AFTER several years of silence, gospel act and 2006 winner of the Gospel Artiste Award, Bobby Yoo, is set to return to the music scene.

In a recent interview, he said: “I am not only particular about my song titles, but I am also particular about the messages in the tracks. I back up the songs with tight arrangement and instrumentation. It is not my style and it will not ever be because I am a conscious gospel act who believes in serious research before going into the studio.”

The talented act, who is currently preaching love against the backdrop of the security situation in the country, urged Nigerians to get set for what he called the message of one love and unity in the completed work, Stand Up My People, which will be released on the market soon.

“With the irresistible lyrics, arrangements and beats, I am sure to get the ears of Nigerian music lovers, thereby passing my message across to the target audience,” he stated.

While many are still undecided about their involvement in the 2015 elections, the Group Managing Director of Diamond Bank Plc, Alex Otti, has already made up his mind to join the race. As things stand at the moment, Otti could only be said to be with Diamond Bank Plc in body; his spirit and soul are immersed in the politics of his home state, Abia.

That he firmly has his eyes on the ball in Abia was re-echoed last Tuesday. The quintessential banker made it clear to whoever cared to listen that he would not drop his ambition to become the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, even though information has it that the party has zoned the ticket to Abia South while Otti is from Abia Central, the zone of the incumbent governor, Chief Theodore Orji.

“Zoning or no zoning, I will run,” he roared back to those holding unto zoning as a reason to cut short his long standing ambition. A group known as Coalition of Abia Professionals has been promoting the candidacy of Otti, whom they regard as the preferred candidate to take over the reins of power from the incumbent governor.

A source at Diamond Bank Plc told Celeb Watch that even if the law guiding the appointment of bank bosses permits Otti to spend 10 more years at Diamond Bank, he would still opt out to pursue his governorship ambition.

MUSIC group, Black Wall Street Soldiers, is set to hit the music scene with a brand new song, Adandele.

Comprising young and talented musicians like Klever Jay, D’ Tee, Rhythm and Yahoo Papi, the fast- rising artistes, who are signed onto the Black Wall Street’s label, released the single on Friday, August 8.

The single, produced by Suni Osorun and Rhythm, is a mix of Afro-pop, funk and highlife.

According to Suni Osorun, CEO of Black Wall Street, young and old Nigerians will fall in love with Adandele because it i smooth and laced with comedic hooks.

“Adandele is a street hop song compiled by the Black Wall Street Soldiers. It portrays the rich culture and unique nature of the Yoruba language in line with street vibes of the ever-bustling Lagos life. Besides unleashing its talented artistes with this brand new song, Black Wall Street is also offering $1000 to anybody who is capable of winning the dance competition for this wonderful new song. So, download ‘Adandele’, listen to it and win $1000 for yourself,” Osorun stated.

WITH the MTV Video Music Awards drawing close, MTV Base has promised that the 2014 stage will be one of the night’s most- talked-about performances.

This comes with an announcement that Grammy Award-nominated superstar, Nicki Minaj, will be on the same stage with her contemporaries.

The multiplatinum Hip-hop queen will perform her new hit single, Anaconda, for the first time off her highly anticipated album, The PinkPrint, due for release later this year. Nicki Minaj, therefore, will join previously announced performers, Beyoncé, Usher, Rita Ora, Iggy Azalea, Maroon 5 and 5 Seconds of Summer , at the 2014 VMAs for what promises to be an electrifying live event and TV experience.

“The VMAs is a pretty big deal. I am very excited and looking forward to the performance,” said Nicki Minaj.

Minaj is no stranger to the VMA stage, with past performances on the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards pre-show, where she performed her single, Your Love. In 2012, she joined Alicia Keys on the main stage for a fiery performance of Girl on Fire.  Also, Minaj earned a VMA Moonman trophy in 2011 for Best Hip-Hop Video for Super Bass and Best Female Video with Starships in 2012.

The 2014 MTV Video Music Awards, which comes up at the Forum, Inglewood, California on Sunday, August 24, will premiere on MTV Base on Monday, August 25.

Popular Islamic choral singer, Basirat Ogunremi, aka Iyan Ghana, and her husband, Otunba Hakeem Ogunremi, share their riveting story in this interview with KUNLE AKINRINADE.

HOW did your music career start?

Wife: I learnt that my parents had been foretold that I would become a famous singer and I started exhibiting the traits of a promising musician while I was growing up. I had thought that I would end up playing Fuji music because I used to mime a lot of popular Fuji lyrics. It was later that I discovered that my future lies in Islamic choral music.

However, while I was in school, I enrolled as a pupil in a Quranic school established by one Sheikh Dawoud Abdulmajeed Eleha (Alfa-Nla) in Agege, a Lagos suburb. It was there that I actually discovered and nurtured my music talent. Sheikh Alfa-Nla actually inspired me because he is also a good composer. In fact, some of his compositions have been made popular by some Islamic singers.

So, at what point did you turn professional?

My first public outing was in 1992 in Surulere, Lagos during the Eid-Moulud celebration and it was Sheikh Alfa-Nla who facilitated the outing. I overcame stage fright and gave a good account of myself on the occasion. However, I turned professional with a 10-man band in 1994. So, that is the reason I am celebrating my 20 years on stage on August 31, at the Banquet Hall, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos.

Did you serve under any musician before launching your own band?

I did not serve or train under any artiste. Apart from my Qur’anic teacher, I was inspired by my senior colleagues such as the late Waheed Ariyo, Wasiu Sodeeq, Alhaji Falowo, Afusat Sodeeq and Seidat Fatimoh, among others.

What were you doing before you started your music career?

I would have ended up selling textiles because when I finished my secondary school education, I was apprenticed to a textile merchant in Oshodi in the hope that I would make a living out of the business. But whilst serving as an apprentice, I was always singing and my talent caught the attention of one of those in the market who invited a music marketer to visit the shop unannounced.

After monitoring me for some time, the marketer signed me on to his record label, where I produced my debut album in 2000. Although my first album did not do well in the market because it did not get massive promotion, that did not discourage me at all. So far, I have produced 12 albums. But I got my biggest break in 2007 when I recorded Iseju Kan. The album boosted my career and brought me fame so much that when I went on the holy pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia in 2008, many pilgrims from Nigeria used it as their ring tone.

