SPECTRUM VIDIEO REVIEW

Oleku review
Another video from the chocolate city... Its ice princes' Oleku….Just hope this one stays. Nothing much happened in this video, but it's clear that some things weren't just right. The production quality and all was very chilling but the content was just not satisfying.
The video was somewhat far from what we….or let me say I expected. Hope they paid the guy that did the graphics very well cause it was the only life in what would have been an otherwise dead video. The movement was slow and dragging, almost like everything was in slow motion….and then, in some parts, it actually was.
And what was it with Brymo's facial expression; I know the title of the song is oleku….but his face didn't have to be that hard….and the hoodie did not look so good on him, it was as if it was rented or borrowed.

Ice prince was aide…looking cool in the video….only problem was that he basically stood in one place moving only his lips and hands most of the time…im sure it wouldn't have hurt to move around a little. And then there is the curious case of the girl in white, who was there almost throughout the video…..and her role??…… still oblivious to me. Another pointer, If you are going to put hot girls in your video, At least make sure they are doing something other than just standing there. Another pointer, If you are going to put hot girls in your video, At least make sure they are doing something other than just standing there. That was basically it….and oh yeah….There were also some celebrity appearances……and also, there was...erm...erm....i guess thats it or i'm just really tired. Im giving this one a six over ten….. You don't like it?, bite me……and also, there was...erm...erm....i guess thats it or i'm just really tired. Im giving this one a six over ten….. You don't like it?, bite me……
SUPER C SEASON
, Shikena, Shikena oo! Yup, that is all… For once, a video where everything isn’t flashy and expensive and where the girls aren’t just exposing everything. I personally felt the idea of being down-to-earth and all that. The concept wasn’t that bad at all though there were some flaws…
Well, we see this boy getting his swag on check while bopping ‘Ako Mi Ti Poju’ (you must not dull the P) and then, going to show his homies how it’s done. I mean, you musto learn from Super C na. …And when I saw the area Naeto was, I asked what the point was if he said he was 10 over 10 only to shoot in front of dead houses with "This house is not for sale"? x_xBut as the video went, the idea started to make sense sha. But if the dude was showing that he's just a normal guy, why put the clip of his MSc presentation???
... Now, dat's just showing off to me. Then secondly, the idea of all these 'Power Rangers' girls dancing is too over-played and plainly wack. C'mon na, who is now the bad guy??? But the hand-sign thingies were on point (though in deaf man language, the stuff fit mean 'I no hold bar'~)......Then, the street concert part was fresh: nothing flashy, not too big, Naeto with his simple-yet-complicated dressing and all (oh, and a cameo appearance by Y.Q)...So, the vid was chilling sha though I guess most are still wondering 'bout the choice of location, buh give the guy some credit, he turned dat dead place to some fresh zone (with the help of some hot girls). On that note, I could give it a nice 7 buh what do you think?
I AM ENDOWED
So after everybody cramped up all download sites, I finally got a chance to download the video at 3 AM. And believe me, it was worth it. I swear down, D’banj just took Nigerian videos to another level. From the very beginning till the end, the guy just showed that we've got something. I mean, ahn ahn see green and white Rolls Royce (Official Reppin'). But the guy knows bout respect in the industry sha; he knows Snoop is his uncle in the game... As we watch, D'banj and Don Jazzy arrived at Snoop's mansion and are given a red carpet entrance (with the flowers and all) and go to greet their uncle. I don't really know what went down, but it seems Uncle Snoop left the house to them and those hot babes ( *D'banj's voice* Oshhheeee!!!). Anyways, Snoop is also given a Nigerian passport that says ‘Baba Aja (Daddy Of Dogs x_x) Oluwasnoop…and from then on, it was officially some endowed stunting like the customized Rolls Royce front-sign to the chick literally swimming in money $_$. Also, D'banj catches a girl in the loo unawares (very very rude of him, if I may add) and then, guess what she uses for toilet paper...yup, *Igbo accent* dollars, dollars!! Kai, when boys are not smiling??? And we had cameos from Wande Coal and Kay Switch, both looking fresh and clean... ...Then finally, Baba Snoop shows us that he's got the steps showing us D'banj's koko dance... So, I think y'all can agree with me that this is a very chilling video. Kudos to everyone involved, especially director, Sesan. I think this video can be safely rated ‘TBG’: Toh Badt Gain. Who wants to disagree??? I I I I I feel like I’m flying over the moon….and it’s not ‘cause I’m in love…no, just didn’t believe that there would be a Nigerian music video I would enjoy this much….and this time, no sarcasm. The video is genuinely funny, and has a ‘make sense’ story line with a good end. And no surprises here, it’s from mo-hits…bringing it once more.
OVER THE MOON
This was a nice video, I like the way it just pops into your eyes…very colourful, like a breath of fresh air…. Well the story started with Dr Sid and k-switch talking about their interests in women(after hyping Don Jazzy a little), while k-switch went for the player/womanizer lifestyle*as a bad guy*
Dr Sid wanted one woman that would ‘blow his mind’….and no sooner said than the babe of his dreams(tiwa savage) came passing by…..and thus the chase began. He tried several means of getting her attention….ranging from sending her weird notes to stalking her in the hallways…only to get shut down time and time again. He later followed her to the mo-hits golf course where fresh D’banj and Wande coal made an appearance…..and somehow somehow sha…he got her to have a date with him cause in the next scene he was having dinner with the babe...where they got to enjoying themselves and all.
The video was cool, it improved on everything I didn’t like about the give it to me video….for instance
-the mo-hits crew all had a reason to be there…I mean it was their golf course (papaz)
and they all looked liked bad guys, even Wande. Wande coal badt man-comely adding bb torch in the vidEnough said.
This was a lively video with a comical edge to it…which makes it hard to diss ‘cause anything could have just been put there to make you laugh, for example, like some of Dr Sid dancing.
…loved the concept.
Don’t know, maybe its just me, but this has been my best video of this year…..what do you think???? Okay…I know you all are expecting to see a bad review, I’m really sorry to have to disappoint you…but I actually enjoyed the video, best thing I’ve seen this year………yeah….right(sarcastic smiley).
TEASE ME
It’s the ‘Tease me’ video coming straight to you from Wizkid, and I have only one question... What were they thinking???... In this piece I’m not going to talk about the song which by I believe is crap, and his excuse is that it’s a freestyle (thank the lord for good beats), only someone who doesn’t understand a word of English would enjoy the song. And the video is almost as bad. It was one of those……well, one of those videos sha.
The video started with Banky W. chatting with Wizkid on what was apparently Wiiiizzzyyy’s phoned, telling him about how it’s his 21st birthday, and how they want to usher him in properly…..bla ba bar…..*kind of like a surprise party thing*

