Boobs, bums, pretty face and intelligence attract me to girls — Mode 9

He is Olusegun Babatunde. But since he did some magic with the scientific calculator function, Mode, and the number 9, a friend re-christened him Mode 9.
That was way back in 1992 while studying Building Technology at Bida Polytechnic, Niger State. Though he made the best result in his class, the certificate is resting but not the name.

Rap music has always been his thing. Today, with some albums and singles to his name, many followers of this traditionally tense genre of music see him as an icon. Mode 9 loves James Brown, listens to Asa and prefers a discman to an i-pod.

He met with Amaka Agwuegbo, waxed philosophical, remains enigmatic

Mode 9, Olusegun Babatunde.while breathing fire and yet shows depth.

Do you wear names?

I wear Academics, South Pole and some other American jeans. But I have a tailor who sews them if I can’t get my size in the market. Basically, for fragrance, I use BOD, though I have Issey Miyake, Hugo Boss.

I also mix three different fragrances of BOD so as to confuse people

What do you do when you are not busy being Mode 9?

Mode 9 and Segun are one and the same person. There is a song in my album called Mathematical Sege. So I guess Mode 9 and Segun are fused into one.

What attracts you to people?

I like easy going people who smile a lot, people who are positive. Hanging around people who are always saying negative things actually spoils the fun for the positive people. If you have one negative person in the midst of five positive people, the negative person can affect them because the negative traits are stronger than the positive one. I like being optimistic.

What attracts you to the opposite sex?

Ah! The boobs, bums, pretty face and intelligence. Those physical things you can see will attract me first. But if the person is not intelligent, that is when the issue starts. If you can’t hold on to a normal conversation, that means you are boring.

hmmmm...mode 9...okay...

At times, you might see a chick and she is so hot, but when you just hang out with her, and she is boring, you might not want to call her again.

But if I am stuck with a boring chick, it’s not a problem. Let the person sit her boring ass down and listen to me.

That was hard, what!This Modenine guy is something else.

What is your definition of wealth?

Wealth is when you are happy and content. To an extent the physical cash counts. But you have to be content with who you are, what you are doing and with your surrounding and be happy. If you have all the money and you do not let the people around you benefit, you are going to be lonely, sad and mentally broke.

When you have money, you long to have more and when you have more, you want to have power and that destroys people. I’ve seen a lot of rich people become poor because of this.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I listen to a lot of old school songs and I hang around with the right and intelligent people. Sometime, I just travel and hang out with some much older friends.

Some are professors. I listen to them and I also learn from their experiences and theories. For instance the song Fellow Nigerians, was inspired by such discussion on the state of the nation.

I sampled a speech from an ex-Head of State, Murtala Mohammed and not Gen. Sani Abacha like so many people say. A friend got the speech from an old radio station and I converted it to CD and was able to use it.

If you were not Mode 9, what would you have been?

I would have been a building technologist because that was what I studied in school.

What are your fantasies?

(Laughs) Trust me, you don’t want to know. Not when I want this to be readable for kids.

What is the wildest thing you have ever done?

I’m not a wild person, just very conservative. Well, in primary school, we had this bubble gum vending machine that brings out gums when you slot-in coins. So my friends and I would go steal the plastic coins we had in the school to get gums from the machine.

The teachers were wondering where the plastic coins were all disappearing to. We did this for three days till I thought that it was too good to be true so I stopped. But my friends still went to get more gums and they were caught.

In your adult life, no wild thing?

Ok, though this may not be seen as crazy, but I consider it bold. During the ThisDay show and without any tag, I snuck in because the security was tight and I was not invited.

I was at Eko Hotels when Snoop Dog’s people showed up and were to go to the venue. I entered the bus and sat down confidently. The driver thought I was with ThisDay while Snoop’s guys were talking to me like I was a staff of ThisDay.

When we got to the venue, I pretended to be an American with Snoop’s band and was talking with the American accent and that was how I entered. This was in 2006 and I wasn’t that popular then.

If you were to dress corporately, what kind of suit would you prefer?

I like the Malcolm X type of old school suits with nice sharp cuts, white shirt, black tie that will give you that straight business look. With glasses too. That’s actually what I’m going to wear in one of the videos for my new album.

And I’ll be looking out a window, like his famous picture where he was looking out the window with a gun; but I’m not going to hold any gun. The album is called Paradigm Shift and it will be released on the 09-09-08. There is going to be problem that day and a lot of people will quit rap because of my songs.

You make so much reference to Malcolm X is he your role model?

Actually, he is one of them. The reason I like him is because he knew when to mix an equal amount of violence with peace. You can’t be telling someone not to sit down there and the person still sits. You have to whoop his ass with a big stick. So if the person doesn’t move, you move him.

Not that I am an advocate of violence. But some people have a lot of ear wax. They don’t want to listen. So until you coerce them, they don’t listen and you would not have to do that again because they know what can happen when they refuse to do the right thing.

How would you rate the Nigerian music industry since anybody can just walk into a studio and record something?

I’m a freak when it comes to lyrics because I love to hear stuffs that make sense. If I understand the language, I pay attention to make sense out of what you are saying. When the Tribesmen first came out with Shake Body. I listened to it and knew that they could rap and were getting their message across.

Right now, the industry is growing and the videos are getting fantastic. I can’t tell anyone not to sing, but I think there is the need for quality control in terms of our output. You’ll be amazed that some singers with hit tracks will not know what to do when called on to perform because they are not seasoned artistes.

When we started, it was from cassette – recording instrumentals on cassettes. Not even our instrumentals, but those of other artistes, and we will give such to DJs who will play them and we will rap and rock the crowd with vocals over the instrumentals. Or we could go to shows and ask the DJ if he has instrumentals which we can rap to.

But now, most singers mime to their songs because they are studio mix. How can an artiste like that perform internationally except to go make a fool of us?

