Transcript: Genevieve Nnaji on CNN's Connect The World

Actress Genevieve Nnaji was a guest on CNN's Connect The World few weeks back. The show will finally be airing tomorrow(Tuesday) evening. For those who can't wait, find below transcripts of the show.

Transcript: Genevieve Nnaji on CNN's Connect The World

(14:22:29) MF: tell us about ‘Bursting Out’ for people who don’t the movie and are thinking about going to see it – what is it about?

(14:22:34) GN: Bursting Out is a romantic comedy. It’s a story about a very upp-ity, uptight, elitist woman who falls in love with the wrong guy in the wrong class of life and then her discovery about – and then she falls in love hard so…it’s pretty funny. I found it funny.

(14:22:56) MF: Fun to film? Or was it hard work?

(14:23:00) GN: It was fun. It’s always fun. Cast were amazing and they were also funny and everyone had their own little contributions, which made it all was fun. I don’t feel like I work when I’m on set to be honest.

(14:23:12) MF: What was your favourite moment from the filming? There’s always a favourite moment.

(14:23:16) GN: Oooooo….I think the scenes with the other two girls, because I had two friends.

(14:23:25) MF: And you’re here in London because it’s being premiered in London. It’s already had a premiere in Lagos. Why London? Is there a big market here?

(14:23:33) GN: There is a big market here. Everyone is a descendent of Nigeria or Ghana or where ever and movies are really, really big here. Just walking down the streets, the amount of people who stop me on the road, and really appreciate what we’ve done. So…it’s amazing and you know they ask for it. They’ve been asking for it for a very long time. So, yeah. It’s not the first time I’ve been here to premiere.

(14:23:56) MF: It seems that Nigerian film is becoming more and more popular abroad, but who’s watching those films? Is it people of Nigerian descent or is it people who have nothing to do with Nigeria?

(14: 24:06) GN: All sorts of people. All sorts of people. Umm… I have been recognised by Indians, I think a Chinese woman once and that’s so funny. I think all sorts of people, but that’s because Africans are all over the country – all over the world - and you know, all it takes is you having a friend and telling a friend “you need to see this this”. It’s all by association, so it’s all really getting its awareness somehow.

(14:24:28) MF: It’s called ‘Nollywood’ which is a term I don’t think all actors like in Nigeria, but it’s sort of been coined. How would you say Nigerian cinema differs from Hollywood cinema?

(14:24:41) GN: Do we really have cinema? [laugh] Cinema is pretty new in Nigeria – I mean it used to be back in the day, but that sort of faded off. But it’s new, it’s coming back and hopefully it comes to stay. But for now all we do are home videos, movies for your tv. But there we’ve had success stories like EJ and a few other movies that have been shot on film and had to be premiered and shown in the cinemas and it’s amazing how people have received this so….

(14:25:13) MF: As you say, the growth is explosive. Why are people so fascinated by film now when film has been around for so long?

(14:25:21) GN: Umm… are you talking about Nollywood being interested or people being interested in films

(14: 25:24) MF: I guess it’s Nigerians watching films as much as Nigerian films doing well.

(14:25:30) GN: Movies have been there for not long, but say relatively, for about 20 years – pretty recent. But you see we started out making films for the people by the people. We are only allowed to tell our stories and it’s amazing how people can relate to these stories – you know what I mean? And obviously because of the awareness we create in terms of what happens in every individual’s life at some point – we all have story in common and I think that’s really why people have taken an interest in our films to be honest, because they can relate to our stories.

(14:26:10) MF: But they want the fun films don’t they? They want the romantic comedies. It’s not necessarily the really gritty, traumatic movies that sometimes come out of Hollywood.

(14:26:17) GN: We have a healthy mix. We do. If you look hard, you would find it. I do quite a number of romantic comedies.

(14:26:24) MF: We’ve got lots viewer questions of course – from all over the world actually. Robin from Cameroon asks, “What’s your biggest challenge as an actress in Africa?”

(14:26:35) GN: Well, in the beginning it was pretty challenging because first of all you had to – it’s not a culture that Africans have, well back in the day, took to very readily so it was hard having to go through that and at the same time convince people that you know what you’re doing and they should give you a chance to prove yourself. And it’s possible, you know, to do something – to actually be in the public eye, and be an actor and still be normal. You know so it was challenging.

