SAMMIE OKPOSO CAUTIONS BON! SAYS: COSON MUST BE ACCOUNTABLE

Glo Ambassador and Nigerian music star, Sammie Okposo, has bared his mind on the crisis rocking the music industry in Nigeria against the backdrop of the face-off between BON and COSON.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos, the multiple award winning singer declared: “I believe in the growth and advancement of the Nigerian entertainment industry. I also believe that artistes should be paid royalties for their works. That’s what informed my becoming a member of COSON. All the media houses in Nigeria and COSON have to sit together and forge a way out of the storm by finding a lasting solution.

According to him: “We must understand the importance of COSON regarding the growth and welfare of the Nigerian artiste but at the same time, we cannot undermine the role of media houses in the propagation and promotion of the Nigerian brand of music and artistes.”

Calling on BON DG to obey time tested world standard best practices, he said radio and TV stations in Nigeria do not have a choice but to make payment of royalties for airplay to artistes because it is internationally accepted and practiced, and Nigeria will not be an exception.

However, he also called on COSON to be on top of its game.

Commenting on the ban slammed by BON on all COSON members, Okposo said it was not the best decision and called on media houses to continue to play his music and that of every other Nigerian artiste

“There can be no vacuum in life. The implication is that foreign music will once more rule our airwaves as was the case in the past and this has cultural implications. We must continue to promote Nigerian music; this is not negotiable. We must remember, Europe, America, Asia and the rest of the world will not promote our music for us so we must do it on our own,”” Okposo warned.

GHOST OF GRAMMY HAUNTS FEMI KUTI WITH FORTH NOMINATION

For the first time in barely over a decade, Femi Kuti has a chance to put Nigeria on the world music map consequent of his forth Grammy nomination. When the announcement was made last week, it indeed called for an occasion to pop champagne.

But will he bring back the award? That's the question on the lips of everyone as word hit town last week that the first son of late afro beat icon, Fela, had secured his forth Grammy nomination.

His 2013 album No Place For My Dream, was nominated for the 2014 Grammy Awards in the Best World Music Album category alongside Indian musician, Ravi Shankar, French group Gipsy Kings and South African group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

If I were in his shoes I'd probably be getting a feeling of de ja vouz by now having failed to clinch the award thrice. But it is also pertinent to note that awards are not the best parameters for judging creativity musically.

However is it not ironic that his late dad who ‘created’ the genre never got a Grammy nomination? Not even post humourse recognition despite the great inroads afro beat is making worldwide.

Femi, at Skoops, we are saying thanks for booking a ticket for Nigeria at the 2014 Grammy Awards. Even if you don't win, you have already won in our hearts; you’re the undisputed King of afro beat.

AZEEZAT DROPS REMAKE VIDEO FOR LOVE WITHOUT LANGUAGE

After a long wait, fans of Queen of Love, Azeezat, have something to smile about. The Queen of Love has dropped a sizzling video, a remake for her single Love Without Language.

Commenting on the release of the video which was directed Oludare, Azeezat told Superbassnaija that she was really excited: “This is a special moment for me,” Azeezat told Superbassnaija over the weekend, “this video is hot and is already trending on social media. Love Without Language is hot and banging!”

This is Azeezat's third video this year. She had earlier released My Valentine in January, Love Without Language (1st video) in February, and now the remake video For Love Without Language.

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FATHER U TURN IS DEAD!

He died do to kidney failure he had been battling with for a couple of years. He died at Ilogbo medical centre Ijanikin. More details shortly. 

KIDNEY TRANSPLANT - OJB DISCHARGED FROM HOSPITAL

Music producer and singer, OJB has had a successful kidney transplant in far away India and should be home soon. OJB, who left Nigeria for India a while ago for his surgery in India after months of painful dialysis is not only on his feet but is fast recuperating.

“OJB is hale and hearty. As I speak to you he has successfully undergone surgery and the transplant was successful. He should be back home soon,” a close source told Skoops.

”He is very grateful to Nigerians for standing by him and so he is thanking all Nigerians for their prayers and good wishes. He should be home very soon,” the source added

BREAKING NEWS-FIRE RAZES TEE MAC’S HOME

These are definitely not happy times for flutist, Tee Mak Omatsola Iseli. Early Wednesday morning, his home, located in Isolo, Lagos, was gutted by fire while he was on a business trip in the nation’s capital, Abuja.

According to the flutist, he was shocked when he received news Wednesday morning that his home had been reduced to ashes following a power surge after a power outage.