When I performed in South Africa, it was stated in the contract that artistes should only perform to backing tracks and not to the track. If I were one of those that mime their songs, I would have been in trouble.

Why are there lots of almost naked girls in most musical videos?

The truth is that I like the naked girls. There is nothing wrong with using pretty ladies in your videos and they are not naked as they have something on and they look good. There has to be the ying and the yang so that things would be balanced.

The only problem is when you start over-doing it and everybody starts doing the same thing, using the same gimmick and it becomes boring. Why use cars that you are not driving and ladies you can’t talk to after the video shoot?

When you look at the Nigerian youth, what do you see?

I see people who are really ambitious but are kind of like sleeping on the fact that they need to work hard. Back in the days, the Nigerian youth just wanted to get good jobs after school, but today’s Nigerian youth wants to live large but do not want to work for those good things of life. I advise that they look beyond wealth because it is not every rich person that is happy.

Could you elaborate more on dissing in the music industry?

Dissing is hip hop as you have to assert your position in the industry because if you are weak, people will mess you up. So you have to let them know that nobody can mess with you. I am not dissing any body though. But I have to let them know that if they mess with me, I’ll make them look stupid and their career will end.

If you were to do a collabo with an international artiste, who will it be?

Nas, because I have been down with him since 1991.

Hmm..Okay. What do you think? The guy is blunt sha, but i still like him even though am not a fan of rap. I find his style appealing and unique, what do u think?

Why I rarely visit Nigeria –Asa

Soul artiste, Asa, is one of Nigeria’s biggest raves of the moment. However, while many Nigerians love her music, she had remained abroad, at least, until she appeared at a concert in Lagos last weekend.

But just as her numerous fans at home were thinking that it would be an opportunity to interact with her, they were hit with the information that the ticket for the concert, sponsored by HiTV, Guiness, GTB and Air France, would sell for N15,000!

Still, the pricey ticket did not deter the fans who had longed to see her for years. In fact, the venues of the two-day concert were filled to to the brim.

The first show, which was held at the Civic Centre, was lovely. Asa did not disappoint the crowd.

The second show at Expo Hall, Eko Hotel, was equally impressive. In fact, guests trooped in even before the scheduled 6p.m. kick-off time. But the enthusiastic guests were told that the show would not start until 7 p.m. Again, the guests demonstrated loyalty by staying put. Many of them waited in their cars while others sat in the coffee shops at the hotel until the concert.

Speaking to Life and Beat later, Asa said she hadn’t been coming home often because of her tight schedule.

“I just returned from Japan four days ago. I will be going back, and I have to tour South Africa, Italy and America again.”

The gist going round is that Asa does not honour invitations from concert organisers in Nigeria because they can hardly pay her fees. But Asa refuted it, saying, “I couldn’t have said that. My schedule has been very tight. That is just the reason why I don’t come home often.”


Source: Nonye Iwuagwu

Van Vicker-Interview

Van Vicker is one busy man. Trying to catch up with him was like playing musical chairs. One minute we’d be on and the next he’d have one phone call after another to answer. It may sound like the life of all these celebrity divas we often hear about, but it was far from it. He apologized each time he was pulled away and when we finally got going, Van gave me his full attention. Can you believe that I had to convince him that he is sexy and a movie star?!

Van is so humble. He also showed me his sensitive side when we talked about his parents, wife, and daughters. I caught up with Van on the set of a movie he is currently filming in Nigeria with Desmond, Stephanie, Rita, Mercy and Ramzy. I have so much respect for Van, he talked to me till 3 am when he had to be up and back on the movie set by 7 am! Did you know that Van has a love for directing and is now directing his own movies? You may think you know all about this movie star but you don’t. Listen in and let Van fill you in on everything you didn’t know and always wanted to know

Jamati: How did you get into acting? Did you always know you wanted to be an actor?

It was not planned for. I guess because I had been a TV personality doing an entertainment program, the producer of the first film I played a lead in sort of believed I could do it and approached me. I agreed since I thought it was another challenge for me. I mean I’d already been on TV and on the radio I thought it was cool.

Jamati: So you were well known in Ghana already. Did it surprise you when you found that people all over the world were watching your movies and knew your name?

Yeah I was very surprised. I had no idea that was the case. You see I know I was doing the movies and all but I did not think I would make an impact on so many people. Not that I thought I was a bad actor but it just did not strike. I guess I just saw it as one of my numerous jobs.

Jamati: When did you realize that you were a movie star? Was there one particular moment?

I still don’t think I am such a big movie star like that but I think I got a taste of that when I started getting calls from around the world. I was thinking to myself, “Ok hold up, what is happening to me, my life?’” The taste of stardom became more real when I visited the USA. It was amazing to see people down the streets of Manhattan as busy as New York is, stopping me for autographs and to take photos. I was blown away but I TRY NOT TO LET IT GET TO MY HEAD! I think it is a blessing for me and I thank the people who have made me what I am.

Jamati: Your female fans really love you! What was the craziest thing a fan did in your presence?

Hmm, I am trying to think. I remember a lady in Minnesota started crying after she walked in the room I was to be in and they told her I was gone, she broke down in tears. And again in New York this lady just ran straight to me passing security and jumped in my arms. Another lady in New Jersey saw me at the post office and could not believe it and was just touching me all over to be sure and it was so funny. In Maryland, this lady would not come close to me because she did not want to spoil the moment of having to give me a hug so she just stayed away and breathing real hard until she could not hold it any more and then she sprung forward! All these moments I cherish and I want them all to know that whenever I see them I am confused myself and holding my breath as well.

Jamati: You’re a sex symbol. How do you handle that title?

I don’t think I am a sex symbol. What makes one a sex symbol?

Jamati: You have a wife and 2 kids. How have they adjusted to your success?