How did you get the moniker, Iyan Ghana?

Although I am from Ifelodun Local Government in Kwara State, I was born in Ghana, where I lived for three years before my parents returned to Nigeria. It was for this reason that people started calling me Iyan Ghana.

Could you share your educational background with me?

I attended Unity Primary School, Oyewole Road, Agege and Girls High School, Iyana Ipaja. I later earned a diploma in Mass Communication from the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo.

Do you think it is right for Islamic music artistes to praise-sing people in their songs as some are wont to do?

I don’t think it is wrong to praise-sing. You see, an Imam, Onibirida, in his days, also did during the time of Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W). So, I think praise-singing is acceptable, even in Islamic music.

How did you meet your husband?

We first met when I was in the secondary school. He would come all the way from his school, State High School, Alimosho, Agege to witness our inter-house sports day. He wanted to go out with me, but I declined. He persisted for some time and I remember telling him one day that he was not serious with his life. But he wouldn’t desist from coming to look for me in my school. We, however, lost touch after I finished my education.

A few years later, I was performing at a show in Abule Oki area of Iyana Ipaja when some area boys started harassing me for money on the stage. After giving them what I had, they said it wasn’t enough and continued to disturb me. Someone then suggested we should contact a youth leader in the community to talk to the boys. I was shocked to find out that he was the youth leader and I shrugged him off. He, however, ignored my attitude and intervened by asking the boys to leave me and my band boys alone.

He later visited me at home and gave me a new generator for the use of my band; and then, he started frequenting my residence. At a stage, my mother developed some likeness for him, even though I had not made up my mind to start an affair with him. He, however, persisted. I was always the first person he would tell about his business transactions and he would ask me to keep huge money paid to him by his clients. He was also guiding me in my career to the extent that I started seeing him as someone I could share my thoughts with. With his affection, he was able to worm his way into my heart and that was how we started dating. I just thank Allah that the relationship has endured till date.

COULD you recall what attracted you to her when you met?

Husband: She has this pleasant aura laced with alubarika (blessing) that any discerning man would not ignore; so, that was what caught my fancy about her. Although she was not pleasantly disposed to dating me whilst we were in school and much later when we had another encounter after many years of losing contact, I persisted. Of course, you may say that all the gifts and fellow-feeling was part of the game plan, but she radiated an aura that I could not take my eyes off. That is why I am stuck with her to date.

Does her career create issues between you and your wife, considering the fact that her engagements take her away from home?

Never! I understand the challenges that come with being a musician and I have learnt to respect her choice of career. On the other hand, I have been properly counselled by one of her senior colleagues, Alhaji Kamaldeen Odunlami, aka Aiyeloyun, when she took me to see him before our marriage was consummated. We have learnt to tolerate each other and there is nothing that can come between us.

Really?

Not even when men disturb her?

Yes, because there is nothing she doesn’t share with me. A beautiful woman will, no doubt, have male admirers. But she knows how to handle issues like that because she has been immensely counseled on how to handle such a situation. We are so fond of each other such that it has become difficult to hide things from each other. If she composes any song, she would bring it to me for my input or correction.

We complement each other. She is a musician, while I am a businessman; hence, I ensure that she doesn’t wrongly sign any music or performance contract without thoroughly looking into the prospect and implications of such a deal, especially the gains. I used to handle her promotion until recently when business schedules did not allow me to handle that for her any more. Our marriage has endured because we are too fond of each other. Our quarrel hardly lasts because we have a workable mechanism for settling disputes.

Maureen Okpoko is a fast-rising Nollywood actress. The mother of three, who is known for her signature close-cropped haircut, has been able to steady her feet in the motion picture world, given her numerous movies.  The graduate of English and Literature from the University of Port-Harcourt, Rivers State speaks to DUPE AYINLA-OLASUNKANMI on a number of interesting issues, including how she usually wards off advances from the opposite sex.

IN just a year, you seem to have taken over the movie screen. How have you been able to achieve that, given that you have always acted in TV soaps?

I would say it is God and hard work. I don’t really know about that. Thank you very much. It hasn’t been an easy road, but we are getting there.

You once mentioned your preference for soaps…

(Cuts in) Do I really have a preference for TV soaps? I don’t really have a preference for soaps. But I would say they are what come my way most of the time, so I just grab it. I still get movie jobs as well; but sometimes, they come more. The soaps could come like five to six at a time, while the movies could just be two or three. So, I just go for the ones that I think are the best. But right now, I am cutting down on the number of soaps and TV series I do.

Is there a reason for this new decision of yours?

No. It is a personal decision and I have my personal reasons too.

Having been busy recently, how do you create time for the family?

I have been terribly busy these days. But I still find time for my children. In this job of ours, you have to create time for yourself because nobody is going to give you a break. You can’t be working and forget that you have a family to cater for. One thing about the movie industry is that you have to give yourself the break, take good care of yourself and family and then you come back to your job. Otherwise, you find out that you cannot even function because you have not taken a good rest. This job is very tasking and tedious. Sometimes, if you take a break in-between, you get back on your feet. I am into events as well.  I’m planning an audition for an online calendar; so, I have been busy sending bulk messages and organising the girls for the calendar.

With your line of study, have you ever given it a thought to go into teaching?

I can’t be a teacher because I don’t have that patient to teach. I could be patient, but not as patient as a teacher could be. Yes, I can only teach my children. However, I can’t rule out that totally. This is because somebody might just come up and say, ‘You see, I want these children to learn how to speak English and pronounce words correctly. I think you are the best person that can do that…” So, you find yourself teaching a couple of students (laughs).

But many, particularly in this part of the world, believe that women are not supposed to have so much freedom. So, how do you get your husband’s approval every time you leave home?

Do you know what? You have to leave my husband out of this business because this business is entirely my own business. I don’t know about him supporting it. As a matter of fact, what you don’t know is that my husband is very far from me for now. So, I can do anything I want. Don’t ask me where he is, but he is very far from me now. I can take hold of anything I want at the moment.

How do you handle men who may want your attention, given that you are a beautiful woman and that your husband is not physically available around you?