“Trouble began after the lights were restored. There was a sudden power surge which resulted in a fire. It was so bad it burnt all my electronics, documents and files; it consumed my entire house. I am totally devastated! I lost property worth millions of naira. Even the roof was entirely burnt,” Tee Mak told Skoops in a telephone chat confirming the incidence.

ICE PRINCE OPENS UP ON GROWING UP, MUSIC AND BABES

Says: Even Dangote is an aboki

From humble beginnings in Jos, Plateau State, Chocolate City sign on, Ice Prince (Panshak Zamani), has grown to be one of the hottest and most respected rappers in the country. Thanks to his victory at Hennessey Artistry 2009 where he came tops. And while it may all look rosy on the outside, Ice Prince has revealed that it’s not been easy street all his life stating that just like any kid on the streets, he’s had his own fair share of ups and downs and so fans should not be carried away by the glitz and glamour which has become his trade mark today.

Though born to upper middle class parents, the Oleku singer insists he was not born with a silver spoon though he says he and his siblings had all they desired. That was until his soldier dad passed on in 1999 and life took a sudden dramatic turn!

“I wasn’t born with a silver spoon,” Ice Prince told SB Weekend in an exclusive chat, backstage, during the eighth edition of Julius Agwu’s comedy show, Crack Ya Ribs, which was held at the Nicon Hilton, Abuja, recently.

Dressed in all white, he was clad in a designer T shirt and pants with a white     muffler dangling around his neck, his eyes peering at you from behind designer glasses crested with a pik cap giving him that clean cut look of an American marine but for his goatee.

“My dad was not a billionaire, neither was he a pauper,” he said arching his bushy eyebrows to drive home his point, “he sent us to good schools and we had vacations outside the country; we were okay but in 1999 we lost him!

“It was a big loss for me and my family. I was 13 and the eldest kid; I had a mum and two younger sisters to look out for and so I had to grow up overnight; thank God for family support.”

Recounting the person of his late dad who was a soldier in the Nigerian Army, Ice Prince described him as a great source of inspiration and like every son would say, his father was a great dad. He says dad went the extra mile to make sure he and his siblings had all they wanted.

“He was a soldier,” he says in his characteristics cool and calm voice, “he taught me everything I know today. My mum was very supportive but she died in 2011 so right now I am an orphan.”

How does it feel losing both parents early on: “It feels lonely? We were three kids; a boy and two girls and I am the eldest? I became the man of the house after my dad passed on and that’s given me a sense of responsibility. It made me grow up overnight!

“I am 27 years old but my responsibilities are more than that of a 27 year old. I have to take care of my sisters. I thank God for elevating me. I guess I was called to do this (music).”

Ice Prince says he would ever be grateful for the lessons he learnt from his parents which have gone a long way in shaping him today. He says that while his dad taught him to be responsible right from an early age, he reveals his mum taught him to respect women.

In the beginning…

From a tender age, music has always been this aboki’s passion. Unknown to many, in 2002, Ice Prince and a couple of his friends founded the Ecomog Squad. In 2004, he met the crew that would play a central role alongside himself in making Chocolate City one of the biggest labels in the country when he met M.I. and Jesse Jagz and together they founded the Loopy Crew.

Earlier that same year he dropped his debut single entitled Extraordinary however; recording success was still a long way off. In 2009 the sun finally shone on Ice Prince when he participated in the Hennessy Artistry competition. The Oleku singer trashed the likes of Bez, Mo'Cheddah, Blaise and Jimmy Flames to clinch the ultimate prize with his single, Badman.

That culminated in the 2010 official release of his debut Chocolate City single entitled Oleku. Overnight he became the most sought after act as he did collabos with A listers including Banky W,  eLDee and Naeto C, Dekunle Fuji, Kel, Gino, Terry Tha Rapman, Sauce Kid, Djinee, Mo Cheddah and Wizkid among others. The release of his debut album, Everyone Loves Brymo, sealed his place as the new act to beat!

And the act has not been without his controversies. From being touted as better than MI to pictures of him popping up on instagram with fashion designer, Yvonne Nwosu in bed. The act has enjoyed media attention as he seems poised to take his game to the next level

Zamani On Fire

Consequently, following the success of his debut album Every One Likes Ice Prince, the rap sensation revealed that plans have reached fever pitch for the release of his sophomore effort entitled Zamani On Fire.

 “What’s new about me is that I just did a song featuring French Montana entitled I swear. And French Montana is a bad boy artiste with PDD. It’s an international collabo and there’s also my album coming out entitled The Fire of Zamani .

