I never knew circular music was a political game

He was not born with a silver spoon yet he was able to survive the hustle and bustle of the wilderness that his immediate environment proved to be. Gabriel Oche-Amanyi fondly known as Terry G hails from Benue State but he was born and bred on the streets of Iju-Fagba, a suburb in Lagos State.
His popularity as a musical artiste apparently dwarfs his massive potential as a music producer and song writer but this takes nothing away from his rising profile as an artiste loved by many and genuinely appreciated by many more. He hit the Nigerian music scene with his weird but somewhat addictive brand of music.
He made news after the highly publicized feud with AY.com on whose track Pass Me Your Love he featured. His hit single, Free Madness, also created a major buzz and added a new slang to the list of popular slangs in the Nigerian music industry. Cornered in his studio, Terry-G spoke to MUTIAT ALLI, about his several controversies, his pet project and why he is bent on re-branding his kind of music.

Congratulations on the Hip Hop World win, how did you feel winning the Best Street Hop category?
I never expected to get any award because of the controversies around me, but with the decisions of my other crew, I decided to attend because being absent may cause further controversy for me. Winning the headie meant a lot to me as this have made me know that my music is been appreciated.

You have been linked with several controversies in past few months, how have you been able to cope with it?
I cannot deny the controversies because there is nothing I can do about it since the news has gotten to that level that I cannot stop. I never knew circular music was a political game; you have to win somebody’s soul and mind before you get certain things. I think you don’t get all your worth for the work you do but at times people don’t have a choice because it’s a public thing. All this controversies was never planned by me
Talking about the controversies, do you think these allegations are baseless and deliberate?
They are not deliberate because I think it is what they hear they say. Some people may not like you so go out there to spread baseless rumours. They only know Terry G and not Gabriel. Maybe if they did, they probably would have a change of mind because Terry G doesn’t plan the controversy, he just finds himself in it. Gabriel is shy and responsible.

After all your controversies, how do you intend to protect your image in the industry?
Presently, I want to re-brand my image and my production outfit because a person considers it as a rascal outfit. For now I don’t want have anything doing with campus organized shows and as also I have tried organizing a press conference to re-build and correct the impression people have towards me.

Do you think you are a threat to many in the industry?
I don’t think so, everyone has their own role to play and so I try not to offend anyone. I feel the industry is too political so when you blend too much it causes disrespect and conflict, so it’s best to stay on your own. I believe everybody is unique in one way or the other.
How did music begin for you?

It started at Redeem Christian Church of God Praise Palace, Okoba, Lagos, where my mum is a chorister. As the first in a family of two boys and two girls, it was compulsory to go to church everyday so in the process I started playing the drums, keyboard and base guitar. I began singing in church and at a point became the choir master. My sisters also sing and I used to sing at the Redeem camp about five, six years ago. At some point, I began recording and people encouraged me to sing so I did my gospel/inspirational songs demo as I didn’t have enough money to do an album. When I needed sponsors, I met Shola Animashuan of Hip Hop World who introduced me to Faze. I later worked for faze as his back-up singer, so later I began to change my style of music to conventional.

What is your relationship like with Faze?
Let me say this that working with Faze was one the best thing that has ever happened to me and he me break through the industry because then, it was rare for people to know that I was his back-up singer because our relationship was more of brotherhood. I will never forget him for reason been that he taught me so many things about music, equipment and production.

What was your first major production aside working with Faze?
My first production was the release of Kemistry’s singles Shake them Down as she was the one who made that name Terry-G sticks in the industry because that was my major production. I am also very grateful to her on that aspect.

Critics say your second album title; Ginjah your Swagga isn’t your coinage?
It’s mine but I also don’t know if they coined it. You see, these are words which won’t last for life; before it was free me and there was controversy. I’ll advice them is to keep updating their game. I needed to change my style and do something differently so with Gingah your Swaggah I was trying not to bore my fans and at the same time update my status. I needed a difference. It means putting zeal into whatever you do.

