2015: Akpabio in trouble as PDP elders accused him of imposing SSG on them...Says he runs party with family members

Akpabio

SHOWBIZPLUSng can authoritatively reveal that Akwa Ibom State is currently boiling as some elders of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State have protested alleged moves by the state Governor, Godswill Akpabio, to further isolate the founding-fathers of the party.

The party stakeholders, who petitioned the PDP National Secretariat, accused the governor of trying to foist the current Secretary to the State Government Mr. Udom Emmanuel, on the party as its governorship candidate in the 2015 general elections.

They also alleged that prominent members of the party such as former Governor Obong Victor Attah, Atuekong Don Etiebet, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, among others, had been sidelined from party affairs.

The petition, which was signed by 60 prominent indigenes of the state, also accused the governor of using family members and loyalists to run the party.

Copies of the protest letter were sent to President Goodluck Jonathan, the Chief Tony Anenih-led Board of Trustees of the PDP and reporters in Abuja.

The elders warned that the party might suffer a disastrous outing in 2015 if steps were not taken to address the issue of factionalisation of the party by the governor.

They also accused the state governor of maintaining a stranglehold on the party, noting that the governor and his men relocated the secretariat of the PDP from it 149, Ikot Ekpene Road, Uyo address, to the residence of his younger brother, one Ibanga Akpabio.

Parts of their grievances against Akpabio also include the withdrawal of one Mr. Pauk Ekpo, from his cabinet and making him the state party chairman.

The petitioners described Ekpo as a mere figure head. They declared that the state PDP was being run by the governor’s brothers, Emem and Ibanga Akpabio. They named others as, Nsetip and Prince Akpabio.

They also accused the governor of making his younger brother, Ibanga, the party’s scribe while his Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation, Mr. Emmanuel Ekpeyong, was made the state youth leader.

The petition partly read, “The governor personalised the party by withdrawing one of his former commissioners and friend, Mr. Paul Ekpo, from the state executive cabinet and made him the state party chairman.

“Similarly, he hand-picked his younger brother; Mr. Ibanga Akpabio, as the state party secretary and also made his Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation, Mr. Emmanuel Ekpenyong, as the state youth leader. The rest of the so-called party officers are either his cronies or relatives.”

Those who signed the petition include a former Deputy Governor, Chris Ekpenyong; Ambassador Assam Assam (SAN); a former Minister, Obong Rita Akpan; Senator Alloysius Etuk; a party chieftain, Otuekong Sunny Jackson; two former Speakers of Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Mr. Peter Linus; and Chief Nelson Effiong.

Other signatories are some former members of the House of Representatives, Messrs. Bernard Udoh; Ekperikpe Ekpo; Tony Esu; Emmanuel Obot; Soni Udom; a former Deputy Speaker, Uwem Udoma; a former House Leader Uwem Ekanem and others.

When contacted, the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, dismissed the petition describing it as an old one.

He alleged that a desperate governorship aspirant was behind the petition as well as the agitation noting that the state chapter of the PDP was intact.

Umanah said, “There is nothing to it (petition), it is an old one. Just like our party chairman has said, our party is intact. We held an extended meeting where a number of these people attended.

“The party met and took a decision to zone the governorship position to Eket Senatorial District which is one of the largest oil producing area in the state.

“The area has not produced a governor for the state since its creation, the party decided to zone the governorship to this area in the spirit of fairness and equity. The party never said it will not sell its form to anybody who is interested.

“At no time did the party ask anybody not to contest. At the time Governor Godswill Akpabio contested the primary, 57 others from all over the state contested against him and he won.”

Why I left KC

-Presh

By FEMI SALAWU


Why did you set up your own record label?
Actually we’ve been like a family for a while and the CEO of EricMany Records is a personal friend. They saw the potential in me and were like, ‘you know what, let’s do this. Presh, you are talented. Let’s hit the world. Let’s show them what you have inside of you.

It was widely believed that the record label came to rescue you because you were broke, how true is this?
(Laughs) That’s a big lie. Presh was never broke. If I was broke, would I have travelled for all those trips. I would have been in this country.  It is so sad that in Nigeria, once you are not in the limelight, people think you are broke. Even during those trips, I did shows. I deliberately made up my mind at one point that I didn’t want to make public appearances because I was rebranding and repackaging. I went behind closed doors to get myself ready for the world again.
I have been signed to Eric Manny Records.  It is owned by millionaire businessman and boss of Dilly Motors, Okwudili Umenyiora.

