HOTGURUS Entertainment Blog

Insecurity: Jonathan Meets Malian Leader, Senegalese Clerics:--

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President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday met with the President of 
Mali, Muhammadou Keita in continuation of consultations to solve the 
problems of insurgency in Northern Mali and North-Eastern Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was held behind closed doors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Addressing State House Correspondents after the meeting, Keita: “I 
have come to meet my brother on the issue of insecurity, to see what we 
can do, that is why I am here.”

It will be recalled that Jonathan, Keita and other ECOWAS leaders had met on the same issue in Accra, Ghana on Friday.

The President also met with some clerics from Senegal led by Khalifah
 Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Inyass, the grandson of Late Shehu Tijjani Ibrahim
 Inyass, the founder of the Tijjaniya sect.

The clerics came on the invitation of Jonathan who is under 
increasing pressure from within and outside the country over the 
abducted Chibok school girls, and spate of killings by the Boko Haram 
sect.

The group of clerics, numbering about 10, met with the President for 
about an hour, during which they offered prayers for peace and stability
 in Nigeria.

Their spokesman, Ahmed Awwalu described the meeting as historic, 
saying that former Nigerian leaders, Yakubu Gowon and Late JTU 
Aguiyi-Ironsi had also invited the sect to pray for the country in the 
past.

“It is a historic visit because it had been done by his father with 
the then Presidents, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and Gen. Aguyi Ironsi, so history
 is repeating itself.

“We came for the Maulud of Ibrahim Inyass in Gombe and on our way 
home, the President requested for a courtesy visit and our Shehu granted
 it.

“We must come together, all Muslims and non-Muslims to achieve 
peaceful coexistence; we must pray so that we can all fight this 
insecurity in the country,” he said.

Other members of the group include Sheikh Makky Inyass, Sheikh Mansur
 Inyass, Sheikh Ahmad Inyass, Sheikh Bashir Inyass, Mustapha Inyass.

Others were Abdullahi Maigemu, Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru-Bauchi, Aliyu Ibrahim, Khalifah Shehu and Nasiru Hamisu.

Insecurity: Jonathan Meets Malian Leader, Senegalese Clerics:--

President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday met with the President of Mali, Muhammadou Keita in continuation of consultations to solve the p...

11:19

NIMET Predicts Cloudy Conditions Nationwide On Sunday!!!

NIMET Predicts Cloudy Conditions Nationwide On Sunday!!!

he Nigerian Meteorology Agency (NIMET) has predicted cloudy conditions in the country with chances of thunderstorms and rains during mor...

11:17

No Plan To Increase Cost Of Exam Fees– JAMB!!!

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) said on Saturday 
that it had no immediate plans to increase the cost of registration 
forms for its Computer-Based Tests.

The Public Relations Officer of JAMB, Mr Fabian Benjamin, who made 
the statement in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in 
Lagos, said that the board intended to work within its available 
resources for subsequent CBTs.

“If there is the need to increase, parents would be informed on why there is an increase,” he said.

Benjamin spoke against the backdrop of reported plans by the board to increase the cost of the forms.

He said that this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination 
was capital intensive because of the Paper-Pencil and Computer-Based 
Test that were held this year.

“The examination this year was capital intensive but subsequently it will not be so.

“The reason was that two types of examinations were held this year without any increase in budgetary allocation for exams.

“Subsequently, the cost of printing of papers for 23 subjects of 15 pages for about two million people will no longer be there.”

According to him, the Federal Government had assisted in reducing the
 financial burden of the exam on parents and guardians by directing JAMB
 to reduce the cost of forms from N4, 600 to N4, 000.

“The objective of the CBT is to make our education system more 
effective, to give the candidates the right orientation about 
examination, which should transcend to the university level.

No Plan To Increase Cost Of Exam Fees– JAMB!!!

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) said on Saturday that it had no immediate plans to increase the cost of registration ...

11:16

INEC Conducts State Assembly Bye-election In Yobe {See Photo}

<img alt="inec_chairman_prof_attahiru__0" class="attachment-medium wp-post-image" height="187" src="http://leadership.ng/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/inec_chairman_prof_attahiru__0-300x187.jpg" width="300" /> 
 
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Yobe on 
Saturday organised a bye-election into Nangere constituency of the state
 house of assembly.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the member representing
 the constituency, Adamu Degubi, was killed by gunmen in June 2012.

NAN reports that two parties: the All Progressives Congress (APC) 
which fielded Alhaji Saidu Baba, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 
that fielded Shuaibu Ibrahim, are contesting the election.

A NAN correspondent who covered the election reports that security 
operatives have been deployed to all parts of Nangere Local Government 
Area to ensure peaceful conduct of the exercise.

INEC had deployed electoral materials and manpower to polling units 
by 8 a.m., with accreditation commencing immediately while voting 
started at 12.30 p.m.

Voters in the area said the election would afford them the opportunity to elect another representative to the state’s assembly.

The Emir of Nangere, Alhaji Muhammadu Ibn Grema, appreciated the 
efforts of INEC in the conduct of the election, saying it would give the
 people a representation in the state’s assembly.

“The people of Nangere have been without a member in the Yobe State 
House of Assembly for two years now, which means that our interests have
 not been represented there.

“The people have been well mobilised and sensitised for peaceful conduct of the election.’’

INEC Conducts State Assembly Bye-election In Yobe {See Photo}

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Yobe on Saturday organised a bye-election into Nangere constituency of the state ...

11:14

Jonathan Condemns Assassination Of Gwoza Emir!!!

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President Goodluck Jonathan has condemned the Friday assassination of
 the Emir of Gwoza, Alh Idrissa Timta, by the insurgent group, Boko 
Haram.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben 
Abati, disclosed this on Saturday, in an interview with the State House 
correspondents in Abuja.

He said: “the president got the news and he was sad about it because 
what it means is that,  these terrorists, who are threatening peace and 
stability in Nigeria, are desperate and they continue to show that 
desperation.

“The president made it clear in his democracy day broadcast, that was
 his main message to Nigerians, that at the end of the day, it is the 
people of Nigeria that will prevail.

“No matter how desperate terrorists may be, that his government is determined to rid the country of terrorism.

“The whole of the West African sub-region, Africa and the entire 
world showed that this is the battle that the whole world is prepared to
 fight.

“So, the days of peace as the president said in his speech are 
assured because this battle will not end until it is won and the 
sustainable development is fully guaranteed.”

He said the president had also spoken about those who were willing to
 renounce terrorism and those who were willing to embrace peace,

According to him opportunities have been created for them  through 
the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolutions of 
Conflict in the North Eastern part of Nigeria.

It will be recalled that, in the broadcast, the president had 
directed the security forces to launch a full-scale operation to put an 
end to the impunity of terrorists in the country.

The president stressed that the unity and stability of the country and the protection of lives and property were non-negotiable.

He had emphasised his determination to protect the nation’s 
democracy, national unity and political stability by waging a total war 
against terrorism.

Jonathan had, however, said that government would be open to dialogue
 and reconciliation with anyone or group willing to genuinely renounce 
terror.

The president had said: “for our citizens who have joined hands with 
Al Qaeda and international terrorists in the misguided belief that 
violence can possibly solve their problems, our doors remain open to 
them for dialogue and reconciliation, if they renounce terrorism and 
embrace peace.