Oh! Yes, I get passes everyday once I step out of my home. But we have to draw the lines. When a handshake extends to the elbow, then, the person has to watch it. I have to be nice to people because of the nature of what I do. But there is a limit; so, don’t over step your bounds. I’m nice to everybody, irrespective of whom you are. In fact, I could be diplomatic. And sometimes, it depends on your approach to me. But naturally, I am not a harsh person.

I see the way you were greeting everybody on the way. Why are you not like your other colleagues who believe that a star must not be too friendly with fans?

Well, it is an individual thing and choice. I am a very simple person and I watch before I do anything. I’m a simple and down-to-earth person. But when you want to overstep your boundary, I tell you not to go there. But naturally, this is just me; there are several things I won’t tolerate.

Nowadays, we have nude pictures of actors on the covers of some movies. This, in the thinking of some people, makes the movies sell well. Was it like this when you started?

(Laughs) In our own time, you did not have to be naked on a movie cover to make a name. But that is what is happening now. What do you want me to say about it? That is what the marketers want and it is what the girls want. If you want to do it, you can go ahead. Nobody will stop you from doing it. But I won’t want to do it at all for  a reason best known to me. That is what the market wants and the girls are ready to flaunt it. If they say they want to make it by flaunting it, they should go ahead; it is a thing of choice. I really don’t have anything to say because I’m neither for it nor against it. When I started as an actress, it wasn’t this much and when people heard of such, they were always surprised and shocked. But for now, I think it has come to stay and as you can see, it is even getting worse.

Would you say it is a minus or a plus to Nollywood because it is believed that we are competing with some actors in some other countries?

They say they are competing with the Ghanaian actors. If Nigerians decide to copy it and it is working for them, all well and good. I don’t really want to say much about it, whether it is a plus or minus. So, if those girls feel comfortable exposing their flesh, I have no problem about that. But for me, I think it is going to be difficult for anybody to ask me to bear my skin.

What happened to the movie project, the Golden Egg?

Oh! I spoke to the executive producer, who told me he was travelling to America to screen it to them. I have been trying to get hold of him since then, but it has been impossible. But I think he must have sold it to them over there because it is not in Nigeria. Other movies that we have done are not in Nigeria. There was this movie we did on lesbianism; the guy sold it in his church and that is where it all ended.

What is your take on homosexuality and lesbianism? Besides, have you had any encounter with a lesbian?

(Laughs) From what I have heard, the two are in Nollywood. No one has approached me. But even if you have it in mind, once you come near me, you won’t be able to open your mouth to say what you have come for. They see me with this haircut and think I’m one of them because of the way I dress. Normally, I don’t wear skirt; I’m always on three-quarter pants, shirts and sneakers.

Most of them must have been watching me from afar to know if I belong to that group or maybe I could be bi-sexual. But most of them have come to know or conclude that this one does not like women at all, but prefers the opposite sex. Honestly, I don’t particularly like women. I don’t really have them as friends. Most of my friends are guys because they are usually helpful. It could be because I’m the only female among the guys in my home. I have a guy who is my closest friend. But people see us as if there is something between us. When something happens, he is the first I call on because he is like a family to me. I’m sorry to say this, but I don’t let women get too close to me because there is too much jealousy,’beef’ and envy. Because I am coming from a different environment, we don’t operate on the same level.

It is believed that having friends in the industry could also help in getting you jobs.

I don’t have friends; I work very hard to get jobs. I go out there to get jobs. For instance, there is a place opposite my home, where they print movie jackets and a lot of these producers come there to do their works.

This morning, when I was leaving home, I saw a certain producer whom I had met somewhere before. He came to me and said: ‘I have seen your movies, but I didn’t know you were this good”. You see, most of them are not ready to give you that chance to showcase yourself. But I’m thankful to those ones who have given me the opportunity to be able to showcase myself in their movies. They didn’t know my worth, they didn’t know I could do anything, but they put me in their movies. But now, they are coming because they have seen my works. Now, I get jobs on recommendation. I’m now a known face, even if you don’t remember my name.

In all, how do you find time to unwind?

I relax. But right now, I am trying to get girls for the audition. So, I’m busy with that job, which I have to make the girls ready for the screening. But doing these things keeps me busy. But sometimes, I take a day off; I just stay indoors. But even at that, you still get to do some house chores.

Now that you have added events planning to your schedule, have you thought of quitting acting?

What? Never! That is what made me who I am today. It is my first love, my passion. Don’t say that again, please. Even if the event planning business becomes major, I can never quit acting because I have a passion for it.

Do you have any of your kids taking after you?

Yes! My little girl would say, ‘Mummy, I want to be an actress like you. And I would say, ‘Shut up; you want to be like who?’ Don’t worry; when you grow up, you will understand and then maybe you can start.

Now that actors are going into movie production, do you have plans to do that too?

Yes, but I am giving myself the time and pace. I want to be in the larger market and then I can now look back and think of producing a movie. Producing a movie is more intense; I don’t want to produce any wishy-washy movie. The story must be tight and if you want to do that, you must have enough money. And doing that, you will want to use two known faces, which will cost like N1.8million to N2million, depending on the face you want to use. I will go into movie production, which could be anytime from now.

Fakoya Qudus Oluwadamilare, popularly known as Qdot, is a graduate of Arts from the Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos. In this interview with ADEWOYIN ADENIYI, he talks about his journey in the music industry and why he broke up with his former record label, among other reasons.

HOW did music start for you? Well, I have been in the music game since I was in secondary school. But I was doing rap at that time before I switched to commercial music, just to do something creative.

Did you switch to commercial music because rap wasn’t paying you?

Rap is not my way, so I had to find another way, which is commercial music; it is the main thing in Nigeria now.

You did a song sometime ago with Seriki and now with Olamide…

(Cuts in)Due to my kind of music, I have to feature people who do something similar. They do Afro-music too. Seriki has been my friend right from time and Olamide too is like a brother to me; so, they are ready to work with me anytime I call on them for music collaboration.

How was your growing up like?

Me nah ghetto boy oh right from time. I wasn’t born with a silver spoon. I am the first-born of my dad and the second born of my mum. I went to the United Senior High School and later Yaba College of Technology, where I studied General Arts. Though I wanted to study music, I didn’t know music wasn’t under the course. So, here I am doing music full-time.

How did you come about your previous hit, Alomo Meta?