What was on your mind when you left limelight? Why did you break-up with Kcee?
I was doing music and as well reinventing myself. When we were together, he was taking away my style of music because that wasn’t really me, it was the commercial side of us. But now, I need to re-awake that thing inside of me, the singing, dancing and gingered Presh, all put together. I needed to bring out the other part of me and it needs a lot of work that was why I went out.

Any special thing about this your second coming?
Having a record label makes it much easier because aside a label, I now work with a management, Flytime Management. A lot of people are putting heads together to make this thing better than when it was Presh and KCee.

Any plan of releasing an album before the year runs out?
None at all, far from it. I don’t have plans of dropping an album any time soon. I don’t think I want to do an album now.

Is there something that you are afraid of?
I think with the reality of the industry, the release of albums seem to throw one down. For instance, when you need an album you need to give it all your time and attention. It would restrict your movement and all that. However, when you drop singles, you make progress. Aside that, Nigerian music is dynamic and things change every now and then. For instance, if you are busy in the studio working on a particular album and suddenly other partners disengage, you start all over again.

What stands you out in the industry?
I think, it is my voice and my personality. I am very simple and focused.

When are you dropping your next single?
I am just waiting for the video of the first song to be released, my next single is ready.

What is happening in the industry?
I want to go international by God’s grace. Then, you don’t need anybody to tell you that this is Presh moving forward.  That is where I’m eyeing.

You want to tell us about your love life?
 I must tell you that at the moment, I am married to my music. For now, I am engaged to music. In fact, I am dating music. For now, what I feel for is my music and nothing else; that is what I am pursuing.

These days entertainers keep flaunting their love children, do you have one hidden somewhere that we don’t know?
No, I don’t have. You can go round to find out but I bet you, there’s nothing for you to find. If I am going to have one, I will let you know. For now, it is music that I want to marry. Maybe when I’m done with music, I might think of other things. But for now, it’s just music and nothing else for me. I love women and relationships, they are dear to me but for now, I have to take permission from them to marry my music.

Are you confident that your comeback campaign would thrill your fans?
In Nigeria, if you have a good song, your fans will appreciate you.

What is your current relationship with your former group member, Kcee?
It is cordial and I won’t lie to you about that. For instance, I sent him a birthday SMS, I still have it on my phone and I can show you. It goes like this, ‘Happy birthday bro, I wish you success, good health, long life and prosperity.’ The fact remains that he’s my brother and we are both doing music successfully. I am not in competition with him, if I am not happy with him that makes me an enemy of progress. I am so happy for his progress. Even the last AY show, when he was performing, I was dancing. There’s nothing to regret about our decision to go solo. As far as music is concerned, Presh has somewhere to go to and that is where I am heading.

How did you start?
I started music when I was very young. I started out in the church and later became the music director. I met KC and from there we formed the group and metamorphosed into KCPresh. We grew up in the ghetto streets of Ajegunle, Olodi Apapa to be precise.

Talking about church, you were close to Prophet T.B Joshua, what is your current relationship with him?

We were just like every other people that visited the church. I must confess he’s a good man. We only went there for a programme. And we were allowed to use the church to shoot one of our old videos. I must confess, the man is a good man. He encourages talents and supports young people.

Controversy as Censors Board stops nationwide release of Half of a Yellow Sun

The Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) dashed the hopes of moviebuffs by stopping the planned nationwide release of Half of a Yellow, due to some controversial scenes in the movie.

SHOWBIZPLUSng learnt that the movie was originally slated for cinema release today, April 25, but was abruptly cancelled when it failed to meet standards of the apex film regulating body in Nigeria.

However, while speaking, Mrs. Yewande Sadiku, the Executive Producer of the big budget film dismissed the report that the film had been banned by the NFVCB.
"It is not true," said Mrs. Sadiku in a press statement.
"The highly anticipated release of Half of a Yellow Sun in Nigeria has been postponed due to delays in obtaining certification from the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board for the public release of the film. Subject to obtaining the certification of the Board, the film is now rescheduled for release on 2nd May 2014."

Meanwhile, there are conflicting reports that the big budget film has been completely banned by the Censors Board, for their inability to conform with the board’s rules and regulations.

