The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • I want to die on stage—Sir Shina Peters

    I want to die on stage—Sir Shina Peters

    Afro-juju crooner, Sir Shina Peters, might have stopped releasing albums at the moment. But the aged, young-looking performer, who met with DUPE AYINLA-OLASUKANMI at his abode in Iju, revealed what he has been doing, like collaboration with upcoming artistes, reason for his residential location and other things.

     

    HOW often do you get contract to perform?

    It is when you are looking for fame that you tell people that you play every day. Mine is beyond that, because I do that every day. Can you imagine the children that I performed at their christening ceremony, telling their parents that it is me they want for their wedding? And what do they want to dance to? Afro-juju. Lots of them don’t know the names of the albums.

    So if I don’t correct them now, it will destroy a lot of things. I could remember that, there was a time during festive periods that people would produce a record. It was when I came on board that I stopped it. And said I will be doing just an album in a year. It is not going to the studio that is my problem. But my research has made me to discover that my lyrics and where I want to place music is at a very high level. I have done it before through God, because I have done it before.

    And that is why I do not joke with Him and my fasting. I can fast for 90days and nights. I will just stay indoors. That is my prayer room, my chapel; I can open it for you to see. I am from a Cherubim and Seraphim background, and that is what we believe. And with my contact with Him, He is saying I should take it easy. And when He says I should move, nothing can stop it.

    How spiritual can you be?

    I sing inspirational songs in my albums. Who are we to condemn other human beings, just because they are not as spiritual as we are? What I can tell you is that thank God for my life and where I come from. In terms of being spiritual, it is up there. I fear no one.

    Are you saying you have not been attacked spiritually before, considering your fame and type of job?

    How can? Nipa awe, ati adura, ki yio si nkankan (With prayer and fasting, there shall be no evil). You think I will just go on stage like that? There are several times that I will be fasting and playing on stage, laughing, dancing and nobody will know. That is the reason I always advise the upcoming ones, that what they are seeing is more to it. if you want to play music, you have to be battled spiritually. I don’t know any other thing than God.

    I can’t serve two gods; I don’t believe in mammon. That is the only way you can succeed in music, because it is not an ordinary profession. Music works with spirit. An example is when you are performing and sweating, and somebody from the crowd just comes up to use his handkerchief on your face. Where do you place that without the backing of God? God is what they call voice in music; so how can you excel without having a relationship with Him? Your relationship with Him must be intact.

    What we all know you for is Afro-juju; can you clarify us on this?

    Afro-juju is a brand of music. It is like another genre of music. What people refer to the Afro-juju is the album titled Ace, which is just like Shinamania, and they are both under Afro-Juju.

    Let’s talk about your age?

    It is His grace. I started at the age of 10. And I will say I am one of the musicians that didn’t go to the university but came into the industry and became a star. If God could wake me up one night and said this is my line, that I should go into the music world and not bother doing any other thing. And I left my parents, 2.00am that day till date. I have played with Ebenezar Obey, Prince Adekunle, and partnered with Segun Adewale, before finally standing on my own.

    And that was to do something on Juju, because it was dying. So you don’t toy with His feeling. The love God has for music is more than what we can see. There is no religion that doesn’t have its own kind of music – even those that worship the likes of Ogun. That is to tell you that you have to play music with the fear of God, and that is why you need a clear conscience. Because each day, no matter how late I ask myself what I have been able to do and the number of people I have been able to put smiles on their faces and tell myself I can do better tomorrow.

    With your age, you still show a lot of energy on stage, how do you do it?

    When you are in love with something, it is that love that gives you the energy or courage to cross any bridge. Because I love music, even if I want to die, I want to die on stage. At what age? I don’t know. But I always beg God, that if it is time, it should be on stage, because that is the only time I am pure.

    How do you mean?

    It is the only time I am pure, because that is the time I’m in contact with God; the lyrics that will come out for people to like, what I will say for people to shout, what I will do to carry my audience along.

    Do you have any of your kids toeing your foot step?

    Yes. Though they are not performers like me, they are into the music industry. I am yet to see one that will say I want to be like daddy. The only thing I hear them say is daddy, you are over working yourself. So instead of me to be like an inspiration to them, they are scared. I am not the type that tells his children what to do. Do what you like, I will bless you and God will bless you too.

    Being a man with a lot of kids, how do you care for and communicate with them?

    You see I don’t want to go to that area; the reason is because it will take a lot of wisdom before one can understand that area. I am a man that does not believe in being the biological father of a child. If you were here with your child, instantly, that child has become mine, because it is what I will do for Clinton that I will do for him/her too. By doing that, I have a lot of blessing and I’m happy. I have trained more than 25 children that are not mine, but bear my name home and abroad. But they are my children, because he who trains a child, owns the child.

