The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Funny tips from Nigeria’s Got Talent Port Harcourt audition

    Funny tips from Nigeria’s Got Talent Port Harcourt audition

    It was a heart-breaking moment for some contestants in the ongoing Nigeria’s Got Talent show auditions holding in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Snippets from the event, which aired on television Sunday night showed some of the comic moments associated to reality shows – the most, being trial performance from aspirants, who amuse or annoy than entertain the crowd.

    Diminutive Emmanuel Udeh was a 22-yaer-old contestant, who moved many to tears with his tears. It was obvious he didn’t impress the crowd with his act, let alone the judges, but he was so little in frame that the judges tried to be nice. They were diplomatic in telling him he’s not talented enough. He got the message and wailed uncontrollably.

    It was obvious he had planned to wow the judges with his dance performance. Udeh took to the floor to air his pain, reminding God that He promised to see him through his performance. He left the stage showing his frustration.

    However, another contestant, Heaven, was not so lucky with the judges. Not only did Kate Henshaw and Dan Foster, two of the judges walk out on him, Foster said to him: “Your voice can only lead me to hell not heaven.”

    The slightly delirious hopeful believed his spooky voice could help him gain a spot in the Airtel-sponsored race for a N10 million prize, but the judges had a different opinion.

    Henshaw who couldn’t stand his rendition of Asa’s Eye Adaba, hit her buzzer dismissingly the moment Heaven opened his mouth to sing.  But with encouragement from Yibo Koko, the third judge, Heaven continued his performance. But Henshaw and Foster walked out in the process.

    So much to behold on the show, as a Police Officer, Famous Ajieh, came on stage.

    Popular for his act in the Southsouth region, Ajieh, who is based in Asaba, seized opportunity provided by the show to unveil his album during the auditions.

    The Policeman who was kitted for the show, stated that he wasn’t there to win the grand prize, and that all he wanted was to use the Nigeria Got Talent platform as a means to reach more people with his music.

    He performed a track from his album, titled: We Be One O, obviously, a solidarity message song.

     

  • Nollywood stars seek slot at Calabar Carnival

    Nollywood stars seek slot at Calabar Carnival

    •Imoke: it’s the biggest street party in Africa

     

    Living the axiom that ‘entertainment drives tourism’, Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State may add a Nollywood band to the repertoire of the annual Calabar ‘Christmas’ Carnival.

    Members of the motion picture industry had requested inclusion in the parade, during a media parley on November 16, where activities for the 2013 edition were unveiled.

    The Nollywood band initiative would be an addition to the Brazil’s Beija-Flor band, which the trendy governor said is already settled for performance in the much-touted Africa’s largest street party.

    The month-long tourism event would climax on December 27, with five senior bands – Bayside, Passion4, Masta Blaster, Seagull and Freedom. The Trinidad and Tobago Steel Band and the Beija-Flor of Brazil make up the foreign additions to the continental show stopper.

    Entertainment is the driver of many tourist journeys, and a great deal of tourist attractions have strong entertainment connections, being areas that are used primarily for an audience to be engaged or captivated. Thus, revellers planning to visit Cross River State in December are assured of a top notch festival.

    “It is the grandest event on the calendar in Nigeria and probably in West Africa. It has tremendous brand value for Cross River and Nigeria and is the true image of our country. Nigeria’s image is not Boko Haram, violence and kidnapping. The true beauty of Nigeria is in the carnival. It has offerings for everyone,” stated Imoke.

    Activities for this year’s festival will be kick-started with the traditional tree lighting ceremony on November 30 at the popular Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort.

    According to the governor, who was supported at the event by his wife, Obioma, and officials of government, including Carnival Commission Chairman Gab Onah; Managing Director of Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Mike Williams and Chris Akhigbe of the Carnival Commission, the Night of Kings and Queens, featuring five junior and senior bands, will hold at the Calabar Stadium on December 25.

    A command performance by the Steel Band from Trinidad and Tobago and the Beija-Flor, noted as Brazil’s most successful band at the Rio Carnival, will happen same night at the venue.

