Omawumi Shone, Jim Iyke, 2Face, MI & DaGrin Won, Jesse Jagz Lit Up the Stage – Scoop from the Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA) 2010

The 2010 edition of the Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA) took place in New York over the weekend. The awards show is positioned as the premiere diaspora based awards event for the Nigerian Entertainment Industry. The event was hosted by powerhouse crooner Omawumi who also scooped up two awards at the event. Omawumi was a confident and vivacious hostess! She got commendations from all those at the event. There were also standout performances from Jesse Jagz and Lara George (she won the award for Gospel Artist of the Year).

We wish Da Grin was alive to enjoy all the fruits of his work. The late entertainer won the Album of the Year award. Music producer Kid Konnect who created a recent sensation with his “video for a beat” – Afu Lah Gah Fu Le Geh won the award for Best International Producer of the Year award. 2Face, MI and Jim Iyke were among A-List Nigerian celebrities at the event. 2Face won two awards while MI reiterated his recent statement that he is leaving the music industry to pursue a career in Nollywood. Sorry Mr. Incredible! We are not buying that – We reckon that this is part of the hype strategy for his new album – MI2.

The red carpet was hosted by Uduak Oduok, the lawyer/entrepreneur behind the Ladybrille Media Group. She interviewed all the stars and guests who graced the red carpet. There were an array of guests at the event including Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and models, Kendra and Ify Jones.

What is a Nigerian Entertainment Awards show without controversy? Iceberg Slim performed his MI diss track during the event right soon after left the stage after picking up his award for Best Rap Act of the Year. Awkward. At the after party, the two MCs engaged in a freestyle battle. Want to guess who won? You don’t have to, check out the video below. There were also some complaints around the timing and organization of the event. It is worthy to note that we have never witnessed a Nigerian awards ceremony start on time and devoid of complaints around sound and stage management. We encourage all awards show organizers to improve in these areas.

Overall, it was an interesting show and a great opportunity for diaspora based Nigerian entertainers such as Tolumide and DJ Xclusive to shine alongside their Nigeria-based counterparts.

Special Thanks to Trendy Africa and Face2FaceAfrica for the photos and Olamild Entertainment for the information. We encourage you to visit these sites.

A New Boost for the African Music Video Industry – Introducing the African Music Video Festival (AMVF)

The entertainment industry in Nigeria has exploded in the recent years creating a boom with more people joining the industry in both the music and film sectors.

Do you remember the days when you would be totally feeling a song and then the video would premiere – suddenly your love affair with the song would disintegrate due to the low quality of the video. Those dark years where foreign music and films were more appreciated than the locally grown content is gone and our stars that appear in them are now, more than ever, celebrities in every sense of the word.

In light of this, there has become a need for artistes to further promote their brand and music through visuals. This has lead to the explosion of music videos all over the continent including Nigeria. Pulling away from artistes going out of our shores to shoot ‘quality’ videos, Nigerian video directors have stepped up their game in not only quality, but creative concepts. We now have homegrown music videos competing at international awards platforms. In light of these developments, K’Alpha Innovations led by Kemi Adetiba is launching the African Music Video Festival (AMVF).

The AFRICAN MUSIC VIDEO FESTIVAL (AMVF)

This initiative was created to inspire young unknown directors, artistes and serve as a platform where their ingenious, music videos can be celebrate where they might otherwise not be seen.

The music video climate, although growing, is dominated by a few. Rotation circulates round well-known artistes as well as the big named directors that shoot their videos. It becomes a monotonous cycle where the same big artistes collaborate with the same big named directors, and this makes it more or less impossible for the young video director who made a highly creative music video on a shoe-string budget to break in and make his/ her seen.

It would also serve as an opportunity for aspiring, independent directors to learn from their mentors and notable directors behind some of their favorite videos.

FESTIVAL STRUCTURE

The AMVF is not an award ceremony. It is a platform that gives opportunities to a wider bracket of Directors and artistes where their work can be celebrated, rewarded and given an opportunity to break out into the ‘big-time’. Independent directors get to go head-to-head with submissions from bigger named directors, while the well known directors are able to reiterate through their submissions why they are the best.

The African Music Video Festival will commence end of the first quarter of 2011, kicking off with a four-month period for music video submissions.
A panel of judges made up of six notable respected aficionados in the industry will be set up to deliberate on the thirty (30) short-listed videos and an eventual winner. The Festival itself is a five-day fiesta. Starting with a meet and greet gala evening and accreditation process on the first day. The next three days will have screenings of the videos and conference clinics featuring four of the biggest directors in the world. One from the United States, the UK, South Africa and of course our very own Nigeria.

They will inspire the audience through interactive presentations, opening up on how they got into the business, tricks of the trade and never before heard stories behind some of their most famous videos.

Participants will also get a chance to work closely with one of our esteemed directors when a select few are opportune to shoot a video for a well-known artiste with one of our international directors.

The festivals ends with an ending celebration party, which would include performances by the artistes featured in the final three shortlisted videos, some well known, already established artistes, the award presentations and a chance for all participants to mingle and create long lasting relationships.

AWARDS

The music video submission will be narrowed down to three choices by our chosen panel of judges. These shortlisted videos will then be tiered in the winning order. All three shortlisted videos get awards with cash prizes included, with the winning video winning the most.

Source: bellanaija.com

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This is definitely a welcome initiative that will help accelerate the growth and development of the already budding African Music Video industry.

A smart woman doesn’t keep a beautiful maid –Dr. Ola Balogun

Ola Balogun


Dr Ola Balogun is like the elephant and the seven blind men. He means different things to people. To some, he is a musician having established the Iroko, a 20 piece modern highlife orchestra that is dedicated to the revival and modernization of the exciting highlife music forms that were popular in the 60’s and 70’s. For others, he is an intellectual having also held strategic positions in various academic institutions.

There are those who would see him more as a journalist and author. The list is endless but beyond all that is the fact that Ola Balogun is a veteran in marriage having been in the sacred institution with his French wife for 40 years. In this interview, he bares it all to Sunday Sun. Excerpts…

Having been married for 40 years, how do you see the marriage as an institution?
Yes, I am a veteran of 40 years of marriage although my wife and I are not living together now because she prefers to live in Europe and I prefer to live in Nigeria. We are however not separated or divorced. We are living apart now based on a mutual agreement. She said that many of her friends don’t live in Nigeria any more. So many of her colleagues have gone to teach in America or some to practice Medicine in Saudi Arabia or Dubai. She complained that our circle of friends are not here again.

The cinema theatre and the play we used to go and watch are no more available and she does not want to stay in Nigeria again doing nothing and that our children have grown up. So, I would say I am a veteran of 40 years of marriage and in addition, I had a very close, intimate relationship while I was still married with a dear lady friend for over 10 years although we did not have children together. I have had my fair share of exposure to ladies. So, I think I can speak authoritatively about relationship between the sexes.

I can speak with some experience. One of the major problems of marriage in Nigeria now as I speak is that people are in love with the idea of marriage and not with the person they are going to get married to. They want to have a ceremony for all of Nigeria to come and see them, eat and drink and cut cake but the actual person they are to get married to, they are not bothered to know whether they are compatible or not. Some say they were told in the church that this is the person they would marry. Of course, you cannot marry somebody who is not your close friend.

The truth is that friendship and respect for each other are the basis of every successful marriage. Love can go but it is the friendship and mutual tolerance that survive all challenges. It is only rare marriages in life that two individuals look each other eye ball to eye ball and say I will be there for you. All the rest like going to the church and registry is just playing to the gallery. It is just for the society to know what has taken place but the real marriage has taken place between these two people.

There is a story I love to tell because that’s the way it should be. There is a man who married somebody and a couple of years into the marriage, the woman was involved in an accident and she became paraplegic, could not move her hands or legs and this man nursed her for 20 years and never married another woman. That is the understanding that I would be there for you.

The Bible calls it for better or for worse but it is better to say that it is just a commitment to the other person. And it is strengthened by the time children come into the world. By the time you have children together and you care for them together like when a child is sick and two of you carry him to the hospital, it creates a kind of bond that cannot be replaced. So, marriage is not about sex but sex is part of the bonds that tie people together.

How did you meet your French wife and what was the attraction?
It was at the CAEN University in France. What I noticed was that a lot of people were so stupid that anything a lecturer was doing, they were just writing it down. There were only two people in the amphitheatre in our set who would just be gazing at the ceiling. This is because you have taken the trouble to read the subject before the lecture and you knew what the issue was about and there is no need for you to be writing verbatim what somebody is talking because you have mastered that subject.

