WATCH OUT FOR THE NEW TALK-SHOW SERIES - LADIES ARIZE!

By Teju Ibukunoluwa

WATCH OUT FOR THE NEW

TALK-SHOW SERIES

Ladies  Arize!

Wow! The ‘Arize!’ Brand is going Mainstream!

Introducing our NEW Talk-Show Series ‘Ladies Arize!’  featuring Veteran Broadcaster/Talk-Show Host, Princess ‘Deun and an Exciting team of Funny, Sassy & Witty ALL FEMALE cast as her Co-Hosts; Professionals and Entrepreneurs with inventive, innovative & exceptionally creative minds; who think outside the box, seeking unique solutions to the dynamic challenges facing our world.

Princess ‘Deun’s Co-Hosts are some of her Celebrity friends & Business associates, drawn from her vast contacts in the Mainstream & the Ethnic Community, in the Media and the world of Business.

‘Ladies Arize!’ will also feature occasional Guest Co-Hosts drawn from the general public. Auditions for Guest Co-Hosts will commence in the next Three months, watch this space for details and info...

The ‘Ladies Arize!’  Team

  

 Princess 'Deun Adedoyin-Solarin, Entertainment Consultant/Media Specialist, Veteran Broadcast Journalist, who started her Broadcast career in 1975 with NBC/TV & Nigerian Television Authority(NTA). She is former host of Nigeria's leading talk show "Morning Ride" on NTA2 Channel 5. She created the ‘ARIZE! Brand and is Producer & Host of her Talk-Show ‘Princess of Arize!’ on BEN Television, Sky Channel 184 UK. She also sits as Operational Director Communication & Media, on the board of the Global Women Inventors & Innovators Network(GWIIN), a UK based mainstream organisation that specialises in the promotion of Inventions, Innovations, Gender Empowerment, IPR, Community Development, & Project Management

Exclusive Interview of Princess 'Deun Adedoyin-Solarin with Shoggy Tosh

For more information, Kindly send your suggestions to Ladiesarize!@zedakahafrika.com 

Happy Birthday to the Screen Goddess! Kate Henshaw Nuttall @ 40

By Teju Ibukunoluwa



Celebrating the Top Nollywood Veteran Star Actress, Film/TV Icon, Stage/Theatre Practitioner, Glo Telecom and Onga Seasoning Ambassador, Role Model and a Rare Gem, KATE HENSHAW-NUTTALL on Her 40TH BIRTHDAY today 19th July 2011.

May the good Lord Open the Windows of Heaven as you have stepped into the New year of New Beginnings! and pour you out His blessings!
May the Days ahead of you be full of Happiness and Joy always. God will make His face to shine upon you in a special way and makes all things beautiful for you. The purpose of which you are created will be fulfilled with good health, wealth, divine ideas and wisdom in Jesus name.

I celebrate you today, a wonderful Sister and a Friend ...HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Enjoy the rest of today.

