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Tag: Bisola Aiyeola

  • Why I can’t take up some movie roles, by Bisola Aiyeola

    Why I can’t take up some movie roles, by Bisola Aiyeola

    Reality TV star, Bisola Aiyeola, has spoken on how motherhood has restrained her from accepting some particular roles in the movie industry.

    The mother of one said that her daughter is growing and the movie roles she appear in might influence her negatively or positively.

    The actress said her trajectory has been one of patience and putting her daughter first, no matter what.

    She stated this while speaking in a recent interview.

    Read Also: I used to care less about skin care until 2018, says Bisola Aiyeola

    According to her: “I have a growing child and sometimes some of the roles you take can affect her positively or negatively. Especially because she is growing… You have other children around her who have different thoughts on what their parents do and so I have to be careful with some stories because I have to think that, in the long run, would it be a good look for my child?

    She said, unknown to many, that she has been in the industry for years, even before going on the Big Brother Naija reality show in 2017.

    She noted that her passion has been her driving force.

  • Eulogies for ‘Joba’ ahead of April 5 release date

    Big Brother Naija star, Bisola Aiyeola and popular online comedian, Woli Arole were among the stars that added colour to the private screening of Biodun Stephen’s latest movie, ‘Joba’, at Genesis Cinemas, Maryland, Lagos, on Thursday March 28, 2019.

    It was a moment for members of the press to get a foretaste of the much-awaited suspenseful and emotional drama, ahead of the cinematic release on April 5, 2019.

    Although, told using a faith-based template, ‘Joba’ has a strong and relevant emotional core that exists at given period in everybody’s life. It connects the viewers to events in their personal lives that question their beliefs, self-esteem and tenacity.

    A production of Shutterspeed Projects in collaboration with Cross Dimension Production, Biodun Stephen is able to achieve these, using vivid life experience to pass a message centered on love, strength and omniscience of God. The movie plunges it audience into a very gripping emotional journey on the travails of a young Christian couple battling between their marriage and faith. The faith of the couple is tried, especially when all fingers are pointed to the husband as the cause of their troubles. He must protect his wife who is on the verge of insanity, whilst still managing to keep his faith.

    Speaking at the event, Stephen said, “The story of ‘Joba’ is amazing. I was driving and listening to a gospel song titled, ‘Jesu Joba’. Right there, I got the idea; I ran home and wrote the story as it plays in my head that same day. Then I shared a post on social media that I have just written an amazing story, that I am very honoured that God chose me to write this story. After I posted it, I got a DM from a woman in South Africa saying, ‘God says I should work with you on this project’. I have never met the women before. Two days later, we signed the contract to collaborate on financing the project. ‘Joba’ is highly emotionally gripping.”

    The movie, ‘Joba’ which has Stephen and Christine Osifuye as Executive Producers, features prominent acts, including Blossom Chukwujekwu, Enado Odigie, Chris Iheuwa, Ronke Ojo, Christine Osifuye.

    Judging from Stephen’s cinema works like The Visit and Picture Perfect, ‘Joba’ raises viewers’ enthusiasm and expectations to a rewarding high-quality offering. The cast assemble was perfect. This showed in the chemistry between Ore ofe played by Enado Odigie and Lamide by Blossom Chukwujekwu respectively.

    Other celebrities present at the screening are, Gospel Singer Psalmos, and Senior Pastor of Christ Livingspring Apostolic Church (CLAM) Wole Oladiyun, among others.

  • How BBN has helped my career as actress, singer -Bisola Aiyeola

    Popular social reality show, Big Brother Naija, has, since its debut in 2006, garnered a huge following, just as it has created superstars.

    One of the products to have come out of the show is versatile entertainer, Bisola Aiyeola who, although did not win the coveted prize at the 2017 edition of the show, but has remained a great reference of the show.

    Indeed, the edge Big Brother Naija gives is that, it has democratized success so anybody can become very famous. That’s why young Nigerians consider it to be the biggest platform to showcase skills and inner creativity.

    In Big Brother Naija, every housemate is a winner whether you go home with the cash prize or not, if you can successfully sell your talent and yourself, you’re made.

