The ace comedian, actor and musician is currently working on his auto-biography which will be unveiled on his 40th birthday on the 7th of April. The book which is yet to be titled, is being edited by award winning poet and writer, Toni Kan. Julius will also launch his TV show - Jokes Apart, which he has been working on for five years, on that day.
Meanwhile, he's staging a Valentine' day event - Festival of Lovewith Julius Agwu at Hilton Abuja on February 16th, 2013. The classy evening of music and comedy will feature Wizkid, Burnaboy, Bovi, Daniel de Humourous and so many others. Keep a date!
The hard-won battle to make it to the top thirty for the Nigerian Idol contestants continued over the weekend. They have struggled with exhaustion, nerves and against thousands of other hopefuls also looking for their ticket to fame, stardom and $100,000 grand prize up for grabs.
The audience and viewers at home have another opportunity to pick three more contestants to join the first three already in the Top 12. The second 10 performers have had their chance to catch your attention. Who will you choose? Angus Okafor (Dani Angus) He looks like an accountant but sings like a dream. This musically fierce Lagos resident is out to walk away the Idol trophy firmly in his grasp. To see Angus Okafor in the Top 12, send his number 512 to 33680 from any network. Style: Nerdy charisma
Gabriel-ba Gabriel (Tadi) Gabriel, loves Mary J Blige, and loves to belt out tunes with the best of them. Confident and talented, it will take your votes to see what else he has up his sleeve. To see Gabriel in the Top 12, send her number 516 to 33680 from any network. Style: Old school classy
Amagode Kome (Kome) This Port Harcourt daughter with the quiet voice is planning to do big things this year. This is her second try at success on the show. Will this season favour her? To see Kome in the Top 12, send her number 514 to 33680 from any network. Style: Delicate and fierce Emmauel Egbo ( Emmanuel) A student from the city of Benin, who loves to swim and work out sees Nigerian Idol as a dream come through and a chance to affect the world through his voice and his love for writing. To see Emmanuel in the Top 12, send his number 520 to 33680 from any network. Style: Slow and seductive Job Emmanuel Idoko (Joe Emmal) This Abuja native has got confidence, and the soulful vocals to back it up. The Idol platform will set a stage for him to reach the world with good and inspirational music. To see Emmal in the Top 12, send his number 517 to 33680 from any network. Style: Punchy vocals OreoluwaLiyeli (Immaculate Victoria) She came back from the US for her shot at fame and stardom. Can this Jersey girl take her talent to the next level on Idol? To see Immaculate Victoria in the Top 12, send her number 511 to 33680 from any network. Style: Shimmer diva
Moses Obi- Adigwe (Moses)The teddy bear with the powerhouse voice, Moses is full of surprises. He cooks, cleans and loves to swim—but will his vocal talent make you pick up the phone? To see Moses in the Top 12, send his number 518 to 33680 from any network. Style: Pitch perfect Kemi Ajayi Mary (Kemi) Kemi doesn’t just have Idol glory in her sights; she plans a career of movie dominance too. She has got the dance moves to see her through to the next round—but only if you vote her in. To see Kemi in the Top 12, send her number 515 to 33680 from any network. Style: Flirty and fun Oweck Oguche (Oweck) A die-hard fan of Timi Dakolo, Oweck sees Nigerian Idol as a platform for liberation for his generation and plans to put a smile on the audiences face. To see Oweck Oguchein the Top 12, send his number 513 to 33680 from any network. Style: Soothing soul Richard Tasie (Mr Richie) A jovial and fun loving student representing Owerri, Tasie mixes it up with both Asa and Adele as his favourites. Is he yours? To see Taise in the Top 12, send his number 519 to 33680 from any network. Style: Laid back and relaxed It was a tough night for the contestants and they need your votes to make it to the next round. Who will join Safeeyat, Debbie Rise and Vicci?
Nigerian Idol airs weekends on: NTA Network at 4.00pm on Sunday and 3:30pm on Saturday; Sound City and ONTV at 7.00pm on Saturdays and Sundays; Silverbird at 8:00pm on Sundays and 7:30pm on Saturdays and on TVC at 9:30pm on Saturdays and 8:30pm on Sundays.