“My government, while pursuing security measures, will explore all 
options, including readiness to accept unconditional renunciation of 
violence by insurgents.

Jonathan Condemns Assassination Of Gwoza Emir!!!

President Goodluck Jonathan has condemned the Friday assassination of the Emir of Gwoza, Alh Idrissa Timta, by the insurgent group, Boko...

11:12

POLITIES AN POLITICANS IN NAJA!!!

POLITIES AN POLITICANS IN NAJA!!!

Hoto Na Musamman: Shugaba Jonathan ne ke saurarin shawarwari daga wurin tsohon shugaban kasa, Olusegun Obasanjo a yayin da suka hadu a w...

10:11

2face, T-pain To Perform At AFRIMMA:---

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Organisers of African Muzik Magazine Awards [AFRIMMA], Big A 
Entertainment, have confirmed the acceptance of another set of music 
super stars who will be performing at the award show, scheduled to take 
place on July 2, at the Eisemann Center, Richardson, Texas, United 
States.

The new addition; Nigerian singer, song writer and record producer, 
Innocent Idibia a.k.a 2face, and multi-platinum and Grammy Award-winning
 American rapper, Faheem Najm, better known as T-Pain, will be thrilling
 the crowd individually and collectively, especially on the remix to 
2face’s song, Rainbow, which features the American star.

The song is 2face’s popular single, which debuted on his 2012 album release Away & Beyond.

No doubt, 2face will be the cynosure of all eyes at the event, having
 raised the bar of international collaboration with the success of Rainbow, and featuring on T-Pain‘s new single, If I Got It, which also has Senegalese-American artiste, Akon.

Founder/CEO of Big A Entertainment, Mr Anderson Obiagwu said his 
company is determined to sustain the drive towards a world class African
 award show, through its “crossing boundaries with music” mission.

“This event will not only celebrate the music of Africa, but 
celebrate the unique sounds, culture and artistes that tell the stories 
of our continent as a whole,” said Obiagwu.

“AFRIMMA represents growth, celebration and pushing the culture and 
music of Africa continuously forward for the better. It will be an 
amazing night celebrating the artistes who have influenced and impacted 
the culture as well as the pioneers who laid the framework for the music
 of today,” he added.

The much publicised event will be hosted by celebrity comedian, Basketmouth and Nollywood actress, Juliet Ibrahim.

2face, T-pain To Perform At AFRIMMA:---

Organisers of African Muzik Magazine Awards [AFRIMMA], Big A Entertainment, have confirmed the acceptance of another set of music super ...

08:00

Phyno Rules Out Any International Collaborations:--

Phyno Rules Out Any International Collaborations:--

Fans who have been dreaming about Phyno collaborating with an international artiste had better wake up. The eclectic rapper won’t be do...

07:58

DJ Jimmy Jatt To Celebrate 25th Anniversary:-

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Iconic Nigerian DJ, Jimmy Adewale Amu, aka DJ Jimmy Jatt is set to 
celebrate the silver jubillee (25 years) of musical career in disc 
jockeying.

The frontliner recently announced this in Lagos, saying, “It is hard 
to believe that 25 years have gone by and I have been having the time of
 my life doing the job I love. This anniversary celebration is to take 
people on my journey so far and also to show my appreciation for their 
continued support all these 25 years.”

Members of the planning committee for the anniversary celebration 
include Matthew Ohio and Ubi Franklin (Iyanya’s manager) of Triple MG.

A nationwide tour of six cities across Nigeria from May through 
mid-June is being planned. It starts in Lagos and runs through Enugu, 
Benin, Port Harcourt and lorin to Abuja. Also, a DJ Jimmy Jatt 
documentary holds on the 25th anniversary formal dinner in August, 2014.
 Other activities are

Jimmy’s jump off in September, launch of the DJ Jimmy Jatt Foundation
 for the entertainment Arts with its first project for up and coming DJs
 in October 2014.

DJ Jimmy Jatt To Celebrate 25th Anniversary:-

Iconic Nigerian DJ, Jimmy Adewale Amu, aka DJ Jimmy Jatt is set to celebrate the silver jubillee (25 years) of musical career in disc jo...

07:56

Talented Duo Reaching For The Zen See Photo

<img alt="Bem" class="attachment-medium wp-post-image" height="300" src="http://leadership.ng/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Bem-281x300.gif" width="281" /> 
 
Bem Pever and Emil B. Garuba are a creative pair with distinctive
 capabilities, processes and products; yet, they work to achieve the 
same goal – producing brilliant content for a modern audience. Their 
repertoire includes writing for hit-television shows such as the popular
 Tinsel on MNET, to producing short movies to highlight the role of 
women in politics in modern Nigerian society, starring Nollywood 
heavyweights like Kate Henshaw and Joke Silva. ESSENTIALS chats with the
 pair about their inspiration, varying projects and their zeal to climb 
this ever-flexible creative ladder.

The pair of you have just wrapped up filming of a docu-drama starring
 Kate Henshaw and Joke Silva, a project highlighting the role of women 
in politics in modern Nigeria – tell us more about this project from 
conception to production.

Bem: The project is called Create Her Space and 
it is for the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF) funded by the National 
Endowment for Democracy (NED). It is a short docu-drama focused on 
mobilising support for women’s candidacy in readiness for the 2015 
general elections. It sensitises young girls and women on the need to 
participate in politics and increases the space for women in politics 
through a multi-media campaign, as well as advocating the creation of 
opportunities for women in politics and government. Working on the 
project as the producer, it was an interesting experience all through 
the process of script development to pre-production, production and now 
we are at the post-production stage. We also had the opportunity to work
 with Joke Silva on the project and other talented actors in Abuja such 
as Nita Byack George, Hoomuk Alex Jibrin, Tony Ezemadu, Jide Attah, 
Omolara Sulaiman, Rabi Usman and many others. The process of making a 
film is always interesting and this one was not different even though it
 was a short film. We had some scenes that we needed a lot of extras to 
shoot a campaign rally, so we decided to go to work with the people of 
Durumi, a community in Abuja. While shooting, it got to a stage where 
the people of the community thought we were actually holding a political
 campaign. This was what we wanted and so we took advantage of it. The 
Nigerian Women Trust Fund is going to be using the video as an advocacy 
material to open up discussions on the need for women to participate in 
politics.

Emil: The name of the docu-drama is called A New Dawn.
 Bem came to me with the project details early in March 2014. It was 
envisioned as a short film commissioned by the Nigerian Women’s Trust 
Fund as part of their communications awareness initiative called Create 
Her Space. The initiative is funded by the National Endowment for 
Democracy (NED) and it addresses the growing concerns about the gender 
imbalance in elective and appointive positions in Nigerian politics. I 
was intrigued by the subject matter and immediately agreed to work with 
him on it. We then had a meeting with the NWTF representatives and soon 
we had a story in place and I went about developing the screen-play 
based on ideas put down during our meeting. I’m actually credited as the
 script editor while Bem is credited as the producer. When the final 
script was approved Bem got the production crew together, including 
casting actors and we starting filming. The shoot lasted two days. It’s 
being edited right now and I can’t wait to see the finished product.

Emil: How did you start a career as a screen-writer? Bem: How did you begin your career in production?

