Category: Entertainment

Despite losing both parents at a very tender age, Eva George dared the odds with her ambition to become a successful actress. Her determination is gradually paying off, as she climbs her up the ladder in the world of make-believe. Now basking in the euphoria of relative fame, the talented actress, who is set for her debut movie production, confessed that her first pay packet as an actress was so paltry that she resorted to do the job for free. In this exclusive interview with AHMED BOULOR, Eva reveals some intimate stories, her relationship and career among other interesting issues.

WHAT’S your background like? I would say I hail from Lagos State, because I live with my foster parents who are the owners of Little Sai

nts Orphanage (owned by Rev. Mrs. Bamidele George and Capt. Jide George). My name is Eva George. I started living with them after I lost my parents, and I am a graduate of Sociology. I am also pursuing my dream in acting and moviemaking.

What was growing up like for you in the orphanage?

Growing up was challenging because I grew up in an orphanage and I lacked parental attention. I lost my father when I was two years old and my mum wasn’t able to take care of me while I was growing up. Instead of feeling love from my parents, I was struggling on my own to make ends meet. I was later brought to the orphanage when I was 12 years old and that was how I began to receive love and some kind of stability as a child when I was growing up.

Is your mum still alive?

Like I said earlier, I lost my dad when I was two years old, and I lost my mum when I was 12. I moved into the orphanage with my biological siblings and we were all taken care of by our foster parents.

Were you at anytime in your life disturbed that your parents were not there when you needed them the most, especially when you come across other parents who dot on their children?

I really felt bad at sometime, but I outgrew the pains when my siblings and I moved into the orphanage. When I was growing up, especially when it was Christmas and other festive periods, I felt bad that I couldn’t get new clothes like other kids did, and I felt I was living in a society that was unfair. But I have outgrown that part of my life and I am coping fine with that reality.

Was it your parent’s idea for you to go into acting?

I can’t say for sure. I hadn’t started actualising my dreams when they were around. I lived a rough life when I was younger; my only thought at the time was to get money to support my mum and my siblings. I can’t say if they would have accented my decision to become an actress.

How then did you discover you could act?

I used to save up my meager school pocket money given to me by my late mum. We used to have a theatre group for kids on my street, and we paid the sum of N20 just to be part of the group. We were thought how to act and dance, and I began to develop my acting skills from there. I have also been a great fan of Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and Dakore Egbuson for a long time. They have both served as inspiration to my career. Dakore really inspired me to be sincere and I look up to her; she is a lady of valor who spares nothing to give her best whenever she is acting.

How many movies have you done in recent times?

I joined Nollywood in 2009, and I would have done quite enough movies, but I was admitted into a private university, which took most of my time, as I had to take a short break from acting. I have done movies like My Last Wedding, Heavy Beauty and The Search. I have also featured in a couple of soap operas by Fidelis Duker, such as Sweet Revenge, Desperado, Eldorado and Dr Sandra.

One of the major challenges of young actresses like you is the fact that you do not get enough major roles. How are you coping with that fact?

I totally agree with that fact. It is very difficult for young actresses like me to get movie roles. But what can we do, but continue to hope for the best. I don’t really know why it is like that, there have been quite a number of people that have carried me along despite the fact that getting roles have been quite cumbersome. People like Denrele have been helpful, and Denrele is a special friend. He has helped me secure some movie roles and I remain thankful to him for his efforts.

How daring can you get on set?

I can’t really say, but it depends. It depends on the role I am given; if I can act it out, I will. But I f I can’t, I won’t.

Are you into acting for the money or the fame?

Everybody wants money; it is a good enough defense. The fame can also help you, even in your personal business. I wouldn’t really say I am in it for the money or the fame, but I can say I am into acting for the passion and excitement that I derive from it. I love to express reality and that led me into acting.

What are your strengths as an actress?

I have really not thought about that before now. I can’t really say at the moment.

Can you go nude on set if the money is right?

I will never go nude on set, no matter how humongous the amount is. Though as an actress, you are required to be daring and expressive as much as possible, but I cannot and will never play a nude role. I believe females should not expose themselves just because they want to be seen as thespians.

What if the money is too tempting to refuse?

I will never do that, no matter the amount!

But refusing to go nude may cost you some juicy roles?

Yes it will, but I am not ready to do that, not for all the money in the world. As a woman, you should respect your body, no matter what profession you are into.

How much were you paid for your first movie?

(Laughs wholeheartedly) I only featured in four scenes on my debut. The movie featured Emeka Ike and Jackie Appiah, and I was supposed to be paid peanuts for the movie, but the amount was so embarrassing that I couldn’t take the money. I ended up acting in that movie for free.

