MY LOVE STORY WITH BASKET MOUTH

Actress Ifeoma Okeke is really, really  upset at the moment. Despite the fact that she’s yet to come to terms with the  purported romantic affair between her and  popular stand-up comedian, Bright Okpocha, a.k.a Basket Mouth, the busty actress has concerned herself with the aftermath of that allegation.      The allegation made headlines in a number of soft-sell magazines in the country.
While narrating her woe to SPECTRUM last weekend, she said the bad press has caused her not only her dignity as a woman but also, her plans to settle down in the nearest future. Since the  publications hit the street, her fiance has suddenly transformed into a monster overnight.
According to her, “when my fiancé read the story, he called me on phone to lambast me thoroughly. He expressed his reservation about my continued sojourn in the industry. The story was only a confirmation to his earlier fear. At the moment, I’m having issues with him because he wouldn’t listen to me anymore.”
The soft-spoken actress expressed disappointment that BasketMouth is yet to react to the story since it broke out.  “I was expecting  Basket Mouth to refute the allegation but he never did.”
She vowed to stop at nothing to ensure that she gets her own pound of flesh from those rumour mongers who wants to tarnish her image.
She narrates further: “I don’t want to talk about this anymore, because I had expected Basket Mouth to come out openly to discredit the story but he never did. He doesn’t even know me and we don’t have any acquaintance whatsoever. That’s how bad it is.”
“The only contact we ever had was at his child dedication. A friend of the lady that had a child for him was my close friend too. On the day of that dedication, I accompanied my friend to Basket Mouth’s house, because her car was in bad shape. Even at the function, I did not go close to Basket Mouth, or say ‘hello’ to him. That was what got me into this mess. I left the place without any hunch on my back.”
“ To be frank with you, if you go through my phone contacts, you will not come across Basket Mouth’s number in it. I wonder why the false accusation.”
“I have dated one or two persons in the industry, I wouldn’t deny that. I’m neither a saint nor  a virgin. But right now, I will stop at nothing to seek redress in court. I have already advised my lawyer to write to the magazine that started the fire. I’m not going to take it lightly with them. I’m a single lady who’s hopeful of getting married tomorrow, why        would somebody want to tarnish my image unnecessarily and  chase  away all the men that would want to ask for my hand in marriage?”

I M BACK TO CONQUER NOLLYWOOD

Beverly Naya, Britain-based Nigerian model and actress has finally pitched her tent in Nollywood.
The sexy actress who has modeled and acted extensively in the UK and America, took Nollywood by storm last year when she played the female lead role in Lancelot Imasuen’s award-winning movie “Home In Exile.” Here, she had a steaming kiss session with ace-actor Desmond Elliot. In this thrilling  encounter, Beverly who hails from Delta State takes HVP through her world of fantasy, her passion and the reason behind her homecoming to make her mark in Nollywood amongst other sundry issues.
Excerpts.
My root and my dream world
I’m a Nigerian born and raised in England. I am from Delta State and I know I’m from Ibuzo, the Igbo speaking Delta region. I had my formal education in the UK. I graduated from Roehampton University in London where I studied Script writing and Film making. Prior to that, I had studied Psychology, Sociology and Philosophy for my first degree at Brunel University.
I was brought up by a rod-sparing mother who pampers me with the good things of life. I did not encounter any incidence of child rivalry or juvenile inconvenience. I enjoyed  all the parental attention because I’m the only child, so my mum says I’m spoilt. Even at that, I have a mother who has always been there and is supportive. There is this natural flow of communication and understanding between us.
With this arrangement, there is bound to be some gap (with her dad) but we communicate as much as we can. The best he can do is to support my career and that he does. But one cannot compare motherly love with paternal because while the former is always more physically available, the latter is out there on the field trying out his hands on different things.
My growing up days were wonderful and full of memories that I love to relay all the time. I’m certain it is impossible for anyone to have a perfect childhood, but I feel mine was quite reasonable because my mum did a great job. I had no issues with my childhood. I was born and raised in London. I enjoyed the atmosphere in which I grew up.
I lived there with my mum and it has been a memorable experience for me. I have been coming to Nigeria for the past three years and I love every part of my homecoming. I’m more at home in Nigeria now than in the UK even though I have lived better part of my life there. I lived in London from birth till I was six  months old when I later relocated to Atlanta, then Chicago and thereafter returned to London when I was eight years.
Preference for Nollywood
With all sense of modesty and humility, I have a career I’m in love with it at twenty-two years. A career totally different from what my friends in London are facing right now. Its a career in which I have endless prospects and fulfilment, nothing could have been more joyous than this. We should also not lose sight of the fact that London is not really working at the moment.
The effects of the last global economic recession is still there for all to see. We should not forget easily also that London is owned by whites and definitely, whites will get jobs faster and easier than blacks. But here it is different. So, why shouldn’t I come back to my own country where I know that I will always be accepted, appreciated and loved. I think those are the major reasons I came back. I love where I grew up. I appreciate all the things I’ve learnt and I’m willing to apply them here.
Yes, I had in-depth study of Psychology, Sociology and Philosophy. I could have secured a white-collar job in any company of my choice out there but the truth is that I would not have found peace and satisfaction doing so. When the talents for acting ignited in me, I knew right away that this was what I wanted to do. I have passion for it. Honestly speaking, it was overwhelming coming out tops in my college but I believe that it buttresses my deep-seated interest in acting to a large extent.
Studying  Psychology, Sociology and Philosophy wasn’t with my heart. So I decided to find myself another route and I fell in love with acting and dancing. I love the fact that I could escape from who I was and become someone else. When I got an award for acting in college, I was overwhelmed because I never saw it coming at all. That experience made me believe that I can. I have acted in movies and done theatre shows. I played a lead role on a Ben TV programme called ‘Dynamite’ and a documentary titled ‘The American Dream’, which won me the Prince’s Trust Award.
Playing female lead role in Lancelot Imasuen’s Home in Exile
I had this opportunity to showcase the stuff I’m made off. I played the female lead in the movie which was a very challenging role for me. Desmond played Dave while I played Julie. The plot is as interesting as it is suspenseful. For me, it is very challenging while at the same time didactic. It stretches me to my full capable limit. I enjoyed the set; I enjoyed everything about the movie. The established actors were very open and so supportive.
They made me feel at home and I was able to discharge my roles flawlessly. It was one experience I will live to cherish for a long time. Also, it was an opportunity I grabbed with my two hands. It was wonderful working under the direction of one of the industry’s best hands, Lancelot.
Erotic scenes
It was all pure acting. The roles must be delivered according to mood of the scenes. It must be seen by the audience to be real. Personally, I did not get involved but professionally, Julie was seen doing all those things she did in the movie. Let me emphasize here that Nigerians are sophisticated and conscious enough to know the difference between reality and make-believe. I don’t really think issues arise from kissing or playing romantic scenes in films.
Artistes encounter challenges when they find it difficult to detach themselves from roles they are often seen playing. There are artistes who get stuck to particular roles and as a result, become stereotyped as the very characters they play.  Julie had to act as if she was actually in a relationship with Dave(Desmond Elliot).  And she did just that.
My career revolves around professionalism. I am careful about the way I carry myself. I wouldn’t want to be in the predicament of losing a contract because someone lacks professionalism. I handle myself with dignity. I know I’m a beautiful woman and men would always make advances even outside the industry but I try as much as possible to be polite in turning them down.
Relationship
I’m in a relationship with my career at the moment. Of course, men come in droves, both with genuine intentions and ulterior motives.

CHIOMA CHUKWUKA OWES EMEKA IKE APOLOGY

Star-actress Chioma Chukwuka has every reason to be thankful to Emeka Ike, if not for anything, at least, the actor’s claim of playing an important role in her life.
Emeka recently revealed to SPECTRUM, how he practically begged Chioma’s parent to allow their daughter actualise her dream of making a career in acting. He went down memory lane, following what he described as his “disappointing encounter” with Chioma Chukwuka during the GUS Celebrity Showndown.
Still finding it difficult to come to terms with Chioma’s vocal attribute, few months after the reality show ended, Emeka is convinced that Chioma had beaten the finger that once fed her.
He believed, while the show lasted that Chioma was in a better position to display the attributes of a true Christian or “born again” which according to him, she didn’t. Recalled that Chioma had earlier described her action during the show as “deliberate and part of my strategy and it worked for me because everybody sees Chioma as a quiet person.”
But for whatever reason, Emeka believe, Chioma had incurred his wrath and therefore deserve some honour and respect from her. Going by this revelation, if proved to be true, Chioma owes the play boy actor a sincere apology. Perhaps, she wouldn’t have attained her height in Nollywood today, but for the role Emeka claimed to have played in her life.