Lots of Love & God bless you

NAIJA’S 6 RICHEST ENTERTAINERS

A few decades ago, music was seen more as a passion than a profession. But not anymore. It has gone beyond passion and has become more than a vocation. In recent times, we see people actually going to school to study music. It has become a career through which not only those who are deft in the art, but even the government can generate revenue. With endorsement deals, sales of compact discs, shows, etc some musicians earn a lot of money, and respect too. Many of them are role models to the younger generation. In no particular order, Life&Beat lists the top six players in the industry who have made a success of showbiz. - Don Jazzy–Michael Enebeli, also known as Don Jazzy, is the founder of Mo’Hits. Reputed to be one of the best and most sought after producers, showbiz-savvy Nigerians don’t refer to him as a music producer but THE music producer. At age five, Don Jazzy already had eyes for the microphone, the music console and was always in the studio. He was a member of Good Morning Kids, a group created by his father. Don Jazzy is known for his business dexterity. Little wonder he successfully built Mo’Hits from scratch to become one of the biggest entertainment empires in the country. He recently signed a recording deal with international superstar, Kanye West – a move that not only boosted his reputation as an entertainer, but also his wealth. - Tuface–Born Innocent Idibia, the former member of the band, Plantashun Boyz, is said to be among the richest artistes in the industry. With two platinum records in his kitty, Tuface is speculated to be worth about N550m. It comes as no surprise as he has had endorsement deals with brands like Guinness, which earned him N20m and Airtel, which earned him N22m this year. He was also said to have earned N30m from the producers of Phat Girls movie, and charges between N4m and N5m depending on the show. The artiste has invested heavily in real estate and stocks, where he earns big bucks. He once said he was set to recover all the wealth taken from Africa. - BANKY W – Also known as Mr. Capable, Banky W has proved to Nigerians that he is capable of being among the richest entertainers in the industry. He makes the bulk of his wealth from gigs. He is said to charge between N2.5m and N3m per show and performs three to four times in a week. He is a brand ambassador of Estisalat, one of Nigeria’s telecommunications giants, where he featured in their popular commercial, 0809ja for life. He also featured in Coca Cola-Nigeria’s World Cup theme song and Microsoft’s Anti-cyber Crime Initiative. Banky W is an entrepreneur and has invested heavily in businesses that are fetching him good money. As a philanthropist, he founded the Mr. Capable Foundation, where he provides tuition fees for indigent and brilliant students. - D’banj– Popularly known as the Kokomaster or Mr. Endowed, D’Banj is one artiste that has a penchant for making money. D’Banj certainly has a passion for business. Apart from music, Mr. Endowed has other businesses, which include Koko Mansion, a TV reality show, Koko Lounge, an upscale hangout in Lagos and UK, Koko Foundation, a charity and the recently-launched Koko Mobile under his label christened, Koko. The bulk of his money comes from endorsements – his endorsement deal with Globacom telecommunications cost N70m. He has a multimillion naira endorsement with an energy drink, Power Fist; a deal with the makers of Virgin Colour soft drink; and another multi-million naira deal with a popular jeweller. He has a deal running into millions with Chris Aire, as the face of his watches and another one with UAC Foods. He collects between N5m and N7m as performance fee for local gigs; $80,000 to $150,000 for African shows; £40,000 to £60,000 for UK shows; and $50,000 to $60,000 for American shows. Like his boss, Don Jazzy, D’banj also bagged a recording deal with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D Music; this will not only boost his career, but also the fee he attracts. D’Banj once said, “I work hard so that money, awards, endorsements, bookings and kokolets chase me.” - P- Square– The singing and dancing duo, Peter and Paul Okoye, are unarguably among the richest in the industry. They won the KORA award for Best Africa Artiste 2010. The award came with $1m (N150m). Shortly after, the duo got an endorsement deal with Globacom telecommunications worth about N240m for four years. The hip-hop artistes had one of their greatest international gigs last year. Their American tour of seven cities earned them a whopping $1m (N150m). After a misunderstanding with their landlord, the duo built a house they named Squareville in the same neighbourhood. The house, which they completed in less than six months, is valued at N300m. They own Rayfield Hotel, Jos, and two multi-million naira factories in the same city, where they built a multimillion naira bakery and sachet water companies for their dad and mum, among other investments. The bulk of their wealth comes from concerts, especially in Africa. The duo have sold above 14 million copies of their CDs since 2005. They are said to charge about N2m per show. - Goldie – Although she entered the industry recently, Goldie has been ranked among the richest artistes in the industry. The sexy singer has some tracks currently enjoying goodplay on the airwaves. Source: http://www.talkofnaija.com

VOTE Omoni the NEA BEST ACTRESS In a FILM/SHORT STORY

 

Omoni Oboli is the first Nigerian actress to win the Best Actress at the Los Angeles Movie Awards and also Best Actress at the Harlem International Film Festival, and these have gone a long way to raise her profile here in Nigeria and Internationally

Omoni has been nominated again for another prestigious award. Therefore she needs your support to be able to win award. Click on the link below to vote. You can vote as many times as you want.

http://www.nigeriaentawards.com/nominees/nominees-filmtv/category/15-best-actress-in-a-filmshort-story

You must Register to Vote. If you are already registered, Sign in to the right. The website voting username you create will be used to log your vote. You are only allowed to cast one vote every 24hrs. 