I have always wanted to sound different because there are lots of party songs out there and there was no money to promote the song myself; so, I had to do something different and unique. So, I decided to take it to the church and called my producer, Antrass, to cook up the beat; and then, we worked together to make up the hit.

So, you are not a Celestial Church member?

No, I no dey go church oh; I no dey go mosque.

Your latest single, Ibadan, is currently receiving massive airplay. Are you from Ibadan?

Yeah, I am half-Ibadan, half-Lagos. So, if you want to pay me in Lagos, it is okay by me and if you want to pay me from Ibadan, it’s alright. So, I am everywhere like MTN.

What brought about the song?

As I said, I love doing Afro-centric music and African songs. So, Ibadan was just a freestyle song and I didn’t want to promote it. But we decided to work on it and see how much we could push the song. Fortunately, Olamide (Badoo) liked the song, so he jumped on the song and here we are doing fine.

With the high rate of competition in the industry now, how do you intend to break into the industry?

We are coming with a caterpillar oh (laughs). We are coming with full force. This is because the Lima gang is doing well now and we are focusing on Qdot. My producer and the rest of the gang are coming out to promote ourselves because there is no one to promote us. We are just fighting for ourselves. You know, it is not easy to shoot a video and promote yourself, but God go help us.

Are you still signed under Omo Ita Entertainment?

No, I was with them for a year. Actually, I signed a year deal, so I left when my contract expired.

Why did you leave the record label?

Omo Ita Entertainment didn’t want me to do my kind of music. But I have to focus on myself and my style, so I walked away when my contract expired.

What are your plans for the rest of the year?

Right now, I am not signed to any record label, but I am under the Lima Gang management. So, if any record label wants to sign me, they will have to see the management.

Who are your role models in the music industry?

I only look up to God because me sef as I dey, I dey vex gan. I am dropping a new song very soon titled Yorubad Boy produced by Antrass. That is where I am pouring out my mind. Though there are lots of songs, we have to take a step at a time. I believe in myself and my team also. It’s a team work now and we don’t have beef for anybody.

Do you have any plans to do collaborations with anybody?

Right now, I have a song with Patoranking and I am planning to do a song with Black Magic. I have a song featuring my own people.

How do you cope with your female fans?

I love them; we dey together and even when I am with my girlfriend, I still show them much love.

And she doesn’t get jealous?

No, she understands.

What about the male fans?

Well, I treat them well. At times, I show love by giving out a little from my pocket. And if I don’t have money on me, I just scope them- we call that street orientation.

Who is your female crush in the industry?

(Laughs) Nobody; I don’t have any. I am from the streets; so, I don’t have time for that.

Once upon a time, Benny Obaze, hugged the limelight like the butterfly courts the nectar. Even if he did not deliberately set out to be noticed, he occupied a space on the social scene that always made his presence or absence noticeable.

Just a few years ago, his name rang so resonantly in the Lagos social circle that the uninitiated would take him for a hip hop star or a public office holder with soaring popularity. But Benny was none of these. The astute business man of Igbo extraction was just a clothier with two thriving labels, Bevista and Rivista, with expansive offices in Lagos and Port-Harcourt.

Apart from stocking top-of-the range men’s wears, Benny’s Rivista was the hottest shop for fashion forward ladies. Although he still runs these fashion stores, they no longer seem to be as hot as they once were among fashion freaks and socialites.

Since he remarried a few years ago, Benny has cut down on his visibility on the social radar. He is said to be giving his all to making his home and marriage work. Obaze tied the nuptial knot with Lizzy Pirinye, an equally successful businesswoman, after his marriage with a foreigner hit the rocks. He also tried his luck with a top banker, but to no avail. These, observers say, could be responsible for the attenetion he is giving his marriage at the moment.

POPULAR Nigerian actor cum singer, Gabriel Afolayan, has shot the video of his new single, Awelewa.

Afolayan, who couldn’t contain his excitement, wrote: “We just finished shooting the video of my new single, Awelewa. The video was entirely shot in Seychelles. Thanks to Africa film factory, government of Seychelles for the support, Yureni, an actress from Shrimlanka, Shaili, the choreography from India, the dancing group of Seychelles and the entire crew from Shrimlanka and Seychelles.”

Gabriel’s acting prowess is not in doubt. But his music career is yet to hit that pinnacle. Known for his role in the movie, Madam Dearest, the artiste said he is poised to carve a niche for himself in the music industry.

His single, Kokoro Ife, was released to critical acclaim. The video was shot by his elder brother/filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan.

MUNACHI Abii, the 2007 winner of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN), has thrown her weight behind the Black is Beautiful-Fifty Shades of Black campaign.
The rapper made a touching statement over various shades of the colour black and why people should feel good about who they are.
She stated: “I am an African woman; the colour of my skin does not change that fact. My brothers and sisters are black; we are all different shades of black and are all beautiful.
“If God made us all and saw that we were beautiful, why do we hate ourselves? I feel like there is an unspoken condition in the minds of most Africans that makes us feel like ‘the lighter you are, the better your chances’. But how can we love one another, if we don’t love ourselves?”
My young black sister, you are beautiful. Don’t let any trend or person tell you any different. The man for you will love you just the way you are. You will be admired by the big and small alike because you are strong and diligent.
“Everything you touch will prosper because you believe.”
Fifty Shades of Black is a campaign embarked on by actress, Beverly Naya, to inspire black women and young black girls to cherish their natural beauty.

Although Akan Archibong, popularly known as Focus, is one of the young movie directors in Nollywood, he has done quite well for himself. Today, he is recognised for his sterling efforts in such successful movies as Koko and Married. In this interview with DUPE AYINLA-OLASUNKANMI, the graduate of Economics emphasises the need for directors to have self-control, while talking about his plans to remain relevant in the industry. 

HOW has life been as a movie director?

It has been very challenging, but I will also give God the glory. Generally, you know how things work, particularly for a young director. But it has been great so far, given the number of awards, nominations and recognitions.

Could you mention some of the awards you have won?

In 2012, I was nominated by City People for the Youngest Director award; in 2012, I got the Best Director of the Year at the Akwa Ibom/Cross River Filmmakers Awards; In 2013, I got the award for the Niger Delta Director of Arts and in 2013, I got another award at the Akwa Ibom/Cross River Filmmakers Awards as Best Director of the Year. Apart from this, some of the indigenous movies I did were nominated for the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), though I didn’t win.