So, of all the people writing in that amphitheatre, only two heads were up. Our eyes met and we understood each other. From there, we chatted and from the second day we met, this lady just surrendered herself to me completely. It is not the length of courtship that matters in such a case but whether your spirit agrees or not. If a woman is bold enough to understand that this man has the qualities that I want, she would not be telling you come back six months or so.

Right from the first day you want to be intimate with her, she is yours because she has recognized that you are meant to be together. In those days at the University, I was sharing a flat with three other chaps and we had one room each but I had the bigger one because when we did the lottery, I won the sitting room and another bedroom.

So my flat mates noticed that this lady whom they have not seen before just started spending the night with me. But more was to come because not long, the lady took me to her family and said this is the man I want to marry. And those people had never seen a black man before, it is wonderful. I was brought up in a family where we do not judge people by their ethnic origin or their colour or religion. So, as soon as we agreed that we were for each other, he took me straight to her family and said this is the man I want to marry. These were people who had never met a black man in their life before.

What was the reaction of your wife’s parents?
They took me as their son from that very day. Even today, my mother in-law is still quarreling with my wife saying why does she decide to live in Europe and leave me here alone in Nigeria. My mother in-law is trying to fight on my behalf and I am the one saying no, my wife is right because the set up in Nigeria is not like when she was teaching here.

We lived in Nigeria for more than 20 years but she is quite right to say that most of our friends and colleagues have gone. She would just be at home by herself as our children have grown up and gone. I travel a lot and I am not often there. What would she be doing and she has retired from teaching.

Based on your experience, what is the difference between the expression of love in France and other developed societies when compared to Nigeria?
I am in the best position to say that because I have lived intimately with my French wife for over 20 years and about 10 years with another lady who is a Nigerian and who was very well known to my family and my mother loved her. I think I have experienced love in about three circumstances in different parts of the world. All human beings are one and the same.

That emotion and commitment to another person is the same. And a woman who is prepared to leave her own country and family following you 4,000 miles to your own country which she didn’t know is really committed to you. Although there are special cases like I heard there are people from Russia, they want to escape from their country and they want to have the passport and exit visa.

You hear that some Nigerians marry from Germany because they want to have the nationality there. But in the case of genuine commitment to each other, human beings are the same all over the world. I am 65 years today and I must tell you that I have not noticed any difference between people who belong to different ethnic groups or religion in Nigeria. A human being can come from your village and be a very bad person. A human being can come from a totally far off place and be your best friend because that person is genuine and open to you.

Do you agree with the notion that the “white” ladies are more romantic and possessive than their black counterparts?
Every woman is possessive but what happens is that in Nigeria where there is a known tradition of polygamy, a woman would expect that a man would sometimes stray. I always say to the younger people that a clever woman always sees what she wants to see. A clever woman would not quarrel with his husband that somebody told her that they saw her husband with a woman somewhere.

If she is clever enough and she has children there, that man would always come there and in fact nobody would tell him and after some years he would be tired and come back. She would be the one asking aren’t you going out this evening? When a man has school fees to pay, he has to buy uniform, his mother is in the hospital and he has to pay doctor’s fee, his car has problems and another woman comes and tells him that he needs money from him to go and bury her mother somewhere, he tells her to hell and come back because he has not finished coping with his own immediate problem.

So, if the woman in the house is a little patient, she holds everything because the man has no other life than his children and his home He is only gallivanting and trying to show off that he can conquer the world but after sometime, he would get tired. When people were asking why did Mrs Clinton not leave her husband because he was having an affair with another woman, she looked at them and said did they think she was crazy.

She had created a home and cultivated a family for about 30 years and she would just abandon the man for another woman. The average African woman is more highly attuned to the reality of life. A man is likely to have one or two side shows but it does not mean that a man does not love his wife. Monogamy does not exist and has never existed in the world.

Even the people who brought it to us, the French who are Roman Catholics, I lived in France for so many years and even the Reverend fathers have girl friends and they have children. The President of France had concubines outside the official wedlock. Go to Italy, that is where the Roman Catholic ought to be strongest, all the men there have lady friends. Monogamy is a façade. You go to America, I would say that they are serial polygamists. So, in the reality of human existence, monogamy is very rare.

Is it true that white women go for black men because of the notion that they are better in bed?
It is possible because of the circumstances of life in countries like Japan, Europe and some other places Some of the men are likely to be too stressed to be able to perform efficiently from the sexual point of view because they are a bit neurotic some times because of the pressure. In Africa, most of the time and even in Asia, there is a healthier life style. People are in the farm. Even if the man is not doing any manual work, he has more opportunity for exercise and he is more vigorous physically.

So, you can say that a woman has a better chance of having a more satisfying love partner on the ordinary for sex from Latin America, Africa and Asia than from Europe. But it is not to say that Africa has the monopoly because you see that the white women who go as sexual tourists, they can go to Thailand and they find the men there who can service them or they can come to Gambia, they also find the men who can service them or they can go to Brazil.

So, it is not a monopoly of Africa alone. It is not that they are more specially endowed but I do not know because I am not a woman. However, in some senses, the average African male knows better how to handle a woman. An American woman wears the trousers at home and he can easily dictate to her husband but an African man would not allow that. Women ironically, prefer a man that does not take nonsense and they do not like a man that is being controlled by his wife although they want such a man.

Don’t you think that white women are more explorative in matters of sex?
I can tell you this based on experience. Every woman is curious and interested in sex; every woman in all parts of the world whether Eskimo, Chinese or Swiss. But in Nigeria, there are some ethnic groups who either by training or nature produce ladies who are very good in taking care and satisfying a man; the Efik for instance. Along that line, you go to Douala in Cameroon and you go to Kenya and Uganda. They are some how very adept in satisfying a man.

They understand the psychology of a man and how to look after a man. You know that story of the Onitsha man who went to Calabar for a conference, they did not see him for some weeks and they sent his friend and that one too did not come back. When they came, they said these women know how to take care of men. You find that French and Italian women would be more romantic in some ways than the English woman who is more rigid. But individuals are different; just like the French, the Greeks and Italians are very much interested in food.

They cook wonderfully well and their dishes are incredibly good and rich. But the English are not interested in food. They only eat roasted beef and things like that. Their only interesting menu is may be the breakfast and the tea. If they want to eat properly, they have to go to a Chinese, French, Greek or Italian restaurant.

But you would agree with me that white ladies are more bold in making a sexual statement?
In Senegal, they said there is a particular incense that a lady would put on her clothes and a man would be highly aroused sexually. You find such traditions in some places. Some would think that if they wear jigida, it arouses the man and so on. You go to Ethiopia, it is another thing. You go to South Africa, they say that if the woman is fat enough, you would really enjoy yourself. But there is no white woman in the real sense of it because they are really different.

Don’t you agree that women in developed societies are more adventurous when it comes to sexual relationships?
I can tell you confidently that it is not true. Every woman is different. There are some women here who can almost break you as a man sexually. You do not need to go out of this neighbourhood to find them. If you stumble on the right woman, he can exhaust you and give you different sex styles. There is a story that a friend told me in Ghana.

There is a certain headmaster who used to victimize female primary school pupils. He would tell them to fetch water to his house and as soon as a girl brought the water, he would close the door and jump on her and virtually rape her. So, she now targeted one small girl who was about 14 and thought it was business as usual and little did he know that the girl was so experienced and almost a nymphomaniac and by the time he now jumped on her, she proved to be far more experienced and knowledgeable than he thought.

And by the time he finished and was exhausted, the girl told him, I surprised you, didn’t I? I hope this is not vulgar but there is a prostitute in every woman including in the Queen of England. She displays that aspect of her only to her boyfriend or husband. When a woman is with her person in the sanctity of her bedroom, she would be passionate and do all kinds of things but when you see her on the streets as a very respectable woman, you would never imagine that she could do such a thing. When the Queen of England is in her bedroom with her husband, it is not the Queen that you see on the streets.

What is the importance of sex in marriage?
We are animals. The human being is an animal and that animal is supposed to procreate. Nature has arranged it for the human being to reproduce and for you to do that, you have to be attracted to have sex with the opposite gender. That process is the trap that nature has set. And that period of looking after a child is a pleasant hard labour because it is so wonderful to have a child. What I miss so much is children jumping all over my head.