When Wizkid got to the club named ‘Aqua’, Banky W. or any form of ushering was nowhere to be seen (which makes me wonder what the point of the iPhone part was). And like in most Nigerian videos, he strolled in with a t-shirt, jeans and face cap and when he was shown in the club, he was wearing a suit. some classic Nollywood stuff no disrespect Wizkid looked shocked when he entered the room and I was trying to figure out why ‘cause there were so many things wrong with the picture….
Was it the fact that the place was completely empty except for the strippers?
Or that the girls seemed ugly and that’s why most of them were wearing masks
In my opinion, a dead 21st birthday party.
He looked like he was having fun though (beats the trip the Mr. Biggs he had planned). He made his way to one of the girls, wearing a face that looked more like a 12 year old who was about to get some candy. He later got teased by the ‘babe’, and judging by his expressions, one of the best actions of his life *bad guys indeed*…hope he didn’t jizz(cum) sha and then, the funniest thing happened, he woke up the next morning thinking it was all a dream….how stupid is he???...did he think the day was just starting? (I guess to him, getting teased is too good to be true)...And to top it all, he brought back a mask….as in seriously… real dudes a.k.a badt guys wake up with like two hot girls on the bed.

UCHE OGBUAGU GETS APPOINTMENT IN IMO STATE

Ace Comedian, Uche Ogbuagu was recently appointed as Special Assistant to Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha. His Portfolio as Special Assistant / Chief Comedian set the ball rolling for the criticism towards the State Government. Many questioned the discretion of His Excellency on the portfolio's created.

In this Interview with SPECTRUM, Mr. Ogbuagu sheds light on his Portfolio and projects envisioned for the State.

SPECTRUM: Your appointment as Special Assistant in the State came under scrutiny with the Portfolio as Chief Comedian in the State. Could you enlighten us on your Office as Chief Comedian of the State?

A: As you know, the Entertainment industry cannot do without Comedy so, I see myself as the only representative of the Entertainers in the State Executive council. The office of the Chief Comedian is a representation of the Entertainment industry in the State Executive Council.
In this position, I am saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that the Entertainment Industry in Imo state is revived. That particular area has been dead for quite a long time. We are doing our best to to bring in Private investors from within and outside the Country to see ways we could take Entertainment in the State to the next level.

SPECTRUM: What are some of the notable highlights of your First week in office?

A:I started off with a tour of the State Capital to ascertain the true situation of things. I visited a number of Entertainment places owned by the State Government. Recently, I inspected the AMA J. K recreation Park and was saddened by the condition of the place. It is almost in shambles. I started out with AMA J K recreation Park because it is at the center of the State Capital and has potentials to generate income for the State.

SPECTRUM: Could you give an insight to some of the Projects you envision achieving in reviving the Entertainment Sector?

A: To start, we are going to build Comedy Corners around the State capital. I have also had talks with some Private investors towards the project for an Amusement park.

I am also proposing a name Change. This is a Rescue Mission and when you want to be rescued, you must be ready to be renamed. In fulfilling the plans I have for the Entertainment sector, I wouldn’t want to depend on funds from the State Government. That has been my promise from day one.

Apart from AMA J.K recreation park , I observed that there was also another piece of land that the former Government intended to build a Park on . We will take over from where they left off and build a Park specifically for the Kids because that has been a gap in the Entertainment industry in the State. The kids do not have a play spot. You find that on Weekends, parents would take their Children to neighbouring States when we can create the same structures here. It is time for us to give the Children a sense of belonging. I want to go on record to state that the IMO AMUSEMENT PARK is going to be the center of attraction for all Children in the State and beyond and, that would be one of the legacies I would be remembered for.

