My Experience In Kidnappers’ Den--MR IBU

Popular Nollywood actor, John Ikechukwu Okafor a.k.a. Mr. Ibu, is angry with the politics of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN). In this interview, he spoke about his experience with kidnappers and other issues

Q: Sorry about the recent abduction of your friend and colleague, Nkem Owoh (Osuofia). How did you receive the news?
A: It’s sad. This is a bad development that has to be nipped in the bud. I am not happy that those smart guys have now decided to do brisk business with the kidnapping of actors. I was the first victim of kidnap last year. It’s just that my own experience was different because my abductors freed me in less than 24 hours. Just a few months ago, they also abducted Pete Edochie and now, it is Osuofia. We need to be very careful. It was one of his boys that called me that he (Osuofia) was kidnapped on Sunday night, while he was returning from Port Harcourt after a function. The kidnap, according to the boy, took place along the Aba/Port Harcourt link road and that’s all we were able to gather. Nobody can tell where he was taken to.

Q: How were you kidnapped last year and what really happened?
A: Mine was another interesting story you’d like to hear. I was at a joint somewhere around the Eastern part of the country and as we were dancing to some music, some guys drove down and parked at a distance. Immediately, I noticed that one of them danced towards my direction and pretended as if he was set to dance with me. Few minutes later, he joined me very closely and I was dancing and said “Bros, you see that car wey dey for there?” (pointing at a parked vehicle), I said yes and he said, “go enter am.” Then, I asked him why, we dey travel? He said, ‘yes’ and that I should cooperate with him, otherwise I would have myself to blame.

Somehow, I obeyed, having noticed that there was fire on the mountain. That was how I danced towards the car and the guy was dancing after me as if nothing was wrong. As I got to their car, I asked where we dey go? But the guys insisted I must not ask further questions. Then, they started playing with me as if we had known each other. After driving for a few kilometres, they took me to a boat already waiting to take off. That was how we got to their den, after travelling on water for about two hours. Although they did not harm me, they expressed their grouse with the government and requested that I must address the issue with a camera placed in front of me. I was asked to lambast the government including former President Olusegun Obasanjo. I did exactly as they commanded under duress. It was a terrible experience but I left the place smiling because at the end, they gave me a gift of N100,000 for lambasting the government.

Q: So, how come the incident was not reported in the media?
A: That’s because they freed me in less than 24 hours. It was not necessary.
Q: Going by the way you were treated by your captors, would you like to do ‘business’ with them in the future?
A: Ah, God forbid. Although they offered me money which I collected, I will never do ‘business’ with them in my life.
Q: What do you think the kidnappers want to achieve with the current abduction of actors?
A: Nobody can guess, but with my abduction and that of Pete Edochie, I think it looked similar. All they required from me was that I must talk to the people at the helm of affairs, which I did. During the abduction of Pete Edochie, I also gathered that they told him to speak with the people in government. I am sure they will do the same with Osuofia before freeing him. However, their belief that we are close to the government is nothing to write home about. I think they believe we have a link with the government and that’s why they are beginning to kidnap actors. Please, help us appeal to them to spare us in this kidnapping saga.
Q: Why is it that only AGN actors are being kidnapped?
A: That’s a question I cannot answer. They may have their reasons, but I can’t tell.
Q: When they kidnapped you, did they make any attempt to collect a ransom before they let you off?
A: No, I did not even ask for money. How could I? To my surprise, they did not ask for money either, but they gave me the money as mobilisation fee, having lambasted the government on their behalf.
Q: Did you also make them laugh during the period?
A: I can’t even remember. Maybe I did, but I wouldn’t know. I am sure Osuofia is capable of making them laugh. Let us just pray that they don’t harm my friend because I am sure he has been reeling out jokes to his captors.
Q: Let us talk about your career. Is it true that you recently did a film with Jackie Chan?
A: Oh, yes, it’s true. It is a world class project. I learnt the producers actually conducted a poll on the most loved actor among Nkem Owoh, Charles Awurum and I. But to God be the glory, they eventually contacted me and said I was tipped for the job. It was an opportunity for me to work with the best actors in Europe, America, Australia, Asia and other continents of the world. I was the only person from Africa. It was like a reality show and I really enjoyed myself.
Q: How challenging was it?
A: It was very challenging indeed. As a matter of fact, I played Okoro, the man from Africa. We combined experience and skill to achieve the project. During the shooting, I noticed that at a point, I had to be evicted because it was more of a reality show. The amazing thing was that I never knew how popular I am until over 25,000 people trooped out to protest my eviction by carrying placards and my photographs. They all insisted that they wanted Okoro in the house and so, I was not evicted. It was a big project I would forever adore.
Q: So, you did not experience any form of discrimination during the project?
A: Why would there be? They called me for a job, it’s not as if I lobbied for it.
Q: And did you learn any lessons from there?
A: With the things I learnt on that set, I can now admit that Nollywood is still far behind. We have not really gone far in this business technically, I must confess.
Q: Why were you evicted?
A: It was because I told them initially that I could excel in sports and they believed. But after they tried me in all the sports including high jump, they noticed I was just boasting. In the first place, how could they have believed that a robust man like me could jump? I even had a fracture on my leg during the jump.
Q: So, what did you learn from Jackie Chan and others?
A: The guy came with a team of macho men from Japan and he really encouraged me to do a lot of things. He even taught me karate. Right now, we are very good friends.
Q: How much did you receive for the project?
A: That is not for public consumption.
Q: Is it right to say your level has changed?
A: Well, to God be the glory.
Q: And back home in Nollywood, how do you feel?
A: Although home is home, things are not right in Nollywood. Right now, I am not happy with the rancour in AGN.
Q: But we learnt some top actors including you have adopted Segun Arinze as the president even though others believe he came in through the back door?
A: I can never support Segun Arinze’s presidency. Where is he coming from and what has he done for AGN? The record is there. He has not even updated his membership for ten years now, not to talk of paying his dues. Who elected him? To worsen the matter, he is not even a member of the Lagos chapter of AGN, so how can he claim to be president?
Q: Do you then suspect any foul play?
A: I don’t even suspect, I know there is a foul play. I learnt that there is a peace meeting in the offing between the Board of Trustees (BOT), Caretaker Committee and Segun Arinze, but if at the end of the meeting, they decide to adopt him as president, then there will be problem in AGN. With Segun as president, AGN is on the brink of collapse. The guild will divide and there will be factions.
Q: Do you have grudges with him?
A: He is my colleague and friend. Before now, AGN had been united. I have no grudges against him, but I will say the truth, no matter what it will cost me. I can keep my mouth shut if he settles for the post of vice-president, but he cannot be president, at least for now. The other time, he came to a meeting held to battle Ejike Asiegbu, who turned everything upside down. At that meeting, I can remember how Arinze castigated Asiegbu. He even donated N50,000 to remove him from office. Now, it is the same Asiegbu that installed Segun Arinze, that’s foul play. Politics is a dirty game anywhere in the world and now, it is rocking our own association.
Q: But I was thinking you are too busy to be involved in AGN politics. Why are you now showing interest in it?
A: I am not interested in the politics but as a bona fide AGN member, I have to speak the truth. The record is there. I have paid my dues as a member of the guild, I have spent my personal money for the guild and single-handedly established AGN in Italy, South Africa and other parts of the world with my money although with the approval of the leadership of the guild. So, the issue is something that has to be treated carefully. As far as I am concerned, they are all joking.
Q: What would you suggest as possible solution to the problem?
A: We need an election that will make us have new leaders. I am not in support of the plot by Segun Arinze that in the spirit of peace and unity, the BOT can now dissolve other executive members and probably constitute a new the cabinet.