I used to complain that why are you people waking up so early and jumping on my bed but when they left, I regretted it. If I can bring them now to jump 20 times on my bed, I would love it. I think the best pleasure that a man could have is when a little child hold your hand and walk down the streets with you or come and lie on your lap or you carry a baby in your arm. So, nature has set a trap and at the same time has placed honey all the way.

You said earlier that an intelligent woman should not bring a beautiful maid into the house. Why do you think so?
This is because the male sex organ does not have a conscience and it has a brain of its own. People can be easily led astray if they see something close at hand which they feel they can enjoy quickly without anybody knowing. So, an intelligent woman would not bring a beautiful young housemaid to live inside the same house with her husband even if that person is her relative or sister.

The man can be tempted any time because men are weak. If you bring a very attractive young lady into your house as maid, even if you are a saint, there would be a day that may be, the woman has traveled and you are alone in the house or in the middle of the night he has gone to the toilet and he passes in front of the room where the maid is sleeping and sees her lying naked on the bed, anything can happen.

Clever women would make sure that they have maids that are very young or are very mature women or even a man in some instances. Even that small child, there is no guarantee that a man cannot rape an eight or nine year old girl.


Story by WILLY EYA

THE RICHEST SISTERS IN NOLLYWOOD

Rita Dominic N58 million

From the 80's till half-way through the 90's, nearly every household in Africa watched Western and Asian movies, no wonder stars like Eddie Murphy, Clint Eastwood, Bruce Lee, Anorld Schwartzenegger, Amitah Bachan, Jackie Chan, Grace Jones, Cynthia Rotrock, Julia Roberts and many others became more popular among the African youths than the African presidents.

As millions of Africans read about their life styles especially how much money they make, these stars have been exalted to become demi-gods. But with the arrival of Nollywood in the early 90's and the rising profile of some of Nollywood stars in the late 90's, everything changed. Nollywood fastly became the talk of the day amongst African youths and many across other continents.

Many families stayed glued to Nollywood movies more than they did to Hollywood and Bollywood films. One of the things that added glamour to Nollywood was the beautiful faces of sisters in the baby Nigerian movie industry that was soon to take the world by storm.

Nollywood sisters are talented, elegant, smart, and beautiful. They have indeed made africa proud. They have come a long way and have shown that there is still something magical and good about Africa. Most of them came from humble backgrounds and have today become role models to millions of youths and fans around the globe. They rose in style like the sound of the rain. Although this may appear hard to believe, most of our nollywood sisters today ride around with bodyguards and tinted glass cars. Why? Because they can no longer walk freely at the airports, in the market places, banks or churches without causing commotion, eyes staring at them, or people chasing after them to take pictures with them or get their autographs.

Such was the case when fans chased and surrounded Mercy Johnson while she was on vacation in South Africa 2008. Another instance was when fans who came out in numbers to welcome Stella Damasus at the airport in Trinidad and Tobago started shedding tears while calling her name when she was coming out from the airport. It came to a point that she started crying herself. It was at that point that she understood the effect and impact Nollywood has created around the world. Not many Nollywood sisters and stakeholders would have anticipated that this would have come this far. All of a sudden they have woken to the reality of being celebrities on a continent where no one ever imagined it could have happened so soon. A continent where it has never been so and seems as though it would never be so.

In the past ten years the faces of our Nollywood sisters have dominated many newspapers and magazine covers. They have held many viewers spellbound through their magical performances in the movies. They have also helped to re-brand the image of Africa and many in the Western hemisphere cannot help but wonder whether this could actually be true. The notion held by many in the West that African ladies who live in Africa are dirty, ugly, oppressed, stricken with poverty, lack education and enlightenment, has now all been changed by the growing popularity of Nollywood all over the world and this sisters who have made it happen.

In every environment hard work pays and this women and ladies have proven this old reality. This list is about the richest actresses in Nollywood. The sisters in this list have been rewarded for their sacrifices. Contrary to the belief that these sisters spend their money only on expensive cars, the ones who made this list have all been wise in their spending. What has also made the names in this list thick is that some of them have branched out to become producers, entrepreneurs and big time investors in different areas like real estate and fashion.
They have traveled around the world, they are comfortable and rich, they are independent and they are in control of millions.

They represent the true definition of successful sisters. Unknown to many people, many of these sisters are even richer than some Nollywood producers. Many of them are making it bigger day by day.

We are happy for them and their achievements so far. This list is entirely based on their assets and earnings over several years. There are some surprises in this list and I am sure this may interest a lot of people. But that is exactly what this list is all about. I hope many sisters and brothers out there would be motivated and know that there is no shorter road to success apart from hard work and doing the right thing.

1. Kate Henshaw-Nuttall N67 million

Humble and hardworking she is what you may call the silent millionaire. She became one of the actresses to try out into other ventures. Spared by the tabloid bashing, the African Movie Academy 2008 best actress winner has graced Nigerian television like an amazon. The screen star who also has an 8yr old daughter Gabrielle is a complete biz woman to the core. Although she appears classy often times, this sister spends wisely on what she wears and only travels abroad for business rather than pleasure. She does not drive very expensive cars and she lives a purely average and normal life. The cross river born star who has her own company which specializes in different businesses has great interest in real estate. She currently has three buildings and several landed properties scattered all over the country. By 2006 she had earned N10 million and the following year, she reached N12 million. She has never looked back since then. The warm
and beautiful star is also a model, she is presently a Glo Ambassador and face of Conga (brand from Promasidar) and has since earned a whopping amount of N20 million between 2008 and 2010. Plans are also underway for the production of her own movies.

2. Genevieve Nnaji N64 million

An icon in her own world, a screen goddess and the queen of Nollywood. Many describe her as an industry. Best AMAA actress in a leading role in 2005, Genevieve Nnaji is arguably the most popular actress in the Nigerian make-believe movie industry called Nollywood. She has over 10,000 registered fans on her website genevievennaji.ning.com and receives about 3,000 letters from fans all over the world
every week. In September 2009 the American mega tv talk show host Oprah Winfrey named her as one of the 100 most famous people in the world. She is also by far the highest paid actress per movie and the first to earn a million nairas in a single movie. By 2009 she raised the bar and she was paid $25,000 in the block buster international hit movie IJE produced by Chineze Anyaene. A model and also a singer, in 2004 she became the face of Lux and subsequently was involved with pronto beverage and omo detergent.

The following year she released her debut album in Ghana Longolongo which saw her prove her versatile talents to her adoring fans all over the world. Between 2004 and 2006 she earned a whopping amount of N31.3 million. Major part of the money N14.7 million came from her two-year Lux deal ($100,000). With no great interest in real estate she decided to dive into the fashion industry. She launched her clothing line St. Genevieve in 2008 which is presently being managed by fashion icon Zizi Cardow. St.Genevieve is reportedly worth N20 million. There is no doubt that she would have been topping this list with a great margin if she eventually got the Glo deal. She became the first to be contacted by Globacom, but she demanded N50 million while globacom wanted to sign her for N30 million. She's reported to have tried later to salvage the deal, but she has already lost it.

The event also saw her sack her manager of 3 years. Unknown to her, Glo had already decided to involve other Nollywood actresses before contacting her. Rather than stopping after the loss of the Glo deal, the star decided to step it up and prove to her fans the daring side of hers. 2010 has seen her feature in some of the best movies ever seen in Nollywood and that includes Ije, Busting Out, Mirror Boy, Tango with Me. 2010 has also seen her become the face of the MUD. She also appeared in the video of D Bbanj hit song Fall In Love

3. Ini Edo N60 million

She has remained very consistent and has proved times and times that she was born to be a star. Ini believes in landed and housing properties and has invested in this area more than any other Nollywood sister. She has five buildings to her credit and another one yet to be completed by the end of the year. Most of the buildings are being rented to tenants. The actress, model and producer presently has nine landed properties which she either plans to build upon, fence for keeps or do business with. Five of the landed properties are in the Ikotun
and Ikorodu area of Lagos State and the rest in her home state. By 2007 she earned N15.7 million from movies and her businesses.

She has just produced her latest flick Memories Of The Heart which will be premiered in the United States. She is part of the Glo pride
and also part of the project to move Nollywood to another level. She is fully involved with Nollywood USA led by J. J. Bunny. She also featured in the latest film by Nollywood USA titled (THIS IS HOUSTON).