Time 100:
Heartbroken Genevieve dumped again
By FEMI SALAWU

Expectations that Nollywood sweetheart, Genevieve Nnaji would be named among Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential for the year have been crushed again. In fact, for the second year running, the organizers of the prestigious global recognition have broken the heart of Nollywood poster girl.

For her teeming fans, the star actress of Half of a Yellow Sun, was one of the biggest omissions of the international media organization’s top 100 power list.
There were huge sentiments that the actress would make the final cut after missing out last year to arch rival Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde. The thinking was that a consolatory honour would come the way of the actress, but painfully it never happened, thus leaving her shattered and devastated.
Incidentally, a reception in honour of Omotola’s international recognition exposed the fierce rivalry between the two actresses. When the First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan hosted a luxury reception for the multi-talented actress and mother of four, Genevieve Nnaji was the most obvious absentee.
“As much as this exercise chronicles the achievements of the past year, we also focus on figures whose influence is likely to grow, so we can look around the corner to see what is coming,” declared the magazine.
According to TIME, “The 2014 list includes a record number of women: 41. It features people born on six continents, ranging in age from 16 to 78. We feature not just inventors but also re-inventors, people who acquired expertise in one field and are now transplanting it to another.”
Other popular omissions in the wider African cinema include Kenyan born actress, Lupita N’yongo and Nigerian-British actor, Chiwetel Ejiofor. Both have recorded huge success including Oscar Awards and BAFTA since the box office debut of 12 Years of A Slave.
But the same cannot be said of Genevieve Nnaji who only has her modest performance in rave movie adaption, Half Of A Yellow Sun. Aside that, the dark-skinned actress who recently clinched an endorsement deal has had a quiet year.
Multibillionaire industrialist and CEO of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote and Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy are the two Nigerians that were named on the exclusive list. TIME 100 for 2014 was made public in a special print edition of the magazine that was revealed on Thursday.

SE could not reach Miss Nnaji for reactions before going to press. However, two insiders who spoke with us on the conditions of anonymity, disclosed that Nnaji was heartbroken and devastated when she found out her name was missing on the this year’s TIME 100 Most Influential list 2014.

Stella Damasus needs prayers from fans

Nollywood actress Stella Damasus added another year during the week. The actress, who celebrated her 36st birthday on April, 25, via her Facebook wall, said she is grateful for staying on the planet for one more year.
"God has been good to me and I am grateful. I appreciate all of you who have prayed for me and supported me through my trying times, challenges and lowest points. God answered your prayers oh. I am still standing. God bless you.
I look back in my life and realize how much love God has for his children. As we grow older we begin to understand the most important things in life. People have been asking me what gifts I want this year. Truth is, what I need most are your prayers and love. We all need it," her message said.

 Dr. Sid joins Nollywood

Mavin records artiste, Sidney Esiri, popularly called Dr. Sid has finally joined the Nigerian movie industry globally known as Nollywood.

Some months ago, it went viral that Davido made an acting debut, now it is Dr. Sid who is gladly following the steps of his late father Justus Esiri.

Late Esiri was a veteran actor before he passed away on February, 20, 2013, after a mild heart attack.

His son, the ‘Surulere’ crooner made his Nollywood debut in the movie, ‘The Last Three Digits’. The 33-year-old teamed up with actor Nonso Diobi to give the home video a good shoot.

While grading the performance of the new act, the movie director, Moses Inwang, gave kudos to Sid, “In 2008 Justus Esiri gave me a wonderful performance in the film Chase. Six years later, his son Dr Sid stepped into his father’s great shoes and blows me away with this amazing performance in The Last Three Digits playing alongside talented actor Nonso Diobi”

Cossy Orjiakor says no to ‘nudity in movies’

Controversial Nollywood actress, Cossy Orjiakor who is well known for always flaunting her massive boobs without fear of criticisms is still standing her grounds that even with an enticing fee; she'll never go nude in movies.

“The truth is that I have a very good heart and I am very emotional to the people I care about. But no matter what I do, I always remember my mother’s advice that, no matter what I do, I must never go nude in a movie or outside the set. I can’t do anything for money if my comfort is at stake.