His Excellency has asked for me to draft a proposal and submit to him for his Perusal. That, I will do in less than 48 hours from now.

SPECTRUM: What do you make of this opportunity to serve the State?

A: I am seeing this particular portfolio as the only opportunity I have in life to prove myself. Should there be any other opportunity, I wouldn’t mind. I am not looking for anything higher than this but if it comes my way, Glory be to God.

With the confidence and trust reposed in me by the State Government, I don’t have any reason to fail. I want to assure all the citizens home and abroad that, the Lost Glory of Imo State is about to be retrieved.

I can confidently state that the office of the Chief Comedian of the State and Special Assistant to the Governor is one that will be most successful. At the briefing we had on Sunday with the Chief of Staff, I reassured His Excellency who was also present that, in 90 days he will be marveled at the progress in the State as far as Entertainment is concerned.

Q: On a personal note, I read you were born a Stammerer but it is almost impossible to believe that. Our interview has gone so smoothly and I haven’t heard you stammer through any question. How were you able to overcome that?

A: (Laughter) Well, I stammer only when I am tensed up and under pressure. Mostly when I am broke. When I no get money. That is where nature surprises me a whole lot. I stammer ordinarily but once I am on air . . . on the Microphone or I am performing, everything dies off so I believe I am a Microphone person and that is the reason why my stammering will always respect my business and my calling.

SPECTRUM: What are your final words to the Critics?

A: Most people in different quarters look for ways to pull me down. They say Uche Ogbuagu is not learned; he cannot speak good English and so forth. . . but, that it is typical. Normally, nothing good comes easy. One cannot know the strength of the other unless he has been put to test. As a result oriented person, the important thing for me is results and I believe confidently that I am going to succeed. I will prove every naysayer that has been against my appointment, wrong and whosoever has spoken bad about me will turn around to speak good of me.

TOP ENTERTAINMENT ICON EARNERS IN NIGERIA

A few decades ago, music was seen more as a passion than a profession. But not anymore. It has gone beyond passion and has become more than a vocation. In recent times, we see people actually going to school to study music. It has become a career through which not only those who are deft in the art, but even the government can generate revenue. With endorsement deals, sales of compact discs, shows, etc some musicians earn a lot of money, and respect too. Many of them are role models to the younger generation. In no particular order, SPECTRUM lists the top six players in the industry who have made a success of showbiz.-

Don JazzY–Michael Enebeli, also known as Don Jazzy, is the founder of Mo’Hits. Reputed to be one of the best and most sought after producers, showbiz-savvy Nigerians don’t refer to him as a music producer but THE music producer. At age five, Don Jazzy already had eyes for the microphone, the music console and was always in the studio. He was a member of Good Morning Kids, a group created by his father. Don Jazzy is known for his business dexterity. Little wonder he successfully built Mo’Hits from scratch to become one of the biggest entertainment empires in the country. He recently signed a recording deal with international superstar, Kanye West – a move that not only boosted his reputation as an entertainer, but also his wealth.

- Tuface–Born Innocent Idibia, the former member of the band, Plantashun Boyz, is said to be among the richest artistes in the industry. With two platinum records in his kitty, Tuface is speculated to be worth about N550m. It comes as no surprise as he has had endorsement deals with brands like Guinness, which earned him N20m and Airtel, which earned him N22m this year. He was also said to have earned N30m from the producers of Phat Girls movie, and charges between N4m and N5m depending on the show. The artiste has invested heavily in real estate and stocks, where he earns big bucks. He once said he was set to recover all the wealth taken from Africa

- BANKY W – Also known as Mr. Capable, Banky W has proved to Nigerians that he is capable of being among the richest entertainers in the industry. He makes the bulk of his wealth from gigs. He is said to charge between N2.5m and N3m per show and performs three to four times in a week. He is a brand ambassador of Estisalat, one of Nigeria’s telecommunications giants, where he featured in their popular commercial, 0809ja for life. He also featured in Coca Cola-Nigeria’s World Cup theme song and Microsoft’s Anti-cyber Crime Initiative. Banky W is an entrepreneur and has invested heavily in businesses that are fetching him good money. As a philanthropist, he founded the Mr. Capable Foundation, where he provides tuition fees for indigent and brilliant students.

- D’banj– Popularly known as the Kokomaster or Mr. Endowed, D’Banj is one artiste that has a penchant for making money. D’Banj certainly has a passion for business. Apart from music, Mr. Endowed has other businesses, which include Koko Mansion, a TV reality show, Koko Lounge, an upscale hangout in Lagos and UK, Koko Foundation, a charity and the recently-launched Koko Mobile under his label christened, Koko. The bulk of his money comes from endorsements – his endorsement deal with Globacom telecommunications cost N70m. He has a multimillion naira endorsement with an energy drink, Power Fist; a deal with the makers of Virgin Colour soft drink; and another multi-million naira deal with a popular jeweller. He has a deal running into millions with Chris Aire, as the face of his watches and another one with UAC Foods. He collects between N5m and N7m as performance fee for local gigs; $80,000 to $150,000 for African shows; £40,000 to £60,000 for UK shows; and $50,000 to $60,000 for American shows. Like his boss, Don Jazzy, D’banj also bagged a recording deal with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D Music; this will not only boost his career, but also the fee he attracts. D’Banj once said, “I work hard so that money, awards, endorsements, bookings and kokolets chase me.”