Why is that most of your productions come with the same beat sound?
The fact that people complain about the similarities in most of album does not mean that I will change my style. When a Mokassa singer produces him songs, you get to notice the same beat so that you don’t go out of content and as well miss your teaming fans. I believe my musical production has a consistence of beat. In a nut shell, the beat may not sound similar but familiar.

Do you really start out as a dancer or as an artiste?
Let me clear this off, I never started out as a dancer but rather, I started as a vocalist. My dancing on stage and in most of the videos I featured in is not for any other thing than to make my fans happy and appreciate me more, I don’t believe in the already made artiste who feels pompous while performing on stage. To me I believe if a fan wants to listen to your songs, he/she would probably go buy your album but when they come to shows to watch you, they want to see something else entirely. I use my dance to create an impression.

In what way are you contributing to the music scene in Nigeria?
My contribution to the Nigeria music industry especially is to help in the up-bringing of up-coming artiste because I notice that it will be very difficult to mingle with the established ones. In a nut shell, in future, I see myself bringing out the best in others.

What is the House of Ginja project all about?
It comprises of myself, Rakwell, Prince Banton, D Money and I.Q and is going to be a continuous recruitment exercise. These artists will be the first set and after the album has been released I will pick up new acts. It’s my own way of helping up and coming artists and I won’t be a member of the next because the first group would be popular and have also made a name for them. The album is titled 8th Mainland Bridge because we are projecting into the future.

Where do you see yourself in the nearest future?
In the next years to come, I see myself doing what I know best, shelving from all kinds of controversies, and more importantly been of the best of my behaviour. So also I see my record label; Terry’s Production (TGP) growing fast in the industry.

So what do you think different Terry-G from other artiste?
To me the uniqueness in everyone artiste different them from another, I have linked with so many words. Take for instance, atimes when am performing on stage, I go to the extreme to do some crazy stuffs to get the hearts of my fans. Artiste can never be the same because we have chose different genres of music.

Are you involved in any relationship?
Yes, I am currently in a serious relationship that I think may lead into marriage if things work out as planned. People sometimes referred to me as gay but in spite by serious schedule as a producer, I still make time for love.

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 message do you have for your fans out there?
My gospel message as I want to refer to it to my fans is that, I will never disappoint them and as well that I will behave myself so well because there are two different image Terry-G the artiste and Gabriel as a person.

Sheyman bags Global Excellence Award

Oluseyi Ademoye popularly known as Sheyman has been announced the winner of this month Global Excellence Artiste of the month in keening contest among other star artiste like Wande Coal, Durella and Sean Tero.
Sheyman would be celebrated among other artistes to a posh party billed to hold on the 26th of June at popular La Cachette Night Club, Ikeja.
The glamorous event will also feature Terry G, Deebee, Lineo, G O P, Slim Joe, Big Fortune, Slim D, 0 2, Bigiano, Drama. D.J Smith, Charlishe, Scotty J, and would be MC by Miyangi and Danny B.

Emporium Magazine set to host June Celebrities

Emporium Magazine, one of the fast leading Campus journal has been gearing uptoward hosting celebrities in the month of June to a posh birthday party tagged June Crazy Costume Party billed to hold at the Insomania Night club come the June 26th and 27th respectively.
Celebrities to be hosted for the party includes: D’banj, MC-Icewater, Iyanya, Beanpole, Seyilaw, Kaffy, Denrele, Zdon amongst others.
Making the event unique, special custumes and make-up have been put in place for all the celebrities.
Artistes and comedians expected to grace the event include: YQ, Durella, Danny Young, Skuki, Terry-G, Bigiano, AY.com, SID, Koffi, Owen-G, Yaw, AY and the host other talent.

I seize to be referred to as an artiste after the death of Dagrin...K-solo

Osun State Graduate of Electrical Engineering from the Ilaro Polytechnic, Solomon Oyeniyi is for sure a person to reckon with as far as the production of quality music is concern in the entertainment industry as he has been in the music world for twelve years. Cornered in his studio, he spoke with MUTIAT ALLI on the rumoured biff with Paul Play, reasons why Nigerian organized awards are not credible enough, his pet project and other sundry issues.