    The cultural parade featuring the 36 states and Abuja holds on December 26, parading 18 councils in Cross River and some African countries, including Cameroun, Ghana and Rwanda. This is expected to be followed by a 2.5 kilometre children’s parade.

    The festival, in its ninth year, is supported by institutions, including First Bank, Diamond Bank, Arik Air and Guinness, among others.

    “The Calabar Carnival is unique in design and presentation and you can’t say this is like Brazil, Notting Hill or Trinidad and Tobago. It is unique and it’s a brand we must protect, grow and celebrate. It’s a brand we can use to change the perception of Nigeria like Nollywood,” the governor said.

    Describing the carnival as an invaluable asset to the state and Nigeria, Imoke noted that the state makes its highest revenue in December.

  • Beverly Naya gets role in Tinsel

    Beverly Naya gets role in Tinsel

    Many regard sultry Nollywood act, Beverly Naya as a rising star. The actress has landed a role in the critically acclaimed MNET Series, Tinsel.

    Set to play Yaya, Beverly enthused; “I was in the United States shooting a TV series when I was contacted about a screen test for the role of Yaya.

    Fortunately, my return back to Lagos was in a week. So as soon as I got back, I auditioned. I was delighted when I got the role. Yaya really is a fantastic character to play.”

    She describes it as nothing but a lovely journey working with the Tinsel cast and crew, describing them as welcoming and professional. “I’m also happy that I can now be seen not just in Nigeria but around Africa too, that’s a beautiful blessing.”

    The youngster came into limelight with the movie, The Actress, which was co-produced by her mom and notable filmmaker Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen.

  • Michael Jackson’s doctor reveals singer’s bizarre secrets

    Michael Jackson’s doctor reveals singer’s bizarre secrets

    •Claims Jackson never slept with Debbie Rowe, mother of singer’s two kids

    In his first interview since he was released from prison, Dr. Conrad Murray, personal physician to late pop singer Michael Jackson has revealed intimate details of his closeness to the late singer.

    Apparently troubled by negative allusions that he may have murdered the musician, the embattled doctor revealed bizarre secrets, indicating the singer killed himself by accident. He told Daily Mail.

    Murray, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 for the death of Jackson, said he shared intimate moments with the musician and couldn’t have hurt him.

    “You want to know how close we were? I held his penis every night to fit a catheter because he was incontinent at night,” he told the Mail on Sunday.

    “He wore dark trousers all the time because after he went to the toilet he would drip for hours,” said the doctor, who was released from prison three weeks ago.

    Since then, he has wasted no time making bizarre revelations about his former patient, whom he is said to have given a lethal dose of a sedative.

    Murray claimed he and Jackson loved each other as brothers and that another revelation he got from the late prince of pop was that Michael never slept with Debbie Rowe.

    Rowe had befriended Jackson and they were said to have struck an agreement for her to have his children. In February 1997, Rowe gave birth to Michael “Prince” Jackson, and in April 1998, a second child, Paris Katherine. She gave up and then sued to regain custody, but she never did.

    According to the 60-year-old doctor, one of the happiest days of his life was the night “when this man who had been so lonely, who had spent so many long nights telling me about his pain and anguish, finally felt he could trust someone in his life apart from his children.”

    He insisted he never gave Michael anything that would kill him. “I loved him. I still do. I always will.”

    Apparently emotional, the doctor said “I love Michael. I love Michael Jackson, I love him. You see, I was Michael’s doctor, but I spent more time with him as a friend than taking care of him medically… I love Michael, I will mourn his loss forever. I am so sad that he’s not here.”

    Murray, however, declined comments on whether or not Jackson was a paedophile. “I’m not prepared to answer that question, not now. And I tell you the reason – because my interview with you is candid and honest, and I will not make up or fabricate anything.”

    Asked what he thought of a man who sleeps with a dolly and had a urinary bag attached to him, Murray said: “Let me just say that Michael is not a perfect man by far – Michael has a huge dark shadow. Michael slept with dolls. Is that normal? No, it’s not normal, but if you understood the history of Michael as a child and the things that he has encountered in life and you’re willing to listen, you probably wouldn’t judge him.”

