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

Related Links:

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

The acclaimed screen and stage Queen, Clarion Chukwurah opens up finally in this ‘untold story’ classic. She spoke extensively about her escapades on stage and on screen; her relationship with Afro-Juju king, Sir Shina Peters; her marriage to Tunde Abiola and the sad loss of her babies; aslo she spoke passionately about her NGO project ( The Clarion Chukwurah Helpline Initiative ).

Adekunle Aliyu of the Vanguard had singular honour of getting the acclaimed screen and stage queen to tell her story.

Here is the full text of the interview:

Money Power, was it your first movie?

It was my first movie but wasn’t my first entrance into the industry.

Between 1982 and today, tell us how it has been and all that had happened to you before now?

Since 1982 till date, it’s been explosive. It’s been from one mountain to one hill and valley and back up to the mountain.

The movie Money Power actually started everything. It started my journey to stardom, to adulthood to motherhood and through all the challenges I faced, the different views of Clarion Chukwurah that people had presented out of their own opinion that was not the real Clarion.

The real Clarion only came out through one journalist who was able to peep through and present the real Clarion.

Let’s take it step by step. Money Power brought you into stardom, adulthood and motherhood and you were barely in your teens.  Can you talk about each of them from the beginning?

Yes, I was seventeen years old then. Money Power as a film, was an example of what used to happen among my teens in the acting industry then.

If an actor or actress gets into a good play with a front line director, the right people will watch it and that could be a stepping stone for you to get to the next level.

As at that time, I was an undergraduate in the then University of  Ife and we came to Lagos to perform the premier production of Wole Soyinka’s Camwood on the leaves at the National Theatre.

In that particular play we did a seven days performance and the particular performance that gave me a role in Money Power was the Command Martini performance which came  on the 6th performance. The play had all the who is who coming to watch, because it was Wole  Soyinka directed and it was a National Theatre production.

And unknown to me, in the audience was Ola and Francois Balogun. At the end of the play, I went to the back stage and noticed that a lot of people wanted to talk to me at once. Wole Soyinka’s mother said she wanted to know if her son sat me down to tell me the kind of person he was as a teenager because she felt that I couldn’t have acted out her emotions as I acted the role of a mother.

Until she asked me the question, I didn’t know I was performing her character and so I was like, God so that was you, that was all that you put this woman through and he (Kongi) was just laughing.
Ola Balogun and his wife asked if I’ve ever done a film or been in front of the camera. I said yes that I’ve been in the front of the camera for television and also for a film that wasn’t finished.

Meeting with Shina Peters

They told me that my acting “is so fantastic” that as they watched from the beginning, the flow of emotions to end of the play for about one and half hours they saw the character of Yemi  in me.

I was made to understand that they had cast the character of one Maureen for that role but seeing me perform so well on stage, and they changed their mind.

We were to do the 7th performance that night and leave for Ife the next morning and  I was to come back after a week to meet with Shina Peters so we could audition together to see if both of us could flow together.

It was amazing how both of us were crying together in a scene we were lovers in the film. The character Yemi was just about my age and Shina Peters played the role of a 22 year old journalist.

Yemi’s parents were dead poor and wanted to trade her to a rich man who wanted her at all cost in exchange to settle her family. Shina Peter who acted as Jide was a poor journalist and Yemi’s father didn’t want to see him.

The story of the film was about all that Yemi and Jide went through but at the end of the day, they triumphed and got married.

The rich man who was actually the publisher of the newspaper where Jide was a reporter  realising that Jide was his rival threw him out of the job and he went back to the street. Jab Adu who played the role of the editor of the Newspaper fought in vain to keep Jide because he saw no conflict between  Jide’s job and his private life.

In all, it was a good movie and it gave me the opportunity to meet with the people who were at the top hierarchy in the industry then. I also got to work with Cinecraft, that had the duo of Tunde Kalani and Wale Fanu as camera crew and they were the ones who got me onto Mirror in the Sun.

Falling In Love

My falling in love with Shina Peter happened at the point we were rehearsing for the theme song. Shina produced the sound track for that movie and we recorded the song together.

The whole process started quite naturally. It began when he started buying me apples, taking me to Ikoyi Park. And by the time we were doing the shooting movie Money Power I was already two months pregnant but people didn’t know. The secret was kept between us and the make-up artist, Aunty Peju.

