I am out of stand-up comedy for good – Ali Baba

He was a child born after several other girls, so, he was named Aleluyah, a name that depicts utmost gratitude by his parents (for having ...

a male child at last). He is a comedian of great repute and an achiever worthy of note. In this interview with FUNMI ELUGBAJU, the renown rib-cracker clarifies the popular notion that he was leaving the comic scene saying he had only bowed out of stand up comedy for good. He also spoke about his accidental entry into the world of comedy, the challenges therein and his future plans.
How did you come about the name, Ali Baba?

Ali Baba is derived from my baptismal name Aleluyah. I was born after several girls and so when I was born my grandmother was very happy that my mum had a son because she has been having only girls. So, she named me Aleluyah and during school my colleagues couldn’t call me Aleluyah; they called me Ali and from then Ali Baba.

How did you get into the comedy industry?

I got into comedy by accident. I was in a show and I was passing comments as a heckler and somebody there was supposed to perform on stage and that didn’t happen. One of the organisers of the shows walked up to me and said can you help us to pacify the audience? That was what I did and have been doing since 1988.

What is your motivation?

One thing was the drive to convince my father that choosing comedy was not a wrong decision because he thought that I should have read Law. So, when I decided that I was going to do comedy he thought that I had made a wrong decision and I always had that drive to prove him wrong, that I was okay. The other thing is that comedy was doing everything for me. Comedy provided everything every other job would have provided and even more, so are the drives. The other thing is job satisfaction. Comedy is a fulfilling career and the fact that the inspiration comes from God all the time and the materials are there.

How do you source materials for your show?

Anywhere and everywhere. Nigeria has been very good to us. There has been so many things that have happened in this country that is just enough material for anybody to build on. We have a very fertile ground for materials for entertainment and comedy.

How would you rate the comedy industry in Nigeria?

We are not there yet, we are still scratching the surface. We are not at the optimum level yet. We will soon get there but right now we are not up there. We are beginning to come into an industry but a lot of people think we have arrived. No, comedy is still far from the dream that I think of. The dream I think of and expect it to be, my hopes for it are still not there. We need structures, structures that will enhance the practice of the profession. Once that is done, we need a professional body, we need ethics, we need professional etiquette. All these are needed for the industry to grow.

What do you have to say about comedians recycling their jokes?

We always have quacks in every profession and comedy is a very difficult profession. It is not like music where somebody comes and performs one song and he can do the same song again in the same event. If there is a wedding reception you come there and do the song at the beginning of the wedding reception and you do it again at the evening and maybe they now have a night party you will do it again and people will still like it is not so with comedy. You can’t do that. If you do a joke, you can’t repeat that same joke again at that same event because people already know the joke now. But you have the 50-50 chance of not everybody having being at the event. Let me tell you one, there is an event for 1000 people and you do a joke, one out of those 1000 people see you and tell you, oh! this is the joke that that guy did at that event. You go to another event of a different one thousand people and you are one of those 1000 people and I happen to be cracking the same joke, and the one who was at the previous event says don’t mind him, at that show he did that joke, the other 999 people didn’t hear the joke but because you had heard it before you feel it is a recycled joke. That opinion as far as I am concerned should be viewed wrong. For instance, do you know how many people pay for DSTV even when they recycle movies all the time? The media is also not free of this guilt: there are photographs that newspapers recycle. You use the photograph of a person for a story and when you interview the person again, you use the same photograph. When a sports reporter takes the picture of Kanu Nwakwo on the pitch, he uses the picture anytime he is writing a story, he puts that same picture of Kanu Nwakwo and nobody complains. What I am trying to say is that a lot of them need materials that either the older comedians had done to grow. If you look at idols, American Idols, the contestant on the show use songs of musicians to grow, they don’t sing their own song, they use the songs of other musicians to grow and that is something that is obtainable everywhere. When they come into their own and they have established themselves, they begin to make their own jokes but they need those ones to start, to learn the ropes and gain confidence.

Apart from comedy, what else do you do?

I have an event centre called Xqzamoi. I write and then I do a lot of investments

How would you describe your coming into limelight?

I can’t remember precisely how it all happened, it is rather difficult to place a hand on.. It wasn’t like Timi Dakolo or Omawunmi, West African Idol or as with Dimeji Bankole, the Speaker of the House of Representatives. It wasn’t like that at all, it was rather a continuous growth that occurred over time.

How do you cope with female admirers being a married man?

Now, there is the need for you to be able to draw the line between people who want you for unprintable reasons and there are some who just like you because you are a comedian and they just like your personality. For instance, there are people that admire Cardinal Okogie but they wouldn’t think of wanting to sleep with him just because of that. So, you need to draw that line. As a comedian, I have a lot of admirers and fans, they come time after time with one request or the other: Oh, I need your car; I like you and all that. But you see, I have a way of handling them, I don’t joke with my family and I mince no word about that. I draw the line always. Besides,you must also know that it is not everybody that says Ali I like you, I want to have your number that wants to date you too. So, you don’t miscalculate.