How has it been coping without a father?
It’s really hard but I just have to cope with the situation. I will always remember him because he made who I am today, although he a strict father who wanted the best for me because I was the son in the family. He will surely be missed by the entire family but from me especially as he gave up right in hand.

How long have you been in the industry?
I have been in the system for quite some times now because I started off in my church where my parents were Deacon and Deaconess , but professional this is my twelfth year in the industry, not as an artiste but as a producer who believes in the progress of the people.

How has the journey been for you?
It has been very hectic because before now things have not been so easy at all because atimes, 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 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.

Which do you think is more profitable, being a producer or as an artiste?
Let me clarify this issue, I never started as an artiste but rather I started as a producer but the fact still remains that the two is okay for me, being a producer has really fetched me more money than been an artiste. I must be candid to say this that immediately after the death of Late Rap artiste, Dagrin, I seize to be referred to as an artiste because its really sad losing him to cold hands of death.
So, you see the death of Dagrin as a big blow to the entertainment industry?
Yes, because it was at the time when he was supposed to be getting his rewards that he left us in the industry. He was a genius and down to earth person, so losing him was a big blow to us who are his colleagues. But the painful aspect of it was that after his death, different things were said about him and to be candid we must mind what we say about people.

Why do you choose Igberega Records and not any other name?
'Igberega' in Yoruba means 'pride' and the whole concept is all about Africa's pride. I have travelled to different parts of the world and I have met people from different continents. When I went to South Africa, for a course in production, I saw blacks being treated as nonentities, but behind all their successes, there is a black man. I have lord of Ajasa, Clever Jay and other artistes on my label now. Presently because of the way things are going Nigeria most especially, I have to change the name to K-solo Incorporated Production but my fans are really angry about the sudden change in name.

What can you say as regards the organization of entertainment awards in Nigeria?
To me, most of the awards organized in Nigeria are not credible enough to be referred to as awards because you don’t say you are having awards, and you have your entire crew among the judges. Take for instance, an award like Hip-Hop award, you don’t have to make your team mate the judging the crew, since it is all about entertainment then, you take your judges from several record labels like Storm, Mo-Hits, Coded Tunes, Kennis Music and at the end of the day, you find out that we will be having a credible award and not that at the end of the event, people start complaining.

How far have you gone education wise?
I schooled in and outside Lagos. I was born in Lagos and had my primary education here in Lagos too. Thereafter, I moved to Nigerian Military School, Zaria, because my mother then was a colonel. I almost finished there then, but I had to opt out. I would have proceeded to Defense Academy if I had not opted out. I did that because I didn't want to work with the military.

Where your parent in total supports of your musical career?
It was war then, because my mother would always want me to dance to the tune of her music, and I had made up my mind that I was not going into military. We had disagreement, but with the support of my sisters and my late father, I was able to come back to Lagos. I later went to Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, where I studied Electrical Engineering. My course has really helped, but this is what I have always loved to do. Before then I had nursed the ambition of becoming a medical doctor. My parents were ministers in the Church, and so my father woke us every morning with hymns. We were always going to church and at a very tender age I was a chorister in the Church. When I was in primary school I was a member of the school choir and I loved music class a lot, at a point, I used to come home with my school piano. I was a pianist and my mother felt I was getting too involved in music at the expense of my academics. So she threw the piano away but bought another piano for the School management. At a time while I was still in school I had a music manuscript and my mother thought I was getting serious with my academics but one day she discovered I was actually doing music stuff and she dealt with me that day. Later she made a time-table for me creating time for me to read and for my leisure. When others were playing, she said I could do music then. It wasn't easy because I was stubborn, and I love to always have my way in all I do.

You started off as a gospel artiste, why the sudden shift into circular music?
I never started as a gospel artiste but I have always played in the church as I was one of the senior members of the choir group in my church. I basically started as a producer not as an artiste because I had the mind set of re-branding the face of the entertainment industry in Nigeria.