    On the sedative, he claimed he didn’t give Jackson the amount he wanted and “I believe he woke up, got hold of his own stash of propofol and injected himself. He did it too quickly and went into cardiac arrest.

    “When I came back to the room I knew instantly he wasn’t breathing. I didn’t panic. I felt and tried to get a pulse. I tried the groin and the carotid artery. There was no pulse. I immediately started CPR. I’ve resuscitated thousands of people. This was my friend but I went into medical mode.”

    During the interview, Murray made other bizarre revelations – including admitting he is still in contact with Michael from the other side. “The last time Michael spoke to me was the day the verdict came from the civil trial,” he said. “Michael touched me, he put his hands on my shoulder and he speaks to me. He does.”

    When asked what he (Jackson) said, Murray wiped away the tears before saying: “It’s too emotional to go into at this time.”

    Jackson was pronounced dead at 2.26pm on June 25, 2009. “I did not kill Michael Jackson. He was a drug addict,” the doctor said.

     

    •Source: The Mail

     

  • ‘Defamation’: Izamoje sues COSON for N5.5b

    A Popular sports broadcaster and entrepreneur, Larry Izamoje, has filed a suit at the High Court of Lagos State, Igbosere, against the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) for alleged deflation.

    The ace sports broadcaster and Chief Executive Officer of Brila FM is demanding N5.5 billion for the damage the organisation has allegedly done to his reputation.

    In a statement yesterday in Lagos, Izamoje said: “For releasing, publishing and circulating a statement on its website, twitter and facebook pages that I deem libellous, slanderous and defamatory, a N5.5 billion law suit has been filed against the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON).

    “The suit was filed at the High Court of Lagos State, Igbosere, by my solicitor, Dr Charles Mekwunye. I am seeking redress and claiming damages for COSON’s widely circulated and published statement that appeared online between October 16-26, 2013 in which the body said I am one of those who caused the death in penury of many late Nigerian musicians.

    COSON named Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson, who died in 1969; Celestine Ukwu, who died in 1977; Sonny Okosun, Christy Essien Igbokwe, Bala Miller, Oliver De Coque and Chief Osita Osadebe, among others. It listed me as a broadcaster of unauthorised music and said I have made massive advertising revenue and profit from the works of the musicians.

    I was in primary one when Rex Lawson died and in secondary school (Class 4) when Celestine Ukwu passed on! It is trite law that a natural person cannot broadcast.

    “I have been and remain a sports presenter. While I remember the listed musicians for their accomplishments, I was never their great fan. My business interest has been and remains sports, not the works of Nigerian musicians. I did not cause and have not caused any musician to die in penury. COSON must prove advertising bookings and revenue addressed to and paid to Larry Izamoje for music.

    “Indeed, COSON rebuffed all attempts by my solicitor to have them retract the story which other websites, local and international, also published.

    “I am not aware COSON equally listed and made statements about the chief executives of other broadcast houses in their earlier publications and, therefore, see their release, which was so widely circulated and published, as a deliberate and calculated attempt to undermine my integrity, dwarf all I have achieved in sports business and turn the families of the deceased musicians against me.

    “The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) and the Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN) are opposing the arbitrary and unilateral imposition, by COSON, of royalty fees on broadcast stations.”

  • I held Michael Jackson’s p*nis every night – personal doctor

    I held Michael Jackson’s p*nis every night – personal doctor

    Dr. Conrad Murray in his first interview since being released from prison after spending two years for the death of Michael Jackson has said they were so close he “held his penis every night.”

    In the bizarre, rambling interview, the doctor convicted of Jackson’s death painted a sad picture of The King of Pop’s final days as a physically broken 50-year-old filled with dread and self-doubt.

    Jackson barely had control of his bodily functions, according to Murray.

    “He wore dark trousers all the time because after he went to the toilet he would drip for hours,” he told The Daily Mail.

    “You want to know how close Michael and I were? I held his penis every night. I had to put a condom catheter on him because Michael dripped urine. He had a loss of sensation and was incontinent.”