POLICE INVITE CHARLE BOY

Few hours after he led members of the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN) in a protest march to denounce the decision of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) to licence a single CMO in the country, former PMAN president Charly Boy was a guest of the Police command in Abuja.
Although details of what transpired at the station was not immediately ascertained, police sources however revealed to SPECTRUM that invitation may not be unconnected with a petition written by officials of NCC to the Police alleging a case of threat and assault against the Oguta, Imo State born musician.
Apart from the afore-mentioned, Charly Boy and his co-demonstrators were also accused of destroying properties belonging to the Commission.
In a swift reaction, Charly Boy refuted the allegations stating that the Police had dismissed the case after carrying out their investigation.

T.W.O BLOWS TAKE FANS"BREATHE AWAY

Recall that a year ago, the media went agog with reports that respected showbiz duo Tunde and Wunmi Obe was making an exit from music to focus on Television!
Also recall that the pair was quick to debunk the rumors; returning swiftly with a new single titled Zombie in August, 2009. The single was the beginning of a series of fresh materials to come. Three months after the release of Zombie, the fan-favourite satire ‘Fine Bara’ hit the airwaves.
Now exactly a year after the release of their first single, the duo has announced their plans to release their fifth studio album “T.W.O Legit. ‘
With production contributions from ID Cabasa Sean Keyz, Puffy T, Foster Zeeno and Rhymzo, T.W.O legit brings a lot to the table, cutting across dance tracks all the way to family friendly songs, with a lot of messages to take away
“It is nothing like you have seen before, it is the best album we have ever done, and we hope the fans will connect with the music and the message.
As Nigeria’s foremost showbiz couple, T.W.O brings an exciting uniqueness that cannot be duplicated to the stage, local booths, video sets and TV screens. They started out as lead singers in the wildly
popular campus band, Turning Point in the late 80’s and have developed their other talents and greatly improved their stage performance through hard work, consistency and flexibility. Only T.W.O can play like they do
“We played with a lot of concepts and styles when we were recording this album, and we are positive that a lot of people will find the album amusing, entertaining, inspiring and refreshing” Wunmi Obe says

The duo is committed to their annual Valentine show Cupid’s ball, the most recent one was held on board a luxury cruise boat. When not recording, T.W.O is constantly rehearsing and performing with their 12 man band Dejavu

MY 2HR ORDEAL IN POLICE CELL-TERRY DA RAPMAN

Rap musician, Terry Tha Rapman shares with SPECTRUM, the story of his arrest by men of the Nigerian Police for ‘loitering’ and his two hour ordeal  in a Police cell.
Excerpts.
Did you have any premonition about your late night experience last Thursday?
It was just the usual hectic day. I had a couple of runs with my manager. We held a couple of meetings in the Allen axis (Lagos). I was supposed to hook up with a friend who runs an events company to discuss some shows. It was an informal meeting so he said I should buy him a drink.
Were you with your manager?
My manger had left by then because he was tired and it was almost 10pm. Besides, it was an informal meeting and he was a friend. We were there for about 45minutes before I decided to leave just a few minutes before 11pm.  I strolled out hoping to get a cab. That was on Toyin street, Ikeja.
And then what happened?
A vehicle just pulled up, not too far from me, and policemen jumped out and grabbed a couple of people. I don’t know if they were miscreants. I wasn’t bothered because I didn’t have anything incriminating on me. Next thing, I heard someone shouting, ‘hey you there’.
Hold on. Are you familiar with that neighbourhood?
Yes, I stay in that area.
So what do you think was suspicious about you that night? Could it have been your appearance?
Apart from wearing a black hat and a tee-shirt on jeans, there was nothing more.
Were you high on alcohol?
No, I was not tipsy. One (of the policemen on raid) just called me and said they had called me earlier and that I did not respond. I said, I didn’t know and before I knew it, a couple more jumped out of the vehicle and cocked their guns.
How many were they?
Four. I tried explaining that I hadn’t done anything wrong but they kept shouting me down. I felt they should at least have searched me but the next thing I knew, they were grabbing me by the shirt to get into the vehicle.
Was it a pick-up van?
No , it was a commercial bus painted yellow. They put me inside and then one of them sat on my laps so I wouldn’t jump out. I kept asking the sergeant who I thought to be the leader, what I had done wrong, but he told  me to shut up that when I got to the police station, I would find out. They had guns so I had to behave myself.
How many other people were in the bus?
There were like six or seven. I’m not so sure. It was jam packed together with the policemen.
When we got to the police station, I tried explaining but they simply pushed me into custody. At that point, I realised how serious things had become. I tried using my phones, but my BlackBerry battery was low so I couldn’t make any radio calls. I resorted to using the BlackBerry message.
They pushed me into a room, just like a cell. There were other people there. Then came this woman, she wasn’t wearing a uniform. She asked for my name but I refused to give her because I didn’t want my name in any criminal records. Soon they began stripping people of their belongings. Before they got to me, I sent out BlackBerry messages to some friends about where I was.
About 45minutes later, one of the officers came and interrogated me about who I was and why I was loitering. By then one of my friends had called the Lagos State Police Commissioner who called the Area Commander  and all of that. Eventually, the Sergeant who led the patrol team was detained.
Were you harassed physically?
They didn’t hit or beat me. They just grabbed me by the shirt.
Can you talk about the cell experience?
While I was in the cell, a guy next to me asked me what I was doing time for. I said I didn’t do any thing. He narrated to me how he was dating the same girl with one of the policemen and that was the reason he was being victimised. He said he was even yet to contact his folks as  at then. I felt I sorry for him.
The release
The Area Commander asked who was Terry and said he had got a call from Abuja saying I was arrested against my will. He apologised and took me to his office. The others (policemen) were surprised and were asking, ‘U be Governor pikin?’ I said ‘no’ that I’m an artiste.
They wondered how the IG would call ordering my release and that the leader of the patrol that picked me up, detained, if I was just an artiste. I told him that I didn’t know what he was talking about because as at then I didn’t even know who was helping me.
Have you been arrested before?
Yes, and funny enough, for this same reason. It was sometimes in 2003. It was me, Six foot plus and three other guys. We were coming from a show in a car and an anti-crime patrol van blocked us, pulled us out of the car and all. I get stopped more times on the streets when I’m in the company of guys. We don’t look crooked, yet…
Did this happen here in Lagos too?
No, in Abuja. This is the first time I’m getting arrested in Lagos. I’ve been stopped and searched severally but never been taken to the station. By the time I came out of the cell, the AC asked me if the Sergeant rough handled me and I said, ‘no’. By now, his (the Sergeant’s) whole demeanour had changed and it was funny. He was about to be detained and it looked like he was at my mercy.
So did you take back your pound of flesh?
I simply said, he did not harass me and that I only felt he should have asked questions rather than bundle me up at 11pm. But I’m grateful that  my phone wasn’t taken from me before help came my way. My SOS BBM (BlackBerry messages) to my friends saved me. They (the policemen) apologised afterwards and took me in a patrol van to my residence.
I remember one of them collected my number that he was going to call me the next day if anything came up.
Do you remember his name?
(Reaches for his phone and scrolls through contacts) Yes, they kept calling him Oga Solo.
Have you both spoken since then?
Yes he called me the next morning to find out if I was okay and then he apologised again.
About how long was the entire police incidence?
About two hours.
So are we expecting a song from this experience?
You know its so funny because two of the songs on my coming album actually addresses issues like this. Maybe because of past experiences, both personal and those of friends. These things can happen to anybody. I’m a celebrity,
yet I got picked up for walking around in my neighbourhood at night.
When will the ‘Boiz don Hammer’ album drop?
August, unfailingly. Everything is looking good. We’re waiting for Clarence Peters to come back from America this week so we can shoot the video for the song.

