The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

Teenage musician dedicates album to Council Chair

A young music artiste, Favour Nwabueze (D’ Angelic, aka 9ja Queen) has released a CD in honour of the Ifako Ijaiye Council Chairman, Dr. Oloruntoba Oke.

The 10-year-old act said she was motivated to embark on the project by the laudable achievements recorded by the Oke administration in infrastructural development, market upgrading, school renovations and healthcare delivery.

Miss Nwabueze who was accompanied by her father John and mother, Deaconess Perpetual, thrilled a crowd made up of the media, executive members and management staff of the council inside the Chairman’s office.

The album titled: Toba Oke is the best for Ifako-Ijaiye is a fusion of gospel, hip-hop and afrobeat and it eulogises Oke’s achievements.

“I sang for him because of his good works. I was among the personalities that commissioned some of the laudable projects that marked his 250 days in office. All I said in the album are facts, they are all projects that anyone can feel and see,” she said.

Her father, producer and manager, Mr. John Nwabueze, said Favour, a basic six pupil of Upright Nursery and Primary School, Iju-Ishaga, Lagos, started demonstrating her talent as a musician and dancer at age five.

Oke in his remarks commended the artistry of the young musician and prayed that she reach stardom in the music profession. The chairman said he appreciated the fact that his efforts to bring about change are being noticed by all and succinctly rendered in a song by a teenager.

He listed the late Michael Jackson, Sir Shina Peters, Alhaja Salawa Abeni and Benita, as musicians who started their music career as toddlers, and urged the musician to continue to hone her skill until she becomes a super star.

May 12, 2013
Moji Olaiya:Yes, I’ll like to remarry but…

Beautiful Yoruba actress Mojisola Olaiya-Okesola raised eyebrows when she acquired a new automobile worth four million naira. The daughter of highlife maestro Victor Olaiya says that she is out to seek fame on her own terms. She speaks with DUPE AYINLA-OLASUKANMI on issues surrounding her divorce. She also talks about her job, family, plans to get married again, as well as a new reality show scheduled to hit the screen soon in this interview.

WHAT has been keeping you busy?

I have a lot of things I am engaging myself in at the moment. I am working on a new project. It is actually a reality TV show expected to hit the screen anytime soon. We will be shooting very soon too.

When exactly are you going on air and what is the show about?

Well, I can’t disclose all now. The reason is that when you have an idea and you talk about it, people tend to steal your idea and use it. So that is the reason I am keeping it under wraps until it is ready.

Is your decision to do a TV show prompted by the fact that everyone is doing it?

The show I am talking about is not a TV show and I am not the brain behind it. I was called to come and anchor the show. So it is not my own personal thing.

As a busy person, how do you make out time for your daughter?

She is a grown up person now. She is fourteen and she is in boarding school. When she is home for holiday, we go out together and I try to spend as much time as possible with her. She is a teenager and I talk to her as a friend. We are always together, except when I am working. When I am at work and she needs to be somewhere and I also need to be with her, I rather cut off the work and go with her. There is no abandonment where she is concerned.

How easy was it for you to cross over genres?

It was very easy for me to crossover to the Yoruba movie genre because I am Yoruba and I also speak the language fluently too. Whatever I am today in the industry is by the grace of God, though I have paid my dues too. I mean I paid respect to my seniors who I met as an upcoming actress at that moment. He has also used a lot of people to bring me into limelight. I was not too desperate to become a star. I waited for God’s time, and he used Wale Adenuga. Superstory was my break in the industry. I had never met Wale Adenuga, Antar Laniyan or Bakare Adeoye.

These were the main people then when I started. Superstory was my main job then and my name stuck. I could remember then that I just went for an audition and they discovered that I had what they wanted. I was then picked to play the role of Ireti in Superstory.

Didn’t your dad’s name work for you when you started acting?

When I wanted to start acting, none of my parents were aware that I wanted to go into the profession. My father didn’t like the profession. I was surprised when he watched Superstory, though he just stumbled upon it by mistake. What he watches on the TV is just the news. I made him start watching TV anyway.

So now he watches Superstory and other Yoruba movies, thinking probably Moji would appear. I always tell people that he is my number one fan. Though his name has paved ways for me because there are places that I would go to and they will be asking which Olaiya. I hardly mention Victor Olaiya because I like to do things myself; I like to use my own name to get to places. But this thing is not something that can be hidden. Everywhere I go, they want to know if it is the same Olaiya and it has paved way for me. People around also know that I have a lot of fans so whatever I want to do, they accept me.

