Cossy in battle of boobs!

The lady in the picture is definitely not Cossy’s sister but an admirer turned a friend, who believes she gathered more than Cossy as boobs concern. And when they eventually met, it becomes boobs war! While Cossy is still claiming to be the boobs queen, the lady is scoop to be leaving no stone unturned to dethrone the cat voiced actress turned singer. Critically looking at the two, who has the biggest boobs now the question begging for answer  

Break-up tale trails KcPresh

It is unarguable fact that KcPresh, the sensation hip-hop group that made up of f Kingsley Nwokwo and Precious John, is one of the long surviving musical groups in Nigeria.

While members of the likes of  Remedies, Plantashion Boiz, X-appeal, Black Tribes, among other popular group have gone their separate ways to pursue a solo career, KC and Presh, the winners of the  maiden edition of Star Quest, have managed to whether the storm for several years.

Unfortunately, that KcPresh have broken up has become a talk of town. The gist that filtered in a couple of days ago has it that the Segemenge crooners have parted ways over irreconcilable differences.

While some people see the story as a publicity stunt, few birds in the know are claiming that the once sweet brotherly affairs between KC and Presh have gone sour.  Although, those who know better have attributed KcPresh break-up to marriage, the unexpected separation is more than meet the eyes to many people.

“This kind of rumour is expected, because there is no way they would be living together after marriage but that doesn’t mean that they would not be able to remain as a musical group,” says a source. If you recall, KC tied the nuptial knot with his lover sometimes ago and the union has been blessed with a child, penultimate week, Presh was reported to have wedded secretly.

All effort to confirm the break-up tale from KcPresh was futile as their telephone numbers kept ringing but no response. Anyway, SS will keep you posted as the matter unfolds.

The Unstoppable YAW!