4. Rita Dominic N58 million

She is the best-dressed actress according to Nollywood insiders and fans. In 2004 she won the City Peoples Award as the most outstanding actress. The face of Nokia and the Glo ambassador star is also a business woman. Rita has done well both as an actress and model. Her assets include landed properties and two homes estimated to be worth N40 million. Between 2008 and 2009, she earned N16
million most part of the money coming from Nokia and Glo. She is about to launch a book and produce her own films.

5. Mercy Johnson N55 million

When many argued whether there would be another star like Genevieve, then came the fierce and hot Mercy Johnson. At the moment she remains the most controversial actress in Nollywood. The movie The Maid was not enough to woe Nollywood fans to her, but 19 Mackaulay Street revealed her to be the latest Nollywood revelation. Since then she has never looked back. Many argue that the tens of movie scripts that comes her way are due to the fact that she's is not a glo ambassador, but the actresses does not see it that way.

In the past three years she appeared in more movies than any other Nollywood actress. By 2008 mercy Johnson had appeared in fifteen movies and earned N11.4 million from movies alone. The following year, she earned N13 million and she featured in the Emen Isong hit movie Guilty Pleasure. She is also a real investor in properties. She is about to complete two houses at the moment. She also own about six landed properties in lagos.


6. Omotola Jalade Ekeinde N53 million

She is the darling and princess of Nollywood, bold and a beauty to behold. Many believe she shares the same status with Genevieve Nnaji and together they are the two biggest actresses in Nollywood. Omotola is not an everyday business woman like you may think, but what you may call a seasonal investor in whatever she develops a passion for. Although she didn't feature in many movies recently, she has always proved that she is always at her best in any movie she acts in. In 2007 she earned N9 million. Omotola takes it easy with her life and also has great love for cars. She drives more expensive cars than any actress in Nollywood and her garage is estimated to be worth N20 million. The mother, model and musician has recently stepped up her game in the music industry.

Her first album ''Gba'' was her first introduction to the music industry but her sophomore album ''˜Me, Myself & Eyes" has defined her as truly talented. The production and promotion of her album cost her a whopping sum of N13 million.


6. Patience Ozokwor N51 million

The Enugu star is nicknamed ''Mama G'' in Nollywood. She is the oldest among the people listed here. She is known for her tough roles in movies. Mama G who is also a musician has been consistent in the industry and has demonstrated rough energy to take on many roles when there is the need to. She is very diverse in her investments but also has several landed properties. She also started business very
early.

7. Uche Jombo N50 million

Nollywood insiders, stake holders and fans all agree that this has been Uche Jombo's year. She has razzled and dazzled many with her acting in several movies this year. The year 2010 has seen her dominate the headlines more than any other actor or actress in Nollywood. The media pictures her everywhere. Although in a positive light, she has enjoyed media hype like Genevieve Nnaji in 2005 and Mercy Johnson between 2008 and 2009. In 2008, she pocketed N10 million for her slick performances in several movies. Uche started to prove her talent in the industry when she co-wrote in 2995 the block buster movie ''Games Men Play'' with veteran female producer Emen Isong. In 2009/2010 which appears to be her biggest year in the industry, she featured in the nollywood USA movie by J. J. Bunny ''Rebound'' followed by her own very work and master piece that has set Nollywood on fire, which is currently being premiered in the United States.

The Glo ambassador and model, who earned more than N11 million in 2009, seems unstoppable at the moment. The year 2011/2012 could see her top this list since some of her movies are not yet released and the ones being shown in cinemas are still enjoying sold out tickets across the entire continent. Uche is also among the stars involved in the ongoing Nollywood ''Rebirth'' that raises the quality of Nollywood movies via the Emen Isong Royal Art Academy and J. J. Bunny's Nollywood USA. Uche could also be the first mega actress turned producer in Nollywood. More is expected from uche Jombo in the future.

8. Monalisa Chinda N50 million

Also involved in the Royal Art Academy mission, the beautiful actress from River State has done well for herself after ten years plus in the industry. Between 2004 and 2008 Monalisa Chinda earned about N25 million. The actress and producer is about to release her movie which is already in the finishing stages. She also owns landed properties in choice locations in both River State and Lagos.


9. Chioma Chukwuka N46 million

The absolute scandal-free actress in Nollywood. She has featured in about 70 movies and has raked in millions for herself and family. The Oraifite Anambra State born star was voted the African Movie Academy Awards Best Actress 2007. She earned N8 million from movies in 2007 and since then she has been climbing higher and higher. In 2008, she also earned a whopping N9 million. She owns two houses and various properties in Lagos and her home state.

10. Funke Akindele N44 million

The 'I need to know'' former star is what many tagged the ''unexpected'' She has been there and it seems as though she would always be there. By 2009 her efforts paid off when she won the African Movie Academy Awards Best Actress of the year. Between 2008/2009, she earned a whopping N16 million from her performances in several movies which also includes the English movies. Her ability to perform in both yoruba movies and english movies has given her a lot of edge in the industry. She recently concluded a N17 million mansion and another two are underway. Her charity organization is underway even as she keeps the Glo brand flying high.

11. Oge okoye N42 million

The british born nollywood star has always been among the ..A list'' stars in Nollywood and nothing has been able to hold her back. Aside from being a mother of two, she is also a business woman. She works with several international business outfits that help her to remain at the top. Between 2006 and 2008, she earned N12 million from movies alone. She also has landed properties to her name.

12. Stella Damasus N40 million

Not even the death of her first husband has stopped her from rising to the top. The singer and tv star is also a beauty to behold. Between 2004 and 2008, she earned over N20 million just from movies. The music and MC star has so much to offer to the growth of Nollywood. Stella is a diverse talented and business woman, who will always move from one level to another.

Pres. Goodluck Jonathan declares his Intent For The 2011 Presidential Race D

If you care, then read the speech he made yesterday 18th Sept, 2010, on the occasion of the declaration of his candidacy for the PDP Presidential primaries.


PROTOCOL

Forty months ago my predecessor in office and I embarked on a joint ticket in the governance of our great country, Nigeria. Sadly, he passed away on the 5th of May 2010.

MAY HIS GENTLE SOUL REST IN PERFECT PEACE, AMEN.

With the death of President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, the mantle of leadership of our great nation fell on me. However, the days leading to my presidency were very trying times for our nation. We confronted those moments and their challenges to national security with patriotism and care. I appreciate the role played by the National Assembly, Governors, Civil Society groups, the mass media, and other patriotic Nigerians.

The late President Yar'Adua and I shared great dreams for our country. We toiled together to realize those dreams in order to justify the confidence Nigerians reposed in us. Together we swore to execute a joint mandate and today I come before you to make a pronouncement based on that undertaking.

The past four months that I have served as President of Nigeria have opened my eyes to the vast potentials of this office as a potent instrument for the transformation of our country. I discovered that by sheer willpower, I could end the long queues and price fluctuations in our petrol stations. Today, all our refineries are working, saving us huge amounts of funds spent on importation of petroleum products.

I discovered that by insisting that the right things be done, we could begin a turnaround in our power sector by involving the private sector in power generation and distribution. As you can see from the lower quantities of diesel that you are buying today, power generation has significantly improved.

I have put in place new gas policies and very soon, we will be saying goodbye to gas flaring in our oil fields. Working with the National Assembly, we rolled out a law that requires companies operating in the oil and gas sectors of our economy to utilize an appreciable percentage of their goods and services from local sources. We saw to it that normalcy began to return to the Niger Delta by ensuring government's fidelity to its promises, and this has helped to stabilize our national revenue.

In the last few months, I embarked on monumental projects in our road infrastructure to end the carnage on our federal highways. I began several projects to make our water resources available for drinking and farming. I targeted our educational system to return quality and competitiveness to them. I re-addressed our drive for self sufficiency in food production. I have taken bold steps to confront our security situation. In this regard, we are pursuing the revision of our laws to be more responsive to international conventions and more punitive to criminals.

I set the stage for free and fair elections by constituting an electoral commission comprising of Nigerians with impeccable credentials for firmness and incorruptibility. I charged our anti corruption agencies to speed up the war against corruption, and respect no sacred cows in the process. In the management of the economy, I advocated a more transparent banking industry, price stability, low inflation, and aggregate increase in productivity as a way to drive us to a more prosperous economy. In International Relations, I advanced the respectability accorded our country by effective engagement in global fora.

From the moment I was sworn in as President, I came under intense pressure to make a declaration concerning my political future, but declined to do so because it would have immediately distracted us from all the development initiatives we have accomplished so far.