 Most men notice my boobs when they meet me for the first time. They touch each other, arguing whether or not they are real. It will take a man with a lot of guts to walk up to me and approach me. But I believe in marriage and hope to eventually marry and have kids of my own.” She said.

No rival between Chika Ike and Mercy Johnson

There were rumours making rounds that top Nollywood actresses Chika Ike and Mercy Johnson Okojie were at war with each other over respect issues.

It was also reported that Johnson was particularly bitter because she expected Chika Ike to respect her more than she does.

However, all the rumours and speculations turned out to be false as the duo took to Twitter to exchange pleasantries.

Surprisingly, the movie stars took their Twitter accounts to joke over the report, saying Johnson's daughter Purity would be the referee during their fight.

They jokingly stated that they are still the best of friends and colleagues who are not at loggerheads.

Why I acted in ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ -Genevieve Nnaji

Star actress, Genevieve Nnaji who has done hundreds of movies said ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ is one of the biggest movies she has done.

According to the Mbaise-Imo State screen goddess, “Half of a Yellow Sun is one of the biggest films I have done so far, but definitely not the most challenging role I have played in movies. I have done a lot more challenging roles in Nollywood.”

Genevieve Nnaji played the role of Miss Adebayo in the movie. She said it was safer for her because she didn’t have to experience the horrors of the war but hopes that in future if a different story is told about the civil war she will love to play the role of an Igbo woman where she would express what it meant to be an Igbo woman at that era.

 Half of a Yellow Sun is an adaptation of Chimamanda Adiche’s bestselling and award-winning novel with the same title.

The movie was produced with over 10 million Dollars (1.7 Billion Naira) and has a superb cast of stars, starring OSCAR nominee and BAFTA award winner, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Genevieve Nnaji, veteran singer Onyeka Onwenu,  Thandie Newton, Anika Rose Noni, OC Ukeje, Zack Orji, Wale Ojo, Gloria Young, Tina Mba, , Joseph Mawle, John Boyega among others.

The movie was directed by UK-based Nigerian playwright, Biyi Bandele and produced by winner of three BAFTAs and an OSCAR, Andrea Calderwood and Yewande Sadiku, an investment banker.

Aisha Abimbola still hiding her marital status

Popular Yoruba actress, Aisha Abimbola, otherwise known as Omoge Campus, has refused to state clearly whether she is happily married or just in a relationship.

She was recently asked questions about her marriage and she refused to give a direct answer, insisting that that aspect of her life should be left alone.

“What I only said is that I don’t want to talk about my relationship.  So, anything apart from that is not from me.  Each time they ask me questions on my relationship, I still repeat the same thing.  I have the right not to talk about my relationship.  And I have not granted any interview saying anything about my relationship. Everything about my relationship is personal; allow it to remain so please. I think I have the right not to talk about it.  Thank you,” she maintained.

EXPRESS BITS

Jude Okoye proposes to girlfriend

Jude Okoye has finally joined his brothers in the league of married men. Their younger brother, Ikechukwu Okoye made the announcement on Twitter and shared photos of his elder brother and her wife to-be. Jude is going to be getting married to former Miss Tourism 2012. Her name is Ifeoma Michelle Umeokeke. She and Jude have been dating for about a year now. Jude was said to have proposed to her on his birthday and she said yes.

 Time Magazine named Beyonce Most Influential Person... Dangote, Okonjo listed

Queen Bey is on the cover of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People issue. She tops this year's list of the 100 Most Influential people in the world, joining heads of states and civil activists.

Nigeria's Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote and eight other Africans made the list.

The list also includes President Obama, Chile President Michelle Bachelet, US Secretary of State John Kerry, Pharrell, Kerry Washington, Serena Williams among others.

Harrysong denies saying his parents were siblings

Harrysong a.k.a Mr. Songz has released a statement denying he ever granted an interview where he revealed his parents were siblings. Harrysong said the interview, which was published on April 22nd, was fabricated. Below is the statement from his publicist.

"I have not granted any magazine an interview in the last 12 months where I spoke about my late parent so I find it worrisome, disheartening that a magazine would manufacture a story like such. It is disturbing.”

Harrysong reiterates that he did not speak to any magazine, neither has he spoken about his parents in the press in recent time.

This would be the last and only statement Harrysong would be releasing.

