The Nation Newspaper

Category: Celebrity

  • Okoroji promises bumper year for COSON members

    As the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON)’s office, Lagos, reopens for 2019, Chairman of the Collecting Society, Chief Tony Okoroji, has asked members and affiliates to see 2019 as a bumper year for them and their organization.

    According to Okoroji, with new leadership at the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), “the destabilization, meddling and unending interference in the internal affairs of COSON, a 100% private sector organization set up without one Naira of public money, should cease.”

    The former President of PMAN said that instead of the continuation of the adversarial relationship that has not produced any good for anyone in the copyright system, the leadership of COSON looks forward to a more co-operative relationship with the NCC so that the tremendous local and international goodwill and expertise available to COSON can be deployed not just for the good of COSON members but for the progress of the entire Nigerian creative community and the Nigerian nation.

    In his New Year message to the creative community, Okoroji said that he was aware that many friends of COSON were deeply concerned about the battle for the soul of COSON which started in 2017 and went through 2018. According to him, “some of our friends were scared that in 2018, COSON will scatter or die like many creative industry organizations before it”.

    “Rather than die,” he said “COSON has become stronger.”

    He explained that the challenges of recent months have created the opportunity for the laws dealing with collective management of copyright in Nigeria to be vigorously queried and the internal rules of COSON to be properly examined.

  • I’m the most fashionable person in the North – Filmmaker Uzee Usman

    Having studied Special Effects in South Africa, Uzee Usman returned home to Kannywood where he is currently one of the most sought-after filmmakers and cross-over actors. The graduate of Political Science and English from the University of Abuja and University of Jos respectively speaks with journalists on his journey to the make-believe world and relationship, among other issues. ADENIYI ADEWOYIN was there. Excerpts…

    Would you agree that your popularity is more in the north, and why is that?

    I started my career in the north, so yes. I was also born there and grew up in Kaduna. I was in Lagos though, for a while, until 2008 when somebody reminded me of being from the northern part of the country and suggested that I go back and give back to my people, which I did, almost immediately.

    It is northern movies that really brought me fame. I am the producer that started this merger thing in the industry today; that is bringing people from Kannywood to join Nollywood stars to do a movie.

    How did you get into the movie industry?

    I began my movie career in 2003. I started as a make-up artiste which earned me an award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) in 2008. I also won the best makeup artiste for the movie, ‘London Boy,’ and gained experience and contacts that launched me into stardom.

    I then started acting, after which I tried presenting before upgrading to a movie maker and entrepreneur. I soon became very famous in Kannywood movies and even produced some of the movies. I am the CEO of Uzee Concept too.

    Over the years, I have produced more than 20 movies in Nollywood and Kannywood, which earned me multiple awards, including the United Nations Peace Achievers Award.  I am also African Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCA) Best Film winner of 2014, Best Producer, B.U.K, Best Film Maker (North), Actors Screen Award, Best Movie Producer, Afro-Hollywood Awards London 2016, and lots more.

    My movies so far include: ‘Maja,’ ‘Oga Abuja,’ ‘Under,’ ‘Red Line,’ ‘Hassana Da Hussaina,’ ‘Thorny,’ ‘Power Of Tomorrow,’ ‘Almost Perfect,’ ‘Dark Closet’, If I Am President’ and ‘Makeroom.’

    I also host the most talked about talk show in northern Nigeria called, ‘Taurarin Zamani,’ which airs every Saturday and Sunday on African Magic Hausa at 5:30pm, Arewa24, and AIT, at different times.

     What inspired you to go into entertainment?

    It’s all about the passion! I have a passion for entertainment, movie making, especially acting. That passion has driven me to where I am today and to the glory of God, I have achieved a lot doing it.

     How do you cope with challenges?

    I am the kind of person that never allows anything to bother me. My friends know me to believe in the phrase; ‘everything will be alright.’ So, basically, I sleep over things and then let it go. I am a very simple human being and I know that no matter what, I will sleep and when I wake up the next morning, I’ll let all the worries go.