What differentiate your kind of music from others?
The fact still remains that my kind of music is gospel in nature because you cannot hear me sing songs that have vulgar language. I sing songs that teaches moral that is the more reason why when I sing songs like love, RNB, Hip-hop, I make sure it is meaningful to the hearing of the listeners. I do my stuffs

What does it take to be a producer of reputation in Nigeria?
I didn’t learn it I never had a teacher that’s why none can claim teaching me. But a major thing to know about becoming a producer is at you have to be called by God. By that I mean, it must be a passion, there has to be a drawing from within. I don’t care if my wife and everybody in the world is having problems with me, but when my studio is locked up, that is a big problem. I can’t take. If you want to kill me, take me out of music.

What song actually shot into limelight in the entertainment industry?
Although I have done so many productions, but Timaya’s Dem Mama album really showed the world the stuff I was made of. Another song that would have given me fame was Paul Play’s Angel of my life even though I was not given credit for the production.

What is your view about the present day entertainment industry?
Seriously, we are getting there, but we will not progress if we don’t stop this issue of belonging to a click or caucus. For me, I don’t believe in all that because I have got a lot that I am thinking. What I believe on is that whoever I work with most progress in the industry. The other thing is this issue of piracy, we cannot stop them but we still have the chances of curbing it low. What baffles me again in the industry is that some of our artiste that has gotten hit songs already wouldn’t want to give others the chance to blow.

My musical career, my ultimate goal

Yinka Best is considered as one of the most prominent juju artistes in the entertainment industry today. He recently spent a whopping N20 million to secure new musical equipment from Europe in his bid to improve his musical career. In this interview with ALLI MUTIAT, he speaks about his ever blossoming career, his current album, his quest to discover more talents as well as his plans for the youth.

Tell us about the equipment that you recently acquired?
The equipment are state-of-the art and it will be launched very soon at CMD Ground, Magodo where I perform every Thursday for my teeming fans. They are modern stage equipment, and I had to take a bank loan for its acquisition, because I do not want to depend on anybody for renting of equipment when going for shows. I will also be leasing them out to up-coming musicians who can't really afford to buy the equipment. It is a way of assisting young talents.

What are the challenges you have encountered in your career?
There have not really been too many challenges. The hit songs that I churned out years back were due to my talent in music. I love playing the saxophone; it is one of my favorite instruments. I introduced it into Juju music and everybody loves it. A lot of up-coming artistes are trying to copy my kind of fusion but they will find it very hard to sound exactly like me. You can't be like any one. Yinka Best is Yinka Best so, be yourself.

Before you composed your hit song entitled Kogboge Wa new, did you ever think that it would become a hit?
You see, highlife is one of the best forms of music we have in Nigeria. Both the old and young appreciate it. So, Kogboge Wa was appreciated by quite a number of music lovers. I was at a show and a guy wanted to go with a lady that did not belong to him. Suddenly, they started quarrelling. So, that was what gave me the inspiration to record that song.

Has it happened to you personally or it is a generic scenario?
It happens everywhere. I would not say it happened to me.

What should your fans expect from your album?
My new effort is in the market now. It is called Celebration Reloaded. There is a hip hop song there too. The song is entitled I will take you there. It is produced by Puffy T. The song is making waves already. People are crazy about it. Music buffs love it. I will shoot the video very soon.

After Kogboge Wa, what else have you done?
I've dropped Celebration and after that came Celebration Reloaded.
But the albums you just mentioned did not create much attention like Kogboge Wa did.

What happened?
It is not my fault. I would blame my marketer for that. I fell into bad hands. A marketer whose name would not like to mention, called me and he told me that he wanted to market my song. He later said he didn't have money. I considered him in the end.
I gave him my master tape. He came back with lots of complaints. He said somebody was threatening him that if he marketed my job, he would quit his company. I later found out that he had been contracted to market the album of another artiste and the artiste found out that he was marketing my song.
He therefore decided to dump my job. He kept all my posters in his office and some were transferred to the musician's house. It was one of the guys living there who hinted me that my posters were in his house. He said someone he didn't know kept them there. I also realised that the marketer didn't want the artiste to leave him and that was the reason why he decided to jettison my album.