It appears you are less active in movies these days?

I have been working. There are some movies in the market that I featured in at the moment. It is just that there are so many of us now and the younger ones are coming up too. I cannot appear in all movies, I have to pick the ones I do.

There are some roles that I cannot play anymore. Should a producer call me now for a job, I get to look at the script, check the role I am to play and if it is a role that I don’t want, I would not do it. You can’t just be working all the time, though I do more of soaps now.

Would you say your preference for sitcoms now is because it is less tasking?

Soap is more demanding. We have to be on set for about three weeks a month at a stretch. You have to get your lines correct; it is not like the movies. In a soap you can do like 10 episodes with 200 scenes. Sitcoms pay more money.

Any plans to follow your father’s foot step in the future?

I have not really thought about it. If I wanted to do it, I would have done it a long time ago. It is in my blood, I sing as well but sometimes, when you are involved with too many things, you muddle them up. I sing for fun. When I am in a party, I can just pick up the mic and sing. I sing highlife, I sing juju, Christian songs and all that. When I pick up the mic to sing, people want to listen to what I have.

Comedy seems to be gaining ground in the Yoruba movie world; do you have any coming out too?

I have not given it a thought because I don’t do what others do. I do what I want to do.

How was your last production?

The last work I did was Isese. It was premiered last year and it was well accepted. They really appreciated the movie because it was an epic movie, and that is why I take my time to do them. That is one of the reasons I just don’t work anyhow. Isese is a film about tradition. It tells a story about our tradition, how we behave and how we can sustain our tradition.

You see, a lot of things are happening, which are now eroding our culture and tradition. I believe we need to come back to our culture and let our children not believe that we don’t have a tradition or culture.

Why haven’t you been producing like your other colleagues?

Well, I don’t believe they are producing more movies because they are not earning enough. I think it is the new ones that are doing that in order to gain recognition. They prefer to do their own production because the producers are not using them. If you look at it very well, you can’t see those that have been in the industry for a while producing indiscriminately.

Is it true that among actresses, there is a notion that scandals come with popularity?

My dad has built a name already and I won’t want to drag it into the mud. Also, because of my own personality too, I have decided to stay off controversies. This is coupled with the fact that I didn’t know where I might get to in life. I might turn out to be the First Lady of Lagos State or Nigeria or even go into politics.

And for your own children, there are some things you have to stay away from. I am not saying I am a saint. But as much as possible I am trying to stay away from it because of my name, my dad and my own family too.

Are you representing any brand as an ambassador?

At the moment I am not representing any brand but I have a ministry I am representing. I am an ambassador to the Ministry of the Environment dealing on issues like climate change and air pollution. My work is to talk to people about their environment and climate change.

How did you get the job?

They chose me and others for the advert on the campaign against using coals and others substances that can pollute the air. We encouraged people to live in clean environments. After the advert, they made everyone who participated their ambassadors. So far we have seen changes.

Because of many who see us as their role models, we have been able to get across to a lot of people. These days, you hardly see people dropping garbage on the road anymore. We also try to let people know the disadvantage of throwing dirt in the gutter.

Is a four-million naira car not too extravagant for you?

(Laughs)Well, I wanted something good after I had a crash with my other car. I wanted something that will last me for like two years. So I decided to go for something new and that is the amount you can get a new car for. I do a lot of things so I get money from different sources.

It was said that your marriage was abusive. Why did you choose to hang on?

Well, the thing is we do not like divorce. As a Christian, marriage is for better and for worse. I believe with prayers, everything can work out. And believing that prayers can do everything, I stayed that long thinking things will work for the better. When I found that things were not changing, I had to leave.

What was your daughter’s reaction when you informed her of your decision?

Well, she didn’t have to react badly because he is not her dad. She didn’t have any objection to it. I think her paramount concern is for me to be happy.

Now being a single mom, how do you balance the roles of a father and mother?

It is something that I have always been doing. I am used to it.

How do you explain to your daughter when she reads some negative things about you?

One thing is I try to be honest with her as much as I can. You know children of these days; you have to let them know the truth. I don’t lie to her. Whenever she asks me about something and I know it is something I need to let her into, I come out straight with her.

Are there possibilities of another marriage?

Yes, sure. But I just have to take my time.

And you believe that you can’t fall a victim again?