Interview With Millicent Jack

Talented costumer, dancer-actress, Millicent jack, the immediate past vice president of Actors Guild of Nigeria{south-south},is the CEO of kilali Kreative Minds, based in port Harcourt .
In this interview, the best costumer of AMAA 2006, who have acted in movies like golden crown, labister, etc, spoke on the way forward for the AGN with Eric jeminiwa.
Excepts:
BACKGROUND
My name is millicient jack,I hail from Akuku-toru LGA in rivers state. I started my art career with Nabai theatre group in UST,from where I moved to the popular willy-willy theatre group then.Iam a gradute of the theatre arts from the presigous university of port Harcourt, with specialisation in children thaetre.
WHY I PARTICIPATED IN THE PORT HARCOURT AGN ELECTION
Firstly my tenure as the south-south vice president of the guild has elapsed and i strongly believe in democracy,though iam not a politian.secondly,when i got to the venue of the election,i saw highly respected actor like sam loco-Efe presiding over the election ,that produced segun arinze as the president of actors guild of nigeria with other elected national officers of the guild,which to me has given the election credibility.
AGN CRISIS
Words are very scarce in my mouth.The on going leadership crisis is not pleasant to the ears. Nollywood started very well on a good note .with the actors guild of Nigeria {AGN},which came with the sanitization in 2003. TO me AGN is like a growing child that just started crawling but was interrupted with distractions from outside. who knows of what benefit the crisis is to them .I am not a politician but I suggest we should go back to the tree of love, to love one another because presently the tree of love have being caught off.
WAY FORWARD FOR AGN
The two groups should come together{talking of Ejike Asiegbu and kanayo.o.kanayo}.It is Silly and Stupid that two mature people will be at logger heads. AS actors, we are the mirror of the society, a front runner in the nation building and the Re-branding project. we should stop washing our dirts on pages of the newspapers. To the best of my knowledge, the two of them are friends. Ejike Asiegu, once told me that kanayo.o. kanayo was his bestman during his wedding. we need to reconcile the two groups,to put the nollywood industry on right track.the actors guild{AGN} need to speak with one voice to make the reconciliation a success.
KILALI KREATIVE MINDS
It is the mind of God. God is the owner of creativity. The kilali creative minds actually started in my university days in 1994 during the long strike, Which lasted for a whole year .I told myself that I can’t sit down doing nothing. It began with kilali kiddies ,then I use to take the kiddies to shell club, Elf club and others. After my graduation, I went to Lagos because I wanted to be in front of cameras but it didn’t work out well because some of the producers then wanted me to pay my dues in bed .I told myself I can’t do this,iam agraduate of theatre arts. one day, I packed my things and headed back to port Harcourt .But God brought me back to entertainment scene through costume designing where I won the best costumer in AMAA 2006.Kilali creative minds is not all about me but with other like minded people, we Are Engaged in costume designing, cultural display, Decorations, kiddies shows and event management.
BREAK IN THE INDUSTRY
One day francis duru came to me to do costume for a movie tittled ‘king jaj a of opobo’,but I told him why don’t you give it to late Dr. Amatu Braide, so I can work under her because she is my mentor, mother, she taught me everything I know in the industry. He said no, we saw other people before coming to you. I then said okay and he dropped the script with me but I didn’t touch it for two weeks. One faithful morning after my morning devotion, I heard a voice spoke three times to me saying, ’go take the script and read it’. I read the script, after which I went to Nkwerre where the late king jaja of opobo was born and to opobo.I was able to gather my costumes with the help of Adonye pepple. Then I went for the film in lagos, which turn out a great success for me, that brought out my breakthrough in costuming.
STYLE AND FASHION
Style to me is creativity, it is innovative and originality. Style is an innovation from creative mind of an individual.
ROLE OF ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY IN NATION BUILDING AS REGARDS THE RESTIVE NIGER DELTA YOUTHS
I just concluded a training of sixteen repentant militants, who graduated from the Rivers state social Rrehabilitation Programme, which took place in Okehi in Etche LGA. It was a huge Success. The youths are rearing to go in Nolywood industry.you just watchout for them.
Entertainment is one industry one can’t live without .we can channel the minds of the youths in Niger Delta and the Nigerian youths at large from violence to focus on Entertainment which will not only put food on their table but can make them a houlsehold name . My advice for the youth is to get Educated. without education,you are a nobody.please put your talent in what you believe in, not violence, drugs. God has endowed everybody with a particular property to make success. so it’s now up to you to discover what talent God has given you.
FULFILMENT

Am fulfilled with what am doing in entertainment industry. Entertainment gives life ,love and joy. I could remember that my mother wanted me to become a lawyer and my father wanted me to be an accountant but with encouragement from late Amatu Braide, IAM what IAM Today. My parents are now very proud hearing my name doing al l these things.

I took up comdey to survive hardship------Klink da Drunk

Encountering Afamefula Igwemma off stage was a totally different experience. He cuts nothing of the picture he portrays on stage as Klint da Drunk. The Agwu_Ukwu, Nri born comedian was not born a drunk. A multi-talented artiste, Klint is not just a comedian par excellence, he’s also a musician, actor, painter and a designer.

Unknown to many, Klint trained as a painter at the Institute of Technology,(IMT) Enugu, before abandoning his brush for the stage to make ends meet. Several years, after he made his mark as one of the leading comedians in the country. Klint da Drunk in this interview, reveals why he abandoned his career in music for comedy .

He also highlights part of his plans to use his act to affect the lives of those who live under the influence of alcohol as well as how he met his beautiful wife, Lilien, his stage personality and more. We ran into this prodigious artiste, last weekend, where he attended the premiere of a comedy movie, which he played a led-role titled, ‘Eno De Sawa”, held at the Water Parks, Ikeja, with his beautiful wife, Lilien and engaged him in this revealing interview.

Find out more about Klint Da Drunk and the character he portrays from Benjamin Njoku and Ishola balogun:

Klint, when will you give up drinking on stage?

Never, I will never stop drinking. I will never stop being drunk on stage as a comedian because it’s my source of existence and livelihood. Never, I can’t stop it. It must continue.

How long have you been a humour merchant?

My brother, it has been a very long time. Like in 1993, when I gained admission to study Fine and Applied Art at the Institute of Technology,(IMT) Enugu. I was already doing certain programmes for NTA, ESBS and many other stations in Enugu then.

And that was after my secondary school education. I was doing some TV dramas as an up and coming talent. It was something few young men of my age then would want to engage themselves in because as at that time, the quest to work in an oil company, belong to those lucrative professions like medicine, law and engineering was very much in vogue.

But right from childhood, I have had this flair for entertainment. I started during my secondary school days where I would play the drunk and other comic roles. With time, it became an integral of me. I was in a drama group both in the church and in school.

I led my school band in secondary school then, and happened to be a force to reckon with when you talked of my school drama group.

In everything I did while I was growing up had some elements of humour in it. I’m not surprise today because I have always expressed that flair for entertainment right from childhood. Even when I completed my post-secondary education at IMT, Enugu, I was posted to Port-Harcourt for my National Youth Service Corps(NYSC).

But while in Port-Harcourt, instead of doing the service, I engaged myself in doing some entertainment stuff. I sojourned in Port-Harcourt for two years from 2000 to 2001, and principally engaged myself in entertaining people; going from night club to night club, performing on stage.

It was not lucrative then because there no were sponsors. Nobody then supported me. Even my parents were against my decision to go into the business of entertaining people. But because I loved what I was doing, I did not give up. I was performing for “spray-money.” I could go to four to five night clubs to perform at one night, just to have people spray money on me. Comedy for me then was for survival.

At what point would you say you started making money from the business?

It was after performing at the “Night of a Thousand Laughs” held in 2002 and 2003, at Port-Harcourt. It really exposed me and gave my the mileage I needed to move forward in the business.

Was it the highpoint of your career as comedian then?

It was obvious that when I was performing for the “spray-money”, I was never paid anything. But I would say the highest money I made as a starter then was N300. I was still at IMT when there was the need for me to perform during one of the shows held in the institution. In the past, I had done a lot of free shows and later I vowed never to do it.

As a result, the organizers of the show promised to pay me N300 at the end of the show. Between 1994 and 1995, N300 was a very big money for me as a student. At least, I was able to use the money to buy myself a second hand T-shirt and a pair of faded jersey.

That was the situation I found myself at the beginning. It was not easy for me in those days because comedy then was just for survival and not a money-making venture. We were just doing it to survive, unlike now where it has become a very big business.

How did you come about the drunken character you always portray?

I have told this story time without number. There’s this man called, Scatter Mojo. He used to be our caretaker in the village. Mr. Scatter Mojo was a real drunk, following his kind of person and the odd jobs he did in the village that usually got soaked.

So, each time he got drunk and staggered his way back to our house, I noticed that my father and my uncle usually entertained themselves on that day. Sometimes, I would mimic him, without knowing that I was consciously preparing myself to earn a living by adopting the character of a drunk. I just kept on practising what Mr. Mojo was doing. Then, I used to sing and perform on stage while I was in secondary school.

But I wasn’t really portraying the drunken comic, until one day I went for a show where I was to sing and it happened that 2Face Idibia was newly admitted into the IMT. At that show, 2Face was scheduled to go on stage before me. And when I watched him perform and heard his voice on stage, I immediately sneaked out of the place.

Were you intimidated?

Intimidation is an understatement. I was downgraded and belittled by 2Face’s performance. I felt I was stupid to even venture into singing because 2Face’s performance overwhelmed me. And because of that encounter, I decided to change my career.

2Face himself is aware of what I’m staying. He was the one that made me change my career in music. 2Face talks about it even till today.

As a result, I found solace in trying my hands in comedy, perhaps, recreating the drunk character that the man in my village was noted for. I did it once, and people embraced the act. And before I knew what was happening, I was everywhere in Enugu.