“Expect magic,” he says with emphasis, “expect a blend of everything. I have three international collabos on that album and I ‘m also featuring some Nigerian legends. There’s Wale, there’s Fresh Montana, there’s Sony Neji, Sound Sultan and Wizkid. The album was officially released on October 15th.”

Oleku

How did he get the inspiration for Oleku?

“It just didn’t come from me alone. It came from God. It came from Jezze who made the beat, it came from Brymo who did the hook. God inspired us to make that song. We were just kids in the studio trying to make good music and then Oleku just happened! We can only thank God. Oleku was the song that made me.”

Did he believe Oleku would be that great?

He waves his head as he responds: “I never did. You never know what song’s going to be big. I just felt it was an okay song and we pushed it and bingo! Before we knew it we were very where.”

Aboki swag

Lately, Ice Prince has been obsessed with a new project, reorienting Nigerians about the meaning of the word aboki. He actually put his money where his mouth is when he released his single, Aboki, in 2012. Ironically, in some quarters, the word aboki is considered derogatory. What gave him the inspiration?

 “Aboki means friend. It’s a representation of where I’m from. I was born in Jos and I grew up in Minna so this means me representing my roots. Aboki means friend but it’s also a name for indigent Hausa people like gatemen and those those who do menial jobs so I wanted to change that perception and let them know that there’s more to aboki. I am a Jos boy; an aboki to the core. The same way the guy selling cigarettes outside Eko Hotel is an aboki is the same way Dangote is an aboki,” he adds with a proud smile.

Romance

With success come women. Who is the woman in his life? He smiles as he responds, a mischievous look in his eyes: “That’s private stuff I don’t want in the papers.”

SUNNY ADE’S GRANDDAUGHTER, SYBIL SPARKLE POSES NUDE!

Sunny Ade’s granddaughter, Cybil Sparkle, has gone the way of Kim Kardashian and Miley Cyrus. She recently stripped down to her birthday suit for a photo shoot and the pictures are currently trending on the internet.

“The pictures are hot! Cybil takes off every piece of clothing and poses in various sexy positions. This is just crazy! Why did she have to do it? After all, she is the granddaughter of one of Nigeria’s most successful juju musicians, King Sunny Ade,” a source said.

According to another source who spoke to superbassnaija: “The move is not unconnected to her music career. Probably she believes that once the pictures are trending, it would be smooth sail for her music career.”   Cybil who is in her mid 20s is currently staying with her white lover who is in his early 60s at Takwa Bay and sources say he personally encouraged her to go nude! Meanwhile, speculation is rife that the move is not unconnected with her career dreams of breaking into the Nigerian music industry.

AITY DENNIS ROCKS THE BIG APPLE

JOINS FAMILY FOR FATHER IN-LAW’S 70TH

 BIRTHDAY

Unstoppable gospel singer, Aity Dennis, lit up New York City with her performance over the weekend as her third US tour which kicked-off in Portland, Oregon, hit New York.

Aity, who is on tour with her baby, Kasemfon performed at New Covenant Dominion Cathedral, Bronx, New York, on Saturday. In a telephone chat with The Entertainer an excited Aity said: “The response has been overwhelming. I never knew I had so many fans out here. I am billed to play in a couple of other cities including Washington DC in the coming weeks.”

Meanwhile, she joined family members to celebrate the 70^th birthday of her father in-law in the US last week flanked by her husband, Dr. Dennis Inyang in a ceremony that attracted family, friends and well wishers.

Aity is a passionate about using music as a tool for spiritual and national rebirth. She has released 10 albums to date and won several awards.  She has performed alongside stars like Ron Kenoly among others both within and outside the country.

She has also performed before presidents, governors and the crème of the Nigerian society and received several honours and awards for her music and videos, including an Excellence Award from the Akwa Ibom State Government, Nigeria’s Outstanding Female Gospel Artiste of the Year and Best Akwa Ibom

BEHOLD, NIGERIA’S SHORTEST COMEDIAN!

 ‘MEN FIND ME IRRESISTIBLE’ 

The first thing that strikes you about Rita Ayim is her size. At less than a foot tall, she is nothing short of a micro midget! And guess what, in spite of her pint size; she has a gargantuan dream. She wants to be an international dancer cum comedian!

Last weekend, Rita held guests spell bound with her performance after she gate crashed into the Julius Agwu’s Crack Ya Ribs comedy show held at Transcorp Hilton in Abuja.

Guests were blown away in the sold out show as they stood on their seats to catch a glimpse of Rita who took to the stage and thrilled with jokes and a high dose of Azonto dance steps. In fact, so diminutive was Rita that Agwu instructed the engineers to switch off the smoke machine so people could see the wonder on stage.