VOTE FROM YOUR MOBILE
Visit http://www.nigeriaentawards.com/mobilevote 
from your mobile device.
You may use the same login credentials on mobile and the web. Thank you for participating.

Omoni Oboli lands a lead role in Ukrainian film & Dettol endorsement

Having won the Sunlight Clean and Fresh Actress of the year at the 2010 Best of Nollywood awards, Omoni Oboli recently returned from enjoying her prize of $10 000 and an all expenses paid trip to Dubai with her husband.

 

She said: “This has been a great experience, undiluted fun and I’m still soaking it up in the sun of Dubai. I’m very grateful to Sunlight 2-in-1 for the opportunity”.

With her pristine reputation, she is clearly a face in demand after landing a deal to be the face of Dettol Antiseptic, she has recently signed another deal to star in a movie in Ukraine.The mother of three, who has received rave reviews in award-winning films, The Figurine and Anchor Baby, won the role after the Ukraine-base producers came in search of an actress to play the lead role from Nollywood. She won the role after auditioning with some of the best actresses in Nollywood. Oboli will play a Nigerian girl who moves to the Ukraine with her family in search of a better life but finds in very different from what they had hoped.

 

Omoni Oboli is the first Nigerian actress to win the Best Actress at the Los Angeles Movie Awards and also Best Actress at the Harlem International Film Festival, and these have gone a long way to raise her prfile here in Nigeria and Internationally. Clearly a woman who takes pride in her art, ths says “[scripts come in torrents] but many of them are not just it. You have to keep stepping up. You can't do Figurine and Anchor Baby like it is business as usual”.

We congratulate Omoni on her past awards and look forward to more of Omoni’s excellent acting in her new projects.

CELEBRATING THE AFRICAN SCREEN DIVA, TOP NOLLYWOOD VETERAN ACTRESS & THEATRE/STAGE PRACTITIONER KATE HENSHAW-NUTTALL @ 40!

By Teju Ibukunoluwa

Top Nollywood Actress, Stage/Theatre Practitioner & Film/TV Icon, Kate Henshaw-Nuttall @ 40!

Its Kate Henshaw-Nuttall's Birthday on the 19th July 2011. Guess what! its her 40th Birthday! 10 more days to go by the grace of God.

A page has been created on her Fansite for you all her Fans and Friends from around the world to start sending her Birthday wishes, messages, poems and prayers on this platform. 
Please click on the link below to  send yours now; 


http://katehenshawnuttallfansite.ning.com/pages/celebrating--nollywood-veteran-a


On behalf the K8HN Online PR/Management Team, Life they say begins @ 40...May you enjoy the rest of your life in good health, wealth and all round favour! Wishing you a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY! God bless you always!

The Final Curtain call for Yemisi Eleto (18/11/1971- 25/06/2011)

By Dare Lasisi

Tears and emotions flowed freely at the Candle night organized in honor of UK-based Nollywood star, Nigerian actress, make-up artist, film producer and CEO of Yemak Films, Yemisi Omowonuola Akande alias Yemisi Eleto on Wednesday 6th July, 2011.

She passed away aged 39 on Saturday June 25,2011 after a brief illness in London.

Friends, Nollywood members and family attended the well-packaged evening event in memory of a lady with a promising career in Nigerian movie industry.

If tears could bring Yemisi Eleto back to life, the amount of tears shed by her close friends, family and co-artistes were more than enough to wake her up from her final sleep.

 Penarth Center on Ilderton Road in South London was so crowded with mourners that came out to celebrate the short but successful life of Yemisi Akande in the Nigerian movie industry.

The five-hour event which was expected to start by 6pm could not begin until 6.35pm to allow guests and friends traveling from cities outside London.

Lady Bunmi West  who also recently lost her husband of 20 years to cancer in London was the moderator cum MC of the event and she gave a stellar performance despite her state of grief.  She cracked harmless jokes to reduce the sadness that enveloped the gathering as Nigerians came to honor fallen star. 