What kind of movie roles are you comfortable with?

I am comfortable with playing friendly roles in movies. I am also comfortable playing the working class role, and also being a single mother. As an actress, you should be able to act any role as long as it is not compromising and offensive. I can play any kind of role, apart from roles that would make me expose myself indecently.

What was it like playing your first movie role? Were you nervous?

I was not jittery when I played my first movie role because I had honed my acting skills on stage before I moved into the movies. But there were some things that were new to me, and thanks to Emeka Ike who made the whole process exciting and rewarding. He taught me the ropes and I have carried on from there.

Is it true that you are planning to become a movie producer?

Yes that’s true! I have been planning all this while to become a movie producer. I feel that’s the next natural step that I have to take. I have registered my outfit, and it is known as the Eva World Production. I am working on a movie at the moment. The movie is all about campaigning for the liberty of the less privileged in the society. As an orphan, I am using my own life story as a example, coupled with the lifestyle of other orphans to pass on a message to society about the struggles that people like us are going through. The movie will also serve as a platform to provide hope and succor to scores of orphans in our society. After I lost my parents, a lot of people gave me the impression that I couldn’t achieve anything in life, and I want to use this movie to prove them wrong. I want to show them that I am on a path to greatness.

Can you date a movie director or producer for a movie role?

I would never do that; not at all. I would never date a movie director or producer for a role because nothing freaks me about them. Though as a lady, the feeling might come naturally, and when I feel I am cool with a certain director, I can date him, but not in exchange for a movie role.

What are your aspirations?

I see myself winning awards in the coming years because I know my potentials and I have a whole lot to exhibit. I see myself affecting humanity positively, because that is one of the attractions of being a celebrity. I also hope to work with international thespians in the near future.

What part of your body do you consider as your greatest asset?

(Laughs sheepishly) I have not thought of that for a day. But I would say all parts of my body if I have to give an answer.

Are you in a relationship?

I am in a very strong relationship with God.

That’s a supreme being. Are you in a relationship with any man?

I am in a very strong relationship with my foster parents.

Are you in love?

I am in love with my family…

Do men ask you out a lot?

Of course. You know say men like better thing; I have gotten quite a number of them chasing me about sometimes.

Have you accepted any of their advances?

Unfortunately, I am not a marriage and relationship kind of person; I am seriously into my work. I am not a relationship and marriage kind of person.

Does that mean you are not considering getting married anytime soon?

I would get married when the time comes, but money comes first. I am only a young girl, so where am I rushing to?

AFTER weeks of cavorting through the country in search of singing talents, the Nigerian Idol train finally came to Lagos for what can best be termed the grand finale of Season 3. On Friday, November 9 and Saturday, November 10, thousands of Idol hopefuls made it to Dream Studios, Bamako Estate, Omole, the venue of the Nigerian Idol auditions to try out for a shot at global fame.

As usual, lead sponsor Etisalat was on hand to ease the tension and entertain the hopefuls. There was a full blown concert headlined young and vibrant people already making waves in the industry, Chuddy K, MayD, and Olamide.

“It has been a mind-blowing experience for the Idol team over the last one month, as we have seen and heard dynamic voices from the five states where auditions took place. There is a reason why Nigerian Idol is called the real-deal and this is why Nigerian youths look forward to the opportunity to be part of the show every year. Nigeria’s haven’t seen nothing yet from the last two seasons, an artiste that will hold his/her own against the Beyonce’s and the Chris Browns of this world is going to revealed come December when the show will be on air,” said Tiwa Medubi, the Project Manger.

Hosted by on-air personality; Ill Rymz, the judges for this season are; African-American dancer, singer and former Michael Jackson’s personal choreographer; Jeffrey Daniels, veteran singer, Yinka Davies and Afro-beat legend, Femi Kuti.

This season’s prize is valued at $100,000 and the elements are thus; N7.5 million cash, a recording contract worth N7.5million and an SUV.

VETERAN actor, Ejike Asiegbu turned 50 years a few days ago and to mark the auspicious occasion, key players in the industry which he has been a part of for about 27 years has planned a massive birthday party for him at this month’s O’jez Entertainment Forum Award scheduled for Sunday, November 25 at the celebrity restaurant, O’jez.

“The oncoming event is a special one for us at O’jez because Mr. Ejike Asiegbu is a member of the O’jez family, also, it is not every day one attains the golden year. So it is very special for us as we celebrate a film icon,” Chief Joseph Odobeatu, Chief Executive Officer of O’jez said.