Yes I do have a wife and 2 kids and adjusting to my way of life has been a struggle, especially lately. I am here today and tomorrow I am there, talking to them on the phone and all. As for my wife, Adjoa, I think she is going through a lot but I can see she is a strong woman. I mean she has been used to me always being around and more like overnight everything changed. She is very understanding and it is amazing. I mean there are times where I get to Ghana today and I am on another flight the same day or the next day. God knew my destiny and just gave me the perfect one.

Jamati: You have a good woman.

Thank you.

Jamati: You have 2 daughters?

Yes, J’dyl is 4 years old and J-ian is going on 2 years.

Jamati: Are you a tough Dad or do they just give you those puppy dog eyes and you say yes to everything?

I don’t think I am a tough Dad but I don’t spare the rod. Whenever they get naughty and I spank them for any reason I feel like crying myself. It hurts me so much so see them cry even when it is not my fault. I want to be to them the Dad I never had. Not that I was brought up bad, actually my Mother is the best in the whole world for raising me the way she did, a single mother trying to make ends meet, making all the sacrifices so I could get good education. I just want my kids to have their Dad around because sometimes I feel I missed a part of growing up because my Dad was not there. He died when I was 6 years old.

Jamati: Where was your Dad from?

My Dad was Dutch from Holland. My mother is from Ghana and Liberia.

Jamati: Would you like to act in Hollywood?

A 13 year old boy he will tell you YYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSS! I mean it would be the height of my career. I am certain all actors over the world would want to be a part of Hollywood, for me it would be a dream come true and that will be a blessing to count everyday of my life. Can you make it happen? lol

Jamati: Sure…I can do anything! lol. It WILL happen, I know it!

AMEN!

Jamati: The African movie industry has grown to be global in the last few years and you have played a part in it…who doesn’t know about Raj, Ciara and Beyonce? lol What are your thoughts on the African movie industry?

My thoughts on the African movie industry are that WE ARE GETTING THERE. It’s taken us a while but only time can tell and I am glad to be a part of the revolution of African movies attaining that height. I think if we had the kind of sophisticated logistics to achieve some of the things we would want to do we would be good as gold.

Jamati: You’ve added Director and Producer to your resume. Can you tell me about the first movie you directed coming out in April?

Sure, Friday Night is my first ever produced movie. I directed it myself. I have a passion for directing. The movie will be released in April in the U.S. followed by releases in Ghana, Liberia, and then Nigeria. Nana Ama McBrown co-starred in it. It’s about four married men who do mischievous things on their traditional Friday nights outing. My character Pape has a hard time coming to terms with what goes on at these outings but when he finally decides to get mischievous, he ends up in a lot of trouble, including being on national television. This is the first of my many movies to come, by his grace I intend to produce at least 7 or 8 this year. Good stories, great acting.

Jamati: Congratulations on that! Do you have a favorite role in any of your movies that you have been in so far?

I can’t point out any particular one but I love a movie that brings a challenge with it.

Jamati: We’ve covered a lot but are there things about you that your fans may not know or that you would like them to know?

My website is under construction now and will be completed soon. The address is vanvickerlive.com. People can find all they will need to know, drop me an email, preview upcoming movies, premieres, when I will be in their city, and everything else. I also want people to know that the production house that is producing my movies is called Sky + Orange and the Marketer in the U.S. is called Black Star Entertainment. I want to urge all African movie distributors around the world to contact me at my website to get their share of [the]Van Vicker film collection.

I run a foundation called Van Vicker Foundation. I am trying to reach out to up and coming talents and the less fortunate with regards to movies. That website is under construction as well.

Jamati: Is the foundation in Ghana only?

Well two of the recipients were competitive and three honoree. For now it is registered in Ghana but I have intentions to register it in the U.S. and Liberia as well.

Jamati: Ignore me for a minute and talk to your fans.

Without you there would be no me. I appreciate all the love and I wish I could get all your autographs someday.

Jamati: Thank you so much Van for your time and for being so gracious. It was a true pleasure speaking with you. I wish you all the success in the world.

Apart from my families I want to appreciate a few people, Edward Nyarko (Mr. T), Diana Morris, African Queen (USA), Rabui (Sanga Entertainment) Mr. CNN, Mrs. Mary Cobblah (Coca Cola - Ghana), Yaw Nsarkor (Unilever), Talal Fattal (CEO, Metropolitan Television, Ghana), Salam (Venus Films, Ghana), Samuel (Miracle Films, Ghana) Joe (AA Production, Ghana), Kingsly (Divine Touch Production-Nigeria), TV3 - Ghana, Vibe fm - Ghana, Lintas Ghana Ltd, Chris Warlo (Liberia), Kojo Mensah (UN, Liberia), Celltel - Liberia, and all those who believe in me, I love you all.

Thank you and cheers. God bless and peace out!

Link-Jamat

Folks who have met him say he is very humble and down to earth, well i feel so too by reading this interview. BTW how does he hope to produce 7-8 movies within a year and he is supposed to direct, produce and also feature in them...that must be some magic and wouldnt creativity be dumped in the lakes by then?

Why 30 Days is politically charged –Ego Boyo

By Agency Reporter
Published: Sunday, 15 Jun 2008

Nigerians can now look forward to yet another masterpiece from ace movie producer, Ego Boyo. But viewers must be forewarned: the movie titled 30 Days is politically-charged.

Ego Boyo

The film that has already been viewed in London, Atlanta and Maryland, will premiere in Lagos on June 29. Educative and entertaining, it is set against the backdrop of a tense, corrupt political society, where several high ranking officials are assassinated one after another.

The movie features veteran actors such as Genevieve Nnaji, Joke Silva, CBA, Norbert Young, Segun Arinze, Kunle Coker, and rising stars like Najite Dede, Nkirukah Alintah, Kalu Ikeagwu and Iyabo Amoke.

