Family Source Reveal Paul Okoye Is The Father Of "London Baby"

The paternity imbroglio between Nigerian music star and entertainer, Paul Okoye and the beauty pageant contestant and model, Elshamah Igbanoi, has taken another dimension.

A close relative of Mr. Okoye’s has revealed that the baby born by Ms. Elshamah Igbanoi, a former Miss Plateau State, is in fact the musician-entertainer’s first child. A few weeks ago, P-Square had thrown a party in Atlanta, Georgia to welcome another baby born by a different lover of his.

However, Mr. Paul Okoye has kept mum, even though some blogs reported that his public relations claimed that the paternity report was a “hoax” and even an “April Fools’ joke.”

A source who regaled of the goings in the household said the music artist was aware of Ms. Igbanoi’s pregnancy for him about the same time another lady, Anita, became pregnant for him. The source disclosed that the baby born in London is in fact Mr. Okoye’s first son, since he was born on April 7, 2013, three days before Anita delivered another baby in Atlanta on April 10, 2013.

However, while Paul was in Atlanta to announce the birth of Anita’s son, he abandoned Ms. Igbanoi to her fate in the UK. In the earlier report, the beauty pageant contestant’s hospital bills of more than 5000 pounds sterling were yet to be paid. We also reported that Ms. Igbanoi had received several demands for payment from Queen Charlotte and Chelsea Hospital on Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS where her baby was born.

An online news service shortly after the news of the London baby was out, displayed some pictures of Elshama carrying the pregnancy of Paul, this indicated that the model was at the burial of Paul Okopye’s mother on August 2, 2012 while she was already pregnant for him.

“We know her to be a responsible lady who trusted Paul,” said the source. He added: “She had been with him since she was 17 years old.” Ms. Igbanoi is now 19 years old and third year law student at the University of Jos. Meanwhile, the nursing mother and her new baby, Mitchel Paul Okoye are now in an apartment awaiting the arrival of Paul, the father of the baby.

With Olamide, There Is No Missing Dagrin Forever

When grassroots-to-limelight Yoruba rapper, Dagrin, died in a road crash in 2010, the lamentation that greeted his passage had hardly died down when some other up-and-coming singers started scheming to fill the vacuum created. As is done when star artistes pass on, they wanted to take advantage of the gap, with some of them not minding becoming new Dagrin.
But as it normally happens in such a circumstance, all of them failed to realise their dreams. The lesson they failed to learn is that, no artiste can really replace another one. That is why no one has been able to replace a Fela, Tupac or Sikiru Ayinde Barrister in the real sense of it. People may try to be opportunistic but it will be extremely difficult to convince listeners or the audience that the dead man has resurrected.
Instead of aping the fallen hero, perhaps the best thing to do is to hone one’s talent and work hard at one’s style, especially if it is close to that of the deceased. If it is done well, the market will have no other option than to look in one’s direction. This seems to be how rave-of-the-moment and weird Yoruba rapper, Olamide has proved wiser than his peers who were trying to ape Dagrin.
Also called Young Erikina, the artiste has demonstrated much versatility in his songs, Eni Duro and Bend down Low, to the extent that he has broken into the league of the big players. While it has been rumoured that a major telecoms player has struck a N25m deal with him, D’Banj’s new strategic romance with Olamide made him (Olamide) the subject on the lips of many followers of the sector. Apart from featuring him in a song, there are reports that the younger act has been signed onto D’Banj’s label, a move that, many believe, is going to be mutually rewarding.
Such a move would naturally make some guys remember D’Banj’s epic divorce with Don Jazzy, and either sees the romance with the younger act either as a survivalist ploy or a strategic one. But the fact is it is a good story for Olamide and a sign that he is doing well and may just be one of the artistes to dictate the space in the next few years.
Although there has not been any official confirmation, D’banj’s younger brother, Kay Switch, welcomed Olamide to the family on Twitter on Wednesday. Tweeting via his handle, @kayswitch, Kay Switch stated, “Welcome to the family, Baddo.” Baddo is Olamide’s nick name. The music star is currently in Atlanta with D’banj for a music performance.

Omawumi Finally Opens Up About Delta State Governor Being Her Baby's Father

Omawumi Finally Opens Up About Delta State Governor Being Her Baby's Father 8 May, 2013
Arts and Entertainment



A story went viral on the internet yesterday about who Omawunmi's baby daddy is.
And the story wouldn't stop... Here is how the story was reported and also read Omawunmi's reaction.
"Omawumi was handsomely settled to keep the name of her baby's father a top secret. The reason is that the man is a sitting governor in one of the oil rich South South states and his wife is said to be very brutal; she "deals with ladies" who come close to her husband.
Omawumi's child has the looks of the said governor and this is why she hardly go out with the child. The governor has big eye balls, he is dark and not tall. The source said the First Lady, that is the governor's wife, is already aware that husband had fathered a child with Omawumi.
She's mad at the development and has sent strong warning to Omawumi to "completely stay away" from her husband otherwise she will be sorry. As a result, after about two years since Omawumi gave birth, she has not stepped foot in the state as she's closely being watched".

