THE CEO of Flytime Entertainment, Cecil Hammond, recently pulled another strings at last Friday’s Bovi Man on Fire show, which featured American superstars, Ja Rule and Ashanti, at the Expo Hall of Eko Hotel and Suite, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Speaking about the event hosted by comedian Basketmouth, Hammond said: “It was more of a comedy show than a music concert. Many people didn’t expect Bovi to do what he did that night. I knew what I wanted and I had him groom himself for a non-stop comedy show that lasted for over one hour. I did put in my best for this and I look forward to doing something bigger than this soon. We are all used to having several comedians and music stars gracing the stage in one night. But for me, it is becoming boring. I am building new concepts and I am glad people like it.”

He started music promotion over 10 years ago. Over the years, he has hosted some of the biggest shows in Nigeria.

In December, he will be hosting three mega concerts, including Rhythm Unplugged 2014, MI’s album launch and the much-anticipated Mavin All Star concert.

TEN years after he hit the music scene with his debut album, Face to Face, on Kennis Music, multi-award winning singer, Tuface Idibia, is set to mark his 10th anniversary with a collaborative album.

In a recent interview, the sensational singer revealed that he would be involved in a lot of artistic works after the launch of his latest album, The Ascension.

“There is an album I’m going to release and it is called Rewind, Select and Update. This is going to be like a re-make of some of my old songs. It is 10 years since Face to Face came out and so Kennis Music and Hypertek Entertainment are about to do a 10- year anniversary about that album. Then, Tuface Foundation will be partnering with NDI. We starting a campaign called Votes not Fight and this is to sensitise the youth for the forthcoming 2015 elections. We are saying that violence during election is like betraying your own future,” the artiste revealed.

AT last, talented singer, Ibironke Falegan, aka Caimron, is set to delight lovers of Gospel music today, as she launches her much-anticipated album, Koni Ja S’asan (It will not be in vain), at the RCCG, Ebenezer Parish, Province 25, Area 3 Headquarters, Abule Egba, Lagos.

According to the organisers, there will be performances by other artistes such as Wole Isaiah, I.O.P and OGE, among others, at the event that will be hosted by Comrade Fanika Victor (J.P).

An elated Falegan described the album as a “rich spiritual menu.

She added: “It contains a number of songs that can buoy the spirit of any troubled soul. I am sure that every conscious Christian deserves to get a copy of the album.”

Dignatories expected at the event, which has been generating a lot of buzz, include Engr. Gbenga Taiwo, Pastor Kunle Adegoke, Mr. John Kusimo, Mr. Oluwole Abiodun and Alhaji  Abdulfatai Ogunlade, among others.

BUDDING artiste, Dolapo Oyatomi Jnr., aka Doxy, is set make a name for himself in the Nigerian music industry with two new tracks: My Business and My Baby.

According to the artiste, the tracks, which are currently being aired across radio stations and enjoying massive downloads, are to announce his presence in the Nigerian music scene, with particular reference to the rap genre.

The graduate of Computer Engineering from the Covenant University described My Baby as pleasing to the ears. “Watch out for Doxy wanting to change the phase of the Rap game. It is a song about me. People think it is love story, but it is not. It is basically to announce my presence in the industry,” he said.

During a visit to his cousin in Ibadan, the artiste, who described his style as technical, met BTP and rapper Real Gee. “After much pressure from my cousin who had been carried away by my freestyle ability, the next morning he took me to YK Nile, a beat producer at Royal Revolutions Studio, Ibadan, where I recorded my first track, Dessie Teddie in 2010,” he recalled.

NIGERIAN rap sensation, Ice Prince, will join Channel O VJ, Jojo, as host on the new season of the show, Top 10 Most, this month.

The countdown, now in its second season, premiered on Channel O on Wednesday.

According to Leslie Kasumba, Head, Channel O, the choice of Ice Prince as host this season reflects what Top 10 Most is about.

“Doing Top 10 Most alongside Jokate on Channel O was an exciting experience for me. I thoroughly enjoyed playing the part of TV host,” Ice Prince said.

A weekly 14-part series, Top 10 Most premiered on Wednesday and featured never-before-seen Top 10 lists, including The Top 10 Most Bankable Artistes, Top 10 Most ‘Swagged-out’ artistes, Top 10 Most Followed Kings and Queens of social media, Top 10 Most Game Changers and a few other surprise elements. Channel O is also giving a lucky viewer the chance to host an episode of the show by simply submitting the most creative list of Top 10 Most.

In the run up to the end of the year, the channel has also lined up exciting programming as well as the Channel O Awards, which holds November 29.

Simisola Ogunleye is one of the fast-rising artistes in the Nigerian music scene. She is signed on to the Steve Babaeko- led music label, X3M Music. Therefore, as part of efforts to announce her arrival in the music scene, the powerful vocalist, who started out as a gospel artiste, dropped two singles, Tiff and E No Go Funny, off her debut album. In this interview with some select journalists, including DUPE AYINLA-OLASUNKANMI, she talks about her passion for music as well as her efforts to make a name for herself in the industry. Excerpts: 

COULD you tell me a little about yourself?