What is your reaction on Michael Jackson’s death?

It was shocking but everybody has a set time.. He has contributed so much even more than than people who have lived for 90 years and he did all this contribution when he was even not up to thirty. He gave his all, he had shortcomings but I think most people will remember him for the good he has done. It was painful to have him die especially when he had a mother of all concerts coming up. But I still think that Michael Jackson is a man that can’t die because he is so legendary. Like they say Thriller is the world’s highest selling record. It’s going to be the world’s highest selling record continuously. It was painful but I think it was okay. It was something that was meant to happen because nothing happens without God.

How rich are you?

I am comfortable; at least I am sure of where my next meal and that of the people I am responsible to will come from.

Talking about people that you are responsible to, how did you meet your wife?

I went to the bank to open an account, there, I saw her for the first time. We became friends but did not propose to her until much later. It was after several months that I did that and with the help of a friend of hers who introduced us and the subject that there is this guy that says he likes you, maybe you guys should just get together and talk. We are where we are today.

Were you a star then?

I was hustling, this was in 1993 or 1994.

You are unquestionably one of the stylish people in the entertainment industry. How would you describe your sense of style?

I dress to the occasion. I am a jeans and T-shirt person. If I am not in one of these things that I am wearing now, I will be in my jeans and my T-shirts. I wear native only when I am going to church. I hardly wear a suit to church. If it were not for my wife, I would wear jeans and T shirt to church because I feel most comfortable in it. However, a lot of people don’t know that the cost of an attire is not judgeable by its weight or colour but by its quality. Somebody may wear a suit and the suit may not be up to the cost of jeans somebody else is wearing but because it is a jean, they will just feel the person is not with a good sense of dressing. But, I feel clothes are just for covering and so, shouldn’t constitute any big deal. As for me, I feel more comfortable in a jeans but when I’m working I wear a suit.

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THE CELEBRITIES CULTURAL DAY 2009 BERTHS

The Celebrities Cultural Day is an event packaged by At2 Event & Entertainment, with the sole aim of bringing back thee rich cultural values using the renowned personalities in Nigeria as tools. This one of its kind event which objective is to celebrate individual cultural heritage of our celebrities in all ramification ranging from music, media, sport, movie etc all of these our celebrities are expected to attend this event dressed in their traditional attire based on where they are from. “This event would be a yearly event, with its maiden edition, set to hold in the month of September at the Oceanview Restaurant with it lots of fun in place to surprise all and sundry.” One of the coordinator informed this office.

This event, would parade most of our celebrities, as the theme implies so as to help we Nigerians to be perceived in a different light all over the world, using our cultural heritage as a tool and to also help in the ongoing re-branding process Nigeria just embarked on.
There would be live performances from both old and young artistes, cultural display from different ethnic groups, cultural display by Germans, jokes that would blow off people’s heart from our renowned comedians and many more.

At2 Event & Entertainment is set up by some young Nigeria’s entrepreneurs. Since it’s inception in 2006, they have been involved in events basically outside the country. The countries they have had their big bang includes France, Russia, and Germany etc. With all the progress attained, this has prompted the organization to come up with this laudable idea of event ,using it as an avenue to launch themselves and set a pace in Nigerian entertainment industry.
T
he managerial team of At2 Event & Entertainment, we learnt, is working tirelessly towards this event so as to make it an event people would never forget in a hurry.

The organizers are seeking government support and they are also using this medium to seek sponsorship from reputable organization to partner this laudable concept.

African China gets new baby

Unknown to most Nigerians, when reggae dance hall king, African China, sang Forgive Me in his last album, he was actually asking for Maryam, his lover to forgive him for his alleged sexual indulgence with a white girl during a trip to the United Kingdom.

And unknown to many, the lady in question had been a long standing lover, now married to the Umuahia, Abia State born reggae musician.

So, last Thursday, at exactly 12.30 a.m., doctors at the Holyfield Hospital located in FESTAC Town welcomed, through the beautiful Nasarawa- born wife of African China, a baby girl, whom the star musician has already named Princess.

China, as he more fondly called by friends and fans, in a phone call, told this writer that although he was prepared for the news, he was actually surprised that, “My wife, who had gone for a mere ante-natal check up, was confined to bed by the doctor who insisted her time was due.”

Was he in the theater to stand by the wife, Showtime sought to know?

“No. I couldn’t stand the trauma my woman was going through. So, I quietly waited and prayed for her and the child outside while the birth process lasted.

I thank God that they sailed through and today, I’m a proud father of a daughter.

The girl is God’s way of bringing back my mother whom I lost, when I was just two years old,” an elated China disclosed.

