Oseyiza Oogbodo Blog

From every indication, the enigmatic Don Jazzy, founder of the current top record label in the country, Mavin Records, will soon be enmeshed in the fight of his life to retain his label as the country’s number one with the emergence of Vicmet Records which has the sole ambition of becoming the best label in the country. According to Akwarandu Hope Dickson, founder of Vicmet Records, “I believe in being the best in everything I do, and I feel the same way with my record label, Vicmet. We’ve had Kennis Music dominating in the past, and we also have Don Jazzy everywhere now but I can assure you that Vicmet will soon be the record label to emulate.” It would seem that Dickson is not just making mouth as the emergence of Vicmet has taken him several years of planning. “When people start hearing about Vicmet, they might be surprised at how we are suddenly everywhere. But we are not suddenly everywhere. We’ve planned this for years and that’s why we have our own world class studio and ar...

If you’ve been wondering who Nigeria’s richest actor is, you might not need to wonder anymore as, during the week, Oseyiza Oogbodo Blog spoke with an actor who confirmed with his own mouth that he’s the one whom the prestigious title belongs to. By name Ladi Emeruwa, and not really popular yet  in Nigeria because he’s based in England, he popped into Nigeria this week to do what he does best, acting, and his role this time was as Hamlet in the stage adaptation of Hamlet, one of the classic plays of the renowned playwright, William Shakespeare. And speaking with OOB during the week at the MUSON Centre where Hamlet was to be staged, he indicated that he was Nigeria’s richest actor based on the amount he’s being paid to play the role of Hamlet, saying he’s being paid millions of pounds sterling which is the world’s most valuable currency. If you are one of those who don’t know Emeruwa yet, it might just be pragmatic that you should note his name and face as he seems destined to...

When he burst onto the music scene in 2012 with the mildly successful song, Rock Star , the artist Leo’nel immediately became recognized because he’s a son of the legendary Nollywood actor, Zack Orji. But despite his father’s name and connections, Leo’nel hasn’t really flown in the music game. And aware that his son needs more push to be able to step into his shoes, albeit in another sector of the entertainment industry, Orji has appeared in the video of Leo’nel’s music video, Uju . Will his appearance support however be enough to make his son’s video popular enough to make his son musically successful? Oh, what a big question.

Kerry Washington is one of America’s notable stars. Though she can’t lay claim to being America’s top celebrity, she’s a celebrity nevertheless, and the things she does and says make the news. Like all celebrities, she likes to makes the news, and her latest newsmaking gimmick is her disclosure that she also bears Ogechi which is an Igbo name. Yes, Igbo name, and she revealed to InStyle magazine that has the name because Igbo culture dictates that she must have one because she’s married to an Igbo man, Nnamdi Asomugha. “Nnamdi’s parents are Nigerian immigrants. His father passed when he was young. When you marry into the Igbo culture, you get a new name. My name is Ogechi. I wear it on a necklace my mother-in-law gave me.” And really determined to hog the headlines with her disclosure, she added for good measure that her daughter also has an Igbo name, something her own grandmother would frown at and really, really disapprove of. “My daughter’s name is Isabelle Amarachi. Is...

A-list Nollywood personality, Jim Iyke, is probably not in the best of moods right now. When a girl you’ve presented to the world as your girl gets pregnant and reportedly delivers twins for someone else, how would you feel? Well, however you would feel is how Iyke must be feeling right now with the hotly trending report that his alleged girlfriend, A-list actress Nadia Buari, has delivered twins, but not for him, thereby indicating to everyone that their relationship never was. Though they’ve not been making the news recently with their alleged relationship as they used to a couple of years ago, they were probably still in people’s minds as a couple because Iyke in particular had gone to great lengths to paint them as one. Though some people insisted that their relationship was a publicity stunt, some nevertheless insisted that they should humour them by agreeing with them that they were indeed a couple until the bubble would burst. That bubble has indeed burst now, in Iyke’...