- P- Square– The singing and dancing duo, Peter and Paul Okoye, are unarguably among the richest in the industry. They won the KORA award for Best Africa Artiste 2010. The award came with $1m (N150m). Shortly after, the duo got an endorsement deal with Globacom telecommunications worth about N240m for four years. The hip-hop artistes had one of their greatest international gigs last year. Their American tour of seven cities earned them a whopping $1m (N150m). After a misunderstanding with their landlord, the duo built a house they named Squareville in the same neighbourhood. The house, which they completed in less than six months, is valued at N300m. They own Rayfield Hotel, Jos, and two multi-million naira factories in the same city, where they built a multimillion naira bakery and sachet water companies for their dad and mum, among other investments. The bulk of their wealth comes from concerts, especially in Africa. The duo have sold above 14 million copies of their CDs since 2005. They are said to charge about N2m per show.

- Goldie – Although she entered the industry recently, Goldie has been ranked among the richest artistes in the industry. The sexy singer has some tracks currently enjoying goodplay on the airwaves.

CYNTHIA OMORODION

When she was dropped at the second audition of the Next Super Model in 2007, Cynthia Omorodion felt bad but didn’t know God has bigger plans for her. After much persuasion from her ex-manager, she decided to enter for the competition again in 2008 with reluctance. Despite her signature low cut, she was later crowned the Next Super Model in September that year making her feel like the luckiest girl in the world.
Although her family never saw anything good about modeling, their perception was changed when she won the competition. In a chat with SPECTRUM four years after she was crowned, Cynthia confessed that with the crown came uncertainty of what the future holds for her.
This is due to her low self esteem which she has since conquered with her staunch belief in God’s ability to help her through every situation. As a young lady who suddenly hit the limelight, she is not desperate about marriage even though men are pestering her for relationships. She also doesn’t believe in double-dating as most girls do these days. Excerpts:

What does your experience at the Next Super Model 2008 mean to you?
It was an experience of a lifetime, the kind of experience one goes through in life and have no option but to come out thick. It is definitely an experience I would never wish to go through ever again in life, but despite all, I’m still grateful to God for such experiences because whether we like it or not, experiences are parts of our lives good or bad. It shapens us and prepare us for greater challenges. With this experience, I am wiser and matured now. I know a lot of things I never knew before and indeed I would say again I am most grateful to God for all.

What went through your mind when you were crowned the next super model?
I was like oh my God is this truly me? Me a winner of a car and all that prizes? Me the best? I was so excited, it felt like the best thing in the world but hours later that actually changed because I just kept on wondering what the next steps would be, what does this crown bring?

Why did you think you won the contest and was singled out amidst many?
I think I won because I was just entirely myself and not trying to be like anyone else. Again, my carriage won me the crown. At the back stage, one of the designers Thula Sindi that came from South Africa to showcase his designs saw the tension in me and he said to me, you have all it takes to win, when you get on the stage don’t wear a fierce look, keep it simple, just be yourself, don’t try too hard. I was so inspired and went on and did my thing, he really encouraged me throughout the competition. I am grateful to him and all my friends that encouraged me, you guys were a huge source of strength to me.

How did your foray into pageantry begin?
In 2007, I read about the competition in a softsell magazine and i was like oh my God this sounds too good to be true. This should be the first good thing coming to Nigeria, and I went to the internet and checked the website. I applied for the competition, was picked at the first audition, but was dropped at the second audition and I felt really bad.
In 2008, my ex -manager told me about it and said he would want me to participate. I was a bit reluctant because I didn’t want to try and be dropped again. Despite this fear, I went ahead, got the form and did the audition. I was picked and camped for one month and then I won the competition on the 20th of September. I felt like the luckiest girl in the world, but of course all that has changed now.

There were hurdles on your way no doubt, how did you cross them to get to the top?
Of course there were lots of hurdles, meeting girls from totally different back ground wasn’t so easy for a very shy me but then I just prayed and gave in my best. My ex-manager always told me, I wasn’t there for making friends, I was there to be the best that I can be. He was also very supportive and I thank him too for helping me achieve that feat.

Could you share your secrets of success with us?
My secret of success I must tell you is God. I don’t joke with God. I am not such a righteous being, but I trust solely in God in all my dealings and he has never failed me. I always tell myself that I am the best in whatever I do. I don’t let anyone put me down verbally or in any way whatsoever. With this consciousness, I had since been able to overcome my low self esteem and I thank God now I just get better and better each passing day.

Did your parents bless your journey into modeling?
My dad was a very strict lawyer and never spared his rod on me, my mum wasn’t excited about it either but I had to make her understand that this was what I wanted to do. My family never saw anything good in modeling; all they say was just a way for young girls to go around naked. It was a wrong perception and I had to make them understand and give them a clearer understanding of what modeling entails.
Everyone right now is indeed supportive of me and wish me well. My dad passed away in 2007 and I started modeling in 2006. I am sure by now he would be very proud of me. God bless his soul because on my own part, I haven’t soiled my family name in any way, every one is happy for me and supports me. My mum was very excited when I won although she didn’t like the idea at first.

