Koffi, Owen-G, other endorses world Mental Health Day walk

As the United Nations, celebrate the World Mental Health Day, so is Nigerians as top celebrities are set to take to the street of Lagos for a two day walk tagged Advocacy Walk on October 8th and 9th respectively.
Day one will witness top artistes like Koffi, Owen-G, Ashionye, DJ-Jimmy Jatt, MI amongst other sensitize the public, government, policy makers and all other health stakeholder on mental health issues while the day two is set aside for workshop and stimulation dialogue to be held at Rotunda Hall, National Library, Yaba Lagos.
Discussing further on the choice of celebrities and media practitioners for participation in the Walk, The Executive Director of the PR outfit (Rubies Ink) to Mental Health Foundation Nigeria, Miss Esther Ijewere noted that the need for the celebrities to be chosen was to use Entertainment/Showbiz Stars and Icons because they wield so much social power and they are prime influencers of lifestyle and they need to be sustained as behavioral and attitudinal change agents in the society.

STEP OUT IN GRAND STYLE WITH PEEP TOES SHOES

ALL FOR THE LOVE OF BLACKBERRY

It was fun and razzmattaz recently at the popular celebrity hang-out Tribeca, Victoria Island where fans, Freinds, Celebrities all gathered for the first edition of the MTN/Acada Blackberry Fever with host from crazy presnter,Denrele Edun and Owen-G
E-WEELKY captures it in pix

Frustration led me into music production-So-sick

Esosa Osemwengie popularly known as So-Sick is for sure a producer to be reckoned with in the music industry after proving himself in the production of Shank’s Julie and Gino’s No be God. His glory came calling after his work on the late Dagrin’s CEO album. In this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, he tells us more about his career, what he missed so much about Dagrin and the more reason why entertainment runs in their family and other sundry issues.


Having been in the industry for a decade, what has changed in the kind of music you produce?
Quite a lot of things because way back our productions are based on the audio base of the music but now a lot of things have been put in place before a production is carried out
How would you describe your meeting with late Dagrin?
My meeting with that talented artiste as I will always referred to him even though he is late right now, our meeting was while I was rounding up my programme in YABA TECH as he has come to perform in my school, then he was still known as Green and after he listened to some one of the work I have done on campus then and he was like, he wanted me to work with him and at the end of the day, we ended up having a great relationship, like blood brothers. We lived together, ate together, did a lot of things together.
He was more than an artiste to me. We were way beyond that. Everybody in my family knew him; my dad and my brothers. They always teased us, saying that we looked so much alike. He was an angel to me because he exposed me to a lot of things. Maybe if it was not for him, you would not be interviewing me now. Before I met him, I had done a lot of work and people did not know who was behind it. With him, it was different. One thing I appreciated more about him was that, he never argued with me, and to be frank, nobody has trusted me that much.
Why are you referred to as So-Sick?
The nickname is the product of my frustration with the situation of things in Nigeria. I am a very conscious person and there was this period in my life when I got sick and tired of many things; from the government to lack of power supply and water, even music and the kind of stuff that I heard on the radio. At first, the name did not stick because I used to be known as just Soss. I wanted it to be Soss is sick, but that would have been too wordy. So I shortened it to So-Sick. I wanted a change in every aspect of our lives in this country. Unfortunately, we are still like that, and I am still so sick.
It seems the entertainment industry new who So-Sick was after the production of late Dagrin’s CEO album?
The fact still remains that my major production on the CEO album brought to the forefront of the entertainment industry as this is the more reason why I will never forget Dagrin because he actually made people to get know who So-Sick was. Prior to that particular album, I have produced songs like Shank’s Julie and Gino’s No be God, and I must say here that 80% of both Shank and Gino’s album was produced by me, only that God use late Dagrin to open the way into the industry for me.
Looking at your background, most of your immediate brothers are also involved in the entertainment industry of Nigeria, why that sudden flair into the same profession?
It won’t be right if I say I did that because of the fame attached to it but it was only natural that I would end up as an entertainer, because I just did not see myself wearing ties and carrying files or sitting behind a desk in an office. I think it has to do with the way my father brought us up. We had freedom, but it did not give us the right to be stupid.. Everybody started with music, including Owen G. I was the little one in the family then, always tagging along. I started out rapping and then I did a bit of singing before I ended up as a music producer. I did not like what was being produced in those days, beat and production wise. So I took my time to learn how to produce and I started doing the stuff.
How do you go about the mixing of the various beat you produced?
I do not take drugs. It is God. I say this to everybody; I do not know how I do it. I go into the studio, it just happens. I might be sitting somewhere and something would just say I should go into the studio and do something. There would be nothing in my head but I would end up doing a very good beat, every time. That is how I know that it is not me but God. I also try to measure myself with people out there; people like Timberland and Dr Dre. Since I did not want to limit myself to the Nigerian standard and market, and because some international music producers were my mentors, I decided to make my music sound foreign. Nigerian music marketers could force you to bend the rules and keep to their own standard. With such attitude, we cannot grow the way we want to. I measure with them, hoping they would get to recognize my work really soon.
So, how was growing up like for you?
I was not born with a silver spoons, but it was fun growing up. Initially, I lived with my parents. Along the line, they went their separate ways and I moved in with my Dad. I lived most of my growing up years with my Dad. We are very close and one thing I love hearing was when people tells us that we look alike. I hope I do not have to take sides, but I like my dad a lot. I just can not ask for a better father, considering the support and everything he has given me. He is just the best.
Initially when you took into rapping and then music production, what was the reaction of your parents then?
Initially, my mother tried to stop this from happening. She tried to stop everybody from doing music or going into entertainment. She wanted us to go to school, get a degree, and find work. But that was no stopping us. On the other hand, my father wanted us to pursue individual dreams. Often, he would tell us that if we needed help, he would provide it. If we needed a backup singer, he would volunteer. He is great fun to be with. While my mother tried to stop us, he encouraged us, as long as it made us happy and we did not misbehave.