When most people see artists displaying their six-packs and toned bodies acquired after several workout sessions in the gymnasium or through home exercises, what mostly comes to their minds is that those artists are showing off their attractive physiques. Artists who have been found guilty of this showoff include Iyanya, Banky W, Flavour, Sean Tizzle, Mo’ Cheddah, Omotola, D’Prince, Peter P-Square, 50 Cent and LL Cool J. They show off their amazing physiques because they disciplined themselves to undertake strenuous workouts to acquire and maintain them and then feel that the world should see their achievements. So blame them for being vain as they don’t really have to show them off. But why do these artists work out? Is it to attract ladies (in the case of men), to while away time, to be in good health or to just show off vainly? Well, Oseyiza Oogbodo Blog can authoritatively reveal that the reason most of your favourite artists are spending countless hours and money exerc...

Clement is the third runner-up of Project Fame West Africa’s seventh season which held last year. He stood out during the highly rated music talent hunt because he had a leg injury which he was performing with. Having just released a new song, Ropopo, he spoke to OSEYIZA OOGBODO BLOG about his plans and his time in PFWA. What actually happened to your leg while you were competing in Project Fame last year? A week after the show started, we were all rehearsing outside, and I came in to pick something, and the next thing I knew, I slipped and fell down and it was a bit more serious than is usual in such situations. Was it both your legs that were affected? No. Just my left leg. My left knee actually. There are some people who believe that you went so far in PFWA because of your knee injury that made people pity you. How do you feel about that? Honestly, I felt bad about that back then. I felt bad because I didn’t want people to see me that way. And because of my injury, I ...

Pre-hook Boy you're all I want Cause you got what I need Tell me boy do you see The happiness in me I love my life anytime I wish you are As long as you love me Boy I'm telling you Hook There's nothing I won't do To make you smile oh There's nothing I won't do To make you happy There's nothing I won't do I'll give my life to you There's nothing I won't do I no go lie oh Oh my baby boo Verse 1 Got a girl up wondering All night pondering How is it you tifi my heart Sunshine got me kneel The blessing you believe me That we will never be apart Say say girl up wondering All night pondering How is it you tifi my heart Sunshine got me kneel The blessing you believe me That we will never be apart Refrain Say say I want you to know That I love you baby I need you to know That I love you baby I want you to know That I want you baby I need you to know That I'll never ...

Holding on April 4th at Eko Atlantic, the 2015 edition of the Gidi Culture Festival is quickly approaching. On the road to GCFest, its organisers, Eclipse Live Africa, have tons of giveaways and information for fans, including the second line-up of artists, hosts and DJs as well as the revamped GCFest soundtrack created by super producer, Maleek Berry, who is on Wizkid’s Star Boy imprint. With daytime activities including beach sports, fun zone, food, fashion and art all leading up to the main stage lighting up with the best talent from across the African continent, the GCFest is West Africa’s biggest beach festival. Last week, Eclipse Live Africa announced that the first line-up of artists includes MI, SDC, Waje, Yemi Alade, Falz, Temi Dollface, Ebisan, Ghana’s EL, Kenya’s Victoria Kimani and Sauti Sol, Rwanda’s Urban Boyz and Congo’s Awilo. And with a revamped location, sublime roster of artists, and partners that are taking care of festivalgoers from start to finish, GCFes...

Promising actor, model, media personality and photographer, Sunkanmi Ogunade better known as Sunky, has been nominated in the best photography category of the African Gala Awards scheduled to hold next month in Malaysia on the 25 th , a Saturday. And speaking with Oseyiza Oogbodo Blog , Sunky, who is presently based in Malaysia where he’s studying and at the same time trying to break into the international modeling and acting sectors, said he’s very delighted with the nomination which recognizes the creativity and efforts he puts into photography, but would be more delighted if he actually wins the award itself. Since the award is voted for, he canvassed for votes, urging his fans to go out of their way to vote for him massively at www.agaawards.com.

