Gossip Nigeria

Nollywood 'bad boy', Jim Iyke and Ghanaian actress, Nadia Buari have finally decided to confirm the rumour making round that they are in a romantic relationship.

For some time now, both stars have been seen around each other in suggestive ways.

They have also reportedly been seen together at some suggestive places which brought about the rumour that both have some 'rubbing and entangling of bodies' going on between them but at some point Jim Iyke denied such speculations.

Well looks like they have decided to come out clean as they took to twitter to display their love.

Although some still thinks its just publicity stunts.

See tweets below

When sultry Nollywood actress, Ini Edo's husband traveled out months back and left her behind in Nigeria to "do her thing" many didn't suspect anything was wrong as it is not unusual for a husband to leave his wife behind to attend to some business issues and return home.

But days turned into weeks, her husband didn't return; weeks have turned into months now and it's obvious Ini Edo can no longer hide her pains again....

A source told TON that she has been complaining secretly to a few friends about her husband's fight with her. She has done all she could to make him "forgive me even if I'm wrong" but it seems her efforts are not really working as she had expected. And it's getting bad.

Another source disclosed to TON that the major issue is Ini Edo's inability to get pregnant and give her husband a child after three years of marriage. It is said that the man was advised against marrying her due to her "past" but he ignored the warning all because he wanted to marry a celebrity.

Anyway, the home front is no longer at peace and the man is not even coming home to touch his wife so they could try harder maybe the pregnancy would come.

Some say he may be planning to send her out... But is that the best solution?

Dayo Amusa is not a new fish in the waters of Yoruba film industry. When the roll call of 'big girls' in the industry is called, Dayo Amusa will surely not be missing.

Aside being an actress, just like many actresses in the Yoruba movie world, Dayo is also a producer. She recently floated a school in Surulere, which we learnt is giving her something to be happy about.

When it comes to her romantic life, Dayo has had her own fair share, both on the positive and negative notes, in terms of news reports about it.

In a recent interview, the actress boasted that she is the person who breaks guys' hearts and not the other way round.

Hear her, "I have never been heart broken but I always find myself breaking hearts."

Though this could not be confirmed by us but we hope some of the guys she has dated before will confirm her statement.

A very big disaster was averted last Sunday, May 19th, when an SAA South African Airways Airbus A340-600, registration ZS-SNG performing flight SA-60 from Johannesburg (South Africa) to Lagos (Nigeria) conveying over 300 people developed an electrical fault in Mid-air. I got this info from someone on the flight and i am suprised that it's not in the news.

I heard about it yesterday when a work colleague of mine was narrating the entire story to me and another guy in his car. According to him, he was on the flight that faithful day..it was a night flight and he was listening to music from his Ipod when he perceived a foul burning odor, he thought the white man sitting next to him had farted but he knew it something more serious when he noticed people panicking.

He pulled his headphones and asked the white guy sitting next to him why people where panicking, all the white man was saying was ’’this plane is going to crash! This plane s going to crash!..all of a sudden the lighting system in the aircraft went off…everyone was mad with fear.. some started praying others brought out their blackberries and started pinging, some started calling loved ones and telling them their last wishes.

The captain then announced that the plane had developed an electrical fault and they were going to have an emergency landing. The pilot then turned the plane around and headed back to South africa, My colleague then revealed that it was then he saw 2face Idibia walk past him and when he looked back he saw the popstar talking and calming his crew down, telling them not to panic.

After 45 minutes, the captain announced that they were going to ‘dump the fuel’ i.e remove all the jetfuel on the plane, this is a precautionary step taken by pilots whenever a plane is going to crash or whenever there is a risk of fire. As they were about to land….another problem came up…the captain announced that the tires of the plane could not come out..by then everyone on the plane had given up.

Miraculously, the tires came out and the plane successfully landed and the passengers were evacuated. My colleague then said that himself and other passengers were taken to the arrival lounge, that was when he met Tony Anenih’s wife,Josephine, they talked and exchanged cards.

After much investigation, it was a kettle that sparked in the kitchen that affected the whole electrical system of the plane. According to my colleague a lot of Nigerians including senators constituted the bulk of passengers.

According to a report from thenetng, Rapper Naetochukwu Chikwe better known as Naeto C has ended his relationship with Storm Records, the music home where he launched his career into the Nigerian music market.

The reason, however is not strange as the rapper revealed his plans to fully launch his WKG/Cerious Music label in a matter of months.

Unlike the many breakups that have preceded Naeto’s, the rapper’s exit is not battlemented; both parties have been very silent about the issue. As a matter of fact, Storm Records insist that the rapper is still signed with them.

One of the label’s directors Tola Odunsi admits that Naeto has had his own record label Cerious Music for a while but is still with Storm.

