The Nation Newspaper

Category: Celebrity

  • My frustration as a celebrated model – Gabby Ibeabuchi

    Gabby Ibeabuchi is a celebrated model who has worked some notable brands over the years. He moved on to the corporate sector, banking to be specific before rediscovering his talents as a designer. Today, he has carved a niche for himself as the CEO of Twelve06, making clothes for Nigerian celebrities . In this interview with YETUNDE OLADEINDE, he talks about his passion, potentials among others. Excerpts

    What should your clients expect from you in the new year ?

    We had an amazing 2018. I have no doubt 2019 will be a more fantastic year for Twleve06. We just released a new collection to mark our anniversary on December 6. The collection is titled ‘IMAGINE’ (imagine a world without fashion designers) aimed at showcasing the immense creativity of the fashion designers. This is just a drop in the ocean compared to what we have coming. We are giving birth to a sister company that will change the fashion game in Africa. We are partnering with some international agencies to extend our brand presence to more countries and races. I must say that there is so much packed up to mention a few.

    What were the achievements in 2018?

    As an internationally  driven brand, we were able to extend our service to more countries. We have stronger presence in the UK than before. We have more states covered in the US and Canada. We have distributors in these locations now. We have a new online partnership for effective distribution beyond Africa that will be unveiled shortly. We have improved on our service generally. We have a 48 hour turn-around time at no extra cost. We have also built a stronger distribution network hence our new emerging sister company. We have more designs at the showroom – over 300 per time – and we hope to increase that in 2019 to ensure you get what you want once you walk in.

    Did you discover new areas?

    We are working on producing and using only our own exclusive fabrics in the nearest future. We want to give our clients exclusivity. My trip to the UK/US during the summer opened my eyes to the yearning of people for creative African designs. I sold a top I wore in a mall to an American who jokingly told me how beautiful the outfit was and if I could sell it. I jokingly affirmed and he offered money. I had to quickly buy a T-Shirt which I wore out. People over there irrespective of race, love our designs. We are obviously exploring that and more.

    Let’s talk about some memorable moments in your life and career.

    There are so many. This includes having worked as a relationship manager in a corporate bank, meeting and relating with high net worth individuals has been something I am used to. But my job as a fashion designer has taken that to another level. I get calls from politicians, MDs of companies, foreigners, clergy, etc requesting our service. I believe people at that level also want someone they can relate with effectively. We understand how they think, their challenges and expectations, hence, they are more comfortable dealing with us. This comes with favour and respect for us as well.  I travelled to more states than I planned in the US courtesy of customers and friends who just wanted to see me and get their measurements taken especially those that our communication had been by phone and e-mails.

     What are some of the challenges encountered?

    My biggest challenge as a fashion designer is dedicated manpower. People are just there for what they can get, not necessarily to get the job done with dedication and passion. It’s quite frustrating.

    How do you cope with them?

    I conduct training like every other day. Currently, I have become a professional trainer because  I constantly work on discovering new ways to overcome these challenges. I use moral suasion and positive reinforcement consistently to drive my staff. Trust me, it’s more work that the real work.

    Let’s compare when you started and now. What has changed?

    As a banker, I hardly had time for myself. It’s even worse now because I spend more time working on building the brand to achieve the vision with which it was set up. I hate failure. I never give up. My social life has become a shadow of itself. I know it is expected at the stage the business is now. Hopefully all that will improve soon. I hardly travel out of the country except when pressingly necessary. Customers most of the times like to deal with me one on one.

    What are some of the changes that you would like to see in the sector?

    I would like to see the fashion industry grow like the comedy and music industries in Nigeria. I look forward to a time when sponsors will invest as much as they do in other aforementioned industries considering the great potential that the fashion industry holds. I want to see brands endorse fashion designers as ambassadors. The fashion industry is a gold mine waiting to be tapped. Investors take note.

    What is your definition of style?

    Fashion is usually what you are offered while style is what you adopt. Fashion is a mass trend. It is by and large dictated by fashion designers. Style is personal and customized. It highlights your best features, and declares your personal taste. Your personality can be expressed through a personal style.

     What are some of the things that you treasure most in life?