Banky W notches MOBO, SMVA and Channel O award nominations

R & B crooner Bankole Wellington, a.k.a Banky W, is currently relishing the fact that his career is getting the needed boost especially with the knowledge that he debuted on the music scene almost unnoticed some years back with his debut single entitled Ebute Meta. The burgeoning act whose career began in the United States of America is on a high at the moment after he got news of his nominations for three different music awards.

Banky W leads the list of nominees for the 2010 Soundcity Music Video Awards with seven nominations; he also got a MOBO award nomination for the Best African Act and a Channel O MVA nomination for Most Gifted Male (Video).

“I'm deeply humbled, and really appreciative of every nomination we've gotten. I definitely wasn't expecting so many; and whether I win any of the awards or not, I'm honoured to be nominated alongside other incredible Africans that I look up to and admire," 'Mr Capable' says. "I'm also grateful for the support of my fans in Nigeria, Africa and around the world. I'm so blessed to have them. Thank God for everything,” he added.

The 2010 MOBO Awards will take place at the Liverpool Echo Arena on the 20th of October, 2010. This year's SMVA's will hold at the prestigious Expo Hall of the Eko Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria on the 20th of November 2010 and the 2010 Channel O Music Video Awards is set to take place on Thursday 4 November at the Sandton Convention Center in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Christy Essien, 9ice, Durella, others set for Naija @50

ONE of such events that have been mapped out towards the celebration of Naija@50 is the “Corporate Ball”.


The event which is being put together by Crown Media Limited is billed to come up September 30, 2010 at the prestigious Lagoon Restaurant, Lagos.


Corporate Ball is an initiative which is meant to create an atmosphere for people from different fields to come together and interact in peace, unity, love, patriotism and celebration, to connect sponsoring brands with the top echelons of the society who are special target audience, to create an event that has rich social entertaining contents with the independence celebration as a focal point.


Expected to perform at the event are Durela, Chuddy K, KAS, Shalom, Nigeria female veteran songsteress, Chief Mrs. Essien Igbokwe, and 9ice among others.


Mr. Emmanuel Amechi Nwabuoku, Managing Director of Crown Media Ltd, who was highly elated with the level of preparedness of the event stated, “As you know that over the years, we have contributed our own quota to the industry, hence, this is just a statement and effort to create an ambience that is corporate and unique for the corporate world to celebrate Nigeria's independence in style.”

‘My kids ’ll disown me if I pose nude in movies’

Born September 21, 1977, delectable Yoruba actress, Iyabo Ojo, is surely one of the most-sought-after actresses in the industry today. She is seen as being controversial in a way, having been linked with some failed relationships in recent years. In this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, this down- to- earth actress, a graduate of Estate Management from The Lagos State Polytechnic and mother of two (Festus and Priscilla), reveals why people consider her as being controversial, her love life, kids and other sundry issues


WHAT will you have loved to change if you had a second bold opportunity?
That would be my marriage because I would have loved to work it back the way it used to be before.


How has life been for you as a single parent of two kids?
It has been very challenging. Though I am coping along with it because my children have been doing quite fine even without growing up with their father. Let me say at this point that I am enjoying every bit of being a single mother and I believe with time, my children will blend with it.