Naeto joined Storm Records in 2006, returning from the US where he had already formed a rap group with close friend Ikechukwu and his younger brother Uzikwendu called ‘World Famous Akademy’. With the smash hit single ‘Kini big deal’, he released his debut album ‘You Know my P’ in 2008; parted ways with Ikechukwu who left Strorm in 2010 and then released a successful second album ‘Super C Season’ in February 2011.

Storm Records headed by Obi Asika and Olisa Adibua (the pair are currently in a legal battle) have in the past signed an impressive long list of acts including Jazzman Olofin, Darey, GT the Guitarman, 2shotz, General Pype. They currently have on their roaster rappers Sasha, Yung6ix, Pop singer Ms Jaie, Urban-Pop group L.O.S and gospel singer Tosin Martins

Don Jazzy will lead members of his Mavin Records artiste, excluding Tiwa Savage and Dr Sid, in a performance at the opening ceremony of the Big Brother Africa season 8 show to be held in South Africa this Saturday.

On May 26, the reality TV show will kick off with the unveiling and admittance of the competition's housemates into the Big Brother House.

D'Prince and Wande Coal will join Don Jazzy in giving out scintillating performances at the ceremony.

Others to perform at the event are South Africa’s leading Afro Pop music group, Mafikizolo, and Kenyan stand-up comedian Daniel Ndambuki, popularly known as Churchill.

The show is still the biggest Africa's reality TV competition with audience drawn from most countries in the continent.

This month, star actress Mercy Johnson resumes work; she is back on location with director and producer, Elvis Chucks. This is MJ’s first job after giving birth in December.

‘I want to say thank you to the fans, friends, colleagues and producers who were there for me. Many of them proved to be friends on and off work. Many adjusted their schedules for me and sent in their greetings during the child dedication. I resumed work this week with grateful heart and understanding that I am here because God through the help of people made it possible. Or how could I explain the overwhelming votes I got at AMVCA despite been away and inactivity on social media? How could I explain the numbers of producers and scripts waiting for my return? How could I explain the overwhelming love and gifts while I was away? I am very grateful and here to say a big thank you to everyone who played a role and those who as much as had good wishes in their hearts. Thank you and God bless you’.

In the past months of Mercy’s ‘absence’ she gave birth to her first child, Purity, moved into a new mansion with her husband, Prince and  won the Best Actress in comedy at the maiden edition of Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA).

Work-wise, she has continued to generate interest as many producers and a couple of corporate organization are in discussion with her for movies and other business. She’s returning on the heels of the record set by Dumebi, the dirty girl, the enviable record of being the highest selling.

She started acting in 2003 with The Maid. She’s been touted to be one of the few method actors around by respected movie director, Lancelot Odua Imasuen

There are media reports that the Kokomaster, D'Banj and King of the Zanga, Durela have settled their differences.

The two artistes have had to deal with cold relationship between them for a long time. They were said to have before now kept each other at arm's length.

But as things are going now, they may have let the past behind them.

As claimed by some reports, D'Banj has signed Durela under his DB Records. But what Gossipnigeria.com can confirm is that the duo did a duet in D'Banj's DKM album, which is yet to be released.

Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe has been posting lovely fashionable pictures of herself lately, and it is fair to say that she has been impressing us so far.

This current picture shows Mercy flaunting her breast in a see-through black blouse paired with a colour block short skirt.

What do you think guys, are you feeling her look?

When in late 2011, Davido made a brief show of his music talent, some might have thought that he would just come, briefly reign, and go underground as it has happened to several Nigerian artistes.

But two years almost gone, the 'Omo Baba Olowo' crooner is still waxing stronger by the day. He is one of the top artistes in Nigeria.

According to Nollywood 'bad girl' actress, Tonto Dikeh, Davido is underrated. She bore her mind on Davido in a tweet on her twitter page today.

"I think Davido is fantastic and underrated," the Ikwere, Rivers State-born actress posted.

Tonto, who has also tried her luck in music, just like her other colleagues, has not had a fair share of commendations from fans. She was lambasted for going into music, which many people believe the actress does not have what it takes to be a musician.

Ghanaian Bishop Isaac Owusu Bempah, Founder and Leader of the Glorious Word Power Ministries International, has labeled two of Nigeria's celebrated pastors as partners in winning souls for the devil.

In the words of the controversial Owusu Bempah, the founding President of Believers' LoveWorld Incorporated, also known as "Christ Embassy", Dr Christian Oyakhilome (popularly known as "Pastor Chris") and General Overseer of The Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Prophet Temitope Balogun (aka TB) Joshua, are not "true men of God", but leaders of occults, winning souls for the devil.

This claim, according to Owusu-Bempah, is based on God's revelation to him in a vision as well as his own analysis of the scripture, works and conduct of the two popular heads of two religious organisations in Africa.

Owusu-Bempah said he once heard Pastor Chris saying he saw nothing wrong with homosexuality and lesbianism, and wondered which true man of God would lead his flock with such beliefs.