PASUMA JOINS THE TWITTER TRAIN

Now who says only Hip Hop singers and
International celebrities are on Twitter? Naija’s Fuji ambassador, the only one who has successfully crossed from the Fuji circles to mingle with Urban contemporary singers, Alhaji Pasuma Alabi joined the Twitter train on July 23rd. His followers have increased day after day.
In just about 15 days, the Fuji singer has amassed a following of 328 people. Many younger artistes and artiste managers are following and Paso has been communicating real well. His twitter handle is PasumaWonder and as at Thursday, he had 345 tweets.
The twitter bug is biting real hard and almost every Nigerian celebrity you can think of visits the medium everyday, relating with fans and relaying how their days are going. Its instant messaging and communal facility are features twitaholics are maximising by the day though this doesn’t mean there aren’t ghost users and impersonators.
Tweets from celebs like Lady Gaga, Ashton Kutcher, Kim Kardashian are using their fame to amass more fortune as their personal endorsement of brands are becoming lucrative advertisement vehicles as all their brand tweets are sponsored.
Who else is on Twitter? Our own President Goodluck Jonathan posted his first tweet on the social networking site on Monday, 1st of August 2010. You want to know w
Speaking of fitness, we seem to have identified Essence’s fattening secret: Pork!. During lunch, everyone helped themselves to mouth-watering helpings from the buffet tables. While Essence dished her rice and salad, and walked by the meat table, she recognised the pork stand shortly before KSB shouted out to her saying, ‘Essence, there’s pork over here’.
Since the two ladies are well known to each other, it won’t be far from the truth to note that Essence is a pork lover. While most female celebrities are slaving it out to stay in shape and will shun nearly everything fattening to fit into those red carpet dresses, Essence is fatting up on pork. A word of advice for her: Girlfriend, you may not be A-list yet but on your way there, we suggest you tone down the figure and indulgence. Maybe you should hook up with Jennifer Hudson and let her mentor you a bit.
Kefee’s ex, Alec, shows off new girl
Well, depending on which side of the divide you belong, this may be good or bad news. If you are one of those hoping for a reconciliation between singer Kefee and estranged husband cum manager, Alec Godwin, sorry I have some bad news.
But if you believed the singer’s break-up tale and wished with all your heart that your loving Kefee never be abused again, then this is the green light. Alec Godwin is moving on and yes, he’s showing her off to those who have the eyes to tell.
We don’t know the name of the lucky lady, however the young one accompanied the label boss, Alec to a client’s album unveil in Lagos last Tuesday. It was at Protea Hotel, Ikeja where the many celebs gathered let down their hair over lunch.
Sunny Nneji asked jokingly if his date was another fan but surprisingly Alec responded that she wasn’t a fan but serious business. Well, we pray you the very best Alec. One thing however couldn’t escape our notice: Alec’s ringing tone. While the function was on formally, before the lunch; a phone rang out Kefee’s award-winning number,
Kokoroko. A few heads turned trying to find out the source of the interruption. Lo and behold, it was Alec’s phone
hat he said, maybe you should find PresJonathan on the site.
Essence and her love for pork
Our dear Facebook lover, Essence, was spotted at an event together with KSB in Lagos on Tuesday. While KSB looked much prettier, smarter and younger in her white shirt tucked into grey pants, the same can’t be said of Essence with her weave-on plaited into two girlish locks.
The singer looked like she needs an overall make-over including wardrobe and fitness.

EEDRIS DAZZLES ON A GLO SHOW

Hot, sensational, controversial … are various ways of describing Eedris Abdulkareem of the “Nigeria Jaga-jaja” fame. But as he returns to the music scene with a brand new album, Eedris makes a surprise appearance on the GBAM! Glo show and proves that he has not lost his bite and charm…even as the response from appreciative fans is rapturous.Eedris is the star act on this weekend’s edition of Globacom’s exciting youth-oriented lifestyle and entertainment show which airs on Saturdays between 8 and 9p.m. and on Sundays by 7p.m. to 8p.m. on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Network.
Eedris walks up the stage with a swagger only possessed by accomplished stars, and erupts straight into his performance with such force that elicits passionate cheers from the music-hungry studio audience. After his performance, Eedris who commands excellent conversational skill explained his many controversial face-offs as well as his rebirth.
The celebrity guest on this week’s episode of the show is 2009 Big Brother Africa winner, Kevin Chuwang-Pam. Kevin turns out to be an interesting personality with magnetic a charm and humour.
Still on celebrities, other than football, what do Thierry Henry, David Beckham, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo have in common? Viewers will find out on the G-BAM Glo show set on the next episode of the show.

I AM A DESIGNER FREAK

She stormed the Nigerian music scene with glamour and panache a few years ago and ever since, Goldie is fast turning into a style icon in the industry. In this interview with SPECTRUM, she speaks on the secrets of her fashion and style sense as well as her foray into music.
What’s been happening to Goldie?
Goldie has been very busy working on her forthcoming Duchess album and a new clothing line.
You once resided in the UK. Why did you decide to return home?
UK was a place for me to study and experience life outside the shores of this country. It was a good experience and I felt I could come back to Nigeria to bring a bit of that knowledge and experience and put it to good use here, making money while impacting people’s lives positively of course.
Why music?
Music is a passion for me. The fact that you can express yourself while still creating sounds that can evoke all sorts of emotion in people is still a marvel to me. Music, like football can end all wars and create world peace. I would like to be around when that happens.
How did you get into music?
I started by forming a mini-band with a couple of my girls in the UK whilst in school and I developed a passion for it. I am into song writing and music production, and when I got back to Lagos, I hooked up with a local producer for a laugh, ended up doing a couple of demo tracks which eventually wound up on OJB’s plate and the rest as they say, is history.
What kind of music do you do?
I am a pop artiste. My sound is very Euro-Pop’
Any album yet?
I had a limited edition album release in 2007 November, which was just a compilation of disposable pop works that I had worked on up till that point. Nothing really major; but my full album will be out by third quarter of the year, God willing.
Who are your musical influences?
I listen to all kind of music. I don’t limit myself to just one genre. Reggae, hip-hop, country, rock, juju, fuji, R ‘n’ B, soul, etc. If music is good, it is good. That being said though, I will say Michael Jackson, Kylie and the one and only material girl, Madonna, influences me more than the rest; though these days I have kind of taken to Jay Z a lot too.
You are thought to be very rich. Aside music, do you do any other business?
Ehhhmmm!!! Right now, it’s all about the music for me. It is a 24 hour job that leaves little room for much. Even personal relationships suffer when you are trying to build a musical career. I used to be into mini events though and gift packaging. I laugh out loud at the notion that I am very rich. Oprah is rich, Bill Gates is rich. I am just trying to make a buck. Hopefully one day, we will get there with hard work and perseverance.
What was growing up like?
I had a fairly strict upbringing. I wasn’t allowed to wear jeans, shorts or make my hair till I finished secondary school. I wasn’t allowed to make friends or attend parties, and also being the first child of my parents, they ensured that all the discipline was thrust upon me, so I could be a good example to my younger ones. So I will have to say, from a childhood kind of perspective, it wasn’t much fun till I got into the university but I have started having my fun now.
Your educational background?
Greensprings Montessori School, Anthony Village, St. Johns College, Palmgrove, and University of Sunderland UK. I have a BA in Business Management.
Your memorable campus experiences.
Everyday was a marvel you know. Meeting with different students from diverse cultures kind of taught me how to relate with people better, plus you learnt something new everyday. There is this particular night that will always stick in my memory. It was a student get-together party, for the “newbies”. It was snowing that night and we ended up going out in the snow in groups and trying to see what ‘team’ could build the bigger snow man in the shortest possible time. Looking back now, I realize it didn’t make any sense, but it was a lot of fun and I will gladly go back in time just to re-live that moment; that night.
What is style to you?
Style should be effortless. It doesn’t have to come from the pages of a magazine. It should be unique to self. Understated yet glamorous, classic yet modern, sexy yet comfortable.
Your beauty routine.
Facial scrubs everyday; facial mask once a week; exfoliating body gels every other day; a light foundation for my face; bronzer if necessary; a light eye shadow and lip gloss when not working or during the day. Cleansing wipes and toner at night before I go to bed.
Your favourite beauty products.
Channel Body Mist, Dior Liquid Foundation, Garnier Cleansing Wipes, L’oreal Duo Mascara, Helena Rubenstein, Bronzing Powder, La Senza Eye Glitter Gel and any Lancome Lip Gloss will do.
Your favourite fashion items and accessories.
I love ruffles, pearls, satin and anything with lace. I am very victorian at heart, but my favourite accessories are shoes. God, I don’t joke with shoes. I could absolutely perish in a shoe shop - shoes and rings. Rings with coloured precious stones.
What are the beauty products you can’t do without?
My Femfresh Intimate Spray, my Channel Body Mist, my Dior Foundation and my Exfoliating Gels... I smell good, my skin is smooth, my skin tone is evened out. I am good to go.
What about your signature perfumes?
My Channel No5 and Hermes scents. The undertones work well with my natural skin smell to give off a nice pleasant smell that lasts and lasts on my skin. Many other scents I have tried don’t seem to last as long; I think. I also recently started taking to Victor and Rolf too.
Fashion item you can never be caught dead in?
Ehhhmmm!!! Not sure really. I like to be comfortable, so maybe a too tight pair of skinny jeans won’t work. You would never catch me dead in a gown or dress that doesn’t accentuate one curve or the other, and YES!!! Horrible looking boots that only go halfway up your legs. YUCK!!!
Are you into labels and who are your favourite designers?
I like Prada shoes, Dolce and Gabbana Jeans, Gucci and Fendi belts and as for bags, anything that can hold all my junk. There are these shoes by this designer; he’s late now, Alexander Mcqueen Armadillo, I think they are called? I would like to get myself a pair of them oh! And yes, I love Karen Millen dresses, most of my dresses are by Karen.
How do you unwind, and what are your hobbies?
I love cooking, cooking and cooking. Walking round the estate with my poodles; sitting down and having a chat with friends over a cocktail or a glass of wine; chilling to watch a movie either at home or at the cinema and just generally catching up with the latest gist. You know, what’s up with family and so on. Oh! And I enjoy walking in the rain, very exhilarating.
Favourite colours.
I love warm colours. Green, red, gold, some shades of blue, purple and black on days I feel particularly fat.
So how did you come about the name, Goldie?
It is a nickname given to me by friends when I was in the UK because of my skin. I am actually an albino with red hair, but I like to think it’s because I have a heart of gold.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by our relationships with each other as human beings. How our culture and upbringing define us and who we eventually become. Love, life, passion, emotion and feelings.