I’m the last of four children from my mum and I am the only girl, which sometimes makes me feel like a tomboy. I’m from Owo in Ondo State, but I have never been there. So, somehow, I’m a ‘Lagos girl’. I graduated in Mass Communications from the Covenant University in 2008. I studied the course because of radio.  I always enjoy listening to Dan Foster and others. But I don’t see how realistic it is for me to do that now.

How long have you been doing music?

I have been singing for quite a while now. I used to do gospel music and I released an album in 2008 called Ogazu. I joined X3M Music this year and I have released two singles, Tiff and E no go funny.

You started out as a gospel artiste, but why have you now changed?

I felt I needed music more as a job rather than a ministry. I was writing differently and my scope on music changed. So, it is more of work now than ministry. I was in the teenage choir then, but I was never really into it. I tried to join a couple of choirs, but I guess I wasn’t a good choir material. Though I used to do any genre in those days, I do Afro pop music today.

In the past, I would dabble into R&B, Hip pop, techno music and any other thing. But at a point, I wanted to do something different; I didn’t want people to hear me and hear everyone else. So, I tried to modify my sound; I took a little bit of everything and mix it up.

It took me a couple of years to get my eventual sound and with the help of my producer, Oscar, we finally came up with a sound, which is Afro and a little bit of Highlife. It depends on what you are doing music for. I love music and apart from singing, I also like to dabble into songwriting. Now, I’m also learning production and sound engineering.  So, for me, it’s a whole package and I’m very interested in how music goes.

The industry today is dominated by dance music; so, how do you intend to sell your brand?

Definitely, there’s this notion that if you are not giving the basic club music, then, you don’t have the audience. But I can count a number of people who do soul and maybe my kind of music, which is quite different, and they have audience. It might not be regular, but it is sophisticated and classy.

But then, I’m not scared at all because if you are like everybody else, then, anyone can take your place. For me, whatever you are doing, you have to give it your best. The likes of Timi Dakolo, Onyeka Onwenu and Asa are very different people and they have covered even more base than they expected.  As I said earlier, I have been singing for a while. Though I might look like a baby, I have actually been in the streets for close to eight years now.

So, it is a matter of dedication and quality. I did a song last year and I shot the video in South Africa. So far, the response has been great. I don’t have any complain because nothing good comes easy.

Seven years after, you have still stuck to your passion.

The truth is that I really love music. And even when it was not coming the way I wanted, I still held on because I believe that life is really short and you have to what you have to do. More importantly, I have always believed that I can be a successful artiste too. That is one of the things that have been pushing me every day.

We have lots of female artistes doing quite well in the industry, so how do you intend to fit in too?

Interestingly, there are lots of good artistes in the music industry, but I think what makes you different is being yourself and doing your own thing. Even if you have a million artistes, something will stand you out. So, it does not really matter the number. I don’t think I sing like anybody and I think what others do is different from mine.

Do you have a boyfriend?

I do have a boyfriend. My mum has really been supportive; she has always had my back right from school.

How did music start for you?

I didn’t really have that music influence while growing up. But for some reasons, I was just drawn to it. I have always loved to write and I discovered that they are good stories. So, that was how the whole thing started.

Did you try out any reality show along the line?

No; I am not just attracted to that institution. Though my friends used to tell me to go for it, I used to be scared. Personally, I wanted to be more of an artiste, so I have never applied for a white collar job.

You look too relaxed and I am wondering if you are in this music business to make money.

(Laughs) I am relaxed because I enjoy what I do. It is work, but when you do what you want and enjoy it, you feel comfortable. I can be in the studio from 8.00am to 11.00pm. That is the only reason I seem to look relaxed.

How do you describe your other songs?

I also have songs that you can dance to.

What are your expectations, concerning your career?

I just want my music to be accepted because I don’t think there is anybody who has my kind of music and voice.  I admire a lot of people, but I don’t really think I have a role model. There are people I listen to for ideas because they inspire me.

Are you comfortable singing alternative music?

I can’t even complain. As alternative as my music is, I have upbeat music as well. But you can see that there is something really different from my music. I have a song titled Open and Close, which anyone can dance to and it still feels different. Even in the U.S., most of their songs are Pop, which people dance to. So, everything has its place and I think you just have to find yours.

How did you come in contact with X3M Music?

I met the CEO last year. I did a cover for a song and he heard the song and asked for a meeting with me for a few minutes. It didn’t exactly click then. But later that year, I met with my producer and we decided to make a hit together. I used to send him some of my materials, so he wanted us to work something out. We just used to record and after a while, they came together and decided to take me in.

Why did you decide to drop just two singles?

It is because we are experimenting with the sounds. We want to see the one that will generate the greatest reaction from the people because they are two different sounds. There were people who liked E no go funny, but more people liked Tiff, so we decided to shoot its video. Tiff is about falling in love almost like involuntarily and the video was shot in South Africa.

Could you recall your experience working with the South African crew?