"No doubt he [Pastor Chris] is a friend and partner of TB Joshua", Owusu-Bempa noted last week, claiming both men are dubious men of God who have a pact with the devil.

For Owusu Bempah, Nigerians have allegedly realized the dubious character of the Nigerian televangelist faith healer and founding president of Christ Embassy and his partnership with TB Joshua and have consequently chased him out of the country to South Africa, where he presently resides.

On TB Joshua, Owusu-Bempa claimed he once saw him with his feet on the floor preaching, an incident he said revealed to him that TB Joshua was not from God.

"When you see anyone claiming to worship God who worships with his feet on the ground, he's an occultist. And TB Joshua is an occultist.

"Ask yourself how TB Joshua, who claims God called him, worships with his feet on the ground? Let me tell you if you go to any church and you see the leader worshiping with his feet on the ground, it's a sign of demonism; it's occultic. People like that follow spirits that are not of God. It is occultic."

According to him, God later revealed that TB Joshua was an occultist who did not draw his spiritual powers from God.

"Some time ago, I used to like TB Joshua. I was watching him on television, and the Lord opened my eyes. I saw him with horns on his head, and he had the face of a wolf. His tongue was that of a snake and he had blood smeared all over his mouth."

"Immediately, I rushed into my bedroom, and the Lord told me that he wasn't from Him, but was working under the authority of bad spirits," the pastor added. "That was when I realized TB Joshua was demonic and not of God."

The man who has himself been labeled a false prophet by some of his critics, advised Ghanaians not to be misled by signs of wonders and so-called men of God whose powers do not come from God.

He also accused TB Joshua in particular of sometimes faking miracles to win the confidence of his flock. "He can perform a clean miracle today and contaminate it with a lot of fake ones".

Joshua claimed his "own junior pastor went to his church to be healed. He was forced to sit in a wheel chair and made to claim before the cameras that he had received his healing even though he hadn't. He returned to the country and within two weeks, he passed away", Owusu-Bempah stated.

He again cautioned Ghanaians not to be in a hurry to attend the services of Prophet TB Joshua since he is the "anti-christ."

"If you are a pastor who worked under him and he gets to know you want to reveal his secrets, he kills you directly," Owusu-Bempah alleged.

"If no one is willing to say this, I will say it: TB Joshua is the anti-christ and an agent of the devil... I know of a pastor who attended his church, and when he should tell you about what he saw, your mouth would drop," he stated.

A couple of weeks back, a top Nigeria Civil Defense Corp appeared on a Channel Television programme to defend his organization on allegation of fraud and other acts perpetrated by the corps but his appearance resulted in series of attacks from the public over the corp.’s website address which he was unable to provide accurately.

Information reaching nigeriafilms.com has it that the organization, led by Adeolu Abolurin owes the NCDC members four months salaries. According to an inside source, we were informed that the Interior Affairs Minister, Abba Moroh and other ‘Ogas at the top’ like the Commandant General, Dr. Olu Abolurin, receive the money from the Federal Government every month but lodge it in the account to yield interest for their own selfish desires before paying their staff.

“Some ogas at the top are trading with our salaries, for over four months now, we have not received a dime as salary and nobody is talking about it. Findings reveal that this money has been collected from Abuja but they are yet to pay us. This is an act of man’s inhumanity to his fellow man,” a source said.

All effort to get the authencity of this case was aborted; meanwhile, another source from the NCDC’s Lagos office said there is no iota of truth in the false accusation of trading with their salary but it’s true that their four months salary is still pending.

In a related development, the Oyo State chapter of NNPC, we learnt, has just delivered eight Hilux Jeeps to the ‘disgraced’ defense corps, Mr. Obafaiye Shem, who was transferred to Oyo State after his ordeal with the Channel TV, to aid his work in combating pipeline vandals.

Obafaiye a.k.a Oga At The Top

THE Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission and the National University Commission on Friday arrested the proprietor of Richmond Open University, Enugu, “Professor” Mazi Chris Okoro for allegedly operating an illegal institution.

Also arrested were the son of the university’s proprietor and four other staff of the institution.

The ICPC officials also interrogated a Reverend Sister in-charge of the Luminary International Centre for Health and Alternative Medicine which had metamorphosed into Society for Energy Health with its headquarters at Mgbowo in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The ICPC officials who raided the university located at 31, Ziks Avenue, Enugu, immediately handed over the suspects to the police at Uwani Police Divisional Headquarters, Enugu.

Items recovered from them included a large quantity of West African Examination Council and diploma certificates, doctorates, masters and bachelors’ degrees as well as honorary doctorate degrees.

It was learnt that Okoro who claimed that he bagged his professorship by “convention” instead of merit, said he could not remember the total number of his graduates in each academic session.

