Some of his fans even doubted if he was truly dead, as he was said to have been similarly rumored dead a few years back, only for him to bounce back hale and hearty.

Loco died at Rappour Hotels, Owerri in his sleep. He reportedly checked into Room 204 at the weekend. Imo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar confirmed the incident saying that the late actor was reportedly ill for the whole of last week and that his remains have been deposited at the Aladinma Hospital Mortuary, Owerri.

Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family.

Sam Loco will be profoundly missed. He was a Nollywood icon and has been a role model to many Nollywood actors, actresses and Nollywood faithfuls. Indeed the history of Nollywood without Sam Loco will be incomplete.

Many His Gentle Soul Rest in Perfect Peace, Amen!

Here is the explosive encounter…
I told your aunty some minutes ago that I would like to marry you; do you get to hear that everyday?

Yes, of course. Every woman gets that; it’s part of being a woman.

Okay, what will make you say yes?

Whoa! I’m kind of adventurous. I will need someone that can be a fun to be with. I don’t really take things seriously and if I could find someone who wouldn’t like to cage me that can live with me the way I am it would be fine with me. I am still waiting for the right man anyway. The kind of African man I know will say that marriage is all about a woman under a man who wants to be the boss.

Well, I said a lot but I don’t believe in that. I come from a family where I was allowed to sing and do things my own way and my mother always tell me that I can choose to be whoever I want. It should not be a do-or-die affair. I can decide whether to marry or not. Nobody is going to harass me for not doing so. You should not marry because you have to; it should be something you really want. I am not all that a domestic woman or your normal traditional wife; and I don’t apologize for that. That is just me. If I get a man who understands me, good. But unfortunately, a lot of them don’t.

A lot of men will commit suicide if you decide not marry.

Oh! I am not saying I will not marry but. I am just going to take my time. Of course, I want to see a man I can marry but it is just hard because of the way I think. I have seen a lot of bad marriages and I don’t want something like that. I want someone I can have fun with; that I can still be a kid around him. Most times, when people get married things change. They change and can’t do a lot of stuff they are used to any more. I don’t want that for myself. I really want to enjoy the person am going to spend the rest of my life with.

What marriage have you seen that is making you have a rethink?

Several. I have friends who have married and are not enjoying it. I live through one myself. My parents were divorced. My father is a nice person and my mother is one; it just didn’t work out. For years, they were together because of the children and because they didn’t really know each other very well. They are from an era where you just have to get married. As much as they tried it was not just working because they wanted different things in life. And I just vowed never to have that for myself.

Let me pry a little. What did your father want from the marriage?

I don’t know. I am not my father.

What of your mum?

I don’t know. It’s not my own and I have never said this before on any platform that my parents are divorced; it’s a private thing.

But do you think most couples want the same thing?

To some extent yes. We all have our destiny and we can’t force it on each other. But the whole point of coming together is to help each other fulfill all these things. It is not about wanting the same thing; it is about helping the others achieve what they want. I might like something and it doesn’t mean he should like it. We disagree to agree and when that compromise is not there, the marriage is doomed to fail

.

I like your open mindedness, but what effect does your parent’s marriage have on you?

The truth is I am not going to blame anybody for anything that happens to me. If I met a guy and he duped me, the truth is he did that because I allowed him into my life. I think it would make me a better person and of course, I am not happy about it. The society expects you to do all these but the truth is if you are not happy with it, why do it? I believe some people are not just born to get married; some don’t want a child. But some people force themselves to do it and that is not what they want and it becomes a problem. I watched them suffer and it is not good.

My brothers are happily married and they have come to know that what you want should supercede what the society wants for you. I go to bed with a smile on my face because I am not trying to please everyone. I do what pleases me. It is not because I like doing things my way; I am just a person that is strong willed. You can’t push me and it takes a lot to deal with a woman like me because I have an independent mind but I am still open-minded. It is all about how you take life. I can take the positive side and dwell on it or take the negative side and dwell on it; it is all about what I want.

Why don’t you have a strong relationship with your father?

I don’t want to get into that. My father is a wonderful man and I know he loves me from the bottom of his heart and I love him too. But I think sometimes you should reach a level where you have been healed. So, I think until I get to the level where I can deal with all that happened, I wouldn’t want to talk about that.

But I think you are taking sides with your mother?

Children tend to take sides you know. The funniest thing is that my brothers will tell you that I am the most diplomatic person. If I had taken sides with my mother, I would have said many bad things about my father. My mother is my best friend; we do everything together from childhood. She is the one who lives with me every day.

She has been through everything with me. My father missed that part of my life, but it is not about taking sides. But sometimes you have to let your parents be. It is their relationship and I am the product of that relationship. I will like to just sit down and watch. My not having a relationship with my father has very little to do with what happened. We will get together again but it will take time.

What struggle are you talking about? You are a star. People all over the world know you and you are still young?

Yeah, yeah, yeah, it’s funny. But if you interview my real friends they will tell you that I have come a long way. Nobody will interview you when you do the waka-pass role. I have been there before. Nobody interviewed me then, but I have been there before. I have gone through a lot of struggles in my personal life. In 2007, my parents separated.

I did a reality show and when I came back, I was being thrown out of the university because I wanted to be an actress. I was in the (music) department, a very conservative department, where they believe everybody there should be loyal and I branched out to go and do showbiz. I think at a point, they felt I had let them down so I was out of school for a whole semester. I had to go back and I had the option of just going back to write the exam, but I went back to sit in class with my juniors.

In fact, they were making fun of me that I went to every single class. So, these are the things I keep to myself because I want to tell people someday so that they will see that with determination you will get there. But my script is still ongoing so when I get to that point where I think my script is ready, I will tell people my story and they will be surprised. Sometimes, it is not fun to let it out right now. You know, it is still on going but when I think I am ready, I will let it out.

Have you ever suffered?

I have suffered. People see me and they call me Ajebota(giggles). I find it hilarious because I had a sweet upbringing. I have travelled to London, gone shopping and all that. I had a great childhood, one of the best. Many things happened later that didn’t make it the Ghanaian dream anymore. Eventually, you have to wake up. There was a time to work hard and I had to do that. It was not about the money. The struggle was in terms of my career. I have come a long way from the time that if I go for auditions they would tell me I couldn’t go far in the industry because the English I speak is too American. The struggle doesn’t really mean you are living on the streets.

Tell me, how did you start as an actress?

I am not one of those people that will tell you that I just heard it from someone, no. I have always known what I wanted to be. I am a very strong-minded person. I can still remember being a kid and I was dancing in front of my father’s car and he was asking, “what are you doing? What do you want be?” You know, I have always known that I was going to be in the limelight.

I still have a video of me standing in front of a …(TV) saying “this is CNN, what we are reporting today is” and my mates will tell you that even from secondary school, I will turn on the TV, because I went to a very strict Catholic secondary school, St. Lois Catholic School, in Kumasi; then we had a convention, so I have always known what I wanted to do. But it was not easy. My first experience on television was in a show called…(Hotel). I remember that very well because it was supposed to be a blend of local language and English; then my mother had to break it down for me. I was so confused.

What year was that?

I think it was in 2005. So, I did that for a couple of months. I think close to a year. Then, I went for another audition. I was there for one waka-pass and that was Shirley and she said I was a good actress that she loved me and wanted me to act in something else. I think I have just been really lucky, that is it. So, she wrote a script for me. I did that for a couple of months and I was in school really trying to balance everything. Those are the first early stuff I did.

Which were those that put you out there?

I think it was ‘Scorned’.

Which year was that?