On his feeling and relationship with his wife who is currently a final year student at the Nasarawa State University, China disclosed that, he had “always prayed to God to give me a partner that I will love and cherish for ever.

In my upcoming album, I dedicated a song to my wife and prayed to God that I want to wake up every morning to find her by my side.

And this prayer is already working in my favour, as the new baby seems to the instrument God has used to bring good tidings to my family.”

At the Holyfield Hospital, mother and child were in great shape and healthy when this writer visited.

Maryam’s auntie, who is currently playing the role of the mother (her mother was said to have travelled abroad for medical check up), told Showtime she was happy. “God is good,” she said]

Lillian Bach madly in love

Nobody needs a crystal ball to predict or foresee that screen diva Lillian Bach is in love. The way this mulatto babe snuggled close to her heartthrob, Davidson Johnson, is making some people green with envy.

Lillian hardly removed her eyes from her man, even when she was called to the high table in one social event. While the national anthem was going on, the beautiful babe, in her designer eyeglasses, gazed at Davidson who tried to keep a straight face.
At a point, through non-verbal communication, Davidson, who wore a light brown stripe suit, went out. Soon after, Bach followed him.

Davidson later resurfaced alone and sat tight to his seat even during the dancing time. He later left alone in his black car.

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I Forget I'm A Wife On Set -Uche Elendu

Dark-skinned and sultry Nollywood actress, Uche Elendu, has changed her name. She will now be known as Uche Elendu-Igweanyiba.

"I'm Mrs. Uche Elendu-Igweanyiba and please don't even call the Miss when my husband is around because he would not like it," she giggled when Klieglights approached her for an interview.

For a young lady who has had so many male and female fans in the last eight years, after the father of her friend, actor Larry Koldsweat, introduced her to the world of make-believe, how has she been able to cope as a married actress?

"Well, when I'm on set, I'm an actress and when I return home I become a mother of an eight-month-old and a wife to my darling husband. I've been able to distinguish the two so as to be able to fulfil my obligations adequately.

"So, when I'm on set, I sincerely do all I can and forget that I'm a mother or wife but when I'm at home, I'm the wife and mother," she quipped.

Unknown to many, Uche had met and fallen in love with her businessman hubby while at the top of her career. So how are the male fans behaving?

"My hubby was actually a fan and he understands what it takes for fans to pester you. I'm a celebrated actress and I expect fans, men and ladies, to want to talk to me but I know how to draw the line because I'm married and I don't engage in extra marital affairs.

"The man I married is my number one fan and he knew me through my movies and started talking to me and after sometime, I decided to give him a chance and that was it. He is my kind of man and till date he watches my films," Uche said.

But some films, which Uche starred in as a lead act might have warranted questions and bad blood from her husband as a result of the kissing and romance on set. So, how does her he react to this?

"My husband understands my job because he knows what I do and as such, he loves me unconditionally. And since I got married to him, I don't think I have noticed anything different in his reaction when he is watching my movies, he's just cool and okay. Even if he doesn't like it, he has never for once shown it in words or actions. So, I believe he understands my job and flows with it," was her response.

Known to have distinctively made her mark despite the crowded movie industry-with female stars rising every now and then-Uche strongly believes that her breakthrough was as a result of God's love and her ability to interpret roles efficiently.

In her words: "Well, I would say God and my ability to interpret, roles gave me the break. If you know my story into Nollywood, you would know that I only went to drop something for my friend when her father and a colleague asked me to try out a role and because I was not camera shy and just myself, I was able to do what they required and that was it. I stopped along the line because I had to complete my education and then my father wasn't in full support. I came back fully after I finished my education in 2004 and since then, it's been a sweet story all the way."

Speaking further on her ability to interpret roles and win the heart of fans worldwide, the mother of one, who readily boasts that she's back to reclaim her fame called to mind some of the toughest roles she has had to play.

"When it comes to interpretation of roles, I'm always able to be as diligent as possible because I know this is what I love doing and what I have always craved for, so, I do my films very well.

D'banj and Don Jazzy shun Solek's Birthday Bash

D'banj, Don Jazzy and other members of the Mo'Hits crew shunned Mr. Solek's birthday bash last weekend after they all got invitations.

Klieglights was told by those who should know that Mr. Solek, who was one of Don Jazzy's benefactor while he was in the UK, was not too happy with the absence of the self-made millionaires but had taken it in his stride and returned to his UK base.

Mr. Solek, it was learned, had personally sent the invitation and called Don Jazzy and D'banj, who used to be close to him when they were in the UK, to honour him at the event, but was disappointed when he couldn't see them at the party.