When asked to name his the vice-chancellor as well as members the senate committee of the institution, he said he could not recollect the names of any of the principal officers.

Okoro reportedly said, “I do not have any registration with NUC because I opened this school as a distant learning institution. This university has been operating since 2005 when a court gave judgment in my favour.”

Veteran actor,  Zachee Ama Orji popularly called Zack Orji has officially joined the list of movie stars who have officially yielded to the callings of God to enter a full time ministry.

It all started with actress Iyabo Ogunsola aka Efunsetan Aniwura followed by Eucharia Anunobi and actor Kanayo O Kanayo.

According to reliable sources, Zack Orji has been ordained a full-time evangelist by Bishop Emma Isong of Christian Central Chapel International (CCCI).

We learnt the talented actor had engaged in various gospel activities in Abuja, Lafia (Nasarawa) and Makurdi.

Pastor Zack Orji has dedicated his time to preaching the gospel of good tidings across the nations of the world.

He was born Zachee Ama Orji in Libreville, Gabon to a Nigerian family in the 1960s. He graduated from the University of Nigeria in Nsukka.

Zack Orji is married to Ngozi Orji and the couple has 3 children together.

Dayo Amusa has been around for a while but she’s fast becoming the next big thing especially after strings of ‘out-of-the-box’ movies and moves. Dayo who studied Food Technology is a goal getter, who with strong support from her mum and strong business sense is the new poster girl for the wealthy, young and successful. In this interview with The Entertainer, she spoke about her new movie with Desmond Elliot and Mike Ezunronye, her love life, the many rumors of drugs, lesbianism, K1 and the likes. D-one as she’s fondly called denied them all but was frank enough to admit she once cheated on her boyfriend. Let’s start with your new movie, Unforgiveable. I noticed you used actors not used to doing Yoruba movies-Desmond Elliot, Mike Ezunronye and the likes. You did the same in your movie, Dewunmi Iberu three years ago when you featured Uche Jombo and Justus Esiri. Why? I’m a goal-getter and a pace-setter. Considering the level the entertainment industry is heading, one just has to do it right. You have to do something you will be remembered for. Getting them was a little difficult , because of their work schedules but don’t forget that we are all actors. It costs more money,but like I said, I like doing something different and as a producer we must learn to take risks. Is it worth it? It’s 110% worth it for me. Featuring Uche Jombo and Justus Esiri on Dewunmi Iberu added to the value of the movie. Now, having Mike and Desmond in Unforgivable is blissful. Very few people know that Mike speaks Yoruba. Why did you choose Desmond to direct, a lot of people feel he cannot direct? Whoever said Desmond cannot direct doesn’t know what he’s talking about. I saw Holding Hope and Bursting Out, and I was impressed with his job. I met him and sent the story to him. He got back to me and said it’s a project he would love to do. How much did he charge? You know I won’t tell you but he charged like ‘hell’ compared to where I’m coming from. Is it true the writer of Figurine wrote this? Yes, he did. Kunle Afolayan is a role model. I watched Figurine and I was impressed . Kunle should watch his back, we are right behind. I had the story of Unforgivable but needed a writer to bring it to life. I met him and he gave me a bill that struck me like thunderbolt. He said he wouldn’t go below a certain figure. I struggled to get it and had to relax for a while after the script was ready. Some people think you are an ‘area girl’ Why do they have that impression about you ? A lot of people believe that people who come from the Yoruba genre belong to a certain cadre of life, a lower one at that. When I got into the industry, a lot of producers gave me bad girl roles, a gangster and the likes. I was crying to do something totally different. That was the reason I played a different role in Unforgivable. People should also know that we are not what we play in movies. I am not razz and I’m not a thug or area girl. Tell me about your family? I’m the first child in a family of five. My mum is from Ogun state and dad is from Lagos. In my father’s family , if you are not an efico (very brilliant in school) you are nothing. I wanted to do the arts but no one would hear of it. I attended Mayflower Secondary School and did my ND in Food Technology at Moshood Abiola Polythecnic. I didn’t go for my HND, because I started business early and I didn’t want to over-burden my mum then who had responsibilities of sending my four siblings to school. Is it true that you dated Wemimo? That is very funny because Uncle Wemmy (Paul) never asked me out. I will say something I’ve never said to anybody to you today. My first movie ever was Wemimo’s film, Aiye Jobele. I acted seven scenes and went back to school to tell my friends to watch out for me. I went with pictures I took with some of the stars including Saidi Balogun, Baba Wande and others. To my greatest shock when the movie came out, I didn’t see any of my scenes. My roommates gathered to watch looking for me in the movie. They asked if it was true I was in the movie. I cried and went to a business center and called Wemimo. He asked why couldn’t I go and meet the DOP I was friendly with on set. What happened was, I think he had something in mind but he never asked me out. I was closer to a man behind the scenes who asked me out then. I didn’t even date him; we just struck a good friendship. He’s an elderly man and his name is Uncle Sunday Ogunyemi. Wemimo said since I saw the man as the alpha and omega, I should go and meet him. I cried that day and told him that he will still spend a fortune to beg me to act for him. I believe it’s still going to happen. How did you get into the industry?It was after watching Ale Ariwo. Uncle Wemmy was a major stakeholder in the industry then. I called him and he told me to come. I went to his office at Ibadan and registered. That was how I got into the industry. The people I met on set then told me to come to Lagos and work with them. That was the beginning of the journey. I did Itakun and from there got several referrals. Did you get paid for Itakun? I was paid my transport fare (general laughter). Which movie gave you prominence? That was the first movie I produced, Aje Egbodo. It was an all-female cast movie. It was about lesbianism. Was that how the rumour that you are a lesbian started? Don’t mind them. How can I be a lesbian and write a story to preach against it? They said I’m a lesbian while another blogger said I’m a serial lover. Which one should we believe? (general laughter). Have you ever been approached by a lesbian? Yes, I was after the movie came out. When they made their passes , I made them understand that I’m not into lesbianism. Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa lesbians made passes at me. They usually started by being friendly. You will get the message when they do odd things and would come out clearly when they know you are already suspicious or aware. But seriously, what’s the big deal about giving in once to one of these ladies. It won’t kill you, will it? I’m not interested. I’m so-so straight. I’m very finicky, I can’t do that. What’s the big deal about a girl fondling your boobs, she’s a girl. It’s safe, isn’t it? It’s a big deal. It’s not safe. It’s demonic. How can a girl be fondling my boobs? No way. They’re for the opposite sex. Who says they’re for the opposite sex? That’s what the Bible says. I’m a Christian. Are you happy? I am. Is there something you would like to change? It will be the way people judge me without knowing me. Is it true you are rich because you are a drug courier? I’ve never seen it before, except the powder and cassava flour we use in movies. Have you ever dated a drug baron? I don’t know. I’m saying that because you know men can hide a lot of things but none has ever come out to say he’s into narcotics. Have you ever sniffed drugs? Never. I don’t even understand why people say that. I don’t have two cars, I’m still a tenant, I don’t have diamonds. I wonder how people come up with these stories. I’ve been doing business as far back as 1998, don’t you think the business would have grown since then?. Those who know where I come from won’t be surprised at my progress? I still do buying and selling and I have a crèche, Paydab in Surulere. I run a business with my mum. She sells toys. Has anybody ever broken your heart? I’ve never been heart broken but I always find myself breaking hearts. What do you look for in a guy? A guy that can be real. I don’t want someone who says he is what he is not. Is it true you are a serial lover? The writer is dumb. You call me a serial lover and you mention one or two names. Serial means many. He should roll out more names. How many men have you dated? Sam! How can I tell you that? I started late though. I didn’t have a boyfriend until I got into higher institution. Have you dated someone in the industry? Yes, one person. Who’s the person? He’s behind the camera. Why didn’t it work? It wasn’t as if we were heading anywhere. We liked ourselves and appreciated our works. Have you ever cheated on your boyfriend? Yes. Why? When I realized he wasn’t real and not what he said he was. In my mind, I moved on even without telling him. I move on in my mind before telling the person I’m dating. If I make up my mind, that’s it. Did he catch you? No, just like you don’t get caught (general laughter) Has your boyfriend ever cheated on you? Which guy does not cheat? Guys are born to cheat. Did you feel bad? Yes, most definitely. I won’t leave my man because he cheated. I won’t. That’s the way men are. They can tell you, you are the only sugar in their tea. Don’t mind them. There’s honey they are mixing with it… (general laughter). I don’t want to see it. You know some guys are so irresponsible that they splash it in your face.God make me this lucky o (General laughter). The most dangerous women are women who don’t appear bothered because you don’t know what I’m thinking in my head. That is far better than shouting and raking. Who are you dating now? Nobody. I need a break. Have you ever dated K1 or any of his friends? I have never dated K1 or any of his friends. I don’t know any of his friends. I got to know him when a friend suggested him as an artiste for my premiere. I went to him and he agreed. He even assisted me by calling his friends to attend and support me. A number of them came and supported us. He’s like a father figure. If K1 asks you out, will you oblige him? No, I won’t and I believe he won’t. He’s like a father. He won’t spoil the relationship with such advances. He has never introduced me to his friends. That would belittle him. I read somewhere you said you would like to have a child for him? Never. I don’t know where that is coming from. Where did you grow up? Lagos and with my mum. What of your dad? They are separated. Do you talk? Yes, we do. Does your dad feel bad that you are closer to your mum than him? He’ll be the one to answer that. He’s proud his daughter is an actress. Did you feel bad that you didn’t grow up with your dad? Terribly bad. I feel bad. I miss the fact that I didn’t have that fatherly care. Maybe there were things I could have done differently. When are you getting married? I don’t know. At the moment, I’m not dating any man. Most men out there don’t love you for who you are. Some men will come to you and start dating. After a while, they will come around and say, you have to stop acting. Didn’t you know I was an actress when you came around before? But I’m not in a hurry, and I don’t see myself ending up with a married man. I have single guys asking me out, it’s just that some of them are playboys. Between a married man and single guy, who is better? A single guy is better. He has the time for you. A married man will first of all cater for his family. I can’t marry a married man. What kind of person is your mum? 

