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| Emmanuel |
In this
interview monitored by SHOWBIZPLUSng, the Delta State-born entertainer shared the
memories of his experience at the contest, dreams, upbringing and huge love for
Nollywood divas, Genevieve Nnaji and Rita Dominic.
Who is the
man behind the Mr. Nigeria fame?
My name is
Ikubese Emmanuel. I am an actor and a model. I have done a couple of movies,
like MTV Shuga, I acted with Tiwa Savage. I played the role of Femi. Then I
have also done short movies with MNET, one is Beyond Conscience, while the
other ones are not out yet. I am also a model, presenter and a musician.
When was the
kickoff of all these entertainment stuffs in you?
It all
started when I was in school in Kenya. I school in United States International
University, Nairobi, Kenya. I studied international relations. So,
while I was in school, I was also doing entertainment. I started by organizing
events. Then from there, I started doing music. So, far I have performed with a
whole lot of Nigerian artistes.
The first
step I took into the entertainment industry was modeling, then I started
organizing events, then the singing, acting and others followed.
Are you a Jack
of all trades and master of none?
No no no! I
don’t want to confuse my fans anymore. For now, I am focusing more on a couple
of projects that I am putting together as Mr. Nigeria and first runner up of
Mr. World. Then my acting and modeling career follows. These I’ll be doing for
now while I rest the rest, especially my music.
What is the
genre of your music?
I do Afro-hip-hop.
Do you have
an album yet?
Yes, I
actually released an album back there when I was in Kenya. And I have opened
shows for some big names in the Nigerian music industry. People like Darey,
D’banj, Sasha, Basket Mouth and others.
Then my
stage name was ‘9con’ (The Nigeria connection). I was like a big Nigerian star
in Kenya. They really like Nigerian stars, so it was very easy for me to stand
out.
After the
shooting of Shuga 3 back there in Kenya, I decided to come home to see what I can
do for myself here in Nigeria.
So when do
you intend going back to music?
When I get
to a certain stage, when I think I have established myself enough in acting and
modeling, then I would give music another shot. I will take like one year off
and do music, then bounce back to acting. I love performing on stage, so I
won’t give up music. Lots of artistes joggle acting and music together, Justin
Timberlake, Jamie Foxx, Will Smith, and lots of others. It is all about
management.
When you
were announced the winner of Mr. Nigeria, did you really see it coming?
At first,
the main reason I went for Mr. Nigeria contest was because, I was having a
problem with my brand. Some people call me 9con, others call me Femi Shuga.
Lots of people don’t know me as Emmanuel, which is the real me.
Aside that,
I had always wanted to go for Mr. Nigeria contest, but I didn’t have the chance
because of my school in Kenya.
Bryan
Okwara, the first Mr. Nigeria was someone I knew back in the days when I was in
Satelite town. After he contested and won Mr. Nigeria, I saw a lot of
opportunities and platforms it created for him. So I really wanted to do it
too.
Even after I
bought the form, I almost gave up in the last minute because I was just scared
that I might not win. But my parents gave me lots of encouragements and pushed
me forward. My fear was what people would say if I didn’t win, they will be
calling you all sorts of names behind.
It was a big
step of faith for me, I had to just do it and to God be the glory I came out as
Mr. Nigeria 2014. As if that was not enough, I also contested for Mr. World and
came second. It is indeed a huge achievement. I won the most stylish man at the
Mr. World competition.
Being part
of Mr. Nigeria was really a big stepping stone for me.
What do you
think made you stand out among other contestants?
We started
off with 60 contestants, later it was cut down to 20 guys that went to the
camp. One thing I think stood me out was that I was just myself the whole
times, then the grace of God. It is the will of God. He just wanted me to win,
because I don’t really see what I have that others don’t have.
But what if
you did not winner?
Honestly, I
don’t know what would have happened if I didn’t win. But the fact is that I
never thought about that. In everything I do, I give it my best and expect the
best also. At first, I was having doubts but when I was fully convinced to do
it, I became very positive and focused.
To tell you
how positive I was, before I went in for Mr. Nigeria, I was already aiming at
Mr. World. I was just so pre-occupied watching Mr. World video clips to know
how to get prepared to face the Mr. World.
What was it
like at the Mr. World?
It was
great. I felt honoured to fly the flag of my country for the whole world to
see. When we were in camp, they don’t call me Emmanuel, they call me ‘Nigeria’.