As President and leader of this government, I decided not to place partisan politics above the immediate needs and priorities of our people. I therefore told Nigerians to give me time to concentrate on my work, and that at the appropriate time, I would make a public statement on my political future after widespread consultations.
Those consultations have now been concluded. The Independent National Electoral Commission has recently announced a time table for the 2011 general elections in the country. My party, the Peoples Democratic Party, has also published a timetable for its primaries.

In the circumstances and after a thorough self examination and prayers with my family, I, Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan have decided to humbly offer myself as a candidate in the Presidential Primaries of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, in order to stand for the 2011 Presidential elections. I pledge once again to all the people of this nation that they will have a free and fair election, even as I stand to be a candidate. In this race, I have the honour to have as my running mate, Architect Namadi Sambo, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Our country is at the threshold of a new era; an era that beckons for a new kind of leadership; a leadership that is uncontaminated by the prejudices of the past; a leadership committed to change; a leadership that reinvents government, to solve the everyday problems that confront the average Nigerian.

I was not born rich, and in my youth, I never imagined that I would be where I am today, but not once did I ever give up. Not once did I imagine that a child from Otuoke, a small village in the Niger Delta, will one day rise to the position of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I was raised by my mother and father with just enough money to meet our daily needs.

In my early days in school, I had no shoes, no school bags. I carried my books in my hands but never despaired; no car to take me to school but I never despaired. There were days I had only one meal but I never despaired. I walked miles and crossed rivers to school every day but I never despaired. Didn't have power, didn't have generators, studied with lanterns but I never despaired.
In spite of these, I finished secondary school, attended the University of Port Harcourt, and now hold a doctorate degree.

Fellow Nigerians, if I could make it, you too can make it!

My story is the story of a young Nigerian whose access to education opened up vast opportunities that enabled me to attain my present position. As I travel up and down our country, I see a nation blessed by God with rich agricultural and mineral resources and an enterprising people. I see millions of Nigerians whose potentials for greatness are constrained by the lack of basic infrastructure.
I see Nigerians who can make a difference in the service of their country but are disadvantaged by the lack of opportunities.

My story symbolizes my dream for Nigeria. The dream that any Nigerian child from Kaura- Namoda to Duke town; from Potiskum to Nsukka, from Isale-Eko to Gboko will be able to realize his God-given potentials, unhindered by tribe or religion and unrestricted by improvised political inhibitions. My story holds out the promise of a new Nigeria. A Nigeria built on the virtues of love and respect for one another, on unity, on industry, on hardwork and on good governance.

My fellow Nigerians, this is what has brought me to Eagle Square today. I have come to say to all of you, that Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan is the man you need to put Nigeria right. I have come to launch a campaign of ideas, not one of calumny. I have come to preach love, not hate. I have come to break you away from divisive tendencies of the past which have slowed our drive to true nationhood. I have no enemies to fight. You are all my friends and we share a common destiny.

Let the word go out from this Eagle Square that Jonathan as President in 2011 will herald a new era of transformation of our country; an era that will end the agony of power shortage in our country. Let the word go out from here that I will be for the students, teachers and parents of Nigeria, a President who will advance quality and competitive education. Let everyone in this country hear that I shall strive to the best of my ability to attain self sufficiency in food production.

Let the word go out that my plans for a Sovereign Wealth Fund with an initial capital of $1billion will begin the journey for an economic restoration. This restoration will provide new job opportunities and alleviate poverty. Let the word go out that our health sector will receive maximum priority in a new Jonathan administration, a priority that will ensure maximum health care and stop our brain drain.

Let all the kidnappers, criminal elements, and miscreants that give us a bad name be ready for the fight that I shall give them. Let the ordinary Nigerian be assured that President Jonathan will have zero tolerance for corruption. Let the international community hear that today I have offered myself to lead a country that will engage them in mutual respect and cooperation for the achievement of international peace and understanding.

To help me in these tasks effectively, I will re-train, revamp, and motivate the civil service.

My dear good people of Nigeria, I got here today by the power of God and the support of all Nigerians; all ethnic groups, North, South, East and West. I am here today because of your support and prayers. I want all of you to know that I am one of you and I will never let you down! I want you to know that I will keep hope alive; I want you to know that your time has come.

I stand before you today, humbly seeking your support for me, Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, to run for the office of the President of Nigeria with Architect Namadi Sambo as my running mate.

We will fight for JUSTICE!
We will fight for all Nigerians to have access to POWER!
We will fight for qualitative and competitive EDUCATION!
We will fight for HEALTH CARE REFORMS!
We will fight to create jobs, for all Nigerians!
We will fight corruption!
We will fight to protect all Citizens!
We will fight for your rights!

My dear country men and women, give me your support, give me your votes and together we will fight to build a great nation of our dreams!

I cannot end this speech without thanking you all for attending this occasion. Your huge attendance is a loud testimony of your support for us. For this I am very grateful. I pray that the Almighty God abides with you and sees you safely back to your respective destinations.

When you return, tell all those at home that as we celebrate our fifty years anniversary as a nation, Goodluck has come to transform Nigeria and I will never let you down.

Thank You.

May God Bless you all!
And may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!


- GOODLUCK EBELE AZIKIWE JONATHAN, GCFR.

Story by Nigeriafilms.com

Mr. Endowed Becomes ‘The Scapegoat’ – D’Banj Unleashes Follow-up Single

As a follow up to the great video for his song Mr. Endowed, D’banj has released another track titled Scapegoat. It’s definitely a fun listen, like most music churned from the Mo’hits factory. Once again, impressive work by Don Jazzy. We’re totally loving the Highlife feeling on the song. Of course, we see him bringing back his harmonica days on this one.

And according to exclusive word from D’banj himself, “Every true husband is a scapegoat” Food for thought no?

Enjoy.

Babayaro Brings The Best Of Both Worlds To Abuja.

Babayaro Brings The Best Of Both Worlds To Abuja.



Erstwhile Nigerian international goalkeeper, Emmanuel Babayaro, is set for the launch of his debut album in Abuja this weekend. On Sunday, September 19, 2010, the cream of the Nigerian politics, sports, public service etc, would gather to have their first listen to the works of the footballer turned musician and support him in an event organized by his record label, RECTITUDE RECORDS, at the Sheraton Hotel, Abuja.

The event would be chaired by Chief Rochas Okorocha and has the confirmed attendance of Professor Dora Akunyili and a number of other ministers and senators plus past and present members of the Super Eagles of Nigeria including Daniel Amokachi, Ben Iroha, Mobi Oparaku, Osaze Odemwingie, Samson Siasia and, of course, his brother Celestine Babayaro. Performances would be by Cobhams Asuquo, Paul Play, Sound Sultan, label mates, 1924, Emmanuel himself and many more.

Emmanuel’s album entitled BEST OF BOTH WORLDS contains rap, jazz and Hip Hop numbers. It was produced by Cobhams, ID Cabasa, Frenzy and Lalah and has collabos with Cobmans, 1924 and Obyrymz. Listening parties have already been held in Kaduna and Abuja on the 3rd and 4th of this month, respectively. Lagos would follow in October.

Emmanuel Babayaro was a member of the Gold medal Atlanta Olympic team in 1996. He graduated to the Super Eagles but made just a handful of appearances for them. He has been coaching at his youth academy in Abuja since his retirement and return to the country. Speaking on the album and his music, he stated that his parents actually thought he would have a career in music instead of sports. “I have been an entertainer since childhood and during my football years I used to sing and dance to entertain my team mates. I and Celestine were the major entertainers in the national teams when we played. I have always had the dream of taking my music serious after my playing career and I am ready now. I have brought a new dish to the Nigerian music menu and I look forward to really making it big on the Nigerian music scene,” he said.




Story by Dro

I once had a crush on my Reverend's son-Actress Monalisa Chinda

Monalisa Chinda

Since her celebrated separation with her ex-husband, Segun Dejo-Richard, beautiful and gifted actress, Monalisa Chinda, has taken her act to a whole new level. In this engaging and revealing interview with CHIBUEZE OKEREKE, she talks about her crashed marriage, challenges, motherhood and other interesting issues

Apart from being a Glo ambassador, what else have you been doing, especially as not too many movie scripts are coming your way, so to say?

One of the things that have really taken up most of my time from January till now is the setting up of Royal Arts Academy. Apart from this, I have also produced a movie, which is yet to be out. Also, I tried to start my talk show which, somehow, might have to be postponed because it has been difficult getting sponsors. I also registered my NGO called Monalisa Code, which comprises Monalisa Smile and Monalsia Foundation for autistic children.