    The ex-physician goes on to say, “Michael didn’t know how to put a condom on, so I had to do it for him.”

    Murray was found guilty of injecting the singer with an overdose of Propofol that killed him on June 25, 2009. He was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and spent nearly two years in jail.

    Murray went on to say in the interview that Jackson gave himself lethal doses of anesthesia after pleading for more drugs, and said that he was not responsible for his overdose.

    “I did not kill Michael Jackson. He was a drug addict,” Murray said. “Michael Jackson accidentally killed Michael Jackson.”

    “I believe he woke up, got hold of his own stash of propofol and injected himself. He did it too quickly and went into cardiac arrest.”

    “I never gave Michael anything that would kill him. I loved him. I still do. I always will,’ he exclusively tells the Mail On Sunday.

    “I tried to protect him but instead I was brought down with him.

    “It’s difficult when you ask me about Michael. There’s a void in my heart, a lingering pain. I miss him every day.”

    Source: Dailymail

     

  • Again, Engees absent as P-Square jets to Tanzania

    Again, Engees absent as P-Square jets to Tanzania

    It appears that the purported rift between Peter Okoye, one-half of P-Square and his elder brother, Jude Okoye a.k.a Engees, is deeper than speculated.

    A week after his grand wedding to Lola Omotayo, the P-Square pop singer, in company of his twin brother Paul, travelled to Tanzania for a concert with no signs of a honeymoon trip in sight. The twins arrived Dar es Salaam last Friday, to entertain fans at the Leaders Club, Kinondoni.

    However, Jude, who doubles as their manager, was missing from the event’s press conference at Dar es Salaam. He was also absent at his brother’s star-studded wedding. ‘’It is unusual for Jude to be absent in any of his brothers’ engagement’’, a source said

    It has not been confirmed if he also travelled with the twins to the East African country. Jude also missed the recent Ghana Glo Slide and Bounce concert, although his reps insist he was there.

  • KSA thrills as Tiwa Savage, Tee Billz wed

    KSA thrills as Tiwa Savage, Tee Billz wed

    One week after the flamboyant wedding of Peter Okoye, the one-half of twin singers, P-Square, another star singer, Tiwa Savage, got married in a lavish ceremony that is sure to be the-talk-of-town for weeks to come.

    Savage, the only lady in the Mavin Records group, last Saturday, tied the knot with her Manager, Tunji Balogun aka Tee Billz despite criticisms from fans and colleagues who said the singer could be taking the wrong step. Balogun, has two children by another woman, and is known to always flaunt his kids on social media platforms.

    The wedding, one of the most anticipated in the year, took place at the top rated Arc Events Centre. It was the same venue used by the Okoyes penultimate Sunday.

    As early as 10am, the Balogun family danced their way into the mini hall beside the main arena, for the traditional engagement ceremony. It was strictly a family affair, which lasted about three hours. While the traditional wedding was going on, guests made their way into the expansive hall which, obviously, had undergone some aesthetic transformation for the reception. The décor could simply be described as top notch.

    The star-studded event was attended by legendary Juju musician King Sunny Ade (KSA) among their colleagues, friends, government officials, captains of industry and traditional rulers. Among the guests were Chief Femi Otedola, Senator Florence Ita Giwa, Chief Dele Momodu, Nkiru Anumudu, Dayo Adeneye, Don Jazzy, Funke Akindele, Eniola Badmus, Rita Dominic, Toolz, Omawumi, Agbani Darego, Julius Agwu, Banky W, Dr. Sid, Davido, Iyanya, Waje, Seyi Shey, Skuki, Chuddy K, Lola Omotayo-Okoye, Princess, Linxx, and a host of other celebrities.

    KSA ushered the couple and their families to their seats with a sonorous song that got many excited.

    Honcho of Marvin Records Michael Collins aka Don Jazzy showed great finesse, dazzling all with $100 bills, which he lavished on the couple for a long period of dance. This was after ‘spraying’ them with different Naira notes, ranging from N100 to N1000.