It was shot in 2008. I did a movie before that. People noticed me because I did something very daring. There was a sex scene and the director told me about it and I told him I will never go nude, but if he can do it without making it tacky, and it was with a very ace actor, very acclaimed actor called, Koffi Bucknor. So, he asked me if I could do it and I told him I could do it that I don’t care about sex in a movie. What I am very particular about in a movie is if it is necessary to the story.

I am not a porn star and he said you can do this; and I remember that we were lying on the bed and people were standing at the back and shaking the bed and it made it look like we were making love. He said I should come and watch the film and I did and decided that it was not tacky.

People started asking: who is this girl? They knew me from ‘Hotel St James’ (a popular soap opera in Ghana). I had worked with Shirley Frimpong. So I met her again and she said she was going to do a project and she would call me. Then she called me into her office and gave me a script. I read the script in 30 minutes and she asked if I was sure I’d read it. She even asked my opinion about the lead actress.

Who is the man in your life now?

I am not dating any man.

Are you kidding me?

I am very serious. I am single and I don’t think I am ready to date any man. I think I am waiting for the right man.

Who was the person you dated in Nigeria?

I dated someone.

What is his name?

You don’t know him. We maintain our friendship. He is the one person that can tell me : Lydia that dress is not nice and I won’t be offended, because I know he is not saying it out of malice but because he loves me. He will tell me the truth no matter what.
He is someone who is very special to me but we broke up. We are still very good friends.

Why would you break up with your friend?

Because he is a friend, he has known me before I was Lydia Fordson. I call him when I am in trouble.

Has love been fair to you?

I think the word love has greatly been misunderstood. For some people love is money. For some women, if a man has money they will love him but if does not have money, they can’t love him. For some people love is sex, for others it is just someone to talk to. You need to discover what made you fall in love with somebody. So, it is a very complicated, confusing word. I think love is a lot of emotion.

Have you genuinely fallen in love before?

I think so.

You are not sure?

I think it was more of you looking for something and you thought you finally found it and not believing that anybody in this world looking could get that thing you had.

Have you dated anybody in entertainment industry in Ghana?

No.

But they said lots of girls have dated Bernard?

Who is Bernard, me, (laughs)? No, I’ve not dated anybody in the industry, ever.

So when should we watch out for the wedding bells?

Whenever I think I meet the right person and God says it is time, I will get married.

Tell me about school?

I attended Elementary school in America.
I went to Akukomo International School and University of Ghana.

Can we look forward to seeing more of you in Nollywood?

Yes, I am really looking forward to doing more of Nigerian production.

After AMAA, you and the other girls went fighting, what went wrong?

I don’t think we fought, till today, I have not spoken to Jackie about the award. When we won AMAA best actress of the year award, I think there was confusion because three people won, the important thing to me is that at least I got an award. There was only one plaque and I had it, I think they sent the rest to the other two and Naa is my very good friend, in fact during the AMAA, I called Naa and I told her we won.

At a point when she hadn’t gotten her own plaque, she used mine to take pictures because we have that relationship, I was in Nigeria and I started hearing stories that Jackie won the award; was I bothered? Not really because at the end of the day I had the award but the breaking point was when my brother called from America and asked are you sure that you won because on all the websites they said Jackie won best actress and Ramsey best actor? I was like I don’t know. When I got to Ghana, it was on Thursday and most showbiz papers come up on Wednesday, on every single paper, Jackie was on the front page as winning best actress.

My name wasn’t mentioned, the other girl’s name wasn’t mentioned. My manager called me and said can you see what is going on? And in all honesty, I wasn’t bothered because probably if they ask her who won the award she will say she won, if they ask me or the other girl, we will say we won because the three of us won but I think it was misinformation and miscommunication, I can’t blame Jackie and I can’t exonerate her too because I was not there when she told people that she won, I don’t know what she told people but clearly the information people got was that she was the only one who had won.

So no one interviewed me after the AMAA, no newspaper, no radio station, and I said okay whatever, for me, the important thing is that I have the award, so I think two weeks later that a newspaper came out with the proper story , so one of the newspapers apologised for not mentioning our names.

The question now came out that who said it was only Jackie? I don’t know if it was Jackie that said it, I don’t know if it was her management, I don’t know, so I am not in the position to say Jackie did this or that. So people tried to create confusion, my manager came out with a statement that we are not bothered with what is going on, the truth always come out so let us just leave it at that and it is true because I can’t go to every station and say, “I also won, please put my name”, so it was misinformation. It is between Jackie and the newspapers, I don’t know who made the mistake, but you know, it already happened, and the important is for that one or two months, I was the only one who had the plaque.

What is you r relationship with Jackie?

I don’t think we have a relationship, she is a colleague, if I want to work with her today, I will work with her, but we are not friends

.Lydia Forson

The video, which was followed by an incredible link of the casts as lovers, hit the entertainment industry with people feasting on the news that instantly became an hot item for celebrity and entertainment journals, not leaving out the blogs and other news site on the internet.

The romance, which was believed to be a gimmick to attract sales to the video and give D’Banj a hype based on the international recognition of Genevieve Nnaji, who is also on the height of her career judging from a profile-cast of her by American TV host, Oprah Winfrey, on her show, really hit the target with people falling for the line that the duo had indeed fallen in love.

Another twist to the tale was that Genevieve was paid N2 million by the Mo Hit crew for the role she played in the video and that D’Banj actually wanted more than an acting role, as he plotted to woo the actress into a relationship.

Lending credence to this was the MAMA awards 2010, where they both presented an award, the stylish singer made bold his act when he told his co-presenter, Genevieve, right on the stage if she knew they are the hottest couple in Nigeria, and the actress, who wore an embarrassing look, clearly evaded the question.

Though, further investigations also revealed that the duo had a brief romance which wasn’t really serious, before the actress blew in the whistle on whatever ‘deal’ she had with the singer.

Presently, it is said that the actress, for some time now, has been avoiding D’Banj as she reasoned on the effect the love-tale might, in the end, have on her career.

This move is said to have left D’Banj dejected as he actually have dreams of something serious with the actress.

D’Banj, who played a perfect lover’s role confirming his love for Genevieve in different interviews clearly enjoyed the attention.

Fall in Love

SOURCE – Saturday Tribune.

In his welcome address, Jahman Anikulapo, programme chair of CORA, acknowledged the presence of the veteran actress, who needed no introduction as she exuded a regal aura where she sat. He spoke of how much she had contributed to the lives of many, adding that the dramatist Wole Oguntokun was the chosen moderator of the Forum because of his immense contribution to stage acting. Ajai-Lycett was going to be in conversation with fellow actresses, Tina Mba and Kate Henshaw-Nuttal; and the fact that Oguntokun had worked with all three was a plus, according to Anikulapo.

The guests

Taking over as moderator, Oguntokun introduced guests, including, Francesca Emanuel and Bayo Oduneye, both pioneering performers who had been involved in acting from as early as the fifties and sixties. Other notables in the gathering included: Joke Silva, Dejumo Lewis, Greg Odutayo (President of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners, NANTAP), Tunde Kelani, Pamela Udoka and Teju Kareem.

Oguntokun also introduced and ushered in Henshaw-Nuttall and Tina Mba to their seats beside the celebrant, for a conversation between two generations of Nigerian female thespians.

Book reading

The event also featured a book reading session by Toyin Akinosho of CORA. His chosen text were Kaine Agary’s novel, ‘Yellow Yellow’; and a short story by Melissa Myambo, ‘Deciduous Gazettes’, from ‘Opening Spaces’, an anthology compiled by the Yvonne Vera.

Akinosho said the reading was a fitting tribute to Ajai-Lycett because he knew how much she loved books. He recalled her words from an interview, “When you send me books, I know you love me.” He then presented the celebrant. Oguntokun noted that the event was a good opportunity to bring pioneering actors together. He gave some background about the celebrant’s formative years as well as those of other accomplished actors present, including Bayo Oduneye and Dejumo Lewis. Not keen on boring the audience with a long speech, Oguntokun got them rolling with laughter. This he did when he got into a reminiscent mood and asked the audience to sing the theme tune of ‘Village Headmaster’, in which Lewis played Kabiyesi.