I can’t. I just need to be more careful.

How do you relax?

I take time to relax when I feel I need it. I go on vacation. Most weekends, I am not at work, so I go to the club. I go to swim or go for aerobic some times.

It is stated that your ex-husband wants you back, any possibilities that you might both be back together?

I am not going to talk about that.

What is your typical day like?

It is hectic. It is very normal hustling and bustling day and night.

May 12, 2013
Annie Idibia waves aside pregnancy tales

WEEKS after tying the nuptial knots with 2face, news began to make the rounds about Annie Idibia being pregnant. The newly weds had barely gotten the honeymoon over with when reports began to surface that Annie had taken in again for 2face.

But the actress waved aside the report asking if she looked pregnant when probed at an event recently. “Do I look pregnant to you? No, I’m not” was her blunt response. The couple currently have one daughter, Isabella (aged 6) together. It has been about six weeks since 2face and Annie tied the knot.

And after performing traditional rites in Eket, Akwa-Ibom, Dubai was the next port-of-call with some of the biggest names on the Nigerian entertainment scene flying all the way to the UAE (United Arab Emirates) to celebrate with the couple at their fairy-tale white wedding.

May 12, 2013
‘Why more youths are embracing reality shows’

Currently enjoying high viewership on Nigerian television stations is Season One of The Next Titan, a proudly Nigerian Entrepreneurial Reality TV Show, created by a young Nigerian known as Mide Kunle Akinlaja. He tells ADETUTU AUDU how reality shows are affecting in the lifestyle of youths and the economy in general.

THE Next Titan is now in our faces as we watch week in and week out. Tell us more about the show.

As you have noticed on television, every week, the contestants work in two teams, each under the guidance of a project manager gotten by balloting, to compete in business-driven tasks around Lagos, Nigeria. Apart from working as teams, each of the contestants displays his/her creativity on their personal business ideas in the Academy.

They use their ideas and creativity, along with their business acumen, to win challenges. Contestants are subjected to long hours, gruelling deadlines, intellectual challenges, personality clashes and intense scrutiny under the careful watch of their supervisors and judges of the show. We are expecting that the last person standing will win N5 million investment for his business with a brand new car and business supports. The other contestants will also go back home with prizes depending on the stages which they are evicted. Apart from these prizes, they will go home with new inspiration and ‘I can do attitude’ that can turn their dreams into reality. After each task, contestants must account for their actions and be examined by the top judges. The viewers are allowed to participate by expressing their views about the contestants. The contestants have an opportunity of interaction with a selected top CEOs and successful entrepreneurs for advice and inspiration. This brings the reality of the pains and gains of entrepreneurial journey into the living rooms of the millions of viewers.

What led you into creating the show?

I am from Ekiti State, I grew up in Ado Ekiti, and attended Christ School, an elitist school ‘where very important Nigerians attended. I am a graduate of Business Administration and I also studied Financial Management from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. It was during my National Youth Service Corps period that I worked with Lion Bank Plc now Diamond Bank after which I worked with Family advancement Economic Programme during the late General Sani Abacha regime. And that was where I grounded my entrepreneurial spirit. After I left Diamond Bank, I decided to set up my business. I started with publishing a magazine focusing on financial institutions in Nigeria. I had to change the name to Financial International because the former did not accommodate insurance companies which felt left out by the magazine title. So, I rebranded to Financial International, a glossy magazine before moving to television to produce a programme called ‘Dialogue of

Leaders,’ presented by Celine Loader, who is currently a consultant to Central Bank of Nigeria. She anchored the show. We were hosting business leaders in Nigeria on the show, and it was an interesting talk show.

Later, I started thinking of doing something that can improve the youths, especially in the area of entrepreneurship, because I discovered that I didn’t spend much time being an employee before I started doing my own thing. It occurred to me that every year, thousands of graduates emerge into the labour market, with each having the potential within to create and start a business. But what they lacked was the motivating spirit. It is because of this that many fail to take up entrepreneurial challenges. In my case, I was motivated by books because I was reading lots of motivational books even then. Perhaps if I had not been opportune to read the books that I read, I would not have been pushed into entrepreneurship. It also occurred to me that young graduates need something to push them into leadership and entrepreneurial positions in life.