When he called the Mo'Hits stars, they apologised, saying they were far away in Abuja, though it is believed that they were in the Victoria Island axis on the said day. The birthday bash, which took place at the Biola Adegoke-owned Da Nu Grotto Nightclub on Etim Inyang Street, Victoria Island had several music acts in attendance. ID Cabasa, 9ice and Artquake were among those present at the party, which lasted several hours

Family Friendly – ‘Aki & Pawpaw’

Warm greetings to my people out there and thanks for your responses to the story I featured last week. I was already working on a follow up to the story and was going to look at why people get into extra-marital and the way out of it but all that changed when I got some calls from a couple of concerned mothers from 4 different states of the federation expressing concern over two of our most celebrated

Nollywood artistes and the impact of their movies on their children.

One of them said she visited a friend and they were seeing one of the movies where Aki and Pawpaw featured as lead artistes. On getting home that evening a close relative came visiting and as she knelt down to greet her everyone was shocked as her 5year old ran close to the lady, grabbed her breast and told her 'I have enough money to spend on you o'

The mother was too shocked to utter a word and started flogging the boy until she later realized the poor boy was only practicing what he had seen in the movie he saw earlier in the day.

The other people that called also shared similar stories although one of them was a violent story and she was able to trace it to the movie where our celebrated actors featured.

I have followed with keen interest Dr. Reuben Abati's write up on the music industry and the response of one of the persons concerned and I hope to share my take on the whole saga soonest but I hope one day we won't wake up and look back at the damage we have done to our generation in the name of singing hit songs.

When I raised the alarm that the ages of sexual initiation in Nigeria had dropped to 7 many people didn't agree with me but the truth right now is that so many 7year olds are already trying to get involved in sexual activities no thanks to some of our movies and songs.

Getting back to Aki and Pawpaw. I was one of their fans when they started out simply because I watch more of comedy than other serious minded stuffs. But lately I wouldn't know what has happened that has switched their gaze from being role-models to our children to trying to engage in adult's stuffs(I know they are not children) which is endangering our children.

I know someone out there might say the films have a 16+ rating but we all know that doesn't work in this part of the world.

I am aware these two actors are no spring chicken but they must realize their most ardent followers are our children. At a point they even featured in an advertisement of a children friendly product.

Apart from the lack of content and how realistic some of their latest movies are I do think they don't need to feature in adults stuffs to show our children they are adults. Nobody can take it away from them that they have turned what looked like a disadvantage to an advantage and we are proud of their achievements however their latest acts leave much to be desired.

I tried to confirm the issues some of the mothers raised last week and fortunately there was a movie that day on African magic titled 'Colonel'( I hope I didn't get the title wrong). It was full of violence with the two of them acting as leaders of rival cult groups in a university. They forced ladies to bed and made some of the girls to say all sorts about their dexterity in bed. I saw another one where Aki had bodyguards and would shoot to death anyone that didn't co-operate with him.

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Sex-for-role actresses are quacks----Uche Ogbodo

You can’t ignore Uche ogbodo for many reasons. One, she is a well-endowed lady while the other reason is the obvious cross and flower tattoo on her arm. She spoke with SAMUEL OLATUNJI on her rising career and what has kept her in the acting world.

Why did your dad introduce you to Nollywood?
Well, I’ll say he believed in me. Parents always have the thought that Nollywood is a not a place where you can take your child, especially when you are concerned about the wellbeing of the child. That is a wrong belief about Nollywood. The thing is between the parent and the child; the way parents raise their children also has great impact to do with situations like this. My father saw that I could make it from this part of the industry and he believes strongly in me because he has seen me do it before.

So, how has it been for five years?
It has been fun, and I am grateful to God because some people have been in this same industry for a long period of time, yet there is nothing much to show for it. So I give all the thanks to God. When it all started, I knew I was going to hit-the-peak, but I did not know how it would happen though I have the skill any good actress could possess.

What brought you this far?
It’s hard work and God of course. I will also say I had the opportunity, perhaps I came in at the right time when someone like me was really needed, so I just grabbed the opportunity and I made the best use of it.

Does it have anything to do with ‘behind closed doors deals’ with marketers?
(laugh) Why does everybody think like that? I want to tell you something very important. I have never and I will never sleep with a marketer for a role. For those that sleep with marketers, I will say they are scared of getting good roles because they know they are not good at acting. They believe that if they don’t go down with a marketer, they won’t get the job. I have never dated marketers for jobs. It has never been a priority for me, that is why I don’t give them positive answer.

Does it mean that no marketer has ever approached you?
They are men, you know. Marketers are not aliens and they are not made of steel. Some of them may be attracted to me and they ask me out. I might say yes if I like them and say no if I don’t. It happens that I have never seen anyone I like. So the answer has always been a constant no.