Nigerians Have Crab Mentality Nollywood Actor Talks About Being Gay

  In a recent interview with BellaNaija, one-time first runner-up of the Mr. Nigeria contest, Alex Ekubo, spoke candidly about himself – career, controversial relationship with Uti and future endeavours. Excerpts:
It’s already four months into the year and a lot has been happening on the entertainment scene. What have you been up to this year?
We just finished shooting a movie called “Gold Digging”. It’s a Rukky Sanda movie and it has myself, Rukky, Yvonne Nelson, IK Ogbonna, Venita Akpofure, Denrele and Sexy Steel. Before that, I finished a movie titled “Keeping My Man” with Ramsey Nouah, Monalisa Chinda and Ini Edo.
Take me down memory lane. How did you get into the acting profession?
Acting is something I’ve always had a passion for. When I was young, producers and directors would use our house to shoot movies. Sometimes they gave me minor roles like asking me to cry in a movie. Years later, I moved to University of Calabar to study Law but I was still into the Arts. I presented a TV show and was part of the Dance Drama group. In 2010, I emerged first runner up at the Mr. Nigeria contest which gave me a good platform to launch my acting career. That was when I landed my first major movie role in ‘Ladies Men’. But before then, I was in some TV productions like ‘Secrets & Scandals’, ‘Hope Bay’ and ‘Happy Family’. I’ve also featured in ‘In The Cupboard’, ‘True Citizens’, ‘Weekend Getaway’, ‘Lovelorn’ and ‘AY’s Crib’. God has really been faithful to me. I’ve just had a lot to do here and there.
You’ve not been acting professionally for so long yet you’ve gotten some recognition such as the Most Promising Male Act for 2012 Best of Nollywood Awards. How does that make you feel?
I feel humbled. Like the Bible says, “The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong”. In this short time I’ve been around, there has been so much buzz. I don’t even know what I do, I am my biggest critic. But it’s humbling when I come out and people recognize my works. I believe God strongly and I hold Him close.
I get the feeling that you are quite religious.
I am very religious. My Mum is an Evangelist, my Dad is an Elder. If I go to hell, I will feel bad because of my religious background. I grew up in a strong, vibrant Christian home, the type where you join the choir as a kid and if you do something wrong, my Mum would say “I would report you to God”.
Do you exercise your religious belief in every aspect of your life and career?
Everything I do is about God. I am at a place where I don’t do anything without asking “God, is it OK if I do this?” I see a lot of young people who’ve had their lives cut short, people having plane crashes. I travel a lot, I am not holier or better than them but God protects me. It’s not by my power, it’s by His Grace that I exist.
I’m sure you must have studied hard to obtain a Law Degree from the University. Do you have any plans of working as a Lawyer?
My Law degree is in my freezer, chilling. As the saying goes “strike the iron when it is hot”, now that my market is selling in Nollywood and entertainment, let me be striking this iron now. Entertainment is my thing and Acting is a career on its own. When people ask me what I do, I say “I’m an Actor”. They expect me to say more, but I say “I am an Actor, that’s all.”
This is probably because they get the idea that you have a lot of free time. You are present at almost every red carpet and major event within and outside the country and people want to know why?
People get it twisted a lot. I’ve learnt to respect people for what they do and I think people should do the same too. As an entertainer, being seen and heard is part of your job description. If I say let me package myself out of the scene, I will package myself out of business. I have an obligation and a moral standing to be at such events.
Could you explain some of these obligations?
If you see me at a fashion show like ‘Music Meets Runway’, it’s because I am a model and I was invited as a guest of honour. If you see me at a comedy show like ‘AY Show’, I act in AY’s crib so I have to be there.
If I see you at Dubai for 2face Idibia’s wedding…
I didn’t go on my own. If 2face extends an arm and says “Come and support me,” I will oblige him like I did. So tomorrow, if I have an engagement and I invite him, he will also come. That is how we do in this business of entertainment, we support each other. I was on my own when they invited me to come and present an award at AMAA; they paid for my accommodation and flight ticket. At the end of the day, someone said “Alex what were you doing at AMAA?”. Hello? I am an actor! If you watch closely, I hardly attend music shows. But the ones that have to do with acting, modeling and movie premieres, I have to be there because I was invited.
You always seem to be paired up with your colleague and friend, Uti Nwachukwu at such events. Why?
Uti is my brother and my friend who has been there for me through thick and thin. What a lot of people don’t know is that we have a lot in common. He is a model, I am a model; he is an actor, I am an actor. Most times, we don’t even go together to events but I can’t see him outside and act as if I don’t know him. If people want to misconstrue it, then happy thinking to them.
Your relationship with him has been tagged a romantic one on several occasions with people insinuating that you are gay partners. How do you feel about this?
It’s hilarious! Back in the days, when you have a friend who you go out with often, it was cool, people called him your best friend. Now, when they see two guys together, people begin to have weird thoughts. You see, in this business of entertainment, what you need is someone that believes in you to grow. Uti is big, and he helped me a lot prior to now that I’m beginning to gather my momentum. He is a ‘Big Brother Africa All Stars’ Winner. You can hate him but you can’t take that away from him. A lot of these local celebrities, outside Victoria Island nobody knows them. Uti is someone who grandmothers and pepper sellers know. We were in Ghana recently and the President of Ghana saw Uti at the Airport and recognized him. You can’t hate on success.
  Where do you think the rumours originated from?
I don’t care and I am not bothered. Nigerians have what I call the crab mentality. Have you seen a bunch of crabs in a bucket? When one is trying to come out, the others pull it down. If these insinuations were true, by now there should be a picture to prove it. Look at most successful Nigerian entertainers, they were either tagged gay or Illuminati which I find weird. You see some girls acting their lives away on TV and people tag them as “runs girls”. Almost every young, successful entertainer has a negative tag and it is disheartening.