Shot in Lagos and Abuja, 30 Days is a collaborative effort between Temple Productions and Native Lingua Films –– an American based film production company. The production team comprises seasoned professionals like Mildred Okwo, who wrote the screen play for the movie and made her directorial debut with the movie, Shona ”Cricket” Peters, Jonathan Gbemutor and Monica Orbe.

The movie centres on the life of young Kene Alumona (CBA), who returns to Nigeria for just 30 Days and is drawn into the exploits of a revolutionary group called FRACA, who are determined to rid society of corrupt politicians. A battle soon breaks out between the government forces and the group. Feelings and emotions became part of the intricacies, as a deep connection develops between the protagonist, Kene Alumona, and a leader of the group, Chinora Onu (Genevieve Nnaji).

On the political character of the work, Boyo declares, ”30 Days was borne out of the frustration with the political and economic situation in Africa and seeks to educate viewers on the need to take a stand in the fight against corruption. By bringing Mildred Okwo‘s vision of 30 Days to the big screen we hope to help build a better world for future generations.”

Temple Productions was established in 1996 to provide digital production services to the Nigerian film and television industry. It is owned and managed by Ego Boyo, a University of Benin alumnus, who made her professional debut as Anne Haastrope in the soap opera “Checkmate,” which ran to critical acclaim for five years on the NTA Network Service. She went on to star in the film Violated with Richard Mofe Damijo, Joke Silva and Mildred Iweka. ”Violated” was also her debut as a producer.

The Punch


Hopefully i would be at the premiere of 30 days and would then post pics and details...i would keep you guys informed sha but i aint gonna miss this, no way!

Sexual harassment is everywhere— Tonto Dikeh

By SAMUEL OLATUNJI
Sunday, June 15, 2008

Tonto Dike took the movie industry by storm. As a contestant in the reality show, Nigerian Movie star she impressed quite a number of people with her skills. She took her chances and today she is one of the most sought after actress. She spoke with Sunday Sun on acting, sexual harrasement and Love.
Where have you been, it seems you emerge from no no where?
I can’t really say where I’ve been but I can actually say where I am right now. That’s it

How come you emerge just like that?
I think it was just the right timing. God has everybody in mind and he has a particular time he wants you to hit your sky limit. I think that’s just what happens. Its Gods timing and I use Gods time wisely. I think that’s what happens

Do you plan for acting or acting just happened on you?
I planned for it. I waited for it, but growing up, I had divided attention. I had to go to school to read something good, I had to come out. In my third year I realized I still have a strong passion for it even if I go to school and have a degree, do everything I still would love to be part of acting

But you are still in school?
Yes, final year, petrol chemical engineering, Port Harcourt, rivers state university of technology

Why petrol chemical engineering?
I’ve always love the oil sector. That’s the only course I could read

Is that course not challenging for you as a woman?
No, it’s not because actually in my school I’m not the only woman studying that course. We have about a hundred and fifty female doing that course per year alone

And I’m sure you have bags of carryover?
Well, yeah. I don’t have carryover because I write my exams. When I have to read I read. It’s just like the saying that says give unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar. When I know I have to read I read, when I know I have to work I work.

So you’ve not had a single carryover?
I’ve never had a carryover in school before. I’ve had problems of missing result but that has been sorted out. Aside that, I’ve never had a carryover in school before

Are you in 2:1 now or 2:2?
I can't say until my result comes out

So you’ve been busy acting and never had a carryover?
No. I started acting in my year three. I think I worked hard in my first year.

Will you work in oil sector?
Not work, but I think I’m going to do something in the oil sector much later in the future. Maybe contract or something but I’ll love to do something in the oil sector

How do you balance the two, schooling and acting?
I can say it’s God. Its difficult, most especially when I stay in Lagos and my school is in Port Harcourt, but God has always been there for me

How do you cope?
When I have something to do in Port Harcourt I take a forty five minute flight there and come back
You said you’ve been dreaming of acting. There are millions of young girls out there dreaming of acting.

How come your own dreams come through?
I’ve always said that God has a time for everybody. It’s just identifying your purpose, telling God what you want and Him giving you the right timing. I am a very prayerful person. I came into the industry at a very right time. When I came into the industry was when everybody wanted to see something new on screen. I think that was the right time for me to come in. So it work with God and right timing

You started in 2006. How many have you done now?
I’ve done a lot. I can’t even count. If I say thirty two I might be wrong, If I say forty I might be wrong.

So your bank account is swelling?
(laughs)we thank God

Who gave you the break in acting?
It was the amaco companies that gave me the break

Which would you say is your most memorable moment?
It’s not out yet. It’s in epic. I’ve done it but it’s not out yet. I’ve done it with uche elendu, uncle peter edochie, a lot of people. It was directed by chichi

Aside that, which movie would you say gave you the break?
I can’t really say because, right from my first movie which was holy cross, a lot of people noticed me. As time goes on a lot of people, a lot of movies, so I can't really say for sure which one of them gave me the break and which is my most memorable.

How was it like on the set of yankee boys?
It was very good, I had fun. Even though it was more of a boy movie, a little or nothing did the girl had to play. It was a very wonderful set.

I’m sure you acted with heavy weight like that before?
Oh yeah, I have

Which actor I’ve you worked with that you liked?
It will be all of them, because I’m a very simple person. I’m a very very down to earth, simple, humble and honest person. Everybody I’ve worked with, I’ve always had a click.

Why didn’t your parent object your going into acting?
Of course they did. My father didn’t just like the idea but he didn’t talk about it like you shouldn’t. My stepmother has always been there for me, telling me that if that is what I wanted to do I should go ahead. Later, my father got used to the idea

How about your mum?
My mum is late. I lost my mum when I was three years old.

Has acting been fair to you?
Yes it has. I really thank God because I have not known hardship, I’ve not known struggle, I’ve not known what it is to be on a waiting list in nollywood, you know when you’ve to wait for your time to come. I just came in when the time was right

How did your path and the amaco brothers cross?
In amaa awards, after the next movie star in 2005 or 2006, I can’t remember. I was introduced to the amaco brothers and after some test they knew I had the potential. That was it.