Anger and Condemnations

I was still in school when this happened and naturally my mother wasn’t happy. Everybody was condemning both of us and the heat made me drop out of school. I was 18 while he was 24 when Clarence was born.

We were just two young people who were in love, so the anger shown by  my mother and the disappointment exhibited by all those who believed in me shattered my world at that time. And on his on part, he was admonished for engaging in a relationship with me and people like the late Chief Olu Aboderin of Punch and Chief Dapo Tejuosho advised that he leaves me alone.

I didn’t want to get married to Shina because I was still young and in school. It was not something I went into because I wanted to get married, it just happened. I was just a teenager who didn’t understand what I was going into.

I actually told him that I wanted to finish school and become a big star. And he said, “you think you can become a big star just because you acted in one film?”.  But deep inside me I knew I was going to make it big and this I told him. Often we’d get into argument because of this.

The Fights and  the Lack of Support

Shina lived in Lagos while I  lived in Ife. He will come to visit me in school and we will get into one form of argument or the other. And as soon as he leaves, I will write him a stinker and he replied saying, “I will read your letters some day to your son to explain what happened between the two of us when he was a baby.”

And don’t ask if he carried out his threat because he did just that. Laughing she said, one day he stole my son and showed those nasty letters to him.

But I wouldn’t want us to talk about his role as a father because my son has asked that I stopped talking about it.

The truth is, I felt let down by Shina, but I forgave him because soon after he abandoned us, he started having problems with his career and his relationship with other women.

He was just going from one relationship to the other because of the kind of industry that juju music was then and how people like him were not given any chance by the women.

And when he recovers from any of such sour relationships, he will just show up and say he is sorry and he will disappear for like two years again.

The Separation

I wouldn’t say the industry stole Shina from me. He was already deep into it when I met him but today, Shina Peters remains my first love and we are still very good friends. We talk, crack jokes together, abuse each other playfully and so on.

But all the fights that happened between us are in the past. Right now I have a very wonderful and caring man in my life. A man who has accepted me for who and what I am.

The role of the Media

At a point my career went down in the early 90’s for three reasons. First the industry was going through the metamorphosis of the era of  the Soap Opera to Home Video. The change saw new people coming into the industry and it also saw the emergence of  the coming in of the Igbo entrepreneurs who depended on the directors they had and people they knew.

Secondly, Shina Peters made a come back and felt that the only way he could get favour was by running me down in the press. I was having a really bad press.

The press boys were those press close to Shina and they felt that Shina Peter had a vendetta with me and they were giving me a lot bad press. On his part, Shina fueled the situation and that didn’t help at all.

At that time I was financially down and I needed him to take care of Clarence (his son) and the woman in his life then was scared. She felt that I wanted to come back and reap where I did not sow and all that.

Getting Married

I got married to Tunde Abiola and had two kids, a girl whom I lost after seven weeks  and  a boy (Bode).

I  lost my daughter the previous year, because I didn’t breast feed her well enough. And I didn’t breastfeed her because I didn’t want to lose my figure immediately I had her.  So because of this I told myself that I wasn’t going to work so I can give Bode all the care he needed. Bode’s father was very supportive and I was never lacking financially.

Two years after, I went to work on the English stages to save enough money and get more formal training as an actress. This lasted for six months.

The Return of Queen Clarion

My come back was achieved largely because of my acting ability. When I came back, the first three movies I did were to play sub roles but before the movies were half way through, the producers and directors just realised that I had taken over the lead role.

You need to remember that I was coming from a long way back, so I was bringing with me a lot of experience, skill, training and don’t forget also that it was not easy to have acted on stage for white audiences as a black. You will virtually get no laughter or applause, to succeed you have to be really good to get the applause. So I was coming back with that strength that I had  used to conquer the white audience.

Falling from Grace to Grass and back to Grace

When I became broke and couldn’t cater for myself and my son like I said earlier, I had to look up to Shina to at least cater for his son. And that decision turned out to be a very fatal action. The media feasted on me.

It was terrible, so terrible that I took to drinking and smoking packets of cigarettes like hell. But I never taught about killing myself because of my son.

My father died when I was very young so I didn’t want to leave my son (Clarence) to go through what I went through. I wanted to be there for him and I was also praying because I have always had this feeling that God loves me. I will sit down and ask God, why? .

I had this never die spirit in me and  I survived, but it was hell. When I walk the streets, people looked at me with disdain and disgust, as if I had shit all over me. And all those places and people who saw me like that, I always go around them. In my heart I was like, keep looking at me and you are going to see me become big soon.

