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.