She’s the best in the world. I have colleagues who go to my mum and just spend time with her. She is that kind of a person. She’s a real mother.

Fast rising Nollywood actress, Beverly Naya, is known for turning heads at red carpet events. She tells Ademola Olonilua about her fashion style

What were your early days like?

Both my parents are British; my mother was actually born there. I was born and raised in London. Growing up was fun for me. I am an only child, so it was relatively quiet. It was not really boring for me because I have a lot of cousins, they are more than 20. I cannot even count. I always found myself hanging out with them because a lot of them live in London and in America, so there is always something to do.

Why did you decide to come to Nigeria?

I came to Nigeria because I love acting and the country has a thriving industry, Nollywood. It provides me with the opportunity to act as often as possible. That is the main reason.

Have you ever faced sexual harassment in the industry?

There was no sexual harassment for me, not at all. I have not experienced it and I do not think I ever will. My experience since getting into Nollywood has been a positive one. I was fortunate enough to work with veteran actors and directors as well. I think I have had a good experience and it can only get better. I like to have a good rapport with everybody I’m working with. I like to be professional to the core. Most of the directors and producers I have worked with have a really good relationship with my mother. She is my manager. So, that helped the situation a great deal. They all respect my mother and we all have a family type of relationship, so to them, I am like a little sister.

How is it working with your mother?

It is fun working with her. Sometimes, it feels like I am on my toes because I just don’t want to disappoint my mother or parents in anyway. Because I am an adult and I have my way of doing things, then maternal instinct and mummy would be like ‘no I don’t think this is appropriate’, so that could clash with what I have to do. I don’t pay her, but I spoil my mother. She wants a holiday, massage, anything she wants she gets. So far as I can get it for her, it is hers. I appreciate her a lot. I am a mummy’s girl.

How do you come up with outfits for an event?

I like to stand out. I like to look nice; I always say I don’t just want to turn heads, I want to break necks. With that in mind, whatever I wear has to look nice. It has to be captivating and attract people in the right way. That is basically how I come up with my looks. I also work with some fashion designers who are always ready to style me and make sure I look my best at any event. The glittering dresses I wore were April by Kunbi. That is her signature. Whenever you see me wearing something that is slightly glittery or something like that, it is most likely an April by Kunbi gown.

How long does it take you to dress up?

Well, I think of the dress I’ll wear for an event two weeks before the date. I have to know what I am wearing like two weeks before. If I include taking my bath, getting dressed and doing make-up, I’ll say that takes me about two hours. I am not vain but it is necessary to look good. Looking at the mirror to asses myself takes about two minutes.

Did you see yourself as a beautiful person while growing up?

I got bullied a lot as a kid. I was an ugly duckling. I never thought I was pretty, I never felt pretty. I got bullied around during that time. I blossomed when I was 17 years old. All of a sudden, I had this attention coming from the opposite sex like I had never received before, like boys having crushes on me. It is a contrast coming from the fact that when you are young, nobody really appreciates you. It has made me become who I am today. Maybe that is why I am so confident when I step out on the red carpet or why I am so fashion conscious today. You know what it is to be bullied for most of your formative years. It is not easy. I think that is probably why I love kids so much; sometimes, they do not say what they are thinking. There are kids out there that are being bullied and I love kids to open up to me, teenagers and kids alike. We can be friends and I’ll always be there for them. I can be a mentor to them, in that regards I am there for kids.

Who was the first guy you had a crush on?

It was when I was in college. He was really handsome, tall dark skinned and had the most beautiful eyes. I am blushing by just remembering him. He was very very handsome. That was my first real crush. We talked and ended up being in a relationship, so it worked out just fine. My first celebrity crush however was Sisquo. I had the biggest crush on Sisquo when I was young. The crush is dead now. When I think about it, I want to throw up. There is no crush for him now; I don’t feel anything at all. Before, it was really bad. I had about 300 posters of him. It was really bad. I don’t even know how my crush got that crazy.

How do you cope with advances from men?

It is always flattering just to be appreciated for your looks or your talent but I don’t let it get to my head at all. It bugs me when the man is too persistent. I have had some experiences, situations where the man would ask for my number, I would say I wasn’t unavailable. They say please I would really like to get to know you and I say I have a boyfriend and they say ‘you do, but can I get to know you anyway?’ Men need to understand that ‘no’ means ‘no.’ I am not trying to be disrespectful; it is just me trying to move on with my life without you, nothing personal.