Bem: I have always wanted to make films right from my 
teenage years, when I used to organise drama activities in church and in
 my secondary school. I grew up to love doing this, so I studied Theatre
 Arts at the University of Jos, with a bias in development 
communication. This was shortly after I completed my three years NCE 
programme at the College of Education, Katsina Ala, Benue State. During 
this period I was always looking for the opportunity to do films, to be a
 part of the film production process.  I was able to work on some small 
film projects here and there but the big opportunities never came, until
 2008 when I took up an appointment with Impression Films, a film and 
television production company.

Till date some, of the projects I have worked on include working as a
 producer and production manager on the HOMEVIDA film project and the 
award winning docu-drama One Small Step; which was on tour in the USA. One Small Step
 was a documentary for NEPAD Nigeria, EVANS Publishers, Government of 
Rivers State, SAGE Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Land, Housing and
 Urban Development. I also worked on a project for the American Embassy 
in Nigeria (a consultation research and creative design project on human
 trafficking), The Incorruptibles (about a social group that fights corruption in Nigeria), Learning Curves (a feature film), Dukan Karshi (a Civic Engagement Radio Drama Series Production by Singing Tree Films for NDI) and Make.a.Move (a feature film on child abuse for Avizzle Media Production).

Emil: As far back as I can remember I always knew I’d 
make a living as a story-teller. I’ve been writing since I was a tot. I 
was into comic books. I still am but not as much as I am totally 
engrossed in movies and film. I was born in Oklahoma, USA and spent the 
first few years of my life there before my family returned to Nigeria.  I
 remember a few things from my time there, but what I never forgot was 
the entertainment, most of which I rediscovered back in Nigeria later on
 – the Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, film noir, westerns and sci-fi 
classics, blaxploitation era films and everything in-between, including 
the equally entertaining Nigerian programmes like Tales by Moonlight and Magana jari ce –
 I absorbed them all, hoping that someday I’d be able to tell similar 
stories and make others feel the same way. I remember someone telling me
 to go write my own movie.

My journey took me back to Oklahoma where I attended college and 
graduated with a BA in Political Science and an MA in Creative Writing. 
After a few years spent lost in corporate America I decided to return 
again to Nigeria, partly because I wasn’t feeling very inspired over 
there. I’d completed only two screenplays between 1998 and 2001. While I
 drifted from job to job, it hit me that the Nigerian movie industry was
 in its nascent stage. One day, I said to myself, “That’s where I need 
to be right now.” More so, not in all my years did I see a character 
that I could identify with. So I thought, I’d go ahead and create a few 
of my own. But of course, [it is] easier said than done.

I wrote my first Nigerian screenplay in 2009 and off that got a gig 
writing for Tinsel, the popular Nigerian soap opera. Next came HOMEVIDA,
 the Nigerian Integrity Film Awards.

Somewhere, I got to meet a young film-maker, Ishaya Bako (Fuelling Poverty),
 who shared my passion for innovative Afro-themed stories and we decided
 to enter into a creative partnership to bring our crazy ideas to 
fruition. Our first collaboration was the 2012 short film Easy Money,
 co-written and directed by Ishaya Bako for the Nigerian Securities and 
Exchange Commission. It met with such resounding success that the 
commission wants us to develop a feature for them and, possibly, a 
television series.

I’ve since written other screenplays and television shows, including The Tai Show
 currently playing on the DSTV. During this time I was also fortunate to
 meet the producer and CEO of Formatte Pictures, Ummi Baba-Ahmed, who 
was also working on the Tai Show. She shared a couple of her 
ideas with me, including her passion project about Queen Amina of Zaria.
 After so much going back and forth, we arrived at an understanding and,
 personally, I can say that the script for Amina: The Origin remains my finest work and I can’t wait to see this on the big screen.

It’s all crazy and exciting, to say the least. But the good thing is that meditation keeps me sane.

How did you two meet and what inspired your creative collaborations?

Bem: I first met Emil while I was still working with 
Impression Films. There was this film project called 12:30, in which 
Emil was the writer and I was working as the production manager. After 
that project we began to see ourselves working together on other 
projects. I have worked with different writers but I have never seen 
someone as good as Emil Garuba. He brings out the right kind of message 
and production effects you want in a story and, for me, the first stage 
to a good production starts with a very good story. If the story is not 
good, there is just little a director and the production team can do to 
arrive at a good production. This is key for me and I think it is what 
has inspired my creative collaboration with him. At the moment, we have a
 working relationship with Ishaya Bako who is a wonderful director and, 
also, with Ummi Baba- Ahmed the producer of Amina: the Origin.

Emil: I met Bem way back in 2009 when I was 
commissioned to write the screenplay for a film called 12:30 produced 
and directed by Sebari Diete-Spiff for Impression Films. It was my first
 paying gig on my return to Nigeria. I remember walking into her office 
and seeing it jam-packed with young, creative people, Bem included. 
Everyone I met in that office I still have a relationship with today, 
personally and professionally. 12:30 fell apart during production for reasons I wasn’t privy to (by then I’d moved on to writing for Tinsel)
 but I remember Bem being a very resourceful production manager. When I 
became the script consultant for HOMEVIDA in 2011, I met Bem again and 
he was the production manager for the short films. We’ve been working 
together ever since. When Amina came around I made it a point to get him
 onboard.

What projects are you currently working on?

Bem: One of the main projects we are working at the moment is Amina: The Origin.
 It is the story of the legendary 15th Century queen of Zaria (Zazzau), 
in northern Nigeria. We are also doing a short movie this month (May) 
which Emil is going to be directing.

Emil: Quite a few actually. There’s a documentary 
currently in production, but I can’t talk about it other than to say 
it’s a hot topic right now. It’s an Amateur Heads project directed by 
Ishaya Bako so expect a certain level of controversy. The Amina feature 
film is still in the works and Bem is going to co-produce my short film,
 which I plan on shooting before the month runs out. Then there’s a 
historical adventure feature I’m writing for a friend, another 
historical feature chronicling the process of Nigeria’s independence, an
 international video game project I’m attached to, and a slate of 
projects for Formatte Pictures centered on Northern Nigeria. Whew! There
 are a myriad of things in the works.

What is your usual creative process?

For me the creative process comes in different ways. Most of the 
times, it begins with an issue I have seen around that needs to be 
addressed in the society. I like doing developmental projects, projects 
which make us better as human beings. So I am usually thinking from that
 angle. When an organisation just calls me up to do something for them, I
 have to think along the lines of their desires.

Emil: Every writer I know has one and it’s different 
for all of us. Some of us are even superstitious about it. I know a guy 
who only starts writing on Wednesdays. Thankfully, I’m not that weird. 
Well, that’s debatable. I’ve been known to walk around my house naked to
 get into the flow of things. I don’t recommend this during the raining 
season, though. My creative process usually starts with an idea: “What 
if?” I do a lot of brainstorming to come up with the most logical 
extrapolation of an idea, until it starts playing over and over in my 
head. I usually see the whole movie in my head beforehand, then pick it 
apart to plug holes and whatnot until it becomes something entertaining 
and sensible. I’ve also been known to delve into what I refer to as 
‘method writing’; where I live in the world I’m writing about.

As it is important to keep your audience interested yet entertained; 
how do you remain inspired to produce material of impeccable quality?