    I like peace of mind. Struggle is not for me at all. I don’t like noise. I like efficiency especially when things work smoothly without hassle.

    How do you relax?

    This may sound funny but I love  World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). I don’t like violence, don’t get me wrong. Those guys are one of the most creative people in the world. I am attracted to creativity any way. They have a way of entertaining you while you long for more. Watching WWE refreshes my mind.

    What are some of the principles that you hold onto?

    I have three words that form an acronym which I have adopted as my core value. Passion, Integrity and Service(PIS). Passion-love for your job which constantly ignites enthusiasm aimed at satisfying the customer always. Integrity – guided by strong moral principles. Service – relentless in providing quality service.

    Let’s talk about the people you admire and role models.

    I respect passion and consistency. I like people that have done one thing over time and also been able to make out something worth emulating from it. In the African fashion scene, I respect Mudi. After 23 years of doing same thing, he is sure a role model to look up to.

    If you have to advise young people, what would you tell them?

    You can make out something great from anything you commit to. Don’t always try to be someone else. Be yourself rather. Find what you are passionate about and pursue it with resilience. I left banking for fashion on realizing my unending passion for it. I have been able to excel in it because I am very passionate, creative and hungry to succeed. I do it with ease as much as it gives me joy.

  • Flavour shuts down Anambra

    Highlife king Flavour Nabania has ended his year with a fun-filled, exciting concert in Anambra sponsored by Life Continental Beer.

    The show also featured other acts including the likes of Phyno, Chidinma, Obiligbo Brothers and Awilo Longomba.

    Flavour, who began his performance with a rendition of his fan-favorite song “Oyi”, electrified the stage as he thrilled fans all night long with his live instruments.

    The concert marked the end of a six-day period in which Life Beer provided southeasterners with non-stop entertainment. The week started with two “bridge of progress” parties in Anambra and Owerri, on the 26th and 28th respectively, before heading to Awka, Anambra for the Flavour of Africa concert.

    “Life Lager is the first beer to be brewed in the southeast of Nigeria,” said the Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries, Plc, Emmanuel Oriakhi, after the concert.

    “The brand has always been very close to its root and its people. This year we took steps to further deepen this connection. We realize how much it means for the people of Enugu to be able to celebrate the year-end festivities with friends and family and we wanted to be part of that experience for our loyal consumers. We at Life Beer also wanted to give them a celebratory experience that will not only resonate with them but also be equally memorable, hence our decision to host the “Bridge of progress parties and sponsor the Flavour of Africa Concert. We thank our consumers for consistently choosing Life and we wish every one of them a very happy New Year.”

  • One lyrical shot at stardom

    Listening to Mannie’s dating-fever programme – Say My Name – on the popular Good Morning Nigeria show on Cool FM recently, a young guy, Briggs, called in, as is the tradition, wanting to be sure where he stood with his girlfriend, Sonia, who resides in Abuja. It became clear that Sonia preferred another guy, Michael, who not only shares proximity with her but who, apparently, was better loaded (if you know what I mean).

    Considering the manner in which Sonia, who was so unpretentious, dazzled the presenters; Mannie and Taymi B, another caller who was equally blown away tagged her president of all the ‘Amakas”.

    To understand the new meaning given to Amaka, a beautiful Igbo feminine name is to listen to Innocent Idibia’s latest song under the same title. The phrase, Amaka Disappoint Me in 2Baba’s story is a jibe that has made the song even more popular. Not only have comedians been using Amaka as synonym for everything unfaithful about a woman, someone also sang a cover of the trending 2Baba’s song – all for the fun of it.

    Back to the story of Sonia, two things that further convinced the caller that she was the president of all the ‘Amakas’ were the punch lines she borrowed from some trending songs. One, she said something like, ‘Na Dem Dey Rush Us’ to buttress her status as a woman in high demand. That phrase is from CDQ’s song titled ‘Fine Boyz.’ When asked what song she would like to listen to in closing her phone-line session, she simply said: ‘If We No Make Money, Wetin We Gain.’ That lyrical phrase is another strong one, coming from a new artiste who is obviously blowing as we speak. His name is Victor AD, and the title of the song is ‘Wetin We Gain.’