Which of your movies has been most challenging?

I have done a lot of movies, but I will say the most challenging is the indigenous movie, Koko, which got five nominations in 2012. The reason I picked Koko is because it was my first indigenous movie and I didn’t know it was that hard. Technically, it was not hard, but reading the script and having to translate it was a bit difficult. I had to get an artistic director who could interpret the ones we found hard to pronounce. I think that was the most challenging part of it. Another is the soap, Married, where I had to camp different characters in a house for a month. It was not an easy task managing them, catering for them and getting them to take up their roles. Nevertheless, one still had to find a way to make sure there were no lapses.

Talking about managing characters, how have you so far managed the A-list actors who are believed to be sometimes difficult to control?

 It is all about knowing what you are doing and where you are going to. I think what I do, in my own case, is putting these actors where they belong. I am sorry to say this: I usually like working with the professionals. How do I mean? I read Economics and one of the things I learnt is division of labour and specialisation. So, as an actor, you know where to belong; and as a production manager, you know where you belong. So, managing them will be easy because as the technical director, who is the head, I know when to move one thing from one place to the other. Therefore, when you fail to do your duty, then, you will have a problem with me.

Secondly, I tell my production manager not to bring actors to the set when they don’t have a role. With this, you will be able to manage the camp. Usually, what I tell them is, when you have someone taking a role the next day, call him or her a day before and inform him or her of his or her time schedule.

How did you become a director since you studied Economics?

Actually, before I entered the university, I had been in the industry. I started from the scratch as a personal assistant. But on a certain day on a movie set,  I saw both the director and continuity person sitting together and all that the director was doing was to stand and say, “You, move this there…” and the next he would say was, “ Action…!” Then, he would go back to his seat. From my sitting position, I started asking myself what their jobs were.

Thereafter, I started asking questions and resolved to be a continuity person, which is the second-in-command to a director in his absence. So, that was how the journey began for me. Later, I went to the Nigerian Film Institute in Jos for a year course in directing. I remember I usually had arguments with my lecturers in those days. I remember in one of our classes, I told one of our lecturers that the angle he placed the camera was wrong and he asked what I meant. I stood up, went to the board and started doing some drawing. It was because I already had the knowledge of what I was going for. And today, I give God the glory.

As a young director, how often do you get jobs, considering the heavyweights in the industry?

As I always tell people, I am not competing with anybody. Yes, there are lots of competitions, but I can only compete with you if a producer gives us the same scripts, cast and set. I do a bit of writing too.  Also, by November, I will be in India to learn filmmaking too. But there are some directors I regard highly today.

This is because without them, people like us won’t be here today. In a recent interview I granted, I said I would like to be the best in Africa and one of the best in the world. But how is that going to happen? I have started working towards it, which is one of the reasons I will be attending the film school in India by November.

So, how do you manage the A-list actors on your set?

I don’t know who the A-list actors are; but when it comes to giving people due respect, I do that because I love respect. To me, actors should be treated equally. I remember attending an audition at a hotel sometime ago and because I was among the panel of judges, provision was provided for us to feel comfortable, while those who came for the audition were made to stay under the sun. I had to call the producer to get a canopy, chairs and refreshment for them too. That is the way I work. Nobody is above the other person. So, managing actors, irrespective of their status, is give-and-take.

How do you handle the issue of finance in production?

That is a very challenging aspect of our work. I was once in Ghana to do a job and I discovered that the fee they paid some of the gaffers were more than what we earn here as directors. Some of our producers are not really helping us here. They expect us to give them scripts and direct, but when you hear the ridiculous fees they pay, you just wonder what they think. Do they know what it takes to lock up yourself in a room for weeks writing? That is the most tedious work to do. Even an actor feels that there is nothing in directing, but I tell them I am not an everyday director. I am not always eager to shoot. In other words, if I do three to five films in a year and they stand out, I am satisfied.  A producer will bring a script and want you to get it done in two or three days. Personally, it’s never done.

When will you describe as the high point of your career as a director?

I would say the ending of 2011/2012 was a wonderful year for me. I did some jobs that I didn’t expect would pay me so much. I remember an incident when a producer wanted me for a job and I was in South Africa. But he told me he was going to wait for me to come back. I came back and had some works waiting for me; yet he still waited for me to do those jobs. He paid the highest ever, despite the fact that we had like five directors on the set. But I believe this year will also better.

As a director, have you been approached by an actress who insisted on getting a role without attending an audition?

(Smile) The world is turning into something else, so I would not say I have not experienced such before. It is just about everybody knowing what he or she wants. I am not saying I am a saint, but there are things I don’t do. I don’t do give-and-take. If I want to date you, I will approach you; and if you are interested, we can move on from there. But I will never come to you because of a role.

One day, one of my lecturers said: “Is it possible for a director to direct a porn movie without getting aroused?” And everybody was like, “How is that possible?” He said: “Every director should have self-control. That is the only way you can work and be successful.” Sometime ago, after a casting, a lady called and said: “Director, I must get that role.” So, I asked her if she was at the audition and casting and she said no. Then, I asked how that was possible and her reply was: ‘No be Nigeria we dey?” Already, I was done with casting, so what do I do? Give the role to someone who didn’t come for an audition and dash the hope of those who have been given the role? I am not saying I am a saint or that I am not dating anybody in the industry, but I have never done trade-by-barter. What if I give you the role and you are not the best cast for that role? I would rather say no. I have told God to punish me the day I do that. This is my career and I don’t compromise. If you are not good for a role, you are not good.

Kunle Afod is one of the few known names who command a lot of respect in the Yoruba movie industry. He is, by all standards, a fantastic actor, good director and consummate producer. He has a lot of award-winning movies to his credit. He recently spoke with MERCY MICHAEL about a number of issues bordering on his journey in the nation’s movie industry.

YOU are an actor, producer and director. But which of these creative endeavours do you enjoy most?

 Every year, I decide on what I want to be known for. For an instance, last year, I was more of an actor; this year, I am more of a director and two years ago, I was more of a producer. Actually, if you are good at studying the industry you operate in, you will understand that they sometimes give more applause to actors. So, if you can’t beat them, you join them. Also, the applause sometimes goes to the directors. Having said this, in the Yoruba movie industry, they accord producers a great deal of respect because they make the actors. I really want to be known for everything I am good at.