What is your fashion weakness?

I love shoes. I have a pair of shoes that just came out; I saw them on Rihanna and I just had to have them. That is about my most expensive pair of shoes, it was made by Louboutin. It has a bright electric blue colour and they cost over £1,000. I have never worn them. I doubt if I’ll ever wear them because they are so hard to wear. They are bright blue, electric blue and it it’ll be difficult to pair that with an outfit. So, I have never worn them for that reason. You may call it a waste of money; at least I know Rihanna has it.

What are the fashion errors that irk you?

I hate camel toes. I hate when a girl wears leggings and they are too tight and then you see a camel toe. That is really an eyesore and I don’t like it. Especially when the leggings are really bright, that makes it worse.

Did you and Uti ever date?

We are not dating. Uti and I are nothing more than just friends. My boyfriend did not like the rumours. He did not find it funny. You cannot just be in a relationship and your lover is reading things like that about you with somebody else. Jealousy will definitely set in because he is romantically linked with you and nobody would appreciate that. You really have to prove that really there is nobody else except that person you are with.

Describe your dream man

My dream man should be basically tall, handsome, ambitious, God-fearing and knows how to treat a woman.

What is your selling point?

If it is physically, I do not know but I get compliments on my eyes and my lips a lot. So, I’ll say maybe that is what it is, but I don’t know. I’m a very good kisser though.

Wizkid has won the award for the African Artiste of the year at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.

Wizkid beat other heavyweight nominees D’banj, Psquare, Flavour, Davido and Iyanya to win the award.

Star Boy Wizzy was present to receive his award too, the young hit maker had traveled to Ghana along with his team – EME execs Banky W, Tunde Demuren, Star Boy Entertainment manager Godwin Tom, producer Maleek Berry and official EME DJ, DJ Xclusive.

Wizkid posted the picture of the award on his Instagram profile.

R2Bees were the men for the night, with the duo racking up 5 awards, including Ghanaian artiste of the year.

The awards were hosted by Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD) and songstress Eazzy, with performances by E.L., Banky W, Fuse ODG, and many more.

#Winners:

Gospel Artiste of the Year – Nicholas Omane Acheampong.

Reggae Dancehall Song of the Year – Toffee Pon Tongue’ by Kaakie.

Hi-life Song of the Year – Odo by R2Bees.

Afropop Song of the Year – Antenna by Fuse ODG.

Hiphop Song of the Year – Makaa Maka by M.Anifest.

Hiplife Song of the Year – Life (Walahi) by R2Bees.

Hiplife/Hiphop Artiste of the Year – R2Bees.

Hi-life Artiste of the Year – Afriyie.

Gospel Artiste of the Year – Herty Borngreat.

African Artiste of the Year – Wizkid.

Female Vocal Performance – Efya.

Male Vocal Performance – Knii Lante.

Rapper of the Year – M.Anifest.

Best Collaboration of the Year – Kano Seyaa by Herty Borngreat and Trigmatic.

Group of the Year – R2Bees.

Best Music Video of the Year – Lonely by Chase.

New Artiste of the Year – Kaakie.

Album of the Year – Something Else by E.L.

Vodafone Most Popular Song of the Year – to Life (Walahi) by R2Bees.

Artiste of the Year – R2Bees.

Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha is one of the popular Nigerian actresses, who has done quite well for herself in the industry since she joined in 2000.

With over 50 movie roles to her credit in the last 13 years, the actress recently joined the world of producers with her debut flick, On Bended Knees. She spoke to Movie Moments’ Mutiat Alli on her life, people’s perception of her been arrogant and her hubby.

How do you feel as a new entrant into the world of production?

I can’t really explain how I feel because this a dream I have nurtured for so long and seeing it come to reality is just like a dream come true to me and perhaps the reception has been immeasurable considering the fact that it is my first major production as a producer.

What actually prompted your decision to turn producer over night?

I want to correct that impression of me turning into a producer over night simply because I have been in the industry for quite an age now and for me to produce a movie of my own is just to let the world understand the fact that even been an actress; I can as well turn out to be fantastic producer and that has been my dream for a very long time.

On Bended Knees is directed by good hands; what formed your choice of selection?

I feel they both understood what I was looking out for in the production of the movie; so having Emem Isong and Lancelot Imasuen as my directors is the greatest thing that happened to me because they both believed in my dream. Even at the time of giving up on the production; they were both there to encourage me and at the end of it all I was able to have a fantastic movie.

What is the movie all about?

