sultan, emanate from?

Then, my brother and sister were making fun of my previous name.  I was doing everything then, I was a rapper and I was an instrumentalist. So, they asked me if I wanted to continue my career with my funny name. I told them to give me another name and they said since I wrote different styles of music,   they would call me Sound Sultan— King of sounds. It’s like being a jack of all trades, master of all.

What does style mean to you?

 If I was a new guy in the game, I would submit to the fashion craze that is currently going on in the industry.    Everybody is going around asking, ‘who are you wearing?’ If I were a new guy,  I would be worried about who or what I am wearing but as it is, anything that comes to mind and which  I want to define myself with, is what I come out with.  Style is not about being trendy or doing what is in vogue.

But you do like fez caps

I have always used fez caps to cover my face since I was in school because of my shy nature; I still use them to shield my face.

Why don’t you wear  sunglasses?

I don’t want to charm too many people again because I am married.

How did you meet your wife?

I just met her.

How did she scale through your female admirers?

It would have been hard for her to scale through them, she was not a part of that crowd, she grew up in my neighbourhood, and I watched her grow up.

She was not a fan who was all over you?

She was not, I was begging her to even hear my song.

So how did you eventually date her?

I did  not talk to her in the neighbourhood because I did not want people to start talking about the relationship. I always met her somewhere away from the neighbourhood.

What’s next for Sound Sultan?

My sixth album is dropping very soon, I am excited, and we are planning a tour with my management outside the country. My artistes are recording their album as well. I keep my fingers crossed, God is in control.

Source: The Punch Entertainment News

Ure Okezie ignores Soul E at album launch

A woman of many parts, the last child and only daughter of late frontline Second  Republic politician and medical practitioner, and Minister of Health, Dr. J.O.J Okezie, Ure Okezie is known for courting controversies. 

At a recent launch of her much anticipated album, Porpori, Okezie totally omitted her former husband, Emmanuel Ifechukwu Okose,  popularly called  Soul E, from her citation.  According to the citation, Okezie graduated from the University of Jos with a B.SC in Physics, she has worked in five commercial banks and one mortgage bank, she is a personal coach and trainer, she has established a church, a foundation and many more. But the reading had no mention of Ure’s marriage to Soul E, which packed up less than a year after it was contracted.

Towards the end of the programme, Okezie insisted on singing a gospel song before the main Porpori number, saying, “Una no know why I be pastor? I carry anointing, una no know?” Meanwhile,  Ure’s church, ‘Love Villa’ which she co-pastored with her ex-husband has been closed down as she launches into full-time  music.

Source: The Punch Entertainment News

I’m getting married soon —Benita Okojie

In the 90s, Benita Okojie, at the tender age of 12, was a sensation as a gospel music child artiste.  Now 24, the multiple award-winner relives the experience of stardom and adulthood

Child   stars face a lot of pressures while growing up, did you experience such?

 I did but the winning factor for me was the close relationship I had with God and my family.  I did not shut my loved ones out of my life. They are the ones who can tell me the truth about anything, no matter how big it is. I have a good relationship with my parents and I talk to them about everything. My mother, especially, was a pillar of strength for me and I was able to tell her a lot of things and she helped me through all the changes. I am a very spiritual being and I pray a lot.

How did you handle the superstar treatment in school?

The early stages of the job were very harsh on me. I had friends who just had issues with my person, not necessarily because I did anything wrong but because they felt that I was going around with a larger than life image. I do not think that was the situation but because I am out there, everybody wants to judge me based on what they don’t even know.  I thank God for my parents and my siblings who helped and supported me all the way. I made very good friends also. Now, I am a graduate. I have friends who I hook up with once in a while and we hang out and attend functions together.

What has changed about your career now as an adult?

The difference is not so significant because I will always do indigenous songs. It is a language which I am able to express myself in. But I am going to do a lot of English songs as well because I know my fan base extends to people who do not understand Edo songs. There are some foreigners too. Recently, I checked our facebook page and saw a lot of foreigners posting comments there.

What lessons have you learnt as an adult?

I have learnt about growth. As a young lady, boys will seek one’s attention but one should learn to have a great relationship with guys while setting boundaries with them at the same time. Your parents should always be people you respect, no matter how big you are and how much money you make. You would always need parental love and support. Mine have been there for me all the time. Sometimes, when the youthful exuberance in me crops up, my parents would always make sure that I stay grounded. They always remind me of where I am coming from, where I am going and what I have done. That has kept me balanced. Guys would come and go but your parents would always be there.

What has been happening to your music career?

I am working on a couple of singles and a talk show but while I am still waiting for all of that, I am having as much fun as I can have.

What about marketing your songs?

I don’t think I can handle that but I have put friends and family members in place to assist me, they are also learning in the process. My sister is my personal assistant and my mother works with the board of my management and that helps a lot. It is easier to communicate with family. Whenever outsiders are brought in, they are made to understand that I am more of a family girl and we always like to do things together. This helps us to be focused. I don’t allow business to becloud what I do. Most importantly, I am a gospel artiste and my job is to win souls for Christ. If money comes, it will help facilitate what I do well but it should not be the basis for doing what I do.

Are you limiting yourself to gospel?

I do inspirational songs. Whenever I go for concerts and they tell me they have a mixed crowd and would like me to mix songs that are not purely gospel, I would get songs like Whitney Houston’s Greatest Love of All, Mariah Carey’s Hero. These are songs that inspire and motivate. The most important thing is that you pass a positive message across to people.

What does style mean to you?

It is what I am comfortable in. Anything is suitable for me but I just like to look my age, I don’t like to dress older than my age.

How old are you now?

I am in my 20s.  I am sure you know that women have an issue with revealing their age. I am enjoying my 20s.

What are your favorite accessories?

I love rings a lot. They are very fashionable to wear. I like wearing them until the real ring comes.

When?

Very soon. You should get an invitation when the time comes.

Is the man also a musician?

No.

What does he do?

No comment!

What is your favorite food?

It is amala, I like eating it with ewedu and turkey soup. It is my favorite and I have also learnt to prepare it.

What is a typical day like for you?

I wake up, pray and blog, but I have not blogged for a long time now because I have been investing money in a song we are working on. Sometimes, I rehearse. I am learning to play the guitar and I check how far I have gone in perfecting my guitar playing skills.  Then, I go on social network to see what impact my project is making in the lives of people.  I also try to answer as many messages as possible.  I do house chores. My parents don’t let me go out without doing my portion of the house chores. I clean my room and wash the plates. I have to do all the things that I should do in the house because I will become a wife some day.

How do you handle pressure?

There is no particular way of handling pressure but when I am pressurised, I pray.

What is your advice to young girls, who see you as a role model?

Pray and continually follow your dreams. Be sure it is what God wants for you, then pursue it wholeheartedly. Let God be the winning factor in your life. Also, make sure you have a great family who supports what you do. Remain steadfast; start and follow through with the project or you will fail.

Have you ever had sad moments in life?