     As one of Kannywood’s personalities, what would you say are the challenges in the industry?

    There wasn’t really any big challenge that I had to deal with because when I came, the top actors at the time just let me take the position that I proved to be worthy of. The only thing I will say is that there is a lot of competition which is healthy in every profession. But in the north, there isn’t a lot of competition because there are just a few of us. I can say that there are just about five of us that can take the industry from the north to the south successfully and be accepted immediately, especially when you consider language barrier, education and a host of others. Most fans do not care where you come from as long as you give them what they really want.

    Would you say you are where you ought to be in the industry?

    No I’m not, but I thank the Almighty God for the level He has brought me so far. I can proudly say that I am a United Nations ambassador on SDGs, Nigerian ambassador to Mac- Arthur Foundation Global, amongst others.

    And what would you say is the position of Kannywood in the Nigerian movie industry so far?

    Let me say this: in Nollywood there are branches and of all those branches, Kannywood is the one that’s most reckoned with. We have stars that have emerged from Kannywood and are in a competitive circle with those in the southern part of the country. Kannywood has the largest branch in terms of fame and sales so much it has generated huge revenue for the government.

     So why did you say that there is only one industry and that is Nollywood, in a recent statement?

    The reason is that so many braches are springing up like Kannywood and Yorubawood and more; it’s wrong. We are all Nollywood but Kannywood, specifically, stands out because, at some point, that branch was not associated with southern movie makers until people like me came in from somewhere to effect the merger and make sure it works. In movies, language is not a barrier. We watch Indian movies, we watch Latin and American movies and some of these languages we do not understand. I believe in differentiating but we all are still under Nollywood; like it is in Bollywood. Indian movie industry also has a series aspect and some of the top artistes seen in the series do not even appear in the movies.

     How do you achieve your urbane look?

    One of the main secrets of my urbane look is that I’m a free minded person. I go to bed every night with no ill feelings. If I must sleep, I sleep like a baby. I wake up every morning and I look fresher than I was the night before.

      What is your philosophy in life?

    Everybody will be alright, don’t take things too serious. Always remember that you will die one day.

     What is your relationship status?

    I’m single and searching at the moment. I suffered a tremendous heartbreak, so it really affected my love life. I am not ready for marriage for now. In fact, I’m too busy to think about relationships or marriage. My job is taking much of my time and I’m enjoying it.

     When do you think it’s right to settle down, because I know northerners marry quite early?

    Well, for now, I can’t say. I’m too preoccupied to think about marriage. Filmmaking is sweeter than sex. So, I’d rather enjoy my work now. Woman and other relationship issues can come later. I like dark tall girl a lot though.

    These days there are lots of claims that actors stay away from marriage because of sugar mummies, how true?

    I don’t know about others. But I know I have had sever encounters with sugar mummies and their mouth-watering promises. I’m a man of principle. Even on social media, they send all kinds of messages to me. I resist all forms of their temptations.

    How long can you stay without sex?

    Right now, I can stay for over three months without getting intimate with any woman. I have trained myself to be like that. I’m not a sex freak.

    What is your advice to young Nigerians?

    Always believe in yourself. Don’t fake another person; you can achieve your own goals. Don’t allow politicians to use you and dump you. Always start from somewhere, time is never a problem. You can be 35 and still pursue a degree in the university; it’s not a big deal. Always be positive and be yourself, be prayerful and dedicated to whatever you do.

  • Ify Ubah gets Green Award

    Nollywood actress Ify Ubah has bagged an award at the just concluded Miss Green Field Nigeria beauty pageant.

    Organised by Breeze on TV, the event which held on December 1, 2018 at the Panama Events Centre, Festac Town, Lagos, had a segment for honouring humanitarian and media works.

    Among those honoured were Ubah and Aniedi Awahnoba of the Directors Giuld of Nigeria, for their contributions to Nollywood.

    An excited Ify said the award will spur her on to deliver more.

    “It was really an amazing feeling getting the award,” she said.