She passionately narrated how she coped with grief when her beloved husband was given just one year to live.  How she could not sleep properly for close to one year while caring for her terminally-ill husband day and night.  She was the female version of late popular American Comedian, Richard Pryor.

Late Yemisi Akande was the founder and life president of Eleto Association of Theater and Entertainment Practitioners UK (EATEP) and all her members also attended the event to pay their last respects.

Prominent among members of the Nigerian entertainment community in London that graced the occasion are Prince Hakeem Adetoro, Mrs Banke Adetoro, Mr Razaq Ayinde (Anabi Jones), Ms Morenike Abiona Akinsanya, Alhaji Isiaka Kokumo Mogaji, Prince Osinusi, Pastor Akande (Yemisi's elder brother), Mr Rotimi Aberuagba and his wife (known as Queen), Lady Abike Ade, Lady Bunmi West, Mr Ayo Stanza, Yetunde Oduwole (Yemisi's bossom friend), Fatai Atiba, Lady Lola Aliu and many others.

Several musicians also performed at the event namely Sunny Melody, Mr. Solek, School Boy Fuji, Funmi Omo Jesu and other gospel musicians.

Mr Rotimi Aberuagba, London-based Nollywood actor and broadcaster while paying his tribute, described Yemisi Eleto as very hardworking lady with a great passion for theatre and entertainment.

He narrated his last telephone conversation with the deceased where she appealed to him to appear in her new movie production. Mr Aberuagba could not accept the offer as he had an urgent appointment to honour in Nigeria at the time which would take him out of London for some four weeks. Since Yemisi could not suspend the film production till his arrival back to London, she eventually engaged another actor to take his place, Mr. Aberuagba told the gathering.

Toyin Aimakhu, another Nollywood Star who flew from Nigeria to pay her last respects wept uncontrollably and was overwhelmed with emotions as she tried to put herself together to say something about late Yemisi Eleto.

She explained that when she arrived to shoot her film, Yemisi Eleto was quickly contacted and she was ready to help when they spoke on phone but Toyin noticed her falling state of health from the tone of their telephone conversation.

Lady Lola Aliu described Yemisi as her 'younger sister' and right from the first day they met many years ago, they both instantly transformed to the level of 'blood sisters' relationship as they 'clicked' together till her last day.

In an emotion-laden voice, Lady Aliu explained how the deceased struggled to promote Nigerian entertainment especially the film industry right from her first day in England. She was filled with remorse as she recalled her inability to see the late Yemisi before her death on learning of her brief illness.

 She said her efforts to check on her after their last telephone conversation were frustrated by her busy work schedule which did not permit her to visit. Full of remorse, she openly apologised to the late Yemisi Akande Eleto who often advised her to reduce her daily stress of "chasing 'pounds sterling' since health is wealth."

"When I heard the sad news on that fateful Saturday, I locked myself in my bedroom and informed my children to step away while I wept heavily in memory of my younger sister, Yemisi Eleto and also tendered my unreserved apology for not checking her on the sick bed."

The event was brought to an end around 11.20pm with a closing prayer that Almighty God shall provide for the needs of her two little boys and also an appeal to put a stop to sudden death of young but promising people in the society.

Nollywood star, Yemisi Omowonuola Akande alias Yemisi Eleto was survived by aged mother and two sons (both sons still under 8 years old).

Grieving fans and mourners in Nigeria and across the world have been posting condolence messages on her Facebook and Fan pages expressing their grief and noting that her legacy of promoting Nigerian music and movies in the Diaspora shall live for ever for both present and unborn generations.

Yemisi Wake-Keeping was slated for Thursday, 7th July, 2011 in South London's Penarth Center while her remains was buried this Morning Friday 8th July, 2011 at Wood Vale Cemetery. Forest Hill Road in South East London.

Keep it simple like RMD… even @ 50

BY OYINDAMOLA LAWAL LIFE MAGAZINE -FASHION

WHAT else does Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD) not do: An A-list actor, model, businessman, lawyer and public servant… and more?

Here’s life irony: Some few days ago, while on set of Tinsel, already getting set to roll back to the scene as an actor, Richard Mofe Damijo was re-appointed by Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan to serve as a commissioner for a second time, a confirmation of his exemplary performance last term.