What other activities are you interested in as a young lady?
I love to write, I could just write on and on. I would love to study Creative Arts or Fine Arts in the future as a hobby because I really love Arts. It is a way of expressing myself. I also love to sing as a hobby too but definitely with an emphatic no for a profession. I love dancing too but I am not such a good dancer.

What do you love most about being a model?
I just love the glamour that accompanies modeling, the attention and maybe the fame, not particularly though.

Two years after winning the contest, what have you achieved so far?
I have a lot on my plate, I wouldn’t say I have achieved one quarter though. I believe in time, I would say two years after winning the crown, I have achieved quite a lot, but definitely not there yet.

Why did you go into modeling?
The truth is that I went into modeling because I thought there was a lot of money in modeling. I stumbled into modeling because I had always wanted to be a lawyer just like my dad. With encouragements from my friends and course mates in school, I was mentally and physically prepared for modeling, but then on the long run, I realized there wasn’t money in modeling especially in Nigeria like I thought. In the long run, I realized I had also built a very strong passion for modeling over the years, because it is that passion that has been sustaining me all the while, otherwise, I would have since forsaken modeling. I fell in love with modeling in a nut shell.

If you were not a model, what would you be caught doing?
I would have been caught in the law court defending my clients, objecting to my learned colleagues in the law courts.

There were some scandals that rocked the organizer of the competition, Mrs. Joan Okorodudu when one of the models accused her of scam, what is your view on what happened?
My view is that the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provides for freedom of speech. Everyone has the right to speak when he or she deems fit, it doesn’t have to be pleasant to other parties involved. The law also has a remedy for all, the model in question felt the only way she could exercise her fundamental human right was going public about it and truth be told, I am indifferent about it.

Can you really share with us what really transpired between the model and Mrs. Okorodudu?
I wouldn’t want to go into details because it is now in the past.

Did you receive all your entitlements as winner that year?
No, I didn’t receive any such thing as entitlements for being the winner, but its all well and good. I have left all to God. I had two options, either sue the parties involved or leave all to God and I had since gone with the latter and that of course has been one very wise decision I had ever made.

What is your unique selling point as a model?
My unique selling point is my face and of course I have a good body. Above all, it is God who shows mercy. I don’t have the most striking face as a model or the best body, but I stand out anytime because of His grace over my life.

What other plans do you have in the offing?
I have a whole on my plate and I pray each day for Gods grace to achieve them.

How do you keep in shape?
I jog and eat lots of fruits. I eat everything but in reasonable proportions.

What is your take on the Nigerian modeling industry?
Nigeria modeling industry still have a long way to go, the models are not respected in this part of the world, which is highly unfair. Nigerian models can be GLO ambassadors too, who says we can’t endorse big contracts? Models have bills to pick up too, so I beg Nigerian designers and other establishment that require the services of models to please stop paying models peanuts.
These bills don’t come in peanuts, the NMAA and the Future Awards is like the only awards that recognize models, and that is far from the kind of recognition models need to boost them. Advertisement agencies too are not left out, the clients don’t pay the models well and sometimes they pay the models one quarter of their fee. It is high time someone speaks up.
There are good agencies and designers too, I am not denying that fact, but I think this industry will grow very well if there is love because you won’t want to cheat someone you love like a brother or a sister. We need the industry to be sanitized and the bad eggs flushed out. We need an association to check the rising menace in the modeling industry in Nigeria.

Do you have any fond memories of your childhood you want to share with us?
There was one day I was sucking my breast, I know it is weird. I was around 7or 8 years old, and suddenly I said to my cousins, I am sucking my breast so what would my kids suck? I felt so bad, and my cousins told me, I would have enough milk to breast feed my kids with when I grow up. With that assurance, I was happy again. I displayed such innocence, climbed trees with my cousins, go to the river to fetch water and wash clothes, there was lots of fun while growing up.

Did you have a privileged upbringing?
I would say yes. I went to good schools, wore good clothes and ate good food. My parents were quite on the average side.

Who had the greatest influence on you while growing up?
My father of blessed memory. He was my role model, I wanted to be just like him. I marveled at his level of intelligence even as a child.

What are the unpleasant memories of growing up?
That was when my dad beats me virtually everyday for any little mistake I make. My dad just didn’t want me to grow like a child that I was. He felt the canes would straighten my head, and then I grew up way too fast. I learnt a lot of things at a tender age. I also learnt to stand on my own so early in life.

What are your fears as a person?
I am human and wouldn’t say I don’t have one or two fears, but I always remind myself of this song when fear creeps into my heart; oh what gains we often forfeit, oh what needless pains we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer. Prayer is the key, I have fears of course but I just take it to God in prayers and leave it there at his feet.

Do you have any regrets about your life?
Life for me is learning and growing, I have no regrets whatsoever about my life.

What else do you wish to achieve in life?
I want to become successful in whatever field I find myself, to be the best in whatever I do. I also wish to write a book, an inspiring book someday, a book that will match up to International repute and cut across every race, religion and background. A book that will pass an inspiring message across to the readers.