    And the only way it can work is to tell me before hand if you have something to do and I will check my schedule. If it is at a good time, I will do what you want. But if it is the wrong time, you have to wait. But some may not have that patience to wait, and will go out to say Shina can’t take care of his child. How can I not take care of my own child; when I have taken care of several that are not mine that have become doctors, lawyers, home and abroad? They will not say, they were not patient, or that it was his mum that taught him to leave.

    They will now say Shina did not take care of his kids. And I cannot be finding you, when I still have those that need me more. If you are my biological child, then you have to be patient. Because those that are not mine might be afraid that I might not cater for them again. That is why I said it takes a lot of wisdom. I am a man with a very large heart and that is what I am enjoying today.

    How do you relate with the people in this community?

    You see, if there is anything that makes me happy every day, it is because of this community. If I was not staying here, how would I know or understand what is happening to people in the rural area? I have houses too in other reserved areas, but here, if anything happens even in the middle of the night, it is my house that they will first come to. Which include women in labour. If I was not here, who will do it? That goes for transformer too; when it blows off, it is my house they will come to. I will have to pick my phone to call my friend in PHCN. If I was not here, who will be doing all this?

    But what are you doing concerning the bad road?

    We are working on that. But the challenge we have is the big water pipe that was passed underground. If we say we should start reconstructing the road now, some digging would have to be done, which might get to the pipe and get busted. But Fashola is doing something now, that they will just gravel the surface and make it presentable. We can’t do a proper road because of the pipe.

    How do you find time to relax?

    The only time I relax is when I am praying and reading my bible. At that moment I am off the world; I prefer there than here. That is when I enjoy myself. And I swim a lot too, but we have to drain the water out because we are in the rainy season, and you can see the home is too peaceful. I have peace.

    Having not attended a university, how did you brush yourself up?

    You mean, how did I ‘tosh’ myself? How can you be moving with people like Aliko Dangote, Femi Odetola, Lanre Tejuosho, Segun Awolowo, without being ‘tosh’? That is why I say I am a self-made man. Native wisdom, you don’t read it in the school, it comes from God.

    People have said to me several times, that I was just looking for sympathy and that is the reason I lied that I didn’t attend school. Why would I do that? Yes, I try my best to belong. And that is why there is a saying that says, show me you friend, and I will tell who you are. It is the kind of friends that I have, that their influence has ‘toshed’ me up and God gave me the rest.

    What is Sir Shina Peters doing at the moment?

    (Sighs) You know what? I don’t like to remember my schedule because it is scary. But, there are a lot of things.

    Currently, do you have any work in progress?

    Let me be honest with people for a change, I discover a lot about my music. People are still requesting and asking for the Ace, Shinamania, Experience, albums. People still call me for the four evergreen albums. After the four evergreen albums, I have done so many others, up to 16 or 20. But I discovered that what killed the ones I have done after my first four is that people do not have enough time to enjoy one before another one is released.

    That is why if you ask me to play Afro-juju, you are referring to Ace. But if I sing Make una dance o, and you say that is it, it is not the same, because you are referring to the album Experience. But people can’t differentiate between the albums. There is no studio I want to go to now, because it is those other first four that people are still enjoying. People have refused to connect with the other ones I have done, because they always refer me back to the first four, which are the evergreen.

    And if I don’t want to kill the rest… well that is why all my master tapes are intact, so that I can be remixing them. Maybe now I can be remixing them with my brothers and sons in the hip-hop world, so that people can enjoy the collaboration. But now, it is not the right time for me to do anything.

    Are you working on any collaboration now?

    We are working on You are the one for me. We are doing a video, but I am still not okay with it. I am a kind of person that doesn’t like rushing things. There are times that you just lose it and won’t be able to think right. I don’t force nature, so I just tell God, whenever you want me to continue, just let me know.

  • Tears as Moyo Lawal buries mum

    Tears as Moyo Lawal buries mum

    BURGEONING actress Moyo Lawal has been in low spirits ever since news broke about the death of her mother who passed away last Sunday. Moyo was inconsolable on Tuesday, May 14 when the remains of her late mother who died on May 12 at the age of 52 was interred at the Vaults and Gardens Private Cemetery, Ikoyi, Lagos.

    Until her death, Mrs Lawal was a nurse at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). She is survived by her husband, Tajudeen Lawal, and three children; Moyo (the first born), Mayowa and Molade.

    “For everyone or rather most people, their mum is their best friend but that wasn’t the case with my mother; she was my backbone. She taught me to love and give without expecting anything back.

    “My unsung heroine who sacrificed everything for my family and I has passed away. I fought my worst fights with her and also laughed the hardest with her. She spoilt me beyond reason and I have actually learnt to be independent.” Moyo said in a heavy laden voice.

    It could be recalled that Moyo was one of the housemates of The Next Movie Star in 2006 and her early exit from the House came at a time when no one expected her to leave considering her pedigree. But she sure did add some spark and shine while her time lasted in the House.