And on Wednesday, RMD will clock 50; in his simple nature, he is not throwing any flashy party; at least not now. “I thank God on the attainment of the age, but no loud noise,” he says. At least there will be some art party later in the month.

Since his first appointment as an adviser to the governor and later commissioner for Culture and Tourism, RMD, who is the first Nollywood actor to be so appointed in Delta State, has racked up commendable feats and successes that are associated with a brand like him. For him, this is another great chance to serve.

“It’s always a privilege to serve. Being called upon to serve is divine and one should appreciate God for that and work for the people,” he says.

The commissioner surmises his involvement in politics: “It’s a wonderful opportunity to contribute to progress of my state. With support of the governor, we were able to bring in foreign investment, which culminated in building the Water Theme Park in Asaba and Warri. And we are ready for even greater things this time.”

What makes the brand RMD thick?

“Simple does it,” he says.

The lovable actormakes it simple and stylish by accessorising his wears with wristwatch or a simple necklace. “My fashion philosophy is keep it simple; less is more. I love my blue jeans, white shirts and blue blazers; you can wear those all year round,” he says.

Wear top designers

The most dramatic improvement you can make in your style is to make sure everything fits well. Go for top designers that would give you that perfect look.

For RMD, “my favourite fashion designer is Mudi, his lines and curves are almost perfect — neat and simple. For my suits, I prefer bespoke and Sanct, the Nigerian London-based designer has my full attention right now.”

Watch it out

The last thing on is usually the first thing to be noticed. So, mind the details instead of throwing together the main parts of your outfit. Wristwatch is a-one-must-have accessory.

For the reappointed Commissioner, his most expensive fashion piece is his wristwatch. “I’m not telling you how much I bought them, but I have quite a pretty neat collection.”

Keep it clean

Though he does not really have beauty regimen, RMD says, “I like to keep my feet and nails clean aside from the occasional spa, no fancy facials. I don’t have daily beauty routine. I Just have a good bath scrubbing with a face towel or sponge and my Vaseline petroleum jelly.”

Spend less, look good

Beware of buying or using something just because it’s in vogue; stick to what you truly like. The secret behind RMD’s glowing skin is N200 Vaseline petroleum jelly. He says, “I don't have favourite beauty products. My all time beauty product is Vaseline petroleum jelly. No colour, no smell; good old plain petroleum jelly, with just 200 Naira you can buy one, they are available in all neighbourhood shops.”

Stay a notch above

Try not to overdo it to a fault, but dare to take some risks. RMD’s signature perfume is Black Orchid by Tom Ford and at night. “I use Arabic Oud. I like the musky ones.”

Be a cheerful giver

“I have over 50 perfumes. I do give out some and replace them, too, out of habit. I always want something to give out. I never use more than five per cent of them,” he states.

Spice up your style

The only way you can really learn is to try out new things. The actor-turned lawyer and now a public servant expresses himself through this means. As the years go by, he embraces new fashion spices and adds it to his style.

He says, “in my 20s, I did much of jeans and khakis, T-shirt and casuals. When I was in my 30s, I discovered the beauty of suits and power dressing. 40s, I discovered the power of white. Today, it’s pretty much of all that combinations, which have defined me.”

Shop abroad

Invest more time and money into your image. Your style is a huge means of communication and it’s worth caring for as much as your education, career and relations. “I prefer to shop in London. It has everything a man wants. Any of the high street shops from Oxford, Jermyn Street to Sloan Street will give you what you want.”

The power of black, white and blue

“The occasion determines my red carpet look. If it’s strictly black tie, then I’m a purist. If it’s not stated, then the classic jeans and jacket crested or plain is just fine. I love white, black and blue jeans. With these, you can't go wrong. White makes you the neat man; black is distinguished while blue is trendy,” he explains.

Wear it right

“For me, no loafers in a formal suit. Oh, leaving the suit label on the sleeves, you should be shot!”

Try something new

RMD wish? To wear an earring for a week, and just “for the heck of it.”