Who are your role models?
I don’t have role models perse, but I have many people that inspire me. The likes of Oluchi Orlandi, Alec Wek, Chanel Imam, Liya Kebede, Opera Winfrey, Barrack Obama and Naomi Campbell truly inspire me. These people make me realize it is possible not just to dream but also achieve them.

What is the greatest lesson life has taught you?
The greatest lesson life has taught me is to love, just love no matter the situation. God is love, and love makes a whole lot of difference in any tribe, race, nationality, just name it. It is a universal language that everybody understands, even animals understand it. Love is the greatest thing. I pray each day for God to grant me more than enough love in my heart.

How do you handle overtures from men?
I talk to them politely, I have a lot of male friends but our relationships are clearly defined. I make them understand I can’t date every man that wants to date me. I am a one man one girl person and don’t believe in double dating.

Are you in a relationship now?
I wouldn’t want to talk about that now.

Are you seriously considering marriage?
If it comes, all well and good. I am not one bit desperate about it. Every woman’s dream is to have a good man to stand by her side as her husband, brother, friend, lover, brother etc,and I am no exception to that group of women.

What qualities must a man possess to make you his wife?
He should make me laugh and happy when I am around him. He should cut out all the drama, be a happy person, have a large heart because other people exist, it is not just him. He must also have the fear of God, be understanding, love me like am the only girl in the world and all other things can be fixed or worked on.
Have you ever fallen in love?
Yes, I have.

What was it like?
It is the most beautiful thing ever.

Tell us about yourself and how you are handling fame after Next Super Model in 2008.
I am from Urhokuosa village in Uhunmwonde Local government area of Edo state. I studied law diploma at University of Benin. After the Next Super Model, I have been able to handle the fame well. It has been all well and good, life has been good, and I give thanks to God for everything.

Bolanle Okhiria is the KOKOLETTE

Weeks after 12 young ladies entered the Koko Mansion with the mission to become the chosen Kokolette, on Sunday 9th August 2009, a winner has emerged and she is Bolanle Okhiria – The bubbly 21 Year Old student of Lagos State University. Throughout her time in the Koko Mansion, Miss Bee was a favorite among housemates and fans.
In case you missed it, according to Bolanle, her story is as follows she was born into privilege, but by the time she turned 12, her family fortunes took a nose dive into recession, forcing her to switch from a life of opulence to one of abject poverty. “I was born with a silver spoon, but when my family fortunes turned, I was forced to learn that life is not a bed of roses”, she recalls with a warm smile, “my dad told me, it was always best to make a very positive impact out of any negative circumstance”.
It seems as though she has done just that by winning Koko Mansion. The finale was a close race between international favourite Rita and Bolanle but in the end Bolanle clinched the win with 11933 votes, Rita was second with 10473, Shona was a distant third with 2292 votes which Chidinma crawled to the finish line with 918 votes.
Bolanle’s win was announced and celebrated at the exciting finale show – Julius Agwu provided the jokes while the D’Banj and the Mo Hits Crew brought the music. Bolanle walks away with a brand new car (fun fact – she cant drive!), 5 million naira, a Chris Aire diamond ring and 15 minutes of fame…Tick, Tock!
All the best to all the Koko Mansion Kokolettes as they step back into the real world. SPECTRUM hopes they can leverage this exposure to bigger and better things in their lives.