(14:27:03) MF: But you’re not normal. You can’t go down the streets of Lagos can you?

(14:27:06) GN: Chhee….eee….. no.

(14:27:10) MF: What’s it like living that life? It’s crazy, isn’t it? You know, you get mobbed?

(14:27:15) GN: I know – I don’t walk! I drive! So, I’m safe.

(14:27:18) MF: You’ve made your name obviously in Nigeria and but also abroad. I think it was Oprah who called you the ‘Julia Roberts of Africa’. What do you think about that label? I mean it’s great – this is from Oprah!

(14:27:30) GN: Yes, it is from Oprah. So it’s fine.

(14: 27:32) MF: Are you an actress in your right?

(14:27:34) GN: Yes, I am an actress in my own right. I don’t think I have anything in common with Julia Roberts to be honest. But it’s really complementary. It’s for me it’s a honour either way. It’s just recognition – that’s good.

(14: 27:45) MF: Nancy Samara from America says, “Who is the one actor from Hollywood that you would want to work with, and why?”

(14:27:51) GN: Angelina Jolie. I’m a hug fan. Love her, love her, love her. Um… Johnny Depp, amazing actor. I think he’s so intriguing. I think there is something so mysterious about him. These two people, I don’t know I think I would definitely get along with.

(14: 28:06) MF: And Stachelle from Trinidad says, “Are there any times that you regret being famous, especially in a country like Nigeria where everyone knows you, and they really do.

(14:28:16) GN: Um…nnoo

(14: 28:18) MF: Do you just want to break away from it sometimes and be yourself?

(14:28:21) GN: When I want to do that I basically just stay in. I just stay in and hang around with people who know me for me and appreciate me whether or not I’m an actor. You have to just get up and go and just you know grab that privacy that you want so much.

(14: 28:36) MF: When you can get it. Pat from our Facebook page asks, “How do you discover other talented Nigerian actors and what do you do to give back to your country?”

(14:28:47) GN: We have quite a number of young ones back home who are trying to be actors and actresses and they are really working hard. But all you have to do is audition and prove yourself and believe in yourself and hope [MF – UP SOT: hope you break through] you break through at some point and what do I do to give back? I basically look out for talents in the industry. I basically look out for talents and encourage a lot of producers to try out new people and for the society the little I can do to be honest.

(14: 29:17) MF: But you support orphanages, don’t you?

(14:29:20) GN: Yes, I do.

(14:29:22) MF: And that’s because – I presume – you feel for these young kids that don’t have families and you can give something that can help.

(14:29:28) GN: Definitely. I’m very passionate about you know, orphans because – for me – there are so many other diseases out there but you see a lot of people don’t even have the experience of what love is about and these kids don’t even have that. So for me, times like Christmas, you know you just want to do something and actually buy them presents and I just think they are too young and too innocent and we need to actually show them that people out there do love them. So I do my bit.

(14:29:55) MF: Assan Cyril wonders where you get your motivation when so much of the country is in poverty, which you’ve just referred to I guess – lots of orphanages aren’t there?

(14:30:04) GN: Yes. Well, country being in poverty. Well then our job is to put a smile on people’s faces. You know, we do the bits we can and we’re pretty generous when we come across people as well. And then we do a lot of talking to people that we feel can help. You know like,..

(14:30:23) MF: Lobbying governments to try to do things.

(14:30:28) GN: Yes, exactly. Encouraging them to do more.

(14:30:27) MF: Ok, and Catyatoo asks what advice would you give to young Nigerian girls that may want to follow in your footsteps?

(14:30:35) GN: I would tell them to definitely be sure, first of all [MF UP SOT: Would you advise them to go into the industry?]. Yes, of course, it’s a wonderful place to be, especially if you love, what you, if you’re sure you can do it. It’s a wonderful place to be. I would definitely advise them to believe in themselves, be true to themselves and be sure that it’s something they are willing to do and they’re ready for the consequences because every good thing comes with consequences.

(14:31:00) MF: What are they? Lack of privacy

(14:31:00) GN: Ohh… you lose your privacy for starters.