What steps did you take?
I didn't take any step. I took my job from him and I carried on. It is not yet time for me to talk. When it is time, the world will know.

Would you like to mention his name?
I don't want to mention his name yet. People should just watch out.

Aside the track that was produced by Puffy T, what do other songs sound like?
Well, there are lots of songs there. There are lots of danceable songs in the album. I have Motigoke Montiso, Wosope Asewoniwa, and lots of tracks people can dance to.
Who are the other artistes that you have in the new album?
In the hip hop track, I featured Boiz 2.

Who is marketing Celebration Reloaded?
The album is being marketed by Z-Plus International. The outfit is based in
Ketu and Oshodi.

Tell us about your first tour outside Nigeria?
Well, when I travel, I usually don't talk about it. It is not my style to announce in the media when I travel out of the country. As far as I'm concerned, it means nothing to me.

You don't think it is part of marketing strategy for an artiste?
To me, it is like you are boasting that you have traveled. Those places are beautiful places but there is no where you can enjoy like Nigeria and as a Nigerian. So, I don't promote any other country aside Nigeria. There is no big deal about other countries. I have traveled to many places. I don't like talking about it. At times, I would travel for two to three weeks, and nobody would know about it.
Do you have your own record label or are you working under somebody?
I have my own record label, Y K B Records.

Do have other artistes signed to your record label?
Yes I do and I will sign on other artistes if they are good. I have some artistes that I am currently working on. I also work with artistes that have good music. If your music is good, Y K B Records would work with you. If your song is not good, I would say it is not good.

What are you and other Juju musicians doing to rejuvenate Juju music which is losing ground to Afro hip hop?
Juju music can never die. It is impossible. You will find 99 percent of Juju musicians every weekend where they do parties. You can't find hip hop musicians singing at weddings and burial ceremonies. It is Juju musicians that you see. Juju musicians are still alive. We are working. We might not be making noise. We don't even need the noise. What we need is the money. Every weekend, we are there working hard. So, Juju music is still there. Our job is to play for people to enjoy.

But at the moment, Juju music doesn't have developmental programmes like hip hop, what is your view?
This world was not created for one person. There was a time everybody listened to Reggae and Makossa music. If this time is for hip hop, let's us give them the chance to do their own. The world is changing. Any way, life is in phases. We are still working. Nothing has happened to Juju music. We know that some artistes are lazy. They are waiting for people like us to release an album before they can sing.

What is your relationship with the likes Dele Abiodun, Shina Peters, KSA and others?
They are all my fathers. I love them. Our relationships are cordial.

What advice do you have for one hit album?
Well, being focused is the ultimate as far as music business is concerned. Don't let women come to distract you.

How many wives do you have?
I'm married to 10 (laughs) I'm married and single. Any way, I'm married.

Do you have any final word for your fans?
My fans should expect more. Music has not

faces at Jesse Jagz album launch

The entertainment industry is perhaps taking another dimension when it comes to rap music. it was the album listening and launch party of Jesse Jagz as he unveils his new work titled : "Jack Of all trades" at the popular celebrity hang-out, Tribeca, Victoria Island. E-weekly brings to you the high point of the night.

My mothers disability encourage me

Two years after her reign as the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, delectable Munachi Abii whose dream is to become a diplomat and an ambassador of her country not just as a beauty queen but as a responsible and politically elite individual. In this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, this beauty diva who believes her selling point is her charming look and life style.

What is the major difference between Munachi and the present you?
There’s no difference at all I’m still the same Munachi and I still have the same emotional traumas. As for my family and friends everybody is happy for me, we still have a good relationship. But some people I wasn’t close to before now call to say “Munachi remember I ‘m your cousin from here and all that.”

When you entered for the competition what inspired it, did you think you had all it takes to win?
I never thought I had what it took per se, but I just wanted to go for the experience and the fact that I always had that dream.

What is the thing you like most about being MBGN (World)?
The fact that I wear a crown; I get treated like royalty, so it’s good.