That was how I came up with an entrepreneurial reality show to motivate and better the youths who do not know how to start their businesses. I thought that instead of them waiting endlessly for government to provide jobs, they could do it themselves. We understand the present day unemployment situation in the country. If people are well-trained and equipped with the right knowledge, there is a high probability that they will be more propelled to work in the right direction of growth. So this reality show is basically to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit in young Nigerians.

Were you in anyway influenced by other reality shows?

Yes, I believe so. In recent times, there have been musical reality shows, cooking reality show and a couple of such. If you look at the entertainment industry in recent times, you will notice that a lot of young people have moved in, and they are exhibiting various kinds of talents. Even people in other professions have somehow found themselves in the music industry: doctors, even lawyers, this is partly because of the popularity of the music reality shows. Most young people now see it as a route to fame, creativity and wealth. They have looked inward and searched to discover the talent within. And more and more people are realising that they can sing, or that they have a singing talent within.

The same thing goes for young people who have business ideas that they can develop. So The Next Titan has created a forum and an opportunity for such youths to come out and exhibit their creativity and business idea. This reality show now ignites other youths, who will be watching from home, to realise that they too can come up with creative business ideas, participate, get mentored and use in their private lives to excel in business. That is the major objective of The Next Titan, a reality business show.

This is the season one of The Next Titan, and we are seeing a world class show. We have shopped for the best of judges, the best of business mentors to work with the participants in the house, and they are mostly home-based. This is because we believe that Nigeria has the best of people and talent in all fields of human endeavour. Even in the area of technical production, we sourced that locally too, we have Tade Ogidan who is directing the show with lots of drama and making the show exciting. The judges are top CEOs in the country who will also make themselves available to mentor the winner in his new line of business.

But for a show experiencing its first season, what would you say has generated its huge popularity?

The judges of the show created the element of business professionalism that is attracting purposeful youths. Tonye Cole, who is the Managing Director of Sahara Energy Resource Limited, is one of such judges. He has brought his expertise into the show. So also is Chris Parke from England who has over 35 years experience in the advertising and marketing industry, eight years in the UK with top agencies, plus his own partnership in London, with clients including American Express International Dollar Card & TC’s, MasterCard, Securicor Granley and Browning. There is also Dr. Jumoke, an international lawyer who lectures at the University of Lagos, who is also passionate about development issues in Africa and has worked or consulted on policy projects in the areas of development and national planning, tax reform, corruption, public health, and urban housing in Nigeria. The guest judges like Professor Pat Utomi, Foluso Phillips, the Chairman, Economic Summit Group, and others, have all made the show exciting, bringing business education to people and orientating young graduates on how to get self-employed in the over saturated unemployment market.

Though the last person standing is going to take home the cash prize, all of them are already winners because, to stay in the house under the mentoring and tutelage of the business gurus that are with them, is a lot to inspire any young person to growth and productivity. Their lives will never remain the same. That will be a major achievement for these youths, because the saying goes that if you give a man N50,000 he may blow it up sooner than you think, but if you give somebody education worth the same amount, the person will go ahead to use it, to generate more money over the years. A wise man may have nothing, but with his knowledge, he will turn out things. And more importantly, it will teach everyone that will watch.

Are reality shows in Nigeria making that much impact?

Firstly, reality shows are a great avenue for companies to showcase and re-affirm their brands to the public. It is an effective way to sell brands because the most watched programmes on screen these days across the world are reality shows. The attraction is that, once a reality show starts, the public is involved, they want to know who will be the eventual winner. It is now the most effective way for companies to showcase their products to the public. And that is why the telecommunications companies are not joking with it. They understand the power of being visible in the mind of the public every day. Even breweries now have reality shows. They are gradually affecting the economy. For instance, Iyanya’s life has changed for the better. He won a musical reality show and now he is paying people’s salary. The focus of each reality show enhances a particular part of population that it influences. If it is a musical show, for instance, it influences those who watch and tilts their minds towards becoming a star too. So, even when they do not have the opportunity to be part of the house mates, they learn from what is being taught in the house. Not all young music stars who break through go through reality shows, but watching it could influence the talent within. In The Next Titan, the judges are indirectly influencing the mind set of viewers at home on ways and means of positively running businesses, through the various corrections and guidance that are being given out to the housemates. So, reality shows have advantage for the sponsors, viewers and the housemates, and even the economy.

So what next after this season?

May 12, 2013
Is Monalisa Chinda remarried?