(14:31:05) MF: Philip Peter from Lagos asks, “What has been your biggest regret in Nigerian film?”

(14:31:13) GN: Umm…. Biggest regrets? Oh boy, regrets – I don’t know – I hardly regret anything. I just learn from mistakes. I don’t regret anything. It’s too hard. I mean you do the best you can at that point in time and you know everything is about growth and progress and I’ve gotten older so obviously you learn more. You learn on the job. I love my job - don’t worry about anything at all.

(14:31:36) MF: And finally Joped from our Facebook page asks, “When do you think that African movies will be able to compete with big budget Hollywood films?” Or do think they already are?

(14:31:46) GN: I think a few people have given them a run for their money [laugh]. We have to claim that, but we are getting there. Maybe not the Nollywood you know, but definitely we have a few people out there - a few Nigerian students who have schooled abroad and have gone to film school and are coming back home now to put to practice what they’ve learnt. So we do have a few people who are coming into the country right now and doing big things.

(14:32:11) MF: And the reality is it’s a very expensive business, so you need the finance as well. Is that coming more and more to Lagos now, do you think? You’re getting the funding that you want on your movies?

(14:32:20) GN: We have gotten support every - we do get support every now and then. But not as much as we would love to – not as much as we should. Because the movie industry is like the biggest export right now in Nigeria and we have in some way re-invented the country, you know. And we would appreciate some more encouragement from the banking sector.

(14:32:42) MF: Because people would be surprised by how much a Nollywood film actually costs. How much is it in dollars?

(14:32:46) GN: [laugh] My god! [MF UP SOT: Roughly] Roughly? Let’s see…

(14:32:49) MF: A Hollywood movie would be a 100 million dollars, say. And a particularly big one.

(14:32:53) GN: Oh well, I have no idea. I think it depends. But the truth is – the unique about Nollywood is we make the best use out of the little resources we have. You know, some how we get by. I don’t know. Sorry. [laugh]

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GENEVIEVE NNAJI ON CNN LONDON

WOULD YOU DATE A MAN THAT WILL NEVER MARRY YOU?

The other day as I was doing my usual evening jog around my estate, I came across a pair, a young lady probably in her really early twenties and a man who appeared to be no less than 55years old.

They were cuddling and kissing in his G-wagon Mercedes SUV...pardon me for prying but I couldn’t help but notice two people inside a car at night snorkelling. This sight I had witnessed was not new or alien to me because it’s OK to be naughty with your significant other sometimes.

But it got me thinking, what would such a young lady at that age be doing with a man who probably has children her age at home with a wife who I’m sure is fully aware of her husband’s extra marital affairs?

Let’s face it, the idea of dating a married man is nothing new to anyone who has been living in Nigeria, as a matter of fact, these married men now prefer to take their girlfriends/mistresses out for social events.

People have different reasons for doing what they do and I am not here to tell or teach anyone about a certain kind of moral standard, because I believe everyone chooses a lifestyle that suits their needs and goals in life and so be it.

I have come across a few ladies who live lavishly off these rich men who provide for their every need down to their mobile credit and what I always hear from each of them is ‘the end justifies the means’.

I could simply say that if you want to live the nice life and reside in the luxurious apartments over on the island, how about you get yourself a job and work hard for your money. Again, people could rightfully disagree with me, because let’s face it, working to get to that level (if at all you find a job) will take years as opposed to just sleeping with ‘oga chief’ for a few hundred thousand naira and a new car.

I hear a lot of girls who justify their actions by explaining that dating rich men has saved their lives and taken them out of poverty stricken backgrounds, they are able to take care of their families there by releasing the burdens of their parents. ..hmm...that’s a good point I must confess! Again this is where we raise the issue, does the end justify the means?

I am not saying its only females from poor background that partake in this act, because I am aware that quite a few ladies from comfortable homes also date married men to maintain their lifestyle.

So here lies the question, does the means justify the end. Is it OK to date a married rich man in order to pay your way through life’s tough challenges or would you rather uphold your dignity and work diligently until till you get that break in your career if at all you ever do?
I will not condemn or commend anyone for the kind of life they choose to live but I would like to know what you all think about this.