So, you are, more or less, saying that you are good at the three.

Yes, I am good at the three. I thank my God for singling me out among my peers to be able to combine the three and even do them well. I know some colleagues who are good at combining only two out of the three in some cases and I also know of some other colleagues who can do all. For instance, Yomi Fash is a good actor and a good director, but he’s not a producer; Bayo Tijani is a good director and a good producer, but he is not a good actor; Muyiwa is also a good director, a good producer and good actor and Antar Laniyan is a good director, a good producer and a good actor. But when he plays the major role and directing, it sometimes affects him. So, I give God all the glory.

You said you swap roles every year; so, what role are you playing this year?

I am more of a comedian this year. Since mid- last year up on till now, most of my jobs have been comedy roles.

So, why did you switch to comedy?

I know that I’m a bit comical in nature and people feel I can deliver. Well, so far, I’ve been trying my best.

Which of the three would you say is the most profitable?

Being an actor, I would say, is more profitable. I know you are wondering why a lot of actors double as producers. Yes, it is because if you don’t produce, they will not use you sometimes. It is not every actor who has the opportunity of being a marketable actor. So, if you are not a marketable actor in some little ways, you will be affected. For instance, if I want to shoot my movie, I will go for those who are good and marketable than those who are only good but are not marketable. So, before you get there, you have to prove yourself with your own production. That’s why most people want to use their own productions to tell the world that they are also good at some areas. That is why I also act for people to know what I am capable of doing.

Could you mention some of the marketable actors in the industry?

 I won’t be able to do that. I have a lot of colleagues, both senior and younger ones, who are marketable actors. But I can’t mention everybody’s name; otherwise, some people will be offended.

Having been involved in the three, which will you describe as the most challenging?

Being a producer is more challenging because it entails all. If I’m going to act, I believe I have the raw talent; so, it is just going to the set to give what I’ve got. If I want to direct, I do more, so as to understand the script. You will be there before the actors and you will leave after the actors. But for the producer, you will get the director, the actors and crew members together. So, playing the role of the producer is more challenging because you will want your production to be good.

For the benefit of your fans who might want to know, how did you come into the movie industry?

This is a long story o! I started acting when I was very little in the church- that was amateur acting. But professionally, I started in 1986 when I did my first major TV project in Jos. It was a network programme called Telefest. I also acted in my school for the school project.  That was a major one; and since 1990, it has been practically this profession.

You have stayed relevant in the industry, despite the influx of younger ones. What would you say is responsible for this?

Well, it’s written in the Bible that let the younger ones come ( E je ki omo kekere wa). I grew up to understand that you need to work with the younger ones. When they grow up, they will respect you and remember you. If you think back like 14 years ago when we did a movie called Ija Omode and Ewe Orun, the two movies were mainly on kids. Those kids were in probably primary two, three, four, five and six then. One of them, AK-1, is even a music director now. At the moment, I am shooting a movie on kids alone; there is no adult in that movie. If these kids grow up, they will remember me.

Is that your staying power?

Yes, I love kids. Besides, you have to know what’s in vogue and you have to be consistent.

How does Kunle Afod unwind?

I do unwind, seriously. Most of the time, I work and play. In my neighbourhood, they know me so well. I club; I’m a street boy. You mix up, you take some bottles and enjoy myself.

How do you handle female advances, especially from budding actresses?

When we started, some people decided to play some kinds of roles that would want to make the females to admire them. It is not all actors that females admire. I have a school, where I train people and this is the 14th or 15th year that I’ve been doing that. It is called Legacy School of Performing Art. So, I’ve been building people. Mostly, 10 years ago, I was basically training crew members and directors.

Today, I have a number of them in the Yoruba movie industry. About three years ago, I started training actors. It’s not until we blow our horns. It’s not until we make too much noise, but I thank God today that when I look back, I feel happy. But to answer your question, when a budding female actress comes to me, I refer her to my school. I’m a very strict person. If you have a talent and you do not want to progress with your talent, why will you want to come into acting? I want to bring out the best in you. So, forget the fact that you admire me, just bring your talent on. When they realise that I’m different from what they see on scene, they adjust. I’m a different person from who you see on screen. I’m very strict.

Could you talk briefly about your background?

I’m from Ibadan in Oyo State, but I grew up with my mum. I lived in different places. I had my early education in FESTAC, Lagos. I later left FESTAC to complete my primary school education in Owo. Thereafter, I left Owo for Command Secondary School, Jos. So, that was how I grew up. I didn’t go to the university or polytechnic. I do tell people, but they don’t believe it. It is good to go to school, but I tell people that, in this profession, it is talent and not your certificate that singles you out.

There is a strong representation of the Yoruba movie industry at this year’s AMAA. What would you say is responsible for this?

We’ve been coming every year, actually. But you know, this time around, the Yoruba movie industry is undergoing some kind of rebranding. We have three different organisations now: ANTP, TAMPAN and the Movie Ambassadors. I belong to The Movie Ambassadors. Saheed Balogun is the President, while Aisha Ibrahim is the Vice President. Some people like Orisabunmi, Funke Adesiyan, Sola Kosoko, represented TAMPAN at the event.

What are the motives behind these associations?

Having more associations is going to help. Look at the English movie industry, you will see them as one, Nollywood, but it is a lie. They have different guilds and different associations. Some people will represent those guilds. So, there will be different training and exposure for them. If you are under one umbrella, it is only what they see that you will see. If you are under different umbrellas, there will be competition, which will bring about growth.

So, you believe there is growth already now that you have different associations?

Yes, the industry is growing. For instance, we, The Movie Ambassadors, believe there ought not to be any difference between the English and Yoruba actors. But there is a lot of gap currently. We don’t want that gap; we want to bridge the gap. That is why it is the educated ones and the young ones who are mostly part of us because they believe in our idea. Ego and complex have been affecting us.

We started this industry, but they’ve have hijacked it from us. They celebrated Nollywood at 20, but Hubert Ogunde died over 20 years ago. So, what are we celebrating? But it’s not their fault! It is our fault because we failed to do what we were supposed to do. Now, we want to move with them; let’s bridge the gap. Let’s see what they see; let’s hear what they hear and let’s operate the way they operate. When we go on the same level, they will run back to us. If you’re doing English movies, your English can never be better than the British. So, you are still not doing English films. You are doing English- Igbo films. So, it is better you represent your culture. That is why Indian movies are respected worldwide. If we come to the same level and start representing our people, they will respect us.