Don't you think losing fatherly care could affect your kids?
Well, I know but they are already getting used to it because all through their growing up, they only recognise me as their mother. Although losing fatherly care might affect them psychologically but that is the more reason why I am taking good care of them so well, so that they don't get to feel that. As a matter of fact, their father still comes around to say hello to them and take them out.


Talking about your past, what led to the dissolution of your first marriage?
To be candid, the marriage did not just work out for the two of us and as such, we had to call it a quit because there is no point wasting time in a marriage that you wouldn't benefit from. Let me clear this point that the dissolution of my first marriage was not based on infidelity as other media houses has publicised it, we just had to go our separate ways.


Would you accept apologies from your Ex, if he comes back?
Never! I even believe he would not do such a thing because he should have done that a very long time ago, I mean after we broke up. It's actually too late for him.


Would you say you have enjoyed your life till date?
It's not been easy as I speak to you, although I sometimes feel lonely at home most especially when my kids are asking about their father. To me there is nothing I can do to the situation at present because life must go on and since I have a boyfriend now, whenever I feel the 'urge', I just give a call down to him; at least I now have somebody who could satisfy me. But the fact also remains that I am not enjoying my love life as before when things was rosy.


It is believed that you are not friendly among your colleagues and a fan, how true is that?
Actually, this is not the first time that I am hearing this, but the fact remains that I am amiable and free among my colleagues but as for the case of my fans, you know atimes, fans can be funny when they overdo certain things. There is limitation to my friendliness among my fans but I trust that I am not harsh.


What was growing -up like for you?
Growing-up was fun and exciting for me because before the demise of my late father, I had enjoyed life to the fullest because we had the money and my parents took good care of us. They ensure that we didn't lack anything. One thing also is that growing up with my two elder brothers was fun, although they are based in the UK, but at least we still speak once in a while. I will never forget my late father for his impact on my life and my mum, she is doing very well.


How do you feel when you read negative stories about you in Newspapers and soft sell journals?
There is no time I come across negative stories about myself that I feel so well because it's very bad when you read them, most especially when there is no bit of truth. Also, I just believe that it is part of the price one has to pay for being a celebrity, but I will advise that journalists get adequate information before going to press. I can say authoritatively that most of the wrong stories published about me are not true.


There is this thrilling news around that you recently travelled to the UK for an abortion?
I was actually expecting that question because when I heard the news, I was devastated that people could just cook up untrue stories about you. Let's forget the fact that I am a celebrity, I had actually gone to the UK for the progress of my profession and I don't think abortion will be my next line of action at this stage of my career. Come to think of it, if I was to go for an abortion, I can just walk down to my hospital and my doctor will do it with little money rather than spend a lot of money securing a ticket and the payment abroad. I laughed over it when I heard the story, any way.


As a single mother, are you into any other relationship?
Yes, I am into another relationship but I won't disclose the identity of the lucky guy for security reasons, as I may want to put it. I am not in a hurry for another marriage so as to avoid what once happened to me. I don't want it to be a rush-in and rush-out thing. I am just taking my time with my new- found love but when the time is ripe, we will let the world know about it.


So how well do you cope with controversies?
I have tried my best to be less controversial but press people will not let you rest as they keep on bringing out issues that are not important. I will say that I am not a controversial person because I am the reserved and conservative type. I don't interfere with other people's affairs. I am less concerned about popularity because the more you appear, the more your problems accumulate. Recently I just decided to develop this thick skin as I don't even get moved by these things again.


If a role demands that you pose nude, will you play such a role?
I am sure no producer will even dare ask me such because they understand that I am usually selective in the role of I play even when I was told to play the role of mad woman in a movie, I meditated over it before I played the role. I love roles that are very challenging but not to the extent of posing nude. I cannot even consider the role even if the pay is high because when you play such, you lose your dignity, respect and your ability to mingle with others would be limited as they will see you from another angle entirely. My children would disown me if I play such a role because they sometimes complain about some roles I had played in movies.


Will you allow any of your kids to take up career in acting?
I believe it's a free a world, so as long as they enjoy what they want to do, my only help is to give them that motherly support needed by every kid to excel in life. I think my daughter is going take after me because she loves what I am doing.


Do you agree that the industry is getting more competitive?
I agree that the industry is getting more competitive and challenging but this does not apply to the film industry alone. It cuts across other profession so take for instance, the Tele-communication industry, everyone is trying to be unique in their way as they introduce several packages for their customers. This also applies to the film industry because you now see producers shooting films with a high definition camera and as well the actors and actresses too are putting more life into the roles they play and it goes on. So also, we have new stars coming up. Then you find the old ones doing everything possible to secure good roles so that our chances are not been taken over by a new set of actors coming into the industry.