    After the show, the Badagry indigene and Creative Arts graduate of the University of Lagos picked up the pieces of her early ouster and has gone on to feature in scores of high profile TV soaps and movies such as Shallow Waters, Binta and Friends, Eldorado, D8, Flat Mates, Dancehood and most recently Tinsel.

  • Eldee, Sound Sultan, others excited over MeetOrbit.com

    Eldee, Sound Sultan, others excited over MeetOrbit.com

    THE name Adekunle Ayodele might not be popular; however, the hardworking IT specialist has launched his global social media network platform, MeetOrbit.com. He could be walking in the footsteps of men like Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook and Jack Dorsey of Twitter as he gets set to revolutionalise social media experience in Nigeria.

    Adekunle, who has worked and consulted for blue chip companies like Comcast, Verizon and Cisco and who is also a holder of an MSc. in Information Systems Management with 12 years experience in IT project delivery with a deep understanding of IT strategy and business operations, revealed why Nigerian celebrities are hooking up with his platform. A new global social networking platform, MeetOrbit.com has signed up top Nollywood acts and Nigerian musicians to drive the brand.

    According to Adekunle Ayodele, US-based founder and CEO of DataBox Technologies, the platform MeetOrbit.com is a dream come true for him and would revolutionalise the global concept of social networking.

    “MeetOrbit.com is gathering momentum following its launch in the USA. This is a dream come true for me. The response has been overwhelming. As I speak to you, Nigerian acts are excited and have signed up with the platform. They include Trybe Records boss, eLDee, Sound Sultan, Koffi, Owen Gee, Abdulala, African China and Baba Dee.

    “Others are DJ Vinnie, GT D Guitarman, J Gansta, Laide Bakare, Lepacious Bose, Lova Bernard, Marcakay and Moyinoluwa Olutayo, among others.

    MeetOrbit.com has advanced forward thinking features which focuses on connecting people both locally and globally through video chat technology. “MeetOrbit.com is the first online platform with online celebrity auction, dynamic profile videos, and video shuffle chat with a galactic planet theme. For the first time online, people will be able to instantly collaborate with people locally and globally.

    “We wanted to build a site that improves lives and reinvents the social networking experience,” he said, adding that the site is based on a galactic theme and has several sub sites with unique purposes and features. They include Meet A Friend, Profile Video, Video Shuffle Chat, Meet A Mentor. Meet A Star and Exchange Forum.

    He added that the vision of the site is to create a universal and innovative platform that reinvents how people connect, engage and transform their social media experience through video technology.

  • Collecting Societies: Who holds the aces?

    Collecting Societies: Who holds the aces?

    FROM venturing into music or any branch of the arts, artistes are expected to reap the rewards of their hard work. This comes either in form of brand endorsements, show performances or the least talked about but more important, royalties.

    Simply put, on a broader sense, royalty is a compensation for the use of property, usually copyrighted works or natural resources. It comes in the form of a percentage of gross or net profit or a fixed amount per sale to which a creator of a work is entitled, agreed upon in a contract between the creator and/or distributor in exchange for a license to manufacture and/or sell the product.

    On paper, it appears simple but when it comes down to effecting agreements, the issue of royalties and collecting comes with a whole lot of issues which perhaps accounts for the litigations and counter litigations in the Nigerian music scene today.

    So long as they continue to hold the attention and interest of their audience, entertainers deserve to collect royalties. Copyright registration entitles a musical composer to performance royalties whenever the musician’s composition is performed publicly.

    In Nigeria, the debate is rife as to who holds the aces between the record companies and the recording artistes? Who makes the most money based on the sale of recordings of their songs? However royalties are calculated, they and contracts are extremely complex and controversial as they stem a hotbed of debate, as with almost everything else in the music industry.

    As it pertains in other climes, as with Nigeria, a music publisher (or record label) is charged with ensuring that artistes receive payment when their compositions are used commercially. However, where the issue lies is the legality or otherwise of multiple collecting societies in Nigeria.

    With the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) and the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN) constantly at loggerheads as to the benefits of the multiplicity of the collecting societies, it becomes obvious that there are loopholes to be filled. While MCSN says that it is legally binding for it to collect rights for Nigerian artistes, COSON insists that it is the sole collecting body.

    However, entertainment lawyer Akinyemi Ayinoluwa weighs in. “Having two good heads will always be better than one,” he says. This, he says, is more especially as “Nigeria needs more than one collecting society to administer collection of copyrights so that all hands can be on deck, a case of a monopolistic system might not do justice to the besetting issue at hand.”