When there are challenging moments, I always look at the positive side.


Source: The Punch Entertainment News

I always date the wrong guys – Funmi Fiberesima

She is a film producer, an actress and an entrepreneur in entertainment. Known as Funmi Fiberesima, she premiered her first movie recently. She talks about her life and career in this interview

 Who is Funmi Fiberesima?

I am a producer and actress but I like to refer to myself as entertainment entrepreneur because I handle the business of entertainment.

  

What do you mean by that?

I am in the business of movie production. Apart from producing my first film, I am also involved in drama productions for the Nigerian Reproductive Health Association and I have also been doing production consultancy for the African Drama Association.

 What is the title of your film?

 The movie is titled: Onikola.  It is a Yoruba film about female circumcision.

  

As a member of the Fiberesima clan, how was growing up in the family?

Our family is a very large one.  The Fiberesimas are scattered all over United Kingdom and other parts of the world.  We come back many generations, even within the Fiberesima family, there are different households. I met one of my cousins last year for the first time in my life. My mom is from Ogun State and I was born in Lagos where I spent my childhood with my mother’s relative. I did not get to visit Rivers State until much later when she died.

  

What in your background prepared you for the job of movie production?

I come from an entertainment family.  The Fiberesima family has been in entertainment right from when I was a kid. I remember that part of the syllabus that I had to study for my music exams had my uncle’s name, Adam Fiberesima in it.

 What did you study in school?

I did a certificate course in Theatre Arts and then moved over to Communications Studies at the University of Port Harcourt.

 How profitable has the entertainment business been for your family?

Nobody comes into the industry looking for money or profit; we all come in with a passion.  One has to be willing to work even though they are not going to be paid. If you come into the industry with the mindset of making profit, you are going to be frustrated pretty quickly. But you will make money eventually if you remain with your passion and if you don’t get discouraged along the way.

 Is the business all rosy for you?

No, it is not all rosy. I have made sacrifices but for now, I think I am comfortable. I am not desperate to make money.  I am in it for the passion and I believe that I will get to a point where I will be able to make money that will cover all the years of sacrifices.   Till then, I will continue to make sacrifices.

 Who financed your first movie?

 I came into the industry with my money. Nobody financed my first movie.

How much did you spend producing the movie?

I spent close to N12m and that was because I ran into a lot of people that were thieves but my production was protected because of my background. I have learnt that if I have to give somebody any money, the person has to sign a written agreement. It got to a point, one of my directors attempted to hijack my production, claiming that it was his intellectual property! I bought the rights from the script writer and I paid for everything, but he was telling me it was his intellectual property because he directed the project.   I may be new in the industry but I am not new in business,   nobody can swindle me.

  

The money must have come from your boyfriend

I don’t have a boyfriend.

Why is that?

I seem to make all the wrong choices. The cliché that good girls like bad boys applies to my situation because I have a tendency to run into the wrong kind of guys.

  

Did you fall for a bad boy?

Yes.  I fell for a couple of them.  I seem to have a track record in that area. The fact is that if one person does something bad to you and the second person does the same thing, you begin to ask if you have a problem.   I am currently going through rehabilitation process in church so that I can spot a good guy when he comes.

What happened with the last guy you dated?

He is married now. We actually got engaged, he was a good guy but a boring one.

 What is his profession?

He is an Information Technology expert.

  

Would you have preferred an actor to him?

No, I would not prefer an actor because I am not sure I would be able to endure the sight of my husband kissing another woman in a movie.

  

But that is your profession…

I know. Our profession is the type that can drive a woman crazy.   I know there are some actors that do all that and are still committed to their homes but I don’t think I am secure enough to be an actor’s wife.

  

How do your male colleagues react to the idea of a rich female producer?

 The men feel intimidated and they try to write me off, but I don’t care, if I make returns of just N1m from that film, I would be happy because it dealt with female genital mutilation, something that most people are no longer talking about. I have always been passionate about women and children.

 It is interesting to see a woman that is financially independent.

Fiberesima women are strong; my sister is doing a pretty good job with the African Movie Academy Awards and Ibinabo has a track record with the Actors Guild of Nigeria. I am glad to be toeing their paths and I hope that I will not put my family name to shame.

  

What does style mean to you?

My style is exceptionally moody; when I am happy, my style is happy; when I am sad, my style is sad. You find me wearing black and navy blue when I am not happy.  Also, I like to look sexy when I feel sexy.

What is your favourite food?

I don’t have a favourite food; the reason is that I like experimenting. I like travelling and trying out local dishes. The last time I was in New Delhi, India, I was hospitalised twice because of the pepper in their food.

  

Do you believe in cosmetic surgery?

Yes I do, I am even considering doing one, and I am still doing research on it at the moment.

  

Which one do you want to go for, breasts or face?

I won’t say much on that but Toolz has looks that I admire and you might see me looking like her very soon.

 That means you are considering buttocks and hip enhancement..

(Laughter) No comment on that.

 What would you want to be remembered for?

I want to be remembered for following my passion and staying true to it.

Source: The Punch Entertainment news

Power situation in Nigeria has worsened – Report

Electricity supply in Nigeria has worsened considerably, declining drastically to an 11-month low, a report by NOIPolls Limited – an indigenous survey agency, has said.

According to the report, power supply ratings dropped by 13 points to an all-time low of 26 per cent for 2013.

It stated that the decline in power supply was highly pronounced in the month of November, adding that many Nigerians complained of poor electricity supply in the period under review.

The report reads in part, “The power situation has worsened considerably with a 13-point decline in the proportion of Nigerians that experienced improvement from October (39 per cent) to November (26 per cent). This represents the lowest power rating in 11 months.

“These were the key findings from the Governance Snap Poll conducted in the third week of November 2013.”

The report said the findings showed a general degenerated situation in power supply across Nigeria in spite of the recent privatisation drive.

It further stated that 50 per cent of the Nigerian adult population, which is about 43.7 million, approved of President Goodluck Jonathan’s performance in the past one month.

It said, “This represents a five-point decline in the proportion of Nigerians that approved of the President’s performance from October (55 per cent) to November (50 per cent).

“More findings reveal that the majority (45 per cent) are of the opinion that the current administration comprising the executive cabinet and state governors performed averagely and the proportion that gave a positive rating of the current administration experienced a three-point decline from October (33 per cent).”

According to the report, the results presented were the eleventh in the monthly series of governance polls conducted by NOIPolls to gauge the opinions and perceptions of Nigerians regarding three crucial elements – the approval rating of the President, the performance of the current administration, and the situation of power supply in the country.