EXPECT MY HAIR MAGAZINE SOON

Not too long ago, Azeezat was the top female music artiste in Nigeria. Suddenly, she disappeared from the mainstream without a trace. As she explains to SPECTRUM, she took the break to refresh herself and music. She is back now and intends to reclaim her ‘throne’ .
You took a long break from the music industry. Why?
Well, I had a lot of work to do, because the music industry itself has changed over time, and there’s a lot of work to be done in order to continue to be the pacesetter that I am known to be. I have a lot of other things I’m doing apart from music. And of course, when you are doing things not related to music, people feel that you took a break. But I am back now and I am almost ready with my third album and some other projects.
You said you want to remain musically relevant, yet you’re doing other things with music. Because of these other things, you won’t have enough time for music, right?
No. It is known the world over that artistes take breaks in order to refresh. What I said was that I had to take some time to do some work. As I was doing them, I was doing my homework, musically. Some artistes in US even announce their resignation, only for them to come back with an album. Resignation or whatever, you take breaks to refresh.
How long was your break?
Well, it is people that will tell me that one because sometimes, what I call a break, is not what they call a break. Once our people continue to see your face on TV, that is not a break. Even during my break, I was still attending interviews and all that. Sometimes, some people will give it a time-frame. But why people will call mine a break was because there was a time that I was really in your face, and during that time, it was like I was almost the only female act. There were very, very few strong female acts, and some people even say that I was like the only female act. So, I was attending interviews back-to-back. In short, there were some programmes that kept on calling me, and at a point, I had to tell them ‘nooooo’ because I didn’t want to turn to pure water and all that. From that time, people would say I took a break. One thing people don’t understand is that the music industry itself is very multifaceted. To some people, being in the industry is being on TV, on radio, in the papers or on the internet. But there are some other business parts, and I know a lot about them because I have been in the industry for so long. I know so much about all the industry’s different sides so I know if you allow a part to suffer, you will pay for it. So sometimes, if I am not in your face on TV or the papers, I am taking care of some of the other sides of the business. I think to a large extent that’s why some people still tell me that I am one of the strongest till date. Even with all the breaks and all the mega cheddar being made by the new breed, some people still feel I am one of the strongest because I take care of all the sides of the business.
Tell us some of those other things you do in music apart from singing, songwriting and performing which we know you for and also what you do outside music.
Singing, songwriting ... okay, I do live band performances.
That’s still performing. Do you produce or manage artistes? What are those other things you do in the music industry?
That’s what I’m saying. I do live band, which is performance but it is not performance. It is that kind of thing you do back-to-back. You can have three shows a week, and you can be booked for like six months, and people will tell you you are on break because you are not on TV or radio. You are performing at weddings, house warmings, at a joint. So I do that and I love it because it’s totally different from miming to your soundtrack.
Are you trying to say that you are packaging Azeezat for live band performances only?
No. No. There are a lot of things in live band performances that make you a stronger artiste. However, depending on the promoters, I will continue to perform live or miming.
What are the things you do outside music?
Also in music, I do presentation, MC, stuff like that. Outside music, I’m into tourism. I had a programme called Weekend With Azeezat on Takwa Bay. It promoted Takwa Bay as a tourist destination, and generally lending my voice to the beauty of Nigeria as a tourist destination, you know, I had that for a while. And there are some other things under my belt that I am not ready to disclose yet. But I am about to publish my magazine. It is called Sunflower Hairvolution. It is the first bonafide hair magazine in Nigeria. I have been working on it for about two years now and we are now ready. By mid-June at most, it should be in the market.
Is it going to be a monthly, a glossy, how many pages will it be?
There’s a monthly that’s a free insert in Acada youth magazine, then a glossy quarterly. And of course, we have other things that key into it because Sunflower Hairvolution is not just a magazine. It is TV and events too. One of our events will be Hairvolution Night Of A Thousand Girls.
A thousand girls as spectators or performers at the event?
Next question. As long as you know that when you get there, what you going to see is a thousand girls with different great hairstyles.
When is it coming up?
Soon. But what I am really concentrating on now is the magazine’s release.
How prepared are you for the stress and every other factor associated with being a publisher in Nigeria?
Azeezat is a trained journalist. I studied Mass Communication at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic. I have also, before I came into music, worked in different parts of the media, so I know what it takes, and that’s why it is taking me so long to fulfill it because I had to do my research. In short, before then, I was waiting endlessly for someone to fill up the vacuum because hair is so big yet there is no single full magazine for hair in Nigeria; unlike in other parts of the world. I was waiting. I thought someone would do it, and when nobody did, I decided to. And of course, you know that I am known for my hair, so I always say ‘who better should write and talk about hair than Azeezat’.
You are going to be a big-time publisher, events’ person and still a singer. Will all these irons in the fire allow you create good music?
Well, creating music is not something you can force. I grew up in an era of great music that nurtured me, so I know all it takes is a great song to do wonders for your music career. And it doesn’t have to be written by me. We have fantastic songwriters in Nigeria. Even in this my current album, Lovers Club, most of the songs...in fact, I didn’t want to have anything written by me on the album. The one song on it that is written by me was by accident. We have fantastic songwriters who are ‘jonesing.’ I am someone who is passionate about encouraging people, lending my voice and lending my energy to people’s growth. So why should they continue to jones and I will also be jonesing; because once you cannot have a great song, that’s the end of you. So, let’s rub our backs, you know. It won’t disturb my creation, and then when a great song comes to me too, why not?
You just said yourself that you collaborated with a lot of songwriters. Nigeria is a country where we have a lot of copyright issues, accusations flying around, Baba Nee to 9ice, ‘you stole my song’, the same thing of Komoblastic to Tuface. So what sort of agreement do you have with these songwriters so that in future, we won’t have, ‘Azeezat, you stole my song’?
Well, things like that, you cannot avoid. Let’s be honest...
Did you sign agreements with them?
Yes, I did.
Did you pay them for their songs?
We have arrangements. Honestly, earlier in my career, it was something I was really avoiding because I am somebody who likes to avoid scandals and all that. But after a while, I discovered that it is not something you can totally do without. I am being honest with you. The truth is this, most of the greatest songs in this life do not get published. The greatest songs die in the studio. It is a great loss to the music industry, a great loss to the souls of the people that those songs would heal. So, I kept on saying no, no, your song, leave it, don’t worry, you know, that sort of thing, and it is unfair, to even the songs themselves. Songs have a spirit. They have a soul, and you do not allow them to live because somebody somewhere is being selfish. Somebody, somewhere is being myopic. If you are out there and you are reading this, oh boy, I see a great song, I do not care ... it’s not like, yeah, I’m still a honourable person, to the glory of God. I am still someone who tries as much as possible to avoid scandal, but there is a particular person, a song style that I am already known for, and a particular person is telling me bull about it, and I am saying once I am ready for that song, I don’t care what is going to happen. The worst that will happen is that I will do the song, the world will be happy that that song I gave it to them and then we can go to the court and settle it. It is the truth.
When will Lovers Club hit the market?
I have some collabos I have to still do before I can release it. The album is ready, but sometimes, if you don’t do these collabos ... anything, anything, anything. I have a great song I am taking from someone. It’s his song o, and he said abeg, at least feature me inside. And he is not based in Lagos so I am waiting for him to come back. And also some heavyweight collaborations. Keep your fingers crossed. You know me, my fans, that Azeezat is always particular about the sort of songs she dishes out to you. They are always songs you love, songs that inspire you, that add value to you, that is why I am taking my time.
You have had a lot of performances. Which is your greatest so far?
Like I told you, I love live band performances. And I know that I have had a lot of great ones.
But some will tell you it is when they performed for the president, or to 140,000 people at Maracana Stadium in Rio De Janeiro. You don’t have a unique one like that?
OK. I have had a lot of great performances, but I think I remember when I opened for Femi Kuti at the first-ever MTN Y’ellofest. But to me, the performance that is really embedded in my heart is the one that I had Goethe Institute and I had Ambassador Olusola bless me. I have it on tape and every time I look at it, I feel like ‘yeah’.
Coming into the industry many years ago, what did you actually want to achieve?
Greatness. Greatnesses has forms, classes and levels, but greatness.
So which level of greatness? All the way or to a certain extent?
Even the people that want to go halfway will not tell you that they want to go halfway. Some people will tell you that I want to go all the way, and of course, by the time your belly starts singing from hunger, you will settle for less. But I think I have paid enough dues to go all the way.
How soon do you then think you will achieve that greatness which you have in your mind that only you can envisage?
I don’t know.
What is your take on why female artistes are finding it difficult to be successful here, unlike in America and Europe?
Well, honestly, even in America and Europe, if you still calculate the percentage of female artistes compared to their male counterparts, you will still know that the males are higher. I am a die-hard fan of Naija, and I don’t like it when people bring Naija down, comparing it to US and UK and saying one thing, one thing, nahhh. As it happens here, it happens there. It is just that the scale could be higher. Number one, I wouldn’t say females don’t have a voice, compared to then. We have a voice now, strong voices that are heard. Omawunmi, Waje, and this babe that I’m feeling in recent times, Ibiyemi. She makes me want to write a new song. So, we have a platform. We are being heard. It could be better, because some girls allow us to be labeled as wack. I am not being judgmental, but they don’t do their homework well before coming out.
Do you agree that you are making a comeback?
Comeback? OK, I agree, I agree.
How easy do you think it will be? Will all these new girls now just buckle over and say Azeezat is back, make way?
Lai-lai, nobody dey do that kain thing now. They will hold the thing in their hand, and they will tell you, ‘yes ma, yes ma’, but the thing, dem no go let am go. Honestly, everything in life is not easy. And I, particularly, did not expect that somebody is just going to hand it over to me. I think the reason that I have gone as far as I have gone is because I didn’t wait for anyone to hand it over to me. It is been a long time coming. I mean, this my project didn’t start today. That is also how you will know it is not been easy. It is not something I just stood up one day and said I am going to come back and then I just entered and then I am back. No. Comebacks are not easy. Dynamics have changed and stuff, so you also have to like, school yourself to be able to fit into the new system. The first thing I asked myself about this project when I decided on it was ‘do I have what it takes?’ And I thought it out that I have what it takes. So I said to myself, ‘Azeezat, forget that you ever had a name, so that it won’t be that it’s your name you want to ride on’. I cleaned up my slate and started and God has been merciful to me. He has helped my return tremendously. I thank Him for that.
You know the industry very well, the way the wind blows in it. And you have a new video on air. Since you released the video, has it brought more opportunity your way?
One thing I know is that at least it has convinced some people that I have not left. What I did with this video is to say ‘I am still here’. You will be amazed that some people out there do not remember, do not know who you are.
How did you discover your music talent?
I didn’t discover music. I started by writing songs. A s a matter of fact, by the time I was 13, I was already a published writer. I wrote poems and songs and got published by Lagos Horizon. After then, I had cousins coming around and we were trying to entertain ourselves and we started by singing popular songs, then I think it was a Pepsi, 7-Up or Coca-Cola advert, and every time I sang it, my cousins were like ‘she’s the winner.’ That was how, gradually, the knowledge of my talent came to me.
How did you then encourage yourself to go into music? How was the journey to music success?
The journey between when I discovered my talent and Nigeria discovered me was a very long one. Then, I was in secondary school and I started doing small, small literary and debating performances. In higher institution, I joined a group, West Coast Family, and we did a lot of campus and club shows until we broke up after which there was a kind of long break. During that long break, I did a lot of research and grooming for myself by rescoring international songs and trying to fit my voice into what I was hearing. A lot of other people were also giving advice that I was followed. That was in Abeokuta. Everybody was there and I even got a presentation stint with OGBC 2. Eventually, I told myself, if you have to do this thing, you have to do it with God. So I went into fasting and praying, and God did not answer my prayers until like two or three years after I came to Lagos. By chance, they told me Ayo Animashaun was organizing something. My neighbour was his client and Ayo came to his house and he told Ayo ‘this is the girl I’ve been telling you about’, so that’s how I got involved with Girls Nite Out which I did not win. I cried like a baby. I  met my manager and the professional journey started in earnest.