It was my first time in South Africa and I had fun. The shoot took us a whole day. It was crazy cold, so a lot of the shots were outside.  I really had an amazing experience. There was a time they had to put eye drops into my eyes because I was getting tired and my co-actor made the best out of me. The concept was actually that of the director, Josh Clark of CMD Productions. What is exciting is that a lot of people have given me feedback of what they would have done differently in the video and it is really exciting how peoples’ minds work. So, it shows that people are participating.

When will you drop your album?

I know that before the album comes, we are going to drop a few more singles. I can’t say for sure what the schedule is like, but the songs are definitely ready; so, it is about making sure it is the right time. There are still a lot of people who haven’t heard about me, so we have to get them to pay attention. The promo is more important than getting the music out.

Any plans for collaborations?

I honestly don’t think so. We might have a couple of collaborations because there are people I admire in the industry. I will like to work with Patoranking because his voice is amazing. However, I’m not crazy about collabos.  I know that there are people who can make music come out well. So, I’m not afraid to work with anyone inasmuch as it’s the right person.

How has it been as an artiste?

It is not easy at all, especially if you have to work on your own at first. I had been signed to a label before, but it didn’t work out. Sometimes, things like that give you the experience for the next phase. In music, aside talent, you need to have the connections and money to be able to hold what you believe in and I am so grateful to have gotten this far, even though there have been difficult times.

How would you rate the industry today?

I think it is much better than what it used to be. I remember piracy was so rampant before. Though it is still an issue, it is not like it used to be. A lot of artistes sell their music online and this has been curbing piracy to a certain level. What makes me happy is that people have been so supportive of my music.

What’s your philosophy of life?

Never cry over spilt milk. So, if you hurt me, I move on; I don’t spend time regretting things.

NOLLYWOOD actress, Oma Nnadi, has revealed why she doesn’t expose her body. The thespian, who shot into the limelight in such films as World of Lust, Delicate World, Nowadays and Illuminati, said she is keeping her body for her man.
“If it’s about exposing your boobs, I don’t indulge in such things. I like to cover up a lot. If I’m playing a role, where I’m required to put on a bikini, I will prefer to get into the pool with my towel before doing so. I like to cover my body a lot. I think every woman’s body should be preserved. Let your man be the one who will see your nakedness and not the whole world. I am old enough to take my decisions. But I have decided not to expose my body indiscriminately,” she said in a recent interview.
Oma, who started acting 12 years ago, has purposely maintained a low profile obviously because of her background.
“Everything has to do with your background. I was brought up in a way that I didn’t need to be loud or seek attention. You have to let your work speak for you. Acting has always been my passion. I’m not into acting because I want to be famous,” Oma added.
Oma, who is currently holidaying in New York, studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port-Harcourt, Rivers State. Her quest for professional excellence took her to the New York Film Academy, shortly after her youth service in 2008. She, however, returned to the country few years later to re-launch her acting career.

A foremost Nigerian music star, Innocent Idibia, aka 2face Idibia, yesterday, called on the Nigerian youth to avoid being used as political thugs in the 2015 general elections, saying such would amount to a betraying their future.

The Artiste, who made the clarion call in Kaduna while featuring in a ‘Vote not fight’ campaign organized by a nongovernmental organization, Youngstars Foundation and supported by National Democratic Institute (NDI), also tasked every eligible Nigerian to go out and vote candidates of their choice during the forthcoming general elections.

According to the Executive Director of 2Face Foundation, the time has come for the youth to take their rightful positions by first registering with any political party of their choice in order to have a platform to contest any elective office in the nation’s political realm.

“We want the youth to know that they are betraying their future and generations after them, if they sell their vote. I’m encouraging them to participate fully in the nation’s politics and they should go and registered with any political party of their choice as a platform,” he stressed.

The Programme Manager of NDI, Machill Manidu Maxwell told the gathering that his organisation was interested in the democratic process in Nigeria because about 64 million Nigerians are youths and as such, if they are ready to turn things around for good, they can achieve it, saying the higher the number, the louder the voice.

He said: “Nigeria is one of the 65 countries that NDI is present and our aim is to promote citizen participation in electoral process, especially the youth who really have to take the lead to see that elections are peaceful at all times.”

Earlier, the Chief Organiser, Kingsley Bangwell said the essence of the programme was to see the young people driving the course by been ambassadors of peace, describing them as critical stakeholders in the electoral process.

NOLLYWOOD star actress, Stephanie Okereke-Linus, has lent her weight to the Queen’s Young Leaders Awards campaign, a crusade established by The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, in partnership with Comic Relief and The Royal Commonwealth Society.

“The search is on right now in Nigeria to find the next Queen’s Young Leader.  It’s a really exciting opportunity,” the actress said.

According to her, the campaign invites young Nigerian leaders to be recognised for their brilliance and community engagement.

In July, 2014, Prince William and Prince Harry launched The Queen’s Young Leaders Awards, a programme aimed at identifying, celebrating and nurturing inspirational young people across the Commonwealth nations, who are making a difference in their communities.