    Although, a lot of people might not remember, before her time in the Big Brother House, Bisola was on a music talent hunt show, Project Fame West Africa in 2008 where she came fifth.  She went on to become a TV host of Billboard Nigeria and even had a lead role in the TV series, ‘Life of a Nigerian Couple’.  However, she didn’t become a household name until 2017 when she became the first runner-up in the Big Brother Naija ‘See Gobe’ show.

    Speaking at a recent interview, Bisola said, “Big Brother Naija is an amazing platform to actualize your dreams and goals.”  ‘It is important for incoming housemates to make use of the platform to advertise their skills to a continent-wide audience, as this is an exposure that will change anyone’s life for good.’ She concluded.

    To that effect, Bisola has taken full advantage of her time in the Big Brother Naija house to advance her music and acting career, landing a management deal with The Temple Management Company which already houses big names like Don Jazzy, Iyanya, 9ice, Nigerian sprinter Seye Ogunlewe; and has released an EP and music videos. Since her exit from the show, she has attended the 72nd United Nations General Assembly in New York as an Ambassador of One Campaign Initiative, secured more movie roles and won the AMVCA “Trail Blazer” award in 2018 – an achievement she says she’s most proud of.

    Nothing captures the impact of her stint in the Big Brother Naija house better than a message she wrote on the anniversary of her departure from the show in 2018.

    “Today is a birthday of sorts for me. One year ago, I left the Big Brother House as runner-up and set upon a path that has been beyond my wildest dreams. People always ask me about my time in the house, but truth is none of us imagined the hype surrounding everything we were doing and how our lives were going to change. It still takes me by surprise when I travel around the world and people come up to me to wish me well and sometimes even quote things, I said from a year ago. I went into the house with just one purpose which was to reach as many people and showcase my talent. When I think of the things that my Big Brother experience has allowed me to do in the past 12 months, it is difficult to do so without overwhelming gratitude. It has allowed me greater selection in the kind of projects I do. It has given me the opportunity to add my voice to the plight of our young girls who have the smallest voices in our country. Most important, it has allowed me to be closer to all of you. I thank @multichoice_africa, @payporte and @dstvnigeria for the life-changing opportunity. I thank My mother, my sister @Adunola.a, My daughter Leyla for their constant support. I thank you @biodunstephen and @thetemplecompany for always having my back. I thank each and every one of you for continuing to tolerate my craziness and allowing me to be myself. Trust me when I say you ain’t seen nothing yet! I love you all. #NaTheWorkWeDeyDo #BeTheMovement #TMC #TMPL #BBNaija”

  • Mo Abudu, Banky W, others attend ‘Up North’ premiere

    Inkblot Productions and Anakle Films held the premiere of Tope Oshin’s, ‘Up North’, recently at the IMAX Cinema, Lekki.

    The premiere which was tagged “The Grand Durbar” and the dress code themed “Show me your North” was attended by celebrities such as Mo Abudu, Ebuka Obi Uchendu, Noble Igwe, Lala Akindoju, Lota Chukwu, Ihuoma Linda Ejiofor, Jemima Osunde, Adeolu Adefarasin, Damilola Adegbite, Frank Donga, Ufuoma McDermott, Chioma Akpotha, Sharon Ooja, Mai Atafo, Meg Otanwa, Antolecky, Bisola Aiyeola and many others.

    Present at the premiere also  were cast members such as Banky W, Ibrahim Suleiman, Michelle Dede, Kanayo.O. Kanayo, Rekiya Attah,Rahama Sadau and many more. The premiere also saw important personalities and dignitaries such as  The Governor and Emir of Bauchi.

    Directed by Tope Oshin and written by Naz Onuzo and Bunmi Ajakaiye from an original story by Editi Effiong, the movie tells the story of love, family conflict, female empowerment as well as the rich northern culture and tourism. ‘Up North’ opens at  all cinemas from December 28, 2018.

  • Mercy Johnson, others win ELOY awards

    The 10th edition of the ELOY Awards, in collaboration with Lush Hair attachments to celebrate Nigerian women from different walks of life, had Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie win in the Actress of the Year Category.