Afrobeat Legend and new judge Femi Kuti, international performing artist Jeffery Daniel from 80’s disco/dance group Shalamar, and Nigeria’s soul diva Yinka Davies are the judges this season, with suave host Ill Rymz bringing us the highs and the lows throughout the competition. Guest judge Naeto C will be on the show while Kuti completes his US tour throughout the month of January.
The Idol grand prize is worth $100,000, and the lucky winner will get: 7.5 million naira in cash, a recording contract also worth 7.5 million naira, and a brand new SUV. Runner-ups will receive prizes worth a combined total of 10 million naira.
Visit http://www.Nigerianidol.com for compelling back story videos, juicy behind the scene news, and get a taste of what is coming. For the latest information, Like the Nigerian Idol Facebook page (www.facebook.com/NigIdol), and follow Nigeria Idol on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NigerianIdol—and you could be eligible to win some fantastic prizes, including the opportunity to be live in the studio for a recording.
Nigerian Idol is brought to you by Etisalat, in association with Pepsi and supported by Beat FM.
Faithia Balogun:
This beautiful script interpreter is without doubt a delight to watch
anytime; the news of her separation from her movie actor c*m producer
husband raised some dust which is gradually subsiding, and it is a
common knowledge that she has had a baby with another man before she
decided to settle down with Saheed whom she adopted his name. Sources
claimed her union with Saheed was an after-thought as she had initially
declined the actor’s advances, preferring a London-based lover who she
had a child for before coming back for Saheed. It was even alleged that
they were not officially married but that she decided to adopt his name
so as to cover the mistake of not having proper wedding before making
babies together. The union which has since broken down completely over
issues relating to infidelity has returned her to the status of single
parent Nigerian celebrity.
Iyabo Ojo
It is no secret that Iyabo has been a single mother for many years,
story has it that she lived with a guy years back who fathered her
children, a boy and a girl. Though many believe the children are the
result of a marriage she entered into while she was still very young,
others argue it is a result of a fling she decided to have to have
children before going after her career in the movie industry. She has
over the years been linked with many men both within and outside the
movie industry, but Iyabo has always been evasive when the issue of
marriage is pushed to her and she has always been frank about the fact
that she has children she cares so much about.
Tayo Odueke (Sikiratu Sindodo)
She’s one of the Nigerian celebrities who has been very cautious
about mentioning the child they had out of wedlock, hardly has she ever
given a mention to the fact that she has a daughter or that she’s a
single parent, rather Tayo is seen by her fans as a young lady that has
never experienced the joy of motherhood before. When she was the apple
of the eyes of one time leader of Oshodi branch of the National Union of
Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the child’s name was kept out of
everything the chubby Yoruba actress did since she came to limelight and
it is the belief of her many fans that she’s still without any kid.
Sikiratu Sindodo as Tayo is called is another of the numerous Nigerian
celebrities that are single parents.
Gloria Doyle
Madam controversy could be the right word to qualify b**bs flaunting
Gloria, she declared not too long ago that she’s still not interested in
settling down. The busty woman who claims to be a gospel musician and
later a pastor of a church in Ogba axis of Lagos is the mother of a
grown-up girl who she had while she was still very young and she has
since then been living as a single mother, even when she has suitors
that are ready to walk her down the aisle, she stuck to her single
status which gives her freedom to take any man she so desires at any
time.
Waje
She shot to prominence when she was featured by the singing duo of P
Square in their 2005 hit Do Me; the performance then encouraged the
twins to allow her do a lady version of their Omoge Mi song; she has
also been featured by Banky W and M.I. at different occasions. Born
Aituaje Aina Vivian Ebele Iruobe, commonly known as WAJE which is the
acronym for “Words aren’t just enough”, Waje has a love child she which
she’s not hiding but not also really exposing to the press. The secret
of the 10-year-old daughter became public knowledge in 2011 and the
talented songstress has never denied the existence of the child which is
the result of an affair the pretty lady had many years back, though
she’s still very single and not really into any form of relationship,
but she is of the belief she will settle down as time goes on.