NOLLYWOOD actress, producer and director, Omoni Oboli, has said that her new movie, Being Mrs Elliott, will be a cinema treat for movie lovers.

Speaking about the movie, she said; “If you enjoyed The Figurine, Half of a Yellow Sun and Anchor Baby, you will definitely enjoy Being Mrs Elliott. This movie is one of the best to have come out of Nollywood, given the attention to detail, characterization and professionalism. When you watch the movies I mentioned, you would see a high level of professionalism and revolution in the way they were produced.

 “With this movie, I can assure you that movie lovers are in for a special treat when it goes to the cinemas. Though it is my first directing effort, it is not going to be a slap in Nollywood’s face. I am sure that it will be a reference point in movie production in the Nigerian movie industry.”

The movie is the story of a successful married woman, who is torn between two worlds after a life-changing incident.

Being Mrs Elliott, which opened the Nollywood Week Film Festival in Paris two months ago and got 11 nominations at the Nollywood and African Film Critics’ Awards (NAFCA) in California, USA, would be in cinemas across the country later this year.

The movie starts screening in Nigerian cinemas on September 6.

NOLLYWOOD actress and winner of the 2014 edition of Miss United Nations pageant, Precious Chikwedu, has returned home.

The winner of the Nigerian edition, who is planning to host the Miss United Nations Nigeria, will represent Nigeria in 2015 at the Miss United Nation International.

On how she intends to make her reign counts, she said: “We were judged based on character, ability to carry people along, intelligence, catwalk, personality, clothing and interviews. As I said during my interviews, which had to do with the issue of insurgency in Nigeria, I’m determined to use this platform to reach out to those in need, especially the children that have been affected by this insurgency. Part of my plans is to give motivational talks to them to help them see beyond their challenges and the need to make a difference in life.”

Chikwedu, who hails from Orumba North in Anambra State, has participated in a number of fashion and runway shows. She also contested for Miss Earth and came among the top 10 in 2010. She was equally in Miss Nigeria Abuja.

As an actress, she has featured in many movies, including Till Tomorrow, Kiss Her Goodbye, Hustlers, I Come Lagos, Secrets and Scandals, Mr Ashburn, Onye Ozi and Thy Will Be Done, among others.

THE national chairman of the performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Barr. Kevin Lucciano Gabriel, has officially launched a peace initiative campaign tagged Light up the Unity Flame for Nigeria.

Joined by members of the PMAN caretaker committee, the campaign, which comes with a message of hope for Nigerians, was flagged off at a press conference on Tuesday, August 12, at the PMAN Headquarters in Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos.

In his keynote address, Lucciano said: “In times of peace, music births joy. In times of despair, music births hope. In times of division, music births unity. I have called us all here today to join the PMAN family in lighting a candle of prayers for our country, Nigeria, while raising the flame of unity that will burn from city to city, household to household, state to state, churches to mosques and schools to shelters.”

PMAN, he said, believes in one Nigeria and will continue to salvage her together, with all well-meaning patriots.

According to Lucciano, other partners of the campaign include the CEO of South West Media, South African, Mr. Charles Ndudi and Engr. Ayodeji Adedeji, the producer of Nigeria Music Hall of Fame.

The highpoint of the event, which was attended by top music acts such as Kcee, Daddy Showkey, Chuddy K and Harrisong, was the lighting of the candle of hope by the PMAN family.

TAIWO Agbohunsa, better known as Lace, has released a new single titled Turn by Turn.  Signed on the Foxtrot Records, the artiste said he is back after a long hiatus to take his place in the Nigerian music industry.

Lace, who is motivated by the desire to create something more than the usual, added that the track would make a difference in the music industry. “I look up to people like Akon, Tuface and most especially Wande Coal who are doing good songs. Seeing what they have been able to achieve gives me the strength and the will to put in more efforts. I want to be a model of an impactful artiste, someone who can be said to have given his all to music,” Lace said.

According to the Se bi wo crooner who has worked with the likes of Olamide and Phenom, established artistes are not threats to him. “Other established artistes are not threats to me. The sky is big enough for every bird; the industry is big enough for all of us as artistes. We are not in competition; we are colleagues. However,  we task  one other to become better,” he added.

The track, Turn by Turn, was produced by female music producer, DJ Toxic.

 NOLLYWOOD actress, Uche Jombo Rodriguez, is out with a new movie titled Oge’s Sister.

The movie tells the story two sisters, Oge and Esther, who lose their mother unexpectedly. They have to redefine their lives. One of them does so for a good cause, while the other finds a way of shutting out the pains of losing a loved one. Their lives become contrasting and everything threatens to draw them further apart. What becomes of these two women as they look for ways to put their lives back together?

The actress cum producer, who is currently in the U.S. to be delivered of her first child, started out playing minor roles in movies, but has gone on to become one of the celebrated actresses and movie producers in the Nigerian movie industry.

“Oge’s  Sister is a movie that is, first and foremost, meant to teach families, especially sisters that unity and love make all the difference. It is a movie that all movie lovers will be pleased to see. This movie, I am proud to say, is a very wonderful one, even if I say so myself,” she said.

Oge’s Sister, according to findings, is one of the movies that Uche Jombo had produced before leaving the country. The movie, which features Uche Jombo, Seun Akindele and Yvonne Jegede, is scheduled for release in February, 2015.

Ahead of his silver celebrations, renowned DJ and music producer, Jimmy Adewale Amu, aka DJ Jimmy Jatt, has graced the cover of the current issue of Red Sheet magazine.

In the edition, the award-winning DJ opened up on his family, his career and how his passion for music, particularly as a disc jockey, had evolved over the years.

An icon in the Nigerian entertainment industry, his first single, Stylee, which featured Tuface Idibia, Modenine and Elajoe, enjoyed impressive airplay and the music video stayed on the MTV Africa countdown for weeks. It also won him several awards like Channel O Africa Music Video Award, Hip hop World Award, Sound City Music Video Award, Nigerian Music Video Award and Nigerian Music Award, among others.