Today I have seen some of the people who rejected me and called me names coming back to get my acquaintance and want to identify with me. And I will look at them and  laugh (because I know it’s not by my power but the mercy of God that turned things around for me) but I don’t push them away.

The Movie Industry

The return of the older generation of actors and actresses is a pointer to the fact that the industry is beginning to mature and ready to move to next level. It’s only in this country that you see colleagues (younger ones) wanting older colleagues to leave  the industry for them because they feel that you have been there, but this idea is very sickening and shows their level of mediocrity.

The Clarion Chukwurah Helpline Initiative

The Clarion Chukwurah Helpline Initiative is not an NGO. It was inspired from when I was 19 years. I used to have this dream where I saw myself with kids and right from when I rented my first flat (I was 19 years) I’ve always had people coming to me (younger people and kids) with one problem or the other and I will go talk to their parents.

It was something I inherited from my father. My father was somebody my younger brother called Johnny Be Good.

I grew up in a home where we had people who were not related to us leaving with us and my father was paying their school fees and taking care of them. And sometimes I will get angry but I didn’t know I was the person that will take after him. Somehow  he knew, because he was giving me information on why it is necessary to help others as if he also knew he would leave us early.

As the personnel manager of Sunflag Textile Mills, my father will bring bundles of clothes and while the tailor will be taking my measurement, he will also be measuring the other children on the same number of wears he was going to make for me.

And when the goldsmith comes to take my design of Jewelries he will equally take the designs for the other children and this also was very annoying.

Another thing that inspired me was that I had always been around women who really cared about the plight of abused children because when my father died we went through a lot of hard time from members of my father’s family but I don’t want to talk about it because they have pleaded with me to stop talking about it. But the fact remains that they didn’t do the right thing for me and my brother.

The project and the journey so far

Clarion Chukwurah Helpline  Initiative is a project that will eventually metamorphose into the Clarion Chukwurah Foundation for the less privileged children, and youths especially the physically and mentally challenged and the abused ones. A lot of people in this country have so much sad stories to tell that will make you understand that there is a mass responsibility between Nigerian men and women when it comes to their offspring.

I started running this project with money  from my pocket and I’m still doing that till date. In the few months we’ve operated, we have worked with the Arrows of God Orphanage Home, Olusoye Compensatory Centre for children and youths with learning disability, Juvenile welfare centre, Heritage Orphanage homes, Modupe Home for the mentally and physically challenged, Compassionate Outreach and also homes outside Lagos,  Kogi and Kwara States amongst others.

The objective of the foundation is to let people know where these homes are, what they are going through so that they can go personally and directly to help them and also to get the Federal Government to pass an annual grant bill and make state government to pass same bill and compel them to inculcate children into the Ministry of Women Affairs so as to assist them.

Support for the  Organisation

God has been our support and when we now bring people to see these homes for themselves, they now start supporting the homes.

They give directly to the homes not to me. People like Chief Mrs. Essien- Igbokwe has been very helpful to the homes.

She got involved in the Entertainers Star Trek we had on Childrens’ Day and she has been doing a lot to help the homes.

Mr Andre Gbinige has also been very supportive to the Arrows of God Orphanage, as he organised a party and visitation for them. Jimmy Jatt was also there with us on Star Trek.

Funmi Tejuosho, the deputy speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly came and supported the heritage homes. Abike Dabiri, Chief Mrs Adunni Bankole came and with two imported boxes of new cloths from England for  the children and youths of Modupe Home.

The Clarion Chukwurah Helpine Initiative is out to make people see these homes and when you see, your mind will tell you what to do.

Clarion Chukwurah is indeed a queen and many willagree she is an encouragement to all women of substance out there as well as the aspiring one.

We wish her the best for the future on screen and on stage as well as her work with The Clarion Chukwurah Helpline Initiative.

Source: Vanguard

Clarion Chukwurah ‘s Official Website

Aunty Joke is in her own class and no doubt have carved a niche for herself as one of the best and most versertile actress on the Nollywood scene. She has conquered the world of filmography and have got her name on some A-list films within and outside Nollywood. Aunty Joke is married to another screen veteran Olu Jacobs.

She is a shining light and a darling of most upcoming actors and actresses in Nollywood. She has inspired most and amongst her aging compatriots, she stands out as an icon and one of those that is worthy to be the face of Nollywood.