Bez Idakula’s Super Sun debut album out this July

Lagos, June 23, 2011 – After a long period of barely concealed anticipation, fans of Nigeria’s rising Alternative Soul artiste; Bez Idakula can finally heave a huge sigh of relief as the bespectacled, whiz-on strings musician has concluded arrangements for his album release this summer. The hugely anticipated Super Sun album, a career debut from the incredibly talented artiste is set to be officially released in July 2011.
The 13 track album which was entirely produced by the enigmatic Cobhams Asuquo, with the exception of one track produced by IBK, captures the rare and un-distilled essence of Bez. He experiments with new upbeat and groovy sounds, drawing from fresh acoustic influences as he takes the listener on a journey of self discovery, love and inspiration. Featuring hits such as ‘Zuciya Daya’ – (One Heart), ‘More You’ ‘Stop Pretending’ and the self titled ‘Super Sun,’ listeners get the feel of an artiste who gently fuses an understated and unusual hybrid of soul, jazz, R&B and Hip-Hop music that sets him well apart from the main stream Afro-hip-hop movement.
According to a statement from the artiste’s record label and management team, CAMP (Cobhams Asuquo Music Productions); ‘The Super Sun career debut from Bez is an album that the world needs to listen to. The vocal prowess and verbal dexterity of the artiste, exquisite musical arrangement and superb production are elements which would ensure that this album is a keep-sake.’
A natural performer with a charismatic and playful stage presence, Bez has already opened for international acts like Asa, Angie Stone and Yolanda Brown in a series of high profile shows and events like the Lagos Jazz series, Smooth FM’s ‘Love Music, Love Life’ luxury concert and Sax Appeal 2. He has also performed alongside Africa’s premiere entertainers like Nneka, Tuface, Mike Aremu, South African based Judith Sephuma and M.I. From big band shows with his swinging five man band, to intimate acoustic showcases led by his masterful guitar playing, Bez is a performer to behold.
His singles from his forthcoming album have been released to overwhelmingly positive reviews from the public. The video to his much loved and celebrated ‘More You’ single has met with national and international approval and was only recently nominated for the ‘Video of the Year’ at the forthcoming Nigerian Entertainment Awards New York.
The Super Sun album will be available for purchase on digital platforms and selected stores
and partnering outfits worldwide. Fans can also follow Bez on twitter @bezidakula and facebook (Bez fan page) for details and information on promotional dates.
Lagos, June 23, 2011 – After a long period of barely concealed anticipation, fans of Nigeria’s rising Alternative Soul artiste; Bez Idakula can finally heave a huge sigh of relief as the bespectacled, whiz-on strings musician has concluded arrangements for his album release this summer. The hugely anticipated Super Sun album, a career debut from the incredibly talented artiste is set to be officially released in July 2011.
The 13 track album which was entirely produced by the enigmatic Cobhams Asuquo, with the exception of one track produced by IBK, captures the rare and un-distilled essence of Bez. He experiments with new upbeat and groovy sounds, drawing from fresh acoustic influences as he takes the listener on a journey of self discovery, love and inspiration. Featuring hits such as ‘Zuciya Daya’ – (One Heart), ‘More You’ ‘Stop Pretending’ and the self titled ‘Super Sun,’ listeners get the feel of an artiste who gently fuses an understated and unusual hybrid of soul, jazz, R&B and Hip-Hop music that sets him well apart from the main stream Afro-hip-hop movement.
According to a statement from the artiste’s record label and management team, CAMP (Cobhams Asuquo Music Productions); ‘The Super Sun career debut from Bez is an album that the world needs to listen to. The vocal prowess and verbal dexterity of the artiste, exquisite musical arrangement and superb production are elements which would ensure that this album is a keep-sake.’
A natural performer with a charismatic and playful stage presence, Bez has already opened for international acts like Asa, Angie Stone and Yolanda Brown in a series of high profile shows and events like the Lagos Jazz series, Smooth FM’s ‘Love Music, Love Life’ luxury concert and Sax Appeal 2. He has also performed alongside Africa’s premiere entertainers like Nneka, Tuface, Mike Aremu, South African based Judith Sephuma and M.I. From big band shows with his swinging five man band, to intimate acoustic showcases led by his masterful guitar playing, Bez is a performer to behold.
His singles from his forthcoming album have been released to overwhelmingly positive reviews from the public. The video to his much loved and celebrated ‘More You’ single has met with national and international approval and was only recently nominated for the ‘Video of the Year’ at the forthcoming Nigerian Entertainment Awards New York.
The Super Sun album will be available for purchase on digital platforms and selected stores

SPECTRUM thinks that young people under 20 are perfectly doing fine. We picked out ten creative minds who are leading the way
1 Jon Ogah – 19
Right from the beginning, Jon Ogah impressed me. No one can fault the conclusion that he is the most important among all these young people under 20 who are shaping the future of Nigeria. There are people, younger people, who sing better than him, but Jon won Naija Sings last year when he was 18. He is our spooky tour guide through a world of fame at young age, as he became a household name and quickly moved to Arizona State University to study Medicine. Unconsciously, the $100,000 USD musical prodigy has become dear to our hearts. His debut single, Gbedu, in which he features female rapper, Sasha, topped charts and was widely viewed on YouTube. So, while in the country recently to promote his new single, Tonight, which has been favourably received by fans and critics alike, we met up to talk about his career and vision. His style in Tonight has been likened to that of Wande Coal and the tone of the rhythm mooring with Omawunmi’s Today na Today. But in all, Jon has taken us to an arena of bliss with his sonorous voice and good looks.
2 Wizkid Ayo Balogun – 18
Wizkid is like a virus and his influence is an unconscious effect. He is leading a generation of muscular stars with a unique style. Anyone would be forgiven for saying that so much attention is being paid to him, because of his ‘relationship’ with Banky W, which is not bad anyway, but the truth is, Wizkid has a life of his own. Infact, he is a big force to reckon with and he could be tagged the heavyweight champion of the new hip hop generation, punching at his age. Currently a student of Lead City University, Wizkid’s performance is electrifying and his vocals, amazing.

3 Chibundu Onuzo – 19
She is not a musician, she’s a writer. And she’s not only a writer. Her appearance on CNN introduced her to me and since then, she has charmed me. She has catapulted herself to fame for her first book, The Spider King’s Daughter, which has been bought by one of UK’s finest publishing houses, Faber. I hope I get charmed by this book that gets released by the Summer of 2011. For her tale has inspired a lot; Chibundu Onuzo grew up in Lagos. She’s the youngest of four children to doctor parents; she moved to the UK four years ago and is in her first year at King’s College London studying History.

4 Sheifunmi – 19
SheiFunmi is a one-off: an independent-minded blogger, who calls himself a ‘gossip-journalist’, but he really doesn’t gossip. Infact, he has gone on to promote Nigerian and US musical artistes on his website, through series of interviews with celebrities and entertainment gurus. He has forged a strong and happy working relationship with Hollywood, as he is based in the United States of America. However you may want to put it, online, he is more popular than his contemporaries. But one thing remains, most celebrities don’t like him; still he gets to interview them, which shows a lot of commitment, determination and strong-will.