HOW KELLY HANSOME'S NEW GIRLFRIEND IS CHANGING HIS LIFE!

Kelly Hansome is a Born Again.....Well, not exactly in Literal terms but dude has met a chick who has absolutely turned his life around!

As u may have heard Kelly Hansome has reconciled with his label Kennis Music and is in the studio working on new music..He has also called off a diss track he was recording called "Death of Mo-hits'.

He also recently squashed the beef with M.I and the Choc boys in a recent announcement via Twitter...He reportedly said..."Big up MI2!!! Go get it ...No beef!!!"

Word is that Kelly is attributing his recent stature of embracing peace to advices he got from his new found Love, Whose real names we cudn't ascertain...She is reportedly based in London.

Our Sources say wedding bells are around the Corner.

New Video: Skuki ft. Mo’CheddaH – Stamina

Check out the video for the hit single ‘Stamina’ by Skuki featuring Mo’Cheddah. The song is off of their album B.A.N.G.E.R and the video was shot in South Africa. Good tune and fresh video. Enjoy!

Fearless cat fights off two giant alligators (video)

11-year-old girl buries aunt’s baby alive

L: R) Shekinat, Usnah and Mr. & Mrs. Badmus

What could make an 11-year-old girl bury her aunt‘s baby alive? That‘s the puzzle which residents of a Lagos settlement, called Aboru, are trying to figure out. The story of Shekinat, the girl in the eye of the storm, raises curiosity, reports Samuel Awoyinfa - Punch newspapers.


In what seems to be a scene from a horror movie, 11-year-old girl, Shekinat, on Sunday November 14, buried her aunt‘s baby, 18-month old Usnah, in a shallow pit beside a soak-away pit in an uncompleted building in Aboru, Agbado/Oke Odo Local Council Development Area, Lagos.

Usnah, a baby girl, was in that pit for four days, hanging between an opening space between the excavated pit and the soak-away wall, with her head acting as a hook that suspended her body. The whole neighbourhood of Pipeline Road and its environs were said to have been thrown into confusion as the sad news of the missing girl spread like wild fire during the harmattan.

The parents of the baby, Mrs. Barakat Badmus and Mr. Nurudeen Badmus, were simply inconsolable as they searched the bush and isolated buildings around their residence on 19, Pipeline Road, Aboru, looking for their only child.

She was later found in a pit, covered with leaves and rags, four days after the baby had been missing. When Usnah was finally found in an uncompleted building beside her parents‘ abode, her parents were apprehensive. Was she still alive? If yes, in what state of health would she be by now? Questions; and more questions, begging for answers! Mercifully, dark-skinned Usnah was alive! However, she has suffered bruises in both ears, which portrayed the position she stayed for those four agonising days, at the mercy of the elements.

How did Shekinat perform this wicked act? Badmus said that on that particular Sunday, himself, his wife and baby went to bed around 9:00pm, while Shekinat was left in the sitting room, which also served as her sleeping space.

The first episode that showed that the girl was up to some mischief was said to have happened some minutes after they retired to bed. Badmus told SUNDAY PUNCH, ”Shekinat came towards the door of our bedroom, and was trying to enter when I challenged her. She said that we did not close the door properly and that she only wanted to close it firmly.

”She came the second time and gave another flimsy excuse. It wasn‘t until around 11:00pm when my wife wanted to breastfeed the baby that we discovered the baby was no longer on the bed with us.”

The Badmuses and their neighbours all trooped out that night looking for Usnah. They searched till midnight, yet there was no baby like Usnah in sight.

All this while, Shekinat was also said to have denied knowing anything about the whereabouts of the baby. According to Badmus, Shekinat was only punishing her aunt for rebuking her for her misdemeanor.

On the Saturday preceding the day of the incident, Badmus discovered that a sum of N800 was missing where he kept it in his trousers pocket. He had asked Shekinat about the missing money, but she denied ever knowing anything about it. But later, he said, Shekinat and one of her friends in the neighbourhood, named Basirat, came forward to say they had found the money under the bed.

Shekinat‘s aunt, Barakat, who was away when the incident involving money happened, was said to have reprimanded Shekinat by giving her some strokes of the cane. Badmus told our correspondent that perhaps that stealing Usnah was the only way she could get back at her aunt for rebuking her.