The name Steve Onu will definitely not strike a familiar chord to many people especially radio listeners. But that is actually the name of Yaw, arguably one of the most celebrated voices in the nation’s airwaves today. But the Awka, Anambra State born famous voice did not cut his teeth in the area where he is most celebrated today. He started in television. Better still, he could be said to have begun as a theatre practitioner or actor. Many may have forgotten his face in the soap, Flat Mates. A Theatre Arts graduate, he actually started with the practice of his trade. “Though, Flat-Mates is the one that I have been consistent with, I have done some others like, Fuji House of Commotion, Extended Family, Melodies, Dear Mama and others,” he explains. It however did not begin as it now is. Many people including friends and family members wrote him off as a never do well and advised him to seek his livelihood in the world of artisans. But what will be, the saying says, will be. He rose to where he is today through sheer determination and undivided focus. For someone who had been discarded as ‘a useless person” who would not “become anything in future”, the road has actually been tortuous and ardours. He explains further: “It has been tough, I was once told by friends when I was in secondary school, to go and learn auto- mechanic, but I refused. They even told me to become a welder, which I also refused. And I was told point blank that I was a useless person that I did not want to become anything in future. It was so difficult then, but I knew where I was going. Therefore, I remained focused.
I also had a share of it from my parents. When I finished my diploma course and prepared to go for a degree, my mother said no! It was so bad to the extent that she sent my aunt to the school management, in a bid to persuade them not to give me admission to study Theatre Arts.” The proverbial rejected stone of yesterday has now become the corner stone of today. The crest of success eventually rests on Theatre Arts. Yaw, though focus, was however spurred on by some people who acted the part of guide in the wilderness of dilemma. Forever, his eternal gratitude goes to some individuals like the ace actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) and Ali Baba, the county’s acclaimed king of stand-up-comedy. “Actually, I wanted to read Business Administration, but I never liked Mathematics; I always liked to dodge it. Then I decided to go for Marketing, but I was also told that I’d still to do Mathematics. I started thinking of a course without Maths, then, I got admission into the Petroleum Institute for a diploma course, I was still told that I needed Maths. That was when I told myself to pull out and do something that won’t involve Maths. And that was how I met Richard Mofe- Damijo (RMD) in 1996, during an audition for a home video.
He advised me to go and study Theatre Arts,” Yaw adds. But how did he achieve the cross-over? From an actor to a radio presenter? He has the answer: “I did a lot of things when I was in school. I did a diploma course in Radio/ TV and Film Production before I proceeded for a degree in Theatre Arts. So, I have knowledge of the radio, TV and film. And I have been doing all that.” Yaw is mostly associated with Wazobia FM, a radio station in Nigeria which many believe to also be his first port of call in the world of broadcasting. While he agrees with this he illuminates further: “Yes! But I once did a radio drama called “Story Story” on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)” Rome, they say, was not built in a day. So it is with the ace broadcaster.
His first day in the studio as a presenter according to him was a hell. He was all thumbs. “It was hell the day I assumed duties, because I had only two weeks to receive training on how to do everything. I made lots of mistakes, sometimes I would be playing music while adverts were still on. There was a particular day, I had this girlfriend then, she got me annoyed from home and she called me on phone when I was on air. I did not know that my microphone was on, and I was just shouting, ‘What the hell is it, won’t you leave me alone, what is your problem, can’t you see that I am working’, and all that. Then my other phone rang, it was a friend of mine and he was like ‘who are you fighting with, don’t you know that your microphone is on’.
That was when shivers ran down my spine and thank God, I have a good boss”, he adds. His audience would definitely be aware of his visibility on air practically all the days of the week. For a young man, this could be rather tasking on his social life. But to Yaw, “It’s been great, because new things keep happening every day. I try as much as possible to read and listen to the news all the time. I’m a lively person, I chat with people and I gather information. I must sincerely thank the listeners, they are so supportive.” Yaw sees his unique point as spontaneity even as he acknowledges the Wazobia FM as a unique radio station. “The good thing is spontaneity. I thank Ali Baba too, for helping me out in most of the things. I always try to be myself and that has been working for me,” he points out.
To the actor turned broadcaster, a good presenter must, “ First, be yourself and be natural, because that was the way I was taught when I got here and that has been Wazobia FM’s style.” Yaw definitely is not one of Onu’s real names. Rather, “It’s a slogan that I normally use on TV and wherever I go people call me that, and it just stuck,” he explains. But what is the meaning, one is wont to ask. ‘It’s actually a slogan as I said, but I now coined it as YawbachuKwu, meaning, “Let’s beg God”, he answers with a laugh. Onu does not see himself as a comedian or funny despite his wittiness on air a trait which draws listeners to his programmes as a swarm of flies is drawn to a sweet syrup. “I don’t know that I am funny but people do say that, I am just trying to be myself,” he replies.
He also explains that his keeping a beard is to shield his identity from fans and foes alike. “There is no secret, but I like it, at times, because it makes people not to know that I am the one. This beard of a thing makes me different from the Yaw that they know on TV,”, he adds. But in spite of his rib cracking and sometimes stinging jibes, he would never forget a day he had it raw in the hands of the hands of some miscreants. “My most embarrassing moment has to do with the ‘Area Boys’, one day one of them stopped me and he was like (speaking Yoruba) “Mo mo bobo yi now, actress (sic) ni bobo yi ke, gbe nkan sile fun wa joo” meaning “I know this guy now, he’s an actress (sic) drop something for us.” And to be frank with you, I had nothing on me that day,” he says. “My lecturer then, Tosan Ugbeye said that”The sky is too close to be your limit, you can aim higher”.
I don’t think there is any other one, forget about, Yaw, I love you, Yaw you are good, God bless you and all that,” Onu says of his best compliment. His worst: “That was few years ago, when we went to shoot Ruggedman’s musical video at Alausa in Ikeja and after we finished recording at night. I was waiting for a taxi, the guy that came to make suya that we ate, saw me and he was like “you no even get a car, and you dey show yourself for TV, you dey fool yourself about, me wey I be ordinary Suya man, I get motor”. He finished me that day; I didn’t even know whether he was drunk or something.”

I need woman who will marry me with $250M- Seun Kuti

Like father, like son is the right word to describe the bold, blunt and care free attitude of Seun, the scion of late Abami Eda, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.  With Seun phenomenon rise and rise in fame, it unarguable that the proverbial shoe left by Fela, Afro music legend, is a right size for his son to step in. Moreover how Seun runs Egypt 80, his late father’s musical band is better imagined.

He recently opens up to KAZEEM POPOOLA, on his career, new album, love life and other interesting issues. Here are the excerpts. 

How was your global tour?

It was fine; everybody had a good time, most especially during our first major music tour in U.K. Although, we have played in almost all the major cities before, that was the first time we would tour the whole UK extensively. In that aspect, I was so happy to have achieved that.

As a scion of late Afro music legend, what part of you do you think people don’t understand?

Some people, most especially in Nigeria, do jump into conclusion that I am playing my father’s music or I am trying to be like him.

Are you now saying that you are not playing Fela’s music?

I have recorded two albums, which contained my own songs, why should I be playing Fela’s music? I only perform to Fela’s songs at shows. It is good to use Fela as cover at shows; most big artistes do that when they are playing live shows. I do that also but it is wrong for people to dismiss my act as Fela imitation.