Source: Punch 

SistasConnect: THE LATEST PRODUCTS FROM MARYKAY

SistasConnect: THE LATEST PRODUCTS FROM MARYKAY: http://tinyurl.com/9dsnhjx

Strictly Woman to Woman... But the Men Are Welcome

Long before hosting a radio programme became a byword for vainglorious display, Bunmi Sofola’s Woman to Woman was a weekly highlight for most listeners. Add the fact that she had before then shot into limelight as a high-flying journalist whose brilliance and youth shone as beacon for several other aspiring female journalists and you would understand why Sofola is such a delight to speak with. Funke Olaode recounts a recent encounter

A peripatetic childhood

II was born in Lagos on May 6, 1949, into the Sofola family of Iperu-Remo of Ogun State. By the time I was born my father was working with the Public Works Department  and my mother taught briefly before veering into sewing. My father was on frequent transfer and we were always moving from town to time. At a time, my father was in the north and we came back to Lagos in 1956 when I was about seven years old. My father had two wives with six children on both sides. There was no problem in our polygamous setting because by the time the other woman came in, we had already been established. We didn’t experience the rancour associated with polygamy. We were already adults and most of the time we were in boarding house so there was nothing to contend with.

Memories of old Lagos

Growing up in Lagos of those days was fun. We lived on Wakeman Street, Olonade Hughes Avenue in Yaba where you had all the fashion houses, night clubs and all that. Lagos wasn’t as populated as we have now but everything worked. There was electricity, there was water, transportation was okay and the traffic wasn’t as bad as this. Opebi area didn’t materialize until late ‘70s or early ‘80s. I remember a time in the ‘70s when plots of land were being sold and everybody wanted to be part of it. The only Lagos that was in existence then was Lagos Island, Ikoyi, Surulere, Yaba area (was occupied mainly by the civil servants) and there was Agege. Ikoyi was for the expatriates and government officials. Surulere was New Lagos because my late father completed his house off Adelabu Street in the 60s. And when I came back from school the building was the only structure around because there was bush everywhere. Again, Lagos wasn’t as chaotic as this with noise everywhere. There were record stores and if you were interested in any music, you entered the shop, you listened to the music with the earphone and bought what you wanted.

A tomboy

It was a privileged beginning and I am grateful. My father was after our education and it was a must to excel in your education. Whatever you asked him to give you, money wise, for your education he would give. With modesty, we  (my siblings and I) were always among the first to pay their school fees. I didn’t have problem except to sit down and read. So the influence was enormous. And when I was in the boarding house my father was always the first to pick me up. You know the others would always have this big lorries hired by the school to take them to their various destinations. And it would be more fun going with co-students than chatting with my dad all the way home. But it was good. I was a tomboy as a child. I was a happy child, inquisitive but adventurous and had several friends.

Days in school

I began my early education at Baptist School, Kaduna, in the ‘50s. I couldn’t recall much of my first day at that early stage because there were loads of pupils and we could get so many things to buy. From Kaduna, my father was transferred to Zaria and we all moved and we later ended in Jos and we came to Lagos in 1956. After his stint with PWD my father transferred his service to LADP now LSDPC. I was six years going to seven when we came back to Lagos. I was re-enrolled at Methodist School, Yaba, for my primary education after which I proceeded to Methodist Girls’ High School in the same premises. I went to Ijebu-Ode Grammar School for my higher school certificate. I was a bit apprehensive leaving Lagos for Ijebu-Ode for advanced level. But when I got there, I found out that the school was a cosmopolitan setting and 80 percent of the students came from Lagos. So it was home away from home. Though it was a boys’ school, but the HSC was mixed and we were like top-notch.

Becoming a journalist

Ironically, journalism chose me; I didn’t choose it. You don’t start dreaming about career until you get to the mid-secondary school. In my case, I was dumped into the arts class. And by the time I finished secondary school, the principal told my dad that whatever I did it should be English or nothing else. I was even angry that you can’t limit my ability. I wasn’t thinking about journalism. After my advanced level, I was waiting for admission to go into the university when Happy Home (a publication of The Punch) was looking for a features writer and I applied. Uncle Sam (Amuka-Pemu), publisher of Vanguard was in charge of recruitment. He said I should write one or two things and he was impressed and asked me to start immediately. This was October 1972. And from being a school teacher I was thrown into the high society because all the embassies and corporate houses were in Lagos and they were functioning round journalism. I was doing interviews and meeting these people you have read or heard about and it was fun. So, in a way, my career chose me. While waiting for my admission into the university I was teaching and didn’t like it a bit. Like I said, my principal spotted me. I was good in English and was always carting away prizes for the school all the time. That was how I began my journalism career with Happy Home and after one year, I took study leave for one year. Daily Times was looking for the first batch of graduates and professional journalists to train free of charge. I went and did the interview and I was chosen. There were only 15 of us with three women: myself, Tayo Adetola and Tokunbo Gbadamosi. We had the one year stint in 1973/74. When I finished my training, I went back to Happy Home Magazine and became the assistant editor, woman editor and later editor of the magazine.

From journalism to insurance and back

I felt I had satisfied my curiosity in journalism and needed to move on. I quit my job and joined Great Nigeria Insurance Company in 1976 as head of public relations. Again, I realised that public relations had its limitations. In 1978/79, I took a study leave and travelled abroad. I enrolled at College of Insurance in England where I studied insurance. I came back and became life insurance manager for Great Nigeria Insurance. I was in marketing and later switched to life insurance. The advantage then was that apart from your salary, you would get commission from whatever you brought in. I still maintained my contacts in the media which really helped and was getting a lot of commission. Then someone suggested that I could start my own brokerage firm. I yielded to his advise and opened an office at 77 Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba. This was when I discovered that all these people that were encouraging you also had their own attachment to other insurance brokers. So I forged on. The firm was there, I was doing a radio programme, Woman to Woman, for Radio Nigeria which I did for five years. I was writing for Trust Magazine and had a television programme with Kunle Bamtefa on NTA. I still found myself back into journalism when I got engaged with Vanguard later.  When I turned 50, I published a collection of my write-ups and when I was approaching 60 I thought I would just relax and avoid anything stressful. But here I am still writing columns. There was a time I was doing four things at a time. I was writing for newspapers, I was engaged with radio and television and still retained my job as an insurance broker. I was young then and had all the time in the world. Above all, my talents have kept me going over the years.

No regrets

Journalism is like fast food now with proliferation of newspapers and magazines. If you don’t like this you go to the other. But when you don’t have enough training for you to carry on there will be lapses. Sometimes you pick up a newspaper reports or listen to radio or television announcement and you feel sorry. I think your talents and interest count to succeed as a journalist and not the glamour. Journalism is like an old wine which gets better with age and with your experience and talent it becomes a second nature to you. I didn’t go to university to acquire a B.Sc in mass communication, but the one year training at Daily Times Institute of Journalism was intensive. All the professionals were called in to train us. There was Patrick Dele Cole, Tony Momoh, Jaja and all the big wigs in and within the Daily Times. I had the best experience from that training and that also prepared me. When I pick up my pen it flows. I still write in long hand because we were not trained with all these gadgets that you people have now. We were also taught to have nose for news. How can you come back to the newsroom and tell Uncle Sam that you couldn’t get a story? He would tell you to knock on every door that something would come out of it. And once they know that you are into counselling they are ready to open up. It has been a fulfilling profession and experience for me and I have no regret. Like I said, I always knew when the time was up for me to move on. I got to a stage in journalism when I felt I had satisfied my curiosity I moved to insurance. After sometime, I found out that you couldn’t be more than public relations manager. It was a bit upsetting because all you did as a PR person was newsletter, calendar and all that. The then managing director advised me to acquire more training and I went abroad to study insurance.