    These days, the activities of such bodies come under close scrutiny as more Nigerian artistes have started paying more attention to how their intellectual property fares out there. Thus recently, Angel of My Life crooner, Paul Play Dairo, dragged telecommunication company, MTN, and Ultima Limited to court for the unlawful use of his song in the reality TV show, MTN Project Fame West Africa. The artiste is of the opinion that though the Nigerian music industry is still growing, there is room for more expansion.

    “The music industry to the American government is like the oil industry in Nigeria. American economy also thrives on the entertainment industry. Our artistes can also benefit from the growth of the industry in Nigeria. When you have a monopoly, this will not be flexible. They will take things for granted. I don’t know why Nigerians feel that only one collecting society will solve their problems. And also, as a concerned Nigerian musician, I believe that I have the right to protect my intellectual property, I have the right to choose the collecting society that I want to join. It should not be enforced on me. We are not in the military era. We are in a democratic dispensation so I believe that,” Play opines.

    It has been said that music publishers are facing trying times as a result of the impact of piracy, digital rights management and growing distribution channels. Significant uncertainties exist over the future of the industry, especially with the emergence of “the blue nowhere”, the cyberspace.

    On the way forward, Ayinoluwa proposes an amendment of the Copyright Act to address the current issues foisted by technological advancement on exploitation of intellectual works. “I feel we should also embark on a major awareness campaign to publicise these amendments; make government policies that favour the creative sector as a main stay of the economy, just as petroleum is seen as a major money spinner and ensure adequate law enforcement by agencies and the law courts can help curtail illegalities and ensure a smooth run in the industry and in the administration of copyrights,” the lawyer says.

    He notes that no law compels any artiste to be compulsorily affiliated with collecting societies, though COSON, as a body, is still making baby steps. “As the body grows into maturity I believe it’l become more transparent as to its operational models,” he adds.

    However, when contacted for his take on the benefits of otherwise of multiple collecting societies, the Chairman of COSON, Tony Okoroji said that it is a major issue and one should be given a chance for proper representation. “I don’t want to give one line. It is a lengthy issue and we need to reply it properly. I don’t want to do that because it has caused crisis in the past and I know there are people who want to use all kinds of tricks to further their agenda. I don’t want to fall into that trap,” he said.

    On a general note, in signing music deals, artistes have variously been urged on with a number of pointers. First, it is not wise to sign a contract beyond 3 years with any label in Nigeria unless of course the artiste is in dire straits financially. Asking for too much sign-on fees doesn’t augur well for the artiste because it is perceived as a loan which has to be recouped by the record label.

    Kenny ‘Keke’ Ogungbe, Founder/CEO of Kennis Music, recently delivered a speech at the inaugural edition of the Nigerian Entertainment Conference held on Friday, April 26. Addressing stakeholders at the Grand Ball Room of the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, venue of the conference, Keke noted that the entertainment industry/music is the blood of any nation. With that in mind, he urges the various governmental agencies saddled with the responsibility of supervising the music industry to live up to their expectation and duties.

    “The works of Arts/ Entertainment is now a universal product with global appeal. Musicians are national brands. The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the Nigerian Copy Rights Council, (NCRC), the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), amongst others, should ensure that all the artistic works emanating from Nigeria are of world standard, because mentally, such works have assumed the role of being national Brand Ambassadors. Our own Lagbaja was amongst the few selected African musicians that made the continent proud with the epic song, So Why,” according to Keke.

    He further advises label owners on how to stem the tide of piracy, one factor that alters the course of artistes’ finances. Record Label owners, he said, should make the works of the artiste on their labels available at designated markets/shops.

    “Scarcity sometimes encourages piracy. The strategy is to make the product available; when the product is accessible, the likely hood of pirated copy consumption will be low. I am encouraged by the recent development in the music industry as it relates to royalty. The tempo should be sustained. When a musician knows that the more air time his work gets, the more income he earns, which is timeless as music content utilisation by broadcast stations and some recreational centres use works that have mass appeal. artistes and producers, based on this, are challenged to produce good works that have followership,” he said.

  • Wizkid acquires posh automobile

    Wizkid acquires posh automobile

    EME’S cash cow and the CEO of Starboy Entertainment, Ayo Balogun, aka Wizkid, is living the life. The hot-in-demand artiste recently acquired a new Porsche Panamera car with customised number “W”.

    The artiste shared the news on his Instagram page when he posted pictures of himself with his new wonder-on-wheel. With an acceleration rate from a dead stop to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 167miles per hour, Wizkid must have also considered safety before acquiring the automobile as the hybrid speed machine comes with eight airbags, including dual front, side impact and curtain airbags.

  • Imoke receives another award yet again

    Imoke receives another award yet again

    THE beautiful wife of the Cross River State Governor, Obioma Liyel-Imoke, will yet again receive another award for her immense contributions to community development. This special award The Obioma Liyel-Imoke Award for Community Empowerment will be presented during the Miss Africa USA Pageant at the Fillmore, Silver Spring Maryland US, in June. She will also be one of the chairladies at this landmark occasion.