“Young people have the ideas, energy and talents to make a big difference in the communities, where they live and across the Commonwealth. However, they are rarely given the opportunities and resources to make their vision of the future a reality. The Queen’s Young Leaders programme has been created to help change this,” she explained.

Winners will receive their awards from Her Majesty, The Queen, and will be rewarded with a bespoke package of mentoring, training and networking, which will help them realise their full potentials.

IN a night of glitz and razzamatazz attended by over 400 hundred guests, Globacom subscribers were recently treated to top-notch entertainment at the unveiling of Glo Prive at the Expo Hall of Eko Hotel, Lagos.

Multi-talented guitar maestro, Bez Idakula, performed four of his popular numbers, including the monster hit, Stupid Song, which got some members of the audience dancing.

The dance drama tagged Full Circle presented by Terra Kulture was the icing on the cake of the night as the 50-member cast took attendees on a century- long odyssey of epic musicals in an ancient and modern alternative format.

The dance drama, which opened with a classroom setting of medical students attired in white overcoats and discussing the usefulness of music, dove-tailed into a rendition of a popular Yoruba folklore music, Epo nbe.

Whilst the students were singing, their lecturer sauntered into the classroom to ask for the definition of anatomy. The students gave unsatisfactory answers, which led to an extended dialogue on the composition of music between the students and their lecturer.

The lecturer reminisced about Moremi, a song composed by the late Duro Ladipo as well as the philosophical melodies by the late Hubert Ogunde to which his students countered with a beautiful and choreographed rendition of Diana Ross’ He lives in you. It then morphed into a graphic display of dances across the ages, with appropriately dressed dancers performing Tango, Twist, Tch-Cha, capping it with the modern chicken dance.

This kaleidoscopic exploration of music and dances across the years with matching costumes was greeted with applause and the drama gave vignettes of artistes like Osibisa with the ipi tombi rendition, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Kenny Rodgers and a re-enactment of love scenes from “Grease” and “Saro, the musical”.

By far, the biggest surprise of the evening was the performance of Ego Ogbaru with her former leader, Lagbaja, through a duet and collabo on the popular Always on My Mind song.

FUNMI Fiberesima’s Onikola, a film on genital mutilation, made its way to the theatre on Sunday, October 5, when it premiered in style at the Ikeja City Mall, Lagos.

Written by Gbenga Adesanya, Steve Anu Adesemoye and Abosede Oshin, Onikola featured stars like Ronke Ojo ( Oshodi Oke), Ibrahim Chatta, Sunday Afolabi,  Dejumo Lewis, Bunmi Olatilewa and Tola Oladokun.

Set in Iseyin in Oyo State, Onikola directed by Dotun Taylor is a fiction film that has the feel and workings of real life situation.

Movie pundits agree that Onikola has immediate relevance to the Nigerian society because it brings to light the harmful side effects of female genital mutilation.

As this year’s edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) draws near, the Chief Executive Officer( CEO) of the festival, Chioma Ude, speaks with OVWE MEDEME on sundry issues, including her other dreams. 

COULD you share with me the circumstance surrounding the birth of AFRIFF?

I’ve always loved films. I believe I have a great organisational skill and I am very creative. I was the local producer for the ION, the international travelling festival. When it ended, Marcus, who was exceptionally key to making sure this film festival is realised, was a commissioner at the time. I was on my way to work when he called me to say that I am blessed with what is called people’s skill. He, therefore, advised me to put a film festival together and bring it to him, promising that he would push it. I did the work and it was Marcus who carried my proposal to the Governor whom I had never met before then. He fought a great battle for that thing to happen.

So, how has the journey been, four years after?

It has been awesome. It is hard in the background for me, but I will say that this year has been phenomenal, in terms of goodwill.   A lot of people are coming on board, saying the vision has been improving beyond some levels and beyond film producers, thereby making them have a different experience. When you situate this against what we want to do as a company, I believe we are on a path to better things.

To me, it all starts from the structure, particularly when you do things well. I can’t own a film festival and think that I can run it on my own.  So, I have other brains, like a media person. Besides, I am not the Creative Director. There is so much grace, but we all bring everything of what we have together to make it huge. AFRIFF is not about me. Many minds came together working actively to make it what it is today. Whenever you run something solely, it will all be your mind and your vision; so, it doesn’t grow bigger than you.

What are your expectations for this year’s festival?

That question should be for the people coming. Nevertheless, I know what I have in mind.

In that case, what are you offering?

I am offering a lot. I am very happy with the coming in of Relativity Studio. To me, that is huge. Things like this make me very happy. So, we have a big studio coming on board to say they want to be part of us. They want contents, so they came to the continent, chose three festivals to run it and we are one of them because we are structured. Apart from this, they believe they can get things and run them through us.

They want to buy contents, they want to meet actors and actresses and they want to be a part of the film industry here.  So, who is benefiting?  It is the film industry. From next year, there will be a film and content market. So, it is a huge export platform for people. TV stations are going to be involved. Then, my wonderful young students, whom I love so much, are going to be trained and the best set will be selected. They are students who probably haven’t travelled out before, but who will be going to America to study.

