Interview: Adokiye Speaks About Her Career And Posing Seminude For A New York Based Magazine

It seems the latest trend for some female performers to get quick press and presence is to go nude or seminude. Popularity or notoriety, it doesn’t really matter to them.  Until early this year when she posed semi-nude for a New York based magazine, Adokiye Kyrian Yvonne a.k.a Adokiye is relatively unknown in the nation’s music scene. But immediately after that controversial posture, the sexy singer has become one of the hottest rising female singers in the country.

Here’s what she has to say about her career and the raunchy pictures…

How Did You Delve Into Music?

During my university days, I was a member of a minor musical group called the “MASE” comprising of four young talents. We used the first alphabet of their names to coin out the name, “MASE”. My exploits with the group helped to expose me as well as sharpen my musical skills to a great extent.

Music for me is something I’ve always wanted to do. I just wanted the right time to get into it and I believe this is the right time.

Early This Year, You Posed Semi-Nude In A New York Based Magazine. What Was The Attraction?

It actually got leaked. I did some modelling jobs while I was in New York and at that point in time, some pictures leaked while the process was still going on. Yes, I posed for some shots, but I never really posed nude. I didn’t expose my private part as a woman. That I exposed my skin doesn’t mean I posed nude. I am an architect by training and creativity is part of my daily routine. So, I didn’t pose nude because I didn’t expose my private part.

We Learnt, You Were Paid Handsomely For The Job?

Officially, I was paid the sum of $200,000 and a G Wagon Mercedes Benz car for the photo spread in the magazine.

 

Do You Ever Regret Posing Nude?

I have never for once regretted anything I have done in the past. But at the end of the day, I just want people to believe in me that I have got a lot to offer to my fans.

Were Your Parents Pleased When They Saw Your Nude Pictures?

My parents are highly understanding people. They know the kind of daughter they have and they also know that whatever I’m doing today doesn’t affect me both psychologically and physically. So, they always support me in anything I’m doing.

What Were You Doing In New York?

New York is like a second home to me. I travel to New York once in a while.

What Does Music Mean To You?

Music means everything to me. They say music breathes life into any troubled soul but I breathe life into music. It’s an integral part of me, music is something that when I’m sleeping I am either singing or dancing.

There Was This Rumour That You Were Dating W4. Is It True?

No, we were never in any relationship. But we were just friends and he was a colleague too

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Interview: I'm a Sucker For Love - Uru Eke

Uru Eke is a fast rising actress in the Nigerian entertainment industry popularly known as Nollywood. Born and raised in England, Uru Eke studied Business Information Technology at the University of Greenwich, London. She also worked as a Business Acceptance Test Analyst for five years before venturing into films and movies. Here, she speaks with Weekend Magazine about her budding career and more.

The Interview

How long have you been in the movie industry?

I have always been in and out of Nollywood from 2007 to about 2010, but have been actively focused on it now from May 2011 till date.

Was there any career that interested you before you started acting?

Sure, I worked in an IT firm before changing course.

On a scale of ten, how stressful is your acting career?

It has its pros and cons but more pros I would say.

What are your strong points as an actress?

Hmmm....I'd like to leave that to the directors I've worked with to answer, but I try my best to bring everything to whatever role I'm given to play. I try to be real about it and maybe that is one of my strong points...just maybe.

Tell us what your first audition was like

My first audition was for an Obi Emelonye film in London sometime in 2005. I used to work as a care support staff and had to be on a night duty the same evening Obi was holding his audition. I thought I could quickly make the audition and then rush off to work, but before it got to my turn to audition, I had to leave, because my colleague at work was blowing up my phone to show up for duty. So, I never actually got to audition that night.

Tell us how your passion for the acting started

My career as an actress has been an unconventional one. I studied Business Information Technology at the University of Greenwich, London. I then went on to work as a Business Acceptance Test Analyst for five years. While working there I always played with the idea to star in films and movies. It's just that I never had the opportunity. When the chance presented itself, I grabbed it with both hands and here I am today. I am also glad that I did.

Are you satisfied with the roles you have played in your acting career?

I'm happy with the roles I have played so far; all of them have been a joy, but not completely satisfied as I haven't been fully broken yet.

As a celebrity, how well have you handled your popularity?

God has been amazing and constantly held me up and together. I come from a humble beginning and sometimes forget that I might be popular and to be honest I don't even know if I am (laughs).

What special recognition or award have you received in your acting career?

I got an award recently in Dublin; it came as a huge surprise and honour as we were only there for the premiere of 'Last Flight to Abuja'. For that I am very glad.

For you, what do you think is the hardest part of being a celebrity?

Nosy people, but I guess it just comes with the territory, so you just deal with it, but most times they can be real thorns in your flesh. So, I have just learnt to ignore and move ahead in life.

WM: If you have an opportunity to change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Erm ... maybe to be more tolerant of people. I tend to switch off people quite easily if they step out of line, so these days I'm being more patient.

So far, what is your favourite part of the job?

It's a job that I'm crazy about and absolutely love. I love everything about the job.

What is your take on the Nigerian entertainment industry?

The Nigerian movie industry is fast changing direction and producers are stepping up their game in terms of quality and movie standards. Nollywood is going big and you never can tell it could be bigger than Hollywood. It's a great time for Nollywood I must say.

What were your dreams as a child?

To be a singer/dancer, but hey I'm an actress so, it's close right (Laughs)

What is your favourite type of movie genre?

Romance! I'm a sucker for love. I love romantic movies.

What is your favourite inspirational quote that you live by till date?

"Nature compensates the man who dares to pursue his dreams" by Ireal Ikoku. Believe me when I say this has stuck with me for years.