Nollywood Critique in her latest outing ‘Older Women On Screen‘ poured glowing tribute to the screen icon, thus;

If there is a female actress that I can unequivocally say that I admire the most, that would be, hands-down, Joke Silva. Very few younger actresses can compare to this seasoned performer. Her contributions on and off the screen will be lauded for decades to come. Actually, I think older women in Nollywood have done very well for themselves in terms of perfecting their craft. Stalwarts that come to mind are Ngozi Ezeonu and Patience Ozokwor. While these women have served the industry well, I am not sure if the industry, that is Nollywood has made the best use of their talents…

I do share with her concern on the inability of todays producers to tap into the wealth of experience these aging icon and her compatriots have got to offer. As we all know good wine taste better with age. We hope to see Joke and most of the old faithfuls being given more roles; as Nollywood re-organises and evolves into world class cinema.

We urge Aunty Joke to continue with her services to humanity and Nollywood, she is much appreciated and have inspired a lot of todays celebs and most of aspiring Nollywood celebs also regards you as their icon and inspiration. We love you Aunty Joke.

Joke Silva on Stage with RMD: A Husband’s Wife

Joke Silver Filmography:

1. Letters to a Stranger (2007) (V)
2. To Love and to Hold (2007) (V)
3. To Love and to Hold 2 (2007) (V)
4. The Amazing Grace (2006) …. Maria Davies
5. 30 Days (2006/II) …. Dupe Ajayi
6. Brave Heart (2005) (V) …. Helen
7. Brave Heart 2 (2005) (V) …. Helen
8. Opin irin ajo (2005) (V)
9. Opin irin ajo 2 (2005) (V)
10. Women’s Cot (2005) (V)
    … aka Widow’s Cot (Nigeria: English title)
11. Women’s Cot 2 (2005) (V)
12. Women’s Cot 3 (2005) (V)
13. Last Wedding (2004) (V) …. Mrs. Daniel
14. Last Wedding 2 (2004) (V)
15. Keeping Faith: Is That Love? (2003) (V)
16. The Kingmaker (2003) (V)
17. The Secret Laughter of Women (1999) …. Nene

Picture Source

Kween - The Jebele Lady:

Kween as she is popularly known is taking the Nigerian Music industry by storm just like her predecessor compatriots.

‘Jebele’ her chart bursting album has won her two awards and she is threatening that she has a lot to offer the thrieving Nigerian music industry; and the good news is that she has been in the studio recording.

Her new album, she says will be hitting the airwaves in August and she is giving her fans a peep into the things to come. She says the title of the album is ‘Kween don Come’.

Bio:
Queen Chinyere Onokala is a soul and R&B musician from Nigeria. She is a native of Abia state and she speaks fluent Igbo, Yoruba and English

She started singing in a church choir in Abeokuta when she was then. She grew up listening to thelikes of Erykah Badu, Toni Braxton and Whitney Houston. She went on to perform in several clubs, concerts and special occasions all over Nigeria

She also enjoys modeling, owns Kweens fashions and enjoys interior decoration.

She is managed by Ruffsounds productions. Museke

As you kween lovers await she majesty’s new album, we will like to tell you that she has been speaking with Ademola Alawiye of The Punch.

The Interview:

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.

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.

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.

As we await ‘Kween do come’; we will like to ask her majesty to take life easy with all these talk talk in the air from one scandal to the other. There are so many younger and aspiring artist looking up to you; please do all that you can to set good examples for them.

May Her Majesty’s Days be LONG!

Jebele: The Music

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde: (Omosexy)

Sexy Omotola Jalade Ekeinde of Nollywood was cornered by Tope Olukole of the Saturday Tribune lately and she laid bare her heart. She talked about so many things that her fans are itching to hear. She talked about her marriage, Nollywood and her latest love.

Knowing her as a kind hearted person, she has taken on the challenge of having an NGO to help further her desire to help the less privileged amongst us as well as empower the youths. She is also an ambassador. She also talked about her music, which is her latest passion.

The Watchman presents to you Omosexy’s Chat with Tope Olukole:

You have been around for a while now, can you speak on your youth empowerment programme?

I guess this is when I can actually take care of it. All this while, we never thought about the idea anyway. It only came up in 2005 when I was celebrating my tenth anniversary on screen and the release of my debut album. Then, I had started doing a lot of Non Governmental Organisation things and we just thought of what I would do to give back to the society after 10 years. I was already doing certain things with children.