THE CURRENT BOY ALINCO IS NOT ORIGINAL

Humour merchant, Bayo Bankole, popularly known as Boy Alinco, needs no introduction in the Nigerian movie industry. For lovers of Papa Ajasco and Company, one of the leading Nigerian soap
opera, Alinco’s face is one that keeps them glued to the programme, all of the time. Since 1990 when he started acting, the Obafemi Awolowo University graduateof Dramatic Arts, had brought laughter into different homes of movie buffs. However,

his fame has since suffered a setback when he was dismissed from the Papa Ajasco crew some two years ago. He tells SPECTRUM all about the effect of this on his career, family and various issues bordering on the movie industry. Excerpts:
Can you tell us about yourself and your educational background?
I was born some years ago at Ebute-Meta, Lagos State, but I am from Ogun State. I grew up at Ebute-Meta. I had my primary school at African Church Bethlehem Ebute-Meta, Lagos. I later moved to St. Timothy College,Onike Iwaya, Yaba. Because my result was not good, I had to travel to Akure, Ondo State. I registered again at Oyemekun Grammar School and came out with a better result. I didn’t get admission into the university immediately. I enrolled at the Nigerian Railway Technical School, Loko, Ebute–Meta, studied Aviation Airconditioning for three years and worked briefly with Radio Nigeria before I eventually gained admission into Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, where I studied Dramatic Arts.
Can you give us a picture of your childhood and its effect on your adulthood?
My childhood, to a large extent, has a great effect on my life as an adult. I grew up being very timid and under a very tough father. So, that made it very difficult for me to mix up. He also made it difficult for me to be what I loved to be. I love to be free. As old as I am now, I am still timid, I always find it difficult to express myself. I only react when I am pushed to the wall, but I thank God for my profession, it has helped so well at bringing me out from my shell and in expressing myself very well. For instance, I get emotional and passionate whenever there is a discussion on the situation in the country. I think my growing up has been a part of what contributed to my being emotional. I grew up with my grandparents who had so much feeling for anybody around them.
How have you been coping with the acting career all these years?
I have been coping well. You know life itself is all about struggle and the struggle of man begins at birth. So, since it is like that, man will continue to struggle for a living but God in his infinite mercies, will always make a way where there is no way. Even with the Papa Ajasco’s incident, God has been faithful. It might not be as expected, but I know that with time, things will take care of itself.
So what are you doing now?
I am still acting and I have been trying to do some projects on my own. It has not been easy because all boils down to money and this has not been flowing in as expected. Money to really get the project out is just what I’m working towards. I have two projects that I have done but in partnership with some people. I do talk shows and I still have a movie that I produced, which I am still discussing with the marketer. The title of the movie is Oloja Ere. It is a Yoruba movie, very soon, and by the grace of God, it will be out. There are still some other ones that I and some friends are working on.
What were you doing before you joined the Wale Adenuga’s crew?
I was acting. I started my career as a professional actor in 1990, and that was even before I went to school. The National Theatre, being at Ebute- Meta, is not far from my house, so, often times, if I don’t have anything doing at home, I would trek from my house at Ebute-Meta, down to the National Theatre. We were always there rehearsing, doing plays under the tree, group production, teach productions and from there we would go to Radio Nigeria to do some radio drama. We were not being paid, but we did it just for the passion we have for the job. We were always happy at the end of each production and that was how I got trapped in the business. Along the line, when Chalk Mike started the performance studio workshop, I was fortunate to be part of it from the beginning. So, I went for the auditioning. Chalk Mike,a Nigerian based in American, came around for the theatre workshop that started with seasons of plays. We started it together; that was in 1991 to 1992. I was part of the movie titled Eda which was a huge success. It was the success of Eda that led to the role I played in Owo Blow, a movie directed by Tade Ogidan which I will say was my first movie and the biggest. As fate would have it, the success of Owo Blow got me the role of Boy Alinco in Papa Ajasco. Then, Wale Adenuga was frantically searching for someone to play the role of Boy Alinco. I was then at Ile-Ife, but I used to come to Lagos every weekend for a soap opera production titled Magnet produced by Tayo Ogundipe. Tayo Ogundipe was with Niyi Oworola who produced Owo Blow.While together, Wale Adenuga discussed the issue and he was directed to look for me. Tayo Ogundipe told him I would be coming home during the weekend for recording. Wale Adenuga dropped his card for me, I went to see him and that was how I became Boy Alinco.
How would you compare yourself with the current Boy Alinco?
No, I have tried several times not to compare myself with anybody. I will say he is trying his best because he wouldn’t do beyond his ability. I have played the role for nine good years, so, I have been able to play the character then, in my own style. I guess he has been trying to study me for a very long time. But, I would have advised that he be allowed to create his own style and his own character. It would have helped him out. Even if he is doing the work perfectly well, he cannot be me and I can’t be him. I will say he has really tried compared to other characters that came in after the original characters left. It’s either they see him over reacting or they see him down playing. But I had a good impression of him the first time I saw him.
Do you have any regret having to leave the crew of Wale Adenuga?
Everything that comes a man’s way is predetermined. So, one does not really have to regret it. It is basically destined to happen and maybe that is the way God wants it. If I say I regret it and something good happens tomorrow and I’m back, how would it have sounded? Basically, I don’t want to say anything more than what I have said now because God knows best.
Did he not call you when he was calling others back?
He called only Papa Ajasco back. He did not call me.
What is your relationship with Wale Adenuga?
Before the incident, the relationship was that of an uncle or let me say Master and a servant,it was that of a mentor, because while I was there, I leanrt so much more even of the profession. Wale Adenuga is a man you will be with and you will gain a lot of knowledge. Whenever you are with him, he tells you what life is all about, things one needs to know about life. He opens up especially when there is a relationship between the two of you. He is very creative and he will always create out humour in every work to make the audience happy. Since the incident, we never had any encounter. It was just recently that we talked on phone.
And what was the discussion about?
It is personal.
Are you married?
Yes, I am married with two lovely children.
What got you attracted to your wife?
I can’t explain because she is precious, very precious to me. I can’t really fathom what got me attracted to her; words cannot explain it.
How would you compare Nollywood to Hollywood?
We cannot compare the two industries. The reason is simple. Hollywood has been there for many years. They have moved on gradually to where they are now. We all know they have gone far. Nollywood as our own industry is concerned, is building up gradually too. I know the time for our own revolution is now. The revolution will come and things will change for the better. The problem we are having now in the industry is greed, selfishness and not being passionate about the industry. The Americans are passionate about their industry; Hollywood is very passionate about their business which is one of the things that an actor must possess. Even in creating your character, you must have the passion. If an actor does not have passion for what he does, he would end up being stupid. Acting in itself, is stupid, it is crazy, it portends no meaning and when you go to the technical area, that is just what they want to see. They are not thinking of going beyond this thing. I was reading the interview of the Director of Genesis Cinema, where he said he would not allow local movies. I tell you these are people that are still owing their people. You see this guy is making a name for himself, Afolayan. He puts a lot of passion into his work, he’s not just doing it for doing sake, he’s not just doing it so that he will make N200, 000 as a profit, he is doing it so that he will have a name that will ring bell beyond the shores of Nigeria. This is exactly the way the Americans operate. Over there, the name is important to them. If the Americans are doing their films and their names are getting down here, who says we cannot get to that level. If the Indians are doing it and people cannot forget the names of their old actors, why can’t we also do the same, create a good standard and go beyond mere thought of money. The money comes after the production. In Nigeria, the Actors Guild’s issue is another thing, it is being run by buffoons, that do not know their right from their left.The directors are not creative and not passionate about their work, there are some good ones among them, some great directors that do perfect jobs, not those who don’t know their right from their left. They make do with what they have, they will neither create effects with their senses nor set particular colours for their artistes. Some of them are not trained, they just do whatever they like to make money. These are some of the problems we have in the industry. We really need a re-orientation. We need people that want to do business and people that have passion for the business. It is not as if in Hollywood they don’t do low budget movie. They do, it’s just that they are well organised. Nigerian population is enough for the industry. If the banks can come out and say they want to support the industry through corporate social responsibility, it will be good. At least, the producer will be happy and even the marketer will also be excited about the business.The problem we also have in the industry is that of no support from the government and well-meaning companies. The Actors Guild came up with several issues ranging from tribal to academic. This is one unique industry that accomodates more people everyday and allow their talents to work for them. There are the Igbos on one hand saying they have taken over the English movie on one side and the Yorubas fighting for ANTP on another side. There is again the problem of proliferation of association and others like that. Where is the voice? Who wants to talk to the government? Who wants to present the bill to the National Assembly? The Yoruba are on their own, so who is representing the industry. The Igbo will say they want to invest on their people and the same goes for the Yoruba too. The problem continues like that, no progress. The video clubs are also there recking their havoc. They will not buy the film because the video club is cheap and affordable. The producers are producing the film without thinking of what the audience will benefit from the film. Movies are everywhere in the market like Agege bread because everybody wants to be a producer. Nigerians prefer to sponsor football than investing on actors. The actor is taking okada; sometimes the actor will be seen in Mushin market. Tell me what value the actor have? But when the actors are placed well by the investors, that is when the actor can be valued. They cannot value your work when the actor is not valued. The actor does not need to go and package himself. It is what you package for the actor that determines what the actor gets. I want to live in Aja, Ikoyi and Lekki; somewhere that is secluded where I will come out and I will be appreciated. As an actor one will want to step into Shoprite and everybody will want to take your picture and try to find your secret. These are what really built Hollywood and that’s what we don’t have here in our country. It’s not all about sitting down at Winnies or at the National Theater where you see actors and actresses sitting without job. I pray and hope that someday we will get there.
How fulfilled are you with this job?
I am highly fulfilled.
What other plans do you have for your career?
I want to see myself on the top of a big movie dynasty. I want to sit on top of a conglomerate that deals with everything movie. I want to have the biggest studio. Going to people’s house to inconvenient them all in the name that we want to produce a movie is not always the best. Some producers will record on the street and everybody passing will be recorded. You go to Ikoyi to record and the man comes and says no, I don’t want and after recording he sees himself on the screen. The next thing is to go and sue the producer. We use the people’s house depriving them of their security. No citizen has ever thought of having a studio where everything can be done. If we want to record sometimes the generator will be making noise because there is no light. On Sunday morning, you can’t record because the churches are on service. But we can’t blame these people because that is the society for you. The actors too can create their own conducive society by looking at the Hollywood system while creating their films. 20th Century Fox studio is one of the biggest studios in the world. You go to India, they have their film village. Nobody is thinking of that in Nigeria. I must tell you the dream I have, and that is to be finacially strong enough to create a studio or cinema in all the states where recording and everything concerning production, can take place. Actors can go there, record their movies whether local or international ones.
What are the challenges you are facing in the industry?
Life has not been easy I must tell you the truth. I pray to get over it because so much is expected of me at this moment. It’s not really a regret, I left the Papa Ajasco’s crew when I was about to put one or two things together. But I know it is well. I know all these things do not really come easy and my prayer is that God will send me a supporter. Life itself has not been easy, the challenge now is getting that self realisation.
How do you handle your female admirers?
They come in their numbers but one must be very careful. If you want to act the way they come, it might be disastrous. One may lose his priority and living. The female admirers can make you and they can also destroy you. So, once they come, you give it to them at that moment. The street hug, lovely handshake, lovely smile and the winking eyes.
What’s your advice for the upcoming youths?
Education is the only key. Go to school before you join the movie industry, because it will help you a lot. Study a course, so that when they are talking you can raise your head high.

AS A TEENAGER I WAS DESCRIBED AS A PEACOCK

Fair complexioned Rachael Oniga is a household name in the Nigerian movie industry. She is one of the cross breed artistes in the industry having featured in many English and Yoruba movies. Beyond

