Category: Entertainment

FOLLOWING months of planning, First Royal Events has announced Thursday, December 19 as the date for the 2013 edition of the Exquisite Face of the Universe beauty pageant finale. The event will hold at the prestigious Expo Hall, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos by 6pm.

An international beauty and modelling contest, it is the first time the global pageant is coming to Nigeria, with past editions mainly in neighbouring Ghana. Exquisite Face of the Universe, according to the organisers, is borne out of the need to showcase the advancements of Africa’s Eco Tourism.

Organisers say that some of the world’s most beautiful women from over 60 countries across all the continents are expected to converge in Lagos for a series of activities leading up to the final event; including talent auditions, swimsuit contest, fashion show and charity ball, amongst other activities.

Contestants are from Canada, Germany, England and Italy. Others include Miss Namibia, Miss Phillipines, Miss Scotland and Miss Sweden. Miss Switzerland, Miss Uganda, Miss Venezuela and Miss South Africa will also be contesting, alongside many others from various countries.

Project Director, Ethel Okosun, says Exquisite Face of the Universe is a powerful vehicle to effectively showcase Nigeria to the world. “It is evident that Nigeria has grown in tremendous leaps and bounds, in all spheres, during the past few years. This makes it an ideal platform to enhance the global appeal of the Exquisite Face of the Universe pageant which is a powerful tool in selling Nigeria effectively to both participating and non-participating countries around the world,” she stated.

Since the first edition in 2008, it has been held in Ghana for four consecutive years and hosted by former Ghanaian President, His Excellency John Osei Kuffor.

Organisers say details of judges, performers and prizes will be announced soon.

Up and coming actress cum model, Queeneth Hilbert, is definitely one to look out for. Though her foray into the entertainment industry is relatively short, this actress who has been tipped to be the next big ‘thing’ in Nollywood is taking the bull by the horn. In this interview with MERCY MICHAEL, the half-Lebanese, half-Nigerian, opens up on controversies, relationship as well as her take on nudity roles. Excerpts: 

THERE are you from? I am from Nigeria.

What part of Nigeria are you from?

I think the fact that I said I’m from Nigeria is okay. Anyway my father is Lebanese while my mother is from Ebonyi State.

Barely two years into Nigerian movie industry, your profile, has been on a steady rise. What is it that has made you become the toast of every producer?

I would say my personality. It’s God’s favour upon me. Some say my complexion. Some say my height. Some say because I’m real. Others say I’m blunt. All I know is that I have been a very lucky girl, right from birth.

How many years of modeling career have you had?

I have been into modeling for six years now.

Will you be dumping modeling for acting?

I’m still into modeling. The fact that I’m into acting now doesn’t mean if I get a modeling job I wouldn’t do it. Although I got a lot of modeling jobs last year, I was just so preoccupied with a lot of things. I will get back into modeling as from next year.

You once said in an interview that Tonto Dikeh is the reason you started acting. How true is it?

No, it’s not true. I didn’t say so. I granted and interview and all of a sudden, I started seeing on Google that I said Tonto is the reason I started acting. Tonto Dikeh didn’t inspire me to act. I’ve always loved Nollywood movies and I love some of the A-list actresses, but seriously, the person that inspired me, doesn’t come from Nollywood.

Who is that person?

Angelina Jolie first and foremost, followed by Jessica Alba.

In the same interview you said some nice things about Tonto but you didn’t mince words to say that you are not friends with Mercy Johnson…

Why should I be afraid to say that? For Tonto yes, she’s real.

But it’s not news that Tonto and Mercy are not friends. Is that the reason you don’t like Mercy Johnson?

I like all my colleagues. They are my friends. I don’t have anything against any of them. I just said I am not that close to Mercy Johnson because we don’t match. Not like we are enemies, we are not. We are colleagues. When we are on set, we do our work and we go away. That there is just nothing to discuss about doesn’t mean I have anything against her.

What is it exactly you don’t like about her?

Oh my God! Who says I don’t like Mercy Johnson. Why is everybody saying I don’t like Mercy Johnson? I like Mercy Johnson. I don’t have anything against her, okay! Everybody has his or her character, you understand me. Maybe she doesn’t even like me too, I don’t care. The same way people are feeling I don’t like her is the same way other people might feel about me but I don’t care. Everybody mustn’t like you. So I don’t have anything against Mercy Johnson. I like Mercy Johnson the same way I like Tonto Dikeh. And I told you they are my colleagues.

Something must have endeared you to Tonto. What could it be?

She’s real and then we share similar traits. I don’t give a damn and she doesn’t give a damn.