    It says in part:

    “Phone dey ring

    Na family dey call oh

    If no be billing, na something dey sup oh

    Anyhow e be, omo money is involve oh

    Oluwa bless me ’cause I no fit dull oh…

     

    {Chorus}

    If we no make money

    Wetin we gain o? (Wetin we gain?)

    My brother wetin we gain (Wetin we gain?)

    If we no buy the benz

    Wetin we gain? (Wetin we gain?)

    My brother wetin we gain? (Wetin we gain?)

    Wetin we gain o? (Wetin we gain?)

    My brother wetin we gain (Wetin we gain?)…”

    Like Sonia, music is the language that defines the aspiration of many young people of today, and it takes a music wannabe who wants to break into the highly competitive market to understand how this fact, and evolve a strong phrase that may appeal to the aspirations of potential fans.

    This next one – “My Papa No Be Dangote, Adeleke, But We Go Dey OK” is another promising song from a new kid on the block, Teni. It is titled ‘Case’. Teni uses ‘Case’ to prove her feat wasn’t a mistake, after winning Headies’ ‘Rookie Of The Year’ early this year. Such is the power of punchy lines as part of the ingredients of good music.

    Going back in time, we can recall how 2Face’s ‘African Queen’ and its video has remained a classic. Now, every good woman from this part of the world is an African Queen, and you would think 2Face owns the franchise to the two words.

    There are other few examples of lyrical catch phrases that have become day to day slang among music fans.

    Olamide, in “Pepperdemgang” gave us Pepper Dem Gang; Slim Case in “Issabanga” gave us ‘Oshaprapra, Oshapropro’ to connote something potent; Zamora in “Importanter” gave us ‘Importanter’ as something or someone more important; Mavin crew gave us “Dorobucci’, with Doro as a prefix to something and everything beautiful; Tiwa & Don Jazzy tickled us with “Eminado”, a word that generated controversy; Davido took the slang “Gobe” to another level with See Gobe; Small Doctor’s song, “Penalty” which gave him a break not only used a football language, the phrase, If You No Get Money, Hide Your Face became an anthem; Korede Bello’s “Godwin” soared with ‘I Don Get Alert, God Win,’ launching the artiste into fame; Davido’s “Aye” got people talking with ‘She No want designer, She No Want Ferrari, She Say Na My Love O…’, just like “Da Mi Duro” the song that brought him to limelight with ‘Ema Da Mi Duro… Emi Omo Baba Olowo’… another artiste that rules the airwave is Harrysong whose ‘Reggae Blues’ became a street anthem with phrases like, ‘After The Reggae Play The Blues….Share The Gala Share The Booze… Enjoy Yourself Baby Boo, Cos Even Your Boo Get a Boo’. Of course, that earned him an endorsement by Gala, and the rest, as they say, is history.

    As much as most music of today have been said to be all-sound and no-message, there is commercial potential for creativity, and upcoming artistes only need one strong outing to give them the reign while it lasts.

  • 2Baba Drops new single ‘Oyi’ to kickstart 2019

    Music superstar,  Innocent Idibia,  popularly  known as 2Baba, has started off 2019 by dropping a new single titled ‘Oyi.’

    ‘Oyi’ which is an Idoma word which means ‘my guy/babe’ is a catchy pop song about making a long-term commitment to a lover.

    The single is a follow-up for the multiple award winning artiste’s 2018 smash hit single ‘Amaka’ that dominated TV and radio charts in 2018. The video of the song is shot predominantly on a beach where people are seen frolicking from daylight to night time.

  • AEN CALLS FOR SYNERGY AMONG ENTERTAINERS

    Africa Entertainment Network (AEN) has called for unity, synergy and networking among entertainers and between them and business professionals. This call was made by the AEN President, Mr. Emdee David Makezela during the unveiling of the platform’s social networking website, www.africaentertainmentnetwork.com on December 15, 2018 at the Center for International and Professional Studies, CIAPS, Ikeja – Lagos.

    The website enables every artiste to have a unique profile page where he/she can promote his work for other entertainers and business people or investors to see. The pages will also be promoted by AEN for global reach.