Why autistic children?

A very close friend of mine has a child who is autistic and she has been devastated ever since. She had the child normally, but we really didn’t know what happened along the way. I was touched by the development. She has been living with it for five years, but she is appearing to be normal now. It’s a very unique problem. I love kids and I really want to know what transforms them overnight. Sometimes, I wonder how the child is able to cope and the trauma that the mother goes through in raising such a child.

What are you going to be doing for them?

There are so many of them out there who really need assistance. I am going to create an enabling environment to bring the desired education and enlightenment on how best to integrate them into the society and also teach the parents on the best ways to relate with their autistic children.

With regard to movie, what are you working on now?

Of course, I miss acting so much. Though I am still acting, very few people are producing movies these days. It’s so bad that some actors have moved base to Asaba, just to get any small job. In fact, some have even been receiving pay cut. But at the moment, I am working on a production titled Catwalk, a magazine soap. It is like this popular foreign series, Ugly Betty. It’s on hold now because Emem Isong, who is producing it, is in America to premiere her movie. We’ve been on it now for like a year, trying to make sure we come out with the best quality production.

If you were getting movie scripts very often, would you have thought about going into production?

Probably not! Sometimes, some things happen for a reason and for people to discover their other sides. Desmond Elliot is a full-time director now. But then, it really cannot be acting forever. The older you become, the more creative and innovative your mind is. Right now, that is what is happening to a lot of us who have been in the industry for, at least, nine to 10 years now. We want to divert and do other things. When you are 40, you don’t expect yourself to act such sassy roles that you used to do when you were 25, and you cannot be seen competing with emerging new actresses on the block. So, you have to think ahead of you. Although there are still roles cut out for me, at the stage I am now, I cannot just take up any script. Back then, most of us used to do it for the money. Now, sometimes, when I see myself on Africa Magic, I marvel at what I was thinking to have taken some roles that I did in the past. Now, for me, it is the passion for making movies and not the money.

What did you want to achieve when you resolved to be writing a column in a newspaper?

Sincerely, I just stumbled on that aspect of my life. I used to have a diary when I was growing up. I was writing virtually all my day-to-day activities. So, when I was going through all that happened in my marriage, I was putting everything down. I noticed that every time I wrote those things down, the Lord often directed me on what to do. So, when the problem started in my marriage, the first person I ran to was my mum, asking her what I should do. With my mum on one side and my book of experiences on the other, my mum advised me to do what my hearts told me. So, basically, I decided to write because I wanted people to see my other side. This is because I know I have this very intimidating posture that can make people call me a no nonsense bitch. But I really wanted people to see my other side, which I am achieving through this column. I really like to touch people’s hearts. I like to feel people’s pains. I know that I have gone through a lot and that has made me to really want to reach out to people. Really, I just needed to write down my inner most thoughts and try to reach out to people who might be going through the same dilemma.

Assuming you were never married and you just want to settle down now, what would you do differently, given your experience?

I am a very deep person; I can stomach a lot of things; and I come across to you as someone that does not have a problem. If I am going through a problem, going by what I went through in my marriage, I just believe that the simple basic rule of understanding will come to play. Sometimes, when things happen, I put myself in the person’s shoes and I ask myself why I am reacting in such a manner. Love conquers all; love is foolishness, but it doesn’t mean that you are foolish.

Based on your experience, what kind of advice will you give your daughter when it comes to choosing a husband later in life?

I really don’t know how to answer this because it’s somehow complicated. I learnt a lot from my mum. My mother and father taught me everything that needed to be learnt, including sex, education and relationship with the opposite sex. Before she gets to that age where she wants to do all that, I would have worked on her, mentally. I will continually tell her to be herself, no matter what. But no matter what I tell my child today, if she still wants to go against my advice, she will.

You are always a busy person; so, how do you juggle motherhood with hustling?

I really don’t know how I get the strength, but I am hard-working. I am not a hustler, but I am hard-working. I don’t hustle or beg people for anything. I work hard and let my work speak for me. If I call one or two highly placed people in the society and ask them to be a part of a project I am working on, I don’t beep them continuously because that can be annoying. If I call you once or twice, I’ll wait for you to get back to me; and if I don’t hear from you, it means you are not interested. So, in the morning, I write out everything I need to do: I know I have to drop and pick my daughter from school; and when I cannot, I make sure that the school bus does that. So, if I can achieve 90 per cent of everything I set out to do in a day, I am most grateful and satisfied.

Are you saying it is as simple as that?

Yes, it is because I am used to it. If you tell yourself that something is difficult for you, it definitely will be. Now, I am a man, a woman and a mother. I don’t have a man helping me. Honestly, I really miss this. I have to be the one that will get the house in order, put the generator on and take my car to the mechanic. These are men’s jobs, but I don’t have anyone to do it. I don’t have to depend on anyone in order not to appear as a weak person. I was doing all these for myself when I was married, so it doesn’t really make a difference. I have always been that kind of person. I don’t like people doing things for me; I took after my dad in that aspect. He would make his bed, drop and pick us from school. My mother was a career woman.

For how long do you think all this can last? What do you do when you really need the presence of a man around you?

Honestly, when I think about things like that, I just open a bottle of wine and relax or what else would I do? Again, I talk to my mum a whole lot. Although I am not saying I am comfortable with it, I guess it’s because of my horrible experience and because it’s still fresh; so, I just don’t want anything that would distract me.

So, are you saying there is no man in your life now?

I would be lying if I say that.

If a movie has to be done about you, what aspect of your life would you love to be given prominence?

It is that part of my life that I showed a great level of perseverance and maturity; it is that aspect of my life where I had to stomach a whole lot of things; and I will want them to show that side of me that I was traumatized. A lot of women are going through all these, but it will be good for people to see how I lived and survived it.

I wonder if any couple would ever disclose whatever is responsible for the break-up of their marriage.

That is very true. You just cannot afford to let some things out. Who will you tell your story, so to say? Is it some young couples who are trying everything possible to keep their marriages? You just cannot say some things.

What was the feeling when your daughter had her first tooth and uttered the first word?

She had her first tooth pretty late; I think she was about nine months and her first word was ‘Daddy’ when she was about six months old. She just said, ‘Da da’ out of the blues… It’s too hurtful when you know that after carrying a child for nine months the first thing that comes out of her mouth is ‘Daddy’. I was very angry. I am with her 98 per cent of the time, yet she only remembered to call her daddy first.

What makes you happy whenever you look at your child?

It is the fact that, at least, I had something from that union. I was happy that, at least, I had something to fall back on; I mean something that constantly reminds me of God’s existence. She is my world; she is everything to me.

Since her celebrated separation with her ex-husband, Segun Dejo-Richard, beautiful and gifted actress, Monalisa Chinda, has taken her act to a whole new level. In this engaging and revealing interview with CHIBUEZE OKEREKE, she talks about her crashed marriage, challenges, motherhood and other interesting issues

One way or another, she is a constant reminder of your marriage.

(Cuts in) Honestly, she is not. She does not remind me of him at all.

Are you saying that her presence does not bring back the bad memories you had in your marriage?

Sincerely, she replaces everything with joy. Looking at her brings back that feeling of relief and happiness. In short, when I look at Tamar, I don’t think I remember all the things I went through. She reminds me of God’s love. Although she is supposed to be a constant reminder of the past of me where I had to waste five years of my life, she does not. When I look at everything, I just give God the glory. What would have happened to me if I did not come out with a child?

Does the child ever ask of her father?

Well, she is still pretty young and she does not know anything yet. When I left the house, she was still very young. Secondly, she is in school and she sees her friends being picked up by their daddies and some even talk about their daddies; so, naturally, she knows there must be a daddy somewhere. If she sees any man that is dark- skinned, she runs to him. For instance, there is this cousin of my ex-husband who is still my friend. Whenever he comes around, Tamar clings to him and refuses to let him go. I often wonder why she does that; and if she continues to do that, she is going to probably put me under pressure to get a permanent man in my life.

Is there any attempt to make her know her father?

(Laughs heartedly)…

When you are not working for Glo, acting or even writing, what do you do in your spare time?

I am often relaxed and I watch television a lot. I just stay with my child because she is my joy. I don’t have a man; so, she is everything to me.

Most women are used to calling honey to come and fix the car when it breaks down somewhere. But how do you manage?