The celebrant speaks

Responding to the accolades, Ajai-Lycett said she felt honoured to be there and thanked her fellow pioneering actors seated. “A poet is a visionary” that should be listened to and respected, she said, while acknowledging the poet and polemicist, Odia Ofeimun. Ajai-Lycett disclosed that her acting career had started by chance, when she stumbled across Yemi Ajibade on a production. The meeting paved the way for her to act.

Love of the stage

Kate Henshaw-Nuttal also talked about how she joined the Nollywood A-List, thanks to an almost accidental first audition. Although she has made more appearances on screen than the stage, she revealed that she is beginning to love the latter more.

“I love the stage much more than the screen these days. I don’t know why,” she said, laughing. “It’s a virus!” Tina Mba interjected, eliciting a loud roar of laughter from the audience. “It’s fantastic and exhilarating!” Henshaw-Nuttal added. Mba, who admitted to not being a woman “of many words,” said she felt honoured to be sitting down with Ajai-Lycett, who she described as humble and dedicated to her work.

Questions and answers

During the interactive session between the celebrant and the audience, the veteran actress provided answers to the many questions asked. On why she didn’t accept a Nollywood film role offered to her, Ajai-Lycett declared that Nollywood lacks everything she attributed to art. The discipline and respect needed are lacking, she observed, explaining that the the producer concerned had sent her a text and thrown her a script. “Courtesy is of the essence,” she said, adding that many filmmakers in Nigeria lack these qualities.

Nollywood’s highs and lows

There was a vibrant and sometimes heated discussion about the Nigerian film industry, with many in the audience offered their views on the subject.

“We should change our perception of art. Art is supposed to be enriching,” Ajai-Lycett advised. She further urged filmmakers to read books as a means of enhancing their art. Using Wole Soyinka as an example, she said anyone who was not ‘educated’ couldn’t read his book. His books, she said, translate the ideology and philosophy of his country. She asked how many of the filmmakers in the audience had read Ofeimun’s poems. The silence spoke volumes.

It was agreed after a long debate that Nollywood still has a lot to learn. Ajai-Lycett urged filmmakers to learn to be humble, committed to their work, to respect, appreciate and listen to one another. She further noted that even established filmmakers need training; and canvassed for the documentation of the past exploits of pioneering actors a way of encouraging thespians in general. The portrayal of the society at large in movies is also of great importance, she insisted.

A befitting event

There was much laughter during the course of the evening. Singer and Nigerian Idol judge, Yinka Davies, had everyone reeling with laughter when she spoke. The audience also had a good laugh over Nollywood movie titles. The moderator said it is easy to tell a Nollywood movie apart by its titles and soundtracks, because they are often funny and weird. He said this suggests that Nigerians have very limited ideas about appropriate film titles.

The highlight of the evening was rendering a moving song to Taiwo Ajai-Lycett and female power. Tina Mba got all the women in the audience to sing for five women worth celebrating in the Nigerian movie industry. The five women – Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Francesca Emanuel, Toun Oni, Iya Awero and Iya Rainbow – were celebrated, as females in the audience rose to sing ‘Iyaniwura’ (Mother is Golden). It was sung with such lustre that Taiwo Ajai-Lycett got on the dance floor. The men were also not left out, as Dejumo Lewis led all in the audience to sing to the veterans and fallen soldiers of the movie industry.

Things to do

At the end of the event, Jahman Anikulapo reiterated all that had been said and agreed upon. He urged the Greg Odutayo as NANTAP president to design programmes to train and mentor upcoming and established actors. He also urged writers and journalists to write about Taiwo Ajai-Lycett. He argued Nollywood shouldn’t be knocked down entirely; rather, “it should be changed, if it is our face to the world.” He further suggested that NANTAP should work hand in hand with the Association of Nigerian Authors, so that more movies would be adapted from literature, like Kelani’s movies.

As for Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, she was humility personified. “The only thing I don’t know is what I don’t know,” was among the memorable things she said on the day.

Taiwo Ajai-Lycett LIVE

SOURCE- Next234

Eucharia Anunobi, needs no introduction.She is one of the fore-bearers of Nollywood. She has seen it all, as it is said ” She’s seen it, been there and done it. She recently bared her heart to TOPE OLUKOLE of Tribune.

Hear her….

How’s your divorce case going?

We are still in court, but I am sure judgment would be passed soon. So, we take it from there.

Have you found another love?

I can’t think of another man until the first one is all over.

Have you reviewed the qualities of your man?

He’s got to be God-fearing, It is not about being handsome, tall or hardworking. All those ones are necessary but the foundation, the background, when a man has got the fear of God, then he would understand what it means to truly love a woman. That means he will cherish her. And that means he will be by her side through thick and thin; when she grows old, when she grows fat, when she’s sick. So, when a man knows God, he’s a better man. But on the other hand, one needs a man who’s got a job. It’s not about being a millionaire, he must have something he’s doing, so that he can have a sense of belonging, a sense of individuality.

Are men not disturbing you with calls since you are single again?

I haven’t seen them o. Please tell them to come o. Tell them to come very fast, I want them because my God said a woman should not be alone. And a man should not be alone too.

You still look stunning at your age, what has sustained you?

My faith in God. I have absolute faith in God. And when you have faith in God, He will just give you glory all the way.

Apart from God?

I love dancing and I take a lot of water. I am also crazy about fruits. Anybody who knows me will know I love fruits and water.

But some say sex is also good?

There are lots of other things that keep one younger and stronger.

Not sex?

That’s one. It’s a form of exercise. That’s what we know. It is one of the recipes for looking youthful, younger and a great shape for those who can get it.

What’s the hardest part of your job?

It’s when people attribute the role you have done in a movie to your personal life, forgetting that we are doing a make-believe job, that somebody wrote out the story and we are just chosen to act it. On the other hand, I will take it as a credit because it means you’ve done your job very, very well.

What’s the worst thing that has been written about you?

I don’t really put this in mind because I just consider the fact that being in the public eye, whether you like it or not, people would want to write good or bad. As they say, bad news is news and good news is no news.

When you look back, would you say you are living your dream?

Let me put it this way, I won’t say I came into Nollywood to be noticed. I just had the innate desire to do my job. I just found out that when I was small, I loved acting. So, for me, it wasn’t to be known or for material benefit but to make people happy. I remember I used to do comic stuff with my siblings.

I would wear my father’s coat and shoes to act like him or sometimes I would tie my mummy’s headgear and act like her. For now, you can say I am living my dream of entertaining people and being a role model. Then, I haven’t got to the height of my career. So, I am not living my dream completely until we shoot movies that would be accepted internationally more than what we have already.

I am also looking at movies shot with hightech equipment and a lot of money involved. It may be a kind of collaboration of international artistes in Hollywood, only then will I say I am living my dream.

What is the good thing about being an actress?

The fact that it opens doors for you, people appreciate you, you stand above the crowd.

What to you is the greatest problem of Nollywood?

We don’t have the kind of money we need to make the kind of movies we need. I give kudos to those who started the industry out of nothing. Now it has gone beyond them. We need billionaires to come into the industry to do better movies.

The industry will fall if these investors don’t come. It will fall because a lot of criticisms are coming up. People are now looking at scriptwriting, acting, directing and all other aspects of production.

So, you need money to meet up with these challenges. It is no longer what we used to produce. We have international exposure and people are expecting more.

A lot of your colleagues and even younger actresses are going into movies production, what’s delaying you?