Odobeatu added that the event will be a unique difference from other O’jez monthly awards ceremonies. “We are bringing a large number of performers for Ejike Asiegbu. For the first time in many months, we are bringing wave making comedians MC Shakara and Elenu as well as Elder O together on one stage,” he said even as he described the actor as “one with a big heart, a fearless fighter, activist and humanitarian, that is Ejike Asiegbu and we all pray he lives much longer for the next generation to tap from this icon.”

Asiegbu on his part expressed happiness over the planned Sunday show. “When members of your constituency decide to honour you, no honour is greater than it. I am pleased, I am excited and I am looking forward to the celebration.”

He became an instant web hit when he dropped the Warri version of Iceprince’s viral song, ‘Oleku’. Since then, Onome Onokohwomo, popularly known as Yung6ix, has steadily built a strong profile for himself. In this interview with AHMED BOULOR, the fast-rising music act revealed a lot about himself and his sojourn into the world of rap music.

YOU became an instant web hit with the ‘Oleku Warri Version’ about 2 years ago. Why did you choose to use the beat of the song by Ice Prince?

I have always been a loyal fan of Iceprince. He became one of my favorite Nigerian rappers after I heard his verse on M.I’s first album. I was online the day he dropped the song ‘Oleku’, and I think I was one of the first 100 people to hear the song. It took only a few days before I got addicted to it. At that time, I was putting my mixtape together, so it was easy making a decision by jumping the beat of Iceprince’s song.

Is there any specific reason for christening your debut ‘Green Light Green’?

Well, I have always been a very creative individual, and I feel everything should have a meaning. The title ‘Green Light Green’ was coined from the Nigerian flag. But in this case, each word means a different thing and I put ‘LIGHT’ in the middle instead of ‘WHITE’. The first ‘GREEN’ represents money; the ‘LIGHT’ represents positivity and victory, while the last ‘GREEN’ represents the motherland.

It has been revealed that you don’t write down your songs. How were you able to develop that kind of talent?

At a very early age, I studied the model of delivery of two of my favorite rappers who also double as my role models. So I tried recording a freestyle some years back after winning several freestyle battles, and it turned out to be a crazy challenge. I had everyone in the studio watching me through the glass demarcating the studio from the boot. I went in for 5 minutes and came out wowing everybody. So I kept on challenging myself to live up to their expectations till I realized I was making music without a pen. Till date, every line you hear from me is from my head; I find it difficult and stressful to write lyrics down when it comes to making music.

Do you not think that you will be depriving your fans the benefit of edifying lyrics by rapping offhand?

The fact that I don’t write down my songs doesn’t mean I just put out everything that comes out of my mouth during freestyle. Some of the lyrics I drop have been edited mentally before they come out. It’s like you’re advising a kid, you don’t need to write or to put your points across because you are being educated in such a way that you know the right words to use while putting your points across. That is because, psychologically everything comes out naturally and you are fluent because you are an experienced individual. Music to me is like having a normal conversation, you know the points to hit when there’s a specific topic you’re discussing without writing it down. It’s already part of me.

At what stage did you embrace music?

To be sincere, I can’t be specific about that. Music was part of me since I was a kid, I started with dancing, and then I joined the choir. I later joined the Boys Brigade band in my primary school. And later I started miming the songs of other artistes. I recorded my first song when I was in SS2. I just kept going from that point.

Tell us a bit about yourself?

My real names are Onome Onokohwomo; I am from Delta State, Ughelli North to be precise. I grew up in Warri and other neighbouring cities. I am a post graduate student of a private university at Ife, Osun State. I am the eldest in a family of five, including my mum and dad.

Did you grow up with music around you?

Yes. But it was tough because my parents never encouraged it.

What do you think sets you apart from other rappers on the music scene?

The fact that I am Yung6ix , the flair I bring to my songs and the fact that I am the first rapper from the Niger Delta to come this far with hip-hop in the history of Africa.

Who inspired you into doing music?

No one. I just loved it, and it felt like a better way to express myself.

What do you do to improve you rap skills?

A lot, and I can’t reveal all my tricks here. You know what they say: it’s best to keep the recipe to yourself.

Tell us about ‘Green Light Green’.

Fabulous! I was surprised and I never knew a mixtape could take any artiste that far in Nigeria. We have accumulated over half a million downloads and views from it, which is astronomical for an up and coming act.

Most rappers, especially the established ones, evolved into music production at some point in their careers. Do you see yourself following in the same direction?

I have been a producer for about five years and counting. I have produced a couple of songs on my mixtape as well. One of them has a video, entitled ‘No Where’. Sometimes, creativity makes you to explore yourself. I never limit myself to anything because I have a passion for making music.

With more than 150,000 views on YouTube, you are regarded as one of the biggest prospects out of Africa. How does that make you feel?