Well, for me, there is no honey to call. What I do is just service the car when necessary and make sure it is in perfect working condition. Since I know that no one else is there to do that for me, I have to assume both the role of a man and woman to get things done for myself. Because there is money, I really don’t struggle so hard to get things done. However, I have got good friends like Zik Zulu who comes once in a while to check on us; and sometimes, when my car is at the Nissan shop, he gives me his car and driver to help me around. I also have some caring friends who try to be of help when it is most needed. I have got my uncle, Mr. Cool, and some male friends who assist me.

You are doing well for yourself now. Do you think your freedom has allowed you to be more focused on your life goals?

Well, I would say it was because I was in a wrong marriage. One can still achieve all this, even if one is married. There are some married people who are doing good things, but mine was a wrong marriage. It could be probably because I was in a very, very insecure union called marriage. Everything was scripted; everything was just not right. Yeah, I have the freedom and I’m really fulfilled. But I have to curtail this freedom. I tell myself every time that because I am free doesn’t me I shouldn’t just let go. Sometimes, I get so excited that I really want to go crazy, but I always caution myself and that is what makes me a woman and not a man. Men are free to do whatever they want, but should a woman try to exercise her freedom, she is seen as a whore in this country. So, you have to have self-control.

But can you recall any fond memory you had while the marriage lasted?

In all fairness, there were good memories. This is because in the beginning, it was excitement and that was because my man thought and believed that I was an epitome of a complete woman compared to his previous relationships. When I was pregnant and lost it, he used to be very devastated. Domestically, he was nice, but things just changed all of a sudden. Really, in the beginning, there were signs of it, but you know women always have this mindset that they would change and grow out of it. Everybody has his or her different sides of life and I really cannot judge him by that.

I remember you once told me in an interview that you won’t smoke or portray the devil’s agent. But all this changed; so, what happened?

One of the things you have to realize is that my husband then portrayed me in a certain way he wanted me to look. He was directing me. I was under a man and whatever thing he wanted, I had to abide by it. I am not a very spiritual person, but I know that I am at peace with my God. So, nothing happened; I was just trying to obey the man up there (laughs).

Could you recall the craziest thing you did when you were young?

(Laughs) I had a crush on our reverend’s son back then. But funny enough, we didn’t express our likeness for each other. But I knew he liked me too.





Story by CHIBUEZE OKEREKE

Oba’s curse on kidnappers or those who aid kidnappers refines Nigerians knowledge and extends debates

Security, what does this word mean in relation to life as we know it today in Nigeria? For the most part, it means safety and freedom from worry. It is said to be the end that all men strive for, but is security a utopian goal or is it another word for rut? All over the whole world, security has become an issue of great concern, ranging from kidnapping, serial killing to terrorism. Wanton kidnapping emerged in Nigeria, and has become a herculean task to curb. Like a wild fire, it has spread too fast to many places in Nigerian cities and villages. Hence night life and moonlight folk tales are now turning history in our society because no one wants to be a victim of kidnap.

In an attempt to weaken this menace, the Oba of Benin, Ereduawa Omonoba of Edo State, marshalled out the traditional priests/priestesses of the African cultures and traditions in his dukedom who gathered together at Urhokpota Hall in Benin to invoke curses on all those who either kidnap or aid kidnappers as well as armed robbers and their abetters. The Chief Priest of Benin Kingdom, Chief Nosakhare Isekhure, said, “The exercise is to protect our people’s lives and property as well as the government. For us, the traditionalists, we know when crimes are going to the extreme; the police and security agents cannot do anything. We have the power to invoke the gods of the land and that is what we are doing right now. It is always the last resort.” Priests from Sango, Olokun, Aiyelala, Ashigidi, etcetera, were all dressed in their ceremonial regalia. Sculptors, amulets, talismans, gong, etcetera was taken round the city and some were buried. The land of Benin was cursed orally against the men of the underworld on the 10th to 12th of June 2010. This act, however, raised eyebrows. Different opinions ensued among Nigerians: from the traditional and the religious perspectives. From East, West, North and South of Nigeria, people were either in support of the act or were against.

This writer investigated the different opinions of people on the saga and anonymously or unanimously chronicled the opinions of the debaters. Those that were against this practice were of the opinion that it was illogical to be glamorizing myths and oral tradition in the 21st Century, as opposed to written records. They said that Africans should keep out from idol worshipping, even the moon, as a god in the name of culture and tradition, whereas other developed worlds were busy exploring scientific ways that would better the lots of the human race. The documented fact that civilization began in medieval Egypt has provoked questions among scholars on when did Africa start retrogressing.

But in a twist reaction, some reminded those opposed to African beliefs to note that even the Emperor of Japan worships the Sun; and if that is the case, is Japan not far more developed than Africa? It was argued from the supporters of the Oba’s ordinance that those calling Africans backward people are doing so, because their knowledge has done no single input to better Africa, except in condemnation. They added that such people are a big tragedy to Africa. Furthermore, they enthused that as a matter of exigency, there is great need for those who believe in Africa to unite formidably, without those who condemn African heritage. (“To hide under any form of education or civilisation and criticise the customs and traditions of a people that have passed the test of time is hypocritical.").

It was a shocker that the Nigerian authorities pride in giving her citizens freedom of worship, but only recognized and boast with Christianity and Islam as the ‘chosen’ ones, to the detriment of the African traditional beliefs. Against that backdrop, the Nigerian authorities perhaps forgot that the two religions mentioned above are alien. However, Oba’s supporters saw his act as the only way out of the cesspit Nigeria has fallen into in moral decadence, describing Christians who go to church on Sundays and are hell bent in seeing that all Nigerians become Christians with their preachment that they force down one’s throat even when the person was not ready to listen (without many of them exhibiting what they preached) as learning the ‘truth’ only on Sundays. Otherwise christened, “Sunday-truths.”

Does it mean that without the teachings of the two alien cultures – Christianity and Islam – that Africans had no cultural values? Many Nigerians saw the beliefs and principles of the adherents of the two religions as people who learn in awe, eschewing the cosmic ways of life that are deep-rooted in the African cultures and traditions. Criticisms had trailed the Oba’s action from the unbelievers of the Oba’s action. They attributed his action to the axiom: "With Faith, you can move mountains".

However, they do not believe that the curse would have any effect on those it was intended for. They gave their examples thus: “Everybody will sagely nod their head in agreement when you utter that sentiment. But, does anyone really believe it? If Mountain Everest has to be moved or levelled, will faith be the chosen tool? When Aso Rock (Nigeria’s citadel of power) was carved out from a small mountain, was faith deployed? Of course, not! Bombs and excavation tools were the chosen tools, so the theory that faith can move mountains is just feel-good Sunday-truth to be professed in awe, but never acted upon. Similarly, the theory that swearing on the Holy Bible or placing a curse will deter criminal and kidnapping activity is no different”.

While many gave their explications that hammer could be supplemented with a heavy metal in nailing things down the wood, meaning that the Oba’s curse was divine, some felt that Nigerians didn’t know the bottom-line. “Here is the bottom line: A hammer is the right tool for nailing things down, but it is not the correct tool for laundry. Similarly, curses and vigils are not at all the way to stop criminal and kidnapping activity.”

It wasn’t too long this curse was placed in Benin than the ‘insurgents’ wrecked havoc in Abia State, some kilometres from Edo State, and some traditional rulers and police officers were arrested for their alleged involvement in abetting the kidnappers to carry-out their nefarious activities. Before this arrest, it was awash on the media among Nigerians that they knew who the criminals were. “We know the criminals. We know where they hide. Where kidnapping is worse, we know who provides logistic cover – the Police. We know above all the social conditions that ferment this predictable decadence of community values. So, all these prayers and vigils and Babalawo curse-sessions are just beating around the bush. They are creating useless hope while the problem gets worse. We are wasting our own time. When we get serious about solving the problem, we will take the battle to the enemy.”

Following the contribution above, many Nigerians were in contemplative opinions of the efficacy of the curse with reference to government officials taking oath of office with the Holy Bible and Quran and yet deep their necks down the depth of corruption, what the tendency that Oba’s curse would act magic. “You hit the nail on the head! When Nigerian politicians swear with the Bible or Quran and hear the thunderous preaching of the pastor on Sunday and Imam on Friday, do they deter them from crime and corruption?”