    The mother of three who won the award for her role in ‘Seven and a Half Dates’, was nominated alongside Toyin Abraham in ‘Ghost and a Tout’, Bimbo Ademoye in ‘Backup Wife’, Bisola Aiyeola in ‘Payday’, Zainab Balogun in ‘Sylvia’, Chioma Omeruah in ‘Crazy People’ and Bukunmi Oluwashina in ‘Ranti mi.’

    The glamorous event which held in Lagos had 21 award categories for women who have made the society a better place.

    Lush Hair attachment – a fashion and lifestyle brand- sponsored two out of the 21 award categories. The Fashion Designer of the Year Category of the ELOY Awards sponsored by Lush Hair attachments had seven nominees: Nonninstics, Style Temple, Tubo, Moofa Fashions, Wani Fuga, Imad Eduso and Gozel Green. Tubo won the category amidst applause, and the Actress of the Year Category of the award, won by Mercy Johnson Okorie.

    Congratulating the winners of the awards, the Brand Manager of Lush Hair, Sukhmbir Pannu, said it sponsored the categories because Nollywood has supported and allowed women to express their creativity.

    “In the fashion and movie industry you find women exhibiting their strength and passion,” Sukhmbir said.

    “Both winners in the categories sponsored by Lush Hair tonight are women who are on top of their game as an actress and as a fashion designer respectively.”

    The organiser of the Eloy Award, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Exquisite Magazine, Tewa Onasanya, said Eloy awards is meant to celebrate and bring to limelight hard working women who against all odds have thrived in their chosen fields. Onasanya said: “ELOY Awards is an award for recognition, honour and respect. This evening is for hard working ladies to get celebrated for having done great, not just for themselves, but also for the society.”

  • Big Brother Naija girls celebrate Nigerian heroines

    AS thousands of Nigerians took to social media to celebrate successful and iconic women of Nigerian origin these past weeks, at least five former BBNaija housemates joined the trend, pouring encomiums on their own female heroes and encouraging their followers to do same.

    Bisola Aiyeola, who first kicked it off, with a post that has now garnered over 1,500 likes and comments, said in her post, “Just tell us who your Naija woman hero is, by posting a picture of her using the #naijawomanhero tag and stand a chance of having your business registered FREE!!!”

    Over five of her colleagues have since followed, using their influence to call attention to some of the most important Nigerian women of all times. Millions are now voicing out deserving heroes, including Stella Adadevoh, Dora Akunyili, Funmilayo Kuti, and Margaret Ekpo, many of whom gave their all to make Nigerian lives better. Adadevoh, in fact, gave her life, during the Ebola crisis, in a remarkable act of courage that remains unprecedented.

    Akunyili, a pharmacist and former director general of NAFDAC, fought drugs counterfeiting to a standstill, risking her life and that of her family as she uprooted cabals and mafia that had profited at the expense of vulnerable Nigerians for eons.

    According to the UN 2018 Humanitarian Needs Overview for Nigeria, 10.2 million people are estimated to be in need of humanitarian assistance, of which 52 per cent are women and girls. Another report also stated that of the estimated 1600 to 2000 casualties in the Northeast, the majority were women and children.

  • Happiness found me after a week of sadness, says Bisola Aiyeola

    BIG Brother Naija 2017 housemate, Bisola Aiyeola, shouted the most at the AMVCAs last Saturday, while receiving her Trailblazer of the Year Award, the second non-competitive category after the AMVCA Industry Merit Award won by ace cinematographer, Tunde Kelani.

    Miss Aiyeola who came second place in the ‘See Gobe’ edition of the reality show became the only recipient of a car, as it’s the AMVCA tradition in the category show won, perhaps giving reasons she expressed the most excitement. The feat came barely two years after she narrowly missed a car in the Big Brother Naija show.

    The versatile entertainer said she would have been happier if the father of her daughter, Leila, who died a week before were alive to witness her latest achievement.

    “It’s been a sad week for me but I’m also happy that I’m winning this… it would have been beautiful if he was around to see that I have won this because he knows a bit of the journey that I have been on but I’m sure he’s smiling down.

    “I’m dedicating this award to him and everybody in my life,” she said, adding: “It’s not just for me, it is for my family, it is for people who have watched me grow and also those that have seen my journey.”

    Asked if she believes her exposure through the Big Brother Naija show played a part in her choice as AMVCA 2018 Trailblazer, Aiyeola said it’s a cumulative of her journey in the creative sector.