You sound to be independent, so, what distinguishes you from Fela?

I am not Fela! My personality and his are different, though, I believe in his ideology and what he achieved.  Our individual personalities reflect in kind of music we play. Those who are familiar with what I do, describe my songs as new Afro beat and I always tell them that it is a reflection of me as a young artiste.

Apart from playing Afro beat that was created by Fela, do you also pick his weird by nature?

I don’t think that Fela is weird; it is people that exaggerated his personality. Fela is real, and weird is not the right word to classify a real person. In term of life he lived, I pick lot of things from my Dad. He was a straightforward person, who believed in equality and justice, and he used his music as voice of the people. These are the things, which I believed in as well. All my songs are political and social conscious. I have added my own, as part of struggle for the freedom of Africa, which is the reason Afro beat was created. I think Afro beat is a musical section of Africa revolution.

Let us compare you debut album to the latest one?

There is much improvement and my music is even different now. Any musician, who is not better than his last effort, is not working. Music is art and science, the more you practice the more better you become. I have grown and matured within that space of three years, and that has greatly reflected in my new album.

Who is controlling Egypt 80 now?

I oversee and control the band

How are you coping as a young boy?

We are close unit, I control the band administrative wise, not telling people what to do or how to play. We all love music that we play and we are real musician. That made it unnecessary for me to command and control everything. I don’t run the band like master, what we are having in Egypt 80 band is more of a family like relationship.

What about Seun and women?

What can I say? At least I am not a gay! I have a very healthy relationship with women

Do you have a girlfriend?

I don’t really have a girlfriend

What happen?

I said I am single, is it by force to have a girlfriend. (Laughs)

Are you saying you have not seen any girl, who catches your fancy?

I chose to be single, maybe I see too many girls, who catch my fancy. I have been in a relationship but right now, I am single

Are you not going to marry?

I am not somebody that believes in marriage

Why?              

 I don’t know, except if I see a very rich woman, who is going to marry me with 250 million dollars

You will not be bothered if people start saying that you are a gigolo.

If anybody marries me with 250 million dollars and you call me a gigolo, I will bear the title, no problem.

How do you unwind?

I watch TV, I love playing football a lot, do exercise and playing my saxophone. My Sax really relaxes me.

At what age did you start playing Sax?

That was 10 to 11 years ago, but my main instrument was piano. I quit playing the piano when I started playing sax.

Let us talk about fashion.

I can wear anything so far it is not a suit and wearing ties. The only suit that I had was worn as a groom man at my cousin is weeding.

What inspires your music composition?

Believe in Afro beat alone is an inspiration. I also draw inspiration from things that happen around me, most especially, the things that involve the youths.

Memorable moment during your musical tour abroad...

There are many memorable moments; every night is a memorable night. It will be unfair to my fans to be saying that one venue is more memorable than the other is, but the London gig was very memorable, I had fun.

How is your relationship with other siblings, especially Femi?

I have two brothers and two sisters, Kunle, Motun, Femi, Yeni and I, we all are having a good relationship.

What about the rumour making the rounds that you and Femi are not in good term?

Because newspaper must sell, any small thing dey see, dey times it by 50 and make it look like something that is important. Femi is 20 years my senior, people should not expect to see us walking the street and going to clubs together. We don’t have the same friends, the same interest and not from the same generation.

How old are you?

28

I can see that you love dogs...

I only have only one dog, it is not even a dog, it’s my son

Why is it that there are fewer people playing Afro music in Nigeria?

I think it’s very difficult for young people to pursue a career in Afro music because it is pure live music, it’s not a one man bad of a thing. It’s quite expensive to maintain a full band in Afro music.

What about the sales of you albums

The first one was successful and the latest one was just released in UK. The reaction has been very good and a five star reviews from the media home and abroad

Did Fela have a particular pet name given to you?

My father does not give pet names, his name is Fela, and I am Seun. We call ourselves by names, Seun. Yes Fela (Laughs)

Did he advise you to go into music?

Fela is not that kind of a father that tells you what to do. Fela never told me to do music, the only thing he does was to support you in any of your decisions. Fela is the best father; he never forced his children to do what doesn’t come from their minds

Your disappointing moment

Very obvious, I am an orphan and that is disappointing enough

When Basketmouth slapped a fan

What would have warranted Bright Akpocha, the famous humour merchant popularly known as Basketmout to slap one of his numerous fans in public is still a puzzle.  Basketmouth was gatheeed to have thrown decorum to the dustbin at Ecstasy Nite Club, Wuse 2, the venue used for one of ‘AY Shows’ after party in Abuja, sometimes ago.