    “It’s not as if I’ve been long in the industry. This year is my three years in the industry. It was awesome and it made me know that I need to do more work for my fans.”

    The pageant was won by Miss Lagos, Halim Susan, while Miss Kogi, Audu Aisha, was first runner-up and Miss Ebonyi, Chioma Ikeji, emerged second runner-up.

  • New music label, TREW, unveils music acts

    In order to reinstate the music industry in the country, a new record label, Tom Rice Entertainment Worldwide (TREW) has launched to bridge the gap, repair faulty foundations and erect a creative community where artistes can focus on their crafts.

    Speaking at the unveiling ceremony which held on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, the General Manager of TREW, Olumide Mark, said he intends to focus on what is important by investing in music and the talent behind the music via the platform.

    “We believe in creating collaborative and innovative techniques using unique strategies to project our artistes to the world. For us we see a bright future, one in which an enabling environment is created for artistes to thrive and reach their maximum potential in an atmosphere free of stress,” he said

    The management also used the opportunity to unveiled two budding acts, Franklin Chukwunonso with the stage name Billi, and Isaac Osemudiamen aka Isick to the music label, describing them as the next big thing in Nigerian music space.

    Also, the Chief Executive Officer of the label, Nduka Obasi expressed optimism that both artistes several talents in terms of melodies with meaningful content that will cut across the globe.

    “I have no doubt signing these talented artistes because they are blessed with musical skills that will change the face of music,” he said.

    Obasi further noted that Nigeria is blessed with a uniquely wide array of talents from her diverse tribes, so much the world is beginning to identify with our music and craft but unfortunately there are more talents and few opportunities.

    He however pledge to make contributions to the overall development of the entertainment industry.

  • Davido gifts Ikorodu Bois N1m for Melaye skit

    In appreciation of the efforts of teen comedian group, Ikorodu Bois, for mimicking Senator Dino Melaye’s acts, hip hop star Davido, has gifted them the sum of N1 million.

    In a series of videos, the Ikorodu Bois mimicked how the Senator acted as he was taken to the hospital after his arrest by the Nigeria police and his mutterings, claiming he wasn’t feeling fine while he laid on a hospital bed.

    While many Nigerians laughed at the skit, Davido appreciated the boys by asking them to send their account number which he credited with N1million.

    “Lmao, this kids are legends,” wrote Davido.

    “Send una account make I send 1m to una. this one enter.”

    Ikorodu Bois responded by writing, “@davidoofficial ahhhhhhhhhh OBO”, also including emojis of love.

    Many of the comments thanked Davido for his gesture of not only recognising the boys’ talents but also giving them money.

  • I won’t do anything extra to get a guy – Nollywood actress Uyoyou Adia

    Budding filmmaker, actress and screenwriter, Uyoyou Adia, ended 2018 on a high note with three awards for her short film, ‘Lost’. The Microbiology graduate from the Osun State University, Osogbo, speaks with OLAITAN GANIU on her mission in the industry among other sundry issues.

    For how long have you been a filmmaker?

    Actually, it’s been a year now. I came into the industry fully in October 2017. I had done a couple of acting gigs in 2013 or thereabout, but I decided to take a break because of school, so I came back fully in October 2017.

    Are you done with school now?

    Yes, I’m through with school. I studied Microbiology.

    How would you say 2018 treated you?

    It was a surprising year. Where I am right now, I didn’t think I would be here within a year. It’s been full of speed and it’s been a fast learning process for me.

    Within that year, how many movies did you act in?

    I acted just two movies. One of them is my short film, ‘Lost’ which I directed. I also featured in a feature film but I’m not allowed to disclose the name just yet since it’s not out. That is left for the producers. I also produced a short movie, ‘Roots’.

    Between producing and acting, which is your first love?

    Producing is not even on the list as it is. If I have to choose, it would be between directing, writing or acting. Writing was the first love, but I think it is changing now. I think directing has taken over.

    Do you see yourself dumping the others and settling solely for directing?