The word on the streets is that you both live together. Is that true?
Yes we do. But is it anybody’s problem who I live with or who Uti lives with? We all know how expensive it is to live in a highbrow area in Lagos. If you have a friend who you are getting along with and you want to live with each other, is that anybody’s problem?
How does this rumour affect your career?
It doesn’t affect my career because to me, I am just living my life. I’ve never come out to refute anything because I don’t owe anybody any explanation. It’s my life.
Talking about refuting, you kinda took it hard on Twitter recently when in response to a Tweet “Are you truly Uti Nwachukwu’s gay partner?” you replied “Did your father truly molest you when you were a child?” Where did that come from?
Sometimes, people forget that even as celebrities, we are human. Sometimes you are in the mood or not in the mood when you reply tweets. It was just a spur of the moment thing. I had to do that so that he can also experience how it feels when people are asked that sort of question.
Let’s take our chat away from Uti now and talk about the lady in your life. Who is Alex dating?
So you people can bring her online and dissect her life and generation, abi?
Funny, but no. We just want to know her.
I like to keep my life private. The records are there, I don’t have to prove anything. The Igbos say “You can’t learn to be left handed in an old age” and the English people would say “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”. I don’t need to tell everyone who I’m dating to prove anything. When the right time comes, you would know who the person is.
So there is a someone?
Right now, I am single. I am married to my career. That is my focus and I don’t want to be distracted. But I’m not blocking my heart out, I am open and if the right person comes along, fine.
Maybe we should match make you on BellaNaija. Tell me your specs. What do you want in a woman?
She has to be God fearing and intelligent. I like a beautiful woman; I mean I try small so let me have a hot girl so that we’ll give birth to a hot hot baby. Maybe we can give birth to the next Miss World.
Still on the topic of dating, let’s talk about your ‘records’. Who was your first crush?
I remember her very well. I schooled at Federal Government College Daura, Katsina state and my first crush was in school with me then. She was the most beautiful girl I had seen at that time and she was really really quiet which intrigued me. While the other girls were loud and everywhere, she was a very quiet girl.
Did you ever get into a relationship with her?
We hit it off much later and I regret that it was so late because it was when I was writing my final exams and we had only a few months together. After we graduated, we lost touch and I haven’t seen her since then.
How about your first kiss. Who did you share that with?
The same girl. I remember the magical night, we were outside one Valentine’s Day after night prep. I bought her some gifts and I kissed her very briefly. I was shy and she was shy and it was magical. Oh, I’m having goose bumps remembering this moment.