Then, I was the only functioning comedian in the Coal City. I didn’t relent in my effort as I had to set a standard for myself.

From Enugu, I started going for shows at the Abia State University, UNIZIK, UNN and until one day, I went for a show at UNIPORT. The positive reaction of the teeming audience that thronged the UNIPORT Sporting Complex venue of the show made me to relocate to Port Harcourt after graduating from IMT.

I had the feeling then that showbiz thrived in Port Harcourt. And it was a decision that actually paid off because it was in Port Harcourt that I hit the limelight.

Do you drink alcohol before mounting the stage?

No, I don’t take any alcohol before mounting the stage. No matter who you are, the moment you take alcohol, you are bound to mess yourself up. But whenever I ‘m not on stage, I used to drink occasionally, perhaps, one or two bottles are okay for me.

If you were not a comedian, what else would you have been doing for a living?

God has a way of doing things. I studied Fine and Applied Art. I’m a painter by profession. If was not a comedian, I might have been painting or acting professionally, and better still, I might have continued pursuing a career in music. I’m somehow blessed.

I still act, sing and also do my comic act. My album is coming out soon. I’m still painting, and in fact, I’m going to hold a solo exhibition of my recent works very soon. I can’t stop painting and I can’t drop my brush for anything.

At home,I still find time to paint. I love painting, and I don’t joke with my colours.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

From what happens while I’m on stage. Such happenings that elude the audience’s imagination. Sometimes, I bring in some elements of artistic imagination on stage, where I kind of play on colours to achieve harmony.

How often do you get negative and positive reactions from fans?

Yes, I do. I remember one time, a woman confronted me, telling me how she liked my comedy but does not like my act. On inquiry, she told me that my act reminds her of her former husband who used to be a drunk, adding that each time she watched me on stage, her mind always flashbacked on the circumstances that led to her divorcing her former husband.

Based on that confrontation, I’m planning a show that will kick off in Abuja and Lagos respectively very soon. It will be a travelling show, a kind of campaign resulting in making people to drink responsibly. I’m the face of who you are, that person you are not meant to be.

My face as a drunk on stage represents the faces of so many drunks that are not supposed to be drunks. Whenever you see a drunk, he’s always staggering and talking carelessly. The message is: don’t drink to be like Klint da Drunk. I’m a drunk personified. I’m not a drunk per see, but I’m a representation of who a drunk is.

Drunkenness is a feeling that lasts for a while. I’m the only person who’s in a better position to preach against drunkenness. That’s why I want to use my act to preach against drunkenness and its essences. The campaign will start off very soon. We are planning it big, and perhaps, before the first quarter of next year runs out, we would have kicked off the campaign.

I don’t have any regrets whatsoever for acting the drunk man on stage. It’s an act that has given me leverage over my contemporaries in the business. A drunk can walk up to you and called you names, and get away with it. But a sensible man who dares it will not be spared. That’s why each time I’m on stage, I tend to attack people who seat on the front row because a drunk by nature does not attack the people who are far from his reach but those people close to him.

Would you say acting a drunk gave you a wife?

God gave me my wife.

How?

I had known my wife for a long time. As a young man, I chased my wife, and before we become very close to each other, we were good friends. I met her while she was sojourning in Jos with her parents. Before proposing to her, I remember going on my kneel with one of my legs, and asking her to marry me. But one funny thing about us is that I was not really attracted to her then.

We were just good friends. But after so many years, I realised she was always there for me. Then, I started developing serious interest in her. I love my wife very much, and we have been married for years now.

What gift have you received from her?

God, through her, gave me a handsome boy. What can be more wonderful than that? When I met her, I thought she was a Hausa lady, without knowing that she came from the same state with me. Initially, I didn’t want to marry an Igbo woman because of my past experience with them.

Any nasty experience you have had so far?

A lot of them. Some people do not know how to express themselves. I recall an ugly incident that happened in Abuja when I went to eat in a restaurant with one of my ex-soldier friends. Unknown to me, there was this guy that was standing directly in front of me.

As soon as the food was served us, and I was about to drop the first spoon in my mouth, the guy gave me a hot slap across my forehead and the whole plate of rice splashed on my clothes. I was highly infuriated as a human being but I managed to control my temper. At that point, my ex-soldier friend could not stand the insult as he attacked the guy, beating him black and blue.

Later, the guy muted, “you think you want to chop, you must go and get drunk first before you can chop.” I intervened and pleaded with my friend to spare the guy. The following week, I read an article about the incident where it was reported that I attacked a fan who came to greet me somewhere in Port-Harcourt, while the incident happened in Abuja.

You have tried your hands in acting and music, featuring in Nigga Raw’s first album. Why the diversion?

I am a comedian but that does not mean that I cannot do other things. I am an adventurous person and highly so. So the music and acting part of me are part of the adventure. But with acting, the type-casting discouraged me. Must I act the drunk in all movies? So I simply moved on to other things.

Would you, someday, consider being a full fledged musician?

I am working on my album, and by the time my album comes out, it’s going to be a whole new ball game.

And the drunken comic character of yours is that part of the adventurous streak?

Yes. But it has now become my unique selling point.

I’m my husband’s number one fan—Lilien, wife of Klink da Drunk

How long you have known your husband?

I have known him for about three to four years now. I’m attracted to him because of the fact that as a man, he has a very kind spirit, soft heart and above all, he’s a very good man.

At the time he approached you, what was at the back of your mind?

I can’t tell but I have always loved him as a comedian. I have always liked and admired him. He has been my best comedian ever before I actually met him. I happened to be first fan, and was looking forward to meeting him someday.

So, when I met him, I was not disappointed at all. I liked him as a person. We were actually friends before we started dating and finally got married. At the time we were dating, we did not know that we came from the same state-Enugu State, and the knowledge of it made it easy for us to agree to marry each other.

What is it that you don’t like about your husband?

I love everything about him. I’m still trying to find out what I don’t really like about him.

I am a seductress, says Sapphire

She is a former beauty queen who found her way into the make believe worlds of movies. Armed with no formal professional experience apart from being an active member of the drama society in high school, she had only her beauty and charm to boost her profile. Several times she failed auditions but one day she got lucky. Someone noticed her beauty, charms and bingo, she was launched into stardom.
Although she may not be one of the most sought after actresses in Nollywood, Sapphire Obi can hold her own against some of the best in the industry. A self acclaimed seductress, Sapphire really knows her beat and this is how she shared her story with Bridget Amaraegbu.
Enjoy!