Bem: There are ways to tell good stories. Film-making 
is an art that allows you to be very expressive and yet keep your 
audience entertained. In Nigeria and Africa as a whole, there are many 
issues that are yet to be addressed on the screen. We have a lot of 
beautiful stories yet to be told. The Nigerian audience is waiting for 
these stories to come out. We have so many northern issues that can be 
told in our movies. The issues in the Niger Delta are yet to be told; in
 Benue State among the Tiv people (where I come from), there are lots of
 beautiful metaphors and images that can be translated into good movies 
and documentaries. These are issues that can heighten the audience’s 
interest and keep them entertained. I am inspired to do all of these; 
it’s just a question of time.

Emil: I remain inspired, knowing that there’s a wealth 
of history and stories to be mined from our great continent and our 
nation. Most of what I’ve seen from Nollywood, unfortunately, doesn’t 
still resonate with me. I feel we still apply Western ideals to most of 
our films. I understand that it is done, mostly, for commercial reasons,
 but, frankly, that doesn’t interest me. I lived more than half my life 
in the West and that’s not what I want to see when I’m watching a 
Nigerian film. I want to tell stories that reflect who we are as a 
people. Stories like Amina the Origin is a Nigerian story. If I 
had my way I’d get the rights to every celebrated Nigerian author’s 
works and adapt them into films. I’m particularly fond of Cyprian 
Ekwensi’s The Passport of Mallam Illia and someday I hope to 
write the screenplay for the feature film.  Authenticity means a lot to 
me and with whatever I write I strive to be authentic, to the story, to 
the characters, and to the audience.

With the Nigerian climate – economic, social and political factors at
 play – how would you describe your creative journey so far?

Bem: It has been an interesting journey, so far, in the
 industry. When I first started, it was not very easy, I must say. You 
can stay for a very long time before any job comes your way. The 
industry is very competitive. I am not yet where I really want to be 
but, over the years, I have come to understand that it is not really 
about the Nigerian situation but about the value you are giving. Value 
does not have an expiry date and it does not go down. The more you give 
your client what they want and what the audience wants, you will always 
be in business. These things take time but c hey find you; you’ll take 
it from there.

Emil: I’ve been in Nigeria since 2009 and Nollywood 
(the Nigerian film industry) is tricky to navigate at best. It’s a 
virtual minefield of cliques and cabals, independent auteurs and 
unscrupulous marketers/producers who seem only concerned with the 
business side of showbiz. Stable electricity is a hard to come by some 
months, and reliable internet connection is sometimes as elusive as a 
unicorn. But through all these I’ve made some headway via aggressive 
networking and recommendations from those I’ve worked with. As a 
practicing Buddhist, meditation helps me stay focused on my work and 
also to deal with the negative feelings and questions that creep up 
every once in a while in my head regarding if relocating to Nigeria was 
the right decision or not. I gave myself five years to make it or break 
it. It hasn’t been easy, but I’m determined to make it work.

I’m definitely inspired. It also helps that Africa has a plethora of 
rich untapped history and stories just waiting to be told and now is the
 time to bring those stories to the forefront. I’ve also been fortunate 
to work with some of the best minds in the industry right now.

Talented Duo Reaching For The Zen See Photo

Bem Pever and Emil B. Garuba are a creative pair with distinctive capabilities, processes and products; yet, they work to achieve the sa...

07:46

I’m Neither Controversial Nor A Runs Girl (See Photo:-)

<img alt="Halima Abubakar" class="attachment-medium wp-post-image" height="225" src="http://leadership.ng/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Halima-Abubakar-300x225.jpg" width="300" /> 
 
Actress Halima Abubakar has come out to refute claims that she is a 
‘runs girl’. The actress also pointed out that she is no controversial 
person, during a recent interview with YES! magazine.

“I’m not controversial. Why [do] people talk and the press write? 
Guess my name gives them (gossips) orgasm. I’m a simple 
home-couch-loving lady. I love my bed, my comfort; whether there is 
spring or mat, I’m great at home. I don’t party. I feel like I don’t 
have fun and [I’m] still not having fun, because I’m too serious and 
have been working since I was 13 years old. But, it’s okay. I’m here 
making my own rules and making sure I follow them. I love meriting 
stuff, so I don’t cut corners. Hard work is better. You can sleep your 
way through, but it never lasts. I knew that from day one.

“When people reject me, I don’t worry because they are the ones 
missing and losing, not knowing how amazing I am. People love judging 
and as long as people love hear-say, then they add lies to sweeten the 
gist. So, how am I controversial? I’m always misunderstood by lots of 
people. Just because I don’t talk too much does not mean I’m unfriendly 
or arrogant,” Abubakar said.

When asked about her relationship status, the actress said; “Yes. You
 all have been guessing about that, I laugh when I hear stuff like this.
 I just laugh at the assumptions. I have always loved being with just 
one guy. I don’t do ‘runs’. Just because I bought a car, gullible people
 are saying I do ‘runs’. Do I have to sleep around before I can get a 
car? That’s silly. Everyone has become a judge and the main judges don’t
 have work to do anymore. Please, I’m too young to be in a hurry to get 
rich. God can bless you anytime with just one breakthrough, if you are 
okay, cool and contented.”

I’m Neither Controversial Nor A Runs Girl (See Photo:-)

Actress Halima Abubakar has come out to refute claims that she is a ‘runs girl’. The actress also pointed out that she is no controversi...

07:42

We Need More Films For Children – Arinze:----?

<img alt="arinze" class="attachment-medium wp-post-image" height="300" src="http://leadership.ng/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/arinze-248x300.gif" width="248" /> 
 
Segun Arinze is a prolific actor who started acting as a 
teenager. This teenage experience informed his zeal to impact his 
generation and nurture the young generation of actors. In this Interview
 with CHINELO CHIKELU and ANAEMENA PRISCILLA CHINENYE, he canvases 
increased investment in movies suitable for child acting

When did you discover your talent in acting and what inspired you? 
I started acting 30 years ago. When I got to the stage for the first 
time, I knew I wanted to be an actor and  a singer. That was in a 
secondary located at the outskirts of Ilorin, Kwara State. It is called 
Victory college of Commerce, Edidi. During one of the holidays I came 
back fascinated with the art and fortunately, I met Ayo Orowale. We 
became friends, he felt I would make a good actor and introduced me to 
acting after which we started something called the Palm Players. Ever 
since there has been no going back, in acting for me.

How has your experience in Nollywood been and was there any point at which you felt like turning back? 
My experience in Nollywood, like every other experiences has been sweet,
 bad, sour and frightful. I have had my own fair share of controversies 
and scandals. This was common at the founding of the industry. I never 
felt like turning back at any point, I need to also tell you that though
 Nollywood has evolved as a brand itself, myself and few of my 
colleagues like Ola Balogun predate Nollywood. NTA brought succour by 
encouraging movies like, Mirror in the sun, Behind the cloud and Check 
Mate, Fortune also came up with likes of Ramsey Noah, late Pat Attah and
 several others but at some point NTA didn’t want their staff acting. 
So, they had an exodus of actors going out to try their hands on 
independent things.  That’s how great things like Check Mate came about.
 Also, an Igbo man who was selling yoruba movies came up with a blast in
 Igbo called Living in Bondage, and another hit titled: Taboo. 
Gradually, movies were evolving and we came up with something called the
 home video, from there we progressed till we got to VCD, DVD and now we
 are on Cinema.