What is the training all about?

This year, I know we have directing classes- we always have directing classes. We also have Master classes, though I don’t know what this will be this year. As I said, we run this festival as a huge family, so everybody with a specialty comes on board. We have three people who are working on developing the content market. So, these are the aspects of training that will be happening. I know that scriptwriting and acting will be a part of it because the foundation sponsoring that beat has contacted certain people.

Your Creative Director, Keith Shiri, is widely read. How did you get him to be part of AFRIFF?

He tracked me down every year, saying he wanted to work with me. Finally, we met last year in South Africa. The lady who normally does the job for the festival had called to say she had some other commitments. At that time, he was just there trailing me and the lady also suggested him. She gave me two names and I gave the job to him. The lady called back about a week later to say she wanted the job back, but I told her I had already given it out. He directed it last year and I would say I am so lucky to have him.

The opening film last year was Of Good Report…

(Cuts in) Because of that film, Cannes Film Festival tweeted to us and Toronto Film Festival also did a full page on AFRIFF.

How did you discover Xolile Tshabalala whom you appointed as Goodwill Ambassador for the festival?

Her name was suggested in one of our meetings by the director of Ije, Chineze Anyaene. So, I called her and we spoke like we had known 100 years ago. I couldn’t make the Durban Film Festival, but those who met with her said she was awesome. She is very much like Rita Dominic, who is awesome and beautiful.

How have you been funding the festival?

Last year was the first time I actually got to watch the closing ceremonies because we brought in a company to handle that. It is a lot of work, as I said. When you open it up to a lot of people and you don’t see it as a money-making venture, the money will come, sometimes down the road. From next year, we will start taking registration fees. For now, we don’t do that. It is the only festival in the world that does not take registration fees. We will start it on a low scale. But for now, I spend everything and more, just to teach people and let them know what the festival is about as well as its benefits. There is so much connection and networking done in the festival.

In what ways would you say the festival has contributed to the growth of the movie industry in Africa?

You know what made me exceptionally happy last year? When the festival ended, a lot of people sent messages to say a Nigerian film has opened a festival. For a Nigerian film to open a festival, it has to be of a certain standard.

With structure comes standardisation. A guy, who came from Canada, said that when he got back, the first thing he would do was a short film because he wanted to come back for the festival. So, we have people wanting to do more; we have better films and we can see how it impacted on the people in Calabar, even if it is just those selling recharge cards. On a larger scale, the festival itself has been awesome.

Are you thinking of sponsoring a film project?

No, I am very tired. I always get that, but no. I’ve helped a few people source for funds for their films though. I am not into filmmaking, but we hope we will be the ‘back-enders’ that help improve the industry. It doesn’t mean that I will not have the urge to do it one day. I’m never going to direct a film; I’m never going to act. In fact, I’m the lousiest person on stage. One thing bothers me: the two or three minutes I have to climb on the stage and give a speech.

Are there plans to institutionalise the festival?

It’s already being done and that is why it is taking so much. When you put some processes and strategies in place, then, it works. Something can happen to me today. The only missing gap is that none of them can raise funds yet and I don’t know why they always look to me for that. But in contents and putting other things together, everybody has a role to play. And it is not like I pay them much.

Mahmood Ali-Balogun is very angry that we are not calling him enough. Yet, he gives his services free and that is because he understands. Most of them recognise the fact that it will help the film industry.  So, it is not about one person.

With various sections in the Nigerian movie industry, how does AFRIFF negotiate ethnic affiliations?

Remember it is an African international film festival.  So, that we are calling it African means that ethnicity does not come into play. It is just about submitting movies, hoping it is done well and has been part of the competition.

What is your field of study?

I studied marketing and I have a logistics company

How do you maintain your beauty?

Am I beautiful? I don’t know how. I exercise four times in a week. I have a gym guy, Howard, who comes to the house- he was at the festival last year. If I don’t exercise for some days, I will fall sick. But then, let’s not deceive ourselves. If I open my phone and show you my sisters and brothers, we are all skinny. It is also in the genes. My brother is 45 years old and he looks younger than me.

Are there plans of making it a touring festival?’

Never! It is our own. Tinapa is God’s blessing to us. When we went to Durban, we saw this big outdoor screen, so we bought one. It is humungous and it will be there.

WHEN Nollywood star actress, Genevieve Nnaji, launched her music career with a single titled No More some years back, it was greeted with flak both by her fans and critics.

It was obvious then that they were not ready to give her any benefit of the doubt.

After that failed attempt, the actress simply bowed out of the music scene, as earlier foretold by critics.

However, emerging reports indicate that the multi-award winning actress might still dabble into music, if the right song comes along.

 In a recent interview, she was quoted as saying that “I think everything comes at its own time; fashion is here at its own time. I don’t fight anything and I don’t believe I must do everything. But if the right song comes and the right situation arises for me to lend my voice, I will definitely do. So, I have not ruled out music again.”