IT has long been expected especially when her ex-hubby Dejo Richard moved on and got married to another woman after his marriage to the actress crashed in 2010. If the gist making the rounds is anything to go by, then Monalisa Chinda may have done as as expected. Lisa, as she is fondly called is said to have secretly married her rumoured lover, Lanre Nzeribe.

While some of her fans may be wondering why she tied the knots secretly, those close to this Nollywood screen diva, knows she had never pretended that remarrying was an option for her. In a recent interview, Monalisa who admitted having a man in her life said: “I will love to remarry. In fact, I’m designed to be under a man…I will definitely remarry. I believe in the principles of marriage. Whether you like it or not, marriage is a better option.”

May 12, 2013
Excitement as Princess ties the knot

IT was fun and excitement when Princess Damilola Adekoya, the popular comedienne, pulled friends, fans and family members recently to Balmoral Hall, Oregun, Ikeja for her white wedding reception. The crowded auditorium was filled with well wishers who came in their numbers to see the comedienne as she said goodbye to spinsterhood.

It was indeed a celebration of love and her hubby, Ade, never gave Princess breathing space on the dance floor as he nearly beat Princess to it.

It could be recalled that the couple made their union official on the 22nd of April at the Federal Registry, Ikoyi, Lagos and tale bearers have revealed that the couple are expecting their first child very soon.

May 12, 2013
I really don’t know what it feels like being married —Bayo Alawiye

His sojourn into the creative world has seen him direct Project Fame West Africa reality TV show and popular game show, Who Wants To Be a Millionaire. Growing up in the suburbs of Agege, actor, director and producer Bayo Alawiye didn’t give in to the litany of distractions he was faced with as a young man. He struggled to get university education even after the death of his father. The fast-rising moviemaker speaks about his rumoured relationship with actress Laide Bakare, his marriage and his latest movie, Dark Side, in this interview with AHMED BOULOR.

DID you ever date Laide Bakare?

I get a little edgy anytime people ask me this question because I do not know what gave rise to the question in the first case. I will answer it all the same. For the record, I have never dated Laide Bakare. The only reason I can attribute to people’s insinuation was probably because we acted in some movies together. I directed only two of her movies and she acted in two of mine. The issue has been over flogged.

Are you friends?

Yes of course we are friends. We met way back in school, the University of Ibadan. When I wanted to shoot my first movie, she was the first person I contacted to play the lead role because she was the only Yoruba actress I knew personally then. Unfortunately, she was not in the country. So, I eventually cast Moji Olaiya for the role. When I was ready for my second movie, she was available, so she played the lead character. I also have friends like Taiwo Ibikunle and Gabriel Afolayan who have always been in my movies too.

Did you study Theatre Arts in the university because you knew you were going to end up in the movie world?

I actually went to study Theatre Arts to get myself ready for the industry. I started acting a year before I went to the University of Ibadan. I was with a group called Solid Foundation Theatre Group. We were performing in clubs, ceremonies, market places and so on. As at that time, I was in Ogun State University, now Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye. At some point, I felt I needed to pursue acting as a career. I wanted to sharpen my skills so I went in for Diploma in Theatre Arts. I was later admitted into the degree programme after having acquired a distinction in the diploma programme despite the fact I had a science background. It was during my degree programme that I majored in directing.

As the director of MTN Project Fame reality TV show, how much has that experience helped your career?

Directing MTN Project Fame West Africa is actually one of the landmark moments in my six years sojourn into the creative world. I was part of the first set of content directors of the show. My bosses thought I did well, so, they started giving me more responsibilities. Right now, I am directing my third season. I must confess that it was a different experience for me when it started because my background was purely drama. I was just new to reality TV. Right now, Project Fame West Africa has become the biggest for me because it is the biggest music reality show in Africa and I’m just so privileged to be part of it.

You are also the director of the popular TV game show, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire; tell us about that experience?

Who Wants To Be a Millionaire is a different ball game entirely. The show is a school on its own. To be part of the show, you have to learn the format. It took me close to six months to have a grasp of the format. Now, directing it is like bread and butter. Believe me, I am one of the luckiest directors around. To be directing the two biggest shows on TV, it is what I call a blessing. The experience has been that of a student graduating from one stage to another, and the learning continues.

What was growing up like for you?