Some of the people were of the opinion that even the clerics in the alien religions were not free and left out from corruption and it could be the reason the oath of office the politicians take doesn’t have adverse effect on them when they do the contrary. “Criminals and looters, even the ones in religion-infested Nigeria, are no fools. They know Amadioha will not strike anybody down. They know that the Babalawo curses don't work. They don't expect to spend an eternity in hell for looting the money that was budgeted for the maternity ward or for murdering one million Biafran infants.”

To a large extent, questions and questions were brewing over the curses individuals rain on the alleged thieving politicians, kidnappers and criminals. “The important question is whether these paranormal measures, whether Christian, Islamic or Voodoo really work.” The argument splat Nigerians in the public parliament; a Nigerian threw in his hat in questioning the supremacy of the analyst above on the things of Africans traditional matters and their culture, describing him as one of those who still believe in the myth that Satan is a Black man while Angel, a White man.

“There you go again, writing about things you're not qualified to write about. How many Babalawos have you consulted? You guys tend to believe anything Western scientists say even without proof. For example, you believe everything they say about their encounters on the moon but you have no empirical proof that they are telling you the truth. You are educated in Western ways but can't use the Western ways to achieve anything because the deeper secrets about certain Western things are hidden from the ‘third-worlders’ as you.”

He went further to cite his proof using the chemistry behind the nuclear bomb mechanization as an example of the truths the West hide from the ‘third-worlders’. “You may have PhD in physics, chemistry and whatnot, but the secrets to some of their deepest research will never be revealed to you. What then can you do with your Western education? For certain, it has confused you enough to speak on matters such as Babalawos that you have never experienced. I however supposed that the empiricism of the Western culture which I assume you have imbibed would have led you to seeking the truth about Babalawos before you claimed their curses don't work. Several Europeans have written on their experiences with so called "voodoo or juju". Stephen Farrow, a 1926 missionary to Abeokuta was one of them. Believe me; you don't want to be on the receiving end of a spiritual attack from a Babalawo. And, that is a fact. Denounce it at your own peril.”

They admonished Nigerians that they will realize that the progress made in contemporary civilization, the advances in science and technology and the progress in human and societal developments are all associated with the OPENNESS of knowledge promoted by Oyibo. “There are ways to retain proprietary rights to knowledge and its application, and societal laws have addressed most of these; however, the time-tested truism about knowledge is that the BEST APPROACH to derive the optimum benefits from knowledge is to OPEN IT UP and make it available to all persons, cultures and perspectives. Such an approach will likely further refine the knowledge and extend its application beyond the wildest imagination of the originators.”

Does the African traditional knowledge still lies in secrecy and myths? “One can’t speak of it. People are afraid of abuses; people don’t trust themselves and each other. Consequently, Africa suffers in all sectors, considered to be contributing little beyond arts to contemporary civilization, and reduced to a dumping ground for stale technologies and vague knowledge the people can’t apply to their daily lives. Thus, Africa continues to lag behind and suffer... You and I are the Africans you are talking about. The ball is in our court now; let us play the game. What are we waiting for before we handle knowledge to make progress? Don't we think that we have what it takes to achieve these objectives? Or, do we think that our Western ways of education we received are not enough to do something now?”

While it was said that Africa continued to lag behind and suffer, Africans have been admonished to take care and must do a re-think about how they handle knowledge so that they could make progress. “What we are waiting for to utilize African knowledge and traditional practices to advance Africa? I just said that a fundamental element in the use and application of knowledge is THE OPENNESS and ACCESS to the traditional knowledge by scientists or others, who then apply contemporary analytical and production methods to translate the knowledge into societal benefit/use...”

For instance, the formula (knowledge) of Egbe was asked, invisibility, gun-proof. Somebody said that all sorts of supernatural stories are associated with the knowledge about why it cannot be available to everybody and familiar tales about the spiritual consequences of mishandling the knowledge; and on the end, Africans will go nowhere. “That is our main problem. One solution to this problem is to write a book on the formulary of African traditional knowledge. That way, the knowledge and the cautionary statements or warnings will be there for people to experiment and verify the claims independently. That is how empiricism is built with knowledge, how knowledge is better translated and applied and how knowledge wins regards and respect for its merit and for the originator.”

The people argued that the world people do a lot of heinous things to humankind for economic want. They ascribe that even as dangerous as radioactivity is, people have published volumes to keep the knowledge of it for posterity. “The knowledge is out there. People have even published the contents of the 7 Books of Moses and the Tora that are thought to contain magical formulary used by early Jews, from Moses in the Exodus, to Joshua, Elijah, King David and King Solomon. People (Africans) are free to follow suit and acquire the knowledge and verify their claims, if they so wished. So, why are African knowledge and traditional practices still shrouded in myths, mysteries and superstitions?”

Adherents and adept believers in the African knowledge and traditional practices were admonished to publish a book on them and that African scientists will take it from there. “Mind you, the formula associated with these African knowledge and traditional practices should not require something out of the ordinary (e.g., human body parts, toxic wastes, etc), that will give us problems. Take care... On the contrary, we can't have the knowledge free. We have to pay the prize in money and time to learn the science behind the traditional medicine, Ho! Ha!

To have access to European knowledge you and I paid. Why shouldn't we be willing to respect whatever is our own?”

From the opinions, it was gathered that the bane of African history was the dearth in the art of chronicling events, because according to the people, the European knowledge is available in schools, training centres and vocational institutions, but an opinion said that Africans are not gluttons who sell knowledge for money. The question is: where is the African traditional knowledge? Is there any authentic published works? “Why do you say show you authentic published works. Have you any authentic work in any library in Nigeria I can lay my hands on right now on anything about African you have written to promote African ways of life? Have you gone to Oba's kingdom to register for a course in their science? Have you shown any interest to learn the ways of your fathers, which is free? I don't think so from your actions toward anything Africa.”

One man commented, rebuffing an attack on him by a member, saying that he had not shown himself as an adept of African traditional knowledge. He said that he was using the medium to ask whether there are published works on African beliefs to educate him because, according to him, most of what he had heard were shrouded in secrecy, myths and superstitions, similar to what people know about the traditional knowledge of the Arthurian era of Britain. To him, contemporary civilization is going past that era. Therefore, those who are frequently taking refuge in the demagoguery of “African This, African That”, should lead the way in showing to people the meat that is inherent in African knowledge, without resorting to secrecy, myths and superstitions of course. Thus, he asked, “Where is the beef?”

While he argued that he needed to see books with formulary on African traditional knowledge which he said would challenge people to experiment with them independently and Africans will know they got something and not keep swimming in the benefits/use of the Open and Available Knowledge of other people, riding fancy cars, flying planes, living in comfortable air-conditioned homes, using the Internet, telephones etcetera, one other person said: “...I have seen a book on workplace Voodoo. The problem in Nigeria is with thieves, kidnapping, etc. You can write a book on how to make a band of thieves dance around in someone's compound in confusion until the morning when the owner of the house wakes up to hand the thieves over to the authorities. Am I day dreaming? African tradition works!!! Tell us how to solve the problems in society.”

Odimegwu Onwumere, Poet/Author and Media Consultant, is the Founder of Poet Against Child Abuse (PACA), Rivers State.


Story by Odimegwu Onwumere/Nigeriafilms.com

About The Splendor On Screen Called Ini Edo

Ini Edo

Cal her Thick Madam, for that was the title of the flick that launched pretty Ini Edo into the motion picture industry, in 2003. Since then, the nickname has stuck, although, not on her fans’ lips but in her nature, as she has always developed a thick skin for all that come with her status in the industry.

Ini Edo stands tall where her peers seem to be on tenterhooks. In all of movies she has featured so far, she would tell you she has had a few challenging moments, parts of which are stories peddled here and there about her. These stories, however, have been confirmed to be untrue but her image as a movie star comes as most challenging.

Of course, as a star, she would not escape being harassed either by media smoking guns or men who dance to the dictate of unholy urge but have little to up her career, but she has been saved the error of fallen for both. For the media, she believes maturely that media scandals can’t be slipped by once the target is a public person-a celebrity. Also, she would confess she has always been careful not to fall for sugar-coated male admirers who will add nothing to her image and name and career.

In my recent reports about her and Tonto Dike, a lot of her fans have been calling to readdress the issue, for the sake of clarity, I want to seize this opportunity to state that, all the stories are mere speculations and therefore not true. I sincerely apologise for all the erroneous reports by this authority on the versatile Nollywood star. My heartfelt apologies also go to her hubby, Philip Ememagwina, Globacom Telecommunication, the brand she represents and her entire fans.


Story by Alonge Michael