Genevieve
Her case is the most talked about of the Nigerian celebrities that
have children, and it is attributed to the fact that she was at a time
the most sought after Nigerian actress, Genevieve Nnaji’s love child
story is one that arouse heated arguments anytime it is mentioned, some
are of the opinion that the father took advantage of her while she was
still too young to make proper decision, others are of the opinion that
she knows what she’s doing. The daughter who the actress will want to
protect at all cost from public glare was conceived when she was still
in secondary school and she has since been taking care of the child who
close pals described as her life even when she will not have anything to
do with the father ever again.
Alex Lopez
She is probably one of the very few celebrities that will talk about
the children they have out of wedlock openly with no sign of regret,
Alex Lopez is always happy to talk about her son Joshua, whom she had
for her lover years back. Although, the relationship did not last, she
is ever grateful for the joy of motherhood that the relationship
afforded her and she’s not ashamed to talk about the product of the
botched relationship, even when she’s still in the market shopping for
prospective husband.
Funke Etti
She was one of the regular faces in the Yoruba click of the Nigerian
movie industry some time ago, Funke Etti was at a time thought to be
having an affair with Itele, another actor in the Yoruba movie industry,
but she denied anything of such stating that they only had a working
relationship. Recently she joined the league of Nigerian celebrities who
have children out of wedlock when she delivered a bouncing baby boy,
the naming which the father was conspicuously missing. Sources even
claimed she’s still single as the person responsible for the pregnancy
has not performed any marriage rite on her, which admits her into the
league of Nigeria single parent celebrities.
Grace Amah
This petite light-skinned actress who acts in both Yoruba and English
speaking movies had a child last year for someone people say is happily
married though she came out to debunk that stating that she would soon
be getting married to the father of her baby boy. Marriage apart she has
successfully earned herself a place in the group of celebrities with
children out of wedlock and some pessimists are still of the opinion
that the marriage may not be a thing that will be happening this year.
Bisola Badmus
She disappeared from the screen sometime back only for her arrival to
be announced with a bouncing baby boy. Bisola Badmus who has acted in
many Yoruba films had her naming ceremony recently and like Funke Etti,
the father of her child was absent. Sources however have it that the
father is a popular fuji musician and that the musician did not want his
name to be mentioned in the whole scenario as he had informed the
actress of his desire for her not to have the baby, while the actress
insisted she would be having it. Though the christening was done with
funfair, all efforts to get the identity of the father from the actress
proved futile as the actress has joined the league of Nigerian
celebrities that are single parents.
Omawunmi Megbele
Her story was like a comedy, Omawunmi Megbele was at a time dating
her producer Dokta Frabz and before one can say hello, she had entered
into another relationship with a man who was said to be having a steady
relationship with another woman, it was along the line she took in and
news of her pregnancy started like rumour. When it became obvious,
questions started arising as to the father of her child and it was at
that period she released the song “If You Ask Me”; the people who have
been asking the paternity question about her baby girl then assumed she
released the song to answer the question of the child’s paternity. Her
fling that turned into pregnancy made Omawunmi one of the numerous
Nigerian celebrities who are single parents.
Ibinabo Fiberisima
Sultry actress Ibinabo Fiberisima, has enjoyed lots of controversies
and the former beauty queen turned actress can be said to be one actress
who can’t have enough of the wrong men. She was at a time dating tall
actor and ex-husband of television talk show gal Fred Amata, a
relationship many of Ibinabo’s friends thought would lead to the altar,
but just as it started it was brought to an abrupt end with no cogent
reason, but not without the actress having a child for the actor which
brings to three the number of children she has had out of wedlock. She
had had two children before that of Fred for men nobody can really say
the way they look. The actress who contested to be the president of the
Actors Guild of Nigeria in the botched election is said to have a flair
for having children for different men, which is evident with the number
of men she has had children for in a short while.
In a revealing interview she granted Jara, a TV programme on Africa
Magic channel on DSTV, the singer’s wife reconstructed the scenario of
how Tuface proposed to her and why he chose her among the other women in
his life.