    “I won’t say it’s all this mileage.  I’ve been on a journey. I started out in the entertainment industry in 2006, and in 2008, I was on MTN Project Fame West Africa. I have been acting prior to the Big Brother show and now we are here after Big Brother in 2017. So, I wouldn’t say Big Brother

    gave me all or the mileage  I’m getting now. I’m stressing it because a lot of people might think  I woke up one day and just went for an audition.

    “I’ve auditioned for over eight years before I finally made it into Big Brother Naija House and at the time it was Big Brother Africa that

    I was auditioning for, so it’s been a journey and I didn’t give up.”

    On how the African film industry can grow further, she said: “How we can grow it further is by collaboration and it’s important that many media houses, filmmakers come together to work as one and I keep using the Wedding Party’s success as  reference. There were four companies that came together to bring out Wedding Party: Ebonylife Films, FilmOne, Inkblot Production, and Koga Studios. So, collaboration is the new competition, we shouldn’t see each other as competitors. It would help to bring in more funds, it would also help us to deviate from the cliché that we are used to producing  which is mostly drama, there is so much money that can be made from  the African movie industry, say for instance animation which is one sector that we haven’t sampled at all. Action as well is something we are still working on. We can’t say we are totally competing with foreigners.”

  • BBNaija: Bisola counts gain, one year of “See Gobe’ show

    Bisola Aiyeola, first runner up, Big Brother Naija ( BBNaija ) 2017 season two ‘See Gobe’, says her participation in the show has contributed to her successful growth in the entertainment industry.

    Aiyeola, who is most popular for her hit movie ‘Picture Perfect,’ recently, released two hit songs this year, ‘Luchia’ which details her life journey and ‘Uncle Luku’.

    She credited the Big Brother Naija platform for allowing her possess “a greater selection in the kind of projects” she does.

    According to her, it gave her an opportunity to add her voice to the plight of young girls and most importantly, become closer to her fans.

    In her reflective post on Tuesday on Instagram, @iambisola, Aiyeola wrote:

    “Today is a birthday of sorts for me. One year ago, I left the Big Brother House as runner-up and set upon a path that has been beyond my wildest dreams.

    “People always ask me about my time in the house, but the truth is none of us imagined the hype surrounding everything we were doing and how our lives were going to change.

    “It still takes me by surprise when I travel around the world and people come up to me to wish me well and sometimes even quote things I said from a year ago.

    Read Also: BBNaija: Iyanya, Bisola, invite Teddy A to music collaboration

    “I went to the house with just one purpose, which was to reach as many people as possible and showcase my talent.

    “When I think of the things that my Big Brother experience has allowed me to do in the past 12 months, it is difficult to do so without overwhelming gratitude,” she wrote.

    The actress and singer also thanked her manager, The Temple Management company and family for supporting her dreams during and after the show.

    Aiyeola finally got into the Big Brother house in 2017 after auditioning for the show for nine consecutive years. She came second after popular winner, Efe Ejeba.

    Apart from being the first runner up, the mother of one won ONE’s ‘Back to School’ presentation task, where she called on Nigerian lawmakers to prioritise girls’ education.

    As part of her ambassadorial duties, she attended the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly in New York to push for girls’ rights.

    NAN

  • BISOLA AIYEOLA: I auditioned for 8 years before getting into BBN

    BISOLA AIYEOLA: I auditioned for 8 years before getting into BBN

    Bisola Aiyeola is the second runner up of the 2017 edition of the Big Brother Nigeria reality TV show. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she talks about the turning point in her life, participating in Project Fame, her music career, acting, and the other things that she is passionate about.

    WHAT gives you the inspiration to do the things that you do?

    I would say that my inspiration comes from my family; my mother, my sister and my daughter. They always motivate me to work harder and give me the opportunity to learn from every experience. I learn from them every day and that has helped me to discover and rediscover who I am and who I want to become. I also have a few friends that motivate me and sometimes talking to strangers motivates me.

    For role models and mentors I have people like Idris Olorunnibe. I also have tons of actors who have a great work ethic and they are so many in the entertainment scene. The list includes directors, music directors and even crew members.

    Let’s talk about the very first role that you played, how did it go then?