Best and low moments

Whatever satisfaction I got, I got it on the job all of the time. The low moment was when I was leaving The Punch in 1977. I had the letter of appointment from Great Nigeria Insurance and I thought they would call my bluff and increase my salary. But they kept on saying they were reviewing salary and why don’t I stay. But someone called me and said you had better leave because that place would be better. And as soon as I got to Great Nigeria Insurance, I was given a brand new Gallant 2000 GLS and had the option to borrow money to buy land and even a mortgage to build it.

Getting personal

Where I grew up we had all the night clubs around and at night you see all these ladies and you would want to copy. It was fun. And as one grew older, I charted a career path for myself and I am still involved till date. I was married briefly. I was Bunmi Fadashe for about four months in the ‘70s but it didn’t work and I decided to stay off marriage since then. But I am a fulfilled woman because I am blessed with a daughter who is an undergraduate of University of Lagos.

I am fulfilled…

Looking at all life aspirations I couldn’t have chosen a better profession. You know once you start working you want to create a life for yourself. And like a popular saying that your later year must be better than your early days. And once you lean to prepare for that you can sit back and enjoy the rest of your life. So I am a fulfilled woman. I started a career over four decades ago and till date I am still relevant. It is God.  I cherish God. He is my shock absorber. He is my father because He has been kind to me.

The Top 5 Sexiest List of 2012!

WOMEN
In review, let’s take a look at the sexiest celebrities of 2012…
From brains to busts to business sense and butts, perfect manners to a polished image; sultry demeanour to striking confidence; incredibly sexy, and a flawless sense of style. Brilliant success in their fields, and good public persona…these are the Top 5 hottest Celebrity Women on this side of the planet!

Genevieve Nnaji
It seems “Ms. Nigerian Sweetheart”, Genevieve Nnaji, has been hugging the spotlight forever. We never get tired of seeing her beautiful smile on blogs and on the pages of magazines. Genevieve gets more attractive with age. She’s the girl-next-door with beauty that seems unsullied and virtuous. With all the beauty enhancements rumours – bleaching tablets, to boob jobs and butt pads in the entertainment industry, Genevieve remains an unblemished beauty, free of nips and tucks. We can imagine her in her 50s still looking as amazing as when she marked her 33rd birthday. We love her style – ingenious, easy and yet sophisticated.

Tolu Oniru (Toolz)
Meet Toolz, the most liked on-air-personality and the girl with the most mind-boggling figure in the world! Toolz is like the carving of a goddess, something Michelangelo could have sculpted in his days. Men (even women!) wonder what she’d look like naked because it is almost inconceivable for anyone to be created with every feminine attribute in generous proportion like she has. This makes the OAP the most wanted Nigerian woman alive! Every Nigerian man would want to, at least kiss her hand and ask how it must feel to come in such a body worthy of worship. With a killer body comes a killer career. There’s nobody as good as Toolz on the radio on a hot Lagos afternoon.

Kemi Adetiba
Kemi is classic beauty. Her sexiest feature is her intellect; not forgetting her newly svelte figure, something she acquired through a lot of discipline and hard work. That, too, adds to her résumé as one of Nigeria’s most sought-after beauty. An inspiring go-getter, Kemi continues to push the boundaries, succeeding in almost every area of entertainment and still able to look like a princess at the underbelly of sheer diligence and industry. She knows a thing or two about everything in the world – politics, basketball, music – name it, and has served brilliantly on and off the camera as one of the able presenters and hosts of radio and TV programmes. Guys love Kemi because she seems like she could roll up in a shirt and watch football with him all night, and still be as sexy as ever the next morning!

Tiwa Savage
That good-girl face attached to that bad-girl body is a winner anyday! It is easy for people to hate on Tiwa because…really it’s just not fair! How can she be so beautiful and then can actually sing?! Isn’t she supposed to be dumb and shallow and stupid? I understand the pain of having to look at one of the most beautiful black-skinned woman who actually has real talent; an amazing combination that can easily intimidate. And for every song Tiwa belts out, whether dressed in an apron or in cat-woman get-up or iro and buba, she comes out looking more beautiful and having other women’s men drool over her!

Damilola Adegbite
The actress transformed right in front of our eyes, graduating from just a regular TV star to a sexy screen siren. It’s exactly the way we want an actress to look – great looks with a personality and style that seems to evolve. The sexy thing about Damilola is that her private life isn’t splashing all over tabloids. So there’s still a mystery to her that keeps us guessing, and men do find that very attractive.

MEN
Below is the hottest “meal” ever! The top 5 celebrity men on this part of the globe who make our hearts skip!

Chris Attoh
Chris Attoh was created on a Sunday! God took his time- moulded his nose, shaped his lips, put a sexy blush to his skin, and voila! One of the most handsome creatures on the face of the earth was made! Chris has had his hands in the entertainment pie for a while. He has worked as an OAP in Ghana’s Groove FM and Choice FM, and also on “Show Time” a TV show in Ghana. But we all know him and fell in love with him as a cast on Tinsel.

Peter (Psquare)
One-half of the P-square sensation is a sex symbol! Peter has a body sculpted like a god. He takes his time to look good, and it shows anytime he takes off his shirt, which he does quite often. Being so ridiculously sexy is a lot of hard work, and the ladies appreciate it!

Ebuka Obi-Uchendu
Ebuka is a complete package of looks, style, brains, and finesse. The dude can be anything he wishes to be. He is vast in politics, sound in entertainment, and a lawyer; a red-carpet delight, cerebral and sharp-witted. It’s a package that comes one in a hundred men! And there’s also that sense of modesty that makes him oh-so sexy! Ebuka is the dude you want to wake up next to; every woman wants a smart guy not too far away from her!

Lynxxx
If Lynxxx didn’t make it to the top 5, it’ll be a crime. He is the epitome of the perfect male form. A very good looking guy – the kind of guy that you think his looks is just enough, why does he need to be brainy or talented? Now that is what makes Lynxxx an exception, his talent is just as delightful as his appearance.

Flava N’abania
Have you seen Flava bare-chested? Is it not the most gorgeous display ever? Flava’s music is embellished with the musician’s well-kept body – lithe, slim, with muscle contours and outlines in all the right places. He is our newest crush and we just had to show him off! His music and his beautiful abs are worth more than silver and gold.

Oscars: Silver Linings Surprise Contender, While Lincoln Dominates

Silver Linings Playbook has become the first film to win Oscar nominations in all four acting categories for more than 30 years.

The comedy drama, starring Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper, received eight nominations in total, reports the BBC.

Steven Spielberg's drama Lincoln dominated the shortlist with 12, while Ang Lee's Life of Pi picked up 11.