In her words:
“He called me up one morning that I should meet him in Lagos so that
we can hang out. He said his friends are around and they want to take us
out. So, I agreed to see him. I remember it was a particular friend of
ours that was around that day, although I would not like to mention his
name.
“And when I got to Lagos that day, he was like ‘let’s go to the
club.’ When we got to the club, the place was totally empty. Obviously
confused, I asked him, “baby, what are we doing here, it’s empty” and
before I turned back, my brothers and friends showed up. I was so
perplexed that I had to ask what everybody was doing around there and
they said they heard we were there and they came.
“Just about few minutes after, Tuface picked up the microphone and I
thought he was going to do all the normal hypes he does when he goes to
the club. But he shocked me. He started saying things about how I have
always been there for him since day one. How I have sacrificed alot for
him. How I have cried and stood strong during his trying moments.
The truth is, he said so many things I can’t remember now. He said so
many wonderful things that sent me into another world and I couldn’t
even hear the other things he said.
“I didn’t even know when he walked up to me and he said “Please, will
you marry me?” And I was like, “Can you imagine? What’s going on here?”
he was saying so many things that I can’t even remember. It all blew my
head.
“Although, it has not been easy since we had our traditional
marriage. The truth is, it is not easy to be married to a superstar but I
still live my normal life.
Right now, I feel 24 hours is not enough for me because I have my
husband, my daughter and myself to take care of. It has really been
crazy and God knows I have been trying my best. I wish I have more time
to handle all of this.
“Just because of the lack of time, I haven’t been able do my normal
acting jobs. I would still go on to do it soon because my husband is
very supportive of my career and everything I do.
As a married woman, I would be more selective with the roles I take
now. I would do away from controversial roles but that doesn’t mean if I
see a good storyline I wouldn’t do it.
“One of the reasons I would be careful with the roles I take up now
is because I am married. And when you are married you have to be able to
manage your career such that it won’t affect your home front.
In any case, you need to learn some tips which will help you carry on
in the marriage. But before that, you need to be sure that the man
loves you as much as you love him.
Even if it is not as much as you love him, but be sure he loves you.
You also need to be patient. Men are like babies and babies are very
annoying. You need to scold them but you should pamper them more. You
need to work on yourself so that you can be proud of yourself. Don’t
fake anything.
“Very soon, Tuface and I plan to do our white wedding and you will
all be invited and even though it will be something quiet. We don’t want
to make too much noise about it. We just want a beautiful and memorable
event.”
Things are really looking up for Kas Shobayo, aka Kas. Evidence? The UK-based Nigerian artiste recently bought his mother a house in the UK. Second, he is set to move into his own mansion in Lagos.
Yet the singer is still desperately searching for his digital camera, which got lost when he was having fun in a newly opened night club on Lagos Island last December.
Kas shocked some of his hangers-on when he offered a reward of $1,000 in return for the camera. Why? The singer allegedly told some trusted staff of the nightclub that the missing digital camera, which was only worth a few British Pounds, actually contained a few tell-tale photos that he really cannot afford to lose.
Meanwhile, tale bearers have a remix version of the story. They alleged that the real contents of the camera are photographs of a nude Kas with a certain controversial and sultry Nollywood actress that has been in the news lately. And the latter is actually playing with his flutes!
He recently doubled the reward.
“That digital camera contains my private stuff that I am not ready to share with the public. I’ll give $2,000 to anyone or group of persons who are in its possession,” Kas said with pain in his voice.
We can only hope a Good Samaritan will return his lost valuable in earnest before his ‘private stuff’ goes viral on the Internet.
LADY Gaga leaves a fan on The Edge Of Glory as she signs her nipples.
The US superstar invited the eager supporter backstage after she flashed her at a concert. And the frisky star swiftly dived in to 'grope' the fan's body and 'tweak' her nipples, before adding her personalised artwork - GA GA - on each boob. The thrilled fan, 22-year-old Jana Babez, posted the picture on Lady Gaga's Little Monsters fan site. She said: "Gaga picked me out from the audience calling me a "pink princess". "I jumped over the railings losing a shoe along the way (thankfully the security guard handed it back to me). "When I saw Gaga I flashed my boobs at her, and at 55,000 audience members. "She grabbed my boobs and then looked at me shocked and asked 'wait how old are you!?' When I said 22 she said "Haha that's fine and continued groping me." "When I went backstage later she pulled my top down backstage and squealed 'You're the Little Monster who flashed me!' She then tweaked my nipples in her transfixed/stoned state and insisted on signing them. "Afterwards she looked at her masterwork and said 'Please don"t get that tattooed, I know it's my name but's it's really ugly'. "She wrote GA on the one boob and GA on the other. LIFE MAD."