Not everybody can be a producer. We are all cut out to do different things. Kudos to those who ventured into some other things. I have other things I am also doing. I have always been into private enterprise, which I don’t have to go about showcasing or talk about so much. For my colleagues, I watch their movies and I am happy for them.

How is your son, Joshua doing?

I thank God. It’s been hectic moving from one hospital to the other. That is why one needs a man to assist.

Nollywood golden boy, Mike Ezuruonye last Saturday had his traditional wedding at Mbano, Imo State. He married Nkechi Nnorom, a medical psychologist based in Canada.

Large turn- out of showbiz people

If the large turn-out of showbiz people is a test of popularity then Mike, the groom is very popular. From John Okafor to Mercy Johnson, a cross-section of stars were there to support one of their own. The roll call include, Patience Ozonkwor, Ini Edo, Tonto Dike, Uche Jombo, Chika Ike, Jackie Appiah, Rukky Sandah, Desmond Elliot, Nonso Diobi, Halimar Abubarkar, Emeka Ani, KC Presh, Julius Agwu, Dauda, Chinedu Ikedieze and others.

KC Presh and E Money

Segemende crooners, KC Presh were at the wedding with Emeka, KC’s brother popularly called E-money. With some other guys they were dressed in white apparells and walking stick. E-money was everywhere using every opportunity to spray money.

The community of short gown dressers

We had to do a double check on the invitees to be sure that the dress code was not short gown. Tonto Dike, Jackie Appiah, Halimar Abubarkar, and Rukky Sanda who all sat opposite us were all in short gowns. Some struggled to make sure some essen tials were not exposed and others had to use handkerchiefs and the table as shields against the prying eyes of journalists and paparazzi.

Mercy Johnson on her own

Mercy Johnson was in the building and the ebony actress was on her own. Apart from the loud cheering she got when John Okafor and Comedian Dauda announced her arrival to the venue; she was practically left on her own. She did not associate with any of the actresses there except when she posed for a group photograph with Chika Ike and Queen Nwokobia.. She first sat with others but had to move to another seat on another row when nobody except the fans paid attention to her. Her case became obvious when almost all the actors and actresses in the house stood up to give Mama G standing ovation and rushed to welcome her to the venue. They even posed for pictures with her as if they are not stars themselves.
None of the Nollywood stars touched the sourvenir she made for the wedding, , a sign’ all is not well with her and fellow stars.

Mildred Okwo, the hands on manager

Yes, Mildred Okwo, Mike’s manager was everywhere to make sure the marriage went well without any hitch. She had her camera with her as is fast becoming her favourable past time. She proved she was a hands-on manager as she dished out instructions to mobile policemen, Mike and others. Her popularity among the stars was not in doubt as many of them thronged to her for one assistance or the other. Tonto had to go on her knees when she saw her. And this information is free; Ini Edo is now also her client.

Ini’s Dressing raises eyebrows

Ini Edo commanded attention of many as her dress, a topless flowing gown did not do justice to her figure. The wife of Philip Ehigiwana was not looking too good at all. One of the guests observed that she was looking like a doll. Too bad for a beautiful actress with a nice shape.

Jackie Appiah, Ghana’s most loved actress in Nollywood

If the way other Nollywood divas frolic with Jackie Appiah is anything to go by, then the actress is the most loved Ghanaian actress in Nollywood. We were reliably informed that the reason is because she mixes freely with her counterparts in Nollywood unlike Nadia.

Mama G, Chinedu and Mercy Elicited the loudest cheer

If ovation is the gauge of popularity, Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki), Patience Ozonkwo (Mama G), and Mercy Johnson got the loudest. As soon as Dauda announced their arrival the crowd went wild and Chinedu did cause a stir.

Happy wife

Mike Ezunronye’s wife is a happy bride. She showed how happy she was when she performed the traditional field dance. She moved gleefully and even stopped where Nollywood people were seated to acknowledge their presence.

Harvest of souvenirs

If Mike’s white wedding would be as glamorous as this, then we are all looking forward to it. Souvenirs of all kinds graced the event and the most striking thing about the souvenirs was that they were all done by colleagues of Mike. Tonto Dike led the way with umbrellas, jotters, mugs, bags and the likes. Mercy Johnson, Nonso Diobi, Ini Edo, all brought special souvenirs ranging from wall clocks, bags, mugs, jotters and umbrellas for guests.

It is blackberry all the way

At the wedding blackberry was like a status symbol. All the stars in attendance had one blackberry or two and many were busy posting pictures of the wedding on the net. Uche Jombo, Tonto, Jackie Appiah, Rukkie Sandah and others clutched to theirs while some flaunted theirs.

AFTER WEDDING party almost messy

The after party which held at Club 40/40 almost ruined the event as security men had to ward-off lots of people at the gate. Even Mike Ezuronye’s brother had to turn back at a time. The crowd was so huge that KC Presh and other stars went through hell gaining entrance. Bouncers made things worse when they started pushing people indiscriminately. Many screamed why others fell and shed tears. There was a small fight bceuase a guy forced himself in , but all that stopped as soon as Mike came in and gave instructions to the very rude bouncer.

Mike BATHED with Champagne

Mike must have had a shower before the after party but got another round of shower at the club.This time around it was a champagne bath. He was carried high and torrents of champagne was poured on him. He was wet and he enjoyed it.

Tonto and Uche led the club drama

The stars let down their guards and danced at the club. Tonto was like the cheer leader leading others to the dance floor while Uche, Rukky, Haimar and Jackie followed with all kinds of dance steps. We were even shocked to see Ini dancing Alanta like we all dance it on the street.

E-money ‘s attitude at the club

We hope Emeka , KC’s brother of the KC Presh fame would read this. Spraying money and having the the crowd mob him is becoming boring. He took the irritating attitude to the club where he threw money up and down and the people scampered for a share. It is getting on the nerves of decent people.
This is bushy please!

SOURCE: The SUN

Ifeoma Nnubia is one lady who knows and does the right application at the right time. That obviously gave her the gracious look.

Ifeoma Nnubia hails from Ozoubulu in Anambra State and studied Public Adminstration, Management Sciences at the Lagos State University (LASU). She spoke with KATE HALIM of The Sun about her private life, admiration forthe late legal icon, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, style and marriage.

Are you married?

I am not, yes, I intend to get married someday. Every woman wants a man who will share her high and low moments with her. I personally will love and respect a man who fears God and sees himself as a human being who is bound to make mistakes, correct them and move on without dwelling on it.

Pressure

Not at all. Even in the Bible there is time for everythng. God has the master plan. I might think I am ready now, but in God’s diary, He knows if I am ready or not. He makes all things beautiful at His time.

Love for Gani Fawehinmi

I had always wanted to be a lawyer. I used to admire them a lot as a child. Again, I love to stand for justice at all times and fight for people who are oppressed. Gani Fawehinmi was and will remain my mentor. If I was a lawyer, I would have been a human rights activist. I could not go in for Law because I had problem with my literature in my WAEC. Though I have have plans of getting a Master’s degree in Law somday.

I also love to be a consultant. My job as apersonal assistant requires my candid opinion on issues which I give with so much satisfaction. I do not intend to stop at this level. I will further my education because I want to be a special adviser to someone in governmet. I think that will be a way of contributing my own quota.

Advice to youths

Life itself is a challenge and sometimes tough. Gone are the days when women are proud to call themselves housewives. Over time I have to work and earn an honest living.
I do not like women who wallow in self pity and living at the mercy of others because their partner died or can no longer play active financial roles in their lives. Life should not be like that. God created us all with hands and legs, wonderful brains to make somathing out of nothing. There is absolutely no reason why women should not be proactive. Whatever support we get from our men we should thank God for that.