Next movie award, what was your experience like. Did you ever felt disappointed that you did not emerge the winner?
I never felt disappointed because I’ve always had the winning spirit. Even if I don’t come out the first I’m still a winner. I’m still good at what I want to do. I was not disappointed. Moreover, the person who became the overall winner was a very good person.

I heard since you started acting you came into sudden wealth?
Laugh. Wealth is not something that happened today. I’m not going to talk much on that. I come from a background where we don’t lack. Making money on my own, yeah. Having my own money yeah.

Were you in Lagos before moving to Port Harcourt?
No, I’ve always been in Port Harcourt. My family is still in Port Harcourt.

So, when did you relocate to Lagos?
It was seven, eight months ago.

I learnt all the actors in nollywood has been harassing you sexually?
Laugh loud. That’s such a big lie. Everybody wants something good, it’s not bad but I don’t think that is going to happen

Will you date an actor?
Dating an actor is like dating any other guy. It’s just that he’s in the face of the public. If I’m in love with him, why not? I can date him. I mean if I get attracted to someone and I feel I might be able to fall in love with him. I’ll date him.

Who are you in love with?
Not in the industry. He’s a business man. Someday you’ll know something about that

Any plan for marriage?
Like I said I’m not the regular girl who’s going to lie because she’s taking an interview. I’m going to say it as it is. Its not my thing for now. Maybe in future, but for now I don’t.

Don’t you think you will be missing something if you are not married?
God has created a man and a woman for companionship, but God also created a woman fully and a man fully. God has given a woman and a man what it takes to be alone. Even if I don’t get married or I get married I’ll still have the satisfaction that I need. I’m not saying I’m not going to get married neither I’m I saying I’m too young to get married but for now it’s not my area of concentration

You will be missing a guy in bed?
Well, what makes you think the only thing a woman think of is going to bed. I’m not saying I wont get married.

Aren’t you missing some of those things already?
No I’m not because I have friends I can actually run to. I have a boyfriend I can actually run to. And cry if I want to cry.

What about going to bed?
Laughs. I’ll leave that for you to answer

Sexual harassment and the industry go hand in hand, what's your opinion?
Sexual harassment and human beings go hand in hand, sexual harassment and movie industry go hand in hand, and sexual harassment and music industry go hand in hand, sexual harassment and dance industry go hand in hand, sexual harassment and government industry go hand in hand. It’s everywhere my brother. It’s everywhere. Let’s not be quick to judge the movie industry that sex and the movie industry go hand in hand. It’s everywhere, among the rich, the average, and the drivers.

Then, how have you been coping with the one they’ve been throwing at you?
You handle it the way you want to handle it. I’ve been handling it very well, though I’ve had little or nothing of it.

What wouldn’t you do for love?
I haven’t thought about it.

What are the craziest things you’ve done for love?
I still can’t tell. I can’t really put a finger. I’m not sure.

How do you see love?
Love is crazy; love is something you can’t define. Love is something you can’t put your finger on. Love is don’t ask why you are in love. My first definition of love is to not ask why you are in love

Tell me about your family?
I have a very lovely family. I’m from rivers state, Ukoro, Port Harcourt. I grew up with my father and after a while my father got married to a very wonderful woman who has been all I want in a mother. She’s been a mother, everything. I’m from a very good Christian home. We are five from my mother.

What was growing up like?
Sometimes I actually sit down and I cry. The only reason I cry is that I wish I could go back to being a child. I wish I could feel the love, the attention and the care that I got when I was young. Growing up was everything that a child will dream of. My father really tried. He’s a very strong man, doing that alone for those long years. He actually got married in 1995 so you can imagine. I’m not the first born. I’m the third I have two younger ones

How old are you?
My birthday was on June 9, 1985

At 23 you live alone, how often does a guy sneak in?
How often do I even stay around? The time I stay around is probably on work or the other

How far can you go with a guy on a bed?
That is very private and I’m not going to answer that

If you are ask to describe yourself what would you say?
I will say Tomto Dike is a very wonderful girl, talented, God-fearing, beautiful woman. I’m not a very friendly person. I myself even admit. I’m a focused person. A lot of people will say bitchy but I’ll say strict.

What part of your body would you consider sexy?
I love my body, I love my lips, I love my eyes, I love my style. I think I love my lips so much

Will you do breast enlargement?
No, I’m endowed with it, so why should I?

from daily sun

I like her alot sha but she appears dodgy in this interview. Thought she was dating Don Jazzy, abi dem don break up? Cos here she says that her boyfriend is not in the industry...anyways good luck to her!

I was so skinny I had no boyfriend in secondary school –Kween

By ADEMOLA ALAWIYE
Published: Sunday, 15 Jun 2008

WHEN did you get into music?


I started in church; I was a choir member in the church. When I went to school in Abuja, I got a job with a band at Sheraton Hotel, where I worked for two-and-a-half years. But my first professional job is my first single, which was released in 2001 titled, Olurombi.

Why did you choose to become a musician?

I chose music because I discovered it early and it was what I wanted to do. I was in love with music early. I was so passionate about music so I decided to stick to it because, when you stick to what you love doing, you do it well.

We hear you are into fashion these days.

Everybody is into fashion, but if you say I want to start a fashion outfit, then, it‘s different. But my fashion line (K.Q.) is going to be ready soon. We are going to launch it soon. We are basically going to be dressing the ladies, grannies, mummies, gals and all of that. We are going to be dressing them trendy and everything has to do with African fabrics.

Will it not affect your musical career?

I don‘t see it affecting my musical career because fashion is another form of art. So there is time for music and there is time for art.

Jebele seems to have slot you into the limelight...