As I made my way to hook up with her after her performance, I was still dazed and in awe at the little package that had held the entire venue spellbound. Obviously realizing that I was gaping at her, she had fired the first shot: “Is your wife as tall as I am? Or is your baby as big as I am?” We both shared a healthy laugh as I shook hands with the Nigeria’s shortest comedian/dancer. Welcome to the world of Rita Ayim…

The beginning

For 33-year-old Rita, right from childhood, it had always been her dream to be a comedian and dancer. She revealed that as early as her primary school days, she has always had a passion for the arts: “Acting has always been my dream. It all began as a student when I was in secondary school. I used to perform in school. During the break or when our teachers were not around, in order to keep busy we resorted to acting to while away time. That was how I started.”

Rita is a sheer wonder to behold. In fact, if you’re not vigilant, you could step on her without realising it yet she exudes so much confidence you’d think she was a diva. From where does she get her confidence?

“It’s God. When I started comedy and dancing I had a firm belief in my skills that I could make it. After I finished secondary school at the age of 24, I took it more seriously and anytime there was a show, I performed. I earned N12, 000 for my first performance; that was four years ago and ever since I have not looked back.”

Growing up

Born to a family of six, Rita is the last child. She talks about growing up: “I was born in Calabar. That’s where my father built his house. We were six; three boys and three girls. I was the last child. Growing up was fun but at a very tender age I started doing things for myself. I was into recharge card business after I finished secondary school and initially, my business was moving smoothly.”

However, after a while, Rita says she hit a bad patch as her business crashed because customers were not paying up. So bad was the experience that she decided to relocate from Calabar. Recalling the sad experience she said: “I was making money from my recharge card business. I had a lot of customers. People just liked patronizing me. However, along the line people started buying on credit and wouldn’t pay. I would start chasing them all over for my money and that was the beginning of my problems. I was really stressed up by the experience.

“Eventually my business parked up. I was so frustrated I decided to leave Calabar. I woke up one morning and said,

‘mum, dad, I am leaving for Makurdi to hustle’. They were surprised but they couldn’t stop me. I wanted to go out and see the world. That was how I came to Makurdi and discovered my talent.”

Why did she choose Makurdi and not Lagos or Abuja?

The comedian smiles as she responds: “Makurdi has always been very close to my heart. I had seen the town on TV and read articles about it in papers and so I just decided to give it a try.”

Today, four years later, Rita says she is happy with her decision, as she is able to send money back home for her parents’ up keep. “Today, they are very happy and supportive. Now they are older and not as strong as they used to be, so I regularly send them money for their upkeep. My father is a retired teacher,” she says with pride.

Matters of the heart

Rita says she doesn’t have a boyfriend for now because most men are natural born cheaters. However, when she finally meets her ideal man, she looks forward to settling down: “I don’t have a boyfriend for now. As a woman you must have experiences. When men approach you as a lady, you should be able to tell if the man actually loves you. A lot of boys come to me and say ‘Rita, how far? Which day would you come to know my house’ and I tell them to ‘lay off!’ These boys just want to sleep with me and dump me so I don’t listen to them. They want to have access to me and then abandon me. That’s the reason I don’t want to have a boyfriend for now.”

Could it be that the reason she doesn’t have a boy friend is that men don’t ask her out?

 Rita laughs out loudly as she responds waving her hands: “No, there are millions of them approaching me because of my beauty and height but I have decided to stick to myself for now until I find one who truly loves me. Any man who wants to sleep me must first pay my bride price.”

Ideal man

According to Rita, she is not going to compromise her standards as far as her dream man is concerned. She says her ideal man must meet certain qualities. “He must be caring, loving and handsome. He should have good qualities to maintain a loving wife. I love tall guys like you,” she adds pointing at me as we both share another laugh.

Challenges

For Rita, it’s not been easy working as a midget comedian/dancer. According to her, she has been rejected, ridiculed, called names and even threatened with ritual murder on many occasions. “I have faced many challenges in life. Some people don’t even want to shake me. People have insulted me by calling me all sorts of names saying that people will kidnap me and use me for money rituals,” she says adding, “these things make me afraid and ashamed of myself and sometimes I lose the courage to do the things I have to do. But I know that God is with me and I will make it.”

Is she making money from comedy, is it paying her bills?  “Yes a little but it could be better,” Rita volunteers.

Advice

Rita has an advice for midgets like her. She says that they should be courageous and hold up their chins whatever situation they find themselves: “They should have courage and confidence and also trust in God no matter what people do or say. God will surely make a way for them.”