    The atmosphere was fully charged; socialites and captains of industry took turns to make a ‘statement’ with bundles of both local and foreign currencies. The celebrators and the Juju maestro had more than enough money going for them at the event.

    Senator Ita Giwa lived up to her billing as a top notch celeb in her usual gorgeous attire. Spotting the event’s Aso Ebi; a gold and red combination, Giwa danced with elegance to the melodious songs and eulogies rendered by KSA.

    Oba Elegushi, Femi Otedola, Kola Daisy, Tayo Jemibewon, Nkiru Anumudu were among others who took to the stage to honour the couple.

    The couple, who looked good together, danced to the admiration of everyone as KSA kept showering praises on them. It was nice to behold the chemistry exhibited by the love birds who met in 2010.

    The groom’s parents Chief and Mrs. Tunji Balogun and his biological mother also had their time together on stage.

    From the side of the younger generation of artistes at the event, Don Jazzy kicked off performances for the evening. Teaming up with Dr. Sid, he performed Surulere, obviously thrilling the guests, who followed the lyrics loudly.

    Other performers at the event, included Banky W, Iyanya, Chuddy K, Linxx, Sexy Steel, Waje, Seyi Shey and Davido.

    Davido’s performance, especially, was responded to with ecstasy. He sang the hit, Gobe and a few other tracks, including Skelewu, as Disc Jockey DJ Exclusive provided the cue.

  • As The Next Movie Star kicks off

    As The Next Movie Star kicks off

    ORGANISERS of reality TV Show, The Next Movie Star, on Friday, November 15, ushered this year’s housemates into the 2013 edition of the competition with a glamorous welcome party, held at popular events and entertainment centre situated in GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, The Place.

    Prior to the welcoming, the 19 housemates chosen from across Africa had been made to go through ten days of intellectually and physically stimulating Training and Grooming camp.

    Sola Fajobi, Executive Producer of the show states; “This year’s housemates excite me to no end. Unlike other editions when you would have started noticing the weak ones amongst them, these housemates have been exceptional. It seems they came with the realization that only the Next Movie Star can actually prepare them for a career in any area of the entertainment industry.”

    Fajobi further states that in order to offer the housemates a proper ambience for learning and competing, a new, purpose-built mansion named Timberland has been built for the show.

    Now in its ninth year, the Next Movie Star, put together by Digital Interactive Media, has over the years, produced talents like Uti Nwachukwu, Tonto Dikeh, Annie Macualay, Boma Mac-Ake, Kevin Chuwang-Pam and Karen Igho among others; all of who are excelling in the entertainment industry.

    Tagged ‘Call 2 Stardom’, the 2013 NMS Africa Reloaded edition features housemates from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia, Kenya, Namibia and South Africa. Nollywood actor and former runner up in the Mr. Nigeria contest, Seun Akindele, is the host this year.

  • ‘Why they call me Ice Queen’ —MARY URANTA

    ‘Why they call me Ice Queen’ —MARY URANTA

    As 2013 Best Actress, City People Award, Mary Uranta’s profile has been on a steady rise. If she’s not receiving an award, she’s endorsing a brand or she’s unveiling her own brand. The Nollywood ‘good girl’ has certainly had a lot going for her. In this interview with MERCY MICHAEL, the actress speaks on her single status, awards, endorsement and her newly unveiled 50th Studio Academy.

    THERE is this glow about you. What is the secret?

    Really? For me, when I get enough rest, I have this glow about me.

    You got an endorsement recently. How much were you paid for it?

    I can’t tell you that, but what I can say is that I was contacted over a year ago. Unknown to me, the owner of the photography company had contacted me through my Facebook account but unfortunately I didn’t see his messages. He tried getting me on Twitter, finally I responded and he said he wanted me to be the face of his Red Carpet Photography and I agreed. He arranged for a meeting. After the meeting, the contract was signed and that was it.

    How rewarding was it?

    It is quite rewarding actually, but you know I can’t give figures.

    You won 2013 Best Actress City People Award a couple of months ago. What doors has it opened for you?