Tell us about your sojourn into the world of make believe ….
Really, I would say I’ve been acting since I was a kid because I still remember those good old days at St Bridget’s Primary School, Aba in Abia State , where I was the Drama Lord of my school (drama president). And in high school, I continued doing drama because I’m this kind of person who loves attention.
My school mates used to call me “Tuza Queen”, you know I like showing off myself, even when you don’t want to see me.
I won’t really say that I made up my mind to start acting, nor did I ever have plans for the industry. I just found myself in it. So, whenever there was an audition, I’‘d just go and with my ‘Tuza queen’ nature, I’d surely be noticed, even if I wasn’t chosen.
I’ve always admired somebody like Genevieve Nnaji. Permit me to say that she was always inspiring me. Each time I watch her movies, I tell myself that I want to be like her, and I love her.
Do you have any personal relationship with her?
No, but I met her once and told her, ‘I love you’ and she said she loves me too.
Apart from soap operas, how many movies have you done?
I’ve done a lot of movies but have not really played any major role. In Church Prostitute, I played the role of Oge Okoye’s younger sister. And in Unrefined Gold, I played the role of an adviser to the daughter of a senator. In My Final Will, I played the role of a lesbian and a lot of people said it was awesome.
There’s another one titled Singles and Married. I was a boyfriend snatcher. I snatched Rita Dominic’s boyfriend. I was also in Abuja Connection and so many others.
So, what was it like playing the role of a lesbian?
(Laughing). I won’t say I interpreted very well because I’m a lesbian. I had to do exactly what I had on the script. As an actor, you should be able to interpret any role very well. You should be able to wear any role you’ve accepted to do like a burden and also follow your director’s instructions strictly. An actor has to be flexible at all times with every script he/she has accepted.
How do you feel when you watch that movie?
(Laughing). I laugh each time I watch that movie and just wish I could get another role that will be worse. I’m one person that wants to explore different characters and roles, whether they are good or bad. You know it’s only when you play bad roles that you can really know how good you are. Playing a good girl role is never challenging from my own point of view.
When you watch that movie with your boyfriend, what does he tell you?
He keeps asking if I’m truly not a lesbian to have interpreted that role the way I did because I had to kiss and smooch a fellow girl. But I’m sure he’s convinced that I’m not one of them.
How often do you get movie roles?
As long as I go for auditions. Most times, it’s my Tuzaqueen nature that gets me the role, and I’m happy.
I’ll say I’m very lucky with movie roles and auditions. At this point, I want to say a big thank you to Fidelis Duker. I respect him so much and I’m really very grateful for the role in Girls Next Door. I’ll continue praying for him and his family.
When you don’t get any role for say six months, how do you feel?
I don’t feel bad. Before I got to this stage, I would naturally feel bad. I would feel like I’m not doing enough. But right now, it’s not all about the quantity of movie roles I get. What bothers me today is the quality of the movies I do. It’s possible for you to do just one quality movie in a year that will make all the difference. Right now, I am working on my own project which I am very sure will make so much difference because it won’t be all about acting but making sure that people are impacted in a lot of ways.
I am not trying to say that all the movies that’s been produced is junk but there are some movies I wouldn’t want to be associated with. I really want to be associated with quality movies, even if it means doing only one movie in a year.
Which producers’ movies do you give kudos to?
I give kudos to Simony Productions. He does quality movies though I’ve not acted in any of his movies. I was supposed to be in Boys Court produced by him but I travelled to Ghana for another job at that time. Each time I go to pick movies, I look out for his productions. I’m not saying other producers have not done well but he’s an exception.
I want to also use this opportunity to tell our indigenous producers to groom the up and coming acts so that viewers can have varieties to choose from. When you go to buy a movie today, all you see is Mercy Johnson, Ini Edo, Genevieve, Tonto Dike and a few others.
I am not saying that these people are not good. I love them but viewers want to see new faces in the industry. So the producers and marketers should make effort to groom the up and coming acts. I equally think it’s very good for the industry.
Another issue is that the up and coming actors should improve themselves. Sometimes, up and coming acts appear so boring that the producers find it very difficult to use them. I want to advise the up and coming actors to groom themselves and be able to fit into Genevieve’s shoes, believe in yourself.
Of all your movies, which one made you famous?
Hahaha, I no fit think before I say it. I give it to Girls Next Door. And I’ll remain grateful to Fidelis and his wife because even some of his crew in the production of Girls Next Door didn’t believe I could deliver. But he did.
In Girls Next Door, you played a seductive role. Was that the real Sapphire in action or just the script?
(Laughing). I don’t know how to tell lies because I believe you can’t give what you don’t have. I’m a very ‘honey person’. When you call somebody a honey person, it means body too dey sweet the person. That is me and I don’t owe anybody apologies for that.
If I’m not a real seductive person, there’s no way I would have played that role perfectly. Yes, you could say it was written out on the script but you have to put in yourself to do it well. That doesn’t make me wayward in anyway. I have a Christian background but that doesn’t take away the real me. I’m not trying to sell sex but I’m a very honey and sweet person.
What would you consider negative and positive effect of acting?
One of the positive effects of acting is it opens doors. When you’re known, you get endorsements here and there, which is the most fascinating part of it. You could travel around and nobody questions you. But the negative side is that you lose your privacy completely.
People poke their noses into your affairs so much and some even go as far as searching out your past and background, especially when you have a horrible past. And when these things go on the pages of newspapers, it devastates you emotionally. Some pressmen even cook up stories about you and the stigma is just too much to bear.
Have you had any embarrassing moment as an actress?
I don’t think so. For now, all I get are commendations and compliments.
What were some of the challenges on your way to the top?
It’s been terrible, especially when you have a dad who suddenly goes broke immediately you got your letter of admission to the University and you just couldn’t go. You just sit there and watch your mates passing out of school and there’s nothing you can do about it. I just got admission into the University for the session. I don’t want to believe that was what led me into acting.
But in life, certain things happen that make you discover who you are, and make find out those things you have that can work for you and make you stand out. So, it’s really been challenging. I had to stay with my grandmother.
How was it when your dad’s account turned red?
I know that some other young people would have gone into drugs or prostitution when they’re faced with issues like this. But I just couldn’t do any of those things. Not because I loved God so much. But because I love my body so much.
Even though I wasn’t in the University, I did all I could do to measure up with my friends who were in school. And I didn’t allow it to bother me because I knew my dad would have seen me through any level if he didn’t go bankrupt.
I want to also say that money or good roles don’t come by sleeping with men. Sleeping with producers and directors can only give you a role after which he moves on to the next catch and you’re old fashioned. My word of advice for all young people is that we should always try to allow our ability to speak for us.
Which actors are you comfortable with on set?
I’ll mention Rita Dominic because she’s cool. The day we went on set, she walked up to me and said, ‘ good day’ and I was like shey dem be say this girl is arrogant but she wasn’t. She’s humble and lively. Then for the guys, I’ll give it to Tony Umez.
How does Sapphire handle male advances?
I see men’s advances from the angle that they appreciate what they see. So, I don’t act stupid when they do that. Basically, all I do is appreciate them too.
Is this beauty walking down the aisle soon?
(Laughing) I have a sweet relationship right now and what we share is worth keeping forever. As soon as he is ready, I won’t say no.

I Never Knew I Was Dating A Fraudster - Lizy Anjorin

Lizy Anjorin, actress, producer and business lady, today debuts her new multi-million movie, Gold. She takes Adunola Fasuyi through her experience as an actress and the journey so far. Excerpts:

Tell us about the movie, Gold ?
The movie GOLD is the story of my life. In that film, I played up the terrible experience I had in the hands of my ex-boyfriend, what it cost me and how I was able to survive it. It is a movie to watch, because both men and women have a lot to learn from it.

 

Even parents will learn from it. You see, most times when young women fall into the hands of evil guys, it could be as a result of pressure from the parents on marriage, especially when the child is the only child like me. The movie is very inspirational, touching and educative. In fact, there is a woman we shot a scene in her house, when she read the story line, she burst into tears because she said Gold was exactly talking about her, that is, it is just the story of her life too. So, the movie is a nice one and I purposely did it to tell a story and teach some lessons. It is a true life story.

How much did it cost you to produce this movie?
Gold is a N5 million production. In fact, I spent more than that, but I just want to peg it at N5 million. It is not a wishy-washy movie, but produced to a standard class. I featured prominent stars in the movie and all my crew members were well paid. Besides, we also used state-of-the-art technology in producing this movie. I wrote and produced it all alone. It cost me a lot, but I thank God for the eventual success of the work.
What are you doing against your movie being pirated?
My sister, what can I do than to pray to God? That piracy thing is a very serious one and unfortunately our government is not acting as expected. But, if government will take my advice on how to fight piracy, I will suggest that they introduce Sharia laws in fighting the scourge. They should cut off the hands of any pirate caught in the act; by the time three or four pirates’ hands are cut off, others will desist.
How has the experience been like, I mean acting?
Acting is nice, very interesting. It is a good profession which, to me, every family must endeavour to produce, at least, one actor or actress. Every family should try and produce a celebrity, because being a celebrity is very sweet though the challenges that come with it can, at times, far outweigh the sweetness and popularity attached to it. The negative aspect can be worse than HIV.
Can you talk about some of your sad experiences on the job?
When I had problem with my ex-boyfriend, it was really sad. I never knew I was dating a fraudster; he stole my car, money, gold and in conjunction with his mother and a journalist friend still lied and rubbished my name in the press. It was hell! Do you know that when he published that libelous story, I was indoors for five good months? I could not go out because of the shame, the stigma and even my mother could not go out or go to church. My sister, it was hell! The negative aspect of being a celebrity, particularly when a story about you is not true, is worse than the fame and glamour of being a celebrity and even worse than AIDS. In fact, I never really knew the meaning of being a star until that incident and the publications came out.
The saddest part was that, I didn’t get any support from my colleagues in the industry, rather they helped to spread the fake story the more. Only Sikira Sindodo stood by me by calling to check on my welfare. It is really bad. I want to charge our members in the industry to eschew envy, jealousy, battle for supremacy and embrace love, support for one another because that is how the industry can move ahead. However, I thank God today. The case is still in court and the guy is in custody until judgment, because he had jumped bail twice.
Why didn’t you get support? Could it be because you are a lone ranger?
My sister, it is all envy and jealousy. Yes, I am a lone ranger and I like it that way because ladies have problems; if they don’t gossip they will fight — fight for respect or backbite. I don’t like all these attitudes; so, I prefer to move with guys who will rather advise you. They say I parole alone, but I prefer it like that. They envy me because of my substance, but they don’t know what I do to make money. It is not just acting that I do. I am into business as well. In fact, I have been doing business right from primary school. So, they see me driving this car or that car and they get jealous or feel I am doing aristo runs and I am not carrying them along. I am the only actress that entered the industry with a car and they all know that; so, I don’t understand the envy.
So, is any guy on board now?
No, no, no! I really want to take my time this time around. I believe now that all guys out there are like my ex. Honestly, I am taking my time. Besides, most guys in Nigeria now are gold diggers; they don’t want to work but want to live on women.
Plans for marriage?
I am not even thinking about that now. That was what my parents wanted and landed me in the hands of the fraudster. That is not in my plan for now. But if you ask me, I don’t mind being wife number 22 as long as there is money and peace.
Can you tell us about your background?
I am Elizabeth Anjorin, a.k.a. Iyawo Ojo kan. I hail from Badagry in Lagos State and my mum is from Yewa in Ogun State. On my educational background, I go school well o, contrary to the impression that people have about operators in the movie industry. I went to primary school in Lagos State, secondary school at Iyana Ipaja in Lagos, College of Education, Kaduna, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro where I read Banking & Finance, and then to Olabisi Onabanjo University where I studied Transport Planning & Management. So, I have NCE, OND and a degree.
You are well read. So, how did you find yourself in acting? Was it by accident or design?
It was through God and a friend. I will say it was designed by God. While growing up, I was very vocal, and I had always wanted to be a lawyer or an artist because I draw very well. I remember when I was in primary school, nobody could steal my locker because I would always draw and design my locker distinctively. I even went for an exhibition in arts in secondary school and I won. I have this artistic talent. But as I grew older, I fell in love with acting and I admire stars, even models, and I told myself that I would become a star. So, while in the Polytechnic, I started modelling; later, I went for training in acting. All these I was doing alongside schooling. I didn’t pass by this job like some others, I learnt it. I went for three years training in acting at a registered acting school called Sam Aye Production Arts & Theatre School in Abeokuta. So, I was shuttling between schooling, acting, training and doing business while in school.
What kind of business were you into then?
I do buying and selling. I sell bags, shoes, jewelry and so on. Initially, I never thought of taking acting as a profession. I wanted to be a producer or director, but I realised I could be the star I have always dreamed of. I must be seen; I must be on stage or the TV. I saw a kind of supremacy and affluence around being a star; so, I admired that and went for it.
So, was it the popularity attached to acting that geared you into the profession?
Well, not exactly, but it’s part of it. I appreciate good things.
You mean after school you went into full acting? You never worked with your certificate?
No, I never worked with my certificate. I graduated from school, finished my training as an actress and started acting