Nine films vie for the best picture award including action thriller Zero Dark Thirty, Argo and Les Miserables.

Working Title's Eric Fellner, one of the producers on Les Miserables - a film version of the award-winning stage musical - told the BBC: "Les Miserables hasn't even opened yet in the UK - and it's great to be able to tell the audience here the industry thinks this film is really good and they should go and see it."

"As a company it's really gratifying because it encourages us to take risks and make more challenging movies."

The musical, which takes its lead from Victor Hugo's historical novel set during the Paris uprising, received 8 nominations in total - including nods for stars Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway.

Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained, Beasts of the Southern Wild and French language film Amour complete the list of best picture contenders.

Tarantino told the BBC Django Unchained, a western which sees Jamie Foxx as a freed slave on a mission to rescue his wife from a Mississippi plantation owner, would not win best picture, but "it's nice to be invited to the party".

The ceremony will take place at the Dolby Theatre on 24 February.

Emmanuelle Riva and Quvenzhane Wallis became the oldest and youngest nominees in the best actress category at the age of 85 and nine respectively.

Wallis, who was picked from obscurity to play the lead in Benh Zeitlin's Sundance winner Beasts of the Southern Wild, was just six when she took the role of a young girl stranded by rising waters and tending to a sick father in a remote corner of Louisiana.

Riva, a respected film actress in France, plays a retired music teacher afflicted by a stroke in Michael Haneke's Amour, which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival last year.

As well as both films appearing in the best film nominations, Haneke and newcomer Zeitlin won nominations in the best director category.

They will face competition from Spielberg, Ang Lee and Silver Linings Playbook David O Russell. But there was no nomination for Zero Dark Thirty's Kathryn Bigelow, who was named best director by the National Board of Review in the autumn, and had been considered a frontrunner following nominations at the Baftas and the Golden Globes.

 Bigelow became the first woman to win the best director Oscar with The Hurt Locker at the Academy Awards in 2010.

Tarantino also failed to secure a best director nomination. He told the BBC "it bites a little bit, but I got it from Bafta" - referring to his success in the Bafta shortlist earlier this week.

 Britain's Tom Hooper - who was named best director for The King's Speech in 2011 - was also snubbed, for his work on Les Miserables.

"It was a complete shock," said Working Title's Eric Fellner. "But not just for Tom, but also for Kathryn 

Bigelow for Zero Dark Thirty and Ben Affleck for Argo."

Prior to the nominations it had been suggested that Skyfall might become the first Bond film to win a best picture nod, but the film was not shortlisted in any of the major categories despite Bafta nominations for Dame Judi Dench and Javier Bardem earlier this week.

Omolara Rawa: Cocktail Lady

Omolara Rawa found fame and fortune creating cocktails - an unusual engagement by no means similar to the prim world of law which she read at the university. She explains the roots of her passion to Azuka Ogujiuba

Before you started your company, Eventi Verdi Limited, what were you doing?
I was working in a telecoms device company, Anabel Mobile Limited. I was the Project Lead, Events and Promotion.

What does Eventi Verdi Limited do?
Eventi Cocktails is a Lagos based cocktails design and  consulting company. A subsidiary of Eventi Verdi Limited. We specialise in creating distinctive cocktails and custom mixology for luxury events, conferences, weddings, social and corporate events. In addition to cocktail design and menu consulting we offer premium onsite event bar consulting. Our goal is to find that perfect blend of cocktail quality, ingredient integrity and taste. My passion for cocktails made me go into this business. I remember going to a bar called Vintag in Victoria Island (in Lagos) and a lady whose name I can’t remember now would make me drink different recipe-blended cocktails. That’s when my love for cocktails began.

What is the most memorable event that your company catered for?
We have catered for a lot of events. The most memorable event would be the  Rio de Janeiro themed event organised by Oaken Events. I had to use cocktail accessories that would flow with the theme. Our client was pleased that we went all out to make her event memorable.

What is your favourite cocktail?
My favourite cocktail is a classic mojito. I love the tangy and sweet taste.

Tell us about your educational background?
I studied law at the University of Lagos and later attended the Nigerian Law School, Lagos campus. I have a master’s degree in international business law from the prestigious Queen Mary University of London.

Who is a sexy siren to you?
Marilyn Monroe.

Are you a car freak and what is you dream car?
I love good cars. My dream car is the Lamborghini Gallardo.

How do you feel about you; who is Lara Rawa?
Lara Rawa is God-fearing, friendly and down to earth.

Which matters more to you: ambition or success?
I would say whichever one gets you to the point of being fulfilled in life.

Do what people think about you make you flip or have a sleepless night?
God has given everyone free will - the right to make a choice. So I wouldn’t have sleepless nights because a person decides to exercise their God-given rights.

What is the most memorable thing a man has said to you?
That would be during my postgraduate course. This guy sees me at the library and he goes: ‘excuse me have you seen my library card?’ And my response was ‘no! Why?’ And he said ‘because I’m totally checking you out!’ That was the cheesiest line ever.

What do you think of women who lie about their age?
I completely understand why some women would lie about their age. In certain situations the odds are against them in a way that men don’t have to think about. However, I really don’t recommend lying.

Which woman living dead or alive, would you describe as having the ideal body?
Beyonce.

Do you get up in the morning and feel good about your body and personality all the time?
Yes, I do. The only time I don’t feel good about my body is when I’ve gained a few pounds.

In what place are you happiest?
In my home, my safe haven. Surrounded by the love of family.

If you lost everything tomorrow, what would you do?
It would hurt but I will thank God because life is everything.

What is your most memorable fashion moments? 

My fashion moment happens each time I wear something new, feeling pretty fresh and I just don’t want to take if off or when I buy something I’ve been longing to have.

What is your favourite body part?
The brain.

What is the most important lesson your parents taught you?
Family comes first.

If you were to go on an island for an exotic weekend, what are the five things you will take along?
My Jo Malone vitamin E hand cream, my bible and iPad.

What are your vital beauty products?
Body shop oats and honey facial scrub, Soty’s facial cleanser, Soty’s exfoliating body wash and Cocoa Butter body cream.

What is your present BlackBerry ringtone?
The inbuilt ringtone, Zen Spirit.

What is the most memorable Valentine’s gift you have ever received from a man?
A special dress.

Calabar Hosts Naija Most Wanted Concert

Naija’s Most Wanted, a musical concert often staged as one of the top notch events during the Calabar Christmas Festival has never failed to live up to its billing as one of Nigeria’s top-flight music concerts.

The 2012 edition which was sponsored by Diamond Bank Plc, was graced by top government functionaries and people of Cross River State, and some of Nigeria’s finest music sensations who thrilled the audience with exceptional performances.

These artists include 2face Idibia, MI, Ice Prince and also Maya kay, a burgeoning London-based Nigerian musical talent. Other musicians include Meron, Sky boy, Calabar-based musician, AB, Xmine and Jamie Press among others.