Growing up for me was full of ups and downs. I grew up in the Agege area of Lagos where you see young boys of fifteen getting married because he has learnt a trade or the other from about eight years of age. I grew up in the midst of impossibilities. There was virtually nothing around to inspire a young man growing up. I found inspiration from the fact that I never wanted to be like the people I was seeing around me. So, I kind of blindfolded myself, I assumed then that I did not belong there. I lost my father during my earlier days in the university. With the help of God, my mum and my brother, I was able to pull through school. Here I am now, by His grace.

Are you married?

Yes I am married to the most beautiful woman on earth. We also met in the University of Ibadan. Believe me, if I say she’s the best thing that has happened to me, I will not be exaggerating. We have been married for seven years now and still counting. Really, it looks like seven months.

What is it like then being a married man?

Really, I don’t know because I and my wife still operate like young lovers. We only did the official wedding thing just to satisfy our parents. I actually call her “girl”. Truth is my wife married me when I had nothing. She didn’t bother about my state. She was just following me blindly. Her tag line then was ‘you jump, I jump’. Really, for me, it’s sweet being a married man. It doesn’t mean that we don’t have our down moments but love and God have been seeing us through.

Do you have kids?

Yes. I have a girl and a boy – seven and four years respectively, whose school academic result I’m staring at right now and I feel like a proud father of two brilliant children.

Tell us about your latest movie titled Dark Side?

Dark Side is a project that came about from the efforts of two young men, Dare Dada and my humble self. We both share the same dream of doing something creatively exceptional, so we put resources together and bankrolled the movie with our entire life’s savings. I even sold my car at some point. All that is now history because the film is done; it took us about two years to put it together. It is the story of a man whose blindness opened his sight to the atrocities of people around him. The story came about as a result of some random thinking, some wondering, and some “ifs”. What if one can see what people do in one’s absence or read people’s thought?

What were the challenges encountered while shooting Dark Side?

First my assistant director had an accident during the shoot. It took us about three months to get back on location. The first set of actors we already contacted became busy. We waited for some and replaced others. Funding became a huge issue at some point too that we started shooting in bits and pieces, as we saved enough. It was the drive to do something unique that carried us through. Right now looking back, I think it was worth the stress and the wait.

Did you have any issues with the cast?

I had no major issues with cast of Dark Side. I worked with the best set of people in the industry. Joseph Benjamin stood with us all through the process. Sylvia Udeogu, the lead girl started using her own costume when we exhausted the ones we bought, even Uru Eke was wonderful. There was no diva on set. We all worked like professionals and friends. The veterans, Nobert Young and Yemi Solade, also helped a great deal. On this project, I was blessed with great actors and wonderful crew members.

How much went into shooting Dark Side?

If I have to quantify everything that went into the production of Dark Side in terms of monetary value, I’ll say approximately N35million.

How are movie watchers reacting to the much talked about movie?

In fact, people’s reaction to the thriller has been overwhelming. To be candid, I was sceptical at some point; I didn’t know how people were going to receive it. I must assure you that this is not the kind of movie that the trailer will be more interesting than the movie itself. I urge everyone to see this. As I said to somebody this past week, with this movie, I wanted people to be able to say ‘wow! If this guy had a hundred million, he would have competed favourably with Hollywood.

Is the movie Dark Side your biggest project yet?

For now, Dark Side is the biggest of my movies. It is a movie that took all my life’s savings and my friend’s. We are yet to recover.

How many other movies have you produced and directed?

Asides Dark Side, I have produced five movies which are coincidentally Yoruba movies. My first project was Ija Okan. It was released in 2006. I then followed with Ala Mi, then Richie Richie which came out last year. I played the lead character in all these movies and also in Dark Side. I have two more Yoruba movies coming out in April and June this year. I have also directed and acted in a number of movies for people, some of which are Demilade, Ise, Ibare, Mase, Eri, Oritoke and a few others. On television, I was a director on Edge of Paradise, an MNET drama series. I created and directed the first 26 episodes of About To Wed, a sitcom and a few other production credits on TV.

Would you say it is favourable producing movies here in Nigeria considering the seeming obstacles you go through in getting a movies done in this part of the world?

It is clearly not favourable producing movies in this environment. However, it is the environment we found ourselves so we have to make the best of it. I have severally said that low budget is not an excuse for a bad movie. Right now what I look out for in our movies are attempts, creative attempts. I know we will get there soon.

May 12, 2013
COSON Song Awards plaque unveiled

A host of icons in the music industry gathered at the premises of the Protea Hotel, GRA Ikeja on Tuesday, May 7 as the Board of Trustees of the much talked about COSON Music Foundation was inaugurated. The 8-member Board which will be responsible for the prudent management of the funds of the big foundation consists of distinguished music industry personalities.