    I don’t think so, but I feel like acting is going to suffer a lot because I’ll probably dedicate my time more to directing and writing.

    How would you describe your first year in the movie industry?

    Like I said, it’s been a year of speed. It’s been an eye-opening year for me. I’ve quickly learnt how and when to do the things I want to do. I’ve learnt how to do almost everything in the filmmaking business. In the space of one year, I’ve had a couple of acting jobs, writing gigs and all that.

    What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt so far?

    The biggest lesson I’ve learnt so far is to be humble.

    So before now, you were arrogant?

    To be very honest, entering into the industry, I used to hear a lot of existing filmmakers, the people we look up to, tell their stories from the past. They always used to say how someone gave them a chance, or someone took a chance on them. So, I always used to ask, if someone gave them a chance, why don’t they take a chance on us young filmmakers? But then I got to look past that. The fact that they are not giving me a chance does not mean they are not giving someone else a chance. So I quit being entitled to their help and just worked myself up. It’s not like I was proud, but then, I wasn’t humble enough to accept that I was not good enough. So right now, that was my biggest lesson learnt this past year.

    Your short film won three awards…

    Like people always say, it is a family film. They call it the Adia family film because is stars my brother, myself and my mom. I shot it on my phone and it was a project that I gave birth to because of the African Smartphone  International Film Festival where I won the award. I did that project because of the festival in particular. I was on a project that went into the festival in 2017 and I challenged myself to shoot a film with a phone for that festival. The story came about when I realised that most of the films that touch on depression or mental health issues almost always address the female gender. It felt like the male gender does not go through it. It felt like they were not depressed, it felt like they were the strong ones, it felt like nothing gets to them. So I wanted to tell a different side of the story by letting people know that it can happen to anybody. Nobody is safe. Sometimes, no matter how strong the male gender wants to pose to be, they are not always that strong.

    Is the story borne out of a personal experience?

    No actually. Sometimes I write stories based on what is happening around me at the time, what the society is going through at the time. As at the time I wrote that script, there was a lot of discourse about depression going on. So I got my inspiration from all that.

    Have you ever gone through depression?

    I have. In my secondary school, I didn’t finish when my mates finished. I had to come back to school for an extra year, and that really kept me down. But the thing is, I don’t like being pitied. No matter how depressed I am or how down I feel, I like to look at the people around me and know the friends that can help lift my spirit. I never let it get that far that I start having suicidal thoughts. I’ve only had suicidal thoughts once in my life, and that was during my Pre-degree days. Because I was delayed in secondary school and the following year, I managed to pass, I went for my pre-degree in UNAAB, Now FUNAAB, Abeokuta, I didn’t pass that as well and I knew my dad was going to be really furious at me and I didn’t want to go back home. At that point I considered suicide. I had to call my mom and explain to her. After that, I have never contemplated suicide.

    You always had it in mind to act, why did you study Microbiology?

    I didn’t know I wanted to act. Acting came at a later time for me. I wanted to be a footballer. My dad wanted that for me also but things didn’t work out as planned. Acting came at a time when a friend of mine wanted to tell a story and he didn’t have people to act for him. He asked me if I was interested and I said yes. From that moment, I knew this was it. I’ve always wanted to be in the entertainment industry but I didn’t know where exactly I would fit. So when he asked if I would go into acting, I said yes. I did it and I told myself this is the industry I want to be in.

    Do you still play football?

    For fun, yes.

    Three awards in one night. How did that make you feel?

    As you can believe, I was over the moon, like I didn’t know what to feel. Like I said, I made that film specifically for that festival and for them to select my film first of all, I was very grateful. I was always questioning the film if it was good enough to get into the festival. But when it got selected, I was happy. And then winning three categories, I was blown away. This is one year into film making and that was my directorial debut, it was the first film I wrote. Before now, I had done a one-minute short film to get into the Accelerate Filmmaker Project this year. I made it to the top 15 but I couldn’t continue because I had somewhere to be. But ‘Lost’ was my baby project, and to see it bring back this result was amazing.