Alhaji Wasiu Alabi, popularly known as Pasuma he divulged some
closely guarded secrets regarding his past and his unmarried status.
YOU once said growing up in Mushin must have been a rough and tough time for you. How rough exactly was your childhood?
Talking about rough, there is something about Mushin that people run
away from. Being a Mushin person, people don’t usually want to associate
with you or give you things. When someone asks you where you are from
and you say Mushin, they don’t want to have anything to do with you. But
I saw it as a challenge. When I was a young boy, I attended Muslim
Mission Primary School. Afterwards, I moved to Nigeria Model High
School, Idioro also in Mushin. I decided that I wanted to get out of the
place and make people know that it is not only rascally people that
come out of Mushin. If we can talk of someone like Honourable Funmilayo
Tejuoso, Honourable Ganiyu Solomon, Honourable Muiz Bamire all from
Mushin making a difference, I determined that I could do better than
they did. And thank God, for where I am today and I am proud to say it
anywhere that I am from Mushin. Are you not married or you’re divorced?
I am not married but I have children.
In Yoruba culture, a 45-year-old man is expected to have been married.
Exactly. So why aren’t you married?
I don’t want to rush into it. I would have been married earlier but it
didn’t work out. The person I was supposed to have married was Ayo
Adesanya. I love her so much. Everybody in my family knew her and knew
that I wanted to marry her. What happened?
You journalists caused it. Nobody outside of my family knew about our
relationship then and that was the way we wanted it. But one day we went
together to a show and some journalists saw us together and they
slammed our pictures on the front page of the newspaper. It was The Fame
newspaper then. Apparently, they had been hearing the rumour but they
could not confirm it so they didn’t use the story. But this day when
they saw us together, they just used the picture, without even
interviewing us. When the wahala started, Ayo couldn’t handle it
anymore. I would call her that I want to see her and she would say she
was busy. I could feel it that she was withdrawing from the relationship
and I had to let her go. Did you feel you made a mistake letting her go?
Well, there’s something about love. If you love someone, you’d want them
to be happy. If their happiness is not with you, you’ll have to let
them go. She couldn’t handle the pressure and she obviously was not
happy again. So I had to let her go. It seems you’re still in love with her. Are you?
(Laughs). She’s been married and has a child. Although the relationship didn’t last. If Ayo says yes to your marriage proposal today, would you still marry her?
Yes! If she says yes today, we’ll head for the altar tomorrow.
So you’re still in love with her.
Yes. Are you dating someone now?
I am free. I am currently single but I have a friend. Did you date Iyabo Ojo?
No. Thank you for that question. Let people know that she and I are not
dating. She is my very good friend and we are very close. Outside of
that, we are not dating. We have not dated before, and we are not
dating. The idea has not crossed our minds. Now that people have planted the idea into your mind, would you consider it?
No. We are friends and that is enough for us. I am not dating Iyabo. Please help me tell them. You’ve given almost 30 years of your life to music. Any other plans for the future?
Let’s wait and see what the future has for me. You have to understand
that you have to move with time and seasons. My own is that I want
people to think of me and say this guy has tried for the industry and
for the country. I want people to say I want to become like Pasuma. I
want people to live a free and purposeful life. My future is in God’s
hands. I pray for long life though and to be able to use that life to
make significant impact on people’s lives and to make the industry
bigger.