Do you have a pet project you will be working on?
At the moment we have a contract with the Sickle Cell Foundation, so I will be focusing on that. Then there are other things I would like to support as an individual not just as a queen. I will support polio victims and do my best to make a difference.

Why do you choose polio?
I chose polio because I can relate to the situation, my mum has polio. I keep saying this, it’s a bit of a cliche right now. I know what it’s like to be a daughter of a disabled person. I know what some of them feel and I also know that some of them are very insecure, they don’t have anybody to help them and people always look down on those that have. I would like as much as possible to make life easy for them as much as I can.

What is fashion like for you?
So long as it looks good, I’ll wear it. I have my own style, I don’t wear things because people are wearing it. I just do what I want to do. I don’t believe in dressing inappropriately because you want to get attention. I believe in dressing according to how you feel. If you feel sexy, you want to wear something sexy, fine, but you don’t have to look indecent.

I can see you are not against showing off your cleavage?
Don’t expose too much, but look good.

When it comes to the talent hunt segment what is it you have that you can show the world?
I would like to keep it African. The typical thing to do is to sing or play a guitar, but I intend to do something, different and you’ll see it when it’s time, I don’t wait to let the cat out of the bag just yet.

How do you handle the kind of jewelry you wear?
I don’t wear too much, but it comes with the job, I have to look good. I’m not a gold person, I’m of silver than gold person, but if it looks good, I’ll wear it.

For some beauty queen, it’s a scandal free reign, while others are laced with one scandal or the other, how do you hope to set yourself apart?
I’ll do as much as possible to keep away from scandals. I would like to be on my best behaviour, not to step on anybody’s toes. I’ll just do what I can to keep my head level and I’m sure everything will be fine. Although I have been related with peter of the P-square group but would not want to talk about for now.

Is there anybody you admire amongst the past queens?
I never knew any of the queens personally so I can’t look up to them in terms of attitude I do not know who they are, it is just what I see and you can’t judge people by what you see on television. But I met Bianca once, at the airport and she’s extremely beautiful and she’s the only one, I can say is hot. I do look up to her.

What turns you off in people?
People that backstab I don’t like it at all. I like to take people for who they are and if you disrespect that, you make me think otherwise. If you want to say something to me, say it to my face, if you don’t want me to do something, you better let me know to avoid situations.

Your mother being on a wheelchair, has that not affected you in anyway?
It has not in anyway, because my mum is a great person, she’s a very strong woman, half of the things she does, people that have two legs can’t do it. I don’t see her being on a wheelchair as a challenge, I don’t see it as a disadvantage, rather it should be something that you could use to your favour, don’t let whatever circumstance you find yourself weight you down. It’s has no effect with me whatsoever. Let me say at this point that my disability encouraged me the more to strive hard in all my endeavours.

What was the reaction of your family like when you decided to go in for the contest, knowing you will come on stage in swimsuit?
They were very supportive; my mum is hilarious when it comes to wearing swimsuit. When she saw me she was, oh my God, she was a bit shocked, but she supported me, she was at the contest, my family was there for me and that really helped me get far in the competition.

Tell us a bit about growing up?
I had a very normal childhood, like most families. A lot of my cousins were staying with us, so the house was always full, there was never a dull moment in my house. It was fun, most of the memories, I had are memories worth to be remembered. And if things didn’t happen the way they did, I might not be here today, so I am grateful for everything. I’m currently in Benson Idahosa University in Benin.

Perfume choice?
If it smells good, I’ll wear it, it shouldn’t choke me. I like Estee Lauder, it’s a nice perfume but I could wear anything else, I don’t have to stick to one.
You don’t go to the spa, facials etc...
Spas will be later, I don’t have facials maybe sometime in future, I will but right now, I am just a regular girl. I am just myself, I prefer the inner beauty than the outside one, because you could be beautiful outside and horrible inside. The beauty will fade I won’t look like this when I am eighty, I hope to but if I don’t look like this, when I’m eighty or ninety fine, I just want to stay beautiful on the inside, that’s all that matters.