this, this mother of three is a model and has featured in different television commercials. She spoke with SPECTRUM on her career and her eighteen years of single-parenthood among other things. Excerpts:
You seem to be a very private person. Why is that so?
I am a very private and homely person. That is not to say that I do not enjoy parties, but I select the type of parties and events I go to.
What then determines your choice of events?
It depends on the organisers, the type of people that will be there and may be if I happen to be chanced and it is a day I just want to make merry and enjoy.
What are the things you look out for in any movie that will make you take part in it?
The story is one of the things I look out for. Even if the script is poor, if the story is a good one that can be worked upon, I will accept it. I also look at the director of the film. If that director is one that I know and respect because he is good at the job, I will accept it because I know that once the director is good, he will do a proper casting without being sentimental about it. I do not like to find myself in a situation where either the director, the producer or the crew is sentimental and they tend to want to put somebody in the play or in a particular role because they have a relationship with him or her.
What motivated you into acting? Was it a childhood dream?
As a child, I thought I would end up a singer or dancer because I love to dance and sing a lot. I have always had a flair for showbiz and entertainment generally.
So, why did you not go into music or did you consider it as not being a lucrative one?
Not really. It is just that the opportunity did not just present itself. When acting came in, I opted for it. As a person, even as a child, I had a mind of my own even though my parents were very strict. But you know a door has to open for you to go into something. Even if you are destined to be into something, the door has to open first. The door for acting came and I entered it.
So, when did the door open for the acting career?
The door opened in 1993 and that was it.
Which was your very first job?
My first job was on television. I featured in a programme called Memorial Hospital. I was an inmate there. After TV, I went into movies and my first movie was Onome and my debut Yoruba movie was Owo Blow although a lot of people think it is Boorepo. I actually did Owo Blow and one or two Yoruba jobs before Boorepo but it just happened that Boorepo came out and everybody just fell in love with the character that I played in the movie. And again, seeing an English speaking actress feature in Yoruba movie, they just fell in love with it.
Having had a taste of both the Yoruba and the English-speaking Nigeria movies, how would you rate their performances?
There is nothing like the Yoruba and English movies. You have the indigenous movies which include the Yoruba, Hausa, Ibo and other indigenous languages. It so happened that the executive producers of the Nigerian Ibo movies which is what I will call it started doing English movies. In those days you could call it the Nigerian English movies because it cut across. You can have a story based on Yoruba, Hausa, Delta and what have you but now, it is just one tribe. Although, they re doing good, they are doing fine because both the so called Nigerian English movies and the Yoruba movies are doing fine today. I think they are all doing fine. Technically we are doing quite fine but there is room for improvement. For instance, in the Nigerian English movie, let me remove the Ibo now, you still find some very nice stories and good technical handling. I was opportuned to work with one of the good directors. The man is from Benin but the story he did featured around another tribe where he is not from and for me, I think that is a Nigerian English movie. I don’t want to mention the name of the director so that it would not look like I am blowing his trumpet. You know in those days, you don’t think of whether you are Ibo or Yoruba, we all worked together as one and we were getting good stories and we had a lot of good script writers. I don’t know what has happened to those good old script writers. When I see a job from one of those old script writers I will know and when I see the present day writers, I will also know. It is not as if I am criticising but the point is that I just think we need to go back ti the basics because scripting is very important; our stories are equally very important. Our stories do not portray our African culture any more. In those days, you will see the African culture, you will see the cultural aspect in our movies. You will see the village life and you will see the flamboyant city life. You will see the Igwe, Obi if the story revolves around the Ibo kindred. By merely watching the movie, you will know so much about Nigeria. Back then, the emphasis was not all about carrying guns like it is today. Fine, that is the trend but we are not Americans; they are selling their own culture which I think that is what we should be doing too. When we used to sell our culture through movies, a lot of people outside Nigeria appreciate us a lot. You travel outside Nigerian shore and you find lots of people coming to you to appreciate you even in France but now, the story is not the same again.
But why is it so?
I don’t know but definitely something is wrong. And that is not to say that we don’t still have good films. Once in a while we see the old hands coming up with one good story lines and very beautiful technical hands. Technically, we are okay but we need to improve on our story lines and our scripting. If somebody comes up with a love story and it sells, that does not mean that every producer must do love story. In those days, it was not done like that. You come up with your own story and another person comes up with his own story. Stories were very important then and when it is time for awards, you see the excitement and all that; everything is so beautiful and so real.
How do you combine your job as an actress with managing the home front?
Well, one would just give glory to God because it is a calling. One would just have to find a way of adjusting. After all, the bankers work, they have families, they have children. Medical doctors, accountants, they all work and still have their families. Why should our own profession be different? So, we just find a way around it like others find ways around their jobs and homes too.
Is there anyone of your children taking interest in your profession?
Unfortunately none of them is taking after me in terms of profession.
But why?
I don’t know, may be they are not destined to be.
Being a widow, how have you been coping with loneliness and the pain of single parenthood over the years?
I am recently widowed but for so many years I have been separated from the man. So I do not see myself as a widow but as a single parent of almost eighteen years. And the fact that one is a single parent is no excuse for not being hardworking. Agreed there are lonely periods when the kids are grown and have gone their separate ways but as a married couple such times come in their lives when the children are grown and are away from home. After graduating, they start working, get married and leave the house. And the home will be left for you and your husband if you are together. But for me I have been like this for close to eighteen years.
Do you have any intention of remarrying?
No one is God but I’ve been like this for eighteen years? What I just have to say is that no one is God, God is mighty and there is nothing impossible for him to do. You might say in your heart that I am not going to do this and if God says that is what is going to happen, it will happen. That is because you have no power over your life.
You are a beautiful woman and one would expect some men to be hovering around you. How do you handle advances?
I just appreciate them and thank them.
And the stubborn ones?