Who do you count as your mentor?

Absolutely Bimbo Akintola, she can do no wrong by me.

What is the one thing you would like to accomplish before the end of this year?

I would love to end the year featuring in a smashing film.

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Interview: Dbanj Speaks On Illuminati, Genevieve, Don Jazzy, Etc

In a major interview to the Lagos State based radio station, Cool FM, Mo Hits, DB/Good Music/Mercury/IDJ artiste, Dapo Oyebanjo, popularly called D’banj, sought to lay to rest various allegations and rumours being peddled about him.

The artiste also spoke on chances of reconciling with former partner and friend Don Jazzy. Asked if there were chances that both parties may reconcile, he said: “We can always work together, and Don Jazzy still produced some songs on my forthcoming album. Yes, we can work together in future. Maybe a big company can pay a lot of money for us to perform, and yes, it has to be a lot of money for me.”

Although the separation remains fresh in the minds of the public since the break-up made public in March this year, the singer appeared to be still be nursing the wounds. He appeared overwhelmed with emotions when the interviewer referred to Don Jazzy as his friend. To this he replied, “What do you guys call friends? I mean, I had friends for nine years, and you guys saw what happened after the divorce. I lost custody of my children apart from the one I had out of wedlock.”

D’banj also said he was boss of defunct Mo Hits Record by claiming that it was his record label D’Banj (DB) Records that went into partnership with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D, and not Mo’Hit.

Ever since the singer was officially signed on to West’s G.O.O.D music label in July, he was rumoured to have joined the dreaded Iluminati Cult, which is alleged to be home to a number of American celebrities, including West.

In defence, D’banj said, “I don’t know anything about the Illuminati. When I wanted to travel out of Nigeria for the first time, I collected my international passport from Bishop David Oyedepo. That shows that I owe my success to God. If my success is too fast for people or they cannot understand it, please don’t attribute it to illuminati. I feel very offended when that is being said, because it simply translates to giving God’s glory to another person which He does not share with anyone. God will strike anyone who attributes my success to someone else.”

To the allegations of an existing relationship with Nollywood actress, Genevieve Nnaji, he said, “I am very single, and Genevieve is my friend. I have been saying this for over a year since we shot the Fall in Love video. Can’t you people just see fine boy and fine girl in a video kissing each other and not think anyhow?”

Although the singer, who released his debut album “No Long Thing” in 2005, was recently featured on West’s Cruel Summer CD inlay and a couple of other singles, he has been criticised for ‘leaving his kingship in Nigeria to become a prince in America.’

Amidst laughter, D’banj replied, “Did I change the crown? I only carried my crown to the US. People are just confused but the truth is I am still a king wherever I am. Being in a different country and culture I had to study the environment which is what I am still doing. I actually thought I would release my album in America, but my label thought UK would be better because I have a bigger fan base there. I weighed my options, remember everything did not come from me, so I had to do what I did to move on.”

The singer, who revealed that his mother allowed him to travel to the UK in 2002 with a condition that he would spend just two months there, describes social media network as platform for idle talk.

“I am too busy for social media, please. If you people want to talk to me go to TV or radio, I don’t go to social media except I have something to say. I never give out recharge cards on Twitter (laughs), even when I was with Globacom, I never did that. If you want to do that, why not help a charity instead?”

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Annie Macaulay Idibia's First Interview After Marriage

                                                           The interview when you continue…

Give us a Brief introduction on who Annie Macaulay is?

Am a very simply person, an Actress, a business woman, a mother and a wife!.

What made you want to become an actress??Childhood dream or career choice?.

Childhood dream. I also studied it in school. It’s something I really love and am happy that God has put me in a place where I can actually live that dream.

How challenging has it been for you to stay in the movie industry?

It has not been easy, but God's grace and favour is awesome.

Aside from acting do you have any other business you are into?

Yup! I do.

Your life is in the public eye, what negative and positive effects has it had on you?

Negative: people are always in your business. Say what they like, true or false...mostly false..

Positive: I get a lot of favours, a lot of doors are easily opened. It is my life am gonna live it to the fullest either way.

Let’s get a little bit personal. How did u feel when your hubby proposed? Did u know or have this feeling that something was up?

Awesome!!! U would feel the same if the man of your dreams gets on his knees and ask you to marry him...*smiles*.

After the proposal who was the first person you called?

My Mum.

Where did you guys get married? Was it a Traditional or white wedding or both?

We are legally married. The traditional and white would follow later. My husband and I are planning that. We will let you know.

You are a wife and a mother, how does that feel?.

It’s a great feeling. I feel totally blessed!--my kid is an awesome child. She brings me a lot of good luck. I have a great career which I love. A good man and we are happy.

The crap people were saying on Twitter after you got engaged to 2face Idibia, how did you handle it cos I didn’t see you lash out at anyone?

Why would I lash out? Lol. Everyone has their own opinion about our relationship. That's their problem. The truth is it doesn’t BOTHER me again..cos we are very happy...we are not perfect but we have a happy home.

How approachable are you?? Do u choose who you talk and relate with?

It depends...nowadayz I rather keep to myself tho. I don't mean am being a sob..am cool if you are cool. I don't have any problems with anyone. Life is too short and I wanna live mine to the fullest!

From meeting you I will say you are a calm and reserved person. Do you think people judge you otherwise?

Yea..sometimes. They miss misunderstand me. But then I can't please everyone. I will only do what I believe is right and try not to get in anyone's way.

A few words to your haters and lovers out there?

Would love to say: Free your heart and Life from HATE. Live a positive life...and your dreams will fall into place.

Interview by LOLA AJAYI (blogger)

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