What does style mean to you?
Be yourself, that’s a style on it’s own. If you are yourself if that way, you can’t copy other people because, if you do that you won’t be able to stand for yourself and if you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything. Just be yourself and if you want to wear a suit and damask, so long as you feel comfortable in it why not.

What has life thought you?
I tend not to judge people by what I see, there’s more than what meets the eye, not everybody likes you. So just keep yours eyes open.

How do you relax?
I sleep. Sometimes I hang out with my few friends. Most times I prefer to listen to music or busy writing songs or sketching. More importantly I love partying because with that it helps free my heart from unnecessary burden.

What is your greatest wish in life?
I wish to be a very successful person richer than Bill Gates, than Oprah but at the same time, I still want to keep my level head, be nice to people, be able to touch lives as much as possible, and still keep it humble, so I’ll be able to walk on the street without body guards and all.

What is it like from the male folk?
They don’t bug me. I can still walk on the street without people knowing who I am so that’s a good thing. I don’t get too many people disturbing me or bugging my phone.

The negative side of a celebrity is far better than the fame and glamour

Badagry born actress Lizy Elizabeth Anjorin is sure one of the sought after producer cum business woman in the movie industry after she gained prominence after the release of her first movie titled Iya Ojo Kan. This graduate of Banking and finance from the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro Ogun state also hold a degree in Transport Planning and Management from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun state. In this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, Lizy opens up on her much publicized feud with Iyabo Ojo, her estrange boy friend and her new movie titled Gold.


You are well read. So, how did you find yourself in acting? Was it by accident or design?
It was through God and a friend. I will say it was designed by God. While growing up, I was very vocal, and I had always wanted to be a lawyer or an artist because I draw very well. I remember when I was in primary school, nobody could steal my locker because I would always draw and design my locker distinctively. I even went for an exhibition in arts in secondary school and I won. I have this artistic talent. But as I grew older, I fell in love with acting and I admire stars, even models, and I told myself that I would become a star. So, while in the Polytechnic, I started modeling; later, I went for training in acting. All these I was doing alongside schooling. I didn't pass by this job like some others, I learnt it. I went for three years training in acting at a registered acting school called Sam Aye Production Arts & Theatre School in Abeokuta. So, I was shuttling between schooling, acting, training and doing business while in school.

You mean after school you went into full acting? You never worked with your certificate?
No, I never worked with my certificate. I graduated from school, finished my training as an actress and started acting.

What kind of business were you into then?
I do buying and selling. I sell bags, shoes, jewelry and so on. Initially, I never thought of taking acting as a profession. I wanted to be a producer or director, but I realised I could be the star I have always dreamed of. I must be seen; I must be on stage or the TV. I saw a kind of supremacy and affluence around being a star; so, I admired that and went for it.
So, was it the popularity attached to acting that geared you into the profession?
Well, not exactly, but its part of it. I appreciate good things but more importantly, I have always wished and desired to be an actress.

How has the experience been like, I mean acting?
Acting is nice, very interesting. It is a good profession which, to me, every family must endeavour to produce, at least, one actor or actress. Every family should try and produce a celebrity, because being a celebrity is very sweet though the challenges that come with it can, at times, far outweigh the sweetness and popularity attached to it. The negative aspect can be worse than HIV.

Tell us about the movie, Gold?
The movie GOLD is the story of my life. In that film, I played up the terrible experience I had in the hands of my ex-boyfriend, what it cost me and how I was able to survive it. It is a movie to watch, because both men and women have a lot to learn from it. Even parents will learn from it. You see, most times when young women fall into the hands of evil guys, it could be as a result of pressure from the parents on marriage, especially when the child is the only child like me. The movie is very inspirational, touching and educative. In fact, there is a woman we shot a scene in her house, when she read the story line, she burst into tears because she said Gold was exactly talking about her, that is, it is just the story of her life too. So, the movie is a nice one and I purposely did it to tell a story and teach some lessons. It is a true life story.

How much did it cost you to produce this movie?
Gold is a N5 million production. In fact, I spent more than that, but I just want to peg it at N5 million. It is not a wishy-washy movie, but produced to a standard class. I featured prominent stars in the movie and all my crew members were well paid. Besides, we also used state-of-the-art technology in producing this movie. I wrote and produced it all alone. It cost me a lot, but I thank God for the eventual success of the work.

