I cried when I was called the cheapest actress -Iya Rainbow

Veteran actress, Idowu Phillips, aka Mama Rainbow, speaks with Tofarati Ige about her career, foundation, family and other issues

What is the name of your foundation and when was it started?

It is called the Mama Rainbow Foundation. It started over 15 years ago and we have been assisted by God and some people. For this year, we want to hold our annual event in a way that everyone would know about it. It will take place on Children’s Day in my house at Ojodu Berger, Lagos. In the past, whenever we called some people for our programmes, they weren’t aware of our activities. But now, we want everyone to know about us so that whenever we call widows and other people, they can attend our events.

I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE SEX ROLE WITH ALEX EKUBO- ALEXANDER OFURHIE REVEALS

Nollywood Upcoming actress, Alexander Ofurhie has revealed in a recent interview that she would love to have a sex role with popular actor Alex Ekubo. Beautiful, determined and talented, the mass communication graduate of ISFOP, University Of Benin Republic is fired up to do battle with the best in the trade.

Acting is Mirroring the society- Nollywood Actor, Mike Afolarin

Mike Afolarin

Nollywood most promising actor,  Mike Afolarin in a chat with Opecareem talks about growing up, why he joined Nollywood, challenges faced and his personal life. The graduate of Economics from the prestigious University of Lagos reveals that actors are a reflection of the society. Read Excerpts below: 

Do you think acting is a vehicle to affect the world in a positive way? 

M. A: Acting definitely affects the society in a positive way.. 

Acting is Mirroring the society... we reenact things we see in the society basically, so the society sees what its like, and can fix its problems, which is basically what happens when we stand in front of the mirror, we see ourselves, hence we actors and filmmakers are a reflection of the society. 

How long have you been acting? What was your first acting job and what movies have you been involved in? 

M. A: Started Acting sometime in 2014.. i was still in Unilag Then. 

My first acting Job was a Stage play called MAGIC TIME, Directed by Tolu LordTanner, and it was an amazing Experience.

 Since then been part of several projects, series, shortfilms and feature films. 

Why I Left My Banking Job To Kick-start My Acting Career - Yomi Fash Opens Up

Celebrated actor and filmmaker, Yomi Fash Lanso talks about his acting career, why he quit a promising job with a bank, training, and other issues, in this interview with TONY OKUYEME

Tell us it all stared for you as an actor…

I grew up watching television and films. With my uncles and my brothers, we used to go to the cinemas to watch films, mostly Chinese and Indian film. But we also watched Nigerian films, especially Yoruba films by notable filmmakers such as Ola Blogun, the late Huber Ogunde, Ade Love, Moses Olaiya Adejumo (Baba Sala), Akin Ogungbe, and the younger ones among them, such as Segun Rasco, Slade Aromire. They really engaged us then.

We learnt a lot from them. I used to think about it, what was required to be an actor. Apart from watching television, movies, and going to the cinemas, I was also reading books that had to do with filmmaking, acting, telling stories. So, after that, the rest is history now. I attended Independent Television Association of Nigeria (ITPAN) Training School, Lagos, which for me was one of the best training schools in Nigeria.

What a woman can do, men can do more creatively - Kunle Richard, CEO Reddies Kitchen

Necessity, they say, is the mother of invention and that was what led my guest today on #ChatwithOpecareem the Chief Executive Officer of Reddies Kitchen based in Lagos to turn his hobby into a money- spinning venture. Reddies Kitchen which is into both indoor and outdoor catering services would have remained just a hobby if it wasn’t for the passion. Taiwo Olakunle Richards is my Next Nigerian Entrepreneur for the week. He spoke with me about leaving his certificates to become a caterer, what has driven him to succeed and what sets him apart in the catering business, how anyone can start and manage a successful catering business. I hope this inspires you to create something and prosper. Read excerpts...