Kunle Afolayan Relocates To Ghana

Remember him? He played “Arese Jabata” in the Mainframe Film “Saworo Ide”, Kunle Afolayan, the dude that owned and played the lead role in “Irapada” has authoritatively relocated from his Ogundana Street, Ikeja office to Ghana.

A visit to the office showed the place in under lock and key as the guy has moved temporarily to Ghana for the premier of his latest effort “Figurine”. The film that has been receiving commendation is at the moment said to be gracing the big screens in most cities in Ghana. Only God and close associates know when Kunle will re-open his Lagos office.

Has Jenifer Eliogu's Marriage Crashed?

The story of broken homes in the country movie industry is becoming worrisome, especially among the female folks of the third largest movie market in the world.

Not long ago, the marriage of beautiful Monilisa Chinnda hit the rocks. Few weeks after. Lola Alao’s once happy home ended up on the pages of newspapers. If the story that is coming out from the home of he robust Nollywood actress, Jenifer Eliogu is anything to go by, it will be another imminent crash.

The story is that the international businessman husband of Jenifer has deserted her and two kids. Sources revealed that the man has finally relocated to Switzerland, where he’s accused to having s Swiss wife already waiting for him. Though the details of what went wrong are not known, but you can be rest assured that we will feed you on the happenings from time to time.

Folake Energy 2000 Denies Dumping Husband

She is the dancer to the popular television advert, done with Abass Akande Obesere, for Yemkem Energy 2000 drug some years back. Folake popularly called Folake Energy 2000, was alleged in a publication not top Celebrities to have dumped her husband for another.

The story was that, she was married to a guy based abroad with three kids and that she was living in her parents’ house some where in Ogba area of Lagos State.

The said guy was said to have travelled abord for sometime now, and that she met another guy who rented an apartment for her in Ikela area of the state, an indication that she has dumped her former abroad based husband.

When Top Celebrities, however, contacted Folake on the allegation, she refused the claim, saying she did not dump anybody and that she’s having two kids as against three that was reported. Folake also attributed the relocation to the death of her husband and at the same time, implored people to confirm their stories before writing, stressing the fact that she’s always available when contacted.

Gospel Musician Atorise's Messy Lifestyle Exposed

If you think that you’ve heard the prime gist about gospel singer, Lenre Teriba otherwise known as Atorise, then you are joking. We gathered exclusively that the funky singer likes to wet his sex appetite with secondary school girls.

From our investigation, we got to know that his meeting point with these girls is Sweet Sensation at Abule Egba, Lagos. Findings revealed that he has been seen severally with these girls, while some of them put on mufti to cover their school uniforms. And when they are through from the eatery, we learnt that he takes them to one of his friend’s houses behind the eatery. This said friend is known as Segun Sori. Thereafter, he gives them stipends for transport.

According to those in the know, Atorise believes these set of young girls are preferable in bed than the elderly ones. And secondly, they are cheap unlike those big girls who are expensive to date. Most times, we learnt he does it without condom. And how he manages them from getting pregnant for him is a story for another day.

Just like his younger brother, Tunji Teriba is also weird when it comes to women affairs. According to our findings, he is fond of impregnating women and abandoning them after a while. Remember, few weeks back, we revealed his sexcapades with one Toyin Ogunde, whom he impregnated and abandoned in abject poverty. Do you still remember? With that, the new gist about the dude is that he has also abandoned his loyal wife known as Iyabo Teriba nee Ayinla.

The lady who got married to the guy on August 26, 2007 in a superlative wedding has been abandoned. She is now saddled with the responsibility of catering for herself and her only daughter, Palumi which she had for Tunji. Investigation revealed that after they got married. Tunji rented an apartment for hem to dwell at No.5 Mafo Close, off Abeokuta Street, Ogba, Lagos. But suddenly, months after wedding, he started his wayward lifestyle. He started rollicking with other women and would after some time return home. He was doing all the until he finally decided to abandon the woman.

As you read, the woman and her daughter now live at her parents’ house in Muslin, Lagos while the man lives at a new rented apartment at abule-Egba, Lagos.
Just like his younger brother, we learnt that he also hides with his numerous ladies at Abule-Egba.

Be that sa it may fresh finding revealed that before he got married to Iyabo, Tunji had five children from two women. And now, he has also picked a new wife to replace the legal wife. Those that graced Atorise’s mother burial can testify to this.
However, sources close to Iyabo said the lady is demanding heavily from Tunji to take up his responsibility on his daughter since he has decided to abandon them. Mimis said frantic effort was made by Iyabo to restore peace into her matrimonial home, but the Teriba family showed a nonchalant attitude to her predicament.

While we contacted Tunji over the issue, he refuted that he has never abandoned his family.
And while we quizzed him further, he banged the phone on us.
But contrary to the report, the pals of the singer have refuted the tale. They vouched that he only goes to the campuses during the day to pay visit to his friends. And when we put a call across to the musician, he reacted thus: “I don’t have anything to say on that, I’ve got my life to live. Whatever they say, I will not talk’, he stated.

While still trying to put that allegation behind him, some people are on top of the roof screaming that the handsome musician indulges in internet scamming. They divulged that his lavish lifestyle comes from the proceeds he gets from the illicitact.
However, Sauce Kid, who claimed to be the king of swagger is a singer of note. With songs like “Omoge wa Jo” “Yebariba” and others of his profile, he has become the toast of music lovers especially the ladies.

Anxiety, fears trail Nkem Owoh's kidnap

REACTIONS have continued to trail the abduction of Nkem Owoh by some unidentified gunmen on Monday afternoon along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.

Owoh, who is popularly referred to as Osuofia, a role he played in one of his early films, is from Enugu State, where he also lives.

Efforts to reach Owoh on two of his numbers have been unsuccessful, as the phones are 'switched off'.

A source close to the family of the actor confirmed that Owoh's abductors have reached out to "his family members and a top official of the Enugu State government."

The abductors, according to a widely circulated message, have reportedly demanded N15 million as ransom before Owoh is released.

Owoh's abduction is coming barely three months after some unidentified gunmen abducted but later released popular actor and Re-branding Nigeria Ambassador, Chief Pete Edochie (MON).

Edochie was released three days after unidentified hoodlums abducted him at Nkpor near Onitsha. The former broadcaster and star of the television adaptation of Chinua Achebe's epic novel Things Fall Apart later united with his family.

Though it was widely reported by a section of the media that his abductors had demanded ransom to the tune of about N10 million for his release, the bearded actor refuted claims that they demanded ransom for his release, stressing that on the contrary he was treated like a father and reverenced like an elder.

According to Chuma Onwudiwe, Secretary General of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), who confirmed Owoh's abduction, the actor was probably on his way to a movie shoot 'somewhere around the Enugu-Abia axis'.