The path of success is never tough, we keep digging untill we find gold. Let us put hope and faith in all we do. Be focused and the result will definitely come.

Growing up

I grew up in the East, Enugu precisely. I attended Queen’s School, Enugu, where I spent the better part of my childhood days. Growing up was fun, I was in boarding school, but a lot of time, I went over to spend time with my cousins. It was always a full house.

How do you maintain your body?

I go to the gym once in a while because my working hours are tough. Sometimes I go on light diets, but mostly I watch what I eat as most members of my family are on the plump side.

Favourable fashion piece

Every woman loves fashionable items. You might not have all or have every possible piece. Some prefer clothes, some shoes and handbags. I personally love to look good, and smell good at all times. So my fashion piece will be nicely fitted clothes and nice smelling perfumes.

Present work

I work as personal assistant and secretary to the managing director of BJAY’s hotel. Got the job when a friend told me there was vacancy at the hotel. I applied and got the job.

Assisting rural women

Rural women have diverse problems. Some need financial empowerment, some need guidance, some need someone who can talk to someone who can release something for them. Every empowerment does not entail money. Even some just need a little push while mere teaching can go a long way to see some through.

So it all depends on what that rural woman needs at that point in time. If I come across anyone I can assist in anyway, I will be glad and willing to do it immediately. Putting smile on the face of someone who is in dare need of help is one thing I live for. I hate it when someone I am honest with turns back and stabs me in the back or decides to be dishonest with me. I also hate to put my best in pursuit of something good and get bad and unfavourable result.

SOURCE: The Sun

In this interview with Reporter Gbenga Bada, she talks about her achievements, memories of her late husband, the many controversies and her new areas of concern.

With your constant visits to the Lagoon Restaurant and judging from the fact that it used to be a place you and your late husband are fond of, what memories come to your mind, and do you still miss him?

Of course I miss him dearly. I still miss even my younger brother who died in 1991, let alone my hubby. Don’t let anybody deceive you that time will heal it; it’s all lies. I still miss him and I dearly do but what I do is turn the memories into the good one and bask in the euphoria rather than tearing myself apart by taking it negatively. I have come to love the Lagoon restaurant. The fact that he died there does not change anything. 0I have turned those painful memories into the best of its kind and I bask in the euphoria of the good memories. You see, my husband used to be friends with many of the Lebanese in Lagoon and I have come to love the place that even when I feel like relaxing, I just come over to the place with my friends and we chat and after relaxing, I leave the hangout for home. So, it’s just the ability of one to turn those good memories into a positive force that spurs you on rather than one that makes you cry. But that time heals the loss, is all lies. I still miss my late hubby dearly. One has to move on and that is what I have done and Jaiye lives in my memory.

What was the greatest lesson you learnt from your late husband which you still use today?

That the most important thing in life is life itself! We seem to run after the wrong things but my happiness is that I was with a man who showed me love, taught me the meaning of love and how to appreciate people at all times. And for me, the association of people around me is very important to me though a lot of people take this for granted because of the situation of the country and they don’t get to see and bond with the people they love most. The greatest thing he taught me is appreciating the people you love and cherish most. These lessons are still my watchword till today even after his death. He taught me never to make people make me who they want me to be but to be who I really want to be. Most importantly, he taught me to hold God as the most important factor in life.

You still look ravishing at 31 and after two kids; do men still hit on you?

Well, thank you for the compliment. That has been happening long before now. The fact that I am Stella Damasus has been one thing that has seen many men hitting on me. It’s being there since my childhood days and because I am fair skinned, they have always been around me. They still hit on me even after I became a mother of two. But what can I do? It’s just normal for men to hit on you as a lady and a fair one at that, let alone being on their television screens all the time. It’s normal.

Are there chances of you getting remarried anytime soon?

Well, chances you just said, and that is golden. Human beings cannot determine chances; God has predicted it and only God would determine that. I’m leaving everything in the hands of God as He has determined my fate and knows why I am where I am and why these things happened with me in the centre.

How has life been as a single mother?

It’s being very challenging and you learn everyday. Sometime ago, it would have been a lot easier and better as a single mother, who wasn’t married than a widow cum single mother. It’s not easy to change your lifestyle and make all the decisions yourself, but I always thank God that I married the kind of man that I married. You find out that 80 per cent of the things I do and get are as a result of my late husband’s goodwill. Not because of his wealth or fame but because of the goodwill and reputation and relationship he built with many people over the years before his death. He was a good man and I do not say that because I’m his wife but because it’s just what it is. In a nutshell, it’s another ball game entirely but God has been my pillar of support.

You are no doubt one of the most controversial Nigerian actresses. Would you say you court controversy or people just create one over anything that has to do with you?

Sincerely, I don’t know. For me, I’m not a loud person and I’m not one of those that enjoy attracting publicity to every little thing that they do. You will find out that if I attend any function where I am not working or doing master of ceremony duties, I am always at the back enjoying myself without drawing any attention to myself. If you ask me why people are always talking, writing or wanting to read about me, I would honestly tell you I don’t know because I feel after all these years, I should have become a none issue. But I find out that every little thing I do attracts so much attention and people still want to read. I don’t know the reason for this. As such, I have decided to turn it into something good and to my advantage and I am hoping on this to help me take my programmes to greater heights and be loved just as they love reading about me. But sincerely speaking, I don’t like it. I would rather be happier being listed among 10 best Nigerian female entrepreneurs.

Do these controversies still get to you?

Well, some still do, but most times I get used to it. The most embarrassing one that really got to me recently is the Obat story. I wasn’t down because I felt it was untrue but felt bad because I was hoping I could get a PR job from the firm for an offshoot of my company. Immediately it came out, the people have refused to get back to me. One funny part is that I met with the management of Obat Petroleum and not the owner himself. I can’t tell you what the man really looks like as it is. One other thing that makes these things get to me are my kids, especially my first child, whose eyes are so sharp that she reads everything and anything that has her mother’s pictures on it. The reactions they get from their mates and all that are some of the things that make these things get to me. Aside that, I am used to it.

Why did you start up the Stella Damasus Archives Production outfit?

I have always wanted to do my own thing. Though I started out as an actress learning from other people and the best hands, my ultimate goal has always been to produce my own thing the way I wanted to do it. My vision is to make a statement and change a lot of things and try to add some quality to what we have at hand with the things that I have learnt. So, throughout the period I was learning from the masters, I was also going to school, to get more knowledge and now I know I have gotten to a point that even though I am going to work with other people, I want to start doing my thing because I have realised that it’s not wise to just sit down and criticise other people.

How prepared are you for the task ahead?

I believe I am more than ready and the Nigerian entertainment industry, maybe this is because I am a graduate. I’m not just an actress but an entertainer as well because it’s not all about graduating but also being able to effectively handle the equipments and more. So, I think I’m more than ready to start off but at the same time, you cannot do everything all by yourself because there is a division of specialisation in the duties of each and everyone in the team. So, basically what I do is manage these people and their talents with my knowledge to get a good result.

Are you sure your good grade at the University of Lagos was not a result of favouritism by lecturers?

No, it’s not. In fact, it wasn’t an easy thing for us. The only thing was that the lecturers understood our schedules but aside that, they won’t condone your missing classes or not submitting your assignments or not comporting yourself in the lecture halls. They purposely watch out for you to see if you are going to let stardom get into your head and they are ever ready to deal with you. Femi Brainard and Emeka Oguns were my classmates and they can testify to that. Things that other students would do and go scot-free, we were not able to and as such we got everything we got as a result of our effectiveness and strict academic performance and not favouritism or any other thing. I won’t say I’m extremely brilliant but I know I was good enough to merit my result.

So, what is the Stella Damasus Archives (SDA) Productions all about?