Kate Henshaw-Nuttall, a Globacom & ONGA Ambassador - Over 17years in the Movie Industry, Still waxing strong and making waves in the industry!

Exclusive Interview With Nigerian Tribune

Kate Henshaw Nutall was recently under the spot light when it was reported of her untoward comments regarding marriage to native Nigerian as opposed to their foreign counterparts. In this interview however, Kate focused her comments generally about her career which has spanned over seventeen years, and motherhood.
                                                                                                                                                                        

SEVENTEEN years in the movie industry and you are still giving no sign of getting tired, what as been the Secret?
My brother, the secret is God. I try as much as possible to put my best in my profession and I am very committed to my job. Our job is very demanding so you have to be up and doing to meet up, I always try to relax when I can, do a little exercise to calm my body. Basically, the stage is hard work and one needs God in every stage to bring out the best from what one does. I thank God for everything I have attained and what I am aspiring to become. I don’t rush things and I treat issues as they come. For seventeen years I have gone through the whole thing as an actress, God has been so wonderful and I can say I have enjoyed tremendous time in the industry.

What was your growing up like?
Growing up for me was quite a lot of fun with my siblings and my parents. We were very comfortable. We travelled a lot as a family and were taught good values as children; to be respectful to elders, to do house work and homework. My parents did not spare the rod and spoil their children. Our growing up was very disciplined.

How did the seventeen years journey start?
I have always grown with the passion for acting and music but all I needed was a perfect opportunity. The late J.T. TomWest took me to my ver-y first audition for a film titled “WHEN THE SUN SETS” and from there began my journey into the industry now known as Nollywood. From that very point, roles started coming in, from soap operas to top Nigerian movies and to the level we are today. It has been a superb transformation for me and I thank God for my career.

But we learnt that you were said to be turning your back against Nollywood, what prompted this?
I never said anything like that, as a matter of fact I have a film which I featured and was released last week, a movie produced by Saidi Balogun, ‘Eti Keta’. There is nothing like being out of movies for me. In fact, I do not remember saying such a sweeping statement. I have had quite a number of scripts and have turned down some because they didn’t go well with me but I have no intention of quitting, at least not yet. The industry is large and I don’t have to be jumping up and down because I want to get scripts. I am comfortable with the level I have attained so far as far as the movie industry is concerned. I am planning quite a number of things; when I am done you will see them.

You can barely speak Yoruba, how did you manage to cope with the script and the faces on set?
The experience was very interesting and fascinating. Being a part of the cast of the movie was very exciting for me andI took it on as a challenge. I do not speak Yoruba fluently at all. A few times in the past I have tried to string sentences together but I always got laughed at so I never summoned up the courage to speak again. So, to be asked to be part of a Yoruba film was a bit nerving for me but I never back down from a challenge. At the end of the day I got compliments for my role and everybody was happy together because of the love that exists.

Why did you take the role?
I love challenges a lot and I always want to do new things that would task my ability. Apart from that, I took the role because many years ago, Saidi was a part of the cast of a film I also starred in a Charles Novia film “YOU BROKE MY HEART” and he had said to me then that he would want me on one of his film projects and I had said yes to him. My word is important to me. I kept my word. The pre-production stage was very lovely, I was treated very nicely. The producer of the movie, Saidi Balogun was fantastic and quite good. We all worked together like one family and the experience was lovely.

What is your take on Nollywood?
Nollywood has come some distance. It has thrived and has survived on its own steam and effort. It is getting better and the quality has improved tremendously. We are developing very fast and people are becoming to see the beauty that is enmeshed in the industry, we are growing bigger everyday because of opportunities abound in the industry. Nevertheless, we are not resting on our oars. We keep trying to find new ways to improve. A few years ago Nollywood films were not in the cinemas, now they are, alongside western movies. We have so far recorded a landmark achievement and this is as a result of hard work and dedication to our job. From the point we are now; It is clear that we are moving on.

But some of your colleagues have pulled out because of poor remuneration?
Well, compared to seventeen years ago that I joined, I believe the remuneration for actors are a lot better but in this economic clime that we are in, I guess the naira does not go very far. The fees could be a lot better. Things can only get better and I also believe that what we do is no joke and doesn’t come easy; I think we should be paid well so that we can continue to give our best and everybody can laugh in the long run. The industry is growing extensively; with new beautiful faces coming up, I believe things will continue to improve for the better.