…And he was literally blushing. Away from the mushy stuff now, you talk a lot about acting but not modeling. What is happening to your modeling career?
It’s there. It’s something I’ve always loved to do but my career now is Acting. I did a Brand Ambassadorship for Chiviita Active a while ago; photo shoots for MTN and Mainstreet Bank. Plus I’m a runway model and I’ve done both local and international fashion shows.
A lot of models are into designers and fashion labels. Who would you readily put your money on – Nigerian or foreign designers?
I am passionate about Nigeria. I can only be a second citizen in another country but this is my first love. I love Nigerian designers, they are doing an amazing job. All my suits are made by Nigerian designers. I don’t have any English suits (and I have a lot of suits). I also wear Nigerian shoes.
Who designs your suits?
Taryor Gabriels. He cuts my suits like it’s a second skin. I also wear Yomi Casual, Mai Atafo, Rikaoto Couture and for T shirts I wear Thots on Tees. But my Mum is my number one designer. She has a fashion outfit called Jalex Creations.
It seems a lot of designers are very willing to put their clothes on you. How do you maintain your mannequin-like body?
I’m not a gym rat. I just eat right and drink lots of water. Personally, I think I am factory fitted like this. I don’t go out of my way to do anything extraordinary.
Lots of celebs these days complain of people hacking into their social media accounts and using it for mischief.  Have you ever been impersonated on social media?
There are over 7 accounts in my name on Facebook and they are not mine! My personal page is already full with over 5,000 likes so I opened a fan page which is Alexx Ekubo. Most times, I use two X’s in my name. On Twitter I use @alexxekubo and on Instagram, Keek and Cinemagram I also use Alexx Ekubo. But recently, I’ve been getting complains of people using these fake accounts to dupe innocent people. A girl munched some chats and showed me on Twitter how someone impersonated me and collected money from her to meet me at a film school. People should please take not of this.
If there was any event you wish you could change that happened in this country, what would it be?
I wish I could change the Aluu 4 incident. It hurts me every time I remember that four innocent young men were brutally murdered in broad daylight and it was recorded and put on YouTube for the whole world to see. It hurt me that the dreams of Tekena, Ugo, Lloyd and Chidiaka was brutally cut short. It hurts me that in Nigeria today, people see an accident and the first thing they do is bring out their cameras and take pictures and videos. If warlords like Charles Taylor can be tried in a court of Law, I don’t see what these boys did that people had to beat and burn them on the streets. You don’t even treat animals like that.
You should probably run for a political office since you are so passionate about Nigeria.
I owe my life totally to God and the will of God. If a time comes and an opportunity presents itself, sure. I’d like an opportunity to serve and give back to my people. I am always an advocate of being the change you want to see in the world.

Bukky Wright Causes Controversy In Dress That Shows Off Her Nipples

Bukky Wright Causes Controversy In Dress That Shows Off Her Nipples

Check out the Nollywood actress, Bukky Wright's dress, do you think she's young enough to pull this off?
The mother of three kids surprised fans as she stepped out in this fancy dress, but all eyes were on her very obvious nipple area.
What do you think? Hot or Not?

106-Year-Old Woman And 73-Year-Old Man Find Love

Marjorie Hemmerde is dating a man 33 years younger, but no one is accusing her of robbing the cradle.
Hemmerde is 106 and her "boy toy," Gavin Crawford, is 73. The two have managed to find love despite their massive age difference.

The two met three years ago at Kew Gardens, an old folks home in the Australian town of Kew, Victoria, and are now inseparable, according to News.com.au.
"We just sort of melted into each other," she said. "We get along like old friends, the age gap doesn't seem to matter."
Neither Hemmerde nor Crawford have been married, but he said true love was worth waiting for.
"Marjorie is very outgoing and has good outlook in life," he said, according to the Daily Telegraph. "She is always very cheerful and appreciative and we laugh together all the time. I think we both have learned that life is far too short not to enjoy it."
However, don't expect the couple to, in the words of Beyonce, "put a ring on it."
"I'm too irresponsible," Hemmerde said, according to PerthNow.com. "I quite like living in sin."
If they change their minds and get hitched, Hemmerde and Crawford would have a lot of work to catch up with the oldest married couple ever. Guinness World Records said that distinction is held by Karl Dolven Haug and his wife Gudren, who were a combined 210 years old (and 65 days), when she died in April, 2004.
The honor for the couple with the biggest age difference goes to Gertrude Grubb and John Janeway. She was 18 when she married the 81-year-old Civil War vet on June 9, 1927, a Guinness spokeswoman told The Huffington Post.

Genevieve Nnaji Begging D'banj To Take Her Back?