The concert commenced at about 9pm on Wednesday 26 December, 2012 and stayed on as several musicians and comedians took turns to keep the guests on their feet well into the morning of Thursday 27 December, 2012.

Award winning artist, 2face Idibia, gave a good account of himself as he held the audience spell-bound at the jam-packed U.J.Esuene Stadium with his music, rendering his hit songs like African Queen and Ihe neme. He was preceded by notable artistes including top rapper, M.I. who generously gave members of the audience some of his personal belongings including his wrist watch and a gold neck lace.

The Calabar Christmas Festival is indisputably the biggest and longest multi-dimensional, carnival in West Africa. It boasts of 32 days of exciting events, colourful parades and global participation by close to a million people from all over the world. The carnival that commenced at the turn of the Millennium has grown in popularity, scope and participation yearly to become Nigeria’s strongest tourism brand.

The Cross River State Government has employed the Festival over the past years to drive its tourism efforts and provide exposure for its vast tourism sites and infrastructure such as the Obudu Cattle Ranch, the Tinapa Business Resort and Marina Resort amongst others.

The festival starts with a tree-lighting ceremony on November 30 every year at the Millennium Park Calabar and culminates in a thanksgiving ceremony on January 1 of the succeeding year.

In between, there are musical concerts which have featured renowned national and international artistes like Lucky Dube (of blessed memory), Joe, Alpha Blondy, Hugh Masekela, Oliver Mtukudzi, Akon, Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Chevelle Franklyn, Fat Joe, NeYo, Asa, D Banj among others have all at one time or the other graced the festival with superlative performance.

The festival also featured awareness campaigns and seminars on contemporary issues of global concern, children Christmas camp, theatre performances, vocational trainings for youth, fashion and food fairs as well as a weekend at the Obudu Ranch Resort to celebrate Africa, and so many other side attractions.

FRAUD ALLEGATION: Iyanya opens up

Reigning Afro hip hop act, Iyanya Mbuk who was accused by popular show organizer, Opa  Williams  of defrauding him to the tune of N1.7 million being payment for the singer’s performance at “Nite of A Thousand Laughs’ shows which held recently in Benin and Port-Harcourt, has reacted to the allegation.
Iyanya who was compelled to address the press last Tuesday following the allegation  denied the arrest of his Manager. Though, he admitted that the police invited them,  he said they didn’t spend  close to  1-hour at the police station before they were allowed to go their way.

Opa Williams,the producer of Nigeria’s foremost comedy show, ‘Nite of a Thousand Laughs’ reported Iyanya to the police for allegedly collecting N1.7 million from him being payment for the singer’s  performance at  ‘Nite of a Thousand Laughs’ shows which held in Benin  and Port Harcourt  few days ago. Unfortunately, the Kukere crooner never showed up at any  of the shows.
According to him, the reason they couldn’t make the Benin and Port Harcourt shows  was because of the fact that they were stuck in a traffic while on their way to the venue.
“I didn’t intentionally refuse to  show up at the show. What happened was that Opa contacted me to perform at the Benin leg of “Night Of A Thousand Laughs.” We agreed for N1.7million  but he paid me only  N1.5 million, promising to pay the balance of N200,000,00 after the show.  Later, he told me that he wanted us to perform in another show at Port Harcourt  but he didn’t pay me for the   Port-Harcourt  show.
However, I agreed to perform at both shows out of respect I have for Opa and I was in Benin for the show. Unfortunately, while I was on on my way to the venue, I got stuck in a traffic. That was when I got a call that the show had already ended. Meanwhile, I was scheduled to close the show.”
However, contrary to reports that he was paid N1.7m, the Kukere crooner said, Opa Williams paid him only  N1.5 million, promising to pay the balance of N200,000,000  after the show.
When asked if he has refunded  the money to Opa Williams,  Iyanya answered in the affirmative. “ Yes, I  refunded the money through an Access Bank cheque  immediately.”
According to him, “when I  couldn’t  make it to the shows,   Opa showed up with some policemen  who took us to the police station.  And like I said earlier, we didn’t spend close to 1- hour at the station. All they asked for was a refund. There and then, I issued a cheque  to Opa which was cashed immediately. They didn’t detain us. I have since apologised to Opa for missing the shows.”

CONTROVERSY! I’m not dating Pasuma – Biodun Okeowo

Curvaceous actress, Biodun Okeowo, who hit the limelight in the flick, Tolani Oshirin, is one of the glamorous actresses rocking the Yoruba  movie sector at the moment with her uncommon talent and irresistible sex appeal. Apart from featuring in many films, she has also made her mark as a producer  with seven films to her credit.
On December 15, 2012 she premiered her much talked about movie, Omo Butty (Pampered Child), where she brought Fuji musician, Wasia Alabi, popularly known as Pasuma to thrill the guests. Unfortunately, her action was misinterpreted, as she is romantically linked to the Fuji star. In this exclusive interview, she opens up on her relationship with Pasuma. She also talks about her career, her lifestyle, marriage and sex . Enjoy:
 
How did your journey into the movie industry begin?
I started acting as far back as 2006. I started training with the Ray Eyiwunmi Organisation and since then, I have been on my own.
What made you choose acting as a career?
 
So far, would you say, acting has been good to you?
Yes, acting has been good to me. It has opened doors for me. It has also brought favour to me in some quarters.
 
They say, there are caucuses in the Yoruba  movie industry such as the Odunfa caucus, The Abeokuta crew and the rest. Which one of these groups do you belong to?
Like I said before, I  emerged from the  Ray Eyiwunmi Organisatiom. But now, I’m a freelance actress.
 
What movie gave you, your  break?
“Tolani Osinrin” gave me my break and  I was happy playing a major role for the first time in my own movie.
 
Which  movie has been most challenging to you and why?
I’ve not been challenged theatrically. But I’m looking forward to having one.
 
Why  are you not featuring in English?
I’m not afraid of delving into the  English sector but the thing is, I’ve not been invited or given the opportunity but if the opportunity surfaces I’ll gladly accept. At my level now, you don’t expect me to be begging for a role, do you?
 
What do you consider before taking up a role or accepting a script and have you ever had to reject a script and why?
Yes, first and foremost I look at the  storyline. Second, the plot and third, the  director.  Yep, I’ve rejected scripts. I reject scripts that are not well baked and perfectly detailed. That is why I don’t feature in anyhow movies. I’ve made such mistakes in the  past and it really affected me. But Glory be to God that brought me back on my feet. So now I don’t just act all movies. I scrutinise scripts very well before taking them on.
 
What are the challenges of being an actress and a producer at the same time?
When I talk about films I have featured in, I have lost count but on my own I have  produced seven movies. Starting with ‘Tolani Oshirin’, ‘Okanjua’, ‘Oke Irapada’  and others. Producing one movie in a year, it’s so tasking being an actress and a producer at the same time. Because you have to deal with several different issues at the same time. Combining the  two, means one needs to contend with monetary issues and good interpretation  of roles,to make the production a successful one.
 