What are those things that can result into the rise or fall of an actress?
Hmmm. Commitment to your job and hard work. Try to learn new things every new day. Nobody knows it all. An actress can rise when she wants to learn from the people around her and there must be something that you believe strongly in by your side, it is either God or god. So, the power behind you will determine how far you will go plus your commitment to your job, I think it’d helps. Then what makes them fall is when they think they know it all, they tend to remain stagnant, they don’t like to learn new things and it is traceable to every aspect of life. When you are tired of learning new techniques, people will also be tired of you. When people see that all they do is repetition, why would they use you in their movies? So, it’s a very simple logic.

Why I am hunting for “Stupid” talents like me — Mr. Ibu

WHETHER on or out of movie set, it is difficult to separate John Okafor the comedian and John Okafor, the family man. An all round comedian who never fails to bring laughter to faces of people he accosts, John “Ibu” Okafor has decided to re-create himself in young Nigerians who would be willing to ply the trade of comedy in his new talent hunt programme “Mr. Ibu & friends”.

Why has the tour “Laughter Importation” yet to take off?
To be honest with you, the project has been aborted. It failed because its main sponsor embarked on a trip to the United States of America. Since he travelled, we have not heard from him.

Why did you not just go for another sponsor?

The idea was not mine alone, so it was not my decision to change him.

Must you continue to wait for his return?

That is what it looks like.

How have you been coping, giving the lull in Nollywood?

I have coped with God's grace. The real reason why we are not working is because there exist presently a conflict in the industry, despite the efforts of government to regulate distribution. The guilds are not in peace. They are all in disarray. The only guild that seems to be intact is the piracy guild. They are the most organized guild in Nollywood.

If that is so, why have other guilds not borrowed a leaf from the piracy guild?

The executives of that guild are people with crafty and smart ideas, maybe not entirely credible. That is why they are succeeding. You know it is difficult to succeed when you are doing legitimate business. But these people are full of thieving propensities, reaping where they have not sown.

Are you encouraging the recognition of the piracy guild?

No. The piracy guild is full of thieves. As they say, everyday for the thief, one day for the owner of the house. If only the legitimate guilds can united and co-operate in Nollywood, the days of the piracy guild are numbered.

Is the “stupidity” business still raking in good money?

Sure. The business of stupidity is still paying off for me. I am using this medium to encourage parents with kids who look and act stupid to keep their fingers crossed, for good fortune is coming their way soon. Don't condemn them or get tired of them, bring them to me. We will ensure they are trained to know how to harness their stupidity through comedy.

You talk as if you intend to start an academy to train comedians.

Not an academy, but a talent programme . I have tagged it “Ibu and friends”. Through this programme, we intend to fish out crude but untapped talents, from the crudest areas of Nigeria,

There are so many talents in our ghetto settings, despite the fact that they are unschooled. We want to expose them, give them the opportunity to be exposed in order to make money with their stupidity.

Omotola stuns all with dark goggles

The recent experiment of ‘effizi’ exhibited by Omotola Jolade Ekeinde could probably pass for one of the stunts that go with being a star or so.

It beats the imagination why Omo Sexy, who breezed into the final lap of the event with her black and white attire, wore a big dark sunshade in an enclosed place in the evening.

Curious also is the fact that after acknowledging her presence, the trim actress settled down to read a magazine with her goggles on.

However, she may not know the reaction of some of the people at the event. The truth is that the majority sighed and hissed.

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I hate my buttocks, they’re too big -Uche Ogbodo

For every woman, there is usually that part of the body she likes most, the part of your body you can easily flaunt with shoulders high. That part people compliment you about. Anita Joseph says she has beautiful eyes

Zizi Cardow, a fashion designer says hers are her legs and that is why she sticks to short dresses or minis. For Data Okorodudu, also a fashion designer her arms are that best part. “I have well tanned arms.” Little wonder she wears tubes and strapless. For Ini Edo Ehiagwina, it is her chest where she has hairs which she usually flaunts.

There are also some parts of you, you would wish to change or adjust were it possible. Rosemary Ikwuegbu, a business woman said the first thing she would ask from God is to add to her boobs: “They are too small. I want more, honestly more than these buds on my chest.”
Ikwuegbu is not alone, Ucho Ogbodo, Nollywood’s sultry actress doesn’t like her Bakassi (buttocks) one bit. She starts by analyzing those parts she likes: “I have beautiful eyes. I like my boobs too but my ass (buttocks), I dislike because they are too big.”

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Eucharia Anunobi Seeks N.1 Billion From Hubby

Divorce-seeking star actress, Eucharia Anunobi wants her estranged husband, Charles Ekwu to pay her N100 million compensation.

Eucharia, who returned to court yesterday, asked Justice Elfreda Williams-Dawodu of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, to compel her husband to pay her the N100 million as compensation for all the expenses borne by her after he fled their matrimonial home.

Eucharia, while being led in evidence by her counsel, Michael Nwana, told the court that she is filing for divorce because her husband has abandoned their home for the past three years.

She told the court that she has solely been taking care of their child from birth to date.