One day, we woke up to the fact that sexy singers like Tiwa Savage, Seyi Shay, Saeon, Yemi Alade and many others had become a part of our lives through their songs and in particular their music videos.

LKT became famous in 2007 when he featured on Olu Maintain’s monster hit, Yahoozee. Since then, much has been expected of him and he has been trying his best to live up to expectations. In this interview by OSEYIZA OOGBODO BLOG, he reveals that one of the expectations, his debut album, is finally dropping this month and also said that his relationship with Olu Maintain which became sour is now sweet again. How did you get the inspiration for your smash hit, Alaye ? Alaye came about when I and my brother, Puffy Tee, were in the studio working with Young D. And after recording about four songs with Young D, I asked him to give me a standard beat and he did and I had to do something good with it and what I did was Alaye and everybody loved it. What is Alaye all about? Alaye is like your personal person, someone you look up to, like your boss, you know. And I’m very happy with it because it’s a big song just like my Follow Follow featuring P-Square so it means I’m moving forw...

It’s very hard to become a star, a celebrity or a popular and famous figure. As hard as it is to achieve fame, it’s harder still to retain it. Many who achieve it lose it after a very short time. But they don’t lose it without trying their best to retain it, as the lifestyle of a celebrity is so desirable that most people want it so those who attain don’t ever want to lose it. The sad reality of life however is that nothing lasts forever and that whatever has a beginning must have an ending. So fame and stardom don’t last forever. No matter how popular and famous a celebrity or star is, he or she eventually fades for newer faces. While some stars fade due to age, most fade because they are not able to sustain whatever made them famous. For instance, a musician can only keep being popular by releasing smash hits, and actors, actresses can only keep their fame by starring in blockbuster movies. And going by all the above permutations, it shouldn’t be surprising to anyone that some...

Fela The real indication of Fela’s legendary status is none other than the upcoming Kalakuta Museum (KM).

Lillian Amah is one of Nollywood’s top actresses. She is also a producer. But unlike most of her colleagues who are always courting attention, thereby making them highly visible, Amah seems to be on the silent side. However, in this interview by OSEYIZA OOGBODO BLOG, she disclaims the notion that she is silent. What's the latest about you? I am on the set of Bridges as an actress and also producing the 3rd edition of Z-Mirage International Cultural Exchange Programme premiering on July 13 th and touring Lagos, Ogun, Ondo and London. Is Bridges a TV soap opera or a movie? It is a television series advocating the benefits of signing on to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and it is produced by Buffer Zone Communications. In it, I play the role of Hadiza who became an advocate of NHIS after almost losing her life and benefitting from a health insurance scheme she signed up for just to encourage a friend. It’s the sort of production I like to take part in because...

Sammie Okposo is one of the pillars of the Nigerian music industry. He has been consistent at the top of the gospel music sector for years and continues to remain relevant. Now, as he prepares to release his latest album internationally, he tells OSEYIZA OOGBODO BLOG that the potentials of entertainment should be tapped in Nigeria. What’s the latest about you? The latest? Chineke. It’s about my album, The Statement. It’s about to be unveiled. It’s a 22-track album with three bonus tracks, that’s a total of 25 tracks in one album. It will come out on the third of August at the Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, and it will be distributed internationally by a label based in Oklahoma called TMG Records. Proper distribution, all the contracts have been signed, in fact it’s a miracle, so we are getting ready to release it internationally and locally and that is what I’ve been working on all these months, so we are ready to go now. So are you unveiling with a concert or just a launching? ...