You see SDA is a project that has been in existence for over seven years. It’s a dream that I have long nurtured but is coming into fruition now. I have always nurtured the idea of owning the biggest one-stop entertainment outfit and when I registered the company I included everything in entertainment, television, radio and even print. I wanted a company that could really project the face of Nigeria and tell other people who we really are. It would be involved in the production of reality shows with our own vision, things and styles but of international standard and would be accepted worldwide because the world is now a global village where you do things and consider the effects on others. Something that would affect the lives of other people especially Nigerians all over the world. I have had the opportunity of meeting people all around as a result of several trips outside the country, on the Internet, in school and even during my Nollywood productions. Though I still intend to go back to school to get more of the other things I need.

Who are the major or targeted audience of these programmes and television contents you intend providing?

Our programmes are targeted at the people of the world with more focus on the people of Nigeria. They are not only women-oriented but treat issues that cut across everybody. The truth is that there are a lot of issues surrounding us which many Nigerian women are unable to speak out. One of the programmes, Sisters, is targeted at the female folks alone. A lot of people keep saying the women need to be given a chance in the government. But I say you don’t need to be in government to make that needed change. As a woman, worker, housewife, entrepreneur or whatever, I strongly believe your voice can be heard. Aside that, there are programmes for children, men, style and many more. My idea is to provide something that catches your fancy whoever you are. Many don’t believe in these things I am explaining and they say, ‘Stella, you are a big dreamer.’ But I look at them and say, ‘yes I can, I would do it and I am going to do it because I have already started doing it.’

We are set to go but all we need and are working on right now are marketers and sponsors to invest in these programmes and get it all started. I have continually gathered content and I was thinking I would kick off in the first quarter of this year but I am no longer going to do that. It took me several years to start this good thing and I don’t want to come out and make people say, ‘oh is this all she was bragging about? It’s just one of the regulars.’

I believe if I gather more content from now till March and do my groundwork, by the second quarter, the programme would be set to go.

What is to be expected of your show?

Mine is not like a talk show or anything that has to do with studio audience like many have expected. Though a lot of people I have been working with have been saying it might get to that point but I am saying that mine is not a talk show because most of the things I am doing are experiential show and not a reality TV show or what is obtainable in the normal talk show. Most of the time I will be talking to people and the audience would be experiencing people through me. They would feel, see and experience all that I am experiencing. So, it’s not a talk show for me, it’s something that has been in me and would be experienced by the Nigerian viewing audience and others all over the world.

What are the immediate challenges?

The challenges are enormous but we thank God. The first is that of harnessing all the people and resources together to get the company to kick off. I used to think it was easy getting a programme done, but I have since realised that it isn’t easy getting many things done even the smallest of all things needs lot of reasoning and consideration to get it done. However, the greatest challenge is financing this project. I mean, as huge as it is, you have to do a lot of marketing works and convincing to make sponsors take to it.

It is believed that if your late husband were to be alive, your musical career would have blossomed better than it is now. How true is this?

When he was around, we both concentrated on his album and the band, which he floated, we didn’t focus on my music career because I just have the voice and at that time, he was the one that knew more about show business. I only concentrated on my acting career and this was because I strongly believed if you didn’t know about something, you don’t need to go into it because everybody is going into it, but he did and all I did was sing with him. I didn’t understand the business like he did because it is more than just singing, it involves more. It is easy doing a track or two or shooting a video in South Africa, which I can, but after that what next? I’m taking my time so as to go into it when the time is right because I don’t want to juggle too many things together. My husband and I registered one record label that he wanted to come out on and that one is still there but I want this to pick up so that when I come out with my own music people would know that I know and understand what I am venturing into. The only thing I can do is probably a single or a four track album, which will be intended solely to inspire people and not commercial since I am not ready to handle that at the moment. I’m not just ready yet.

You have been spotted at several places and hangouts singing after your husband’s death. Why this when you know you are not ready?

The thing is there is a big difference between a performing artiste and a recording artiste. Dede Mabiaku is a performing artiste and has remained so, performing at several occasions but has still not released an album. Maybe, when it’s time he would. For me, I have always loved playing with the band, I love the band and we felt we needed a regular hangout but after becoming a mother I felt it was time I slowed down and I perform at hangouts but I had to take my children into consideration, my lifestyle changed. For a performer, all you do is attend the function, play for few hours and off you go but for a recording artiste, it’s much more than that. It comes with a lot of responsibilities, which I am not ready for.

How do you cope with your kids, who are fast growing up?

First of all I thank and give praise to my God. God knows why I have those children, God knows why I am a single parent and God knows why He has put all these business and ideas into my head. One thing many people don’t know is that I have a priority list, which takes me through everyday. My scale of preference and important things are held in high esteem. Once I am able to spend quality time with my children and most importantly get involved in their lives and this includes their school works and other things because I know that I have to take care of them and always give them the best. I don’t see what I do as work because it is something I am passionate about. I don’t feel it when I work; rather I take the care and nurturing of my children very important. Because I know I can’t do it alone, I designate people to do one or two things for me in my line of duty, but for my children, I get directly involved.

SOURCE: Independent Online

Why do you want to bring Buster Ryhmes to Nigeria?

It is a fact that when Buster Rymes performed in Lagos the other time, his performance was outstanding. I can confirm to you that there was no dull moment. He is somebody with so many hits. Everybody was asking for more. Actually we had it in mind to work with Akon, but we realised that Akon will suit a place like Bayelsa, but that is not now. There is a difference between Buster Rymes and Akon. Buster Rymes will be able to communicate better at this show. We went on a tour in East Africa and people were asking us to tell them about the situation in the Niger Delta. They always ask us what we are doing about the problems in the Niger Delta. It is really disturbing. It is not like what you people see on TV. Out there, they believe that once any white person arrives at the airport, kidnappers will pick him up.

Are there no chances that this foreign artiste could walk away without performing, like Anita Baker did in Nigeria recently?

I don’t think so. I am not ready to tell you what we have in the contract, but I tell you, Buster Rhymes is coming to Asaba, Delta State by the end of this month. There is a TV footage where he publicly said he was coming to Nigeria. If he doesn’t come, his own credibility will be at stake. Each time we perform outside the country, we always make sure we do a TV footage where we announce publicly that we would be coming to that country.

Apart from Buster Ryhmes, which other artistes will be performing?

We have Timaya, AY, Alaye from the UK, Black Solo and 2shotz.

You guys are popular. But don’t you think the N5,000 fee will be too much for people who would want to come for the show?

If it is taking place in Lagos, we will be talking of N20,000. The last time we had a P Square concert in Asaba, we made it N3,000 and the crowd was too much. I am talking about the concert that we had before the release of our current album. Now, we believe that if we make it the same thing, the crowd will be uncontrollable. With Buster Ryme, we are trying to control the crowd by charging N5000. We know the show is for everybody, but the fees will help us to check the turnout.

Are you guys not thinking of doing a ‘collabo’ with other foreign artistes?

Why not? That is the dream of every artiste. There are so many questions surrounding the idea of a collabo between P Square and other artistes. We don’t do our own things the way people go about theirs. We don’t begin to make noise without first doing our homework.

Do you think your current album is as successful as the last one?

Why not? I remember that we toured eight countries in Africa with the Get Squared album. But with the Game Over album, we have been to these countries back-to-back, and an extra nine. The only place left for us to conquer are the four northern African countries: Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria. By the time we play in these countries, we are done with Africa.

How was the acceptance at the places you have been to?

Apart from acceptance, and I am not blabbing, I can confidently tell you that we are the biggest in Africa. You see, everybody says Nigeria is big, but nobody knows what is happening outside.

So, the show is an opportunity to give back to the society?

Exactly. It is not that we are doing a charity show or something like that, but to at least make people come together and let them know that what is happening is affecting the image of the country outside.