    Present at the event were Nollywood actors, producers and directors like Tony Akposheri (Zacky of the TV drama, The New Masquerade), Jude Chukwuka, Stella Idika, reggae icon, Righteousman, and the producers and host of GOGE AFICA, Isaac and Nneka Moses, Prof. Anthony Kila, the Center Director of CIAPS Lagos, among others.

    According to the founder and President of AEN, Mr. Emdee David, AEN is a social entertainment forum for networking among entertainers, lovers of entertainment and business professionals. The platform comprises practitioners in different genres, made up of actors, musicians, models, writers, OAPs, directors, producers, marketers and media practitioners.

    In the past eight years, AEN has grown into branches in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Edo/Delta and also in Ghana, Finland, South Africa, UK and USA.

    “We synergize among ourselves, promote ourselves and our businesses, careers, events, etc,” said Emdee.

    “It is a forum to also educate ourselves on different subjects, culture, health, entertainment, events, history, and entrepreneurship. Yes, we want entertainers to be entrepreneurs through our AEN ventures. AEN now has business ventures which include AENMusic, AEN Fashion line, and movie production outfit.”

    Professor Anthony Kila, who gave the opening remark at event said that this vision is a noble one and could witness a lot of challenges including funding and people’s attitudes which really needs to be managed properly for talents to be harnessed.

    The legendary reggae musician, Righteousman, said he would be fully part of this initiative to help groom and promote young artistes.

    Isaac and Nneka Moses, CEO/Producers of GogeAfrica, both agreed to provide opportunities for young, new, talented presenters to co-present the Goge Africa show from any part of the world they are based.

    In November 2018, AEN embarked to Ghana on the Africa Unity Tour to Ghana in November this year, and plans another Unity Tour to South Africa in 2019. This is an effort to make artists talk against xenophobic tendencies witnessed in some African countries.

  • BURNA BOY SHUTS DOWN EKO CONVENTION WITH STAR LAGER

    It was a night of fun as Burna Boy shut down Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. Thousands of music fans thronged the venue  to watch the epic performances at the Burna Live Concert.

    The concert also witnessed performances by artistes like Davido, Wizkid, Tuface, D’banj, Timaya, Duncan Mighty, and Patoranking with support from DJ Consequence and Dj Spinall.

    The show which was anchored by popular hype men Shoddy and Jimmy, saw Burna Boy mesmerize the audience while letting out hit tracks from his rich collection including, Heaven’s Gate, Yawa, Like To Party and a host of many others.

    Supported by Nigeria Breweries and true to its “Shine On” tagline, Star Lager Beer added some spice to the event with its Star corner.

    Speaking on Star Lager’s sponsorship of the concert, Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Emmanuel Oriakhi said; “Innovation is what drives Star Lager as the brand is always at the forefront making beer drinking easier and fun in every space.”

    According to him, “The innovation approach is geared at breaking new grounds for consumers to enjoy Star Lager. Also, Nigerian music has over the years showcased its progressive and extremely expressive streak. This explains why we have this rich assemblage of Nigerian music stars who push boundaries and do things differently like Star Lager Beer.”

  • Genevieve Nnaji celebrates 20 years in showbiz

    Nollywood Diva Genevieve Nnaji has marked 20 years in the Nigerian showbiz industry on New Year day.

    As a way of appreciating his fans, the multiple award-winning actress shared a picture of ‘Lion Heart’s script on Instagram, with a caption: “As 2018 comes to an end, I mark 20 years in the art of film making.

    “I’m grateful for my life, journey, and growth thus far. I’m happy I could celebrate with you through a product that embodied all of me, mentally and spiritually; for all of your pleasure. May 2019 be our best year yet.”

    Nnaji began acting at the age of 19 in 1998 with the movie, ‘Most Wanted’ and honoured with several awards.

    Her directorial debut, ‘Lion Heart’ movie is currently showing in Cinema and was acquired by online streaming service, Netflix; making it the first Netflix original film from Nigeria.

  • Winners emerge at Face of Okija pageant

    Twenty five year old contestants, Oluchi Blessing Nwizugbo and Unachukwu Chidi – have emerged winners in  the just concluded 2018 Face of Okija Cultural Pageant held in Okija, Anambra State.