Which of your movies has been most successful and why?
Oh, it is very hard for me to say because all the films produced by me are good but if I have to really stick my neck out I’ll give it to ‘Ife Nsiere’ (Love is Crazy) but I truly believe my best is yet to come.  I  think people love ‘Ife N Siere’ because it deals with contemporary  issue of lesbianism.
 
What inspired your doing ‘Ife Nsiere (Love is Crazy)’ and what is your response to some criticising the film as being a little bit raw?
I got the  inspiration to write Ife Nsiere’ because lesbianism has become the  order of the  day which is fast gaining ground to the  detriment of this generation. My aim really is  to preach against this Sodomic act and also to tell people that not all that glitters is gold. The movie is not raw. And if viewers believe so, we did it to pass the message clearly and because acting is make-believe, we have to make  it real and believable.
I want people to know that there’s no profit in lesbianism. I want to also fault this common saying that love is crazy; love’s not crazy, neither is it blind. I want people to also know that marriage is meant to be preserved. House wives shouldn’t just jump to conclusion when, maybe, they see lipstick stains on their husband’s clothes and think that he’s had something to do with another woman.
 
What are you working on now and what is the story?
Presently, I’ve just shot ‘Omo Butty(Pampered Child)’ and it has even been premiered and is making tour of cinemas right now and it is expected to remain a big hit throughout the first part of 2013. I will be going on location soon to shoot another movie to be called  ‘Ore (Friends)’. ‘Omo Butty’ is about a spoilt child.
 
Are you in any relationship and are you considering getting married?
Yes, I am in a very serious relationship leading to marriage in the  most quiet way.
What would make you marry a man now, what do you really want in a man after two kids?
Because there’s no glory for a queen who’s got no king. Our society doesn’t accept an unmarried woman as a responsible woman. God knows his plan for me and what’s the  best for me in terms of the  type of man to marry. I am a woman and every woman needs a man to be complete.
 
What’s your idea of sex generally? As a beautiful woman you must be getting so much pressure?
Sex is good, and it should only be done between married people because sex is an oath. Its not something that should be done with numerous partners or done for the  fun of it. It is like marriage, sacred and pure. As for the pressure, may be temptations will come your way but it is left to the woman to control herself and be who she really wants to be without compromising her beliefs.
 
There is a whisper of a gist that something of a hot romance is brewing between you and Pasuma?
Where did that emanate from? It is laughable. I laugh because people are it again. Pasuma is a brother, a friend, and a very nice person to me too. Pasuma knows my man very well so where did this unscrupulous rumour emanate from that I’m dating him. Can’t people see closeness in different sexes and see it as platonic only? Local mentality is what I’m seeing in such rumour. Please rumour peddlers should go and  find jobs  to do.
 
What is sexiest about Biodun Okeowo?
Well, being sexy means different things to different people. But I think my shape, especially my hips are the sexiest part of my body.
 
Is it true that most actresses are flirts and this is largely responsible for their not being able to hold on to  marriages?
Well, I cant speak for others. But Biodun Sofuyi Okeowo is not a flirt. That, I can stand tall to say anywhere

Nollywood veteran actor, Enebeli Elebuwa, for burial today

The remains of late Nollywood actor, Enebeli Elebuwa who died last December, in New Delhi, India, will be laid to rest today at the Victoria Court Cemetery, Ajah, Lagos.
Elebuwa’s final journey began on Wednesday with a candle light procession and Night of Tribute, organised by the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, at the celebrity hangout, O’jez, National Stadium, Surulere.
 
At the candle light procession, which kicked off from Masha roundabout, in Surulere and terminated at the National Stadium, Elebuwa’s colleagues in the movie industry paid their last respect to him.

A wake-keep was held in his honour yesterday at NTA Channel 10 ground, Tejuosho, Yaba. It was attended by the cream of society.
 
The Requiem Mass holds this morning at St Michael’s Catholic Church, while internment follows immediately at Victoria Court Cemetery, Ajah.
 
There will be thanksgiving service at Michael’s Catholic Church, Lafiaji, Lagos.
Elebuwa died after suffering from several health challenges which required extensive hospital stays in the country before he was finally flown to India, where he gave up the ghost.
His remains arrived at the Muritala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, on December 15, 2012 and was received by the children and few members of the family.
Elebuwa was well known for the role he played as Andrew in a campaign by the Federal Government in the 1980s to discourage Nigerians from fleeing the country.

Olu Maintain: My Collabo With 50 Cent

AWARD-WINNING SINGER, OLU MAINTAIN’S R&B SINGLE, NAWTI, RELEASED LAST YEAR ENJOYED IMPRESSIVE REVIEWS FROM PUNDITS AT HOME AND ABROAD AND WON A COUPLE OF AWARDS TOO. HIS NEW SINGLE, HYPNOTIZE ME FEATURING AMERICAN RAPPER, 50 CENT AND VELVET VOICED SONGBIRD, OLIVIA WAS RELEASED YESTERDAY AND HE HOPES TO MAKE A BIG IMPACT IN THE INDUSTRY WITH THIS MUSICAL MARRIAGE. HE SPEAKS TO LANRE ODUKOYA ON HOW HE HAS FARED IN THE RECENT PAST, NEW PLANS AND SUNDRY ISSUES

WINNING NMVA AWARD…

It just makes me feel that hard work has indeed paid off, having been quiet for about three years and nominations popping out everywhere to the extent that Nawti won the Best Video of NEA Awards in New York. Nawti was also nominated as the Best R&B Song at the Hip Hop World Awards and I learnt that the only reason it wasn’t nominated as the Best Video at the Hip Hop World Awards was that no video directed by a foreigner is ever nominated. I don’t know why. They should have asked because the director of Nawti video is Kehinde Nayomi Smith and she’s a Nigerian. She was in Nigeria recently for the first time when I won the NMVA Award. But going forward, 2012 has been a very eventful year because my target was to release the album for 2012. With success of Nawti and the dynamism which the music industry was taking, I slowed down on the songs I had recorded initially because I have not been satisfied that I have put in my best into the ‘CHOOSEN ONE’ album. So, I went back to the studio and stared recording again. But now, I can confidently say that the album is coming out in the first quarter of this year and the second track on the album titled ‘Hypnotize Me’ features two international artistes.

ABOUT THE TITLE OF THE ALBUM…

The reason it’s ‘CHOOSEN ONE’ with double ‘o’ is that it’s a ten track album and each of the letters that come together to form the acronym represents each track on the album. There’s a remix of Nawti in the works and I found a new PR team in America called KNX based in Los Angeles and they’re trying to stock my songs and see the possibility of it pre-listed on mainstream radio and the response has been positive. They’re the ones making collaborations with the international acts that I’ve been working with. For me, doing collaboration with any international artiste should not just be by the star power of the artiste; it should be by merit that this artiste can genuinely do justice to the song in question.  So, if I was asked who I would love to do collaboration with; a female singer that is equally as pretty and has a beautiful  voice, my choice would be Olivia because I’ve always been her fan. So, when we met and I played her the song, she liked it and said she was willing to do it. Then we met in New York at the Platinum Studio owned by Jerry Wonder, one of the most sought after producers in the world. Coincidentally, Olivia is Jerry Wonder’s new artiste as well. 50 Cent has his lines on this track too. And there was this chemistry upon our meeting and we did the song with a beautiful experience and the video too is on the way. Everything is pretty much falling into place and I’m more than happy that I’ve waited this long. In terms of quality, you should never compromise because you have the obligation to always beat your best. So far, my name has evolved from Mr. Yahooze to Mr. Nawti. So, I look at Nawti as the best effort that I’ve put out there and Hypnotize Me has to come to beat what Nawti has done.