What is it all about?

It is an empowerment programme like the name says; initially, we didn’t set out to be an NGO. We wanted to just be a movement of ideas, pushing ideas and challenging one’s thinking. But we were told we wouldn’t be registered as a movement, but as an NGO. So, I had to now change a few things about what we wanted to do. But then, as an NGO, we now found out that we needed members because when we started a lot of people got to know about us and were giving us offers. That’s the way we were penciled down. Then I said we should just reform ourselves so that it will actually be a blessing to help people.

How do you finance the NGO?

Well, I was financing it myself before our convention held at University of Lagos; but we had a lot of people that supported our dream, like First Atlantic Bank, then Skye Bank and so many other people that over time have seen what we are doing and believe in us.

What in your earlier life had prepared you for the entertainer that you are now?

I don’t know, but they always said that when I was young I was very entertaining. I went to Chrisland, Opebi, Lagos, and in most of my results, they wrote extra-curricular activities in which I was involoved; I never noticed anything when I was small. My sojourn into entertainment started when I was a model and that was after secondary school. And when I was in secondary school, I was a dancer; we used to mime and dance, maybe that showed a part of who I was, but I never said I would be an actress because I was more into music while in the school. I was more of a dancer and a singer than actress because I never did acting apart from the normal student-acting.

Are you into music now to show us the real you?

I think that’s my soul. The depth of my heart is music. That’s where I really feel love. I write my songs; I wrote 80% of the music you hear in ‘Gba’. Only two songs in that album were not written by me. Even if you don’t like my song, at least, I know that so many people call me from abroad about the vitals of my songs, that means I write very, very inspiring songs and I write them from my heart. That’s the truth.

A lot of people know you as Omosexy, how will you explain the name to a child when he or she asks you?

It depends on his or her age. I will explain to him or her by the age. I will never run away from the question. My name doesn’t have anything to do with sex. Sexy does not mean sex. After we’ve gotten that straight, I will explain it to them like any other parent will do.

How do your children and husband feel anytime you are called Omosexy?

My husband named me Omosexy, so they don’t feel anyhow. That’s his pet-name for me and my kids know about it.

What is your greatest fear in life?

God. I fear God.

Which part of your body do you cherish most, such that if anything should go wrong with it you won’t be yourself again?

It couldn’t be my body. There is no part of my body that I cherish most. I cherish my mind more. If my mind goes out of tune, then, I’m in trouble. There is nothing in my body I can’t control. If my mind is sound, then I’m okay. I cherish every part of my body but I adore my mind.

In the next ten years, how will Omotola be looking?

Sexy. I will still be looking sexy.

What do you do to keep in shape?

Nothing precisely, when I feel like working out, I work out, when I feel like dieting, I diet. I just know when to stop a little, it’s not like I do anything constantly. I do quick fixing and it works for me. I’m just generally conscious and I’m very prayerful about my weight too, and I believe God answers. Seriously, people will think God can’t be bothered about things like that but He works them out for me. You can imagine out of all things you tell God, something that is mundane. Give it a trial.

Will you agree with me that starting child-bearing early helps keep you in shape?

I want to believe so. It also helps because it is easier for you to go back to shape. But again I have seen people that gave birth early and had gone out of shape. So, not necessarily but then it can help if you have kids in time and then you watch your weight. It’s easier to maintain it.

Why did you make up your mind to get married early?

I didn’t decide to. It just happened, I just met someone I love, I thought he is the right person and we got married. Why waiting.

What was your parents’ reaction?

My parents are late now. But then, my father wasn’t happy but he didn’t have a choice, so he supported me but I knew I was making the right choice.

For how long did you court?

Two years.

Having kids at the early stage a planned thing?

I got married before I started having kids. When you are married, the next thing is for you to have kids. I didn’t have kids before I married. I got married at 18 and had my first baby at 19. I left secondary school when I was 15.

Aside movies and the NGO you are championing, what else do you do?

I do so many things aside movies. I have my ambassadorial work for children, which I do. I have another office in Ikeja GRA to run; I have my music.

What do you do in your Allen and Ikeja GRA offices?

Allen office runs Red Hunt Concert; we do documentaries, we package people’s brands, while Ikeja is the parent office that takes care of the NGO and many other businesses that we do. It is a children club and hair place. That’s probably the first real children hair place for boys and girls. …Saturday Tribune.