Ice Prince, Sasha P, others to host fans at Etisalat Nigerian Idol IV eviction party

Ice-Prince Zamani will be hosting the first eviction party of the Nigerian Idol season IV. That’s not all; the Nigerian Idol Season four judges Dare, Dede and Nneka will also be there to party. 

The eviction party holds at Ember Creek, on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi every Saturday from April 26 to June 7, 2014.

Tourism Development Workshop 2014 Holds In Lagos

The Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation in conjunction with International  Style Week Limited, a Lagos-based emerging markets consultancy is set to hold a Tourism Development Workshop in Lagos from May 14 to 15^th, 2014, at the Intercontinental Hotel in Victoria Island. Other collaborators in this workshop include the Centre for Tourism and Cultural Diplomacy (CTCD) of the Institute of Communication and Corporate Studies, (ICCS) Lagos.

Addressing a press conference recently at the S & S Hotel, Victoria Island,      The Chief Executive Office International Style Week and Programme Coordinator, Mr. Bassey Essien revealed that the workshop will bring together over 500 delegates from the 36 states of the federation. The delegates would include policy makers, captains of the hospitality sector, thespians, elected officials, practitioners in the creative industries and tourism consultants.

He added that, the Hon. Minister of Tourism, Chief Edem Duke will give the keynote address at the workshop. The workshop in Lagos will precede the Abuja Presidential Summit on Tourism that will take place in July 2014. The Abuja summit will chart the course for revamping the tourism sector in Nigeria. Delegates for the workshop may register at: www.tifnigeria.com

 Notable speakers at the workshop include Mr Oscar Onyema, the Director-General of the Nigeria Stock Exchange and Dr. Austin Tam-George, a former lecturer at the University of Cape Town and Executive Director of the Institute of Communication and Corporate Studies, (ICCS), Lagos. Mr Onyema will speak on how tourism businesses could establish presence at the stock exchange market while Dr. Geroge will speak on the role of tourism and cultural diplomacy in national development.

Another speaker, Dr. Julaine Rigg, a US-based expert in tourism development will focus on how governments in emerging economies like Nigeria could generate revenue and create jobs through investment in tourism development. Vernice Guthrie, President of West Africa Development (WAD) will also address the legal and legislative aspects of repositioning the tourism sector in Nigeria.

Peace and security are central to the growth of tourism in any country; Dr. Kweku Asante Darkor will speak on “Reflections on Peace Education and Tourism Development in Nigeria.” Dr Darkor works with the Peace and Security Directorate of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

A Social and Human Science Specialist at the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, Nairobi, Dr Abdul Lamin, , will also speak on the topic “Developing Human Capital for Nigeria’s Tourism Industry.”

 Other speakers at the event are: Mr Olufemi Talabi, Chairman, Citilodge Hotels; Jennifer Williams Baffoe, UK-based Fashion Consultant; and Mr Uzo Nwankwo, CEO, AIQ Capital.

The workshop will also feature exhibitions showcase the vast tourism potentials of Nigeria.The workshop is sponsored by Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, Intercontinental Hotel Lagos, and Cool FM.

My rough road to the top-J Martins

By JAMES EMMANUEL
jemedia7@gmail.com  

Kindly share with us what you are working on now

I would say my fans should expect the ‘unexpectable!’ I’m always working on something. The first thing is to make sure that my fans are happy and the second thing is to ensure that the media are not being disappointed. If I push out a song which lacks substance, the media, while analyzing and reviewing it will feel disappointed. I’m not a noisy artiste, so I take my time to come out with something worthwhile. I make a few songs because I want my fans to remain happy with my outputs.

You collaborated in a song with Goldie which came out some months after her demise; how has the reception been?

I’m looking forward to that song gaining a recognition award which will go a long way in remembering her legacies. She might not be one of the greatest female singers that we have, but she pushed beyond boundaries. She made a statement. Though quite short in the scene, she made a statement which most female singers we have in the industry have not been able to make. She was very present. The name Goldie was everywhere, and that tells you how hard she worked.

As a bigger star than she was, did she find it easy featuring you in that song?

Nobody is a bigger star than another and there is nothing difficult about featuring me in her song.

So how did you feel working with her?

I felt the same way I felt while working with other African artistes. She was my friend. It didn’t take proceedings for us to agree to work together. It was just one phone call away.

Does that mean she didn’t pay you for it?

Have you ever heard I collect money for collaborations? So why would she pay me? I don’t do that.