    What are your projections for this year?

    I pray this year is better than next year. I would also love to shoot another film on my phone this year. Apart from that, I look forward to working on different sets to gather experience. It is one thing to go to film school, it’s another thing for you to be on ground and be practical on set. So I really want that feeling. I want to experience it first hand on set more this year than I did last year.

    Are you married?

    No, I’m not married.

    Are you in a relationship?

    I’m not in a relationship.

    Is it that you don’t have ‘toasters’ or you’re scaring them away?

    I don’t even have time to drive away (laughs). I do have admirers but honestly, I’m just more focused on myself, making myself a better person right now and building a career than I’m more concerned about a relationship.

    Don’t you get worried that the biological clock is ticking?

    No, I’m not worried one bit. There’s a time for everything. You cannot rush into something and rush out of it.

    What’s your spec?

    I don’t have a spec. This is not being cliché, but I just need the person in question to be God-fearing. I believe if you are God-fearing, fear go catch you to do some kind things. If you’re God-fearing, that means you love God which also means that you will love me the way God loves you. If you’re God-fearing, that means as much as you have respect for God, you have respect for me as your partner. I also like someone that believes in my hustle, someone that supports my hustle, someone who believes in me, what I’m about and what I’m doing. And please let him be fine too. I like fine people.

    So, if you meet such a person, will you shoot your shot?

    I don’t think so. I’ve met a lot of people that I like. It really depends on what the term means. I won’t ask a guy to go out with me. I might show I care more than a friend. If you figure it out that I like you, fine. If not, I won’t do anything extra.

    What are your hobbies?

    I love listening to music a lot. I love watching movies. I love playing football as you know and I love hanging around friends.

    You short film stars your mom. Are you bringing her into the industry?

    (Laughs). No I’m not. My mom is a very dramatic person. At that point when I was shooting, I didn’t have an alternative but she was a perfect choice because the chemistry between her and my brother was already there. So, I didn’t even think about it twice. I’m not trying to draw her in, but I think she will do a couple of films for me in the near future.

  • Nigerian acts and Pepsi no chill Desembaa

    Lagosians will not forget in a hurry how Pepsi gave them a December to remember with musical concerts featuring A-list Nigerian artistes and other foreign musicians.

    For about five years now Pepsi has always provided entertainment platforms for its teeming youthful consumers especially through the rebranded Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged musical concert.

    But the Pepsi December live engagements took a more thematic form in 2016 with the Pepsi Turn Down To Turn Up campaign which led to the unveiling of Teckno as Pepsi Music Ambassador. In 2017, it was No Shakin’ Carry Go Desembaa which was an extension of a consumer promo earlier in the year. For the first time since their music careers witnessed an upward spiral, Pepsi music ambassadors, Wizkid and Davido held solo concerts in Lagos. Indeed, Davido’s 30 Billion Concert is still being discussed in the media space 12 months after.

    Trending on #Pepsi NoChillDesembaa, the musical combo which flagged off quite early in the month of December with the Party Dreams concert on December 7, DJ Cuppy’s Special Guests on December 9 which indeed was the first in the lineup of yuletide performances for the vivacious female disc jockey blazing the trail in what was (and still is) a predominantly male dominated terrain, the much hyped Pepsi events lived up to their billings.

    From the exclusive concert by Wizkid on December 19 at Eko Hotel and Convention Centre, Victoria Island Lagos, Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged on Friday, December 21, Bobby Brown ‘back in time’ Concert on Saturday December22,   Wizkid Made in Lagos Concert held at the Eko Atlantic Victoria Island on Sunday December23, Lagos metropolis was on lockdown as thousands of youths besieged the venues of the concerts. Thursday, December 27 witnessed yet another influx of fun seekers as they stormed the Eko Atlantic for a night of revelry with Davido.

    For Pepsi, a youthful brand, the #PepsiNoChillDesembaa provided the platform to meet the youths at their passion point- music.