On Bended Knees is a movie very dear to my heart. It’s a captivating story of a young and vibrant man who relegated his duties as a husband and the man of the house to the background. His wife, ignored and lonely, finds comfort in the company of her boss. It is discovered that the wife is having an affair with her boss and things take a new twist. This story happens every day even in the midst of the “seemingly” perfect relationships. It’s a movie every home should have and watch.

Considering when you started in the industry; what is your view on the standard of movies been produced in Nigeria presently?

Well professionally, I started acting in 2000 and there is a far difference between the kind of films produced now and back in the days; I can authoritatively say it loud and clear that the Nigerian movie industry has been impressive considering the kind of equipments we now use in shooting our movies. Also, we have been able to meet up with international standard. I believe the sky is our starting point and definitely not our limit.

You have managed and maintain an almost scandal free reputation; how have you been able to manage this?

I feel it has been the grace of God because we all are not created perfect and as such we just manage to be our self and be of the best behavior.  I just feel being an actor opens you up to controversies, scandals and all that. Maybe I’ve just been lucky.

You turned 33 just last month. Looking ahead, what do you hope to have achieved by your next birthday?

I hope that by my next birthday, I would have done another movie and grown from this level. There is no stagnancy in the industry. If you don’t see an actor for a period of time in movies, it doesn’t mean they are not doing something. Some are directing, some are producing, some are rebranding. There is no dry moment. For me, I want to move to another level by my next birthday.

As a married woman, what has marriage taught you?

I have learnt a lot from been a married woman because it only take the Grace of God for two people who are completely different to stay together for the rest of their lives. One major thing I have learnt is patience and perseverance. One needs to tolerate one another.  I and my husband not just see ourselves as been married; we are also friends.

Much has not been said about your husband; how will you describe him and why haven’t we been seeing you two together?

I have got the best husband as a friend and the father of my children; he is loving, caring and has been supportive of my career and for not seeing him around me; it’s our mutual agreement to make our marriage private. We are happy and our source of joy been our children.

What is that one impression that people have about you and you would like to correct?

Definitely it’s going to be on this issue of me been arrogant which I know I am not; I strongly believe in the saying that you don’t judge a book by its cover. I guess people of that impression are people who don’t know me or aren’t closer to me. I am not arrogant.

I am Bankole Wellington but fans call me Banky Warrior or Banky W. I’m a singer and record label owner (Empire Mate Entertainment). I was born in the United States to Nigerian parents.

My family moved back to Nigeria when I was five years old.  After secondary education in Nigeria, I moved back to the US on a college scholarship, where I earned a degree in Engineering from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. While still in college, I won the Albany Idol Competition and that set the stage for my career in music.

Entertainment in Nigeria

We are doing quite well and we have come a long way but we have a long way to go and in terms of marketing music. We have the ‘show’ part but we need to work on the business part.  Nigeria is one of the only places in the world where royalties are not paid by radio and TV stations. These people make use of music to run their businesses and make revenue from advertising but don’t pay us.

Me and artistes

For the ones on my label, I oversee their musical projects and I position them as brands. We do a lot of strategic thinking, planning and negotiations too.

A day in my life

I wake up, pray and I work out with my trainer, Uzi. He is Ikechukwu’s younger brother and he is trying to get me into shape so that I can look like Peter of P Square! After training, I’m back home, shower and try to get a healthy meal. I like chicken breast and sea food a lot. What I do after the morning ritual varies. I have many activities to attend to and in the evenings, after dinner, I watch an Arsenal game before I retire to bed.

Leisure

How and where I hang out depends on the day, sometimes there are events where I have to attend the after-party. Sometimes, I just feel like letting loose and hanging out a bit. At other times, I may be too tired to do so because of my busy schedule.

Dislikes

I hate photo shoots! Photoshoots are annoying to me, the whole process of standing there, posing and doing other random things. However, I realise that I have no choice in the matter, pictures are necessary; people have to see the artiste and connect with his image. Also, the pictures would be needed   for CD covers and press publications. I try to limit them and I only do photoshoots when I have a new album coming out. At such times, I would take a lot of different shots that will last for a year or two so they don’t have to disturb me again. But I love video shoot because I feel I can play a role; I feel as if I am almost acting.

Style

Style is just an expression of who you are and how you are feeling; it is how you want to present yourself to the general public. Comfort influences my style. Even if I am wearing a suit, I have to be comfortable in it and it has to fit properly. I wear a lot of traditional outfits these days because I love the way they make one feel free.  Style is all about you presenting yourself in a way you want people to treat you. If you present yourself like a rascal, people will react to you accordingly. But if you have money like Bill Gates, then you can afford to come out looking unkempt and it would not matter to anybody how you look.

Saddest moment

When I lose a loved one and I have lost one or two.

Relationship

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The ex-Tinsel actress, Damilola Adegbite turns 28 today May 19th and shared this photo on her Instagram page with the caption "‘Everything a woman should be and more…happy birthday to me‘.