“I plead for the sole custody of the child because he is a sickle cell patient and being a special child I am so attached to him that I can’t let him go. I want the court to compel my husband to pay N100million as compensation because I have spent so much taking care of the child after he left,”

However, while addressing the court, counsel to Eucharia asked for the leave of the court to amend their earlier petition on the divorce.

The judge granted the prayers of the petitioner but ordered that all loose ends be tidied up before the next trial date.　　　

Eucharia had earlier prayed the court to dissolve the six-year-old marriage between her and her estranged businessman husband, Charles Ekwu because the marriage had broken down completely and there was no love between them because they have been living apart since 2006.

She had also on June 3, 2009 during her evidence informed the court that they got married on 20, December 2000 at Ikoyi Registry but the marriage, which produced a boy, Raymond Chinoso Ekwu, broke down in 2006.

According to her, “the marriage has broken down because in 2006 when we had a misunderstanding over his infidelity because I caught him with our 13-year old housemaid and when I raised eyebrows, he moved out of our matrimonial home and till now we have not heard nor seen him.”

Speaking further, she said, “barely three months into the marriage, I found out that he was a dishonest person, he lies about almost everything. I entered the marriage baring all my pasts believing that he will be my best friend because I love him but I guess he married me not for love but for the fame.

She also informed the court in tears that the only child of the marriage, a seven year old boy, Raymond Ekwu, is a sickle cell patient, and from conception, birth till now she has been responsible for his upkeep, schooling and the numerous medical bills that accompany after every crisis.

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I Like Being Comfortable In What I Wear -Kel

Kelechi Ohia, the 400 level economics undergraduate of the Lagos State University (LASU), who many have come to know and address as Kel in the Nigerian music industry is one lady, who knows her onions and what she wants from the industry, which she ventured into as a result of a friend's influence during her secondary school days.

"Rap for me started way back in 1999. I initially didn't like rap but at that time there was a friend of mine who was always around me and enjoyed playing rap songs. And that influenced me because all of a sudden, I started listening to rappers like Bone Thugs and Harmony and Eminem. Before I knew it, I had fallen in love with the rap genre of music," the sexy lady, who has been dubbed the Capital Hill rapper said.

Kel, who slowly crept into the rap industry has in a short time become the darling of many singers and rappers alike, after her debut in Ill Bliss' track, 'U Go Wound.'

Kel, whose debut album has 13 tracks and is entitled The Investment, believes that rap music is not only a way of expression but a tool to appreciate and tell it as it is.

"Rap music for me is a means of expression and there is a way I express myself with rap music that I doubt if I can do with any other genre of music despite the fact that I listen to songs aside rap music. I'm not the kind of rapper that only listens to hip-hop all day but it's rap all the way for me because I honestly know I can't sing. But I also listen to R&B to help me in my writing abilities," Kelechi, who would preferred to be called Kel, said.

For the 24-year-old sexy rapper, a normal day with no camera and the buzz around her would see her going about in a T-shirt, jeans and a pair of slippers.

"A normal day for me would see me putting on a T-shirt, jeans and slippers. I actually like snickers but I sometimes like my feet to breathe. The bottom line is I like to be comfortable in whatever I wear," was her reply.

Hinged to the Osagie-managed Clarence Peters-owned Capital Hills Records, Kel, who has been getting several commendations from industry watchers even after her superb delivery of the second verse of the recently held HHWA4 theme song-'How Much Do You Want It'-the Igbo-born artiste is not letting the hype get into her.

"I'm trying not to focus on the hype and all that because doing that might make me lose focus as regards what I'm here for. I'm here because rapping is what I enjoy doing and I derive joy from delivering my bars, which come as hard as I can drop them.

"I'm trying my best not to dwell on all the hype though I can't deny that it's cool and I appreciate the fact that people are watching and taking note of every step and music that is being dropped in the industry," she said.

With an album, which is due for release in collaboration with several established stars and underground acts, one would be moved to ask her expectations for the album and reasons for names like MI, Shank, Terry Da Rapman and Illbliss being on the album.

Her answer goes thus: "Reasons for those names and others on the album is because I just don't want to have album fillers, but a track with established acts, which will bring a new dimension to bear in the overall coloration of the album.

"Aside this, I wanted all the songs to become hits just as I thought that it is not a bad idea doing songs with other artistes, who are already established. At least one can have their fans buy the album because of the collaborations.

"Most importantly, you'd agree with me that many of these people on the tracks are talented in their own right and they have no doubt brought a new feel into the album. Since it's my debut with several people investing so much time, effort, energy, sweat and tears in making it a reality, it's worth being worthwhile and thus is my reasons for the album title, The Investment," Kelechi said.

nigeriafilms

EJIRO OKURAMI slams COSSY ORJIAKOR, says:You’re a disgrace

UN Peace Ambassador and star of Rush Hour, Ejiro Okurame, has declared that Cossy’s action has affected the image of Nollywood actresses negatively.