 With the way the actress recently revived her clothing line, St Genevieve, amid pomp and ceremony, fans of the actress should definitely be expectant of another single from her.

FOR some time now, Tolulope Oluwole, one of the emerging Afro/ highlife singers on Myche Entertainment Industries Limited, has been serenading music fans with her soar-away single, Konkolo. For the 32-year-old graduate of Accounting from the Osun State College of Technology, Esa Oke, music is her strong platform of preaching messages to the world. But her forte is love songs, and she is unapologetic about it.

C-Gold, who hosted the first edition of Colour Sings National Talent Hunt Season 1 in 2013, started her romance with music started in her church, C n S Movement, Ayo Ni O. Over the years, she has improved on her art. No wonder, she said Konkolo, which is currently enjoying impressive air play, was inspired when her husband, a businessman, travelled out of the country and she was missing him.
Born of a clergyman father, C-Gold, whose nine year-old marriage is blessed with two children, further explained that her seeming obsession with love songs dates back to her childhood when she used to watch the late filmmaker and singer, Adeyemi Afolayan, popularly called Ade Love. Emphasising her versatility, C-Gold, who described herself as very romantic, said: “I can do all genres of music. But love songs are what I have always dreamt of since my childhood. So, I practically want to be a love artiste. God is love, so expressing that love in a decent way is in order. Even between you and your friend, you can still express love.” When asked if her fans will not be tired of listening only to love songs, C-Gold, who also plays the keyboard, said she is very diversified. This, according to her, is evident in her other love song, Lekeleke.
In some sense, the beautiful singer is also blessed with leadership skill. She currently leads a 12-member band dominated by males. “I decided to keep only one female in the band because of the peculiarity of our engagement. Also, I have realised that the men are able to catch up with the songs faster. Besides, it involves a lot of rehearsals,” she said.

Up-and-coming actress, Linda John, obtained a degree in English Language from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). In this interview with DUPE AYINLA-OLASUNKANMI, she talks about her movie, Mama G Goes Mad, and other issues. Excerpts: 

HOW long have you been acting?  I have actually been acting for about three years now. Within this little period of time, I have done quite well for myself. Though it is a tedious work, I can never complain because I enjoy what I am doing.

What really attracted you to Nollywood in the beginning?

Modelling made me embrace the Nigerian movie industry. I never thought I was going to become an actor, but my love for modelling made it possible. I got a job to play the role of a model in a movie titled The Models. I interpreted the character very well and that was when producers, directors and marketers started calling me for jobs. So, I had no choice, but to answer the call.   Since I started acting, I have not had any regrets.

 What will you describe as your unique selling point, since you operate in a very competitive industry, so to say?

My selling point is my legs. So, I would say that has been the attraction so far. My legs always give me away because they are attractive.  Apart from this, creativity also makes me stand out. My ability to create something out of the script is what has stood me out in Nollywood and that is something most people don’t know about me.

 How far do you intend to push your career?

I want to be in the category of what the so- called ‘A’ list actors in Nollywood. In fact, I am pressing myself very hard to get to that level. I know the people in that category didn’t just get there in a day; it took hard work and staying focus. I will be emulating some characters of those I see as good role models. And I know with God, I will also get to that same level.  These people are known home and abroad. Yes, I hope to feature in Hollywood movies someday and I know with determination and hard work, I will also get there.

 Who are your mentors in the industry?

Well, I don’t want to mention names. All I can say is that I know my mentors and they know me. As I said earlier, they are people whom I see good character in them. They are also people who have been able to withstand the test of times and are called the founders of Nollywood.

 Talking about inner beauty, what is it about you apart from what we are seeing?

My character is my inner beauty. I am a very humble person and humility is what has brought me this far.

 Who has influenced your life so far?

My family members have influenced me in so many ways. I am who I am today because of my family and what they stand to believe about me, despite the fact that this career has its ups and downs.

 What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice I have ever received is from me. By this, I mean it is to stick to what works for me. I recite it every day and it is the reason I have been able to succeed in whatever I do. I don’t do things because other people are doing it; rather, I do it because it works for me. That has been my guideline so far and it has been of great help. What I have come to discover is that, you are the only person who can tell yourself the truth.

 As an actress, are you not bothered that marriages of most celebrities don’t last?

I’m not scared because I know who I am. It all depends on the individual. All marriages have problems, but it depends on how you handle it. It is one thing to be famous, but it’s another thing to be able to manage the fame. Most celebrities can’t manage stardom, which is why some of them have broken marriages.

 What kind of men are you attracted to?

Well, that is my private life and I don’t talk about it in the public.

 What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done in your career?

The craziest thing I’ve ever done was jumping from the trunk of a car. I wanted to make the scene look real, but I fell badly and sustained a lot of injuries. It was terrible, but that didn’t make me give up; rather, it only made me stronger after recovery.

 When did you start producing and how many movies have you produced so far?