There is something about the first
lady of EME Records, Niyola that grabs your attention and locks it down
whenever she’s in the spotlight. Eniola Akinbo popularly known as Niyola
discovered her affinity for music at the age of 8 and has nurtured her
musical skills over the years. Her unique story started in 2000 when she
took part in the AMEN starlet competition and emerged as first runner
up. Since then, she has had record deals with West Side Records, Trybe
Records and most recently EME Records where she was featured on several
tracks on the EME Empire Mates State of Mind album alongside leading
Nigerian acts, Wizkid, Banky W and Skales; including her debut single as
the EME First Lady, titled ‘Don’t Delay Me (Don’t Go There)’. In this
exclusive interview with Adeola Adeyemo, Niyola takes us on a journey through her musical career, speaks about her personality, her record deal and being sexy!
You must have been very busy
during the holidays with the EME Concert and your performances at other
shows. How was your experience?
It was really hectic. As a matter of fact, I’ve lost so much weight and
I’m now trying to get it back on. But I was doing what I love to do. I
had a lot of fun but I’m back to work. I’m back in the studios now
recording.
Are you working on any new songs?
This January as I promised last year, I’m going to drop two singles.
I’ve also been doing some local and international collaborations which I
can’t talk about now but you will hear soon.
Journey to EME How does it feel like being the first lady of one of the hottest record labels around now? I feel pretty special because having left the industry for so
long, over three years, and coming back to be on EME is special. I’m
thankful to God and to EME for actually spotting something special in me
to think that they would sign me. Many people didn’t know about
you before you joined EME. What was the music industry like in the past
and which record label were you signed on to?
The industry has changed and there are a new crop of artistes around.
Back then it was Sound Sultan, Faze, Baba Dee, Sasha, myself and
Trybesmen, but the industry has grown and there are a whole lot more
people now. I was on West Side Records. I had two singles out on West
Side, one was Call My Name and the other was Bring It On. This was around 2008/2009. Before then I was under Trybe Records. That’s interesting. What was the acceptance of your music like when you were under these two record labels?
Music is not what it used to be back then. It is more accepted now. Back
then, it was strictly about people who wanted to do music for the
passion because we all went through a lot. People thought music was for
those who dropped out of school.
Why did you leave Trybe Records?
The Trybesmen split and eLDee travelled to the US and I had to leave. How did you move on after the split?
I was doing music on my own for a while. Freestyle had a production
outfit so we were working together on some stuff but while I was working
with him, I did a song with Faze and somehow I go on the same record
label with Faze called West Side. I had an album off West Side but it
was unfortunate that immediately the album was released, my contract
expired. I also had two videos. It was also around that time I took a
break from music. This was between 2009 and 2012. What did you do during this break?
Plenty stuff. I went to rehabilitate myself (laughs). After passing through two record labels and taking a long break, how did the record deal with EME come about?
I had always known Banky from back in the days. He saw me then and asked
why I wasn’t doing music. I told him I really wanted to do music but I
didn’t think I had enough resources. I was actually trying to make a
comeback then and I did a song with Skales. It was during that period
that he suggested we should work on a song. Around that time, there was a
rape incident at ABSU and he was worried that no female had come out to
sing about and we decided to do a song together and that is how we
started until I eventually got signed.
The First Lady of EME How does it feel like being the only female on a record label with other male artistes?
I feel special. Everybody is constantly looking out for me. They are all like my brothers. Tell me about their individual personalities. What comes to your mind when you think of each of them?
Banky is like the father of the family. He looks out for everybody,
suffice to say that he watches over everybody. Skales is very reserved
but he can come out of his shell sometimes. Shaydee is the clown of the
group, always making everybody laugh. DJ Xclusive is also a clown.
Wizkid is also very funny. Everybody is unique in their own way.
How is the relationship between everyone on the team?
Everybody is cool with everybody. It’s like one big, happy, playful
family. We have our times when we disagree, but we disagree to agree.
Eight out of ten times, we are always supporting each other, personally
and when it comes to music because that’s what a family should be like. There have been a number of
splits between artistes and their record labels in recent times. You
witnessed one while you were with Trybe Records. Do you have any fears
that you might ever be in that situation at EME?
No, not at all. Rumours are being spread about
an impending split between EME and another prominent member of the team.
Is there any truth in this?