Onwudiwe confirmed the receipt of a similar message and said: "I am in touch with the family and our members in Enugu State, Owoh is a registered member of AGN there. I am also aware that the abductors have asked for a N15 million ransom. There is no other demand or news on the abduction yet, but be assured that I would reach you with further developments. The point is that someone has established contact with the abductors and I just pray nothing happens to him."

Top Nollywood actor and producer, Steve Eboh aka Ajebo, expressed shock at Owoh's abduction.

In his words, "it is sad that these hoodlums are now taking on people who are supposed to be making them happy in the face of depression. It is sad and a sad commentary too on the Nigerian question. If you link it to how our senior artiste, Chief Pete Edochie, was abducted recently, you would know that the people behind these are just people, who are hungry and protesting the bad governance in the nation and what have you. I think government should take a decisive step to improve the life of the people. Before it was militancy, now it is abduction."

Hailed as the undisputed 'King of Comedy', Owoh hit the right note when he starred in the jubilee hit Osuufia in London in 2003. The movie was produced and directed by Kingsley Ogoro.

Owoh rode on the back of the two-part movie to emerge one of Nigeria's highest paid actors, earning close to N2 million per movie appearance.

Owoh later veered into singing. He released an album, which he titled I go chop your dollar, which however, pitched him against government.

Though a song about advance fee fraud, the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) banned it for promoting advance free fraud.

In 2007, Owoh was arrested in Amsterdam but was later released after Police raided venue of a musical show where he was performing.

The police arrested over 100 people on suspicion of lottery fraud and immigration violation but they didn't find Owoh guilty.

Also in 2008, Nollywood and fans of the actor were thrown into momentary shock when it was rumoured that the actor had passed on following complications resulting from the rupture of hard drugs the actor reportedly ingested while trying to traffic them out of Nigeria.

Owoh was reportedly arrested in Afghanistan, where the rupture occurred. Owoh's appearance in Lagos and some live television and radio interview he granted was what dispelled the rumour.

President of AGN, Segun Arinze, told The Guardian yesterday that the guild was working with relevant authorities to "ensure that Owoh re-unites with his family and gets back to the fold."

He said, "we are all on red alert. My phones are on. I have been calling Enugu almost every five minutes. Our prayer is that nothing happens to him. We are entertainers. We work for every dime we have. So, demanding ransom from us is misplaced."

Ex-beauty queen, Ibinabo, escapes jail as court dimisses application

LAGOS — Former beauty queen and actress, Ibinabo Fiberesima, narrowly escaped being sent to jail by trial judge in the matter, Justice Deborah Oluwayemi of a Lagos High Court, which yesterday momentarily revoked her (Ibinabo) bail and ordered that she be remanded in Kirikiri Prison, Lagos.

Shocked Ibinabo, dressed in a black skirt suit, broke down and wept repeatedly, saying ‘sorry ma’. She was joined by her counsel, who pleaded for mercy.

The judge, however, reversed her order following plea by other lawyers present in the court, who urged her to temper justice with mercy.

Most of the lawyers pleaded with the judge, urging her not to send her (Ibinabo) back to prison custody. The court also dismissed Ibinabo’s application, seeking leave of the court to travel abroad to attend the forthcoming Miss Earth 2009 Pageant, describing the application as frivolous, vexatious and abuse of court process.

Ibinabo was sentenced to five years imprisonment for dangerous and reckless driving causing the death of one Dr. Giwa Suraj but sought leave of the court to travel abroad to attend the forthcoming Miss Earth 2009 Pageant, which will be held in Manila, Philippines.

Ruling on the application to travel abroad, Justice Oluwayemi said: “I hereby revoke the bail granted to the applicant and she should be taken to Kirikiri until I am satisfied that the appeal is pursued diligently. I am flabbergasted that this application is brought before me. It is unfortunate that you brought yourself before me without thinking.

“How can I grant leave to a convict to travel? How can a convicted person represent Nigeria in Miss Earth contest? A convict is not an accused person, the discretion of the court cannot be exercised in favour of a convict,” the court held.

Justice Oluwayemi maintained that justice was not only for the applicant but also for the deceased.

“Justice is not only for the applicant, it should be for both parties and for the children of the deceased who are abroad and can no longer pay school fees due to the death of their late father. If I grant the application, she (Ibinabo) may not come back because the family has instituted a N200 million suit against her,” the judge said.

“It will not be in the interest of justice and the society to grant a convict leave to travel out. There was no letter from the Ministry of Internal Affairs for her to represent Nigeria simply because as a convict she cannot represent Nigeria any longer even if she had done that in the past,” the court said.

The court further observed that Ibinabo was not remorseful, adding that during the last two hearings of her application, she rushed out of the court without any regard. “I had thought the applicant will sit down and be sober but from her comportment, she is not sober at all,” the court said.

I’m Single, Still Searching For Ideal Man – Jelyon

She is simply known as Jelyon in music circle. The eldest in a family of 10 hails from Isiekenesi in Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo State, spoke with Special Correspondent, Lucy Eazee
What inspired you into music?
I think I have the calling from God and I love music so much. I said this because I started singing right from a very tender age when I was in children choir in my church, Saint John Anglican Church. My parents gave me all the necessary support until I lost my mother and then my father started experiencing some financial setbacks and there was no means for me to further my education. So, I decided to visit my pastor for counseling. He then told me to pray and fast which I did, and after that I started having inspirations, encouragement and support from people. In no time, miracle started happening in my life and I started writing songs on my own without any direction from anybody. I was able to write and sing my songs, despite the fact that I didn’t go for any musical training. I believe God just wanted to use me as an instrument of praise. That’s why I am into music today.
What is your first experience like as a professional musician?
My first experience as a professional musician was in 1998 when I was invited for a show to at Aba. The show was organised by NTA to promote upcoming artistes. I did my best because at that moment I was inexperienced; it was later aired on television and that really motivated me to continue because I never intended to pursue music as a career.
What’s your educational background?
Well I attended Saint Mary Madeleine Seminary School, Ubakala, Umuahia, Abia State, where I obtained my first school leaving certificate. At present I am a second year undergraduate of tourism in the National Open University.
You sound spiritual, are you a true Christian?
Well, I was born into a Christian family, strong Catholic to be precise. To tell you the fact, my parents first wanted me to be a reverend sister, that was why I went to a seminary school, but when they found out that, that was not my calling and I loved singing, my father started encouraging me.
Do you have an album of your own?
I don’t have a full album in the market for now because I am still working on my promotional copy but it is going to be a six to eight- track album. I just finished working on my video and in no time, it will be out.
Since you are from a Christian family, why are you not singing gospel songs?
Well I do R&B but the message is strictly gospel, because Nigerians love emotional songs. I will say that I am only passing a message in breezy, sweet and lovable way.
Now, there are many upcoming artistes in the music industry, how do you cope with the competition?
God! I mean with God Almighty everything will be possible. Even those who have made it, started from somewhere before they became famous. Once you have what your fans want, then you will make it. Like I said, I so much believe in myself and I will make it one day by the special grace of God.
What major challenges are you facing?
I must confess that it has not been easy; starting from financial problem to other problems. I remember when I first performed at the Miss Nigeria Beauty Pageant 2005, I met the executive of ORANGOTAN, a record company that promised to assist me but to no avail. It’s frustrating you know, even at a point I wanted to give up because of the nervous tension I was going through at that particular time, but I held on because of my father’s encouragement. Although, I have really gone through a lot of disappointments and rejection from people, I thank God for what I am today.
Have you experienced sexual harassment ?
In this aspect I will not like to mention names, but you know as a beautiful upcoming artise, people tend to take advantage of you. I have actually met some people for assistance and they tried to harass me sexually. Still it did not stop me from becoming what I am. Look, everything depends on individual; if you are loose, men will use and dump you. Because I know the kind upbringing my parents gave me especially my mum, no man can deceive me.
Are you married?
No, I am still single and searching for the ideal man
Who is your ideal man?
My ideal man must be gentle, hardworking, God-fearing, handsome, loving and humble because I hate ugly men. Let me tell you, I pray everyday for my ideal man and God will give me my heart’s desire.
So what do you do with your leisure time?
Most times I travel and I love reading books. I also cherish making friends and making people happy because I am a funny person.
So how far do you intend to go in this your chosen career?
If there is an end, I will get to the end. That is how far I am going to go. Anywhere I meet a brick wall, I will break it; if I meet a mountain, I will climb it because it is my dream and God will see me through.
Not so many Nigerians know who you are, can you describe Jelyon?
My name is Jelyon, I am from a family of 10. I am the eldest, I have three sisters and four brothers. I hail from Ideato South Local Government Area Isiekenesi in Imo State.