    It was very interesting and my character name was Tope. It was a Yoruba series titled Sababi in 2010 and it was directed by Bimbo Ogunsanya. The experience was very good and very interesting for me. I remember that it was a bit difficult because scripting was in Yoruba and English. Luckily, I got people to translate and get the correct pronunciations of the words.

    You are also part of the TV series, Daddy’s Girl. What was it like working on this?

    It was so interesting, fun filled, with the cast that included Uncle Femi, and the series was directed by Tope Alake. It was quite easy working with the team because most of the people I worked with knew what they wanted and were passionate about it.

    Let’s talk about Big Brother Nigeria (BBN). What gave you the drive to do the things that you did on the show?

    It is quite interesting because I had been auditioning for about eight years before I finally got it last year. The truth of the matter is that I didn’t know anybody but I was determined to make the best from that experience. Right now, I am having auditions here and there. From all the experiences, I would say that no two auditions are the same. Everyone is different and it was always a refreshing experience. So for the Big Brother Nigeria, I went for the audition and gradually I was selected.14 of us contested and I got in, tried my best. The truth of the matter is that it was a tough contest, not like a music contest. Here, you can’t really tell how it was going to go.

    How did it feel emerging as the first runner up in the contest?

    It was awesome. Of course, from the outset, I told myself that I would make the best of it. The house was filled with talented people, and to stand out, you have to work very hard. I was very happy, got the exposure that I wanted and it was very exciting for me.

    On BBN, I learnt how to be more tolerant and I also learnt how to face my fears. The Friday night games were also memorable and I really enjoyed them.

    How has being on the programme changed your life?

    The show gave me the wide reach I always wanted and it was an avenue to show the world my abilities, so it has changed my life for good and I’m working on making my life better.

    What are some of the challenges for young people in the entertainment sector today?

    As far as I am concerned, I think it would be with the artist themselves.

    Many do not want to work hard. Most times, I get messages from people asking me to put them in a role. They do not want to go for auditions at all. People just want to rise to the top, get there just by the snap of the fingers. Of course a few people make it that way but if you check well, you would discover that they have actually been in the background, playing music in church and things like that. So, basically, the challenge is that many do not want to work to get to the top. Secondly, things are a lot easier now, thanks to the social media and people are basically selling themselves. Personally, I have gotten the recognition and shown the world my ability. However, I have only just begun; there is so much that I still want to do and want to be known for.

    What messages do you have in your songs?

    I try to apply daily life experiences to my music. It is usually about the things we can all relate with, like love, food or transportation. These are things that people have different experiences about from time to time. Not just like the stuff you read about in Mills and Boons and the thought of a Knight in Shining Armour.

    Acting or music, which would you say comes first?

    They are on the same level as far as I am concerned. They come to me naturally, just as if I am talking. It is like breathing and breathing. I would not say one surpasses the other. Music, however, was my first love. I participated in Project Fame West Africa in 2008.

    If you have to advise young people, what would you tell them?

    I would tell them to be consistent, don’t ever give up on your dreams. It may seem bleak, but all you need is to put in so much effort. As long as you are breathing, things can happen; so don’t give up. At this point, you would look back and thank God it was worth the effort after all.

    What is life as a celebrity like? Is it something that you enjoy?

    It has been very interesting for me. It is part of my life now and I would say that it is what I signed to be. I am living it out and it has been an interesting journey.

    Are there things that you used to do that you cannot do anymore?

    Yes, there are so many things that I used to do that I cannot do anymore. I love taking a stroll around my neighbourhood but I can’t really do that anymore. I also love to go to the markets like Ketu and Mile 12 markets but these days I can’t do that anymore.

    These are markets that are synonymous with food stuff, does it mean that you love cooking?

    Yes, I love food; I love cooking too. Food and the process of cooking are very special to me. For recipes, I love Nigerian soups like efo riro, oha, onugu soup and edika-ikong. I learnt the skills from my mother, my friend Ijeoma and my aunt just by watching them do it.

    Many believe that a lot of young ladies are not so good with cooking these days.  What is your take on this?