They don’t even know my name; they just call me by the name of my
country. I am proud I didn’t fail my country; I made them proud as the second
runner up. I also won the crown of the second Most Desirable Man in the World
and the most Stylish man in the world 2014.
How true are
the gay rumours in the camp of Mr. Nigeria contestants?
No! Not all.
There is nothing of such. You know how guys are; so friendly and free.
Honestly, I haven’t heard or noticed anything of such.
Guy’s thing?
They are often naked together which might trigger some sexual feeling, right?
They were
never a time we were naked together. We might just wear shorts and play
football, or some other sports, that was it. There was no sense in all of that.
At least, I am speaking for myself. Nobody looked at me anyhow. (laughs).
There was
never anything like that. Believe me. We were all cool guys. Nothing of that
nature.
What was her
reaction when you eventually emerged the winner of Mr. Nigeria 2014?
Who is the
she? My mum? She was indeed so excited; she felt amazing (laughs). Yea! My
sisters too. They were so happy for me.
Not your
mum, your girlfriend?
I am not
into a relationship. My last relationship was back then when I was
Nairobi; we were together for a very long time. At a point, lots of
things were not going right so we decided to just call if off. She was a
Tanzanian. I had to leave her to focus on my career because it was more
important to me. All these happened like a year ago.
So since
then, you haven’t tried another relationship?
Yes! I have
been focusing on my career. It has been the only form of relationship I have
for now. Probably, when I am more settled, then I can think of a relationship
but for now, it is just me and my career.
Are you
saying you haven’t had sex in the past one year?
I didn’t say
that. I never said I have stayed away from sex for one year. Maybe I have a
side chic, but I am not into any serious relationship. (laughs). I have
had lots of fun when I was in school, so I think it is high time I focused on
my career.
When I meet
the right person to settle with, then probably I would give relationship
another shot.
As a
handsome dude, who just won Mr. Nigeria and first runner-up Mr. World, girls
would be all over you, how long can you stay away from sex?
Is it about
the sex or the relationship? As for the sex part, I can stay as long as I
want to. I can stay even up three years or more. I am not saying I have done
that, but I am saying I can if I really want to. It is all about
self-discipline. I am focusing on my career for now.
What are
your pet projects?
I am working
on a lot of projects, like Feed-The-Child project, feeding the kids from
orphanage homes, on the streets and some helpless kids. It is going to be like
a fun day with them. We are urging people to come fund this project and
help feed our helpless kids.
I intend
doing that on my birthday which is coming up this August. When I am fully
ready, I’d let you guys know.
I would also
be working on a project against domestic violence. My own personal foundation
is also in the coolers. I really want to impact on the lives of people because
looking at where I came from and where I am now, I know it has only been the
grace of God.
I was born
and brought up in Ajegunle; it was just God that brought me where I am now. So,
I really want to inspire other people in every little way I can.
What has the
Mr. Nigeria fame done for you?
It showcased
me to the world and I met people of different calibres. People that impacted on
my life. It has really changed my life and my thinking.
Who are your
role models in the entertainment industry?
Desmond
Elliot, I am still looking forward to working with him. I have worked with Tiwa
Savage and I really enjoyed every bit of the moment with her. I am also looking
forward to working with Genevieve Nnaji, Mercy Johnson, Omotola Jalade and Rita
Dominic, because these people really stand out.
Any crush on
any of our female stars?
I used to
have a crush on Mercy Johnson until she got married. Then I stopped because it
is not good to crush on married women to avoid getting into trouble. Then
Genevieve, Rita Dominic and Omotola too. I respect hardworking women a lot. I
am still looking forward to the movie where I would play a romantic scene like
a boyfriend to Genevieve or Rita. I really love those two.
How old is
Mr. Nigeria?
I am 25,
going to 26 this month.
How was your
growing up days?
Growing up
days was fun for me. I am the first with two siblings. We were born and
brought up in Ajegunle. In one room self-contain apartment in a face-me-I-face
you house but with a very wonderful and supportive family.
My father is
so great; he made sure we had the best of education. For primary school, I went
to Early Life Primary School in Festac. Then I went to Kings High school before
moving to Kenya for my University days. My dad went into lots of debts just to
make sure we went to the best schools. That was the more reason I was hustling
in Kenya, doing music, movie, model, events and all sorts to support myself in
school. Till now, my daddy is still paying the debts he owed due to our
education.
ENTERTAINMENT EXPRESS
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