Can you speak more about the controversies you have been linked with…?
I see all these controversies as a price to be paid for being a celebrity, we would not be allowed to rest because what the general public wants to hear is our mistakes. Although bad stories sell but the media should be always exercise caution before they go to press. It is in Nigeria where I see that when a celebrity is seen often time together with a person, then the next thing you see in most of the headlines of soft sell magazines is Iyabo Ojo in sizzling romance with this or that. I have been linked with Muka Ray, Danny Young and some others. I don't care about all that because I believe they are making me feel stronger. They are just my friends.


What differentiates Iyabo from her female colleagues in the industry?
First and foremost let me say my babyish looks and the way I run my things. Although I belong to a caucus, I am just myself and I treat everybody accordingly without being biased in any form. I don't believe in flashy things, the Yoruba people will call it Karimi caucus (showing off) because I am comfortable with the little God has blessed me with. At least I can sit comfortably and eat three square meals without problem. I belong to a caucus that has been helpful to my career and so I don't mingle with everybody, but at least I see myself totally different from them because nobody can be.


What does sex mean to you?
Well, sex is the ability for you to get satisfied by your spouse and request for more when you are not. Let me chip in this, that most of the time my estranged husband then demanded for sex, from me, I give him 100 percent cooperation, so he would not chase young girls. To some married couples, marriage is not all about the money and fame thing but the ability of both couples to attend to the needs of one another.


Can you say with all sincerity that no movie producer has ever seen your pant?
Never!! I cannot sell myself cheap all in the name of securing a role in the movie industry. Although that has happened before in the industry I guess but for my case, it has never occurred to me because I believe it is the way you carry yourself that people see you.


How do you intend to give back to the society?
Already, I am giving back to the society that has brought me this far but not in a lousy way because I have decided to keep myself low in what I do. Presently, I pay the school fees of some children and I also intend extending my gesture to the motherless homes and especially the sick people.

I am crazy about good brand of perfumes –Sheyman

He made lots of headline shortly after his collaborative efforts with his diseased partner Dr. Pat in the single Hotta Dan Fire that caught many in the industry wondering. Oluwaseyi Ademoye popularly known as Sheyman is a prolific songwriter, an artiste and a producer to be reckoned with. In this chat with Mutiat Alli, King of Melody, as he is now referred, to led us into his fashion world.


HOW has the journey been so far? It has been very hectic because before now things have not been so easy at all because at times, I refer to myself as a person whose glory was taken from him, but right now I have been able to make ends meet. For the fact that I had the passion toward what I was doing, and for me to make ends meet, I have to play in clubs to raise money because then, I was in school.

What has fame done to you?
Frankly speaking, I try not to get carried away by my success. Before me, many people have walked this path and I ask myself, where are they today? Even as I speak, many more are coming. So, the advice I have given myself is that fame and success must not get to my head because when I allow that to happen to me, I believe the next thing that comes up is that I start misbehaving and that I don't want to happen to me.

What does style means to you?
To me, style is your ability to be able to make a statement with what you are wearing but more importantly, not over doing it because at times, you find most of our artistes because of the fact that they want to make a statement, then they over do it by combining the wrong colours.

How do you dress for occasions?
It depends on where I am going really. If I am going out for a function, I don't necessarily have to wear native attires except a dressy jean that you can actually wear to go out. I have lot of jeans and nice shirts in my wardrobe as I cannot do without them because I feel more comfortable wearing them.

What is your most valued fashion item that you cannot do without?
Most definetly, my sunglasses because I have them in various shades but not the regular black ones that make you look awkward. I fancy them a lot especially when they match with what I am putting on.

So if you are not working in the studio or writing out new lyrics, then how best do you un-wind?
I am a television freak; I just sit at home to be entertained. I watch a lot of movies and TV soaps, but if I am not watching TV and I think I am bored, then the right option for me is to go clubbing.

Let have a rundown of your most preferred designers?
Well, I am a lover of what is good, so for my perfumes, I go for Hugo Boss Zandaria because they are really lovely on clothes, and when it comes to designers, my best preferred is Mova and Anjorin Couture

So what is your most preferred outfit?
Most definitely my shirt and silver or grey tie

What is your view on men who move around without a boxer?
May be they have ulterior motives without boxers but for me, I go any where with my boxers.

When you want to attend functions, how long does it take you to dress up?
Preferable 30 minutes because I take my time to dress especially when it is an highbrow event.
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