What are you doing against your movie being pirated?
My sister, what can I do than to pray to God? That piracy thing is a very serious one and unfortunately our government is not acting as expected. But, if government will take my advice on how to fight piracy, I will suggest that they introduce Sharia laws in fighting the scourge. They should cut off the hands of any pirate caught in the act; by the time three or four pirates' hands are cut off, others will desist.

Can you talk about some of your sad experiences on the job?
When I had problem with my ex-boyfriend, it was really sad. I never knew I was dating a fraudster; he stole my car, money, gold and in conjunction with his mother and a journalist friend still lied and rubbished my name in the press. It was hell! Do you know that when he published that libelous story, I was indoors for five good months? I could not go out because of the shame, the stigma and even my mother could not go out or go to church. My sister, it was hell! The negative aspect of being a celebrity, particularly when a story about you is not true, is worse than the fame and glamour of being a celebrity and even worse than AIDS. In fact, I never really knew the meaning of being a star until that incident and the publications came out. The saddest part was that, I didn't get any support from my colleagues in the industry, rather they helped to spread the fake story the more. Only Sikiratu Sindodo stood by me by calling to check on my welfare. It is really bad. I want to charge our members in the industry to eschew envy, jealousy, battle for supremacy and embrace love, support for one another because that is how the industry can move ahead. However, I thank God today. The case is still in court and the guy is in custody until judgment, because he had jumped bail twice.

Why didn't you get support? Could it be because you are a lone ranger in the industry?
My sister, it is all envy and jealousy. Yes, I am a lone ranger and I like it that way because ladies have problems; if they don't gossip they will fight — fight for respect or backbite. I don't like all these attitudes; so, I prefer to move with guys who will rather advise you. They say I parole alone, but I prefer it like that. They envy me because of my substance, but they don't know what I do to make money. It is not just acting that I do. I am into business as well. In fact, I have been doing business right from primary school. So, they see me driving this car or that car and they get jealous or feel I am doing aristo runs and I am not carrying them along. I am the only actress that entered the industry with a car and they all know that; so, I don't understand the envy.

Talking about scandals, you were recently involved in a car theft mess, how true is this?
You see, I've always been industrious since I was young and this is because my mother brought me up as a disciplined young lady. I started doing real business at 13 and I was already paying my school fees at that time. I am the only child of my parents and my father died early but my mother never gave me a free hand or opportunity to be spoilt. That is how I got to where I am today, so why would I want to steal anybody's car? Anyway, I can't really say much on it, but I can tell you that the man in question is currently languishing in Ikoyi prisons for character assassination and defamation. The matter is currently in court and I am not allowed to say much on it. I'm sure the law would determine who really is a thief and who really duped the other

So, is any guy on board now?
No, no, no! I really want to take my time this time around. I believe now that all guys out there are like my ex. Honestly, I am taking my time. Besides, most guys in Nigeria now are gold diggers; they don't want to work but want to live on women.

Plans for marriage?
I am not even thinking about that now. That was what my parents wanted and landed me in the hands of the fraudster. That is not in my plan for now. But if you ask me, I don't mind being wife number 22 as long as there is money and peace.

What is the main issue between you and Iyabo Ojo as you were reported to have problem with her in the industry?
Yes, I cannot deny the fact that I had feud with her, but the fact is that I know my age and I can't be bothered by anyone who thinks she is so big in the industry. What really happen was that I was at an event and I humbly greeted Iyabo Ojo like other actors present but she ignored me and later warned me never to greet her again, saying I'm so spoilt and should respect her by calling her Aunty Iyabo.
For crying out loud my sister, she just celebrated her 30th birthday and for God's sake I'm 33. But that is not the point; I can't call her Aunty Iyabo simply because she started acting before me. I don't want to join issues with her but I know I respect who respects me.

More pictures from the 2010 HHWA

It was yet another edition of the much publicized Hip-Hop world Award. we capture the full events in pix.