ASSESSMENT OF THE INDUSTRY IN 2012…

In all fairness, the industry has evolved bigger and more eventful in 2012. The Nigerian music industry is breaking more frontiers, Afro Beat is now a genre that’s now officially accepted in the UK and the larger parts of Europe and we have international record labels signing Nigerian artistes. We have more collaboration with international artistes as well. 2012 was big and 2013 is going to be bigger. This is encouraging from what the industry used to be some ten years ago. This is just a motivation to keep striving harder yearning for music that has substance. Nigerian music industry has gained a lot although; in its growth, it still lacks some level of development in terms of structure. Recently, I learnt that COSON has been able to get some level of publishing for some Nigerian artistes who have had songs over time. I’ve not got anything from COSON but that is a welcome development from COSON because Nigeria is the only developing country in the world where artistes don’t get publishing for airplay. Go to the UK and the US, one of the major income generating avenues for artistes is shows/concerts but everywhere else in the world publishing plays a larger part in financial rewards that an artiste gets. So for COSON to have intervened to forcefully demand for what is the right of Nigerian artistes, I think it’s a positive development. It’s like a marriage. A typical young man is not ready for marriage but when you find yourself in a situation where it’s inevitable to be in that circumstance, you deal with it. You manage it and you excel in it. So, if the Nigerian media hides behind the excuse that it’s not ready yet, nothing will move forward. Saying you’re not developed enough to impact in policies that the Western world has been doing for decades, you’re basically running from responsibilities. It’s like a loser’s statement; that it’s not going to be easy is not an excuse for it not to start. COSON has started. If everyone has that mentality that we want to follow the structure that we look up to in the west, then it can in no way be a step in the wrong direction.

2013 OF MY DREAM… 

2012 for me was a production phase. It was a phase where Olu Maintain came out of a three year hiatus and when he came out, he made a statement. So, the Olu Maintain brand is now known as one that doesn’t make a statement every time, but when it does, he gets it right. Coming up from a split in a group called Maintain, it made a global statement with Yahooze. And after three years hiatus, he made a statement again with Nawti, both the video and audio and won awards. So, in 2013, you can only expect that the production phase is over and it’s now an exhibition phase. Tours, endorsements, concerts are in the offing for the brand Olu Maintain in 2013.

COLLABORATION WITH NIGERIANS…

There’s a track in my album titled ‘Naija A-list’ and it’s a beat produced by a young producer, Yung D. He has produced quite a number of successful songs in 2012 and one of them is Timaya’s ‘Bum Bum’. This is the part I want to have collaboration with five best Nigerian rappers, so I called it ‘Naija A-list’. I have my choices but I’m not going to subject the feature on the song to my decision making alone. I want to let my fans decide who the best five are. It will be an online campaign and people are going to vote for their five best Naija rappers which will be like a survey among industry heads and fans out there.

MY PRODUCTION TEAM…

Hypnotize Me featuring Olivia was produced by the same guy who produced Nawti - Tayo Adeyemi. The Dancia, an upbeat track was produced by a young man called DJ Firm and I also worked with Yung D to produce about two songs in the album.

Sunny Melody: Juju Music Is Doing Well In Uk

WELL-TRAVELED JUJU MAESTRO, SEGUN ADEOLA OGUNYEMI A.K.A. SUNNY MELODY WAS UBIQUITOUS IN 2012. HE HAD MUSICAL ENGAGEMENTS ACROSS MANY CONTINENTS AND HAS SOME LAURELS TO SHOW FOR THE IMPRESSIVE STRIDES. IN THIS INTERVIEW WITH LANRE ODUKOYA, HE SPEAKS ABOUT HIS JOURNEY TO FAME AND THE FUTURE OF HIS ART

You’ve been out and about for the better part of 2012. What has been taking you across continents?

Yes, I really thank God for 2012 and it was my busiest one. It was a very busy year for me in terms of my career. During the course of 2012, I traveled severally to Canada, USA, Dubai, Italy, France, Belgium, Holland, South Africa, Ghana and of course my base in UK and Nigeria for many shows. To God be the glory, I recorded huge success in all.

But many are of the opinion that Juju music pays only the veterans like KSA, Ebenezer Obey and co

No, I don’t agree to that. The way I operate is unique and distinctively different from any one. So, it must pay me definitely. I’m always on the move, by so doing, I gather fans across the globe and that also pays a lot. I don’t just sit down and look for “food” to come and meet me where I’m seated. So, its fallacy to say Juju only pays the veteran like Obey and Sunny.

In all sincerity, can artistes survive mainly on Juju music in the UK as you’ve been doing?

Yes of course. Many artistes do other works to support themselves but I can categorically tell you that I survive on music only.

What about your laurels in 2012?

To God be the glory, I’ve got a couple of awards in my kitty. City People Award for the Best Musician in Diaspora (2011); Yoruba Heritage Award (Best Juju Artist, UK); Podium International Award; Ogun State Freelance Journalists Award as an Ogun State Ambassador; Charisma Magazine, UK Achievement Award; DSRA UK Special Recognition Award and so on and I really appreciate all of them equally.

With busy schedule on international shows, do you really get time to be with your family?

I don’t think there is any other artiste that spends as much time as I do with my family. When I’m in the UK, I’m always home with my family from Monday to Friday. I do the school runs and we go out to cinemas and the rest almost every week. Sometimes, I choose to bring them here with me to Nigeria.

Aside music, do you have your finger in any other business?

I do a bit of haulage business and a bit of clothing business but I have people handling them.

Some Juju musicians who once ruled in the UK are back in other businesses in Nigeria today.

Do you have any future in what you’re doing?

I don’t know the Juju musician(s) you are talking about, but with me, the future is so bright and shining. Let me tell you this, some of the guys we started together are nowhere to be found anymore. So, it’s my 12 years of doing music in the UK and I’m still standing relevant everywhere. I see nothing but a good future.

What were you doing before you started singing?

Basically, I was studying before I started singing. I studied Business Administration at Ogun State University; I don’t know what they call the school now. I was singing from the church and I joined Ogun State University Melody Band (OSU MELODY) when I was in OSU. I served at the Equatorial Trust Bank and was still singing and when I left for Europe.

What in life do you think you should have done differently?

Nothing my brother, I don’t regret doing things, I only learn from my mistakes.