The search for the baby continued till Wednesday, when she was said to have been discovered in an uncompleted building next to their residence.

”We had reported the case at two police stations. We reported at Oke-Odo police station and one other one around here,” Badmus informed.

Usnah was said to have been found around 1:00pm, already weak and tired. She was later taken to a hospital, Yaks Healing Centre, on 7B, Ola Mummy Street, Aboru, which is about 500 metres from her parents‘ residence.

When our correspondent visited the hospital on Wednesday evening, the doctor was treating her, with her parents and other relations surrounding her bed. She was put on a drip, following which she fell into a deep sleep. The doctor and the nurses pleaded that she be left alone to rest.

The landlords and residents could only exclaim: ”It is only God that could do this (that is, sustain the child for four agonising days without food or water).” Her parents, who are staunch Muslims, could not agree less.

”I thank God that no dangerous reptiles bit her within those four days. Besides, heavy rains fell on Monday and Tuesday; so, her being alive is simply a miracle,” her father stated.

Another visible unsavoury experience Usnah suffered is that her body and hair were covered with mud.

Badmus told our correspondent on Wednesday that it took profuse pleading from him and his wife before Shekinat, who they brought in to live them only a month ago, confessed that she took the baby and gave her to someone living on the same street with them.

”It took a lot of pleading and cajoling before Shekinat confessed that she gave the baby to a man living across the road,” he said.

And that man was Mr. Murtala Osaye, who is the landlord of 10, Pipeline Road, in the same Aboru. But Shekinat changed her story 24 hours later, exonerating Osaye of the crime and mentioning an imaginary young man dressed in a blue T-shirt and jeans trousers.

But that wasn‘t before Osaye has been detained at Oke-Odo Police Station for almost 48 hours over the incident.

”I was arrested by the men of Oke-Odo police station on Monday and released on Tuesday,” Osaye told SUNDAY PUNCH at his residence on Wednesday, expressing his frustration at not being able to slaughter his Sallah ram and celebrate with members of his household.

He further told our correspondent that the policemen searched his house and did not find anything incriminating there.

Shekinat added another dimension to her bag of lies when she allegedly said that ”the young man to whom she handed the baby disappeared as soon as he collected Usnah from her.”

The 61-year Osaye, who is a landlord in the area, said he didn‘t know Shekinat until she told lies against him and he was arrested.

Narrating how the baby was found, Badmus said that it was on a second thought that he and an Islamic cleric, who came to offer prayers for the family on the sad incident, went to the uncompleted building, where they heard agonising shrieks from the direction of the soak-away.

”We had to break some portion of the soak-away before I could lift my baby out of the hole,” Badmus recounted with smiles demonstrating his relief.

Usnah‘s mother, Barakat, said that Shekinat was her elder sister‘s daughter and that she did not deserve the kind of torture the girl gave her. ”I never knew I had committed a crime by correcting her. Again, I never treated her badly,” she said with a tinge of regrets.

Shekinat is said to have history of bad stories trailing her. Badmus explained that she was said to have thrown into the bush the handsets and keys of another aunt of hers in Ibadan when that aunt reprimanded her for untoward behavior.

At press time, Shekinat was still being held at Oke-Odo police station. The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba, when contacted on Thursday on the matter said: ”I‘m aware of the incident at the Oke-Odo police station, but I cannot comment on it now. I am on my way to attend a meeting on the Island (Lagos Island).”

Comedian Ali Baba buys truck head for N20 million as pleasure ride...

I don’t believe in divorce – Genevieve Nnaji opens up to Ovation for an Exclusive Interview & Photoshoot

Genny in new photo shoot
Love, Life, Passion & The Price of Fame – Genevieve Nnaji opens up to Ovation for an Exclusive Interview & Photoshoot

Just when we thought Ovation was strictly for the older folks, they grabbed a scoop that will entice the younger generation to pick up a copy of the magazine. In what can be described as her most in-depth interview ever, Superstar Nigerian actress and Face of MUD cosmetics Genevieve Nnaji sat down with Ovation’s Patience Ikpe and chatted about love, life, charity, family and so much more! Ovation also shot an exclusive photospread – for the shoot, she rocked pieces from her St. Genevieve line. Buy your copy of Ovation to read the entire interview as well as other features.