I wouldn’t know anything about that but one thing for certain is that
there are contracts and agreements in every relationship any artiste has
with his record label. If anybody goes out saying there is going to be a
split, it’s funny because it is what is stated in the contract that
would be done. So tell me, what special thing do you bring to the table. What makes you stand out?
First off, I’m the only female, that’s got to be special. I have my own
uniquneness with my sound; my sound is different from everybody else. As
much as I’m a standalone entity, I also support everybody else as they
support me.
How would you describe your sound?
I’m still doing a lot of experimenting, I wouldn’t want to put myself in
a box. But I would basically say I do contemporary R&B pop. If I
feel like doing Soul, I would. There was a lot of anticipation
built up to the release of your “Don’t Delay Me” music video. But when
it was released, quite a number of people were not happy with it.
You can’t please everybody but I think in life and in this path that I
have chosen, what matters most is you do your best. If you do whatever
you do to the best of your ability, then you’d be satisfied. When people
talk, you’d know that you did the best that you could do because you
know you can’t please everybody. But there is always room for
improvement.
Why did you choose Lynxxx as your love interest in the video?
Because he is good looking. Was it your idea to use him?
Banky and I had been talking about how we wanted to bring into the
picture different guys who had known faces. We actually wanted to use
some other people, about three guys, but they weren’t available for that
period so we had to use Lynxxx and Gbenro and that is because they are
good looking.
The Sexy Diva Tell me about your unique personality and how it reflects in your music and in your message. I am very reserved, I wouldn’t say I’m quiet. A lot of people can
mistake that at times for cockiness but I’m really just a reserved
person. I believe that everybody has something special and I think that
my strength is in the talent that I have. With my music, I realize that
one of my strong points is being able to reach out to people and make
them feel better about themselves, let them know they can be better. I
believe God has given me a platform where I can reach out to more than
one person at a time. So with my music, I’m passing across a message. When people see Niyola on their
screens and in pictures, they see a sexy lady. What is the relationship
between being sexy and succeeding as a female artiste? Do you really
have to be sexy to sell your music?
I always tell people that sexiness is not something that can be bought;
you either are sexy or not. I’m how I am not as a result of what I’ve
tried to be. This is who I am, I cannot help it. God created every woman
as eye candies to the men. God created us for the men. The only thing
that makes a difference is that if you let people see that this is all
you’re about, then there is a problem. Yes, I’m sexy; I’m not afraid to
admit that I’m sexy. I’m proud to be sexy but that is not all that there
is to me. I’m somebody’s sister, one day I’m going to be a mother, I’m
somebody’s friend, somebody’s child… I don’t see anything wrong in being
who I am. This is what comes naturally. If people see it, it’s not my
fault. If any female artiste doesn’t consider herself as being sexy, what are the chances she has of succeeding in the music industry?
Look for your strength. There is something unique to everybody. If
you’re not sexy, there must be something about you that is special.
Maybe it’s your voice, maybe it’s your smile. Look at Jill Scott, the
special thing about her is her smile. Her smile would melt anybody’s
heart and that is her strong “selling point” like D’Prince would say. So
look for your selling point and bring it to the fore.
Growing up, Fashion & Relationships What is your educational background like? I studied Journalism at the Independent Journalism Center owned
by PM News, and I went on to study English Language at the University
of Lagos. I also did some courses in Travel & Tourism and I’m still
studying. That’s interesting. Did you ever work as a journalist?
I was working with a magazine, Podium International sometime ago as an
editor and I used to write as well. But music is too strong a passion
that I can’t suppress it. I feel like that is what I was born to do. Tell me about your family and growing up. What are the experiences that stand out?
I come from a very large family. We were 13 but now we’re 12 because I
lost my sister. I’m the last of everybody. I spent a lot of time in
boarding school and it taught me to be very independent. My father was
very strict so there was no room for being spoilt. He believed that
because I was the last child, I had chances of being spoilt which is why
I was the only one who went to boarding school. I felt he was being
wicked but now I have him to thank for how I turned out. How did you come about the name Niyola?
My name is Eniola. My dad used to call me Eni-yola. When did you discover your passion for music?