Yes, Jebele has won two awards. My first award was from the Nigerian Music Video Award in 2007. I was nominated in five categories. My second award was at the Sound City Music Video Awards.

Is that music a personal experience?

Yes, it is a personal experience.

A man jilted you?

No, the question should be, ‘Did I jilt any man?‘ I jebelise men; they don‘t jebelise me.

Why did you say so?

Of course, when they misbehave, you give room for amendments and corrections for a way forward and there‘s no change. Then, you have to move forward because we were never born as twins. So both parties have to go their separate ways if it‘s not working. And that‘s what I do because it‘s healthy for me to live that way.

Are you doing any other album soon?

My album is coming out in August titled, ‘Kween don come.‘

Your Afro hair has become an identity. Do you wish to change it?

Change is the only thing that is constant. I don‘t know what tomorrow holds, but for now I am okay with it and I‘m not afraid of changing.

Is it true that you are a single mother?

Yes, I‘m a single proud mother.

Could that be the reason why you are not married?

No, I don‘t think so. I will be married when it‘s time to be married. I can‘t rush into marriage because everybody thinks it‘s the right thing to do in the society. I will get married at the right time to the right person, who loves me for me and who loves my child unconditionally.

We heard you dated a former army general who bought a house for you.

I never dated an army general, but if you have one you can bring him so that he can buy me a house in the GRA.

How come you have plenty scandals around you?

Tell me about them.

They also say you smoke marijuana.

I don‘t smoke at all. I started drinking recently; I take red wine and it‘s good for the heart. That‘s what my doctor recommended.

They also say you are a lesbian.

I‘ve heard that. It‘s old and stale. Demola, why are you bringing this back? I‘m not a lesbian. They have said so and they can keep saying so, it‘s their problem. I don‘t give a shit.

Do these scandals bother you?

Do I look bothered? I don‘t look bothered one bit because everybody is entitled to his or her opinion.

What is your vision like?

My personal vision will be to have a successful career, to have a long span career, to be recognised internationally, to win MTV and Grammy awards. My vision for the Nigerian music industry is for us to grow, to have good record labels that can look after artistes and their needs and have good management structure.

You and Weird MC are close friends. Any hope of doing collaboration with her?

I already have a collaboration done with Weird MC. It was a gospel track titled, Temini. And we are open to working together, any day any time.

Who is your role model?

My mother. In the music world, I love (the late) Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. He is a great role model, although he‘s not here with us but his works still live on. I love Asha; I think she‘s a kind of person one should look up to. I aspire to be like her because she‘s original and creative.

Tell us about growing up.

It‘s nothing special. Well, growing up was fun. I was just doing amala and sand as breakfast, just like any other kid. I was born in Enugu State. I moved to Abeokuta when I was pretty much young because my dad was a soldier and he was transferred there. I had primary education in Abeokuta. I went to Command Secondary School, Abakaliki. I was a normal girl. I was very skinny and nobody looked my way. I didn‘t have a boyfriend, although I was not bothered. I had fun in school. I came out with good grades. Thereafter, I went to the University of Abuja, where I studied public administration.

RMD, Stella, Others Storm London For Okposo

Versatile Nollywood actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) and Stella Damascus, will on Saturday 26 July, lead the pack of entertainers that will storm London for a show tagged: Sammie Okposo And Friends.

The show, which will take place at The Troxy, located at 490, Commercial Road, London, will feature entertainers like Ali Baba, Tee-A, Jeddi, Segun Arinze, Gordons, Dekunle Fuji, Infinity, Kefee and Mike Aremu among others.

Nollywood Reel gathered that the much talked about show is being put together by Zamar Entertainment and Ex Productions in collaboration with BEN TV and KICC TV.

It has been described by Nigerians in London as a summer blast

Wishing them a success and a blast!

AGN Warns Eucharia Anunobi Over Indecent Dressing

In its bid to maintain discipline and decorium among its members, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has issued a warning to star actress, Eucharia Anunobi, over her indecent dressing.

This development followed Eucharia’s skimpy outfit that she wore at the Nigeria Music Awards (NMA) held a few weeks ago.

She has, however, been warned to desist from wearing such indecent attires in public or face the wrath of the guild.

When Nollywood Reel called the chairman, AGN Board of Trustees, Ifeanyi Dike, on phone over the issue, he said, “if the actress does not repent, strict action will be taken against her.

“Nollywood is not a platform for nasty acts, millions of people look up to us as role models and we are not going to let them down. What Eucharia did at the NMA was an embarrassment to the industry, and I see no reason for her to do that. Besides, the event was for musicians, not actors. So, if I may ask, what was her business there?” he fumed.

Dike added that since one of the paramount aims of the Ejike Asiegbu-led AGN is to uphold discipline, erring members will not be spared.

Nollywood Reel gathered that at the NMA held in Owerri, Eucharia was the cynosure of all eyes, not because she is a star actress, but due to her revealing attire.

PM NEWS

So what is the penalty? Would she be banned from acting?
These scruffy old men in power don't know what to use their positions for, its only in the movie industry you would hear such rubbish, if an actress wears pant and bra to an event, its her own image she dents and not any guild as far as i know. They wont strike when they are supposed to strike, nonsense and pure water!

What Zeb Ejiro Plans for Crystal Awards!

Chairperson of Nollywood Business Forum, Zeb Ejiro has been speaking on the organisation role for the Crystal Awards coming up in July.
The ace movie and television producer and director explains that Nollywood will never be same after.

The Crystal Award according to him, the Managing Director of Exim Bank India has gracefully accepted to deliver a paper on film financing with the most minimal cash.

This model has worked in India very well and Nigeria banks will do well to be part of this film. Aside this, the Commonwealth Business Council led by Peter Longworth will also be on ground to explain to Nigerian what it means to have a vibrant entertainment industry.

“We have four days of serious business beginning from the 10th of July running through the 13th. The first two days will see discussion on film financing with emphasis on local and international distribution while the last two days will see us celebrating in the biggest party even in Nollywood which ends in the Crystal Awards.