Mercy Johnson pursues a music career

Nollywood star, Mercy Johnson is set to become a music star. The beautiful actress is presently in the studio working on debut album scheduled to hit the market in the second quarter of 2010.

 

Mercy is said to be working with some top music producers such as ID Cabasa and Don Jazzy.

Two of her singles will be released around Christmas, to be followed by a music video.

I can’t date an actor let alone marry one says, Mercy Aigbe

But how come you’re so versed in Yoruba language when you’re not a Yoruba lady?

I am not Yoruba, I am from Edo State but I do Yoruba movies. But a point of correction, I do both English and Yoruba movies because I am a cross-over artiste. The only thing is that I am more popular in the Yoruba movie industry. I actually started with English movies but I felt that I was more comfortable doing Yoruba movies, where you are recognised for your merits. There is no tribalism and everybody recognises your talent and encourages you.


Did you make an effort to study Yoruba?

No, but when I have to do an epic movie, I go to people who will put me through. All I know is that I feel real good in Yoruba movies and even better than some native speakers.


Some people believed that actresses are wayward..

No, we are not. I think it is the way the society perceives us. We are serious-minded people. The actresses that I know are not wayward, so I don’t know where people get that impression. Actually, that impression has always been around. While growing up, we learnt about the Greek theatre, where artistes are seen as never-do-wells, layabouts but everything has changed now. Acting now is a profession where serious-minded people are involved.


A director would want to have a beautiful person like you in bed before giving you a role, does it not happen?

Thanks to you press people who are blowing up stories of how directors sleep with actresses to get roles. But personally, I have never experienced that kind of a thing. I believe that if you have the talent, you are determined and believe in God, you don’t have to do something like that. This sexual harassment thing is not only associated with the acting world. It cuts across all spheres. As a beautiful woman, if you go to seek employment anywhere, your would-be employer could want to have you in bed. You people are just saying it as if it is the acting world where we experience such. I believe that if you are a well-cultured lady, with talent, you don’t have to sleep with anyone to get roles.


Why are actors and actresses having failed relationships and marriages?

I am not married and I am not involved with an actor, so I may not be able to answer that. But what I think is that it is bound to happen when two people with different backgrounds come together. Anyway, those who have experienced such are in a better position to answer that.


But they say stardom easily go to your head, I mean actresses, after one or two movies…

When you met me, did I appear like someone who has grown wings? I think it has to do with one’s upbringing and personality. Mercy Aigbe is a very humble person. I am not swollen-headed because I am a star in quote. Stardom can never get into my head. I don’t mix business with pleasure. I am a professional to the core. I am not just doing this because I have the talent, the body or face, that is why I went to school to have a degree in acting. I take my job seriously because it pays my bill.


But some people say acting does not always put food on the table.

It puts food on my table and I don’t know about others.


Very soon, you would want to produce your own movies. Why is everybody turning out to be producers?

It is because actors, particularly in Yoruba genre, are not paid well. The main reason is that you can make more money as a producer. If not for that, I would just remain an actress without stressing myself to produce. Acting is what I love but to produce is a lot of headache.


Why do most actresses dress wild?

Am I dressed like that? Let me tell you something, like I earlier said, everything you do in life has to do with your background, your upbringing…


Tell me something about your upbringing.

I am from a strict Christian home, my father is a very strict person. That was the way I was brought up. There were some things I couldn’t just do as a child and even now.


Can you date an actor?

No.


Why? After all, you are in the same profession.

Must I date someone in my profession? Because I work in a bank does not mean I must date a banker. I won’t date an actor. Anyway, I have someone that I am dating but let me tell you why I won’t date an actor: we do the same job and we would be out of the house almost at the same time. For goodness sake, who will take care of my kids? I want to marry someone with whom I can plan together in taking care of the kids.


But some actresses seem not to be keen about marriage and building a home. They say once they have one or two kids, they can move on…

Ok, I, Mercy Aigbe dream to have a good and happy home, I don’t know of others.


How does your man take the stories written about you?

He knows the kind of woman he is dating. He knows what I can do and what I can’t do. He loves me, he loves my job and he encourages me. I think I am very lucky to have the kind of man that I have.


How does your man feel when he watches you playing romantic roles?

He laughs; he even says we don’t do the kissing stuff very well.


So, to what extent would you go in playing a romantic role?

Just kissing, I won’t go beyond kissing.


Suppose your fiancé says you should stop acting, what will happen?

That is a very difficult question because I love him and I love my job. I pray that he never says that because if he actually says that, I don’t have a choice. I believe that will mean that I will have to make a sacrifice which is painful. He will not say that because he knows how much I love my job and I am sure he will not want to have a moody, unhappy wife.


You look beautiful, but do you think you can be more beautiful by going for some body enhancement surgery?

I don’t believe in plastic surgery because all those that have done it, whether they want to accept it or not, regretted it at a point. I don’t believe in being artificial, I believe in being naturally beautiful.


Lest I forget, why didn’t you take part in beauty pageants while you were in school?

My father would have killed me. How could I have done that when I had to battle him to study Theatre Arts. I am sure that by now he would have thrown me out of his house. My father is old fashioned. Ah, beauty pageant? To wear pants and bra, ah! Coupled with the fact that I was doing Theatre Arts, I would have been killed.

"I go Chop your dollar" actor, Nkem Owoh Kidnapped

The president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Segun Arinze, has announced the kidnapping of one of Nigeria's most talented actors, Nkem Owoh.

He was said to have been in his country home in Enugu, the Enugu State capital, when he called his Personal Assistant, simply identified as Mr. Cino, who was in Lagos, to inform him of his intention to go to Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Shortly after, another call was reportedly put across to Cino, this time by a man who claimed to be a member of a gang that kidnapped Owoh.

He demanded for a N15m ransom.

The kidnappers, it was gathered, did not disclose where and when the ransom should be paid.
It could also not be confirmed where the kidnapping took place since Owoh had hinted he was heading for Port Harcourt.

All the calls put across to his MTN number yesterday night did not go through, as the phone was switched off.

The incident was believed to have happened about 5:30 pm.

Our source, who is a fellow actor, said Cino called him as soon as he got the information from the suspected abductors.

Owoh’s kidnapping is the second high-profile kidnap in the movie industry this year.

Veteran actor Pete Edochie was seized and later released in August.

Former president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Mr. Ejike Asiegbu, yesterday condemned the incident.

“It is unfortunate and I do not think it is proper. It shows the kind of environment that we live in. No one is safe. That they have decided to face entertainment people as targets for kidnap is unfortunate. It is no longer safe to go on location and produce films now, as anybody could then become a target for kidnap,” he said.

Another film maker, Amayo Uzor Philip, also condemned the action of the kidnappers, expressing shock at the development.

“If the kidnappers have started looking the way of filmmakers, it is a serious problem,” he lamented.

Too sad. My God when will this end?