With the new charming faces springing up, are you not jittery that they may take your place?
Why would I? My driving force over the years has been my belief that what I have is a gift from God since I am not a theater arts graduate. My desire to be professional and to be associated with good work. Giving my best to every project that I am a part of to the best of my ability. I am a professional actress to the core with thriving and fulfilling years. We are all one family and nobody is competing; we are happily united. Our people are still out there, but still need to do good work. They still fight to do the things that are important.

You are married to a white man, what attracted you to him?
What is the issue with being married to a white man? I just wish the press would stop asking me that question one day. I am happily married and I thank God for every blessed day. My husband has been quite supportive of my career as an actress, even before we got married.
You are one of the many nollywood screen divers that scooped the Globacom deal, how did you achieve this?
I think you will have to ask the company how I got the deal, because it is not in my place to tell you that, but what I can tell you is that the deal came to me and it put all of us who are the brand ambassadors on a different level. Globacom showed its support and love for nollywood in this way. We appreciate the company for recognizing our work and the industry. It is a big advancement.

But some people alleged that some of you came in through the back door?
The truth is that I didn’t know anybody at Globacom before they called me. They just called me up. I have been a brand ambassador for ONGA SEASONING going to four years now. I also have a few charities that I support, like Project Alert on violence against women and children National Cervical Cancer Prevention Programme and I am also an ambassador of The Nigerian Women Trust Fund.
How have you been able to juggle the two roles together without conflict of interest?
There has been no conflict of interest because one is a seasoning and the other is telecommunications.

As an Ambassador, do you feel different and what has it cost you?
It has kept me busy and made me recognize the fact that apart from being an actress, I also represent big brands that should benefit from my status in the society. I must not adversely affect the brand. It has not cost me anything other than the fact that I am an ambassador and I have to always live like one. A big price has been paid in terms of the loss of my privacy. That is the sacrifice I made for the job I love. Another thing is trying to be an inspiration for others.

You studied Medical Laboratory Sciences, why the change of focus?
I studied Medical laboratory sciences and majored in Medical Microbiology. The change of focus was by chance and I actually found my real passion in acting. So, basically it was not planned at all. But I thank God for the way things have turned out.

So what are your turn-off and turn-off?
Definitely, my turn-ons are good people with a kind heart. People that are generous to others around them. I also admire people with a good sense of humor. Selflessness is the final but not the least. My turns off are greed, wickedness and selfishness.

With all these commitments, how do you relax?
I have a very wonderful family that I can always go back to, then once in a while I go out with my daughter.

Source: Nigerian Tribune Website.

Olu Jacobs wins lifetime achievement awards

Accomplished Nigerian actor and Nollywood star Olu Jacobs was given a standing ovation at the closing ceremony of the 15th Écrans Noirs Film Festival, Saturday night of June 25, 2011 in Yaoundé, Cameroun. He was greeted with applause by the ecstatic audience as he mounted the stage to receive the Prix Charles Mensah (Ecran d’Honneur) for his outstanding life achievement as an actor of local and international success, especially for the great impact of Nollywood in Africa.

Olu Jacobs thanking the the administrator, officials and the audience at the 15th Écrans Noirs.
“African cinema and its actors” the theme of 15th edition of the Écrans noirs was a noble tribute to those who work in the continent to advance the seventh art according to the administrator Bassek Ba Kobhio. It attracted thousands of people from June 18-25, 2011.

Present at the closing ceremony were Nigerian filmmaker Chike Ibekwe who was a co-winner of the best film prize at the 14th Écrans Noirs and one of the appointed presidents of the jury in 2011 and Mr. Madu Chikwendu, Regional Secretary of the Pan-African Federation of Filmmakers (FEPACI), co-founder and member of the Board of Trustees of Association of Nollywood Core Producers (ANCOP), and the sole Nigerian representative in the International Federation of Film Producers (FIAPF).






Source: AfricanMoviesNews.com