How many copies of your current album have been sold?

In Nigeria, people don?t believe in paying royalty. What we do is a kind of projection: ‘Okay, since the last one sold seven million plus, this one is projected to sell 10 million…’ What we do is that we strike a deal in Nigeria, go to Ghana and strike another deal, then to Gabon, Liberia, Tanzania, Uganda. Here in Nigeria, we have Tjoe, in Ghana, we have another person. In every country, there are different people we work with. What we did for the album in Nigeria was that we calculated how much 10 million copies was worth and the marketer paid us straight away. That is how we do our business. That is why you can never hear any story anywhere that P-Square is ‘dragging’ anything with any marketer. The album sold a million copies in four days; that is the audio. But the surprising part of it is that the day we released the video, the guy printed just 1.5 million copies and sold all the same day. That is Nigeria.

How come people read suggestive meanings to the lyrics of Do Me?

We are asked the same question not only here in Nigeria but in other places. But we know that when we say, ‘do me and I do you’ in Nigeria, it means tit for tat. The explanation we give is that in Nigeria, there is what we call do me and I do you, God no go vex. It is not suggestive at all.

In the Do Me video, you have a crowd of girls. Yet I learnt the video was not shot in Nigeria. How did you come about such a crowd outside Nigeria?

You see, when we wanted to do the video in South Africa, we met different agencies who came with different albums of the girls they had. We then decided to take ten girls from each agency. But what happened was that, immediately the girls heard that P-Square was in town for the video project, they all wanted to feature in it. We said we would pay those that we selected and told the agencies that the rest was their business. That was why the video looks very crowded. But it was nice.

I never thought you could speak so well, considering the fact that you didn’t finish your education before you became famous?

Yeah, I was in school then, at the University of Abuja. But at the same time, we were battling with parents who wanted us to finish school before doing music. God made things possible for us, because if at the end we hadn’t made it, we would have had ourselves to blame. We give God all the glory, because as soon as we finished school, within two weeks, we started achieving our dreams.

Does your fame seem overwhelming at times?

It happens often; not here in Nigeria, but outside. We have just returned from a concert in East Africa, and it is amazing that even Jay-Z and other artistes that had been to the place did not get a quarter of the crowd that we got. I would play the video for you guys before you leave. The reason we decided to take Soundcity along with us was, so that when we talk, there would be proof. For the first time, you are going to see a DVD of P Square’s tour covering 19 countries in Africa, excluding Nigeria. And it is going to be like five minutes of each country. You will see how we live outside Nigeria and how we are accepted. You see, some people are big in Nigeria but they are not known outside. I can tell you that apart from Tuface, no other person is as popular in these countries as P Square, I am not trying to be immodest.

Are you satisfied with the height you have attained or are you still aiming higher?

No, we are not satisfied. It is not all about making money at shows. We are supposed to be making more money from sales. We don?t do proper packaging here. In Tanzania and Kenya, a CD is sold for $7, whereas in Nigeria, it is less than a dollar. But you see, in Nigeria, we sell more because of population. That is the difference. If we can sell over there what we sell in Nigeria, forget it. We are trying to do things according to international standards for Nigerians to know that there is no difference between us and Jay-Z or any other person outside. People tend to do whatever P Square is doing, like the good video. What we keep kicking against is bringing in foreign artistes and paying them a lot of money. What stops you from bringing in about five artistes and pairing each of them with five local artistes? Put it in the contracts of those guys; they will accept it. That is what we want to prove; you can bring in an artiste and still be in charge of the artiste.

Apart from natural talent, what else do you owe your success to?

It is our brother, Jude, who is our manager. He has studied the industry. He knows everything that goes on in the industry. Jude is a very strict disciplinarian. You cannot say you want to go to the club. You can’t try it. You don’t go anywhere here without two or three people asking you what you are going there to do and why another person cannot go for you. That is how we live. There is serious discipline in this house. You don’t see people trooping in here anyhow; it is not possible.

Why is he doing that?

He is more mature and he knows more about the industry. He knows that people are watching. You hear that somebody went to the club and fought and all that, Jude doesn’t allow that. He says whatever you want to do, do it at home. You want to drink? Drink here. You want to go crazy, do it here. You want to play music and make noise, do it here; not anywhere else.

Do you have other siblings?

We do, but we are the last boys in the family. We have an elder sister and the last girl.

How would you describe the family?

It is strong and loving. There is nothing they do in the family without contacting Peter and Paul. Like the house we are planning to build, they made like three sketches and everybody agreed that whatever Peter and Paul said would be the final.

Do you disagree or argue with your twin brother?

It is a normal thing. But, you see, we only do that when we are at home. We don’t go outside and misbehave. Sometimes in the house, we argue and disagree, especially when we are working on a project. That is why inside the house, we are Peter and Paul, but outside the gates, we are P Square.

But outside, you don?t normally dress the same way or wear the same hairstyle?

There was a time Peter was dating a twin and her twin sister expected me to date her, but I didn’t like that. Later, I began to create a different appearance. He cut his hair and I grew dreadlocks. He goes to the gym, but I don?t. I just want that difference between Peter and Paul. That was why Peter was more in the papers; that he was seen with this girl or with that girl. At least, people will not have difficulty in identifying who they see. Whenever something goes wrong, I want people to be able to identify who was involved: is it the one that has (well built) body or the one with the dreadlocks? I just want people to know the difference between Peter and Paul when it comes to looks.

Your mum appears more visible than your dad. What happened?

Our mum is more visible because of the nature of the job she does. She is more of a public person too because she is a preacher; she has a ministry. But my dad is not. My dad does not like anything that has to do with publicity. But my mum controls people. She speaks in public and people listen to her.

If you have a mother who is a gospel person, why have you not considered doing gospel music?

Yeah, there is something you do and God has His own way. There is something my mum always says, ‘Look, God is giving you guys this opportunity because He is preparing you for something.’ I might not know. Maybe she knows. What I know is that I am doing music to make people happy. I don’t preach sex. I want people to leave their bad ways and think about something positive. We are supporting her in her work and she is there praying for us.

Despite the beautiful picture you painted, there are still some scandals trailing P Square?

That is why we have Peter and we have Paul. No scandal can follow me. I am not saying I am perfect. There are people who cannot control stardom; especially my twin brother, he has that stardom ‘thing’ in him. At times, he loses it, but our manager tries as much as possible to let him realise the implications.

What of this story that you were robbed recently in Cameroun?

Nothing like that happened. We are going to Cameroun for the first time, next week. We just came back from Sierra Leone. If you say we were mobbed, I would agree. We were treated as big stars in the country where a big crowd came out to welcome us, old and young. There was a serious traffic to the extent that the police had to release some shots into the air. We were not robbed but mobbed.

How do you handle girls who would want to get attached to you by all means?

One way or the other, we make them realise that we have our own girlfriends. But I don’t think that is working any more. When you tell them you have a girlfriend, that is when they come even harder, believing they can compete and win. The one that is happening now, which is worse, is that when we are performing, about six or seven girls will be showing us their underwears. It is no longer funny. There are different ways girls try to attract us, but I wish they understand that we too are human. We have our own differences and our life. But we appreciate them, because we cannot do without them.

Are you currently dating someone?

Yeah, I am dating. I have been dating the same person since I was in school.

You are still seeing the same person?

Why not? It gives me the opportunity to remain focused and in control. If you have a girlfriend, no matter the pressure from others, you are somehow stabilised.

Can you tell us her name?

I am not afraid to say it; her name is Anita.

Is she a known person?

No, she is not in the public.

You don’t appear arrogant like people think P Square is?