Being handicapped is not an excuse to beg, says Dr Oluwatele Olaide Moruf, a blind man and founder of Competent Handicapped Industry and Vocational Training Centre (CHIVTC). “I founded CHIVTC to help my fellow handicapped,” he explains. “Begging is not good and being handicapped is not an excuse to beg. Though I can understand why some of us would want to beg, because we are in a country that doesn’t encourage us, but rather discourages us, yet I believe we shouldn’t beg to survive,” he reaffirmed. In a tone of voice seeping with displeasure, he said, “Anyone who has travelled out of Nigeria will know that Nigeria is not a country that handicapped should be in. We are not recognized. We are treated equally with able-bodied people, and it shouldn’t be so. We are not saying we should be treated with discriminatory preference, but at the same time, we deserve our own special laws guarding our special existence. “For instance, in America, buildings are not approved unless they have ...

Nigeria’s problems have thrown up many people who are trying their best to solve them. Evangelist Elishama Ideh is one of such people and she initiated the Partnership For A New Nigeria (PFANN) for that reason. “PFANN’s only goal is to make Nigeria a better nation by advocating and sensitising Nigerians on the need to live righteously, purposefully and selflessly for the betterment of all and the nation.” Presently, PFANN is very concerned about the incessant spate of church bombings and overall insecurity in the nation. Worriedly, Ideh said, “As soon as a bomb goes off, those in authority say they are on top of the situation. But the question remains why they are always on top of the situation only after the bombs have gone off and precious lives and property lost? “Indeed, the only way to show that they are on top of the situation is to prevent more bombs from exploding, or arrest and bring to justice all those perpetrating these evil acts.” Declaring that the country is des...

Quaze crooner, Mercy Oseghale, is ready again with another hit album, I Shall Not Die , that she says “will definitely surpass the critical and commercial success of Quaze which got me three nominations at NMVA 2007.” A professional singer since 17 years of age, Oseghale’s breakthrough into the entertainment was in 1987, the year she also won the Archbishop Benson Idahosa Best Artist of the Year award. A former praise leader of the Auchi Polytechnic Corporate Worship, she is also a founding member and two-time secretary general of The Omega Promotion (a gospel music club in Auchi Polytechnic) and one-time member and lead soloist of the Gospel Echoes of Auchi. Armed with her wealth of experience, it was easy for her to storm gospel music industry with her African contemporary gospel style in 2007 through Quaze , an album that is still selling fast. And now, I Shall Not Die , her next album will hit the market from November 20th. Even as I Shall Not Die ’s launching is schedule...

How time flies! Midnight Crew, the popular gospel music group that has the national anthem, Igwe , as their biggest hit to date, is now ten years old. And in celebration of their milestone age, the group’s members have concluded plans to celebrate in a big way. The celebration will be a week-long of activities that will culminate in a concert, Praise Of A Decade at the University of Lagos on November 27 th . Patricia Uwaje-King, the group’s spokesperson, speaks more. “We will also visit motherless babies’ homes where we will share fun and excitement with them in the spirit of love. Our concert will also be a launch pad for many upcoming gospel artists and we have also set up a foundation for the betterment of the society.”

South-South music artist, Bigg Splash of Gruv Enuff Factory is set to launch his debut album, The Amaka-Y Guy , on December 3 rd at Hexagon Night Club, Benin, Edo State. The album was produced by several hot producers including Dr Frabs and also features music superstars Duncan Mighty and Durella amongst others. As all music artists are known to do, Bigg Splash boasted that the album will take over the market because “it is lyrically deep, provocative and is in tune with the streets. It is extremely commercial so it will sell like hot cake.” According to him, some of the tracks on the album that people have already predicted will become massive hits are Ozikpalor, Shun Has A Gun and African Lady . Speaking further, Bigg Splash said, “ Shun Has A Gun is a track that’s very dear to me. I wrote it as a tribute to Barrister Igho who was killed a few days after his wedding. So the song talks against illegal gun possession.”