    One of the doors it has opened for me really is the endorsement I recently signed. It was after the award that I was contacted on Twitter. The owner of Red Carpet Photography said he’s been trying to reach me but after the award, it was so easy for him to get me. He said he just felt it was the best time to work with me. So it has opened doors and is still opening doors. Work-wise, the scripts have doubled, I must be honest with you. So far I’ve gotten over 25 scripts and I’ve done one. I’m about to embark on the second one. I’ve done just one because this is the time to rebrand; this is time to know what you are out for. This is time to pick my scripts and not just jump on every train.

    Aside acting, what else have you been up to?

    I have been dreaming of having my own studio and to God be the glory, this year I opened my The 50th Studio Academy which is situated in Lekki. It has been a very fulfilling year for me. This year, I won Best Actress City People Award. This year, I signed my first endorsement. What more can I ask for. I thank God everything has been working out just fine. Christmas is approaching and it’s that time of the year when I usually give back to the society. I can’t possibly reach everybody as it were, so I usually go back to Port Harcourt, my home, to do my charity work. For a couple of years now, it has been a tradition for me to distribute books, bags and gift items to secondary schools in my place. So I’m already working towards that.

    A lot of your fans would want to know when you are getting married.

    That is something I don’t like to talk about because I know that it will come at the right time. They don’t expect me go and start looking for men to come marry me. I wouldn’t want to rush into anything because others are getting married. I don’t want to go into it and come out. I’m just trying to be careful. I don’t want to be part of those people who will go in and come out. I want to go in and stay and know that this is the place and it’s going to be forever. Some people see marriage as a child’s play, so they jump at any offer of marriage. For me, marriage is no child’s play, so I’m waiting for the right man who will see me, marry me as his own and have a home.

    You said you are waiting for the right man. Are you saying you are not in a relationship?

    I am in a relationship until the right person comes.

    So, he’s not the right person; Or is it a case of he’s yet to propose?

    I don’t know. When the right person comes, I will know.

    How would you know the right person?

    It’s so easy to know when the right person comes. He might not be the one you’ve been with for 10 years. He might be the person that will come one month, two months and he pops the question. That is what we are praying for.

    Most of your friends are getting married. Does it bother you in any way that you’ve not found the right person?

    It’s not my business. I’m not bothered because everybody’s time will come.

    What is the concept behind 50th Studio Academy?

    I feel it’s time for me to give back to Nollywood and that is why I decided to do that. I’ve been here for some time and I feel it’s time to give others the same opportunity that I got. 50th Studio is an academy where people can come and learn how to hone their skills in various areas of the industry. We are doing a lot of things at the moment, some of which I will be unveiling soon.

    In one of your interviews you said acting alone can’t pay your bills…

    Truth is that is what it is. I don’t know about anyone else. But speaking for me, acting alone can’t pay my bills. I have a lot of bills, so I need to make money and that’s why I do other things that are legit anyway. I do little, little contracts here and there. I’m also into buying and selling. I sell from shoes to perfumes and even automobiles just to be comfortable.

    Where did you grow up?

    I grew up in Port Harcourt. I’m a Port Harcourt girl. I’m from Rivers State, Opobo to be precise. I lived all my life, schooled in Port Harcourt before I relocated to Lagos.

    How large is your family?

    I’m from a family of 13. My mum has seven children and I have four step brothers.

    That must have been a big home. What fun memories do you have of growing up?

    It was fun growing up with my brothers and sisters. Even with my step brothers, you would never know that we are from different mothers. We are one. We grew up walking and holding hands or even holding each other by the neck. We eat from one plate and all that. That was how we grew up.

    As a pretty and hardworking lady, a lot of men must be falling at your feet

    I’ve always been a one-man kind-of-girl. I’ve never been that girl who wants to date all the men on the street because I need money. I’m focused. I know what I want.

    What was your net worth before you came into the industry?

    I may not be able to tell you specifically how much I had but I can tell you for sure that I didn’t come into the industry a poor girl. I’ve always been comfortable before I came into the industry and that’s how it’s been. I wouldn’t say I have too much or that I’m there. I’m just a comfortable person.