  • Talk show to tackle widowhood, others holds today

    She-EO (Executive Officer), a talk show style event for women, is set to tackle issues around widowhood, career success, depression, and money anxiety disorders among women.

    To achieve this, the founder of She-EO, Temitope Fajingbesi-Balogun, said the evolving issues will be addressed at the fourth edition of She-EO today at the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos state.

    According to her, She-EO is an interactive and socially engaging female-only platform which provides a veritable avenue for women to discuss and share ideas on gender-sensitive issues and proffer solutions to help participants deal with such problems.

    The seminar, she said aims to be a talking point for women to share their real life experiences with other women who might be going through similar rough patches, with a view to inspiring them to excellence in spite of challenges.

    “She-EO is a talk show style event for only 100 women in a room, discussing issues that matters to African women which they do not like to discuss in the open but which must be discussed because they matter.

    “We will discuss about relationships, love, finances, investments, business, fashion and health among other things. We will also address issues of personal growth and community engagement, with specific emphasis on financial, mental and societal barriers that inhibit the growth and progress of the African woman in a male-dominated society.”

    Fajingbesi-Balogun urged women to view themselves in the right perspectives.

    “Our biggest problem as women is perspective,” she said, noting that SheEO started in 2017 and it holds every second Saturday of the year to enable women begin the year with set goals.

  • Re: Who dares a Lionheart?

    Standby follower, Olaitan Faranpojo reacts to the controversy that trailed the cinema release of Genevieve Nnaji’s ‘Lionheart’ as analyzed in this column on December 22, 2018.

    Hello Victor,

    I hope you had a wonderful Christmas.

    There are so many different elements to this (article) that I don’t know where to begin.

    I will not discuss the politics of the issues raised. Some are universal problems and some are probably specific to Nigeria:

    Global problems:

    ALL filmmakers believe that the market and distributors are not treating them fairly.

    They believe that their film will be the top box office film of the year if they are only given a chance.

    They will search for excuses for why their film is not as successful as it should be and do not pay attention to market forces. It is usually very expensive to launch a movie in cinemas (in the US, the general assumption is about $10,000 per screen for the opening week). The money is not out of thin air, it is real money. The cinemas are expensive to run and usually don’t make a strong profit unless they fill all the seats. It is a business decision rather than a personal decision.

    Sometimes it is a personal decision, but that is rare. If people think they will make money and sell tickets they will find a way to overcome their personal feelings.

    Nigerian issues:

    NETFLIX – I counseled a filmmaker recently on an offer for worldwide subscription VOD (Netflix) and told him to make sure he maintains the rights in Nigeria or at least have a long period where he can do a theatrical release, VIP/Sponsor screenings, etc. If the film appeared on Netflix at the same time it was opening in the cinema, that is obviously a problem.  A Nigerian film will always make the most money in Nigeria, so the filmmaker needs to keep control of those rights even if it is flattering to receive worldwide distribution.  Those deals are usually only $150,000 to $300,000 compared to potentially a million from the Nigeria market after you add together all the revenue streams.

    Piracy – Obviously this is a problem for any film that is presented in any format anywhere in the world. Do you know how common piracy was of LION HEART before the theatrical release?  I would guess that it was seen by most people before the release.

    Most local films don’t make money in cinemas. I am not certain about this now, but if you look at the box office results for local films that manage to get a theatrical release, the results are disappointing for at least half of those. In some years, just a handful of movies really make a profit in theatrical release. This is a common problem everywhere, but since the number of screens and the number of local releases is limited, it is easy to make the analysis.

    Finally, Nigeria needs more specialization between the creative jobs and the business jobs. This is much better than it was in the past where it seemed that the director was also the producer, star, screenwriter, publicist and distributor. I don’t know the details here, but if Ms. Nnaji is the person negotiating for the theatrical release of her film, that is probably not good. The director is usually too emotionally attached to the film to make good business decisions about it, especially when that means not spending money for a big theatrical release if the business situation dictates that conclusion for any reason (bad reviews, piracy, bad genre for cinema release, etc.).