I actually discovered that I could sing when I was about eight years old
courtesy of my father. I always liked to sing. I would sing while doing
my house chores. I used to sing along to Diana Ross and Mariah Carey’s
songs. In 2000, I entered for a competition at the AMEN Awards and I was
the first runner up. Talking fashion now, I notice that you wear the colour black quite often. Just like today, you are wearing black.
I’m wearing black today because I’m mourning Dr Irawo Adamolekun.
Oh, please accept my condolences. Was he close to you?
He wasn’t that close to me but I knew him because he was my manager’s
very good friend. I saw him during the Christmas period. We partied
together one night and he was making fun of me, telling me “you look like you’re not Nigerian, are you Nigerian?” I feel very bad about his death. We are doing his candle light procession today. So black is not really your colour?
I actually do love black, I can’t lie. But I also like other colours. My favourite colour is orange and I like green. How would you describe your style?
I just like to keep it simple, yet classy. I don’t like extravagance. Is Niyola in any relationship at the moment?
Nope Why not?
Just because. Just because… ?
Just because why do I have to be in a relationship? There are always exceptions so maybe I’m one of those exceptions. What are the qualities your ideal guy should have?
I don’t believe there’s anything like an ideal guy. But I like an
intelligent guy with a sense of humour who has an understanding of God
because I believe that if you love God, you would love man. And he must
be mature. Let’s say a guy comes along with these qualities you’ve mentioned. Will you be ready to start a relationship with him? I don’t know, until then.
The Mavin CEO and his younger brother James Collins have set up a diesel
supply company called Mavin Energy Limted. James is the Chief Executive
Officer of the company. According to their website,
Mavin Energy is a 24hours door to door diesel delivery service which
supplies diesels to homes, small/medium scale businesses, with
also the intention to supply to public establishments, large
industries, construction companies, power companies and both
Federal/State Parastatals and Agencies. Read more about their operation
on their website mavinenergy.com
The
third season of the ever popular music reality show, Nigerian Idol is up to a
promising start as the show enters the top thirty stage. This stage will see
ten contestants battle it out every week for three weeks and then a wild card
show with some of the old contestants given the opportunity to make it into the
next stage of the show. Twelve in total will emerge victorious and go on to the
core elimination stage of the show.
Fan
favourite and Afrobeat Legend Femi Kuti is unavoidably absent as he is on tour
outside the country but he is ably represented by Naeto-C who in his first
appearance on the show played the bad guy by drilling the contestants. He
however mentioned that it was only to gear them to step up their game in the
competition.
The
Head of Events and Sponsorship, Etisalat Nigeria, Modupe Thanni said that she
was impressed with the level of talent that the competition had to offer,
stating that the competition will be even stiffer than the previous editions.
She also added that Etisalat as a proud supporter of the aspirations of youths
is supporting the competition in an even bigger way this season.
The
first ten of the top thirty saw return contestant Obinna Michael AKA Mr. Byno
making it to the top thirty stage of the competition. Speaking on his progress,
he said, “Making it to this stage is not a small feat, there were many talented
contestants but it is my hope this year that I would progress past this point
in this season”. Contestants performed songs of their choice by foreign
artistes in a bid to show their skills before the Judges.
Afrobeat
legend and Nigerian Idol Judge, Femi Kuti, was unavoidably absent from the show
but was ably represented by Naeto-C as well as his fellow Judges, Yimka Davies
and Jeffry Daniels. Speaking on the performances, Jeffry Daniel advised the
contestants to focus more on their vocal skills and less on their showmanship
as the show was about finding the best singer.
This season is bigger and better as winner will go home with N20
million worth of prizes, including N7.5 million in cash, a brand new SUV, and a
recording contract with a record label. The first runner–up will receive the
sum of N1.5 million and a saloon car which will be presented by Etisalat. The show airs on STV, NTA network and AIT.
Ini Edo, Chidi Mokeme, Rita Dominic, Stephanie Okereke Linus, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Desmond Elliot, Genevieve Nnaji, Monalisa Chinda, Uche Jombo, Mike Ezuruonye, Ramsey Noah, 2face Idibia, Klint De Drunk were all there to celebrate with Ibinabo Fiberesima.
The party took place at Chesney Hotel, Victoria Island.
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