Is that a personal decision not to charge for collaborations?

Yes, it is. Besides, I don’t do collaboration with every artiste. If I have to work on a project, such project has to interest me first before I accept it.

Your Yoyo remix with Sele Bobo was also a hit; what did you infuse into it?

Selebobo is a young man with so much talent. He has good prospects and I know he will do well. He is among the young generation coming after us. I don’t know about other people, but permit me to say this, with due respect to every entertainer, I think it’s high time that we who have been there should also create chance for other people to come in and excel. It doesn’t bring you down; rather, it takes you higher. The up and coming artistes should be given chance to prove themselves and be celebrated.

How do you think this can be achieved?

It doesn’t need much work. Somebody made room for me to come; the same way I am making rooms for other people to come up.

At this point in your career, you should be giving back to the society; what do you think about that?

What makes you think I am not giving back to the society?

So what has motivated and sustained you over the years?

It’s God, my God father, and my family. My fans and my environment are also highly prized by me. When I’m doing any song, I consider my fans. The fact that you do a song and everybody appreciates it and showers praises on you should make you think twice. The appreciations are coming because of the talent given to you by God. Such thing should humble you.

What is the craziest thing a fan has done to you?

They are just many. I’ve seen a boy of seven years singing about eight to ten of my songs-that was in Liberia. Another similar thing happened in Uganda. Such thing amazes me.

Does that mean you are more appreciated outside the country than in Nigeria?

I don’t think so.

Lots of young acts are springing up and some of them seem to be doing the same kind of songs you do. How does that make you feel?

The sky is big enough to accommodate everybody. I’m happy that High Life is gaining so much recognition and lots of artistes are tilting towards that direction. I started it. I feel good. It means that I’m doing something right.

Have you ever forgotten your lyrics while on stage?

It happens. If you are on stage for three hours, do you know how many songs you will sing within those hours? At least I have three albums to my name. But when you talk about collaborations, they are just so many. So how can one man do that without forgetting at times?

Lots of people refer to you as African artiste; what does it mean to you?

Over the years, the public have kept saying that out of the artistes they have been seeing, J Martins is an African artiste. It was the former French President, Sarkozy that gave me that recognition. It comes with lots of responsibilities. Naturally, I love to reach out to diverse set of people with my songs. My father introduced me to many kinds of songs because he’s well traveled. And each time he came back, he brought all sorts. When he gets back in the cool of the day, he takes a shower and while he’s waiting for his meal, he listens to music. So, I got exposed to all of them and that’s why I love all genres of music. I understudied them and kept them to myself knowing that no knowledge is a waste. I knew that at some point in life, they’ll be useful.

You’ve remained scandal free over the years, what is the secret?

There is no human being that is perfect. That I’m scandal free does not mean I don’t have my flaws and mistakes. We learn each day and we grow. For me, being scandal free and not scandal free is not the issue. There were times the press kept writing that I am arrogant and too proud. Most times, people make conclusion ahead of time, when they don’t even know you. When you come across some of those you believe are bad, you will find out they are so wonderful. The person who writes with the pen should not forget that his skirt that is covered can be blown off by breeze. If I write about those whose skirts have been blown open by breeze, I shouldn’t forget that breeze can also blow my own skirt.

Were you born with silver spoon?

I was not. We all had our challenges in life. Those challenges are what have made us strong and better. It’s only a foolish person that would want to fail because his or her parents didn’t provide him with a foundation to excel.

What does success mean to you?

Success is when you accommodate other people.  Off course you would have to get there first before thinking of accommodating others. You can’t be on the top forever. The day you will fall let there be some people that would hold you. That is what success entails.

How do you handle your female fans?

The biggest fans of every male artiste are the females. I have sisters; they are as good as my female fans; if I can’t treat my sisters badly, I will not treat any female fan badly.

Share with Nigerians how your career started

I started with singing. My mum was a Choir mistress so I think the seven of us in the family caught the singing bug from her. I’m the third in the row and the second son. From singing, I took to playing musical instruments after which I got into production. For many years I was fully into production. Then, Glorious Praise was the name of my production and I tried not to be among the noise makers. I produced for only gospel singers back then. I even played the keyboard for my pastor and for my God father. I had a rough time growing so, Dr David Ogbuenu, a pastor put me through school.