    I would not say that a lot of our ladies do not know how to cook these days. I actually think that we need to have a cooking day and you would be amazed at what the ladies would offer. Times are changing; we have technology taking over and everyone is trying to be an entrepreneur. And just because of the long hours that we spend at work, many opt for the restaurants and fast food joints. That does not mean that they cannot cook. As a matter of fact, you would be amazed at the meals that the ladies are cooking these days.

    Could you tell us about your new song and how you are using it to chart a new music career?

    The song Luchia is an ode to my mother. Luchia is actually her name and I used the song to basically talk about some of my ups and downs in life. I came into the entertainment industry through music but I never really pursued it because I didn’t have support. But now with the support of my team, Temple Management Company, I am now definitely giving it a shot.

    Tell us about life as an actress and as a musician

    It’s an interesting life. I enjoy singing and acting and I try to apply my daily experiences to my craft, which helps the audience connect to it more.

    Aside acting and music, what else do you do and how do you combine all these roles without conflict?

    I host events. I’m also a voice over artist. I can combine them because I have a good management company which helps in scheduling my work, so I don’t have any conflicting engagements.

    What are some of the achievements and memorable moments for you?

    Firstly, I will say having my daughter and also making my family proud. And as the years go by, God willing, I’ll achieve more and more.

    Who or what do you consider as the greatest influence in your life?

    My family is my greatest influence because I learn from them daily and I am also motivated and supported by them.

    When would you consider as the turning point in your career and life?

    My going on BBN was the turning point for me.

    How would you assess female celebrities and actresses in the country today?

    They are working hard on their craft and achieving so much and I am super proud of them.

    How would you describe the entertainment scene in Nigeria today?

    Nigerian entertainment scene is getting better as days/years go by. A lot has really changed and now the world recognises that Nigerians are super talented and skilled people who can stand head to head with their peers in any part of the world.

    Would you say that you have achieved all your dreams?

    No, I haven’t; as long as one is alive one should always aim to achieve. So until I am no more, I won’t stop dreaming and I won’t stop achieving.

    What is the secret of your good look?

    I don’t have any secret to looking good. I just try to look and feel comfortable.

    How do you relax?

    I relax by hanging out with friends, seeing a movie or sleeping.

    What is your definition of style?

    Style is anything that makes you comfortable.

    Where do you hope to be in the next five years?

    In five years, you will celebrate my achievements with me, so be patient.

    Christmas is just around the corner, what plans do you have for the season?

    I am spending Christmas with my family. Going out for me during the yuletide is a no, no, for me because of the traffic and the fact that everywhere is going to be jam packed. I may just visit a friend or two. Travelling is also a no, because as an entertainer, it is the time to make money. I had plans to travel earlier on but I had to postpone it to a period when there will be enough time.

  • Bisola drops new track, ‘Luchia’

    Bisola drops new track, ‘Luchia’

    BISOLA Aiyeola, who was the first runner-up at the 2017 edition of Big Brother Nigeria competition, has released a new single which captures her struggles from grass to grace.

    Produced by talented beat-maker, Rhyme Bamz, the multi-talented actress teases her fans with the new song as a signpost to the release her forthcoming EP project.

    Titled ‘Luchia’, the mid-tempo song is the name of Bisola’s beloved mother delivered in seamless blend of English and Yoruba Languages. She sings about her rejection at different auditions before she finally found her breakthrough at Big Brother Nigeria (BBN).

    The new track has been released worldwide across all media platforms by pan-African record label, Temple Music (TMPL), a sister company of leading creative talent agency, Temple Management Company (TMC).

    Bisola has been described as a multi-talented actress, MC, singer and TV/ Radio presenter. She is popularly known for emerging the First Runner-Up at the 2017 Big Brother Naija TV reality show organized by Mnet.

    Lively and infectious, she was born in 1986 and has lived in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

    Before then, she hugged the limelight when she emerged among the finalists at the 2008 edition of MTN Project Fame West-Africa which was won by singer, Iyanya Mbuk. She has also worked as an OAP with WFM 91.7 (Nigeria’s 1st Radio station for WOMEN and their families).

    Also a talented voice over artist, she hosted Billboard Nigeria which aired on TV stations from 2011-2013.

    Bisola’s movie career spans across both Yoruba and English sectors featuring in movies like “The Life of a Nigerian Couple” and “Forever with Us” among others.