    This is all very interesting to me and I will try to watch the movie as soon as possible. I’m very sure the whole issue is going to be a plus for LIONHEART, because it has created more publicity for the film.

    On ‘Chief Daddy’, Mo Abudu is just a fantastic business Madam. While our Nigerian filmmakers are busy jumping from twitter handle to Histogram page, Mo Abudu was busy listening and studying the audience. She is just doing fine and I am happy for her.

    I hope you have a joyous and blessed New Year.

    Cheers.

    …Faranpojo Olaitan is CEO, Gospel Film Festival.

  • Simi, Adekunle Gold’s quiet wedding

    After a secret romance, singers Adekunle Gold and Simi, during the week, held their traditional and white wedding ceremonies. The intimate events both held in Lagos with the white wedding taking place at Ilashe Beach. The duo who had been severally linked romantically only publicly declared their love about a month ago. In fact, ‘Orente’, Adekunle Gold’s chart-busting song, was inspired by Simi.

    With their wedding, Adekunle Gold and Simi have toed the path of celebrity couples like Banky W and Adesua Etomi. However, shunning publicity, the couple who had been dating for about a decade banned attendees, as only family members and close friends were reportedly invited to the ceremonies which held on Wednesday at Victoria Island and on Thursday at Ilashe Beach. Some celebrities at the events include Falz, Do2dtun, Smade, Praiz, Olamide, Moelogo, and Pheelz.

    It was also gathered that celebrities were banned from taking pictures or recording videos at the wedding. Fans have, however, pled with the couple to publish their wedding photos.

    Some facts about Simi and Adekunle Gold

      SIMI

    1. She was born as Simisola Bolatito Ogunleye April, 19, 1988 in Lagos, Nigeria.
    2. She started singing at age of 8 and wrote her first song when she was 10 years old
    3. She joined her teenage church choir called “Outstanding Music Group”.
    4. She holds a degree in Mass Communications from the Covenant University and enjoys broadcasting and blogging.
    5. She signed to Oscar Music Production in 2013.
    6. She signed a record deal with X3M Music in 2014.
    7. She released two of her hit singles titled “Tiff” and “E No Go Funny” in 2014 and also got a number of award nominations.
    8. A huge football fan, she supports Manchester United
    9. She released another hit single titled “Jamb Question” which the remix featured the Nigerian rapper, Falz.
    10. She also won the Most Promising Act to Watch award at the 2015 NEA Awards.
    11. Her movie debut is in Kunle Afolayan’s yet-to-be-released ‘Mokalik’

    ADEKUNLE GOLD

    1. He was born Adekunle Kosoko on January 28, 1987 and hails from Lagos Island.
    2. He is a prince of Lagos and member of Kosoko royal house of Lagos.
    3. With three sisters (one late), he is the only son of his parents and Jide Kosoko’s nephew
    4. He wrote his first song at the age of 15 and joined the junior choir of his church.
    5. He has an HND in Arts and Design from the Lagos State Polytechnic while majoring in Graphics.
    6. Adekunle added Gold to his name after a session in church with the inspiration coming from an excerpt of the pastor’s preaching.
    7. He was a member of a boys band called The Bridge.
    8. The group dropped a couple of singles and featured acts like Skales and GT the guitarman before it was disbanded.
    9. He designed YBNL’s official logo.
    10. He got the moniker ‘King of Photoshop’ after photo-shopping himself into photos of popular celebs
    11. His debut single, ‘Sade’ is actually a cover of One Direction’s ‘Story of my Life’.
    12. The single won the Best alternative song award at the recently held 2015 Headies awards ceremony.
    13. Simi actually helped Adekunle Gold define his style and helped named his genre, ‘Urban Highlife’.
    14. Simi mixed and arranged Adekunle Gold’s three singles, ‘Sade’, ‘Orente’ and ‘Pick Up’.
    15. He won the award for ‘Revelation of the Year’ at the 2015 edition of AFRIMA.
    16. He made his movie debut on Kunle Afolayan’s ‘The CEO’.