Looking at the N3billion Nollywood intervention Fund by the 
Federal Government, What has been its effect in transforming Nollywood 
and you personally as an actor? 
Its injection into the industry is a welcome development. As a matter of
 fact, this is the first time ever in Nollywood we have had it so good; 
having an entertainment-friendly President in person of President 
Goodluck Jonathan, we don’t know when this will happen again after it 
comes and goes. It has taken so much note of the industry to the  extent
 the industry is contributing to the country’s GDP. It’s interesting. 
The grant, if well harnessed, should move the industry forward. People 
from outside now reckon with the Industry, for example: Last month, 
Chinwetal Ejiofor was in the country to premiere Half of a yellow sun 
which was shot in 2012, we are having both international and local 
collaborations and its happening before our very own eyes. I said 
something in 2013 at Nigeria Film Festival Amsterdam, when we were 
showing Battle of love, after the movie, I was asked, what would it be 
like breaking into international scene? I said ‘we are not going to 
Hollywood, I will make my name from Nigeria and the whole world will 
hear about me’. What’s happening today? The whole world is seeing the 
likes of Genevieve Nnaji, Ramsey Noah, Mercy Johnson, Stephanie 
Okereke-, Jim Iyke, Sam Dede, Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD), Olu Jacob, Joke
 Silver and several others who would have remained in London but decided
 to come back. Now we see new actors like Uti Nwachukwu, Yul Edochie, 
Empress Njamah and others coming up, there is an evolution. Now Movie 
Academies and productions are funded, packaging and distribution as 
well. With all this going on, I want to use this medium to say a big 
thank you to President Jonathan, a big kudos to him because we don’t 
know when this will come our way again, even if it continues, he laid 
the foundation.

Would you say there is a disadvantage with the international 
collaborations, especially with films that are Nigeria-based but 
Nigerians not playing major roles? 
Prove yourself  to clarify your question

For Instance, the movie Half of a yellow sun, people were expecting Genevieve to play a lead character but apparently she didn’t 
There’s always a starting point, the journey of a thousand miles starts 
with a step, let me tell you something, there are no small actors, only 
small roles. A simple role can make you big, once a producer finds a 
good actor, he/she will be identified no matter how small the role is 
and gets them for a bigger role.

Recently, we see infiltration of homosexuality in movies, how
 would you react to it, especially now that Nigerian law frowns at it? 
I’m not going to speak on that, let me just focus on the professional 
aspects of it, what anyone does with their private life is none of my 
business. Everybody has the right to do whatever they want to do, its 
not in my power to judge or condemn anyone. Its when you drag it into me
 that I tell you my candid opinion but on a professional level it’s not 
my business what they do. If it’s right for them and it works, whatever 
floats your boat. For me, am gonna be as professional as I can, make my 
money, my name, impact my society and build up a generation of great 
actors.

Africa is known for its rich and decent culture and at 
inception of the industry, Nollywood movies portrayed Nigerian culture, 
devoid of nudity and pornography, yet communicated their messages 
effectively to the public. What is your take on the introduction of 
foreign culture of nudity, soft porn and pornography in Nollywood? 
Nudity in movies is not peculiar to Nollywood alone, it is also 
applicable in both Hollywood and even Bollywood. The world is one global
 village, what is seen here is there and vice versa, there is nothing 
that is happening now that has not happened anywhere else before, what 
about Sodom and Gomorah? It’s a phase, it comes and goes, it’s like 
fashion, most shoes and hair style we do now, was done years ago but 
they keep evolving. For instance, the platform shoe of today was known 
as Akpola  some years ago. No one can stop changes. Though, as much as 
things are changing, we also need to reform it and be modest, decent as 
Africans. We won’t say because everyone goes naked, then we should 
overdo ours. There is a big difference between nudity, soft porn and 
pornography. It depends on the director’s perspective, what the producer
 wants and if the actor is willing to act on it, then they come to terms
 of agreement, you do your contract, if it works for you, do it, if it 
doesn’t, pull out.

It happens that there’s a dearth of movies for children under
 18 years, unlike when Nollywood was emerging and children had 
alternatives rather than just cartoons, what could be the reason? 
Sponsorship, stories are changing, people are becoming more daring, 
although viewers discretion is allowed. This is why I have always 
canvassed for market for children. Though now, you can find some 
children of 13, 14 years using blackberry and gaining access to 
internet, no one controls what they see these days, tell me how many 
parents have time to look at their children’s phones and computers? 
There are no films that are edifying for children to see and learn from.
 Some people say it’s difficult to do children’s films, but who told you
 it’s difficult? The only difficulty is the non-availability of the 
market. In America they have it, they have movies for teens lovers. 
Also, we use to have Bournvita television in those days. Bournvita 
children’s belt onFridays, Saturdays and it was very interesting. But 
now, everybody is just in a hurry to make quick returns and no one wants
 to invest in Children movies. Do you notice we don’t have child actors 
anymore, any child actor we have now is looking timid and stupid on 
stage, you can quote me and it’s so sad, it’s pathetic. Also, stage 
plays should be sponsored especially in Abuja where they are very few.

What’s the latest for the public to know? 
We are working on a reality show, myself, director Ifeanyi Onyeabor, 
producer Chinyere Ogbukagu. This is the first cultural reality TV show 
in the country and is titled: The Heroes: Back to the Roots. The 
audition is at twelve strategic locations nationwide and the 37 
contestants that will emerge from various states of the federation, 
including Abuja the capital of Nigeria, will be taken into the House for
 tasks which will reveal their knowledge of the Nigerian culture. The 
show is also, aimed at finding, nurturing people with raw talent and 
training them to utilise their acting talents in different native 
languages.

We Need More Films For Children – Arinze:----?

Segun Arinze is a prolific actor who started acting as a teenager. This teenage experience informed his zeal to impact his generation an...

07:41

Sani Danja Calls For Restructuring Of Nigerian Movie Industry:--???

<img alt="Google" class="attachment-medium wp-post-image" height="200" src="http://leadership.ng/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Sani-Danja-a-Nigeria-artiste-300x200.jpg" width="300" /> 
 
Sani Danja, a Nigeria artiste, on Monday in Abuja, called for the 
restructuring of the movie industry to enable film makers to recover 
their investment and make profit.

Danja, who made the call in an interview with the News Agency of 
Nigeria (NAN), said if restructured, the movie industry in the country 
would be able to generate revenue for stakeholders.

He said the industry had the capacity to become the best in the world.

“You cannot just be producing movies and at the end of the day you will be living like a church rat.

“So many of our film-markers, our producers, our actors and actress are not even making anything from the movie.

“So I think the government should come in and restructure the 
money-making aspect. Let it be something that at the end of the day if 
you produce just one movie, you are okay for that year.

“We learnt that people from the U.S., people from the Bollywood, were
 paid more than 20, 30 million per movie, so when will that start in the
 country.

“Now we are rated number three. Even though it is in terms of production or in terms of quantity, it does not really matter.

“As far as you are number three in anything, you are number three, 
and I think we need to be number one, and how do we do that? We have to 
copy, we have to get resource persons.“

Danja urged the Federal Government to include veteran film makers in its decision-making process.

He said that the method of distribution of movies in the country was a major source of concern to film makers.

He said: “we don’t want films produced in Nigeria to sell only in Nigeria or in our neighbouring countries. No!