    Oluchi, who won in the female category, is a graduate of History and International Relations from the Ebonyi State University while Chidi, winner in the male category is a graduate of Accounting from the Anambra State University.

    At the ceremony attended by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, renowned activist and public speaking icon, Prof. Patrick Lumumba and renowned literary giant, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the new queen and king promised to use their positions to drive attention to the needs of the less-privileged and disabled across the country.

    The founder of the Obijackson Foundation and Group Managing Director of the Obijackson Group of Companies, Dr Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, presented the winners with cash of N1m each and a vehicle to help them propagate their work as the new ambassadors of the foundation.

    Obiejesi tasked the new king and queen to remain worthy ambassadors of the foundation and of Igboland.

    “You must now by your daily conduct display positive virtues that your peers will continue to emulate,” he said.

    “As ambassadors of the Obijackson Foundation,  you occupy a position of influence, we are counting on you to use it to impact humanity.”

    The Face of Okija Cultural Festival started in 2014 as an initiative to drive attention of the youths to the positive values in the Igbo culture.

    This year, particular emphasis was placed on discouraging the youths from embarking on the dangerous trip across the Mediterranean Sea to Europe in search of an imaginary better life.

    Speakers at the event including Prof. Lumumba and Adichie pointed out that the pasture on Nigeria is still green if only the youths can remain hardworking, focused and creative.

  • Unicyclists, others win at Lagos Grows Talents 2018

    The Unicyclists group has emerged ultimate winner of the Lagos Grows Talent 2018 at the grand finale which took place at the One Lagos Fiesta on December 31, 2018.

    Three talented individuals won the ultimate cash prize. They scaled through auditions and different stages to clinch the top prizes after satisfying all the requirements and getting the most votes from both the audience and judges. The Unicyclists clinched the top prize of N1 million. The joy and excitement of the group could not be contained when the group’s name was announced as the winner and invited to the stage to get their cheque. The Unicyclists is a bunch of kids who have mastered the art of cycling. They continuously thrilled the audience and judges all through the stages until they clinched the top prize. Brighttizzy emerged the first runner-up and won N500, 000 while the second runner-up, rap group Johnkay, won N250, 000.

    The talents were given the opportunity to showcase themselves across different areas in Lagos State such as Epe, Ikorodu, Agege, Lagos Island, Badagry, and Ikeja. Winners were selected across these districts for a final performance and selection at the finale where the top winners are announced.

    The talent hunt is an initiative which was instituted by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in order to promote Lagos State as a hub for entertainment and to source and promote talents from all across the nook and cranny of the state.

    The three winners expressed gratitude to the Lagos State government and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for birthing such a noble idea.

  • Tiger Beer hosts biggest niche party of 2018

    Tiger Beer has kicked off the “Uncage Series” by hosting the biggest niche party of 2018 on Saturday, December 29, 2018. The event which held at the African Artists Foundation, Victoria Island, Lagos, featured performances by Odunsi, Teni and other budding talents.

    Odunsi, who recently released an album and is already being considered as one of the pioneers of the alternative music genre rocked the party, while Teni who  undoubtedly turned out to be the break-out star in Nigerian music in 2018, delivered a breathtaking performance that got all in attendance on their feet.

    Also in attendance was Funbi, the soulful singer whose 2016 hit song “Hallelujah” is still considered one of the best alternative music compositions in recent memory.

    The Alternative, or Alté movement as it is famously called, is one that encourages young creative Nigerians to be daring and unafraid to step out of the box of normal societal conventions. A concept Tiger Beer shares and seeks to celebrate.

    Speaking on the success of the event, Brand Manager, International brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Chinwe Greg-Egu, said: “Tiger beer aims at celebrating the passion and dynamism of young Nigerians as well as highlight their courage as they dare to be different and stand out. The ‘Uncage Series’ is a platform for us to celebrate the “New Cool”, giving us the opportunity to engage with our core consumers and really fuel their purposeful passion to inject change in the Nigerian scene. We are excited to have been able to make this happen and we look forward to uncaging the next expression. Watch this space.”