Even With The Bad Economic Situation of Nigeria Many Entrepreneurs Are Christened - Damilare Odusanwo, CEO Gentle Wash Laundry

• Damilare Odusanwo, CEO Gentle Wash Laundry 

As part of my project to promoting young entrepreneurs in the country, I  had an exclusive interview with the CEO of Gentle wash Laundry, Damilare Odusanwo a graduate of Statistics and Computer science from the University of Lagos... #ChatwithOpecareem 

Read excerpts below:

Meet The Young Guy behind Phocus Brand - Odunsi Timileyin

• 

As part of my project, committed to celebrating and promoting young Nigerian Entrepreneurs, I present Timi to you. He's a young talented entrepreneur. I couldn't believe my eyes when i saw some of his brands... So i interviewed him and shared his story on my website so that other young Nigerians would know that there's a life apart from waiting for jobs and blaming the government. Here's his story. Read my interview with Timileyin Odunsi #CeoUnder25...

Afro beat legend, Fela Kuti's wives open up on his lifestyle, death and more secrets

   

Last weekend, all roads led to Terra Culture, Victoria Island, Lagos, for the screening of a new musical on late afro beat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, entitled ‘Fela and The Kalakuta Queens’, a musical written, produced and directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters of Terra Culture. Indeed it was a gathering of the crème de la crème of the industry as captains of industry, politicians, high networking individuals and thespians graced the red carpet.

And of course, also in the house were two of Fela’s wives, Bolanle Babayale and Omolara. The pair opened up to Entertainer on life with the late afro beat maestro, narrating their lives and times with him.

Fela did not die of HIV –Laide Babayale

What would you say was your happiest moment with Fela?

Every time with him was exciting. Fela was a nice person to be with. You just loved him. Fela is from a wealthy background and I am also from a wealthy background but I fell in love with him because Fela was fighting for others, yet today, people are still suffering. See what is happening to our people; there is so much poverty. A lot of people cannot afford three square meals. Our children are running away from the country everyday to go and meet their untimely deaths. It is so sad.

Big Brother Naija: My daughter is my biggest achievement – Bisola

Although still single and bubbling, Bisola Aiyeola, the second runner up of the 2017 edition of the Big Brother Nigeria reality TV show, is always ready to brag about her beautiful daughter, who she had with her ex-boyfriend.

“I will always say having my daughter was my biggest achievement, then also making my family proud. And as the years go by, God willing, I’ll achieve more and more,” she boasts to Inside Nollywood.

Meanwhile, it is gradually becoming a norm that most female celebrities both married and single, no longer cook at home, solely dependent on eateries. Bisola attested to that, giving more reasons  young ladies are off the kitchen, she said: “I would not say that a lot of our ladies do not know how to cook these days. I actually think that we need to have a cooking day and you would be amazed at what the ladies would offer.

Kunle Afolayan gave me my major movie earning came after over 40 years of acting –Aderupoko

Comic actor, Kayode Olaiya, popularly known as Aderupoko, started his acting career 50 years ago. He shares some of his life experiences with OLUFEMI ATOYEBI and ADEMOLA OLONILUA.

How come you have so many aliases?

My real name is Kayode Olaiya, but I’m popularly known as Aderupoko. Some people started calling me Baba Jenifa after my role as Jenifa’s father in Funke Akindele’s comedy series, Jenifa’s Diary. Also, in the movie, October 1 by Kunle Afolayan, I played the role of Sgt. Afonja and since then; some people have taken to that name as well.

When did you decide to become an actor?

My acting career started when I was invited to be the anchor of a storytelling programme on the Western Nigerian Television/Western Nigerian Broadcasting Service in 1966. During that period, every programme aired on the television was live and there was nothing like a recorded programme.