The Board has juju music maestro Evangelist (Dr.) Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi MFR as Chairman. Other members of the newly inaugurated Board of Trustees include Prof. (Sir) Victor Uwaifo MON, JP, Erelu Keji Okunowo, Mr. Edi Lawani, Mr. Toju Ejueyitchie, Dr. Ben Ofoeze, Chief Osita Okeke and a representative of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC).

Speaking at the event attended by the likes of Ras Kimono, KSB, Sunny Neji, Queen Ure, Kween Onakala, Azeezat and other music industry personalities, COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji, explained that the setting up of the COSON Music Foundation is the focus of the COSON Week. He said: “Each of the seven big events of the forth coming COSON Week is in support of the COSON Music Foundation, the big non-profit trust being set up for Nigerian music and musicians in a profession where there is no pension, gratuity or an insurance scheme. The foundation will provide support for artistes in distress and also provide funding for music education.”

Chief Okoroji also called on all lovers of music and people with interest in Nigerian music to support the foundation.

Speaking at the event, Evangelist (Dr.) Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi MFR said, “The idea of the music foundation itself is no doubt a novel one and a right step in the right direction. The music foundation will provide necessary resources and leadership to trigger a new economic and cultural revolution as well as provide much needed resources to intensify the battle against piracy and other forms of abuse of the rights of musicians in Nigeria, as this will improve the income of musicians through their recorded works. With the calibre and integrity of people that will serve with me as trustees of the foundation, I like to assure you all of our openness, fairness and equitable administration of the fund that will accrue to the foundation to the general good of the music industry and welfare of musicians.”

Also inaugurated at the big event at Protea Hotel was the recently appointed COSON Advisory Council. The 11-member Advisory Council appointed by the COSON Board of Directors to be an important think tank for the society consists of distinguished music industry personalities and others who have special experiences or skills to offer useful advice to the society.

Unveiling the plaque for the COSON Song Awards, Chief Okoroji said, “It has taken us months of brain-storming to come to a consensus on the insignia, plaque or trophy that represents the COSON Song Awards. As we searched far and wide, we picked out a bird which has been given the special talent by the Almighty to sing – the nightingale. In our minds, we perched the nightingale on the cone of the metal gong, the scintillating musical instrument common among the peoples of Nigeria. The basic concept was discussed with a young Nigerian artiste and sculptor, Dare Adenuga. We believe that Adenuga, a product of Yaba College of Technology, has come up with a masterpiece which from now on we will call Awoko. Awoko is the master singing bird celebrated in many songs of Yoruba master songwriters. Reputed to have out-of- this-world lyrics and singing talent, when Awoko shows up, every other bird bows. On May 25, only the very gifted will go home with the Awoko.”

Speaking on the state of preparedness for the COSON Week, COSON Chair, Chief Tony Okoroji, assured Nigerians that COSON Week “will be like nothing they have seen before.”

All hands are on deck to make the COSON Song Awards scheduled for Saturday, May 25 a truly defining event in the history of Nigerian entertainment. The COSON Song Awards will now be staged at the New Ball Room of Lagos Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island instead of the previously advertised Expo Hall of Eko Hotel & Suites.

May 12, 2013
Vast of Bracket ‘cured’ of blood cancer

Nwachukwu Ozioko popularly known as Vast of the group Bracket has said that he is healthy and strong after news that he is down with blood cancer emerged. He noted on his twitter handle ‏@vast_bracket that he is back on his feet and will be coming to Nigeria in June to promote the group new video, temperature. “I am strong,healthy,and full of energy.I thank the lord for that and I also thank all my fans for being there…kisses”

Bracket is made up of Obumneme Ali a.k.a. Smash and Nwachukwu Ozioko a.k.a. Vast with hit tracks like Yori Yori, Ada Owerri, Muah Muah.

May 11, 2013
‘My kind of man’

My ideal man is a man who understands my job, who can’t be intimidated irrespective of my status in the society. I appreciate a man who can differentiate me from what I do, a man that loves me for who I am

WHAT informs your dress sense? Occasion dictates what I wear, and so is my mood.

Is it your first time of attending the Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA)?

No. It’s not my first time.

What is your expectation of the award in its ninth year?

Well, the industry is improving generally, and AMAA is doing well. For the fact that the scheme recognizes what everybody is doing in terms of production, is commendable.