Talking about being controversial, is it something you picked from Tonto or you have always been like that too?

I’ve always been like that all my life. Everything about me has always been different. People do things, nobody talks about them but when Queeneth does it, everybody talks about it.

Would you mind acting seminude, or being specific, on pant and bra?

I don’t mind, if the money is right, why not? The problem with Nigerians is that most of us are hypocrites. This same pant and bra is the reason some of them buy or rent Hollywood movies. What is wrong in someone being free, doing his or her job? Some actresses would want to act a role but they will be like, I don’t want to be criticized. I don’t believe in all that. I get a script and if it involves acting seminude, as long as it’s an integral part of the story, why not? If I decide to take up a seminude role tomorrow I know some people will not like it. I am not doing it for anybody to like it. I am doing my job. I am building my own profile. I don’t see anything wrong in acting in pants and bra.

Are you not bothered that that might scare the guys away from asking your hand in marriage?

Are you kidding me? Oh my God! A man that was meant for me by God will look away because of the controversies. Most of the time, 70 percent of the fame we have, comes with controversies. If there is no controversy then there is no fame. That is how it has been, whether Bollywood, Hollywood or Nollywood. If you want to be a celebrity, people must talk about you, good or bad, they are all controversies. If a man doesn’t want to ask my hand in marriage because of my controversial nature, he can take a walk. There are many guys out there so he can just take the door and create space for other people to come in. It is as simple as that.

I have seen Angelina Jolie act nude…

If I were in Hollywood I would do same. And God knows in the next two, three years, I am going to shoot in Hollywood.

Has anyone approached you yet?

Yeah, I have gotten one proposal. It is supposed to be in Paris. A friend of mine wants to produce a movie but we are still discussing about the actors to be used because it actually has a lot to do about a guy and a girl.

We have a lot of hunky actors in Nollywood, if you were to pick from OC Ukeje, Blossom Chukwu, Joseph Benjamin and IK Ogbonna to act nude with who will that be?

Blossom, I don’t know, OC Ukeje, no, not my type. Joseph Benjamin no, he’s not my type. IK Ogbonna no, he’s too fair and he acts like everybody is all up on him. I don’t like dragging my man. You know Gbenro of Tinsel. I would go with Gbenro of Tinsel. I wouldn’t mind playing that kind of role with Gbenro.

Tell us about your kind of man?

My kind of man has to be gentle, God fearing, understanding, loving and caring. He mustn’t be selfish. My kind of man doesn’t have anything to do with complexion, or height. It doesn’t have anything to do with looks basically. It doesn’t matter as far as we click.

Your complexion definitely puts you on the spot. How do you handle male attention?

I have received so many friend requests on Facebook and Twitter; so many. Someone said asked me how much will he have to pay me to have his baby and I was like what? I told him he is crazy and he said “Yes, I am crazy but I am damn serious. So reply me when you are done thinking about it?” I’ve learnt to cope with it. I know how to handle them.

So who is the lucky guy in your life?

No comment. I don’t want to talk about that for now. I would talk about it, but not now.

With your look you are not likely to be cast for a ‘dirty role’. Have you ever done such role before?

Of course I have. The movie is titled My daughter, My Jewel. People say certain people can’t do epic movies, but the fact is that it is far from the truth. It’s not about your complexion. I have done My Daughter, My Jewel. There is another movie. It’s actually in Igbo language it’s coming out very soon. It’s called Ukegbe Oyinbo 1&2. I have also done Adaeze 3 & 4. I know everybody will be surprised that I speak Igbo. But that is one thing about me, I can interpret any role. That is how to be a consummate actor.

We all know that cinema is the new Nollywood. Any plans to debut into the cinema soon?

I did a movie that was supposed to go into cinema but something happened. I am not going to talk about it. My colleague might get offended but something happened. One of our colleagues left the set, we couldn’t finish the job. The producer is trying to patch it up somehow. It will soon enter the cinema. I did it earlier this year. That should be around March. And for next year, I’ve gotten like five cinema scripts.

What was it like growing up without a father?

I never said I grew up without a father. That is one of the problems I have with granting interviews. They interview you, you say something and they say something else. I never said I grew up without a father. I am cool with my father and mother I only said I spent most of my growing up years with my mom and there is a reason for that. But I am cool with my father. In fact we have a father-daughter relationship.

When did you realise you had it in you to act?

I’ve always knew I had it in me because sometimes, I just talk to the mirror. And I am so in love with movies. I love watching movies. And when I watch them I learn from them.

What was the last movie you saw?

Bad Teacher, acted by Cameron Daiz. She’s is one of my favourite actresses.