That is what we are saying. In life, it is not everybody that likes you, no matter what you do. There are some people who would want to pull you down or spoil your name. I keep telling people that it is when you come close to us that you know the type of people we are. We even advise fellow artistes. You know there are some who you can predict where they are at a particular time, especially clubs or joints; we don’t do that. We don’t shout outside because of where we grew up, in Jos, which is a very quiet place where everyone minds their business.

You are here talking to us as a perfect gentleman and yet you go wild on stage. Do you take stuff to do that?

This is Paul sitting. It is P Square that is on stage. That is what happens. I don’t take stuff. What happens is that we love performing and dancing. The reason why people misbehave outside is that they don’t separate their private lives from their public lives. We get on stage and go crazy, but after that, we are normal. We get on stage and see no one in particular.

The other time I spoke with your mum, she expressed confidence that you would still come back to work for God?

Mum always believes that I am going to become a pastor, but that is too late now. She knows, however, that what we are doing is a positive thing for humanity.

What more should we expect from P Square?

We are working on our packaging. There is something in Nigeria, which we don’t see whenever we go outside. We only say we are giants but we are not organised. Outside Nigeria, no radio or television station will play my song without paying me royalty. You could crosscheck that on the computer. Do you think NTA will pay me for playing my song? Imagine some companies using my songs to launch their products without striking a deal with me.

Where do you see yourself and Anita in a few years?

I don’t know. Only God can decide that.

P SQUARE : Do ME

SOURCE: The Punch

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P SQUARE at NMA 2008

Ever since Mercy Johnson came into limelight about four years ago after staring in the movie ‘The Maid’, life, as they say it, has never been the same for her. The ordinary girl with a dream, as she likes to call herself, is now big; in fact beyond the shores of Nigeria. Just before she added yet another year to her age Thursday, Mercy spoke with SAMUEL OLATUNJI on her life and about the appellation – sexiest actress in Nollywood.

People refer to you as the sexiest actress in Nollywood. Do you actually think you are?

No! Every woman is sexy in her own way. I’ll just say I’m okay.

What defines a sexy woman?

I think being sexy is not all about beauty. It’s not about exposing yourself unnecessarily. Being sexy is a personal thing. It’s what a particular person portrays in everything she does. Someone might have a sexy way of talking, or a sexy way of appealing to people. A woman appeals to people in different ways. Being sexy in itself is large. You can’t quantify it.

How is it with you and negative report?

For sometime now, it’s really been frustrating. I guess some people are really trying to frustrate me. But I think it’s just a small price to pay for what I get. It’s a little price to pay for everything I get as Mercy Johnson. The negative side is alarming and heart-breaking, but the positive side still carries much weight.

Is it also true that you cut your hair to further portray the much-talked-about sexy looks?

The movie I did for Desmond Elliot was the major reason I cut my hair. It was strictly for the movie.

People call you rave of the moment in the movie industry. How does it feel to carry that tag?

The industry is just too wide for competition. It is a place people come in and keep coming in and your footprint is still there. It’s extremely large. You just can’t have all the fans. You can be the hottest thing happening but you can’t be everything to everybody. Everybody has his or her fans. I’ll say I’m doing well, but not the rave of the moment.

How often do you go on location?

Every week. I’m on set every week. But I’m taking a break for now, so I can look fresh before I travel.

Where are you traveling to?

I’m going on tour of the whole of Europe to meet my fans.

That is a lot of money for you, isn’t it?

God is good (laughs)!

Would you have still been fulfilled if you weren’t an actress?

I think it takes more than luck to make the right choice. I believe in faith and redemption and I believe in myself. It’s not about being an actress. I said earlier that if I wasn’t an actress. I would have loved presenting. I think I still would have been fulfilled because fulfillment is just about doing the right thing well and getting to the apex of your assignment.

Are you in any relationship now?

Mmm… yes!

Between your relationship and your career, which comes first?

It will be my relationship.

So your relationship can cause you to stop being an actress?

There are certain stages you get to and you take some things more seriously. We’re not in the western world. This is Africa, and this is an environment where you need to regard people more than accomplishment. And when I say relationship, I don’t mean boyfriend and girlfriend relationship alone. It means that if I get married today, my marriage comes first. My relationship comes before my career. But right now it is your seriousness that gets you to that point. It’s just like you’re asking me which is going to be more important between my kids and my work; it’s going to be my kids.

Is your boyfriend not complaining about media reports on you?

He complains once in a while because you people can actually split a home atimes. He complains and we quarrel once in a while about some write-up he reads. But, above all, he understands.

With your busy schedule, does that mean it’s a good-bye to Lagos State University (LASU)?

No, I am not saying good-bye to LASU.

So, what’s going to happen to LASU?

I’m still schooling, though it’s not been easy at all.

But I learnt you deferred your study, how true?

Yes, but I’m going to resume fully next session.

Are you sure you will have time to be serious in school?

Yes, I’m going to be serious.

I read recently that you had a carry-over or some problems with lecturers in school. What actually went wrong?

It’s normal for a student to have problem in school, I don’t know why people keep writing unnecessary things. I don’t know why my own should be so obvious. Why can’t they report good things that I do? It’s only the bad things that happen that they get to say.

What does love mean to you?

Love is respect. Love is commitment. Love is being there when it matters most. Love is putting your loved ones first. It’s sacred.

What does your boyfriend do?

He’s not really a press person. He is abroad.

Why is everybody dating someone abroad, are we guys here not up to the task?

It’s not about you selecting people, it’s about the person that comes to you and flows with you. You can’t go for what doesn’t want you; you go for what wants you.

For how long have you been dating?

Almost three years now.

How does he feel when he hears about your stuffs that are supposed to be under wraps being discussed in public?

Sometimes he calls me and says guess where I am and I would say work. He’ll then say people are talking about your hips. But most times we just laugh over it.

How often do you guys see?

We see very often. Whenever I travel, we see. Whenever he’s around, we see. He’s usually around; he’s even around at the moment because of my birthday which is on the 28th of August.

How old will you be then?

Why would you want me to tell you that? So that in ten years, you people can say she’s going to be sixty.

For how long have you been in Nollywood?

Let me say four to five years.

Who introduced you to Nollywood?

A very good friend of mine, his name is Oscar Ray.

Which was your first movie?

The title of my first movie is The Maid.

Is acting all you want to do?

No, acting is not all I want to do. I have lots of things I want to do. I really love to do something that’ll enable me give back to society that has given me the chance and has made me somebody. I was just a little girl with nothing but a dream. So, every time I see girls that are in my former condition, it really make me wants to reach out.

Have you ever had a nasty encounter with a fan?

One happened at a parking lot when I was traveling to Benin. I had gone to the car to pick up my things. While I was doing that, someone just bumped on me and was like, ‘Oh! I like your films, and can I get a hug’. And then I consented. But to my utmost amazement the guy kissed me.

I wish I was in the guy’s shoes (general laughter). So what happened after the kiss?

Well, I was extremely surprised and just had to let go.

What can you say about the rumour of you and Rukky Sanda fighting over D’banj?

I don’t really know what to say about that. I’ve never met D’banj before and don’t even know what he looks like. And I don’t know Rukky.

Your boyfriend is in Spain and you’re in Nigeria. What do you do those times you need that irresistible romantic touch?

We speak a lot on phone and we’re extremely close despite the distance.

Can telephone conversations substitute for the real thing?

Yeah! Closeness in any form, as long as you talk all the time. Communication makes you feel closer.

What happens to sexual temptation?

(Laughs). What’s the meaning of that? Common, Fimi sile jo (please leave me alone).

What do you do when you’re tempted?

I’m never tempted at all.

Even a saint like me gets tempted sometimes.
You never told me you’re a saint, Samuel.

What was it like the first time you were in bed with a man?

No comment (laughs)!

Source: The Sun News Online