Since the Kokomaster, D'banj, made a public confession that he's still single and looking for a good woman to make his wife. A source reliably gathered that actress Genevieve Nnaji has been making frantic efforts to get back into the arms of the super star.A source, who is an insider in D'banj's camp, said Genevieve and D'banj never really had a quarrel but that she was complaining too much because of the many ladies around him. D'banj, he said, got tired of her drama and simply ignored her. Now she wants to come back by all means..
Genny just clocked 34 and its obvious she can't just settle with any guy from the street corner; her man has to be someone with some level of class. I hear she made contacts with D'banj at least three times in the last days of April but D'banj is still having some reservations.
One of his concerns, the source told Olufamous, is that Genny is too nosy and always wants to know everything going on. D'banj is the cool type who doesn't like talking too much so he's kind of having a hard time accepting her back, even though he sure needs a woman now.
There is also the issue of age difference; D'banj will be 33 in June but Genevieve is already 34. She is said to playing the card of 'age is just a number' but D'banj is still taking his time, as the handsome groom.

I Spent Half A Million Every Month On My Hair In Order To Look Outstanding From The Rest

In West Africa, hair style is not something that movie stars used to compete with each other just like the way we hear the movie stars talk about what goes into the type of dress they wear.

Ghanaian actress Salma Mumuni for some time now has been making noise on social networks about her hair style and how much goes into it; as if anybody cares.

The single actress revealed to Nigeriafilms.com that she spent over $ 3,000 to maintain the new hair style that will make her identity upstanding. “I maintain it every week too” she proudly said.

Let’s go through the pictures and see if the hair style is worth that price....?

PHOTOS: D'banj & Olamide Spotted In Atlanta

The relationship between D’banj and rapper Olamide is getting stronger by the day.

The pair have now taken their friendship to Atlanta, US, amidst growing rumours that Olamide may be considering signing to D’Banj’s DB Records
It has been gathered that they travelled over the weekend to Houston for a Monday, May 5 ‘The Wipe Out‘ concert featuring Ikechukwu, Naeto C, Sinzu and others. The concert was however cancelled with promoters promising it will hold on Thursday, May 9, 2013.
D’banj’s hype man special Ed who was in Miami is also now in Houston hanging with the crew.

Any Man Who Wants To Marry Me Should Wait Till Am 34 Actress Halima Abubakar

Kogi State-born but Kano bred actress, Halima Abubakar, some years back gained instant fame for baring her cleavages. She was taken to be in the league of Cossy Orjiakor who became popular as a boobs baring actress.
Even though, Halima became known, she certainly did not get movie roles she so much craved. And so she withdrew into her shell. But when she resurfaced, Nigerians saw a reformed and well-groomed Halima. In this interview, the actress talked about a number of interesting issues. Excerpts:.
What are the positive things that being an actress have attracted to your life and what are the ones you never wanted that are happening?
It has only given me a sense of belonging. I used to be very impatient, I get angry over everything but now I am changed. I am matured.

There was so much noise about you when you just came into the industry but that has really changed. What can you say to that?

This question I really don’t know what it’s really about. I am busy. I am winning awards, what else do you want to hear? I don’t know! What else do you want to hear? My private life or what?

May be I am driving at the fact that you were a little bit controversial?

So? Are you not changing as a human being? The question is funny.

What would you say prompted the change because your controversial deeds looked intentional?

Just growth. I am a different person than I was. Like I said, I have changed. I have changed in every ramification of life so, I believe in growth, maturity.
What was your mission or motive when you started out as an actress?

Nothing. I just wanted to act. Seriously, I never knew I was going to last in Nollywood because I just wanted to act and return to something else, get married or something. I just wanted to act and keep the tape; it was cassette at that time. I just wanted my face in the movies, that’s all.

You just said you wanted marriage but it does not seem to be on your list at the moment?

I am not in that age where I would give up yet. I am not in that age where I will be bothering myself about marriage. When I clock 34, people can begin to say whatever they want to say. Then I will start thinking, but that is not in my budget now.

As a sort of role model, what is your disposition to being a single lady or single parent?

I cannot speak for them because I am sure they will have their own stories to tell.

How do you put aside issues that are bothering you when you want to act?

Sometimes I just cry. I can cry anywhere, anytime, trust me. I don’t have shame when it comes to crying. I once cried at a supermarket when I was telling a lady who sells shoes, I don’t even know her, but I was just telling her about my boy friend. It’s not everyone you can do that to because they will start talking when you leave. But I don’t behave like nothing is happening where there is something because we all have private lives.

Do you get carried away when acting romantic scenes?

Never. In fact, I don’t kiss deeply on set. I don’t like to exchange saliva. It has happened like three times when an actor complained that I refused to open my mouth when kissing. And I was like, ‘must we exchange saliva before the message is passed across?’ I am a woman and he’s a man so I draw boundaries. Although, I kiss to convince viewers about what the character is all about, I am not going to go gaga because I am trying to play a role. I can’t go crazy because I am shooting a movie, I have boundaries.
Is it that your man might get angry if you do?