    What was your first movie role?

    The first time I got a role was in Port Harcourt and it was in the movie titled Girls Hostel. It was a very big one. Girls Hostel was my first movie. There were Olu Jacobs, Ngozi Ezeonu, Uche Jumbo, Empress Njama; there were a lot of us. It was an all-girl thing.

    What was that experience like for you?

    I was still in school then. They came for an audition in Port-Harcourt and I went with my friends who were in the Theatre Arts Department. They forced me to go with them. When we got there they each got a role. The director then turned to me and asked if I didn’t want to act. I said I wanted to. I was very shy. He then auditioned me for a role and surprisingly I did well. That’s how I got the role. I played the role of the Hall President in the movie Girls Hostel. After that, he brought us to Lagos for another movie Silver Spoon. After that, it was Church Committee. Movies were always very big then. At a point I stopped because I was still studying at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology. It wasn’t easy for me to do movies because any movie I do and my HOD gets to see it on screen, it was always a big problem for me. I had an extra year because she saw me in one or two movies. It was a big problem for me in school. But after school, I took up that challenge. I told myself this is what I want to do.

    What movie would you say announced you?

    That will be Secret Mission. That was in 2006. I played the lead in the movie. I played the role of Ngozi Ezeonu’s younger sister who married her husband. There was Desmond Elliot, Tonto Dikeh, Chioma Chukwuka and others. That movie stands out for me because I had problems interpreting the role. It was that bad. I had to return the script twice to the producer. I got to a point and I went to the producer to plead with him to look for someone else to continue my role because it was so difficult for me. I wasn’t just getting it at all. I was just fumbling. While we were shooting, I even escaped to Port Harcourt. They were looking for me everywhere. They called me and asked me to come back to Lagos because I had already shot halfway. But it taught me that it’s not about getting big roles, it’s about interpreting it. I guess it was because it was my first lead role. Of course now, I’m a pro, if I can use that word. My work speaks for itself.

    Do you have friends in the industry? And who are they?

    I have colleagues. I don’t think I have a very close friend in the industry. I have my senior colleagues who I respect. I also know those who are my juniors. I really don’t have a particular friend that I roll with 24hours. But I know I have colleagues. If I have anything to do I call them. If they have anything to do they call me and I attend. Once in a while we say hello to each other on phone but I don’t have that friend that I roll with in the industry.

    Is it because you’ve had a rough deal with them?

    I think so. I’ve had so many rough deals so I think its better I stay on my own and be friends with everyone. It’s safer and better than having one close friend because there is no way we won’t fall out.

    Why is there lack of bonding among actresses?

    Sometimes I also sit down and wonder why we can’t do things as one. I wonder but that’s how it is. You can’t change it.

    A lot of actresses now are delving into movie production. Any plans in that regard?

    Yes, that will come later. We are working on that.

    What is the one thing you love doing that being an actress has deprived you of?

    I love junk. I love eating things like akara, puff-puff and fried yam; those things that you stroll out in the evening, looking for where to get them. You just can’t see your life normally anymore. Now you are watching your back. Trying to see who is looking. A couple of months back, I drove to a friend’s place within my estate to get some CDs. I saw this akara and I was like wow! Mehn I must eat this akara this night whether devil likes it or not. So I crossed over to get it. As I was going towards the woman selling it, a boy saw me, I’m sure he recognised my face. He was looking at me like, what is she doing? What is she actually trying to do? I saw him, I didn’t even look at his face. My friend was, see that boy is looking at you. Do you want to go and buy this akara? I was like na him sabi, dis akara I must chop am today. I crossed over bought my akara and agidi to go.

    What are your likes?

    I love music. I love to dance. I’m also addicted to ice. My friends call me Ice Queen because I actually chew ice from morning till night without food.

    Does your independent nature not scare men away?

    Sometimes yes, you know men will always be men. When you are independent, they worry like, are you sure this one can stay? When you are dependent on them, they are like, this girl your bills too much. So it’s like that. But when the right person comes he will understand that you are doing what you have to do. I can’t marry any man who can’t stand my success.