You will have your own way of putting them off. May be probably as a child while growing up I never saw myself as beautiful because I was a tom boy. I saw myself more like a boy than a girl. May be when it was time for me to get married was when I started thinking about it. To me everybody is beautiful because everything God created is beautiful. But now when people say when you were younger, you must be stunning, fine, yes, because I remember that when I was a teenager, they used to call me okin (peacock) and then I wondered why they called me that. They would ask me if I knew the meaning of that and I would just wonder.
What kind of a child were you, were you the stubborn type or the quiet mummy’s pet?
Oh dear, I pity my mother! I was very stubborn! I told you that I was a tom boy, I was something else. I climbed trees and I fought a lot. I was a fighter and I didn’t fight with girls because I saw them as lower specie; I fought with boys a lot. When I look back I just wonder what kind of a child I was.
What was usually the cause of your constant fights?
Many things, both relevant and irrelevant. It could be anything, it could be that you jumped the gutter before me, it could be anything.
What advice do you have for younger women out there who are anticipating to be like you in life?
I would say always listen to the voice of your parents because they have seen what is ahead that you would not see because you are young. Through experience they have seen a lot, so you should always listen to them. Secondly, be hardworking, believe in yourself. As a lady don’t believe you will use yourself to get to the top because the end is always too bad.

I JUMPED OVER A SEWER BUT FELL OVER IT

From a tender age, Tracy had been into main stream modelling. Now 19, she has worked for top brands. In this chat with Hazeez Balogun, she speaks about her journey into the field, the succeesses recorded and the challenges of the profession.
You have been modelling for a while and have been used to advertise many products; yet many do not know who owns the face?
I know. Many people look at me and tell me that they know me from somewhere. I only laugh because I know they have seen my face in one advert or the other, but cannot place it. My name is Tracy Isioma Achigbue, I am 19 years old and hail from Emu-unor Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State. I am from a humble home of eight and I am the last of my family
I attended Women Affair Nursery and Primary School Asaba, then, A.G.G.S Secondary School Asaba, Delta State, then University of Abuja. I am still there.
I started modelling when I was very young in life. That is why even at a young age, I have achieved a lot as a model.
How was growing up for you?
Growing up was fun. I have sisters who were always there to lead me and play with me, and four brothers who always look for my best interest. I grew up with my parents, Deacon and Deaconess Emmanuel David Achigbue. They were very supportive when I started modelling at a young age. It is like they knew, I had it in me. From primary school days, I used to go for fashion competitions, as at then we called it fashion parade.
How do you keep fit?
I have always had a passion for being on various brands. To do this, one has to be in proper shape. Being in shape is the key. I watch what I eat, I work out almost everyday. But the key is that you watch what you eat.
Many top models say that modelling is not as easy as many think, is this true?
I will yes and no. It is not easy in the sense that you have to abstain from a lot of things. There are some kinds of food you cannot eat. There are some places you cannot enter. You know that as a model, you will be representing brands and brands do not want their representative seen everywhere. So, those are the hard parts of modelling.
To me, I will say that it is not difficult at all. It only depends on the perspective. I have been doing it for a long time now, and it has become easy for me. I know how to strike poses, and also know how to make the camera happy. It comes to me naturally. I think nothing is too easy or too difficult but if you have the passion for it, it would be easy.
How often do you get jobs as a model and will you say it is lucrative?
Lucrative, in Nigeria? I will say no. What we earn here is peanuts compared to what our colleagues earn in America or Europe. But if you get a lot of jobs here, you can get by on the little you get.
I won’t say I get jobs too often. I get jobs as they come. Some of them I turn down if they clash with conflicting brands.
What do you do aside modelling?
Well like I told you modelling is not really as lucrative as the outside world. So when I finish school, I may get a good job, that is if I am not a super model yet. Asides that, I am also into baking, make-up, singing and dancing. I do not like to be idle, so I am always learning how to do things.
Tell us about embarrassing moments you have had.
I have had a lot of that in the course of my jobs. My most embarrassing moment was a day I decided to abandon the lady-like etiquette and tried to jump over a sewer. Guess what? I fell right into it. I smelled like crazy. I will never forget that day.
Which models inspire you?
There are a lot of them. The one I admire most is Oluchi. I like her grace and style. Also I like how she grew to fame. From such poor background and how she started and her rise to fame. I also like Agbani Darego.
Tell us about your love life
I can proudly say I have a relationship. A lot of people come with advances, and I am never ashamed to tell them that I have a man. It’s not easy telling men off, but I am used to that now. I know I am not the finest woman in the world, so I do not let it get to my head.
Does your man get jealous
No, he understands my work, and he too is used to it. I guess, he is even happy to know that despite the fact that I get many advances from men, he is the one I want. He totally supports me and he is behind me the whole nine yards. I thank God for him

MY LOVE LIFE IS MANAGED BY A COMPANY

Oritsefemi Majemite Ekele is arguably one of the best rising stars in the entertainment industry today. He spoke to SPECTRUM about his controversial tracks in his previous albums, his new  record deal with Shiney Entertainments and about the remix of the Mercies Of The Lord track in which he features the late Dagrin. Excerpts:
Can you tell us your background?

My name is Oritsefemi Majemite Ekele from Itsekiri, Delta State. I was born and bred in Ajegunle, Lagos. I started my music career in 2002 when I was with a group called Junglist. We were two in number. We have two albums titled Money Na Time and Boys Dey Binu. We always went for shows together before I went solo to have my single album titled Flog Politicians and I won various awards with the album. I went on tour in Europe after my first solo album and later came back to Nigeria to do my second solo album titled Wicked World which includes the supernatural track called Mercies Of The Lord which is everybody’s ringtone now. I’ve a manager in order to make things work for me than before.
 Are you still under your own record label?
No. I have signed under a record label, Shiney Entertainments; it is being run by the CEO, Yahaya Aneru (a.k.a. Shiney). I have my new album ready but it is not yet out. It’s titled Unfadeable. It’s a 14-tracker featuring lots of artistes like Terry G, Tuface Idibia, late Dagrin, Pasuma Wonder, Nico Gravity.
What are you planning with Shiney Entertainments at present?
My record label is presently organising a tour for me in the United States of America (USA) and it is going to be a fantastic tour projecting super star in Nigeria to America because for now we have our music industry worldwide and everybody abroad wants to hear Nigerian music. This will be an opportunity to project an artiste and Shiney Entertainments wants to project me in all the nooks and crannies of America. I also have two of my videos in my album now. Something About You and Mercies Of The Lord remix where I featured the late Dagrin, Rymzo and Shiney.