One day, my friends and I went to the Government House to fetch firewood and also pluck some mangoes. On our way back, someone working for the television station called out to us but we ran away because we thought the person wanted to flog us for plucking mangoes without permission. As we were running away, the man shouted that he was not interested in beating us. He said he wanted us to come on air to tell African folklore since we were pupils. Immediately, I went to meet him and told him that we were interested in the proposal since it was something we did for fun, especially at twilight. I was then tasked with inviting some of my schoolmates to the programme, but we had to sneak into the television station because of our parents, who were unaware of the gig.

Exclusive! How I was betrayed 3 days to the election - Yul Edochie, actor

Just yesterday, Friday, December 15, 2017, Yul Edochie, Nollywood actor turned politician, dumped  the Democratic Peoples Congress (DPC), where he had against all odds, contested during  the Anambra governorship election and moved on to APGA, the winning team in the State.

In this Exclusive Interview with Kemi Filani Blog, Edochie, a movie star from Nteje village in Oyi local government area of Anambra, revealed why he got only 145 votes, how he was betrayed 3 days to the election, his pains, gains and more.

Excerpts;

How was the whole election process?

Thank you. First let me congratulate Governor Willie Obiano on his victory at the polls. 

The process was a fulfilling one. Stressful but I would do it all over again for the good of the people, the youths.

Did you start losing hope at a point?

 I never lost hope till the end.

I auditioned for 8 years before getting into BBN -Bisola

Bisola Aiyeola ,the second runner up of the 2017 edition of the Big Brother Nigeria reality TV show revealed she auditioned for 8 years before she got her chance this year.

Read excerpts from her interview with the Nation

Let’s talk about Big Brother Nigeria (BBN). What gave you the drive to do the things that you did on the show?

It is quite interesting because I had been auditioning for about eight years before I finally got it last year. The truth of the matter is that I didn’t know anybody but I was determined to make the best from that experience. Right now, I am having auditions here and there. From all the experiences, I would say that no two auditions are the same. Everyone is different and it was always a refreshing experience. So for the Big Brother Nigeria, I went for the audition and gradually I was selected.14 of us contested and I got in, tried my best. The truth of the matter is that it was a tough contest, not like a music contest. Here, you can’t really tell how it was going to go.

Comedian Akpororo tells why he built a mansion in Okokomaiko

Jephthah Bowoto, aka Akpororo, speaks with OLUSHOLA RICKETTS, about his rise from humble beginnings, marriage, Yung6ix, and other things.

Was the turnout at your show, Akpororo vs Akpororo, what you expected?

I had a sold-out show, and I was so happy. I am preparing for next year, which will be the fifth edition. We bless God for the turnout this year and for making it a success. I must confess that this year has been good for me and you can see that yourself too. You can see that I am moving forward.

Do you have plans to venture into movies like some of your colleagues?

I would love to go into acting fully, but the job has to be good. If the scripts I get are good and the money is okay, nothing stops me from acting. The truth is, many directors have approached me, but I am usually not okay with the money they offer. I wouldn’t take an acting job if it is not worth it. We all know that acting is time-consuming.

The Day I Lost Respect for Onyeka Onwenu - Sensational Singer, Aramide Opens Up

Aramide, Nigerian singer, in an interview with NET, talked about her new single ‘Jomo’ recounted the incident that made her lose her respect for one of her childhood inspirations, Onyeka Onwenu. Aramide who narrated what happened after she stuck around the veteran singer for a photo, said; ‘I was still really new in the industry and I opened the stage for her, I got down and decided to take a picture with her, as soon as I got there she went off on me. She said ‘Don’t touch me’. It was like the worst experience I have had in my life. Everyone was staring at me. I don’t think she knew I opened the show for her’. ‘I even knelt down to greet her, and she said okay come and take the picture. For a moment, I felt bad, but the good thing about that kind of situation is that it makes you work really hard…I lost my respect for her after that event, I don’t think I would see her and say hello. But It was a long time ago. It is what it is now, I have moved on,’ Aramide concluded.