We recorgnise Omosexy‘s services to Nollywood and congratulate her on the launch of her pet NGO project as well as her ambassadorial elevation. We have no doubts that a lot of youths are looking up to her for inspiration and motivation and hence, encourage her not to let them down; but live up to their expectations.

Nollywood Watch wishes you the best in your future endavours.

Omotola Jalade’s Slides:

Image Sources: Tribune & Internet

** Omotola Jalade Ekeinde’s Official Website**

One is bound to commend these new generation of Nollywood Amazons for the giant strides. They chose the part of supposed honour instead of cueing up with their compatriots that are running after ‘Aristos’-sugar daddies, politician and money bags.

Chioma Okoye’s first Nollywood Movie was Evil Genius as you will recall, since then she has featured in a dozen more. We wish the likes of Chioma and the numerous new faces in Nollywood a gracious and enduring carieer in our Nollywood.

We present to you an excerp of Chioma’s chat with Funmi Johnson of Vanguard.

The Interview:

My boobs and hips are my selling points —Chioma Okoye

Chioma Okoye is one the fastest growing artistes in Nollywood. An undergraduate of History and strategic studies at the University of Lagos, Akoka, Chioma is working assiduosely to build her acting career, which coincidentally led her to her uncle Pete Edochie.

Chioma OkoyeThis beautiful Anambra State born actress has had her own share of challenges and embarrassing moments on the job. She tells her story:

What has been happening to you lately?

Nothing much, it’s just that God has been blessing me. Being alive is the best and the most important thing is life and that you can’t buy with money. It comes freely from God.

How long have you been in the industry?

I have spent less than six years on the beat.

And which is your first movie?

Evil Genius.

How did you get into the industry?

Peter Edochie is my uncle and I always go to location with him.  There was a girl who was supposed to play a role in Evil Genius and the girl didn’t turn up that day.  At the end of the day, I was called upon and asked if I can act. I was honest enough to say I can’t and then they asked me to give it a trial. I  was told if they didn’t wrap up the shooting that week, they’ll have to spend more money waiting for the right girl to turn up. So, I was given the script and as they say, the rest is history.

And what was the feeling like the first time on set?

As I was trying out the script,people were clapping for me just to encourage me. The clapping helped to excite and encourage me. I felt I was doing the right thing and that was how it all began. I really think it was my uncle’s presence that helped because he is someone I am very used to.

Perherps if it was someone I am not used to, I would have been over whelmed and may not have been able to bring out my best. Very recently that movie was shown on African Magic and people were calling to tell me that I was looking so innocent, slim and beautiful in the movie that I should go and shed my weight.

So my entrance into the industry was by sheer coincidence. And since then, I fell in love with the career and I want to be doing more.

What exactly got you attracted to the acting profession?

It is the location.  Each time I go with my uncle to the location I always enjoy seeing them. Action! cut!, all of these caught my fancy and I didn’t see the job as stressful. So I started reading books, started watching films.

I would go to the video club deposit money there to start waching films. And every film I watch gave me the feeling that I could do what the actors were doing.

Which of the movies brought you to the lime?

Slow Poison produced by Emmalex and No Shaking.

Who really is Chioma Okoye?

A down to earth, always smiling person.  I love to have people around me and I love to make people happy. Even if they are not successful people, I try to tell them, do this, do that and see if you can get success from there.

Like my aunty used to say, ‘let the goodness go round so we don’t have enemies amongst us.’  If I am the only one making the money and my friends are not making the money, each time we go out, I do the spending but if my friends are making monery also, it will make things easier for everyone.

What was growing up years like for you?

It was fun, I was born in Kaduna and I’m the last of six children.

So you speak Hausa?

Yes, very fluently.

How would you describe your roles in the movies?

Most times because I’m on the big side, I’m always being paired to be sombody’s wife or a mother. In the last movie I did, I was paired with Desmond Elliot.

I acted as his girlfriend. I hate wifey roles because I don’t get to show off the chick in me. Actually I have a movie in mind that will focus on fat girls. I want to do something about fat girls. With three of my friends, we want to bring some fat and slim girls in the industry to act along side D’banj and Tuface.

When are we expecting the soup to be ready?

Before the end this year or mid next year. It’s not a small project  and we do not want to rush it. We want to take our time.

We are looking for sponsors. We have finished writing the story and we have given it to three companies. They seem to love the scripts  because it is different from the story lines which is common these days.

Have you ever been embarrassed for playing a particular role in a movie?