“Just the way every movie produced in the U.S. is sold worldwide, we 
want movies produced in Nigeria to be sold in every part of the world.

“The movies should be advertised everywhere and they should be seen 
and viewed worldwide. That is where the government should come in 
because we have already made this industry without the help of anybody.

Sani Danja Calls For Restructuring Of Nigerian Movie Industry:--???

Sani Danja, a Nigeria artiste, on Monday in Abuja, called for the restructuring of the movie industry to enable film makers to recover t...

07:40

D’banj, Miley Cyrus Others To Perform At 2014 World Music Awards:-!!!

<img alt="Google" class="attachment-medium wp-post-image" height="204" src="http://leadership.ng/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Dbanj-300x204.jpg" width="300" /> 
 
Nigerian-born musician “D’banj”, has been listed as one of the world 
music stars to perform at the 2014 World Music Awards (WMA) ceremony.

The award, which is the 22nd edition, is scheduled hold on May 27 in Monte Carlo, Monaco France.

The event is making a huge come back after a three year hiatus with its last edition in 2010.

A statement from WMA News bulletin obtained by the News Agency of 
Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said D’Banj, born as Dapo Oyebanjo, would 
perform alongside other world super stars.

They include American artists Mariah Carey, Ricky Martin, Flo Rida, Miley Cyrus, Leona Lewis and Jason Derulo among others.

The award had showcased some of the greatest performers of all time, 
including the late pop star, Michael Jackson, who performed for the last
 time on TV with Beyoncé and Rihanna at the 2006 WMAs in London.

The WMA was founded in Monte-Carlo in 1989 under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco.

NAN also learnt that D’Banj plans to celebrate his 10 years anniversary in the entertainment industry later in the year.

D’banj, Miley Cyrus Others To Perform At 2014 World Music Awards:-!!!

Nigerian-born musician “D’banj”, has been listed as one of the world music stars to perform at the 2014 World Music Awards (WMA) ceremony...

07:37

Tuface, Olu Maintain Want Sustained Search For Chibok School Girls!!!

<img alt="Google" class="attachment-medium wp-post-image" height="300" src="http://leadership.ng/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Tuface-Olu-Maintain-200x300.jpg" width="200" /> 
 
Innocent Idibia, popularly known as Tuface and Olumide Adegbolu, 
known as Olu Maintain, on Thursday in Lagos called for relentless search
 for the kidnapped Chibok, Borno, school girls.

The ace musicians told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos in
 separate interviews that the development was an intolerable act.

On his part, Tuface said it was important for every Nigerian to embrace peace and tolerance.

“We are still on the political matters arising in Nigeria, so many sad things happening, so many unfortunate incidents.

“It’s just all about peace, because right now that is the only message that the people have to really abide by right now.

“I think a whole lot of people have been really supportive and have 
really tried; “Bring Back Our Girls’’; bring back who ever has been 
kidnapped.

“Let something be done about those boys that were killed in their 
dormitory, some months way back before bring back our girls even 
started.

“Bomb blasts, this is like the final straw”.

Similarly, Olu Maintain said that the country should continue praying
 for the girls while no effort should be spared in keeping the 
development within the public domain.

“It’s worrying; it’s not the best image. Hopefully with the 
awareness that is being generated by everybody on social media on TV. 
Now I watch CNN for the wrong reason.

“I don’t want to watch CNN and my country is the centre point of the 
news bulletin for the wrong reason; for a negative image like this.

“We keep praying. Hopefully until they are found, it just affects 
everything, it affects me personally. It affects how I can express 
myself.

Tuface, Olu Maintain Want Sustained Search For Chibok School Girls!!!

Innocent Idibia, popularly known as Tuface and Olumide Adegbolu, known as Olu Maintain, on Thursday in Lagos called for relentless search...

07:36

Don’t Offer Your Body For Movie Role – Mr Ibu:-!!!

<img alt="Google" class="attachment-medium wp-post-image" height="194" src="http://leadership.ng/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/John-Okafor-Mr-Ibu-300x194.jpg" width="300" /> 
 
John Okafor, popularly known as “Mr Ibu’’ on Friday advised female 
thespians in Nollywood to desist from offering their body for role in a 
movie.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that such an act was immoral and detestable.

NAN reports that the allegations of “body for a role’’ had been rife 
in Nollywood even though no single case had been blown open.

Mr Ibu stressed that those that want to make their mark in Nollywood 
should do so through hard work and not the number of producers or 
directors they had slept with.

“Do not go and give your body because of roles.

“Do not go and give money because you want to get a role in a production.

“This is not how the industry grows. If you pay, they will give you 
something you’re going to do, you’re not going to be anybody.

“The industry is a spirit, they will reject you immediately you begin to pay yourself in,’’ he said.

Don’t Offer Your Body For Movie Role – Mr Ibu:-!!!

John Okafor, popularly known as “Mr Ibu’’ on Friday advised female thespians in Nollywood to desist from offering their body for role in ...

07:34

Ice Prince Condemns Plateau Bombings:-!!!

Ice Prince Condemns Plateau Bombings:-!!!

Various celebrities may have shown their care about the abducted schoolgirls in different ways, but one person that is shaken by the who...

07:31

NFVCB Approves 43 Movies For Public Viewing???

<img alt="bala" class="attachment-medium wp-post-image" height="228" src="http://leadership.ng/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/bala-300x228.gif" width="300" /> 
 
The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has said it approved 43 movies for public viewing in April. 
A statement issued in Abuja by the Acting Head of Corporate Affairs, 
Caesar Kagho, said 19 of the films were produced in English, 14 in 
Yoruba, seven in Hausa, two in Ibibio, and one in Bini language. 
He said only one of the movies, The Return of Baby Oku in America, 
qualified to be placed under the Parental Guidance (PG) category. 
Sixteen of the movies, Mr Kagho said, were classified for viewers under 
the 15 plus category as they had contents filled with strong language 
and violence. These include; Pretty Liar (English), A Thousand Kisses 
(English), First Cause (English), Woli Agba (Yoruba), Bebi Pu Lofa 
(Yoruba) and Ijoba Osekan (Yoruba). 
Others are, Ruwan Zuma (Hausa), Bugun Abuja (Hausa), Da kaizan Gana (Hausa) and Ebun Akoko (Yoruba). 
Mr Kagho said the remaining 26 movies had to be classified “18” as they 
contained very high levels of imitable techniques, fetish practices, 
strong language and drug abuse.

NFVCB Approves 43 Movies For Public Viewing???

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has said it approved 43 movies for public viewing in April. A statement issued in Abuja...

07:29

Panam Percy Paul: Icon Of Gospel Music???

<img alt="Panam-Percy-Paul" class="attachment-medium wp-post-image" height="225" src="http://leadership.ng/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Panam-Percy-Paul-300x225.gif" width="300" /> 
 
With over 14 albums and numerous accolades, Dr Panam Percy Paul 
is an icon in the gospel industry within Africa and an inspiration to 
all generations all over the world. Meeting him in person, one is awed 
by his humility and deep knowledge of all things music.

As someone who has been around for more than four decades, you have 
become a celebrated musician and respected as the man who has seen it 
all.How does this make you feel?