5 MoCheddah – 20
This lousy ranking of MoCheddah as number 5, just goes to show that it’s quality, not quantity that counts. She is sexy and speaks softly like a child, but that is not all. Her single, If You Want Me stole my heart and is on replay on my laptop. Sometimes I don’t understand what she sings, but as music beats to the heart, MoCheddah is my sweetheart and that goes to show how much I see her as a recluse. I actually went to meet her in person, specifically to know her age, which she quickly replied to: “I’m 20.” She is a fabled figure indeed, having released a debut album, Franchise Celebrity which fans love and critics are waiting to tear apart. But then, she is the beauty of the new generation and she is the reason why I believe that young female musicians can hold our breaths.
6 Eromo Egbejule – 19
The most accomplished among all of them and one of the most respected young creative people today – by me. An introvert, a brilliant graphic designer and an engaging writer, Eromo Egbejule organized the “Nsukka Book Trek” in 2009 that preceded the 11th Lagos Book and Art Festival. His simplicity reflects in what he does, as he is a final year student of Bioresources Engineering at the University of Nigeria. He has done investigative journalism for the Guardian during the Nsukka Riot in January. His writings could be found online, as they are scathingly funny and straight from the heart
.

7 Noble Ezeala – 19


Noble is the ‘gossip blogger.’ His criticism of the Nigerian entertainment industry is, at once, annoyingly harsh, and humourous. Infact, he has a very investigative eye which could be described as the best. Very nosy about what is happening in Nigeria, while a student at College Park, Baltimore in the US, Noble has the gift of the gods, as he has a compelling way of keeping the readers wanting more of what he has to ‘gossip’ about. Truth is, he doesn’t call himself a ‘gossip’, but we know it is what he does, as he has actually got annoyed with what Ini Edo wore to a party and wasn’t impressed with one of the videos of Wande Coal.
8 Adebayo Oke-Lawal- 19
One of the least well-known designers in Nigeria, maybe, because he’s young? Well, now that he’s the Creative Director of Onyx & Pearl, ‘Bayo, (this is what most people call him) can’t get onto the red carpet and you won’t notice him. Intelligent, focused, geeky as well and amazingly Bohemian in dressing, he has clothed fellow young celebrities, like Jon Ogah and MoCheddah and works at one of the city’s top artsy joints, LifeHouse. He doesn’t talk much, but he does much. He has his eyes set on conquering the world, as he has just graduated from university and is ready to break records with his designs. Still, a lot of people consider his designs as childish, but come to think of it, they are on their way to stardom, like LaQuan Smith was, a few years ago. So, it’s about time we embrace him and say to him, ‘Young man, you are great!’

9 Chizitere Ojiaka – 20
No one on this list travels more than she does. And no one can fault that conclusion too. From Paris to Frankfurt to Venice to New York to Maryland to Lagos to Nsukka and to where angels fear to tread,

Chizitere Ojiaka is fearless. She has created a distinctive way of connecting with people. At 20, she is an artiste manager, publicist and final year student of economics at the University of Nigeria and has done investigative reports for newspapers and written for magazines, both at home and abroad. Her images of the Nsukka Riot made the front pages of the Guardian in January. She has been interviewed by Financial Times (London) by famous Kenyan writer, Parselelo Kantai and heads a media organization. Her book on war is already inducing shudders. But the thing is, can she for once sit down and finish it?
10 Mervis Ifeoma Emelife – 19
She is not just sexy, she is calm and reserved. A writer, poet and motivational speaker, she deserves to be known. She founded Young Visionaries Initiative of Nigeria (which is a youth based organization that focuses on changing the negative mindset that most young people have about their purpose in life, education, success and corruption). Sounds didactic, yes? Well, in 2008, a documentary of her life as a Nigerian teenager was aired by ChannelOne News in New York to about six million students in the US via 24/17 TV. Currently a student of Mass Communication at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, she is the editor of a magazine in Lagos. Earlier this year, she travelled to the ancient city of Addis Ababa to present a paper on ‘Young People and Stigmatization of People Living with HIV/AIDS’ at the 4th African Conference on Sexual Health and Rights.
11 Aboyeji E. Iyinoluwa – 19
Those who know him very well, find it difficult to believe he got so polished and became this articulate so early. He is politically engaged, maybe thoughtfully and comment-wise. But he’s just 19 and is currently studying at University of Waterloo in Canada, where he heads a publishing firm. He has written articles on the fates of international students in Canada, highlighting their plights. He is very charismatic and persistent, which is why he made the list anyway, but he should set his mind on accomplishing goals that will engage the young Nigerian.
Onyeka Nwelue wrote The Abyssinian Boy (DADA Books, 2009) when he was 18, won the 2009 TM ALUKO Prize for First Book, 2nd runner-up, IBRAHIM TAHIR Prize for Fiction, nominated for the Future Awards 2010, lectured at NSS College, Ottapalam in Kerala, South India, appeared at The Man Hong Kong International Literary Festival alongside South African writer, Andre Brink and has interviewed Wole Soyinka for the Guardian. He is currently working on his debut film, The Distant Light and second novel.