How did you cope financially when you started your musical career?

(Smile) It has not been easy. It’s been very tough and challenging because music really takes a lot of money and time despite the fact that you have zeal and enthusiasm for it. As an artiste, you have to package yourself very well and it takes a lot of money to do this when you don’t have a management or record label.
 Why are you coming up with an anti-government track?
Good. My anti-government song is an inspirational track that expressed the minds of the masses to government. The leaders in our country are not helping the situation and they are not sincere over delivering the dividends of democracy. Not that the masses can’t express themselves but they don’t have the mouth to do so and that is why we musicians are the right people to express those things to our leaders that the masses are not feeling their impact at all. Then, when I was in Ajegunle, there was a lot of suffering in that area, no good roads, electricity and pipe borne water. Also in Nigeria generally, we are not living the way we are supposed to live. Since the time our government brought mobile phones to the country, we have not seen any new thing in the country and they are supposed to bring new things that will be unique and useful to the masses and these will make people think that Nigeria is great. So if we don’t express our feelings through music, government officials will be thinking that they are right and that is why I decided to add that track, Flog Politicians, because they keep doing the same thing all over. You know we need changes and we need to change, that is why I said we don’t need bad leaders and that was what inspired me to sing that song.
Black Face is popular with his anti-government stand and he does that through his music. Are you toeing the same line?
For me, I’m a versatile musician. My music goes in different ways and I don’t want people to know me as an anti-government musician only. That is why I have different styles and people know that I don’t base my music strictly on anti-government songs. When you talk of anti-government musicians, Black Face is not the originator because we had late Fela Anikulapo Kuti. I don’t want people to see me as an anti-government artiste. At times I sing anti-government songs and you know my music cuts across different areas of life. Oritsefemi’s music preaches to the ladies in the society giving them advice and I also preach to pastors. You know we have some dubious pastors in this part of the world now, even in this country. I preach to our youths through my music because sometimes they misbehave and we need to show them how to do the right things.
Two years ago, one of your tracks, Elewon, generated controversy over EFCC. What is your reaction to this?
I don’t want people to give that track another meaning because what I’m trying to say then is that the EFCC officials should get some things straight. The EFCC was established to prosecute criminals in the society but not to focus on cyber crime alone. The officials ought to arrest fraudulent politicians in the society instead of arresting our innocent citizens who went to cyber cafe to browse. It is not only about cyber crime. That was what prompted me to say something about EFCC officials, not that I’m an advocate of cyber crime. I strongly believe the track has made the EFCC officials to arrest criminals in the society and bring them to justice.

What prompted you to come up with the inspirational track known as Mercies Of The Lord in your album?
 The track actually came like an intro after I had already finished my album. I actually got the inspiration for it from the streets, from the less-privileged people. I never would have gone into some kind of Lungu (any ghetto area where less privileged people reside). I overhead them saying they are tired of this country and the only thing we need now is God’s mercy. And also, when you hang out with some other big men, even they have their own problems and they will also say they need the mercies of God. So, when I see people talking about God’s mercies, they are talking from the perspectives of their problems; about what is happening to them. That was when I picked that title, Mercies Of The Lord, and it worked. Every Nigerian understands that truly, we need God’s mercies and we can’t do without God. If you like, you may have billions but you still need God’s mercies to remain prosperous and successful.
What made you think it would be suitable to feature a rapper like Dagrin in the remix of Mercies Of The Lord?

Well, I actually did that song in my previous album and the track really caught the attention of everybody. I don’t want the track to just go like that, so I decided to come up with its remix. I decided to remix it with the artistes that people really cherish their style of music. It was then I realised that Dagrin would be the best artiste to flow with the rhythm of the track because he knows how to flow very well; Dagrin normally speaks a little bit of reality. I also know that in that song, I will flow in Yoruba language like Anu Oluwa sokale, and you know Dagrin normally speaks Yoruba in his rap music and that was what made me decide that Dagrin would fit excellently because of his accent, not just his popularity. I called him and he accepted to feature in the remix. It was later that I even thought of another artiste that will also fit in because the song is very spiritual and that is why I called Rymzo. Rymzo sings spiritual music in reggae style. Rymzo sang in it and also produced it. Dagrin and the CEO of my record label were the ones that rapped in it and that is why we make it funky crunk.

How did you now shoot the video without Dagrin due to his death?
Everybody knows that death is inevitable and Dagrin’s death is an irreplaceable loss to the music industry worldwide. Dagrin actually did that audio three days before he had the accident and the most painful aspect is that we were preparing to shoot the video when we received the sad news of his death. He had told me to get him two bouncers and some caps. Dagrin really tried in the remix and how to shoot the video part of Dagrin gave my management a headache but we give thanks to the Almighty God that the video was a success.

Do you also take marijuana and alcohol before you go on stage or to the studio?

Being high is like a normal activity in life. It is just like you go to the club and drink to your satisfaction. But artistes don’t need to drink in excess, or abuse drinking. When you abuse it, it really shows on you because you will be publicly known as a notorious drunkard or smoker. We have some artistes that drink 36 bottles of beer but you wouldn’t know because they behave well. But the moment you present yourself to the public that you’re a drunkard, they will forever look at you like that. If you drink or take weed and you compose yourself well through your character or music, people will not know that you have taken something. There are many artistes out there that take weed and alcohol but they will never present themselves as ganja man or drunkard. Sometimes, it depends on what works for your body. The truth of the matter about weeds and alcohol is that most of those things are ungodly and they are not good.

Tell us about Amnesty Peace Concert by Shiney Entertainments?
The project will be unveiled soon. It is going to be focused on the Niger Delta because of the crises there. I’m from the Niger Delta, my CEO and the manager of my label are also from the Niger Delta. We just want to see how we can affect the area positively through music and good examples. The project is presently run by Shiney Entertainments because our state governments are a write-off when it comes to something like this. We look forward to partnering with non-governmental organisations. Although we hope that government should come up with their financial support in sustaining peace in Niger Delta region and I’m so confident that many non-governmental organisations are still going to buy the ideas and support us with anything they have. But for now we are starting the project with the financial capacity of my record label.
How was the Dagrin vacuum filled in the video?
Shiney Entertainments really worked assiduously to make the video have a feel of Dagrin in it. Dagrin’s part is a mirage, camera effects and editing, because without those, he wouldn’t even be in the video at all as we shot it after his death. The Shiney productions team tried their best to shoot one of the best videos for one of the top-ranked songs and it’s hitting the market now. Dagrin’s absence doesn’t affect the video but I really miss him so much and I miss him with all my heart.
Who is the lucky girl in your life?
My lucky girl ... Although I’m in a relationship, but I can’t disclose her identity to the public now except we get married. If we make it public and issues later come up, people will be accusing me wrongly or even say look at this music preacher that normally preaches to us. I want to make myself like a role model so that people can emulate my character or career. I can only disclose her identity when we are ready for marriage, thank you.
Which part of the country is your partner from?
She is Yoruba and very pretty, but, you know, my management is very careful about my affairs with ladies. They manage my affair with ladies and social life because they don’t want me to have anything like a scandal.

What should Nigerians expect in your album?
They should expect changes, uniqueness, rebranding. Oritsefemi of those days is not Oritsefemi of now. You know Oristsefemi of those days from the group known as Junglist that sing reality songs, but for now, he has re-packaged his music because most of my songs are mastered and mixed by some international producers and most of my videos are shot by Nigeria and foreign producers. What I’m doing now is international because entertainment industry requires a lot of seriousness and it is now for serious minded people.
What do you want to tell Nigerians about your forthcoming trip to USA?

I want to tell them that I will not disappoint them. I want to fly Nigeria’s green-white-green flag high. Although the Americans might not understand my language because of the barrier, but my performance is very important. It will gear up their spirit to dance along with my songs. I have the zeal and enthusiasm to perform excellently on stage, both in Nigeria and abroad, and my fans already know that Oritsefemi is now a force to reckon with in the entertainment industry.
Why did you sign with Shiney Entertainments?
Shiney Entertainments is a multinational company and it’s been in the music industry for a while. They’ve been looking forward to signing me on with their suitable offer because of the style of my music – I speak for the voiceless.
Is the label fulfilling its obligations to you?
Of course, yes. If it wouldn’t, I wouldn’t have gone into business with them. My music career with them has been productive, inspiring and great. Apart from the welfare package, there is what we call a business relationship, and I’m satisfied with the relationship we have.
Who shot the video of Something About You?

We have two singles on air, Something About You and Angel. The video of Something About You was shot and directed by Jordan Johnson from United Kingdom and he was formerly with Ben TV. That is my first video with Shiney. We are almost through with the video of Mercies Of The Lord Remix; that is one of the hottest tracks in town, bursting airplay and moving like hurricane.