Not really but there are things to do and not to do. He’s a man and he would get jealous but aside that one should know where to put a stop.

What comes to your mind when you remember those days when you used to bare your cleavages?

It was just advert, an advert I did for a laundry company. It was just an audition picture where I was wearing a bikini. Back then, it was a big deal in our society but nowadays it’s common because ladies put pictures like that on their BB and nothing happens.

What effects did the pictures have on you then?

I actually did not know. It was only in Lagos that the pictures were seen. I spent most of my time in Kano then and those magazines hardly circulate in Kano. It was my father who saw the write-ups and you can guess what that would have meant for me. Funny enough, I ended up not getting the job for which I took the pictures because of the controversy that surrounded it. It got to a level that people were using the opportunity to ask me to do nude scenes in their movies.

Many producers were writing scripts with nude scenes for me but I refused. I knew if I started to act nude at that point in time, I wouldn’t go back. I have seen one or two movies that people are becoming daring and all that. But then when I look back, I just laugh. I laugh when I think about all the things I have gone through in life.

May D & P-Square Reconcile

Late August last year, pop singer Akinmayokun May D Awodumila got the shock of his life when he learnt he had been dropped from Square records (P-Square record label) due to irreconcilable differences, he screamed blue murder, threatened litigation and countered by launching his own outfit Confam Entertainment; releasing singles and videos.
Today, however, these two camps may have reconciled.
Come May 10, this writer has learnt May D’s highly anticipated album will drop and it features PSquare in a powerful collaboration called You want to know me.
The 20 tracked album titled Chapter one also features Tu face in No Body, K-Switch and Olamide in Kigbe and then Davido in Ur Eyes.
May D will be launching his album on May 26 at a live concert in Abuja with Davido, 2face Idibia, Iyanya, Olamide, Jaywon, Reminisce, K-Switch and many others in performance.
On August 21, Square Records boss Jude Okoye had sent out a statement which reads…
I, JUDE ‘ENGEES’ OKOYE of Square Records Limited and Northside Entertainment Limited hereby announces to the general public that Mr. Akinmayokun Awodumila, otherwise known as MAY D is no longer an artiste under the aforementioned outfits due to irreconcilable differences. We at Northside and Square records wish him all the best in his career and life.
The full details of their reconciliation are not immediately clear, what we do know however, is that May D does not intend going back to Square records. Or should he?

"Wizkid Is Wiser Than D?banj"

Y!Naija boss, Chude Jideonwo on Monday gave props to starboy and ‘Pakurumo’ crooner, Wizkid for reconciling with his label, Empire Mates Entertainment; comparing him to D’banj and stating that he is ‘wiser.’

In the past year, several musicians have created buzz in the music industry with their departure from their record label where they broke through.
D’banj, Wizkid, MayD and Eva  top the list of this estranged relationship.
Wizkid caused tongues to wag after removing EME from his Twitter account. He also did not use the EME label name on his video ‘The Matter’.
Eventually he reconciled with label boss, Banky W.
This singular act seems to have won the respect and admiration of many including Chude Jideonwo, who took to twitter to let his thoughts known.
It’s really surprising that (in re-connecting with EME), Wizkid has shown more wisdom than D’banj “ he tweeted, referring to the Wizkid’s return to EME and yet floating his own record label; StarBoy, which is already signing a number of musicians.
D’banj parted ways with his friend and producer, Don Jazzy in March 2012 to join Kanye West’s G.O.O.D music and inspite of appeals by fans, the two music stars are yet to reconcile

PHOTO: Wizkid unveils artists under his Starboy label

Wizkid posted this on his profile and right now, everyone seems to be happy as he is pushing his dream of raising talented acts in Nigeria, in the photo above, starting from the left Maleek berry, Legendary Beats, Wizkid, Mutayo, Here is what he posted below
Wizkidayo: It’s abt to be a big year! #StarBoy#EME
Congrats to him we wish him the very best, After he drops his new mixtape under E.M.E, he will then pursue his career under Star boy entertainment, we hear this is the last under Banky W

I spent N9 Million and I am still spending on my new movie – Actress Halima Abubakar

Kogi State-born but Kano bred actress, Halima Abubakar, some years back gained instant fame for baring her cleavages. She was taken to be in the league of Cossy Orjiakor who became popular as a boobs baring actress. Even though, Halima became known, she certainly did not get movie roles she so much craved.