    According to Kate Njeuma, founder Miss Africa USA pageant, in a letter addressed to the office of the wife of the governor, “It will be an honour to have Her Excellency as one of our chairladies. We are very proud of her work in Cross River State and we know that behind every successful man is a strong and dynamic woman. Our goal is to inspire our young women so that they too can aspire to achieve great success like these people.”

    Miss Africa USA Pageant has come to be known as the biggest pageant which celebrates African women in the US. It is one of the most highly anticipated annual community events. It enables African young women in the US to shine the spotlight on Africa.

    According to Njeuma, there will be other women of very high esteem at this event, which will include celebrities from Hollywood, White House staff and female African Ambassadors.

    Sophie Dijeh, the Carnival Calabar Queen, is expected to be part of the wife of the governor’s entourage to this event. “It would be very honourable for us to be given the opportunity to host the Carnival Queen as well. We will give her the opportunity to talk about tourism in Cross River State and her position as queen just like a Cultural Ambassador should, and invite visitors to Calabar to experience the beautiful culture,” Njeuma added.

    The Carnival Calabar Queen Pageant, an initiative of the wife of the Cross River State Governor was launched in December 2007.

  • I am a Nollywood filmmaker and proud says Kenneth Gyang, director of AMAA’s Best Film

    I am a Nollywood filmmaker and proud says Kenneth Gyang, director of AMAA’s Best Film

    Kenneth Gyang, the director of award-winning film, Confusion Na Wa, is a young man with large vision. He had lived most of his dreams, making commercials, TV drama series, TV reality series and documentaries for BBC Media Action, Heinrich Boll Foundation, PATHS2/New Media Network, EbonyLife TV and Newage Network. He shot into limelight at the AMAAs, where he won the Africa Movie Academy Awards. His impressive resume is captured in this chat with Entertainment Editor

    SO many people have wondered who Kenneth Gyang is. Who would you say he is?

    Let’s just say that Kenneth Gyang is an award-winning filmmaker from Plateau State. He has been around Nigeria’s filmmaking scene since 2006. But I guess some people are thinking that he’s just a new bloke that’s coming into the picture now. I have worked with BBC Media Action as director of the critically-acclaimed drama series, Wetin Dey.

    I also worked as the co-writer/producer and director of Televista’s Finding Aisha. I am the co-founder of Cinema Kpatakpata, a Nigerian film production company, built to make films in Nigeria and throughout Africa. The other members of the company are Tom Rowlands-Rees and one of Nigeria’s best cinematographers, Yinka Edward. As you already know, my directorial debut, Confusion Na Wah, which is Cinema Kpatakpata’s first feature film won. It won the Best Nigerian Film and the sought-after Best Film (equivalent of Best Picture at the Oscars) at the 2013 African Movie Academy Awards.

    Are you in any way related to Jeremiah Gyang, the musician?

    Haha! Funny thing is, I always get asked that question a lot, and I have always wondered why I am not linked with my more illustrious ‘cousin’ Asamoah Gyang instead? The closest that I have been to Jeremiah was back in the same secondary school. But he opted out of that school before me.

    Looking at your frame and what you have been able to achieve, a lot of people find you quite unassuming. How old is Kenneth Gyang?

    I still enjoy the speculation going out there in the media about my age, and I know I’ve been ‘bounced’ a couple of times in certain clubs in South Africa, and recently in Lagos for being an ‘underage’. I’ll say this to club bouncers around though; I am of age, really.

    What did you study in school?

    I was an Art student in secondary school because I managed to convince myself that I don’t have the aptitude for sciences. After secondary school, I went to study Film Production at the National Film Institute in Jos, Plateau State, where I was in a head-on collision with a lot of science-oriented subjects. Scripting, producing and directing ended up being my major

    What inspired your career as a filmmaker?

    To be honest, I came into film by accident. I know it started with my love for shortwave radio in the dead of the night. But I happened to visit a few film set around the museum of Jos, and I liked what was going on. One day I saw a poster advertising the NFI. I went there, checked the school out and was convinced that it was the place of learning for me. That was the beginning of my journey into the world of filmmaking

    Would you say you are a Nollywood filmmaker?

    I have realized a long time ago that it will be foolish trying to always be on one side arguing that I am an alternative filmmaker when everywhere I go people will always refer to me as a Nollywood filmmaker. I remember introducing myself to the famous cinematographer, Christopher Doyle, in a hall full of people in Berlin back in 2006, and the first thing he said was “Nollywood”. So yes, I am a Nollywood filmmaker and proud.

    How involved are you in the art, business and politics of filmmaking?

    Well, you can’t be a filmmaker without dabbling in some of these things. Your work has to be a reflection of what you are and what believe in as an artiste. It is not always enough to have that art in production alone. You need to know how and where to make this Art available to be consumed because you didn’t do it for yourself and family alone.