We get to see few Yoruba movies in AMAA nominations every year. How does this make you feel as a Yoruba actress?

At least the fact that one or two of them have clinched the award makes me feel good. On the number of nominations, it can only get better. Rome was not built in a day.

Recently, you featured Mike Ezuruonye in one of your movie productions. What informed that decision?

Well, I wouldn’t say anything actually informed the decision. He is an artiste; I am an artiste as well, so I believe we can all work together in one way or the other. And considering what I’m trying to portray in the movie, I just feel that Mike would definitely give me what I want. Then of course, having Desmond Elliot to direct the movie is one of the best things that happened to that production. So, I went for what I felt was good.

I am sure a lot Nollywood buffs would want to know if Mike actually spoke Yoruba in the movie…

He did. He delivered 90 percent in Yoruba. I know that a lot of people would expect him to speak English because that is the language he is known for in the movies, but getting to know that he speaks Yoruba, fulfilled my expectations about that movie. So, I said to him, this is what I want, this is what I’m paying you for and this is what you are expected to do. And he really did well.

We have heard some artistes complain that Yoruba film producers use non Yorubas to star in their movie. What is your take on this?

Well, as far as I am concerned, I have not heard such complaints. And I believe that we are all one and the same in the film industry. So, whether I call an Igbo actor to take part in a Yoruba movie or I chose to call a Hausa guy to take part in a Yoruba movie, I don’t see anything wrong with that. It is the same movie industry.

Some say you are one of the few artistes who attained stardom on a platter of gold..

I am hearing it for the first time that Dayo Amusa never paid her dues. For someone who has been in the industry for almost eleven years now, of course I have paid my dues. Well, I could have been lucky unlike some people, but the fact remains that I paid my dues. I didn’t get into the industry and became prominent overnight. I joined the industry in 2002 and this is 2013 for heaven’s sake. I started acting in 2002. I started with Wemimo Films in Ibadan and then proceeded to Lagos.

What were the challenges you had to face?

Well, it’s not as if I actually went through any hard time. I’m yet to face any challenges. I did all that I had to do, and somehow producers got to notice me. I don’t think I fall into the league of those who are desperate to reach that height. I believe that slow and steady wins the race. And that has always worked for me.

Would you say that you decided to be a producer because you weren’t getting movie roles as expected?

No. Like I said, I joined the movie industry in 2002 and I did my first production in 2006 it wasn’t because I wasn’t getting roles that I went into production. It’s just that I have something to offer to the teaming Nollywood buffs, both as an actor and a producer.

What’s your biggest achievement so far?

My achievement has no limitation. The greatest is yet to come

Was acting what you studied in school?

No, I studied Food Science Technology at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Lagos.

What’s your take on marriage?

Marriage is beautiful. It was instituted by God and it is one of the best things that could happen to a woman.

What would you say is the unique quality that you like in a man?

Sincerity

How do you handle advances from men?

I try to be polite and friendly. I don’t like to be rude to them because some of them are first my fans before the thought of dating me crossed their mind.

When do you plan to get married?

That’s left for God to decide and He will do it at His own time. I’m not in a rush to get married. I am not desperate, but I desire it and I have left everything to God. It will surely happen someday.

What’s your take on divorce and does the high rate of divorce and separation in Nollywood bother you?

We have actors in this industry whose marriages are stable. And we have those whose marriages are not stable. Married or single, it is important to be up and doing and to be good to the people we meet on our journey of life. But I pray for the best in my marriage, when it eventually comes.

Are you in any relationship at the moment?

Yes, I’m in a relationship.

Tell us about your ideal man?

My ideal man is a man who understands my job, who can’t be intimidated irrespective of my status in the society. I appreciate a man who can differentiate me from what I do, a man that loves me for who I am.

How many awards have you won?

Millions of awards from my fan, every good comment made by my fans is an award.

Piracy is a menace killing the industry…

Well, that is a challenge we are facing now. There is no profession without its challenges, so it’s not surprising. However, with all hands on deck and the needed support from government, we shall overcome the problem. It’s just a phase; we will surely conquer by God’s grace.

What’s your beauty regime like?

I really don’t have any beauty routine. I take a shower after the day’s work. I try as much as possible to rest properly. I eat good food and drink a lot of water. Sometimes, I go to the spa, but mostly, I relax at home.

May 11, 2013