At the party, we reliably gathered that numerous fans of Basket mouth   swooped down on him like bees to honey, just to have a photograph session with their star. The happy fans got the surprise of their lives, when ‘Basketmouth’ in commando like resisted any form of association with the yelling fans, who are even eager to touch their idol, who they only see on TV and watch on stage.

 It was at this point that one popular Abuja based DJ walked up to Basketmouth to register his displeasure with the way the Glo Ambassador treated his fans and before one could understand what transpired between Basketmouth and the DJ, Basketmouth’s heavy slap was alleged to have landed on the guy’s face! It took the intervention of AY, the organizer, to calm down the angry fans, who were on the verge of tearing Basketmouth into pieces.

 While some close aides of Basketmouth blamed his aggression on the swear words used by the slapped DJ, many people believe that Basketmouth would have handled the situation maturely, not to have stoop so low to have publicly slapped a fan talk less of a colleague in showbiz.  One begins to wonder what would happen to Basketmouth if he does that to a Lagos based DJ or to a no-nonsense fan in Lagos.

I am not a snob- Matse

Calling Matse Uwatse the reigning queen of the air-waves, you may not be wrong, because Matse as Wazobia 95.1 FM’s ace presenter is simply called, is either be one or two on the list of the most popular voices on Radio at the moment.

Eko how una see am? Amebo Zone and No vex are some of the segments her daily afternoon programme that have turned the Warri born presenter to a darling of most frequent listeners of Wazobia FM.

While Matse’s sense of humour, style and nice command of Pidgin English on radio, are some of the reasons some are tripping for her, few people that have encountered the first child from family of 12 are now accusing her of being a snob.

While responding to the allegation during one of her interviews, the acclaimed daddy’s girl said,” Yes, People see me as a snob, because I am very strict. So, they misinterpret being disciplined for being snobbish.

 Imagine somebody walk up to you and says, ‘hello, honey, how you dey? I might not answer that greeting. You don’t know me from eve and you are coming to say, ‘hello honey, how you dey’. No, no, no, you should have some measure of respect for any woman you see. You can say, or ‘hello madam’ and if you cannot call me madam, you can say, ‘hello Matse’, its fine. But when you just come and say, ‘hello sweetie’, ‘hello baby’, ‘hello love’, and all that, I may ignore it.

 I also hate it when people tell me ‘hi’ or ‘how far?’ I don’t like it. Everybody here knows, I don’t respond to such greetings because I will not greet you like that. So if you now say hi or what sup to me and I don’t answer, you might call me a snob and say ‘what does she think she is? This is Africa and people” must learn how to greet people properly,” she concludes.

Kenny Ogungbe dismisses sack tale

It was quite shocking when the rumour hit the town last weekend that acclaimed world famous; Kenny Ogungbe has been given the booth as Managing Director of the new radio station, Rainbow 94.1 FM.

Those in the know of Kenny’s solid grip on the rein of Rainbow FM’s affairs, found the story very hard to believe, but some people eat the fable hook line and sinker, as they hit the internet to spread the rumour. The gist making the rounds has it that the showbiz icon has been replaced with Edem Esang, presenter of the Game show on Radio Continental.

Interestingly, while some of the contacted staff of Alex Onabanjo’s radio station have debunk the story, AWL reliably gathered that Edem Essang has truly join Rainbow FM as a consultant not as Kenny’s successor as it was claimed.

While Reacting to the story during a telephone chat with AWL, Baba Ke-ke, as Kennis Music boss is fondly called, said, “I am still very much with Rainbow FM, apart from being the Managing Director; I am one of the board members of the radio station. Moreover, my daily programme is still on. People have been calling me to confirm the story.”

RITA DOMINIC’S SPEECH AT THE PRESIDENTIAL LUNCH

Being the speech presented by Rita Dominic at the presidential lunch on May 22, 2011 at the Eko Hotel and Suites

I feel privileged to be living in a time where I can proudly say that young Nigerians are seriously advocating for a better Nigeria.  Some people may disagree with me but I believe we may now have a President willing to listen to us and identify with our hopes and aspirations. 

If you don’t agree, then you have to show me a past president of Nigeria who has actively pursued the youth vote? Show me a past Nigerian president who has used social networks utilized by our young people to reach out them?  Show me a past president who has set aside a 200 million dollar intervention fund dedicated to an industry that is one of the largest employers of young people in Nigeria…. I rest my case.