    What or who are your foreign influences?

    The works of Latino filmmakers like Fernando Meirelles, Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu and Alfonso Cuaron have heavily influenced me. But the biggest foreign influence in my filmmaking ideology would be Quentin Tarantino. I love how all the works of these filmmakers deal with issues that will get every scholar writing away. Most importantly, instead of their works being didactic, they could still serve as topnotch entertainment for those who are out looking for ‘fun films’.

    Tell us about some of the talent campuses or film festivals you have taken part in.

    I was part of the Berlinale Talent Campus in Germany with my first short film, called ‘Mummy Lagos’. That was a seminal hit,as it brought out the creative originality I showcased in my later works. Mummy Lagos was part of the official program of films in competition under Hunger, Food and Taste. And I was a wide-eyed kid sometimes visiting the red carpets and seeing paparazzi screaming the names of George Clooney as he came to showcase the political thriller Syriana, Natalie Portman with V For Vendetta and Vin Diesel with Find Me Guilty. I had a glimpse of those stars on my Mini DV camera. I was also in South Africa for the Sithengi Talent Campus as part of the now defunct Capetown International Film Festival.

    Let’s talk about the film of the moment; Confusion Na Wa. What would you say inspired the story?

    If we look around us, not only in Nigeria or Africa alone but also in the world, there’s always this sense of great injustice going on. We wanted to make a film that reflects on the small role individuals play, which always ends up having a big ripple effect on other people around them. We decided to tell a multi-layered story that’s kind of inspired by the film Amores Perros. The message is basically for individuals to be aware of how their little actions could have a major effect on the lives of others around them.

    Did you imagine that Confusion Na Wa would go places?

    We have always been confident about Confusion Na Wa. When it was written, we beat off competitions to be the only one of four projects to get Digital Production funding from Hubert Bals Fund, which is part of the International Film Festival Rotterdam in Netherlands. Again, that script was selected for the inaugural Durban FilmMart in South Africa. You can see there’s a pattern of success and likeability for the story, dialogue and characters. When we gave our actors the script, they were all eager to be part of it and made huge sacrifices that Cinema Kpatakpata is grateful for.

    Ramsey Nouah read the script whilst on an international flight and when he landed, he said it was one of the best scripts he has ever read in his life. OC Ukeje, Ali Nuhu, Gold Ipkonmwosa and Tony Goodman loved it. Tunde Aladese, an accomplished writer herself, dropped her pen and agreed to be part of the film in front of the lens, a first time for her!

    Is AMAA the first endorsement Confusion Na Wa has received?

    The Africa Movie Academy Awards is the first competition we entered with Confusion Na Wa. It is the biggest and most glamorous film awards show in Africa and we wanted to start at that high level. If you look at how the lives and careers of former AMAA winners, and especially those who held aloft the Best Film of the Year prize, changed after winning, you would know it is an event you truly need to win. The fairy tale of Djo Munga’s Viva Riva and a host of other filmmakers like Wanuri (From a Whisper) started from the AMAAs and I’m glad we scaled that challenge spectacularly.

    So, what would you say has changed since your film won the AMAAs?

    People have become aware of our existence as a company and now know that there are equally a lot of young people out there who can make good films. Before now, I have directed ‘Wetin Dey’, which was a definite trend-setter in production values for both film and TV in Nigeria.I also did ‘Finding Aisha’ for Televista and a whole host of other productions. But not many people acknowledged those. Last year, as part of the 2012 London Olympics, a political love story I directed for Newage Network, entitled Blood and Henna showed in the host city and everyone loved what they saw at the Royale Theatre Stratford. But I guess no one took notice here. I was reading in some newspaper after Confusion Na Wa’s win at the AMAAs that I am a newcomer and I laughed because I guess if you’re not a filmmaker from Lagos, then you have not really started in this country. Joke!

    Did you ever think that the film will appeal to an ordinary film lover?

    Look right, the fact that one is making a thought-provoking film doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t attract people in droves to see it. And my personal philosophy is to make appealing films to cater for the different tastes people have. Quentin Tarantino makes films that on the surface are entertaining. But essays are still written on them by deep people, while he still smiles home to the bank, which for me is the hallmark of a cool filmmaker

    How were you able to get Hubert Bals Fund for the movie?

    We got funding for the film because we wrote a script that is strong in story, characters and dialogue. Again, we tried as much as possible to make the world of the characters believable. After writing, we submitted it to Hubert Bals Fund who totally loved it and gave us the money to do it. We also got some production support from Kunle Junaid’s Refuge Island Media, Noah’s Creed, Cinecraft and Newage Network.

    In total, how much did the movie cost?