Already the Nollywood Academy of Arts and Sciences have been selecting and classifying the awards categories, Dr. Victoria Ezeokoli, the Chairperson Governing Board of NAS and her group have already met severally to see that Nigeria gets a very befitting award ceremonies.

Continuing, Ejiro says we do not only want to do awards for awards sake, we want to improve the business climate of Nollywood so that people do not only talk about the glamour but to seek ways of financing the glamour.

After July 2008, I fervently hope that the Nigeria movie industry will not be same, if the new distribution frame work eventually comes on stream, everything will change for the better. We would launch the N50 million film fund where Nollywood producers could pull from. We have entries for over 17 scripts to be supported.

We have received information that former UN scribe Kofi Annan will be in Nigeria to be part of the event. Also the biggest production company in India BR Production are set to collaborate with.

What do i think about this? Hmmm...is all i can mutter out for now, lets wait till july and see this initiative unfold.

Cook Robs omotola, Ini Edo Again!

COOK ROBS ACTRESS OMOTOLA JALADE

Beautiful actress, Omotola Jolade Ekeinde, was recently robbed of her valuables. Although the sad incident was not the handiwork of the children of the night, the stunning actress is telling all who cares to listen to about how her cook who “duplicated her master key and made away with expensive phones and money.”

She advices everyone to be cautious of who they employ for domestic services, because apparently, this ‘in-house robbery attacks is a new trend.

You would recall that the ‘Omo Sexy,’ as she is fondly called, experienced her first case of in-house theft when her driver made off with a brand new jeep that was purchased for her by her husband, early this year.

This is so sad, i hope Omotola gets over this soon and let the wrath of God deal with the cook

ACTRESS INI EDO DENIES REJECTING A SCRIPT COS OMOTOLA WAS SLATED FOR THE LEAD

For the umpteenth time, Ini Edo is in the news.

This time, the gist is that she rejected a script that was given to her because she couldn’t bear acting alongside Omotola Jalade who played the lead role in the movie, Yankee Girls.

In an interview granted to a national daily, the marketer of the movie, Arinze Egesimba, was quoted as saying that Ini Edo was a rude girl who refused to play a supporting role under Omotola because she felt Omotola wanted to ‘use her to shine.’

According to the report, Egesimba said, “Ini is a rude girl who needs counselling. She said to my hearing that she was not going to take the script because she would not play under Omotola. Ini Edo does not have respect. That was why we suspended her the other day. Is Omotola supposed to act under her? Was it not when the marketers gave Omotola and Co. suspension that Ini rose?”

Anyway, Life and Beat spoke with Ini on the telephone and she stated her own side of the story.

“Don’t I have the right to reject scripts?” she queried. “I didn’t like the role I was to play, so I rejected the script.”

Asked whether she rejected the script because she was not given the lead role, she said, “I don’t want to take issues with anybody. All the other things the man said must have come from his imagination; they all happened in his head. I think because I rejected the script, he had to imagine the reason I rejected it, and he came up with this absurd conclusion.

“People have different ways of marketing their products. He wanted to create a controversy so that people would ask what the movie was all about and would want to buy it. But I feel it is a poor marketing strategy.”

If you think this latest allegation bothers Ini, she has this to say, “Bother me ke? I have heard worse things about myself, so why should this little issue bother me? I don’t feel bad at all. I don’t have to be in every movie. If somebody rejects your script, you go to another person. I don’t see why this has to become an issue. I don’t know when it has become big news that somebody rejected a script.”
Source: Nonye Iwuagwu

Genevieve Nnaji- Interview

Here is a rerent interview with my favourite star actress Genevieve Nnaji, enjoy!

If star actress Genevieve Nnaji’s life were to be a movie script we would have titled it ‘Come Back Kid 1—3’. This is due to the fact that she has a way of rising over adversity. She emerged to be a star actress after the delivery of a baby girl at age 17 and came back strongly after a ban that many predicted would end her career. Here is the story of the Mbaise, Imo State ex-UNILAG student as she told SAMUEL OLATUNJI.


You’ve been credited with a lot of things in the movie industry; one of which is paving the way for dark-skinned actresses. How does it feel to have that singular honour?
I’m glad I’m able to bring some sanity into the creative world. Creativity is internal, not external, although when it comes to movie, it is required externally. I think to judge a person by the colour of his or her skin is a problem. Well, I will say I’m honoured. It’s a compliment, and I think some other actresses did it before me. We had Ann Njemaze and Uche Osotule, and so I’m not probably the only one.
It is amazing that you are giving credit to those before you. I spoke with a marketer sometime ago who specifically mentioned that a younger actress was not giving you and Omotola your due respect.
I think it is a personal issue really. You don’t know why people do or don’t do what they do. I think those are personal really. It is not my problem and it does not affect me in anyway. it’s their issue. I have no problems giving honour to whom it is due.

I once sent you an SMS that you are my Comeback Kid Three because you are like Hilary Clinton, who has a way of coming back again and again. How do you always reemerge when people seem to have written you off?
(Hearty laughter) I don’t know; that’s a weird question. I just think there is a time for everything. When it is your time you will know. It is not that I put my name to anything. You want to know how I keep coming back again and again? I really don’t know. But I think I don’t do anything because I feel like or because it is time to do it. It’s not a planned thing neither is it a comeback gimmick. It happens that way and it’s to my advantage. I give God the glory; that was not my plan really.

You’ve been into everything from movie to music and now to fashion, so what else?
Movie, music and fashion kind of go hand in hand. It has to do with entertainment. Movie making is entertainment, music is entertainment, fashion is glamour and TV is a glamorous thing, I think they all go hand in hand as it is, but you’ll just have to wait and see because it is all a surprise to me, as well. It is not like I expect it to come, it just comes to me and when they come, like I say, I am one person who does not plan. I just go with the flow. I go with the wind; wherever God directs me. And as it unveils itself to me that is how it unveils itself to everybody. You will just have to wait because I am eagerly waiting to see what next will come.