Zain Customers Win Trip to Kenya for Africa Music Awards

Leading mobile operator, Zain and MTV has opened an exciting window of opportunity for music lovers in Nigeria and millions across the world who were not able to attend Africa’s biggest music awards, to watch the programme on Television at the comfort of their homes.
The ceremony, the MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain, is the biggest celebration of music artistes in the African Continent. Several Nigerian artistes including MI, Dbanj, Tu Face and P Square won awards at the Show held in Nairobi, Kenya.
The ceremony will be broadcast on terrestrial and satellite television across Africa, and in other parts of the world including Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America. 
Music enthusiasts in Nigeria will have a chance to watch the Show on local television stations including Silverbird Television and Africa Independent Television on Sunday, October 17, 2009. The broadcast of the programme into homes in the country will afford million of Nigerians a rare chance to see their favourite artistes thrill guests at the Indoor Arena, Moi International Sports Complex, Nairobi, Kenya.
Residents of many other Africa countries can also catch the programme on MTV base (on DStv Channel 322, Daarsat) and on terrestrial channels such as RTGA (DRC), ZNBC (Zambia), Citizen TV (Kenya), WBS (Uganda), TBC 1 (Ghana), and TV3 (Ghana) same day.
The MTV Africa Music Awards was held in Nairobi, Kenya.
Dr Saad Al Barrak, CEO of Zain, the co-sponsor of the MAMAs, said the Show confirmed the huge talent that Africa possesses and the influence it had upon the world of music. “Much of the music we listen to today has its roots in this great continent. I cannot emphasize strongly enough what a privilege it is for Zain to lend its name to such an event. In doing so, we are both keeping alive the flame of Africa’s cultural consciousness and delivering on our promise to bring you “A wonderful world.”
Winners have emerged from Zain’s MTV Africa Music Awards SMS Competition designed to reward loyal customers of the network.
The winners of the 2009 edition of the MTV Africa Music Awards are Sanni Olujuwon Eniola, Uche Olodu, Attah Edwin Ogbo and Edward Ojobo.
The winners were sponsored by Zain Nigeria to attend the MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain at the Indoor Arena, Moi International Sports Complex, Nairobi, Kenya where they were offered the opportunity to interact with several stars and enjoy music from some of the top performers from across the continent.
The winning customers were selected via an SMS (Short Message Service) quiz competition. Zain Nigeria’s Marketing Director, Mostafa Younes said the window of opportunity was created to reward loyal consumers, offering them a rare opportunity to associate with the very best of music talents in Africa and from outside the continent.
The winners were accompanied by Zain Nigeria’s Head of Segment, Ikechukwu Kalu who said the SMS competition is one of the ways Zain Nigeria reward, bond with and create memorable experience for its loyal customers. Such competition offers us the opportunity to interact or get closer to our customers and offer them unforgettable experience, he said.
In line with the mechanics of the competition, participants were prompted to send the keyword, MAMA to the short code: 37041, noting that winners were selected based on entries.
Participants emerged via number of entries, adding that the more a customer sent SMS to the advertised shortcode, the brighter his/her chances of qualifying were.
The SMS Quiz competition is offered in conjunction with one of Zain’s Wireless Application Service Provider (WASP).
This year’s edition of MAMAs with Zain featured multiple collaborations between artists from different countries and music genres – mixing up hip hop with R&B, alternative, soul and dancehall, among others.  Among the collaborations thrilling the 4,000 strong crowd was a three way tie-up featuring HHP, Brickz and 2FACE, and a stunning collaboration between Kenyan divas Amani and Wahu and Tanzania’s A.Y. and a dramatic hip-hop/rock mash-up between Zebra & Giraffe and Da LES.
The evening closed with a moving performance of Michael Jackson’s crowd pleaser ‘Wanna Be Starting Something’ with Akon and all the other performers.
The show was anchored by the urban music legend and hip-hop rebel Wyclef Jean. Wyclef and another music star, Akon brought their legendary showmanship, outrageous sense of humour and infinite enthusiasm to the Indoor Arena of the Moi International Sports Complex.
Nigeria’s fast rising rap sensation, MI also known as Mr. Incredible was one of the key performers at the awards.
The event will be brought to the home of millions of television viewers across the continent and other parts of the world.
The MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain was created in 2008 to celebrate the best African contemporary music. The TV show of the awards will be broadcast on TV channels around the world from 17 October 2009, including on MTV base (on DStv Channel 322, Daarsat) and on terrestrial channels such as RTGA (DRC), ZNBC (Zambia), Citizen TV (Kenya), WBS (Uganda), TBC 1 (Ghana), TV3 (Ghana), STV (Nigeria) and AIT (Nigeria)

Myke Records’ expensive foundation almost ruined us, says Freewindz

They started out as five members, now there are three of them in the group. Prince, Sir-K, Kendo, ADV and Double D once comprised the pop group known as Freewindz.

The Imo state-born guys began their music career on the platform of Myke Records and gave us the hit song, ‘Who be that girl’. Back with ‘Dat’s the way’, ‘Ifeoma’ and ‘Tolotolo’ singles- the third got a nomination at the Nigeria Music Video Awards 2009. ‘The Return of Freewindz’- title of their new album, is about hitting the market.

The three brothers left in the group- Prince, Sir K and Kendo, paid a courtesy visit to Vanguard office and this is the outcome of our interactions.

It’s welcome home to the Vanguard.

Thank you. We are also happy to be back home.

How are you guys doing?

With God, all things are possible. Freewindz have been going from grace to grace. There are lots of countless blessings God has dealt us with, and we are very happy.

You guys have a new one in the market…?

Yeah, we just came from ‘Dats D way’ and we are trying to move on to ‘Tolotolo’ and ‘Ifeoma’. They are hot singles and we are trying to promote them. Once there is big time demand, the album floats out automatically.

How come releasing singles before the main album release is gradually becoming a tradition with Nigerian artistes?

It’s actually dangerous bringing out your whole songs. No artiste wants his work to be a flop in the market.

So, singles help to create promotions for a coming album. When singles create the demand, then marketers will come and you can bill them well. Not that they (marketers) come and take your work for free, promising to pay you when the job starts selling. No artiste wants to do that anymore.

Are you saying the job is now for sale and it’s no longer about getting signed on and earning royalties?

With all due respect, there are no longer record labels in Nigeria. We used to have them back then, but not anymore. Most artistes now deal with marketers directly. If it’s N20m or N30m you want to buy my album, we negotiate and agree. They (marketers) are still cheating us o but we have no choice. We sell to them and move on.

How do you reckon that a particular job has done well enough in the market for you to come out with another album?

The song has to be everywhere. When we started promoting ‘Dats the way’, in less than two months, we saw reactions. We went for shows and tours and saw people’s response. Marketers were calling and asking for the album; Obaino, Ahbu, and several others. We started negotiating prices before Anasonic (a marketer) beat others and we sold it.

So the album is out…?

Yes, it is called ‘The return of Freewindz’.

What is the return all about.

Freewindz used to comprise five guys. Now, there are three of you. What happened?

The three of us, Sir K, Kendo, and Prince are actually brothers. Double D and ADV were part of the group but after we left Myke records, our former recording label, we went back to school. After school and NYSC, we (the five) had a meeting to discuss the continuity of our music career and the music business itself.

But Double D wanted to travel out of the country. In fact, right now, he is in the US and ADV works in First Bank, in Lagos. He (ADV) said he wanted to be a banker. The remaining three of us asked them if they were sure about their ambitions then and they said, yes. Sir K, Kendo, and Prince love music to the bones. So, we decided to stay put while they went their ways.

How much support do they still give you guys?

Last week, ADV had his child naming ceremony and we were there to celebrate with him. He is still our very good friend. He might even be my (Prince’s) best man at my wedding. That’s how close we are.

So you guys never had an issue that led to separation…?

None at all, not one.

Let’s talk about your time with Myke Records.

First of all, we would like to thank Evang Mike Ikoku. He was an uncle, father, brother and an entrepreneur at the same time. He even started the name ‘Free Windz’; we give him kudos.

Till today, we don’t know what actually went wrong but Myke Records was very financially supportive.

There was ‘excess’ money in that record label. I have not seen it (such financial backing) with any other label in Nigeria right now. Not with the new ones or the old. The issue we had was management. His management was F9 (poorest academic grade).

He didn’t know how to maximize our acceptance. Our song then ‘Who be that girl’ was everywhere. There was no state we went to that it(the song) wasn’t big. It was playing in every store, TV station, club, mix tape…

The song was so big but our management was poor and we couldn’t do anything with the song’s popularity.
Since you knew it was management problems, what did you guys do?

We were still babies. We were being spoon fed. And when you are being spoon fed you can’t talk. Even if you do, your opinion won’t count. We talked to him(Mr Mike) a little but he always pushed us aside and that was it.


Freewindz
Do you owe him, going by the contract you signed then?

It’s not possible. We signed a three year- contract and that is over five years ago. We never left Myke records. You know, when you are under a record label, they (the company) are responsible for a lot of stuffs.

We met him and said we were ready for another album. And when there are signs like ‘I’m busy’ for about three to four months, you should understand the message without being told directly.

We went back to school and kept waiting. We were calling, and months ran into years, yet we couldn’t do anything. Although, right now, we are still very close to him, we talk. Even last month, we were with him in his house.

You know he’s the chairman for tourism in Imo state. We have been told that they(Imo state government) are making Freewindz ambassadors of Imo state. That is the latest good news we have now and it is his (Mr. Mike’s) doing.

How did you cope when the funds stopped coming from Uncle Mike?

I won’t lie to you, it was mind blowing and devastating because then (as Myke records’ artistes), we were eating from only Mama Cass, Mr Biggs or Tetrazzini. He(Mr Mike) actually paid outrightly for our meals for a year as we lived for almost two years in ‘All Seasons Hotel’ in Imo.

So, imagine living with such comfort having every thing, including a Chrysler and Lexus Jeep as official cars. When he pulled out, Oh my God! It is the grace of God that has sustained us thus far. If it was some other artiste that suddenly lost such kind of pampering and money, he may not survive it. So, today we thank God we are smiling again.

How are you taking off gradually…..?

We are not taking off, we are almost there. Next year, at all cost, will not pass us by. The song ‘Dats the way’ really changed things. We are on MTN’s bill, Glo, and we travel outside of Lagos a lot- Owerri, Aba, etc performing at wedding ceremonies and the likes. It’s getting better every day. It bought our car and we relocated.

So you’ve relocated from Owerri…..?

Yes. We’ve rented a three- bedroom apartment in Surulere, and furnished it. We’ve also moved our parents to Lagos with our other siblings and rented them an apartment too. Things have really changed for us.