5 Critical Steps To Take Before A Job Interview

There are critical steps to take before a job interview that can significantly increase the chances of a job seeker’s success. Jumia Travel shares 5 critical steps to take before a job interview.

I Started Makeup Biz With N15,000 – Tara Fela-Durotoye

Starting a new enterprise in Africa and Nigeria in particular, can be both exciting and terrifying at the same time. Here, we take a look at Tara Fela-Durotoye of House of Tara, and how she was able to navigate the uncharted waters of starting a new course of business in a country as Nigeria. 

Introduction

Tara Fela-Durotoye is a Nigerian-born lawyer turned Africa's leading beauty and makeup entrepreneur. She started House of Tara at the age of 20, from her living room, whilst an undergraduate at the Lagos State University back in 1998. She's since gone on to launch Nigeria's first ever bridal directory in 1999, and in 2004 she opened the country's leading beauty academy. Today, Tara has over 3,000 reps spread across Nigeria and 14 stores to her name and she is steadfastly dedicated to realising her vision of building a globally respected beauty company of African origin. Tara remains an inspirational role-model and mentor to make-up artists and aspiring beauty business owners across Africa. Tara made the Forbes’ list of 20 Young Power Women in Africa, 2013 and was also nominated as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.

8 Guides For A Successful Visa Interview

8 Guides For A Successful Visa Interview

A visit to the different embassies in Lagos and Abuja will give you a fair idea of the number of Nigerians who want to jet out of the country. Getting the visa for some is like a lifeline. It is either they get it or nothing else. Rejection for them is unacceptable. 

Forget about all the stories of rejection you have heard

There are lots of stories about the mean consular officers at the embassies and their knack for rejecting visa applications. Do not allow these stories to get to you. Have a positive mental attitude and you will be surprised that if you genuinely respond to interview questions, you will get the visa.

Arrive very early

There is no African time in this case. As early as 7 am some embassies have kicked off their screening. If you are late, your chances of even being allowed into the premises are very slim let alone being interviewed.

Prepare yourself for questions

You should be prepared to say everything about yourself and your work. So, when answering the questions, you should focus on demonstrating that you meet the requirements for getting a particular visa category and of course, do not lie.

I have had several embarrassing moments – Jide Kosoko, Veteran Actor

 

Jide Kosoko is an A-list Nollywood actor who has been around since the ‘60s and he’s still a darling of many viewers. He’s a consummate actor who has acted in many Yoruba and English movies. Aside acting, he has also produced many films. He spoke with Sunday Sun about his firsts.

First day on set, how did it go?

That was precisely in 1964 in a production titled Makanjuola by Ifelodun Traveling Theatre. I was between 10 and 12 years old but I was the main character. At the rehearsal, I was passionate and determined to show my stuff. I had been doing a lot in my house and when I was in primary school, people used to hail me. So, it was an opportunity to display my talent. I was really excited, knowing fully that I would be on television. Since that day, to God be the glory.

15 thousand Naira stopped me from attending Univerisity - Big Brother Naija's Bisola reveals

In an interview with NAIJ TV, former BBNaija contestant, Bisola Aiyeola, spoke about life after the show, how she wants to keep working to maintain her fame, her life before BBNaija and why she could not attend university. . Her words: "Looking back at Big Brother Naija… I wanted that platform. I wanted that wide reach. People send me messages from Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, etc. on a normal day, before I entered the house, how many people would have known me? .

Full interview of kidnap kingpin Evans [VIDEO]

Billionaire Kidnapper, Chukwudubem Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans was last week arrested by the Lagos state police command. Since his arrest, the man, believed to be the richest kidnap kingpin in Nigeria, has been making so many revelations. Here is a full interview with the wealthy kidnapper, who is now cooling his feet in the custody of the State police command as posted by Channel TV. Evans has also revealed how two of his gang members were shot dead while attempting to kidnap the owner of The Young Shall Grow Motors, Vincent Obianudo, in August 2013 at Festac, Lagos.