    I would not want to brandish figures around. But the film is a low budget one and that serves as testament to that popular saying in film schools around the world “Story is King”! Yes! You need fancy equipment to make a good film. But generally, films are all about other values than just that. And we have shown that with little money, you make great films that will have people leaving the theatre and talking about it.

    How far do you want to go as a filmmaker?

    I want to go as far as I can push myself. All that talk of going to Hollywood is not my thing, and I am not interested in such talk coming from some actors and filmmakers in Africa. But my self-belief will definitely take me as far as I can go from my present position.

    Have you followed discussions on the N3 billion Federal Government grant for the film industry?

    Yeah, I have followed some news on the N3 billion Project Nollywood grant. Right now, there’s no guideline on how to access it, and if there will be a level playing ground getting it at the end of the day. In this industry, there are three kinds of people- a whole lot of people who know how to talk without delivering; a few who know how to talk and deliver and those who don’t even have the chance to talk. The first category, which is the majority, always spoil everything for us. I remember laughing at the 200 million dollars intervention form, I looked at it and said someone must have done a lot of copying and pasting to come out with that laughable document without really looking at the situations peculiar to our immediate environment and industry. A classic case of the rich getting richer! Back to the Project Nollywood grant, the Minister of Finance said they are thinking of distribution, scriptwriting and possibly production. Let’s see how it goes.

    Would you or your organization think of accessing the fund?

    Cinema Kpatakpata will look into assessing the grant if the conditions are right.

    What is your private life like?

    I am shy in front of crowds, plus I’m a very quiet person when meeting people for the first time. With time though, I could be silly and make jokes with funny impressions. So my true self is all about taking life easy all the time. I don’t know how to dance, but I can completely say I go with the beats better than white people (Tom had to take serious breakdance lessons to compete).

    Would you say you enjoy the fame that comes with being a filmmaker?

    I wouldn’t say I am famous, but I love entertaining people, it makes me happy. If I get a little attention after they see my film, of course I’ll be happy.

  • Uche Jombo celebrates one year of wedlock

    Uche Jombo celebrates one year of wedlock

    FUNNY how time flies as it is now a year that star actress, Uche Jombo secretly got married to her Peurto Rican husband; Kenneth Rodriguez on Thursday, May 16 2012.

    The union came barely a week after the actress denied any marriage plans of getting married only to surprise her fans on returning to Nigeria in June last year with her hubby with a wedding ring to show for it at an event in Lagos to show that she truly was married.

    Uche currently resides in the United States of America with her husband and the couple are said to be having a nice time-out together.

  • Moment of bliss at Jonny Walker Cocktail Night

    Moment of bliss at Jonny Walker Cocktail Night

    IT was pure entertainment galore last Friday as celebrities and captains of industry gathered to share their appreciation of the array of Diageo spirit brands at an exclusive Cocktail Night, held at the prestigious Cafe Vanessa, Victoria Island Lagos.

    The exclusive Cocktail Night was hosted by Diageo Africa Reserve Brand Ambassador and award winning mixologist, Tim Etherington-Judge, who showcased an exclusive master class of the Diageo spirit brands’ cocktails to the delight of the enthusiastic guests. Connoisseurs at the event also had opportunities to mix their own cocktail under the guidance of the master mixer, Tim.

    Tim Judge travelled for the first time to Nigeria to host the master cocktail session and share his stories, experiences and intimate knowledge of premium brands of Diageo. He inspired guests with the amazing history and heritage of the brands and shared tips on how to enjoy any of the Diageo spirits brands to the fullest, mixing the best of cocktail.

    Speaking at the event, Marketing and Innovations Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Austin Ufomba explained the idea behind the cocktail night. “We owe our consumers this kind of unforgettable experience, an opportunity to interact with the best in the world.

    “Tim has showcased some of the best cocktails the Diageo spirit brands can offer, expressing his expertise gathered from visiting countries around the world. Our guests have also been opportuned to practice by mixing some of these cocktail themselves. So, it’s all been fun” Ufomba said.

    According to Tim, “This is my first visit to Nigeria and I am delighted to have met so many enthusiastic lovers of sprit drinks. One of the best parts of my job is having the opportunity to travel and meet people around the world to share my knowledge and stories with them. I believe my audience in Nigeria certainly do know all about the delights and craftsmanship of the best of spirit brands offered by Diageo,” Tim enthused.

    As part of his activities in Nigeria, the Hancocks NZ Bartender of the Year Award winner took selected bar tenders across Nigeria through some exquisite spirit cocktail training that left them asking for more. As the guests enjoyed the night, they were encouraged to drink responsibly and not to drink and drive.

  • What I can’t be caught doing —Lami

    What I can’t be caught doing —Lami

    Her bluntness has oftentimes been mistaken for arrogance. And she says she can’t stand dishonest and disrespectful people. The two, according to simple and down to earth neo-soul singer, Lami Philips, are the gospel truth. In this interview with AHMED BOULOR, the songstress, known for her hit song, entitled “Know”, which features M.I, reveals why she is sticking to an unattractive genre. She also explains the reason it has taken her a long time to complete her second album, among other things.