In one word, I feel ‘blessed’, and it motivates me to do better.

How do you handle your female admirers and fans?

I get my fair share of the good, bad and the ugly, but I am a very focused individual and I never let anyone or anything distract me when I am working.

What was it like when you started rapping in Warri at a very tender age?

It wasn’t easy at first, because people didn’t believe in me. But I believed in myself, and it took a few years these same people who initially didn’t believe in me were the ones spreading my music and telling more people about me. I made them believe and now they have great confidence in me.

It has also been revealed that you started doing music immediately after you left secondary school. What was the response of your parents at the time?

I was in my second year in the university when I got my record deal. I was recording songs even in high school. I forced my folks to support me, but they insisted that I stay in school. It was difficult because my parents thought music would take me away from school completely.

You had a group in secondary school. What was the experience like?

It was as the coming together of great minds. One of the members of G-squad is currently a partner of my company. He is in the process of acquiring shares in another member’s company. He also owns a clothing line and he is doing very well. There’s another one that will become a doctor in December. Everyone is doing great, and we are all happy for ourselves. The Experience with G-squad was rewarding.

How did you come about the nickname ‘9ja Carter’?

People started calling me that because of the way I delivered my songs. The nickname stuck on me like glue because I don’t pen down my lyrics, just like both Jay-z and Lil Wayne. Both rappers don’t pen their lyrics and they are Carters. That’s how that name came about.

Have you ever been stalked by a female fan before?

Yes, even till date.

Nollywood was thrown into mourning when news broke about the death of veteran actor Pete Eneh. The actor undoubtedly left an indelible mark in the minds of many as his colleagues in the industry are saddened about his unfortunate demise. AHMED BOULOR and OVWE MEDEME report. 

COMMENTS have continued to pour in following the demise of Nollywood actor, Pete Eneh, who passed on recently after a protracted infection which led to his leg being amputated.

His death closely on the heels of that of several thespians such as Sam Loco Efe, Ashley Nwosu, Geraldine Ekeocha and Segun Ogunlade casting more light on the sad plight of a number of the industry’s veterans.

National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Ibinabo Fiberesima has described the death of the veteran as a big blow to the motion picture industry, stressing that it is one of the reasons she is keen on securing health, pension and insurance schemes for practitioners.

“On behalf of AGN and the entire motion picture industry, I express my condolences to the family of late Pete Eneh. Sadly, death is a necessary end that will come when it will come. But when death takes away a good man, the heart bleeds. I am in grief and utter shock over his demise. Actors and practitioners alike should borrow a leaf from this amiable gentleman who just passed on,” she said

In the words of erstwhile President of the Guild, Segun Arinze, “Eneh was a gentleman, professional and like a father to all of us. May his soul rest in peace.” While paying tribute to the late actor, award-winning film director, Daniel Ademinokan said “Uncle Pete was a very gentle soul and peace-loving man. I remember the first time I saw him in a movie in which he suffered so much; I was so drawn to his performance even at his age. I knew I had to work with him at some point.

A visibly saddened Keppy Bassey Ekpeyong also aired his thoughts on the death of the late actor: “I am not too sure of what encouraged Pete Eneh’s participation in the movie industry but everyone can testify that his entry was refreshing and his impact resounding. His flexibility and acting skill was unique; he was eloquent and he communicated his characters effectively. He will surely be missed and my fear is that many practitioners are constrained by the wider perception of viewers enough to ignore health related issues,” he said.

Keppy also talked about the AGN’s plan to introduce health packages for willing practitioners: “The Actors Guild under Ibinabo Fiberesima’s dispensation is poised to introduce health packages for willing practitioners. I subscribe to this following the death of our colleagues due to health related issue,” he added.

The Veteran actor passed on Thursday, November 15 at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital where he had been receiving treatment. Prior to his demise, the actor had been suffering from a chronic leg infection which led to it being amputated by doctors at the Hospital, otherwise called Park lane Hospital, October 24. Eneh’s death was confirmed by the Special Assistant to the State Governor, Afam Okereke, himself an actor.

His travails was said to have started last year, after he sustained an injury that later led to a serious infection, thereby making treatment near impossible. Reports said then that the injury degenerated into a sore, which was further compounded by the fact that the actor was diabetic.

Having spent three months at the hospital without making headway as regards treatment, the actor was advised to get the leg amputated to reduce the risk of the infection spreading to other parts of his body.

Famed for always playing the father in movies, in his day, the actor featured in several films including Lonely Life (2006), Divided Kingdom (2005), Price of Ignorance (2005), Heavy Rain (2004), Arrows (2003), By His Grace (2003) and a host of others.