Yes I have .

Can you share it ?

It was an ugly experience, I don’t want to talk about it.

Which particular movie was that?

That was War in the Church and the other one was The Desperate Girl.

And what role did you play in the movies?

I won’t tell, so you don’t go back and watch it.

So far what challenges have you faced on the job?

Within the industry, the challenge you face is working hard to meet up with the standard of market requirement and also meeting up with the competition in the industry.

You have so many girls and guys doing the same job and if for you want to be on location always, you have to work very hard and make sure that if you are given a job, you deliver.  When you get offers and you are not able to perform well, you are in trouble as you may not get jobs in future.

How do you joggle studies with your acting career?

I have not worked for the past two months and that has afforded me the oppoprtunity to read. Besides I’m a full time student and so I have my time table and I joggle the two somehow.

Okoye is a big name in the industry, are you related to Evan Paul Okoye?

No it is just a coincidence.

How real is sexual harrassment in Nollywood?

There are some things that people do not understand. For instance there is this friend of mine dating a producer and if this producer is working, she is in the movie.

Of course the producer will not leave the girlfriend to go and call somebody else for a movie when he wants the best for the girl.

At least when she is making money, she will not have to rely on you for everything. People will now translate that kind of a situation to sleeping to get roles, I realy don’t know how to explain this.

But are there situations where a producer will refuse to give a girl a role because she refused to sleep with them?

It is possible, very possible.

Have you ever been sexually harrassed?

I have heard people talk about it but it has not happened to me.

Who is that lucky guy in your life right now?

I don’t want to tell you my guy’s name, I don’t want to go into that because that is private.

Is he in the movie industry?

No he is not in the movie industry.

Does he watch your movies?

Yes he does.

How does he feel when you are being hugged and kissed on set?

Every man has an atom of jealousy in him. What I do is that each time I’m watching that part, I will quickly condemn the man I’m doing it with on set first so he would be left with nothing to say. Any way its all make believe and my husband understands its part of the job.

Who is your kind of man?

God fearing man because when a man has the fear of God in him, everything in that person will be positive.

Is your guy romantic?

When you have a man who has the fear of God in him, he will be romantic. You know if you are close to God, you can always tell him God, this man is not sexy, please make him sexy for me. The only thing I ask God is please give me the right man.

So can you say that this your guy is the right man?

I asked God for that till the day he knocks at the door. And if that happens, I will know he is the right man because I just made a request. And until the request is answered, I have nothing more to say.

What is the craziest thing a fan has said to you?

Wao you look so sexy!  That day I went for a friend’s birthday at a Chinese Restaurant and I was wearing a tube gown.  The way he said it was as if he saw a ghost, I just smiled.

How do you feel when you watch yourself on set?

I always want to do more. Most of the time I condemn myself. Oh, Chioma you should have done this, you should have done that.  And because I want to be perfect in my profession. I want people to clap for me each time I star in a new role.

Were your parents supportive when you went into acting?

It was a big war because we were all born in the North and you know the way they reason over there. But Uncle Pete Edochie had to intervene and with time they let me be and today they are very proud of me, especially my mother.

So how do you feel with these special endowments God has given you?

Each time I wake up in the morning, I tell God, thank you very much.  Because without the  boobs and hips, I don’t know where I would have been because whatever I put on fits me.

When I’m dressing up, the way I will look at myself in the mirror, my friends will shout at me, e don do, Chioma dress up fast.

I love my hips and my breast. because that is the koko. If you don’t have these things anything  you wear will not stand out on you.I want to shed some weight but not the boobs and my hips.

What is one good thing stardom has done to you?

It has opened doors for me

What don’t you like about stardom?

Lack of privacy.

What is your highest pay?

The pay is very good. Also your bargaining power matters a lot.

Who is your role model?

Joke Sylva because she is a woman that is scandal free, her marriage is working well for her, she speaks well and she is very intelligent.  My male role model is my uncle Pete Edochie.

Are you a designer freak?

Yes I am and my designer is Prada.

What about jewelery?

I’m not too much into that but I love gold a lot.

What about shoes?

I love high heeled shoes because I’m on the big side. The shoes make my steps graceful when I’m on them.

What is your favourite food?

Eba and Okro soup.

How do you unwind?

I unwind by gisting with my friends and relatives in my house.

Interview & Picture Source: Vanguard

We wish Chioma Okoye the very best in her Nollywood carieer.