     

     

    SOME observers believe you are stubborn for sticking to a seeming unattractive genre and that you’re not a conformist.

    I am stubborn; but my decision is based primarily on my inability to be fake or pretend. I can only do what I know and love. I cannot give what I don’t have. I’d rather transform than conform.

    So you prefer to be a big fish in a small pond than a small fish in a mighty ocean?

    Well, I’ll just say that I’m a happy and fulfilled fish…

    What was growing up like for you in the American city of Chicago, Illinois?

    I grew up in the UK, Lagos and different states in America. Although I was born in Chicago, I was only in that state for a few years. Truth is, a friend recently told me I’m white at heart. I like things organised and people being straight up. Growing up outside Nigeria and moving back is a continuous mental adjustment especially with the bad electricity supply here in Nigeria. My folks raised me to be humble, open minded, confident and unique.

    Did your parents influence you to choose music as a profession?

    They exposed me to all kinds of music genres, so perhaps yes. My dad made me learn the piano at a tender age. My mum is a lot of fun and is very creative and animated. So that is where I got my edge from.

    Kindly tell us the scenario that led to your appointment by the United Nations?

    After an in-depth interview with the BBC, I was referred by a BBC official to the UNDP and I was invited for a party in Turkey. My team met with their representatives, and it just happened. They loved me and they challenged me. The rest, like they say, is history.

    Were you satisfied with the response you got when you released your first album?

    I was surprised that the critics loved it. I started getting airplay with no promotion strategy or industry connection. The only complaint I had was distribution. I underestimated how I’d do and signed off on a compromised distribution deal.

    What was it like putting together your first album Intuition a few years after completing your Executive MBA from Pennsylvania State University?

    It was fun. I love writing and being in my creative space. I got to Nigeria and immediately started working with eLdee, MI and a host of other people in the industry.

    Why has it taken this long to complete your sophomore album, Pieces of Love?

    I took a break. I needed to get away and hear myself think. I also needed to decide on the creative direction of the album while hiring the right management team. I’m also recording outside Nigeria, and have a couple of live recordings which take a longer time to put together.

    Tell us about your new video, entitled “Titi Lai Lai”?

    It’s a fun video. I just called a few friends who were around and we just clowned. The song has a funk soul feel.

    How did you get Wong Fae Hong and Tiannah Styling to be part of the production of the video?

    That’s my management’s decision. Although Tiannah totally gets my weird fashion sense on and has succeeded in finally translating my personality into my style and fashion signature.

    Tell us about the involvement of Femi Jacobs, Jumoke Bello, IK Osakioduwa, Waje, Kel, Dammy Krane, Praiz, Tosyn Bucknor, DJ Sose and DJ Spinall in the video?

    They are all fun people! Like I said, I invited my friends over to have fun at the shoot, and that’s what we did. We decided to invite the personalities you mentioned to add verve and spark to the video shoot. I’ve also been away for a while, so it was a sort of reunion with my other colleagues in the industry.

    Are you snobbish?

    Do I think I am a snobbish person? I may be or maybe I am not. My confidence is sometimes misjudged as arrogance. I just have a low threshold for people who are not real. I’m too real to front being fake. I can’t stand fake people. I always say “be you” I’m a simple person; it’s the little things that matter with me.

    What’s the toughest decision you’ve had to take in your life?

    Every day, people are meant to make one tough decision or the other. There are tough decisions to be made every now and then. You just pray, prioritise and persist; I call that my 3 P’s.

    I read an interview where you said you can’t be caught dancing because you are a bad dancer. One would think that as a musician, dancing would come naturally to you?

    (Laughs) I dance like a clueless white girl. I’m very bad with choreography and dancing even with aerobics. I’m always in the wrong direction!

    Aside singing very deep songs, what is it like on your other side? I hear you love watching cartoons, comedy, spending time with your family and eating a lot.

    You are right on that. Like I said, I’m a simple person. These are the things that make me happy. I also love travelling.

    Where did you meet your husband?

    I met him abroad…

    Was it because of your career that you returned home with your husband?

    No! Coming to Nigeria was about being with my family. I missed my folks and siblings…and I wanted to be in my country. Tough as Nigeria is, it is still home.

    Considering your status as a musician, has that in any way made your husband to feel insecure and over protective of you?

    No! Our foundation is God. My husband is my friend; he empowers me. We decide together and as Gods’ children, we have no business being insecure or afraid.

    Have you ever toyed with the idea of venturing into acting?

    I did act in the UK. I enjoy stage plays and theatre productions. If I get the right scripts, I’ll be all up in it!