Considering that you are not earning so much right now from acting, what other thing do you do to earn a living?

Actually, one thing about me is, I’m this kind of person who is contended with whatever I have. I don’t mind doing one job in a year as long as the story is good and believe me; I don’t earn little like you think. When a producer calls me on the phone, I give him my price. We talk about it. If it doesn’t work out, fine. If it’s works out, I go do the job. I’m not saying I am that expensive, although I have a feeling that next year, the fee might be higher. Let’s just keep our fingers crossed. And also some of my friends import jewelries and wrist watches for me. Most times is just my friend’s that comes around to buy them. Most times, they can’t even wait for them to land.

Between modeling and acting which would you say has been more rewarding for you?

The truth is, both of them are. I will say more of modeling but acting, from next year, believe me, it will be very rewarding for me and fulfilling. I have so many plans.

Tell us about growing up?

Growing up, I was very quiet, I kept to myself. I avoid trouble a lot but that doesn’t mean if trouble comes I wouldn’t know how to handle it.

Being an actress must have striped your of some of your freedom. How have you been coping?

Well, I’m coping. I have always known it will be like this. I think I am cool with it. But recently, I threw caution to the wind, precisely two weeks ago. I was so hungry; I needed to eat chicken and chips. We were passing around Ikeja because I came from VI to Ikeja. So I told my friend, I was going to walk into an eatery and get it but she was said I was joking. She said I should wait in the car that she will go and get it for me but I insisted that I would get it myself. I went in, got it myself, sat there and ate everything. People came around and I took pictures with them. Most of the children there were like, “Mummy, see Aunty Selina”.

Who gave you your first kiss in a movie?

I think it was either John Dumelo or Yul Edochie. I can’t remember.

Off screen, who would you kiss between those two?

John Dumelo

What was the best gift you ever got on your birthday?

I think the best gift I have ever got, was a friend giving me a surprise treat. At a time I had lost hope that I wasn’t going to have a very good birthday. He called me and was like where are you, come and meet me up. We flew to Ghana, we had fun. And then he got me a wonderful, sweet ride. Oh my God, you need to see the ride.

How old were you celebrating?

I was celebrating 19.

She came into limelight 13 years ago with her hit single Oyigiyigi. Since then, Bukola Olubona’s career has evolved through phases. A Pastor in her own rights, Mrs. Olubona is the visioneer of an annual music concert, ‘Reason for Living’. She was also recently appointed into the Executive Council of the Nigerian Gospel Music Association among other positions she holds. In this interview with MERCY MICHAEL, Olubona speaks on sundry issues. Excerpts: 

AS a song minister, are you restricted to just singing in the church or you have released an album?

I have albums. My first album, Oyigiyigi, was released thirteen years ago.

When are you billed to release another album after thirteen years?

My latest album was actually released two years ago, it is titled Iji Okun.

Can you tell us some of the tracks on that album?

The album has Emi ki yo beru Iji Okun as well as a praise medley. It also has so many beautiful songs in it.

Within the gospel terrain, have you done any collaboration with anyone?

My Manager has advised me to do one because to the glory of God, just last year, I was appointed one of the Executives of the Nigerian Gospel Music Association. I was appointed one of the central working committee saddled with organising programmes. I think everything has to do with the fact that I have a programme like ‘Reason for Living’. It is an annual music concert.

The concert didn’t hold this year. Why is that?

After the last edition we just thought of taking it beyond the level where we are already, so we deemed it fit to get some companies and some big artistes to collaborate with us. That has been the cause of the delay.

How far have you gone with getting the brands to come on board?

MTN has come up among other brands. The news of their support came in sometime last week and it came as a big testimony to us. They have other traditional programmes but according to them they have never been part of any religious programme. This will be the first religious programme they will be involved in and they are going to be a major sponsor.

Why didn’t you get some churches to sponsor too?

Well, with my little experience in this few years of ministry, I don’t know why it is so difficult for churches and members to sponsor or take up projects like this. It so surprising that most of these worldly musicians and programmes out there are being sponsored by Christians. But if you are Christian and you come up with something like this, they show little or no interest. It still baffles me. I don’t have explanation for that. Like the one we held recently, the church where I held it, there was so much promise regarding taking care of people I’m bringing, but they didn’t. At the end of the day, it turned out to be a quarrel and I don’t want it. I give God the glory for great thing that happened that night. Most of the women that came out for the fruit of the womb, in fact one of them gave birth three weeks ago. It is a programme that I know is beyond man and I don’t want any flesh to come in and hinder me in anyway. God has given me the grace to handle each situation as it comes so I thank God for how he has helped me and the people he has planted around me. It’s just a fulfillment of vision so I give him all the glory.