Call Dominion Lifestyle (DL) the latest magazine in town and you just might not be wrong. It is certainly a new addition to the saturated magazine market. A 32-page Christian magazine that however has sections on every aspect of human lifestyle and culture, DL was presented to the press on Monday, April 2 nd at its corporate headquarters in Lagos. Delivering his opening speech, Chairman of the magazine presentation, Senior Apostle S A Owojori, said that all publications start in a small manner, the same way DL has done. He cited Newswatch founded by Ray Ekpu and his colleagues as a magazine that started small but became a brand over time. While speaking, DL’s publisher, Barrister Gabriel Awosemo, said he first had the vision to publish a magazine over twenty years ago so its coming into existence finally is not by chance or peradventure but the materialisation of the divine design that God ordained for him in the vision. Presently, DL is a bi-monthly as Awosemo said that they h...

Women are known for their love of jewellry: chains, wristwatches, rings, bracelets, ear rings, brooches, tiaras, etc. However, of all forms of jewellry, the ear ring is not just an adornment but a symbol of womanhood. It is not a common sight to see a woman without ear rings, especially in public. Even when they don’t have other jewellry pieces on, they have ear rings. Such is the importance of ear rings to them that they start wearing them from when they are still babies. Therefore, it is astounding that some women don’t actually wear this all-important female accessory. Mrs Bunmi George is one such female dissident of the norm. Her reason for not wearing ear rings is shocking, to say the least. “I don’t wear ear rings because they are meant for slaves,” she told this reporter. “According to the Bible, ear rings differentiate slaves from their masters. Even the nose ring too indicates slavery. So they are not meant for children of God as they indicate that those wearing them ar...

Without a doubt, Nigeria is a country people find it very hard to give others because they do not have enough for themselves, so how do they give? Yet popular adages say ‘Givers never lack’ and ‘God loves a cheerful giver’ meaning that those who give willingly and happily always receive what they have given in return with additions. But despite these adages, which many people have sworn are true, most Nigerians, who are actually struggling to fend for their own needs, still find it hard to give. They find it hard to give their own children and relatives and practically don’t even consider the needs of their non-relatives. Yet there is one Nigerian who doesn’t have a lot but tries his best to give as much as he can to those who are less fortunate than he is. His name is Dennis Akpan and he is the founder of Natural Healing Foundation, a non-governmental organisation he set up to help poor people. “I am not a rich man,” he confirmed to National Mirror. “But I’ve discovered over ...

Lagos residents were privileged to benefit of free medical check-ups by Indian doctors from January 28 th – 31 st . The doctors, some of India’s finest, were brought in at the instance of the West Africa Theological Seminary (WATS), supported by Glory Christian Ministries (GCM) and Artemis Health Institute of India. The medical consultations were held on the 28 th and 29 th at GCM and on 30 th and 31 st at WATS, and many Lagosians availed themselves of the opportunity to consult with world class doctors about their health status. Coordinator of the medical outreach, Pastor Oluwafemi Martins, while speaking with Oseyiza Oogbodo Blog, described the project as a success. “The turnout of people in need of medical advisory was quite much. The doctors had their hands full attending to them all. The work left them fagged out, but the doctors are incredible. They attended to patients from 10am to 6pm each day with just 30 minutes for lunch break.” When Oseyiza Oogbodo Blog visited ...

It is now ten years after the January 27, 2002 Ikeja bomb explosions that claimed a good number of lives of Lagos residents. The bombs exploded in the armoury of the 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army. Part of the debate thrown up by the explosions was the ever-present argument that military barracks shouldn’t be located in town limits but in town outskirts. Chief S A Okunrinjeje is the Olukosi 1 of Onigbongbo, the community closest to the 9 Brigade barracks. He told Community Mirror that “we don’t want the barracks in our neighbourhood. We never wanted it in the first place but it’s been there since the colonial era. All the same, we don’t want it because it is a threat to us, and that was proven by the explosions ten years ago.” But while Okunrinjeje is adamant that the barracks should be relocated, another Onigbongbo resident, Dele Jimoh, is satisfied with its presence. “I don’t see anything wrong with the barracks being here. Its location here is security for us. Armed robbers can...