And so she withdrew into her shell. But when she resurfaced, Nigerians saw a reformed and well-groomed Halima. In this interview, the actress talked about a number of interesting issues. Excerpts:

Can you tell us about your new movie, The Mistress?

Yes. It’s about a group of friends who all have individual private lives. Its basically the stress that goes through every normal relationship that we put together as a movie for entertainment and to learn one or two things about the other side of relationships. And to tell the people that relationship is meant to be private in nature and fulfilling. So, the story is just meant to teach us lesson about relationship basically.

It’s really uncommon for actors in the English sector of Nollywood to produce movies. What gave you the gut?

I just felt it’s about time I do something instead of wasting money. I needed to lay the foundation. I am not competing with anybody just because I am producing this does not mean I am producing forever. And the fact that I am producing this one does not mean I am stopping; I just wanted to produce this one and be happy.

Could it be said it’s a way for you to be more fulfilling?

Yes, I am just trying to be happier than I am, and being who I am, I am trying to do business.

When did you come up with the idea of doing your own movie and did you write the story yourself?

The story was co-written by Ruth Kadiri and me. Ruth also wrote the screenplay and acted in it. It was a creative idea between the two of us and it was written under three months. We polished it until we got what we wanted. Erike, the assistant director, added other things.

Who were the people you worked with?

I have myself and Yvonne Nelson from Ghana. There were three directors, Afe Omo-Oluwa, Eyika Obim and Ifeanyin Ogbonna who was the main director and Malio Entertainment coordinated in the UK because I also shot in the UK. Also, I have Maria Kukara, she lives in the UK and works as an actress there. I have Moyo Lawal and Mary Uranta who supported Yvonne Nelson, the major character in the movie. And I discovered three people on Twitter, Ibraheem, who acted as well. I am happy I was able to discover talents.

Can you put a figure to how much it cost you to shoot the movie?

I spent N9 million and I am still spending. The movie is a major hit already and that is what we are praying for. The movie is not released yet and it is everywhere, everyone is supporting and I am grateful.

What is the experience you have had as a producer?

Production is tasking, demanding, and heartbreaking.

How impactful are you in the industry?

Of course, I am treasured and my contribution is highly felt. You can ask my president (AGN) and my fans can tell. I have contributed in discovering a lot of stars, we don’t need to go into the details because we all know, and I don’t need to be the highest paid actress to know that I have touched lives but knowing that I have is a joy I have within.

Being around for a while, how can you describe your experience?

It’s a journey, only the strong can take it. My journey in life, only the strong can actually handle it. That’s the truth.
What are the positive things that being an actress have attracted to your life and what are the ones you never wanted that are happening?
It has only given me a sense of belonging. I used to be very impatient, I get angry over everything but now I am changed. I am matured.
There was so much noise about you when you just came into the industry but that has really changed. What can you say to that?
This question I really don’t know what it’s really about. I am busy. I am winning awards, what else do you want to hear? I don’t know! What else do you want to hear? My private life or what?

May be I am driving at the fact that you were a little bit controversial?

So? Are you not changing as a human being? The question is funny.
What would you say prompted the change because your controversial deeds looked intentional?
Just growth. I am a different person than I was. Like I said, I have changed. I have changed in every ramification of life so, I believe in growth, maturity.

What was your mission or motive when you started out as an actress?

Nothing. I just wanted to act. Seriously, I never knew I was going to last in Nollywood because I just wanted to act and return to something else, get married or something. I just wanted to act and keep the tape; it was cassette at that time. I just wanted my face in the movies, that’s all.

 

You just said you wanted marriage but it does not seem to be on your list at the moment?

I am not in that age where I would give up yet. I am not in that age where I will be bothering myself about marriage. When I clock 34, people can begin to say whatever they want to say. Then I will start thinking, but that is not in my budget now.

As a sort of role model, what is your disposition to being a single lady or single parent?

I cannot speak for them because I am sure they will have their own stories to tell.

What are your aspirations as an actress?

I want to be a UNICEF ambassador; I want to go for summits and I want to reach out to as many people I can reach out to. I want to be a teacher someday and I want to see how I will be able to incorporate it into showbiz, if I will still be in showbiz because anything can happen. I might decide to do something else and I might still continue because I am enjoying it.
Are there things you would want to change in the industry?
I would want us to be together because I have actually experienced tribalism from some people. I know people are going to say it does not happen but I have experienced it personally, it happens. So, we need to check that, and welfare of people needs to be properly taken care of. We also need to be more loving, we need to be together and support each other, if we have that, we have everything.

What roles have you played that you consider most challenging?

I am still looking for a challenging role. I am not saying those I have done were not challenging, but I am still looking for the greatest one.