“Though I cannot tell if she actually did it or not, it has affected us negatively because she is one of us,” said Okurame, in a no-holds-barred interview. “As an actress, I’m not proud of the entire drama. It could happen to anybody though but my belief is that there is no smoke without fire. But at the same time, there’s always two sides to a coin. I read a publication where she explained that she didn’t actually do it but she posed with the dog so she could get paid. Most times, we do things the wrong way and that’s why we always end up with negative stories following us everywhere we go. I am really sad about it. She has not impressed me at all. But I believe that with God on her side, she should be able to get over the shock. I can imagine what her parents would be going through right now.”

According to her, if Cossy were her sister, she would have been with her everyday and would have known when she would go for such an act and would have been able to advise her against it.”

nigeriafilms

NOLLYWOOD STARS, RITA DOMINIC, GENEVIEVE NNAJI FIGHT OVER LOVER

Nollywood actresses, Rita Dominic and Genevieve Nnaji are said to be at dagger drawn over a London based lover called Christopher Obukwelu. This former broadcaster with the MINAJ TV, we gathered , is the brain behind the enmity between these top stars in Nigeria's make- believe industry called Nollywood.

As the story goes, Rita and Chris were said to have dated years back. While the romance lasted, Rita’s colleagues tried to snatch the handsome dude from her but her defence was as strong as mount Gibraltar. As you are reading this, there seem to be this strong affinity between the celebrated Nollywood actress, Genevieve and Chris. This new development is said to be bothering Rita whose relationship with Chris hit the rocks a while ago.

Why Rita is embittered about the whole scenario is that Genevieve could stoop that low to date her ex. Meanwhile Information at our disposal reveals that Rita and Genevieve are not on speaking term because of Chris. We shall update you as event unfolds.

nigeriafilms

GHANAIAN ACTRESS YVONNE NELSON FIGHTS ON SET IN NIGERIA

Working on a project in Nigeria, Ghanaian actress Yvonne Nelson suddenly decided not to shoot the remaining two scenes and to go back to Ghana. This caused onset on the location and the production assistant seized all her belongings to stop her from leaving.
The actress locked herself up in a room and refused to let anyone in, even her co-star actress Maureen Ihua couldn’t bring her back to her senses. A third party present on the set eventually succeded to reason with her and she resumed work after apologising to everyone her attitude had offended.


nigeriafilms

Robbers Attack Gbenga Adeyinka; Guard Killed

Armed robbers in the early hours of yesterday invaded the Ikorodu residence of ace comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, and killed his guard in the process.

The self-styled Comedian of the Federal Republic (CFR), it was gathered, also sustained minor injuries as the robbers hit him on the head with a bottle of gin they took his bar.

Speaking with P.M.News, the graduate of University of Lagos said, the bandits numbering about eight, arrived at his residence around 4 a.m, adding that they gained access into his house by breaking the wall and cutting the burglary proof.

The robbers, he said, went away with his Nissan Armada Sport Utility Van, mobile phones, money jewelry and other valuables.

The ace comedian has vacated his home temporarily with his family so as to get over the shock.

nigeriafilms

Jose Mourinho(special 1) Arrives in Nigeria

The Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho caused a major frenzy among Nigerian fans as he arrived in the country for a three-day visit.
Mourinho arrived in Lagos on Friday as a guest of the Kwara Football Academy (KFA).
Mourinho will be in the West African country from 3 - 5 July, as he seeks to encourage coaches and officials of the project run by the Kwara state government.
The fans turned up to greet the former Chelsea boss and the rest of the delegation despite the fact that he arrived two hours later than announced.
"It is a great landmark in the history of Nigerian football as well as the KFA," Nkechi Obi, CEO of Premium Sports Marketing Services told BBC Sport.
"He is here with other coaches and trainers to conduct seminars and coaching clinics for indigenous coaches.
"We are positive that his presence will benefit the talented players in the academy and hopefully attract interest from international clubs throughout the world.
"Football fans, media and everyone involved with football will enjoy photograph and autograph sessions with the 'Special One' on this trip."
The trip facilitated by DanJan Sports is widely seen as an opportunity to expose the Kwara Football Academy (KFA) to the rest of the world.
"The KFA epitomises what a perfect football academy truly is and Gestafute are happy to be associated with them," David Omigie of DanJan Sports explained.
"We have seen what the visit of Manchester United and Portsmouth gave to Nigeria as a country in the past.
"The coming of Mourinho and KFA will bring a lot of positive attention to football in the country once again.
Former Nigeria coach Clemence Westerhof is the director of the Kwara Football Academy which is in Ilorin, the capital of Nigeria's Kwara State.

sportstainment

HEARTLESS MO-HITS...MEMORY 2 mo-hits

I am deeply upset and angry with mohits boyz i.e (Wande Coal,the prince,dr sid and Kswitch).. On friday during nokia playlist show at ocean view, as mohits were leaving the stage,a fan took Wandes glass and he rose alarm..