My name is Rita Dominic, I represent NOLLYWOOD!

I would like to thank Mr. President, for providing this low interest loan to galvanize our industry.  Many young people who own production companies are depending on this loan to turn us from employees to employers, from unemployed to employed. 

However, it is imperative that the people who will administer this fund understand the spirit behind your creating it in the first place.  Some of us have applied for the loan but the requirement of collateral in the traditional sense is about to dash that dream.  Sir, if the youth had enough collateral, we would not have needed the intervention in the first place. I respectfully request that you look into the litany of requirements that is making the loan inaccessible to the people it was created for.   

One properly produced Nigerian film can involve hundreds of young people from various works of life. Apart from the actors and actresses, when making a quality film, we directly or indirectly hire production managers, accountants for budgeting and record keeping, electricians (Lighting specialists), costume designers (tailors), catering people (cooks), set and production designers, camera operators, publicity people, graphic artists, still photographers, make up people, hair stylists, production assistants who help on set but don’t forget each actor/actress will hire own PAs, film editors, boom persons and  marketing companies.  The list goes on and on.

Imagine that we have scores of productions going on in various parts of the country.  The impact is simply amazing.

Mr. President, I am a witness to what an infusion of funds can do to elevate and empower the lives of young people. Traders in Onitsha and Aba started it 20 years ago and Nollywood became a reality, Globacom did it for 13 young people 2 years ago and it instantly increased the number of actors and actresses producing their own films.  If managed properly, imagine what the 200 million dollar fund can do hundreds of young producers, what it can do for thousands of unemployed youth out there.

Let us make it happen.  Continue to support youth programs.  Giving such support means that you believe in the future of Nigeria.  If you do, the youth will not forget for generations to come.

Thank you

P-Diddy Changes name again!

The Bad Boy mogul hops on the swag train by renaming himself again.

It's been years since Diddy made the switch from Puff Daddy, and now, he's trying a new name on for size. The hip-hop mogul has adopted Lil' B and Tyler, The Creator's catch phrase and renamed himself Swag for a week, releasing a video of the announcement and switching his Twitter handle from @iamdiddy to @iamswag.
“I decided that I’m gonna change my name for a week in honor of my comeback," he said. "I’ve gone as Puff, Puffy, Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, Diddy, King Combs - my real name is Sean Combs - and for a week, this week only, you can call me by my new name: Swag.”
With his group Diddy-Dirty Money, the Bad Boy honcho recently wrapped up his "Coming Home" tour in St. Louis, Missouri on May 15th. The trio released its latest album Last Train to Paris in December 2010.

Ace presenter, IK, splashes millions on new ride

If the scoop at our disposal is something to go by, then IK Osakioduwa, the anchor for the on-going Big Brother Africa, is reaping the dividend of hard work and doing everything possible to maintain his big boy status among his peers in the Nigerian electronic media.

The hilarious on-air personality is learnt to have finalised arrangement to buy  a brand new SUV, which source claimed will  set his bank account back with the tune of seven million naira.

Although, we reliably gathered that one yet to be confirmed financial institution is helping IK out to  spread  the payment over a period of years, the loose mouth hinted that the Rhthym93.7 FM’s ace presenter would not spend nothing less than three million naira to facilitate  payment option for the new wonder on wheel.

Corporate Picture boss is my business partner -Fathia Balogun

It was quite disheartening to the huge fans of showbiz couples, Saidi and Fathia Balogun, when the husband took to the press accusing his wife of infidelity. And the man at the centre of controversy was Abdullah abdullrasak, the C.E.O of Corporate Pictures.

Although, Corporate Pictures boss played maturity when the allegation ran rife, Fathia visibly avoided press like plague in order to comment on the issue that crashes her marriage.

Interestingly, as dust seems to have settled on the matter with Saidi and Fathia reported to have moved on with new found lovers, the latter has decided to spill the beans on the alleged romance tale with Corporate Pictures boss. 

Fathia reacted to the issue during a Yoruba TV programme saying that what transpired between her and Abdullrasak was a business affair. “Since the news of my broken marriage filtered out, I’d never commented on the issue either in the print or electronic media. All I can say is that I and Corporate Picture boss are business partners,” she said.

Moreover, Fathia dispelled the rumour making the rounds that Saidi has gotten court injunction to stop her using the name, Balogun. “That is not true, we never been to court and I don’t think I can drop the name for anything,” she enthused.

And if you are wondering what the tattoo on Fathia’s arm is all about, the beautiful mother of three said that it is the initials of all her children.