When will you start designing for men so that I can buy one?
I will still do for men, don’t worry.

I learned it will cost an arm and a leg to buy your designs from Lamide?
It will not cost an arm and a leg, those are rumours. It is very affordable.

When are you going to open the boutique?
Its going to be towards September or October. That is when we will finish the production of the brand so that when we open, it will come out well and people will not be taken by surprise.

And will it still be called St. Genevieve?
Yes it’s going to be called St. Genevieve.

Will you have branches in other parts of Nigeria?
Yes I am spreading it wide, even the fashion show will still go from state to state because there is a non-governmental organization (NGO) attached to the label.

Tell me about the NGO?
Well, I’m doing a little contribution with Link a child. Link a child is an NGO that we all know about. I’m doing it in a way that I get to clothe the children. What I’m doing is to give a percentage of everything bought to the NGO to clothe the children. This is an opportunity for me to give back to the society that has given to me. It also gives the children the opportunity to wear new clothes rather than tattered ones.

What is the partnership between you and Lamide like?
I draw the designs and Lamide brings it to life.
You’ve been busy hopping from one location to the other. Are you going to ever stop making movies?
No, that I can say right now, but then never say never. I’m sure some day, I will probably decide that I have had enough or this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. Like I used to say, I go with the flow.
I learned you are becoming choosier by the day and that is the reason you did not take part in Yankee Girls.

Don’t you think I should be choosier? Would you rather I do every film that came my way? I intend to give value for money. Those who believe in me and still go out to buy my movies should be adequately compensated. The little I can do right now is make sure it is worth their while. So, I have to be selective in what I’m doing. I don’t want to get bored or get depressed. For me, I have to enjoy what I’m doing. If a script does not make any sense to me or if I’m not enjoying what I’m doing, then there is no way I will play the role conveniently for the viewers.

Is it true you regretted not taking part in Yankee Girls?
I did not like the story line.

Am impressed she rejected the script, the movie was crap, script, directing, everything


You’ve been linked to almost everybody romantically except me. When will you be linked to me?
(Prolonged laughter) I would rather not either.

Why are people always dropping your name when it comes to romance?
I should be the one asking you that question. You know the people in the dropping business; I think you should direct the question to them.

I read somewhere that you are now 31..
(Cuts in), do you mean 31? Are you people chasing me to my grave?

How does it feel to be 29 years old then?
It feels like I’m hitting 30, that is exactly how it feels. I feel good. It depends on how you feel inside; I’m young, I’m 25. Right now I’m 20 (laughter)

In Sleep Walker, you delivered your lines as someone meant to act.
May be I am meant to act.

When is Genevieve getting married?
Genevieve has not found a reason to be married yet.

That is surprising; you mean you need a reason?
Yes, if I find a reason to get married I will. Marriage is a lifetime commitment and I haven’t found that commitment. I haven’t seen that thing I want to live with for the rest of my life. I haven’t seen that reason I would want to be tied down with a person for the rest of my life. I just haven’t seen the encouragement.
Do you mean the men that come around you are not committed?What makes you think men come around?
Ah, even I that is married feel like coming around.
If you think like that, it means the good ones are taken? Aren’t they? The good ones are running out.
Seriously, I know men would be falling over themselves for your hand in marriage. You have everything a man is looking for, it is just that I met my wife earlier.
(Another round of laughter) Obviously, they are looking but have not looked my way. I’m sitting around.

Don’t you feel lonely?
No. I’m too busy to be lonely.
You know business cannot fill some void.

What void?
You know, emotional void.
I think those kind of void come around only when you are idle. I think if you keep your mind busy, you are emotionally busy.

What kind of man are you looking for?
I’m sure if I see the kind of man I want I would recognize him.

How will you recognize something you don’t know you are looking for?
Well, if you are not looking for something and it comes to you, then it is yours.

You had a child at the age of 17. How come you did not end up like some other people who had babies and lost it all?
It is because, to have a child is not a curse, it is a blessing. It depends on how you decide to take it or how you programme yourself to see the world. I believe it is a grace God has given me; I see it as a blessing not a curse. The way you see things determines the way they work for you.
You must have felt traumatized.
Traumatized or not, I move ahead. Right now I can only thank God and move on and she is one of them.

How old is your daughter now?
She is now 12.

Interview is nice, answers on point and articulate. My favourite anytime anyday.

My two cents

Its been a while and i havent blogged, although i have been coming online but i just escaped updating my blog.  Here and now it still seems though as if my hands are full but neverthe less i am in love with my very own hang out (no apologies, chetablog). Life as a teenager could be very tasking, exciting, challenging, exasperating, nerve wracking and full of ups and downs and it even gets worse when you are evolving into adult-hood, believe me it is, i am speaking from experience.
  I have been very moody of late and its due to pressure from certain ends but i know i would get by at the end of the day.  I have resulted to taking life as it comes, pray hard as nothing is ever possible without prayers and never take things too seriously. Above all life is beautiful, dont you think, when you think you are facing the worse of situations, someone is out there going through more than you are. I sat down and told myself, i have been through an equally worse ordeal and i came out of it despite the tough and harsh bouts. Life generally is full of ups and downs and i also use the medium to appeal to those going through difficult moments, maybe worse than mine, nothing is permanent in life, so there is a time to cry, time to laugh, time to smile, time to cry, time to be happy and time to be sad and so this is just one of such, it might be rough now but it would get better with time.  Put yourself together just like i have and face your challenges, a winner never sits back looming in tears and complains, a winner is a fighter, someone who never quits even when the whole world turns against you, put a smile on your face inspite of your sorrows and believe me things would surely look up and get better.
  So guys am back and for good!