You need to see the number of Army and Soldiers who nearly killed this boy because of an eyeglass. Even if the glass is costing 100,000,are you telling me that that the glass is even more important than the boys life..

Mohits boyz just pass the side where they almost killed this boy.Dr sid came down and was feeling like one cool bro..At least they would
have begged the soldiers because love it or hate it,we are still your fans and we make your songs popular not only by singing it but by
buying your albums and attending your shows.

Everybody was so angry that they could not even beg for the poor boy and people were saying "if it were Dbanj or 2face, they would have begged the police and made sure the biy was set free".Well, i dont blame them,they are still too immature and proud because of fame but they have to know that the same GOD who took them so HIGH can bring them so LOW

nigeriamusic

Yes, I’m an ugly man‘...But women still flock around me’–John Okafor

I can’t really pinpoint anything physical that lured me into acting. However, I can say that my getting into acting is all about spiritual realisation. When I was growing up, I lived with my grandfather who happened to have had an uncanny sense of humour. I enjoyed him more than I enjoy myself today.

The way he cracked his jokes or put up funny attitudes was unique and quite different from what obtains today. Our own comedy these days has gone digital, but then, his own brand of comedy was completely raw. It was too raw for my liking.

While people laughed when my grandfather put up his comic acts, I found it hard to laugh with them. For example, when my grandfather met two people fighting, instead of normal separation, he would walk up to them and ask them to leave the fight for him. And funny enough, they will listen to him.

Thereafter, he will go to a nearby tree and begin to throw punches at the tree. Sometimes, he would use razor blade to give himself marks with blood gushing out, all in a bid to separate the parties in a fight, such kind of things don’t happen today.

While the elderly men then found my grandfather’s acts as comedy, such was hard for me to swallow. For me, his acts were too raw.

But living with him kind of robbed off on me and as I got on in life, I began noticing that uncanny sense of humour in me. This realisation, which to me is spiritual, is what kind of got me into acting, and particularly, acting comedy

Choice of stage name

The popular stage name for which I’m generally known is Mr. Ibu. It’s one of the names that my grandfather used to be identified with when he put up some funny acts. So, getting into acting, I quickly adopted the name and it has paid off.

Acting comedy

Comedy for me is a therapy. It is passing on truth in a funny, less controversial way. For me, comedy is my nature, may be because I’m not handsome. I’m an ugly person, so whatever that comes out of my face is one of the materials I use in my acts. This is okay for me.

The kind of comedy I build is unique to me. As a versatile person, I use any object within me, around me to frame up something and then give it a position that when I release it, you hardly see somebody else composing that kind of thing.

I’m the very first person in the country to act imbecility in a movie. After I did that other people took to such acts. I like to set standards in anything I do, so whatever comedy you see me act, which is not universal is my personal product. And believe me, I don’t know how such acts come. It’s just natural and a talent from God.

Entering into character

For a movie, once I hold your script, you have to give me a little time to go over the script and get myself ready. When I read a script, I try to build my attitude, build into character so as to become that person in the script.

So, it doesn’t take me much time to get into a character. As much as I love the script and love the story, immediately I read the script over and over, may be two times, I will get into character immediately before the shoot.

Challenging character so far

Imbecility in the movie, Agony, has been the most challenging character that I’ve acted so far. There had been other challenging characters that I’ve acted in movies, but acting as an imbecile in Agony was most challenging. It’s not easy for a normal person to transform himself to an imbecile as I did in the movie Agony.

I had to stiffen my body, make some parts of my body look deformed, etc. All that wasn’t easy at all, coupled with the fact that I had to ensure that I didn’t miss my lines.

Dealing with female admirers

Women will always admire and flock around any man who is successful in his chosen career. This is normal and found in all spheres, not just movie stars like me. I’m happy that a lot of the female folks have fallen in love with my acts.

For me, there’s nothing wrong with that. The good thing is that I’ve learnt how to deal with them. I don’t think that women flocking around me will in any way distract or make me do anything stupid.

I don’t really have problem when it comes to managing the girls that flock around me. I love the girls that flock around me as much as they love me. We talk together. There are so many of them who have been talking with me on phone for over one year, without us seeing ourselves.

Yet, we are friends; we talk as if we’re close friends before now. Let me also say that I treat the men that flock around me the way I handle the girls.

So, for me, girls admiring or flocking around me is okay. I like them flocking around me. I’ve no problems with that, rather, I enjoy it. Their flocking around me will not make me do things that I choose not to do. I keep my boundaries, no matter the legion of women around me.

nollywoodfilms