I ventured into movie production in 2013. Since then, I have produced two films. One of them, Mama G Goes Mad, is out already and it is well received. The other one is still under production, and I hope it also gets good audience when it hits the shelves.

 What are the titles of some of the movies you have done?

I have featured in quite a number of movies, including Bloody Carnival, Thanks for Coming, Moving Party, Gallant Babes, Pool Divers, Mud Of Hardship, Tears Of A Mad Woman, Desperate Queens, Child Seller, Mama G Goes Mad and King Of Abba, among others. For three years now, it has been all about movies. So, now, apart from acting, I also produce.

RISING Afro-pop star, Mr 2Kay, has teamed up with dancehall star, Patoranking, in his new hit single, Bad Girl Special.

The new song, recorded in Nigeria and produced by Ayzed, has been described as a melodious track and a fusion of Afro-pop and dancehall.

In a statement by the PR representative of the Port Harcourt, Rivers State-born singer, “Both Mr 2Kay and Patoranking sing about a special girl and express their love for the ladies. And with melodious chords, heavy kick and bass line playing through the track, you will find yourself dancing to this new hit.”

The release of Bad Girl Special is coming on the heels of the successful exploit of Mr 2Kay’s Summer Girl (Samba) single, which received massive support from major radio and television stations in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. The single also enjoyed support from key UK radio stations, such as 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, BBC Radio Nottingham, BBC Radio Merseyside, BBC Radio Derby, BBC Radio Northampton and Bang FM.

The Grafton Records artiste said the video of Bad Girl Special, which is still in the making, would be premiered soon.

For some time now, Loopy Records honcho, Jude Abaga, aka MI, has been absent from the music scene, fuelling rumours that he was done with music.

However, in a recent interview, the award-winning rapper revealed the reason for his absence and why he hadn’t released an album for a long time.

According to him, certain changes that occurred within his label were responsible for the break.

“Chairman is a song I released last year. The following day after its release, a couple of changes started happening in the label. First was my brother, Jesse Jagz, who wanted to leave, but I didn’t know about it. We discussed it and I understood where he was going with that. But it just sort of changed the dynamic of the label. Usually, when you are producing music and relying on people, you might need some time to reassess and come back, when that changes. So, I was supposed to put out my album last year, but it was a good opportunity for me to reassess,” he said.

He further explained that after putting out Chairman, different opportunities came up, which kept him busy throughout last year. “I was travelling all over the place and didn’t have time to record. But this year, we made a conscious decision with my management that I am not going to do anything until this album is done.

“I released this ambiguous statement that I’m done. I’m sorry. I just wanted to get their attention. You see, the election season is around the corner and I wanted to put out these images that will tell young people before they start advertising to you to vote rightly,” he added.

It was a gathering of leading lights in the showbiz industry last Tuesday, at the Royal Events Center, Ikeja, Lagos, where career experiences and knowledge took the center stage.

Tagged ‘Network Conference 2014’, the event, the first in the series, was put together by James ‘Abinibi’ Alabi, Founder of Abinibi Multimedia.

Speakers at the event include multiple award-winning singer, Sound Sultan; foremost comedian Ali Baba and colleague, Julius Agwu; Founder/CEO BHM Group Ayeni Adekunle Samuel; ace photographer Don Barber; Nollywood filmmaker Kunle Afolayan and Executive Director, 141 Worldwide, Sulaiman Momoh.

The motivational and inspiring sessions charged attendees on the need to strive to be professionals and get better at whatever they do.

According to the convener of the conference, the network which attracted creative practitioners from graphics, animation, advertising, makeup, fashion, web design, photography and printing spheres, “ also serves as a platform for them to exhibit, discuss their portfolios and network freely unhindered by socioeconomic barriers.”

According to Abinibi, “those that missed out on the event can follow it up on Twitter with the hashtag #theNetworkNigeria, and join in the conversation.”

Micheal Achu, winner of the just-concluded Star The Winner Is, was the cynosure of all eyes last Friday, as he was presented with his prize of N10million and a brand new 2014 Volkswagen CC. Not just that, Achu’s package also came with a recording deal with Universal Records, as announced by Nigerian Breweries Plc., organisers of the music game show.

Apparently overwhelmed, he screamed several times, shedding tears of joy, as friends and relatives gathered to share the glorious moment with him.

The well-attended event which held at the Nigerian Breweries Bar, Iganmu, Lagos, was also attended by fans of the show and officials of sponsoring company. Notable celebrities at the event include show host Uti Nwachukwu, former Mr. Nigeria Bryan Okwara, Yaw, Dotun, Temi and Mannie of cool FM, Chris Ihidero Destiny Amaka and OluwaseunP amongst others.

Interestingly, another lucky winner emerged at the victory party, when Uti Nwachukwu hosted a mini Star The Winner Is, by conducting a duel round between two guests; Kenny Blaize and Belinda, with the latter coming tops and smiling home with a prize of N50, 000.

Although the maiden season of Star The Winner Is has come and gone, viewers have not stopped talking about the twist that gave Achu the enviable diadem.