Honestly, I feel good, happy and elated. The 40 years we are 
celebrating is my time as a gospel minister. Before I became a gospel 
singer, I had played secular music in the club for about 10 years. So, 
adding everything up, let’s say I’ve been in the game for about 50 
years.   I feel very elated, not because of the longevity, but because I
 think I’ve been able to utilise my time well in affecting the society, 
moulding a whole generation and also igniting and, probably, starting a 
ministry that did not exist before. Today, it’s not only a ministry; 
it’s also an industry that is worth over N1bn. I am not, in any way, 
trying to take the glory for myself but I’m just giving gratitude to 
God. Despite all the rejection I went through – I was disowned by my 
father – I have become a global phenomenon. Also, the fact that there 
are reliable people who I can gladly pass the baton to makes me happy.

What are some of the challenges you have faced along the way?

There have been challenges, of course, but I thank God for making me 
overcome them. For me, music has been a calling and growing up was 
great, because my father taught me to play various instruments, 
especially the accordion, in 1961. I was also fascinated with the drums 
and my dad also took me to a music teacher who trained me on how to use 
my voice for about five years. That was the kind of background I had. 
So, this gave me the confidence I needed to overcome later problems in 
life. One major challenge I had was convincing my father to accept that I
 had become a gospel musician. He wanted me to join the army, since he 
was a major in the army. But I was so drawn to and overwhelmed by music.
 In fact, the attraction was too strong. My father said he would have 
understood if I had said I wanted to be a regular pastor and that he 
would give me every support. But (in his own words) “to be walking down 
the street with a guitar… I just don’t understand what kind of pastoring
 that is”. I had lots and lots of job offers just to keep me away from 
music but none of them worked out.

Then one day, I visited my father, not knowing that he had invited 
his lawyer. The lawyer came with my dad’s will and blotted out my name 
completely. At that time, I didn’t know what it meant, until I paid him a
 visit in Yola some years after he disowned me. I tried greeting him the
 normal way I used to but he did not respond. It was then it dawned on 
me that I had really been disowned. Nineteen years later, during the 
release of my album Master of the Universe in Yola, my father was there.
 The surprising thing was that, despite the fact that we were not on 
good terms, my father had all my albums. I mean, he loved them. He had 
finally come to terms with the fact that I was a gospel minister. It 
took him 19 years to accept that. After the concert I drove him home and
 while we were in the car, he said he was sorry. He also pointed out 
that, “for the first time in your life you did not obey me”.

Growing up, did you have any musical influences?

Yeah I had a few. Cliff Richards, Otis Redding, James Brown, the 
Everly Brothers, Sam Cook and a little bit of Elvis Presley. These guys 
had an impact on me while I was growing up. Gospel-wise, there was 
nobody at that time for me to look up to.

So, it is safe to conclude that you are the pioneer of African Gospel music?

Yes, it is quite safe to say that.

As a full-time minister, how have you been able to juggle your ministry and family life?

In all my years as a man, husband and father, I’ve come to realise 
that everything is based on timing. You can’t be a father, an engineer 
or a husband for 24 hours. So, whenever I’m with my children, I’m a 
father. Whenever I’m with my wife, I’m a husband. When I’m in church, 
I’m a pastor. When I’m on stage, I’m a music minister. I learnt from my 
father that you can do everything in one day. You just have to apportion
 time for everything. At a point, everything I did was music. I couldn’t
 function, think, eat or sleep. Everything was music. I once rehearsed 
for 27 hours straight. I had neither day nor night! I have also gone 
three weeks without a wink and I have done that three times. As shocking
 as it might sound, I went one and a half years without food. I was only
 drinking water and Lucozade boost and this was before the release of my
 album Bring Back the Glory 1. I lost appetite for food from 
May 1984 to December 12th 1986. When people ask me the reason for this, I
 just tell them I wanted to be close to God. I wanted to interact with 
him. At some point, I thought I was possessed – with the spirit of 
music, that is!

You have performed all over the world and at many concerts, but have 
you been able to survive off the proceeds of music alone? Do you have 
any other source of income?

I think the major thing is the satisfaction you derive from meeting 
the needs of people who in need of words of encouragement and life. That
 is the basic payment for me. What I want to achieve is passing on the 
scroll to the next generation. This is one of the reasons why I made the
 concert free for everybody. I could have asked people to pay and they 
would have but you cannot put a price on the anointing that people 
receive at my concerts. But then, if you want to know if gospel music 
pays, I can tell you that it does in the long run, especially when you 
have a good database of fans or followers who will gladly buy your CDs 
and support your music.

What do you think about gospel music in Nigeria? Has it come around 
the bend or has the quality of music released these days reduced 
drastically?

We have certainly grown. The quality of music and technology has 
improved considerably. From my day when you had to come into the studio 
with your band and rehearse then record a take. If you miss it, you had 
to start again. Today, you can record and correct as many times as you 
wants. So I’ll say musicianship, as well as quality of production, have 
improved. Our song writing, in terms of gospel music, hasn’t improved. 
There are a few great songwriters out there and this shows in the level 
of acceptability they enjoy. Generally, our lyrics are not rich enough 
to address issues completely.

What do you think is responsible for the increasing number of gospel musicians switching to secular music?

I think it’s the kind of foundation that today’s ‘born again’ people 
have. They have that exciting encounter (getting to repent, giving their
 lives to Jesus, etc.) and they are not renewed by it. Their foundation 
is shaky, as they are not deeply rooted in God’s word. They tend to 
follow the latest trend. One reason for this is because our pastors are 
not doing a good job of grounding their people. If the pastors dedicate 
more time to their followers, and ensure that they are well grounded in 
the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, they will be unshakeable.

As a pastor, what do you think about the state of the church in 
Nigeria today, especially doctrinal error and the incidence of fake men 
and women of God everywhere?

Let me put it this way; there is a church within the church. There is
 the church universal and the church spiritual. So, if you are unable to
 decipher, then you would generalise that the church is really messed 
up. Yes, things are not that okay with us. For example, we have people 
in our churches who are, obviously, well-to-do but their flock know when
 they have erred, no matter how rich they are.

You have released over 14 albums, with the first released in 1976. Tell me, which is your favourite and why?

Certainly, I don’t have a favourite. Maybe, when it comes down to a 
few things that will draw me to them, like the recording quality. There 
are some where I got the mix-down very well while there are others which
 were downright bad. But in terms of message and relevance, I love all 
of them. They are my stories, testimonies of where I was at the time I 
wrote the song. So, they help me reconnect with the God who is mindful 
of me and who helped me pass through all the difficulties of life.

Someone with a vast experience like yourself must have memorable moments which you recall with nostalgia. Tell us some of them

Well, I have a lot of such moments. One of them was the first time I 
ministered at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna. I got there and the 
stadium was full, with about 20 to 30,000 people were in the stadium. 
Another moment was in September 6, 1993 when I gave a concert at the 
Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York City. It was memorable, because in 
1967, I had watched, on television, James Brown performing at that same 
theatre. As I sat watching, I made a promise to myself that, one day, I 
would be on that stage. So, for a dream of 1967 to be fulfilled in 1993 
was, for me, simply mind-blowing!

Have you had any embarrassing moments?

(Laughs) I have had a lot of them. Very embarrassing ones at that and remembering them is not something I want to do.