For the years that you’ve held the programme, financially how has it been?

Financially it has been I and my husband. Over the years, most of the income from my outings, I tend to invest everything into ensuring that the programme turns out well because it is a vision that God gave me over 10years ago and I am so happy I’m alive to see the reality of the vision. That is a big testimony for me and that is what has been keeping me going.

In those ten years, how many editions have you had?

We’ve had five editions so far. The vision is actually to hold it every quarter. In the last two years, I have had twice in each year.

Looking back, it has giving birth to other things like your appointment into the Nigerian Gospel Music Association and your new position has the coordinator of the Mass Choir in your province…

In fact, even I and my husband were posted to a new area. The church dedication will be coming up December 8. You know all these activities have actually eaten deep into my time and I’m busier than before, coupled with my ministration both within and outside the country. My tight schedule is one of the reasons actually why ‘Reason for Living’ hasn’t come up this year. At least I have been out of the country on three occasions this year. I was in South Africa; I was at Benin Republic one other place.

What advice would you give to those who have a vision but do not know how to go about it?

I have given the platform with ‘Reason for Living’ for up and coming artistes and visionaries, people who have dreams and don’t just know how to go about it. Sometimes I share my experience with them. The first thing you must do when you have a vision or dream is to go back to the giver of the vision. I believe, for every heavenly vision, there is a heavenly provision. One of my father’s in the Lord use to say, “Every vision without a provision is a mere colour television”. I got hold of that word and I went into prayers and God has confirmed everything he has told me. When he gave me the vision He said He will bring me in contact with people of like minds, who will support in helping to interpret the dream. Within two years, God has done even beyond my wildest imagination considering that MTN sponsorship.

What is the best gift God has given to you this year?

My birthday came up on the 23rd of November and the news of the MTN sponsorship came to me Thursday before that. The regional Manager just called and announced to me their decision to back the project. It came as a big relief for me. Since I started ‘Reason for Living’, I have practically not had a life of my own. Everything I have had or earned in the ministry has always gone back into it. So I see this as a great relief and a confirmation of His hand in the project. It’s a big breakthrough I must tell you. By the time the call came through, the Regional Manager was even apologizing for contacting me late. It’s a big testimony but I was not really moved by it. You know how the devil works. I didn’t hesitate to tell him that well, I have shifted ‘Reason for Living’ till next year. My husband was like some other people would have gone to, pick up the cheque but I said no, there is a standard for anything I have to do. Since the Holy Spirit has been my inspiration, I can’t move ahead of God.

Are they going to be holding on for you till next year?

They have invited us for a meeting. We’ll seat on a round table and device a means of how to go about it. They are ready to be a major sponsor. When I heard that word major sponsor, it was like a dream come true. Like I said, we are moving ‘Reason for Living’ to an event centre, Balmorah come next year. Gradually we will move to the National Theatre.

Are you looking at working with some gospel musicians who cut cross secular music lovers or even inviting musicians from outside the country?

Mr. Shodairo actually mentioned that. There was a time he was actually trying to make myself and Lara George do a collaboration. Although, I don’t have anything against Lara George but like I said, any step, I must take have to be ordained by God. If my spirit is not releasing me to do anything with anybody, if I do it, I will regret it.

What about Tope Alabi?

Tope Alabi, no o. I have tried doing something with her and I was kind of restricted so I stopped at that point. I have her contact, in fact one of my boys is her Manager presently, so it’s not a difficult thing to get to her, but I don’t want to move ahead of God.

THE world over, entertainment personalities have always been the target of cyber fraudsters who sometimes impersonate the celebs to dupe unsuspecting victims -Nigeria is no different. Recently, top actresses Nkiru Sylvanus and Tonto Dikeh raised alarm over the use of their profiles to defraud innocent people of their hard earned income on Facebook.

It was gathered that Dikeh is no longer using Facebook social network, as she has closed her account. She urged her fans not to fall cheap to demands from anyone on Facebook, who may be using her name or photos, as she is no longer on the platform.

Nkiru Sylvanus on the other hand stated:”It has just gotten to my knowledge that some jobless fraudsters have been using my name on Facebook to swindle innocent poor Nigerians, Please disregard these people. Know that I would be proud to associate with whatever project I embark on. One IRIA EHIS with a KEYSTONE bank account num 6017544801 is not from me, and is not connected to me in anyway. So stop giving him your hard earned money. He is a dupe. Pls help me share this information.”