Over the years, Red Sheet magazine, a lifestyle publication, has featured a number of celebrities on its cover. In its latest issue, Jimmy Jatt appears dapper with his style: three-piece blue suit, a white shirt, a striped tie, a brown hat and his signature dark shades.

Meanwhile, his biography titled Avant-Garde: The Cool Dj Jimmy Jatt story,was presented yesterday. Announcing the completion of the book, co-author, Toni Kan, said: “Every new book comes with its own special feeling, just like every child. You spend months writing and re-writing and then publishers and printers take over. My partner, Peju, and I just took delivery of our latest biography project: Avant-Garde: The Cool Dj Jimmy Jatt story. And it feels mighty good.”

Like a woman who was experiencing the proverbial seventh heaven after being safely delivered of her baby, ace filmmaker and director, Lancelot Imasuen, was in palpable joy last Thursday at the media unveiling and first screening of his much-anticipated epic movie, Invasion 1897, at the cinema room of Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos.

At the well-attended event anchored by ex-Big Brother Africa winner, model and TV presenter, Uti Nwachukwu, there was both spoken and unspoken agreement among the audience comprising media professionals and Nollywood stars that the historical movie is the end result of a great artistic work which had put the cast and crew through their paces while the production lasted.

Although Imasuen had been on a number of international TV stations to promote the breath-taking feature movie, the event, no doubt, literally marked a milestone in the life of the movie, as some promotional materials like post cards, posters as well as its trailer were unveiled, amidst enthusiastic responses by the audience.

Imasuen, who profusely expressed his gratitude to the sponsors of the movie, first took the audience on a voyage around the making of the film. He likened it to a food that had taken some efforts to cook. But confident that it would leave a good after-taste, he didn’t have any reservation inviting the critical media professionals and colleagues to first gorge themselves on it.  “The food is ready and the snippet of it is what we have invited you to come and see,” he said with glee.

Giving some background details about the movie, he further said: “The research and scripting took about 10 months to one year and the production took one year and 10 months. We shot in Benin from April 9, 2012 to May 10, 2012 for the bits in Nigeria. Then, we had a break. Later, we started the post-production…and the scenes to be shot in London, which took about one year and eight months before we were able to actualise that. Then, we started the post-production from Benin to Lagos and from Lagos to the United Kingdom and then Hollywood, U.S., where the actual film was finalised.”

Indeed, it was not an empty boast, as the over 10-minute preview of the movie further accentuated his artistic ingenuity as well as the thematic preoccupation of the film.  From the clips, Invasion 1897 is gripping. It evokes, in an engaging way, the evil visited on the Benin Kingdom, while celebrating the heroic struggles of the lead character played by Mike Omoriegbe. The visual effects, which were done by Nigerians, bear testimony to what the future holds for Nigerian, nay African films. The court room scene in London is spellbinding. The costumes, props et al are awesome. Above all, the film has a great appeal.

Soon after the preview, Imasuen, who disclosed that four of the characters died within four years of the movie production, further said: “Change has never been easy anywhere in the world.  For years, I have been telling people that they are making a mistake judging us from what they have seen of Nollywood. The capacity is here and that is the point I wanted to prove with this film to the glory of God. The Association of Movie Producers (AMP), for the first time, gave an endorsement to a film; the Directors Guild of Nigeria ( DGN),  Centre for Black and Africa Arts and Civilization( CBAAC), Society for Theatre Artistes, Association of International Theatre Critics, among others, have all sent their endorsements for this film.  In fact, the Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF) has fully taken over the film, saying the President must see it since this is the first government that is coming out boldly to support Nollywood.  For the outlook, because of the international acceptance, I went to Film Look Studios in Hollywood. But we have bought the machine. Nollywood, this is your product.”

The national president of the Association of Movie Producers, Zik Zulu Okafor, didn’t agree less with Imasuen. According to him, it is time Nigerian filmmakers began to write a new chapter in the history of Nollywood. “We have been able to tell the African story and showcase the African costumes, norms, values and the totality of our ways of life; but now, we are moving to the next level to tell the world that we can compete internationally and meet international benchmarks. But beyond the artistic excellence, it is important for the media to begin to appreciate the scholarship that this film challenges us to see. This is not a Nigerian film; it is an African film. We need to understand that if the Benin massacre didn’t happen, the African story would be different.  This movie doesn’t only challenge us to raise the bar professionally, but it is asking us to do some research about the African story and the massacre of the Benin Kingdom. We have celebrated the Wole Soyinkas and I bow to them for their achievements, but it is time to look into the artistic minds of some younger people like Imasuen. We need to know what is driving him, the workings of his mind and his psyche.

Also, Uzoma Eshikire, who stood in for Senator Daisy Danjuma, the executive producer of the movie, described it as an excellent work, adding that “It is interesting that it is coming out of Nigeria by one of our own; we didn’t leave it for the oyinbos to come and get us together to do this.”

Another Nollywood great and newly appointed Director-General of the Abuja International Film Festival, Fred Amata, who lauded Imasuen’s artistic gift, said: “Even before we saw the film, we had decided that we needed to do something different at this year’s Abuja International Film Festival. We needed to seek some of the things we can proudly say are coming out of Nigeria. We agreed that we have a guy who can deliver what we need as our premiere movie for the Festival for this year and we thought of Lancelot’s Invasion 1897.”

Quoting the lead actor’s line during a court trial in London, he said the capacity obtainable in Nigeria to dominate the world in films had been showcased in Invasion 1897. “This is the capacity we want to show the President at the festival.  When the lead actor asks the question: ‘So, it (the artifacts) has been there (London) for 100 years, but does it belong to you? It belongs to me!’ So, filmmaking belongs to us, Africans,” he said.

The movie is based on the invasion of the great Benin Kingdom by the British in 1897, who then carted off Benin arts and artifacts which, till date, still adorn some museums around the world. It stars both  Nigerian and British actors like Segun Arinze, Charles Inojie, Nosa Ehimwen, Paul Obazele, Leo Mezie, Mike Omoriegbe( Oba Ovonrawmen), Idiata Otiagbe, the late Justus Esiri( in a cameo)  Rudolph Walker, Charles “Chucky” Venn, Annika Álofti, Garett Mort, Hannah Raehse-Felstead, Tim Robinson, Rob Spackman, Patrick Thompson and Keith Davinson.