What do you think is responsible for relevance all these years? I mean, 40 years is no small time in the industry…

It’s simple, it is vision. I have a vision and the vision is mobile. 
It improves. The vision that I had in the ‘60s is still the same. They 
haven’t changed, they’ve just improved. So what I have done all this 
while is that I’ve been adjusting in the mode of delivery but the 
message itself has not changed. And I’ll carry this vision till my very 
last breath. My vow to God is that no one should stay or relate with me 
for one second and not get anything positive from me. There should be a 
positive impact in the life of the person because of his or her 
interaction with me. This is what makes me relevant.

So, what are your plans, hopes, dreams and desires for the future? 
Any plans to set up a gospel music television, show or radio station?

By God’s grace as for my desire to set up a TV and radio station, I’m
 going to start with the programmes. These programmes will run for one 
hour every day, until we build a relationship with other producers and 
programme owners. Only then can we proceed with the plans for the 
station. I will be hosting my own programmes, because I have the 
capacity and wherewithal to host and relate with the cast and crew.

Do you have anything ‘major’ that people do not know about you?

Well, I think people do not know how educated I am. They just know 
that I am Dr Panam Percy Paul and that’s it. They think my ‘Dr’ is just 
honorary, but it’s not. I am very widely read and I have three doctorate
 degrees – in sound, music and philosophy. For me it’s not just the 
acquisition of degrees [that classifies me as a ‘read’ man] but the 
acquisition of knowledge to be able to communicate with people. I read 
for two hours every day. Yes, I have received honorary degrees 
nonetheless, but, by God’s grace, I am very knowledgeable.

Any word for your fans?

I just want them to know that I’ll be delving into previously 
uncharted waters. One of my next albums will be an album of love songs. 
That is because we have people falling in love without knowing how to 
love. Some people just live together without really knowing each other. 
So, I am releasing this album that will address love and relationship in
 general. And I also might put out my jazz collection and some 
instrumentals that I have worked on over the years. And I’m also going 
on an international tour later in the year. I’ll be performing in the 
USA, England and South Africa, just to say thanks to my fans all over 
the world. My fans are all I’ve got, because without them I’ll still not
 be relevant today.

Panam Percy Paul: Icon Of Gospel Music???

With over 14 albums and numerous accolades, Dr Panam Percy Paul is an icon in the gospel industry within Africa and an inspiration to a...

07:27

Omotola, Timi, Others Support Enough Is Enough Campaign (See Photo)

<img alt="OMOTOLA" class="attachment-medium wp-post-image" height="190" src="http://leadership.ng/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/OMOTOLA1.gif" width="255" /> 
 
 
Distinguished personalities from the showbiz industry have rendered 
support to the Enough is Enough (EiE) nongovernmental organisation as it
 holds its first fundraising dinner on Saturday, June 14 at The Duchess @
 Zion Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. 
EiE is a coalition of individuals and youth-led organisations committed 
to a culture of good governance and public accountability. The NGO plans
 to raise funds to support programmes and initiatives that build on 
EiE’s strong record of promoting good governance through its core 
campaign – RSVP: Register| Select| Vote| Protect ahead of the 2015 
elections. 
Omotola Jalade-Ekehinde, a Nollywood icon, will share her thoughts on 
citizen participation to close the evening. Breathtaking performances 
are expected from soulful crooner, Timi Dakolo. 
Wazobia FM’s Yaw will present an excerpt from his political satire, The 
Street. An auction will be one of the highlights of the evening as items
 like dinner dates with Keem Belo-Osagie and 2 tickets to the Abu Dhabi 
Grand Prix will be auctioned. 
According to Ms Yemi Adamolekun, EiE’s executive director, “EiE urges 
every Nigerian interested in good governance to support this fundraising
 dinner. Your support only deepens their resolve to continue the good 
work others have made possible so far.” 
Kate Henshaw, one of Nollywood’s leading ladies and a social crusader, 
and Kola Oyeneyin, entrepreneur and youth advocate, will co-host the 
evening’s proceedings

Omotola, Timi, Others Support Enough Is Enough Campaign (See Photo)

Distinguished personalities from the showbiz industry have rendered support to the Enough is Enough (EiE) nongovernmental organisation a...

07:26

Fayrouz Announces Top 10 Teams For L’Original (See Photo)

<img alt="ELITE" class="attachment-medium wp-post-image" height="113" src="http://leadership.ng/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/ELITE.gif" width="169" /> 
 
After rigorous online screening, natural premium soft drink, Fayrouz, 
has announced the 10 most fashionable teams who will move to the next 
level of the L’Original Expression competition. 
These teams of Originals beat over 350 teams who registered for the 
competition and will battle to scale through the final stage which will 
see only two teams compete for the grand prize. 
The 10 semi finalists include Applause, Belle AFrique, Creative Lights, 
Echo, Elan, Elite, Eureka, FIB, Loud Tribe and Secret Project. 
The regional which will hold at the Golden Royale Hall in Enugu on the 
June 7, and hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu will have the top teams fly in 
from different parts of Nigeria to showcase their tasks. Top R&B 
singer, Praiz, will be the main performer for the night with DJ Spinall 
on the wheels of steel. 
Fayrouz has also revealed that there will be surprise aspiring 
international artistes who will thrill guests and Fayrouz lovers during 
the event. 
The L’Original regional judges include creative duo, Gozel Green, and 
fast rising designer, Adebayo Oke-Lawal of Orange Culture. They will 
select the final two teams who will move to the grand finale set in 
Lagos in July with style icons, Mai Atafo, April by Kunbi and Kina Buti 
as grand finale judges. 
The Fayrouz L’Original Expression show will discover and promote 
different teams of four creative minds which consist of a fashion 
designer, make-up artiste, photographer and a model.

Fayrouz Announces Top 10 Teams For L’Original (See Photo)

After rigorous online screening, natural premium soft drink, Fayrouz, has announced the 10 most fashionable teams who will move to the ne...

07:24

COSON/BON Copyright Royalty Agreement Is Sealed!!!

COSON/BON Copyright Royalty Agreement Is Sealed!!!

ollowing the agreement brokered between Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) on behalf of musicians and Broadcasting Organisation of Nige...

07:23

Gov. Jang Faction Of Nigerian Governors Forum Commiserates With Mimiko!!!

<img alt="jang_6" class="attachment-medium wp-post-image" height="225" src="http://leadership.ng/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/jang_6-300x225.jpg" width="300" /> 
 
 
The Gov. Jonah Jang faction of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) has
 sent a letter of condolence to Gov. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State over 
the death of his mother-in-law.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Osaro Onaiwu, 
Administrator of the forum, which was made available to newsmen on 
Friday in Abuja.‎‎ ‎

The statement said Jang prayed that God should grant the family of 
the deceased, Mrs Felicia Adeniyi, the fortitude to bear the loss.

“We pray that Mrs Oluwakemi Mimiko and her family will be comforted for the irreparable loss as they lay `Mama’ to rest.

“Mrs Felicia Adeniyi was a mother to us all and we celebrate her life
 and accomplishments as we send her on her final journey home,” the 
statement quoted Jang as saying.

It recalled that the deceased, who died on May 5, was to be buried on May 30 in Oke Aluko, Ondo‎ State.

Gov. Jang Faction Of Nigerian Governors Forum Commiserates With Mimiko!!!

The Gov. Jonah Jang faction of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) has sent a letter of condolence to Gov. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State ...