Here are quick facts and excerpts from the interview and check out the exclusive photos below:
Quick Facts

•Genevieve started her acting career at the age of eight with Ripples.
•She is hoping to hold the annual charity fashion show for her St Genevieve line in December.
•Her favourite colour is black. According to Gene, “I like white as well but, in general, I like dull colours. I’m not a bright coloured person” This explains why we see her in a lot of black on the red carpet.
•Gene considers acting as her job and designing her hobby. In terms of St Genevieve clothing production, Gene says, “I don’t cut, I don’t sew, I design. I make sketches and I have my tailors, people who cut and sew. I basically describe in the best way I can, what I want and I pick the fabric.“
Excerpts

What has been your most challenging role in a movie?
(Exhales) All of them come with their different challenges. But I would say playing the role of a blind girl in Wind of Glory was extremely challenging and I still consider it one of my favourite movies.

Do you have plans of going into producing or directing movies?
Yes obviously, I do.

Have you ever had any surgical beauty enhancements?
No. Not yet.

What does love mean to you?
Love, (exhales) well, what is love? (laughs,) love for me is when you derive joy in giving not in receiving. When you are happy loving someone and doing things for that person without asking anything in return, that is love, genuine love.

Are you in a relationship?
In God we trust.

Any plans for marriage?
As for marriage, it’s every woman’s dream to get married. We can’t lie to ourselves. I do want to get married but overtime I have had opportunities to get married but I realise getting married is not actually the problem. The problem is finding someone you are compatible with because I’m born Catholic, I’m raised Catholic, I don’t believe in divorce. If I get married, I really want to stay married and staying married is not an easy thing. It means you are completely in tune with your partner. It means you’ve found your soul mate because you’ll have to be able to stand a lot of disappointments that would definitely come but then again you have to learn to forgive. For me, before I choose a partner I have to ask myself if this is the kind of person I would be willing to forgive no matter what when the time comes. If the answer is no, then that person is wrong for me. That person is not the person you want to get married to. If you know you can look into someone’s eyes and say yes, this is the most you can do to me. if you actually cheat on me the first time, I can find it in my heart to forgive you. If you can answer that question honestly and truthfully to yourself then you’ll know if that person is your partner or not. So compatibility is the word aside from the physical attributes that have to go with it. I need to be comfortable because I’m a woman and I’m used to a certain lifestyle.

What should your ideal man look like?
My dear, let’s not go there, I don’t want to chase market (laughs).

Any word for your fans
To all of you, for whatever reason you love me, I want you to know I appreciate it. I would not be where I am today without you obviously and as much as I come first in everything I do, I always consider you because you are a part of the decisions I make in my life.

Photo of released hostages

Released hostages (L-R) James Robertson from the U.S., Gilles Mignon from France and Robert Croke from Canada sit before a briefing where they were presented to the media at the Nigerian Air Force base in the oil hub Port Harcourt November 18, 2010, after they were rescued by the Nigerian military Wednesday night. Nigeria's security forces reunited 19 foreign and local hostages with their employers on Thursday after freeing them from militant camps in the creeks of the Niger Delta oil region. - REUTERS/Austin Ekeinde.

Naeto C Bags His Masters Degree

Yesterday (Nov. 17th), multiple award-winning rapper Naeto C graduated with a Master’s of Science in Energy Economics from the University Of Dundee, Scotland, one of the leading energy schools in the world. Over the last few months, the emcee had been shuffling between his academic work, touring the globe and recording new material for his upcoming sophomore album – Super C Season.

According to an official press release from his record company Storm 360, ‘Naeto C is now qualified to discuss the knotty issues concerning power distribution, generation and solutions for Nigeria at any level and it is this balance that makes him unique’

Naeto C graduated in 2004 from the George Washington University, US with a B Sc. in Biology, and had intended to study further and become a medical doctor. However, after some deep self-searching he changed his mind and decided to pursue a career in music. According to the release, ‘Naeto C represents the new modern African youth, focused, professional, multi-tasking and built to win’

Naeto C’s sophomore album Super C Season is scheduled for release in December.