Dreams

“My dream is to make it as an international dancer and comedian. I want to be the voice for the physically challenged. I want them to know that being challenged is not a death sentence. You can still live your life to the fullest. I also want to be the ambassador for the physically challenged; I want them to know that nothing can stop them from achieving their dreams if they stay focused and prayerful.”

DOUBLE JOY FOR THE SUN REPORTER, TONY OGAGA

*WINS BEST ENTERTAINMENT OF THE YEAR REPORTER 2013

*HONOURED BY GBEDU AWARDS

CHIOMA OBIKWELU & NONYE NKWOCHA 

Reporter, blogger, versatile writer and afro beat artiste, Tony Ogaga Erhariefe, has emerged the Best Entertainment Reporter of The Year, courtesy Nigeria Media Nite Out Awards 2013, which was held at 10 Degrees Event Cenre, Oregun, Lagos.

Receiving the award, the journalist thanked the organizers, declaring that the award would spur him to work even harder: “I want to thank the organizers of the awards. I am encouraged to strive even harder. I am dedicating this award to my wife and all my readers out there including my critics. Here’s saying a big thank you, ” he said.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, August 17, the reporter, who has logged 10 years in the industry, was hosted by the organizers of Gbedu Awards, alongside music veteran, Mike Okri on the platforms monthly awards series.

Erhariefe began his career as a trainee journalist in the early 2000s under the tutelage of The Sun Newspapers current DMD, Femi Adeshina. Among others he is a past nominee of the Nigerian Media Merit Awards (NMMA) 2010.

In 2008, he joined the now rested National LIFE as Entertainment Editor. Today he is a Chief Correspondent with The Sun Newspapers.

MY FLUTE AND I –EBELE THE FLUTIST

The last time first time I met her was at Wole Oni’s studio. I had just interviewed Oni when this chocolate skinned beauty clutching a flute strolled in.

Before I could say Jackie Robinson I was interviewing her. That was over a year ago. Last week, I ran into her again and realized that in the short space of a year, a lot had happened in her career including playing major gigs and sharing the stage with top musicians and recording a couple of collabos.

In this interview with The Entertainer, the act popularly known as Ebele the flutist, who says she has found joy and fulfillment playing the flute spoke on her music and why she has fallen for the flute.

Excerpts:

Wole Oni has been producing your songs. What’s it like working with him?

Wow! It’s nice and exciting because he has that touch which I want; he can interpret my sound. I am an instrumentalist who doubles as a singer so I needed someone who could interpret my sound. He fitted into that mould so well I featured him on a track Oga Mma.

The flute comes across as a masculine instrument. Why did you choose it?

It for me started when I was age 14 or 15. I was exposed to a musical background as a young girl so it started as a hobby. My mum and dad sang in church as well. There were some Filippinos who came to Nigeria and trained us. There was this Filipino lady who introduced me to the flute. I just loved watching her play. What inspired me was that she was also a versatile pianist. Before I knew it my hobby became my passion!

What does the flute mean to you?

The flute is like a bird. It’s a solo instrument yet very classic and complex and that’s why it’s not so common. But the beautiful thing about the way I play the flute is that I’m able to interpret it across various genres. I want to make the world realize that the flute could be as dynamic as the sax. My dream is to elevate the flute to the level of the sax. If you listen to my-soon-to-be-released album, I work in different genres with emphasis on the flute; my flute is my best friend.

Majek Fashek once said if reincarnation was for real, he’d like to reincarnate as a guitar. Would you want to come back as a flute?

The flute is the voice of the bird. It’s an instrument that I use to express myself. Some things are so deep I just can express them with words; it’s the flute that helps me to express them. My fans understand this and I realize it’s a big expression mode for me. Maybe, I wouldn’t mind coming back as one.

The flute is more of a masculine instrument…

That’s what people say but I totally disagree with you. What a man can do a woman can even do better. And that’s because when a woman is committed, she goes all the way; I am a professional.

Who are your role models when it comes to playing wind instruments?

Mike Aremu is just amazing. He plays his sax very well. That’s why I featured him in Jawa Chineke. I normally tell people I want to be as expressive as Mike Aremu when I play my flute.

Tell us about your dreams?

I dream of a time when you’ll start seeing flutes everywhere. People are already getting acquainted with the flute thing already. Before now nobody wanted to hear the flute. Sax was the main thing but now things are changing; I am promoting the flute experience.

Tell us about your album promo singles?

I have three tracks on YouTube and the response has been wow!

How has the journey been in the last one year?

Fantastic, very fantastic! The level of growth and acceptance has been awesome! 

When is your album dropping?

God willing, before the end of this year.