Achu and co-finalist, Job Idoko were offered N2 million to walk away or wait to see the 101 Jury results which would reveal who actually won the duel round.

Apparently, Job fell more to the pressure and walked away with the money – this automatically qualified Achu as winner of Star The Winner Is Season 1.

However, when the real result was revealed, it turned out that Job had higher votes, but it was late, as he had forfeited his spot to Achu.

That way, Achu became the crowned winner of the first season of Star The Winner Is.

A contestant in the ongoing Gulder Ultimate Search (GUS) reality show, Chinedu  Ubachukwu, has advised friends and family members to think deeply before applying for GUS in the future.

According to the University of Port Harcourt graduate, would-be contestants must brace up for tough times, as staying in the jungle could be very harsh and unpleasant.

Ubachukwu, who is a member of the Orange team in the 11th season of the show, stressed that he would discourage loved ones from competing on the show.

He said: “To be sincere, if I should leave here, I won’t advise a loved one to come here. But the loved one may think I don’t want him to progress in life. Because he or she may think that I’ve come and I’ve made it and I don’t want him or her to make it. But here in the jungle, it is really tough.”

Ironically, the graduate of Petroleum and Gas Engineering had dreamt of being in the jungle for the show, ever since he was young. It would be recalled that prior to entering the Aguleri forest, he said, “Gulder Ultimate Search is the first reality show I grew up watching and I have always admired the participants and I have always imagined myself in the jungle. I’m so happy and feel so fortunate to have made the last 14 this year.”

Otto Canon is another contestant who only got on the show after four unsuccessful attempts. He too, admits that competing on the programme is very tough. “There’s so much difference between watching Gulder Ultimate Search on TV and experiencing it in reality. When you watch the show on TV, you really can’t tell what the feelings are like.”

On his experience this far, Canon said: “I’ve come to appreciate food so much that the least piece of rice or gari means so much to me right now. At home, I don’t eat left over gari, but right now, I don’t care. At home, I’m very conscious of the water I drink. I will rinse the tumbler which I want to use to drink water, because I am particular about the tumbler being clean. Right now, I am very comfortable drinking water from the stream. The jungle is a place that humbles you and kills your pride.”

Sharon Robinson, who finally got in after failing twice challenged anyone who thinks that GUS is easy to fill in the form and try next year.

Evidently, life in the jungle has been a stark contrast to the luxuries of city life which the contestants are used to. The 14 contestants have had to depend on rain and stream water to quench their thirst, even after competing in grueling games. Their sleep has been cut short when it rains, because the palm fronds which serve as the roof of their huts sometimes fails to provide them the needed cover.

The contestants have had to depend on palm kernels and ‘baby’ sugarcane which sprout from the grounds not too far from their jungle abode.

Dr. Ikenna Emedike, one of the contestants, incurred the wrath of the Council of Elders and was almost evicted for taking cassava without authorisation. His action was considered as stealing. He gave the excuse of hunger and the desperate need to survive in the jungle.

“When I was walking to the stream, I saw a heavily weeded farm looking like it had been abandoned for years. So I looked at it carefully and when I saw there was a cassava sprout, I felt it was abandoned. If it had been properly weeded, I wouldn’t have touched it. However, I admit stealing it, because it wasn’t my farm. It was just about survival,” he said.

Notwithstanding, the show anchor man, Chidi Mokeme, described his act as shameful. Ikenna, alongside Otto Canon, his partner in the Indigo team, however appealed for forgiveness from the rest of the clan. Even though they were forgiven, the team lost three points.

For the first time on the show, contestants were paired into groups of two members each. They were asked to pick up circular objects from a calabash and the two that picked the same colour formed a clan. There were seven colours in all – representing the colours of the rainbow. They were also instructed to wear colour-matching bandanas provided for them at all times.

While the Indigo Team is made up of Otto Canon and Ikenna Emedike, the Blue team has Addoh Evi and Iroh Noella. Blessing Eriata and Loretta Erijakpor formed the Green team; Sandra Nwagbagiro and Chinedu Ubachukwu made up the Orange team; Samantha Appi and Sharon Robinson are the Red team; Emmanuel Afolabi and Joshua Nwagboso are the Yellow team, while Iwuoha Ikenna and Cosy Joe formed the purple team.

The teams would garner points from various tasks, with the winning team getting seven points while the losing team would be awarded one point.

After four games, Team Blue currently leads with an overall score of 22 points, followed by Indigo which has 19 points. Teams Purple, Orange and Yellow currently occupy the third, fourth and fifth positions with 17, 15 and 11 points respectively. The Red team is in sixth position with 10 points while the Green team is the lowest ranked with six points.

The show airs daily on African Magic World (DSTV), Real -Stars (Star Times), Minaj TV Obosi (Terrestrial), Ebony Life TV (DSTV), Galaxy TV (Lagos, Ibadan and Ondo), Hip TV (DSTV & GoTV), Nigezie (Star Times) and WapTV (Star Times) from 10pm to 11pm, and on the AIT Network (Terrestrial) from 10:30pm to 11:30pm.