How do you put aside issues that are bothering you when you want to act?

Sometimes I just cry. I can cry anywhere, anytime, trust me. I don’t have shame when it comes to crying. I once cried at a supermarket when I was telling a lady who sells shoes, I don’t even know her, but I was just telling her about my boy friend. It’s not everyone you can do that to because they will start talking when you leave. But I don’t behave like nothing is happening where there is something because we all have private lives.

Do you get carried away when acting romantic scenes?

Never. In fact, I don’t kiss deeply on set. I don’t like to exchange saliva. It has happened like three times when an actor complained that I refused to open my mouth when kissing. And I was like, ‘must we exchange saliva before the message is passed across?’ I am a woman and he’s a man so I draw boundaries. Although, I kiss to convince viewers about what the character is all about, I am not going to go gaga because I am trying to play a role. I can’t go crazy because I am shooting a movie, I have boundaries.
Is it that your man might get angry if you do?

Not really but there are things to do and not to do. He’s a man and he would get jealous but aside that one should know where to put a stop.
What comes to your mind when you remember those days when you used to bare your cleavages?
It was just advert, an advert I did for a laundry company. It was just an audition picture where I was wearing a bikini. Back then, it was a big deal in our society but nowadays it’s common because ladies put pictures like that on their BB and nothing happens.

What effects did the pictures have on you then? 


I actually did not know. It was only in Lagos that the pictures were seen. I spent most of my time in Kano then and those magazines hardly circulate in Kano. It was my father who saw the write-ups and you can guess what that would have meant for me. Funny enough, I ended up not getting the job for which I took the pictures because of the controversy that surrounded it. It got to a level that people were using the opportunity to ask me to do nude scenes in their movies. Many producers were writing scripts with nude scenes for me but I refused. I knew if I started to act nude at that point in time, I wouldn’t go back. I have seen one or two movies that people are becoming daring and all that. But then when I look back, I just laugh. I laugh when I think about all the things I have gone through in life.


 
What was your mission or motive when you started out as an actress?

Nothing. I just wanted to act. Seriously, I never knew I was going to last in Nollywood because I just wanted to act and return to something else, get married or something. I just wanted to act and keep the tape; it was cassette at that time. I just wanted my face in the movies, that’s all.

You just said you wanted marriage but it does not seem to be on your list at the moment?

I am not in that age where I would give up yet. I am not in that age where I will be bothering myself about marriage. When I clock 34, people can begin to say whatever they want to say. Then I will start thinking, but that is not in my budget now.

As a sort of role model, what is your disposition to being a single lady or single parent?

I cannot speak for them because I am sure they will have their own stories to tell.

How do you put aside issues that are bothering you when you want to act?

Sometimes I just cry. I can cry anywhere, anytime, trust me. I don’t have shame when it comes to crying. I once cried at a supermarket when I was telling a lady who sells shoes, I don’t even know her, but I was just telling her about my boy friend. It’s not everyone you can do that to because they will start talking when you leave. But I don’t behave like nothing is happening where there is something because we all have private lives.

Do you get carried away when acting romantic scenes?

Never. In fact, I don’t kiss deeply on set. I don’t like to exchange saliva. It has happened like three times when an actor complained that I refused to open my mouth when kissing. And I was like, ‘must we exchange saliva before the message is passed across?’ I am a woman and he’s a man so I draw boundaries. Although, I kiss to convince viewers about what the character is all about, I am not going to go gaga because I am trying to play a role. I can’t go crazy because I am shooting a movie, I have boundaries.

Is it that your man might get angry if you do?
Not really but there are things to do and not to do. He’s a man and he would get jealous but aside that one should know where to put a stop.

What comes to your mind when you remember those days when you used to bare your cleavages?

It was just advert, an advert I did for a laundry company. It was just an audition picture where I was wearing a bikini. Back then, it was a big deal in our society but nowadays it’s common because ladies put pictures like that on their BB and nothing happens.

What effects did the pictures have on you then?

I actually did not know. It was only in Lagos that the pictures were seen. I spent most of my time in Kano then and those magazines hardly circulate in Kano. It was my father who saw the write-ups and you can guess what that would have meant for me. Funny enough, I ended up not getting the job for which I took the pictures because of the controversy that surrounded it. It got to a level that people were using the opportunity to ask me to do nude scenes in their movies.
Many producers were writing scripts with nude scenes for me but I refused. I knew if I started to act nude at that point in time, I wouldn’t go back. I have seen one or two movies that people are becoming daring and all that. But then when I look back, I just laugh. I laugh when I think about all the things I have gone through in life.